- Jasmine Michelle
- Jan 24, 2018
- 3 min read
I'm back!
It's been a few months and I have a lot to tell you guys..
My position has far improved since the last time I updated you, but already things have started to backslide. I'll start from where I left off.
I left you with the prospect of an interview, which seemed to go really well but on my way to class afterwards I was walking to the train and passed by this really cool, minimalist looking clothing store and did a double take. Something seemed to draw me into the store, almost like some kind of force was pulling me to it. I quickly did a job search (s/o Indeed.com!) and saw that they had a part time supervisor position listed not even 10 hours ago. Score!
I walked in and immediately was greeted by the bubbliest assistant manager ever, and told her that I was just in the neighborhood and something drew me in to ask about the job. She loved my spontaneousness and we did an impromptu interview right there- on the spot.
So I was pretty unprepared; I'd never heard of the brand before and really had nothing to say about it besides how cool the store looked; but that didn't seem to be an issue. She realized how unorthodox our chance meeting was and gave me a lot of background on the company. It was based in LA, had 3 stores throughout California and had just opened the Chicago one almost a year ago. They're focused on denim, my fave, and simple silhouettes/knits that are focused on quality over quantity. The whole vibe of the place seemed so similar to my favorite previous employer, American Apparel (RIP.)
I spilled my guts on how badly I wanted to be in fashion retail again, how much I missed creativity in my workplace, and how passionate I am about clothes. We seemed to vibe with each other so well- so much so that she said she'd forward my resume to the store manager and take it from there.
I left the place feeling amazing, almost on a high. I just felt so good about that whole interaction, especially after all of the bad luck I've been having with my job search. Definitely a confidence boost.
The next day, I got a call from the store manager who invited me to come in the day after that for a second interview. I was so excited, I wore my coolest "cool girl" outfit that consisted of my American Apparel mom jeans that I custom distressed, (plus tights under since it's winter in Chicago,) an oversized grey sweater from Nasty Gal, and my favorite Vans Sk8 highs. It helped that I had class afterwards, I go to an art school downtown so it's always an incentive to put together quality fits when I'm on campus. I felt good, I looked good, and I killed the interview. The store manager was a little different, way more low key than the assistant but still enthusiastic about my potential. We bonded over the fact that I'm working my ass off while attending school, which is what she went through as well. She could probably sense how responsible and balanced I am (not to brag,) but a few days later I got the call offering me the job!
This was probably the best hiring experience I've ever had. I love the store and my job so much, and everyone who works there is very chill so there's no drama whatsoever. I really believe this is the first step in the right direction, my 2018 is going to be far superior to what I went through last year.
To be continued...