Help with Dressbarn job interview

[Sometimes Steffi]

In this previous thread (https://www.crossdressers.com/forums/showthread.php?266242-Advice-on-what-to-do) I asked for advice on applying for a job at a local Dressbarn. A couple of days after I applied, I got an email asking me to apply for a Lane Bryant job practically next door to the Dressbarn.

I didn't really think the whole process through, but there's a real possibility that I may get an interview.

I'm an engineer by training and vocation, and I know how to conduct myself in an interview for an engineering position. But, I've never worked a retail job, even going all the way back to high school. I mostly worked as a stock boy or in shipping and receiving at a warehouse. I don't even know what kind of questions to expect, and how I demonstrate any qualifications for the job.

Anyone have any ideas what kind of questions that I might be asked at an interview? Can you give me some idea of what good answers might be?

Is there any way I can turn my lack of experience into an advantage? What about turning my TG status into an advantage? I was thinking of saying that I haven't been doing this (crossdressing) that long, so I might bring a different perspective to it. Maybe help women get out of their comfort zone. Maybe try on styles or colors that they normally wouldn't even think of because of preconceptions (not my color, not age appropriate.

How do I handle questions about working in a dress? How will I handle customers who identify me as a CD and don't want to work with me? How do I deal with any question about professionalism on the job?

These are just questions that popped into my head overnight. I'm sure that there are many more. I'm sure that many of you girls have worked retail jobs, maybe even selling women's apparel.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[Sheren Kelly]

Not an expert, but I would expect questions on how you interact with others and your views on customer service and satisfaction. Expect them to ask of your specific experiences in resolving issues that arise in dealing with difficult situations.

In this day and age, one thing that is valuable (particularly in retail) is the ability to commit to a schedule and be dependable. Showing up for work is a large part of success.

[VS Fan]

Yep - customer service angle - even as an engineer you likely had “internal” customers so you can relate based on that experience. But yeah being dependable is the #1 qualification they want outside of being helpful and pleasant to customers :)

as for all the rest I would be 💯 honest... express willingness and ability to learn.

[Tracy Irving]

Rather than helping women get out of their comfort zone you could offer suggestions with (help them find) a new style or color choice that they might not have gravitated toward yet would still work for them.

[Kelli_cd]

I was going to say this same thing. As an engineer, you've dealt with many customers, internal and external. They just weren't "retail" customers. You probably have lots of people experience and problem solving skills. These carry over, you may need to convince your interviewer of this.
You may be asked why you want to work retail after being an engineer. You'll need an answer for this.
Greatest strength, biggest weakness?
Why should I hire you?
A customer comes in and she's very upset about a purchase she made last week. The item doesn't fit now, or the color clashes with her skin tone. She doesn't have her receipt but you recognize the item. What do you do?
Work on your listening skills. Women tell us what they want without "telling" us.
I hope this gives you more ideas.

[Micki_Finn]

WELL, I happen to know a thing or two. I’m a specialty retail manager and I do all my own hiring. The first thing I can tell you is that there are no surefire answers. Every hiring manager looks for different things. Be honest, and mostly, DON’T be nervous, or at least don’t let it show. Your job is essentially going to be interacting with complete strangers and if you can’t be comfortable with the interviewer, then how are you going to be ok with customers?

Also, your engineering degree/profession might come up. This is actually going to be a strike AGAINST you. 1) You’re way overqualified for a retail job and 2) with such a big important other job, the hiring person will likely have concerns that you might not take this job seriously. You need to make sure that the interviewer knows why you want an entry level job (i.e. they wanna make sure you didn’t go to jail or rehab and have to start all over), and also that you’re committed to the job and will take it seriously. Other than that it’s mostly just about being friendly and showing good communication skills.

[Cheryl T]

Be honest in your answers and don't try to say what you think they might want to hear. That's a sure way to be turned down.
Offer that you, as a crossdressing male, have a unique perspective in women's fashions. You bring the view of the woman and the view of the man.
As for dressing for the job and working in a dress, why do you need to wear a dress? Women have such variety in clothing. Use that advantage. If you mean being femme while working, well you must be comfortable with yourself when dressed for others to be comfortable around you.
As in any position there will be those that will appreciate what you offer and those that don't.

