by Iona Rose
“Right,” Aaron says as he makes a note on his pad.
I’m not sure if that’s the answer he was looking for, but he asked for my opinion and he got it. If this job needs someone quiet who won’t speak up, then it’s definitely not the position for me.
“So why Wave?” Sally asks.
“I took a chance on a start up in my last job and this time, I’m looking for a position within a company that is a leader in the industry.”
Sally and David look a little bored. Maybe that answer wasn’t as genius as I thought it was. What can I say to pull this back a little? My brain scrambled to make it better. I could try a little humor. “And let’s be real here. The benefits are pretty good,” I quip with a smile.
None of them return my smile.
I cringe internally and take another sip of water, trying to ignore the panic welling up inside of me. Get it together, Elena I tell myself.
“Why do you think you’ll be a good fit here, Elena?” Sally asks.
This is my moment. I launch into a long speech about my past experience and how I can use it in this role. They still don’t look impressed and it started to be pretty clear I’m not getting this job, but I plough on, trying to land on the one bit of experience that sets me apart from the other candidates.
When I finish, Sally smiles.
I’m not fooled by the smile. She’s going for the kill and I know it. “That’s very impressive Elena and I’m not doubting for a second that you’ll be very good at this job. But your answer didn’t really answer the question you were asked. I don't want to know why you think you can do the job. What I want to know is why you, Elena Woods, think you will work well within the existing infrastructure at Wave.”
My throat is dry and scratchy. All four of us know I’m not getting this job, but I’m not a quitter. Never have been, never will be. I’m not giving up until the fat lady sings. I take a deep breath.
“Take your time, Elena. We’re not trying to catch you out, we’re just trying to establish who will be the best fit for our team,” Aaron says gently.
I flash him a grateful smile. “I’m good at my job,” I say. “And I’m adaptable, so I can fit into the way any company works. I have no intention of causing any sort of drama. I like to keep myself focused on the job.”
“Thank you, Elena,” David says. “Moving on. Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?”
At least that’s something I can respond to in the way I hope they’re looking for.“I see myself here, David,” I say, sounding more confident than I feel.
“I’m just going to cut to the chase here,” Sally says. “And please don’t think I’m being rude, but I get the impression you have sent out multiple resumes in the hope that one sticks somewhere. You clearly haven’t done any research on the company or how we work. And that’s a concern for me.”
Full marks to her for accurately sizing the situation.
I clear my throat. “I’ll be honest. I have applied to more than one company, but that doesn’t mean I’m not damned good at what I do, and it for sure doesn’t mean that I can’t do this job. It wasn’t a case of sending out resumes everywhere and hoping one sticks. It’s a case of finding companies I like and would want to work for and keeping my options open.”
“So if we were to give you this job, how could we be sure that six months down the line, you might not get another offer and leave us in the lurch?” Sally probes.
“Can you ever be one hundred percent sure that won’t happen with any employee?” I reply. “I am a good bet to stick around. You can see from my resume that I took a little time in the beginning of my career to find the area I enjoy working in. And once I did, I stuck with it. I have no intention of leaving within a couple of months. As I said earlier, I see myself working here in five years’ time.”
The three of them look at each other again. They’re not even bothering to make notes anymore, and I know in my heart that I’ve blown this interview. The worst part is knowing I would do a damned good job if I am given the chance.
“Thank you for coming in today and at such short notice, Ms. Woods,” David finishes.
I know for sure now I’ve blown it. We’re back to Ms. Woods. And he hasn’t even asked me if I have any questions for him. That’s a bad sign. I debate asking a question, but what’s the point? Even if I came up with a question so insightful it blew them all away, it’s almost certainly too late to change their minds about giving me the job.
“You’ll hear from me by the end of the day if your application is successful,” Aaron adds, standing up.
I nod my thanks and stand with him, then shake his hand politely. As I turn to leave, the door opens, and a man walks in. I stare at the man and try not to show the disbelief and shock inside me. It cannot be. No way. Not him. He’s all grown up, but I could never ever forget those eyes.
Ashton Winston.
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