"My Tuesday started like any other, but that quickly changed. A message popped up from my motorsport contact, asking for a call."
Sunday
Weekends are usually for unwinding and forgetting about the job hunt, but this one felt different. It was time to tackle the two tests that were part of my application.
First up was a personality test – two hundred questions, followed by a detailed breakdown of me, both personally and professionally. I was pretty chuffed with the outcome, though a few bits, in my honest opinion, seemed a little off.
The second was a logic test. It started easily enough but quickly ramped up, and I'll admit, some answers were pure guesswork or gut feelings. Still, the results were fine; I landed squarely within the required skill window for the role, which was a relief.
Tuesday
My Tuesday started like any other, but that quickly changed. A message popped up from my motorsport contact, asking for a call. I immediately jumped on the phone, and we chatted. As I'd mentioned in earlier diaries, that opportunity had seemed to dry up, and I'd pretty much accepted it as a nice idea that went nowhere.
The conversation kicked off with an apology for the 'radio silence' but swiftly moved to an invitation: two events, one in June and one in July!
I have to admit, it was a genuine shock, and I accepted on the spot. This isn't just any motorsport gig; it's the pinnacle – Formula One! Who knows where this could lead? I might not even need another job. Either way, the chance to get back into something I've missed so much, even for just one more time, feels like a dream come true.
After hanging up, I came back to earth with a thud. What about the other job, the one I'm currently pursuing? What if they offer me the role? After all, at this point, it's only ten days of F1 work versus a full-time, local position. But would they be willing to wait for me to start if I'm away for June and July? Would taking other roles reflect poorly on my commitment?
Wednesday
My mind was racing again, but I soon settled on a conclusion: getting pulled back into Formula One after so many years would be great. It could even make my services more desirable. Plus, it's the start of Swedish summer, so a slightly later start date probably wouldn't be an issue if an offer came through.
Then, the phone rang – it was the recruiter. They were happy with the test results, and we discussed them briefly. I voiced my concerns about a few aspects of the personality test, but they reassured me it wasn't a problem, explaining that it's widely understood those results are never 100% accurate. The plan was for them to present everything to the CEO and then get back to me later in the week for references. I'm a big believer in honesty, so I explained the F1 offer. To my relief, their reaction was exactly what I'd hoped for; it wasn't seen as a problem at all.
I took it as a good sign that the recruiter called again just hours later, asking for references. They wanted three, one of whom had to be my last direct manager. I picked two from my time at Northvolt, and for the third, I went a little left-field, choosing a neighbour. This person has seen my journey over the last five years, from fresh immigrant to where I am now. I'd also worked briefly with him before Northvolt. I'm hoping he can offer a deep, positive assessment of me outside a professional setting, which might just give me the edge I need to get over the line.
Friday
Messages rolled in from all my references confirming they'd been contacted and done their best for me. One even admitted to a forty-minute call – I can only hope that's a good sign! Later in the day, the recruiter contacted me again to say a final decision would be made next week. The suspense is genuinely building by the second!
The week ended with a sprinkle of irony: a reply to an email I'd sent to the Northvolt trustees. I'd written to them shortly after my redundancy about the wage guarantee, as there were some question marks back then. The original email went out on April 22. The response, almost two months later, offered no answers to my queries but hoped I had now resolved them. Luckily for me, I have, but it does make me wonder what would happen if I still had an outstanding issue with the trustees. How on earth would you ever get a proper answer and resolve anything?
This is the last entry for this job hunting diary, and I'm more than happy it's ending with potential and positivity. I'm realising a dream and am tantalisingly close to a great job opportunity right here in Skellefteå. The old saying, 'when one door closes another opens,' couldn't be more true. The end of my time at Northvolt felt like a real body blow, but now, three months later, I'm in a position I never once saw coming. Everything isn't guaranteed in the future, but perhaps that's not a negative thing – just another chance to see what life can offer.
I want to extend a massive thank you for joining me on this journey; it's been an honour to share it with you. Finally, I wish everyone who worked or is still working at Northvolt all the very best for the future, whatever path life takes you down now. Good luck, and maybe I'll see you around Skellefteå one day soon.