[Alice Torn]

It would be sure that some women customers would be uncomfortable with a CD SA. Some would not be, and some would be just ok, but there will be a few who will be taken aback . Just be kind and helpful and patient and smile.

[SherriePall]

You mentioned that you had worked as a stock boy. Well, the clothes don't magically appear on the sales floor. Your stocking background would be helpful. And from there you could move to other jobs in the store, etc.

[Tracii G]

I applied for a job at a local Cabela's sporting goods store and did it enfemme because when I go in I am usually enfemme.
Filled out the form and had a few interviews about the ladies clothing sales and stocking.
I explained I just wanted something to do part time and really didn't need the money.
Never got a concrete answer why I didn't get the job but they did hire a very cute 20 something girl and she is fabulous IMO for the job.
I still go in there and the check out girls always say hi and want to chat a little if they can.

[Joyce Swindell]

Do know what your job will be specifically? Seems to me you might be too worried and I know the stress of that can derail me sometimes. So I say relax, and go over in your mind the positive points about you in filling the position. You're selling yourself so stay positive, smile and sell.

[BTWimRobin]

I'm a corporate dropout with an engineering degree. I've been working in the resort industry for the past 10 years. It's all about customer service. Be yourself, display good communication skills. They may ask you questions on how you woud handle certain situations. Think about how you would want to be treated if you were the customer.

Good luck and have fun

[sara66]

They will be looking at how you dress. either drab or fab. They will want to know if you can put together an outfit. and weather style is inline with their image. If you go dressed, dress in or like they what they carry.
PS my sister use to manage a Torrid. She had 2 guys work for her. They were her best SAs. One came dressed often and the other wasn't a CDer.
Good luck
Sara

[AllieSF]

All the above recommendations are really great. Mine will deal with crossdressing at work. First, is that the why for applying for this job? Do you plan to work dressed as a woman every work day? They need to know that and also see how you dress. This is where position appropriate dressing comes in because you will be the face of the company every time you interact with a potential customer. Is that what you want and do you have the appropriate work wardrobe for that? If you plan to dress as a woman, I would tell them that you are transgender, not a crossdresser. Transgender carries more positive weight and external influences. They legally have to treat you correctly, respect and support you if they hire you.

I think that it is a great idea and I hope that it works out well for you.

[Micki_Finn]

They legally have to treat you correctly, respect and support you if they hire you.

Sadly this is only true in certain states.

[Joyce Swindell]

In any case I know I can hardly wait to see how it went for you!!

[cdinmd206]

My daughter worked in retail while going thru college. Most clothing stores she applied to would ask her to put together 3 outfits ad see what she came up with. At the time she was definitely girly girl and knew her stuff when it came to putting together outfits. As most have said relax and be yourself.

[Allison Chaynes]

Everything is about customer service, period, so all answers should reflect in how you will positively impact ALL customers. Also show that you have a solid moral code and understand how waste and loss are terrible and tell about ways you have eliminated both. Be willing to work the hours they need!

I say this as a former Lane Bryant manager. They don't really care about your experience with women's attire, it's about getting a solid hire who will help drive customer sales.

[Sometimes Steffi]

Do know what your job will be specifically?


Our Stylists (Sales Associates) are professionals who not only have a passion for current fashion trends but enjoy personal satisfaction of building long-term relationships with customers. At dressbarn, we empower our associates to control their own career growth.



All the above recommendations are really great. Mine will deal with crossdressing at work. (1) First, is that the why for applying for this job? (2) Do you plan to work dressed as a woman every work day? (3) They need to know that and also see how you dress. (4) This is where position appropriate dressing comes in because you will be the face of the company every time you interact with a potential customer. (5) Is that what you want and do you have the appropriate work wardrobe for that? (6) If you plan to dress as a woman, I would tell them that you are transgender, not a crossdresser. Transgender carries more positive weight and external influences. (7) They legally have to treat you correctly, respect and support you if they hire you.

