Well I didn't get the job but I have to admit, I kind of knew I wouldn't - not just because of the things I felt I screwed up on during the interview but because I just don't think I am ready and experienced for a job like that right now. But the interview was experience in itself, because without going, then I would of never of known what to expect. So I feel prepared now, to get a job with an airline, from having that interview. The experience I gained was so valuable. I had absolutely no idea really what to expect despite the preparation and research I did. But I wanted, if anything, to just see what it was all about, and I applied for British Airways because I thought, if I am just going to give this sort of thing a shot, I may as well start from the top and apply for the best.
Anyway, here is how the day went - with where I went wrong (I think):
Arrival
I arrived at the centre and was given a badge with my name on it. I immediately sat with a group of people also there for the interview and chatted to them, small talk, but throughout the day I got to know these people well. Sounds corny, but by the end of the day I felt like I'd made some real friendships, probably because it's such an intense, emotional sort of thing to do, you instinctively become supportive of these people but feel you need them to support you. Everyone was really nice. And I met a guy there also who was particularly nice, called George. We added each other on Facebook, I suppose nothing would ever happen from anything, but we definitely kept catching each other's eye. It was nice just to stay in touch with one person, as it was nice to find out he got the job. I hope it's everything he hopes it to be.
Presentation and Exam
It was here where I realised the full extent of how difficult not just getting this job is but actually doing this job. I wasn't being defeatist, I'm up for a challenge anywhere, but I realised that maybe working in Lush for the last 2 years hasn't really given me the adequate skills and experience to deal with the stress or pressure of a job like this. The exam, which I had be fretting over, was very simple.
Group discussion
We were put into groups of 4 and 5 and had to plan over a table a uniform for a imaginary company, with all these guidelines and rules, which made it very hard for me to follow, but the activity was only there for them to assess how you interacted with other people. I made sure I didn't cut anyone off and listened intently to other's opinions. I was distracted though because of two things.
Mistake 1 - I didn't turn my phone off, probably the most ridiculous and careless mistake you could ever make, and received two loud text messages. My heart sank. And because of that I lost my trail of thought and concentration so didn't contribute too well towards the end.
Mistake 2 - I couldn't see the sheet we were all working from at one point so I leant over to look and the assessor told me to sit down because we weren't allowed to move from our seats. Very embarrassing. So by now I was thinking 'yeah, i'm not gonna get this job on that basis alone'. Stupid Andrew, can't even sit still.
Roleplay
I thought the role play went okay. Not brilliant but not terrible. I had to play the role of a waiter dealing with a customer's complaint which was complex and made even more confusing with all these rules on a sheet that I was too nervous to fully take in. It was good though. I smiled, I then made sure I took the complaint seriously, I was apologetic on behalf of the company, offered complementary drinks and 'bread basket' (I just had to pull something out my ass here, because the role play guy, in character, was really pissed off and did a really good job at being pissed off).
Mistake 3 - cocked up by offering substitute meal for discount price when really that's not allowed. I am so used to just letting people have things for cheap so they don't moan that I have lost concept of actual rules.
Mistake 4 - I got scared and actually lost face because I panicked and did that face where you're sort of like 'shiiiit!' like when I had to deal with that double booked party. It was pure horror.
Interview and PA Practice
I was most scared about making this personal announcement, which was weird, because it was the one thing I did the best on, and I read it perfectly. I forgot how much I like reading aloud. And I can sound pretty nice when I try! The interview was good to start with, I answered my questions promptly and precisely with all the best answers I'd came up with before.
Mistake 5 - I hadn't prepared for questions that really involved situations at work, and found it exceedingly difficult to come up with examples, especially from my current job, without making things up. You see, not a lot happens at Lush, the days are simple and easy and people are generally quite nice. I could of thought of some things, if I had prepared that, but I hadn't, so I really let myself down there.
So there you have it. Like I said, I'm not sad, I am really glad I got the chance to have an interview just so I now know what to expect with other future jobs. It made me realise how difficult it is for me now to get a 'proper' job and how I would like to move from where I work and live now, for something with a bit more structure, rules, a uniform, and something that will bring me a bit more further down to earth, and that I will enjoy and be paid more for. I now feel I've had that push, and I am really excited about applying for more jobs, and making myself a new person.
I want to write more about other things now. I'm having a party this weekend, and I am in desperate need of a detox, and I am just knackered but I am happy so I guess it can all wait. Hope you're having a good week. Have a fun weekend!
No comments:
Post a Comment