Confidence

In just a few weeks, it will be a year since I nervously drove into Chicago for an interview with an ER doctor and the department administrator for a department within a Chicago medical school. Thankfully, this wasn’t my first interview, nor did I expect for it to be my last.

I was in the lucky bunch of people who already had a secure job (the only problem was I wasn’t making enough to support my family and I came home miserably depressed every day), so I think that helped with my nerves that day. I had already done a string of interviews with various companies, and gotten turned down by all of them.

As I parked my car, I called my friend Lauren, who had been my savior and e-mailed the department administrator the letter of recommendation that got me the interview in the first place, and had her direct me to where I needed to go. She met me for lunch to make sure I was calm, then sent me on my way.

Little did I know that I made quite an impression during that interview, and they would end up hiring me. I often think back to that interview and wonder what I did to convince them that I was the person for the job, and that I was better than all of the other applicants. I had never worked in education or a not-for-profit company, and my experience came from sales, customer service, and random administration tasks.

Fast forward to meeting with some wedding clients. I knew it wasn’t the end of the world if they didn’t choose me (even though I REALLY wanted them to!) but I made sure I was prepared to answer any question, show examples, and really try to show who I was and explore if I would be a good fit for their needs and personalities. I was confident. I was excited. I was bursting with ideas.

Now, I know why I got the position that is currently my full-time job. I was confident that day, more so than during any other interview. Yes, I was a little intimidated to be meeting with a doctor (who I didn’t know it at the time somehow, but she is now my boss) but I just rattled off answers to every question she threw at me without getting flustered. Just like I did during my meeting with the wedding clients I referred to. I need to carry that same confidence to every single client meeting, every single networking opportunity, and with every decision that I make.

So there’s another little resolution… and a little bit about me. It’s a little strange trying to think of things about me to blog about so my clients can get to know me better, but hopefully I won’t let you down as I continue on this blogging resolution’s path.

To end it, here is a photo of Lauren and I at my wedding. Thank you, Lauren, for being there and helping me to get my job!!