TKO

I'm currently "work challenged" and looking for a job has been just that...challenging. I've had my fair share of technical knockouts but refuse to let this economy keep me down.  At this point, a job is a job and I'm open for anything legal.  


The latest attempt... 


1st Round...

Me:              "Hello! I see that you're hiring. I'd like an application please."
Manager:    "Hi. We have the hiring sign out front, but our store isn't hiring; but other stores are hiring." 
Me:              "Ah, ok. So, is the one in (my area) hiring?"
Manger:       "Yes!  Just take it up there." 
She handed me the application.  I filled it out, turned it into my local Cato's and hoped for the best.


2nd Round... (three days later)
Me:                "Hi! My name is Cheryl Williams. I'm here to check on my application". 
Clerk:            "Ok, well let me get the manager for you."
Manager:      "Hi." 
Me:                "Hi, I'm here to check on my application." 
Manger:         "Oh, the Store Manger is the one who does the hiring and she's on vacation right now.  She should be back in about a week."
Me:                "Ok, well what is here name so I know who to ask for?"
Manager:       "Oh, her name is Doris. 
Me:                 "Alright, thank you!"


3rd Round... (ten days later)
Me:               "Hi!  Is the Store Manager, Doris available. I'm here to check on my application."
Clerk:            "Yes, let me go back and get her."

A fair-haired, middle-aged, white woman hurriedly came out to the front counter from the back-stockroom; flattened cardboard boxes in tow.  It was Doris.

Doris:            "How may I help you?"
Me:                "Yes, I'm here to check on my application. I turned it in about two weeks ago. I was told to wait for you to come back and speak with you once you came back from vacation."
Doris:            [sigh] "I don't know why they told you that [folding the boxes underneath her right arm] Well, did they tell you that right now I'm only looking for a 1st Tier Manager?"
Me:                "Um, no I'm sorry they didn't."
Doris:            "Do you have managment experience?"
Me:               "No... WELL, somewhat!"

Doris looks me up and down and pauses...

Me:               "I have some supervisory experience in the military."
Doris:           "Hmm, that's nice but honey I'm looking for someone with at least one year of retail management experience to take over while I'm away."
Me:               "I understand."
Doris:           ''I'm sorry...well, what is your name so I can pull your information if something comes up."
Me:                "Cheryl Williams"

She quickly pulled a pen out of a bushy, blond bun and began to scribble my government across the back of a flattened cardboard box.  

Doris:          "Cheryl Williams...OK, I'll keep you in my mind."

At the last pen stroke she looked up from the box, shot me a pitiful smile and winked at me. Suddenly, I felt an inch of my pride sink down my throat.  I suppose she meant well but I couldn't help but feel as thought it only added insult to injury.

Me:             "Alright, thank you."


TKO...
I smiled, turned around and walked out.  "Back to the drawing board", I said to myself. After awhile situations like this begin to work on your pride and patience.  Being unemployed is definitely a trying time but you must stay positive and keep at it.  Yes, I too am convincing myself.