A couple weeks ago I submitted an application for a leadership development program at work. I have applied to things like this many times over the years with mixed success and for this program in particular, I have applied twice already and not been selected. (Although the first time, I had to do my interview four days post-partum so I think that shouldn’t really count as a valid attempt!)
So why try again? Partly because I guess I’m a glutton for punishment. Partly because I still think it sounds like an interesting program. And partly because I think it could open doors for me career-wise.
That last part is the kicker — because I think it could help my career. Isn’t that why we do a lot of things? Doesn’t self-interest motivate most of us more than anything else?
The application process involved writing 4 short essays about what I’ve done to develop myself, what I’m hoping will be the outcome of my (potential) participation in the program, what I’ve done to demonstrate personal effectiveness in working with teams, and my thoughts on leadership in general.
I’ve been asked questions like this so. many. times. over the years. On college applications, on scholarship applications, in job interviews, and in interviews for programs like this. Merely reading the same questions again often leaves me feeling defeated, because it always seems like there are certain things I “should” say, and it feels like such a chore to figure out what those things are.
As I sat there staring at my computer screen, trying to think of all the “right” answers, I just got tired. Tired of trying to use the appropriate big words and key phrases. Tired of trying to say things a certain way. And so instead, I just wrote.
I flat out said that part of my interest in the program was to further my career. I flat out said that I want to learn more about how decisions are made at NASA, both following the formal/official path but also in the unspoken, behind-the-scenes ways. Because I’ve seen it. I’ve seen how things really get done, and sometimes it’s not really visible. And I want to learn more about THAT.
And leadership? It’s not flowery words and phrases, and it’s not just for the elite. We see all the “traditional” leaders testifying in front of Congress and participating in press conferences and shaking hands with our international partners, but leadership exists at the lower levels too. Every time a Russian vehicle launches to the space station, I recommend whether my directorate should be “go” or not. I’m not the one who ultimately signs the piece of paper, but isn’t my role still a form of leadership? Shouldn’t that count for something?
In the end, after my supervisor did some editing, my essays came out sounding politically correct enough…but to me, they also sounded more real and more authentic than anything I’ve submitted before. And yesterday afternoon, I repeated the same themes in my interview before a panel of senior managers while their faces remained predictably impassive.
I have no idea whether this will translate into success, but at least I can feel happy about I wrote, and I can stand behind what I said.
Wow! Keep us posted, either way!
good luck!
That’s so awesome! Great job! When you are being true to yourself (even if it’s not traditionally what they want to hear) you probably convey the most confidence which makes you an even better candidate. I bet you will get it! And if not then you know were honest and you have can’t feel bad about that, you gave it your very best and that’s all you can do. I really appreciate you writing about your career, I also work full time and blog on the side and I love hearing what other professionals face in their day jobs.
Thanks Kelsey! I heard a rumor that my interview was well-received, so fingers crossed. I’m supposed to hear something next week. I do like to write about my work life when I feel like it’s appropriate, i.e. as long as I’m not crossing any lines or making my employer look bad. When you work full-time, your job is a big part of your life — it would feel weird to never mention it at all!
My fingers are really crossed for you!! I just applied for the same type of thing at my work and really struggled with the application too. I’m glad you feel like it’s both authentic and professional – what an awesome balance.
Good luck! I have found that Most people really do want to hear the truth not the “PC” answer. Hopefully NASA can see the value in that.