I sold myself.....
.....to the interviewer I met on Tuesday.
Remember the photographer job I was talking about? Well, they called me up on Tuesday afternoon wanting to meet me. Yay!
So I made my way down to the place 5 mins earlier as with every interview I go.
While waiting, there was this other guy who came by with a clearfolder in his hand. Obviously, his portfolio and he was meeting F the same time as I am supposed to.
Be confident. Be confident. Smile. Smile. Check my breath. =)
She came 10 mins later and sat me down in one of the many partitions in the "recruitment center". It felt like those days when I had to walk in for a supervisor post for Giordano (hehe).
Did you bring your resume? I don't have it.
I was stunned. I didn't bring my resume. I had emailed them a copy and I was told to just bring myself. Nevertheless, I should have. I apologized.
"Why don't yoy just describe your work to me?"
"Sure, basically it is not that important that I don't have a resume. Because nothing in there is what you are looking for. I work in a bank and has been for X years."
There was a look of surpise. I continued.
"I have no portfolio. I am very very new to this. But I have a keen interest. I have worked in pubs and restaurants and am generally a people person. I believe, apart from photography skills, you want someone who can interact and mingle with people... make them feel at ease to take shots."
"Yes, we are hiring full time 9am-6pm or 1pm-10pm."
Here comes the next hurdle. I thought to myself.
"Yes I understand that you have shift work. But I have a day job. And I would like to propose a part time basis with you. I can work from 6pm-10pm and alternate weekends."
"Are you married?"
"Erm, is that relevant?"
"Oh, I just wonder how you can cope with the hours because you have a day job."
"Oh I see, I am single. And this is a hobby of sorts. I've worked long hours before. It's not an issue."
"Erm, we are not looking for freelance or project basis. We want a permanent position filled."
"Yes, I understand. And I am not offering myself on a project basis or assignment basis. I am sure, with all shift planning, the odd hours are sometimes filled by part-timers. For e.g. your weekend slots and your late night slots. As I've mentioned I am new to this. So terms of wage I won't give you much problems as long as they are reasonable for the job. "
"Erm, maybe I can discuss with my Director and see if he is open to the idea."
But I detect a look of doubt.
"Thank you F, I just want to assure you, that if you are worried that I would walk out in a week. I am open to signing a 3mth contract or whatever your terms are. Basically as I mention, the terms are very flexible. I hope to hear from you soon."
F loosened up a bit.
"Ok, I will let my DIrector know. Thanks for coming."
And I walked out after a handshake.
I am keeping my fingers crossed!
How could I have sold myself better. Any idea?