As I rode the antique elevator to the 11th floor, I nervously twirled my cushion cut around my left ring finger. Earlier that morning I debated whether or not to wear it along with my month old wedding band. I felt that if I did not wear my symbols of devotion it would somehow be a disservice to my husband. In the end I decided that honesty was always the best policy, so I left the apartment wearing my prized material possessions.
It was my first interview with a new last name on my resume. There were many lessons taught from my university career counselor, however three stuck out in my head that morning.
1. Be 10 minutes early
2. No perfume
3. No showy jewelry
1 and 2 I had covered, 3 was my dilemma. I wasn’t worried about the “flashiness” of my rings; I was worried about what my rings would represent to this potential employer. One could perceive them as loyalty and seriousness, but I knew they would most likely be perceived as future babies and an unwillingness to work long hours.
The interview began and I made sure that my Italian ancestry did not show. My hands stayed firmly clasped under the table for forty minutes straight- a world record for me! Needless to say, I got the job and my “married girl” fears were over… for now.
