Would you give a chance?

We all are where we are because someone gave us a chance.  

More than a decade ago, I was interviewing candidates for junior level position. A candidate entered my office, shy, nervous, trying to keep her head high but at least pretended to be confident, I had a copy of her resume, nothing other than name, address and high school information on it.

Me: Can you tell me more about yourself as I believe I don’t have your updated resume.

Candidate: (With a smile on her face) My name is XYZ, I am from ABC, Went to ABC School.

Me: Ok, I see that on the resume, anything else you want to share. Like where have you worked before, where are you working now.

Candidate: I have not worked before. I tried to find a job and has been trying for last 18 months, I am a single mom. (she is barely 20).

Me: The position you applied, need some work experience as this position is currently open and must be filled immediately.

Candidate: Jobs are not coming through which I believe I can do and wherever I go they ask me for experience but no one gives me a job, so if no one gives me a job from where will I get experience. I have been trying for last 18 months.  

Her response was powerful, it was real, there was a desire and was seeking empathy, a compassion, It made me think as a human and not as recruiting manager at that time, I knew she will need help.

Me: “you are right”, if we offer you a job, not because you qualify rather when you go for your next interview you should not be left behind because you have no experience, will you make an effort to learn the job and work diligently.

Candidate: (confidently) I will not disappoint you, I will work hard, I just need a chance”.

Spoke to my management and rest was history.

Last, when I spoke to her which was in 2015, she was holding a supervisory position in one of a well know Resort in the Caribbean under a well-known brand. She was excited with her success and I was very proud of her.

Everyone deserves a chance. A chance which can change someone’s life, a chance which will elevate a person to next level. A chance which everyone deserves to secure a job, a chance for someone to full fill their dream of. A chance which can take a person close to the dream he once saw or she still carries in her eyes.

Reminds an article I wrote on Ethics or Integrity

Basic education, certifications, top schools, top colleges, experience, connections they all are important but not everyone is fortunate. Some unfortunate need fortunate people to help them. When you are fortunate, you should be thankful and when you are thankful it makes you humble and when you are humble you only look down on someone when you extend your hand to lift them up, when you give them a chance to get up so they can stand on their feet. 

Be humble and give someone a chance.