Tudung Labuh

Umm.. Hello

"So how long have you been unemployed?" my interviewer asked, looking at me with a straight face.

I shifted in my seat and cleared my throat. "About 3 months, sir" i answered trying my best to keep my composure and confidence which, to be honest, has faltered by this time.

"Are you really into marketing?" he asked, "because eventhough you have a technical background, you've applied for sales and marketing. Why?" he prompted.

Ah, the same ol' question. I've already memorised my lines for such questions, so i gained my confidence back, and without intending to, i smiled quite widely.
"Well sir, technical background gives me a high understanding on well, technicalities of things. I know how machine works, how to operate them, the logic behind them, therefore i know i'll be able to sell. As to why i chose sales and marketing, it's because i like working with people. When i was studying in university, i realised that my strengths lies in presenting, planning and organising and i believe i am adaptable to people. If you can just look at my resume, at the 'Extra Activities' section. I have listed all the activities and roles of which i've played throughout my studying years. I've also interned at an oil and gas company in their sales team. You can call any of the referrals for confirmation, if you'd like." i finished.

The interviewer looked at my resume, still with his impassive look, and flipped through my resume back and forth, and back again, as if looking for something.

"It's right..there." i said pointing at the page he was landing to.
He rolled his eyes, although not to me, but i felt a shot of guilt slipping down my spine in a second. Oh God, i didn't mean to sound so.. arrogant about it! Ahhh... there goes my shot.

I felt discouraged but i wanted to at least end the interview with a good impression. Or, at least, in a good way. I hope he let go of my annoying-ness.. Why did i have to point out something like that?? He probably saw it and wants to look for some other detail about me..
I made a mental note to kick myself in the butt when i get home later.

As i was mentally punishing myself, the interviewer let out a small cough and i look up to see him arranging his papers, setting them aside and took his glasses off.

Oh no. He's going to reject me. I know it.

"Miss Aina, your experiences and academic achievements have no doubt, met our expectations. However, for the marketing position, i think you're not suitable for it. I would like to offer you, however, a place in the tech team. You can start as the assistant for the tech manager and from your resume here, i think you would fit right in. You may not be doing marketing, but you will do a lot of organising and planning. These are among your strengths, as you've just said." he cleared.

I was flabbergasted. A position in the tech team? I don't prefer it, but heck! It's still a job! And seriously, being a fresh graduate with only few months of working experience, this is a blessing!

"OK! I'll take it!" i exclaimed, a little to quickly and excitedly. I did a small wiggle in my seat with a huge smile on my face. I got a jooobbbb! - my mind was singing.
And i stopped abruptly, remembering that i was still sitting in front of the interviewer. So much for composure. And modesty.

The interviewer stood up, cleared his throat, and i jumped to my feet.
"We'll send you an email with all the details, along with the offer letter. We'll normally give about a week for you to return your answer, but unfortunately, we can only give you three days. I hope you can forgive us for the rush, but i think three days should be ok. Anyway, thank you Miss Aina." he finished. He extended his hand, but quickly drop it back down remembering that i rejected his hand shake when i got into his office earlier.

"Ok, thank you sir. Assalamu alaykum." i said flashing my cheeriest smile and walked out of his office.

As i walked to my car outside of the office building, i called mom. I couldn't wait to share the news with her!