Someone's knocking at my door

Monday, January 09, 2006

Since I was placed in the first rank for Supervisor II, I have been getting cert letters (basically a form letter requesting interviews) from various different divisions and departments. The majority of them have come from the Dept of Health & Human Svcs (DHHS) - divisions like Mental Health, CPS, CMISP (Co. Medically Indigent Services Program) - and the others have been from the Employment Office's Risk Management (Worker's Comp), and Dept of Human Assistance (Welfare, etc). I have waived most of them because they are either too far away, or they are for divisions that don't interest me.

On Friday I interviewed with the management of CMISP. By far, I thought it was my worst performance ever. Normally, I go into interviews with confidence and answers aplenty. This time, however, I couldn't finish a sentence to save my life. Though, don't misunderstand, my "bad interview" is probably someone else's "great interview"* but I was really ticked off at myself. I don't really even want that position, as it's in a program in which I don't see myself in 2-3 years; I was just really aggravated that I was "average." I hate being average at something I know I'm normally not. Seems retarded, but it's true.

The funny part was when I got home, there was a message on the machine from that division requesting a second interview. I wanted to call back and say, "Geez, I was so lame in the interview, are you sure?" But, since - like I said - I didn't want this position anyway, I figured I would let those who were truly vying for it a fair shot and take myself out of the running. I called them this morning and told them I was waiving the second interview and that I wished them the best of luck in finding the right person.

I have another interview on January 26 for the Worker's Comp office. It's what they call a "confidential" position (meaning the job requires reviewing confidential information and, therefore, is paid more and not covered by the union). This one interests me more than any of the others. Then there is the fact that my supervisor in my current department (Environmental Management) wants to promote me within. I might have a lot to think about in the coming weeks. We'll see.

*A former employee of mine recently went on an interview and, when asked what she would do if she had down-time, replied, "Well, I could play solitaire. Or, I like books, so I could read." I don't know what the interviewers did to maintain composure, but I commend them.