THE Dream Job 1/3
11th of July, I got the opportunity to apply for an entry level position at a research house. I was extremely excited as I have express my interest 2 months back (06.06.2018). This was the perfect role. I knew the company from the constant stalking of their LinkedIn page, a previous company I was working for used their products, I love the culture and it was just The One. Naturally, when they called me in for an interview, I was ecstatic. Screaming. Shouting. Blasting Feel Invincible from Skillet. I thought this was it. I have worked hard for my degree. Volunteered for the right roles. Intern at consulting firms to increase exposure. This was my time.
I planned my outfit to suit the company. I prepped my notes from researching the directors, companies, what they like and commented on their page, blog posts etc. I research on ways to excel in interviews watching videos on YouTube. Talked to the mirror and adjust. Fine-tuning to avoid umms and ahs.
26th of July. The first date.
Incredibly anxious. I felt the jitters in my hands and spine waiting in the reception. Reviewing my notes. Barely concentrating as I visualize myself waltzing in the office on my first day, greeting the receptionist and making my way to the office. We said our hellos and moved into the interview room overlooking a fantastic view of the city. I can't wait to work here and enjoy this view every single day. The MD and HR made their way to their seats and I thanked them for their time.
I asked how did the role come about. Somehow or rather brought up that I saw the MD in a web series. HR seems impressed that I found that out. I liked the way the MD grilled the people on the show. I asked about a few things on the job description, they answered and gave scenarios as to if I were working and what I would do. I gave answers from my past experiences and they "Ahah", we were on the right page. We talked about a few things in the investment industry and AI, the MD said he went for a conference and that it was something that the firm was doing.
They went into my past experiences and I elaborated on my previous internships and what I did. Showing them the products the firm use of theirs and was again on the right track with "Oh rights". I went into the challenges I faced and how I overcame them with a variety of initiative and self-help materials. I mentioned Tim Ferriss and the MD nodded and "ah yes-ed".
The MD then pointed out the last paragraph of my cover letter and I mentioned that I am also an individual investor. Elaborated on long term, ie Warren Buffett, Benjamin Graham. Noise<Long term goal/sustainability. He said it's good that I had the right mindset with the firm as that was also what they were aiming towards. Of course I knew this, and that's why I showed an interest in the firm.
HR asked what was the most challenging tsk or issue I faced. I mentioned my past internship where i had to deal with deadlines and prioritizing what we thought was important as a team. I also elaborated more on that internship and add context as to what I did. She then asked about my Excel skills which I thought I dipped a little. Hesitated. I wanted to be humble, yet I wanted them to know I can do fancy footwork on Excel. She then gave me a beginner, intermediate, advanced scale. I said intermediate. I dragged upon my units at university and that I did econometrics, data analysis and sorts that required Excel and the functions needed.
MD then asked if I was more numerical or humanities. I said humanities as I felt, writing was more subjective and being more subjective was me. I love numbers, but interpreting them would be a weak spot for me, especially when it came to explaining. As seen in my other blog saltandpepper500.blogspot.com, I like to tell stories. Numbers give you some content, it's the way you want to tell it and explain the situation and I quite like that.
He then asked about my favorite subjects, I replied without hesitation. And HR asked what was my goal in my career. I said Fund Management. I felt a light hit. That this could be THE job that get me there. Fantasizing about getting deals done with clients, speaking and laughing with my colleagues. It felt like a dream that I was able to land an interview with the company. I felt so blessed and so grateful for the direction I felt it was headed.
The next day, I sent my thank yous and pleasure to speak etc. I loved every minute of the interview.
I planned my outfit to suit the company. I prepped my notes from researching the directors, companies, what they like and commented on their page, blog posts etc. I research on ways to excel in interviews watching videos on YouTube. Talked to the mirror and adjust. Fine-tuning to avoid umms and ahs.
26th of July. The first date.
Incredibly anxious. I felt the jitters in my hands and spine waiting in the reception. Reviewing my notes. Barely concentrating as I visualize myself waltzing in the office on my first day, greeting the receptionist and making my way to the office. We said our hellos and moved into the interview room overlooking a fantastic view of the city. I can't wait to work here and enjoy this view every single day. The MD and HR made their way to their seats and I thanked them for their time.
I asked how did the role come about. Somehow or rather brought up that I saw the MD in a web series. HR seems impressed that I found that out. I liked the way the MD grilled the people on the show. I asked about a few things on the job description, they answered and gave scenarios as to if I were working and what I would do. I gave answers from my past experiences and they "Ahah", we were on the right page. We talked about a few things in the investment industry and AI, the MD said he went for a conference and that it was something that the firm was doing.
They went into my past experiences and I elaborated on my previous internships and what I did. Showing them the products the firm use of theirs and was again on the right track with "Oh rights". I went into the challenges I faced and how I overcame them with a variety of initiative and self-help materials. I mentioned Tim Ferriss and the MD nodded and "ah yes-ed".
The MD then pointed out the last paragraph of my cover letter and I mentioned that I am also an individual investor. Elaborated on long term, ie Warren Buffett, Benjamin Graham. Noise<Long term goal/sustainability. He said it's good that I had the right mindset with the firm as that was also what they were aiming towards. Of course I knew this, and that's why I showed an interest in the firm.
HR asked what was the most challenging tsk or issue I faced. I mentioned my past internship where i had to deal with deadlines and prioritizing what we thought was important as a team. I also elaborated more on that internship and add context as to what I did. She then asked about my Excel skills which I thought I dipped a little. Hesitated. I wanted to be humble, yet I wanted them to know I can do fancy footwork on Excel. She then gave me a beginner, intermediate, advanced scale. I said intermediate. I dragged upon my units at university and that I did econometrics, data analysis and sorts that required Excel and the functions needed.
MD then asked if I was more numerical or humanities. I said humanities as I felt, writing was more subjective and being more subjective was me. I love numbers, but interpreting them would be a weak spot for me, especially when it came to explaining. As seen in my other blog saltandpepper500.blogspot.com, I like to tell stories. Numbers give you some content, it's the way you want to tell it and explain the situation and I quite like that.
He then asked about my favorite subjects, I replied without hesitation. And HR asked what was my goal in my career. I said Fund Management. I felt a light hit. That this could be THE job that get me there. Fantasizing about getting deals done with clients, speaking and laughing with my colleagues. It felt like a dream that I was able to land an interview with the company. I felt so blessed and so grateful for the direction I felt it was headed.
The next day, I sent my thank yous and pleasure to speak etc. I loved every minute of the interview.
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