A Week in Review... Interviews and New Jobs

Hello lovelies,

Well another interesting week has come and gone.  This week was filled with tons of highs and some lows, naturally.  This was my first official week at J. Crew and I absolutely love it there.  Sure, you probably think I'm on a new job high but I love the people I work with.  They're all super friendly (something I was missing at my other job) and actually want to work (which is shocking!!).  I'm still in the training phase so it's interesting to learn all the different aspects of the job, something I didn't get to do at my other job.  I actually like where I'm working which is a feeling I haven't felt in awhile, so it's very refreshing.

Now onto the big interview!!!!  Today, I had an interview at the organization I use to intern at.  I was excited for the interview until I had to actually go because then naturally my nerves kicked in.  I feel really comfortable at the organization and love the people I worked with but I'm afraid that my lack of experience may hold me back compared to the other applicants.  I believe the interview went well but there were definitely times where looking back I wished I said something different.  It was extremely intimidating to interview with the Executive Director of the organization, someone who is so influential and has done so much.  He had some tough question but he seemed to like some of my answers.  I hope that my past work with the organization will speak for itself and help me stand out compared to the other applicants.  Well, unfortunately we shall have to wait and see what happens?

Now for some inspiring quotes that I stumbled upon on pinterest......

Is it sad to admit that I kinda want a big girl job so I can dress up everyday and post pictures of my outfits on here?  Plus, a new big girl job means a new big girl wardrobe, which of course I'll post on here! I think it's a win win for everyone!

Seriously... When did I become a grown up?

I get that I graduated college, oh like 3 months ago, but does that mean I have to have a job already.  In an ideal world, I would love to be working a full-time job that provides me with benefits and paid vacation days, but lets face it; the economy sucks.  Every person I know seems to ask me "Do you have a job, yet?"  I really want to come back with a witty response and say, "Actually, it's by choice that I don't have a job right now!"   NEWSFLASH, people that don't have full-time jobs that utilize their degrees don't really want to be asked about their job searches.  It's so annoying, if I want to update people on my job search process I'll let you know.   Whatever happened to "hey how's it going?" or "how have you been?"  Nothing like angering the person your about to have a conversation with!

Literally every person I know has asked me what I'm doing.  Currently, I'm working nearly 40 hours a week at my retail job, so it's not like I'm sitting at home doing nothing all day.  But when you tell people you don't have a "real" job they assume you're doing nothing.

Yeah, working in retail is not my ideal career path but I'm trying to make it work and trying to figure out what my next move is if I am to stay in this field.


HERE'S SOME ADVICE:
STOP ASKING RECENT COLLEGE GRADS IF THEY HAVE A JOB!!!!!  IF WE DID, WE'D BE SCREAMING IT FROM THE ROOF TOPS.

As Christian Grey would say... these are shouty capitals.

quote from http://alittledashofash.blogspot.com/2011/10/just-saying-steve-jobs.html

Review: Life after College: the Complete Guide to Getting What You Want

About a month ago I wrote a post about this book that I was starting to read.  I have to say I initially really could not get into this book.  I don't know what I didn't find appealing about the book but lately I haven't been able to put it down.  I think I needed the reassurance that I'm not the only person feeling this way.  

When I was preparing for my second interview, I picked this book up and started doing the exercises in the back of the book.  I didn't really want to do the exercises at first but they actually helped!  In one section of the book it asked you to write down what your goals are for the next 6 months, 1 year and 3 years.  I found myself writing down a lot of things and hope to go back to that exercise in a few months and see if I've accomplished what I set out to do.  The books chapters include lessons on work, money, home, organization, friends and family, dating and relationships, health, fun and relaxation, and personal growth.  

I really liked this book and I think it is a must read for people who are afraid of what life is like outside of college.  It provides helpful tips from recent college grads and gives Jenny's advice and helpful exercises.

Hopefully, this book will help me land that job that I've dreamed of and wrote down in this book!

Oh and p.s. I've applied for a new job that could be the change I've been looking for!

The Dreaded Words... We've Decided to go With Someone Else

Is there any other phrase that is more dreaded when you're on the job hunting market?  I don't think so. Yesterday I went on a 2nd interview for a position I was really interested in, unfortunately I work up to an email stating their decision.  The email mentioned that although I'm qualified for the position that they've decided to go with someone with MORE experience.  

