The Ideal Interview

By Tathagata Chakrabarti

Arvind was already running late as the auto-rickshaw bolted towards the office address. His interview was about to begin in half an hour, and he was really nervous. DeltaKappa was his dream company, and given his recent spell of bad interviews and rejections, this was a make-it-or-break-it situation for him. He desperately needed a job and just had to get this one.

As the auto pulled up to a halt in front of the office entrance, Arvind almost bolted towards the double doors and quickly made his way to the elevator. He began going over interview topics in his mind as he entered the elevator and pressed 8 on the floor panel. When he arrived at the atrium, he still had 10 mins, and he quickly saw a few other candidates seated across the sofas in the atrium.

He moved up to join the waitlist, he quickly scanned the competition. Most of them were sharply dressed and had an air of confidence about them. Their aura had management written all over. Arvind took a deep breath as he took a seat across the table and tried to compose himself silently.

A few moments later, the elevator doors opened and a middle-aged man appeared, hauling what seemed to be a large and heavy cardboard box. He looked a lot older than your typical delivery guy, and appeared to be struggling with the package. Eventually, he left the box where he was and began to pant, hands on his waist.

As he looked towards us, he approached the atrium and began to plead with folded hands, “Can any of you young sirs please help this old peon with that box? It’s very heavy and I just don’t have it in me to carry it anymore. You gentlemen look fit as a fiddle, kindly help this old man do his duty ”

Upon hearing this, many of the candidates began to laugh and jeer at the old man. They poked him with taunts and insults. “You want me to spoil by lifting that dirty box old man? Do you know how much this suit costs? More than your salary probably!”, one of them taunted and broke into laughter. “Are we here to do such manual labor? Is this why we got so highly educated old man?” jeered another.

Arvind felt agitated at such crass behavior from such educated people. He quickly got up and offered assistance to the old man. “Here uncle, let me help you.” As he picked up the box, he asked where this needed to be delivered. The others now began to make fun of Arvind now. “Oh look, the peon got a new assistant. Or maybe he was here for that job after all!”, one of them cackled.

But the old peon smiled and lifted his hand towards Arvind’s head. “God bless you, beta. It’s not far, just take it to the cabin on the left.” As the others continued to mock him, Arvind began to carry the box in the direction guided to him. “May God shower you with all his blessings dear boy”, the old peon happily chirped.

“Just ask God to help me with this interview uncle”, Arvind jokingly replied. The old man patted his back and said, “May God fulfill all your desires today.”. They took a left and disappeared. A while later, Arvind came back after dropping off the parcel.

A few minutes later, the interview calls began. The first candidate got in. But he soon came out, looking disheveled and with a horrified look on his face. As the other candidates asked him what happened inside, he left without saying a word. The same happened with the next candidate. And the next one. About 30 mins later, only Arvind was left for the interview.

His throat and mouth went dry and as his name was called in, he nervously began to head to the interview room. He asked the receptionist for some water and took a sip from the glass which he held with shaky hands. He put down the glass and, with a deep breath, knocked on the door.

As he was asked to come in, Arvind was trying to contemplate what kind of questions would be asked. Would it be too technical? Were there mental challenges to be carried out? He tried to remain confident but panic already gripped him.

The interviewer's chair was turned and his back was pointing towards him. He found it a bit odd, nevertheless, he greeted the interviewer. “Hello, I am Arvind Shastri. I am here for the interview for the Asst Manager position. ” He extended his hand, as a courteous gesture, towards the back of the interviewer.

“Hello, Mr. Arvind, I am Kishan Bishnoi, and it’s indeed a pleasure to meet you!” As the interviewer turned toward Arvind and proceeded to shake his hand, Arvind froze in his spot. It was the peon uncle, only he no longer resembled a peon. He had quickly changed from his roughspun clothes into corporate attire, and he now looked more Boss than Peon.

Understanding Arvind’s dilemma, he broke into a smile and asked him to take a seat.

“Confused, I totally understand. So let me explain”. He told Arvind that at DeltaKappa Pharma, the biggest assets were the people working for the company. As CEO, he wanted only the best - and not just the best on pen and paper. For the Asst. Manager position, he needed someone who was not only good in business but also in people.

“A manager is someone who works and enables all classes of society - this means he must be emphatic and understanding towards all kinds of people. A resume can only help you judge skill and acumen, but how do you judge human nature and character?” And so - he came up with this charade to test out his new interviewing method.

As Arvind regained his senses, he asked whether his interview will be taken now. Kishan burst into laughter and opened his drawer with his right hand. “Interview? It’s already over. My dear boy, your appointment letter is ready. You are the best, and only man for the job. All that remains, is your formal acceptance and signature!”

Arvind couldn't believe it, he got the job! As his eyes scanned the appointment letter, his heart jumped as he saw the remuneration and perks being offered. He resisted the urge to grin like an idiot. As if reading his expression, Kishan murmured in a low voice, “I did tell you - May God fulfill all your desires today, and so he did”, and smirked silently to himself.

One good turn deserves another - of all the things you can be in life, be a human first. Always help those in need, and in turn, you will be helped in your time of need as well.

By Tathagata Chakrabarti