Interview secured, CV looks perfect. Everything is good up until the potential employer sees the modest “Awards/Bibliography” part in my CV and asks the ultimate question:
“You do realize that this job is different from writing a novel or a play?”
Funny thing is, in three interviews, the three interviewers asked the very same question using the same words. Yes, I’m aware that it is different. The job interview would careen into a discussion of my works, and the themes behind my work, and then a debate of the validity of such writing techniques/themes. Quite charming isn’t it? But I still do need a job, you know?
As you read, I’m filling out a job application that looks more of the Big Book of Family History, yes, indeed, it is an Embassy. You make a wild guess.
Of course, if an interview was ever to happen, the bet of the day is when would the interviewer ask about my writing and decide never to give me a call.
What is it about writing and writers that seems to make employers shy away? Do we come across as rebellious creatures that could never be tamed to sit at an office? Or is it the imagination that worries them? Mmm… I wonder.
Filed under: Job | Tagged: biblography, embassy, interview, Job, office, Writing
wait! what happened to grad school plans?
it would be easier then to apply for a writing job
worst case scenario: when in jordan, lie on your resume, particularly with regards to international experience.
…and thats how you get a job
Well, somebody’s gotta pay the bills
I’m applying to Cornell when I’m ready 
7alaget la Yale 
Amino, if it is THAT Embassy, I found out they don’t let dependents of the employees do any professional writing in Jordan. whoa.
Once a friend asked me to be a reference as she was applying for a higher level of security clearance, and one of the questions was if they wrote for any local publications! Somehow being a writer could compromise ones loyalty to country? Whhhooooaho, guess I can forget that work option.
It would be quite fun to see you there, though.
Nas,
I’ve applied to part-time/freelancer writing positions, didn’t work out. I’m not sure if it’s my writing style or the fact that I write pieces about agnostics, citizenship, and the police forces’ non-existent training to deal with cases of rape. Oh well, c’est la vie?
Kinzi,
Indeed! Being a writer seems to compromise loyalties. I think it’s the question of whether you will conform or not — the kind needed for secrecy and a security clearance. I’m applying for an internship there, and the university isn’t providing us with the information needed. It’s a huge mess. Not to mention, I’ve been applying to part-time jobs (since I’m a senior), for a while now, nothing working out so far. Hooray for me being a writer
Amino… if you want to write for a magazine, send me an email…
And about writers scaring employers, yeah it’s interesting
in my old job, when I told them that I freelance they said i’m not allowed to do it because as an employee of their company everything I write reflects on their corporate image!! and I was like “huh??”
HAHAHA! no comment
i think sometimes people are just a tad slow!!!
Wait, mesh elmafrood big H and Y? Men aimta Cornell?
When I was applying for jobs in Canada, I found out I missed out on some interviews because they thought I was a woman from my name.
The funny thing is when they were actually looking for a woman, and I show up for the interview !
I often wonder about the criteria employers put on their checklists when considering applicants.
Maybe you should make 2 versions of your CV. One more “artsy” and one more “corporate”. In the artsy version showcase your playwriting work and in the corporate, put “writing plays” as an interest/hobby. Hehe.
I often wonder about the criteria employers put on their checklists when considering applicants.
Maybe you should make 2 versions of your CV. One more “artsy” and one more “corporate”. In the artsy version, showcase your playwriting work and in the corporate, put “writing plays” as an interest/hobby. Hehe.