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Champak Lal
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Assignment Part 1 (Media of Interview due to Pandemic).
Due to Pandemic situation, what are the media of interviews in Pakistan?
Answer: Since the outbreak of COVID-19, companies have been cancelling and delaying
interviews in order to find a way to keep social distance while fulfilling the hiring needs. Finally
companies are forced to adapt means such as skype, Zoom app, and mobile phones to conduct
interviews in order to keep the hiring cycle going on. The most used Media now days include
Skype, Zoom and other Online Medium. Most of the big companies like Linkedin, Google and
Facebook are following the orders of Government regarding Quarantine and creating awareness
about the Covid-19 and providing an option to the job candidates where they can appear in
interviews virtually. According to an applicant, who applied for a job at Linkedin, he received an
email from Linkedin Staffing Department which stated that:
“In light of the recent coronavirus outbreak and with everyone’s health being LinkedIn’s #1
priority at the moment, all candidates who are scheduled to come onsite are being given the
option to either complete their entire interview virtually via BlueJeans video conference, or
cancel their current schedule and hold off on rescheduling until coming onsite is possible. The
email also said that “neither option will harm nor effect your candidacy here at LinkedIn”.
Similarly, other companies are also turning towards technology for the sake of interviews. The
most used media in Pakistan these days are online apps and then come telephone interviews. Few
of the apps are:
Zoom App: Zoom app was created for the purpose of business meetings and conferencing where
people could attend their important meeting while being at some other place other than their
offices. It was founded in 2011 but it has been used during the pandemic time more than ever.
Companies are using it to its full advantage for conducting interviews.
Skype: Since before most of the video chat apps came into existence, Skype was there to save
the day. It has been known to fulfill the purpose of connecting people with their friends and
families living abroad or far from each other. But now days it has become more useful for the
enterprises. They are using skype for the purpose of interviewing candidates, holding
conferences and meetings etc.
Telephone: A savior for all. Telephone has been there since before any fancy app came into
existence. Companies has been conducting telephonic interviews but these days they’re using
more of it. However, firm prefer video interview more than the audio ones.
Many Firms in Pakistan are using online media for conducting job interviews, for of them are:
1. Ibex: Call Center
2. Shan: FMCG Company
3. McDonalds: Fast Food Chain
4. Unilever: FMCG Company
5. National Foods: FMCG Company
6. Vidizmo: Software Provider
Merits and Demerits of Online Video Interviews
These days, more and more businesses are conducting video interviews with potential employees
because it is the need of time and it also has its advantages, but it sure have some drawbacks as
well.
Merits
1. Save the candidate from transportation headaches.
Rather than driving all over town, or even to another town, for a job interview that might not pan
out, candidates can record a video interview when and where it’s convenient for them. Offering a
video interview screening demonstrates that you respect the candidate’s time and resources as
well, which is more likely to appeal to a greater number of top talent.
2. See the candidate’s command over technology.
Regardless of the position for which you’re hiring, you inevitably want the person who fills the
role to have some degree of understanding about technology. In a subtle way, video interviewing
software enables you to gauge their level of familiarity with an understanding of technology.
3. Assess communication skills
Some positions require candidates to have strong people skills, which puts one’s body language
and the ability to communicate at the top of the list of most desirable traits. The good news is
that both can be analyzed through a simple video interview, nearly as effectively as during an in-
person video. The company can capture the essence of every candidate – the way they talk,
dress, and present their ideas, and decide on whether they would be a right fit for the company or
not.
4. Less pressure on candidates
Many candidates are eliminated early on in the recruitment process despite their skills, simply
because they were too nervous during the interview, which shouldn’t really count as a factor,
unless they are going to become the face of the company. Video interviews allow them to be
more relaxed, while they are at home, and answer all the question at their own pace. Also, they
gain valuable insight into how interviews actually work and what the recruiters want, so they will
be less nervous the second time around, even if the interview is conducted in person.
5. Screening remote candidates
If recruiters are open to the idea of hiring a remote worker, then video interviews are the perfect
medium for candidates to show off their abilities. First of all, they need to be able to
communicate effectively and respond in a timely manner, as well as possess enough technical
skills in order to facilitate the production process. Also, every potential employee can
demonstrate their knowledge and skills right there on the spot, which allows the recruiters to
narrow down their selection.
