Back in March/April time I applied for 5 or 6 more senior positions in my industry, looking to move onwards and upwards. It seems bizarre with hindsight that I opted to test the job market as the world went into lock down, and yet great opportunities were advertised. My guess was that recruitment would be put on hold and then reactivated once the dust settled.
A few months later – with career progression off the radar (let’s be honest, it doesn’t seem important whilst people are dying) – those recruitments were reheated by the respective institutions as I expected. Truth be told I had found a rhythm over summer that I really enjoyed, centred on dieting and working out. I felt the best I had in years and as a consequence, had grown reluctant to rock a happy/steady boat. Professional recruitment processes are desk-bound and time consuming so it was obvious that re-engagement would do just that. Nonetheless, when notification comes through of a final stage assessment you have no choice but to give it your best shot. None of us can afford to pass up good opportunities especially in the current climate.
It was against this backdrop that I dropped everything in the first 2 weeks of August to prepare for a final assessment. Sure I was happy in my summer bubble but the job seemed close to perfect; it’s a great school, great University and the campus is even on the beach. Seriously, what a perk…! 🙂
The interview was the hardest I have ever done so my only hope was that other finalists found it as difficult as I did. This must have been the case because the next day I got an offer, with my new boss commenting that I was “head and shoulders above the rest” (or words to that affect). After the assessment I felt beat up and exhausted, it was rigorous to say the least. To come through the other side intact with an offer was very rewarding, it definitely felt earned.
As things stand I expect to start in 6-8 weeks. I look forward to making the most of this genuinely exciting opportunity and before that, I hope to enjoy a nice balance of rest and workouts. I want to start this new era in the best shape possible… 🙂
Thank you to my bf who helped me prepare x
Dr Martin James 