A Victorian Career Trek

Dear fellow readers,

I recently flew down to Melbourne at a moment's notice. On Monday afternoon during my break at Myer, I received an email regarding a recruitment event taking place in Melbourne. I responded with "Thank you so much for the opportunity. Yes I will attend". And without hesitation, I immediately bought the tickets for an early flight for the next day, Tuesday. I had to. I wanted to. I needed to. It was a must! I made sure there was plenty of time to explore Melbourne before the recruitment event. It'd be my sixth visit to my favourite destination.

I woke up at 4.30 am and made a cup of coffee, my usual medium roast. I showered and dressed the way I would for any job interview. We left home around six and dad dropped me off at Epping station. I checked in for the 8.30 am Virgin flight and flew down to Melbourne that very morning. Upon arrival, I put my plans right into action and took a train down to Dandenong to see Victoria's Secret store in the huge Chadstone mall. Chadstone is the fashion capital, the rich people district. The Victoria's Secret store was absolute heaven! I was in awe like a child in a candy store lol. The store in Melbourne was nothing like the Sydney stores. It felt like a beautiful wonderland. I couldn't help but make a video of what's inside the store. I didn't plan on buying anything but I helplessly gave in to the temptation - I bought a bra and a few panties. We don't have bras in any of our Sydney stores. I wanted to feel like I have what the other girls don't lol.

I made use of the services provided i.e. a representative assisted me to find my bra size and lead me to the fitting room. They were other reps in there ready to assist and I wasted no time in trying on a few bras. The fitting room was quite stylish. It wasn't the usual bland retail change room or cubicle. It made you feel like you'd wish it was your own room... it was very personalised. And there was a bell for when you need help. Yes, I made use of the bell too lol! I needed help with finding the right bra size. It's important to make sure your breasts are comfortable and have full coverage in a bra. I considered a plain black bra but then considered I should buy something I don't usually have - something different, something sparkly, something shimmery... why not? It may be my one and only opportunity depending on the recruitment event.

After shopping, I made my way to the Vincent Hotel at Albert Park, where the recruitment event was taking place. All the important managers were there - Victoria's Secret, Bath and Body Works, Michael Kors, TUMI and Jimmy Choo. There were many other applicants as expected, it was a group interview. I don't really like group interviews. I always find them quite intimidating and mind-boggling. It sends my nerves into a frenzy but somehow I managed to keep my cool before other professionals. I focused on the task and contributed what I could for the challenging group activity. We brainstormed how much to spend for our imaginary store and make a profit. I suck with numbers but I suggested a few ideas for the open launch of the imaginary store. It was obvious the managers were assessing us on our problem-solving and cognitive skills. During the group activities, each manager from each store pulled each candidate aside to interview individually one at a time. My first interview was with the manager of Victoria's Secret from Chadstone. The interview was rather brief and fast so I doubt it went very far. I was slightly defeated and ended up with a defeated attitude. And unexpectedly, low and behold, a manager from Michael Kors spoke with me and she offered a contract right on the spot, which was more than the job listing. The job search was for Christmas Casuals but the job offer was for permanent casual! She said, if I'm really interested, come back on the weekends and she can get me started on Monday! I was gobsmacked. Utterly speechless. I really didn't know what to say but I knew I have to think fast and respond professionally. So, I asked for three weeks to sort out my affairs in Sydney before I could make the HUGE decision. So, here I am freaking out in excitement and fear. I don't know... is it possible to be afraid at the same time? I'm not afraid in a way of scared of it, it's more like afraid as in unexpected, taken back. I think I'm still in shock. Now I'm worried I may not have enough time to make the decision lol but three weeks is plenty. Anyways, I thought I'd share this lovely experience with you. Until next read... ciao!