show me da money

I shocked myself today. Yes peeps, I went to Kuwait Finance House for a job interview this morning. Now I can't really tell you why exactly... A bank? I've never imagined that I'd even consider working at a bank. Me and banks are like oil and water. But I figured I need the money so bad (I asked for quite a chunk from what I'm paid now) AND I think the most important thing is that, I WANT TO FACE MY FEARS.

I've always been terrified working for a financial institution. The only thing I know about finances is - SHOPPING! So here I am applying for a Corporate Comm managerial post at Malaysia's largest Islamic bank. Whenever I draft press releases and something financial comes up, it's straight to the finance people - I don't even bother trying to understand the NAVs, EPS, P&L what have you. Whenever I write drafts for the annual report, I had to read line by line - revenue, turnover, EBITDA and it will take me a while to digest them. When it comes to the bullshitting and the operations review, I'm faster than a speeding bullet.

But the interview was interesting, I got asked (among many other questions):

1. Why did you minor in Theology and Art History?

I answered: Because I went to a Catholic school and instead of succumbing to people's worse fears that you will become Catholicised, I found renewed love and interest for Islam.
I wanted to say: Because I am, deep down, a freaking hippie.

2. How do you tackle difficult people? How do you convince them to believe in something?

I answered: Engineers are definitely difficult people to work with, but what you have to do is be friends with them first. Then try to persuade them without actually blatantly persuading them. You've gotta speak highly of their opinions, make them believe that you take them seriously and then go in for the kill. (without actually going in for the kill) Apa aku cakap ni????
I wanted to say: I can put on a dress with a plunging neckline and bat my eyelashes like a damsel in distress.

3. Why do you want to leave your current job?

I answered: I have to be honest with you, it's all about the money.
I wanted to say: Because Rxxhixx is a f*cked up place to work in and in spite of all the good news you read in the papers, I haven't had a bonus in two freaking years. But then again, I didn't wanna badmouth the company.

I think I didn't do too well on the interview - I was overly talkative (lupa diri sekejap), I might be overselling myself and I kinda lost that firm first handshake because I was waiting for too darn long in that tiny interview room.

It's ok, I'd have to purchase headscarves if I get this job :)