I got the job! I am so excited. The position is a really good fit.
So this will be my last post in this blog - Applying Life Lessons During My Unemployment 2014.
I will create a new blog(s) for new topics.

The interview yesterday went really well. I learned much more about the project/system during the interview and am happy to say that the job is a better fit than previously thought. I await the decision.

I like when things become clearer as you get additional information (and I am thinking of the phrase "shed more light on"). Some people say "The more you know, the more confused you are," but I am not sure about that. Maybe a person would be more confused if there is conflicting information or too much information or there is no understanding of the information. I can say that needs/issues etc. should become clearer as a BA collects and analyzes more information on a project. Each round should be better than the last.

Take the following activity diagram for example - it provides details on the Prepare Application for Job process in the level-0 diagram I prepared on Monday. Now that I have prepared the diagram, I realize that I use past applications a lot when preparing new job applications. This means that the level-0 diagram I prepared on Monday would need a data flow from the Applied file (data store) to the Prepare Application for Job process. The data moves in both directions. I also realize that I should add a data flow from the Interview file with calendar data store to the Respond to proposed interview/interest process. I will likely check my calendar before responding or proposing a new date and time.



So it is about learning and also getting a better understanding and/or better results with time. Now learning from mistakes and learning from the past makes even more sense.

"There are no mistakes. The events we bring upon ourselves, no matter how unpleasant, are necessary in order to learn what we need to learn; whatever steps we take, they're necessary to reach the places we've chosen to go."
- Richard Bach

"We cannot turn the clock back nor can we undo the harm caused, but we have the power to determine the future and to ensure that what happened never happens again."
- Paul Kagame

After writing about my job application process this morning, I decided to model the process. I thought it would be fun to develop a DFD diagram for my job seeker system. Here is the level-0 diagram along with the context diagram. Maybe I’ll prepare an activity diagram later.

At this point, I have a process for applying for jobs. I have an "incoming" folder for jobs I want to apply for. I record the date I added the job to the folder, job title, company, listing source (LinkedIn, job board etc.). I regularly review this list and submit applications for these jobs. I have an "applied" folder for the jobs I applied for (jobs move from the incoming folder to the apply folder). I record the submission date and method (online application, email etc.) and keep a copy of the resume and cover letter used.  I have an "interview" folder with a file for each interview. I record the date of the interview, interviewer, additional details on the job, and sometimes my thoughts on how the interview went. When preparing for an interview, I am always happy that I kept a copy of the job posting.

I have had mostly telephone interviews. Times are changing. A lot more employers are using the telephone interview to screen candidates. I have my first in-person interview this Wednesday. I am excited. It is a really good position and I want it.

As I am preparing for the interview, I am recalling the quotes on persuasion I reviewed for the LessonsProject. After all, an interview is about making a good impression and persuading the employer to hire you.

"People are persuaded more by the depth of your conviction than by the height of your logic -- more by your own enthusiasm than any proof you can offer." - Cavett Robert

"What convinces is conviction. Believe in the argument you're advancing. If you don't you're as good as dead. The other person will sense that something isn't there, and no chain of reasoning, no matter how logical or elegant or brilliant, will win your case for you. " - Lyndon B. Johnson

"There is only one way to get anybody to do anything. And that is by making the other person want to do it." - Dale Carnegie

"To persuade or sell you must solve a person's problem or help them seize an opportunity." - Tony Alessandra

I also found the following articles:

"How to Use Persuasion to Ace the Job Interview"
by Neil Kokemuller.
http://everydaylife.globalpost.com/use-persuasion-ace-job-interview-6409.html

"How to Prepare Persuasive Job Interview Answers"
http://www.interviewsuccessformula.com/job-interview-tips/how-to-prepare-persuasive-job-interview-answers.php

I am worried that too much persuasion would annoy or turn off the interviewer. I also want to be completely honest (no deception). Maybe I'll stick to what has worked for me in the past.

This past week was my "feel good" week. The events that made me feel good:

(1) I connected with my high-school computer studies teacher on LinkedIn (A. Mancey). I sent him a note saying that I did not plan, and never expected to be an IT/computer professional, but I am. I thanked him for those computer studies classes.
I still remember the project/coursework I completed for the GCE O Level Computer Studies Examination - a Pascal program to solve simultaneous equations.  I remember choosing that topic because I had recently learned to solve simultaneous equations in Math class and thought it was pretty cool. And I remember working really hard on that computer program and learning about arrays and memory etc. I ended up with a working program that I was proud of and got a B for my effort. I completed the exam and basically moved on. I did not choose computer studies for the GCE A Level Examinations and later went on to complete an economics degree (but I did elect two computer courses for my degree). Now I am an IT professional. I feel somewhat like someone who became something they never thought they would/could become.

(2) My sister got the new job/promotion she really wanted. She cried tears of joy when told she was selected for the position. I am very happy for her and am picturing my moment when I get the job I really want. Her success motivates me to succeed.

(3) I spent some quality time with my father.

All unplanned and unexpected, and I feel great!

My job hunt continues. It really is a job - searching for open positions, submitting applications, preparing for interviews etc. It does seem monotonous after a while. I think it is important not to lose hope....
“Hope changes everything. It changes winter into summer, darkness into dawn, descent into ascent, barrenness into creativity, agony into joy.” - Daisaku Ikeda

“Expect to have hope rekindled. Expect your prayers to be answered in wondrous ways. The dry seasons in life do not last. The spring rains will come again.” - Sarah Ban Breathnach

“If you wish to succeed in life, make perseverance your bosom friend, experience your wise counselor, caution your elder brother, and hope your guardian genius.” - Joseph Addison

I read of people who gave up, who stopped looking for a job. They lost hope. I am not sure what keeps hope alive in a person. Maybe faith has something to do with it.

“Hope and faith are two intimate brothers; they always go together. Hope nourishes faith and faith treasures hope.” - Sri Chinmoy

“Hope is faith holding out its hand in the dark.” - George Iles

“Hope is putting faith to work when doubting would be easier.” - Unknown

Somehow I know that I will not give up hope, not only because of my faith but because of my past and because I am a person who usually sticks to her guns. I have hope. I have faith. I believe in myself.

It is so true that you should be prepared for the unexpected. I am currently looking for a new job because of unexpected "funding issues" at work. And now my father is ill.

My father's illness changes things a little. I now feel like I should stay in the DC area to be close.
But, I don't really want to rule out out-of-the-area jobs. I did apply for some out-of-the-area positions that I am really interested in.  I have faith that everything will work out.

By the way, I applied for a position today that required certification/acceptance of this statement: 

I certify that I have read and understand the applicant instructions for this application and that the answers given by me to the foregoing questions and statements made by me are complete and true to the best of my knowledge and belief. I understand that any false information, omissions or misrepresentations of facts called for in this application, whether on this document
or not, may result in rejection of my application or discharge at any time during my employment.
I authorize the company and/or its agents, including consumer reporting bureaus, to verify any of this information.
I also understand that the use of illegal drugs is prohibited during employment. If company policy requires, I am willing to submit to drug testing to detect the use of illegal drugs prior to and during employment.

I certified without reservation. But I wonder how many people put false information in their applications. Would desperation drive someone to include false information in his resume? I don't think I'll ever reach that point.