OT: Interview upate, two months later. - YouLookFab Forum

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OT: Interview upate, two months later.

marianna

Veteran

Some of you may remember that I interviewed for a job I really wanted back in February. I was told that I would not get an answer until April, and today I finally received the email...

And I didn't get the job. They chose someone else. I received some generic email saying that there were many qualified candidates, blah blah blah. I already work there part-time and I was confident that I would get the job because they like to hire internally, but it didn't happen. Needless to say, I am crushed.

I'm not sure if I should continue working part-time for them when the season starts back up or look for something else. Another full time opportunity probably won't be available for another year (they hire each TV season) and I'm not sure I can wait that long to try again. I'm not sure what else to do as I had planned starting my career around the job (stupid, I know) and now I feel lost. It is VERY hard to get into the television industry and I thought I had my foot in the door.

I'm not really looking for any sympathy, just wanted to update everyone because I've been stringing you along since February. That's the end of that opportunity.

General

49 replies

Latest reply was from Louise

Maya

Veteran

Oh no Marianna. You must be gutted *hugs*

I have been in your place many times an all I can say is that you have to realize that in this economy there are no guarantees, and that it has nothing to do with your talent or ability. As you said, it's not easy breaking into the television industry so there were probably hundreds of people all clawing to get the same job.

Unfortunately everyone seems very reluctant to hire young people right now. We get hit hardest by the recession, yet we take the longest to feel any recovery. It isn't fair and I wish I could do something about it, but all I can say is that even if you don't want sympathy, you have it.

There is something better waiting for you. Hang tight. I know it's not kind to your pride right now, but I would just stay for now and keep looking. Nothing is worse than sitting home doing nothing at all, which is what I did for several months to my disadvantage. You may not even be able to get a retail job in this job market--again, not your fault. It's just the times we're living in and there is no use taking it personally.

Alecia

Veteran

I'm so sorry to learn this, Marianna. Hang in there.

anne

Veteran

I am so sorry Marianna! I was sure you'd get it. Thanks for letting us know. Hang in there!

yublocka

(website)

Veteran

Oh Marianna that sucks big time. I know its probably impossible at the moment, but try not to take it personally. Big companies are all just out for themselves when it all boils down to it. I'd work there while you can (work is work) but keep on looking for something else too. Something good will turn up eventually - and it'll be their loss when that happens!!!!

Anonymous

I'm crushed too Marianna. You are such a winner. They must know this since they have you working part time.
The door is left open for something better to come along.

Queen Mum

Veteran

Oh Marianna- I am sooooo sorry! My heart is aching for you. I can't even imagine how discouraged you must be. ((hugs))

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

I'm so shocked- I was sure you would get this. I'm so sorry.

Anonymous

I just want to hug you. You are intelligent, beautiful and talented.

marianna

Veteran

Thanks everyone. I'm really really really crushed and feel really awful. I honestly thought I would get the job and I'm shocked and don't know what happened. I started fantasizing about what it would be like having my own desk, getting dressed up for work everyday, and actually having a real "adult" job. It hurts.

Sihaya

Veteran

Marianna - big, big hug to you. Hang in there. This has got to be so hard and so disappointing. Knowing you, I know you will bounce back and there will be goodness in not getting this long term. I"m sure that doesn't make it easier right now though. Big hugs.

Lena

Marianna, I'm so sorry. It's totally their loss.

Hang in there, I know it's really hard right now. I'm sending you hugs.

AJ

Veteran

Oh I'm so sorry to hear this!
I have had some experience in the TV industry. I worked on a talk show and also for a TV bloopers type show. I have learned that the TV industry is a different animal than your regular 9 to 5 type jobs. You never know how long a show will last, you work long hours and in the end, it seems who you know is more important than what you know. (Look at poor Conan O'Brien.) I wish I had known that at the beginning so I could have really done more networking and making sure the big guns knew my name and saw my work.
Don't give up. Are there people whom you've made friends with who know what a hard working and dependable gal you are? Give everyone you know a call or meet for coffee. Tell them you are available to work if something opens up even if it's page or extra type work. I got both my jobs not by going through the formal way, but just by knowing people who knew of an opening and already knew I was a hard worker.
This is a tough industry so you got to be resilient and keep knocking on those doors and looking under every stone. (Even keeping in touch with the gal who got the position that you interviewed for.) Network, network, network. You can do this!

londonkiwi (now back in NZ)

Veteran

Oh Marianna I am so sorry to hear this. I remember how excited you were after the interview.

I think that AJ is on the money with her networking advice and you are such a lovely personable woman on the web that I can't imagine you being anything but IRL which would make you a very effective networker. I would love to offer to help, but I am not sure what I can do from London.

Louise

Veteran

Oh Marianna how awful. Like you we were all convinced the job was yours (((hugs))) xxx

marianna

Veteran

Thanks again everyone. I emailed the hiring manager to get some clarity/closure... I want to know what to improve on, and if I even have a chance to get this position in the future. She responded saying she would love to meet with me to talk about it, and their decision was not based on something I did wrong, and that I had a great interview. Sigh. She's out of the office until May 3 so I have to wait a month to get that closure.

