It Happens

In September, I spent two glorious weeks visiting family in New Jersey. In addition to relaxing while home, I spent a lot of time phone interviewing. The day after I returned to Denver, I drove to an afternoon interview I'd scheduled for a job that felt promising. Had a pleasant chat with the HR Director, who explained what I could expect if selected for the position, then proceeded to talk with the Lead Recruiter in a separate interview.

I asked some of my usual questions—things like, "What makes someone successful in this position?" and "What does a typical day look like for you?" My interviewer responded graciously to each question posed.

I'm not exactly sure what happened—whether it was nerves or, on the contrary, that I felt so at ease—but, at one point, FOR SOME REASON, I said "Shhhh...it happens." Mortified, I caught myself immediately and blurted out "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to say that!" <blames it on jet lag>

Without missing a beat, she said "You're right, sh*t does happen." And we both laughed. Now if I don't get a call back for this job, we'll all know why!

My point in telling you this story? None of us is perfect. I've had my fair share of interviews, and I still don't always say the right things—or worse—I completely shoot myself in the foot with the things I do say!

I love this quotation by Ralph Waldo Emerson and think of it often in situations like these: "Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could; some blunders and absurdities have crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; you shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense."

For the record, I'm much better at guiding others through this process!