The interview.

On Monday, I went for a Starbucks Barista interview. Seeing that I had no prior work experience, the store manager offered me a part time job instead with a rather pathetic pay. I decided I'd take it as it is part of my goal.

This manage is a friendly person, and he does apply some of the things I think Starbucks trained him on. He actively listens, and makes his statements by replying some of the things I've said. He didn't pressure me and made me feel relaxed anyhow.

He asked some questions, and I gave him answers to the best of ability. They were pure honest answers, and I believe I hit a high point for answering it in that manner.

Towards the end, he phrased it this way. "I have a rather lame question that I always ask at the end of the interview, and it is, why do you think I should hire you, what is the one quality you possess that makes me need to hire you?"

No, I don't consider that question lame. If you can't sell yourself effectively, then why should the company even bother to employ you? If you can promise to deliver, why should the company add extra burden to its payroll? My answer was a bit unstable, but it was something like this: the quality is perseverance, is that my inability to give up even in times of deep shit. I'm always taught to took at the big picture as managing student council, we sometimes have to delegate our emotions to complete our jobs first; when we're stressed, the event still comes first. This sense of determination, I believe will help Starbucks, for I'm very willing to learn. This is rather because of a void in my younger moments, and a desperate need to fill it up. In fact, I'd gladly learn from people even younger than I am, for I regret not starting to work earlier.

That was my answer, and even as it wasn't smooth in delivery, as suddenly I realised, my greatest strength was more of willingness to learn, I made sure I maintained my stand.

I believe that the interview went totally well. I even treated myself to my favourite turkey bacon set meal in Burger King! I was quite glad, and even learn from the manager some tips to engage in conversations with customers. Those are but a whole precious lot.

Pondering back, I think I should have place more emphasis on the company, and what I could have provided for them. I spoke too much on what I have and what I can, but not of what I can do for the company. This will be learning experience, for the next time I go an interview, definitely not soon, I will impress the company so well, I'd have no qualms about getting the job.