W: Hi, welcome! My name is Evelyn Harper. I'm the hiring manager of this company.

 

I: Hello, my name is Ifemelu. Thank you so much for having me.

 

W: No problem! Is there anything you want to tell me about yourself before I ask you any questions?

 

I: I am so happy to be here. It has always been my goal to be a secretary and I am so glad that I finally have the opportunity to do so.

 

W: You never had a similar opportunity before?

 

I: I have only been in America for a short time and in my country women don't really have these kinds of jobs.

 

W: What country are you from?

 

I: I am from Nigeria.

 

W: So what do you think you can bring to this company?

 

(I: Oh no she just switched the topic, I shouldn't have said I'm from Nigeria)

 

I: … I think I have a great work ethic and I love talking to people.

 

W: I'm sure you do but I think I should have worded the question a little differently. What I meant was what makes you special and why should we pick you over anybody else?

 

(I: Oh no I can't even answer a question. I'm never going to get this Job. What does she think of me?)

 

I: I think my communication skills are above average. I can talk to customers and clients very well. Not just that but I work really good with other people and in groups. Back in Nigeria I was always the organized one. I just love organizing and color-coding and so on. It started when I was just six years old. I started labeling things around the house with cheap post-it notes and a marker. I can assure you, that if I work for you your filing system will be very organized and there won't be any mistakes happening. Your clients will always be satisfied.

 

(I: Oh god I hope I didn't praise myself too much. But then again what else was I supposed to say.)

 

W: Wow that sounds like a lot of great qualities. I just want to make sure that you really are aware of the extensive client contact you will be having. This job specifically requires you to talk to clients on a day-today basis. Do you think you are up for that?

 

(I: Why would I not be up for it? I just told her about my great communication skills. Maybe she is just reminding me that their clients will have to see a black woman everyday. A black woman that has to lock presentable on a "day-to-day basis". Including her hair. Am I really up for it then?)

 

I: Yes I really do think I'm up for it.

 

W: I think you would be the perfect fit for our company. I will get back to you in about a week when we have interviewed everyone. Before we end this interview are there any questions that you have for me?

 

I: No not really. Your website has provided me with all the important information that I need.

 

W: Well then thank you so much for being here and you can expect to hear back from me.

 

I: Thank you for having me. Have a good day.

 

W: You too. Goodbye!

 

I: Goodbye.

interviewer (A): “Hello, welcome to our company, it is nice to meet you.”

Ifemelu (B): “Thank you so much for having me. I am Ifemelu ——- and i am very grateful for the chance you are giving me with this interview. It is very nice to meet you.”

*wants to shake hands with A*

*A ignores, sits down instead and signs Ifemelu to sit down as well*

*B is confused about this and tries to push down upcoming doubt*

A: *yes sure we have to keep the image of being a diverse company*

“Nice to meet you as well. Why don ´t you tell me about yourself? Why did you choose our company?”

B: “I chose your company because I really love the concepts and values you stand for with this-“

A: “Do you think you can represent the same values our company has?”

B: *irritated, offended*

”Of course. One of my most positive personality traits is my ability to learn new things. Additionally, my courage makes me fit into this job perfectly. I am willing to learn hard and focus.”

A: *critical glanze*

“What do you think can you add to this company that makes you irreplacable and unique?” *apart from your origin and skin color*

B: “As I mentioned, my discipline and effort. My experiences.”

A:”What experiences? Evaluate please.”

B: “Facing critical glanzes and dislike evry day, systematical racism. I think that this has made me strong, enhanced my ability to learn, to stand up for myself.”

A: “Correct me if I got this wrong. You think, being black qualifies you for this job?” 

*As if a white person could not be as qualified for the exact same job”

B: “No I do not think, being black qualifies me for this job because I am way more than just my skin colour. I think the experiences from my daily life that are caused by my skin colour qualify me as well as my interior motivation.”

*And i am sick of being reduced to my skin colour again…*

A: “Thank you very much. I think that is enough for now, thank you for giving an insight into your motivation.”

B: “Thank you very much for the chance again.When can I expect to hear from you?”

