Talking is like playing on the harp; there is as much in laying the hands on the strings to stop their vibration as in twanging them to bring out their music.
~Oliver Wendell Holmes
Before we get started, I’d like to pass around a minty fresh box of,
“You’ve got nothing to worry about.”
There was a tittle of concern yesterday, in comments, contact, and email, that I’d be shifting the style of Writer Dad to something, perhaps a bit saltier.
I’ve no intention of changing anything about Writer Dad, except for all the little things along the way, which naturally amount to make things better.
I soberly swear on my Macbook (and everything stored in it’s beautiful little brain) that my eight letter words shall not be divided in half.
Onward.
Today I had my first interview.
Ever.
I’ve never applied for a job, and no, I never went to college.
Writer Dad! You never told us you were a deadbeat.
I’m not. I’ve worked at least forty hours a week, often far more, since I was seventeen, without once taking a two week vacation.
I’ve been in interviews more times than I can count, I’ve just never been the one answering questions.
I was surprisingly nervous.
The hard part was coordinating time. The interview had to be at precisely lunch or rest, these being the only two times of day when I can somewhat guarantee my attention for thirty minutes.
This used to be when I’d stand just out of the children’s sight, and make funny faces so that Daisy would laugh, and maybe drop a box of crayons.
It’s messy, but fun (for me) to watch when all the colors are rolling in different directions.
The appointment was settled with a few quick emails, and I was reminded for the millionth time about the life changing beauty of such an elegant innovation.
The phone rang at exactly 11:30 this afternoon.
The following is a loose transcript of the interview.
WD: Hello.
Interviewer: Hello WD. We’re interested in you. Can you talk about yourself.
WD: ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME.
Interviewer: That’s fascinating. Tell us more.
WD: ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME.
Interviewer: You’re really interesting. The proof is that I’m still talking to you, it’s been half an hour, and I haven’t said a thing about myself. Is there anything else you’d like to add?
WD: Sure. ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME.
Being interviewed is amazing. I highly recommend it to everyone.
Your phone rings, You answer. You expound on a series of questions, where the only correct answers are talking about yourself, without interruption, and then are graciously thanked for your time.
Most conversations at least pretend to exist in dialogue, even when both parties know full well that it’s just two intersecting speeches.
An interview makes no such pretense.
This one was a lot of fun. It’s for an e-zine that’ll drop sometime in November.
But there’s another one coming first.
Writer Dad’s good friend Blogger Dad sent an email, about three weeks ago. He introduced himself, told his story, and asked for an interview. I said I wanted to stay quiet for a few weeks. He could choose his interview. Partial now, full later
He opted for a full.
I’m going to answer his questions this weekend, and you’ll see them real soon.
Writer Dad
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If you liked this, you’ll probably love, “No, No, No. I Said I Didn’t Want to be a Chooch,” or “The Great Equalizer.”
About Sean Platt
@Ian.
As someone who has both conducted interviews, and BEEN interviewed, if I may be so bold as to give you some advice: don’t be afraid to “interview the interviewer.” If you’ve gotten to the POINT of being interviewed, you clearly have the skill sets that are required.
Stand the interview on its head. Do what you can to “level the playing field” between you and the interviewer. I am NOT trying to “steal” Writer Dad’s readers – Lord knows he’s got plenty, with more coming every day. And I know you will always return for his wisdom, as do I. But, I just happened to have blogged on this very subject – I believe yesterday. Given that you and I have already corresponded, I don’t feel too awfully bad, and I hope Writer Dad understands. BUT, if you need some fresh “tactics,” feel free to take a look, from somebody whose been on BOTH sides of the table.
@Friar – I second Writer Dad. Please put up a “PLEASE EMPTY BLADDER BEFORE READING” warning when those posts come up!
Rita
@Ian.
