The Interview

                “Before we start, there are three things you need to know about me.  I’m a perfectionist, I always work alone, and I don’t like questions.”

                “Ugh… okay.”  I replied.  Many questions were bouncing around in my head.  Her strong sense of authority made me a little uneasy.  I had heard many things about her which I first thought were exageratted.  Now I found they didn't do her justice.  “Can I ask you a question?”  My voice was tentative.

                “What's the third thing you need to know about me?”  Her reply was quick and emotionless.  Her dark sunglasses hid any anger or annoyance she may have been feeling.

                “Yes, I understand you don’t like questions,” my voice was more assertive this time “and I respect that you take care of everything independently, without my meddling.  It is why I am hiring this job out.  But the plain fact is that I may be paying you a lot of money to do this job, and if I have any doubts or there are any problems, I may need to ask you a question occasionally.  If that’s a problem, you can leave now.”

                She sat motionlessly in the chair, her slender arms resting stiffly on her lap, and her combat boots firmly planted on the carpeted floor.  Her black athletic tank top and tight cargo shorts made her look like Tomb Raider.

                “I’ll take that as an answer… so what kind of experience do you have?”  I asked her, perking up in my chair.  Out of the corner of my eye I saw my partner, sitting wordlessly next to me.   Perhaps she was the person we were looking for: Disciplined, strong, assertive.   However, I needed to be sure.

                “I’ve worked for Mr. Johnson and Mr. Smith, both associates of yours, if I’m not mistaken.”  Her voice tensed, as if she were giving away too much information.

                “Yes, you’ve come highly recommended by both of them.” I continued, scratching my bearded chin, “Both of them were very satisfied with your work, which is unusual for them.  They are very demanding clients.  May I ask what you did for them that the others did not?”

                “With respect, sir, it is a trade secret…   And one of the reasons I don’t like questions.”

                “Fair enough…”  I sighed.  I didn’t need to know all the details, but I needed some idea of her abilities for the money she was asking. “So, what kinds of problems did you run into with these clients?  How did you resolve them?”

                “Hmmm,” she let out a rough growl then remained silent.

                “Of course, trade secret…” She was proving to be a difficult egg to crack.  I questioned whether it was worth it to continue the interview.  But this was an important job, and we needed the right kind of person.  Money was pale in comparison to this being done right.  If she had been that highly recommended by both Carl Smith and Fred Johnson, she must be the best out there.   

I removed my eyeglasses and ran my hand through my hair while I formulated a question that would get an adequate response.  Elena, on my right, continued to stare at the interviewee wordlessly.  “Look, obviously, this is very important to me and my partner.  We are considering paying you a lot of money for this job.  Perhaps you could give me a little insight into what makes you better than someone else for this job, perhaps somebody cheaper?”

                “Well, I am an expert in persuasion.  When I infiltrate a group, I earn their trust quickly and get compliance of everyone involved immediately, without arousing suspicion.  Also, I maximize my control of every scenario.  I pay close attention and work quickly to deescalate situations before they deteriorate into serious problems.  Finally, I am dedicated.  When I take on an assignment, I see it through to the end, regardless of initial issues or hardships.  I have never failed to finish a job, and each of my previous employers would give me a strong recommendation, such as your associates, Mr. Johnson and Mr. Smith.”  She responded assertively and professionally. It hadn’t been rehearsed, but she had given a similar response several times.  It was the only thing she had said that had flowed out without apprehension.

                “And, you’ve read the description.  You are up to the challenge.  Have you ever handled anything like this before?”  He knew what the answer would be, but he wanted to hear it from her.

“Yes, I have.  To be frank, I have completed much more complicated assignments than this with ease in the past.”  

“Okay,”  I replied.  Well, she was sure of herself; that’s good.  Confidence was necessary in her line of work, and her record said she could back it up.  “What do you have in mind for our particular situation?”

                “Sir, I have already formulated a plan, and I don’t like those kinds of questions.  For all I know you can take my ideas and tell them to someone else… somebody cheaper.”

                “That’s fine…” I sighed and loosened my tie.  I was very much on the fence about her.  Her track record was strong, but she was a bit tightlipped and difficult to deal with.  I had no problem paying the money she was asking, but I needed a better idea of what I was buying.  Perhaps Elena would have to make the final decision.  “Do you have any questions for me?”

                “None, sir.  But on a closing remark, my track record speaks for itself.  If you want this job to be done right, my price tag shouldn’t matter. Furthermore, if you do not hire me, I know I will have no trouble finding someone else who is eager to purchase my services.”

                “That’s fair enough.”  I stood up from the kitchen table and walked the young woman to the front door.  “I’ll let you know our decision either way by tomorrow.”

                She shook my hand firmly and walked out onto the driveway and off the property.

                “Well what do you think, Elena?”  I asked.

                 “I don’t know, honey…  She seems a bit cold for a babysitter.”