Second interview

In my suit and heels, in the pouring rain, having finally found a place to park near the Capitol, I juggled my umbrella, my purse, my cell phone, and the wallet where I keep the department contact info, until I was finally able to plug in the number and inform the interviewer I'd be a few minutes late to the building.

I probably looked really windblown when I finally got there. He asked if I wanted to 'freshen up', but as I had forgotten all the traditional feminine-style fresheners - even a brush! - I said no thank you.

The second interview was conducted by the director, and took almost as long as the first one. I was expecting another interview like the first - a nervous energy, suit and tie kind of interview, where the questions are squared off and tied in bows. But this interview was all casual and intuitive. Still, he's insightful, and he asked more questions about my policy knowledge than I think I've ever had to field from one person.

They're really happy with me. If Personnel gives the okay, I'll probably be offered the job. 

But Personnel has two medium-sized hurdles when it comes to okaying me. First, I have low leave balances. It's explainable - I keep taking off for family doctor visits and to do schoolwork - but will they bother to ask me directly? 

And second, though a year ago I took the specific employment exam you need to qualify for this position, the exam was given by a different agency. Now the place that wants me has to perform some tricky bit of HR legerdemain to complete an interagency transfer. Sometimes, Personnel balks at accepting exam scores from other agencies. That's what happened on the job I'm at now. It cost me a promotion, to have let myself get hired before my exam scores were successfully transferred and accepted. I won't let that happen again.

Comments

[Dan]

Shoot, this process would make a great Sims-type game. Only a lot more interesting.

[Sue]

Whoa! I'm having flashbacks of my years in the public sector when I freaked out the establishment by not taking a promotion. You really have to stick with the "system" to succeed, or be a total bronco and bust out to blaze your own way. I sense you're in the latter category. Best wishes!

[Jo]

I think they should hire you because you know how to use the word "legerdemain."