Published on 12, July, 2020
This happened in 2000. But I am sharing it now to get it off my chest and because it still affects my confidence today, whenever I remember it.
Back in 2000, I was a part time carer and I was looking for part time retail work because of their very flexible working hours.
I had applied to all the local supermarkets and major stores. I had got two interviews but been turned down.
The job centre suggested a two week course which was run in conjunction with the city council and a major supermarket. At the end of the course we were guaranteed an actual interview for a real job with a new supermarket which was opening nearby.
At the end of the first week I was called into the training centres manager's office. And he asked me to leave. ️
I asked why because I was unaware of having done anything wrong.
At first he refused to give a reason, they just wanted me to leave!
After much hesitation, he told me.
So I left. Feeling rejected and dejected.
It's horrible when something like that happens because you can't just forget it. I had a retail interview a few years back that went very badly. I tried my best but the interviewer was quite angry at me for some reason and finished by saying that i would never be suitable for anything that involved customer service. Unfortunately lots of job descriptions mention that, regardless of whether they are a retail position and i can't help but remember that incident whenever i see that phrase.
You're right about job descriptions often wanting good communication skills, no matter what it's for. I've been looking for a second part time job. I just tried McDonalds, who are recruiting near me. There was an online survey, to see whether you're suited to the role, and I answered honestly and blew it. How extrovert do you really need to be to prepare burgers? I feel sure I could have coped with asking someone whether they want fries with that. We shall never know.