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.
Chat
Comments