Merlin had worked hard all through college and university to get himself a good education then having come top in his degree course he set about finding a job. Like many other graduates he was finding it hard. But in his case he was getting interviews, lots of them, but then came the sticking point. He would have to fill in the medical questionnaire. If he did it before the interview he wouldn't get an interview, whenever it was as soon as they read it medical history he suddenly found they weren't interested in him anymore. Of course he couldn't prove it was discrimination and even if he could he wouldn't do anything about it, after all his employer should be happy with their workforce. It was just that he was finding it hard to keep motivated, his mother told him there was a perfect job out there for him he just had to find it.
One spring morning he was headed to yet another interview, had it really been nine months since he got his exam results, he was on time, smartly dressed and even his hair was behaving itself. Walking into the building he reported to the reception as required "Hello my name is Merlin Emrys I've come for an interview for the Assistant PA's job."
The woman behind the desk smiled up at him "Second floor follow the signs" she told him "and good luck"
Smiling back he asked "Many going for it?"
"They are interviewing all day today and all day tomorrow, but good luck anyway"
"Thank you" he replied his heart sinking, he had no chance. Probably there to make up numbers or to make it look like they gave everyone a chance. He knew that had happened more than once to him already.
Merlin headed up the lift and followed the signs until he reached some seats. They were all empty, but he thought they would be as he had been warned the interview process would take over an hour. Looking at his watch he saw he was fifteen minutes early. If he was on time he should be through by three, in time to get home before the rush hour, even if the tube would be full of school kids. He wasn't sure which was worse, the youngsters with their bags slung over their backs, or the men in suits with their sharp edged briefcases. Either way he tended to get hit a few times before his stop.
After five minutes what Merlin thought was the previous interviewee came out of the door opposite and smiled a Merlin confidently, clearly sure he had got the job, before going towards the lift. It was a spot on his appointment time when he was called into the room. Merlin walked in to find five people sitting behind a long table in front of him and a single chair in front. He walked in and stopped "Good afternoon my name is Merlin Emrys" he smiled at them trying not to let his nerves show.
The woman who was sat in the middle smiled back at him "Good afternoon Mr Emrys please take a seat."
As Merlin sat down the woman in front of him smiled once more "Thank you for being on time, my name is Morgana La Fey I am Vice President of Pendragon and La Fey's, the gentleman on my right are Leon Knight one of the partners and Lance De Lac who is our CEO's P.A. who the appointee will be working closely with. To my left is Mithian Nemeth and Arthur Pen two of our lawyers. Mr Pen is taking place of our Human Resources Manager who couldn't make it today.
Merlin thought that all looted friendly enough, he was surprised they all seemed youngish, about forty, not a grey hair in sight. Merlin hoped that he could remain calm and not spoil his chances before he had begun. The interview seemed to be going well and was nearly at an end when Mr Pen spoke for the first time and asked the question he had been dreading. "I see from your resume that you had a year's break during college yet you make no mention of what you did in that time. We do ask for a complete record could you fill us in please"
"Personal issues Sir" Merlin said but he realised from the man's face that he wasn't going to let that pass as his eyebrows shot up, and although he didn't say anything he was clearly expecting Merlin to continue. "I spent several months in hospital following an accident, it took me a time to get back to normal"
It was Leon who spoke next "Sorry to hear that, but you did well to get your Master's degree so young. I see from your records you took all your exams at least two years ahead of time if not earlier, can I ask why you have decided on a career as a PA when you could clearly do more, you are after all only 24 "
Merlin knew he was now finished but he would go out calm and collected "My accident included a head injury that has left me with some residue affects, I decided after taking advice that this route was the best for me, but it also allows me to work in an area I find of personal interest and I think would be stimulating. I have been unable to find work due to my medical history yet I know I can do a good job for an employer all I ask is for the chance"
Morgana looked at him with interest, rather than putting her off she actually seemed interested. "Mr Emrys we would of course like to look into this in more detail we have a spare appointment tomorrow afternoon, would you mind seeing someone first and coming back then? I realise this is unorthodox but we want you to have a fair chance"
Merlin smiled at her "No I don't mind, but please don't humour me I am used to rejection at interviews"
"I am not humouring you, now would you please take a seat outside and you will be called to another room" Morgana stood up and shook his hand.
Merlin sat and waited for three quarters of an hour and was just about to go home, when he was approached by an elderly gentleman with grey hair and a twinkle in his eye. "Mr Emrys, My name is Dr Gaius Williamson sorry to be so late I got held up, would you please come with me."
The older man led Merlin down a level and into an office, the desk had piles of paper all over it and there was several heaps on the floor. The Doctor picked up a stack of papers that was sat on the chair in front of the desk. He put them on the floor to join the others.
"Sorry about all the paperwork it looks chaotic, but I know where everything is and I hate computers. Now I understand you have been for an interview today and Ms Le Fay wanted me to see you, I'm the companies Occupational Health Doctor. Ms Le Fay mentioned an accident and that you had had a year out of work. Now just to reassure you this is a very good firm, which does its utmost to hire people who they consider the best regardless of any impediments that might put others off." He paused to draw breath before continuing "Now I wonder if we could go through your medical history I will need you to sign a form so I can speak to your GP. Is that alright."
Merlin nodded, he was surprised at what he was being told, but if it gave him a chance he was all for it. He told the doctor about his injury "I was walking home one evening when a car shot across the zebra crossing and knocked me over, I went over the bonnet and sustained a head injury. I had ended up with a tear in the dura and a cerebrospinal fluid leak. I had to have surgery and unfortunately afterwards suffered from epilepsy. I am on medication and am now well controlled, having a fit approximately every six months, normally at night or times of high stress, although it did take a time to sort out the medication that suited me"
"Any other remaining problems?" the doctor asked "Do you have problems using computers?"
"No problems with computers the more up to date ones are fine as to other problems getting a job" Merlin blushed "Sorry to be flippant but it is proving to be a problem" He had found himself relaxing with the doctor.
"Ummm, getting interviews?" Gaius looked over his glasses.
"Sometimes but as soon as I fill in the medical form I suddenly get know where, I know I can do the jobs I'm going for and can't prove it's because of my medical history. The fact remains every job I've applied for that has asked for the form before interview I don't get one and I've had quite a few interviews where they have seemed impressed but after the form it's a no" Merlin looked at the doctor and realised how bitter he sounded. "Sorry you didn't need to know that."
"That's OK my boy I understand. Are you otherwise fit and well? Take any other medication?" the doctor asked him kindly.
"No to other medication, Dr Williamson, and I am otherwise fit and well I don't even seem to pick up the normal flu's and things, and as a positive I don't drink because of my medication so don't suffer from Monday morning hangovers"
"That's always a good point, By the way boy call me Gaius. Now I'll do your blood pressure weight etc. Then we can call this a day"
Once everything else was done Gaius turned to Merlin "I know your GP so I should be able to get confirmation from him by your interview tomorrow, and good luck and rest assured that this time it won't be your past medical history that upsets your chances"
Merlin stood up and shook the doctors hand "Thank you so much, I don't suppose you can give me any tips with the interview panel."
"Yes be yourself" Gaius grinned. "That should do it"
Merlin left the building on cloud nine and told his mother what had happened as soon as she got home from work.
"Well that's marvellous Merlin, good luck for tomorrow perhaps soon we can have a celebration party. I know you will get there in time, you just need to be positive, any firm should be glad to have you"