How Do You Scoop?

(text-colour:#f0e5bc)[You've been nervous about the interview all month. Several weeks of research, intense preparation, and taste-testing, have finally led you to this moment. You face a panel of four judges, each with a clipboard, pen, and a spoon laid in front of them. Judge 1 greets you. **“Hello, and welcome,”** she says. **“We just want to confirm, you are applying for the role of Ice Cream Developer?”**] (text-colour:#9c84bd)[**"Yes, indeed,"**] (text-colour:#f0e5bc)[you answer.] (click:"Yes, indeed,")[(text-colour:#9c84bd)[**"And what is your name?"**](text-colour:#f0e5bc)[ She asks you.]] (click:"And what is your name?")[(set: $name to (prompt: "What is your name?", ""))(text-colour:#f0e5bc)[The panel scratches on their clipboards. **"Thank you $name,"** Judge 3 pipes in. **“Just so you know, we've had more applicants than in our previous years, and we've been seeing some brilliant talent thus far.”** You keep composed, nodding and smiling. You've come too close to be intimidated by their scare tactics. **“That being said, if you do meet our expectations, you will be invited to join our team immediately, training under the most innovative ice cream empire in the world.”** You glance around at the demo cooking area, resembling a clean cut IKEA sample kitchen. Fancy mixers, expensive scoops, and superspeed freezers are at your disposal. Tubs of ice cream, jars of toppings, and pumps of syrups, are lined up along the counters. It all seems like a dream. Judge 3 continues, **“The interview will be composed of a combination of questions, and practical demonstrations where you can showcase your technical skills. Are you ready?”**] (text-colour:#9c84bd)[[**"Yes"**->Intro2]]]

(text-colour:#f0e5bc)[**"Okay $name,”** Judge 1 begins. **“Tell us why you’re unique. Why should we hire you?”**] (text-colour:#c2b7d2)[[[**“I trained in Ice Cream Creation at the Dutch Academy of Frozen Desserts, and I am ready to take the next step in my professional journey.”**-> Top chef]]] (text-colour:#9c84bd)[[[**“Both of my parents were Ice Cream Makers. And their parents. It's in my blood.”**->Family man]]] (text-colour:#724da3)[[[**“I want to see a change in the Ice Cream industry.”**->Innovator]]]

(text-colour:#f0e5bc)[**“Very impressive,”** responds Judge 4. The panel takes notes. Judge 4 moves on to explain the first challenge. **“For your first demonstration, you will be constructing a creative, and delicious flavour, using one base and one topping only. In front of you, there are**] (text-colour:#9c84bd)[**tubs of ice cream. **] [(click:"tubs of ice cream")+(text-colour:#f0e5bc)[**You will be given the choice of using one of the big three; chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry. Your choice of topping is where you will be able to let your imagination shine through. Finally, you will name your flavour appropriately. When you are ready, please begin.”** Which base do you choose? (text-colour:#c2b7d2)[[Chocolate->Chocolate]] (text-colour:#9c84bd)[[Vanilla->Vanilla]] (text-colour:#724da3)[[Strawberry->Strawberry]]]]

(text-colour:#f0e5bc)[**“How touching,”** responds Judge 4. The panel takes notes. Judge 4 moves on to explain the first challenge. **“For your first demonstration, you will be constructing a creative, and delicious flavour, using one base and one topping only. In front of you, there are**] (text-colour:#9c84bd)[**tubs of ice cream. **] [(click:"tubs of ice cream")+(text-colour:#f0e5bc)[**You will be given the choice of using one of the big three; chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry. Your choice of topping is where you will be able to let your imagination shine through. Finally, you will name your flavour appropriately. When you are ready, please begin.”** Which base do you choose? (text-colour:#c2b7d2)[[Chocolate->Chocolate]] (text-colour:#9c84bd)[[Vanilla->Vanilla]] (text-colour:#724da3)[[Strawberry->Strawberry]]]]

(text-colour:#f0e5bc)[**“That’s inspiring,”** responds Judge 4. The panel takes notes. Judge 4 moves on to explain the first challenge. **“For your first demonstration, you will be constructing a creative, and delicious flavour, using one base and one topping only. In front of you, there are**] (text-colour:#9c84bd)[**tubs of ice cream. **] [(click:"tubs of ice cream")+(text-colour:#f0e5bc)[**You will be given the choice of using one of the big three; chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry. Your choice of topping is where you will be able to let your imagination shine through. Finally, you will name your flavour appropriately. When you are ready, please begin.”** Which base do you choose? (text-colour:#c2b7d2)[[Chocolate->Chocolate]] (text-colour:#9c84bd)[[Vanilla->Vanilla]] (text-colour:#724da3)[[Strawberry->Strawberry]]]]

(text-colour:#f0e5bc)[Rich and velvety. You've always been a chocolate guy. Sticking to your roots. You use one of the beautifully crafted scoops to transfer the ice cream into the mixing bowl. You move nimbly, but make sure not to seem too hasty. The panels’ eyes are glued to your hands. You scan the various jars of elaborate toppings. There are endless possibilities to choose from. You are stuck between two. Which do you choose?] (text-colour:#c2b7d2)[[[Dark chocolate covered olives->C1]]] (text-colour:#9c84bd)[[[Sea salt smoked mint leaves->C2]]]

