Lost the Job to a More Eloquent Candidate

I knew already he would win the role; I stand no chance against him. He came into the reception looking like Dangote’s firstborn. A shiny suit, well ironed and his tie properly placed. He has a very strong aura and presence with a deep charisma. The aroma from his deodorant would get you sniffing loud. He entered the reception and engaged me in a discussion immediately. From his voice, I could sense he had spent some reasonable years in “The Abroad”. He introduced himself and we started talking, damn! the guy is really good, I said within myself. He was called into the interview room first even though I got there before him (maybe because I wasn’t wearing a shiny suit). It took longer than expected and I thought maybe they were signing his offer letter already. Should I kuku be going to my house jejely?

I sat down patiently waiting for his interview to end, believe me it took forever. But at last, he stepped out looking very calm. He asked if it’s okay to wait so we could roll out together and I agreed. “Next Person please” the Interviewer called and I stepped in. I answered every question to the best of my ability and then came the usual feedback “We will get back to you”. I stepped out with an indifferent feeling; at least it’s not a do or die. Seeing me, he stood up immediately “How did it go Bruv”? he asked. He’s such a nice fella “It went well sha” I responded, and we stepped out together. He’s Shola by name and like I assumed already he left Naija to the UK at a very tender age but his parents insisted he comes back home. We got to Obalende (Lagos) together and then departed. But a day doesn’t go by without him calling or texting to inquire if I’ve heard from the company. It turned out he hasn’t signed an automatic offer letter as I assumed earlier, we were both anticipating. 

After about a week and 4 days, I received an email from the company, with so much anxiety, I opened the message, it was the usual “…..Sorry, we wouldn’t be proceeding with your application” message. Of course, they’ve hired the other guy and he was to resume work the next week. I called to congratulate him but he wasn’t so happy; “You deserve the role more than I do bruv” he said, I encouraged him not to feel bad, we can’t all win every time. He worked with them for just 3 months and then moved back to the UK. He couldn’t cope with the Lagos wahala and stress (as per ajebutter).

 This was 5 years ago, but something happened recently which inspired this story. I was contacted by the same company’s HR a few weeks back on LinkedIn. She wanted to know if I’m available for an urgent Business Development Manager role in the company. Receiving her message brought back memories of my struggle as a job seeker years back. This same company rejected me as a job seeker then, but now they look for me. It was quite a tough time but it never lasted.

NEVER get discouraged by rejection, instead, take it as a challenge to improve more on yourself, and strive to acquire relevant knowledge and skills, build a robust network for yourself! Keep pursuing diligence in everything you do and I assure you, success will chase you soon enough PANTS DOWN!!!

Credit: Akande Olumide