I think that it is a great idea and I hope that it works out well for you.


Allie - Thanks for identifying some of the "challenges". I hadn't considered many of them in much depth.

I numbered them above and responded to them below.

(1) Yes, I'm applying for the opportunity to crossdress more frequently in the RW

(2) I would plan to work as a woman every day in a dress or blouse/skirt/pants, unless I was doing some dirty work, in which case I would ask permission to wear jeans instead.

(3) I know the manager at Dressbarn from several previous shopping trips. She knows I'm a CD and she has seen me shopping both en femme and en drabbe. She encouraged me to apply. In the job application, I was asked for my legal name, for which I provided my legal male name. The was also a section for alternate name. In there, I put Steffi Randolph (which is not my male legal last name). I would also do the FtF interview en femme.

(4) Yes. I want to interact with (female) customers.

(5) Yes. I have enough work-appropriate clothing, much of it from Dressbarn. I have enough changes of clothing to make it through a full week. The trick will be cycling the dirty clothes through the dry cleaners.

(6) You're right. I'm TG.

(7) The company has an explicit policy on non discrimination for both gender identity and gender presentation, although a man working dressed as a woman may stress their avowed policy.



In any case I know I can hardly wait to see how it went for you!!


I still haven't gotten a call for an interview. I'm waiting with bated breath.

[AllieSF]

Thank you Steffi for the detailed reply. I know that you are ready and hope that they hire you. You will be great because you want to work there for them. It is not just a job but in a way a life confirming opportunity that most may not have. Good luck again.

Allie

[Rhonda Darling]

Steffi:

First off . . . . R E L A X. You WILL do fine. Let them know that you know you have a lot to learn, then convince them that your background means that you are a quick learner AND that you are anxious to learn. Be prepared to tell them about your super power —- that charistic you possess that sets you apart and that lets you be the best. Just preparing a super power answer will build confidence. You will do fine. BE SURE YOU TELL THEM THAT YOU WANT THIS JOB. Many applicants don’t express a desire to land the job.

USE THE CONFIDENCE YOU PROUDLY WEAR AT THE SOIREES AND OTHER GATHERINGS WHERE YOU’VE PRESENTED STRONGLY FEMME!

Best,
Rhonda

[JenniferR771]

You will do fine, Steffi.
Remember many high end retail sales associates are on commission. Put some thought into how you would help women put together an outfit for a special occasion or career outfits. Be ready to flatter them. Be ready to guess their size. Be ready to convince them that you are selling the newest style trends.
Read a few websites and tutorials online about "Fashion Merchandising" principles. Or an online course.
And put your computer skills to work so you can upgrade their marketing savvy.

[alwayshave]

Steffi, I have no direct retail experience, but in interviewing the question usually directs you to the correct answer. Best of luck at the interview.

[Connie D50]

I wish you all the luck in the world in the interview and getting hired. Please keep us posted I can't wait to hear how it goes.

[JaclynL61]

Good luck Steffi. Lots of great advice has been given. Just be yourself and be honest.

[Lacey New]

I wish I had some advise other than the great advice that has already been posted but I can certainly wish you the best of luck and will be curious to see how you fare. And let us know where you wind up.,you might have brought a few new customers with you!:battingeyelashes:

[Joyce Swindell]

I've got my fingers crossed for you!! How exciting!

[Bobbi46]

Confidence! make sure you have plenty of it, and ggod luck.

[Stephanie47]

If you plan to dress as a woman, I would tell them that you are transgender, not a cross dresser. Transgender carries more positive weight and external influences. They legally have to treat you correctly, respect and support you if they hire you.

Micki Finn made the comment transgender men and women are not legally protected in all states. That's true. However, the Ascena retail group of which Dressbarn is a part, has a diversity and inclusion policy which covers LGTQ men and women. In many states corporate policies are more supportive of LGTQ folks than the state and local governments. I do agree if you intend to work wearing women's clothing then it is advisable to state that and present yourself at the interview as you intend to work. I thought this was what you were wanting to do when you first presented the idea on this forum.

