When I started the job hunting process, I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I didn’t even feel like I was hireable. I applied for anything and everything. It wasn’t until I interviewed at Company CS (the one I rejected recently) that I learnt what it was I wanted to do. I wanted to be a Sales Engineer within the cyber security industry. Unfortunately at Company CS, although I interviewed for a sales engineer role (amongst many others), there were no open positions. They instead offered me a role that I probably wasn’t very well suited to, with less money but with promise to move into sales engineering after some months. I turned them down because it was too big a sacrifice for my career.
I still applied for other jobs and was fortunate to be invited for an interview at Company R, which too is in the cyber security industry and were recruiting for a post-sales engineer. So far, I’ve done four interviews with them with one more lined up next week. Hopefully this is the final interview. They’re a good company and they even have a black CEO!
Now, guess what? There has been an opening at Company CS for a sales engineer! I applied and then personally reached out to the head of the department, who I’ve already interviewed with, to let him know to be expecting my application!
Turning them down the first time was a good decision. If I hadn’t, I would have had to wait at least nine months before I could move into a sales engineering position, which would mean nine months with a lower salary doing tasks that I probably wouldn’t enjoy. By applying directly for this role, I get to keep my current salary at my current company while waiting only a few months to get into this role as opposed to nine.
The good news is, I have an interview! I’m hoping that the process can be expedited because I’ve already interviewed for the role in the past. After my interview next week with Company R, if they give me an offer, I’ll see if I can stall for as long as possible so that if I’m successful with getting an offer from Company CS, I can choose the best company for me.
But here’s what’s amazing. They’re both in the industry I want to get into doing the role that I want to do! My varied experience doesn’t scare them and I think I’ll be happy at either. I can’t believe my fortune! After all those rejections, finally something that’s for me.
There’s another company I interviewed for, the role is, again, within sales engineering but the industry isn’t quite what I want. But they’re still a very good company and they stand in a very strong third position. Company CS is first and Company R is second.
I was overcome by sadness today with the thought of leaving my current company. I’ve been here for over three years and even though it’s been a mixed experience, it’s been a constant in my life and I will miss it and my colleagues.
Fingers crossed that I get an offer from one of them! All my boxes will be ticked if I do!!