Chapter 1 – The Interview
April 24th, 2007 (Story)The door swung open with a distinctive bing-bong. An electronic chime reminiscent of the early ninety’s warns Jeff that someone has just entered his domain. “Halloran, please come into my office” bellows a commanding voice over the phone PA system. Mark leans over to me and says, “I’ll be right back”. I’m standing in the front of this brick and mortar Internet startup wondering why I came here. However, I’m reminded of the monotony of my current job where I shred paper for three hours a day. This opportunity, well any opportunity, would be a step up from that. Mark comes back out and says, “Your turn”. I’m 16 and this is my first official job interview. I got into my current job by being good friends with the CEO’s son. The best jobs are found by knowing someone else in the business. I heard about this opening at Explorer Micro through my computer instructor in high school. He was a friend of Sean, the general manager. I have a slight knot in my stomach as I turn the corner to Jeff’s office, but at the same time, I don’t really care about this job as I still have one to fall back on. Just as I am thinking this, the sound of the shredder pierces my thoughts and pulls me back to reality. Focus. “Hi Jeff, what’s happening”. “Mark tells me you are looking for a job.” Well yes, why else would I be randomly coming to see you? “Yes, I hear you are looking for someone to help build computers.” Jeff stands. He is 6’4″ and fills every inch of it. That and the fact that he yells each word in an annoyed tone is enough to make a person feel at least a little bit intimidated. “Well, Mark seems to think you’re pretty good with these computer things. We’ll give you a call if we’re interested.” Now, I thought the job was a sure thing, that I wouldn’t really need much consideration. “When do you want me to start?”, I asked. “I’ll need to give my current employer two weeks notice”. What was I thinking? Why bring Team America into this? “Oh, you have a job already?” “Yes, but I’m ready to start something new.” “Well, we’ll give you a call soon. Thanks for stopping by”.
Two weeks later, I would be entering into a world that operated outside of all normal social boundaries. A world in which I would spend the next two years of my life.
I’m intrigued. I think you should write some more installments.