Likes me... Likes me not...

Last week, I interviewed for two jobs: one was for a Marketing Data Analyst position, the other was an Accounting Systems Specialist, both on the same day. The first interview seemed to have gone well, the questions were straight to the point, and I didn't have to stutter too hard to get my responses across as adequately as possible. I thought I nailed it, but unfortunately, I heard back from them today that they were moving on with another candidate. I don't feel bad, I am actually grateful for the chance to have presented myself for an interview. I had a lot to learn from the experience which I am hopeful will guide me in the more coming interviews ahead.

The interview for the second job was the one that gave me a hard time. To start with, I am not an accounting specialist, and secondly I had no idea what a systems specialist was or did. I had to do a whole lot of research on the company, the role, and the various tools and requirements described for the job. There was Sage Intacct, there was UKG-UltiPro, there was GAAP, CITP, CISA, and a number of other jargons I had never come across. Well, the recruiter found me, so they must have thought highly of me before reaching out to me.

Needless to say, I did not do so great at that interview, but somehow, the interviewer thought I was impressive enough to be granted a second interview, after which they want to send me some data from their organization that I could work some magic on to present to them at a third interview... Will I be getting this job? I am hopeful, but I am also keeping my options open and continuing to apply to other openings.

In the end, I am really grateful for the fact that I am getting noticed, and I am gaining more experience and confidence, and learning more lessons about how to interview. It's crazy that I consider that an achievement. I find myself questioning whether I studied to be a good job candidate, or to be a good data analyst. My focus is divided right now, and I can't wait to start enjoying a job that excites and challenges me.

Dear diary, I need to apply to at least 10 jobs and do two cold outreaches tomorrow. I've lagged behind for some crazy reason, I will give an update on that in my next post. So help me God. I'll be right back... XOXO