Demerits
1. Internet connection issues
One of the major downsides to video interviews is that they are so dependent on a stable and fast
internet connection. If the candidate’s local ISP is not able to provide a sufficient quality of
service, frequent disconnects and poor video or audio quality may simply cause the recruiter to
move on to another candidate, even though the first candidate might have been a better option in
terms of skills, knowledge, and experience. Things such as technical issues would not affect a
person’s chances to impress during a face-to-face interview.
2. Potential fraud
While they are not too common, there will be companies out there that may try and scam
candidates, asking them to pay a symbolic fee, for the promise of getting hired. Also, some
businesses will try and advertise themselves as a lot better than they actually are, thus misleading
the candidates and wasting their time. And it’s exactly the same with the candidates. With these
things in mind, it is always a much better idea to check out the company or a candidate in person
and see what they are all about.
3. Lack of IT Knowledge
There are still plenty of jobs out there which don’t require computer knowledge or tech
savviness. But, such knowledge is necessary if the candidates are being screened via video
interview. With video interviews, a person’s lack of IT expertise for a job that doesn’t require it
at all can become a problem. The candidate might have landed their dream job if they were
interviewed in person, but since they weren’t able to set themselves up and record the video
interview, they were eliminated at the very beginning.
4. Poor video quality
I’ve already mentioned that some companies require candidates who, in addition to having strong
skills, are also presentable and charismatic, and are capable of representing the company when
needed. Poor video quality can diminish the candidate’s chances of getting hired, because their
presentation wasn’t as effective as it should have been. The recruiters, swamped with
applications, will unfortunately move on to someone else who is able to showcase himself or
herself better.
5. Response time limitation
Every candidate interviewed via video is usually given a limited amount of time and a time slot
during which they will be interviewed. But, in case there are any delays in the system or
technical difficulties, their time slot won’t be extended. Also, in case the login procedure is too
complicated, the candidates may lose precious time that way, as well. Multiple options require
quick thinking, and there is not a lot of room for mistake, which can make the whole process
very stressful.
Assignment Part 2 (Interview, Record Form)
Interview of Alina Ejaz Conducted by Hamza and Waheed for the position of Research
Assistant
Q: Tell me about yourself?
A: I am a highly organized person who has the ability of meeting deadlines. I’m a fresh graduate
and while doing BBA I managed to complete a few internships at small firms where I carried out
my duties with efficiency and strong work ethic. One of my Major achievements include
formulating a Business Plan for a newly launched English Proficiency Test named ITEP for
McGovern education Group, the firm where I was an internee. Also, I happen to be the author of
Research Paper named ‘Consumer Buying Attitude toward Counterfeits and Green Consumption
which is published in X category Journal of management Sciences. Moreover, I also have
command over different data and research related softwares like SPSS, AMOS and Eviews. I
think my strong research and quick learning skills combined with my award winning background
and my ability to prepare drafts and business plans can make a difference in your research
department.
Q: What are your Goals?
I see myself as a top performing employee in a well-established organization, like this one. I plan
on keep learning and growing and contributing as much of value as I can.
Q: What are your strength and weaknesses?
I think my tolerance level is higher than the youth of these days. Because I know that in order to
learn something, I’ll have to be able to take criticism, I know that I might get scolded sometimes
and I’ll even have to work under pressure. So I’m always ready for all these things because I’m
not short tempered and I have the ability to see the bigger picture. As for the weaknesses, I think
I’m a truthful person and that’s why I’m a little too straightforward but I’m learning to respond
accordingly to different people.
Q: What’s your ideal company?
My Ideal Company is the one where my skills and knowledge are put to good use. An
organization where I can learn and grow as a person and as an employee and where I can make a
valued contribution.
Q: Why should we hire you?
I’m certain that the research skills I developed during my education and internships, and my
ability to learn quickly will bring success in this job. Also I’m a multitasker, who can perform
several tasks without missing a single deadline.
Q: Which do you prefer, working alone or working with groups?
I’m a peoples’ person. I enjoy working in groups because “The more the merrier”. But if I have
to work alone, I’m also fine with it. I get the assigned task done no matter if it’s alone or in
teams.
Q: Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years, I’d like to see myself as someone with deep expertise in Research sector, and I’m
certain that it’s something that I’ll have an opportunity do here. And I see myself taking more
managerial roles in coming future.
