Chapter 45: Interview (II)
Looking around, he could see the hope and absolute nervousness in the eyes of many. If they failed this, then there was no more hope of getting a job for what they studied for. It would then be up to their connections.
If not, then it would be time to simply give up and go start some form of handy work. That could range from bricklaying to being a mechanic.
None of them wanted to do that after spending who knows how much and sacrificed so much in school. Nigerian schools weren't so easy to survive and yet they did and even passed. They didn't plan to waste all that sufferng.
Of course unlike Gabriel and his friend, not all waiting for the interview were as bothered. Majority of them had connections in high places who would immediately set them up with better jobs and living conditions.
Seeing that it was almost time for the interviews to start, they all stood and began to prepare for it, giving all they came with a last minute check up. The group prepared their minds and ensured was well as they turned to see the Security guard walking towards them.
"Okay everyone, Madam has come and the interview would be starting soon but before we start, please can you all group yourselves. Each group should have six people in it" The man said in the most professional way he could muster.
"Ah which kind wahala be this now" Some one shouted in frustration
Hearing him, many others also raised their voices in frustration, generating a huge amount of noise. Looking at them, the security guard simply shook his head. He could understand their frustrations but at the same time, they were none of his business.
"Everyone, quiet down... remember the information passed on to you stated that the interview would start by eight o'clock in the morning, it was you all that decided to come when you can, just group yourselves and get ready to be called on" the security guy said
His words immediately calmed down the crowd who immediately figured out that their frustration was their's alone to bear.
As soon as the crowd queitened down, all immediately began to group themselves. Gabriel and Matthew immediately partnered with those around them.
"This one that they are grouping us, hope this interview will go well" Matthew said
Hearing him, Gabriel said nothing, there was nothing he could say apart from a nod. He didn't understand what was going on, this clearly wasnt how normal interviews went. However they all still stood and stll waited their turn, they all had no choice in the matter.
Seeing that they were all grouped up, the security guard came along and gave each group a number. Gabriel saw it as though they were back in school but chose to ignore it as it helped maintain order.
"Fifty-four, lets hope this thing doesnt take time" Matthew said looking at the small paper given to them.
"If your number is called, please step up and walk straight into the facility, Madam Fadila would be there waiting, do what she tells you so we can leave here sooner" The security guard announced before returning into the building.
All stood and watched, many began to familiarize themelves with the people they were grouped with.It helped pass tme and was also in preparation in case the interview was some sort of physical test to see if they could work in a group.
"Number three!!" The guard shouted as the next group stepped forward.
"How is it even this fast, it's just one person inside there apart from the guard" Matthew asked
Hearing him, everyone immediately nodded as they too held the same question in their hearts. From the time they saw the lady go into the building till when they began the
interviews.
They didn't see any other person enter the main building. All who came around them headed straight for the construction site by the side or at the back of the building.
Unless there was some form of backdoor that employees were required to use, if there was none then only the lady was in there.
"Do you think she's selecting based on who she likes?" Matthew asked out of curiosity
"Omo, I don't know oo" Gabriel answered in a tone that suggested that he was almost to
tears.
Due to how things were going, he couldn't refute the boy after all no one no matter how good at their job could conduct an interview this quickly.
This was especially so when each group had six members so it was impossible for the interview to be done within the half an hour time frame.
As the two and those around them, speculated the specifics of the situation. The third set came out and just like the ones before them, refused to answer any questions and immediately picked up their bags and left.
They were all now used to this odd interaction so not many of them cared instead, they focused on the fourth group who were already being led into the building.
Gabriel and his new friends, sat not truly bothered because he had come to terms that this interview will probably never favour him.
It may have been unique amongst all the recruitment posts he had seen but with the way things were going, he had a feeling he would get the job.
Hours passed as they sat discussing any other thing that came to mind. They sat there simply watching group after group go in and come out with similar expressions as the ones in the
past.
After a while, Gabriel found himself getting curious about what really went on within the building. If all that had gone in had different expressions on their face when they left then, he could understand but it wasn't so.