Angela's Point of View
Upon hearing my name called by the manager, my entire body tensed up. I immediately stood up and went after him.
The room fell silent as all eyes turned towards me, waiting to see my next move.
Inhaling deeply, I stood upright and pushed myself to step outside.
With legs like an elephant's, I was able to keep a consistent speed. The entrance had the tall manager with a neatly trimmed beard, anticipating my arrival.
As I got closer, he continued to stare intimidatingly without ever looking away, even as we moved, which was... extremely strange.
He repeated, "Miss Angela ," using a more peaceful and subdued voice. "We are pleased to have you here with us."
I reacted with a slight smile and a nod, meeting his gaze, speaking calmly despite feeling my heart racing and my hands sweating.
He guided me to a small, formal room beside the main hallway. Thick, leather-bound volumes filled the bookshelves along the walls, while a large mahogany desk sat in the middle.
Upon my arrival, I noticed five individuals in suits positioned behind me, observing me intently in a half-circle.
The manager motioned to the solitary chair and asked me to take a seat.
I bobbed my head again, striving to appear serene and collected as I sat down.
As I eased into the leather chair, the gentle creaking noise resonated loudly in the tranquil room. Even though my heart was pounding, I made a conscious effort to look directly at all of their eyes.
This marked the end. My initial opportunity to achieve a sense of steadiness. I couldn't make any mistakes in this scenario due to financial constraints.
The manager sat at the edge of the table, browsing through a folder labeled with my name. The room was filled with tension as all eyes were on me. Honestly, I wished the earth would swallow me whole.
The lady sitting in front of me, Miss Galen , had soft and silky blonde hair. She had a name tag labeled 'Human Resources', and her eyes were keen and devoid of any emotion as she started talking.
"She expressed a desire to become more familiar with you."
"What prompted you to seek employment at the Vix Hotel?" I paused briefly to collect my thoughts before replying, keeping a composed and assured manner. I thanked for the chance to be present today and mentioned that I was attracted to Vix due to its dedication to professionalism, excellence, and outstanding customer service. I desired to be part of a team that would enable me to develop my skills and abilities, while also making a beneficial contribution.
Miss Galen gave a nod and jotted down some notes in her notebook. Another individual, who seemed to be the manager in charge, leaned in with a focused look on his face.
He inquired in a direct and almost challenging tone what you are looking for in a hotel like ours.
I had a sip of water prior to responding. "I am seeking a positive atmosphere that values teamwork and courtesy," I responded. A location where I can always aim for progress and collaborate with my team to establish a friendly environment for all visitors.
The man narrowed his eyes, assessing the genuineness of my response. How do you manage challenging circumstances, particularly with high-maintenance clients?
I was aware that this question held significance. "I responded, meeting his gaze, by saying that I consistently aim to stay calm and uphold a professional attitude in the face of any obstacles."
Having knowledge of the client's worries, offering a suitable resolution while maintaining hotel guidelines, and staying calm are essential abilities for being successful in this position. When I can't solve a problem by myself, I am not afraid to ask a coworker or supervisor for assistance.
The man nodded in approval, holding eye contact as he seemed content with my answer. I sensed the other interviewers adjusting in their chairs, getting ready to pose their own inquiries.
A woman in her thirties, identified as the 'Event Coordinator', leaned in with a friendly smile that made me feel more relaxed. Ms. Galen , this position will necessitate you to handle numerous tasks and duties all at once. Could you provide an instance in which you needed to do this and explain how you made sure that everything was done efficiently?
I felt more confident after she asked her question. In my former position, I often juggled multiple tasks like helping customers, overseeing stock levels, and teaching new staff members simultaneously. On a certain day, I had to manage the whole shift alone because of unforeseen absences. I gave priority to tasks, assigned when needed, and stayed focused on ensuring smooth operations. At the conclusion of the shift, I not only finished all responsibilities successfully but also received praise from clients for delivering exceptional service.
The Event Coordinator showed clear admiration with a nod. "Thanks for telling me that."
As I started to unwind, the manager abruptly interrupted, shattering the peaceful mood. "Miss Galen , just one last query." What are some ways to cope with stress while working in a demanding job?
I knew that this could be a critical turning point. "I acknowledge that this position might present difficulties occasionally, but I am ready for it," I responded calmly.
The way I cope with stress involves staying on top of things, setting realistic objectives, and resting when necessary. I also think that having a supportive team is essential in handling pressure effectively.
The manager took a break, reclining in his chair and briefly looking at the others before turning back to me. "That's the end of it for the moment, Miss Galen . You have the option to return tomorrow to begin your orientation.
I felt a sense of relief wash over me. I expressed my gratitude to them, then rose to my feet and attempted to calm my trembling hands while collecting my things.
As I exited the room, I sensed the tension in my shoulders easing away gradually. I had achieved success. The interview had concluded and I was not rejected right away.