This week’s story from Neal Wiser will leave some of you shaking your head while others may wish to live vicariously through him. Wherever you fall, the story is entertaining and Neal’s parting comment: priceless.
I used to work in Hollywood and once interviewed with a “hot” production company who just had a pair of big hits. They were on the rise and rapidly expanding operations. The position I interviewed for was as Director of Development, a senior and very important position where my responsibilities were to find the next “insert name of big hit movie here.” The position required me to cultivate relationships with hot writers, studio executives, etc. I was excited even to be considered, not to mention being called back not just for a second, but a third interview.
The third interview was with both the President of the company and the CEO. I had met the President in the previous meeting and we really hit it off. This meeting, he had told me, was essentially the final approval meeting; merely a formality.
I was introduced to the CEO, a beautiful, 30-ish Ivy League alum who, rumor had it, was on a short list to run a studio in the next few years. We shook hands. Great, firm grip. She offered me a seat at the end of a plush leather couch amidst the usual pleasantries. I sat back, relaxed. I put my arm casually on the arm of the couch. The President sat across from me. Then the CEO took her seat.
She sat on the arm of the couch, right next to me, looking directly down upon me. If I didn’t have such quick reflexes she would have sat on my arm. I glanced at the President. He flinched. I glanced up at the CEO. “So, what can you do for me?” she said as she placed a hand on my shoulder and squeezed gently.
I glanced at back at the President. He turned white. Horrified.
I looked back to the CEO.
She was looking directly into my eyes. Hers were a deep blue. She squinted slightly, as if asking me a question.
“I need someone who can give me what I want, day or night,” she said as she stroked my back. “Can you do that?”
I glanced at the President again. He was sweating.
I looked back at the CEO. “I’m sorry, but I’m here to discuss the development position,” I said.
“Oh, you are,” she said, her eyes squinting again. “You’ll be doing a lot of development.” Gentle squeeze on my shoulder.
I faced the President. I think he was dead at that point.
I faced the CEO. “Am I being punked?” I asked.
I excused myself moments later and went home, disappointed. Later that day, the President called. I was surprised he was still alive. He clearly didn’t know what to say to me except to apologize every other sentence. He finally called the CEO’s behavior “unprofessional” and added that she’s never done anything like that before. I thought he was hoping that I wouldn’t sue, until he told me that he left the company that afternoon.
I had to ask, “So, you’re telling me I didn’t get the job?”
I didn’t.
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“What the? – Strange Tales from the Job Search Front” is a weekly posting with the sole purpose of trying to infuse a little levity into your job search. For practical, tested and proven job search advice, please subscribe to my weekly ezine – Build the Career You Deserve – read by over 21,000 professionals.
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