To know what happened in episode II, please visit http://vaaman.blogspot.com/2005/08/shifting-gears-episode-ii.html
Kushaal was more in Cloud Nine within a minute. He felt as if he finally found some purpose in life, and was waiting for the tea break so desperately. Readers can relate this particular sequence to the dream duet in the Alps with any song of their choice.
Finally at 11, as the first introductory session got over, and the freshers got a 15 minute break.
His long time pals were waiting for a long time for the hero. He was busy rehearsing his intro with the angel.
Gathering composure, (which at the moment was not to drop the tea cup out of excitement), as the Moment of truth was just there,he went upto the angel, and introduced himself “Kushaal Madgaonkar, Fresher from JC College”.
And then came the all important response “ Shruthi, Shruthi Gokhale, B.Com Grad from Podar College”.
Then, Kushaal, just to gain familiarity, checked about couple of his school friends., who were also studying in Podar, and the conversation seemed to have stabilized.
“Accha shruthi, How did you commute to office today?”
“Belapur Local ”
“Surprising. How long did it to take to reach here”
“Half an hour”
“You must be lying”
“Why”
“You sure must be”
“But why?”
“Are you saying that Heaven is closer than Bandra from here. I can’t believe it!”
This brought about a rather instantaneous blush from Shruthi. Kushaal thought to himself “Well begun is half done”.
Back to Induction, and now, both of them wanted to know more about each other, after the surprise morning meet. Kushaal’s trick did work.
In the evening, in true filmi style Kushaal’s friends decently moved to a different compartment.
Kushaal learnt that Shruthi was from a modest background, and for her a job in a BPO was not a platform to finance her studies later, but as a means to be a supplementary bread winner for her family.
As she got down from the train, at Kurla, Kushaal was so happy, that he wanted to share his experience with his friends. They first acted as if they were least interested, but later had to later give in to his courage .
Once the induction and training got over, they got themselves dedicated workstations, and luckily for the duo, they both were with the same client, and Shruthi also got day shift, though she had her weekly off on Friday and Saturday.
Feb 2004
Now that Kushaal was firm on getting married at the earliest, to who other than Shruthi, and Shruthi was equally willing, it was just a matter of convincing his parents, that going in for an early marriage is not that bad an option, now that he has learnt to manage himself independently, and that higher studies may be pushed to the back burner.
After a rather turbulent month of deliberations, in both families, they finally agreed to get their children married, and in June 2004, Shruthi changed her name to Shruthi Madgaonkar.
As they came back from their honeymoon, 15 days after their marriage, they were not ready for the situation that was waiting for them at office.
The final episode will be published soon!
23 August, 2005
19 August, 2005
11 Cricketers Vs 552 Parliamentarians
For a change, this is not a debate which fights for an equal share of limelight for other sports on par with cricket. This is an attempt to do a reality check on whether cricket itself deserves the mind space that it currently occupies.
There are three things that excite the Aam Aadhmi in India – Cricket, Politics and Cinema. In this discussion, we will eliminate the third, because by the looks of it, all cine stars converge into politics at some time in their lives. After all, neither fields have a retirement age.
The irony is, almost the entire nation follows cricket to an extent that statisticians seek voluntary retirement from stress, where the 11 individuals on the ground, do not even represent India in the truest sense. They are still representatives of a Board that Controls Cricket.
At the same time, the 552 people, that we send to the Parliament casting our votes, who are the true representatives of the nation, are let loose, and their activities are neither followed, nor their inaction questioned. Still they occupy a reasonable mind share as these people are meant to provide unintended entertainment value to the junta with their behaviour, or absence in Lok Sabha.
I am not taking Rajya Sabha into this picture at all, as in my opinion, it has no relevance, except to elect the President of the Nation.
We the Public, have got our priorities blissfully misplaced. We seem to be so much involved in a game whose outcome doesn’t affect our lives in any way. Any form of sport should only either be watched as a form of entertainment or pursued as a profession for winning one’s bread. 99% of us are exact half bakes here, as we consider watching cricket matches as our duty towards the nation.
And on the other hand, we find news channels a bit allergic to view, and we pass the typical comment, like no one can save the nation, and politics is just a drama. Not long ago, were cricket matches also dramas enacted to perfection fooling millions and there is no proof that the dramaticians have disappeared from the game.
To be fair, this is one area where the media is not responsible for the disorientation of the average Indian mindset. To make their business a cash cow, they hype everything right from festivals, sports, politics and business in a non partisan manner.
We the people have never spent a minute extra to analyse how political decisions affect our lives, except at the time of filing our IT returns. And we spend 20 minutes deliberating on each decision taken by the Indian captain on field. How does it really matter, no one wishes to think.
Suspending ESPN and Star Sports connections seem to be affecting people’s peace more than the admission rows in which, each state is taking turns to see how best they can screw up the education systems.
Split in Political parties and corporate kingdoms seem to be viewed as a main source of entertainment, and not as an event that could affect lives of so many people.
Yes, there is the Manchester United, there is the Lakers, and F1 that have aroused the same kind of craze in various parts of the world, but I am sure that these sporting affiliations are not taken to heart outside the game, which is not the case with us.
And spare a thought for the cricketers. Dumped and elevated at will, being judged on one day’s performance, and the larger than life image that they have built. The fact is that, the flak that they get is very reasonable, since they are also adored beyond limits when they strike form, and they also strike gold. But the better option to be dispassionate about the game itself.
What really plagues is the absence of any aptitude for politics in today’s world. Since I also belong to this generation, I am really not aware what made more people take to politics willingly earlier. If we are going to allow only sons of MPs who die in plane crashes or assassinated, to rule the nation in future, we may not have the kind of leaders who have clear ideologies and the undying spirit for public life.
One more line, and I think I will be mobbed by the cricket fanatics, and hence I leave the closing comment open for you to have your say, and let others also know what you feel about this, by posting your comments.
There are three things that excite the Aam Aadhmi in India – Cricket, Politics and Cinema. In this discussion, we will eliminate the third, because by the looks of it, all cine stars converge into politics at some time in their lives. After all, neither fields have a retirement age.
The irony is, almost the entire nation follows cricket to an extent that statisticians seek voluntary retirement from stress, where the 11 individuals on the ground, do not even represent India in the truest sense. They are still representatives of a Board that Controls Cricket.
At the same time, the 552 people, that we send to the Parliament casting our votes, who are the true representatives of the nation, are let loose, and their activities are neither followed, nor their inaction questioned. Still they occupy a reasonable mind share as these people are meant to provide unintended entertainment value to the junta with their behaviour, or absence in Lok Sabha.
I am not taking Rajya Sabha into this picture at all, as in my opinion, it has no relevance, except to elect the President of the Nation.
We the Public, have got our priorities blissfully misplaced. We seem to be so much involved in a game whose outcome doesn’t affect our lives in any way. Any form of sport should only either be watched as a form of entertainment or pursued as a profession for winning one’s bread. 99% of us are exact half bakes here, as we consider watching cricket matches as our duty towards the nation.
