Job interview doldrums... - YouLookFab Forum

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Job interview doldrums...

rae

(website)

Veteran

I've gone to several interviews and sent out a bunch of resumes for the stores that only accept applicants online. I was ready for the rejections from Nordstrom because, frankly, I don't have much sales experience. But I just got my first rejection letter from the first Anthropologie store I interviewed with... kind of a bummer, because I felt I did really well on the second interview - making me nervous for my second interview at the Beverly Hills Anthro tonight.

Sigh... I guess I will have to start working the stores I'm not as excited about... Macy's and such. Didn't know Macy's even offered a personal shopper service, but they do, so at least it is within the realm of my original goals.

:T

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23 replies

Latest reply was from rae

Anonymous

Aww sorry you aren't getting the immediate positive feedback you'd hoped for. At least at Macy's you could get some experience and maybe that would allow you to leap into your more preferred stores.

Hope you get some good news soon!

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Sorry to hear about the Anthro letter Rae. There's nothing wrong with checking out Macy's, etc. As Ceit mentioned, it will get you some experience. Chin up!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

So sorry to hear this Rae...it is tough. Rejection always stings.

I got a rejection letter today, too....

In my biz, we just send the thing out in the next mail.

rae

(website)

Veteran

Thanks, ladies. I know that rejection is all part of the game, but yes it does sting more when you thought you did well. :T

I think part of it is that I was raised as an Academic and always had great grades throughout my school years. I had the highest GPA in my whole school in high school and was involved with every academic competition available... so my parents had all these high expectations for me to turn out as a lawyer or scientist or writer or... something easy to brag about, you know? Failing to get a job at a local mall during the big hiring season is like the ultimate let down for them...

On the plus side, I did well at my second second-interview. Should know about that one early next week, and I have another interview tomorrow. :T

kellygirl

Veteran

That's a bummer, Rae. Hang in there and know that we are all rooting for you! Fingers crossed for the next interview.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I know it's hard, Rae. You've just got to keep at it and hold that pretty head up high. That Anthro was not worthy of you

Do try J. Crew, Zara, H&M, All Saints, Macys, Bebe, Club Monaco, BR, the Loft and Ann Taylor too. You need to get your foot in the door. Have you already tried Nordies?

After a 4 year double majored Varsity Degree and a Clothing Designer Diploma, I started at the bottom and worked in the design room of a clothing factory! That was 20 years ago. I look back now and that experience was invaluable....and got my foot in the door.

I also thought of PR. You could work for a PR firm that does PR for the fashion industry. NYFW is FULL of gals just like you that hold these types of positions.

You should also apply to work at NYFW - check out how on their site. They have thousands of budding youngins like you who do this. It's a SLOG and you are on your feet 14 hours for 8 days!!!! But so worth it. You get all the back stage privileges! If I was in my 20s and wanting to break into the fashion scene - I would try to do that by about a billion percent. You have to put your feelers out now for Feb.

And hugs!!

catgirl

Veteran

Rae, I'm sorry. Perhaps you seem overqualified for the job somehow? I don't know - I'd hire you in a flat second!

My cousin who just got out of law school told me her roommate just got rejected from three unpaid internships. UNPAID. She got rejected to volunteer, and she just graduated law school. That tells you that jobs are tight and applicants must far outnumber the jobs available. So some of it has to be plain old math.

You will find the right place!

Sylvie

Veteran

Rae, I can (partially) relate. I know exactly what you mean about being the "overachiever" during high school and everyone has high expectations and then feeling disappointed in oneself for not living up to those expectations. If I'm so brilliant, etc, why am I struggling right now?

The way I see it is that you're obviously a very intelligent person who has decided to take the riskier path and follow your passion. Anytime I read about someone who has lived a full and interesting life, you find that there were periods in their life where they went through enormous challenges and they thought they wouldn't succeed, where they took big risks and some of them panned out and others didn't. No one gets to skip the ups and downs.

You're trying to break into a new industry. I fully believe (based on what I've seen of you on this board) that you have what it takes to do so. It's unfortunate the first Anthro and Nordstrom didn't hire you. Angie has given you great suggestions and all you need is to get your foot in the door and then I'm sure you will be nothing but impressive. Some day you're going to look back on this and remember the journey fondly because you'll be a personal stylist to the stars or head of a department at Nordstrom or whatever your end goal is.

DeniseP

Rae, I've lived long enough to give my two cents, and that is -- a closed door many times becomes a blessing, because there is something better for you down the road.
I've had some major disappointments in life, only to look back and give thanks that what I wanted so badly did NOT happen! And I'm impressed with your writing ability and your wit. You really are a sharp cookie, so don't fall prey to that rejection stuff...
We all want our family/parents to be proud of us, but ultimately YOU are the one that has to live your life in the way you are wired/gifted, not the way someone else expects us to. Just remember that whatever job you do, do it to the best of your ability, and then you will be a high achiever!

marianna

Veteran

Don't give up on Nordies quite yet... did you have an interview or did they just send an automated email saying you're not qualified?

