The DKS experience.

Unto my last week of being unproductive.

Pieces of evidence:

Thank you, Lord. It may not be THE dream job, but I am very much thankful for it. My mom has been telling me to keep praying so that I will be able to find the job that was meant for me. True enough, I did. On April 4, 2011 (assuming that I will be able to pass all the necessary documentations by Wednesday), I'll be on board at Deutsche Knowledge Services (DKS).

I wasn't really expecting to be working for this company as the interview didn't go the way I wanted it to be. Actually, my interview for this company was I think the worst experience. It was the only interview that I prepared myself. The day before the interview, an email was sent to me explaining the job description and the kind of questions that will be asked. I didn't want to practice my answers as I wanted myself to be as spontaneous as possible. Ayaw ko ng scripted. But that night, I couldn't sleep because the questions were haunting me. So at least, I thought of the possible answers.

Morning came. The day of my interview. I woke up at 4:30 am so I could leave at 6 am. I was so early because it was my first time to commute going to Fort. I wanted to make sure I won't be late. The company presentation was set at 9 and I was there 7:30 am. Too early. In my travel, I was practicing in my head the things that I should say to the point that I was worried that I may sound rehearsed. But I was worried for the wrong reason.

After the company presentation, applicants waited for their turn for their interview. I was scheduled 11:30. I was waiting for my turn, I was staring at business magazines and the television tuned in at CNN. I wasn't that nervous as I have had enough interviews to be use to such kind of feeling. When the receptionist called my name, I went to one of the interview rooms and there I sat. Two ladies, definitely not from HR department, were to interview me. They asked me to run through my resume by explaining in details the information written there. In some interviews I've been to, they would usually ask "Tell me something about yourself that is not in your resume". I panicked because I didn't know what to say as pertinent information was already listed down in my resume. Nevertheless, I walked them through my resume. I smiled and tried to think straight. They weren't and kept staring me down. It was my first time that I was interviewed by people without even smiling to me. They looked highly intellectual. They were so scary. But despite all that, I smiled and went on with it. After a few questions, I could no longer smile. I was very intimidated by their questions. They asked so many things about finance electives and my thesis. There were a lot of dead silence as I was trying to remember the answers to their questions. I was so embarrassed that I could not give them the answers to some questions. But I still tried to answer it with my best logic and best memory. I wanted to leave that room when they were staring and waiting for my answers. But I had to stay and be brave. I also remember one question wherein I was able to answer but I think they were not contented. It wasn't about finance at all so I was so confident in saying my answer. They asked me the values which I think would be essential when I get to start working at DKS. I told them two values which I believe I have gained from my experience in my organization as the finance head and I standby what I have said. These values are honesty and integrity because I thought that with all these kind of people I have been hearing in the news, Philippines (or even the whole world) is in dire need of honest people.  I really do not know if something is wrong with my answer. I wanted to cry. I remembered then that with one of the questions thrown to me, I was no longer thinking of the answer. I was already thinking of how pitiful I looked to them. But I was still hoping the good parts of the interview would able to make me viable for the position.

After the interview, they told me to wait outside so that they would be able to deliberate. While waiting in the lobby, I was imagining the things they were saying about me. Then one of the interviewers went out of the room to get some water. I didn't bother to look at her because I was so embarrassed with the way the interview went. But she tapped my back and said :"It was nice meeting you". I figured out then that I wouldn't be able to make it. It was as if it was the last time that they will be able to see them when she uttered those words. I waited for a little while and the HR receptionist called my name. She gave me a letter and told me that I passed the interview. I didn't believe it. I was thinking then that she only said it so that I wouldn't be embarrassed and that the letter contains the contrary of what she said. But I opened it and it was true that I made it and that I should expect a call from them soon. Despite of that, I still didn't believe that I was able to make it.

Weeks passed and I didn't receive any call. On March 14 they called but have missed it. I tried calling them back but went to voice mail. They didn't call me until last week and offered me the job. WOW.

 I had hoped to be landing a job in a multinational company such as Unilever, Kraft, Nestle, Johnson and Johnson, etc. I didn't want a bank despite the fact that I graduated with a finance degree. Nevertheless, I am extremely happy for this wonderful opportunity.

I am now filling up so many forms for my employment and will be going to several government agencies this week. I have until Wednesday for me to be on board on April 4. Ito na talaga yun. Wala ng paligoy ligoy. Wala ng joke joke. Hindi na ko estudyante. Bawal na ang petiks. Isa na akong certified productive citizen ng Republika ng Pilipinas! 

Hoping for the best at DKS! :)