The department head scoffed, then casually asked, "Any internships recently?"
"Yes, my most recent internship was with a classmate at an advertising company, working as a copywriter and client liaison."
Copywriter and client liaison? The department head found the two roles somewhat unrelated and more dismissively said, "Elaborate."
Tong An'an did not embellish her qualifications, nor did she know any interview techniques. She honestly recounted her work process and limited experience.
The supervisors simultaneously showed expressions of having already judged her case.
Given her education, work experience, and personality, she was only suited for roles like copywriting, logistics, or secretarial work. Venturing out into sales was simply not for her.
"How about this. You go back and wait for news. We'll discuss it and call you with the result."
Tong An'an's eyes darkened completely. She knew this interview had failed again.
Her timid personality, coupled with her unsuitable major, made her unfit for this position.
Moreover, the competition at Zhan's Group was excessively fierce.
She could have thanked them and left at this point, but she suddenly felt frustrated and resentful of herself.
Why was everyone else so confident and assertive, while she had to be timid and hesitant?
She wasn't inferior; she had always been praised by her teachers at school.
With many thoughts in her mind and passion for work, she believed she wouldn't lose to anyone if given a chance.
Why wouldn't anyone give her a chance?
So after the supervisor finished speaking, she didn't rush to leave. Instead, she stood up, bowed respectfully, and spoke with neither subservience nor arrogance.
"I know there's a stereotype about sales, that one must be eloquent and have a bold, assertive personality, but I don't think so."
"The way young people, or rather, the new generation of young consumers, interact has long since changed from before."
"When I was at school, I conducted a survey with my advisor. The backbone of the internet, aged 18-45, who are active online, like to label themselves as socially anxious."
"People increasingly prefer solitude and dislike being oversold."
"For instance, many of my friends share a common trait: they like going to buffets and shopping at unmanned convenience stores because they don't want to be accompanied by service staff or have sales personnel enthusiastically push products on them, creating pressure."
"Of course, I'm not saying that every salesperson should suppress their edge and become a sales method that leaves things to fate like an unmanned vending machine."
"Rather, I think shouldn't we match different types of salespeople to different types of clients?"
"As long as one has solid professional knowledge, can connect well with clients, perfectly answer all their questions, and handle issues effectively, they can still become a good salesperson, can't they?"
Unexpectedly, at the very end, she presented such a profound opinion.
Those who reached the middle and senior management levels at Zhan's Group were all seasoned professionals over 35.
They might be momentarily taken aback by her words, but not for long.
After hearing her speak, they exchanged glances, smiled, and one supervisor said,
"Your words have some merit, and we will consider your suggestions. However, please do not delay others. Kindly return and await notification."
Although it was still a death sentence, she felt she had done her best by expressing her thoughts, and had no regrets.
Tong An'an bowed sincerely to everyone again and prepared to leave.
Jiang Jingyu, who had been leaning against the back and silent, suddenly stood up slowly.
"Zhan's Group emphasizes diverse hiring. The company has too many elites, all of whom are arrogant and refuse to yield to each other. If this continues, the team might face problems."
"What this student said is good: facing different clients requires matching different types of salespeople. As long as they are diligent and hardworking, it doesn't matter if they aren't as dazzling."
"Your interview style is too conventional. Continuing this way will cause the company to lose diverse talents. You should also reflect on yourselves."
Hearing their CEO speak, everyone hurriedly stood up, showing surprise.
They thought: He never cared about these matters before. Why is President Jiang here today? And why is he saying words of retention to an unremarkable interviewee?
Could it be that this person has a connection with him?
Similarly, Tong An'an on the other side was also a bit puzzled.
She felt Jiang Jingyu looked somewhat familiar, but couldn't recall where she had seen him.
Seeing everyone's respect for him, he must be a significant figure.
She thought to herself: Perhaps I've seen him in a magazine or news report, otherwise, I wouldn't feel familiar with such an important person.
Seeing everyone standing respectfully and looking at him, Jiang Jingyu didn't want to make the atmosphere too awkward. He walked forward, patted the shoulder of the sales vice president, and said with a smile,
"No one is destined for a certain position from birth; everyone needs to learn. Be good at discovering the shining points in others, and don't just focus on their flaws. Thank you for your hard work; you may continue."
With that, he left the conference room under everyone's gaze.
His assistant walked briskly beside him back to the president's office. As they neared the door, he suddenly remembered.
"I was wondering why that person looked so familiar. We've met her before! President Jiang, do you remember? The Hao Wei Restaurant in Shuangqiao Town."
"That Tong An'an just now, we ate at her family's place!"
Jiang Jingyu thought to himself: You only remember now.
But he denied it verbally, "What Shuangqiao Town? What restaurant? I don't remember."
Tong An'an, who had been sentenced to death and was supposed to wait two days for interview results even if she passed, was mistaken for having connections and was immediately approved.
She was officially to report for duty the following Monday.
Tong An'an was stunned.
It wasn't until she left the Zhan's Group building and looked back from afar at the magnificent structure that she belatedly covered her mouth and let out an excited scream.
She got into Zhan's Group! She was hired by Zhan's Group, defeating numerous high-achieving candidates!
Heavens, when paths seem blocked, a new vista opens!
As long as she doesn't give up on herself, life still holds hope!
She immediately took a car home to report the good news to her mother and to pack her bags to come to Nancheng, preparing for her new job.
She arrived home past one in the afternoon. Her brother, who drove a taxi and ate meals irregularly, had just returned for lunch.
Since her mother didn't have much concept of Zhan's Group, she wasn't very excited after hearing the good news. It was her brother who kindly spoke a few words for her.
"Zhan's Group, that's impressive. I didn't expect them to make an exception for you, a history major. Several times I've driven guests who were masters from various prestigious universities, and they were still rejected."