Went on an interview today for a job that pays less than my daughters get babysitting.
The job is for an communications specialist in a public school setting. Letting the public know what’s going on and why; what’s fact; what’s rumor; the successes, failures, and everything in between. Translating teacher/administrator/board of ed talk into language everybody can understand.
I can do this with my eyes closed. In my own town, I regularly take what I hear at the bus stop or soccer sidelines and find out if it’s true. Rather than feed or ignore the rumor mill, I figure I’m a taxpayer, a parent, and resident. Nip the rumors in the bud, and put out the fires before they burn the town down.
I showed her some clips, and she read them. You’d be amazed at how many people don’t read samples when hiring a writer. She read them.
This administrator actually read and read, saying “you’re quite good.” She said I had “spark.” I was “a breath of fresh air.” “You write from the heart.” “You have a real voice.”
I didn’t win the essay contest I so wanted, and bossman cut my hours to a hobby. But just when I was feeling no better than a memo-writer for a school system, this academic kept the spark alive.
She promised to call personally either way by the end of the week and I believe her. She may or may not offer me the job, but she inadvertently offered so much more.
Congrats. It’s nice when talent is recognized and even nicer when it is appreciated!
My boss (lady) not that it should matter, is a b@#*# and would do well to learn how important (and ego soothing) compliments are. Sometimes you can be having an incredibly crappy day and just a few kind words may erase a great deal of angst. It’s about time someone was not only aware of your talents but verbalized as much!!!