My title is not as alarming as i make it seem. but it is the only way i know how to describe my life and emotions at this point. I have made the next step in the peace corps routine. I have a interview next Thursday!!! I have no words or way of describing how i feel right now. I am behind excited and nervous all at the same time. All the filling out of paperwork and waiting has paid off. I know their is plenty of more steps behind the interview but I view it as a step forward. I am going to Seattle for the interview. It is about a 14 hour drive for me . They wanted to do it over the phone or via webcam but i felt like i needed to do it face to face.
The biggest part that i am worried about the Peace Corps is the questions. I keep going through my head what questions they will possibly ask; I am usually good at interviews and being asked random questions. I think the reason why I am so nervous for this one though is because it is something I Really want. Most of my interviews were just for "jobs". This Peace corps interview is something that can change my life. Another aspect that i am finding difficult is the questions I should be asking. I know that i should be asking something of value to the recruiter, But I feel that I have done enough research that I don't have any pressing concerns.
It is weird in one aspect now that I know the process of becoming a volunteer is well underway. How I treat relationships with people. Honestly before I mostly went out to meet people (women in particular) I went to find long term relationships. I don't look that way remotely at all. My focus has completely shifted towards peace corps. Don't get me wrong i am not saying i am not interest in meeting different people and meeting new friends. I have and always will love doing that. But how I view the immediate future with those people has completely shifted. This change applies to more then relationships with people. I don't want to buy anything because i see it as a waste. I also don't want to sit around anymore. I been trying to fill my weekends with activities that i been wanting to do. Like hiking or hanging with certain friends. Trying to hang with various family member as increased too.
The reason i feel a little Unease by all this is because it is a major shift of prospective. I knew that Peace corps was a life changing process and decision but i wasn't ready to fee the consequences so early. To most people they wouldn't like this but to me it is exhilarating. I love this feeling of being out of my usual comfort zone. it broadens your mind and horizons. I believe more people need to feel this way more often and get out of their comfort zone. All of these emotions and prospective changing altitudes has done has gotten me excited. Its going to make the waiting all that much harder.
Your going to do great man good luck!
ReplyDeleteHey, I'm an invitee and just stumbled upon your blog. The interview is definitely a huge step forward in the process, but don't sweat it.. just be yourself and answer questions honestly and confidently!
ReplyDeleteGet comfortable with your recruiter.. it makes talking to them a lot easier. If I remember correctly, they allow for you to ask them questions before the actual interview part starts. That's a great time to ask about their Peace Corps service (where they served, what they did, etc). It's a good ice breaker and shows interest on your end.
Also.. here's a link to interview questions on peacecorpswiki http://www.peacecorpswiki.org/Interview_Questions
You won't be asked all of those questions, but that's a great list. I wish I had that list before I walked into my interview. Mainly because for some of those situational questions ("describe a work situation that you wish you wouldve handled differently"), I had to think for a minute and I felt kind of awkward. So it's good to have some of those answers thought out in advance.
Just be confident! Worst case scenario... your recruiter might hold off on giving you a nomination until you get more experience. The good thing about the Peace Corps is this... if you really want to do it, it will happen. If you have a desire to do it, they want to find a place for you and it will happen.
I spent 4 hours on a plane writing down my responses to the interview questions from the wiki. I'd like to say that my preparation with the interview questions is what helped me land my nomination immediately. From what I can tell the more open you are to any type of experience, the better off you will be. I made sure that my recruiter knew that I could go anywhere, anytime. I wanted to ensure that he knew I was very flexible.
ReplyDeleteFrom what I can tell as well, how you do in your initial interview impacts placement as well. I nailed my nomination interview and I didn't have a final interview with placement. I was just placed - heck they didn't even ask me for an updated resume.
Take the time to really consider your best answers to the interview questions. Write them down if that helps. Trust me, taking the time now will truly pay off.