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When interviewers ask prospective employees to “Tell Me a Little About Yourself” I often find it to be counterproductive. A resume should the employer about where you’ve been and for me that’s not the most relevant question. Instead, I strongly believe the best approach would be to ask, “What are you looking for now in your next career move? Why are you seeking a change?” Until this week, I had almost forgotten a former employer asked interviewees to create a video to introduce themselves to share with the hiring committee. I should print that transcript and keep it with me just in case someone asks me again about my employment history at a social event. 😉 Actually, now that I think about it, I really want to revise my “career story” because when I reflect on the jobs I stayed with for 15-20 years, the narrative of how I got there is much more interesting and something I didn’t initially address in my video pitch. For instance, I’ll never forget my first interview at AHSR (now AcademyHealth). I had absolutely no clue what Health Services Research was, but when I met my soon-t0-be supervisor we clicked right away. I felt an instant connection to her fun energy and quirkiness. She was so incredibly cool and approachable, I knew I wanted her to be my boss. When I left the interview I distinctly remember thinking, “Wow, I have no clue what the actual job is, but I want it. She’s so amazing! I could learn a lot from her!” My relationship with Learning Without Tears (formerly Handwriting Without Tears) started in a bagel shop at the recommendation of a friend to her friend. I had no idea that a short-term consulting gig to create an online store on a free shopping site would gradually evolve into something much bigger where I’d be teaching myself how to be a graphic designer, production specialist, e-mail marketer, and social media manager over the course of 22 years. When I started running in Charlottesville, I was frustrated that there wasn’t an easier way to sign up for training programs or a quicker way to get race results. I also thought some of the race shirt designs could be improved. I never complain about anything unless I’m willing to fix it myself or to offer solutions. That’s how my 13+ years volunteering with the Charlottesville Track Club (CTC) began. When I reflect on my accomplishments over the past 30+ years, I’m most proud of what I’ve achieved with the CTC and through my own race, the Rivanna Greenbelt Marathon & Half Marathon. My volunteer work is the most fulfilling and satisfying work I’ve ever done. I literally smile every time I see someone in Charlottesville (and beyond!) wearing a shirt I designed. That never gets old! All this from someone with a MA in Women’s Studies and MFA in Creative Writing. One of my majors doesn’t even exist anymore (the name has changed) and I’ve never earned money from my writing, but I’ve had a pretty interesting work life that has kept me busy, productive, growing, and satisfied. I have learned a lot from my experience in Congress, nonprofits, small businesses, and consulting. Eventually, I hope to develop a unique and funny way to share my “Lessons Learned” — the outrageous stories from interviews and workplace drama and how to learn and grow from even the most discouraging situations. Stay tuned! :) My strengths and what sets me apart from others:
For awhile I’ve wanted to share all my Wordle guesses and then create short short stories from them. I like to think of Wordle as a horoscope or journal prompt for me. I pick different starter words every day based on my mood or what’s on my mind. I love the creative journey! Hopefully I can make a habit out of sharing my guesses like I have been at playing the game and sharing scores with my group text of family who are equally invested in playing this game.
Geeks Who Drink Trivia Tuesdays at Firefly is my HAPPY PLACE! I created a spreadsheet of our team’s trivia data because that’s just how I do things. 🤣
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