This question could apply to two things: my music degree and this outfit.
Yesterday I bought this ridiculously expensive ensemble for a job interview today.
Yesterday I bought this ridiculously expensive ensemble for a job interview today.
• Pearl Jackie Cardigan = 2 Rehearsals*• Loulie Ruffle Cotton & Silk Top = 2.5 Rehearsals
• Neapolitan Pencil Skirt = 2.75 Rehearsals
• Flowerette Sash = 1 Rehearsal
• Black Oxfords = 1.5 Rehearsals
• Total Outfit = 1 to 4** Week's Worth of Gigging
*Based on typical pay per service in Portland's semi-professional orchestral community.
**Based on unpredictable consistency of sporadic gigging.
Okay, so as the links give away, all of this is from J. Crew. You can add up the prices and shake your finger at me. Go ahead. Do it. I've already paid the bill and cut the tags, hoping this interview outfit will pay itself off.
These are the first items from J. Crew on my side of the closet, although a fashion consultation for Sam with fashion gurus Kali and Zack over Christmas break lead to Sam's what-to-wear prescription for this store.
Sam looks eatably good in his J. Crew outfit! The chocolate brown sweater and lavender oxford shirt are so schoolteacher cute with the khakis and Sperry canvas shoes. And although in general I don't think J. Crew is my style, I sure love the outfit I got yesterday. I plan to wear it on special occasions like speaking in church or simply to feel well dressed.
[For you frugalistas, I just want to defend myself by saying we don't buy clothing very often, but when we do, we want it to last. Every item I've purchased from Forever 21 (cute as each is) has fallen apart or worn out after approximately one to three wears or washes. Cheap shoes (but not necessarily cheap, but well-made, thrift shoes) tend to drift towards the same fate. It's the quality/quantity thing.]
But to get back to the big question: will killer outfit get me a job?
Today's interview doubts it. Killer outfit did not help the fact that my resume says "music" on it. I hope writing about this won't come back to haunt me, but here is the summary as follows:
**Based on unpredictable consistency of sporadic gigging.
Okay, so as the links give away, all of this is from J. Crew. You can add up the prices and shake your finger at me. Go ahead. Do it. I've already paid the bill and cut the tags, hoping this interview outfit will pay itself off.
These are the first items from J. Crew on my side of the closet, although a fashion consultation for Sam with fashion gurus Kali and Zack over Christmas break lead to Sam's what-to-wear prescription for this store.
Sam looks eatably good in his J. Crew outfit! The chocolate brown sweater and lavender oxford shirt are so schoolteacher cute with the khakis and Sperry canvas shoes. And although in general I don't think J. Crew is my style, I sure love the outfit I got yesterday. I plan to wear it on special occasions like speaking in church or simply to feel well dressed.
[For you frugalistas, I just want to defend myself by saying we don't buy clothing very often, but when we do, we want it to last. Every item I've purchased from Forever 21 (cute as each is) has fallen apart or worn out after approximately one to three wears or washes. Cheap shoes (but not necessarily cheap, but well-made, thrift shoes) tend to drift towards the same fate. It's the quality/quantity thing.]
But to get back to the big question: will killer outfit get me a job?
Today's interview doubts it. Killer outfit did not help the fact that my resume says "music" on it. I hope writing about this won't come back to haunt me, but here is the summary as follows:
Interviewer in Scrubs vs. Myself:
"So you're a musician?"
"Mmm hm."
"So are you going to do anything with that?"
[Blank expression. Thoughts say, "Did you really just ask me that?"]
"Actually, yes. I am." [I'm not going to do something with that, I am currently doing something with that.] I mention my current gigs.
"So do you have any experience in healthcare?"
"Not . . . well, no."The interview winds on a little, going in a few very, very short circles and lasting only a couple minutes. I am asked more about my history as a musician while I try to steer the conversation towards my credentials in office administration, editing, copywriting, and leadership. This goes nowhere quickly.
The assistant says she'll be right back and takes my resume down the hall to the doctor. I image she steps into his office and whispers, "She's a musician."
The doctor scrunches up his face as she hands him my resume and references. He takes the painstakingly prepared documents with other not-so-dangerous words such as "specialist" and "office" and slides the sheets effortlessly through the paper shredder.
This may or may not have happened. I hope it didn't.
The assistant returns to the room where I sit posed in my woven pencil skirt with my ankles tucked to one side like I learned from Princess Diaries. I am dismissed very quickly without an invitation to meet the doctor.
Dear Potential Employer,
I realize that while I have a background as a classical musician, I promise I have other valuable and marketable skills I hope to contribute to the success of your organization. I appreciate your taking the time to review my resume and interview me today and hope to hear from you soon.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Lambson
6 comments:
Oh boy, I know EXACTLY how you feel! It's a wonderful degree, I wouldn't go back and do anything differently, but when it comes to getting a "real job" outside of performance and teaching, it's a challenge!
I covet your skirt. :)
Yes, I had a very similar interview at an optometrist's office. "Oh, so what did you do as the TA of the Baroque Orchestra?" Never heard back from them.
Been there!! Fortunately, sooner or later somebody will look a little further and you'll get the office job of your dreams! And you'll get to use your other skills and talents. Meanwhile, keep gigging!
Wish I could pull off a pencil skirt.
Looking good! good luck!
Your outfit is fantastic-- glad you bought it. Hope the job works out!!
Amen to splurging on clothes if you aren't a clothes-a-holic. I need to go shoppingfor an interview outfit,too .
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