tuxedo cat Posted January 15, 2015 Posted January 15, 2015 This past September I worked for the first time as a casting assistant on fashion week, which amounts to about two and a half weeks of work including weekends. The casting director I worked for was a little difficult (though better than some) and the work itself is very stressful, but it pays well and it's good experience. The casting director got in touch with me recently and asked whether I could do fashion week again this winter from February 2 until the 19th. I agreed but now I'm semi regretting signing on because it's preventing me from taking on other jobs that might be more relevant to my ultimate goal: becoming a film casting assistant. The problem is most entertainment jobs start immediately after hire so it would be hard for me to look for a position now that starts at the end of February. Would it be unwise for me to apply to other positions that look better and tell the casting director I'm no longer available if I get hired for something else? My concern is that she'll complain to her friend, another casting director who recommended me. I'm pretty reliant on this friend of hers for freelance work and I don't want anything to jeopardize our relationship. Her impression of me is still forming since we've only known each other for a few months. Today I applied to a short term television casting assistant gig online. It's with the same company I applied to several months ago, was offered an interview with, but had to turn down because they were only conducting interviews the next day and I couldn't get out of work. It seems like this company periodically looks for casting assistants. On today's posting, the length of the job and start date weren't specified so I figured that it might work with my schedule. Ten minutes after applying I got a call from the company. The woman asked me to remind her of what happened when I applied last time and I explained. Then she asked whether I would interview tomorrow. She told me the job starts next week and lasts four weeks, which would conflict with fashion week. I impulsively agreed to the interview anyway out of embarrassment that I had turned the last one down. Then I kicked myself after hanging up. I often run into this problem. I have difficulty turning down options and saying no to people so I end up in these uncomfortable situations. My friend thinks I should cancel the interview. I know that if I cancel again, I probably won't be able to apply to this job in the future. So what should I do?
preraph Posted January 15, 2015 Posted January 15, 2015 Which is the better job? Are either of them going to lead to a full-time position ever? If there's one that might, do that one. Most people would understand if you blew them off for a full-time position, but they won't understand for another temporary one. Does one pay more than the other? The one you interview for next, if it pays less, tell them you have an offer that pays more and that's why, not that you are standing them up. 1
GemmaUK Posted January 15, 2015 Posted January 15, 2015 Go for the interview. If you want that job and they offer it to you then turn down fashion week. Your business is somewhat ruthless and you for yourself need to become that way too. Also, you need to keep the companies where you would like to be known in a position of more value. Reading your response in the other thread to that huge long post of mine it's about networking for you in what you want to do and roles that will lead to more - but also roles that give you the opportunity to 'do more and show them what you are capable of. Good luck at the interview - I hope you get the gig! 1
Recommended Posts