I interviewed for a job…

So, I interviewed for a dream job yesterday… knowing my luck, just saying this is enough to jinx it… 😛

I’d have to say the interview was the most awesome experience that I’ve had in my life–coming close to rivaling becoming a father! (Well, maybe not that close, but you get the idea.)

I don’t know; it’s kind of hard to try and think of words to describe how great it felt. With most interviews–even the ones that lead to asking someone if they’d like fries with their order–I end up feeling a bit nervous and apprehensive. For this interview, I felt rather calm and comfortable; about the only thing I did feel–and think I hid somewhat well–was a sense of wonder and disbelief that I was actually being seen by a business and industry that I’ve always had an interest in and fascination with. I have to admit that I did let some of my goofy enthusiasm and awe slip at the end of the session just before I left the office of the boss; out of nowhere, my inner child just had to speak up and say that he’d always dreamed of being a part of that organization. It was slightly embarrassing, but true.

I walked through the door and was greeted by the initial interviewer–the gentleman that would be my immediate superior. At that moment I felt so comfortable and welcome–and it felt so genuine, as well. If either of the guys end up discovering this silly little post, please take this bit of advice away–don’t ever change that; the mix of professionalism and “family” or “fraternal” openness that you exude is just so perfect and inviting. After the nice introduction, I was taken back to a separate room where I was introduced with some greater detail to what position I was applying for, and what further opportunities could be made available while being in their employ. Conversation also went into some of the duties and responsibilities that I have in other areas of my life, questioning whether there would ever be conflict between the two; that was an interesting little piece of the interview that I’d never experienced before, either. With other potential employers, most don’t seem to care about conflict and simply assume that they will always be number one, period. In this instance, I was asked if my other responsibilities would have to take precedence, or whether I would be able to manage them from their operations. I explained that my other responsibilities are mainly done in the background, and that the likelihood of conflict was extremely low.

Following this portion of the interview, I was given a tour of the facilities and introduced to the equipment, as well as two other employees. As far as the tour, things were pretty much as I expected–I’d taken a “virtual” tour of the location some time ago, as well as a tour of a former incarnation of the business many years ago. Having interest in the industry that the business operates also allowed for the tour to be near expectations as I’ve seen much of the equipment–or pieces like it–in magazines, catalogs and the like. Honestly, I saw a piece of equipment that I might have sold to them when I was employed at the local RadioShack!

After the tour, I sat for a very brief period to wait for the boss. Not once did I get nervous! And the interview with him went quite well. I don’t recall stammering or using any space-fillers in my speaking with him; everything just seemed to flow. What’s more, when it came time for the inevitable Q&A session, most of my questions leaned toward the business–essentially, I tried to “talk shop” with him–and that, too, came quite easily.

After a total of nearly 45 minutes, I walked away, feeling quite confident and sure of myself–something that I’ve never really felt in an interview before.