First time Applying

lime stars · Posted: Sun Oct 21, 2007 5:15 pm Post subject: First time Applying

Question(s):
(Warning: long post... sorry, I ramble a lot!)
(ps. If you don't wanna read everything just skim the headings)

So I really want to work at the Gap.
I'm interested in fashion and retail, I love Gap, the atmosphere is great, the location is relatively close, and most importantly- they're accepting applicants. The thing is, this is my first time actually applying for a job. I have a job right now but it is something completely unrelated and I was referred to the job so I didn't go through anything.

As any first time applicant would be, I'm pretty nervous and confused!

A couple problems and questions:
1) Too young?
I'm 16. The people at the location seem very cool and nice, but they're old (and by that I mean older than me, and more mature)! Not that I'm immature ( Very Happy

), but they definitely do not look like they are in high school- at least college/uni or graduated- and I look even younger than 16 say some. I checked the careers section under the Gap site, and the job requirements say "High School graduate or equivalent." But that means graduate or high school student, right, right?

Either way, last week on my latest visit to the store, I coincidentally bumped into a classmate (same age) who was waiting for her interview. I saw the sign for help that day but I tried very hard to ignore it because I thought I was too young, but a classmate was there! She does look a bit older than me, but so does the rest of the the 16 year old female population because I'm shorter than average. I don't act my height though? But I must have some glimmer of hope because my friend got an interview there?

2)Regular customer?
I frequent the location a lot. I mean, wouldn't it be awkward? BUT I'm pretty sure the location has had a recent "upgrade" (better store setting, different friendlier staff) so the new staff has only seen me there once. Otherwise I'm there every other week usually, excluding the recent months because of summer vacation. The new staff is SO friendly and helpful, and genuinely nice- if I don't get this job it would be awkward visiting my weekly store, so I would miss out on a great store + service because of awkwardness Icon_ups

3) Unqualified?
I've only had one job experience (my current one), and a little of volunteer experience. All my job+work experience involves caring for children, mostly because help for children at church is always needed, and it's an easy, fun thing to do. I have fashion knowledge because it's my interest and passion, and it is my favourite and affordable store. Does that make up for it?

4) I have a job already!
...but it is only an hour or so after school every Monday to Thursday. Plus I'm ony going to be working there for a couple months, and my "term" ends in December. BUT the thing is, I don't know if they will need my help again after the holidays. Of course I would say yes, the pay and workload is great and it's enjoyable, even as an "extra" thing. There is a pretty good chance, since they already called me back after the summer vacation. The pay is great for my current job, but retail and fashion is what I really want to do so I'd LOVE to do both. Am I being greedy? Neutral

If I wait to see if my work will need me back, it may be too late to apply for Gap. If I apply now and get it, but can't commit to the hours, they might say "Then why did you apply?" Confused

Do managers like you to be committed to one thing?

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Sorry that I asked so many questions, I just wanted to make super sure because this is my very first actual experience into the "real world," for something I REALLY want and I'm very nervous! Plus my mom will not let me apply unless I know the exact details Sad

Today is Sunday, and tomorrow I will ask my classmate how her interview went and a couple questions (I hope she doesn't mind, I didn't mean to "copy" her, but seeing her there gave me hope that I could get an interview too). I'll be away from home for the next weekend, so if I can update my measley resume and gather confidence, I'll probably hand it in first thing when I get back (before I change my mind).

Thanks for reading down to here Very Happy

I really appreciate it!!!

tootsieroll48 · Posted: Sun Oct 21, 2007 10:08 pm Post subject:

1) I know Gap's minimum age requirement is 16 so you're good to go there. In terms of appearance, they're not allowed to hire you based on that, but you can present yourself in a way that may be more mature than a typical 16 year old. (For example, asking for the manager when dropping off your resume, being polite and friendly, shaking hands, etc)

2) Being a regular customer at the store is actually a good thing. They know that you're actually interested in the store and know about their clothing and company. And don't worry if you dont get the job, its not that big of a deal walking in. Heck, if they see you a lot and you show how much you want the job, maybe they'll offer the position back to you!

3) Working with children definitely shows that you are responsible. Being so young the employers will probably understand that you do not have much experience, but babysitting definitely looks good on a resume, and you have something similar to it. If you ever get an interview, make sure you persist that you're willing to learn, want to gain experience, a hard worker, and a team player.

4) It sounds like the job of yours right now seems pretty seasonal. Are you sure you can't fit both in? Especially during holiday season? If you really can't then it's up to you to decide which one you want more. Personally I would take on a new job just to meet more people, gain more experience, and add a couple lines to your resume.

Hope i helped =)

lime stars · Posted: Wed Nov 28, 2007 5:50 pm Post subject:

Thanks soo much tootsierole, I feel much more assured with your advice now Happy

I'm going to apply this week, and even if I don't get the job there are manymany other stores hiring because of the holidays. And at least I have a solid resume now! Thanks again =)