Wasim El-Haj
You’ll have noticed the hiatus – I’ve had a busy few months. My appendix was extracted in May and I went on to gain two jobs. Yep, life can change fairly quickly. Remember my first post? Patience and persistence are keys to success!
I had spoken to my then-boss at the start of May and asked if she would support me with my job application. She agreed to support me a referee. I was still waiting to hear back about a job I went and had an interview for in rural NSW back in March and of course I was going to keep applying! Never cease until you succeed!
A few days later I was in hospital with appendicitis. Unfortunately I didn’t appear to be in sufficient pain and so the surgeon asked me to go home after my 12.5 hour wait. I managed to convince him that I was in pain and a CT scan revealed acute appendicitis needing emergency surgery. I encourage people to always be skeptical and curious.
Alas, that was the same week this advertised job would close. The job description was not my dream role, but it was a permanent full-time job, and gaining experience is key. Despite taking my laptop with me and spending a few days in hospital, I was in no mood to compose my job application, preferring some good old Netflix drama. I missed the deadline.
A month later two more jobs were advertised. One of them, in particular, had a job description I found more appealing. I applied to both, was offered interviews to both, and only attended one. The reason? I was offered the job I wanted most the day before the second interview and thus informed the second place that I would not be attending.
Furthermore, a previous application for a part – time job came through after earning my new job. I informed them I was unlikely to have much time for the role, but they were still keen to interview me. The interviewers said they were impressed with my interview and offered me a role that worked around my availability.
What’s the lesson learnt from all this? When a door shuts in your face, open it. That’s how doors work. It is easy to give up and feel defeated. I’m sure sometimes I’ve been turned away from job offers for unfair reasons. It happens. One could complain or appeal, but then again, do I want to work in such a place anyway? The important thing is to persist, while maintaining your skills and increasing your experience.
My resume and interview preparation now are the culmination of so many refinements, incorporating feedback.
To answer the question from the start, the successful removal of my appendix was a blessing, and the missed opportunity for the job I intended to apply for in May was also blessing; it meant I was able to apply and gain an even better position.
Persist.