by Conny Manero

Created on: August 21, 2009

When I noticed the ad that the President of a mining company needed an assistant, I was quick to apply. I sent my resume and highlighted in my cover letter that I had worked in the mining industry for many years.

When I got invited for an interview, I was surprised to find the company building in a rather dilapidated state. The mining company I had worked for previously was based in a steel and glass high rise, housing some 700 employees.

Still, not all mining companies are big companies, so I went inside and climbed the squeaking steps to the second floor.

In what had to pass for the reception area, an elderly woman peered at me over her half-moon glasses.
"Good morning, I have a two o'clock appointment with Mr. Hart," I informed her.

She dutifully picked up the phone. "Your two o'clock is here," she spoke with a tired sigh.

A man resembling Humpty Dumpty came to greet me and introduced himself as Fred Hart, President of the company. So this was to be my boss.

For the next two hours he grilled me regarding my education and experience.
I provided him with all the answers and was rewarded with the words "You've got the job. Can you start tomorrow?"

I went home in seventh heaven. I had a job!

This feeling of elation was soon to end. No sooner did I report for work the next day or my new boss informed me of the rules of the company.

Trousers were not allowed. The female staff could only wear dresses or skirts, with a hem above the knee.

Shirts and blouses had to have long sleeves.

Stockings had to be worn at all times, no pantyhose.

Only court shoes were allowed and had to have a minimum of a two inch heel.

Jewellery had to be kept to a minimum.

Full make-up had to be worn every day and was to be regularly touched-up.

Hair had to be worn off the face.

Perfume, scented body lotion or scented hand cream was not allowed.

There was no air-conditioning in the office and windows were not to be opened.

Fred Hart wanted his tea served at precisely 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. at the exact temperature of 194 degrees, in a white cup on a white saucer, with one flat spoon of sugar and six drops of milk. A temperature gauge and milk dispenser was to be found in the kitchen.
His beverage had to accompanied by two coconut cookies.

According to Fred Hart, the company upheld the highest standards and failing to meet those standards was cause for immediate dismissal. He would overlook my linen trousers and sleeveless top today, but as from

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