RoseandJoan

Veteran

Marianna, I'm sorry you are having to deal with this corporate bull. A better job is waiting for you. Extra cuddles with Gertrude today!

Michelle

(website)

Veteran

Oh wow, how aggrivating that this process hass to get drawn out farther! But don't let it stop you from moving on. Like I said in ymy email yesterday, this is not a personal rejection of you, even though it feels like it. There was probably just another candidate with more experience, and it sounds like they still have a high opinion of you. And it sounds cliche, but I really do believe that things happen for a reason and that something better will materialize eventually. It may not be an easy road to ge there, but you'll make it.

More hugs! Hang in there.

Debbie

Veteran

Marianna I am so sorry. Take care of yourself.

Rosie

Veteran

Marianna, I'm sorry to hear about this disappointment. You have already done the best possible thing you could do in this situation by contacting the hiring manager. So frustrating to have to wait, but the way you are handling it with her will prove how professional and enthusiastic you are. Who knows how she may be able to help you. In the meantime, network, network, network!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I'm feel sick for you, Marianna. I am so, so sorry. Urggghhh....

For some reason, this was not meant to be. It's really hard to make sense of it all right now. Waiting for feedback might help.

Another door *will* open though. Where are you at the moment? CA or IL? Please know that we are here to support you in any way. Name it and we will try to help out as best we can. No need to go through this alone.

marianna

Veteran

Thanks for all the support, everyone!

Thanks for chiming in, Angie. I am at home in CA right now but am flying back to Chicago next week. I was offered another freelance part-time gig at a different television show in Chicago, and I will start that in two weeks. It's *very* part-time though, so it's nothing exciting. Better than nothing, I suppose.

I still feel very defeated and confused and not sure what to do next.

Mac

Veteran

Marianna - what a great idea to meet with the woman to get closure. Be sure to ask her if she has any ideas or connections she could share with you; since she's "in the business," she probably knows many others in the business and might be able to give you at least some informational interviews.

Big hugs from Canada.

Kristine

Veteran

I'm sorry to hear that Marianna! I was really hoping for the best! You're really smart to meet with her, maybe she can give you some tips if you choose to apply again.

cciele

Veteran

Oh no Marianna! *big hugs* I'm glad you will be able to talk to the hiring manager. And perhaps your new gig will provide some new leads.

Theresa

(website)

Veteran

Oh Marianna I am so sorry for you And sending some massive hugs across the Pacific.

I hope the next month goes fast and you are able to get some really useful feedback from the Hiring Manager - I actually found it really uplifting that she is happy to meet with you - I'm sure she could have easily fobbed you off - I think that shows that she respects you, which to me, is a really positive thing.

Maya

Veteran

That's good that you are getting feedback Marianna. It will really help you in the future. So far, no one I have interviewed with has responded to my request for feedback, and it ticks me off. Royally. First you reject me, then you can't even spare 5 words to tell me why? Anyway, it took me a week or so to recover from a very similar experience I had last year. Take the next week and just be kind to yourself. Take a bubble bath, have some chocolate, and buy yourself a little consolation gift, even if it's just a necklace or a scarf. It's an inexpensive way to cheer yourself up.

marianne

I am so sorry Marianna. Like everyone, I was certain you'd get it.
That's great that the manager is willing to meet with you. She might have useful information for you and it could open up other options.

marianna

Veteran

Thanks again everyone.

Maya... see, we ARE in the same boat. I feel utterly hopeless right now. If my lack of experience really is holding me back, how will I ever get ahead if no one is willing to give me a chance to gain any experience? Right now it just seems like a vicious circle. I guess I will also start looking for additional internships, but how is one supposed to survive without an income? It's all so mind boggling and terrifying.

Maya

Veteran

Ugh, let's just cross our fingers that the boat isn't leaking...

I have asked myself that question many times (about experience). There was a time when "lack of experience" meant "fresh and innovative" instead of "old and tired," back when the economy was hopping. It's annoying because people who are clearly overqualified for the jobs that *we* should be getting end up taking on those positions out of desperation. I keep reading job postings for junior designers with "at least 3 years of experience in the toy/fashion/greeting card industry". Um, if you require at least 3 years of experience, then it's not a junior position. It's just their way of being cheap. By labeling a job that clearly requires advanced talent and therefore advanced pay as a "junior" position, they can ditch out of giving their employees an appropriate salary. Companies are also laying off paid employees and replacing them with unpaid interns. It's disgusting. I think internships should at least provide a stipend to pay for travel and lunch but most don't even do that. Sometimes I feel like I'm insane to do what is essentially slave labor when I'm not even getting school credit (in fact, I have to pay to do it). But it's all I can do to not sit at home feeling sorry for myself.

Be thankful for your youth though. I survive on unemployment and heavy support from my parents. I am not much older than you, but I am definitely too to live like this. It gets me so depressed to think of how much fun this time of my life was supposed to be, and how I will never be able to recapture it or have a second chance. I just wasted most of my 20's struggling and being lonely, miserable, and frustrated. I guess everyone struggles in their 20's, but this isn't normal. Anyway, sorry for going off here. Your situation obviously hit a nerve for me. I just hate to see talented, hard working people treated this way, spending time and money on their education and experience, only to have the door slammed in their face in the richest country in the world. It's ridiculous.

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