Work Ethics Begin at the First Interview

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My first job was with a company that I had audited as an article during my Chartered Accountancy. There was no formal interview. That was in 1968. After about 5 years, I wanted to go for a change of job. Here’s a snippet of my interview with the finance director of a British company with operations in India, Mr. Shepherd:

He: Badri, you have credentials good enough to get you a job with any of the top companies. How do we know that you will continue to stay with us?

Me: Mr. Shepherd, I promise you I will not leave you before completing 4 years. But I cannot promise to stay with you beyond 5 years.

He: Why do you say that?

Me: I am confident that I will train my assistant to take over my job completely within 4 years. I will have nothing new to contribute after 5 years in the same job. Unless I get a different opportunity, it will not be in your interest to retain me after 5 years.

 

He: What is your role in periodical management reporting with your present employer?

Me: I have introduced annual budgeting, monthly profit statement and detailed variance analysis of actual over budget.

 

He: What is the profit level of your present employers?

Me: The latest published financials of the company reveal a profit of  xxx crores.

 

He: Are they making enough profits this year, rather, what are their current profits?

Me: I am sorry Mr. Shepherd, professional ethics do not permit me to answer this question.

 

He: Badri, when can you join us? Can you join us tomorrow?

They gave me an appointment letter with a grade higher than the maximum scale they advertised.

 

In interviews, I believe it makes a better impact, if a candidate:

  • Clearly and confidently speaks about his own thoughts and intentions rather than shifting blame on those with whom he was associated so far.
  • Never spills out the trade secrets and disclose information, which the earlier employers passed on to him in good faith or he had access to while executing the duties.

 

Maintaining these  basic ethics gives confidence to himself and to the new employer.

 

Editedby Meeta Kabra

This entry was posted in Biography, Fun, Interviews, Loyalty, Morals, My First Lessons and tagged , , by badri. Bookmark the permalink.

About badri

As I approached 68 (2013), my son, Anand insisted that I had proven enough in my 45-year long career and it was time I took life a little easier; enjoy traveling (that I love) and social life. Yet, I somehow wanted to contribute positively and was exploring my options. My son-in-law, Navin suggested that I should write and share my experiences, “being a self-made man, you should tell the next generation how you overcame various obstacles to reach this position, in both, business and social circles.” He pointed out that while I was sharing my experiences with family and friends, as they approached me, a blog had the potential to take your voice to many, many more. He also insisted that I start mentoring youngsters who were new in their businesses. I was convinced. I offered my services pro bono, as part of a Guidance Program. Also, I started writing on this blog, bringing out figments from my memory as experiences that might be of value to the readers here. My daughter Meeta is sweet enough to spare her time to edit what I write. As a youngster, I thought one meal a day, one set of school uniform a year, a public place to study, lack of finance and basic shelter would keep me from achieving my dreams. To compensate, I started giving 110% of what was normally expected. Yes, 110% even in bad deeds! This worked. The very limitations started inspiring me in different phases of my life – meritorious results in studies; strength to shoulder family responsibilities; satisfied employers; establishing a successful business of my own; and in my adventure trips and other travel plans. Having done what I wanted to, I agreed it was time for me to expose myself! I felt, through this blog, I could and should share my expereinces. Hopefully, readers would find some bits useful and if not, they’d enjoy reading. Look forward to interact with you. Happy Reading, Badri Baldawa

6 thoughts on “Work Ethics Begin at the First Interview”

  5. Dear Mr Baldawa,

    Finally, I got into your blogs. I have finished half and other half is saved like a desert.

    Wonderful ! I have enjoyed thoroughly reading your articles. The most beautiful part of this blog is based on facts & figures from personal experience (no imaginations, no fictions or assumptions like in other articles).

    They are truly encouraging, educative, and worth for today’s life. Please continue to open up and share more experience like a Pandora Box.

    With best regards
    Prakash Shrestha

  6. Thanks for the guidance uncle. It will be really helpful for our present as well as future assignments.

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