The date was November 17
th, 2014. I woke up early, went to the bathroom and looked in the mirror. The person in the mirror looked back at me with eyes of determination and confidence. This was the day that would define the start of my career. This was the day of my first job interview.
As I got dressed, I noticed the exquisite fabric of my solid white shirt. This was a shirt that was reserved for special events. The label on the inside bore the famed name, ‘
Louis Philippe’. The fit was elegant. I looked back in the same mirror and was pleasantly surprised. This bolstered my confidence and strengthened my fortitude.
Just a few minutes before I left, I looked at my wardrobe and saw my tie. It was a deep maroon
Vanheusen silk tie. I wondered if it would be too much – the email mentioned that we were to arrive in a formal shirt and trousers only. After a moment of deliberation, I took it out and tied the knot. I only how to tie one knot – the Windsor knot which my father had taught me. I got it just right on the first go, dimple and all.
I reached the interview location and there were 180 other candidates there. After all, this was an Austrian multinational company with over a hundred years of heritage. The first written round results were out, and the group was whittled down to just 75 candidates. The second round featured a group discussion followed by an extempore speech on a topic given on the spot. The topic was announced and up shot my hand. I was picked first.
I stood there in that room, with 74 other candidates and 4 HR personnel. I introduced the topic and paused for emphasis. I knew I had the undivided attention of the entire room. For two and a half minutes I spoke without pause and put my point across to the room. When I was done, I looked around and smiled as people applauded. I was the only person in the room wearing a tie.
I sat down. 8 other people got an opportunity to speak. We waited with bated breath as the HR personnel deliberated in the next room on whom to shortlist for the final personal interview. Finally, they announced the results one by one. My name was on the list too.
I entered the interview room knowing that they were going to hire just 2 people. There was a panel of 4 people sitting across from me. The interview lasted 45 minutes. Later that evening, I was sipping my coffee in the lounge. My shirt sleeves were folded up and I was taking in the events of the day. My thoughts were abruptly interrupted when I was called and asked to come into the interview room once again. A little while later I heard those words, “Congratulations, Mr. Kenneth Kotian…”
What came after that is a blur.
Two weeks passed, and it was my first day at work at my first company. I entered the building and went to report to the HR manager. As soon as I stepped into his room, he greeted me, “Ah, Kenneth! Good morning! You were the person wearing the tie, right?”
It was at that moment I knew. That deep maroon tie had made all the difference.