The Interview
The interview was scheduled for 11am.
I dressed up on the appointed day, packed my documents appropriately, prayed and left for the venue which is in the compound of the company.
At 9am, I was at the gate. I greeted every person I saw on my way into the building. E get why!馃樂
There were about four persons who were seated in the reception room at the time. So, we exchanged greetings and hoped for the best.
When it was 11am, the interview started as the first person was called in. So was the second, the third and the fourth.
By 1:30pm, I was called in. My phone was already on silence but on record.
I needed to record the conversation so that I can go home and listen to how I responded to questions and identify areas I needed to improve on.
Can we meet you? The Chief interviewer of four asked me.
I responded to that and others calmly.馃槈
The last question was 'What are you bringing to the table as an added advantage to us?'
I made mention of my event hosting and programme planning skills. I didn't forget to mention that the company's event was covered for as long as I am available and that I can draw operational templates for projects very well as I have done it for 4 years now.
They looked impressed and asked that I draw a template for their next project and send to an email address within 72 hours.
I penned it down in my notepad and I was asked to leave.
On getting home, I took my laptop to a nearby cyber cafe, paid for some time to get my laptop charged while I stay there.
Immediately, I started my assignment, drew the template, cross checked for errors, added nice designs and then forwarded it that same day to the email given.
Few minutes later, I got a mail for confirmation of receipt, appreciation of a job well-done and that the HR department will get back to me.
I received the mail with joy and happiness with the belief that I have secured the job. I started making plans in accordance with the tips of a friend of mine who works in the company.
My friend who works there even told me that during a discussion about the applicants who came for the interview, my name was the first on everyone's lips. On hearing this, my hope was fired up and my mind ready for what's next.
The first week past, so did the second, third and then fourth, no calls, no mails..
After a good interview session and submitting a good work before deadline, still no calls or mails? I pondered!
I then sent a mail to the HR department and copied every email address used to send a mail to me in the past. I stated my case of how I came for an interview and was punctual as there were records to show, I mentioned that I submitted a template they never had for free. I trusted them with a project template and got a commendatory mail, only for me not hear from them again not even a 'we will reach out shortly' mail.
About an hour later, I received a mail from the HR department. The HR Head apologized for the poor communication and promised that they will improve going forward. He added that he liked how I handled the matter but stated that the company won't be able to pay me the amount mentioned looking at the situation of things in the company.
Although, we couldn't agree on the money part馃槈 but we were happy at the end of the day.
---Pause---
I know you are expecting me to say 'I got the job'...abi?馃樂
No, I didn't get the job even after all the protocols I observed.馃槥
See, sometimes even after obeying all the protocols, the door won't still open, the job won't still be yours, your traveling documents won't still be approved, the food will still get burnt and the result will still come out negative.
Life happens that way. It is the courage to stand firm, unwavering and believe that there's light at the end of the tunnel that counts.
Bad things still happen to good people and good things still happen to bad people.
It looks like an error but it's not.
By all means, choose to be good and do your very best.
Oluwapelumi Awe
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