The biggest hurdle I had in the past in job interviews was experience and education as it applies to the employer's needs. At many interviews my qualifications rightly gave the impression I would leave the job if another job more suitable to my skill set came along. Companies do not want to train an employee, and, then have the employee quit when a job in the employees field comes along. If it perceived it is your intention to jump ship at the first job offering in your engineering field chances are you will not get the job. If you state you're now retired as an engineer, then chances are greater to land a job.

Then it goes back to whether or not you are committed to wearing women's clothing on a daily basis.

[Aunt Kelly]

I have a little experience in dealing with cis women as TG woman. The majority of the time, when the interaction is anything more than a "Thank you..Next?" kind of exchange, the ladies light up. If you're pleasant and helpful, and not nervous or otherwise creepy, that dynamic will work in your favor. Sure, there will be occasional curmudgeon who can't get past their fear, but they are a markedly small minority. Enthusiasm and a smile make the difference.

[Sometimes Steffi]

Stephanie - Yes, I intend to interview and work as a woman.

[mykell]

hi steff, i met you at keystone, just be yourself and answer the questions honestly as possible. you have a way to go with the flow from i read about from you here, dont try to be something your not.

you can expect them to ask what do you bring to the table, good work ethic, responsible, reliable....wont text "i quit" if you decide its not for you, i would not dwell on your dressing at all if you come dressed....at that point it will be 'it is what it is"

customer service is paramount.....still true today is the customer is always right, even when theyre not.
sometimes they will ask you how you would handle a certain situation you may encounter in the store, "i dont know", and "let me find out about that" are not bad things.....no one likes its not my department....bring them over....its kinda like hosting someone in your house, make them feel welcome and special, its a lost art sometimes.

i wish you the best....

[Lana Mae]

Just be you and try to relax! Best wishes for your success! Hugs Lana Mae

[Sometimes Steffi]

Thank you ladies for all your comments and advice, but don't feel you have to stop. There's still a lot more that I could learn.

Based on Allie's comments (above), I was considering what I should wear to the interview (if I get that far).

There's a small, local consignment store that I go to. I've gotten to know the owner and all the SAs pretty well. I shop and buy clothes there, and they let me try on the clothes I'm interested, just like any other girl. So, obviously, they've seen me both in male mode and en femme. I went to see them today to ask their opinion on what I should wear to the interview. I told the owner, "Someone has applied for a job at Dressbarn." You should have seen her smile as soon as she realized that the "someone" was me. Then I said, "What would a girl where to an interview at Dressbarn." She said, "You should wear a office work style dress, preferably one that I bought from Dressbarn." I asked her, "Would the pink floral one that I wore last week be a good choice?" She said, "Yes."

So, I have the outfit under control. I keep hoping that they will call me to arrange an interview.

[Allison Chaynes]

Steffi, I would observe what others there are wearing, and go similar. Wear styles and preferably products that your targeted store sells. Keep it professional, obviously. I would not recommend heels, as the job requires you to be on your feet all day.

Bonus perk: If DB is anything like Lane Bryant, they will periodically give you free items to wear, the idea being you can be informed when you sell customers on them.

[DDtop]

Wishing you all the best

[Micki_Finn]

If you really want to impress at Dress Barn, wear clothes you got THERE.

[Bridgette Azure]

I am very excited for you, Steffi, and I hope your wishes come true.

[Micki_Finn]

Bonus perk: If DB is anything like Lane Bryant, they will periodically give you free items to wear, the idea being you can be informed when you sell customers on them.

Same company. They’re both Ascena properties. Lane Bryant, Justice, Catherine’s, Ann Taylor, Dress Barn, all the same parent company.

[joank]

In 'Dress for Success' it is suggested you dress as the boss is dressed (for the interview). As someone who as interviewed allot (male) and have been on interview panels allot (male), I suggest business look; skirt and blouse, low heels or dress flats, understated jewelry and makeup. Good Luck.