As someone who has both conducted interviews, and BEEN interviewed, if I may be so bold as to give you some advice: don’t be afraid to “interview the interviewer.” If you’ve gotten to the POINT of being interviewed, you clearly have the skill sets that are required.
Stand the interview on its head. Do what you can to “level the playing field” between you and the interviewer. I am NOT trying to “steal” Writer Dad’s readers – Lord knows he’s got plenty, with more coming every day. And I know you will always return for his wisdom, as do I. But, I just happened to have blogged on this very subject – I believe yesterday. Given that you and I have already corresponded, I don’t feel too awfully bad, and I hope Writer Dad understands. BUT, if you need some fresh “tactics,” feel free to take a look, from somebody whose been on BOTH sides of the table.
@Friar – I second Writer Dad. Please put up a “PLEASE EMPTY BLADDER BEFORE READING” warning when those posts come up!
Rita
Writer Dad,
The way you responded to me, it’s like the unseen word “just” was before “about the blog.” Kudos no matter what! an interview about our blog is fantastic – and who knows where it can lead?
Also, any interview is an experience. Though I have 100% confidence in you – always have – if for some ridiculous reason you don’t get the desired outcome, always try to find out WHY. Ask the person “Was there anything specific that I said – or didn’t say – that made you arrive at this conclusion?”
Rock on, WD,
Rita
Writer Dad,
The way you responded to me, it’s like the unseen word “just” was before “about the blog.” Kudos no matter what! an interview about our blog is fantastic – and who knows where it can lead?
Also, any interview is an experience. Though I have 100% confidence in you – always have – if for some ridiculous reason you don’t get the desired outcome, always try to find out WHY. Ask the person “Was there anything specific that I said – or didn’t say – that made you arrive at this conclusion?”
Rock on, WD,
Rita
WD,
It’s my “y” again, needing a fix…obviously the word is YOUR blog, not OUR blog.
:-)
Rita
Ritas last blog post..My “Novel” Luncheon
WD,
It’s my “y” again, needing a fix…obviously the word is YOUR blog, not OUR blog.
:-)
Rita
Ritas last blog post..My “Novel” Luncheon
Writer Dad, I loved the line about dividing eight letters into four. That was clever.
I haven’t had an interview for at least twelve years, and, like Robin, I often felt contemptuous of the process. Though I tried hard to cover it up, I’m sure it came through. I’ve been freelancing for many years and really love the freedom (though not the sometimes long wait between checks).
Tara, I remember having an interview with an older professor, and I was completely bored. I got the job and then learned why I was so bored–because he didn’t care about anyone besides himself. He was a petty dictator who was used to having everything his own way. So beware the interviewer who makes you feel bored–it’s quite possible that that person doesn’t think you’re worth the effort of expressing interest!
Kip, I loved what you said. I’m definitely checking out your blog.
Beths last blog post..Wen Chocolates (Theme: Chocolatiers in Denver)
Writer Dad, I loved the line about dividing eight letters into four. That was clever.
I haven’t had an interview for at least twelve years, and, like Robin, I often felt contemptuous of the process. Though I tried hard to cover it up, I’m sure it came through. I’ve been freelancing for many years and really love the freedom (though not the sometimes long wait between checks).
Tara, I remember having an interview with an older professor, and I was completely bored. I got the job and then learned why I was so bored–because he didn’t care about anyone besides himself. He was a petty dictator who was used to having everything his own way. So beware the interviewer who makes you feel bored–it’s quite possible that that person doesn’t think you’re worth the effort of expressing interest!
Kip, I loved what you said. I’m definitely checking out your blog.
Beths last blog post..Wen Chocolates (Theme: Chocolatiers in Denver)
“Most conversations at least pretend to exist in dialogue, even when both parties know full well that it’s just two intersecting speeches.
An interview makes no such pretense.”
Ha. So true. I read somewhere that when people talk, they form their answer in their head while the other side is still talking.
As you said: ME ME ME ME ME.
Love this post.
