Grandpa Versus The Internet

A nervous teenager, maybe sixteen, walks into our store holding a physical résumé. He approaches the service desk, looking miserable.

Teen: “Um… hi. I was wondering if I could speak to a manager and give them my résumé?”

I glance over from where I’m helping a customer. My coworker gives the kid a kind smile.

Coworker: “Aw, thanks, but actually we only accept applications online now. It’s all done through our website. Would you like the link?”

The kid nods, clearly deflating. He takes the link from my coworker and heads back out the automatic doors.

The next day, the teen is back. Same résumé. Same awkward line.

Teen: “Hi… I was wondering if I could speak to the manager and give them my résumé?”

This time it’s me behind the counter.

Me: “Hey, no worries, but yeah, we don’t take paper résumés anymore. You’ll want to apply online.”

He forces a smile, nods again, and walks back out. Within minutes, he’s back again, stuttering out a request to speak to the manager. He clearly does not want to. 

At this point, I can’t help myself.

Me: “Hey, buddy. You’ve been in a few times now. Can I ask, why the paper résumé? We really can’t accept them.”

He hesitates, then blurts out:

Teen: “My grandpa is outside. He won’t let me get back in the car until I hand it to the manager and shake their hand.”

I glance out the big front window. Sure enough, there’s an old man sitting in a beat-up pickup truck, arms crossed and watching like a hawk.

I sigh.

Me: “Hang on.”

I walk around the counter and wave the kid to follow me. Together, we step outside into the heat, where Grandpa is still glaring through the windshield. I give him a polite wave and approach the driver’s side.

Me: “Hi, sir. Just wanted to let you know that we really appreciate your grandson’s effort, but the hiring process is online now. It’s not that we don’t value in-person stuff, it’s just company policy.”

Grandpa: “Company policy, huh? Maybe for the average lazy kid, but walking in and making the manager notice you is how I got every job I ever had.”

Me: “Sir, I really have to be frank, but what you’re making your son do is definitely going to get him noticed but for all the wrong reasons. He needs to apply online like everyone else.”

Teen: “See, Grandpa, I told you.”

Grandpa: *Fuming.* “You need to toughen up. Stop letting people walk over you. Pull yourself up by your bootstraps, or don’t bother coming home!”

Before either of us can reply, he throws the truck in gear and drives off. The teen stands there, staring at the dust trail in the parking lot.

Me: “You okay?”

Teen: *Quietly.* “He… took my phone. Can I use the store phone to call my mom?”

Back inside, he calls his mom from the customer service desk and sits awkwardly nearby, hugging his backpack and trying not to look too stressed. I hand him a water bottle from the employee fridge. 

About ten minutes later, our store manager strolls by. He’s just gotten off a conference call and sees the teen waiting.

Manager: “Hey, who’s this?”

Me: “Long story. Kid’s tried to hand in a résumé three times in a row. His grandpa won’t let him come home unless he does it the old-fashioned way.”

My manager walks over to the kid and offers his hand.

Manager: “Well, I’m [Name], the store manager. You got that résumé?”

The teen fumbles it out of his bag and hands it over.

Manager: “You ever work a register before?”

Teen: “No, sir. But I’m good with computers, and I learn fast.”

Manager: “How about you come in for training Saturday morning?”

The teen blinks.

Teen: “Wait, really?”

Manager: *Smirking.* “You clearly want it. That’s more than I can say for half the people I interview.”

The teen sits back down, stunned. I hand him another water and sit next to him.

Teen: *Grinning, and a lot more relaxed.* “D*** it. Grandpa’s method actually worked.”

Me: “Yeah. But don’t ever tell him that!”