I never applied to work for lululemon. In fact, I was actually going to a job interview at a local restaurant, dressed to impress, when I stopped into my neighborhood store and my world turned on its axis. I had just achieved a big life goal: “I leave the security of suburbia and move into the big bad city before my twentieth birthday.” (Attention please: my goal is SMART. Not sure what I’m talking about? Check out GOALTENDER.) My favorite groove pants apparently did not share my vision of moving into Vancouver’s West End and they got lost in transition. I decided to replace them on the way to my interview. The Robson location was busy as usual, and I casually wandered through the bustling sea of tourists and locals.
Ananda was waiting for me at the pant wall and we became instant friends – she was incredibly helpful and had an infectious personality. I told her that I wished that I could come to work in flip-flops and comfy pants, not the impending pencil skirts and heels.
“You can!” she exclaimed, as she took my hand and boldly escorted me to the front of the store to meet the manager. Hilarious. Only at lululemon. We had an on-the-spot interview, and I was invited to attend a group interview that week.
Fast-forward to the big day:
I was well-versed in my interview responses.
I picked out a nice outfit – and hooray! no heels included.
I planned my bus route and made sure that I had enough time to arrive EARLY.
To my dismay, the good people running the buses that fateful day were behind the eight ball. This, combined with my total lack of knowledge for the city’s streets, successfully made me twenty minutes late for my interview. It was the grossest feeling. I felt like I lost before I even got my chance.The whole interview was a fantastic blur of ingenuity - nothing like I had ever experienced - but I don’t really remember anything except the gut-rot I felt for being late. When it was over, I think I apologized five times to the girls hosting the interview.
“Life is full of setbacks. Success is determined by how you handle setbacks.” The thing about being put in a challenging situation is that it brings out your true colors. I didn’t feel like a confident Chili red; instead I was more like a sedated Sand, but they liked what they saw, and I got the job! My journey has had some interesting ups and downs in the five years I have been with the company, which I look forward to sharing with you. I continue to challenge myself, and continue to realize some really amazing goals along the way. (This includes meeting the man of my dreams - stay tuned for that one.)
If you are considering an opportunity with us – GO FOR IT! If you want to pick my brain and hear more about my time with lululemon, EMAIL me (Attn: Elissa at gec@lululemon.com). I’m happy to be your personal cheerleader. My first advice nugget to all you ladies and gentlemen out there getting ready for an interview? Don’t wear heels.
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