Chapter 2 Do I Need To Know The CEO For The Interview?

• Shit. And there it is. I've never been a good liar.
• By the way the woman's red-painted lips are pursed, I'm pretty sure my answer about serving hot turkey sandwiches at my aunt's restaurant is not what she was looking for.
• She scans my application, "I see you're in school right now."
• There’s a pause and I realize I'm supposed to respond.
• "Yes. I have one more year in a Bachelor of Arts degree."
• The right side of my face is burning from the lamp's heat. I imagine this is what an interrogation feels like. How much longer is this going to take?
• "Well. And what are your plans after college, Prue? "
• My face falls before I can control my expression. That question catches me off guard. She's talking about next summer, and all I can focus on is getting through today, tomorrow, and this summer.
• Ideally in Alaska. Should I lie and say I aspire to a career at Star Cove Hotel? I debate my answer for a few seconds and finally decide on the truth.
• "Honestly, I'm not sure anymore. I was supposed to get married and help run the family farm, but my fiancé and I are... "
• I pause with a deep breath and then a sheepish smile. So inappropriate for an interview.
• "I'll probably go back home. My family is there." I say instead, my voice growing hoarse, my eyes burning with the threat of tears. It's still all too fresh, too raw.
• "And help run the farm?"
• Her eyes settle on me, on my thick braid that I can't help but fiddle with when I'm nervous, on my favorite royal blue blouse that's probably been washed one too many times, on my generic jeans and down to my Converse, and I know she's judging me.
• I sit up straighter, feeling even more self-conscious than I already do in front of a camera. I don't look anything like her or any of the other recruiters here. They're all put together, with soft, richly colored hair and perfectly painted faces. I don't wear much makeup; just a bit of lip gloss and, occasionally, bright pink nail polish. I don't use hairspray and I've never touched a drop of dye for fear the color would be worse than it already is.
• I bite my lower lip to avoid saying "Um" as I think of the correct answer. Star Cove Hotel is one of the most famous and successful hotel chains in the world. I need to sound smart if I have any hope of getting this job.
• "My family’s longstanding support has guided me to this path. However, I have long admired Star Cove Hotel for its blend of professional luxury, elegance, and unique brand style. I know this excellence is a testament to your CEO’s dedication."
• As I scrambled to find the right words, I didn’t realize I was drifting the topic off course.
• She offers me a strained smile, "So, you’re quite familiar with our CEO."
• The CEO of Star Cove Hotel? I recalled the name, Diego Star, often highlighted in magazines and news. As the heir to the Star family, he was one of the wealthiest and most influential figures in the country. Though his name was constantly in the media, he remained an enigma, rarely seen in public.
• Rumor had it he was a towering figure, around two meters tall, with a strikingly handsome appearance. Many high-profile women were said to seek his attention, but rumor about him was scarce. Most of the young girls I knew were obsessed with this billionaire, but I had devoted my entire teenage years to my foolish ex and hadn’t given any thought to other men.
• So, am I familiar with this CEO? Heck, I don’t even know what does he look like!
• All I could do was nod and navigate the conversation as best I could.
• "Right. Final question. Why should we hire you to work at Star Cove Hotel in Alaska?"
• I look at the brochure in my hand: images of snow-capped mountains and vast wilderness, glacier carved valleys and volcanoes. Thousands of miles of serenity, of nothing. Thousands of miles from my current life. What a promising land for a fresh start. Away from my heartbreaking reality.
• But of course, they don't want to hear my sad story, and they certainly won't hire me. I struggle to smile as I stare into the camera, silently pleading with my eyes to whoever is making the hiring decisions.
• "Because I am intelligent, hardworking, diligent, and ethical. I respect people and I love challenges. Besides, I have always wanted to visit Alaska, and this seems like an incredible once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."
• I clear my throat.
• "I have nothing to distract my attention. I will give the Star everything I have to offer this summer."
• She presses a button and takes a step back.
• "Excellent. Thank you. We will be in touch."
• "When will you make your decisions? "
• It's the beginning of April; I would be flying in four weeks if they hire me.
• "Soon. We have already filled many of the positions from our current Star employee group who are interested in the Alaska location. We are just filling a few last-minute holes with external recruitment.
• She puts my application in a red folder. Is that the rejection file?
• "Do I have a chance? Honestly."
• I can't believe I asked that, but I have nothing to lose.
• "We tend to hire people who already have experience in luxury hotel chains. But we will be in touch."
• She stands there with her arm gesturing towards the exit.
• My shoulders slump. I force myself to leave before begging her to speak well of me.
• There's no way I'll get this job.