Since I have begun working BAJobs, I have been thinking a lot about the interviews I have experienced in the past and what I have learned.

I will never forget my first interview. I was a sophomore in high school and I really wanted some extra cash because I always felt bad asking my parents. It was at an ice cream parlor in my hometown and I even made sure I learned all of the songs they sang beforehand just in case I was asked to perform.

I even researched potential interview questions! I walk in with a notebook in hand just in case of notes I had to write, and then I realize it was a group interview. I looked around at my competition and I thought I had this in the bag.

The only questions they asked me were what my availability was and what my coolest trick was. I wasn’t sure what consisted of “a cool trick”. One guy could do this weird thing with his fingers, and another girl could sing really well. I had no idea what I was going to do, so I did the only thing I knew I was really good at. Gymnastics. That’s right, I did a round off back handspring in the middle of the ice cream parlor. I landed it perfectly. I left believing that I had a pretty good chance of getting the job.

I called a few days later to see when we would hear back about who got the job and apparently the position had already been filled. I was heartbroken. It was my first interview ever and I had realized my talent wasn’t cool enough.

Or maybe it was me who wasn’t cool enough.

I realized that I wasn’t as conversational as I should have been because I was so nervous.

What if every interview was like this though? I mean, I guess performing a talent shows character, but what does me having to do a back handspring have anything to do with scooping ice cream? The only thing I can think of it that it tells them I have strong enough arms to get enough ice cream out of the bin.

If anything, this interview taught me to not try so hard that it makes the employers feel uncomfortable, but to try to show that I would be a good fit for their company. The employers are people too and they are just looking for someone who is qualified, who can perform tasks the needed task, and of course, someone they can get along with. I realized that I should have done a talent that was more relatable, that still shined among all of the rest. I realize now that doing gymnastics isn’t something that many people can relate to.

Guest Article Submitted By Corinne Dickey, BAJobs.com

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