Where’s Alex?

I recently came across a Graduate Design Engineer contract position for which I had the necessary CAD skills and experience working with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). If successful, work starts with training in the South of France for one month. Just like any other job application, I submitted mine in 3 mouse-clicks: Apply, Allowed to Work, and Submit.

Later in the afternoon, the recruitment agent called to find out more about me and to help register my interest in the position with her client. After the call, I began to realise that this position was beginning to look my dream job because it had I-DEAS (CAD), travel (UK, South of France), and training (automotive).

From ‘experience’ (2 out of 3 interviews), they would have called back within a week with an invitation for an interview if they wanted to take me further. I remember telling my Dad about it twice so two weeks passed without a word. Another opportunity Lost in Space? Britney Spears goes ‘Oops! I did it again…’

Sigh… (and ‘Yuck!’ for the song).

I was on my way back from Salisbury after visiting Avebury and Stonehenge. I had just taken my seat on the National Express coach (or bus) that was 30 minutes late when Laura (the recruitment agent) called. The client supposedly had an interest and inquired what was my salary expectation and if I am available for an interview the following week which was to be confirmed. Oh, yes. I was beginning to get excited again.

Another week passed, and I was back to becoming anxious. Called Laura 3 times and left her a message but she didn’t return my call (just like in the movies?).

Got through to her today. Turns out another 2 more candidates, each with Powertrain knowledge and experience dealing with Ford respectively attended interviews. I’ve lost out on experience, again.

After 6 months of job searching, you might be thinking I should have a pretty good indication of my situation by now. I have just taken stock and found a new title for myself: The Nearly Man.

Always finding myself at the bottom of recruitment agents’ shortlist (at least I was short listed). Or at best, being top of a second shortlist of 3 candidates, go for the first and second interviews only to find that the position had fallen away after a department restructuring 2 months after applying for it.

But I have to remind myself that God’s plans for me, though I may not know it now, is what is best for me because no one loves me like He does. My job now is to:

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2

because:

In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.
Ephesians 1:11-12

Yes, even for The Nearly Man. Happy 6-month Anniversary.