Hit The Submit Button

On one particular Saturday, I decided to go to a local Job fair instead of my weekend job. I went with a good friend of mine and we both dressed to impress. We both prepared cover letters, had all the required documentation, and everything besides an approval letter or job offer. We were both sure that we would secure a job from the event. As my friend and I entered the building we were greeted by the enthusiastic front desk attendant.

Am I wrong for being sarcastic in that last sentence? It was quite the contrary. After the greeting we received instruction to sit in a broadly diverse lobby area. I noticed people of all ages and races — oh, and tension was there... Plenty of tension. At this point you should be able to imagine that it was pretty awkward.

Names were called one by one. Eventually, my name was called for the initial interview. I entered a room with several iPads facing me and a panel of working professionals. I was offered a seat at the desk and they instructed me to fill in my "Pre-registration" information and other basic information. After this short process, I was instructed to remain seated in the lobby area until I received further instruction.

At this point, the process becomes slightly confusing. I noticed more people coming into the lobby area. Seating was already scarce prior their arrival. After about 30 minutes my name was called. If it were any minute later I would have been behind a bathroom door handling business... If you know what I mean.

In other news, the interview went well. They asked all the typical interview questions and I answered to the best of my ability. The interviewers seemed intrigued by my responses, which I will never reveal. Some things are best kept secret, like that secret sauce your relative wont tell you about.

After the interview I was sent to the lobby again. Yes, I've been sent to the lobby three times at this point. I sat there for at least another 20 minutes before they called a group of us to receive the next instruction. Next, we had to sit in secluded rooms and give written responses to unconventional prompts. After my friend and I concluded the written responses we were told that we were considered finalists. The tedious and prolonged process finally seemed worth it.

We had 24 hours to complete the application process so we immediately completed the task. I decided to fill out the application first then I passed along the laptop. Everything seemed to be going well at this point. The next step was to wait for the employer to update our application status after about 1-2 weeks.

After about 1 week my friend received news that he got the job. I assumed that I would also hear from the employer. I did not even go online and physically check my status because I thought everything was ok. I remember hearing that we should not worry if we were not contacted during the event. Apparently, they hold applications for 6 weeks while they train other hiree's. Although, this is while other positions remain open due to the volume of people that attended the event.

After about 3 weeks I became concerned that something was wrong and I checked my account online. Upon viewing my account the application was never sent... I swore I hit the submit button. An array of emotions came over me as I repeatedly hit the submit button. Although, It was too for past the deadline. Applications were no longer being accepted. I called with concern and they did absolutely nothing.

Afterwards, I realized that I would simply take advantage of the mishap and apply to over 100 other position's. I may have been denied from every single one — but atleast I had my dignity. I would never allow negligence to alter my chances of success again.

As humans we make mistakes and we are far from perfect. Just don't be too hard on yourself. Put yourself in a better position after failure. How will you react to failure? I hit the submit button over 100 times that night. How will you be resilient and refuse to take no as an answer?

-Chandler L. Cotton Jr.