Finding the Golden Ticket

The afternoon that I received an email from my sister that read “I think they’re looking for you” with a link to the Adecco CEO For One Month challenge, was a very ordinary one. Initially, I thought she's joking; CEO of Adecco!? For a month!? There had to be a catch.

Turns out my fears were unwarranted. All I had to do was apply online, fill in my details and upload my CV. Adecco then evaluated these credentials and shortlisted candidates for an assessment round. Here, my quick thinking, general concepts and common sense were tested. The wait for results was agonizing. Once I crossed that round, I had my first telephonic interview with Adecco. It was a grilling test of my knowledge, skills and achievements. It was conducted very professionally and neutrally and I could not gauge their reaction to any of my responses. All I can honestly say is, I gave it my best. I was informed the results would be announced in two days and if further shortlisted, I would be called to attend the next round. Soon enough, I received an email inviting me to a face-to-face interview: my first in Adecco's office premises.  This was not your traditional interview, where intimidating people sit across from you, frowning at every sentence you say. On the contrary, I was made to feel at ease. I was given an opportunity to explain why I am a good fit at Adecco ME. I was also allowed to freely question the CEO For One Month campaign, the Adecco way of working and the company culture.

My first impression of Adecco was that of a professional and friendly environment, where no idea is shot down, where being a mentor is favoured over being a boss, where I would be welcomed to work and give my best. I definitely left the building hoping fervently that I would be selected, though I had butterflies in my stomach and a pounding heart as I walked out the door. A few days later, I was notified that I had qualified for the next round, and had an assessment to complete. This was honestly the most difficult stage I had to face. My reasoning, quick thinking, logical concepts and attention to details were all pitted against a timer. I honestly do not remember being under so much pressure and was exhausted by the end of it. Again, I had a waiting period, which I used to brush up on business concepts, financial concepts and any other areas where I felt I was lacking. Adecco would communicate with me at every round, via email and phone. This helped me greatly, as it was good to have proof that I wasn’t dreaming! I was not too sure of passing the last round, as I found myself constantly oscillating between the possibility of triumph and the self-loathing worry of rejection, thus when I got the call for a personal interview, it was almost surprising.

There I was, back at Adecco for the last interview, a bundle of nervous energy. I had been informed that this was an interview with the CEO, and I was determined to put my best foot forward. I was grilled on everything I knew: from business, to ethics, to situational decisions to creative thinking. It was a long process and I worked hard to do justice to my presence and to my possible future role. I was treated with patience, professionalism and encouragement throughout. I left knowing that even if I did not achieve the CEO For One Month, I had discovered a new benchmark for any company I wanted to work for. I had a taste of an organized, growing, accomplished workplace with a very professional work environment and I could no longer settle for less. For my next round I was asked to create a short 3 minute video, explaining the campaign and why I am a good fit for Adecco ME, while my final challenge had me build a social media campaign. This was shared on social media, with twitter being the foremost platform. Shortly after, I was called into the office again for another round, and I spent my rest days catching up on the business news and brushing up on local events which were of interest. At arriving, I was directed to a conference room at the Adecco ME office, and as soon as I walked into the room, people started clapping and cheering! It took me a while to understand I had been chosen and for the reality of this to sink in. This was not an interview round, this was my welcome-to-AdeccoME-round! I felt overwhelmed as they formally announced me as CEO For One Month and asked me to give a speech to everyone present. I could barely manage a thank you speech; my mind was blank, engulfed wih happiness and surprise. I found myself darting to my father, who was patiently waiting at the reception and I leaped with joy as I hugged him, informing him about the wonderful news.

The entire experience, from the assessments to the interviews, to finally winning has taught me to look beyond the obvious, to think out of the box and to deliver consistently. Rightly said, you need to dare to dream as nothing is impossible. For all of you out there, I’d really like you to use my experience and apply for every opportunity that comes by. Don’t shy away from tasks out of self-doubt or the worry of hard work, you really never know what an opportunity it may turn out to be. I am extremely excited to be at such a wonderful organization and to be mentored by Romain Liot. The CEO For One Month is the best learning opportunity I could ever have and I intend to make the best of it.