How was your Monday night? Mine didn’t start out watching Monday Night Football, but ended with a beer.
Like almost every day I activated my computer to review all the new job possibilities on the World Wide Web. I located an ad on Craig’s list promoting ‘Guest Services’, so I read the advertisement and then called the listed phone number for further details.
Next thing I knew I had an interview set up with Company X at 6:15 that evening. I knew little about them and when I tried to expand my knowledge about their services their web page requested personal information before I could review their products. I should have known here to jump ship and swim away, but I’ll take any interview even for practice.
Arriving at their office early, I was not surprised to find the room filled with other job hunting hopefuls. As I was located a seat I quickly scanned the room. There were individuals of all ages in the room dressed from casual to office Friday to office professional. My favorite was the young man with black Nike high-tops, khaki slacks, purple golf shirt and a black leather jacket with a red dragon on the back. Everyone in the room kept to themselves, and we were first instructed to fill out a short application document.
When the manager finally addressed the crowd, he informed us that he would be conducting the initial interviews in pairs in his office. I’ve never seen this done before, have you? The really odd thing with his pairing was that he summoned a guy and girl together each time. Like he was a marriage counselor helping these lost couples find a resolution by working for him.
Since the man had a booming voice, I camped near his office door, so I could hear the questions he asked each contestant. His questions were short and brief but the same for all. He reviewed the application and resume if you remembered to bring one. At the conclusion of each marriage interview, he gave each couple the option of relocating into a large room for the second phase of the interview or to leave. So far no one rejected this opportunity for phase two.
When my turn was summoned, I was paired with a young lady like the rest of the groups in front of us. In the room he reviewed our applications and asked the same appropriate questions. We both passed the initial muster but instead of giving us the option to further our interview we were told to relocate to the holding room with the others.
Inside this room I kept my ears open and mouth shut and found a seat in the corner. We walked into a room (which we were directed to be quite) where the conversation was directed towards if Obama was helping the economy and keeping all his political promises. LAST TIME I CHECKED YOU DON’T DISCUSS POLITICS OR RELIGION AT INTERVIEWS, CORRECT? No fear in a few minutes the conversation swayed to Obama’s religion views as well. I stayed on the banks not wanting to commit interview suicide with these participants.
After a few minutes the manager informed us that the second stage would start soon. He was concluding the interviews. Not many people joined the party after my group. I did not see Red Dragon.
After the manager aligned us boy girl boy girl around his desk (I was placed next to my ‘new’ work spouse), he conducted the remaining interview reading from a script and showing us his company’s product, which is knives. He demonstrated a fine display on how the knives cut compared to other knives. Their sharpness and durability were shared too. Many oohs and awhs were received along the way.
Then half way through his speech someone left because they claim their ride was waiting for them. Then his temper changed because he accused another young lady of smirking and laughing at him. Afterwards, he asked the room, “Does anyone else wish to leave now?” And half the room promptly left. I’ve never seen this before at an interview. Have you? At this point I knew selling his product was not something I really wanted to do although I believed I could. I briefly pondered leaving myself since I was not really interested, as well as, I did promise to cook dinner for Teri. However, I knew leaving prematurely would be unprofessional, and I wanted to provide the gentleman the respect he deserved. I just don’t want to be THAT GUY who asks his friends to buy from him and then rely on their leads for future customers. Would you?
Unfortunately or fortunately the manager held a third interview, and I was the first one called. Guess what? He liked me and wanted to hire me. I didn’t give him an immediate decision. So the questions that I have pondered and ask you, do I accept the job in this bleak market? Do I reject and keep fishing? I ask many of you because most of my friends in Charlotte will be who I ask first for sells? Is selling a hard life to live? Are there better options? I honestly hope so. So please offer me some constructive advice beyond ‘It’s up to you.’