And on the other hand, we find news channels a bit allergic to view, and we pass the typical comment, like no one can save the nation, and politics is just a drama. Not long ago, were cricket matches also dramas enacted to perfection fooling millions and there is no proof that the dramaticians have disappeared from the game.
To be fair, this is one area where the media is not responsible for the disorientation of the average Indian mindset. To make their business a cash cow, they hype everything right from festivals, sports, politics and business in a non partisan manner.
We the people have never spent a minute extra to analyse how political decisions affect our lives, except at the time of filing our IT returns. And we spend 20 minutes deliberating on each decision taken by the Indian captain on field. How does it really matter, no one wishes to think.
Suspending ESPN and Star Sports connections seem to be affecting people’s peace more than the admission rows in which, each state is taking turns to see how best they can screw up the education systems.
Split in Political parties and corporate kingdoms seem to be viewed as a main source of entertainment, and not as an event that could affect lives of so many people.
Yes, there is the Manchester United, there is the Lakers, and F1 that have aroused the same kind of craze in various parts of the world, but I am sure that these sporting affiliations are not taken to heart outside the game, which is not the case with us.
And spare a thought for the cricketers. Dumped and elevated at will, being judged on one day’s performance, and the larger than life image that they have built. The fact is that, the flak that they get is very reasonable, since they are also adored beyond limits when they strike form, and they also strike gold. But the better option to be dispassionate about the game itself.
What really plagues is the absence of any aptitude for politics in today’s world. Since I also belong to this generation, I am really not aware what made more people take to politics willingly earlier. If we are going to allow only sons of MPs who die in plane crashes or assassinated, to rule the nation in future, we may not have the kind of leaders who have clear ideologies and the undying spirit for public life.
One more line, and I think I will be mobbed by the cricket fanatics, and hence I leave the closing comment open for you to have your say, and let others also know what you feel about this, by posting your comments.
17 August, 2005
Captain, CM Tamil Nadu – Strictly for Kollywood Rasikaas
Here is a sneak preview into what is in store for all of us if and when Captain Puratchi Kalaignar Vijayakanth reigns over the Cine Struck Tamil Nadu
Mckinsey is asked to present its ideas on how to make Tamil Nadu a paradise on earth, to the Council of Ministers. The Mckinsey team comprises of six smart MBAs who graduated from premier Indian Institutes.
Captain being a stout Kollywood Vaadhi, has in his cabinet all the legendary characters of Tamil Cinema.
Before the presentation starts, the team introduces itself, duly suffixing their MBA stamp to their names.
Not waiting to finish with the intros, Balu Thevar of Vedam Pudhidhu starts the cross questioning “ Oru orutharum perukapparam MBA MBAnu udaama solreengale, adhu enna onga appa pera, illa vaangina pattama?”
A subdued yet firm answer comes “Adhu Naanga vanginna pattam dhaan Thevare”
Balu Thevar shuts his mouth and owes not to speak again.
Slide 1: “The first slide of the ppt , we would take you through The statistics with respect to the current population, political boundaries, GDP”
After the first slide, Captain looks at Ramana, and waits for his approval. Ramana replies
“All stats are fine. But PPT - ennaku MBA la pidikaadha ore vaartha.Adhu use panna vendam”
Slide 2: “The second slide of the presentation takes you through how the developed countries give thrust to education and how investing in children will ensure a better future”
This really impressed the Youth Affairs Minister Gentleman Kiccha , but he had a very specific query “ Does this education bit cover the PT classes in school that train students in intellectually stimulating sports activities like Jalabalajings and Cuplings?”
The presenter replied that those details are not covered in the initial phase, as this needs to be customized according to each district’s needs.
Slide 3: “This is the pick of the slides as this covers the most innovative aspect of financing the needs of the state. This covers how we have failed to collect taxes from the rich optimally, and how these people always escape the net, by bribing the officials. The proposal is to create a mirage tax law, which will ensure that the rich keep bribing huge money to the Department, and the Dept will convert into white money for funding developmental activities for the state”
The revenue Minister Mr Velu Nayaakar is taken aback by this bold proposal, but all he says is “ Naal peruku nalladhu senja, Lanjam vaangardhula thapu illa”
Slide 4: “This slide covers how the state needs to provide incentives to control population with family planning and also increase the number of holidays to ensure a healthy population, and only a comprehensive approach can help overall development.”
Hearing this, the Health Minister Pithamagan heaves a sigh of relief, and happily scratches his beard.
Not understanding what this meant, the CM was asked to clarify the meaning of that reaction.
“Sudugaatula Vaarathuku rendu naal Haalidey kedaikkum. Adhula dhaadi s(h silent)ave pannalamnu solraaru.”
Known for their sycophancy, the politicians pretended to go into peels of laughter at this PJ.
Slide 5:”The bane of any developing economy is the problem of unemployment. The attention of the presenter turns towards the Industrial Devlp Minister Kaippula.
Thinking that they are taking a dig at him, he meekly responds “Venaam’. Not paying heed to his ple, they continue with their accusation of disguised unemployment as a bigger problem, when he the minister begs “Venaam. Valikkudu”. The presenter takes them through specific cases in Kollywood so that the audience can relate to in a better manner, as to ow there is always a comedian who is jobless, accompanying a hero who is in pursuit of nothing more than a girlfriend, to which Kaipulla almost fall at their feet and pleads “Aludhuruven”, and only after this the MBA grads, realize why the Minister was reacting so weirdly.
After a rather unique experience, the Mckinsey team came to the important question, as to whether they like the “solutions” offered by them, to which Captain answered that, as he strongly believed in the youth shaping the nation, he would request to Alaipayudhey Karthik to give his verdict.
The tense Karthik, who was not sure what to say, took the non committal stance “ Ideas pudhusunnu solla maaten, Ippo sathiku Idhu vendaamnu thonudhu, aana idhu ellam engaayanu apparam venumonnu bayamma irukku”
The perplexed team, thanked the ministers, and left without an extra word, and were expecting a better framed formal reply in the coming weeks. Pity them!
Mckinsey is asked to present its ideas on how to make Tamil Nadu a paradise on earth, to the Council of Ministers. The Mckinsey team comprises of six smart MBAs who graduated from premier Indian Institutes.
Captain being a stout Kollywood Vaadhi, has in his cabinet all the legendary characters of Tamil Cinema.
Before the presentation starts, the team introduces itself, duly suffixing their MBA stamp to their names.
Not waiting to finish with the intros, Balu Thevar of Vedam Pudhidhu starts the cross questioning “ Oru orutharum perukapparam MBA MBAnu udaama solreengale, adhu enna onga appa pera, illa vaangina pattama?”
A subdued yet firm answer comes “Adhu Naanga vanginna pattam dhaan Thevare”
Balu Thevar shuts his mouth and owes not to speak again.