[Crissy 107]

Confidence! make sure you have plenty of it, and ggod luck.
This is very good positive advice, don’t over think it just be yourself and you will be fine.

[Leslie Langford]

Thank you ladies for all your comments and advice, but don't feel you have to stop. There's still a lot more that I could learn.

Based on Allie's comments (above), I was considering what I should wear to the interview (if I get that far).

There's a small, local consignment store that I go to. I've gotten to know the owner and all the SAs pretty well. I shop and buy clothes there, and they let me try on the clothes I'm interested, just like any other girl. So, obviously, they've seen me both in male mode and en femme. I went to see them today to ask their opinion on what I should wear to the interview. I told the owner, "Someone has applied for a job at Dressbarn." You should have seen her smile as soon as she realized that the "someone" was me. Then I said, "What would a girl where to an interview at Dressbarn." She said, "You should wear a office work style dress, preferably one that I bought from Dressbarn." I asked her, "Would the pink floral one that I wore last week be a good choice?" She said, "Yes."

So, I have the outfit under control. I keep hoping that they will call me to arrange an interview.

Wait! What??? Was the irony of you asking the owner of a consignment store - which presumably is in direct competition with Dressbarn - what to wear for an interview for a job there not lost on you? A sales job where you might be selling clothes to women who might otherwise well have shopped at her store, thereby denying her said potential revenue to help keep on operating successfully (and we all know how much bricks-and-mortar retailers are suffering these days).

I'm surprised that she actually gave you fashion advice for this endeavor, rather than giving you the stink-eye and suggesting not-so-subtly that you might just want take you inquiries elsewhere (as in: "Sorry, I wish I could help you, it's just that I am sooooo busy at the moment...".

Then again, maybe she IS mischievously setting you up for failure by agreeing that a pink floral dress might be a good choice to wear to impress a future boss/store manager. When was the last time you saw an SA in a ladies' wear store wear a pink floral dress or the like? Usually the uniform of choice is various styles of pants, capris, or skinny jeans accessorized with a sweater of some sort or else a T-shirt embellished with a graphic...and let's not forget the tatts that seem to be de rigueur as well these days among the "woke" crowd.

[Sometimes Steffi]

The owner of the consignment store is more than just an SA; she's a friend. I think she was happy ro give me advice, and was very excited for me.

I'v bought a lot of dresses, skirts and blouses at Dressbarn. I happen to be a a floral kind of girl, and most of my floral dresses I got at Dressbarn. I thought it would be advantageous to dress in Dressbarn clothes at the interview. Floral is a bold choice, but I hope to use that as one of my discriminators. Dressbarn doesn't seem to stock may pants, capris, or skinny jeans. I think that a graphic embellished T shirt, would not be appropriate in a Dressbarn setting. As for tattoos, I have none and wouldn't plan to get any, although I might consider a temporary tattoo.

If it looks like they might make an offer, I would ask about the appropriate "dress code". Except for the tattoos, I can accomodate any of those dressing styles that you mentioned without additional shopping.

When I go for an engineering interview, I always wear a suit and tie. Even if I know that the company is business casual or maybe even grubby jeans, I'd prefer to be overdressed than underdressed.

Late breaking update: I have an interview scheduled with Lane Bryant (another brand owned by the same corporate entity). As you know, Lane Bryant only sells plus size clothes. My consignment store tops out at 14/XL, so it turns out that there wouldn't be any competition.

[Pumped]

yep, best to be slightly over dressed than under dressed, but be careful because you can be too far over dressed too. You put yourself way about the person doing the interview. Retail ladies wear? A nice simple dress, something you might wear for work when you felt like dressing up a bit, and appropriate shoes too, flats or low heels, a bit on the dressy side, not tennis shoes!

I hired and fired for a few years, jeans and t-shirts were normal attire for the job. I had a guy show up in a suit and tie. I didn't hire him for other reasons, but I did let him know he was way overboard on clothing, nice jeans or Dockers and a nice polo or button up shirt would have been fine. I was probably wearing work boots, grubby jeans and a beat up shirt myself when I interviewed him. in that situation his attire made me uncomfortable.