So on Sunday I had the epiphany (well, technically after a stern scolding from my boyfriend) that I needed to get a job ASAP. My savings has depleted and I can't pull imaginary money to pay bills from the air and I also am against racking up my credit card. So Monday I dove into the infamous job hunt that 99% of all us are familiar with. On Tuesday I had three interviews lined up. As I explained before...those didn't really go as I planned. However, sometimes what we perceive to be the plan, really isn't the plan in the grand scheme.
Wednesday I had another interview (if you call it an interview-more like a sit, greet, hand resume and leave sort of thing) at the Crooked Knife. It seemed like an a-okay joint, typical bar/restaurant and the location was in walking distance from my home. Turns out that they opened a new location that's farther away. However, beforehand I met up with a fellow actor classmate of mine and was lamenting my woes to him about how am I ever going to find a job here when every application requires the applicantee at least two years of NY experience. Him amongst my boyfriend and other people I met during the interview waiting room said flat out that everyone lies. I, naturally, was taken back by this because I am a principlist (to a degree)! How can I LIE about my skills and abilities?! Wouldn't they see that lie on the job if I was lacking?! I went home that night contemplating this revelation about how "everybody" lies. I mean it makes sense, right? How can someone ever get a job if they just moved to NYC like moi? However, after much deliberation I decided to just keep trying with my honest resume and I had faith it would all work out. Weaving through Craigslist I saw more job postings that I applied to; one being rather schnazzy.
The Standard Grill is a hip, posh new restaurant down in the Meat Packing District that holds an upscale dining cuisine caliber. *Ding* A light went off and I immediately applied. However, the application wasn't just a simple resume. It required you to have a cover letter, why you'd be qualified for the job, explain who you are and your personality, what your goals are and what you plan on doing in the future, etcetera. I sort of went all out for this because, hello, fine dining equals higher priced food which equals larger bill totals which equals larger tips!
Not even an hour later I get a response from the district manager saying to come in for an interview the next day. I had school the next day, but fortuitously for me, the time to meet was right during the break :) I even went a little early because I had no idea where this place was and already there were people there waiting for the interview. I was slightly bummed that it wasn't as intimate as I presumed it would be. I brought my printed out resume to the colossal restaurant and received a tangible form of an application. As I calmly filled it out because I could see the HR staff sizing up the potential candidates, I focused on the insanely awesome music that echoed in the ceiling above me. I mean seriously freaking cool music! Spoon, Dr. Dog, Muse, Blonde Redhead, Deerhoof to just merely name a few. Then a tall man pushed the heavy door open and called three names, one being mine along with two other gals. Naturally, I slant eyed sized them up, while masking it with a genuine smile.
He had a warm presence to him, so I took a deep breath and attempted to expel all the negative or tense feelings I had and to exalt my confidence in myself. He sat down and made sure to maintain eye contact with us at all times and asked us questions. Our availability, experience- sort of like how a slug extends its feelers out to gain a picture of its' environment (not that I am saying he's a slug, haha). However, I definitely would say he tricked us because his final question was "how much do you expect to earn weekly". The first girl said she'd be happy with making ~$120 per shift, the second girl was rather flustered and kept explaining how she can't genuinely answer intowhich the interviewer said just spout out an answer-there is no right or wrong answer-so she said weekly she wants ~$750 assuming she works 5 days. Then it was my turn, now I know that you always say low because I know that I can work it and always make more, so I thought ~$120 per shift was fair...that's how much I would approximately make at Ajo's, so why couldn't I squeeze that out from this upscale fine dining? Well, apparently there was a right or wrong answer because the interviewer told girl #2 that he's sorry, but he would have to let her go because she most likely wouldn't receive that kind of money here. Phew!
The next step was to meet with HIS boss, which was a darling thing with a great fashion sense. Her and I clicked, I felt, and we were laughing and talking and at the end she said I'm hired. SWEET! Like I mentioned a LOOOONG time ago, NYC (the reputable part of NYC) never wastes a beat; I filled out employee papers right then and there and started work the day after.
So there you have it. Hard work pays off. We also have an adorable uniform. A silk cream blouse, high waisted fitted almost catholic school girl a-line skirt and a black cardigan. We provide brown penny loafers. Not to mention the scene is amazing, celebrities come in all the time. The night prior to my interview, Mr. Big was there from Sex & The City 2 and my first day training which was yesterday (Saturday) M.I.A. was there and I am sure plenty other celebrities that I had no idea who they were.
(Almost like this, but waaaaaayyyy cooler)
The only draw back to it is that it's a pooled tip. I've never experienced that and like I began this segment; you reap what you sow and might I add I sow mighty hard. Oh well...let's just hope the other servers are as motivated as me to earn big dollars.
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