(text-colour:#f0e5bc)[Basic but classic, can’t go wrong with that. You use one of the beautifully crafted scoops to transfer the ice cream into the mixing bowl. You move nimbly, but make sure not to seem too hasty. The panels’ eyes are glued to your hands. You scan the various jars of elaborate toppings. There are endless possibilities to choose from. You are stuck between two. Which do you choose?] (text-colour:#c2b7d2)[[[Candied coconut slivers->V2]]] (text-colour:#9c84bd)[[[Ginger cookie crackle->V1]]]

(text-colour:#f0e5bc)[Fruity and refreshing. The shade of pink reminds you of your lover’s cheeks back home. You gave everything up to be here. You use one of the beautifully crafted scoops to transfer the ice cream into the mixing bowl. You move nimbly, but make sure not to seem too hasty. The panels’ eyes are glued to your hands. You scan the various jars of elaborate toppings. There are endless possibilities to choose from. You are stuck between two. Which do you choose?] (text-colour:#c2b7d2)[[[Rose infused rosemary->S1]]] (text-colour:#9c84bd)[[[Cubes of concentrated matcha->S2]]]

(text-colour:#f0e5bc)[You mix the base with the topping, and say a prayer. Hopefully this chocolatey delight will be a hit. Once mixed, you present each judge with a bowl of your creation. You tell them the name of your flavour.] (text-colour:#c2b7d2)[[[Chocolive->Flavour1]]] (text-colour:#9c84bd)[[[Just Plain Chocolate (to give the eater trust issues)->Flavour2]]]

(text-colour:#f0e5bc)[You mix the base with the topping, and say a prayer. Hopefully this chocolatey delight will be a hit. Once mixed, you present each judge with a bowl of your creation. You tell them the name of your flavour.] (text-colour:#c2b7d2)[[[Sweet and Salty Seduction->Flavour2]]] (text-colour:#9c84bd)[[[Elevated Edible Toothpaste->Flavour1]]]

(text-colour:#f0e5bc)[You mix the base with the topping, and say a prayer. You hope the final product isn’t //too //vanilla. Once mixed, you present each judge with a bowl of your creation. You tell them the name of your flavour.] (text-colour:#c2b7d2)[[[Vanilla Spice->Flavour1]]] (text-colour:#9c84bd)[[[Chilly Autumn Day->Flavour2]]]

(text-colour:#f0e5bc)[You mix the base with the topping, and say a prayer. You hope the final product isn’t //too //vanilla. Once mixed, you present each judge with a bowl of your creation. You tell them the name of your flavour.] (text-colour:#c2b7d2)[[[Coco Bliss->Flavour2]]] (text-colour:#9c84bd)[[[Vanilla Nut->Flavour1]]]

(text-colour:#f0e5bc)[You mix the base with the topping, and say a prayer. This could go either way. Once mixed, you present each judge with a bowl of your creation. You tell them the name of your flavour.] (text-colour:#c2b7d2)[[[Pink Fantasy->Flavour1]]] (text-colour:#9c84bd)[[[Strawberry, with a Twist->Flavour2]]]

(text-colour:#f0e5bc)[You mix the base with the topping, and say a prayer. This could go either way. Once mixed, you present each judge with a bowl of your creation. You tell them the name of your flavour.] (text-colour:#c2b7d2)[[[Perfect Match(a)->Flavour2]]] (text-colour:#9c84bd)[[[The Cosmo and Wanda->Flavour1]]]

(text-colour:#f0e5bc)[**“Interesting,”** Judge 1 exclaims. The judges try their first spoonfuls. They are impossible to read, barely offering any ounce of expression. They write down a few notes. Judge 3 breaks the silence. **“Okay, on to the next demonstration. In the freezer to your left, you will find three, already prepared, classic banana splits. Your job is to add one topping and one sauce to them. You may begin when you’re ready.”**] (text-colour:#9c84bd)[[[Ready->Sundae1]]]

(text-colour:#f0e5bc)[A classic banana split. It sounds simple, but it’s one of the hardest ice cream dishes to perfect. You knew they'd throw a curveball at you. You return to the toppings in search of something that will //wow// the judges. Something not too overbearing, but gently lingers on the palette after the bite. Something with a bold taste, but still compliments the banana flavour. What do you choose?] (text-colour:#c2b7d2)[[[Cinnamon sugar pretzel bites->Sauce1]]] (text-colour:#9c84bd)[[[Blueberry-yogurt covered raisin->Sauce2]]]

(text-colour:#f0e5bc)[A classic banana split. It sounds simple, but it’s one of the hardest ice cream dishes to perfect. You knew they'd throw a curveball at you. You return to the toppings in search of something that will //wow// the judges. Something not too overbearing, but gently lingers on the palette after the bite. Something with a bold taste, but still compliments the banana flavour. What do you choose?] (text-colour:#c2b7d2)[[[Mango popping boba->Sauce2]]] (text-colour:#9c84bd)[[[Orange zest->Sauce1]]]

