Job interview
Alright, let's keep these job hunting updates coming! Just kidding. This may be the last of the series since I decided that I wouldn't really be on the hunt anymore for the time being.
No, not because I found a job (sobs), but because I got rejected from one, and the other place I interviewed at doesn't seem too promising, so I am not gonna keep my hopes up. Also, I decided to focus on passing the actuarial exams during the 6 months as opposed working for an awkward 6 months with the guilt that I will quit when school starts yet again. So all in all, I've completed a total of four interviews -- two initial screenings and two final interview -- from two job offers.
What I've learned from this process is that getting the first interview doesn't really mean that much, since it really is a process just to make sure you're a normal person. Once you "pass" the first interview, the 2nd one (and sometimes there might even be a 3rd) is the one where they decide if you are a true fit. So don't get too hyped up over getting a call. Then again, getting a call is better than no calls I suppose. -shrugs-
Secondly, the hiring committee/recruiters take approximately 2-3 weeks before getting back to you. And then the interview process takes another 2 weeks or so.
Also, every interview is so different. Having the necessary skills is one thing, but being a good fit is another. My very first in-person interview with school district was the weirdest experience ever. They basically sat me down before a panel of four, and bombarded me with questions without so much a glance in my direction. I understand now that it was a screening process, since the follow-up interview was more normal, but it was rather awkward nonetheless.
The second interview with a real estate company went rather strangely as well. She basically walked me through the whole interview process asking me why I chose statistics and what I liked about it, and then told me that she was looking for someone who knew more about real estate as oppose to real stats, even though the job description said the position involves statistics. The interviewer was also unusually calm and seemed to give an air of curiosity but not genuine interest. I mean, when she told me, "I think you'll be very successful. I saw your background was in statistics and thought it was interesting to meet you," I knew right away that she meant I wasn't the right fit. She has yet to contact me about the final decision, but you know...
I know I am not even serious about either of these positions, but getting rejected somehow still feels kinda crappy. The real reason I went ahead with the interviews anyway was to gain some experience, but I don't know if I've really gained any given that not one of them were similar in any aspect. The only common pattern being that they each had two parts. Perhaps a tiny part of me believes that not being accepted means not being good enough. But if I were to be completely realistic, the combination of skills, experience, and personality are all unique, and cannot be quantified in a standardized way. What fits one position, work culture, and salary doesn't always fit another. I know this yet I am still affected by rejection. Sigh.
In the meantime, I am still freaking out about why I haven't gotten my official acceptance letter. And this week is the last week of school...for my bachelor's!! After this, I am expected to be a fully functioning adult in society, lol. Dang, what pressure. XD
Well, going to push through this last week (note: singular and NOT plural!) and get my degree! One step at a time. Let God lead the way. =)
P.S.: I know I've been messing around with the blog layout multiple times now. But I can't seem to find a layout that I like. Not that it's that important anyway because I'm sure nobody reads this blog, but I am nitpicky about aesthetics and can't seem to get enough freedom to build the blogskin I want. (grrrr.)
No, not because I found a job (sobs), but because I got rejected from one, and the other place I interviewed at doesn't seem too promising, so I am not gonna keep my hopes up. Also, I decided to focus on passing the actuarial exams during the 6 months as opposed working for an awkward 6 months with the guilt that I will quit when school starts yet again. So all in all, I've completed a total of four interviews -- two initial screenings and two final interview -- from two job offers.
What I've learned from this process is that getting the first interview doesn't really mean that much, since it really is a process just to make sure you're a normal person. Once you "pass" the first interview, the 2nd one (and sometimes there might even be a 3rd) is the one where they decide if you are a true fit. So don't get too hyped up over getting a call. Then again, getting a call is better than no calls I suppose. -shrugs-
Secondly, the hiring committee/recruiters take approximately 2-3 weeks before getting back to you. And then the interview process takes another 2 weeks or so.
Also, every interview is so different. Having the necessary skills is one thing, but being a good fit is another. My very first in-person interview with school district was the weirdest experience ever. They basically sat me down before a panel of four, and bombarded me with questions without so much a glance in my direction. I understand now that it was a screening process, since the follow-up interview was more normal, but it was rather awkward nonetheless.
The second interview with a real estate company went rather strangely as well. She basically walked me through the whole interview process asking me why I chose statistics and what I liked about it, and then told me that she was looking for someone who knew more about real estate as oppose to real stats, even though the job description said the position involves statistics. The interviewer was also unusually calm and seemed to give an air of curiosity but not genuine interest. I mean, when she told me, "I think you'll be very successful. I saw your background was in statistics and thought it was interesting to meet you," I knew right away that she meant I wasn't the right fit. She has yet to contact me about the final decision, but you know...
I know I am not even serious about either of these positions, but getting rejected somehow still feels kinda crappy. The real reason I went ahead with the interviews anyway was to gain some experience, but I don't know if I've really gained any given that not one of them were similar in any aspect. The only common pattern being that they each had two parts. Perhaps a tiny part of me believes that not being accepted means not being good enough. But if I were to be completely realistic, the combination of skills, experience, and personality are all unique, and cannot be quantified in a standardized way. What fits one position, work culture, and salary doesn't always fit another. I know this yet I am still affected by rejection. Sigh.
In the meantime, I am still freaking out about why I haven't gotten my official acceptance letter. And this week is the last week of school...for my bachelor's!! After this, I am expected to be a fully functioning adult in society, lol. Dang, what pressure. XD
Well, going to push through this last week (note: singular and NOT plural!) and get my degree! One step at a time. Let God lead the way. =)
P.S.: I know I've been messing around with the blog layout multiple times now. But I can't seem to find a layout that I like. Not that it's that important anyway because I'm sure nobody reads this blog, but I am nitpicky about aesthetics and can't seem to get enough freedom to build the blogskin I want. (grrrr.)
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