Ali’s Interview at Syarikat Zumaju Sdn. Bhd.

Ali was feeling pleased with himself as he had been called to attend an interview for the vacant post of Market Research Officer in Syarikat Zumaju Sdn. Bhd. He had put on his new shirt and colorful tie which he had bought especially for the interview. According to the company’s letter, his interview start at 10.00 a.m. but when he arrived at 9.45 a.m., he found that there were 10 other candidates waiting to be interviewed. The receptionist told him to take a seat and apologized for the delay. His interview was now scheduled for 12.00 noon. At 12.15 p.m., he was called into the interview room where he found himself faced by three stern- looking interviewers. The man in the middle said, “Are you Ali Ahmad?” Ali confirmed this information.

There was some confusion while the other two interviewers looked through some papers, exchanged files and whispered together. Ali stood patiently. Eventually, the man on the right said, “Don’t you want to sit down? We can’t interview you while you’re standing, you know!” Ali immediately sat on the seat facing the interview panel and said, “I would like to thank you for calling me for this interview. I would be pleased to explain why I think I can contribute to your organization as a marketing officer.” Upon which, one of the interviewers said, “Young man, just answer our questions, please. Why are you wearing such a colorful tie?” Don’t you think it is important to dress conservatively in the office?” Before Ali had a chance to respond, the interviewer in the middle asked, “What do you think of our company’s products?” Ali’s heart sank. This was not what he had expected at all. He began to regret having applied to this company for a job.

Case Questions

1. Identify the mistakes made by the interviewers in the case.
2. What might Ali decided to do next?
3. How might the interview process be improved?