Share a story about a memorable job interview. #postaday2011

I interviewed for a position in 1998 at Iowa State University. At that time on-campus interviews were a two day event. Candidates met with multiple stakeholders, colleagues, students, and upper administration in order to make the best hire.

It was August, it was extremely hot and humid as I arrived at 10:30 pm in Des Moines, Iowa. I vividly remember the drive to Ames. It was the first night of the Iowa State Fair and as we drove north on Interstate 35, we could see the fireworks display celebrating the fair. I remember thinking, "How nice of ISU to welcome me in such a colorful way!"

The Dean of Students was not able to attend any of the interview meetings, open forums, or presentations that were scheduled during my visit. She invited me to brunch at 7:30 am one day. This was wonderful one-on-one time with an amazing leader (I will leave her name out of this post out of respect. If you want to know who this is, you can do some research). We went to the brunch buffet and sat down to talk.

All of my graduate school mentoring and interview preparations highlighted several guidelines for interviews. One recommendation was to now drink alcoholic beverages during any part of the interview - even if they are offered.

The Dean accepted a mimosa from the wait staff and said, "Go ahead Penny, have one. I know they tell you not to, but I really don't care." I respectfully declined. She encouraged me again and again, I declined. We enjoyed the meal, refilled our plates, and had a wonderful conversation. The wait staff kept her mimosa filled and each time, the Dean stated that I should join her. After 5-6 times of this I said, "I would like to share something with you and I know after I do, you will feel horrible. I don't want you to feel horrible...please just hear what I'm saying as information that is good for you to know about me." I continued, "I'm a recovering alcoholic and have been sober for 8 1/2 years. I appreciate that you'd like to offer me a mimosa, but I would prefer to not drink. It just isn't good for me." She gasped and apologized and our conversation continued. After about 10 minutes she said, "That was a great way to handle that situation Penny. I appreciate your honestly."

I was hired for the position. I like to think honesty was one of the characteristics the Dean and others appreciated and continue to appreciate about me. That Dean and I are still good friends and we laugh about our brunch together in 1998. It has been almost 22 years of sobriety for me. Living honestly and alcohol-free has changed my life!