Indian founder claims she rejected Gen Z candidate who asked ‘What’s your firm called?’
In a shocking revelation, Mahima Jalan, the Dubai-based Indian Founder of Sorted Brand, has come forward to share her disappointing experience with a Gen Z candidate who asked her a rather basic question during an interview. The candidate’s inquiry, “What’s your company called and what do you do?” left Jalan “taken aback” and ultimately led to the candidate’s rejection.
Jalan’s experience has sparked a debate about the lack of preparation and research among some Gen Z job applicants. The founder expressed her disappointment on X, stating that not knowing basic details about the company is “poor work etiquette” and that “being young isn’t an excuse.” When an X user inquired about her response to the candidate, Jalan replied, “Didn’t hire him.”
The incident raises several concerns about the preparedness of Gen Z candidates in the job market. With the abundance of information available online, it is expected that job applicants will conduct thorough research about the company they are applying to. This includes knowing the company’s name, mission, values, products, and services. Not having this basic knowledge can give the impression that the candidate is not genuinely interested in the company or the role.
Jalan’s experience is not an isolated incident. Many founders and hiring managers have reported similar encounters with Gen Z candidates who lack basic knowledge about the company. This lack of preparation can be attributed to several factors, including the ease of applying to jobs online and the abundance of job opportunities available. With the rise of remote work and online applications, it has become easier for candidates to apply to multiple jobs without thoroughly researching each company.
However, this approach can be detrimental to a candidate’s chances of getting hired. Companies expect candidates to be knowledgeable about their organization and to be able to demonstrate how their skills and experience align with the company’s goals and values. When a candidate lacks this basic knowledge, it can be seen as a lack of interest or motivation, which can be a major turn-off for hiring managers.
Moreover, the lack of preparation among some Gen Z candidates can also be attributed to the changing nature of work and the job market. With the rise of the gig economy and short-term contracts, some candidates may feel that they do not need to invest time and effort into researching a company. However, this approach can be short-sighted, as it can lead to missed opportunities and a lack of career advancement.
So, what can Gen Z candidates do to avoid making the same mistake? The first step is to conduct thorough research about the company. This includes visiting the company’s website, social media pages, and news articles to get a sense of the company’s mission, values, and culture. Candidates should also review the company’s products and services, as well as their competitors, to understand the company’s position in the market.
Additionally, candidates should prepare a list of questions to ask the interviewer about the company and the role. This demonstrates their interest in the company and their willingness to learn more. It is also essential to review the job description and requirements to ensure that the candidate’s skills and experience align with the company’s needs.
In conclusion, Mahima Jalan’s experience with the Gen Z candidate serves as a reminder of the importance of preparation and research in the job market. While being young may not be an excuse for lacking basic knowledge about a company, it is essential to recognize that the job market is evolving, and candidates must adapt to these changes. By conducting thorough research and preparing for interviews, Gen Z candidates can increase their chances of getting hired and advancing their careers.
As Jalan’s experience shows, not knowing basic details about a company can be a major turn-off for hiring managers. Therefore, it is crucial for candidates to take the time to research the company and prepare for interviews. This will not only demonstrate their interest in the company but also show that they are motivated and willing to learn.
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