At a recent interview, I was asked a simple question: "Do you like people?"
My answer was, how shall I put it, mundane; "Of course I like people." This is probably not going to get me the job (although hopefully all the other wit and enthusiasm will), but it has made me think.
And the truth is, I do like people,
most people. I like meeting loads of different people, and knowing that we are all totally unique and that we all have our own likes, dislikes, needs and wants. I like that we are all made up of our own set of experiences. So I guess you could say that I like variety.
But what I like most about people is that they are there are there, and if they talk to me, they validate me. I think, therefore I am; others acknowledge that I think, therefore I am.
The whole job search, in fact, has made me intensely aware that unless someone knows that I have done something; sent an email, checked websites, made a few calls - there is no point. All of these attempts at contact, to make people want to know about the skills that I can offer, mean nothing unless the people I am contacting want to listen.
But maybe this is because of
how I am going about my jobsearch? I have read several books to try and prepare myself, most of which claim that the internet-based job hunt is not effective. They want you to hit the pavement, talk to employers face to face, and generally make a nuisance of yourself. But, in my experience, they are too busy to be taking face-to-face meetings just to improve my interview techniques...
The old adage "it's who you know" is very definitely still the case!
On a lighter note... some offices clearly have a great sense of humour, and love creating post-it art!
