Reflection

I am thankful I put the time in during cornerstone on my e-Portfolio. I would be really struggling right now with my course load and having to put together my final e-Portfolio. I really think this is one of those projects that don't go away, so put in the time now. There are so many projects and papers I've written since I first created my e-Portfolio. I am really trying to only put in information that shows my diversity and understanding of my areas of study. Some are just okay, but there are those I put everything into. The reflection I'm using to do all this is me trying to put myself in the other chair. Meaning, I am trying to think what I would think if I read this e-Portfolio. Does it give insight into who I am? Does it demonstrate how passionate I am about my studies? Do I appear to have more than book smarts? Can I apply what I've learned in a real setting, in real situations?

When I think about reflection, I consider it a form of mental paraphrasing. What did I experience? How did it change me or not change me? Was I able to apply it to my life? Reflection for me is a time to take all the little memories and lessons, in any situation, and get a bottom line on what the meaning turned out to be.

Reflection is different than description. When you are describing a situation you are like a journalist and leave out editorializing. When you are reflecting, you are using critical thinking to transform an action to have meaning. Use your reflections to understand the experience. How are you all doing on your e-Portfolio's. Have you started them yet?

Interviewing Part II

There are certain questions that I consider standard. Although, I recommend honesty as the way to go, there are certain ways to answer standard questions. These are questions that are asking a specific question, but really seeking other information. Such as,

Why did you leave your last employment?

This can be asking if you are planning on viewing this as a temporary job or a permanent job. It's also asking if you quit or were fired. It's giving them a baseline, if they know the answer, if you are lying. It might throw you off to have to answer a questions that you answered on an application. You might wonder if they know something that you didn't think they knew. They are looking for sincerity, if you plan on staying for a while or if you were fired.

How well do you get along with other co-workers?

They want to know if you are too social, an outcast, a rabble-rouser (yup, just said it), etc. If you answer you were the best of friends with people, you are too focused on socializing. If you said you never talked to anyone, that seems sneaky and like an outcast. You want to focus on having good working relationships with everyone, but really tried to keep it professional. That it's more effective for you to keep your private life and work life separate. They want to hear that you get along with others, but you're not there for the party.

What are your hobbies?

Careful with this one. It's a legal way of trying to see if you have a family and children. Most parents say that they love spending time with their kids! There goes that overtime they were hoping you'd complete. I've always been honest about my available hours, but that doesn't mean you have to tell them why. For hobbies, I stick to personal likes not having to do with my family. I do mention I love my family and am close.

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I don't know much about phone and panel interviews. I've been in interviews with two people, but one is usually "reading" you and the other asks the questions. It's very unnerving. I've never had a phone interview. But if I did, I would have answers jotted down ahead of time. They can't see you looking down. You want an outline though, not an essay. How obvious, right?! I'd love to hear your opinion on both.