Slide 1: “The first slide of the ppt , we would take you through The statistics with respect to the current population, political boundaries, GDP”
After the first slide, Captain looks at Ramana, and waits for his approval. Ramana replies
“All stats are fine. But PPT - ennaku MBA la pidikaadha ore vaartha.Adhu use panna vendam”
Slide 2: “The second slide of the presentation takes you through how the developed countries give thrust to education and how investing in children will ensure a better future”
This really impressed the Youth Affairs Minister Gentleman Kiccha , but he had a very specific query “ Does this education bit cover the PT classes in school that train students in intellectually stimulating sports activities like Jalabalajings and Cuplings?”
The presenter replied that those details are not covered in the initial phase, as this needs to be customized according to each district’s needs.
Slide 3: “This is the pick of the slides as this covers the most innovative aspect of financing the needs of the state. This covers how we have failed to collect taxes from the rich optimally, and how these people always escape the net, by bribing the officials. The proposal is to create a mirage tax law, which will ensure that the rich keep bribing huge money to the Department, and the Dept will convert into white money for funding developmental activities for the state”
The revenue Minister Mr Velu Nayaakar is taken aback by this bold proposal, but all he says is “ Naal peruku nalladhu senja, Lanjam vaangardhula thapu illa”
Slide 4: “This slide covers how the state needs to provide incentives to control population with family planning and also increase the number of holidays to ensure a healthy population, and only a comprehensive approach can help overall development.”
Hearing this, the Health Minister Pithamagan heaves a sigh of relief, and happily scratches his beard.
Not understanding what this meant, the CM was asked to clarify the meaning of that reaction.
“Sudugaatula Vaarathuku rendu naal Haalidey kedaikkum. Adhula dhaadi s(h silent)ave pannalamnu solraaru.”
Known for their sycophancy, the politicians pretended to go into peels of laughter at this PJ.
Slide 5:”The bane of any developing economy is the problem of unemployment. The attention of the presenter turns towards the Industrial Devlp Minister Kaippula.
Thinking that they are taking a dig at him, he meekly responds “Venaam’. Not paying heed to his ple, they continue with their accusation of disguised unemployment as a bigger problem, when he the minister begs “Venaam. Valikkudu”. The presenter takes them through specific cases in Kollywood so that the audience can relate to in a better manner, as to ow there is always a comedian who is jobless, accompanying a hero who is in pursuit of nothing more than a girlfriend, to which Kaipulla almost fall at their feet and pleads “Aludhuruven”, and only after this the MBA grads, realize why the Minister was reacting so weirdly.
After a rather unique experience, the Mckinsey team came to the important question, as to whether they like the “solutions” offered by them, to which Captain answered that, as he strongly believed in the youth shaping the nation, he would request to Alaipayudhey Karthik to give his verdict.
The tense Karthik, who was not sure what to say, took the non committal stance “ Ideas pudhusunnu solla maaten, Ippo sathiku Idhu vendaamnu thonudhu, aana idhu ellam engaayanu apparam venumonnu bayamma irukku”
The perplexed team, thanked the ministers, and left without an extra word, and were expecting a better framed formal reply in the coming weeks. Pity them!
15 August, 2005
Exit Interviews and Counter Offers
I promised a couple of weeks back, when I wrote on interviews that I would come back with the sequel to that, which is on exit interviews and counter offers.
I must admit that I have been through this cycle only once so far, and I only wish I be spared of the latter forever. The reason for this, you will discover towards the second half of this post.
The idea behind exit interviews, is to figure out what were the niggles that the employee who is quitting faced, during his term with the company, so that the company can figure out, whether there is anything within its reach to improve the overall employee satisfaction quotient.
There are two ways of doing this, the formal way of asking them to fill a form, and then ask them, how they are sure that their next employment is indeed a greener pasture, and not a mirage, in a very constructive manner. But the one, in which I was interviewed when I quit one ofmy revious employers was a very novel approach – aggressive, intimidating, provocative, and most importantly very very effective.
Here our Chief HR Coordinator was trying to prove a point that my next employment was going to be nothing but a mundane assignment which can be done by college dropouts.
Now, this is something hurts your ego straight up, and then you start defending your decision, and then, just when you are finding your feet, you start cribbing about the current job, and say it is much worse than what she makes out of my next employment opportunity.
Now, when I am through with this question, HR gets an idea of what I felt was lacking in that company.
Then, to see if I am really firm on my decision, then comes a googly, which talks about exploring other opportunities than the one I am supposed to do. This one, checks if I have taken a decision in my senses, or just out of insane frustration.
My heartfelt sympathies are always with HR, as they normally have no clue when the recruitment happens, as HR is informed about the candidate after the entire Line has cleared it. So HR interviews are more or less a formality. And when the employee quits, the Line would that the HR gets to face the wrath of the departing employee, and the Line will keep quiet.
But having said that, I would be conveying only half truth, as the Line indulges itself in what is called the Counter Offer tactics.
This is basically done to drop the bait that the increment cycle is just round the corner, and also to promise that you will be compensated pie to pie with the new offer. If you are too good, the promise is that your pay scale with an unbelievable short period, so on and so forth.
My strong opinion is that, doling out counter offer is an unethical and also a lazy approach, to keep the attrition at bay.
Unethical, as the practitioners feel that money is all that matters in career management. Maybe to an extent, but not the be all and end all.
Lazy, because, you have a futile appraisal procedure, and you expect the employment market to value your resources and keep equating the best offers as time goes by.
Just like corruption, where both the parties bribing and bribed are at equal fault, same applies to counter offers.
More the number of employees, who expect salary hikes, by producing offer of employment from the next employer to the current employer, it would turn out to be more demoralizing for the peer employee community, and make them feel that they are losing by not practicing job hopping mock drills.
I welcome your comments on this, as I think that each one of us has our opinion on best practices with respect to parting techniques .
I must admit that I have been through this cycle only once so far, and I only wish I be spared of the latter forever. The reason for this, you will discover towards the second half of this post.
The idea behind exit interviews, is to figure out what were the niggles that the employee who is quitting faced, during his term with the company, so that the company can figure out, whether there is anything within its reach to improve the overall employee satisfaction quotient.
There are two ways of doing this, the formal way of asking them to fill a form, and then ask them, how they are sure that their next employment is indeed a greener pasture, and not a mirage, in a very constructive manner. But the one, in which I was interviewed when I quit one ofmy revious employers was a very novel approach – aggressive, intimidating, provocative, and most importantly very very effective.
Here our Chief HR Coordinator was trying to prove a point that my next employment was going to be nothing but a mundane assignment which can be done by college dropouts.
Now, this is something hurts your ego straight up, and then you start defending your decision, and then, just when you are finding your feet, you start cribbing about the current job, and say it is much worse than what she makes out of my next employment opportunity.
Now, when I am through with this question, HR gets an idea of what I felt was lacking in that company.
Then, to see if I am really firm on my decision, then comes a googly, which talks about exploring other opportunities than the one I am supposed to do. This one, checks if I have taken a decision in my senses, or just out of insane frustration.
