The Interview

If you have a family, a house and a plan you need a job to pay the bills. You have to work, that's reality, and anybody seeking some degree of comfort to go with the responsibilities knows the more comfort you desire the more clever you have to be when it comes to work.  

Dick was in his forties and his faith was strong. He lived for his wife and kids. Being out of work for 6 weeks had strained him to his limits. He was out of money, and being broke is no kind of mind set to have or take. The day before his interview he re-conned the trip and purchased his train ticket for the following day. He made a habit of adjusting accordingly.

He rose early, ate well and exercised. Dick liked to talk, and he meditated on saying less, that less is more. He applied just the right amount of polish and shined his brown boots to a gleaming shine. With his brown hair freshly cut, a conservative button down and sharply pressed khakis he appeared business casual for this new company.

The train arrived punctually and transported him to his stop. He walked with an even bearing and arrived his building 30 minutes early. He was not left unattended. Fresh coffee and danish were served.

The interview lasted just under an hour. They told him he was overqualified. He asked them if they would be kind enough to explain the complete duties and parameters of the position. For half an hour they spoke and he listened. Then they asked how he could get someone to do something for him. Dick answered, " That's easy, make sure the other person gets something out of it." They asked him how many days a year a person should take off. He said, " Always show up when you're required to." They asked him how he dealt with conflicts. He said, " Let the boss decide and accept it." They asked him what's the hardest thing he's ever had to deal with on the job. He said. "When a boss acts like a crabby cat. Everybody has to work. The difference between a good job and a bad job is the boss. When the boss is off your back you're happy, you show up early, stay late, give 110%, you do what you're told and believe you're doing good things. You listen, follow instructions, and hope the boss stays cool." He smiled.

They told him again he was overqualified. He said, " I understand the complete details and parameters of this position. I can do the job. I want the job. I can start Monday." They looked at one another. He said, " I came here to secure this job." They said you got the job, and produced a stack of paperwork for him to sign and initial. The paperwork took time. A process. Keep the faith.