The Perspective

The Interview

"Sir__?" exclaimed Isabella, startled by Jason's direct and unexpected question.

"I'm asking you, how much are you expecting?" rephrased Jason with a calm smile.

"Sir, I just came to the interview, and you're not even asking for the basic details," said Isabella, her voice a mix of confusion and frustration.

(Laughing) "No need, Miss. You've already proven yourself worthy of this position," Jason replied confidently.

"Sir... I—I don’t understand anything. Is this some kind of test?" Isabella stammered, her shock giving way to a stream of doubts and questions.

"Well, if I wanted to test you, I’d make you wait until the official interview date. Isn't that how it works?" said Jason, grinning.

"Wait, the date of the interview?" asked Isabella, growing more confused.

"Don’t tell me you didn’t know it’s scheduled for two days from now!" Jason raised an eyebrow, visibly amused.

"No, sir! I had no idea. The poster just said ‘Hurry Up!’" Isabella exclaimed, her voice tinged with embarrassment.

Jason burst into hearty laughter. "Hahaha! Oh dear, the ‘Hurry Up!’ message was for applying. The poster has a big note about the interview date. You didn’t notice? Hahahaha!"

Isabella felt her anxiety spike. In her excitement about finding a job opportunity, she hadn’t even checked the date. She thought this mistake could cost her dearly.

“S-Sir, sorry for the inconvenience. I shall take my leave now,” she said hurriedly, standing up.

“No, no! Sit down, sit down,” Jason said, trying to stifle his laughter. “I haven’t laughed this much in ages. Please, relax.”

Isabella hesitated but sat down, still nervous.

"So, what's your name, Miss?" asked Jason, his tone now more professional.

"Isabella, sir. Isabella Mandanor," she replied.

"Well, Isabella, I take it you’re really desperate for a job, aren’t you?" Jason inquired, a curious glint in his eyes.

"Yes, sir. To support my family, this job is very important to me," Isabella explained earnestly.

Jason nodded thoughtfully. "Hmm… fine. Why reporting? I mean, there are plenty of high-paying jobs for women your age."

"Well, sir," Isabella began passionately, "other professions might have power and prestige, but they’re often bound by protocols during a crisis. Reporting, on the other hand, can make people aware of the truth and bring about change instantly."

Jason paused, her words reminding him of his own journey into the field.

"That’s a strong motive, Isabella," he said, nodding in approval.

"Thank you, sir," she said, her confidence growing.

“Well, I like your attitude. Congratulations! You’re hired as a reporter for The Daily Times!” Jason announced with a warm smile.

“Sir! Thank you, sir! Thank you so much—it means a lot to me!” Isabella exclaimed, her excitement spilling over.

“So, now… shall we discuss your salary?” Jason added sarcastically, unable to resist a playful grin.

Both burst into laughter, the atmosphere light and hopeful.