In this blog, April talks about her unexpected journey of getting hired as a design researcher at the iHub (a job she didn’t apply for), and the lessons she learned along the way.
Written by April Li, Design Researcher, Master of Education, Developmental Psychology and Education
I’ve always thought I had a pretty good idea of how job applications go; finding a position that matches my experience, tailoring my resume, preparing for the interview, and hoping for the best. That’s exactly what I did when I applied for a community engagement role at the Innovation Hub . I was confident, prepared, and ready to dive in.
But what unfolded next completely shifted my expectations. The iHub hiring process changed my perspective on finding the right role, staying flexible, and what it really means to put people first. What started as a mismatch ultimately became one of the most fulfilling decisions of my job-seeking journey. Here’s how I landed a role I hadn’t even applied for, yet one that is perfectly made for me.
Community Engagement? More Like Accidental Research Pitch
When I first came across the work-study job posting for the community engagement role at the Innovation Hub, I knew right away this could be something special. The description checked all the boxes. I had the right background, a real enthusiasm for the work, and a strong belief in the power of community. I was confident that this was the role for me. So, I tailored my resume, wrote a cover letter and sent in my application. I was delighted to be asked to attend an interview and felt good but nervous. But the interview did not go as planned. The questions weren’t necessarily difficult, but I could feel myself tripping over my own words. Instead of talking about community tasks or engagement plans passionately, I kept circling back to my experiences in research, talking about my experiences gathering data, performing interviews, and concluding research findings. The more I tried to talk about community engagement, the more I would talk about research and data. After the interview, I quit the Zoom call with a sinking feeling in my stomach. I felt disappointed, and maybe even a bit embarrassed. It was clear to me that I had unintentionally pitched myself for the wrong job. I remember thinking, “That is the end of this job.” Little did I know, that’s when fate started doing its thing.
The Follow-Up Email That Felt Like a Plot Twist
Just when I had finally convinced myself to stop thinking about the “failed” interview, an unexpected message appeared in my inbox. But it wasn’t from the community engagement team; it was from the design research team. They had reviewed my application and interview responses and saw potential in a different direction. Instead of saying “no thanks,” they invited me to a brief follow-up interview for a role they believed might be a better fit. That email felt like the universe had hit “pause” and decided to redirect me. The gears of fate were beginning to turn. The second interview was short, but it left a lasting impression. What surprised me most wasn’t the questions or even the eventual offer. It was how much they genuinely cared about me. Would I be happy switching roles? Did this new path align with my interests? Would I feel comfortable stepping into a different position than the one I originally applied for? For once, it didn’t feel like I was being squeezed into a job description. I was invited into a conversation. In that moment, it became clear that iHub wasn’t just hiring roles. They were building a team with intention. My voice mattered. That one conversation spoke volumes about the iHub’s human-centred values. The conversation was thoughtful, unexpected, and honestly, the most seen I’d ever felt in an interview.
Spoiler Alert: I’m Exactly Where I’m Meant to Be
After working with the design research team at iHub for over a month, it’s become clear to me that this role suits me far better than the one I initially applied for. What started as an unexpected shift turned out to be a much better alignment with my interests and strengths. In my role now, I get to ask questions that matter, digging into the experiences of U of T students and staff, listening closely to their stories, and trying to understand how to improve their experience on campus. I love that this role gives me a way to not only study problems but also contribute to meaningful change. Change that could make university life a little smoother, more equitable, or just a bit closer to human experiences. What surprised me most was how natural it felt to be working here. I didn’t have to force anything. The best part? I’m genuinely excited to be here. Excited to be a design researcher. Excited to help shape better systems, spaces, and experiences across our campus. The work aligns with how I think, how I collaborate, and how I want to grow. This isn’t just a good match on paper, but in practice. Looking back, the hiring process did not take a wrong turn, but an unexpected one. And that made all the difference.
Growth Comes from the Unexpected
If you had told me that a slightly awkward interview would lead me to the best-fitting role I’ve had so far, I probably would’ve laughed. At the time, I was convinced I had missed my chance. I had applied for one thing, talked about something else, and walked away thinking I’d blown it. Looking back, the switch to design research wasn’t a detour but a redirection. And the right one. It showed me that sometimes the path that makes the most sense doesn’t announce itself right away. Sometimes it sneaks in through a follow-up email and a quick chat with a team you didn’t expect to meet. I’m grateful that iHub didn’t see my application as fixed or final. They saw potential and were open to exploring where I might fit best, not just where I thought I did. Their flexibility opened the door to something I hadn’t planned for, but it turned out to be exactly the right fit
The “Perfect Fit” is Where you Thrive
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the “perfect fit” isn’t always the one you apply for. It’s the one that aligns with who you are and where you will thrive. So, if you’re considering applying to iHub, or anywhere else for that matter, don’t be afraid to be honest about your interests, your strengths, and even your uncertainties. Be open to shifts. Be open to surprises. Learn more about the roles offered at the iHub below and apply today!
0 comments on “Plot Twist: I didn’t Get the Job I Applied For… and That Was Perfect ”