Q: What motivates you for your job?
As I stated earlier, I never miss the deadlines. So yes, fulfilling the challenging tasks on time
makes me feel achieved. I would like to perform my duties within time for my employer as well
as for my satisfaction as well. Also, a little recognition never hurts me.
Q: Tell me about your proudest achievements?
Being a fresh Graduate, so far my best achievement has been that Business Plan that I madeall by
myself while being a student. Secondly, it’s my Research paper that got published. Last but not
the least is the one where I won the National Entrepreneurship competition among 71
universities by making the Business Plan of a unique product.
Interview Record Form
Name of Candidate Alina Ejaz Interview Date 16th April, 2020
Date of Birth 28th July, 1997 Interview Time 6:30pm
Syed Hamza Sajjad,
Gender Female Interviewer
Waheed Qadir
Marital Status Single Position Applied For Research Assistant
No of Children none Articles
Telephone 03082986572 Reference Number
1. Education / Qualification Institution Year
Matric (O Level) Defence Public School 2012
Inter (A Levels) GCW 2014
BBA Iqra University 2019
2. Career History Position Period
D-Evento Intern 1st March- 30th April 2019
McGovern Education Group Intern 1st June – 31st July 2018
3. Personal Qualities Excellent Good Satisfactory Unsatisfactory Comments
Technical Skills
English Language Capabilities
Confidence
Presentable
Attitude / Maturity
4. Experience 4 months
5. Availability Available
6. Motivation (for the position) Highly Motivated
7. Current/Last Drawn Salary Stipend 20,000
& Benefits
8. Expected Salary & Benefits 30,000
9. Overall Assessment Satifactory
10. Final Offer 28,000
Interview of Syed Hamza Sajjad Conducted by Alina Ejaz and Waheed for the position of
Research Assistant
Q: Tell me about yourself?
A: I am a hardworking person with experience of internships at reputable firms like Interwood
Mobel and Geo television network. I was awarded as the best intern for my performance at
Interwood Mobel. I was human resource Intern at Geo Television and I learned all the basics of
HR there along with my courses which were taught in University regarding HRM. I have also
been an active participant of extracurricular activities. By now, I have become familiar with all
the basic concepts of HRM, moreover I also have a good command over HRM related softwares.
Another reason to consider me as a potential candidate is my good computer skills. I am quite
efficient in MS word, Power pint and most importantly Excel.
Q: What are your Goals?
My short term goal would be getting an opportunity to be a part of HR department in a reputable
firm like yours. And my long term goal would be to gain experience and rise in my Field.
Q: What are your strength and weaknesses?
My strength would be, that I have the ability to manage conflicts. I don’t run away or avoid
conflicts but instead I try to cope with them as efficiently as humanly possible. If we talk about
weaknesses I am a kind of a perfectionist, and I pay attention to detail, so I make sure everything
is perfect even if it means taking a little extra time.
Q: What’s your ideal company?
For me, an ideal company is one where I show up every day and feel myself contributing,
knowing that I am playing a role in the success of the company. My ideal company depends on
me, so that I am motivated to work hard and complete my tasks.
Q: Why should we hire you?
I’m sure that the human management skills I developed during my education and internships,
and my ability to do things perfectly will make a difference in your HR department.
Q: Which do you prefer, working alone or working with groups?
I get the work done anyway I am supposed to. If I am alone, I take extra care, If I’m with people,
well and good. Because in teams if one person is doing wrong the other can correct him. Both
ways I’ll happily perform my tasks.
Q: Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years, I’d like to see myself as someone with deep expertise in Research sector, and I’m
certain that it’s something that I’ll have an opportunity do here. And I see myself taking more
managerial roles in coming future.
Q: What motivates you for your job?
As I stated earlier, I never miss the deadlines. So yes, fulfilling the challenging tasks on time
makes me feel achieved. I would like to perform my duties within time for my employer as well
as for my satisfaction as well. Also, a little recognition never hurts me.
Q: Tell me about your proudest achievements?
Being a fresh Graduate, so far my best achievement has been that Business Plan that I madeall by
myself while being a student. Secondly, it’s my Research paper that got published. Last but not
the least is the one where I won the National Entrepreneurship competition among 71
universities by making the Business Plan of a unique product.