I'd call the store you applied to and ask for HR... tell them you submitted an app online and want to know what's going on. Sometimes it helps to talk to someone and show your interest.

I was also rejected at Anthro once. Then I was hired at a different location. There is still hope!

I am also in the process of job searching and it is the most discouraging and demoralizing experience. Sigh. I get it! Best of luck to you.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I'm so glad Marianna chimed in because I was hoping that she would. I remember YLF going through this with her too.

rae

(website)

Veteran

Thank you, everyone, a billion times, for the encouragement and suggestions. I had been hitting the Anthro interviews hard because they have personal shoppers and it would be great to work my way up to that.

But Angie, you are so right that getting my foot in the door is the most important thing. I can always apply for a personal-shopper-having store later, when I have actual experience. I will have to pound the pavement and look into the stores you have mentioned. I am having trouble finding info on NYFW, but that would be SO wonderful... I had no idea one could even do that. I guess I figured designers just all brought their own crews.

Marianna, thank you for your insight as well. Yes, I did get an automated message saying that they chose to pursue a different candidate. I just keep applying to more as they come up - just applied for a seasonal spot at The Rack as well.

I am wondering if I may come across like kind of a stuffed shirt these days, too. Too much of the banking that rubbed off, maybe? I'm working on keeping a smile going a lot more, whereas before it was in more of my interest to seem Serious and Businesslike.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Rae, here is the site:

http://www.mbfashionweek.com/scene

Use the contact form

marianna

Veteran

I honestly think Nordies would snap you up in a heartbeat... you just need to land that interview! I highly suggest calling your local store's HR dept and having a chat with them!

rae

(website)

Veteran

Thanks so much, Angie and Marianna! I'm going to get going on both things right away. I have a year to convince someone to let me volunteer at NYFW.

Marianna, I do feel that I "sell" better in person, since I don't have a laundry list of retail experience. What should I ask HR? If there is someone I can speak with in person?

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Great! Actually you have a few months. Next NYFW is in the first week of Feb. That's the biggie - Fall 2013 collections. Good luck

marianna

Veteran

When you call, ask the operator for HR. They will connect you to the in-store HR office. If someone is available they will pick up the phone. Just tell them you applied online and are super interested and would like to check on the status of your application.

I had no retail experience either when I got hired at Nordies. I also received a lot of automated rejection emails from them at first. It's honestly all about landing the interview (also the hardest part!) and wowing them in person.

Anonymous

Rae, I would go full force on Angie's suggestion on NYFW. I have a feeling that's where you need to go next. That is high caliber stuff, go for it Rae, even if it is unpaid.

Just an idea, I actually had an accounting internship at a major european fashion retailer, at their corporate offices here in NYC, for about 1.5 years. If I was as serious about fashion then as I am now, I would have tried much harder to turn that internship into a full paying position. I had lots of "fashion" exposure including helping with private events for showing collections to major magazines, the opening of retail stores etc. I also had first dibs at the "sample closet" at clean up time and a $500 clothing stipend every 6 months. That was lots of money because I had a 50% employee discount. I was a size 2 back then, so yep, nothing would fit now. There is other ways to get into the fashion world, that are not necessarily retail. If you can find a way to use prior experience to get your foot in the door that way, it could work as well.

rae

(website)

Veteran

Thanks so much, Zap, that is amazing! I am definitely looking into it. I wish like heck I could still do internships, but everything I look at will only take students. Yours sounds like it was a dream come true, though I guess it was someone else's dream other than yours.

Anonymous

Yes, it was a good opportunity. I still see the girls from time to time, I ended up working around the corner from the place. They still only get an intern for that particular position. The accounting department was literally three people including the intern. i just think I might have gotten a shot considering the intern's desk is still known as "Lina's desk". Any news on The Rack?

ramya

Veteran

Rae,

I so feel your pain... From the grades to the feeling of rejection to the internship....
I am in the same boat from the software tech job I am now willing to do any work But just cant seem to get off the automated mail phase... Sigh!!!!

Hugs to you With your talent I think its just the matter of riding this wave out!! Next one would surely be your 1...

Irene

Veteran

Rae, I wish you all the luck. You are brave to change your career now that things are harder than ever -at least in my lifetime- and I know too many that wouldn't dare do what you've done, so that makes you special.

I was quite a good student as well -the Spanish educational system is completely different to the American so there are no competitions nor as many extracurricular activities to enrol-, then I went to University, worked as a teacher, spent nine months abroad, got back, took a MA, did a couple of internships. The last company took me as an employee but conditions are far from good -I'm not going into the details, but believe me when I tell you this is completely unbearable. It feels so unfair. It is even worse hearing the news from your fellow jobless classmates that are applying for 'unqualified' jobs and still can't find one.

I can only hope that this will pass, that things will get better. They HAVE to get better, don't they?

rae

(website)

Veteran

You gals are both so bright, articulate, and kind... I cannot get over how many wonderful people are not hired when I promise you I can point out plenty you could replace in a heartbeat. :T In case you didn't see, I did finally get hired at Nordstrom Rack - starting at the bottom, but with a very good company. I hope that I can pass on a bit of luck to my YLF sisters.