I got an interview! I can't believe it!

The Cauldron's server is expensive and requires monthly payments. Please become a Bronze, Silver or Gold Donor if you can. Donations are needed every month. Without member support, we can't afford the server.

Or donate directly via Paypal

This message board is The Cauldron: A Pagan Forum's SMF Archive Board. It is closed to new memberships and to posting, but there are over 250,000 messages here that you can still search and read -- many full of interesting and useful information. (This board was open from February 2007 through June 2011).

Our new vBulletin discussion board is located at http://www.ecauldron.com/forum/ -- if you would like to participate in discussions like those you see here, please visit our new vBulletin message board, register an account and join in our discussions. We hope you will find the information in this message archive useful and will consider joining us on our new board.

[jazzie]

OMG! I am so excited I'm about to blow a gasket! I have just gotten a call to say that I have been shortlisted for an interview for a sales rep job! In the what are you reading now thread I mentioned that I aimed to be in a sales rep position. I saw this one, and it looked excellent! I have a sneaking suspicion that it was for a tobacco sales rep, but the ad didn't specify. I have no sales experience, only retail, but I really really want to get into sales, so I have been applying for any sales rep position that doesn't specify a "proven track record in sales", and crossing my fingers. I have also been applying for assistant manager positions when they come up, even if it means travelling an hour, because it's much easier to get into sales rep jobs if you have been in management.

Anyway, this job has a base salary (and a darn good one), training, fully maintained company car (which for sales rep jobs usually means that you get to use it for personal use as well - and fully maintaned means you have a company fuel card), commission, a laptop and a work mobile phone. I have no idea how I got the interview. She called me last week and we had a short phone interview, and she said that if I was short listed I would be contacted by Tuesday (It's already Friday now so I had given up on that one). She called today, they're sending me some paper work and I have an interview next Saturday. WOOT! WOO HOO! HOORAH! Whether or not I get the job, I'm at least getting calls now, and interviews too! I have been trying to improve my applications and thinking about how I would answer questions etc, and it looks like things are beginning to turn. I'm starting to get phone calls and interviews.

Now, down to the important stuff, I need opinions. My hair is a little crazy. The bottom half is blonde/electric blue/hot pink/purple, and dark on top. I know that this is not appropriate hair for a sales rep position, but....I'm not being cynical, just realistic - I have no experience, so what are the chances that I will actually get the job? Do I dye my hair a regular colour before the interview, and lose the colours I love because it will make me more presentable for the interview? Or, do I explain in the interview that I know the hair isn't work appropriate, and if I was to get the position the hair would be back to a normal colour before my first day of work? I know that I should just dye it a normal colour before the interview, but it costs a fortune and takes forever to do it like this, do I really want to get rid of it on the off chance I might get the job? Yeah, I know. Grumbles. Priorities. I'm off to find some dark brown hair dye. No complainin, I'm lucky I got the interview.

Thanks for the space to get all excited and over think things etc about this job posibility. My partner is still at work and I am way to excited to not talk a million miles a minute to *someone*.

[Beachglass]

Now, down to the important stuff, I need opinions. My hair is a little crazy. The bottom half is blonde/electric blue/hot pink/purple, and dark on top. I know that this is not appropriate hair for a sales rep position, but....I'm not being cynical, just realistic - I have no experience, so what are the chances that I will actually get the job? Do I dye my hair a regular colour before the interview, and lose the colours I love because it will make me more presentable for the interview? Or, do I explain in the interview that I know the hair isn't work appropriate, and if I was to get the position the hair would be back to a normal colour before my first day of work? I know that I should just dye it a normal colour before the interview, but it costs a fortune and takes forever to do it like this, do I really want to get rid of it on the off chance I might get the job? Yeah, I know. Grumbles. Priorities. I'm off to find some dark brown hair dye. No complainin, I'm lucky I got the interview.

What about using temporary dye?  I think it's supposed to last for seven shampoos, however I'm not sure what effect it would have on already dyed hair, I've only used it on my natural color.

