Interviews Part Deux

The hardest part about interviewing right after graduate school is not having "enough experience".  How can one get "experience" without a job?  Isn't that the point of having practicum and an internship?  Unfortunately, I have been asked the question, "How many years do you have as a school psychologist"?  Well none!  Frustrating...

I have interviewed for three jobs so far.  The first one my car broke down, the second one was fine, and now the third one I came home with food poisoning.  Not having the best luck!  0-3.  I have been very good about asking why I haven't been chosen so I can have some feedback, but the only answer anyone can give is that there were candidates with far more experience in the field.  I received one letter letting me know I wasn't even chosen for an interview and that was because I didn't have a clear credential.  BUT I will in like a month!!!!

Rejection is rough.  Trying to stay strong!

Interviews...

Being that I do not have any kids and my husband owns his own business I have the great privilege to apply anywhere and everywhere (in the state of California)!  This past month I have spent hours on my lap top researching school districts, writing letters of interest, and now I am beginning to interview!

I am so thankful for California's edjoin website which makes it possible to find jobs all over the state.  Without that I would be shooting in the dark.

Two weeks ago, I had my first job interview in Folsom-Rancho Cordova (near Sacramento).  It was a four hour drive and my car broke down on the way home 45 minutes away from my house.  I did not get the job but I learned a lot.  At first, I looked at the interview as strictly practice.  I couldn't really picture myself living in the Sacramento area but I really loved what the district is doing once I researched their special education department.  I was pretty bummed after all that I did not get the job but maybe it was because of my attitude going in.  When they called they said I had impressed them and if they had more money coming in for another position they would let me know but the person who got the job had more experience.

On Monday, I have another interview!  This time in Santa Rosa!  Getting this call made my heart skip a beat.  I am so excited to interview with them!  This location is about 5 hours from where I am going to school but randomly, my husband was already planning to go to Santa Rosa for work this weekend.  So I was able to tag a long (work on my thesis in the hotel room) and he is staying an extra night with me so I can interview.  Maybe it is fate... we will see...

Applying for jobs can be so nerve racking!  The school year hasn't even ended and I am already having to stress about the next one!  It is kind of exciting however not know where I will be next year.  It is fun to think I will be somewhere new and different than where I am now!  Yesterday our county office of ed posted 3 positions, so I know that if Santa Rosa doesn't work out, I have a good chance with my home county.

Advice to second year psychs who are applying to internships... start early!  Either for internship positions or psych positions next year!  I started applying for jobs as early as late February... I am the only person in my cohort who has interviewed so far!  Although I didn't get the job I feel like going in to an interview will help me do better at the next one!

Good luck to all who are searching for jobs!!

My next thesis will be on graduate students and mental breakdowns...

Today = writing thesis, mental breakdown, tears, counseling from bestie, meeting with supervisor, tears, laughter, confidence, scratched entire thesis (12 pages), mental breakdown, packing to run away, talk with husband, tears, ate feelings with Mc D's, gardening, relaxation, screaming in a pillow, light bulb, rewriting 5 pages, of thesis... deep breaths... confidence... Let's do this! 

Current state: Rewriting Literature Review... but still breathing.