Wow, an interview! It was September, I had graduated with my Business degree in June, and had applied for countless jobs, none of which had panned out. Don't get me wrong, there had been several interviews, even a few offers, but none was exactly what I was looking for. But I was excited about this one, so it made my day to get the phone call.
I had applied for the job weeks ago. Josh and Dan, a couple of my classmates, had also applied and had been rejected almost immediately. When I was not, I figured it was a case of no news being good news. It was a vague job title - Special Assistant to the CEO - which I assumed would include some making of coffee and picking up of dry cleaning, but I didn't care. The CEO in question was one of the most respected in the country, sitting at the helm of a multi-million dollar company, and unfailingly referred to as one of the most creative, insightful, and ethical businessmen in the field. A chance to work for him, even if it was just managing his schedule or answering his phone, would undoubtedly be a valuable learning experience.
Anyway, needless to say, I arrived at his office the following day well-prepped, well-dressed, and just a bit nervous. I had chosen a professional but flattering black gabardine jacket and skirt, offset by a slightly low-cut red silk blouse. I carried a leather portfolio containing everything I thought he might ask to see - another copy of my resume, recommendation letters, transcripts. When I arrived, I progressed through a series of receptionists, until I finally found myself in his office. "He'll be with you shortly," a kindly older woman said, smiling as she motioned to the chair across from his desk. "Can I get you anything?"
"No, thanks."
"Alright, I'll be just outside if you need anything," she said, closing the door on her way out.
Well, I thought to myself, I can't see that he needs any more people to answer his phone, manage his schedule, or even make his coffee, given the army who had just assisted me. So perhaps this job really would enable me to use my business smarts!
After just a few minutes, the door opened and I quickly stood to meet him. "Jessica, I presume?"
I had seen pictures of him, but hadn't realized that I would be taken aback when meeting him in person - he was bigger than I expected, about 6'3" and with an athletic build. "Yes, Mr. Peterson," I said with a smile and a handshake, "it's an honor to meet you!"
"Thank you. And thank you for coming. Just give me a moment to gather my thoughts."
He sat down behind his desk, and I returned to the chair opposite, watching him intently. He opened a manila folder, one of just a few on his clean desk, and I could see that he was looking at my resume. I took a deep breath, and tried to prepare myself for all of the possible questions that might come by way. But all of the mock interviews I'd been through in school couldn't prepare me for what came next.
He looked up from the papers, his piercing blue eyes locking on mine. I expected him to speak, but he did not, for what seemed like minutes, as he seemed to search my face for the answer to a puzzle. It didn't make me uncomfortable - it wasn't like the many experiences I'd had before when the boss was asking questions of my tits - just made me wonder what it was he was looking for.
Finally, he spoke, confident and calm, explaining exactly what he hoped I could offer.
"You undoubtedly noticed when you arrived that I have plenty of assistance here in the office. There are several people tasked with organizing my days and making sure I have everything I need to be an effective leader. What you might not have seen is that I also have dozens of employees already meeting other needs as well - recent college grads such as yourself ready to churn out reports, create presentations, hold meetings. So what I'm looking for with this position is really something quite unique."
"OK..."