A: “To be completely honest, I do not think, you fit into our company very well.”

B: *I want to ask why, but I already know the answer.*

“Okay. Then… thank you for your time. Goodbye.”

*All we did was talk about my skin color and the influence that had on me. She did not even really listen to me.*

JI: Why do all black women have to wear an Afro?! Unbelievable! They are not suitable for this job.

(Interviewer feels the presence of another person in her room and looks up at Ifemelu)

JI: *Oh, finally a black woman without an Afro, as I live and breathe. I think she suits perfectly for this job*

I: Good Morning Madam. I hope I am not late.

JI: No, you are just on time. You are Ifemelu right?

I: That is correct. May I ask what your name is mam?

JI: My name is Barbara, sit down please.

I: Thank you. 

JI: *I don’t like these people. And I must be kind to her… Whatever…*

Did you have any problems finding our office?

I: I didn’t have any difficulties finding you. The map your secretary sent me was very helpful

JI: That’s good. But this tall building is hard to overlook, am I right?

I: You are right Ms. Barbara.

JI: *That people like you even could apply for a job in this big company is a wonder.* 

(a moment of silence)

JI: Shall we start with the interview?

I: Sure, we can start.

JI: Ok, tell me something about your origin. 

I: I am originally from Nigeria, 3 months ago, I came to the USA searching for a new life. 

JI: That sounds nice. But it’s understandable that you came to the USA. I wouldn’t like to live in Nigeria. 

I: *Mmh, that was racist. It’s okay, I have to face a lot of racism in my daily life, this isn’t even a problem. Just continue the interview as if you didn’t hear the sentence Ifemelu.*

JI: Fine. What makes you suitable for this job?

I: As you can see from my CV, I am very productive; I try to give me best everyday and work hard for the welfare of this company. 

JI: Yeah, that’s what every candidate says, I think you didn’t understand my question.

I: Is there anything specific you would like to know about me?

JI: What makes you special and lets you stand out from other candidates?

I: *Oh, I didn’t understand the question. She will be more angry than she already is. I think I will not be accepted.* 

Excuse me mam, could you repeat you question please?

JI: *Oh, is she deaf. Why are these people so annoying, you have to say everything more than once…*

I said, what makes you special and lets you stand out from other candidates?

I: Oh ok. I am a very organized person, I would do everything very neat and tidy. 

JI:*Why didn’t she try to become a cleaning lady then?*

Ok, carry on.

I: I possess a lot of talking skills, even though I just came recently to the USA, I integrated into the society very quickly. I learn fast and a lot and I can interact with other people very well. Another specialty are my experiences in life. I faced a lot of racism and hard times, mainly here in the USA, which made me to the person, who I am today. 

JI: *Oh wow. What a wonder woman, it just makes me laugh. She exaggerates this racism too much.*

I: Due to these strengths, I would bring the company further and establish a good and bright future here.

*Did I praise me a lot? I think it was a bit too much, but I can’t change it now anyways.*

JI: *I hate to say it, but I think she suits well.*

Interesting. You would be a wonderful fit in our company, I appreciate it! And you even have straight hair compared to other black women. Is this your natural hair?

I: *What should I say now…mmh. Ruth said that hair matters, let’s just say yes.*

It is my natural hair.

JI: Great! These people with Afros just scare our customers. So, it is perfect that you have straight hair by nature.

I: *Did she just say… customers will get scared, when they see an Afro??? These people can’t stop being racist. Ruth was right-hair matters in the job interview. Luckily I said yes. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have got the job.* 

(shakes Ifemelu’s hand)

JI: I would talk to our boss and get back to you, is that ok?

I: That would be great. When can I expect to hear from you?

JI: In two weeks.

I: That’s good. Thank you for seeing me and thank you for your time.

JI: No problem, it is my job. *When will you finally leave my office young lady?*

See you soon, bye.

(Ifemelu leaves the room and Barbara seems relieved.) 

Ifemelu walked into the office building, immediately greeted by a tense atmosphere and thick air. 

“Hello, can I help you?”