(text-colour:#f0e5bc)[It’s a big risk, but it’s the kind of thing that would make you stand out in front of other candidates. Now onto the sauce to tie it together. You turn to the multitude of sauce pumps. What do you choose?] (text-colour:#c2b7d2)[[[Lemon infused olive oil->End1]]] (text-colour:#9c84bd)[[[Honey peanut creme->End2]]]

(text-colour:#f0e5bc)[It’s a big risk, but it’s the kind of thing that would make you stand out in front of other candidates. Now onto the sauce to tie it together. You turn to the multitude of sauce pumps. What do you choose?] (text-colour:#c2b7d2)[[[Black sesame->End1]]] (text-colour:#9c84bd)[[[Pistachio liqueur->End2]]]

(text-colour:#f0e5bc) [The panel each tries a bite of your concoction, again without any reaction. You wipe your sweaty palms on your apron. **“Alright, $name, that concludes our demonstration period,”** says Judge 3. You let out a sigh of relief under your breath. **“We will now ask you**] (text-colour:#9c84bd)[**one final question**](text-colour:#f0e5bc)["] (click:"one final question")[(text-colour:#f0e5bc)[**"Why do you want to join our company, as a top-notch Ice Cream Developer?”** You take a moment to gather your answer. This is make or break.] (text-colour:#c2b7d2)[[[“Ice cream is my passion, my everything. I eat sleep and breathe it.”->Job]]] (text-colour:#9c84bd)[[[“I’m actually lactose-intolerant. I’m the representation that the Ice Cream Industry needs.”->No job]]] (text-colour:#724da3)[[[“My best cow, Bessie, just passed away. The last thing I promised her was that I would make it big time. I need to do this, for the both of us.”->Job]]]]

(text-colour:#f0e5bc) [The panel each tries a bite of your concoction, again without any reaction. You wipe your sweaty palms on your apron. **“Alright, $name, that concludes our demonstration period,”** says Judge 3. You let out a sigh of relief under your breath. **“We will now ask you**] (text-colour:#9c84bd)[**one final question**](text-colour:#f0e5bc)["] (click:"one final question")[(text-colour:#f0e5bc)[**"Why do you want to join our company, as a top-notch Ice Cream Developer?”** You take a moment to gather your answer. This is make or break.] (text-colour:#c2b7d2)[[[“Ice cream is my passion, my everything. I eat sleep and breathe it.”->No job]]] (text-colour:#9c84bd)[[[“I’m actually lactose-intolerant. I’m the representation that the Ice Cream Industry needs.”->Job]]] (text-colour:#724da3)[[[“My best cow, Bessie, just passed away. The last thing I promised her was that I would make it big time. I need to do this, for the both of us.”->No job]]]]

(text-colour:#f0e5bc)[**“Thank you, $name,” Judge 4 exclaims. “The panel just needs a few minutes to discuss. We will be back shortly.”** The panel exits the room, leaving you in the demo kitchen, cluttered with the evidence of your ice cream making. You feel good about your performance, but there’s truly no way of knowing what the outcome will be. You wait anxiously for their ](text-colour:#9c84bd) [return.] (click:"return")[(text-colour:#f0e5bc)[After what feels like a decade, the panel and their clipboards re-enter the room. Still, no way of reading them. Judge 1 announces the ](text-colour:#9c84bd)[results.]] (click:"results")+(text-colour:#f0e5bc)[**"$name, we would like to congratulate you for your exceptional performance today. You have surpassed our standards. Your technique was impeccable, and your mixes were creative and quite yummy. We would love to have you on board with us.”** Your eyes start to well up with joyful tears. **“We are formally offering you the position of Ice Cream Developer.”** And just like that, all those years of practice, all that sacrifice, finally has paid off. You did it. //THE END//]

(text-colour:#f0e5bc)[**“Thank you, $name,”** Judge 4 exclaims. **“The panel just needs a few minutes to discuss. We will be back shortly.”** The panel exits the room, leaving you in the demo kitchen, cluttered with the evidence of your ice cream making. You feel good about your performance, but there’s truly no way of knowing what the outcome will be. You wait anxiously for their ](text-colour:#9c84bd) [return.] (click:"return")[(text-colour:#f0e5bc)[After what feels like a decade, the panel and their clipboards re-enter the room. Still, no way of reading them. Judge 1 announces the ](text-colour:#9c84bd)[results.]] (click:"results")[(text-colour:#f0e5bc)[**“$name”** Judge 1 begins. **“After careful consideration, we have decided to not go forward with your application.”** Your stomach drops. **“Your flavour combinations were not exactly what we were looking for. We believe with a few more years of experience, you would be strong enough to reapply. Thank you so much for coming in.”** You exit the room, holding back your tears. In another universe, maybe you would have gotten the job. Maybe if you just chose white chocolate covered coffee beans, or brown butter pecan sauce, you would have had a chance. You wish you could just] (text-colour:#9c84bd)[[start over again.->Intro]]]