(can you see) the real me
I interviewed for the position of ‘Developmental Paraprofessional’ a week ago today. I mentioned it was about to happen in last Friday’s post, and that it had happened in Monday’s. This from Monday – “Also last Friday I interviewed for a job, in an ongoing effort to find new money. It was my favorite interview to date, a video interview in which I could see she who asked me the questions – and be seen. I’m supposed to hear back, either continue the process or good luck, sometime this week….” Monday.
A few minutes after the week-ago interview I received this from she who had been the interviewer – “Thank you so much for meeting with me today! It was a pleasure to get to know you and your interest in joining our team as a Developmental Paraprofessional! As discussed, next steps will consist of collaborating with our scheduling coordinators and clinical team about potential next steps. We strive to get feedback for you in a timely manner and appreciate your patience.”
A week has now passed and I have not heard a word. I was truly jazzed up and encouraged after the interview, and it sure felt like two people contributed to those feelings. As the days have passed without a phone call, or an email, not even a “Sorry” text, I’ve done some soul-searching about how my experience could have been so “off.” By this morning I’d narrowed it down to two options – I had completely misread the stuff of the interview, the excitement on both our parts, meaning I really should look at my internal life barometer; or, she the interviewer was dead.
Yesterday I saw on the agency’s website the position has been filled. And you know what? I felt nothing but gratefulness and “right-ness”; this is the real me — joyful, big-hearted, able to be enthused by all kinds of stuff, filled with faith in people and my ability to be one of them in the world. That’s the real me.
Also yesterday, I applied online for another position. After describing the seriousness and necessary skills for the work – more kids with autism – the Craigslist post said this – ‘Qualified individuals will understand behavior modification techniques, but will also be able to “think outside of the box” and be silly, goofy, and engaging while working with their clients. Clients range in age between 2 and 17 years old.”
Here’s my response – “I hope you will consider me for a part-time position. I am highly skilled, with many years experience, being silly, goofy, and engaging while working with their clients.”
The real me. I did attach my resume.