It didn’t take long after the ad was placed , to get my first interviewee.
“Hello , I’m calling about the job you placed in the paper “ the woman said on the phone
“Ahh , ok . Have you done this work before “ I replied .
“Yes , it’s cleaning , I do my own house and a few neighbours houses too” She replied quizzically
“ it’s not just cleaning , the ad said there would be other requirements to fulfill too” I said
“ ok what are they” the woman asked
“ well first of all I want a proper face to face interview , then I can show you the house,
Can you be here in the morning eight sharp ” I said
“Err ok then can you send me the address” she said
“ I’ll text it over . It’s a big house , do you think you’d handle it alone “ I said
“ I’ll look tomorrow , if I need help my cousin does this work and she said she’d help if needed “ she replied
“ ok that’s fine , just bring the relevant papers and references and I’ll see you in morning”
I hung up
Next morning , at 8.07 the intercom is pressed on the gate .
“ hello , it’s Sadie , I spoke with you yesterday about the cleaning job”
A clunk and motor whir the gate swings open.
Sadie walks through the gate and up to the big entrance porch .
As she’s about to knock on the door , the key turns and the door swings open .
“ you’re late “ I say sternly “ it’s not a very good start to our relationship. You’re lucky I let you in the gate “
“I’m sorry , I thought it was just to look around the house not to start work “ Sadie said
“ I’m a stickler for time keeping young lady. And I won’t accept lateness .Follow me into the drawing room” I said sternly .
She stood in the hall and I shut the door . I strode down the hall and into the large oak door .
She swiftly followed her heels tip tapping on the tiled floor.
The room was grand a large fireplace and bookshelves floor to ceiling . The walls were panelled and large paintings hung on the other walls . A large knotted rug filled the centre of the room.
There was a round table with two chairs faving each other at one end .
I sat in one and she followed and sat on the other .
Sadie placed an envelope on the table .
“ my references “ she said as a matter of fact
“I’m not interested in those Sadie , anyone can give you a reference “ I said “ I wanted you here so I can see you , you get a better indication about somebody by asking a few questions and hearing them in person.
Now I see your young, how old are you “
“ twentynine” she said
“Married”I ask
“ divorced “ she said “ but why do you ….
I held my hand up cutting her off
“ just answer questions please , keep to the facts too” i said with a smile
“ kids” i said
“ just one , he’s twelve and he……
Raised hand cuts her short
“Ok stand and remove your coat”
“Wwhat…,whyyyy“ she stammered
I stood up and took a bag off the table handing it to her .
“ here’s your uniform , it should fit you looking at your size. I want you to try it on and I’d like you to clean for me “
“ hold on , I didn’t come to work I came for ……
Hand raised
“ an interview! , this is the interview!! . It’s a working interview . Where I can see how well you work and see if I’m happy with what you do . Now get dressed “
Sadie looked to see if I was serious .
Dirty old man only wants to leer at me while I change Sadie thought
Sadie looked shocked
“ this is a privileged position, which pays handsomely, if you want to leave you know where the door is . If not get dressed and stop wasting my time “ I was stern .
Sadie liked at me with her jaw open .
I waved my hand toward the bag in a hurry kind of motion .
Sadie removed her coat and placed it in the back of the chair .
She had a cross face which made me smile but I tried to hide it
She looked in the bag it was a traditional maids outfit black skirt with black buttoned shirt
A white pinafore and a white hat .
“Are you serious , she said , you want me to wear this “ |