Looking-Flash
Thomas or as his friends called him, Tom had recently graduated from college and was looking for a full-time or part-time writing or editing job. He lived with his friends until he found a job and afford his own apartment. He scoured the internet and applied to be a Bagger at a grocery store downtown. It’s a start, he thought.
He started the job a week after the interview. He worked there as he continued to look for a different job.
He had a few interviews, but one hiring manager messaged him on a job search website. Tom message them back he wasn’t interested in the position.
But the manager replied, “I have a lot of connections. Maybe I can help you find a job with someone else.”
He thought that was a shifty or suspicious statement. “I don’t think so.”
“Think of it as an informational interview.”
“Alright, when are you available to meet?”
“The sixteen at three at the coffee shop on fifteenth street?”
“Okay, I’ll see you there.”
“I look forward to meeting with you.”
“Me too.”
Tom took that day off and checked her profile and searched her name online. He walked to the coffee shop. He was about to open the door to the coffee shop when a woman opened it for him.
“Are you Thomas Berald?”
“Yes?”
“ I’m Elizabeth Reily, but you can call me Liz.”
“I will not be calling you that.”
“Let’s sit down and chat.”
They sit at the table closest to the ordering counter.
Tom bought them two chai lattes and sat down.“Here ya go.”
“Thank you. You didn’t have to buy me a drink.”
“You asked me to buy you one.”
“Anyway, I wanted to talk to you about our company and the positions we have available.”
“Okay.” Tom sipped his latte.
“To start, I work for a magazine publication–”
Tom leaned in.
“That specializes in dating, dating apps, and relationships.”
“Oh.”
“We have a few article writer positions open. Do you know anything about those things?”
“Yeah, I’ve dated a few people in my life.”
“Good, are interested in applying?”
“Not really.”
“I could at least put your resume in and let you know of any other positions available through my connections.”
“Sure.” Tom handed her a copy of his resume. “I have a few questions for you.”
“Ask away.”
“What college did you go to and what was your major?”
“I went to Northeastern and majored in English Studies.”
“How did you get your start in the publishing industry?”
“I started off with an internship at a local newspaper.”
“Can I ask you a question?”
“Sure.”
“Will there be a second?”
“A second date?”
“You thought this was a date?” Tom got out of his chair in embarrassment and anger. “You said yourself, ‘Think of it as an informational interview’.”
“Hey, I thought I’d give it try.”
“Sorry, but you’re a little older than me and not my type.”
Tom rushed out of the coffee shop.
He received an apology message a few days later and he didn’t reply.
He kept looking for jobs and now internships in editing and writing.
He eventually found an entry-level job and worked his way up the corporate ladder. The “informational interview” was good practice and a learning experience.
