AllFreeNovel
Share Us
She was directed to the sparkling reception area of Sterling Enterprises. The woman at the desk stood up when she saw Emma.
“Emma Williams, right? I’m Jane Marley.”
“Hi, Jane. How are you?”
“I’m good, thanks.” She looked good. All of the employees did, actually. Emma didn’t see any signs of weariness or boredom, at least from the brief look she got. Maybe she could talk to some of the staff on the way out and find out if the article was true.
“Right this way. Ms. Sterling is expecting you.”
Jane led Emma to the door of Vivian’s office, knocking once before sticking her head in. “Emma Williams to see you, Vivian.”
“Thank you, Jane. Please send her in.”
Emma swallowed her nerves, trying to put on her best confident smile.
She missed a step as she caught sight of Vivian Sterling, though thankfully managed to right herself before she did anything more than stumble slightly.
Emma knew Vivian Sterling by reputation, but she hadn’t realized how beautiful Vivian would be. Her greying hair was cropped short, a look that suited her and emphasized her dark eyes and thin face. Her gaze was sharp and Emma felt it scanning her body.
“Welcome, Emma. Please, sit down.”
Emma’s nerves went skyrocketing. Though Vivian was smiling, it didn’t reach her eyes, and her voice was polite but cool.
Had Emma done something to piss her off already? How could she have—she’d only just walked into the room.
“Thank you.” Emma glanced subtly down at herself. She was dressed in her best navy blue pant suit and she knew she looked professional and it brought out the color of her eyes. She knew from her careful examination in the mirror before she left home that her hair and makeup were impeccable. She was ten minutes early for the interview. What else could have caused this attitude from Vivian Sterling?
“Well, I’ve looked at your application, and I must say, I’m impressed. Your previous employers are all very happy with you. Why did you choose to leave a job where you were so well-liked?” She didn’t look impressed.
“I needed a fresh start,” Emma told her honestly. “I’ve always wanted to move to New York, and it was time.”
“I see.” Vivian seemed to be waiting, as though she knew there was more to the story. Emma didn’t often talk about this, but it didn’t hurt like it used to, causing more fondness at the happy memories than pain.
“My wife died six years ago. We were planning to move, but then she got sick. Afterward, I stayed to have the support of family and friends. But I’m stronger, now. I want to follow my dreams, even if Alison can’t follow them with me. I’m going to make her proud.”
Something in Vivian’s cold expression softened. “I understand. I see on your application that you have a daughter?”
“Yes, Lily—she’s in the daycare now. Jane was kind enough to offer her a place there while I’m talking with you.”
“I’m glad she did. I’m not a parent, but I understand the hardships of balancing parenthood and one’s professional life. How do you manage as a single mother?”
“Well, it was easier at home. My parents are retired, and they often looked after her for me when she wasn’t in school. Now that we’ve moved, I’m going to investigate some good daycares for when she’s not in school.”
“What about your professional life? What are your strengths and weaknesses?”
“I’d say my main strength is my organizational skills. I’ve always been good at putting chaos together in neat little boxes. I guess my biggest weakness is that I’m a slow learner. I can learn, but I have to put twice the time into it that everyone else does.”
Emma hoped that admitting this wouldn’t hurt her chances but being dishonest wouldn’t help her case. If she was upfront about her abilities and challenges, it would make the transition of working with a new employer smoother and much more likely to succeed long term.
Vivian kept questioning her for nearly an hour. Emma was surprised by the direction the interview took. Vivian seemed less interested in her skills than her personality and work values. Emma answered everything honestly until Vivian ran out of questions.
“What about you, Emma? Do you have any questions for me, should your application be successful?”
“Yes.” Emma had been expecting this question and was prepared. “What is the culture like here? What are the people like? I want to fit in, and I don’t want to step on anyone’s toes simply because I don’t know the ins and outs.”
“We’re fairly straightforward here. I encourage employees to bring problems to me before they become unmanageable. Most people here get along just fine, and those who don’t really like each other still manage to maintain a professional relationship. I try to foster an environment that is both productive and business-focused, while not forgetting that everyone here is human and has their own life with their own needs.”
This was really sounding too good to be true. “What would you say the greatest downside of working here is?”
