I am feeling a little discouraged these days.

[alarimer]

In August, I finally got my Masters degree and have started applying for jobs. I already have a job but in order to advance in my field or with my employer I felt I needed the advanced degree. I recently applied for 6 jobs within my agency. I had ONE interview so far. I haven't heard anything yet. Some of the questions during interviews really throw me. I had one that asked "What was the most difficult decision you had to make in your professional life?" I didn't really have an answer since I have never been a supervisor and have only limited leeway in making decisions. Oh well.

But the other thing I am discouraged about is that I have been waiting for months to hear if I will be interviewed for this other job, one I happen to be well-qualified for (in my opinion and in others' opinion as well). This were delayed for a while because of the hurricane but I heard that they were going to start pretty soon so I called the hiring manager to confirm. He told me that he was planning on calling everybody during the week. The thing is, he didn't tell me right there whether I would be interviewed or not and I didn't hear from him, although I was off much of Thursday and all of Friday. I am not sure whether I am just reading too much into the conversation or not. I am really feeling discouraged and frightened.

[Wapsie B]

1. I don't know exactly what advice to give you other than

trying to visualize the end result of all your efforts. See yourself in the job of your dreams.
From the way I read your post it sounds as if competition for advancement is pretty fierce in your field. Otherwise if there were a serious lack of candidates for open positions this hiring manager would be kissing your feet rather than blowing you off.

[alarimer]

2. Yes there is usually a lot of competition.

But the process for that job has dragged on since May so I am really not sure who is left of the original applicants. Or maybe I just read too much into what he said. After all, he didn't say I wouldn't be interviewed either.

[jobycom]

3. In two years you will just laugh at this

Don't sweat the momentary setbacks and lapses. You got your Masters to advance in your profession. That shows dedication to the field. It will pay off. Maybe not even in the way you want or expect, but you will be on a better track soon. Don't sweat it so much, just let it happen as it does.

[alarimer]

4. Thanks.

I hope you are right. I applied for a bunch of jobs while I was completely my degree, none of which I got.

There are other opportunities. One opening is in Brownsville, where I do not want to go. But I guess I might as well apply. It doesn't have to be a permanent move. I might just have to endure it for a couple of years.

[MrsBrady]

5. this book has helped me with stupid interview questions...

60 Seconds and You're Hired
by Robin Ryan

Talks about how to answer questions just like the one you were asked.

You can prep ahead of time and kind of know what you would say if asked "this" or "that".
Kind of like Bush or Palin, except you appear to have a brain. :)

This book should help you no problem. :)

easy read and cheap

[EFerrari]

6. I taught at a business college and my students had to learn to do

60 second "me" pitches -- because that's about as long as people really listen.

I had them write their pitch down and memorize it and then, I had them say it while they played catch with oranges. The idea was, if someone rolled them out of bed and asked for their pitch, they could do a good job even while they were finding their feet.

For a lot of them, it was the first experience with over preparing.

[alarimer]

7. Thanks.

That should help.