Tuesday after office hours someone calls up the residence looking for me. Says she's Jen from Continental Airlines. I'm like, I didn't pass a resume to Continental Airlines a? So anyway she says she got my info from the school and I'm scheduled for an exam, Wednesday morning. Of course I went to it. To my disappointment, it wasn't Continental Airlines, rather it was Citadel Holdings, owner of a cargo company under which Continental's cargo goes through. Misleading! Anyway, on with the exam: IQ test, Abstract reasoning, Math, English and Planning. What the...? Planning?! Yes, there is such an exam. I thought I won't be called up for an interview because I didn't do well with the Planning thing.
Just as I was going to bed that night (I had terrible migraine so I wanted to be in bed early evening) the Jen person sends a text message informing me about my interview scheduled immediately next day. I said I'd go. But I didn't. First is because I really felt sick. Second, I was disappointed that it was cargo department (by the address that she mentioned through text). Third is because they won't say what positions are available.
"We'll be evaluating your exam and interview results to know what position is best for you."
Duh. And I thought, how unpro of them to be scheduling you immediately the next day and texting you when they're not sure you're even awake at that time. Sent a message Thursday morning saying I can't come coz I'm sick. The reply: "Okay how about tomorrow morning?"
Desperation? Anyhow, I confirmed it, half-heartedly. And today I showed up for the interview in denims. Haha, for the lack of interest. They made me do hands-on Excel and PowerPoint exam which was definitely of no challenge at all. A highschool student could do that. Then came an interview with the Finance Manager. I tell myself, Finance Manager to interview a Tourism graduate. Very bright idea. *eyes roll* After sometime came the real interview. The General Manager.
It started out as a usual interview, the difference is that he's obviously observing me. Really. He asked about family, work experience, blah blah blah, and ambition. So of course I said I really want to be a flight attendant, though maybe not as a permanent career but at least I want to have an experience as one. I told him about my pending applications for an airline. Then came the hardest part. He asked me whether I'd still choose that path over a sure job in their company.
He's a no-BS guy so I gave him a no-BS answer--the truth. Flight Attendant. I further explained that I am not rushing into a work contract at the moment because the [airline's] interviews would take place in June (first would be June 8). I gave him a few more reasons:
1. I wouldn't want to accept a job right now and then within a month or so quit the job because of another offer.
2. I don't want to be put in that situation wherein I'd have to decide if I should quit or not, because of hiya.
3. I don't want them to put their trust on me and later spoil their plans.
4. I'd forever regret it if I can't go to the interview. I'd risk being jobless in the end rather than not give it a shot towards my dreams.
5. I don't want to waste all their resources and for them to reject all other applicants and then later recollect them for another hiring process.
6. Lastly, I can't enter a job half-heartedly. It's a service-oriented industry. Can never give a so-so service. I'd want to be in a job I'm dedicated and very much committed to.
He fell silent, maybe he'd never encountered anyone that kind of honest in an interview before. He said, "I understand." And then he gave me another 'what if.' What if he's giving the position of Executive Assistant? Simply put, if he's the President, I'm the little president. He explained the job more thoroughly and I understood that it's the position next to his, quite literally. Then he asked me again whether I'd still choose FA over EA. Uh-oh.
I'm overwhelmed and at the same time so confused that I think I bowed down for seconds. I was getting emotional that I want to accept the job because I am feeling the huge trust he's giving me (or my skills, maybe) but at the same time, my dream's a dream. My voice was almost cracking when I said, "I think I'd still go for the FA position." Explained further. I don't have a dream that I don't wish to try to achieve. If I'd accept EA for now, I might enjoy it--for, say, five years--and then eventually I'd still want to pursue that dream. Which by then, I might not be eligible to apply for because of age requirement.
He fell silent again. I actually thought he was just thinking of a way to end the interview coz he can't say, Okay, we'll call you, as finale. Then he goes, "Here's what you're gonna do. You go to that interview and do your best and if after June you didn't get that job, let me know. Give me a ring. The EA position might still be available for you by then, but if not we'll give you something suitable for you. I very much appreciate your honesty. I like it that you're honest."
OMG. Talk about my utter amazement, awe and respect! I couldn't say a word so he handed over his calling card and I just stared at it. All I was able to mutter was, "On your direct line?" Yes, he said. To end the 'interview', I said, "With all due respect Sir, I thank you so much." I shook his hand and thanked him again. And left with a really big smile on my face.
So what if I didn't get the job? That experience can never be replaced. So maybe I don't want to work in the cargo department, but I would definitely want to work under a good boss like him. Maybe if I'm unsuccessful by July? Kasi naman bakit ang late na ng interview nung airline.
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