An interview outfit.

No, I don't have an actual interview to go to.

Two weeks ago I applied for a job I really, really, really want. I keep checking online with pathological regularity and my application continues to be "in progress."  That's not bad, but it's not great either. I haven't been rejected out of hand. My application is still under consideration. I wait and I stew and I check the website again.

I went shopping over the weekend and purchased more clothing to outfit my job hunting process. Now I have plenty of things to wear to an interview, if I ever get one, and a credit card bill that makes finding a job imperative.

I'm hoping to work a little fashion magic here. Sort of an *if you wear the outfit, they will call* kind of thing. I know these are tough times. I know that my university, where I applied for the job I really want, is dealing with some major issues that have garnered national attention, and might take precedence over my need to have my resume reviewed RIGHT NOW. I know that the process of job hunting is slow and arduous. I know that these days very qualified people submit hundreds of resumes without ever getting called back. I know all this and I just wish they'd hurry up and call me.

So I'm participating in Visible Monday over at Not Dead Yet Style, even though the only place I'm going to be seen in the flesh today is Rite Aid. I'm hoping to be visible in another kind of way-  I hope my resume stands out. And that I can wear this dress again soon to meet with someone and discuss the position and my (awesome) qualifications. I hope on the outside I look professional, capable, hardworking, intelligent, and competent. On the inside I am screaming "Please notice me! Please like me! Please think I can do this! Please at least call me!"  I hope my exterior does not betray my inner quivering, incompetent, basket-case. Have I mentioned that I do not like looking for a job? I hate it.

The upside of this 'aspirational dressing' is that I have the opportunity to notice details, like the fact that my shoes need polishing, before I am racing out the door to an interview. This should mean that I'll be able to take care of things like this ahead of time. I say should because knowing that something needs to be done, and me actually doing it, are two totally different things. Even if I have the best intentions in the world, and probably should be doing something useful, like polishing all my shoes, instead of compulsively checking my application status and stressing.