Being Interviewed for a Job

Stuart Peat was a trainee civil servant in the fast stream for promotion to Principal grade. He was one of the oldest people still in the training grade, and felt he was ready for promotion; he had already been passed over two or three times, and had expressed his view that the promotion system was unsatisfactory. But when the next list for Promotion Board interviews came out, his name was missing. He was not even being considered. Stuart decided to exercise his right to demand an interview. It took place on the day he always met his sister, Sue, for a lunchtime drink. Stuart walked into the pub looking ashen. ‘I don’t have to ask how it went,’ said Sue. ‘No,’ answered Stuart, ‘it was a disaster. They didn’t ask a thing about why I thought the system was bad; as soon as I walked in, they kept on about it. What would I do if I were given a free hand to put it right? For a whole hour. I was at a loss for words- must have looked a complete idiot.’