The early morning air was cooler than usual. It had been raining all night, after all. Tolerating the instant coffee bought due to curiosity, was a man in his early twenties. He swept his gaze at the many buildings around his rented condo in Manila. The view was not amazing but in his brief stay in the city looking for a job, it was a respite. A close friend had referred this place to him for a cheap price. The catch was that it was small and unfurnished, but beggars can't be choosers.
That's right. Nico was broke. To be precise, he was unemployed and living on what little he saved from his allowance during his time in college. It had already been a year since he graduated and finding a job was more elusive than he thought. With no one to rely on, he was almost at his wit's end.
Nico took out his phone and stared at a picture of his parents. They'd been involved in a car accident as they were driving home after picking up his sister from daycare. That was 5 years ago. His relatives helped from time to time, but he was mostly left on his own.
"I hope I get accepted this time."
An hour later, Nico found himself angrily pressing the elevator button. He'd been waiting for thirty minutes and the damned thing won't open at his floor. Checking the time, he only had an hour left before his job interview and the trip would take around that even on a taxi. He passed the first interview, if he botches this, it's square one all over again.
The delightful ting resonated through the hall as the elevator opened. He eagerly jumped in, squeezing into a metaphorical sardine can of 15 people. The elevator creaked as it slowly descended.
"Taxi!" he shouted at the top of his lungs. Luckily, he managed to snag a ride almost immediately.
"Sir, get me to QC as fast as possible"
"Job interview?" the driver smiled.
"Yes sir, but if we don't go now, I'd lose this chance."
"Gotcha."
The driver was amicable. He didn't talk the entire way, being mindful of Nico's novena like muttering of company information he'd read and studied on the web.
They managed to reach their destination at record speed. Traffic was surprisingly light for a Monday. He had 5 minutes to spare. Thanking the driver eagerly, Nico handed his fare and added a little bit more as a sign of gratitude. The driver smiled and drove away.
"Ok, man, this is it." He hummed the tune of "I feel good" to hype himself up – almost dancing to the beat. It worked up until he reached the interview location being the furthest room at the ground floor. Every door he passed accelerated his heartbeat. He noticed his palms becoming sweaty. Composing himself, he then opened opaque glass door by its cold metal knob. The room was freezing. Nico was unfazed. He read that cranking the ac real low was among the devious methods companies torture aspirants with. That is why he slept every night next to a bucket of ice in front of a fan. The cold was nothing – enjoyable, even. There were three people in the room. Two women and a man standing further away.
"Mr. Garcia, cutting it close, don't you think? A minute more and we would've moved on to the next man." The woman on the left greeted him with a smile that wasn't a smile. "Please, take a seat."
Nico exchanged pleasantries.
The comment about time was farce to make the interviewee anxious. How cunning, he thought as he sat on a solitary chair. Next to the woman was another. She had long dark hair and wore sunglasses indoors. Her face didn't move a muscle, but Nico sensed that she was observing him behind those lenses.
"Please ignore my colleague. She's new and we wanted her to observe. Treat her as you would air."
Another trick. This company is pulling all sorts of things. But that wasn't surprising. Nico landed an interview with an international company that was at the forefront of technological developments. He submitted the online application half drunk, passed the first interview by luck, and found himself sitting in front two HR personnel.
"So, Mr. Garcia, frankly speaking, you don't belong here." Said the first woman coolly.
"Your credentials are so - so – graduated from the top university in this country while working part – time as a fast – food cashier, but not enough. Everyone does that these days. Your background just doesn't hold up to our standards."
Wow, right off the bat, huh. Nico began feeling sour. He started rising from his seat.
"But I'm willing to offer you a chance." Interjected the sunglasses – wearing lady next to the interviewer.
Nico tilted his head slightly. He didn't think a new HR personnel could pull these kinds of decisions. He remained sitting. "To whom do I offer my thanks?" said Nico, with a hint of sarcasm.
"You can call me, Laura." Ignoring his rude reply.
The other lady shifted ever so slightly. She pursed her lips as if she was trying to stop Laura from speaking. This did not escape Nico's observant eyes. This Laura person must be high up.
"Our company has been in the Tech business for a long time. We can get new hires anywhere in the world. Even as we speak, a lot of talented young men and women are being accepted." She paused.
" Like she said, however, you're not one of them."
"We have a special program, right now. All you need to do is fly to England and participate in the new selection process there." She said stoically. "If you accept, I will make reservations for you to leave the country tonight."
Nico was shocked but he didn't show it. He maintained his cool even when he could feel his throat drying up. "What of the accommodations and expenses?" he dared ask.
"Naturally, it will be provided for by the company."
"The catch?" Nico's voice was hoarser than he expected.
"Keen." Laura muttered. "The details will be provided once you get there. But like I said. I'm feeling generous. Will you accept this unknown offer for a prospect of being a member of Rosen Technologies, or wallow in your mediocrity?"
For a moment, Nico felt a pang of hesitation. This was unknown grounds. Rosen was known around the world but that didn't mean they were clean. But something told Nico that he'll never get this chance again in his lifetime. He glanced at the woman who hadn't introduced herself, then to Laura. He met her eyes through her sunglasses. Unblinking, Laura nodded.
"Get this man a better suit. Prepare his accommodations for tonight and book him a flight." Laura gestured at the man. She then looked turned to Nico. "You may leave now. Wait for an employee to summon you from the guest area."
Nico nodded. He silently gave a bow of appreciation and whispered his thanks.
The three people in the room waited until the aspirant had exited the room. The lady who was supposed to do the interviewing sat up abruptly and faced Laura.
"Ms. Laura, I know you're from the main office and has the right to directly choose, but this is highly unprofessional and unprecedented! This slot was made for the best of the best within each selected country." She raised her arm and pointed outside the door.
"That man was unqualified. By some fluke he made it in. I've already screened the applicants. This interview was a mere formality!"
"Marjorie, was it?" said Laura not even regarding Marjorie's outburst. Without turning to her, she continued. "This country has never produced anyone from that program. The selection guaranteed the best and yet none even made to the first half. Besides, what's one more fool?"
Marjorie couldn't say anything in return. This was the truth. The program had been implemented every month for the past 10 years, and yet none had even been accepted from here even for the lowest positions.
"But this selection is special." Whispered Marjorie. "The offered position is a bit unique."
Despite her misgivings, Marjorie put her hands up the air and relented. "I'll lose my job if someone finds out we defenestrated the criteria. "
"You won't." said Laura indifferently.