This second interview was difficult because it was being conducted by a board member for the company.  I thought the interview went well, but obviously the other candidate had more experience or had a better interview.  Looking back at the interview, I think I may have been more honest then needed.  I was asked which aspects of the job scared me the most, what would I expect to be the most challenging aspect of the job, and my strengths and weaknesses?   I'm one of those people who if you ask me a question, I'm going to be giving you an honest answer (which might explain why I'm still unemployed).  

Hopefully, in the near future I will hear the best words that any unemployed individual would love to hear.... Victoria, we'd love to hire you!!!!  

Life.......

Life can be so challenging sometimes.  Today, I had my yearly review with one of my managers at the retail store I work at.  The company I work for decided upon completing our reviews we are required to answer a few short questions.  What kinds of questions you ask?  Completely pointless questions that do not relate to my job.  I was asked "where do you see yourself in 5 years?" REALLY... this question is haunting my life.  My response was, "uhh not here."  The next question asked me to rate my satisfaction with my job from a scale of 1-10.  I asked if I could give negative numbers and my manager seemed less than thrilled (I found it hilarious).  I don't understand why people expect me to have a plan for my life 5 years from now... I don't even know what I'm going to be doing next week?

These question have got me thinking?  What are my career goals and aspirations?  Do I want to stay in retail or do I want to move on and explore the world?  Now is the perfect time in my life to just pick up and move for a career opportunity.  Sure, it will be completely scary not living by my family but is it worth it to have a successful career?

Hopefully, I'll have exciting news soon!!!!!!

Tori

The Importance of Networking

Hello All!!

Sorry I haven't posted in a few days but I'm trying to work out a schedule for when I'm going to post (and what I should post about).  I'm thinking 3 times a week (it could be more but 3 is the number I'm going to promise weekly).

As you can see by this blogs title I'm going to be talking about how important it is to network.
When you're searching for a job, sometimes the only way you can secure an interview is by asking your personal connections for a recommendation or simply the opportunity to get your foot in the door.  A piece of advice I've gotten over and over again is "to reach out to your family, friends, and acquaintances and ask them if they know anyone in your field?"  This might not lead to a job but if you ask someone you're close to for that persons email address or phone number that's a major step.  After reaching out you can setup a meeting where you can talk about the field with your new connection.  Don't be afraid to ask if it's ok if you keep in contact with them and occasionally ask for advice.  Obviously, when you meet with this person you'll have to do your best to impress them.  Once you impress them (which I'm sure you will) they could recommend you to other companies who may have a job or may call you down the line with a possible position.

Case in point, the other day my supervisor from my internship called me with a possible lead for a position I may be interested in.  She had taken the liberty to talk with that person and give them an informal review of my work.  She then contacted me and mentioned how she thought I would be perfect for this position.  Fingers crossed this could be the end to my job search!!!!!  But it's such a sweet gesture when someone thinks of you first for a position and wants to see you get a job.

It's extremely important that with every person you meet you make a good impression and hope that they will remember you!


Tori

PLEASE.... give me a chance

Ok recent grads, how many of you are frustrated that you simply can't find a job?  I think the problem isn't that there aren't jobs out there, there are tons, just not enough for recent grads.  I really would like to use my degree (Communications) for a job and not just work in retail, like I'm doing now.  Every job that I've seen somewhat interested in applying to requires some amount of prior experience.  Umm... how am I going to get any experience when no one will give me a chance.  It's actually really discouraging that no one wants to give people a chance?  Don't they remember that someone gave them a chance too.

I'm hoping that I'm not the only one who is completely lost in this job hunting process.  I've become so desperate (really I could use all the advice I could get) I bought a self-help book.  I actually recently bought a book from Target that is a guide for college students about all the things you don't learn about in college.  I haven't actually read it yet, but I plan to write a review of it once I'm done with it.

It's a scary world out there and let's hope this book helps me become more comfortable with growing up, because as of right now I'm terrified.

All the best!

