New Job!
Hello dear friends,
I just got back from my interview for Aussie Bank Co. in Perth. I’m so excited. I think I did really well, unlike the previous interviews. It’s time to celebrate! Finally the day came, I waited so long.
Mark & Spencer claimed that my next path of career of a woman in the society is to think seriously about starting my own family and settling down. As they were explaining, I got a picture of a perfect family life: the house, a dog, a kitchen, me as a housewife, two kids, a husband, he is busy working… the rest is pretty obvious. That picture kept on haunting me through nights; another company claimed that I was too chatty and too female-opinionated to work there. But what did they expect? I can’t be male-opinionated; the other day, the CEO didn’t approve my high heels because that made him shorter and on my way out I overheard him saying that women like me should stay at home and take care of the kids. But maybe I’m being too melodramatic. Life is unfair. I used to work for Puma and my salary didn’t reach half of the bonuses that the male associates were being offered at the same time. Within my career in this company, I never got promoted while my male colleagues were able to get into top management positions. This working environment was too man-governed!
My interview for Aussie Bank was pretty remarkable. I woke up at 4 am. I took a shower. I chose my outfit, which consisted of an elegant skirt and a silk blouse. As I drank my coffee I reread my script a thousandth time to make sure I was prepared enough. I packed my presentation into my Gucci bag and arrived 10 min ahead of the time.
My interviewer was obviously a man, which doesn’t change a thing after all interviews I already attended. I shook his hand firmly and maintained eye contact. Before the first question was asked, I briefly introduced myself about my background and expertise. He raised his eyebrows in all admiration. The first question quite intrigued me when he asked me about my marital situation and then explained that he expected a fully work committed professional. Was he implying that I wouldn’t be devoted enough to that position? With no doubt, I replied that career is my priority and I’m fully capable to manage my work, either married or not.
The next question: “How would you describe the perfect individual working at this position?” Very predictable question, if you ask me. This question was asked so many times already that my answer would be automatic at this point. “In my opinion, marketers should be organized, sincere, risk-takers and leaders, not followers.” Short and brief. He nodded and just noted with no face expressions whatsoever. Questions followed and the answers were going smoothly. He kept on nodding and noting. However, one question really put me off guard, “Do you think women are capable to work efficiently in the marketing department? “ Not again! I almost started liking you but you just had to ask this question! Go, take a break, dude! Sign up for yoga, go fishing, upgrade your new car, I don’t know. Get a life! Anyway, I still remained calm and I kindly replied, “I am sure that women are as effective as men for such jobs. As far as I’m concerned, I’ve been prepared and educated enough to do this. Marketing predominated my entire life. I know how to do it and I simply love it.” I guess that shut him down. Men like him should think twice before starting a war with a lady. But you know what his reply was? “I need to answer this phone call. It’s very urgent.” I felt ignored and invisible. But then again, I’m just a woman.
He came back with two cups of coffee, which was quite nice for such a sexist. Now the interest. I really like postcards so I had a very good topic in hand to impress him. I brought up my postcards collection from all over the world, even from a small island like St. Martin, and it turns out that he had some roots there. Such a small world. We both got excited and carried away with the history and culture of different places. A secretary interrupted us calling him for a scheduled meeting. He had to leave but he asked his assistant to prepare the contract. I lost my Louboutin heels. I wanted to hug and kiss him. It was the most amazing feeling in my life. I guess my charm is irresistible. I overviewed the contract and couldn’t breathe as the war was over. Thankfully for him, I didn’t use my nuclear bomb. Mission complete.
Here I’m giving advice, which took me so long to reach my goals. A real great woman said, “a woman should be two things: classy and fabulous” aside from her talent, abilities and skills that she has been working on so hard. Women can be more than men believe we are capable of. We can do more than just be a typical housewife, we aren’t silent, we aren’t shy, and we can prove ourselves as we wish.
Remember to be confident, puissant and believe strongly in yourself. The fact that you can put some make-up on your face doesn’t mean that you are Barbie. There are more layers to you than what is thought. Women are strong, women are powerful, women are smart, and women can wear pants if they are in the mood for. Success shouldn’t be defined by gender.
by
hamivu (student)
