Chapter 12: Failed The Interview. "Why? What were you thinking? You had asked a new graduate to write an examination paper we had prepared for experienced. professional designers. The other female interviewer eyed Elaine with suspicion. She picked up the resume that Elaine had thrown away and leafed. through the pages. "Janet seems like a promising candidate. She is better than all her peers. We can’t afford to miss such a talent. Do you have any. personal grudges against her?" Elaine anxiously bit her lip. "Why would I have anything against her?" She shrugged, trying to sound indifferent. There were many rumors about Janet when we were in college. She isn’t as innocent as she seems. During her freshman year, Janet would roam around stealing other people’s boyfriends. know her better than you guys. She has a bad reputation. We can’t take the risk of recruiting her. "Oh, I see. We trust your judgment. If that’s the case, we can’t recruit her. If you hadn't explained it to me, it would have seemed. like you had used your position to take your revenge. Anyway, she’s just a fresher

It wouldn't be a big deal to reject her. Hey,. listen. There is a Mexican restaurant right across the street. I heard it’s very good. Do you want to go there and give it a try?". asked the other female interviewer. She didn’t dare to insist on recruiting Janet anymore. Although she felt a little reluctant to let go of such a talent, she didn’t want to risk her job. After all, pure talent alone wasn’t the only criteria while recruiting a candidate — character was equally important. The woman didn’t want to get into trouble the company and caused problems later, she would have to bear the brunt of her. dec isi ons. The Larson Group w as located in the center of the city. Janet had to take several buses to get to the suburb. After about two hou rs of travel, she fi nally returned home. Janet was so exhausted that she slumped on the sofa as soon as she returned home. Elaine had always des pised Janet ever since they were in college. Her hatred was apparent during the interview. Therefore, Janet guessed she would someho w prevent her from getting the job. Just a s she was lost in thought, she received an . email from the HR departmen t of the Larson Group that s he had failed the interview. Janet stood up and went to the table to get her lapt op. She was not discouraged. There were still man y other companies tha t she could work for

Janet scrolled through the e-mails and continued to prepare for intervi ews. She was determined to get a job. Just then, her stoma ch rumbled. Janet had been busy with the inter view since she woke up — she neith er had the time nor energy to eat. She went to the kitchen, made a qu ick sandwich, and munched on it as she continued to read the e-mails. Just then, she heard the clinking of keys, and the door opened. Ethan walked in, w earing a black jack et and faded jeans. He slumped on the sofa and let out a long, weary sigh. As he turned to look at Janet, his gaze fell on her resume a nd the portfolio on the table. "Are you loo king for a jo b?" he asked. "I have graduated from c ollege,” said Janet with a mouthful of sandwich. "I obviously have to find a job. ! have made more sa ndwiches. Do you want one?" . Ethan l ooked a t Janet. She was wearing ligh t makeup and a simpl e yet elegant outfit. Her dressing r evealed she wa s an art major. Ethan looked at her plump lips as she bit her sandwi ch — they looked inviting. He blinked away and said, " Well, I'll have one if ther e are any extra sandwiches. Janet put the sandwi ch in front of him a nd sat opposite him. Ethan's eyes fell on th e pamphlet of the Larson Group under her resume. He picked i t up and lo oked at her. "Did you go to t he Larson Group f or an interview?"