Vered – MomGrinds last blog post..Almost-Wordless Wednesday: Correct Your Nose Without Operation!
“Most conversations at least pretend to exist in dialogue, even when both parties know full well that it’s just two intersecting speeches.
An interview makes no such pretense.”
Ha. So true. I read somewhere that when people talk, they form their answer in their head while the other side is still talking.
As you said: ME ME ME ME ME.
Love this post.
Vered – MomGrinds last blog post..Almost-Wordless Wednesday: Correct Your Nose Without Operation!
I had to resort to interviewing myself on my blog. :) I didn’t realize how it might come off until one commenter called it something like borderline egomaniacal (in much gentler terms, though). Good times.
“…two intersecting speeches…” Amen to that. I’m guilty of that one. In brainstorming sessions, this kind of “conversation” can be hugely helpful. Anywhere else, though, and you walk away feeling like a red light in a deserted insection. Did you even really matter in the equation?
Sara at On Simplicitys last blog post..Four Ways to Purge Your Closet
I had to resort to interviewing myself on my blog. :) I didn’t realize how it might come off until one commenter called it something like borderline egomaniacal (in much gentler terms, though). Good times.
“…two intersecting speeches…” Amen to that. I’m guilty of that one. In brainstorming sessions, this kind of “conversation” can be hugely helpful. Anywhere else, though, and you walk away feeling like a red light in a deserted insection. Did you even really matter in the equation?
Sara at On Simplicitys last blog post..Four Ways to Purge Your Closet
Hi Writer Dad: I’ve been to more interviews than I care to remember. At first they made me nervous but then I got used to it. On the one hand it’s kind of fun to talk about yourself and go on and on about all of your accomplishments, but I don’t like the “audition” feel to it. I’m glad your first interview experience was a positive one!
Marelisas last blog post..30 Tips for Getting Along With Others
Hi Writer Dad: I’ve been to more interviews than I care to remember. At first they made me nervous but then I got used to it. On the one hand it’s kind of fun to talk about yourself and go on and on about all of your accomplishments, but I don’t like the “audition” feel to it. I’m glad your first interview experience was a positive one!
Marelisas last blog post..30 Tips for Getting Along With Others
Rita: Super advice to both Ian and myself. You’re absolutely right. About everything.
Beth: I smiled when I wrote that, and my favorite compliments are the ones about the lines that make me smile when I write. Thanks.
Vered: It’s so true. Writing has actually made me more aware of my verbal behavior. I’m more conscious of wanting to hear the other side of the conversation, as if I were reading it. Thanks, Vered.
Sara: Ooh, what do you think? Should I do a Writer Dad on Writer Dad interview?
Marelisa: I’m sure I wouldn’t feel all glowy about it if it were a job interview. I think my comparison is a bit unfair.
Rita: Super advice to both Ian and myself. You’re absolutely right. About everything.
Beth: I smiled when I wrote that, and my favorite compliments are the ones about the lines that make me smile when I write. Thanks.
Vered: It’s so true. Writing has actually made me more aware of my verbal behavior. I’m more conscious of wanting to hear the other side of the conversation, as if I were reading it. Thanks, Vered.
Sara: Ooh, what do you think? Should I do a Writer Dad on Writer Dad interview?
Marelisa: I’m sure I wouldn’t feel all glowy about it if it were a job interview. I think my comparison is a bit unfair.
Hahaha…your post is so funny!! It’s nice to be interviewed. Here is the chance to elevate yourself to Be the person with all the makings of success!! Now how many of our partners or friends are willing to sit through our all-about-me-conversations without telling us to “shut up”?
Evelyn Lims last blog post..My Abundance Mind Movie
Hahaha…your post is so funny!! It’s nice to be interviewed. Here is the chance to elevate yourself to Be the person with all the makings of success!! Now how many of our partners or friends are willing to sit through our all-about-me-conversations without telling us to “shut up”?