Tori

Interviews

My Grandmother gave me a little booklet with the 101 Toughest Interview Questions.  I took it and never looked at it but now as I realize that in 65 days I will be graduating, I figured I would take a look at them and post which ones I think are the hardest.  Oh and by no means am I some career expert, I’m just some college student who has learned some of these lessons through trial and error.

1. The worst question in my opinion is “So, tell me a little about yourself?”

Such an easy questions right? WRONG, this is such a loaded question.  This is one of the questions I have always had a hard time with because I find that I go on and on about myself because I don’t know what I  should say and what I shouldn’t.  During my phone interview the other day I struggled with selling myself in 20 minutes (an impossible task, in my opinion).  I think my problem with this question stems from the the fact that I think it may be the most important question anyone could ask.  This is where your interviewers gets to know you, the real you!

2. What are some of your biggest weaknesses as an employee and what do you plan to do to correct them?

I think this question is difficult because you need to walk the line of being extremely honest but still have your best salesperson hat on.  You really can’t say “Oh, I’m never on time” because no one is going to want to hire you.  You need to decide if you’re going to list a “positive flaw” such as I’m a control freak or I’m obsessive.  You need to feel out the situation and see what would be the best answer for your interviewer and your situation.

3. “Would you consider yourself more team-orientated or an individual worker?”

This wasn’t one of the questions from the booklet but it was one I found extremely difficult to answer.  I was asked this very recently and struggled with my answer.  I find myself in the middle of this situation.  I knew my interviewer wanted a direct answer so I chose one, but I did the cowardly or possibly smart thing of mentioning that it didn’t mean that I wasn’t able to work in either situation.  I wanted to be as honest as possible but I knew there was a certain answer the interviewers was looking for.

When interviewing we must all remember to be ourselves.  The more comfortable we are the better we’ll do.  You need to be comfortable with where you work and the people you work with.  If you don’t get a good vibe during the interview, chances are it’s not the place for you.  Hopefully, I will get more practice while interviewing and I can share my knowledge with you all!

A Little Bit About Myself

1. I was born on Christmas… some may say I’m JC reincarnated but you can decide that!

2. I have a cat named Tinks.  Well her real name is Princess but we’ve called her: Princess Black Uggs, Beautiful Gorgeous, Evil Shadow, Boo Boo Kitty, Bopits, Stoopid Kitty, LaLa, Tinks da Stinks.  I’m sure there are more but right now that’s all I can think of.

3. I am obsessed with all things Missoni and Chevron print

4.  I love DISNEY WORLD! Honestly, I could go there every year and love it.

5. I love roller coasters… Even though at times I’m scarred I have to go on them.

6. I hate elevators.  I have a fear of dying in one.  Last year, i thought it would be smart to go on Tower of Terror to get over my fear of elevators, needless to say I still am afraid of them, but I did enjoy the ride! Just went on it again and loved loved loved it.

7. I love all things Tinkerbell.  I think it may have to do with the fact that I named my cat Tinks but not after Tinkerbell.  She got sprayed by a skunk once so we all just started calling her Tinks da stinks.

8. I love owls and turtles.  I love turtles because my Grandmother who passed away last year loved them.  As a way to honor her I try to buy anything I can find with a turtle on it.  I love owls because last May there was an owl in my neighbors tree.  I named him Earle, but I couldn’t tell you if he was a girl or a guy.  So i decided he was a cross dressing female owl.

9. I never been out west.  The farthest west I’ve traveled is probably Pennsylvania but I’ve done most of the East coast aside from the North East.

10.  I love living in Jersey, specifically the Jersey Shore.  It’s not as trashy as MTV’s Jersey Shore makes it seems but in the summer the “Benny’s” make it unbearable.

11.  My all time favorite movies include: Robinhood Men in Tights, Pretty Woman, and Dirty Dancing.

12.  I’ve recently discovered All Time Low, and have been obsessed with them ever since.  My favorite songs of theirs are: Therapy, Remembering Sunday, and Stay Awake (Acoustic). 

13. I’m obsessed with Reality TV.  Dance Moms and Toddlers and Tiaras make me laugh.  I can’t believe there are crazy parents out there.  Mackenzie is my favorite from T&T. Duck Dynasty is a new favorite

14.  I’m obsessed with OPI nail polish.  My favorite colors include: Mad as a Hatter, Lincoln Park After Dark, Teenage Dream, and Designer…de better!  But it all depends on my mood what color I want.

