I wish I had some kind of hobby that included medicating or yoga. I could really use the tension relief right now.
Instead I'm walking circles in my bedroom, probably wearing the floor beneath my feet. My finger nails are down to nothing, which is why I had to stick a Band-Aid over my thumb. It started bleeding an hour ago, and I still remain picking at it. I hate being nervous, and I hate even more having nervous habits.
The interview is set up for eleven this morning, and right now its quarter past nine. With a sigh, I realize that if I want to make an impression with my looks as well as being there on time, it’s now or never for a shower. I walk into the bathroom and shed my clothes before turning the knob in the shower. The pipes come to life in the wall, clanking and banging as the water warms up. I climb in, allowing the water to cascade down my face and body. The warmth of the water raining down on me instantly release some stress inside of me.
I stand under the water several minutes before I start to wash my hair. Through my entire shower, I try to remember several questions I've been asked at previous interviews. Coming up with answers, even to just the basic questions, is not as easy as I remember.
Where do you see yourself in five years? Is it with this company? Do you plan to be a manager?
I don't want to answer; well, in five years I see myself graduated from college with a Bachelors in Journalism. Hopefully I'll have a job for the Chandler Times, and if not, at least an internship. I do not see myself still working with the stock market, but if I do, sure, it'll be your company.
It's the truth though. So now I have to find a way to reword all the bullshit I'm about to tell the boss of the company I want to work for... well, for about four years anyways.
Once my hair is dried, I decide to take the thick brown hair and pile it into a French bun on the top of my head. I secure it in place, using a minimal amount of hairspray and bobby pins to make sure it actually stays. I line my eyes with black eyeliner and mascara, and add a little blush to my cheeks. The finishing touches look great with my black dress pants, tucked in red blouse, and beige high heels.
It's all a little bold for an interview, but I want to stand out. I also want to look older than I am. More professional. I don't just want this job, I need it.
The building isn't quite what I expected. It's only three stories tall, and it’s located on the outskirts of town instead of being centered with the rest of the corporate businesses. The parking garage is across the street though, so it’s not much for walking. That is always a positive, especially in heels.
I enter into the lobby to see a blonde lady behind a glass desk. Her fingers are tapping away on the keyboard, not even noticing me. I walk straight to her desk and smile down at her. "Hi," I say.
The lady jumps in her seat before looking up to me, a little pink coloring her cheeks. "Sorry, I got a little sucked into this silly game. May I help you?" She smiles bright through her colored lips.
"Yeah, I'm here to meet with Mr. Pelletier for a job interview."
The girl looks me up and down. I hope that it’s not her job that I'm taking if I actually nail this interview. I'd feel awfully guilty about that. Her lips purse before she speaks again. "Yes, I'll let Mr. Pelletier know you're here. Have a seat over there please." She points to a bench near the elevator.
Once I thank her, I walk over and take the seat. I watch as she uses the phone to dial someone, then she goes back to playing some game on the computer. If
Aziz Ansari, Eric Klinenberg