It was a cloudy day and slightly cold because we were at the peak of the rainy season. Or perhaps it was the anxiety of facing a panel of professionals in my career? My palms were sweaty and cold, and my breathing was shallow.
I sat in the waiting room that served as the receptionist's office as well. I was the only visitor waiting. The room was elegantly decorated and the gentle hum of a split air-conditioner lent some sound to the quiet environment. The receptionist, a kind lady with ebony skin and a sweet smile hidden behind her face mask, sat at her desk and gave her full attention to the flat screen computer in front of her.
I arrived at exactly eight a.m. and had been waiting for close to two hours. I adjusted my face mask and held my folder of certificates closer to my stomach.
It had been some years since I'd applied for a job and attended an interview. After graduation from the university, I got a job upon my first interview unlike some people I know who attended many before securing a suitable job. It was more of a chat than an interview. My employers then were friends of a friend of my family. I felt right at home. I worked with them for some years.
Then COVID struck, and my country's government initiated a compulsory lockdown that sent many working-class people home. My office was already experiencing financial problems before but with the hope things would pick up soon.
The lockdown was a bit hard on many people and survival became a challenge. Sadly, my office closed down during this period.
A few months after the lockdown had been lifted, a former colleague and friend called. "There's this company with some vacancies in your field. Why not apply?"
I was quiet for a moment. "Hello, Kemmy? Are you there?"
"Yes, yes. Sorry. I heard you…it's just that it's been ages since I applied for a job. I know the trends of applying and interviewing for jobs change almost every day. Can I do this?"
My friend laughed. She's older than I am. "And what do you expect me to say? If I can rub shoulders with the young ones and compete for a position, so can you."
That was all the encouragement I needed. I got the details and address of the said company, studied the latest format online and applied. I heard back almost immediately from the company and was asked to come in for an interview. I would be interviewed by a panel of professionals.
The jitters began.
This was not because I didn't know my worth. I did but the doubts nagged at me. I was starting anew and wasn't sure if I could measure up to what was expected.
The fact that I was the only person in the waiting room that morning made me more nervous. I took deep breaths and adjusted my dress over and over.
The intercom on the receptionist's desk buzzed and she answered, mumbling a few words that I couldn't make out. She smiled at me and tilted her head towards the door. "You may go in. They'll see you now."
That was the moment. My breath hitched up a bit. I quickly took another deep breath, thanked the receptionist and walked into the room.
It was a conference room. There was a long, glossy oval-shaped table in the centre of the room with swivel executive chairs around it. The room was cold and over air-conditioned. As I walked in, all heads turned towards me.
Once I made eye contact with the man at the head of the table, I felt more at ease. I greeted everyone at the table and took a seat. Then the questions began.
When I stepped outside into the busy street after an hour of the interview, the sun was high up in the sky, and the atmosphere was warm. Or was it my relief at having conquered the mountain before me? It was an interesting hour of discussions, jokes and a few laughs. I felt as though I was amongst friends rather than heads of department in the company.
Two days later when I received the call to start work immediately, I laughed at how I'd gotten myself worked up over nothing. In a good way, the experience kept me on my toes.