If there is one key lesson that I learned since my last job search post, it is that one should not put all of one’s eggs into one basket…
Why am I saying this? Because I made this faux pas. To backtrack, a contact had kindly let me know that a clinical position had opened up at hospital where I had some previous experience and suggested that I apply for the position. I did so and was very warmly received through two rounds of interviews.
However, at the second interview which included three interviewers, I was told that while I was a top candidate, there was one thing that I did not have and that was knowledge of Spanish. My impression was that this was not a deal breaker for two out of the three interviewers but the power rest in the hands of the the interviewer for whom this was an issue.
Realizing this, I tried to address the language concern in my thank you follow-up email by mentioning how I am someone who enjoys learning and recognizes the importance of learning Spanish for this particular position. I also mentioned that I thought it would not be difficult for me to learn a third language in light of my already being bilingual, particularly because I would have the opportunity to practice the new language right away at work, if I were hired.
But alas, the other candidate who is already fluent in Spanish was chosen…Looking back, it had clearly been an error on my part to rely on this one position even if I was a known entity and they had been pleased with my work.
This is why one is typically recommended to pursue a diversification strategy. Within the job search context, this would mean that it makes the most sense to apply for a few positions simultaneously. In this manner, one not only increases one’s chances at being accepted for a couple of positions but one also increases one’s chances at having a couple of simultaneous offers.
This was a situation that I had been fortunate to have experienced in the past and this gave me some bargaining leverage when it came to the salary discussion. However, this time around I did not find myself employing my usual methods. This is probably because I have/had too many things on my plate.
In any case, it was a good lesson learned and I wanted to share it with you in the hopes of helping you avoid making the same mistake…
Have you made any mistakes during your job search journey? Do you have any interesting stories to share?
Please share any of your thoughts and comments below – they are most appreciated 🙂
Photo Credit: All of Your Eggs in One Basket by HeroicZach
Hello Dorlee,
What a great reminder to any careerist in a search for a new opportunity.
In my eyes, you did not make a faux pas during your initiatives in this multi-interview journey. In fact, you handled the ‘objections’ surrounding the need for a Spanish-speaking candidate well (interesting side note: I didn’t realize you were bilingual; neat!). Moreover, you displayed sincere interest in the opportunity, securing a position as a Top Candidate.
As you stated: “… this time around I did not find myself employing my usual methods. This is probably because I have/had too many things on my plate.” Key point: you had a lot of things on your plate. Sometimes, just moving through a single opportunity with finesse (as you did) is enough to fill the time one has on hand. Now, you are ready/available for the next opportunity conversation.
I say, “Well done!” … and kudos to you for your successful experience, the positive energy which you can use to invest in the next career interview conversation!
As always, I’m impressed with your journey, and your generous sharings.
Best,
Jacqui
Hey Dorlee,
I definitely feel for you and this experience. My story is very similar. At my last placement, I was told that a position was absulutely mine 3 months before graduation and all I had to do was say yes. To keep with company policy, they decided to interview one another person who had more experience and background in this particular position and hired them. I was devastated because I usually have two plans going at once, but this time I thought there would be no reason to do a job search. All was not lost, fortunately, when I was conducting a small group discussion someone resonated with the work I was doing and offered a post-grad fellowship at our state hospital which would provide time+money to do the job search I should’ve done some time ago. I think its important to not put all your eggs in one basket and always be professional because you never know who is watching!
Hi Jacqui,
Thanks so much for your encouraging feedback 🙂
My inclination is to be rather hard on myself…but that is not a productive or particularly motivating take on things…
Your perspective and focus, on the other hand, is on the positive aspects…you are also demonstrating understanding about my having other things on my plate at that time…
In short, you are being most supportive and encouraging and I’m most grateful.
Warmly,
Dorlee
Hi Mozart,
Wow – you truly do understand what I’ve just gone through…I’m sorry you had that experience 🙁
I guess we live and we learn…and I’m so happy for you that things worked out for you that you were offered a post grad fellowship that enables you to engage in a job search while being employed.
Good luck in your search! Yes, I totally agree that we must be professional at all times and that’s not just now – it’s really forever 🙂
With much appreciation for all your support,
Dorlee
I understand where you are coming from. I had a recent experience that I shared in one of my posts http://wp.me/p1A2Hj-48. I have sent several resumes out with the hope of getting hired. However, it is also a chance to practice interviewing and meeting new connections. I would definitely try to re-apply in the future and in the meantime learn Spanish ;).
Thanks so much, lifelovebalance, for your encouragement as well as sharing a part of your journey.
Looking at the job search process as a chance to practice interviewing and meeting new people is a great outlook 🙂
I’m wishing you the best of luck on your job search journey! I read your lovely post and was so happy and touched by your interviewer’s support and validation of your honesty.
Thanks again,
Dorlee
DorleeM, I have to agree with Jacqui! You did nothing wrong – You made it through 3 rounds of interviews and obviously that position is not where you are meant to be right now.
I do want to add though that many employers are woefully behind in recognizing and employing the language of Social Media – an language at which you and certainly other younger generations are quite adept. I want to suggest that you not forget to leverage THIS LANGUAGE as a THIRD LANGUAGE . . . and a language that MUST be used if your clientele is, in part, youth.
Yes, I’ve stuck my foot in my mouth in a job interview or two . . . . When I was in college, I attended an orientation for new Resident Assistants. The Director of Residence Life spent half an hour “teaching” us how to put glue on paper “the right way.” A year later when I reapplied for the job, I had to interview under him and told him that his “training” the previous year had been “insulting.” My youthful indignation and candor was not the wisest choice in hindsight. I got the job but recommending that others find a little more humility in their job interviews than I exercised back then.:)
Sending good thoughts to you on your job hunting!
Excellent advice, Dorlee. This advice is not unlike another favorite saying “Don’t count your chickens until they hatch.” It’s so easy to feel something is a “sure thing” and as a result, to put all our eggs in one basket.
I’m sorry you didn’t get the position. In the long run, it might turn out to be a good thing for you, although I’m sure it doesn’t feel that way now.
Thanks so much, Nancy
Yes, your saying is also very apropos for this situation 🙂
I was trying to find a nice quote to support your suggestion that at the end this may have been a good thing but alas I seem unable to find one right now.
In any case, I agree that this position was probably not meant to be if it didn’t work out but I’m hoping/assuming that there will be other interesting and exciting opportunities for me to explore.
Warmly,
Dorlee
Thanks, Tamara
What an interesting idea – to mention my social media skills as a third language 🙂
I take this language as a given but perhaps I shouldn’t…
Thanks again for all your encouragement,
Dorlee
Dorlee,
I’m so impressed by how you handled this situation, right down to your willingness to share it with others so that they may learn.
(Jacqui, you took the words out of my mouth – are you channeling me or something? LOL!)
So, I’ll say “ditto” – yes, I’m dating myself.
I have a sense that you’ll hear that resounding “Yes!” very soon.
Marianna,
Thank you so much for your kind words of support and encouragement…They are most appreciated!
You are all being so generous that I will feel very motivated once I am able to get back on the job search horse, so to speak 🙂
Warmly,
Dorlee