Did I Just Say That??
About a year ago, I applied online with a company that is excellent in its field. It would be a great career move for me to land a job with them. I did my phone interview on Tuesday and they told me I would know more by the next day. I don't remember, though, them telling me if they wanted me to call them or if I should wait on their call. Wednesday came and by 3pm there was no word from them. Being overly conscientious to make a good impression, I decided to just drop a follow up call to them. The call went right to voice mail. Usually, I like to run a small script through my head before I leave a message so I can be short and to the point with my words. I didn't this time, so what came out was not rehearsed. It went something like this:
"Hi. This is Valerie Bailey following up on my interview from yesterday. I wasn't sure if you were waiting for my call, so I thought I'd give you a ring. You can reach me at this number, but, ya know, don't bother calling me back anytime soon. Thank you very much. Bye-bye." click.
I was frozen.
What did I just say?
I rewound the tape in my head and played it back. Did I just tell them to buzz off?
My thoughts accelerated and crescendoed in my mind... Do I call back? Do I let it go? Will I only sound more ridiculous if I try explaining myself over another voice message? They don't know me. They don't know that I can mix my words and thoughts and things come out wrong! Can you get any more unprofessional, VALERIE??
I decided to go the safe route and email them. I chuckled through the sentences as I tried to explain myself. What I MEANT to say is, "I'm in no rush. Call at your convenience." What a difference in implication!
Thankfully, they found it to actually be amusing (phew!) and hired me in spite of seeing the foot in my mouth.
Next time, I will be more careful with how I say things.
"Hi. This is Valerie Bailey following up on my interview from yesterday. I wasn't sure if you were waiting for my call, so I thought I'd give you a ring. You can reach me at this number, but, ya know, don't bother calling me back anytime soon. Thank you very much. Bye-bye." click.
I was frozen.
What did I just say?
I rewound the tape in my head and played it back. Did I just tell them to buzz off?
oh, MY GOSH!!
My thoughts accelerated and crescendoed in my mind... Do I call back? Do I let it go? Will I only sound more ridiculous if I try explaining myself over another voice message? They don't know me. They don't know that I can mix my words and thoughts and things come out wrong! Can you get any more unprofessional, VALERIE??
I decided to go the safe route and email them. I chuckled through the sentences as I tried to explain myself. What I MEANT to say is, "I'm in no rush. Call at your convenience." What a difference in implication!
Thankfully, they found it to actually be amusing (phew!) and hired me in spite of seeing the foot in my mouth.
Next time, I will be more careful with how I say things.
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