Tuesday, 20 November 2012


Many years ago I attended an interview
a corporate interview
three wise men on one side of the table
me on the other side of the table

They asked me a question
but were not listening to my answer
one stared in intimidation, the other looked bored
and the third emitted sheer indifference

in desperation I looked behind them
there was this blank wall
which gave no cues of encouragement
but atleast no discouragement-as from  the wise three men

so I looked at the wall neutral , and continued my answer
I could atleast  retain the flow of my speech
without intimidation without discouragement

why do we do this? I asked myself-
meeting candidates as if a favour to them
using interview not to know and understand their fit
but exhibiting  our own  importance
exhibit our knowledge as being more than theirs
 and generally belittle the hapless victim

Is it because in India
we have so many people ?
if not one then another one ?
'my whim',  influence or money determines selction
correct fit is just for the books!

Has anything changed over the years
methods, approach or styles of interview ?
Has awareness changed in the globalised era ?
Sadly  not much- hardly at all in manufacturing

There is  still the feeling
" giving my time for this is a favour"
 too much time
 waste of time!

The other day I organized- 
for  frequently interviewing , senior leaders
a training program on interviewing skills

but there were few takers...
many never turned up
even the ones who came
felt one day was too long-
half a day is the maximum time
that one can spare from a busy schedule

others were aghast and felt it a  blasphemy
to be told  they need training
for the  mere role of interviewing!
After all what was their experience ?
 What was their stature?

Oh when will corporate leaders realize
that recruiting is serious business
that  recruiting right is the key.....
an antidote to future heartburns

If only we cared for people
right from the beginning
we would have happy candidates at the interview stage
happy employees at a later stage
 contributing fully zestfully

 for they were selected  by diligent leaders
sincere and responsible leaders
carefully for their worth-  for their fit
they sit pretty and comfortable in their roles
they are not square pegs in round holes!


  1. This is reality very well penned by you in an interesting way
    Having seen both manufacturing and non-manufacturing industries, I I could not agree less with your opinion about the manufacturing. Manufacturing has failed to keep with times in not just interviewing but in all HR practices.

  2. Thank you so much for your feedback! As you say the problem is particularly with manufacturing.Having experienced both sides of the fence, you feedback is indeed valuable.

    1. Good Sunday morning to you.
      The ground realities are nicely worded. I am in full agreement with you, but what needs to change the mind set of technocrats, could have been addressed.

      Have a nice weekend.

    2. The poem is about interviews and those who are part of the interview committee and process. This includes technocrats also.