Over at RevGals, Mother Laura has posted an intriguing Friday Five, "Interviews". Here is my play:
1. What was the most memorable interview you ever had? Two come to mind. First, several years ago, I was interviewing at an institution for a chaplaincy position. I wasn't out at the time, but had progressive views on GLBT ordination, rights, etc. The interviewer, trying to intimidate me, asked me point blank if "I was one" Shocked, I said, "are you asking me if I am a lesbian?" The person smugly sat back and said, "yes". I was flabbergasted, so much so, when my escorts picked me up, and asked me how it went, I just blurted out the experience. As I went off to my next appointment with a group of people, they went straight to the CEO of the institution. Of course there were profuse apologies, and I think they were skeered I would sue. I was outrageously and deeply shocked at the interviewer's hate and sense of control and power
The second was for my present ministry. It was my second interview, they asked for several presentations. It was pretty rigorous...but in the two hours we were together, the experience was grounding, real, honest--for me, and the committee. It felt like communion. Driving home, I felt so integrated, and it was the turning point in the process for all of us. It was pretty amazing.
2. Have you ever been the interviewer rather than the interviewee? If so, are you a tiger, a creampuff, or somewhere in between? I am friendly, pointed, clear....I try to listen alot and then poke between the lines to get a sense if the job and the person are a good fit. I like interviewing people....
3. Do phone interviews make you more or less nervous than in-person ones? I don't get nervous, and I don't mind a phone interview to figure out if the next step in the process is one to take or leap into.
4. What was the best advice you ever got to prepare for an interview? How about the worst? hmmm. Best? Dress for success baby! Look as fabulous as you ARE! Can't think of bad advice....
5. Do you have any pre-interview rituals that give you confidence? Praying, singing, and mediating works for me!
Between Us
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I am writing this reflection on the “pre” side of election. You are
reading this reflection on the “post” side of the election. The news last
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6 comments:
My, my, what some people won't try in the name of power and intimidation! Good for you and your escorts for speaking out!
Singing really helps for me, too. Don't know why.
#1 sounds like a horrible experience.
It wasn't really horrible as it was just a surprise. I wish I would have thrown it back at the person, with, "Oh, well, what about you? Are you gay?" just to sort of show how inappropriate his question was. It clearly wasn't asked in a kind way, but in a "witch-hunt" kind of way. Instead, I muffled with an answer about being woman identified feminist from the dominant culture committed to being open and changed by God's message of love to all God's people. OH well. I ran into the person professionally several times after, and I just refused to give the person any bit of my presence--not a hello, handshake, or even acknowledgement. Not Christian? I don't know. I think it was self-care and preservation.
Whoa--I can't believe the person actually said that. Thank goodness you had people to advocate for you and that they were taken seriously by those in authority.
And how wonderful to hear of the opposite experience in your present ministry.
I have never met someone who enjoys being an interviewer, I am impressed.
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