[jazzie]

What about using temporary dye?  I think it's supposed to last for seven shampoos, however I'm not sure what effect it would have on already dyed hair, I've only used it on my natural color.

Thanks Beachglass, I'm not sure how it will go either but I'm going to try it. I can't believe I didn't think of it myself considering the bright colours I have are temporary. Lots of upkeep. I have a feeling the temp dye will get sucked up by my hair because it has been bleached, so it probably won't come out completely, but I'll give it a go. It'll make for less processing time if I don't get the job and want to bleach my hair back so I can put the colours back in. I'll let the temp colour fade as much as possible, and then attack the hair with the bleach. Less processing time is always good. Youch that bleach feels like it's burning my head off (it's not, I'm just a big baby )

[WarHorse]

Congrats!!

[RandallS]

OMG! I am so excited I'm about to blow a gasket! I have just gotten a call to say that I have been shortlisted for an interview for a sales rep job!

Good luck with the interview!

[jazzie]

Congrats!!

Thanks Warhorse.

Good luck with the interview!

Thanks Randall. I've gone from not hearing anything, to getting knockback letters, to getting phone calls, and now, finally, I've had a couple of interviews for jobs that I actually want, and the last two I know that I came pretty close to getting. I'm getting there, if slowly. This particular job only those that made the first cut got the phone call, and after the phone call only those that made the cut got a follow up call for an interview, so I'm doing ok so far.

On topic but new point. I was talking about having to redye my hair for the interview to this woman my Mum is friends with, and her suggestion was to leave my hair as is, and say that it was initially brown and blonde, but I coloured it for the shave/colour fundraising day for cancer. Good Lord I was just about shocked off my chair! It's a CANCER fundraiser for crying out loud! How could anyone claim such a thing when it's not true. Upon expressing my mortification, she asked me how I was going to be good at sales if I wouldn't ever lie? I don't *not* lie, but the lies I tell are only ever small (you know, like telling a telemarketer that you're cooking dinner - when technically they have called at meal time). I mean, jeez, even if I was a liar, I wouldn't lie about something like that, it's just so WRONG (IMO).

I'm right aren't I? Not that it really matters cos that's what I think and I'm sticking to it, but she thought it was weird that I wouldn't tell a lie that *doesn't hurt anyone* to try and get a job that I really badly want. I'd rather dye over my much loved colours thank you! I think she's the weirdo for thinking it's ok to lie about raising money for cancer research to explain wacky hair colours.

Pfft. Just had to blow off some steam. Mortified I am.

And it appears in every topic I post in I just have far too much to say tonight

[Ocelot]

OMG! I am so excited I'm about to blow a gasket!

Congrats on the interview, and the best of luck on getting the job, Jazzie!

[HeartShadow - Cutethulhu]

On topic but new point. I was talking about having to redye my hair for the interview to this woman my Mum is friends with, and her suggestion was to leave my hair as is, and say that it was initially brown and blonde, but I coloured it for the shave/colour fundraising day for cancer. Good Lord I was just about shocked off my chair! It's a CANCER fundraiser for crying out loud! How could anyone claim such a thing when it's not true. Upon expressing my mortification, she asked me how I was going to be good at sales if I wouldn't ever lie? I don't *not* lie, but the lies I tell are only ever small (you know, like telling a telemarketer that you're cooking dinner - when technically they have called at meal time). I mean, jeez, even if I was a liar, I wouldn't lie about something like that, it's just so WRONG (IMO).

I'm right aren't I? Not that it really matters cos that's what I think and I'm sticking to it, but she thought it was weird that I wouldn't tell a lie that *doesn't hurt anyone* to try and get a job that I really badly want. I'd rather dye over my much loved colours thank you! I think she's the weirdo for thinking it's ok to lie about raising money for cancer research to explain wacky hair colours.

Pfft. Just had to blow off some steam. Mortified I am.

