BEGUILED

CHAPTER 10

Young people are there are looking for jobs. The employment rate is very high and most of them hardly get responses when they apply. But those who do seem clueless as to what’s expected from them. They lack basic skills that might make them pass interviews. Practice makes perfect. I am not saying you should cram what you want to say to the interviewer but instead of spending the afternoon with your friend talking about relationships and gossiping about other people, how about you ask her or him to prepare you for the interview? A mock interview of some sort. So that you can get over nerves and not go blank when you are asked a mere “tell us about yourself” question.

Since I am the one tasked to find the replacement, I have to do the first rounds of the interviews just to fish out the unneeded candidates and the last round will be done by the hiring manager and Musongaka will be overseeing it. I am sure he will act like an ass and give those people a very hard time. From the first 10 I have interview, maybe 2 had potential but they also lacked the skills required for this post. Musongaka is a very horrible boss, so I have to find the perfect candidate who fits the job description and knows what’s expected of him or HER. Muso has no time to train you. He will just dismiss you same time if you fumble. No patience at all that one.

“NEXT PLEASE!” a guy walks in carrying a file and a laptop bag. He is dressed formally at least. I don’t know what’s wrong with guys. Denim jeans does not fit in a formal outfit. Don’t be cheeky with me. Wearing jeans and a dress shirt doesn’t mean you’re wearing formal. Chinos means formal and business. I indicate for him to sit and he thanks me. “Please introduce yourself.”

“My name is Thobelani Mbuyazi. I am 26 years old and I live in Lamontville.” Distance.

I look at his resume. It’s impressive. He has the necessary experience and qualifications. “Why do you think you’re the perfect candidate for this job?” Musongaka walks in and the guy’s eyes pop out.

“Answer the question.” He emphasizes and I roll my eyes. Why is he intimidating the guy?

“I am confident that I am a good fit for this position for several reasons, but most specifically because of my dedication to going above and beyond in a job. I am committed to learning any new skills on my own to succeed in this role. For example, for my previous job, I educated myself on how to use Adobe Photoshop in my free time. This allowed me to incorporate graphic design into my marketing role which cut down on expenses for the company. I know that you are seeking a self-motivated individual for this job, and I am that candidate.”

“You seem very confident. So what drives you or what motivates you?” I ask as Musongaka comes to sit next to me. Why is he here? He gave me hell about not answering his calls during the weekend but I just asked if they were work related and he said no. So we are not on speaking terms in a way.

“I have a corporate role model and that’s Celimpilo Khaba. He started his career as just a mere personal assistant to real estate mogul and built himself until he was a mogul and that’s where I see myself. I am not saying this is a temporary thing for me but I know I don’t see myself in this same post in 10 years time. Growth and evolution is important in the corporate world and I really do wanna grow.” I look at Muso who is just starring at the poor guy without even blinking.

“So do you have a car and a license? Because this job requires you to run regular errands. We do have company cars but they prioritize the celebrities more and it takes maybe 2 years for the boss to fully trust you with his car. So…?”

“There is a car that I utilize. It’s my mother’s and she rarely uses it. So she allows me to drive it 90% of the time.”

According to me, this guy is perfect and he seems like he has the attitude to handle Muso. “Do you have a girlfriend?” Muso asks. Hhaybo. What does that have to do with work?
“Yes, I do.” Thobelani blushes as he answers.
“What are your interests outside work?” am I still needed here?
“Watching soccer, teaching myself how to hack and playing Fifa.” The conversation shifts from professionalism to Fifa and these guys talk about this virtual soccer like I am not even there.

“So when would you like to start?” Muso asks after some time and Thobelani’s eyes pop out.
“As soon as possible, sir.” He answers enthusiastically.
“Okay. You can shadow Khethi for a week just to understand what is required of you and then on Monday, you will start working. So take this week as your training week. Use this week to learn everything because Khethi is a robotics engineer and she won’t be available anytime if you need some assistance or anything after this week.” I guess he has really accepted that I am leaving.

“Thank you so much for this opportunity. I won’t let you down, sir.” They both shake hands and he turns to me. “Thank you for picking me, Miss Khethi. If you hadn’t called, I wouldn’t be here.”
I nod. “Be here at 7:30 am tomorrow. Don’t be late.” He thanks us once again and then heads out. “Not you making a decision based on your bromance connection.”
Muso chuckles. “No one will replace you in my dick, Khethi. So it’s better to get another man.” Hebana. “Are you really to tell me where you were doing during the weekend?”

“My private life has nothing to do with you. You want me to do some Valentine’s Day plans for you and Mabalenhle?” he frowns. “Don’t ask again about my weekend because you won’t get an answer.” He scoffs and stands up.

“Close down a whole restaurant for us. Maybe along the coast so that we can get a sea view.” Booking a whole restaurant in February is kind of hard but ke what the ‘king’ wants, the ‘king’ gets.

×××

I am not a coffee person but from time and time again, I make it a point to just take a walk to Glenwood bakery which serves the best cardamom cakes I have ever tasted. So this evening, I have decided to walk there. I don’t have friends or even close cousins and all. Meaning life without mom and work is just bleak. I would call my new man but I don’t wanna trouble him. I buy what I came here for and sit down. I enjoy my cake few moments later, this other lady sits opposite me.

“I would ask if this seat is taken but you look lonely so I will assume it’s free.” I frown. And then? “A waiter brings a coffee mug for her and a slice of bar one cake. “Thank you very much.” She smiles at the waiter and then sniffs at her coffee. “Nothing beats smell of bar one. Heavenly.”
I chuckle inwardly. If she were white, I would say there are a few screws missing in her brain but she is black. So I will refrain from any insults. “Who are you?”
“I swear I did introduce myself in my head. I live in my head most of the time so sorry. I am Minenhle Nkosi by the way. I live in Currie road. I legit come here for their latte and Bar one cake. It is to die for, and I would know because I am a baker.”
“I am Okhethiweyo Makhoba, a robotics engineer.” Her eyes pop out. And the we start engaging with me telling her about what being a robotics engineer is all about and she tells me about her life. She is also an author, a singer and a law graduate. So much is happening with her. No wonder she even speaks to herself.

“Are you dating?” she asks and I chuckle. I tell her about my situation and she beams. “Girl, where can I find me some white man? I am always writing about these wonderful white men but when I bump into them ko Durban North and Umhlanga, not even a second glance, mtase. They just give me that mandatory 2-second smile and they are gone.” My God. This girl is hilarious. I am laughing my ass off and she is just chuckling. “It’s the caffeine. Gives me energy.”
“With white men, I feel like you need to be well off and visit those nice high class places in the suburbs so that they will notice you. I am talking about those white dominated places.”
“Noted, mtakagogo. I am talking notes mna.” I am sure her friends never get bored while in her company. Such a vibe.