[Eleison23]

A few years ago I was pounding the digital pavement and applying for jobs. I received a call from a place where I hadn't applied; they found me anyway. I set an appointment and followed their instructions which led me to a very unassuming back office - no signage out front, knock to request entrance.

I had my resume on my notebook in my backpack, but the first stop was filling out a short paper application. I was ushered in to see "the boss man" and I jotted a few notes on a memo pad while we chatted.

He presented the case to me and I sort of zoned out, thinking how unappealing this job seemed. He was also finding out how inexperienced I was for his purposes. The bulk of the interview was fairly awkward, but I was determined to show some honesty and candor. So as we wrapped up, I said something like "I think we both know that this job isn't for me. Thanks for your time." and I tore out my notes, handing them over so as to protect his privacy. He glanced at them and smiled because I'd made a note of the Star Wars action figures behind him.

It was a graceful exit from an unfortunate situation. I did land a job shortly after, with another firm where I hadn't applied, and I'm totally happy with it!