Received a call from an agency that had seen my resume on an internet job board. Submitted my resume and was shortlisted in two days for a first phone and then an in-person interview.

The phone interview was with the hiring manager and the direct manager above him. The position was first explained to me, and then there were questions about my skills and experience. SQL skills seemed to be the most desirable. I have used SQL throughout my career but am not an expert. I did let them know that I thought I was between a 4-5 on a scale of 10. The interview lasted 35 minutes.

Next day, I drove to the onsite interview. The manager was very warm and personable. We spent one hour or more talking about the job, their projected plans for future projects, and my skill set match. The interviewer decided during the interview that I might be better suited for another position in her department. She didn't count me out for that one.

By two more business days, they had decided, even though I had interviewed well, that they were going with another candidate. I may still get the chance to vie for the other position, which was not really open yet.

About my SQL skills