Ruby, I find your post interesting.

As a past manager in the retail and food service industries, I was the person who did the interviewing and hiring of staff. I can tell you, they are just as difficult for the person conducting the interview as the person being interviewed. They are stressful for us too. They are in fact absolutely necessary. I would never hire someone without an interview. And, even a positive interview can ultimately not be successful. I have a few times thought I have hired the right person only to be forced to let them go.

A job interview is the number one indication of how successful a candidate may be. I look not only for potential success but indicators of the individuals work ethic, professionalism, and potential to get along with existing staff in the present environment. I do not necessarily look for the ability of a person to perform the duties of employment, I LOOK PRIMARILY FOR A PERSON OF THE RIGHT FIT. Is the person trainable? I can train them to do the duties as long as they will be the right fit. And that is the right person for the job.

You seem to be having difficulties conducting yourself in the interview process. You need to consider what has happened in the past and re-vamp your plan of action accordingly. One needs to pay as much attention to planning out and practising interviews as they do to perfecting their resume.

These are questions to ask yourself and ponder:

a. are you presentable? It doesn't matter if the job is food service you still need to show up to the interview professionally dressed and with a well kept appearance. Perhaps you might need to make an investment in some clothing. If this is difficult, many communities have programs for women where by they loan out clothing for the very purpose of getting into the work force.

b. are you professional? As important as your appearance is your demeanor and behaviour. As a manager, I need to know you will take the position seriously and conduct yourself with the utmost of decorum.

c. are you approachable? are you outgoing?

d. what is your character? Are you going to 'fit' into the environment and with other staff.

e. are you a team player?

d. are you willing to learn?

e. are you willing to do the less desirable tasks?

f. are you reliable? and,

g. do you have a strong work ethic?

A negative response to any of these important considerations is going to result in not being hired.

Ruby, there are ways to going about improving your interview skills. The local mental health association may be able to help you with this. Women's organisations regularly have classes on resume writing and building interview skills. Even check your local library for courses they usually have too. There are a lot of resources out there.

Finally, practise. Pull of the internet example interview questions and plan and prepare how to respond to them. Consider what the interviewer is going to look for. Do a little research on the type of job you are applying for: what are the skills involved and how can you demonstrate you possess them? Practise by having a friend play the part of the interviewer. Before you have an interview, prepare. Ask yourself; am I appropriately attired, am I going to act professionally, am I going to behave appropriately?

Ruby, interviewing is hard. Yet, with some planning, preparation, and forethought you can knock them out of the ball park.