Disclaimer: I do not own The Hobbit
Bilbo wasn't exactly new to the whole job hunting thing. He'd spent a long time dealing with pink slips and job hunting. He didn't exactly know why, he'd been fired for various reasons, most of which he had no control over. But he didn't like to dwell, instead turning his mind to the hunt. He'd applied for a lot of jobs but when he saw the add, it was like something in him clicked and he knew. It was a small add, and a blunt one, not offering very much information. Bilbo blindly applied, not searching for more information on the job, instead just forging ahead blindly. They were his first call back from the countless job applications he'd put in over the weekend and he'd scheduled an interview for Monday. He thought maybe his luck was finally picking up. He didn't exactly want for money, he was financially well off, his lack of current income not being something to stress over, having the stable and sturdy cushion to fall back upon, it was the need for something to do.
When the time for the interview came, he stepped into the room and was suddenly feeling nervous and a bit insecure. What if that click meant this was the job, and he blew it? But then the older man in the fancy chair behind the fancy desk spun around and his quizzical white hair and kind face put Bilbo at ease. "Bilbo Baggins I presume?" The man said standing and offering his hand. Bilbo shook it before taking a seat.
"Yes, I'm pleased to meet you." Bilbo responded.
"My name's Balin. Are you prepared to start the interview?" He asked, sitting back in his chair and shuffling a few papers on the desk before him.
"Yes." Bilbo answered decisively. He knew the customary questions asked during these kinds of things and used the few hints Balin dropped to gain some idea on the job he'd applied for. It was a family owned and run company that owned a crop of mines. They were looking for someone to serve as secretary to one of the heads of the family while he took care of his assigned forge and the largest of the mines. By the end of the interview Bilbo was sure he'd done well and knew the job was something he could do, he'd been secretary to many a high ranking boss before. Balin stood, smiling and offered his hand once more.
"Thank you for your time Mr. Baggins, and I think this will be a perfect fit for you." He said smiling before his face became suddenly very serious and he used their connected hands to pull Bilbo into precariously leaning across the desk. "He's stubborn as a mule and rather rude." Balin whispered conspiratorially before releasing him. Bilbo smiled weakly before hurrying from the room. When he got home he debated resigning his application but steeled himself, remembering the click as he poured himself a nice cup of tea before sitting down to research the company.