Job Interview

Let me tell you a little story.

Five years ago or so when I was in college I had an internship at Arkansas Rehabilitation Services. I worked there every Tuesday and Thursday. Every year Arkansas Rehabilitation Services issued a scholarship to an incoming Senior. My boss there, Jim, really encouraged me to apply for this scholarship. I think it was for $1,500. Anyhow, this scholarship was to be awarded at the annual Rehabilitation conference in Hot Springs. This conference was the highlight of Jim and the other counselors year. Jim prepped me on all the questions I would be asked in the interview and gave me the scoop on the conference. He had us eating all the shrimp we we could hold and drinking the finest of import beers in Hot Springs. So I have my interview with a panel of 8 counselors. Two of whom I work with, and another who is their boss. So 3 of the 8 I know. There was only one other applicant. She was in a lot of my classes her name was Christy Keele. The next Tuesday I go in to work, eager for Jim to let me know I won the scholarship, and he's not in the office. The next day I get a letter in the mail saying Christy was awarded the scholarship. Now I'm not mad at her, we were friends. But when the scholarship is given BY THE COMPANY I WORKED FOR????? On Thursday, my last day there. Jim was out on business. I never saw him again. I would have at least liked an explanation as to why I didn't get it.

My next internship was at Friendship Community Care. I actually did two semesters there. So when I graduated I was told no worries, we'll get you on here somewhere. I knew most of the staff and they all spoke glowingly of me. I applied for a case manager position at one spot and didnt get hired because they hired the intern who worked that office specifically. Another hired someone who went to the same church, and so on. On the 4th position I applied for I thought for sure was a slam dunk. I even had two interviews for this job. Then I hear the news that Christy Keele was chosen for the job. Of all the people! I could not believe it, twice in a row, on things that I deserved and was semi-promised, they go to her. I applied at several different non-profits in Russellville, and never did get a job. So, I ended up moving to Fayetteville. I worked for a year at Life Styles, hating nearly every minute of it. I applied for many jobs, not even getting but a couple of interviews, and no job offers. I see an add in the news paper for a new preschool facility that Friendship Community Care was opening up in West Fork. I thought wow! I used to work for them in Russellville, I'm sure they'll remember me. So I called, and ended up taking a job there. After about a year and a half of working there the school has had massive turnover and I'm the only one on staff from the year before. They've hired a new lead teacher and new onsite director. So, Friendship sends someone over from Russellville to train the new director. That person happens to be Christy Keele. While I am downstairs slopping out lunches, cleaning toilets, mopping floors, and chasing after kids, Christy is upstairs in the office telling my boss how to do her job. Now that was a hard pill to swallow. How did our paths take us into such different roles? That could have been me in Hot Springs drinking beer with Jim. That could have been me being a case manager starting out at $25,000 a year. That could have been me up stairs training the director. We were no different. Same degree, same classes, same age, why her and not me?


I have a big job interview coming up next Monday. It is for a position I'm already working as a temp, but this will be full time. And I will get over a $5 an hour raise plus benefits out the wazoo. I'm already doing this same job I'm applying for very well, my co-workers will be giving the interview, and I feel very excited that I will do well this time. As far as I know Christy Keele isn't applying. I would appreciate every one's prayers. As you have read I have a pretty rotten history of job interviews. Please pray that I may be exactly what they are looking for. That I will give them the answers they are looking to hear, and that I have the charisma and confidence that I naturally am lack. Thanks.