Walking into the waiting room at Abercrombie & Fitch – with their plain white walls and cold metal furniture – seemed like I was walking to my doom.

With a shaky voice and incongruous laughter, I made casual conversation with two other interviewees who were also applying for the same position as me – that of a model (or sales assistant). They were really interesting people, both older than me by about 3 years, but very enthusiastic about the job. It was refreshing to finally meet new people after being surrounded mostly by students from my school – Catholic Junior College – for almost 2 years now. I almost forgot how much I loved making conversation with total strangers and learning so much more.

The footsteps down the empty hallway were getting louder as all of us turned to look. In a few minutes the two interviewers were seated in front of us as us interviewees shared nervous glances and readied ourselves for the questions that were coming our way.

1. Would you like to introduce yourself? Yes, of course!
2. How would your friends and family describe you (provide examples)? Tough one… I was so nervous I couldn’t think straight.
3. How do you think you’d be successful in an A&F career? (No idea, this question made almost zero sense to me)
4. Last question, how would you describe Abercrombie & Fitch’s style? Okay, this was a giveaway… ^.^

I felt glued to my seat as the interviewers stared right at me, taking note of every single word I said. For the first time in my life, I actually felt self-conscious around strangers. That doesn’t usually happen. After a headshot, we were asked to leave and were informed that they’d get back to us “in a week or two if we need you to start immediately!”

Heaving a deep sigh of relief, I thought to myself: “Oh well… I think I blew it…” *crosses fingers and hopes for the best!*

Upon opening the exit door, it seemed like I was finally free!

“First interview?” I heard one of the interviewees say.

“Yeah, I was so scared.” I replied, thankful that I could finally express my discomfort without seeming like a nervous-wreck in front of my interviewers. Thankful, that the worst was over.

With new phone numbers and a wave, us newfound Facebook friends went our separate ways at the cross-junction of Knightsbridge and the Paragon, but our experience will never be forgotten.

Isn’t friendship a lot like a job interview?
 

Everyday, I’m learning something new.
Isn’t friendship a lot like a job interview?

We meet, coincidentally, as strangers.
We are intrigued and admittedly, excited.

We are put through a series of tests.
Asked questions while we do the rest.

Trying so hard, to please, to appease,
Either to stand out or to fit in with ease.
 

Starting out, all, at the same standard;
Being “interviewed” and then we are banded.

Some people in a league of their own;
Others, relinquished to the Unknown.

It is hard, as people may say,

But most of us, we learn things the hard way.

Still, we need to have Faith,
We need to be strong,
We just have to trust that we’re right
And not wrong, in answering those questions

Whatever they may be

Truthfully,

Honestly,

And confidently.