An other day, I had a job interview in a restaurant, which was a group interview. I got to the restaurant and asked a waitress for the manager. The waitress immediately knew why I came and then told me to get to the upstairs pointing with her index finger to a room surrounded by glass walls. In that special room approximately 14 people were sitting for the same reason, all from different countries and majority of them were in late twenties. I had experience of work interview before in which I was often asked just normal questions such as how long I have been in here, when my visa will expire, etc,. I was expecting the same interview because I applied for a kitchen hand that doesn't need special interview, but this time was thoroughly different. When I got to the other candidates to join, they were all writing their signature and email address in a list, and therefore everyone had a their name written label on their chest. After I signed in the list, I took a new label and then wrote my short name on it and stuck it to my chest. Shortly, the manager came and introduced herself as well as the restaurant. After her speech, she wanted us to introduce ourselves. I had done this kind of introduction countless times since I had came. It was a piece of cake. Subsequently, she divided the group into two teams. The one stayed in the same place, while the other moved to a another room. The manager girl stayed with us as an our team advisor. The first thing we all were asked was that what your best customer service experience was. The second thing is to list ideal words for the best customer service, then to choose the most important three of them. The last task for two team was to great a party brochure which could attract people most. Our team made a Christmas party on a normal A3 poster. But the other team's work was much more creative than ours. They made an envelope with coloured paper and all the information was written inside. At the very end, the manager's assistant called couple of people's names and asked them to stay and the rest to follow him. I was among those whose name was not called. It obvious that we were out of the game. As far as I was concerned, the manager chose a few people who have an initiative and are creative.
What I learned from this is to be a competitor. In fact, I don't compete hard and push myself. Instead I just give up easily. It may be because of my upbringing. I am very gentle, maybe too gentle. What's more, I often avoid communication. For example, when it comes to sit in table, I immediately choose a chair at the the corner of table, which is not suitable position to talk to others. Besides, I should talk to people in loud voice, so everyone can hear me. Don't miss the opportunity to get someone special's attention. If you don't do this, you will always miss the chance to succeed, even if you are a smart or clever, whatever. Just be clever.