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There’s nothing like partial unemployment to give you a massive inferiority complex. In one fell swoop you’re plucked out of a position of relative comfort and personal security within an organization and turned into one of “the great unwashed”, just one more victim of the economic slowdown from which only the perpetrators (read: banks and other lending institutions) will survive, albeit with the generous help of Our Government. Still, as I said in last week’s column having seen this coming, I’m better off than most but no amount of planning could save me from that most dreaded of confidence-destroying experiences, the job interview.Resume-wise, I read fairly well, with solid executive-level support skills and a good working knowledge of the computer programs currently in demand. I read so well in fact that I’ve already had four interviews in the past two weeks, and I’m told that’s no mean feat in today’s job market. While two of the interviews didn’t work out (one did offer me a future position in another department, which I still take as a “win”), with a glut of applicants, the other two potential employers are taking their time, and as of yesterday they have both indicated a decision would be made by the end of this week.
That may seem like promising news, but to me it’s meant seven days of crippling self-doubt. Sure, I interview well, but did I present myself appropriately? Am I the physical type the employer envisaged for this position? Should I have worn another suit? Was my hair a floppy mess by the time I made it to the meeting? Was my make-up applied correctly? Don’t laugh, Gentlemen, these things really do cross the minds of female applicants, and I know from my own supervisor’s hiring practices, appearance can play an important part in the hiring decision, regardless of the experience of the applicant.
Perhaps fueling my insecurity is the fact that, with spare time a-plenty, I’ve become addicted to the reality program, RuPaul’s Drag Race, (on cable channel LOGO) an honest-to-goodness “must see” program wherein 12 drag queens compete in challenges and beauty and style competitions to discover America’s Next Drag Superstar. In other words, it’s The Apprentice with falsies.
I’m jealous beyond belief because, while I’m not suggesting going to a job interview resembling a drag queen is the key to employment success, I wish I had one-tenth the ability to do my make-up and hair, and was able to afford the fantastically stylish daytime attire I’ve seen some of the “ladies” wear on that program. While I’m in passable physical shape for woman of middle-age, any amount of time spent in front of a mirror with a table covered in foundation and eye shadow would only serve to make my face look like a circus clown, and I’m too lazy to learn how to correctly apply it now.
I suppose if I’m honest, I’ve run out of reasons to speculate why some potential employers haven’t made a hiring decision on me yet. On all of the important fronts, I have the background, the experience and the skills, so it must by process of elimination be my appearance; egads, that even sounds ridiculous as I write it. I should just stop speculating, stay busy and as my Mother is always telling me, “don’t overanalyze everything!” While I'm waiting, I should at least make an attempt to enjoy my enforced down-time, kick-back on the sofa and watch RuPaul’s Drag Race. Who knows? Maybe I can pick up some make-up pointers from my two favorite contestants, “Jujubee” and “Tyra Sanchez”.* Rationally I know it shouldn’t make any difference in the employment interview process, but it would make me feel a lot better.
* If any “girls” care to loan me an outfit or apply my makeup prior to my next interview, please write to me at lightsidenotes@gmail.com.
