I Failed the Test But Got the Job
Along with the other applicants, I walk silently towards the room. I seated on the vacant chair with the table in front of me. The facilitator placed the test paper on top of the table facing downward. We waited for the instruction. When the facilitator told us to open the test paper, I started reading. After a few minutes, I raised my hand.
“Yes, Miss?” asked the facilitator.
“Mam, I’m sorry but I can’t take the exam anymore,” was my reply.
“Why, what’s the problem?” she asked almost whispering.
“I think I don’t have enough knowledge to answer the questions,” my answer in a low voice.
“No. You have to finish the exam.”
A lot of people think that applying for a job is all about skill. What you know and what you can do. Most of the time, we forget that one thing that we need in order to get the job.
Attitude!
Hello, my read.cash friends! I hope you are all doing great!
Perhaps a few from here know that I am working in the government. Entering the government service is a dream to many. However, before we can start working in the government, we need to undergo series of tests, interviews, and other activities to test our competency.
What I would like to share with you today is an experience which teaches a valuable lesson for everyone especially those who are looking for an employment be it in private or government offices.
This is my experiences when I applied for a job in a private company before I was able to enter the government service in 2010.
It was after the Typhoon Reming hit the country and thousands of people died in the province of Albay. If you haven’t heard of the place, it is the province where the famous Mayon Volcano is located.
I have known that the cooperative is hiring and since I don’t have a job during that time, I decided to try my luck.
Upon looking at the test paper, I know I couldn’t answer the questions which are related to accounting. That’s why I tried to just return the paper to the facilitator. But she refused and told me to answer and finish the exam. I obeyed.
I already accepted that I cannot get the job. I went home and started to do the household chores. My children were still young during that time.
In the evening, I received a message from the cooperative informing to be at the same venue for an interview. I was surprised because I know I didn’t passed the exam. Why would they still interview me?
But of course, I obeyed.
I saw the same people during the examination. So, I thought, everyone will be interviewed.
The chairman conducted the interview and asked about my previous experience and other personal things.
When I go home, I tried to forget about it and even decided to look for other companies where I could apply in the next days.
Before the day ends, I receive another message form the same number.
“Congratulations! You are qualified for the position. Please submit the following documents tomorrow.”
I was both confused and happy.
I can’t think of a reason or two for me to qualify for the job I’ve applied for knowing that I didn’t passed the exam.
But still, it’s a blessing and I should be happy and follow the instructions.
The following day, I was at the office to submit the requirements. That was my first day of work and I found out that the facilitator is the vice-chairperson.
Months have passed and I already learned the tasks and I became close to the vice-chairperson. I caller her, Mam Imee the way most employees address her. She would guide me whenever I encounter difficulties with my job. I was also appointed as the secretary of the cooperative, a task that should only be given to a regular member.
One time, I had a chance to talk to Mam Imee privately. We were alone in the office because there was an activity in another room.
I asked her, “Mam, please tell me, why did you choose me over the other applicants? I know I didn’t passed the exam and besides, I know there is someone from the group that almost got perfect.”
She just laugh, “Oh no, I didn’t choose you.”
“What do you mean?”
She sat down in front of me.
“That is the consensus of the board. The board made a decision based on the results of the entire selection process.”
“We believe that any work or task can be learned but the character is inherent in every person.
Skill is a factor to consider but attitude gets a stronger point.
When you decided to admit that you don’t know the answer, you have manifested courage and honesty.
You exhibited courage by accepting that you don’t know the right answer.
You have shown honesty which is the most important trait we are looking for. “
Everything that she said, went straight to my heart.
I felt every word she uttered and I am proud of it.
It has been 15 years since that encounter and I am already 12 years in the government service.
Everything is still clear in my memory.
I hope you learned something from this story. Thank you for sharing your time.
Disclaimer:
The content of this post are not for promotional intent rather for informational purposes only and should not be considered as a financial advice. Similarly, the opinions I have shared are of my own and does not in any way represent the organization I am currently connected with.
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Written for read.cash by Sharon S. Lopez (cinderella) All rights reserved 2022
well, when they say honesty is the best policy, they are not wrong there.