My heartfelt sympathies are always with HR, as they normally have no clue when the recruitment happens, as HR is informed about the candidate after the entire Line has cleared it. So HR interviews are more or less a formality. And when the employee quits, the Line would that the HR gets to face the wrath of the departing employee, and the Line will keep quiet.
But having said that, I would be conveying only half truth, as the Line indulges itself in what is called the Counter Offer tactics.
This is basically done to drop the bait that the increment cycle is just round the corner, and also to promise that you will be compensated pie to pie with the new offer. If you are too good, the promise is that your pay scale with an unbelievable short period, so on and so forth.
My strong opinion is that, doling out counter offer is an unethical and also a lazy approach, to keep the attrition at bay.
Unethical, as the practitioners feel that money is all that matters in career management. Maybe to an extent, but not the be all and end all.
Lazy, because, you have a futile appraisal procedure, and you expect the employment market to value your resources and keep equating the best offers as time goes by.
Just like corruption, where both the parties bribing and bribed are at equal fault, same applies to counter offers.
More the number of employees, who expect salary hikes, by producing offer of employment from the next employer to the current employer, it would turn out to be more demoralizing for the peer employee community, and make them feel that they are losing by not practicing job hopping mock drills.
I welcome your comments on this, as I think that each one of us has our opinion on best practices with respect to parting techniques .
12 August, 2005
Is Big B not debt-free as yet??
My sincere thanks to all ad makers for not forcing the Brand Big B to endorse Thunderbird in a sixty second jingle, where, our man zips across the Mumbai Pune expressway at an alarming 100 kmph and finally utters passionately “Thunder bird - Albatross on Wheels”, or some such stupid tag line.
My sincere thanks to the entire director guild in Bollywood, for not giving him a so-called “author backed role” as a revolutionary 60 year old college student.
Barring these, the Bacchhan brand is omni present. The 65 year old man is just unstoppable. He is the busiest actor/ brand ambassador in India.
In these times, where retiring at 40 seems to be the in thing, here is a man who is well past the retiring age, and putting everything to ensure that he is right at the top.
This has been a whirlwind four years for him. KBC, announced the rising of the Phoenix. Even if KBC was not the success story it turned out to be, I don’t think Amitabh would have complained. Because, the entire idea behind his accepting the assignment was to repay his humongous dues, for his destined to flop, ABCL venture.
But, due to the sheer charisma of the man, the show was an instant hit. This turned out to be his launch pad to return to Bollywood in style. The first few movies, aroused curiosity value in junta, and soon someone in Bollywood, wrote this law that “Bacchan humein bachaayega”. In some movies, Bacchhan was the protagonist, in some antagonist, in some the main dish, in some the side dish, in some the dessert.
The problem with people like Amitabh and Sachin Tendulkar is that they have built such a goody goody image that they are unable to push back offers, as they might be afraid of a backlash, and media cribbing that they have suddenly become inaccessible and have been blinded by fame.
I am not sure about what the “Janta ki rai” is, but I certainly feel, that the Big B needs a sabbatical. I am sure that he would have by now amassed, enough to float a few more ABCL, and still manage to have enough for his next generations.
And like any family run business, where the patriarch would feel relieved, when his son comes of age in handling business matters, Amitabh would be relieved to find that Abhishek has now got things going his way, after struggling for about three years.
So give the old man a break, and allow him to rejuvenate to make one more comeback in a couple of years. In the meanwhile, let’s check if the Abhishek brand really works wonders in the absence of the Sarkar.
My sincere thanks to the entire director guild in Bollywood, for not giving him a so-called “author backed role” as a revolutionary 60 year old college student.
Barring these, the Bacchhan brand is omni present. The 65 year old man is just unstoppable. He is the busiest actor/ brand ambassador in India.
In these times, where retiring at 40 seems to be the in thing, here is a man who is well past the retiring age, and putting everything to ensure that he is right at the top.
This has been a whirlwind four years for him. KBC, announced the rising of the Phoenix. Even if KBC was not the success story it turned out to be, I don’t think Amitabh would have complained. Because, the entire idea behind his accepting the assignment was to repay his humongous dues, for his destined to flop, ABCL venture.
But, due to the sheer charisma of the man, the show was an instant hit. This turned out to be his launch pad to return to Bollywood in style. The first few movies, aroused curiosity value in junta, and soon someone in Bollywood, wrote this law that “Bacchan humein bachaayega”. In some movies, Bacchhan was the protagonist, in some antagonist, in some the main dish, in some the side dish, in some the dessert.
The problem with people like Amitabh and Sachin Tendulkar is that they have built such a goody goody image that they are unable to push back offers, as they might be afraid of a backlash, and media cribbing that they have suddenly become inaccessible and have been blinded by fame.
I am not sure about what the “Janta ki rai” is, but I certainly feel, that the Big B needs a sabbatical. I am sure that he would have by now amassed, enough to float a few more ABCL, and still manage to have enough for his next generations.
And like any family run business, where the patriarch would feel relieved, when his son comes of age in handling business matters, Amitabh would be relieved to find that Abhishek has now got things going his way, after struggling for about three years.
So give the old man a break, and allow him to rejuvenate to make one more comeback in a couple of years. In the meanwhile, let’s check if the Abhishek brand really works wonders in the absence of the Sarkar.
10 August, 2005
Shifting Gears – Episode II
To know what happened in the inaugural episode please visit http://vaaman.blogspot.com/2005/08/vaaman-story-teller.html
“Papa.. Mein kisi acche company mein job doondloonga.”
“Bete, you think that is the right thing to do. Are you not planning to go for higher studies.”
Here goes the cover up…. “ Yes papa. That certainly is in my long term plans. I will definitely pursue that after two years. I thought I will get some work ex as well as accumulate some money, so that I don’t remain a strain to your wallet any longer.”
This pleased the proud father no end. He felt that ,suddenly Herculean responsibility had disembarked on his son’s shoulders. This time he could not check his feelings and hugged his son and said “I am proud of you Kushaal Beta”.
This caught Kushaal unaware, as he thought that the idea would not buy value with his father. But now, he has to act true to his commitment, and start searching for a job right away.
Before leaving the dining table, the suddenly turned obedient Kushaal asked his father “papa, if you don’t mind, can I enjoy one more week, and then jump into job search?”
Of course, Sunil approved immediately.
August 1,2003
Though not great in acads, he was a touch too good in terms of networking social circles. He had woven cobwebs of friends groups, and he thought atleast a few of them go his way, and to his surprise he found many takers, and soon they realized that there can be only one way that there can be only one sector which would ensure that most of them stay together in a single company, and that is the BPO.
So Mission BPO started in right earnest, and within two months of rigorous job search and plethora of aptitude tests, Nikhil, Krishna, Gowri and Kushaal got a decent deal in
E-volve , a mid level accounting data processing company, in Belapur.
Fortunately for them, they all of them got a Monday to Friday day shift which, these guys at that time did not realize that this was a luxury in the BPO fraternity.
