The bank was filling some Executive Trainee positions and since the incumbent “corpers” were already in the system, it was considered an easier recruitment process to employ them.
However, she said the branch I was at was going to retain ONLY one of us and there were talks among the higher ups about a star-performer at the branch called Folahan. The MD was willing to offer him an Assistant Banking Officer position (a step higher than entry level).
Aunty Felicia promised to ‘look into’ getting me a spot at another branch…she also wanted me to send her my CV so she could give to some of her friend’s within the Banking Industry. As she was about to hang up, she told me to also talk to my friends at other banks or companies that were recruiting and send my CV out.
Her last statement shattered any hope I had in getting a job through her connection. I was so used to the “I’ll help you but don’t stop seeking help” approach that I knew exactly what it meant and how it normally played out.
I was good at my job and a fast learner…I was hardworking, respectful and resourceful but Folahan was outstanding. He even helped the Public Sector Marketing Team close a deal of over half a billion Naira. He was temporarily moved from Operations to Marketing for just two weeks (Someone took time off to get married and they needed an extra hand).
Folahan went with them for the presentation and somehow wowed the person (at the Federal Ministry) in charge of releasing the funds to the bank. That was the fourth time they were meeting the man to no avail…but this time,
Folahan made all the difference with the way he answered questions.
It was rumored that Folahan’s approach was preferred to the supposedly experienced team lead of the unit and thus, they got the cheque/check. The check was personally handed to Folahan by the man at the Ministry with a promise of more as long as Folahan was the account officer. It was a big deal and the news found its way to the Head Office. That must be how the MD got to know about him.
How do you compete with that kind of person or record?
Even if I wanted to compete…he’s my boyfriend.
Would I just go back home and join the already saturated employment market?
I couldn’t stay at Abuja without a job, if I wanted to, where would I stay? NCCF only gave ACTIVE Corp members accommodation.
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