Chapter 12 When Nerves Meet Destiny
The other applicants also showed up and were waiting within the conference room.
The panel was set. It consisted of Mr Kenny; the hotel Manager, Miss Kira Mason (his Assistant) and Miss Joan Rivers, (The head of maids and room service unit).
Nondon was also present at her meeting to take important notes for Mr Kenny.
Amanda was seated across from Mr. Kenny and occasionally, their gazes would lock and Mr. Kenny would smile as though he had known her before that day.
She found her heart beating so fast at his facial expressions towards her which were not present in his dealings with other applicants.
The first applicant, a young man who looked like he was in his early thirties, walked up to the table where the panel was.
Although they were all in the same room, no one could hear the conversation between the panel and the applicants.
"Mr Jacob Whiteley, you are welcome to The Xi Hotel," Mr. Kenny said with an expressionless face.
"Thank you sir," Jacob replied.
Mr Kenny glanced towards Mrs Joan Rivers and gave her a gesture that meant she should ask the applicant questions.
She nodded and took the floor, bombarding Jacob with a barrage of questions.
"Are you familiar with the hospitality industry?" She asked with a grin.
Jacob nodded.
"Yes, I am very familiar with the hospitality industry. I have been working in the hotel and hospitality industry for over 10 years now. During this time, I have gained a wealth of experience in various aspects of the industry, such as customer service, housekeeping operations, food and beverage services, and more. I have also had the opportunity to work in different roles within the industry, including Hotel Supervisor. In my current role, I oversee all operational activities at the hotel, from managing staff to ensuring guest satisfaction. My duties include monitoring daily operations, resolving any issues that may arise, and providing guidance to team members. I am well-versed in developing strategies to improve efficiency and maintain high standards of quality.”
The swiftness with which he handled the answers got him an accolade from the interviewer.
Where Amanda was seated, she could see how brilliantly Jacob was answering his questions and her heart beat raced like a premium-motor-spirited car
She was sick to her feet, slightly intimidated by the obvious smile on the corners of the lips of the interviewers and how they nodded at everything Jacob Whiteley answered.
She was almost becoming fidgety and almost turned around to leave the door, but heard her mother's voice in her head:
"Your past will never control your present. You will excel.
Amanda joined her hands together in a sign of commitment to God and prayed a silent prayer in her heart.
"Miss Amanda Roberts, please step forward," the tall and robust man called to her.
She surged forth with quickened response and walked in sturdy steps towards their table.
She stood before them, almost shaking visibly.
"You do not seem calm," the man said with a mischievous glare.
Amanda turned to the ladies, trying to avoid the man's gaze by all means possible.
"I am calm, sir. I just need to adjust to your presence."
Her voice was shaking and she almost bit her tongue trying to express herself.
Mr Kenny glanced towards Kira Mason to interview Amanda.
Kira nodded and took it up, delightfully.
"You are welcome, Miss Roberts," her voice was calm and soothing and Amanda found her nerves relaxing.
"How old are you?" Kira asked with a smile.
"I am 28 years old now," Amanda replied.
"What certificates do you have?"
Amanda presented a folder to her and she perused the files it included.
"Wait a minute," she exclaimed, raising her head to Amanda. "You got a certificate from Hose Hospitality incorporation?" Kira asked with an awestruck face.
Amanda nodded, reluctantly. Her heart raced with fear as she waited to hear if the lady was going to say that the certificate was not acceptable.
"That is so interesting!" Kira exclaimed cheerfully. Amanda found her tension dissipating. "I find it intriguing that I coincidentally also studied at that institution. Very prestigious one I must say."
Amanda smiled proudly and nodded.
Mrs Joan Rivers was a bit skeptical about Amanda and she urged Kira to focus on asking Amanda relevant questions.
"Do I necessarily have to be uptight with her?" Kira asked with a smirk.
"She does not need to get too comfortable either. This is an interview!" Joan retorted, with a very unfriendly gaze at Amanda.
Amanda felt a gust of shame and rejection sweep through her. It seemed like she was not accepted.
"Ladies…"Mr Kenny called out to them. "Please stop being too dramatic. Joan, this is Kira's cue, let her handle it as she likes."
She turned to Kira Mason.
"Please go on, Kira."
Kira nodded and thanked him.
Amanda glanced casually towards Mr Kenny and he winked at her. She felt a shiver down her spine.
"Miss Amanda," Kira started to speak , "can you define summarily what your role as a hotel supervisor would be about?"
Amanda nodded and began to speak, her voice shaking slightly.
"A hotel supervisor is responsible for the day-to-day operations of a hotel. He or she ensures that the hotel runs smoothly and efficiently while providing excellent customer service." She ended her definition with an exhaled breath.
Kira nodded and continued.
"How would you handle a situation where multiple guests complained about a specific employee?" Kira asked again.
Amanda took a deep breath, trying to remember the course that handled that topic during her certificate course days.
She was finally able to gather her thoughts and then spoke with a bit of confidence.
"“If multiple guests complained about a specific employee, I would take the situation very seriously. My first step would be to speak with the employee in question and get their side of the story. It is important to ensure that all parties are heard and respected. After gathering information from both sides, I would then assess the situation and determine what action needs to be taken. Depending on the severity of the issue, this could range from providing additional training or coaching for the employee, to taking disciplinary action if necessary. Ultimately, my goal would be to resolve any issues quickly and efficiently while ensuring that all guests feel safe and comfortable during their stay.”
Kira looked very impressed by the way she nodded her head at her. She smiled warmly at Amanda and turned to Mr. Kenny.
"That will be all sir,".
Mr Kenny glanced at Mrs Joan who was obviously fuming from the fact that she was allowed to bully Amanda as much as she wanted.
"Do you have anything else to ask?" Mr Kenny asked with a mischievous grin, hoping she would shake her head.
However, she nodded.
Amanda's heart began to panic.
"Miss Amanda, how many years of experience do you have as a hotel supervisor?"
Everyone's gaze was upon Amanda and she froze, unsure how to answer when the answer was negative.
She took a deep breath and answered.
"None."
"None?" Mrs Joan and Kira both exclaimed. The former with cruel satisfaction and the latter with agonizing disappointment