Dream Job pursuit.
Ukraine. 2021/4
Act 3 – Interview with a Recruitment Agency
“Hello, Olga! This is Elena*, Director of the Recruitment Agency Talent Hunters. Your former colleague spoke very highly of you as an outstanding expert in training and development. The whole market is buzzing with companies eager to have you on board! You simply cannot refuse a meeting with me. When would be convenient for you?”
A few years back, Olga had completed an emotional management course — but even the best training can’t always keep a poker face intact. This call, and the entire interaction that followed, felt like someone crashing a peaceful meditation studio full of calm practitioners basking in enlightenment, only to yell, “Enough with the zen vibes! Time to get to work!”
Despite the eccentric introduction, Olga accepted the Zoom meeting. Job searching means engaging with all kinds of talent acquisition reps — even the most unusual ones. At worst, it would be an interesting experiment.
When the meeting started, it might have been a typical recruiter-candidate chat. But then again, this story wouldn’t exist if it were typical.
In the left Zoom window sat a striking blonde in a beige blazer, her dark hair pulled back, sporting oversized hoop earrings and bold red lipstick. On the right, Olga appeared in her favorite blue blazer, light makeup, and fully prepared with pen, notepad, and neatly printed resume — the very tools you’ve seen her use in earlier episodes.
Elena: “Olga, I was thrilled to hear that you’re open to opportunities. A major Ukrainian corporation is looking for a Head of Training, and they are eager to meet you.”
Olga: “It’s nice to hear that. Let’s discuss their role requirements.”
Elena: “Of course. But first, I’d like to clarify a few important things.”
Olga: “Sure.”
Elena: “How old are you?”
At that very moment, a flowerpot toppled from Olga’s windowsill with a thunderous crash, spilling soil all over her carpet. The poor plant seemed to sigh in audible protest.
When faced with bizarre questions like these in an interview — especially after spending five years steeped in the golden standards of hiring practices, assessment centers running like clockwork, and competency models treated like sacred texts — there are really only two ways to respond:
Treat the conversation as an experiment and play along.
Dramatically don a metaphorical white knight’s cloak, flare it open, and declare, “How dare you ask such questions? Shame on you!"
Olga chose the first option, keeping her cool as the conversation continued.
Olga: “I’m 41.”
Elena eagerly noted her age in her notebook and asked: “Are you married?”
“Such an interesting experiment,” Olga thought, wishing she had popcorn for the show.
Olga: “No, I’m divorced.”
Elena: “Do you have children?”
Olga: “Two sons, aged 8 and 6.”
Leaning back in her office chair with the air of a surgeon about to deliver bad news, Elena sighed and said: “So, you’re 41, divorced, and have two young kids. How do you manage?”
Olga: “I’m a multitasking Shiva.”
Elena: “No, seriously.”
Olga: “Well, as you can see, I’m still alive.”
Elena: “Where do you live?”
Olga: “Boryspil.”
Elena: “How do you commute to Kyiv?”
Olga: “By car.”
Elena: “You have a car?”
Olga: “Yes.”
“Please don’t ask about the make and model,” Olga thought, trying not to visibly flinch.
Elena: “Ah, I see! You’re a careerist.”
Olga: “… I beg your pardon?”
Elena: “A careerist — an independent, successful woman. That’s exactly what this company needs. Perfect! When can you meet them for an interview?”
Olga: “Let’s discuss the role details and requirements first.”
Elena: “No need. Everything is perfectly outlined in your resume, and you have excellent recommendations.”
Olga: “At least tell me about the company.”
Elena: “It’s a large company with incredible opportunities. When you see their office, you’ll fall in love! They have a massive marble wardrobe with floor-to-ceiling mirrors. So convenient!”
Olga: “Is there an option for remote work?”
Elena: “I’ll have to check…”
When the interview ended and Olga removed her headphones, it felt as though not one but five flowerpots had tumbled to the floor.
“Well, let this be a funny story for later,” she thought, slightly dazed, and went about her day.
The Epilogue:
Olga hadn’t intended to attend another meeting with this company. Yet, the story took an ironic twist when she received an email from Elena — cc’ing her potential future employers, the ones with marble wardrobes and mirrored walls.
The email included an invitation to a second interview. Its opening paragraph, written in bold red font, read like an unyielding verdict on Olga’s life, leaving little room for her talents to breathe:
“Olga is 41 years old, divorced, raising two kids, living in Boryspil, and commuting by personal vehicle. She’s happy to attend an interview.”
Olga sighed, clicked “Reply to All,” and politely declined the invitation.
Moral of the Story:
When you step outside your comfort zone, you’ll encounter all kinds of experiences — some ridiculous, some enlightening, and some downright entertaining.
Coming Next:
Olga had several meetings with different companies, but one stood out — a company she genuinely admired. Their conversations spanned over three months. Did Olga accept their offer?
Stay tuned for the next episode.
*all names are changed.
May 31, 2022.