Hey guys

So I’ve been looking for a job since the summer of 2024. I’m a teacher and I’ve just decided that the profession isn’t for me. For context I have a bachelor’s degree in psychology but I am not using it but would like to.

Last week I had an interview for an organization (not dealing with children.) From what it seemed me and the manager had a really good rapport over zoom and he invited me to come out tomorrow for a second interview/ observation where I come out and see the work they do.

I guess I’m just really nervous because I’m not sure what is expected of me. I’ve had observation style interviews before and in my current profession they fully expect you to interact on some level to make sure you’re comfortable working with kids and you have a strong backbone. For my observation tomorrow it’s for a community organizer.

Last year I had an (2nd) interview at a facility for children with special needs and I was well qualified for it on paper (no lies on my resume.) After talking with the hiring manager for some time she put me on the floor and I interacted with the staff and children, but in a way to make sure I wasn’t interfering with their work (wasn’t sure if I was supposed to step in and help or what but I asked a few questions and made small talk with the kids and just mostly observed.

Meanwhile he entire time I can feel the hiring manager standing behind me like 12 feet away, with her eyes piercing the back of my head. When I got done she thanked me but seemed low key infuriated that I dared to ask questions but i thought a part of the process was to interact with the staff.

Needless to say I didn’t get that job but I feel like that experience took a hit on my interviewing confidence. That combined with exhaustion from the constant search and constant rejection is also taking its toll but I can’t show these feelings tomorrow and I’m just nervous.

Any advice? What is expected of someone when they are invited to do an observation? Obviously it’s to observe but what else are hiring manager looking for?