Too afraid to hope...

[TheOtherVillainess]

I got an offer to do an interview next week with Banana Republic. I'm supposed to call the mgr on Mon to schedule it with her. From talking to her on the phone yesterday, it sounds like she may be offering exactly what I want in terms of # hrs per week, permanent instead of temporary, etc.


BUT...I'm too afraid to hope that this will turn into a job for me. I'm too afraid to get my hopes up because I'm scared to death of being let down just like have so many times already in the last few weeks. I'm afraid she'll tell me I'm not right for the job for whatever reason. I'm afraid she'll ask a simple question and I'll blunder the entire interview. I am terrified to hope for anything at all because I don't want to get my hopes so high only to have them shattered like glass when I'm told 'no' once again.

*sigh*

TOV

 

[roger_ramjet]

Only thing you can do is suck up, drag up as much confidence as you can and do your best in the interview. There's nothing else you can do - being terrified is natural, but try and channel it!

 

[Beanie]

Good Luck to you, TOV!

 

[Serena]

We can hope for you. Just do your best, that's all you can do. If it doesn't work out this time, well, there will be a next time.

 

[Dan Murphy]

You'll be fine, ToV, try not to dwell on your nervousness. Go there, head up, shoulders back, polished. You'll do great, god wishes.

 

[TheOtherVillainess]

I'm gonna try, but probably not too hard. After all, if I've been turned down by TDS, Bandolino Shoes and various other establishments where I've interviewed in the last few months..why should I think BR is going to hire me?

Like I said...I'm trying not to hope for anything on this. To hope for anything at all right now seems rather counterproductive and only sets me up for heartbreak.

TOV

 

[EsmeraldaX]

Good luck!

 

[TheOtherVillainess]

Thanks guys..but no P and PD. I've already learned that stuff is wasted on me. It doesn't work.

TOV

 

[oogieboogie]

If PPD doesn't work on you, maybe you could try holding on to a rock!

Good luck - I hate getting my hopes up too high too - can't stand the letdown. But I think you'll do fine!

 

[TheOtherVillainess]

I would say I only hope so, but I'm not hoping so...thanks anyway,oogie!

TOV

 

[debster812]

Originally posted by TheOtherVillainess
I'm gonna try, but probably not too hard. After all, if I've been turned down by TDS, Bandolino Shoes and various other establishments where I've interviewed in the last few months..why should I think BR is going to hire me?

Like I said...I'm trying not to hope for anything on this. To hope for anything at all right now seems rather counterproductive and only sets me up for heartbreak.

TOV

Have you ever heard the term "Self Fulfilling Prophecy"? Seems to me, that that is what is going on here. Telling yourself you are going to fail is simply setting yourself up. Don't do it.

Look, the economy is in tough shape right now, lots and lots of folks are looking for work. Think of the other interviews as practice runs for this one. You have gotten LOTS and LOTS of great interview advice from folks more in the know than I am. Take it to heart, be the best Villianess you can be, and do it.

 

[TheOtherVillainess]

I'm just so scared of hearing that one little word that'll send me into a crying fit,deb.

I can go in all confident and stuff..but what if it's all for nothing? After all, this IS Banana Republic we're talking about. A CLOTHING STORE. Staffed by what appears to be models (I've gone in there just looking a few times). I am NOT a model. That's why I haven't applied to any of the clothing boutiques around here. They are all staffed by skinny little nothings. I would look and feel wierd working there because I am NOT a skinny little nothing.

I've heard that at A&F, if you don't fit their 'profile' you don't get the job. I am willing to bet that BR is the same way.
TOV

 

[Trish5768]

Good luck!!!

 

[TheOtherVillainess]

Thanks,Trish.



TOV

 

[kadaten]

Originally posted by TheOtherVillainess
I'm just so scared of hearing that one little word that'll send me into a crying fit,deb.

I can go in all confident and stuff..but what if it's all for nothing? After all, this IS Banana Republic we're talking about. A CLOTHING STORE. Staffed by what appears to be models (I've gone in there just looking a few times). I am NOT a model. That's why I haven't applied to any of the clothing boutiques around here. They are all staffed by skinny little nothings. I would look and feel wierd working there because I am NOT a skinny little nothing.

I've heard that at A&F, if you don't fit their 'profile' you don't get the job. I am willing to bet that BR is the same way.
TOV

Then apply somewhere you do "fit the profile"! You'll feel better and more relaxed, and will be less likely to "bumble" the interview.

I was in Gymboree the other day stocking up on clearance items for next year for DD and DS. They had a sign out looking for seasonal help. Funny, I've been trying to decide whether to find something part time to get out of the house a couple days a week. I chat with the lady behind the register, find out the hours they're looking for...they match mine I fill out an application, then find out she's the manager and I'm hired. She knows I'm a regular shopper, am familiar with the product, and interact well with her staff and other customers. They pay's not great, but it's perfect for me in that it's only for 8 or 9 weeks....enough for me to see if I really want to go back to work or not. If I do, I can look for something else. If I'm not quite ready, it's over in 8 weeks without me letting someone down.

Why don't you try to apply places you usually shop, places you're familiar with, or places you can relate to. You'll be familiar with the staff, familiar with the product, and probably won't have the confidence problem you seem to have going into this one.

Good luck in your search!

 

[Tiggerlover91]

Originally posted by TheOtherVillainess
Thanks guys..but no P and PD. I've already learned that stuff is wasted on me. It doesn't work.

TOV

That's sad, really sad to hear. I'm not going to say anything here, but if you want to know why I posted the smilies I did, just PM me.

Stop being so down on yourself...you remind me of an old me.

Keep the chin up! ALWAYS! PM me if you wish.

Denise

 

[Pugdog007]

I wouldn't worry too much about "fitting the mold," however I would recommend that you dress very conservatively (khaki's & white button down maybe - the type of clothes you may find at a Banana Republic) and wear light make-up & jewelry. And then just look "neat." Be yourself but don't say bad things about your current employer! Red flag! Just say you're leaving because you need more hours or are looking for a new challenge or something.

Best of luck!

 

[Mskanga]

I know one thing, going in with the idea that you are going to fail right from the beginning is not exactly the best. If things don't work out , go on and apply for another job.
Go to the interview and do your best . Best of luck to you.

 

[TheOtherVillainess]

Well...I talked to Denise, the hiring manager. I have to leave in about 45 min or so for my interview. I'm taking a clipboard so I can give her a copy of my resume (if she needs/wants it) but also so I can take a paper and pen to write down answers to questions I have. Like is it REALLY a FT/Perm position and can I get that in writing? What is the pay like? What kind of hours can I expect? That sort of thing.


*deep breath* I am SO nervous.

Just for those who will probably ask...I have on light makeup,hair down,bangs curled,glasses cleaned. Nice button down shortsleeve tan/black leopard print shirt, my good khakis and my one pair of black loafer-type shoes. I re-colored them with black perm marker to make them look less old.

So here I go....but I'm not expecting much.

TOV

 

[I_Know_You2!]

Fingers crossed! It sounds like you prepped well. Good luck!