The commute to the suit

As being a guest writer on Gabriella’s blog today I was at a loss of what to write. The old age saying write what you know sprang to mind, which led me to think about my movements of the past week.

Having had 2 interviews for summer placements this week, this post is going to be focused on my experiences and reflections of them.

Whilst dressing up in a proper suit and sensible shoes is definitely not I would class as a normal look (currently being a typical uni student embracing life usually in some form of pyjama and/or dressing gown) I did oddly enjoy looking and feeling like a real adult. Being sort of accepted as a business person on the underground as I joined the morning commuters did make me feel as if I had joined an unofficial club.

However, the main thing from the last week I reflect on is how good or useful are interviews for hiring the right person? As they have been used for years across the majority of business and roles, they must have some merit. However, when sitting across from powerful, experienced and ultimately intimidating people I come to question how much of ‘me’ are they seeing? Are they seeing the student who puts the ‘pro’ in procrastination and spends a little too much time watching day time TV? Or do they see the polished professional (much like my shoes) that I am attempting to present to them?

In theory interviews are a way for the employer to find out more about you and vice versa, but how much are they creating a façade of what we want the other to think? Whilst I can promise all the answers I gave were fully honest, I can’t help thinking that perhaps whilst we try to show the best sides of ourselves, perhaps we should be more- well- ourselves. As my mum said to me as I was leaving to attend one of the interviews (in jest) “be yourself, but maybe a toned down version”. Whilst I smirked at the comment, a thought did occur, is that what I need to be? A toned down version of me? Is that what working life is- toned down personality replaced by professionalism and smart shoes? Or once I’ve got my foot in the door and my bum on an office chair, can I display my candy-crush-playing, come-dine-with-me-watching self? Ultimately, without wanting to make this post too deep or philosophical, I have the rest of my working life to try to figure out an answer to that question and I will endeavour to let you know.

Whilst I am yet to find out the outcome of my interviews, I can painfully relive every moment, thinking and rethinking of the insightful yet witty answers I should have given and how I tripped when entering the room *hangs head in embarrassment*. However, whilst these moments are agonising and becoming more and more dramatic, at least I can relive them from the comfort of my pyjamas, suit safely stored back in my wardrobe. And, until the real world comes knocking again, this is how I will remain for the foreseeable future watching old episodes of ‘how I met your mother’.