Patience is a virtue

First of all, I want to say a big thank you for all of you who've been sending good luck thoughts my way. I still don't know if I got the job so if you wouldn't mind keeping those fingers cross a little longer, I'd really appreciate it.

I woke up this morning with a very calm, meant-to-be kind of feeling about today's interview. At noon I left work and went to my sister's to get changed into my new power suit, hoping that it would bring me lots of luck. I didn't have enough time to have lunch but I probably wouldn't have felt like eating then anyways so I changed and headed to my appointment. I was a little early so I drove in circles to waste time. As I was getting out of the car my friend (the manager) was walking to the entrance so I said hello and asked how she was. She said she'd been better because she has a couple of pinched vertabraes and she'd just been told she has to spend two weeks FLAT on her back. We talked about it a bit and she wished me luck and I wished her a speedy recovery and she went on her way.

The HR assistant saw me first and told me that she wasn't going to hide it, that they were VERY interested in persuing an employment relationship with me. She took down all the info required for the background check and said that they'd like to finish this up by the end of the week. I was getting the feeling that I had the job as long as my references and background check were good. Through all of this I was playing it cool and trying not to get too excited because I wasn't sure if I was reading what she had to say correctly. My gut instinct was that the job was mine as long as everything checked out okay, which I am confident it will. She also said that they hoped to finalize this by the end of the week.

Next I went to see the lady that would be the boss. She wanted me to meet the Maintenance Foreman who I'd work closely with if I got the job. We met and he started saying things like, "You'll be doing this and you'll be doing that." The boss lady interupted him and added, "If I was the successful candidate" and then went on with the questions. We chatted and everything went quite well. I was paying much more attention to her this time because I wanted to try and decide if I'd be happy with this woman as my boss. I was pleased with what she had to say.

After the Maintenance guy left we discussed a few more things and then she asked if I had any questions. I asked about benefits and a few other things. Then I asked what the next step was. She said that they had talked about having a panel type interview next week when the HR manager returned but weren't sure if they'd do that. I then asked how many people were still in the running for this position. She hesitated a minute and then said that I was definitely in the top three. My gut thought was that she might be trying to be cautious but it's difficult to read someone that you don't know all that well.

So by Friday I'm guessing that I'll hear one of three things. Either a yes or a no or a come back for a panel interview. I can't imagine why they'd want to have another round of interviews at this point. I've already spoken to her twice and to four other people once. What ever happened to a one-person interview and a decision?

I found out that the potential boss lady had recently been promoted to the Purchasing Manager's position and before that she held the position that I'm vying for. My sister said that this could be the first time she's had to hire someone and could just be doing the cautious thing because of that. Who knows?

All I know is that I really want this job but I won't give up if this doesn't work out. If nothing else, I've received a big boost in my self confidence and I've realized that I am very ready to move on. Last summer when I came in second for a different job I don't think I was ready. I wanted the job and I would have accepted it if offered but I wasn't totally ready. Now I am. And at the very least, I got a great new suit out of the deal and if I do say so myself, I looked great!

As a side note, after the interview I had to go to an auto wreckers to pick up a part for Jamie's car. Jamie had called them and asked me to take the old part in so they could match it. There was some confusion about where I was going and I ended up at the wrong place the first time. When I left there and called him to say that they didn't have the part I found out I was at the wrong place. While talking to Jamie on my cell I saw the truck go by for the correct place so I tried to find a place to turn around and follow him. I couldn't so I ended up finding the place on my own. Have you ever been to a wrecking yard? When you show up in a business suit they look at you like you're from outer space. I stood there waiting for them to try to find the part aware of all the stares and trying not to rub up against anything. I was quite happy to get out of there even though I didn't come home with the part.

Again, if you can keep those good thoughts heading my way for a couple more days, I'd really appreciate it. I realize now how much I need to make a move and I really want this to be the move I make. Thanks for all the good thoughts. You all are the bestest!