Although I am disappointed but I have no doubts over the recruitment process and have no objection on my rejection. Life is full of experiences and lessons, and lesson keep repeating themselves until learnt. Let me share most alarming findings and lessons:
1. Keep your Social Profile Updated
All started from here, from Linkedin. I received a message from a Human Resource Personal to contact him on urgent basis. At that point, I did not have any idea why he was asking me to call.
2. Do pick Unknown Numbers
I normally pick unknown number until/unless I am really busy. I received a call during office hours but (I don't remember why) I missed it. When I call back the operator was unable to recall who called me and why? But she told it is an HR Agency and if needed, you will contacted soon. (Result : a day wasted)
3. Phone and Face-to-Face Interview might happen on same day
It happened with me for the first time. A lady called in morning and took a short interview, to scan whether I am interested or not, and asked to visit the HR Office same day for a face-to-face interview. I somehow managed and went.
4. Dress to Impress
I came to know on the final interview that there was a check box for dressing style (when the lady took a note and wrote "Blazer" in that box. After the Interview I realized that (incidentally) I was only candidate who was wearing a blazer/coat and jackets but not tie over the whole series of interviews. (Favorable or not No Idea)
5. Be Patient
My first interview held on time. So I was expecting the next would also. Hahaha! Got it??
6. Keep a Pen
So you won't be embarrassed.
7. Ask Questions
Yes! When an employer says, "Any Questions?". He/she means it.
Two Questions I asked:
On First Interview, " When you are going to give me the next call?. And Guess what! I received it later the same day.
On Final Interview, "If hired, What you will be expecting from me with in 90 days [Probation Period]?"
"We don't compromise on the work standard. We won't fire you if you don't fulfill the standard after hiring. But you might face a professional death here.", she replied.
8. Clarify the Job Responsibility/ies.
Remember there is a day night difference between Web Content Development and Web Development.
9. Diagnose before you Prescribe
Listen so you can answer well.
10. Seek first to understand, then to be understood
Think thousand time before making a statement, but when made stood by it. Dragging and Diverting the discussion can backlash.
11. Be Creative
On my 4th interview, I was spontaneously ask to write an editorial (one of my job responsibility) for the company. I was allowed to develop a hypothetical situation. I still the gesture of lady it was like "Bravo! Its Perfect!" but she said "Its Perfect". And then I was briefed for the perks and benefits, and Dos and Donts of the Job. (Here I felt I am one of the strong candidates).
12. PEST factors might Influence
Welcome to Karachi! Ladies and Gentlemen ;)
13. PreVisit the Place
I was advised to visit the Head Office for final Interview. I had seen the building before so did not bother to pre visit. It was a wrong decision. The Parking stuff troubles me a lot.
14. Be prepared to ask and accept apology
Due to parking issue I was probably 5 min late. I ask an apology for that and they accepted.
The next day, due to some meeting they sent me an email for an online assessment late. They apologized and I accepted.
15. "Bonjouy comment ça va?"
Greeting in French from a foreign employee reminds me Language section of my resume.
Language: Urdu (Native), English (Fluent), French (Moderate)
I greeted her back in French and we had a small chit-chat in French. Where I came to know she is Swiss.
16. The Hard Talk
Corporate Communication, Knowledge about the company, Communication with Internal and External Stakeholder, Organizational Behavior, Sustainability, Social Media Awareness were the topics of the interview question. But there was a significant emphasize on Crises Communication during the whole interview. What.. If...., If... Then... Else... stuff.
17. Answer Casual Question Casually
"How did you complete double masters at the age of just 25?"
"Matriculation in 16, Intermediate in 18, B.Com (Hons.) 21, M.Com 22, M.A. Mass Communication 25", I smiled.
Your favorite writer in English. "Paulo Coelho"
In Urdu "Umeera Ahmed",
"So girly"
"I do read Ashfaq Ahmed"
Hehe! By the way Favorite Novel
"Baanjh, by Manto"
"What else are the hobbies?"
"I am a good Dancer".
"Style?"
"B-Boying, Hip Hop and now learning Ball Room also."
"Very Exotic...."
18. Employer always ask Expected Salary
You have already mentioned the salary range in the job ad. And, I am here for the last interview. Duh! It simply means I am accepting what you are offering. And I know you wont increase the salary range.
19. Do your SWOT Analysis
Be smart. They will give tough time to you.
20. Be prepared for BY THE WAY Questions
When the panel was wrapping up the paper. I received a compliment, " By the way, I am a big fan of Fatima Gul" (A Trukish Drama Dubbed in Urdu).
I smiled, "Thanks for your appreciation".
"Your character was Hakim?"
"Yes! I was my VO on that Character"
So was that the only project you did?
"I have hosted Pak vs India 2013 Series on FM 105(local radio Station) and occasionally do Voice Over for them also...".
This conversation went on for another 10 min.
21. Know your CV
It is like the headline of the newspaper. They will keep an hawk eye on it. And will inquire about every single thing in it.
22. Never Miss Interview from Another Company
I was expecting high and did not go for an interview from another company. A mistake...
23. Post interview might happen
I still remember the scene when the interview was over. And I was giving the visiting card back to reception. I saw a lady of the panel waving her hand signaling to stop. I thought I have forgotten some thing in the room and was feeling embarrassed until she come and said "Will you be available for an online assessment?" This was something very unexpected. I agreed. She it will be a technical assessment of design communication ( may be design and communication). I thought it as Design Communication as I knew Photoshop and Illustrator.
There I feel the things went wrong. Because in the online test I was more focused on the visual and copy.
And I think they were expecting more literature and how to... from me.
As after the online assessment I received a call and she asked politely "Why didn't you elaborate the theme of the campaign and the communication objectives?"
"Oops! But if you want to see some writing sample, you can visit my blog". She did. because I check the traffic stats of my blog later.
24. Honesty is the Best Policy
When they took my online assessment I had a chance to take help from colleagues of creative and communication departments. But I did not. Despite I have rejected but I am self satisfied.
25. Reply to Rejection
Reply to rejection email. They might have judged the book by its cover.
26. Bounce Back Hard
Bounce Back And Bounce Back Harder.
DISCLAIMER
You have improved a lot in your writing...
ReplyDeleteI m impressed.
Thanks.. I appreciate it..
DeleteAs Charles F. Kettering said
ReplyDelete'One fails forward toward success',these lessons are good examples that a failure can give you a lesson which will help you in going towards your goal...and you have learnt 26 lessons that is something great.
Thanks Mr. Professor :)
Delete