Dream Job pursuit.
Ukraine. 2021/7
Epilogue
Over the course of 4 months, Olga participated in 18 interviews of various formats: initial introductions, competency-based assessments, presentations of test assignments, and more. The most memorable moments have been captured in this cinematic narrative, which you’ve just followed to its conclusion.
Make yourself comfortable — camera, action. The final episode begins.
Setup.
Swiping left on 90% of opportunities in her imaginary job-search Tinder, Olga knew that within the remaining 10%, her super match was waiting to be found.
Olga had a crystal-clear understanding of the industry, format, and level at which she wanted to work. She was equally certain about what she wanted to do. Her intention was firmly grounded in that unshaven yet ever-reliable SMART framework, which had never failed her before.
Call it luck, determination, perseverance, self-awareness, or sheer curiosity, but Olga started every job search anew, stringing together her prior experiences like precious gems on a necklace. She analyzed mistakes, meticulously documented the questions she’d been asked, and reflected on the emotions they provoked.
The nearly five-month journey was far from perfect. There were stumbles — both hers and the recruiters’. The backdrop of global and local events was far from ideal. It was like preparing for the birth of a child: no matter how ready you think you are, you can never be fully prepared. Similarly, there’s never a perfect moment or set of circumstances to begin a job search.
It’s always daunting.
But oh, how fascinating and rewarding it is!
Olga didn’t believe in the loud slogans of “success stories,” but she did firmly believe that if you genuinely put in the effort and leave every interview feeling, “I gave it my all here,” then success is inevitable.
Resolution: Company Y.
The call from the recruiter at Company Y came while Olga and her younger son were watching planes take off on the Boryspil highway. By this point, Olga had developed a habit of regularly browsing job postings and immediately applying to those that resonated with her. Her phone contained the latest, tailored versions of her CV in two languages.
Exactly five minutes after she hit “Submit Resume,” her phone rang. That speed would define the entire process with Company Y.
"Hello, Olga. You’ve just applied for the Y position at Company Y. I’m calling because your LinkedIn link isn’t working."
“What the… again? Why does this cursed link keep breaking?” Olga thought, but she calmly replied:
"Oh, wow, that’s fast! I’ll double-check the links. Thanks for letting me know."
"Great. Let’s schedule a Zoom meeting."
"Sure, absolutely."
Every interaction with Company Y felt like working with a cutting-edge, high-speed processor. Before Olga could even think of a next step, they’d already called to schedule the following meeting or share important updates.
The pace set by Company Y was invigorating and dynamic, yet surprisingly light and enjoyable. Their communication style suggested they operated in a parallel dimension where unprofessionalism simply didn’t exist. No, they weren’t mythical unicorns frolicking in lavender fields. They were real people, genuinely invested in finding the right person for the right place.
The Selection Process: A High-Stakes Quest.
The journey with Company Y felt like chasing fleeting beauty:
The enigmatic allure of the Mona Lisa, compelling you to linger and look closer.
The opening notes of a breathtaking symphony, leaving you breathless in anticipation.
The final moments of a stellar gym session, when you’ve completed every exercise but still feel full of energy and joy.
Here’s what Olga faced in this exhilarating process:
The Introduction. A friendly networking chat with a recruitment consultant—pleasant and insightful. DONE.
Competency-Based Interview. Olga left feeling like she’d done mental burpees. Brain soreness? DONE.
Timed Aptitude Tests. Don’t ask. Exhausting as hell. DONE.
Comprehensive English Assessment. Finished with sweat on her brow. DONE.
Massive Test Assignment. It involved working with complex data, analyzing KPIs, and crafting a proposal. Faint, recover, deliver. DONE.
Interim Meeting. A one-on-one with a senior leader during the assignment phase. Maximum values alignment, total "Wait, is this real?" moment. DONE.
Presentation of the Assignment. "Why am I not nervous?!" DONE.
The entire process felt like a marathon where Olga wasn’t racing anyone but herself, constantly curious to see if she could conquer the next challenge.
At 10:00 a.m. on one pivotal day, Olga received a call from Company Y.
"The decision has been made. We’re preparing your offer."
By 2:00 p.m. the same day, the offer was in her inbox.
What Made Company Y Stand Out.
Throughout this intense process, two things about Company Y left a lasting impression:
They never saw Olga in person. The entire process was conducted remotely, proving that physical presence isn’t necessary to evaluate someone’s capabilities. (Truly, few processes still require in-person interaction.)
It never felt like an “interview.” Every interaction felt like a professional conversation about tasks and expertise. Even though they examined Olga’s skills in a full 3D view, it never felt judgmental or snobbish. Olga constantly reminded herself that, even if this didn’t lead to an offer, it would still be a great networking experience.
Olga accepted the offer.
She has no idea what lies ahead, but today she feels incredibly grateful for such a well-structured and respectful selection process. It’s something worth celebrating and serves as a source of pride.
Wishing Olga Courage for the Journey Ahead.
And to all viewers: may you find the inspiration and motivation for your own quantum leaps toward the dreams you’ve been chasing.
The End.
June 8, 2021.