My business has grown to a point where I need to hire a new person to take on the administrative and scheduling tasks so that I can free up time to do the work that brings the money in. I've decided to place an ad in the local paper.
Thinking about it I believe a woman would work better than a man as I believe they are more focused, responsible, and insightful. It will be hard having someone else to manage as I've always worked alone and don't enjoy being a manager.
The ad reads, " Help wanted. Growing business needs office help. A person who has good, strong organizational skills, is a self-starter, and can be efficient in scheduling and record keeping. One person business looking to grow to two person. Vital that the candidate be able to work on their own, show strong initiative, and can wear the many hats required to work for a successful business owner".
A few days go by after posting the ad and I've had some calls. 3 men and two women. I ask them to forward resume's. I know already I do not want a man for help so I call back only the two women and set up interviews.
The first interview goes well. The woman is articulate and appears to have the skills required to do the job. She seems to be able to follow direction well. She's married and has two young children at home. This is a little bit of a concern knowing how demanding young children can be on one's time. She is put together in appearance, but seems a little 'soft' around the edges. Not sure she will self start enough of be aggressive enough in business even though she seems like she can do the administrative parts of the job.
The second candidate arrives for her interview. This is you. A first reaction I have is that she looks young and I wonder if you have the skills and life experience to be strong enough to take things on yourself. You sit down across from me. I notice you're dressed and put together well and you seem very confident in yourself. These are important as you will be seen by clients and work with them.
I ask you questions guided toward your experience and maturity because of the age issue. You assure me that you are mature for your age and are strong enough for the position. As you talk I notice something in your eyes. You look right into me and although I meet your gaze directly as I am older and will be your boss...I have to look away because your eyes are so intense and penetrating. When I look back up you have a faint smile as if you know what just happened.
I suddenly feel something in my stomach. Not sure what it is. It makes me feel uneasy, but at the same time makes me want to hear more about you. As you talk about yourself you never take your eyes off mine even though I have to divert my gaze many times. As you talk about your qualities you twist the conversation into talking about your philosophy of a woman's strength vs. a man's.
