Wednesday, September 05, 2007

Hair Raising

I have an interview at a hair salon tomorrow. It's a hip, little shop not too far from where I live, and they are looking for a salon director (fancy term for front desk person). The job post specifically mentioned they were looking for someone with "an overly enthusiastic personality." Pretty sure I fit the bill. Especially if you get me started talking about pageants, lottery tickets, Mexican radio stations, or vacuuming. (Have I failed to mention that I ADORE vacuuming? Yeah, I know. I'm a glutton for punishment.) If I know what's good for me, I'll probably keep my mouth shut about the aforementioned topics. Honestly, I really want the job and I think I'd be great at it. I just don't want to come across as desperate. Any tips?

You'd think I'd be preoccupied with what they might ask me and how I should answer, but frankly, all I can think about is how I'm going to do my hair. I had a non-interview interview at a different salon last week for a similar position, and it was disastrous. San Diego was in the midst of a record-setting heat wave and I had to tackle 45 minutes of highway driving (I'm breaking out in a sweat just thinking about it), in a car that only spits out ample air-conditioning during the evening hours when it's chilly outside, in order to get there. I was a right mess upon arrival. Rumpled and frizzy, enough said. They never called back. It's a lot of pressure interviewing at a hair salon.

So I really want things tomorrow to go well. The entire contents of my closet are strewn about the house as I type, since I tried on everything I own and paraded around in front of my husband hoping to glean some wisdom from his discerning eyes. What do you wear to an interview at a place where you know the interviewer is going to be fabulously but casually dressed, and you, the interviewee know you need to look hip and dressed to kill, while striking the fine balance between underdressed and overdressed. Am I rambling...?

I took some photos to show you all the two options I'm deciding between, but I'm not sure if I want to post them. After seeing them full-size on the monitor, I really just wanted to scream "WHOSE IDEA WAS IT TO FEED ME ALL THOSE TACOS?!??!! *%*&@%!!!"

Yes, this was my dinner tonight.
Don't let the lettuce fool you.
It's hiding all the delicious lard lurking beneath.

Ok. I need to relax. Upon my better judgement, I'm posting them anyway. I say the camera doesn't give the outfits full justice (and isn't there something about the camera adding 10 pounds?), but I'll let you fine folks do the choosing. You have until Thursday, 11am [Central Time] to cast your vote. And don't get upset when I completely disregard you opinion and panic moments before I'm supposed to leave and change into something entirely different.

Option A
Dressy, but not too dressy?
Do I look like I'm trying to hard?


Option B
Matt prefers it without the belt.
I think he's right about that.
He is a designer, afterall.

5 comments:

michelle said...

i choose option b... casual yet chic. you'll do great!

Mike & Helen said...

Hey Erika! Your blog makes me laugh!! I choose option b without the belt too.

On another note, I've been getting lots of positive feedback on the earrings that you gave me.

Miss ya!

Laura said...

I choose Option A. It's better to be overdressed than underdressed-especially for an interview. As my mother might say, "There's nothing wrong with being the best dressed person in the room!" Love the skirt. Maybe you can funk it up with some bigger jewelry.

Anonymous said...

Hilarious post, my friend. One of your best. I know I'm running out of time, so here's my vote....although I love Option B, I agree with Laura that perhaps Option A is better for an interview. You can pull out Option B on your first day of work. :) Because you will get the job. How could they not hire you looking like that?!

Emily said...

I'm 20 minutes late so it doesn't matter what I pick. You'll look great. I just wanted to say that you are SO beautiful! I love the pictures.

Also, I'll be praying for your interview. May you be comfortable and calm and may you get the job!