Write the Beginning of a Job Interview

A full job interview would have taken me much longer than the prescribed half-hour. So here's the beginning of one.

Marvin walked into the room and shook hands with Mr. Trotter.

“Good morning, Mr. Andrews. Elijah. Nice to have you come in.”

“Good morning, sir… er –“

“Please, you may call me Elijah. And may I call you –” Elijah Trotter looked at Marvin’s resume before Marvin had a chance to speak, then looked Marvin in the eye as they both said “Marvin” simultaneously, the former with the appropriate questioning tilt and the latter almost rushing.

“Yes, of course, certainly, thank you –”

“Good – that is always an important piece. Please, have a seat. I’ll be interviewing you this morning. Is there anything I can get you, first – coffee, tea, you know, that sort of thing?”

“Um –”

“Do let me know, anything you want.”

“Um, I’m actually a little thirsty –”

“Did they not offer you any water at the desk?”

“I, actually, I arrived right at 9:00, and they ushered me right in.”

“Oh – perfect. Well, hold on a minute.” Elijah picked up his phone. “Hello Harold. Fine, everything’s fine. Would you please bring Mr. Andrews a bottle of water? Thank you.” He hung up the phone. “He’ll be here any minute. So, tell me about yourself.”