Jobs and Interviews

I applied for two more jobs today, the first an opening for an ESL Assistant Instructor, and the other a Citizenship Instructor. I hope I get one because I really do like the organization, and I think I could learn a lot from my colleagues there. In any case, it's an organization that I already support through volunteerism, and one I will continue to support whether or not I get the job.

My interview yesterday went pretty well! And while I am trying not to replay/cringe too much, I am trying to reflect and find ways to improve. I think, in some ways, I might be too modest about what I am capable of doing. After I talked to the guy about my time with API Chaya, he asked me if I had strong connections with the international district. For some reason I said, "well, to be honest, not really, because I've been gone for two years," when really I should've emphasized my role with orgs there and how I can definitely network accordingly. Putting this positive spin on things is something I was pretty good at when getting an engineering job... I think I need to have more faith in my abilities in the non-profit sector.

Other than that, I presented myself pretty well, answered questions effectively, and managed to form a decent connection with the recruiter, who is one of three full-time employees at the non-profit -- basically a start-up org. Now I simply have to wait to see if I made it past the first round of interviews. If I pass, I'll then have to face the Director.

Yesterday I also went to the API Chaya meet-up where I met some new people, including a girl named Kaha who graduated from the undergrad Public Administration program at UW. I am hoping that we can become good friends, and that she can provide me with some insight about the professors in the program. Pretty soon I hope to start sitting in on some classes!