After welcoming my little one into the world, I had the unique opportunity to rejoin the workforce just three months later. Those first six months back were filled with moments of joy and the occasional existential crisis as I considered everything from a career switch to packing my bags and sailing into the sunset. Then, a few weeks ago, a job opening popped up at a company that felt like the perfect fit. Excitement coursed through me as I landed an interview, but it was paired with a wave of anxiety: “Oh no, I actually have to go through an interview now!”
I prepped extensively. I delved into research about the company, combed through their website, and scoured the internet for insights. I made sure to rest well, eat right, and even fit in some exercise. I treated myself to a new hairstyle—highlights, a fresh cut, and a blowout. Money was no object! (Well, sort of. The next week, we lived on cereal.) I picked out the perfect outfit after consulting my fashion-forward friends.
Then came the morning of the big day. Here are some lessons I learned that I hope can help other new moms:
- Drop Off Your Baby First: Make sure to take your little one to their preferred childcare before your interview. You need that precious alone time to prepare. I got overly confident and kept my baby with me, thinking it would be fine. Instead, I ended up juggling her whims—feeding, dressing, and calming her—while trying to get myself ready. Of course, that was the day she decided to take a nosedive off the bed, saved only by a giant pillow. Naptime turned into a cacophony of coos and then full-blown wails. Trying to do your makeup amidst that chaos? Pure madness.
- Don’t Procrastinate on Self-Care: It’s tempting to think you can delay putting on makeup or reviewing your notes until right before the interview. I thought I had plenty of time and decided to save my makeup application for a Starbucks bathroom. Naturally, on that very morning, my concealer exploded all over my makeup bag. Cue frantic makeup application and last-minute studying in the parking lot of an Office Depot, three minutes away from the interview. Not ideal, my friends!
- Breastfeeding Moms, Beware: Make sure to pump before you head out, and double-check that you have all the parts. Leaving your pump’s power cord at the office can lead to some awkward moments—like milking yourself over the kitchen sink while wearing your interview attire after dropping off the baby. I definitely felt like I was living in a surreal comedy sketch at that point.
- Plan Your Route in Advance: The night before, map out your route. Trust me, your GPS will let you down when you need it most. On crucial turns, it may shut off, leaving you to navigate blindly while you curse at it and your undone makeup.
- Take a Deep Breath: As the pressure builds, it’s easy to feel like this interview is your only shot. But remember, it’s not. There are plenty of opportunities out there, and you’re capable, valuable, and much more than just a milk machine. No need for rescuing here; you’ve got this!
In the wise words of Florence and the Machine, “Shake It Off” and embrace your incredible, intelligent, beautiful self—one interview, and one breath, at a time.
For more insights on starting a family, check out our post on intracervical insemination—it might just inspire your journey. If you want to delve deeper into home insemination, Make a Mom is a fantastic resource. And for all your questions about pregnancy and fertility insurance, this link will provide excellent answers.
In summary, navigating your first interview as a new mom can be daunting, but with careful planning and a little self-care, you can tackle the day with confidence.