Job Interviews are Like Ice Skating

By Javier Robles

To some extent I suppose it has to do with other people questioning our ability to do a job. Maybe, because we ourselves don’t know if we would be good at the job. It can also be that we feel uncomfortable when others question our ability to do a certain job. What ever it is, it can be nerve wracking and a slap to our self esteem. Many people report feeling sick and nauseous before, during, and after the interview. A majority of the same people believed they were prepared for the interview until the interview.

I recently began interviewing for jobs within my field. It turns out that I had actually forgotten how nerve wracking an interview can really be. What is funny about this is that I have actually given numerous workshops on interviewing skills for people with disabilities. I’ve developed PowerPoint presentations and handouts specifically to address the interview from start to finish. Therefore, before the interview I reviewed my PowerPoint and ran through the process of interview preparation. I thoroughly read the job description and researched the employer. I made sure that my wheelchair was thoroughly cleaned. I brought new shoes, a suit and a pretty conservative tie.

The day of the interviewer was as ready as I could be-or at least I thought so. In fact I haven’t interviewed for so long that I forgot how difficult and scary it is. I was so nervous that I mispronounced the name of one of the interviewers. Also I told the interviewers that “I was a little nervous “, one of the main rules of interviewing is to never let them see you sweat. As the word are coming out of my mouth, and thinking to myself, shut up! But it was too late. Another important rule while interviewing is, don’t sweat the mistakes. I realize that I made a small error so I did what I would tell anyone attending the workshop-Move on!

Moving on is the most difficult thing during an interview. We tend to get stuck our mistakes and often have trouble rebounding. This is human nature especially during stresses that only an interview can provide. We’re programmed to want to do well and show our perspective employers that there will be making the correct decision if they choose me. I was trying to think of what a situation like this can equate too? Then, I thought about an Olympic skater and how the very best of them can often take a spill. What do they do? They stand up off the ice, brush themselves off and continue with the program. Sometimes, their performance after falling is just enough to keep them in the game.

Therefore, next time you feel like you can go on, remember the Olympic skater. They have everything on the line. Years upon years of practicing, experience and self determination all for one event. Regardless, of what happened on the ice; they will always get up.