Evelyn Lims last blog post..My Abundance Mind Movie
Wow, who’d of thought interviews could be so fun. You should have tried it out much earlier. I will be watching for your next on blogger dad.
Wow, who’d of thought interviews could be so fun. You should have tried it out much earlier. I will be watching for your next on blogger dad.
You crack me up. It’s all about you isn’t it!
:-)))))))
Harmonys last blog post..What if we Lost Our Ability to Choose?
You crack me up. It’s all about you isn’t it!
:-)))))))
Harmonys last blog post..What if we Lost Our Ability to Choose?
Evelyn: No one. That’s why we should be interviewed as often as possible.
James: Within two weeks. Promise.
Harmony: Only sometimes.
Evelyn: No one. That’s why we should be interviewed as often as possible.
James: Within two weeks. Promise.
Harmony: Only sometimes.
You reminded me that in an interview you can focus on the question, the questioner, or yourself. You can be in the moment, one pitch at a time … or your eyes can be on the scoreboard wondering what you look like from the stands above.
J.D. Meiers last blog post..Social Loafing
You reminded me that in an interview you can focus on the question, the questioner, or yourself. You can be in the moment, one pitch at a time … or your eyes can be on the scoreboard wondering what you look like from the stands above.
J.D. Meiers last blog post..Social Loafing
Hi Writer Dad,
This is precious. I love that ME, ME., to the hundredth power. If we don’t promote ourselves, who will?
Barbara Swaffords last blog post..You Have The Whole World In Your Hands
Hi Writer Dad,
This is precious. I love that ME, ME., to the hundredth power. If we don’t promote ourselves, who will?
Barbara Swaffords last blog post..You Have The Whole World In Your Hands
Rita: Thank you so much for the advice. I am headed over to your place to read that post right now.
WD: Thank you for bringing all of these great people together on your site.
Rita: Thank you so much for the advice. I am headed over to your place to read that post right now.
WD: Thank you for bringing all of these great people together on your site.
WD,
Congrats,
I was sitting here thinking, on a Job interview, i have no problem, that’s sales after all. Find out their needs, give it to them..and I ask as many questions as I answer.
I think I am more used to asking questions then answering them. It comes to my mind that I have never been interviewed in the way you just were and I’m not sure what that would be like to be on the hot seat.
I might get very shy.
WD,
Congrats,
I was sitting here thinking, on a Job interview, i have no problem, that’s sales after all. Find out their needs, give it to them..and I ask as many questions as I answer.
I think I am more used to asking questions then answering them. It comes to my mind that I have never been interviewed in the way you just were and I’m not sure what that would be like to be on the hot seat.
I might get very shy.
Writer Dad,
Don’t think the smoke cleared just yet.
I haven’t said anything yet—for some reason I just get busier as I age—it sucks, but I’m working on a post—can’t say about what yet—and you’re absolutely, positively, necessary for the success of this post.
So brace yourself Writer Dad, ’cause an email is going to be sent your way in the coming weeks, and yup . . . it’s for an interview!
And I’m not taking no for an answer!
Luis Grosss last blog post..Should Posts Be Short and To The Point or Long and Detailed?
Writer Dad,
Don’t think the smoke cleared just yet.
I haven’t said anything yet—for some reason I just get busier as I age—it sucks, but I’m working on a post—can’t say about what yet—and you’re absolutely, positively, necessary for the success of this post.
So brace yourself Writer Dad, ’cause an email is going to be sent your way in the coming weeks, and yup . . . it’s for an interview!
And I’m not taking no for an answer!
Luis Grosss last blog post..Should Posts Be Short and To The Point or Long and Detailed?
Keep having interviews. At some point, someone will place the screws on you. Then the fun begins :)
Dereck Coatneys last blog post..Anticipation
Keep having interviews. At some point, someone will place the screws on you. Then the fun begins :)
Dereck Coatneys last blog post..Anticipation