I had been applying for jobs for over six months when I finally got offered an interview. It was a couple of hours drive away, but at least I could finally get a chance to talk my way into a job.
The firm I had applied for the role in, didn't have much of a website or presence on the web, but the position of general office manager for a production company, and the offered salary seemed reasonable enough. Googling the address showed the business to be based in one of those multi occupied office blocks that are so prevalent in town centres these days.
I left early in the morning to be sure to get to my destination on time, being a Monday I expected the commute to be vile but as it was summer, the traffic was fairly light. No major hold-ups seemed to impact me and I arrived almost forty-five minutes early. Time enough for a quick coffee before walking confidently into the building reception for my interview.
"I'm here to see Alex McConnell in New Horizons." I stated to the receptionist. The young man smiled and dialled a number on his phone and held a quick conversation.
Once he had finished his call he smiled and told me to make my way to the top floor, where I would be met by my interviewer. With no elevators it was a work out to climb the stairs to the seventh floor, but I pride myself on my general levels of fitness, so the exercise wasn't too taxing.
As I reached the landing I noticed that the office was very well appointed. It seemed very spacious and modern with the few visible workstations empty, but well set up with the latest equipment. I opened the plate glass door and stepped into the entry lobby. A young woman smiled at the reception desk as I made my way in.
"Hi. I'm here to see Alex McConnell." I stated. "My name is Andy Nichols, and I'm here for an interview at 11 today."
"OK Mr Nicols," she stated "please take a seat and I will get her to collect you. Would you like a glass of water while you wait?" she asked.
I smiled back and her and declined the offer, but couldn't help noticing how pretty her smile was. Her brunette hair was loosely tied back into a pony tail. She wore a dark suit with a white blouse, and was of course immaculately turned out. She made a call on the phone and then got back to her work. Every once in a while, she would look across to me as if she were checking me out, but I may have been reading into things a bit too much. Why a young 20 something receptionist would be interested in a middle aged man outside of your porno movies is beyond me.
A few minutes passed. I heard footsteps coming down the hallway and looked up to see my interviewer walking confidently towards me. I stood and smiled as Alex approached. She smiled and shook my hand firmly and we walked off toward the interview room. Alex was about 5'2" tall and again dressed in a well-fitting suit. Her skirt was just above knee height and exaggerated her leg length nicely. At a push I would have aged her at 35. She was slightly built, almost boyish in her shape, but she had chosen her outfit well and looked very stylish.
We entered the interview room and I was introduced to the Group Manager, and her husband, Mark. I was gestured to sit and the interview began. Mark was about 6' tall and it looked like he was athletic in his build. He was approachable and it was obvious that they were a good team together both at work and outside. The interview lasted about an hour and a half and although some of the questions stretched me, I felt that all had gone well. I was asked to leave the room and wait outside in a rank of chairs nearby whilst they made their deliberations. Whilst waiting I noticed the receptionist being called in briefly. As she left she flashed her lovely smile to me. Everything seemed to be looking good.
So it was a complete shock when I was called back in and Alex told me that they wouldn't be taking anything any further for me in the process.
"I don't understand," I said "I thought I had come across well in the interview. Can you let me know what has stopped you from taking me any further in the process?"
Mark apologised to me and made his excuse to leave citing a pressing meeting. That left Alex sitting opposite me, looking a little awkward.
"We feel that you would be better suited in a more suitable role than General Manager." She stated. "We both like the way that you have come across and would like to offer an alternative position to you. The thing is, though, that you may be offended by the offer we have in mind."
I was intrigued. My CV showed that I had built up several years of experience prior to applying for this position, and although I had not had any direct managerial exposure, I had been recommended for being a team player and a supportive member of the crew in my previous roles, both inside and outside of work.
Alex continued. "Can I offer you lunch today to explain the offer we have on the table? I hope that you would at least allow me to make an offer to you, even if you don't accept it."
I thought about her offer and decided that a two-hour drive could wait. I had no pressing need to get back to my flat and the offer of a free lunch was accepted.
I was escorted back to the reception and Sue; the young receptionist was tasked with booking a table for three at a nearby Italian restaurant. As there was an hour or so to kill I was allowed the opportunity to go and explore the nearby area whilst waiting. The office was based in a commercial district in town so there was a plethora of sandwich bars and coffee shops nearby. A short walk from the office took me to a scenic view by a river, lined with benches and frequented by joggers and young professionals having early lunches. It was a warm summer's day so I loosened my tie and undid my top shirt button.
At a few minutes to One, I returned to the office and waited in the downstairs reception for Alex & Mark to arrive, only to be surprised when Alex & Sue came smiling towards me. Lunch had become a far more sociable affair. We walked the short distance from the office to Giuseppe's Restaurant and were guided to a comfortable booth where we could watch other customers without being overlooked ourselves. A crisp white wine was delivered as we perused the extensive menu.