I had an interview yesterday in the Research Triangle Park of the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, NC triangle. I had four interviews between 9 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. I think they went pretty well, but it's hard to tell about these things. Decision-time is upon us soon, though - I'll either have an offer (or be rejected) by Tuesday at the latest.
*gulp*
I've had a lot of interviews in my life by now, but this was definitely the most corporate and professional of places. I bought a pinstripe suit and everything for this interview. Their lobby, though, was cheerfully (and tastefully) decorated with a jungle theme, including wingback chairs upholstered in fabric with monkeys. Yes, monkeys.
So blame it on the monkeys, or the lack of sleep, but I present real excerpts from my interviews:
Interviewer 2: So, you work for the Symphony. I have a friend who worked for the North Carolina Symphony, and she definitely said she didn't want to do that for the rest of her life.
Me: Let's just say I'm passionate about the music, not about the mailings.
-Later-
Interviewer 4: So, what do you think that YOU can bring to Large CRO (TM)?
Me: Well, blah blah blah, and as a result I focus and hone-in on details: I can spot a low hemoglobin value at 50 paces.
Think they're going to hire me? Yeah, I don't know either, but I can tell you that I displayed humor, intelligence, professionalism, and particular experience with oncology clinical trials that they'd be a fool to pass up.
The drive between Charleston, WV and Raleigh, NC was about 4.5 hours, both ways. At least it was really lovely and I felt like I could breathe again, in my car listening to my music.