Jake has been stuck in the same entry-level position since he was hired nine years earlier. But with his supervisor recently promoted to senior management, he feels confident that he will be selected for her vacated position.
But when the day of the interview comes, he is surprised to see Anna waiting in the reception area. Anna had been his intern the previous summer. “Oh, hi, Jake!” She says when he approaches. “How wonderful to see you again!”
“How have you been?” Jake asks, making polite small talk.
“Really good!” Anna replied. “I just graduated college, and hadn’t quite figured out my next steps yet. So I was thrilled when the company reached out and invited me to interview for Patricia’s position.”
Jake couldn’t believe it; he was competing against his intern for the promotion?!?
Before they could talk further, Veronica Mitchell, who was leading the hiring committee, approached them. Anna stood up to share her hand, and Jake found himself dwarfed by the two women.
“Jake, Anna! Good to see that you’re both here. As you know, we’re looking to backfill Patricia’s position as unit supervisor.”
Veronica bent down and put an affectionate hand on Jake’s shoulder. “Your hard work over the past several years has not gone unnoticed, Jake.”
“Thank you, Ms. Mitchell!” he replied, looking up proudly at her.
She straightened back up and turned turn to the other candidate. “And Anna, you really blew us all away when you interned with us last summer. We were so excited when you agreed to come in and meet with us about this position.”
“That’s really nice of you to say, Ronnie!”
“Ronnie” was Ms. Mitchell’s nickname, used by the other women in upper management. Jake had no idea that Anna was on a first name basis with her. He himself would have never dared to be so familiar with one of his superiors.
“Before we get started, do either of you have any questions?” Ms. Mitchell asked.
“I do, actually, Ronnie. Is there anything specific you’re looking for in the ideal candidate for this position?”
Ms. Mitchell smiled. “Great question, Anna! While a track record of relevant experience would definitely be an asset, it’s not the main thing we’re looking for. What we want most is someone who projects authority. The ideal candidate should exude a commanding presence and have a confident, assertive demeanor that naturally garners respect from team members. We want someone that the unit can look up to.”
In a world where women are twice as tall as men, what chance does Jake really have to get the job?
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