Back on the labor market after almost 22 years. I did it. How exciting is that? Or not? During my studies I learned that you had to send a handwritten cover letter. By mail! Applying was very different then than it is now. Curious if I have learned to apply for a job after years of having a permanent job? Feel free to read on!
Table of contents
I have a nice job. More than 21 years with the same employer! Indeed, I belong to the furniture, as they say. And that's fine. I know where I stand, and my employer knows that too. Credits and vacation days have been built up, just like a decent network and the necessary experience. Over the years I have had the opportunity to fulfill various positions at work, but you could hardly call it a real career, which I also did not aspire to. The biggest career step I took during this period was from party animal to primal mother.
After the birth of our oldest child, I started working part-time. From 40 o'clock to 16 o'clock. It's great that this was possible with my employer! It was a conscious choice. This allowed my partner to continue working and I took care of the home front. In the morning I'm ready for the boss, in the afternoon I was there for the kids!
But now the kids are getting bigger. The care they previously requested is significantly less. It goes fast and before you know it, you're old. Those thoughts made me a little restless. I see my children grow, discover, make mistakes, pick up again and move on. They move on with an open mind and full of confidence. And I just keep holding on to all the old and familiar. That has to change.
Then suddenly there was a very nice vacancy! I read this ad and was sure. This company is looking for me!!! Delighted, I looked up my dusty resume, pimped it up and emailed it to the appropriate contact person. Wow. I apply. After such a long time with the same employer, that was quite a thing for me. But it was a well-considered choice, which I fully supported. This year I had applied once before. Here I was not invited for an interview. That rejection hurt a bit.
The next morning I got a response to my email. My curriculum vitae (what a word hey) had been received in good order and she was eager to meet me. The appointment was made quickly. And then the misery started.
Dear people, I don't think I've ever been so nervous. And those nerves turned into uncertainty. What did I know about applying for a job? What did they see in me? Who wants a woman who's been in the same place for so long. I had better not go, just stay with my old, trusted employer. That's good for me isn't it? What an adventure I am now getting myself into by applying for a job while I have a nice permanent job.
I can hear you thinking:“Erika, don't pretend. Don't be so insecure and just go for it. Now what's scary about it?”. Believe me, this was very exciting for me. I wanted this job so badly but I didn't know if I could do it. Time to gather job application tips. I've just rolled into the few jobs I've had, so any help was welcome.
Look, I understood that I had to delve into my potential new employer. Their website was searched. But how do I behave? What do I say, and what not? And which job application outfit should I wear?
A dear friend who knew about my application adventure and who has experience with applying for a job gave me three very useful tips:
The very best tip came from my best friend (and HR director). She assured me that I had to be myself. I've had a permanent job for years and if I'm going to apply now, I have to “fit in” somewhere. And if you pretend otherwise, it won't work. This turned out to be the golden tip. Because after the first conversation, a second conversation soon followed. Again I was hopelessly nervous. Also this conversation I remained myself, a nervous version, that is. This second interview was followed by a personality analysis and another employment conditions interview.
I thought carefully about what I wanted and what not. In terms of salary, working hours and secondary conditions. We got on well together and suddenly I had a new job. A permanent job after almost 22 years and applying twice! The nerves were gone and joy prevailed. So, I did a good job of that. Those who know me a little will understand that I drank a nice glass of wine at the new job.
The next day I woke up with a hangover. Not from the wine, but from the realization that I had to quit my current job. And if you think my nerves peaked before the interviews, you're sorely mistaken. I had such a stomach ache from this. It felt like the end of a long, happy friendship. With lead in my shoes I informed my manager:I am resigning!
The response from my manager was so nice. Understand, sorry and granted. Those words stuck. And the sincere hug I got. Did I look so much like this now? The high word is out. My close colleagues also reacted very well. They are surprised, think it's a shame, but they wholeheartedly wish it on me. So sweet! I will miss them, but my (most?) colleagues, the company and the holding will always be in my heart.
I am really looking forward to this new job! With new possibilities, new energy and new colleagues who have already made a very positive impression on me. After signing the employment contract, I did ask if they like a glass of wine. After all, I have to remain myself!