August 8,2003
The not so fantastic four were asked to report from 16th August, and were also informed that there would be a six week training period in familiarizing languages, and refreshing of accounting concepts, and of course on use of computers in accounting. If these were main courses, the desserts were on Dress Codes, organizational hierarchy, long term mission and all the gyaan best identified with New economy Industries.
With Kushaal’s spirits hitting a new high, he conveys the good news to his parents. His mother, who has more knowledge about the K series on TV, than the emerging BPO sector, had only this to say “ Beta.. Meine suna ki ye BPO SheePO mein raat bar kaam arna padtha hei”.
Kushaal explains “ Mamma, Raath bhar nahin, yedhi din mein raath mein, aur mujhe tho day shift tho mila hai. So tension nahin lene kaa”
Sunil, who was listening to the conversation, subconsciously, was wondering if Kushaal had taken the right decision. After detailed deliberations with himself, finally, he decided to allow his son to charter his own destiny, and the previous month’s commitment was still ringing in his mind.
As usual, he didn’t speak a word extra, and just congratulated his son, for his successful independent efforts.
August 16, 2005
Kushaal was feeling like a school kid, getting in to the next grade after the summer holidays. Only difference was not he was not wearing the uniform. But the fresh inquisitive eyes, and the burning desire to accomplish something was very much there.
As he joined his friends at the training room, after the one hour long train journey, and the initial nervousness was very much visible on all their faces.
But the entire exercise was rewarding, for Kushaal, as the first session just about started.
Right behind the induction instructor, walks in an angel.
Enters the heroine!! Crush at first sight!!
To be contd…
“Papa.. Mein kisi acche company mein job doondloonga.”
“Bete, you think that is the right thing to do. Are you not planning to go for higher studies.”
Here goes the cover up…. “ Yes papa. That certainly is in my long term plans. I will definitely pursue that after two years. I thought I will get some work ex as well as accumulate some money, so that I don’t remain a strain to your wallet any longer.”
This pleased the proud father no end. He felt that ,suddenly Herculean responsibility had disembarked on his son’s shoulders. This time he could not check his feelings and hugged his son and said “I am proud of you Kushaal Beta”.
This caught Kushaal unaware, as he thought that the idea would not buy value with his father. But now, he has to act true to his commitment, and start searching for a job right away.
Before leaving the dining table, the suddenly turned obedient Kushaal asked his father “papa, if you don’t mind, can I enjoy one more week, and then jump into job search?”
Of course, Sunil approved immediately.
August 1,2003
Though not great in acads, he was a touch too good in terms of networking social circles. He had woven cobwebs of friends groups, and he thought atleast a few of them go his way, and to his surprise he found many takers, and soon they realized that there can be only one way that there can be only one sector which would ensure that most of them stay together in a single company, and that is the BPO.
So Mission BPO started in right earnest, and within two months of rigorous job search and plethora of aptitude tests, Nikhil, Krishna, Gowri and Kushaal got a decent deal in
E-volve , a mid level accounting data processing company, in Belapur.
Fortunately for them, they all of them got a Monday to Friday day shift which, these guys at that time did not realize that this was a luxury in the BPO fraternity.
August 8,2003
The not so fantastic four were asked to report from 16th August, and were also informed that there would be a six week training period in familiarizing languages, and refreshing of accounting concepts, and of course on use of computers in accounting. If these were main courses, the desserts were on Dress Codes, organizational hierarchy, long term mission and all the gyaan best identified with New economy Industries.
With Kushaal’s spirits hitting a new high, he conveys the good news to his parents. His mother, who has more knowledge about the K series on TV, than the emerging BPO sector, had only this to say “ Beta.. Meine suna ki ye BPO SheePO mein raat bar kaam arna padtha hei”.
Kushaal explains “ Mamma, Raath bhar nahin, yedhi din mein raath mein, aur mujhe tho day shift tho mila hai. So tension nahin lene kaa”
Sunil, who was listening to the conversation, subconsciously, was wondering if Kushaal had taken the right decision. After detailed deliberations with himself, finally, he decided to allow his son to charter his own destiny, and the previous month’s commitment was still ringing in his mind.
As usual, he didn’t speak a word extra, and just congratulated his son, for his successful independent efforts.
August 16, 2005
Kushaal was feeling like a school kid, getting in to the next grade after the summer holidays. Only difference was not he was not wearing the uniform. But the fresh inquisitive eyes, and the burning desire to accomplish something was very much there.
As he joined his friends at the training room, after the one hour long train journey, and the initial nervousness was very much visible on all their faces.
But the entire exercise was rewarding, for Kushaal, as the first session just about started.
Right behind the induction instructor, walks in an angel.
Enters the heroine!! Crush at first sight!!
To be contd…
09 August, 2005
Singaara Sydney
It was a dream weekend. A family that took total care of me, thousands of miles away from home. The perfect platform to do what you felt like during those thirty odd hours. It was one of the best weekend trips I have ever had. Sometimes, these mini breaks refresh you more than one week of sitting on bench at work place :))
With Lakshman and Sudheer around, there was not a single dull moment during my stay in Sydney. The ferry ride from Circular Qway to Manly Beach, the long time no see David Dhawan movie, indoor cricket, Valiant attempt to get into the Club to get a sneak peep into the Ashes, the last minute escape from the Ticket Checkers at Sydney Central… it was one helluva weekend. Add to this my Kannada knowledge, amusing Lucky’s parents and his Paati, as well.
What’s more, the credit should come to me for setting the ball rolling on the topic of Lakshman’s marriage plans. With a total cautious approach from his mother, as she thought, that he was seriously heading somewhere, right under her nose, and the wonderful person that she is, she only requested for her to be kept informed about his plans. An indication that “Son.. We don’t think we can really fetch you a girl.. unless you take the initiative ;-)”
So here goes the detailed account……
I had booked the 8 o clock bus from the city to Sydney. It was just like getting into Rajahamsa on a Friday evening from Bangalore to Chennai. The only difference was that the bus started dot at 8 o clock.
The bus did stop at a few places, including Canberra before touching down the suburb of Liverpool at 7:15 in the morning. Lakshman, was there, waiting patiently, and we were in his house by the 15th minute.
A lively chat with Lucky’s father covering the political ideologies of various groups, life style in Australia,conversions, and mockery of Hinduism in movies was the ideal combo with the suda suda coffee.
A ‘light’ breakfast comprising Pongal(nothing else can compete with Pongal when it comes to Maargazhi maasam type mornings), Adai, sambhar, Chutney and Paayasam, ensure that we could get the day touring started without worrying about the tummies.
Lucky, Sudheer and I started on right earnest , and took a slow double decker train to the city. And there, we just missed the ferry service by 2 minutes, and that gave us the time to have a look around the Opera House, and a good look at the Sydney Bridge. It was surprising to note that one third of Australia’s economic transactions was happening in a couple of buildings located there, and these were not stock exchanges.
The ferry took us to a wharf pretty near the Manly Beach and we did have a good time taking a lazy walk across the beach. What really is admirable is the locals’ unending quest for fitness, and jogging seems to be the preferred mode of transport here.