Irritated, she tried to figure out where the voice was coming from. Turning around, she saw a woman sitting behind a wide counter. The lady was of young age, she had short hair. 

“I’m here a job interview.”
 “OK, what’s your name?”, she asked politely.

“It’s Ifemelu ------.” 

“Just a second- ah, there you are. Go right through the hallway, enter the third door on the right. That’s the waiting room. Mr Storm will be doing the interview.”

Walking through the corridor, she looked around. She was nervous. Not because of the fact that the interview was in just a few minutes, but because she was scared of the reactions she might get. She wore her hair in an afro, not straight, like Ruth recommended. She entered the waiting room and sat down. There was no one else here, yet she heard many voices. 

It felt like she sat here for hours, but then someone opened the door. 

“You must be…. Ifemelu ------, did I pronounce that correctly?”

She looked up. A dark, metallic voice. A tall, white man. He looked serious, the wrinkles on his forehead had probably counted many years. His hair- well, he had none, or it had slipped down and formed his beard. 

“Yes, yes, I am.”, she said and stood up.

“Mr Storm, hello. Please follow me.”, he sighed as he went to shake her hand, then he turned around and opened the door.

“Ma’am-” 

“Thank you.” 

The lights in the room were bright, there were no windows. Mr Storm quickly went to sit down. Still standing in the door, Ifemelu hesitated.

“Please take a seat.”

She nodded and sat down. Mr Storm reached for some papers. “Let me just look through your CV again… Ah, so you’re from Nigeria?”

“Yes Sir, I am.”
 “That’s quite a way, wow. Your CV looks good, I still have some questions, but not many. Is there anything you want to say or ask before we begin?”

She shook her head. She could feel the static from her hair stronger than before. Although she was still quite nervous, the atmosphere wasn’t as tense as before.

“OK then. I read your application and your CV, they sounded very convincing that you’re a good fit for our company. But how did you come about our company?”

“I looked through multiple job adverts, online and in the newspaper. Your advert and your company stood out from the others.”

He didn’t look convinced, he wasn’t happy with the answer he got.

“Could you give me a reason why we, as a company, stood out to you?”

She interlaced her fingers, she started sweating.

“I read through your website and found that the values you represent overlap with my views.”

Mr Storm raised his eyebrows, exhaled heavily. 

“So what about your views, in context of our company?”

“I believe, that with the proper strength and determination, most things and goals can be accomplished.”

“So you represent strength, personal, individual strength?”

“Yes Sir.”

“Like with your hair?”

Ifemelu hesitated. She didn’t know how to answer, and just the fact that he started talking about her hair made her a bit afraid. She remembered what Ruth told her. But she also looked back on her life-long journey. She had to make the best of it, and now was the chance. She took a deep breath, and spoke:

“I think that your company, with me on board, can become even more successful and recognised, it can grow in all directions – just like my hair.”

Mr Storm raised his eyebrows and moved back. In this exact moment, Ifemelu was shaking. Worried to have said the wrong thing, scared to have wasted a chance. Mr Storm just inhaled and whispered: “wow”, as he reached for a pen. 

“That’s a strong comparison, very creative.”, he said, as he wrote something down on a notepad.

“Well, I think that’s all I wanted to ask. Thank you very much for coming ma’am.”

Ifemelu was scared. She didn’t know whether she just impressed him or completely lost all her chances to get the job. But she smiled. 

“When can I expect to hear from you?”, she asked while standing up.

“I’m not sure”, Mr Storms said, “I’ll have to talk with the rest of the recruiting team. Depending on the outcome, I’ll contact the CEO, but you can definetly expect to hear from us. By that, I mean at all. We’ve gotten a lot of applications from many different people, but, not to discourage you.”

“OK, thank you for your time. Good bye”, she said as she started walking out of the room.

Mr Storms nodded and smiled, but Ifemelu couldn’t see his facial expression behind his beard. Walking out of the building, she felt relieved. But she still wasn’t sure if she was good enough.

Ifemelu comes in, the job interviewer sits behind a desk.

I:  Good morning! 

