Job Interview

It has been 13 years since I last applied and interviewed for a job. Every time I say it, I feel like that old lady from the Titanic movie. And in my soul, I feel like Old Lady Rose. It feels like a lifetime since wrote my resume, sold myself in an application, and then sat before someone trying to convince them I'm the right person for the job. I think the last job I applied for had a paper application. It's been that long!

Yesterday, I had my first in-person interview in 13 years. I had prepared for it all week and here are a few things I've discovered.

1. I'm completely convinced that the lack of affordable professional workwear on the market is an attempt to keep women out of decision making spaces.

2. Women have WAY more "prep" work and maintenance than men do.

3. It feels unnatural to talk myself up and/or highlight my knowledge and accomplishments.

Allow me to elaborate on these a little.

Women's clothing. I am a bargain shopper through and through but I also don't mind spend ing a little more on quality items. This is not something everyone can do so I believe there should be affordable professional workwear on the market. My current situation is that we are going through a major life transition right now and our entire lives are packed away in storage while we live in a temporary house. I didn't anticipate interviewing right now so I didn't keep anything professional out when I was packing. Likewise, the stress of the last year has found its resting place on my hips and behind so I'm not even sure how many of those packed away clothes fit. Enter my need to shop.

I went to the following: Nordstrom (which, as it turns out is a bit out of my budget), Nordstrom Rack, Marshalls, Burlington Coat Factory, TJ Maxx, H&M, Old Navy, Kohl's and Target. Unless I wanted to show up to this interview in a crop tee and athletic leggings, there was very little selection. I finally found an entire ensemble at Target. (I should have started there because Target rarely fails me). I'm sure I could have gone to the mall but I loathe the mall so I tried to hit up stores that I thought would have variety but I came up empty-handed.

The thing I don't understand about it is that there were racks and racks of men's professional attire at these stores. Dress shirts. Slacks. Shoes. You name it, a man could walk into that store after a day at the pool and walk out ready for an interview. This was not the same for women's clothing. Why is that the case? If women are going to be in professional spaces, they should be able to get there without breaking the bank on their clothing. At least that's my opinion.

Which leads me to my next discovery. Do you know what my husband did to get ready for his last interview? Get a hair cut and make sure his beard was well-groomed. News flash...My husband always gets regular haircuts and trims his beard. (Side note: He did accidentally nearly shave a patch completely off the morning of an interview and that was both horrific and hilarious at the same time.) I digress... my point is that men have very little to do. Women on the other hand? A million things and nothing feels overlooked.

We buy the right outfit, down to shoes, undergarments, and accessories including handbag. Then starts the labor of making sure our hair is well done, our makeup is professional but not too bold, our nails are done, our accessories are minimal enough but allow us to be ourselves. Part of me thinks, Who cares they can take me or leave me? but the other part of me, the part that notices flaws and inaccuracies thinks, I care, that's who! So, I carefully manicure my nails choosing a subtle color to compliment my outfit without drawing too much attention. It seems ridiculous and tad bit unfair, in all honesty.

Speaking of attention, why does it feel so unnatural to talk about myself in conjunction with success? I don't know if it's because my last decade has been spent in a male dominated industry where I worked with my husband so we shared the accomplishments, or if this is a bigger concern in society but, honestly, it gives me a hiccup when I take solo credit for my own accomplishments. (Note: My husband is a wonderful man who regularly celebrates my wins, gives me credit for my achievements, and encourages me to lean into my gifting so please understand that this is not a reflection of him or our relationship.) There is just this deep pause that sits in the back of my mind, second-guessing the words as they leave my mouth. I have to remind myself that the things I'm saying are true, real, and good. I am allowed to speak well of what I have done and will do. Negative criticism and wet-blanket in my mind, be gone.

I don't have a solid point for this post....more just my own ramblings about this season of life....but I'll leave with this.....I got the job.