Can someone please remind me, no kick me, really hard, if I ever say “This job is a perfect fit”.
Last week, I received a call from a principal at a local elementary school. The message went something like this; Hello, this is XXX from XXX. Letting me know there is a position available. I come HIGHLY recommended based on my work in the building as a substitute. Wanted to make me aware of this role. Would consider the role? Call her back.
Interesting. I don’t have a teaching degree, but many things appeal to me. I call back.
Same discussion. I relate that I have a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree, although not in education. Not a problem. It is less about the specific requirements, and more about the passion and desire for the role. I don’t have a teaching certification. Not a problem. The school applies for an emergency permit in this case. Ok, I’ll check it out. Ok, fill out the application. We will have you come in for an interview quickly, just as a formality. Thank you so much. Thank you.
I applied. Crickets. I hear nothing. And here’s where it goes super south.
One week and one day later (….I just convinced myself that I would follow-up the next day. Man, I hate rejection but it’s time I suck it up. Nothing will happen if I am not persistent…) I get an email inviting me to an interview. Wow! And I didn’t even have to follow-up! This is a slam dunk.
I prepare like mad for this interview. All the things I’m supposed to do. Prepped my responses to the expected questions. Completed research on the school, the position, the goals and objectives of the district. I moved furniture around in my house to create a professional Pinterest virtual background. I dress up – back to my corporate days. I straighten my unruly curly hair. I wear heels (did I mention it’s a virtual interview?). I look good. I feel confident.
Click the zoom meeting. There are 5 people on this 30 minute interview. And it goes something like this:
Hello Erin. You are applying for the XXXX role. Please tell us about your teaching qualifications and experience for this position.
Oh. My. Gosh. This is going to be a train wreck. It’s like we NEVER spoke a week earlier.
I have no formal qualifications. As you can see from my resume this is my background …. however I have some teaching experience… You need a teaching certificate. Only if we don’t find someone with a teaching certificate, and have to resort to hiring someone without one – and it is rare – can district can apply for an emergency permit. So at this point, I have to ask you – do you want to continue with the interview?
Something inside me said, Go. For. It. I was thinking if I could somehow display enthusiasm and passion, I have a shot. And here come the scripted questions. All about teaching. All about assessments I would use, how I have handled and will handle specific student situations. TRAIN WRECK.
No words. A few tears afterward. But after some love from my husband, and a bitch session with my bestie, and an invite from my parents to stop by for some Kalhua and cream (…ah, to be retired), I went for a run and moved on.
I don’t even know where to go with this one. At first, I felt disrespected. Not by the interview itself, but by the fact that I was asked to apply AND I had a prior conversation with the principal. I submitted an application, my resume, my cover letter, my transcripts, and my references. They knew everything about me prior to scheduling the interview. Either no one took the time to review anything, or this was a joke.
Deep breath. I need to be grateful. If I’m serious about relaunching my career and exploring new opportunities, this is going to be work. It’s going to be hard. But it will be worth it. I know the experience will be unbelievably helpful to me in the future. Hoping not to be blindsided again (likely unrealistic.) Reflecting back, I also see ways I could have answered questions to connect my core competencies to this unfamiliar role. Plus, I am proud of how well I prepared. I took it seriously. And my hair looks awesome today! Finally, I am so appreciative of the love and support of my family and friends.
Did I mention this was for a 3-hour per day job? 😊