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!

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!!!!  

A Week In Review

So I've been slacking off with my posting so I figured I would update everyone on the week I had:

Monday:
On Monday I actually went on a job interview.  I wasn't initially excited about the job position but after I left the interview I realized that this position is something I wanted to do.  Although I've been on a few interviews I didn't feel like this interview went really well.  For starters, I had to drive through a crazy storm that was so bad that I actually needed to pull my car over and pray that the storm would pass.  Then once I got within a mile of the business, I sat in bumper to bumper traffic.  I pride myself on always being early.  I tend to leave myself 15-20 minutes to get places.  Well for this interview I was 5 minutes late, which actually didn't end up mattering because my interviewer was actually late too.  Because I was late I felt like I was flustered and wasn't myself.  I left the interview thankful for the opportunity but not expecting to get a call for a second interview.

Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday:
I worked.  Nothing too interesting.  Customers have been acting crazy because it's a holiday weekend and all the crazies come out for a good sale.

On Friday I received an email from the company I interviewed with asking to setup a 2nd interview.  I was actually really shocked because I didn't think I did that well on my first interview.  I've realized I really would like this position so I'm going to really prepare for this interview this time.  Wish me luck!!!

Thursday:
On Thursday, my brother and I went to go see Madagascar 3 in 3D.  Overall, I thought the movie was pretty cute.  I really believed that the movie was geared towards the adult crowd.  My favorite part included King Julien singing a lovely rendition of the Spice Girls "Wannabe."  I wouldn't say the movie was worth the price of the $10 ticket but it definitely was a cute movie that had me laughing.

Sunday:
Today, I went with my roommate (technically my ex-roommate but that's too depressing) to see Magic Mike.  I was extremely excited to see this movie because I love Channing Tatum, Joe Manganiello, and Alex Pettyfer, plus who wouldn't be excited to see these men stripping.  I know the movie has been on the top of the box offices but I believe it's simply because of the actors who star in this movie.  Matthew McConaughey was made for this role.  I'm sure Matthew doesn't want to be associated with a sleazy male stripper but this is exactly how I imagine him acting at home with his kids.  Overall, unless your dying to see Channing Tatum's butt, I would wait for this movie to come out on DVD.  JOe Manganiello wasn't even in the movie that much but he did reveal a little more then the rest of the characters did (if you know what I'm saying ;)

I hope everyone else had a pretty successful week!!!!!

Oh and here's a cute picture of Pierre and Tuckie in their matching bow ties!!!

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