One of the many stressful and exciting experiences that a man can undergo is that of applying for a job. Everyone who are surely trying to alleviate their status and struggle for comfort living have all kinds of experiences in job applications, particularly, job interviews. Although many people often forget the things that have happened during a job application due to the emotions of tension and nervousness, it is quite beneficial to try to observe details that may be of great help for other future endeavors.
Thus, writing in a journal what has taken place is very crucial for learning. One very effective way of trying to get the best out of an experience is using the DIEP formula for reflective journal. DIEP is an acronym that means D – describe objectively what happens, I – interpret the events, E – evaluate the effectiveness of what you have learned or observed and P – plan how this information will be useful to you (SLC, 2007). It is by using this formula that I try to evaluate and learn from my experience on applying for a job.
Upon discovering a job vacancy, one does not grab the chance right away. It is important that some research should be done regarding the job vacancy and the company. Thus, background reading is done. By doing so, the job description is analyzed. Is the job really for me? Will it help me develop my character and personality? Do I enjoy the work in this job? These are just some of the questions that are very important. It is also important that the company background be studied. In job interviews, it is normal to feel tense.
But the most important of all is that one can balance both tension and confidence. Noticeably, this is what most human resource officers look for, that is, grace under pressure. To interpret the events, it is important that the goals of the experience are analyzed. Thus, the reasons for getting the job and why that particular job is interesting should be clarified. This is easy for one’s own self. But what are more significant are the inputs we get from other people, especially those who are hiring us and those who are also trying to get the job.
Such things like the mistakes another job seeker commits should not be committed by you. For example, seeing a late fellow job seeker, it is important that I take note of the time and always be prompt. Another example, taking note of questions the human resource officer is asking you during the interview can also be done. Evaluating the experiences, it is important that all events are recorded into one’s memory. Past mistakes should not be committed again. Furthermore, unanticipated events should make one to be more critical next time.
The most important part of all in all experiences is making resolutions. This is parallel with planning for the future using what one has learned in the past. How could these be done? By trying to correct past mistakes next time. Simple things like, thinking up questions that may be posted on you by the employer should be a habit before job interviews. Questions you didn’t expect the first time should be answered in advance in case it will be asked on another interview. Finding ways to increase self confidence during job applications should also be enhanced.
The sense of a demarcating line between confidence and boastfulness should be mastered. Furthermore, good grooming should not be overlooked. Summarily, in all the events in one’s life, whether they be failures or successes, it is important that we learn from them. Trying to find the lesson in every experience makes us better persons. If we do not adhere to this, we will always commit the same mistakes and pitfalls and our self development will be in jeopardy.
References
Study and Learning Center (SLC). (2007). Reflective Journal Help. RMIT University.