I once imagined a strange job interview.
The candidate had never applied for the job. And yet, somehow, she had been invited.
She sat in a quiet office across from the Boss, who looked through a thin folder.
“Good morning,” the Boss said. “Thank you for coming, especially since you never applied for this position.”
The candidate smiled politely. “It’s an honour to be considered.”
“Tell me,” the Boss continued, “if you had applied for this job, why would you want it?”
The candidate thought for a moment.
“Well… your Company is famous. If you look at my record, you’ll see I’ve always tried to improve myself wherever I worked. I’m dedicated, hardworking, and I believe in helping organisations achieve their goals.”
She leaned forward slightly. “If I knew your Company’s goals, I’d commit myself fully to them.”
The Boss nodded. “Interesting. But you should know something about my Company. There is no clear job description here. You must figure out your role yourself. Others may help you - or they may not.”
“That sounds exciting,” the candidate said.
“Oh?” the Boss asked.
“Yes. It means I’ll have the freedom to discover what needs to be done and do it.”
The Boss studied her carefully. “You may also find that many people here disagree with you. Some may dislike you for who you are. Some may even attack you for your beliefs.”
The candidate didn’t hesitate. “I will respect everyone,” she said. “Even if we disagree.”
“And if someone treats you unfairly?”
“I’ll try to understand them. If that fails, I’ll seek help to resolve the conflict.”
The Boss leaned back in the chair. “And if someone powerful is doing something clearly unjust?”
“Then I will fight it.”
“Even if no one stands with you?”
The candidate’s voice became steady. “Then I will stand alone. One person is enough to stand for the truth.”
The Boss smiled faintly. “Good answer.”
There was a pause. The morning sun had faded behind a wall of drizzling clouds. The room darkened.
“Before you can begin working,” the Boss said, “you must complete our induction programme.”
“What does it involve?”
“It’s called PID. Probation in Darkness.”
The candidate raised an eyebrow.
“For nine months,” the Boss continued, “you will stay in a dark room. It will be warm and comfortable. You will be fed regularly. You will hear the sounds of the Company outside, but you cannot leave the room until the probation ends.”
The candidate considered this unusual arrangement. “Well,” she said slowly, “that’s strange… but if it’s necessary, I’m willing.”
“Excellent,” the Boss said. “There is also a dress code. When you leave the room, you will receive a colour and a mask. It will become part of your identity here.”
“A mask?” she asked.
“Yes. Some people will judge you because of it.”
The candidate shrugged lightly. “Then I’ll wear it proudly. A company full of colours sounds more interesting than one in grey.”
The Boss nodded again.
“You should also know something else,” the Boss said quietly. “At times, I will place obstacles in your path. Pain. Loss. Confusion. You may not understand why.”
“If those things happen,” the candidate said, “I’ll assume they’re meant to make me stronger.”
“And finally,” the Boss said, “you may be terminated at any moment. Without notice. Without explanation.”
The candidate blinked. “At any time?”
“At any time.”
She took a deep breath. “Understood.”
“Good,” the Boss said. “Now let’s discuss your compensation.”
“I’m not too worried about that,” the candidate replied. “As long as my basic needs are met, I’ll do my duty.”
The Boss closed the folder. “Wonderful. We have a deal.” She stood. “I will now arrange for your enrolment in PID.”
The candidate stood as well.
“Welcome to the Company.”
The strange thing is this: No one remembers attending that interview. And yet somehow, every one of us completed the nine months in darkness, stepped out wearing our colours and masks, and began working in the Company.
Still trying to figure out why we were hired. And wondering when the Boss will call us back into the office.
(The writer is a former journalist and communications professional.)
Thought provoking. There is always an unspoken contract on a job and several levels of reality.