Back from the beach, we walked quite a distance to Cargo Bar on the opposite side of the National Maritime Museum. There is no other way that we could have built our appetite after that breakfast.
We had gourmet pizzas there, and came back home. We went wound up the day with “Maine Pyaar kyoon Kiya” at Greater Union Multiplex. A nonstop nonsense, that kept us laughing for two and a half hours. Fortunately you expect nothing else from David Dhawan, and this was a real de-stresser kind of a movie. Did I miss out on the Paav Bhaji at “Thousand Spices”. Well, it was the best Pav bhaji I have had in the last couple of years.
Sunday was rather quiet with a slow 9 o clock start. Then, watched some competitive Indoor Cricket stuff, had brilliant bisi bele bath, and then also tried my hand at outdoor cricket, but there was just about half an hours time left.
The best was yet to come. Leaving from home as scheduled, at 7:15 to catch the 8 o clock bus, and reaching the complex at 7:45, one wouldn’t have expected any problems. But, we thought that going via the subway across the station, would save us some two minutes, and what’s more the entry was a through fare. But what we found to our dismay were, that all the exits were manned by Ticket checkers. We just had one ticket, and we moved from exit to exit, to check if we had any luck. What we have all heard is “If God closes one door, he would open nine other”. In this case, He was atleast kind enough to open one door, while closing nine.
We just managed to scrape through with the same ticket. And the return journey started again back on time. Just in case, you get an impression that this is the end of the story……………………………………….. yes.. you are right. Back on Monday morning for work. I am sure no one would like to read or even think about it!
05 August, 2005
Vaaman-The story-teller
The following figments of my imagination are an inspiration drawn from the Maniratnam genre of movies, where a globally or a nationally appealing theme is portrayed through the lives of commoners.
Opening today is the first episode of a mini series of one such issue, and one such family:
Shifting gears – Episode1
22nd Jul 2003, Mumbai
This was just another day in the lives of Mumbaikars, but in the residence of Madgaonkars in bandra, the mood in the air was really pensive. For Kushaal Madgaonkar, the only son of Vaibhavi and Sunil Madgaonkar, who has had a dubious record in the FY and SY exams in his B.Com, the moment of reckoning was just round the corner. The TY marks would be on the net any moment.
Vaibhavi completed her syllabus of Siddhi Vinayak and Mahalakshmi Mandirs, and as for Sunil, he has been practicing the art of being absent in social circles, for if, something goes wrong with his Sone Putthar’s results, people may not find his absence conspicuous for a couple of weeks…”Are yaar Sunil Dada gaya kidhar” kind of embarrassment is something he wanted to avoid.
Kushaal, on his part was fully geared up literally, wearing a helmet, just in case things go awry to an extent that his mother starts o throw vessels at him. Commerce grads take conservatism taught in accounts to their heart, that they are very pessimistic about their exam results as well.
The mobile phone rings. The otherwise jack in the box Kushaal who expects Pinky, Ritu or Shalini to be calling him everytime the phone rings, is rather spectical this time around. Reason, te last two years history shows that it has been Jignesh, who usually tops the class calls him to inform him that the eventuality has struck.
This time was no different. Jignesh calls up and in his totally made up modesty informs that the results are out, and he has managed to get just 84%. “Kyaa bathaoon Kushaal… is baar marks thoda comedy ho gaya yaar..84 hi mila”.
Kushaal with a frown spanning across his face, dials up the net, and with utmost reluctance, keys in his admit card number, and waits till, what he thought was eternity, and there it is.
Admit Card Number : A 19278
Candidate Name : Kushaal Madgaonkar
Overall Status : Pass
Grade : I class
Total : 350/500
Our man is more than elated. He goes into a dizzy and recollects himself in a couple of minutes.
“mamma .. Mein kyaa bataoon… Kyaa bathaoon…. I class mein pass ho gaya… 70% mila hai”
Mom was just too pleased….”there mouh mein ghee shakkar”…….”bhagwan ki dhayaa hai”. this puts off Kushaal a bit, for his momhas handed over total credit to the almighty”. Kushaal soon realized that this was not far from truth, and kept quite.
Sunil just returns from his morning walk. Obviously, he now goes for his morning walk in Joggers Park and not in Asif khan Park, just to avoid the his decade long fellow walkers.
“Papa.. mein pass ho gaya…I class mein.. 70%”. Sunil did not remember a day in the last three years that gave him so much joy that he almost shouted “Arre Pass Ho gaya…pappu pass ho gaya”. But like all fathers, he kept his emotions under check, and all he said was” Congrats Bete .. Abhi aage kyaa karna chaahoge?
This question was just too premature for Kushaal, as the ecstasy was yet to subside, and this was one question, he was not prepared for. He just did not think beyond his TY exam results. But he had to act quickly and pose as though he was ready for the question…..
To be contd………
Opening today is the first episode of a mini series of one such issue, and one such family:
Shifting gears – Episode1
22nd Jul 2003, Mumbai
This was just another day in the lives of Mumbaikars, but in the residence of Madgaonkars in bandra, the mood in the air was really pensive. For Kushaal Madgaonkar, the only son of Vaibhavi and Sunil Madgaonkar, who has had a dubious record in the FY and SY exams in his B.Com, the moment of reckoning was just round the corner. The TY marks would be on the net any moment.
Vaibhavi completed her syllabus of Siddhi Vinayak and Mahalakshmi Mandirs, and as for Sunil, he has been practicing the art of being absent in social circles, for if, something goes wrong with his Sone Putthar’s results, people may not find his absence conspicuous for a couple of weeks…”Are yaar Sunil Dada gaya kidhar” kind of embarrassment is something he wanted to avoid.
Kushaal, on his part was fully geared up literally, wearing a helmet, just in case things go awry to an extent that his mother starts o throw vessels at him. Commerce grads take conservatism taught in accounts to their heart, that they are very pessimistic about their exam results as well.
The mobile phone rings. The otherwise jack in the box Kushaal who expects Pinky, Ritu or Shalini to be calling him everytime the phone rings, is rather spectical this time around. Reason, te last two years history shows that it has been Jignesh, who usually tops the class calls him to inform him that the eventuality has struck.
This time was no different. Jignesh calls up and in his totally made up modesty informs that the results are out, and he has managed to get just 84%. “Kyaa bathaoon Kushaal… is baar marks thoda comedy ho gaya yaar..84 hi mila”.
Kushaal with a frown spanning across his face, dials up the net, and with utmost reluctance, keys in his admit card number, and waits till, what he thought was eternity, and there it is.
Admit Card Number : A 19278
Candidate Name : Kushaal Madgaonkar
Overall Status : Pass
Grade : I class
Total : 350/500
Our man is more than elated. He goes into a dizzy and recollects himself in a couple of minutes.
“mamma .. Mein kyaa bataoon… Kyaa bathaoon…. I class mein pass ho gaya… 70% mila hai”
Mom was just too pleased….”there mouh mein ghee shakkar”…….”bhagwan ki dhayaa hai”. this puts off Kushaal a bit, for his momhas handed over total credit to the almighty”. Kushaal soon realized that this was not far from truth, and kept quite.
