You Never Know When the Interview Will Strike

In my old lives, interviewing used to be so simple, so cut and dried. I would hear about a job that sounded interesting. In college, it would be by glancing at the career services bulletin board on my way to class. At work, it would be through whispered conversations with headhunters or by reading the colorful internal postings newsletter. Either way, the next step was the same.

I would submit my resume, one little sheet of paper summarizing my life's achievements. And that same little piece of paper would then either serve as the framework for the resulting interview or would join other pieces of fancy paper lining the trashcan.

In my new life as a freelance writer and blogger, interviews are a more nebulous affair. They can crop up at any time, in the most unexpected places, with the most unlikely people. I've made contacts about potential writing gigs at playgroup, at the coffee shop, and even at a football game. You never know who might need a writer or might know someone interested in food or parenting content.

I used to be shy about my budding career on the fringes of my life as a suburban mom. I used to keep quiet about my blogging, my writing, and my dreams. But I've learned that a name of a common acquaintance can help a query stand out in an editor's overflowing inbox.

I no longer keep quiet about my double life. I carry business cards in my purse proudly labeling myself as a freelance writer, blogger, and foodie mom. I don't hesitate to pass them out, always ready for that impromptu interview, for that unexpected contact, even when I'm sweaty and smelly in old workout clothes.

As you may have guessed, tonight's Sunday Scribblings prompt was "interview." Head on over to see what others did with it.