Last semester, I began submitting my resume to job openings that interested me on Knightlink. Right away I got a bite from Jackson Wealth Management, LLC. They requested an interview within a few days of me submitting my resume. I told my mom about it and she recognized the name of the company right away. Our old neighbor got a job with the company after he graduated UCF with a finance degree and my mom remembered his parents telling her how horrible the company was to their employees. So, I told the person recruiting me thanks for the opportunity, but I am currently seeking another opportunity. I secretly wanted to at least take the interview to practice my interview skills, but after hearing about the company from my old neighbor, I didn't even think I'd learn anything from the interview.
I heard back from a couple of other companies, but they were looking for recent graduates and requested that I submit my resume again once I graduate in May. I was kind of disappointed that I didn't hear back from all the companies I submitted my resume to. However, I didn't let it stop me from searching Knightlink for new opportunities every other week.
I submitted my resume to Classic Mazda on Knightlink for two different positions on Thursday. December 11th, 2014. One was for a Sales Specialist / Management Trainee and the other position was for a Financial Services Representative. I received an email from the General Manager at Classic Mazda requesting me to come in for an interview on Friday, December 26th, 2014. I used Veronica's computer in Texas to reply to let the GM know that I was currently out of town, but would like the opportunity to schedule an interview for the following week. Through being sick I managed to set up the interview for Friday, January 2nd in the afternoon.
On the 2nd, it took a team effort to prepare me for the interview. My sisters dressed me, and did my hair and makeup so that I would still have energy for the interview since I was still recovering from being sick and wore a depend to the interview because I still didn't completely trust my bowels again. Yes, I went to the interview in a diaper. The interview with the GM went fantastic. We had a great conversation of where I'm at with school and what I'm looking for in this job, which is a challenging career with opportunity for growth. The GM explained the whole operations and I got a really clear picture of the company, which is a company I can totally rally behind and see myself becoming a part of its family. He explained the opportunities of the two positions and asked which one I wanted. I chose the sales position even though it's less pay because that is where I can better learn the industry with plenty of room for growth within the company. The GM made it clear that if I get the job in sales, as long as I work hard, work efficiently, and do my job well I have a chance to move to the finance department... Perhaps right after I graduate. At the end of the interview he requested that I fill out an online job app and he would send my file to HR for a second interview. He also said that I have a great personality.
HR called me Monday, January 5th to set up my second interview, which I scheduled for Friday, January 9th. I filled out paperwork and took a 60 question survey, and then I waited to be called back for the interview. The interview went splendidly! Typical interview questions about weaknesses and strengths. The lady I interviewed with also took my paperwork from my first interview and made copies of required documents that I brought with me. After the interview, I had to write free response explanations to some of my survey answers. I returned it to the front desk where I picked up my pre-employment drug test papers and went to Centra Care. I peed in a cup and brought a receipt of my visit to CentreCare back to HR. HR then had to review my file, run a background check, and get my drug test results before calling me to let me know their hiring decision.
I got a call this evening from Classic Mazda to let me know that I got the job! This makes me SOOOOO happy! I'll start January 26th, but until then I'm going to try to schedule my orientation and training lessons during my days off so that I can hit the ground running when the 26th rolls around. This opportunity excites me greatly! I can't really put into words the way I felt when I got that phone call. It's like my future is right before my very eyes.