Sunil just returns from his morning walk. Obviously, he now goes for his morning walk in Joggers Park and not in Asif khan Park, just to avoid the his decade long fellow walkers.
“Papa.. mein pass ho gaya…I class mein.. 70%”. Sunil did not remember a day in the last three years that gave him so much joy that he almost shouted “Arre Pass Ho gaya…pappu pass ho gaya”. But like all fathers, he kept his emotions under check, and all he said was” Congrats Bete .. Abhi aage kyaa karna chaahoge?
This question was just too premature for Kushaal, as the ecstasy was yet to subside, and this was one question, he was not prepared for. He just did not think beyond his TY exam results. But he had to act quickly and pose as though he was ready for the question…..
To be contd………
04 August, 2005
Good old Summer holidays
This time, we take a peep into the world of a seventh standard student whose summer holidays has just begun, and how his mind keep comforting him whenever he takes a guilt trip on how his study plans are perennially pushed to the back burner, during the entire two month break.
This is split into six stages, as described below. Hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed penning this one. I am sure that this would stir the nostalgic thoughts in each of you. Happy reading…
Statutory warning: This is in Hinglish.... :))
When the hero returns back home on the last date of the Annual exam
Achha Hua ye exams katham hua
Abh katham hua saara ghum
Accha hua ye holidays chaalu hua
Is baar puraa masti maarenge hum
On the day of the result (within 15 days of exams)
Is baar result ki parva nahin karenge
Is se agle saal se kuch mathlab nahin
Books aane dho.. aise khoob padenge
Dikaayenge ki Hum kisi se kam nahin
On the day of receiving books (one week from day of results)
English kithaab ka first chapter padliya
Maths book rakhenge sabse neeche
Binding ke liye text books de dhiya
Fategi nahin Jab rakhte hein sabke peeche!!
One month into the summer holidays
Paapa enthu maarke holidays book kiye
Hum enjoy naheen karenge tho dhikega kaise?
Jo bhi kar rahe hein woh kis ke liye?
Waste nahin hona chaaiye unke paise
Back from tour
Dho din ke liye rest lenge hum
Aakhir Dho din mein kyaa hoga
Ek haftha hua Fisal gaya Dhum
Padaai ko diya total dhoka!
On the eve of school reopening
Is baar hum teek se pad naheen paaye
Is baar nahin chalega ye pachpan -chappan
Pehle dhin se padnaa chaalu………
………Aise hi katthi hei har ek ki bachpan
This is split into six stages, as described below. Hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed penning this one. I am sure that this would stir the nostalgic thoughts in each of you. Happy reading…
Statutory warning: This is in Hinglish.... :))
When the hero returns back home on the last date of the Annual exam
Achha Hua ye exams katham hua
Abh katham hua saara ghum
Accha hua ye holidays chaalu hua
Is baar puraa masti maarenge hum
On the day of the result (within 15 days of exams)
Is baar result ki parva nahin karenge
Is se agle saal se kuch mathlab nahin
Books aane dho.. aise khoob padenge
Dikaayenge ki Hum kisi se kam nahin
On the day of receiving books (one week from day of results)
English kithaab ka first chapter padliya
Maths book rakhenge sabse neeche
Binding ke liye text books de dhiya
Fategi nahin Jab rakhte hein sabke peeche!!
One month into the summer holidays
Paapa enthu maarke holidays book kiye
Hum enjoy naheen karenge tho dhikega kaise?
Jo bhi kar rahe hein woh kis ke liye?
Waste nahin hona chaaiye unke paise
Back from tour
Dho din ke liye rest lenge hum
Aakhir Dho din mein kyaa hoga
Ek haftha hua Fisal gaya Dhum
Padaai ko diya total dhoka!
On the eve of school reopening
Is baar hum teek se pad naheen paaye
Is baar nahin chalega ye pachpan -chappan
Pehle dhin se padnaa chaalu………
………Aise hi katthi hei har ek ki bachpan
03 August, 2005
Interview Clichés
Folks, After the not so successful attempt at doing some serious writing… I value the feedback of the blog community…and hence would try to refrain from such indulgences in the future… what I thought was that I should write on what I know more about…Job hopping, interview experiences, both as an interviewed, which was my hobby a couple of years ago, and as an interviewer. I haven’t had too many chances though as an interviewer, just about half a dozen ,and after reading this, the chances of being on the interview panel could diminish further as here is a question paper that is being leaked.. open secrets actually..
This blog is dedicated to all those who are active job hoppers. Even rookies can read this and customize these thoughts to their needs…There is some food for thought for interviewers too!
Here is a set of interview clichés that one can’t avoid, and what are the first thoughts that cross our mind, followed by what answers we finally land up with. Happy reading!
1. Tell me something about yourself
Just imagine how it would feel to be asked the same first question day in and day out when your job search is at its peak. We might be irked so much to say that “my name is Arun… I am a school drop out, then joined private studies, wasn’t interested, and then joined as a mechanic in the corner shed, and job hopping is my hobby”. My humble request to interviewers is start the question with a more interesting question which might involve lateral thinking of various levels depending on the job for which the candidate is hired. This can be a real wake up alarm. For all you know, he might have mugged up the “Tell me about yourself”answer!!
2. Why do you think we should hire you
This is a question which actually targets at your strengths, which would differentiate you from the rest for the job. We should be clear about this, and not put generic gyaan like “I am hardworking, I can work well under pressure..blah blah blah…”.. Mind you these are taken for granted, and your CV will reflect these traits of yours with your acads, awards won, etc….. Please be specific how you would fit the profile that the employer is looking for, and adjust your answer accordingly. There is no straight answer for this. For example, if the profile involves analytical skills, talk about your how you can predict what the management expects rather than your late staying abilities, as management level decisions are hardly taken overnight.
3. What do you think you should join this company and not others
“Because you pay me 50 grand more than the down the lane software company” Though this could be the tip of the tongue response, all set to be missiled, we are expected to be lot more diplomatic, and are supposed to talk on how this would be a learning experience for you, what you have read in the papers that interested you to apply. Etc. etc. Just try to recall if any interviewer, has posed this question after your gyaan “ Then, would you be able to take a 50 K cut to take this job?” No one would have for the simple reason that every interviewer is also an interviewed, and they would not like this to be posed at them!
4. Where do you think you would be in five years
I have always found this really funny. This is one question that I have restrained myself from asking candidates. The reason - Five years is too far a timeframe to plan for. I am not being shortsighted, or utterly careless. All of us have some broad vision of where we would like to be, which are in terms of economic status, and in social circles. It is impossible to say that I would be the AVP, VP, Manager, or whatever, in the company which is offering you the job, as things are so dynamic, that even the company cannot have its plan chartered beyond three years max, in the clear terms that it expects the candidate to have. We obviously cannot say that “ I would be in a powerful position, in the fourth company from now”. You need to tread carefully here, and say that you would expect to be in a position to make your opinions count, and would be an active part of the organisation’s growth. This is a non committal feel good answer. When I tried to give the gyaan of “ I don’t want to think in terms of ‘ I don’t want be VP, etc.etc”, snap came the reply…”Arun.. I think you are being impatient”.. and I had to cover up by saying that “there is nothing wrong in restlessness driven by positive energy “ and crap like that. Very poor cover up, I must admit. It is very risky to talk about designations unless we are dead sure about the promotion life cycle, which is pretty tough to keep track of, company to company, in the midst of our job search hurry.
