Thinking back on an interview early in my career

I was in a Lyft riding towards downtown Atlanta when we passed a particular building on 85 south. A memory came back to me, as it does every time I go by that building, I thought I’d share it below;

Back when I was looking for work, 1996-7 timeframe I think, I didn’t have a lot of resume experience to show, or a degree, or even certifications. I was a gamble to folks, in a way. I had a 2-3 year track record in helpdesk and junior server administration.

I was interviewing for any place that would get back to me, server administration, helpdesk, telephony, networking, didn’t matter. I needed a job. I landed a face-to-face with a company in this building on 85 south and it went really well. After I did the rounds with the teams I’d be working with the manager and I sat down in his office. The conversation went like this:

Manager: You did really well on the interviews here. I’m really impressed.

Me, grinning a little: Great, when can I start?

Manager: I’m going to pass on you.

I was stunned. Speechless.

Manager: We don’t innovate here. We keep the lights on. We’re not a technology company, or even a technology focused company. We barely have an IT budget. You’d get bored here. You wouldn’t be challenged. This is really a place for people who want to retire should work for, not someone like you. So I’m going to pass on you and give you this advice – aim higher. Go into consulting where you can get exposed to a myriad of ways tech is used. Or get into a technology company where its more like a playground of tech opportunities. Challenge yourself and aim high. You’ll benefit from it down the road.

I was upset. I wanted a job. But what I didn’t realize then was, I didn’t want THAT job. I just wanted A job. I wasn’t thinking about a career. I was thinking about where my next paycheck was coming from. This inspired me to start thinking of my work life as a career. Later, when we had kids, I started thinking of the career more like chess, less like checkers. Anyway I don’t recall what I said next.

Manager: So we’re going to say no here. And write something to your recruiter so they know how to better place you. Thanks for your time today Jeff, and good luck.

This guy, in looking back, did me the highest service he could. By passing on me and saying no. I like to think I’ve had a pretty good run for no education in my field. No internships, just curiosity, thirst for knowing how things worked, and how to use them the right ways. All that kept me going in my career, a long time. So reader, my advice to you, aim higher. Go and thrive.

Till next time.