Stuck in the retail trap

Fly_Baby

SueC wrote: »

The best advice I can give you is to persevere. Try thinking of ways to put a positive twist on situations that could potentially be seen as negative.

eg. "I see you got your ICT qualifications some time ago". "Yes, since then I've been using those skills to <<whatever>>, and I'm now a whole lot more experienced and confident putting them to use than I was when I first passed my exams. I now do, quite easily, things that I used to struggle with".

Or, "I see you were previously turned down for a team leader position". "Yes, I realise now that at that point I wasn't really ready to take on that role, but since then I have <<whatever>> and put a lot of effort into developing my <<whatever>> skills, and now I think I'm much more able to move on to the next level, and really appreciate the opportunity of being allowed to apply again. I think that the fact that I haven't changed my mind about wanting this role demonstrates how serious I am about it".

Whatever you do, please absolutely avoid developing a chip on your shoulder. There is nothing more offputting to an employer (either a new one or your existing one) than some one who comes across as feeling hard-done by or resentful. These are BAD qualities. Whatever the situation, and regardless of how you are actually feeling, find a way to be positive in how you express yourself.

Yes, life is sometimes unfair, and sometimes people do get jobs because their face fits. But it is far more fruitful to work at making your face fit than sit around moaning about the fact that it doesn't!

SueC, I am not the OP but I wish I could thank you more than one click for this post.

SueC_2

Fly_Baby wrote: »

SueC, I am not the OP but I wish I could thank you more than one click for this post.

My pleasure, just glad you found it helpful!

fakeplastictwee

I'm finding every one of these posts insightful and very helpful! I suppose because I haven't worked anywhere else I'm unaware of which skills are transferable. I had no idea anyone else would know what shrink management was!

I hope no one thinks I'm rude replying so late, been doing funny shifts the last couple of days!