Lost, in a good way!

Hello!
Sorry for the long gap in posts... its been an exciting month to say the least! I didn't get one of the positions I was so positively sure I would get (until the 2nd interview). I didn't "bring my game," as the kids would say. Actually, I would wager to say that interview was an exhibition of WHAT NOT TO SAY OR DO on an interview. I really have no idea what my problem was that day, but I bombed it. Anyhoo!

EVERYTHING HAPPENS FOR A REASON and I have proof! My dream job asked me to come in for an interview a week later. And after a scheduled 3.5 hr interview turned into 4 hours last week, today they asked me for references. So this means that I at least made it to the final round. FINGERS AND TOES CROSSED, PEOPLE!

I think the best move I could have EVER made in my job search was contacting Harrison College's Career Services (as they offer this for LIFE to all alumni) and got a Career Coach! She is amazing! (I have actually had 2 so far, as the first one took another job at a different college, but they have both been amazing and henceforth will both be referred to just as "she/her.") She helped me, first of all, with my confidence in the interview stage. I think this is where I was losing it mostly - not being assure of myself enough to really project that outwardly. Next, was helping to keep my professionalism during the interview. Because I am such a people person and love talking to folks, I tend to let go of the uber-straight-laced persona and relax and let my hands do the talking. Not what I want to let "Interview Carly" do. And plus when the folks who are interviewing you are super nice and make you feel so comfortable, its difficult not to let your professionalism go. But I am much better at holding on to it in a setting that calls for it! Thanks to my Career Coach from Harrison College! She gave me some other helpful hints that I think made me stand out from the other candidates!

Even if things don't work out with this position, I have learned a LOT about myself, what to do to stand out, what not to do to stand out, and how to move on to the next interview. All are invaluable pieces of information that I will hold with me until this journey is over.