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Anna's New Start · Episode 11: The Interview October 10, 2026 · 5:24 · With Narrator, Ms. Lopez, Anna, and Sam
Anna attends her interview for a breakfast assistant position at the Harbor Lane Hotel. She learns about the work schedule and makes a practical decision about the next step.
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Narrator You’re listening to Anna’s New Start, a fictional continuing story about Anna building a new life in a new city and looking for work. Anna has an interview this morning at the Harbor Lane Hotel. After a printer problem, she and Sam went to the library, and she has one copy of her resume with her. Ms. Lopez Good morning. You must be Anna. I’m Ms. Lopez, the breakfast manager. Did you find us all right? Anna Good morning, Ms. Lopez. Yes, thank you. I came by bus. I’m glad I arrived a few minutes early. Ms. Lopez Good. Please, have a seat. And you brought a resume. That’s helpful. Anna I have one copy. I wanted to bring more, but the printer at the copy shop stopped working. I found a library and printed this one. Ms. Lopez You made it work. That matters. We can look at it together. I see you’ve helped prepare food and serve customers before. Anna Yes. I helped at a small café. I made simple breakfast dishes, kept the tables clean, and listened carefully when customers had questions. Ms. Lopez What do you think is most important when a breakfast room gets busy? Anna Staying calm, I think. I would listen to the customer, then do one thing at a time. If I’m not sure, I would ask someone instead of guessing. Ms. Lopez That’s a good answer. We serve guests from six-thirty until ten. Some mornings are quiet, and some are very busy. The shift starts at five-thirty. Could you get here that early? Anna I think so. I’m learning the bus routes now. I would need to check whether the first bus comes early enough. If it doesn’t, I’ll need another plan. Ms. Lopez That’s sensible. We don’t want anyone to promise something before checking. Do you have any questions about the work? Anna Yes. Would I work in the kitchen, or with the guests in the dining room? Ms. Lopez A little of both. You’d help set up the room, refill coffee, clear tables, and help the kitchen during the rush. We train new people. You wouldn’t be alone on your first morning. Anna I like that. I’m comfortable speaking with customers, and I’d be happy to learn the hotel’s way of doing things. Ms. Lopez The position is part-time, about four mornings each week. The days can change from week to week. Would that fit your schedule? Anna It could. I’m moving into a room on Saturday, so I’ll have a new address. I can come in on the days we agree on. I’d just need to know the schedule ahead of time when possible. Ms. Lopez That sounds reasonable. We usually post the schedule a week in advance. And congratulations on finding a room. Moving can take a lot of energy. Anna Thank you. I’m looking forward to having a place of my own, even if it’s just one room. I want to be dependable at work and keep my promises. Ms. Lopez That’s important here. I’m meeting a few applicants this week. I expect to make a decision by Monday. If we offer you the position, would you be able to start next week? Anna Yes, I would. I can start next week. Should I call you, or will you contact me? Ms. Lopez I’ll call you Monday afternoon. If you haven’t heard from me by four, you can call the hotel and ask for me. Is the number on your application still good? Anna Yes, it is. I’ll keep my phone close on Monday. Thank you for explaining the job so clearly. Ms. Lopez You’re welcome. You have a thoughtful way of answering questions, Anna. I’m glad the printing problem didn’t keep you from coming in. Anna Me too. I was worried when the machine stopped, but I found another way. Thank you for your time, Ms. Lopez. Sam How did it go? You were in there a while. I was beginning to think the interview had become a full breakfast shift. Anna It went well, I think. The job is four mornings a week, and the shift starts at five-thirty. I need to check the early bus before I can be sure about getting there. Sam We can check the route when we get back to the library. You don’t have to solve every part today. What did she say about the decision? Anna She’ll call Monday afternoon. I feel good about the interview. I also feel good that I asked about the schedule before saying yes to everything.