I have a job interview

[Victoria J]

I have a job interview - for a job that wouldn't involve dealing with the public at all.

I'm scared.

Scared of interviews. I've only had one in the last 4 years while I've been working in my current job. And that was a really silly one where I applied just because the job was at the seaside and I daydream about moving, even though it's not practical. This one is serious - local, kind of a step up (and sideways - but definitely up), and with more money.

I'm also scared about the idea of even just possibly working away from the public. I'd like the work - and I'd be good at it. But I don't know if I could motivate myself properly. I'm used to having my week defined by the time I spend face to face with the public - and if I spend all day at my computer I kind of freeze up.

I also had to buy shoes. I've got at least 3 jobs and 2 college places interviewing in purple combat boots - but that only works if they are clean and shiny. The current pair are run down and creased and scuffed. I haven't the money or time to replace them so I've had to get some cheap won't-look-out-of-place shoes just for this.

I think I'm probably over-reaching here, but just in case I do have a chance. Has anyone made the leap to working away from people ? And survived ? Or even anyone who's made a choice between leaving a familiar job for an unfamiliar one. I am not unhappy where I am, though I feel like I'm moving backwards sometimes. I also also only ever moved job because I HAD to (1 nightmare job, otherwise when jobs were ending for other reasons).

I'm wishing I didn't apply now.

Victoria J

[draco664]

I have a job interview - for a job that wouldn't involve dealing with the public at all.

Good for you!

I'm scared.

Don't be. It's just a step outside your comfort zone. People have been doing that for ages.

Scared of interviews. I've only had one in the last 4 years while I've been working in my current job. And that was a really silly one where I applied just because the job was at the seaside and I daydream about moving, even though it's not practical. This one is serious - local, kind of a step up (and sideways - but definitely up), and with more money.

I'm also scared about the idea of even just possibly working away from the public. I'd like the work - and I'd be good at it. But I don't know if I could motivate myself properly. I'm used to having my week defined by the time I spend face to face with the public - and if I spend all day at my computer I kind of freeze up.

I also had to buy shoes. I've got at least 3 jobs and 2 college places interviewing in purple combat boots - but that only works if they are clean and shiny. The current pair are run down and creased and scuffed. I haven't the money or time to replace them so I've had to get some cheap won't-look-out-of-place shoes just for this.

Just make sure you look as though you are turning up for the role when you go for the interview. Thrift stores often have good shoes that you can use for the interview.

I think I'm probably over-reaching here, but just in case I do have a chance. Has anyone made the leap to working away from people ? And survived ? Or even anyone who's made a choice between leaving a familiar job for an unfamiliar one. I am not unhappy where I am, though I feel like I'm moving backwards sometimes. I also also only ever moved job because I HAD to (1 nightmare job, otherwise when jobs were ending for other reasons).

I did, and I'm so glad I made the move.

Dealing with the public (especially an ungrateful public) is a drain on your soul. Getting a job away from them is a relief you only feel when you no longer have to do it.

I now make in a day what I earned in a week working on phones or in a Customer Service role. There are still sucky people, but compared to the mind-curdling stupidity you encounter from being face to face with Joe Public, it's bearable.

I'm wishing I didn't apply now.

Victoria J

Stop thinking like that. Seriously. The worst that can happen is that you don't get the job. Don't be afraid of the unknown. Jump in with both feet!

In all seriousness, don't let fear drive your decisions.

[Naaman]

I did, and I'm so glad I made the move.

Dealing with the public (especially an ungrateful public) is a drain on your soul. Getting a job away from them is a relief you only feel when you no longer have to do it.

I now make in a day what I earned in a week working on phones or in a Customer Service role. There are still sucky people, but compared to the mind-curdling stupidity you encounter from being face to face with Joe Public, it's bearable.

Just quoting this for emphasis

[wagegoth]

Yes, I've said it before, but the best interview tip I have is to keep telling yourself, "They would be lucky to have me as an employee. They would be lucky to have me." Just keep repeating it. It really does affect your attitude, and the interviewer will feel it.

At this point in my like, I've done more office work than retail work, but even though I don't work with the general public, I still work with people, so that never really ends, it just means that you're less likely to be surprised by someone's behavior.

The simple rule with shoes is: match the color of the shoe to the color on your legs.

If you're wearing pants, plain black oxfords or something simple. Unless you're wearing brown, which means brown shoes. Sorry, but dark brown pants look crap with black shoes. Or wear the shoes I recommend for skirts. They will work if your pants are full on the bottom and partially cover your foot. Slim pants need a flatter shoe.

If you're wearing a skirt or dress, just get plain black pumps, around a 2 inch heel, if you're comfortable with heels.

Since it's summer, especially if you were a skirt, consider a pair of taupe or cream pumps, unless you're wearing dark tights. That's when the simple rule kicks in.

And, always remember, they'd be lucky to have you.

[Arm]

Wagegoth has some good advice on the shoes. And I wish you the best of luck with your interview!

For after the interview, though, I may have some advice on the boots. Are they leather, and do you have pictures of them?

I've got a pair of boots that's over 8 years old now, and well-loved. I can still make them shiny with enough care, too. There's little that steel wool, saddle soap, polish, and water can't fix. And for that which they cannot, there is always the boot man

edit to add: pictures of the scuffs/damage to the boots in particular would be helpful.

[Victoria J]

Thanks for the advice. I've survived it.

The boots - not leather. They're from the Vegetarian shoe shop Unfortunately their old material was much more hard wearing than the current. It's not repairable, they appear to have cut corners and not coloured it right through. It's not a great loss because I buy a pair every year/year and a half, and the soles are getting worn down. I'm just not sure I want more from the same company (but nothing will be as good and long lasting as leather).

I wore very plain, cheap, pumps. No heel as I worried I'd wobble. I am really not a girly girl and don't do heels. But I think they were fine, perfect for not being noticed.

I was so nervous I couldn't spell my own name when I got in the building (really - I starting putting in a second i and had to try and make it into a c). But the test went well, and I didn't humiliate myself at interview. I think it's likely the job will go to someone with more direct experience, but I believe they would consider me for the post.

What did worry me was that the test was taking their information (for professionals working with the public) and writing material for the public based on it. I believed their information was wrong (I've checked and it is) on one point, and it was a point that matters. If someone relied on that information they could potentially lose money. As I work for a connected organisation and use their information I didn't feel I could ignore it. I now fear they will either hate me for finding a fault in their work, or will think I was just trying to make myself look clever. I tried to be polite.

Anyway I was the first interview, they're interviewing today and also have at least one interview on Monday. So I wait.

I guess if I dealt with the public and it was so/so except when they were sucky I wouldn't miss it. But I do a job where when it all goes right it can be very rewarding. I also think that I kind of need the encouragement to concentrate on people, because I tend to be a bit of a hermit. But when you can't get a job that has everything you want you have to make choices and part of that could be having the different elements in your work history even if you can't have them all together. But as long as I have work, and can pay the rent, I'm not going to complain that much (I've experienced the other sort of life !).

Thanks again,

Victoria J