Now that I am looking for an internship to possibly launch my glamorous and enviable career, a lot of little things are coming back to me.
Like one of the first times I was called for an interview. I had seen an advertisement on the USIU notice board calling out for freelance writers, and I thought, ‘yeah, I could do that!’
So I sent my rookie cv and cover letter , with a sample piece I had written for my distance learning assignment, which, at the time I thought was a very clever piece. (Just like when I will read this post years from now and think, aaw, how cute.)
And then I waited. And waited. Aaaand waited.
Finally, I was called for an interview. ‘Hey, am THAT awesome- lets do this!’ I thought.
So I put on my only white shirt, a pair of odd looking pants I thought were formal, rounded off the newbie look with some inappropriate jewelery and got there on time, just like the career center advised.
I remember the reception had that nauseating chai ya maziwa kwa thermos smell and I nearly gagged as I waited for an eternity to be called into the interviewer’s office. (PowerPlay!)
Maaaan, the guy was old. And he was asking me all these questions about search engine optimization and ad words and all the shit we take for granted today, but in 2009, was cutting edge stuff. Obviously, it never occured to me to research on ‘writing for the web’ and so I fumbled around for answers- even cracked a couple of jokes. The guy was so old, it was impossible to be nervous- not even when he asked me, ‘If you love to write so much, how come you don’t have more work published?’
Good question. I still think about it today.
Then he went on to tell me that the ‘work is pretty basic, nothing special- just write 1 000 words on a destination that we give you, and you get a bob a word.’
I left, and waited for the call. It never came. Obviously, I did not impress enough to do the ‘basic work’.
A few weeks later, (or maybe months, not so sure) I saw another advert. Looking for freelancers. This one asked for an original piece to go along with the application.
This time, I was inspired. Probably smarter. Possibly a bit of both.
I wrote my article one afternoon at Fifi’s (and rewarded myself with a beer afterwards) and I have to say, it was much cheekier. A couple of days later, I got an email with a list of topics to choose from as well as instructions on how to write for the web. Pay was per articles, any discussion or consulting could be done face to face. In short, I was in. All I had to do was write, and if they liked it, they would pay.
How simple. How beautiful.
After a couple of stiff, awkward posts, I sort of got the flow. Then I was put on a monthly retainer. Yeah baby. It was one of the best assignments of my life. The euphoria from finishing each task could have rivaled a hit of cocaine, I’m pretty sure. Eventually, the rumblings about a job offer came too.
(And then I left for France)
Anyway, obvious differences:
Ancient guy asking for 1 000 word articles and conducting meticulous interviews. Who the hell reads 1000 word articles online? (You probably skimmed through this post, with like, five other tabs open.. )Versus, you write, if we like we pay- and keep it short and sweet.
I was still the same person, basically with the same skills- but who could make the best use of them? Who could see my potential?.
Honestly, where was I suited better? No wonder I failed the first interview- I just was not a match for the ‘mutton dressing up as lamb’ company. Thank God I wasn’t saddled with that dinosaur company: maybe by now I’d be going through three thermoses a day….
My point? Sometimes there is a good reason we fail interviews. Because it just wouldn’t work out.
Any stories about how you finally sold your souls to the corporation? Please do share
Wairimualiyepotea 