Interview 5

October 16, 2022

12:00 pm EST

Tell me about a time when you were looking for a job...

How did you feel?

Wanted to have a job by July 2022
Did not want to depend on parents or move back to Atlanta b/c he saw it as a step backwards
Wanted to go into his field of choice, personal pressure to do well
Felt pressured by the grad environment to have a job within his field by graduation (peer-pressure)

What were your stressors?

2nd to last get a job within his peer group
2 yr master’s program that required an internship or a capstone. Summer 2021 interviewed and felt he was finalist but ultimately was not selected. Worried he would not graduate, so had to reroute his graduation plans by taking classes during the summer; loaded up on the Fall. This left him open to intern Spring 2022 and Summer. Interviewed with State Department in Sept 2022 and started a full-time job search.

What excited you?

His parents were super supportive and motivating during the process
Getting his initial state department internship. Felt the security clearance and the quantatitive nature of the experience would further strengthen his resume

Where did you start?

Wanted to stay in International Relations and Governmental realm but wanted to make a certain amount to maintain his quality of life.
Likes to help people and do work that interests him
Used network he developed at the State Department to meet vendors and clients. LinkedIn helped him spread his network wider by allowing 2nd and 3rd level connections to see him.
March 2022 started getting LinkedIn messages from recruiters
Leveraged his network to find someone (LinkedIn) to give him a referral, prep for interviewing and salary negotiations. This person linked her directly with a recruiter. Made it to a final interview

How long did it?

What did you find interesting or challenging?

The most challenging thing was managing his stress level while interacting with recruiters. He initially heard from them and then it went radio silent. Ghosting was hard because he had to keep his emotions in check and continue the process. He was empowered by the fact that he had 1 to 2 interviews a month
The worst thing was doing the research/background, case interviews, and a great interview but the company decided to go with another candidate
Received an offer from State Department April 2022, but given the salaries for the companies he was interviewing with he decided to forgo that opportuntiy.

How did you choose this role?

Does not want to be in a role doing something every day he doesn’t like. He wanted it to be meaningful
Sees the current as a foundational and learning role. Does not plan to be there more than a year. It is a smaller company and there is not a lot of opportunity for vertical growth at the company
Signing bonus factored into his decision

How would you help a friend find a job?

Negotiate. Once you get an offer do not be afraid to push the envelope. Women and People of Color tend worry the job will be rescinded
Talk until they say best and final.
Let people know it is an adjust with being paid
Company does not have a consistent pay day, younger people may not be accustomed to monthly pay periods

Additional Information

Moving was super expensive. The biggest expense was finding someone to live, furnishing it, transportation to office,
Wish that companies would do a better job of preparing people for the transition costs. What could they do in the interim between getting paid for the first time. This ALL on top of learning your new role

Summarization

Emotions

Values

A position that allows him to focus on his interests, opportunities to develop professionally, and compensate him fairly

What is the user trying to do

Current solutions

Deficiencies of current solutions

Typical source of advice/knowledge

Uses past experience and personal network to persevere through the difficulty of interviewing