I was hoping to have some news for everyone today. I had a job interview this past Friday with a store in Clackamas Town Center mall. I had a follow-up interview two days ago, which was Monday. I know these things can take time, but from what I've read of other people's experiences with this company, job offers usually come on the day of the second interview or on the next day. I haven't gotten a call yet, and I'm feeling an odd combination of emotions about it. Actually, I've had mixed feelings about this entire process.
When I applied online for this position, it was for either a location in Tigard or one in downtown Portland. When the call came in from Clackamas, I hesitated. This is going to sound stupid, but for me, Portland doesn't exist beyond SE 60th Ave. It just doesn't. Clackamas mall is actually in Happy Valley, OR. I was all, "OMG, that's sooo far!" but my mom said, "Call them anyway!" She was right, of course. I was amazed that, despite my homemaker status, I was granted an interview. The first interview I've been given in years.
I had convoluted directions when I went for my first interview. I hate it when the internet fails me. I had allowed myself an hour to get there, and what should have been a 30-minute trip ended up taking 55 minutes to complete. But I made it! I don't know if many know about this, but Glassdoor is a great resource. I knew everything that was going to happen in the interview ahead of time, there were no surprises. Other than being slightly nervous, I felt that I'd done pretty well, and within 2 hours I got the call for the second interview. Score!
For round 2, I had much better directions, and ended up being about 40 minutes early. I just stayed in the car and went over what I was going to be asked. Went in, had what I felt was a great conversation, and was told they'd let me know.
And that's it.
From the moment of the first call, and especially after the first interview, I've felt relief, excitement, dread, and guilt. Relief because my chances are good, excitement because this is my field of expertise and I'm perfectly qualified for this position. Dread because I actually hate retail sales. Guilt because I hadn't even applied for 10 jobs and there are people out there who apply at hundreds of places without getting any calls at all.
Then there's the commute. I'd be using public transportation to get to and from work, and my commute would (will?) be about an hour and a half. Not only that, I would (will?) be going through the worst (highest crime) transit stations to get there. People get stabbed, beaten, robbed, etc. I understand that this happens when there is a high number of people, and public transit just carries risks with it, but... damn! I'd be going way past SE 60th Ave., into the area that just doesn't exist to me, where most of the problems are. Plus it's a 3 zone trip, which costs more. Am I whining? Maybe. Do I have money for a hospital bill, or savings in case I'm robbed, or an alternative mode of transportation if necessary? No, I don't.
I need work, though, so if that call does come in, I will gladly and gratefully take it. I like this store as a customer, and I think I would like it as an employee, too.
While I wait, I need to think of other places to apply. It also occurred to me that I might be able to use this opportunity to get into another line of work. I have no idea what that might be, but it's a thought. I doubt anyone would be willing to hand me a welding torch (seriously, would I not be the coolest metal worker ever?!), but maybe I could get on with a bakery or something.
Also toying with the idea of making something to sell, but of course there are no guarantees with that either.
So, I don't actually have any news to share. At least I know now that there are places willing to give me an interview. I'll just keep at it. I'm feeling depressed and hopeful at the same time, if that makes any sense. If you're in the same boat as I am, hang in there.
We'll get through this.
No comments:
Post a Comment