And it appears in every topic I post in I just have far too much to say tonight

I think that's pretty nasty too.  It's pretty crazy to claim you've done something that you haven't that's so important.

I think it shows strength of character that you find that crappy.

[jazzie]

I think that's pretty nasty too.  It's pretty crazy to claim you've done something that you haven't that's so important.

I think it shows strength of character that you find that crappy.

Thanks Shad, I just had to blow off some steam. Really ticked me off. If I was a Mum and one of my kids even thought about doing something like that, I swear, they wouldn't sit down for a month. I just find it unbelievable that she would suggest something like that. Obviously she thinks it is perfectly acceptable, and now I'm not sure what I think of her. I'm going to try not to think about that too much though. She is a *good* person IMO, but that was a shocker. She's actually donating to the cause though, so she's redeemed herself a little.

Anyway, I don't think that Sales is about lying. Granted, I'm in retail not sales at the moment, but I won't fib to sell something. If I think something is crappy, I'll say that that's what I think, and point out that it may not be what they think. If there are any good qualities I will point them out, but most of the time I'll just offer them something better. If there is nothing better than I will just say what I think the good points are, and if they ask me outright what I think of the product, I will tell them. From a customers point of view, if I get service like that anywhere, honest retailing, I will make a point of going back and spending my money there when something I need can be brought from that place. I like when people that want to sell me things will give me an honest answer, even if it means no sale. That's why I make sure that I DO spend money there.

And Ocelot, thanks for the congrats and the good luck. I'm crossing *everything*

[violentsound]

First, congrats!

Second: could you borrow a wig for the interview? (Maybe I just have weird family/friends, but if I needed a realistic wig I could get one easily.)

If there is nothing better than I will just say what I think the good points are, and if they ask me outright what I think of the product, I will tell them.

You'd be the sort of salesperson I would want to have, that's for sure.

- N

[Celtee]

OMG! I am so excited I'm about to blow a gasket! I have just gotten a call to say that I have been shortlisted for an interview for a sales rep job!

Yay! Congrats on the interview, jazzie. Hope ya do quite well and get the job you want. 

[Oaksworn]

First off, congratulations.  I remember what it feels like to be out of work and how wonderful an interview felt.  It really bolsters your self-esteem at a time when you really begin to question your worth.  So, congratulations.

Do I dye my hair a regular colour before the interview, and lose the colours I love because it will make me more presentable for the interview?

Well, having a full beard and long hair I can somewhat empathize here.  My stance has always been that if a prospective employer wantes me to remove a body part before they'll consider me for the position then the culture of the company isn't worth getting involved with.  That said, I always make sure that my appearance is as professional as I can make it.  That's what works for me.  In your case how about pulling your hair into a bun or a roll?  If you have long enough locks then that should hide the colored ends if they're not to long.  This way you have less financial outlay for the dye and less stress on your hair from the dyeing and re-bleaching.  Just a thought.

Anyway, I don't think that Sales is about lying.

It isn't.  It's about talking with your customer and determining what they are looking for.  Once you've figured that out it's a matter of finding the best fit for them with the products/services available to you.  You highlight the points of the product that match what the customer is looking for and let them make the final decision. 

The downfall of sales, especially commision sales, is that it changes peoples perspectives to being money focused.  Part of that is due to the environment the sales person works in, specifically the expectations of management, and the other part comes from the sales person themselves.  I've seen that in a job I had myself in commission sales and in how the salesmen where I work now interact.  For them it's always about money and how much they're going to make on their next sale.  I've found that if you treat your customers as people deserving respect and speak with them honestly then things will work out.  You may not get the immediate big payoff monetarily but you end up building a longterm loyal customer base.

Ach... just musings from the peanut gallery here...

In any event, congratulations on the interview.  May you find what you're looking for and may the universe agree it's what you need.

[Elisabette]

Congratulations and good luck, Jazzie!

