Sitting in the plush leather chair of the CEOâs office at the Harris Group was none other than Nolan.
He appeared utterly at ease, casually holding a manila folder. With an air of nonchalance, he glanced up at Ivyâs arrival. âSurprised to see me?â he quipped, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes.
âUh⦠not exactly,â Ivy managed, a sheepish grin spreading across her face. âI just didnât expect you to be the big boss of the Harris Group.â
Despite being familiar with the companyâs renowned name, Ivy had never connected the dots that Nolan was the scion at the helm of the enterprise. It dawned on her that she might have underestimated the breadth of his familyâs legacy.
âTake a seat. Weâre old friends, so no need for nerves,â Nolan said, gesturing gracefully to the chair across from him before returning his attention to the papers in his grasp.
Nodding, Ivy settled into the seat. âSo, Nolan, why did you ask to see me? Whatâs this all about?â
âDidnât you come to apply for a job here today? Whatâs wrong with having an old friend interview you?â
Nolanâs smile was easy as he set aside the folder and met her gaze.
Ivy briefly caught the contents of the folder. It was left open, revealing its contents her resume. So, from the get-go, Nolan had been perusing her resume!
How awkward.
Suddenly, Ivy felt a twinge of embarrassment. To make her resume stand out, she had embellished it with quite a few self-praising statements. Itâs one thing for a stranger to skim through those embellishments, but for Nolan-well, she wished the floor would swallow her up.
âIvy, youâve got a solid education. With a little experience, companies would be vying for you,â Nolan said, his tone reflecting a sense of loss for the untapped potential.
Ivy was a star student with a degree from a prestigious university-a commendable profile. However, her lack of work experience after graduation was a glaring gap on her resume, hampering her job search.
âYeah, Iâm aware that lack of experience is a weak spot for me,â Ivy sighed, the weight of her situation heavy in her voice. âBut how am I supposed to gain experience if no one will give me the first chance?â
The job market was indeed paradoxical. Companies sought young fresh faces but also demanded extensive experience. How could one have both?
Nolan nodded in agreement, acknowledging the conundrum. Yet that didnât mean he wasnât willing to break the cycle, âTrue talent shines through regardless of experience,â Nolan assured her. âAnd as it happens, our Harris Group branch is in dire need of someone with your potential.â He slid another folder towards her.
âHereâs some information about our branch. Take a look and see if joining us interests you.â
Ivy took the folder, a mix of flattery and astonishment swirling inside her.
Was Nolan implying that the Harris Group was willing to bring her on board?
Nolan smiled warmly. âIvy, if youâre up for it, Iâd like you to be our new Advertising Director. I trust in your abilities, and youâd be leading a team of young, dynamic members. I believe youâd all communicate well.â
Stunned, Ivy looked at him incredulously. âYou want me to be the Advertising Director? But⦠but I have no experience. How can you trust me with such a responsibility?â