Hummin': This Thing Called Love
I've heard it said that it is during the most unexpected events in your life that you are truly blessed with a sudden turn of events. I know what that means now.
Last week, I applied for an apprenticeship, also known as on-the-job training or practicum, where students work for a company for free, in exchange for the priceless experience, of course. So, with that goal of experience and enriching my know-how, I decided to offer my services to these two hotels along Ortigas.
One of them called after a mere four days and asked me to come for an interview, which was scheduled yesterday. There were seven of us that morning, majority of which had put major effort in dressing to impress. Since I was the only one without a previous work experience and was itching to try out the workplace, I was the giddiest of them all.
I reached the Human Resources Department after circling the whole third floor thrice, seriously worried that I would be lost and late. And so when I finally found an office, I entered and asked my question to all those seated, uniformed women.
"Excuse me, is this the HR department where interviews will be held...for apprenticeships?" with my voice volume decreasing out of nervousness as all the ladies' heads turned to me.
"Uh, what's your name?" asked the pretty but stern-looking lady. When I answered, she simply gestured me to sit at the sofa area and wait for further instructions. Then, just seconds after my tush landed on the overly cushy couch, a young man entered and asked for me. I raised my hand slowly, fighting the urge to shout "PRESENT!" when he asked, "You're here...for employment, right?" I was stunned, but with gears clinking, I answered a soft and almost question-like, "Yes..."
My heart was thumping in my chest, just like how I imagined I would feel like when put under a Lie Detector test. Then, we headed off to the testing room where we were given several tests with regards to English & Math proficiency, character evaluation, pressure reaction, Abstract Reasoning and their own application form--all under time pressure.
After two and a half hours of using exhausting our brain powers, we were given a two-hour break for lunch and then asked to come back at 2pm for the initial interview. I gladly welcomed the break in order to refuel. An hour and a half passed and I was back at the office, praying that I wouldn't botch up my first ever job interview. While waiting, I talked to my co-applicants and was VERY surprised to discover that most of them had previous work experience in hotels of the same caliber. I WAS THE ONLY GRADUATING STUDENT.
They were equally surprised to find out that I was only twenty. Hrmph.
We were called in one after the other starting at 2:30pm with intervals. Some took 3 minutes, others about 15. And so I nervously anticipated my turn, hoping I wouldn't get tongue-tied. After waiting for more than an hour, there were only four of us left and my bladder was screaming at me in pain.
"I HAVE TO PEE, I HAVE TO PEE"...I shared with the remaining applicants. "But I'm afraid I might be the one they call next." With an attempt at reassurance, the others told me I could probably go to the bathroom and then run back before I get called. With no further convincing necessary, I rushed off to find that wonderful toilet bowl.
No sooner than I was zipping up my pants when I heard someone calling my name. My co-applicant was saying that the interviewer was already looking for me. What are the odds, huh? With a quick washing of my hands, I sped back to the HR office. Luckily, they weren't waiting for me as they interviewed another person first. That gave me time to sit back and compose myself.
That girl's interview lasted for maybe five minutes, and then the only guy applicant was called. When he came out after a mere two minutes, he was shaking his head and gesturing his hand with a sign of "None" which meant there was no job offered to him. He had worked in Hotel Intercontinental at that! My hopes sunk to their lowest, but before I could ask him for information, I heard my name called.
I straightened my pants, and walked into that office with the best fake-confidence I could muster, hoping none of my nerves showed through. There was the interviewer, smiling at me as she stood up to introduce herself. In return, I introduced myself and we shook hands.
She asked me about my resume credentials, and I reaffirmed them. Then, with the most unexpected twist, she said, "I'm actually considering you for two positions." My eyebrows shot up to my hairline, or at least close to it, and I controlled my jaw from hanging down in shock. "You can go for culinary, as you requested here, OR, you can go for a Public Relations officer."
She then explained to me the PRO's and CON's of both positions, with the PR having a huge lead in the benefits and monetary aspect. A long talk ensued as she further discussed what the job descriptions are and how stable each one would be, again with the PR having a run-off with the positive returns.
Aaaand so, with reluctance, because I didn't want to make a huge mistake, I said I'll take the PR job because the culinary position was one that will make me a trainee for 3-6 months depending on my recommendations--with only minimum wage. Then, if I pass, I will be on an indefinite contractual basis with no reassurance of becoming a regular employee. While the PR position was very suitable to my personality, educational background and love for advertising. Plus, because it will be a direct hire, if I was chosen for the position, it meant a much higher salary with all the perks. No need to undergo that much trouble. (See what I mean by the PR job becoming much much much more appealing?)
After asking me a couple more times if I was sure with my decision, I said YES. Then she asked me if I had any appointments for the rest of that late afternoon. I said I was free since I had already missed my only class for the day hours ago. She asked if I would mind talking to the PR Director for my second interview right then and there so I wouldn't have to return for that week. Stunned, I merely nodded and mustered a weak smile.
I waited outside her office as she made a phone call to the PR Director. A minute later, she called me back and said the PR Director is doing a photoshoot at the moment in the hotel's prestigious Chinese-named restaurant. I said it's alright. She said she'll schedule me for an interview. And being a sensitive people-reader like most HR managers are, she unexpectedly said, "Look, I'll give you until tomorrow for your decision so you can have some time to think it over. You can call me by then with your answer." I thanked her very much, shook her hand, and left the office with a smile and a heart still beating wildly in my chest.
About ten minutes passed and having talked to my sister and a co-applicant who was very excited for me too, they convinced me to go back to the HR office and give my decisive answer. I was scared to death. But with a little more verbal pushing and lots of moral support, I decided to go for it.
With a shy smile and a much firmer voice, I went back to her office and told the interviewer, "I have made up my mind about trying for that PR position." She smiled widely, "Good, good." And I bashfully added, "Uhm, I'm available for this week for interviews...if ever." With a quicky and genuine thankyouverymuch, I bid her goodbye.
Last night and the whole morning of today, I fidgeted to no end, worried, biting two of my nails until they shrank to half their size, as I always do when faced with so much stress. There was not a minute that I was not thinking of this. It's a good thing that at about half past one, I received a text from my sister stating that the hotel had just called for an interview TOMORROW afternoon.
With a huge, enormous, gigantic sigh of relief, I texted back my thanks. So tonight, it looks like I still won't be getting much rest after all.
PS: I don't want to sound boastful but I know this is one of the careers I can be great at. The bottom line is: I really want this job. Please pray for me.
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