I've you decide to dye your hair, I'd try semi-permanent. It's less damaging than permanent.  Temporary over bright colours is going to fade out to a pukey dishwater grey colour (trust me) which probably isn't what you want. If you want something a bit livelier than dark brown, you could try doing the ends in a dark red, and leave the roots dark.  Tipped red ends aren't likely to occasion too much comment unless the employer is really conservative.

Betty 

[jazzie]

Thanks Celtee, N, Oaksworn and Elisabette.

Well, having a full beard and long hair I can somewhat empathize here.  My stance has always been that if a prospective employer wantes me to remove a body part before they'll consider me for the position then the culture of the company isn't worth getting involved with.  That said, I always make sure that my appearance is as professional as I can make it.  That's what works for me.  In your case how about pulling your hair into a bun or a roll?  If you have long enough locks then that should hide the colored ends if they're not to long.  This way you have less financial outlay for the dye and less stress on your hair from the dyeing and re-bleaching.  Just a thought.

It isn't.  It's about talking with your customer and determining what they are looking for.  Once you've figured that out it's a matter of finding the best fit for them with the products/services available to you.  You highlight the points of the product that match what the customer is looking for and let them make the final decision. 

The downfall of sales, especially commision sales, is that it changes peoples perspectives to being money focused.  Part of that is due to the environment the sales person works in, specifically the expectations of management, and the other part comes from the sales person themselves.  I've seen that in a job I had myself in commission sales and in how the salesmen where I work now interact.  For them it's always about money and how much they're going to make on their next sale.  I've found that if you treat your customers as people deserving respect and speak with them honestly then things will work out.  You may not get the immediate big payoff monetarily but you end up building a longterm loyal customer base.

I have always been of that same opionion (if they want me to change parts of my body/my look, then I don't want to be involved with them) until now. I HATE my casual job at the servo. Hate hate hate it. Loved my job at the vets but couldn't live off the pay, so I only work there when needed now, and it's really only because I like it - the money does next to nothing for us. I do like the large discount though, considering I have four cats, two dogs and am constantly fostering kittens

I want this job so badly that yep, I'm willing to change my look - I'll even remove my piercing if I have to, which has been non-negotiable since I got it seven years ago. They probably won't even notice I have it though, my current boss only noticed after I'd already been there 12 months.

This is the kind of sales job that I desperately want. You're the sales rep for a product (tobacco, food, whatever), and you basically just maintain the sales that are already in your specified area to certain stores. I'll be dealing with managers and assistant managers of stores that we already supply to. I'll be on the road a lot, just where I like to be, and the base salary is excellent. Great money! Having the fully maintaned company car also helps because you lose the cost of running a second car. We could sell one of our cars, and save money on fuel and upkeep. The commission is just an extras/bonus scheme. Even if I got no commissions/bonuses, I'd be raking it in anyway. Good stuff. These are all the reasons why I am so excited to actually get short listed. All I need is a chance.

I was actually reconsidering the redying thing myself this morning, and the thought occurred that I could go with a bun. There are two really bright pink "stripes" coming from just below my temples though, but I could experiment with some dark coloured hairpray, and arrange the bun so that the colours are covered by my "normal" hair, and gloss around the outside of the bun with the coloured hairspray. Don't know if coloured hairspray comes in regular colours like black or brown, but that's what the internet is for right?

Congratulations and good luck, Jazzie!

I've you decide to dye your hair, I'd try semi-permanent. It's less damaging than permanent.  Temporary over bright colours is going to fade out to a pukey dishwater grey colour (trust me) which probably isn't what you want. If you want something a bit livelier than dark brown, you could try doing the ends in a dark red, and leave the roots dark.  Tipped red ends aren't likely to occasion too much comment unless the employer is really conservative.

Betty 

I trust you on the pukey grey dishwater, I just thought if I did it that way, then when I re-bleached it the developing time would be shorter. I have a friend that does all my hair stuff, she's not a hairdresser, but she's been doing everybodys hair for years, she knows her stuff when it comes to colouring, so I think we'll do some experimenting with hair styles this week too. She's done quite a few girls hair for their deb balls, so she can probably come up with something to cover the crazy bits of mine.

