Indian founder claims she rejected Gen Z candidate who asked ‘What’s your firm called?’
In a surprising turn of events, Mahima Jalan, the Dubai-based Indian Founder of Sorted Brand, has claimed that she was left “taken aback” after a Gen Z candidate asked her a rather unusual question during an interview. The question that raised eyebrows was, “What’s your company called and what do you do?” This incident has sparked a heated debate about the expectations and work etiquette of the younger generation.
Jalan, who is a prominent entrepreneur in the industry, expressed her disappointment and surprise at the candidate’s lack of knowledge about her company. She stated, “Not knowing basic details is poor work etiquette. Being young isn’t an excuse.” This response has ignited a discussion about the importance of research and preparation before attending a job interview.
The incident came to light when Jalan shared her experience on a social media platform, where she was asked about her response to the candidate’s question. Her reply was straightforward, “Didn’t hire him.” This response has been met with a mix of reactions, with some people supporting Jalan’s stance and others arguing that the candidate’s age and lack of experience should be taken into consideration.
The question that arises from this incident is, what is the expectation from a candidate before attending a job interview? Is it reasonable to expect a candidate to have done their research about the company, its products, and its mission? Or is it the responsibility of the interviewer to provide all the necessary information about the company?
In today’s digital age, it is easier than ever to access information about a company. With just a few clicks, one can find out about a company’s history, values, and products. Therefore, it is not unreasonable to expect a candidate to have done some basic research about the company before attending an interview.
Moreover, asking basic questions about the company during an interview can give the impression that the candidate is not interested in the company or the role. It can also suggest that the candidate is not proactive or enthusiastic about the opportunity. In a competitive job market, where there are often many qualified candidates vying for the same position, it is essential to make a good impression and show that one is genuinely interested in the company and the role.
On the other hand, some argue that the candidate’s age and lack of experience should be taken into account. Gen Z candidates, in particular, are often seen as digital natives, but they may not have the same level of experience or knowledge as older candidates. Therefore, it is essential to be understanding and patient when dealing with younger candidates.
However, Jalan’s response suggests that she values preparation and research, and she expects candidates to have done their homework before attending an interview. Her stance is not unreasonable, given the importance of making a good impression and showing enthusiasm for the company and the role.
In conclusion, the incident highlights the importance of research and preparation before attending a job interview. While it is essential to be understanding and patient when dealing with younger candidates, it is also crucial to expect a certain level of knowledge and enthusiasm about the company. As Jalan stated, “Not knowing basic details is poor work etiquette. Being young isn’t an excuse.” This incident serves as a reminder to candidates to do their research and be prepared before attending an interview, and to companies to set clear expectations about what they expect from their candidates.
This article is based on a news report from https://www.hindustantimes.com/trending/dubaibased-founder-flags-concern-after-gen-z-candidate-questions-basic-company-details-being-young-isn-t-an-excuse-101769227284624-amp.html.
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