I had my first job interview with Niels, one of the two founders of the company. He was also the one to tell me the Board’s decision immediately after the third job interview last Friday. Bear in mind that all three interviews went very well, I hit it off excellently with the three CEOs, and I felt confident the job was in the pocket.

“I won’t beat around the bush,” said Niels, “we’ve decided not to continue this job application procedure with you.”

I had two or three seconds in which to pick up my jaw, defib my heart, and let my mind run through all the possible reasons why they would discontinue the procedure, even though I was the only candidate for the job, and three consecutive interviews went all but perfectly, before Niels said:

“Instead, we’ll make you an offer right now.”

I had to pick myself up off the ground before I could shake his hand…