I recently got a new job, a better paying job and one that I enjoy doing, along with the extra activities during overtime.
Being at a dead end job, I started to send out my resume to many of the smaller companies as the larger ones were not always the best for advancement. I sent out about twenty five every week for a month. I got a few calls and interviews but they seemed to lack something. I felt I was wasting all my talents by doing and not getting the credit I deserved. My writing was excellent and I always made someone else come out smelling good.
Then on Friday night after a day of being put on an assignment that was beneath me and making me feel that I was getting the scraps, while others were getting the meaty bones. I had just missed their call according to my answering machine so I still had time to respond that night. I couldn't dial the number fast enough. I had all my paperwork laid out on my desk so I was prepared already.
Mr. Moore picked up the phone right away and was so happy that I called back so promptly. He mentioned about calling my cell but didn't know if I was still at work which was very thoughtful of him to think of that. He said that he read over my paperwork, read the selections that I have written in the past and was very impressed with my style and how detailed and in depth I get with my stories and the people and items I am writing about. He asked if I would be able to come in on Monday to do the face to face interview because I was probably going out tonight and it was last minute. I wasn't going out until tomorrow with the girls so I asked if I would still be able to meet with him tonight without putting him out with his plans. He was pleased and told me to come in at 8 as he was working late as he does 5 days a week and sometimes carries over until Saturday with a rare Sunday too. I told him I would be there and he gave me the directions and I was jumping up and down.
He sounded like a nice older man and seemed to be eager to see me so I think that even if I did have plans, I would have either went late or just asked for a rain check from the girls. I wanted to shower and put on one of my new outfits I bought for interviewing. Decided to wear the purple and mauve skirt and jacket with my gray shoes and matching (of course) handbag. I had a fresh haircut and touch up on my hair and highlights along with a manicure and pedicure that was only two days old and felt as if I could take on the world. My friends all told me that those colors always brought out my white freckled skin and strawberry blond hair and green/blue/gray eyes. Getting in the shower I was trying to imagine what Mr. Moore looked like and what kind of man/boss he would be to work for. I started to shave all the places that I did that morning but want to be completely fresh and relaxing look my best. I had very good vibes about this job and held back from telling anyone about tonight's interview until I went on it and I would see what kind feel I get after doing so.
The interview was at 8 but it was a twenty minute ride without traffic and so I wanted to give myself plenty of time knowing that Friday nights the highway got a little congested with people going out.
I actually made good time and got there in about 15 minutes which allowed me to get myself together, get all my paperwork in order, even though he did have it and brought along a few extras of more recent works I have done. It was a large building but was a very small company with about 25 employees Mr. Moore told me. I found the restroom in the lobby so I dashed in to fix up anything that may have come undone and make my way to the fifth floor to his office suite.
There were only two offices on that floor; Mr. Moore's office and another that did not house a nameplate. It appeared to be a little smaller than his but in comparison to some of the other offices I have worked in and have seen on other interviews with larger companies, this was large.
I gently but firmly knock on his door. I saw the doorknob turn and the door slowly opened and there stood this very tall, very good looking and well dressed black man. He was in tan slacks, a tan and white striped shirt without a necktie and a white blazer. He looked hot with a little sweat around his forehead and brow and a cleanly shaved head with a fine-lined beard. He greeted me with a firm but gentle handshake and I could feel myself tremble as he asked me to have a seat at the table that was caddy-corner from his large desk. Diplomas, certificates and awards covered his was with a picture of himself a bit younger with a older man and woman, a picture of himself of more recent and few scattered pictures of what might be the staff of the company.
After the initial nerves settled down, I was very relaxed and comfortable as he described what my position would be and my functions and responsibilities would be and all my work goes directly to him and it would also mean some longer hours if needed as he has with compensation in my pay check and time off whenever I needed to take a break. There would also be road trips and also business trips that I would accompany him on and seminars to attend with him and on his behalf. I was never given those responsibilities on any job I had before and it seemed to be overwhelming but challenging at the same time.
I gave him some of my most recent works and he was very impressed and even commented that I had a great flair for getting the real story and not just touching the surface. We took a short break when he offered me something to drink like lemonade, iced tea, water, milk, coffee, the works including an a mixed drink or a beer. I took the water as I didn't want to have a drink and make myself look bad.
We kicked back and I had my water and he had a mineral water and we talked about the day and how the week was going and plans for the weekend etc.. He said that he was offering $ XXX,000 plus all expenses on the trips paid for by the company. Working late would if time allowed and if available for a dinner out that night or for another night that was chosen. He increased the salary another $ 20,000 a year because of all my experience and asked me if I would be interested in working for the company and closely with him. I held back my excitement to a minimum so I wouldn't appear desperate but I accepted his offer. He asked if one month's notice at my present company would be sufficient and I said it would. I would give them two weeks and take the following two getting new clothes and preparing myself for a job I know I'm going to be excited to begin and it already appeared to me that I would enjoy. Travel was always something I liked and doing it for my job would be thrilling. I accepted.