INTERVIEW-14: STRESS-2
“Shall we start, My
Boys? I need to go earlier today for lunch. I am expecting a relative to meet
me during lunch.” Our Ex indicated his wish to finish the process earlier.
We called Samson and handed over his file to our Ex Gm who
was the chairman of the interview panel. Samson, the next candidate, entered.
“So you are, Johnson… sorry… Samson. Take your seat,
please.”
“Thanks,” He sat at the edge and started expecting salvos.
“Tell me about you” Our Ex posed the same question.
Samson was hesitant and undecided a second and then asked
“Sir, Shall I tell about the details which are not in the resume?”
“So, you talked to the previous man, Nirmal; and now you try
to show that you are smarter than him by putting forward this question. Isn’t
it?” Our G.M yelled at him
We took a new interest now and started observing Samson. He
closed his eyes for a moment. It might be a prayer I thought. There were
droplets of sweat on his forehead
“No, sir, with all due respects, I felt that I should not be
boring you all by repeating the same thing which were already reported there.
That is the true reason …”
“Nirmal has enlightened you about how to deal with me.” He
fired the next sharp and direct attack.
Though the boy was managing, we could feel his uneasiness
behind the artificial smile.
“Sir, I don’t know his name. As you have told, I asked him
about his experience in this interview. I am usually comfortable when I know
what happens around me. It definitely adds to our strength to deal with others.”
“Now you are short of telling that you are a great guy who
always observe and be alert to circumstances. Blowing own trumpet?” Again
almost he gunned the candidate point blank.
“…….”
“Keeping quiet? …No more arguments. No explanations. No
sorry.” Ex G.M proactively tried to frighten Samson.
“No…not at all, Sir. To your first question, I prefer to
answer about me with details outside my resume.”
“Mr.Samson” He shouted “Here, I am
the boss and I’ll decide what you say ... Understand….Tell me in three lines
about you.”
Samson slightly confused on this
assertion and thought a moment “Sir, I am a team leader in ‘Marstech’ for past
two years. (EXPERIENCE) Now I have completed my MBA in IT management.(EDUCATION)
I have appreciations for making the process management easier and the resultant
cost cutting in the expenses….(EXPERIENCE)”
“All of you are obsessed with your
MBA? Do you know why American markets failed and the crises some years ago?” I
could see the replay of Nirmal episode.
“Americans had prime lending
crises. There was a study going on whether it was due to MBAs who introduced
derivatives. They have a plan to modify the syllabus of MBA”
It came out very steadily from
Samson’s mouth. (Might be news to ‘Terror’ and us!)
‘Terror’ didn’t expect this turn
in interview. He immediately shot back “That is why I ask you, how you are proud
of your MBA?”
“Sir, None of you is an MBA. But
your B.A is more than our present MBA. You are interviewing MBAs, BEs and
B.Techs. Even then we need MBA because it is almost like your XIth class of
those days. Otherwise I may not fit in the new world order”
Again ‘Terror’-our Ex G.M bounced
back “So…some how ...you have got explanations
to all questions. Then tell me what is blond and brunet?”
“Sir…it…. I’m bit confused… I
don’t know the exact meaning. But it is related to color of hair and
identifying people. I’m really sorry” He was caught off the track.
Our Ex GM triumphantly looked at
us and then to him.
“You do not know the meaning of
this simple word. But you change your company only to tell them a ‘Bye’ at the
end of another three years. Aren’t you ashamed?”
The boy seemed to have strength
“My present company is small. The business is managed by a family of engineers
and MBAs. There is no more expansion in
the company. Naturally my doors are shut for promotion. But yours is an MNC
with a world renowned corporate governance record. Then why should I look for
another company? I won’t leave.”
“Empty promises. All you need is
some more thousands. Subsequently, I know you, pack off to another MNC. Now …it
is over. You can go.” It was an abrupt fare well.
Philips asked him “Do you have any
question?”
“Really ...no..... But what is
exactly blond? Will you, please, tell me?”
“Go and verify the dictionary. We
don’t have to answer the question.” Our Ex GM cut him off. With a loud thanks
to all of us he slowly moved out.
“What is your opinion about him?”
Our master asked. Philips told “He is definitely ...okay for us.”
“Then, how did I manage?” our Ex inquired us expectantly.
I swiftly retorted “His last question
...your reply! You managed greatly.” He understood the underlying sarcasm. Even
so, he could not avoid laughing with us.
*********************************************************************************
Vocabulary Corner:
Blond : Fair haired person / Person with golden
color; common word describing man or woman.
Blonde: Describes only a woman or
girl.
Brunet : Dark haired man/ color of his hair
Brunette: Dark haired woman or
girl/ color of her hair
