Chapter 2 Job Interview

A week after graduation day, and right after the job application was sent to the company offered by her lecturer, Melva got the good news this morning.

An interview had been scheduled for this afternoon, not far from her apartment. Melva had been on guard since yesterday to keep an eye out for any messages on her cell phone.

Melva jumped with excitement to read the string of sentences stating she was invited for an interview, the other party confirmed her arrival by asking: Are you available?

Her fingers typed nimbly, "Yes, I do."

Her feet unable to stand still, Melva moved around while her fingers were still typing, this time in Helena's chat room.

How could this good news not reach her? Helena would throw a tantrum if Melva forgot to tell her.

After a few text messages, things got more exciting and Helena kept sending surprised stickers to show she was proud and happy about Melva's interview call. Melva cut off the messages, and sent a voice message.

"I'll get my clothes ready to wear later. Goodbye!"

Melva put her phone down on the bed, then stood in front of her wardrobe, opening it and going through everything inside.

Touching her chin, Melva considered what she would wear later in the afternoon.

Given that this was a formal event, Melva had to pay attention to her appearance as an added value. Melva was quite fond of fashion.

It was common for her to mix tops and bottoms and fashionable accessories when going out. But of course it was different in the current situation. She was going to a job interview, she had to be neat and pleasing to the eye.

"This shirt is too flashy."

Melva passed by shirts that were brightly colored and patterned.

The shirt Melva finally chose was a white cotton shirt. It has a classic collar and a slim fit. The white buttons match the basic color of the shirt. For the pants, Melva chose black pants made from lightweight and comfortable cotton twill. The pants have a slim cut with a bit of stretch to provide flexibility. Melva placed the suit on her bed after ironing it.

Then she moved to the kitchen.

The fridge contained only yesterday's leftover vegetables and a few eggs. Melva took two loaves of whole wheat bread and toasted them. She set the toaster on one minute.

While waiting, she fried the eggs and beef, then washed the lettuce.

The buns finished baking, Melva arranged the fillings before covering the other bun.

Melva decided to eat rice after the interview. She was worried about overeating.

After finishing the sandwich, Melva rushed to take a shower. It only took forty minutes to get ready including make up. Melva took a breath while holding the doorknob. She confirmed her look again before confidently opening the door and exiting her apartment.

Her taxi arrived, Melva announced her destination, the taxi drove off with the other vehicles. Melva had estimated her time of arrival. She would arrive a quarter of an hour before the interview.

Her shoulders relaxed as the taxi drove smoothly without traffic. Her nerves stared out the window, looking at the large buildings lined up. Melva looked relaxed, but when the taxi stopped in front of the building with the company name prominently displayed, her heartbeat couldn't lie. Any first experience is bound to be thrilling.

Melva took another breath and flashed a smile. She paid the fare and got out of the taxi.

Melva entered the company's spacious and modern lobby. The walls were covered in elegant wood paneling. Modern artwork and company photographs depicting the company's history and achievements are scattered across the walls.

A large monitor screen was mounted on the wall to display current information and important announcements. In the corner of the room is a small lounge area with sofas and chairs, complemented by a table and houseplants. A rack of magazines and books is available next to it.

In the center of the room is a reception desk with the company logo displayed behind it. A receptionist sat behind the desk.

"Excuse me, I'm a candidate for the position of Personal Assistant who has an interview scheduled for this afternoon."

"Let me check first."

"Oh, please."

The receptionist moved quickly to read the information of the upcoming visit, her gaze stopping at the interview by the company owner. Any important guests who would be coming would be specifically scheduled and delivered to the receptionist. The CEO of this company was certainly very busy.

"With Melva Karenina Putri?"

"That's right."

"Scheduled for one o'clock in the afternoon, the office is currently on lunch break. But you can wait in the waiting chair provided in front of the interview room. You can go up to the third floor, walk straight to the right. The two rooms before the end are the interview rooms."

"Thank you."

Melva followed the instructions, and sat down after reaching the front of the interview room. She informed Helena of her current situation.

A short-haired woman approached her, said hello and then asked her name like the receptionist did.

She introduced herself as the CEO's secretary. Melva had at least looked up information about the company, as well as her future boss. A man in his thirties. Still very young to be in the CEO position.

The secretary, whose name was Rere, invited Melva to come in and wait inside. Then Melva returned alone to the interview room.

Two minutes later, the door opened and revealed a man about 180 cm tall. Dressed in a black velvet suit and matching pants, he could charm anyone even though the look on his face was very frightening for anyone who approached him. Including Melva. And she would have more interactions with him if she was accepted into this company.

Unconsciously, Melva gulped down her own saliva.

Melva stood up, bowing to him before introducing herself.

"Good afternoon sir, I'm Melva Karenina Putri who will be conducting the interview."

"I'm Zeon."

Zeon sat down and looked at Melva who had also returned to her seat.

The interview room has one table and two chairs facing each other. One houseplant in the corner. And a storage drawer on the side. This room was intentionally designed only for interviews between two people.

Melva still maintained her smile since Zeon's arrival. But Zeon just stared at her intently without blinking. Melva wondered if her makeup was too much?

Zeon seemed to be daydreaming, his focus currently going nowhere, making Melva awkward herself.

Feeling impolite to reprimand, Melva remained quietly waiting.

Zeon was still looking at her as if remembering something.

"Ah sorry, I wasn't focused enough." Zeon massaged his temples.

His fierce demeanor disappeared in an instant, making him now look very friendly and can be joked with like an old friend. Melva was a little confused by the change, but she didn't think much of it because her heart was beating again for the interview session.

"I've reviewed your CV. You graduated last week, right?"

"Yes, sir." Melva was relieved that Zeon's gaze was not intimidating, but rather friendly.

Zeon closed Melva's application file after only turning two pages. Zeon asked questions and Melva answered smoothly. The interview session had been running for fifteen minutes. Melva hadn't had any trouble answering before until this question came from Zeon.

"You can make coffee?"

Huh? Melva blinked, then replied, "I'm not a coffee drinker sir and I've never made it, but if it's related to my job, I'll try to learn how to use a coffee machine."

"Good, because I often drink coffee in the morning. I hope you can learn quickly. You can start work the day after tomorrow. And remember one thing, you are my personal assistant. You work for me, not the company. Anything outside of the job I give you must be approved by me."

"Can you explain what that means?" asked Melva in need of an explanation.

"For example, if an employee of this company orders something to you, you are not obliged to agree. Because you work for me. Unless it's an order from me to the employee to give you a job. Is that clear?"

"Clear sir. Thank you for your time and opportunity."

"You're welcome."

Zeon led the way to his feet, Melva followed and they shook hands. Melva waited, letting Zeon exit the room first.

When the door was open, Zeon turned around.

"Ah, please change your lipstick color. It's too bright."

Melva reflexively touched her own lips.