The Application, the Interview, and The Verdict

Taz Adamjee

Women's Post Editor-in-chief

Like any other position, my road to Women’s Post was no different. I’d been here before, several times over. Still, inside, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of anxiety as I completed The Metro’s daily sudoku puzzle on my way to the interview (I took the subway). Somewhere, deep down inside, I had a feeling that this position could unlock some doors.

True, I’ve had many jobs in the past - some I’ve liked, but most I’ve hated. Now all of a sudden, I was on my way to interview for a position that I knew I would love – writing for a well-known published magazine. To be perfectly honest, I only started writing professionally about eight months ago. Like many others, first, I started a blog, and eventually, decided to try my hand at freelance writing. Over time, one thing led to another and before I could say ‘write now,’ I was in the process of managing my own creative writing firm.

I still remember reading the posting for this position. I quickly forwarded my resume and after much deliberation, some of my best writing samples – at this point, all I could do was wait. A few days later, I received an email to set up a time for an interview. Opportunity had knocked. It was up to me to answer.

I walked into the downtown office and was greeted with a smile. As we sat down to begin the interview, the first question I was asked was probably the most important:

“Why do you want to be here?”

Uh oh. Here we go. A flurry of reasons came rushing to mind. To keep it simple though, I think I said something along the lines of “I love to write, and want to learn how a publication works from the inside.” As a freelance writer myself, this sort of position is kind of like a dream come true. Plus, it’s not everyday that you get to write for a magazine published by Sarah Thompson, Toronto mayoral candidate 2010.

I left the interview with a certain degree of confidence, but still unsure on how I had measured up. Two days later (a long two days), I received the email and the rest is history.

Using the tools I’ll gather from Women’s Post, not only will I be able to better my business, but more so, become a better writer. I’m going to be surrounded by experienced writers with whom I’ll actually be able to network with. And these days, it’s all about social networking anyway.

So, here I am, my first day at Women’s Post, excited as ever. I look forward to this position, and being a valuable contributor to the Women’s Post community.