I was recently coached by an employment recruiter as to the proper attire for an interview.
I had a pair of black dress pants which I wear to almost everything. Funerals, lunches with dignitaries, other interviews. I thought if I could find a top to go with it that would be peachy. I went to the mall and tried on a million things. I don't really enjoy shopping. I am thrifty by nature and like to use things up before I buy something new. The venture seemed successful and the next day I texted pictures to the recruiter of what I had purchased. The response I got was an emphatic NO! I received a detailed text of what I should wear. The consensus was:
A sweater set with pearls.
Who am I? June Cleaver?
So, I returned to the store where I purchased the less than elegantly perfect interview attire and keened my search. I tried very hard to step out of my box. I pulled things off of the racks and carried them to the nearest mirror. Too hip, too square, too young, too old, not me! Finally feeling dead ended and drained, I started to ask the advice of fellow shoppers. I shared the June Cleaver pitch and my new friends gasped at the thought
I took my new choices and went into the dressing room.
There as I tried on my four selections I again enlisted the help of the women in their stalls. They came out one by one, timid at first, but once they saw my exasperation they took me to their bosoms and extended big girl advice. God Bless them everyone! They all really liked a casual trendy suit jacket, which I wasn't completely sold on. It needs something one women said, "pearls" she uttered. My shoulders slumped.
I choose one trendy, not really me but not so obviously not me that I wouldn't feel like a jerk, blousey knitted top thingy. Then feeling positive, I ventured on to find the perfect top for a second interview.
The day of my appointment I had no clue where I was going and needed to use my GPS for the first time. My interview went well and I walked out of the building feeling confident, sure my attire was no hindrance to the impression I had made. After receiving positive feedback from the recruiter, my second interview blouse hangs limp, tags still attached. Waiting, along with me for the final word.
I spoke to my recruiter yesterday...
Today I will head to the mall to return the second interview top.
Or maybe not.
I kinda like it and it doesn't require pearls.
