You’re hired… perhaps

This week I did something I’ve not done for about 15 years. Last time I was very nervous, this time there was only the mildest of flutterings.

In the latter part of 2001 I attended an interview for my first ever IT job. Having a degree in Civil Engineering I had been working in the local highways department since graduating from University. I was not exactly qualified for the position however I obviously had something they wanted and was duly hired.

Since that appointment I’ve held a number of positions in both public and private organisations, but I’ve not been through an interview process again. Sure, from time to time I had to go through the formality of on an interview of sorts. It’s not quite the same being quizzed by your colleagues for a post for which you all know you’re the perfect fit. However, my preferred option was receiving the phone call, “Chris, can we meet for lunch?” It was one of those calls when you know that there was more than an offer of lunch on the table.

Back to the present. I’ve been looking for a part-time job to sit alongside my freelance work. This week I had my first proper job interview since 2001; deliver a 15 minute training presentation followed by a short panel interview with three complete strangers.

I was well prepared and felt fairly relaxed. I felt that I delivered my presentation well and the interview was not taxing. So now it’s time to wait for the outcome.

Recently our family watched Cool Runnings again, the 1993 film about the first Jamaican bob-sled team. When he is asked about why he cheated years before, coach Irv says “Derice, a gold medal is a wonderful thing. But if you’re not enough without one, you’ll never be enough with one.”

“Hey coach,” called out Derice Bannock as Irv turns to leave, “how will I know if I’m enough?”

“When you cross that finish line tomorrow, you’ll know.”

I came out of my interview with something of that sentiment. I’m not sure whether I actually want the post but I have a few days to discover whether or not they’d like to offer it to me. Either way, I know that “I’m enough.” I crossed the finish line and can hold my head up high.

What about you? Have you put yourself in a place recently where your self-worth has been tested? How did you fair? Where ever you are now, it is possible to be enough.