As the day of the interview loomed ever closer, my dread grew. I had watched countless videos on how to ace an interview, but I still felt uncertain. I had rehearsed answers to common interview questions, but I was worried I wouldn't be able to answer the questions on the spot. I felt like a deer in headlights.
To make matters worse, Amelia was always sending me pictures of her and George, flaunting their relationship in my face. It broke my heart and made it hard to focus on anything else.
****************
In a panic, I hastily buttoned up my shirt, trying to decide which one would look the most professional. But none of them seemed to fit right. I felt like all the dieting and exercising I'd been doing to slim down hadn't been working. I felt frustrated and self-conscious, knowing I wouldn't be able to look my best for the interview.
Time was slipping away, and I knew I had to get moving or I would be late. I couldn't afford to make a bad first impression. I rushed out the door, hoping that I would make it to the interview in time. My heart was pounding as I hurried to the interview location, hoping that I wouldn't be too late.
Desperate to get there on time, I hailed a cab and hopped in. I fidgeted in the backseat as the cab whizzed through the streets, trying to get me to my destination as quickly as possible. As we got closer and closer to the interview location, my anxiety only grew.
I finally arrived at the interview location, and the sheer size of the building struck me. It was a towering skyscraper, looming over me like a giant. I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. I walked up to the entrance, my heart pounding in my chest.
I took a deep breath and approached the receptionist at the front desk. She greeted me with a warm smile, and I managed to return the smile, even though my stomach was in knots.
"I'm here for an interview."
"I'm sorry to inform you that you're 30 minutes late for your appointment." Her smile was still in place.
I felt a wave of panic wash over me.
"Please go up to the second floor, third room on the right," she continued. "I'm sure they'll be happy to see you."
"Thanks a lot."
I made my way to the elevator, my mind racing with thoughts of what to say to the interviewer.
As I entered the waiting room, I saw it was packed with people. Maybe they hadn't even realized I was late. I tried to calm my nerves. But as I looked around the room, I noticed how well-dressed and put-together everyone else was. I felt underdressed and out of place.
I had chosen a simple blouse and pair of pants, thinking it would be appropriate for the interview. But everyone else looked like they had come from a fashion show. I second-guess my decision to wear such a simple outfit.
I took a seat in the room corner, trying to make myself as inconspicuous as possible. But I could feel everyone's eyes on me.
I tried to sit up straight and act confident, but my nerves were getting the best of me. I felt like everyone could see right through me.
Just when I thought I would be stuck in that waiting room forever, the receptionist finally called my name.
"Melanie Anderson."
I stood up, feeling a mix of relief and anxiety. I took a deep breath and walked over to the secretary's desk. She smiled at me, but her eyes seemed to linger on my hair and outfit.
My heart was racing, and I could feel my palms getting sweaty. I was nervous about what the interviewer would think of me, and whether he would see through my facade of confidence.
I took a deep breath and opened the door to the office. The room was large and imposing, with a massive desk in the center.
A man sat behind the desk, his eyes fixed on me as I entered. I could feel his gaze taking in every detail of my appearance.
I walked toward the desk, my feet feeling like lead. The man behind the desk looked me over, his stony gaze sending a shiver down my spine. His nameplate read "Henry Knight, CEO," and he sat tall and imposing in his chair. I could feel my heart pounding in my chest.
I had expected a lower-level employee to interview me, so I was caught off guard when I met with the CEO.
His presence was imposing and intimidating, and I felt my anxiety growing by the second. I struggled to maintain my composure, and I could feel my palms getting sweaty again.
"Why do you think I should hire you as my assistant?" his deep voice filled the room, making the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.
I didn't even know the position I was interviewing for was a personal assistant. I probably didn't read my email properly.
"Quit staring at me and answer my question."
His voice was authoritative. I felt intimidated and flustered, but I stammered, "I'm sorry... my name is... but he cut me off.
"Just answer my question.'"
I managed to say, "I think I would be a good fit for the job because I have a degree in business administration, and I'm a team player. I believe my easy-going personality would be an asset in the workplace."
"Okay, you may leave."
I was stunned. Why was my interview so short? Others seemed to spend much more time with him. Was I not qualified? The whole thing felt rushed.
********************
I lay on my bed, staring at the ceiling. There was no way I would get the job after that disastrous interview.
The CEO had been harsh, his stern face was as unmoving as a statue. He had a steady frown on his face, and I couldn't shake the feeling that something about him was off-putting. I couldn't put my finger on it, but I felt a sense of unease in his presence.
The sound of my phone buzzing interrupted my thoughts. I picked it up and couldn't believe my eyes- I had been given the job! I couldn't understand how this had happened. I was certain that other candidates were more qualified than me. But despite my confusion, I was filled with a sense of excitement and relief. I had landed the job!
I was thrilled to have been offered the job, but something about the CEO, Mr. Henry Knights, made me uneasy. There was something about his stern demeanor that didn't sit well with me. I knew that working with him wouldn't be easy and that it would take all my energy and patience to succeed in the job. But despite my misgivings, I was determined to give it my best shot.