Brook

In this write-up, I just like to share one of my experiences, which I actually like to forget. I thought a lot about itwhether to share or not to sharebut I think this will be Food for Thoughtfor readers and also some learning as well.

The Beginning

It all started when I received this call from one of the reputed recruitment consultancy firm in Mumbai. They were headhunting for another reputed Business House in Mumbai itself and the profile that they were looking for was Compensation and Benefits Manager. I thought about the role, profile and growth and gave my consent to take this forwardhowever I did asked for sometime. Also, I asked, if the company will reimburse my travel-costand they said yes and also sent an e-mail in that regard.

The day of interview

Then, on the day of interviewthough my scheduled time for the interview was at 1500 hrsas I reached earlythey started my interview at around 1400 hrs. And this lady started my interviewand (hold on)she didnt tell me anything about her position in the company or in what capacity she is taking my interview. And, yeswhile taking my interviewshe was having something in her mouthprobably Chewing-Gum. She started with one Obvious questionTell me about yourself. After a whileshe went out and came back along with two gentlemen and they started taking my interview. I dont have any ideaif those two gentlemen were office-boysor managersor directorsor if they were from HR or other departments, they never cared to introduce themselves. Anyways, the interview happened and the interaction was for close to 30 minutes.

After Interview

It was after interview that they asked me to fill the Candidate Information Form and Travel Reimbursement Form (In majority of the companiesthis exercise is done before the interview). Yes, one more interesting thingin the form there was one field wherein they were asking the Height and Weight of the Candidate. I thought about itbut was not able to apply any logic and understand the relevance of asking for this information. I understand that as you are not applying for any Modeling Assignment or Defence or some Beauty Contestsuch information is irrelevant.

Benchmarking the Interview

We always benchmark with the BEST in the industryBest PracticesBest Culture etc. So, while comparing this interview I had in my findthe interview, which I faced in Deloitte Consulting, way back in 2002-2003. It was the final around of the interviewwith Director-HR (Asia Pacific).
This lady, (I forgot her nameKalpana or VidyaI actually dont remember) She started her interaction by telling me about the Companyits growth, expansion, Turnover, Profit After Tax etc.
Then she shared about her role in the organizationsince how long she has been with the organizationhow she moved-up in the hierarchy and also gave an overview of her profile the organization. Then she explained to me the profile for which she was interviewing mecompetencies that they were looking for and if selected and joinedwhat type to growth I could have got in the company. It was after that that she stared asking me the questions.

And Now

It has been pretty long time and they have not Reimbursed my Travel Cost. The concerned consultant has changed her mobile number and not replying to my mails. The concerned person in the companyis also not replying to the mails.

Benchmarking the Hospitality

As I mentioned earlier that we should always benchmark with the best practice in the industrybest things in the industry. Among the companies that I have worked with or have been associated with, I have seen the best hospitality in KARVY. I will not touch other aspects but just practices in hospitality as far as HR and interviews are concerned. In KARVY, they have practice of sending drivers with car to pick the Prospective Employee from the Airport or Railway Stationtake him to the Company Guest Houselet him fresh-upbefore bringing him to the Corporate Office for Interview. Payments of his travel reimbursement are always madeon the same day, either by cheque or by cashbefore he leaves back for his place.

For General Managers and above the Air-Tickets are being send through courier to the Prospective Employeeand arrangements for his stay are made in the 3-star or above levels of hotels.

In the above mentioned case the company involved is Essar Group and the Consultancy involved is Adecco Peopleone. I have nothing personal against these two firmsbut I believe that it is these types of Unprofessional employees who brings bad name for the concernit is these people who actually create the bad-image for the company. As they say in Hindi, Ek Gandi Machali Pure Talaab ko Ganda Kar Deti Hai.

Well, it was just an experienceexperience I like to forget ASAP and I just thought of sharing with you.

Looking forward to your feedback and comments

Regards,

Sanjeev Himachali
Mobile: +91-9876328841
Blog: http://sanjeevhimachali.blogspot.com/