Interviews, Continued.

In my previous post when I had talked about interviews, I did not mean that you guys should go and start to argue with the prospective employer and demand to see his past three years of tax returns before you tell him where you did your MBA from.


A large company/corporate which is also a major brand name like Tata, Infosys, NIIT, Aptech to name a few, you don't need to ask for their balance sheets too.


But maybe small time unheard of companies like maybe vendor companies to other bigger companies or small firms that deal in logistics or facilities, you should demand to see their past record to ascertain their financial solvency.


Maybe the word 'demand' is too strong. But it wouldn't hurt to politely request that you be allowed to see some documuents that would prove to you that the company has been paying the salaries to it's employees on time.


There's this guy I know who's a whiz at repairing computers and networks got a job in another country in something to do with computers of course, and off he went for an year. At the end of an year they sent him back with almost US $ 1400 less in the annual pay stating that they would make the rest of the payment good soon.


The soon is yet to arrive.


It's not asking for too much if you were to politely ask the company who was in the chair you're supposed to be joining and why did he resign. It's a genuine question. Think about it.


The key to asking all these questions is only when you can be polite yet firm at the same time.


And if you can be polite yet firm at the same time, chances are you would mostly do well in life.


In my previous post I might have used some pretty strong words, and they are not to be interpreted that you would actually start to interview your prospective employer! It's all about the right tone of voice in which the questions are asked.


Be very careful when dealing with companies that call you to hotels and coffee shops for interviews, and no I don't mean that girls should not go to hotels for interviews to avoid getting raped.


What I mean is that you should verify the authenticity of the company when you are especially invited to five star hotels or such places for interviews.


Make sure you ask for permission to visit the actual office premises before you give them a yes or a no.


At the very beginning when the interview appointment is being set up and you realize it's not being held in the actual work place/office premises, then please ask why this is so.


There's no harm in an interview taking place in a hotel or coffee shop provided the company is very far away from the main city. For example, the company being in Manesar or Gurgaon or Greater Noida as compared to New Delhi. If the company cites reasons that the actual work premise is in a suburb and there is no public transport, then it's alright.


But if the company is in the main business district and still avoids calling you to the office for your interview, then be cautious.


This of course does not apply if let's say a company like Jet Airways or Kingfisher or Nokia is calling you for an interview. But if it's a small vendor company that supplies outer phone bodies to Nokia then be cautious.


Some companies which are in the process of setting up shop in your city/country might give you a reason that the office is still under construction/renovation. In such cases, request to be shown the site of the office before you come to a decision.


For companies like some architects/advocates/consulting firms that have their office in a residential area, please ask if the said property is owned or leased. If leased, then soon after the interview, inquire discreetly around if the company has been paying their rent on time and if the relationship between your boss and the land lord is not under strain for certain reasons.


Also inquire for how long the company has been leasing the said property and how long before the lease expires.


It's always a great idea for the guys to chit chat with the drivers/peons/photocopier guy in the vicinity to figure out the nature of your prospective boss. Such things do help you in the long run.


There isn't any set rule of the thumb what kinds of companies you should be cautious and what companies you can be carefree.


Generally speaking, large corporate houses and major brand names are safe enough. but tread with caution.


Read your appointment letter very carefully before you sign. Question any point that does not seem alright to you. If possible, show your appointment letter to a parent or some other person who's more experienced than you are and knows a bit of legal jargon as well.


There should not be a rush or pressure or stress on you to sign the appointment letter. Take your time to analyze it. Most companies generally give you three days to sign it.


Take your time and read it with patience.


On some occasions you might be told that the appointment letter is not ready yet or the signing authority is not present yet. In such cases insist on the appointment letter or ask them if your joining can be postponed till the signing authority is available.


Don't get misled by excuses wherein the appointment letter is delayed for unknown/uncertain reasons. Such situations generally mean something is amiss.


Do not say yes the moment you are told you've been selected and you should join pronto. Ask for a day's time to think and review the company's offer.


Remember, all recruiters are very anxious to hire people who would stay with the company for the long run. Keep that in mind and exercise due diligence before you come to a decision.


This is not an exhaustive list. There is no rule of the thumb as to what is good and what is not. Each company is unique and each boss is unique too.


Think and re think before you come to any decision.