They shake hands

J:  Oh my, what has she done to her hair?!

J:  Have a seat.

They sit down

J:  Uuum, so, where are you from? Certainly not from here.

I:  Originally I am from Tejuuosho, Nigeria, but now I live here.

J:  What about your Visa? Are you legally staying here? 

J:  My God, she probably walked here through Mexico.

I:  Why do they always ask this? As if I am some criminal

I:  Yes, I have a fitting work and study Visa.

J:  Sure. Okay. What do you want to study? Fashion definitely not, not with that hair.

I:  I want to get a college education. I am not entirely sure about my major yet, but I want to do something like media studies or journalism.

J:  Great. So, as we publish magazines, I suppose you’re here for some early experience. I have to say though, the job you’re applying for is only in the department packing, transmission and transport.

J:  What does she think, we’ll give her a job as journalist just to get our diversity rate up?

I:  Yes, I am aware of that.

J:  Okay, so we need somebody reliable, flexible and dedicated. Would you say those are character traits of yours?

I:  Yes, I am very committed. I left my home for this chance.

J:  Oh my, maybe she better have stayed there. Not sure she’ll get a job here. Not with that hair.

J:  Right.

I:  Shoot, did I say something wrong? I just meant to show my dedication.

J:  So, were do you see yourself in, let’s say, two years from now?

I:  My dream is that by then I’m at college, working at the side, living college life a little.

J:  Working at the side? So you don’t think college is time consuming?

I:  No, I just want to pay my bills. I’ll manage it somehow, you now, I am willing to cross out the parties and stuff for this chance.

J:  Wow, that is some dedication. Maybe she is the right one for us.

J:  Okay, do you have any further questions? Otherwise you’ll hear from us in about two weeks.

I:  Great. Thank you!

J:  Bye..    Let’s see who is up next..

I:  Goodbye!    That did not went too bad. Something was off though. Maybe she didn’t like my hair.

Ifemelu leaves the room.

J: Job Interviewer

(...): Thoughts 

Ifemelu walks in, the job interviewer looks up at her.

I: Good morning! 

(J: What is going on with her hair. I don’t know what to say. This is not suitable for this job.)

J: Hello and welcome to our company! What was your name again?

I: I’m Ifemelu. Thank you for having me here today.

(J: What kind of name is that...? Where is she from?)

(I: I don’t feel so well this isn’t going to end good. I see the way she looks at me and my hair.)

J: Sure. Please sit down and tell me a little bit about yourself, like where are you from?

(I: Why is this always the first Question? I don’t get it.)

I: I come from Nigeria and a few months ago I came to America to live and work here.

(J: Ah now I see why the hair and this awkward name.)

J: Well, well that sounds nice. Okay so why should we especially hire you for this job?

I: I am really hardworking and structured. I love to work with other people and I learn and adapt fast.

(J: This was so standard. That’s what everyone that comes here tells me.)

J: Mhh, it seems to be that you are like every other person I interviewed today. Everyone is telling me the same things.

(I: Oh, that doesn’t sound good. I think I screwed this up.)

J: So then tell me where you see yourself in five years?

I: I see myself in a hardworking place. I want to get involved in this company and have a respected position.

I really like the concepts of this company and would love to work for you.

(J: That doesn’t sound to bad. I like her attitude.)

(I: I hope I said the right thing. This woman seems a little bit racist.)

J: Do you think you would be limited because of the colour of your skin?

(I: What is this question??)

I:  No I don’t think so. Why should I? I am not just my skin colour. I Have so many quality’s but all you see is my skin colour? I’m sorry if this sounded disrespectful but I’m sick of being reduced to my skin colour and origin.

(J: Wow that were some straight words I like that.)

J: Alright thank you, I Think that was enough for now. Thank you for coming here. You can expect to hear from us.

(I: Dang it, I really screwed that up.)

I: Thank you for having me. Have a great day.

J: You too. Goodbye.

I: Goodbye 

(J: I really like this girl, but I don’t know if it would be good for our image to have someone like her I mean with her hair and her origin in our company. That wouldn’t look good in our company.)