March Madness

As we approach the end of the semester, it becomes more and more clear that all the resumes and job applications we sent out at the beginning of the semester with naïve enthusiasm have been put into the mystical "rejects pile". But here we are, still waiting in hopes that there is still a chance.

They know there's not chance anymore.

The recruited knows that there's no chance anymore.

But us, the neglected rejects are faced with an uncertain future filled with dreams of an employed destiny.

What if this happens?

Ping.

That's the sound of your iPhone alerting you to a new notification. You look at your illuminated screen and see that you have an email from Company X with the subject line, "Interview". In your mind, you can't believe this is happening. All those months of waiting have paid off. Those struggles and the retail therapy that you convinced yourself is worth it can now be paid for by your new job. In your mind, that email might as well have said "Job offer" because you're going to own it.

You open the email to confirm the date and time, writing it down on your Moleskin planner and recording it on your phone. You start to review everything about the company because you want to get into the employee mindset. You're already starting to be loyal to this company. In your defense, Company X does indeed make the most progressive, technologically advanced..... And they have the most incredibly employee benefits... And they're socially aware. What's there not to love about them?

The meeting is next week and you're getting a little ahead about yourself but that's okay because of course they are going hire you.

You start planning what you're going to wear to the interview. Should you buy another pair of shoes? The old pair doesn't fit with the values of the company. Are they more formal or do they value leisure in attire or maybe utility? Maybe you should go with that blue tie instead of the black one to show your creative soul. The interview is next week but it never hurts to be prepared. You decide that yes to new shoes and the blue tie. And I commend you on your decision.

On the day of, you wake up at 7:30am to get ready even though the interview is at 3pm. But you'll need all the time to go over the notes you prepared, like the pages of prep questions, the business strategy that you've already developed, the new app that you already coded, the flying car you already have the designs for. Your anxiety might show through your enthusiasm but it's okay, nothing a cup of coffee can't help. During all that panic, you realize the time is 2pm and you need at least 30min to get there. GOD HELP YOU WHAT IF YOU ARE LATE.

Rushing out of the house in panic, you wonder if you locked your door, but it's okay as long as you have yo--OH GOD WHERE ARE THE NOTES? You search your bag frantically as you turn back, running towards your house. Thank goodness you found them hidden behind your laptop. But now you're back to square one and you have to run back to the bus stop.

The 30min bus ride went smoothly and you arrive at your destination 30min early.. Right on schedule.  The next 30min, you spend pacing around the block trying to determine where the best food places are, how marvelous the entire downtown, uptown, suburban, factory district is and you love it.

Anxious and jittery, you decide that arriving early for the interview is okay. You enter the building and give the front desk your name, hopefully not sounding too nervous or too eager.

"Have a seat and you can go up in a couple of minutes" She says as she resumes her typing, not even bothering to look at you.

Should you make conversation? Her furrowed brows and pursed lips say you shouldn't. Okay you won't then.

The phone rings at her desk.  "..."

"You may go up now. 2nd floor, right hand side, end of the hall."

"Thanks."

You hurriedly collect your belongings and make your way as gracefully as possible to the second floor. You reach the last door at the end of the hall. Tentatively, you knock on the grand oak doors, too large for this small hallway. Perhaps it is only suitable to fit a giant.

"Come in" a clear voice says from behind the door.

Slowly, you turn the doorknob and push to open the door. However, it doesn't budge. You panic for a moment thinking you did something wrong. This is so embarrassing. Of course this would happen to you on your big day.

"You pull the door", the voice from behind the door guided.

Sheepishly, you pull open the door, you face pink from all the blood rushing to your head from the embarrassment.

Was the room always this hot?

You step inside the office, taking in every detail, noting the person sitting behind the desk and how well they dress.

"No."

"What?' You say in surprise. Perhaps you imagined the sound. But you forgot to be polite and instantly, you begin to blush again.

"Sorry," you hurry to apologize and correct yourself. "I thought you said something."

"No", they say again, this time very distinctive.

"I'm sorry I don't quite understand."

"No." They say again.

"Haha." You laugh nervously, unsure of what to do.

"You didn't get the job."

Now it dawns on you. This, the interview that you were so excited for, was the rumored rejection interview. You fall to the ground, face in your hands, tears streaming down your face as you realize that you must begin the job hunt again.  

♚ Cindy