As I began my third month of unemployment following the layoff, I decided that I would take the first job that seemed even remotely appealing to me. I scanned the websites and classified ads on a daily basis, and had gone on several interviews, but nothing seemed to be working. On a whim, I had circled one particular ad that seemed intriguing, but hadn't given it much thought up to this point. The advertisement didn't mention what the position was exactly, only that it was offering great benefits, and occasional travel, paid for by the company. I decided it was time to take a chance, and I called the number.
A pleasant-sounding female answered the line, introducing herself as Crystal. After a generic introduction on my part, I mentioned that I was interested in speaking to someone about the job opening they had posted. "Well, Mr. Walters, you're in luck." Crystal said, "The position has not yet been filled. Can you be here at 3:00 this afternoon for an interview?" I agreed to the time and quickly jotted down the address.
I quickly changed into my black business suit, white shirt with a pinpoint collar and red power tie. I certainly looked the part of a businessman, now I just had to sell it to these people. Filled with a surprising confidence, I drove to the address Crystal had given me, and soon found myself in a residential neighborhood. There was no indication that this house was an office. I double-checked the address, and, certain I had it correct, I walked to the front door and rang the doorbell.
Within seconds, a lovely blonde woman, appearing to be in her early 30's, answered the door. She was wearing a knee-length black skirt, black stockings, black 3" heeled sandals and a pink silk blouse. She looked very professional, yet subtly sexy as well. Her blue eyes were captivating, almost hypnotic. "You must be Mr. Walters," she said. "I'm Crystal. Please come in."
I entered the house, and Crystal led me to what I presumed to have been the living room when this was a residence. Although, with the couches framing the fireplace, it seemed to me that this was still a living room rather than an office. Apparently sensing my confusion, Crystal said "Yes, this house is our base of operations here. Ms. Chandler felt it was important that we have a sense of family while we're working. Rather than fill the space with desks and cubicles, we left the house pretty much as it was when we bought it." Admittedly, I was intrigued. "Small company, family atmosphere," I thought to myself, "sounds pretty nice to me."
Crystal engaged me in some idle small-talk for a few minutes, letting me know that Ms. Chandler would be joining soon. I found Crystal to be quite engaging. She had a wonderful sense of humor, and a sweet nature to her. I found her to be quite refreshing. As we spoke, a beautiful brunette woman entered the room, introducing herself as Ms. Chandler. In her early 50's, Ms Chandler was classically beautiful. She wore a grey suit, perfectly fitted, and a white blouse under her blazer. Even thought she was wearing slacks, I could tell that her long legs were perfectly shaped. I quickly rose and extended my hand in greeting. Ms Chandler shook my hand firmly, much more firmly than I had anticipated, and invited me to return to my seat. Ms Chandler then asked Crystal to bring us some coffee. Moments later, Crystal returned with two cups of coffee, setting them on the table between us, and left the room.
Ms Chandler began to sip her coffee, and began to speak. "Mr. Walters, I'm very pleased you found out about our opening here, but I suspect you have some questions as to what we do, correct?" It was as if she could read my mind. I replied "Yes, I do, actually" nodding the whole time. "Well, let's say that my company here is, in essence a staffing service," Ms. Chandler continued. "My clients have needs, and my team is specially trained to meet those needs." Articulate and intelligent, she had a manner of drawing you in with her words that I found refreshing and equally seductive. I found myself clinging to her every word.
"Tell me, Mr. Walters," Ms. Chandler said, "Are you willing to do whatever it takes to please the client?"
Trying to put my best foot forward, so to speak, I quickly replied "Yes I am. I excel at customer service, Ms. Chandler, and would do anything within my power to ensure the client is pleased with my efforts."
Smiling, Ms Chandler looked directly at me, and said "Excellent response, Mr. Walters. I think you fit in quite well here." Completely captivated by this beautiful woman before me, I never once realized that throughout our conversation, we never actually once mentioned what service industry this company was part of.
"Mr. Walters" Ms. Chandler said, moving closer to me, "I would like to offer you the position if you are interested." She called for Crystal, and Crystal entered the room carrying some paperwork with her. "Here is the contract, complete with the starting salary."
I read through the contract, trying to contain myself when I saw that the starting salary was nearly twice what I was making at my last job. The contract also included clauses that indicated that I would be provided with clothing allowances and housing allowances, and that all travel arrangements would be handled by the company. Ms Chandler handed me a pen and indicated where I needed to sign, which I quickly did. Smiling, she handed the contract to Crystal, and placed another document before me. "This is a confidentiality agreement, "she said, her voice more seductive than before. "By signing this, you agree to never disclose what happens while an employee of this company. This applies during your employment and after your employment as well." Nonchalantly, I signed the second document as well.