5. The job that we would be offering you would involve a lot of monotonous things. Are you okay with it.
This basically means that there are enough people in the queue and that they wouldn’t really mind if you are not interested. This is basically an attitude related question. Be rest assured that there is nothing known as a monotonous job. You can always make it interesting by goofing simple mundane things as well, and pose yourself as a crisis champion and resolve things. Sometimes perceptions can be handled in such a way that, when you do your duty, still the other person thinks that you a re doing a favour to sort things out for the internal clients.
6. How much do you expect in terms of salary.
“As much as my savings account can hold”. How many times we would have thought about this, but somehow, this is the question that causes a thousand butterflies in our stomach. Though we have a floor and a ceiling amounts in our minds, we think hajaar times before saying it, for the simple fact, that there is this trickle of hope that keeps telling you “Don’t commit.. what if they offer more than what you expect”. My experience is .. if you think that the HR is robust enough to ensure that there would be no unjustifiable reason for differential pay, leave it to the company, and you always have the option to turn down the offer later. If you think, the prospective employer runs like a kiraana.. go for the kill.. quote your ceiling amount, and then start the negotiations.
Mostly, this question is asked if the prospective employer is interested in recruiting you.
7. Why are you leaving the current organization.
“Those guys treat humans as stock in trade and just don’t care about attrition and resource movement. They have not had a compensation review for years, and appraisals are episodes from a fairy tale”. Though these are genuine concerns, it is important to mellow down a bit, and not use this question as an emotional vent. These thoughts are to be expressed in the exit interview and not in the recruitment interview. We have to stick to the ways the current employer is affecting your career path, and how you think the prospective employer would address those concerns.
Next to come:
Exit Interviews and counter offers - My humble thoughts
This blog is dedicated to all those who are active job hoppers. Even rookies can read this and customize these thoughts to their needs…There is some food for thought for interviewers too!
Here is a set of interview clichés that one can’t avoid, and what are the first thoughts that cross our mind, followed by what answers we finally land up with. Happy reading!
1. Tell me something about yourself
Just imagine how it would feel to be asked the same first question day in and day out when your job search is at its peak. We might be irked so much to say that “my name is Arun… I am a school drop out, then joined private studies, wasn’t interested, and then joined as a mechanic in the corner shed, and job hopping is my hobby”. My humble request to interviewers is start the question with a more interesting question which might involve lateral thinking of various levels depending on the job for which the candidate is hired. This can be a real wake up alarm. For all you know, he might have mugged up the “Tell me about yourself”answer!!
2. Why do you think we should hire you
This is a question which actually targets at your strengths, which would differentiate you from the rest for the job. We should be clear about this, and not put generic gyaan like “I am hardworking, I can work well under pressure..blah blah blah…”.. Mind you these are taken for granted, and your CV will reflect these traits of yours with your acads, awards won, etc….. Please be specific how you would fit the profile that the employer is looking for, and adjust your answer accordingly. There is no straight answer for this. For example, if the profile involves analytical skills, talk about your how you can predict what the management expects rather than your late staying abilities, as management level decisions are hardly taken overnight.
3. What do you think you should join this company and not others
“Because you pay me 50 grand more than the down the lane software company” Though this could be the tip of the tongue response, all set to be missiled, we are expected to be lot more diplomatic, and are supposed to talk on how this would be a learning experience for you, what you have read in the papers that interested you to apply. Etc. etc. Just try to recall if any interviewer, has posed this question after your gyaan “ Then, would you be able to take a 50 K cut to take this job?” No one would have for the simple reason that every interviewer is also an interviewed, and they would not like this to be posed at them!
4. Where do you think you would be in five years
I have always found this really funny. This is one question that I have restrained myself from asking candidates. The reason - Five years is too far a timeframe to plan for. I am not being shortsighted, or utterly careless. All of us have some broad vision of where we would like to be, which are in terms of economic status, and in social circles. It is impossible to say that I would be the AVP, VP, Manager, or whatever, in the company which is offering you the job, as things are so dynamic, that even the company cannot have its plan chartered beyond three years max, in the clear terms that it expects the candidate to have. We obviously cannot say that “ I would be in a powerful position, in the fourth company from now”. You need to tread carefully here, and say that you would expect to be in a position to make your opinions count, and would be an active part of the organisation’s growth. This is a non committal feel good answer. When I tried to give the gyaan of “ I don’t want to think in terms of ‘ I don’t want be VP, etc.etc”, snap came the reply…”Arun.. I think you are being impatient”.. and I had to cover up by saying that “there is nothing wrong in restlessness driven by positive energy “ and crap like that. Very poor cover up, I must admit. It is very risky to talk about designations unless we are dead sure about the promotion life cycle, which is pretty tough to keep track of, company to company, in the midst of our job search hurry.
5. The job that we would be offering you would involve a lot of monotonous things. Are you okay with it.
This basically means that there are enough people in the queue and that they wouldn’t really mind if you are not interested. This is basically an attitude related question. Be rest assured that there is nothing known as a monotonous job. You can always make it interesting by goofing simple mundane things as well, and pose yourself as a crisis champion and resolve things. Sometimes perceptions can be handled in such a way that, when you do your duty, still the other person thinks that you a re doing a favour to sort things out for the internal clients.
6. How much do you expect in terms of salary.
“As much as my savings account can hold”. How many times we would have thought about this, but somehow, this is the question that causes a thousand butterflies in our stomach. Though we have a floor and a ceiling amounts in our minds, we think hajaar times before saying it, for the simple fact, that there is this trickle of hope that keeps telling you “Don’t commit.. what if they offer more than what you expect”. My experience is .. if you think that the HR is robust enough to ensure that there would be no unjustifiable reason for differential pay, leave it to the company, and you always have the option to turn down the offer later. If you think, the prospective employer runs like a kiraana.. go for the kill.. quote your ceiling amount, and then start the negotiations.
Mostly, this question is asked if the prospective employer is interested in recruiting you.
7. Why are you leaving the current organization.
“Those guys treat humans as stock in trade and just don’t care about attrition and resource movement. They have not had a compensation review for years, and appraisals are episodes from a fairy tale”. Though these are genuine concerns, it is important to mellow down a bit, and not use this question as an emotional vent. These thoughts are to be expressed in the exit interview and not in the recruitment interview. We have to stick to the ways the current employer is affecting your career path, and how you think the prospective employer would address those concerns.
Next to come:
Exit Interviews and counter offers - My humble thoughts
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