₦airaland Forum

I got a call from one of the telecom companies yesterday afternoon regarding an application I put in as far back as November last year. Anyway... Fast-forward to the interview. I woke up very early and prayed, cleanup and get set. Tho I'm a self employed software developer but who wouldn't want to work with a big telecom company or any government offer? I applied for Web Developer position and when I got there... I met about 5 other applicants; it took forever for the GM to show up since the HR teams said they can't proceed with interview without the authority of the GM. Since 8:30am when I got there... The GM didn't show up until 12:15pm...Well, I still didn't mind cuz I was enjoying the AC and free WiFi. All thanks to the front desk lady who gave me the WiFi password I was already crushing on the bae and hoping to y'knw get close once I get employed haha .... OK... Fast forward to GM arrival.
The GM checked the list of invitees and gave the HR greenlight to interview us. We were given a very technical online timed test and somehow it was just 2 out of 6 of us that made it to the interview stage cuz after the test, they told me and one other dude to wait behind while they told the other guys that they appreciate their interest blah blah blah we will call u talks (discharging them)
The HR team interviewed the last 2 standing and we both made it past the interview stage and then we were taken to the GM's office for final stage.

GM: Oh just two of you made it here...

Me & Guy: Yes sir

GM: Ok so do you have any past projects done by You? I want to see your past works on Web Development.

Guy: I didn't come along with my flash drive sir, I was hoping we would have our competency tested on company's system.

Me:.... Silent as I watch guy trying to bail himself out of the rope thrown to his neck!

GM: Oh you are not serious... You mean you never have a thought of coming along with you past projects? You wanted to convince us verbally? Oh no we don't work like that here... Go get your past project and come back next time.

(that leaves me as the last man standing meanwhile I have turned on my laptop and started digging out all the websites I built for people and all Web application jobs I ve done in the past from Java to php to ASP. Net and html css)

GM: Young man I see you are all set to present your competency. Let me see what you have to offer

Me: moved closer to his desk and showed him my works and he was quiet impressed. He called someone from the software support department to come and check me out and the dude asked me alot of questions you wouldn't know if you are not used to Web applications development just to know if I am truly who I say I am.

GM: Ok we have an on going project and I'll be glad if you can assist the software support department in executing the project cuz we don't have time.

Me: It'll be my honor sir. I have always have passion for software development and it would be a plus to exhibit my capability for this company

GM: so I'm sure you want big money for salary now

Me: I care more about skills and experience sir. Money will come anyway

GM: (he became very free and less official) We actually need 2 people but with your works so far I'm sure you can do both jobs cuz we need graphic designer and Web Developer and most of your websites comes with photoshopped graphic designs with the slides. I hope the owner of those jobs paid you well. You must be a big man ooo

Me: (Felt comfortable and lose guard my official mode thinking we were just gisting). Most of those clients don't pay me good, I didn't enjoy working for them

(Na so the man change everything for me and everything went 360 in a blink of an eye)

GM: Haha so that's how you will say someday that our company don't pay good and u don't enjoy working for us...

(Well, the rest is history...) he already had the Secretary preparing my employment papers so I can start on Monday but he halted everything and called the HR department in front of me informing them to source for a new Web Developer. The rest is history...

Lesson : Regardless how excited or confident you feel during a job interview, Do NOT EVER EVER tarnish your past employers or clients even if they made you go thru hell, just lie that you enjoyed them and wish you were still there....

Well I came back home in A very depressed mood and I thought I should help a potentially vulnerable person not to make such mistake.

I hope I feel a bit better after pouring my heart out.