I attended an interview yesterday. Not until I got there did I realise that getting the job was going to be a contest. I got to the venue just in time and I was ushered into the conference room where I met three other applicants. After exchanging brief pleasantries with the three of them, I sat down. Well, i thought to myself that it would just be the four of us. While I was trying to use my corner eye to size them up, another applicant entered the room, and another and another.. By the time the HR would come in, there were nine of us. The HR smiled at us and addressed us jointly asking us to please remain patient for 15 minutes before the interview would start proper.
As soon as the HR walked Away, there was a pin drop silence in the room. We were three ladies and six gentlemen. Everyone was stealing a quick glance at each other. I must say it felt intimidating. There was palpable tension and unease. As I tried to drift my mind away just to soothe nerves, one of the ladies stood up and walked to the Cway dispenser to get some water. All eyes were on her as she bent down to pick a disposable cup and pushed on the knobs for water. Something felt strange as she released the knob. The water was hot. Apparently she didn’t know the dispenser offered both hot and cold. She hesitated as she straightened up knowing that we were all watching her. This was just a conference room and there was no rest room in it. She stood for a while, probably not sure of what she would do. But as the heat of the water burnt her hands that she used to carry the cup, she did the unthinkable. She gulped the water!
And the next thing we heard was…….
“JES……!!”
The cup fell from her hand as she coughed for about five times while she walked back to her seat. Out of concern, I got up to where she sat to see if she was alright. I asked her if she was okay. She looked at me helplessly and nodded. I asked if she needed anything to relieve her, she shook her head as if to dismiss me. It was then I realised the seven other applicants just sat there motionless as if nothing happened. In fact another lady seated next to her stylishly shifted away from her as if she had Ebola. I picked the cup that was on the floor and tossed it into the trash can.
As I went back to my seat, it seemed she finally regained her voice as she muttered a soft “thank you” towards my direction. I smiled and replied accordingly. Another ten quiet minutes passed by as we all waited for the interview to begin. And then the HR returned and beckoned to the first applicant. The Cway victim was the third to go in. I was the fourth to be called in and I answered questions as asked. As I got out I walked out of the premises to meet my new friend, the Cway girl waiting for me. I smiled as i walked towards her expecting more gratitude from her. The following conversation ensued…
Cway girl: Hi. How was your interview?
Me: It went well. Yours?
Cway girl: (Shrugs) It was fine sha. I am hoping for the best.
Me: Yeah. Me too.
Cway girl: Ehmmm, I heard it’s only one person they are looking for.
Me: Yeah I suppose.
Cway girl: (Exclaims) Ha! I need that job o. God will give me that job.
At this point, I didn’t find the dialogue interesting anymore.
Me: It is well.
Cway girl: Can you imagine I took water from Cway and it became hot in my hand? It was then I knew that job was for me but the enemy wanted to arrest my voice in order to disgrace me.
Me: Oh really??
Cway girl: Yes o! But I know that my God is bigger than them. Even if it’s hundred people for the interview, I’ll get that job.
Me: Okay. So I’ve got to go. Bye and….good luck.
Cway girl: Yes bye. Wish you luck in other interviews. (walks away).
WHATTTT??
Written by Bamidele Kulajolu .
My name is Bamidele Kulajolu. I’m a better listener than talker. Writing lifts my mood and I’m proud of what life affords me.
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