Also, I love jet black hair with the fiery red tips on the ends, I've had this before, so yeah, maybe I could go this way again. It'd be something that I definately like, and if they think it's too outrageous, then geez, I'm just not gunna know how to interact with these people.

Thanks all for the encouragement and good luck wishes, I've been on the pc and hour and a half more than I had "time budgeted" for, so I'm going to try and escape this forum....in a minute or three
>insert devil here<

[jazzie]

And another interview! Hot dog, I'm havin some luck this month. Considering I usually apply for two jobs a week (on average) and all I seem to get are knock back emails, no phone calls, nothing, this month has been running hot. That's three calls and two interviews.

This one is on Monday, and it's not as cushy as the other job. But, I have more of a chance of getting this one. It is an assistant manager position at the servo on the other side of the highway. Run by different people, but we're all under the same corporation. Fuel industry experience is an advantage, and I have two years worth of that. I want this job as it will be a stepping stone into sales. If I got this one and held it for two years, it would be a LOT easier to get into sales, which is where I want to be. Management experience (including asst. mgr) is held in high regard for sales positions.

So, I'm keeping my fingers crossed and ringing my cousin, who is actually an asst. mgr for the same fuel corp (different franchise of course). Management all have to go to the same seminars etc, and they are coached on what questions to ask, and what answers to look for. So I'll pick her brain and have all the right answers, plus my fuel industry experience.

Things are looking up.

[Tags:]

Jump to: Please select a destination: ----------------------------- About The Cauldron ----------------------------- => Rules and Regulations => Cauldron Announcements ===> Volunteers Needed: Site Assistants and Projects => Introductions => Board Questions, Suggestions, and Feedback => Chat and CauldronMUX Support => Test Board ----------------------------- Religion and Philosophy ----------------------------- => Paganism For Beginners => Books and Other Resources => Pagan Religions => Pagan Spirituality => Gods, Goddesses, and Mythology => Worship and Ritual => Holidays and Festivals => History and Religion => Faith in Everyday Life => Philosophy and Metaphysics => Non-Pagan Religions and Interfaith Discussions => Miscellaneous Religious Discussions ----------------------------- Magic and the Occult ----------------------------- => Magic and the Occult for Beginners => Witchcraft, Hoodoo, and Folk Magic => The Western Magical Tradition => Chaos Magic => Lodges and Other Magic Organizations => Miscellaneous Magical Discussions ----------------------------- Special Interest Groups & Special Discussions ----------------------------- => Special Topic Discussions => Chavi Memorial Chronic Illness SIG => General SIGS ===> College Pagans SIG ===> Cooking SIG ===> Divination SIG ===> Home and Garden SIG ===> Pagan Parents SIG ===> Teen Pagans SIG => Religious SIGS ===> Asatru and Heathenry SIG ===> Cauldron Cill ===> FlameKeeping SIG ===> Hazel and Oak: A Celtic Polytheism SIG ===> Neo-Druidry SIG ===> Reformed Kemeticism SIG ===> Ta Hiera Hellenic Polytheism SIG => Book/Media Discussion Boards ===> Academic Book Discussions ===> Pagan Religion Book Discussions ===> Magick Book Discussions ===> Fiction Book Discussions ===> DVD/Video Discussions ----------------------------- Life, the Universe, and Everything Else ----------------------------- => Pagan Announcements => Prayer and Energy Requests => News and Politics ===> Religious News ===> Non-Religious News ===> Political Discussions => Social Discussion Boards ===> Art, Poetry and Writing ===> Books ===> Computers and the Internet ===> Crafts and Hobbies ===> Family Life ===> Gaming ===> Health and Medicine ===> Humor and Quizzes ===> Music, Television, and Film ===> Pets ===> Science and Technology ===> Sports and Recreation