Film at 11

I have always imagined an interview to be an exchange of information, questions from both sides, and a conversation about the eventual outcome desired by the hiring party. And yet, yesterday's interview really did not fit that description.

I met with the VP of the division, and I was a little unsure of what to say. When she opened with, "Tell me a little about yourself and why you're here," I had to resist the urge to laugh nervously and tell her I'm a Sagittarius who enjoys long walks on the beach. I was nervous yesterday in a way that I haven't been in a long time, and I had a hard time evaluating her. I could almost hear her thinking, but I had no idea whether she was listening to what I was saying about my ideas for the program, or whether she was wondering about some meeting she had after the interview.

When I left, I was encouraged by the fact that she noted down the specifics of other interviews I have in the next two weeks. But on the other hand, I still couldn't shake the fact that I hadn't done my best self-presentation. I suppose my general feeling is that I did well, but didn't perform up to the standard that I had expected of myself.

My best friend, Margaret, asked me yesterday, after it was over, "how do you feel about them?" And it's a good question to consider, more important than how did I interview. I know the job will be hard work. And a lot of work. But I think it would be interesting. And when I look back at the last steps of my career, I realize I was happiest when I worked at the art school, because it was interesting. I was interested in the alumni there, in the students and the faculty, I liked going to the art openings and perusing the library to learn about new artists. I picked up a lot of information from that job, learning about Henry Darger, and Mimi Smith; watching fashion students create amazing designs, examining the concepts from the industrial design department, and seeing a green roof emerge from an architectural course project. The act of creating something is highly appealing to me.

Company X, where I interviewed yesterday, also works within the mission framework of creation and hands-on experience. If I worked there, I would be able to oversee projects from idea to finished product. The whole kit-n-kaboodle so to say. That is a tempting offer. As I've said before, I'm a big picture thinker, and I like to be in control of the process. I loved writing my undergraduate and graduate theses, because each was something I conceived of on my own, did all the research and planning for, and wrote and constructed. I would really like to work in an office where I could do that sort of work.

I also can't forget the two upcoming interviews I have scheduled. One is on Friday, with my alma mater. The other is next week out of town, and it looks like a very promising opportunity. Both of these would involve moving, which is something that Nate is not thrilled about, but also, I don't just want to abandon these options without further exploration. Moving is a hassle, but what if they offer me the best opportunity? I want to evaluate my career carefully, not take something unless it's what I really want and think is the best fit.