15. I’m not very organized except for when it comes to my schoolwork and work.  I take my grades very seriously and strive to make sure that I always produce my best effort.

16.  I’ve recently become obsessed with the game Fruit Ninja (I know I'm late on this bang wagon)… I could play it for hours.

17.  I work in retail and although I appreciate the experience I’ve realized that I never want to work in retail again.  It’s not for me but it does make realize how very few people stop to acknowledge the person who’s ringing them up.  A simple “thanks” and “how are you doing” really does go a long way.

18. I want to adopt a greyhound when I’m older and multiple cats.  I absolutely love animals and think because my parents won’t let me have multiple animals that I want to have so many animals.

19. I don’t really like to play sports but I LOVE THE NEW YORK YANKEES and watching sports on TV!!!! I am a religious follower of the Yankees.  I grew up watching and rooting for the Core Four (Jeter, Rivera, Posada, and Pettitte) and I’m sad that their careers are coming to an end. If I had to rank my top 5 current players they would be: 1. Jeter 2. Sabathia 3. Cano 4. Swisher 5. Teixeria

20. I hate flying but I have a strange desire to travel the world.  I just want to experience different cultures and help out where  I can.

21. I’m afraid to grow up.  With growing up comes new responsibilities that I’m not sure I’m ready for. 

22.  I’m starting to look for jobs for after I graduate and that scares the crap out of me but if I don’t want to work in retail I need to get on top of sending out my resumes!

Tori

When I Grow Up...

I want to be…. I don’t know.  I think I want to work in either public relations or event planning.  Currently, I’m interning at a non-profit organization that I love.  I have a personal interest in the organization because they’ve helped my family out in the past.  There’s nothing better than working at a place that helps people everyday.  I want to work somewhere where what I do means something to someone.  Non-profits do just that.  I use to think I wanted to work for a non-profit that worked with animals, and although that isn’t completely out of the picture, I think where I am is exactly where I want to be.  It’s strange because I could see myself working with this company after I graduate. 

As you may have realized with my other posts, there’s always something that triggers these posts about my life journey.  I go to a college that’s pretty competitive and most students know what they’re doing with their lives by the time they start their junior year.  Clearly, I wasn’t one of those students.  I wanted to dabble here and there and hopefully fall into my dream position.  Today I went to the movies to see Breaking Dawn Part 1 with a friend from high school.  (Just in case your wondering, the movie wasn’t that bad, but by no means are any of the actors going to win an Oscar anytime soon).  I was asking her what her plans are for the future, half expecting her to already have a job lined up.  Well, she was just as dumbfounded as I have been and did not have even the slightest clue as to what she wants to do after college.  I was a little excited to hear that I’m not the only person who has no idea what the future holds.  Hopefully by the time my graduation roles around I’ll have a better idea (and dare I say it, a J-O-B! (fingers crossed)!!!!)

“I’ve heard that it’s possible to grow up - I’ve just never met anyone who’s actually done it. Without parents to defy, we break the rules we make for ourselves. We throw tantrums when things don’t go our way, we whisper secrets with our best friends in the dark, we look for comfort where we can find it, and we hope - against all logic, against all experience. Like children, we never give up hope…” Meredith Grey (Grey’s Anatomy)

All the best!
Tori

*** after re-reading this I can't help but laugh because I was so optimistic

Welcome to The World According to Tori

Hello Blogger!!!

My name is Tori, and I've decided to move my blog from another website over here.  I am a recent graduate who is looking (unsuccessfully) for a job!  My blog was originally created to chronicle my journey from a senior in college to a hopefully employed graduate.  Unfortunately, life doesn't seem to follow the plan that we set in our minds and dreams because my blog is continuing.  With this blog I hope that my journey can help someone out there in the bloggersphere.

I plan on using this blog to update you on my journey to finding a full-time job, all things fashion, sports (and by that I mean my love for the New York Yankees), and anything else that I feel like sharing.  I'm looking forward to sharing my life with you and hope you enjoy reading this blog.

*FYI, my first couple of blogs are going to be be past posts from my other blog, just to catch everyone up with my life!

All the best!
Tori