Until 2 weeks ago I was pro honesty but something happened
to me which got me thinking, is honesty really the best policy?
So in October, I came across a certain position in
one of the leading International NGO’s that I qualified for.
Without any
hesitation, I applied for the position and a week later was called in for an
interview.
On the day of the interview, I wore my best outfit
and my expensive heels (Which I only wear
during interviews). On this day, I had carried all my courage and polished
on my English since this was my first interview in almost 2 years.
The interview went on smoothly and just before we
concluded 3 questions stood out.
Interviewer: Do you have any dependant?
Me: (I grind
my teeth as I debated with myself whether to be honest or not, but my voice of
reason won the debate)
Yes, I have a daughter who is 7 months old.
The interviewer noted something down and asked
whether she is still breastfeeding and who would take care of her if I had to
travel. In the spirit of honesty, I give her adequate information in regards to
my daughter.
Interviewer: Do you have any major financial
obligations?
Me: (For this
question no debate was needed. The monthly updates from HELB were fresh in my
mind)
Yes, I have an outstanding HELB loan which I have
not started paying.
This question did not require additional information
because she quickly jumped to the question that gave me butterflies in my
stomach.
Interviewer: Are you in a relationship?
Me: (I had
exposed too much already and I did not want more personal questions so I was
looking for a smart answer)
No
We quickly had a chit chat off the record because
she was interested in understanding my situation.
To cut the story short, I got the job and was told
the reporting day. Due to my motherly instincts I went ahead to write an email seeking
clarification on the location and leaving arrangements. No reply came for days
but a call came 2 days before the reporting day.
The message was clear and painful: ‘Unfortunately, you
cannot join the program because of your baby’. I could not believe what was
going on which led to a heated conversation.
Being a Christian, the born-again type and filled
with the spirit, The Holy spirit communicated to me and I felt that I should end
the conversation. So I accepted my fate and asked her to give the opportunity
to someone else.
That is how I lost a great opportunity by being
honest. Despite the experience if I had a do over, I will go with honesty every
other day.
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