How "My Job" happened...

This post is about the miracle named "My Job". It is no less than a miracle because It happened in 3 days, over a weekend. Who doesn't dream of an adventurous job that gives you an opportunity to travel all around the world, visit your dream destinations and offers you a handsome salary for it !? Those were the painstaking days in the Summer of May, this year, when I was at wit's end about my life and job. A friend mentioned Qatar airways coming to Bangalore for an open day and suggested I give it a try. I thought long and hard & after a push from my mom, decided to give it a try. What did I have to lose ? On the plus side If I won, It would mean celebration.

Day 1 - CV Submission round: I was at Taj Vivanta hotel., 10 am, dressed in formals, very nervously looking for the venue. I was given directions to go to a certain conference hall. The place was swarming with people packed like sardines. Then I was given directions to enter a spacious room, where I saw 2 recruiters seated, having brief conversations with candidates. Jillian and Mellisa ! I sat a few rows behind, even though there were only a few people in the room. Soon I was called and my heart was pounding. 'Cos this is the round where you either make it or break it. The recruiters were very pleasant and after quickly gleaning my resume, asked me where I was working. Then I was given a smile and said, they will call me the same day before 6 pm, If I was selected. There was a board outside with all the information any prospective candidate would want to know about the next day, if they were lucky enough. It all happened in a matter of minutes and I was done with my first round. I met a couple friends there and started relaxing. At that point, nothing mattered more than relaxing on a fluffy sofa in the lobby.

I was enamored all day about the job interview and met a friend for brunch. Time passed and around 4 PM, I got the call that would breathe in extra life into me. It was from Jilli who informed me that I had cleared the CV submission round and was welcomed to attend the 2nd round of interview the next day at 8 am. I am far from being a morning person but I was so excited that I swore I'd wake up at 6 am, If need be.



Day 2 - Group Discussion: I was painting my face after a very long time and got busy the next morning, getting ready for the interview. Now, the second round consists of so many things. I was there at 8 am but the interview did not start until an hour later or so. This time we were at Le Meridien and I saw the recruitment officers, impeccably dressed to kill, enter the hallway. The 2nd round starts with a quick English test ( Very easy with grammatical questions and essay writing) followed by a small video clip about QA. The video clip is enough to make any girl's heart flutter and the RO's (Recruitment officers) then discuss and go through the pay scale, lifestyle, culture and all relevant information. Jilli & Melissa were very engaging and there was never a dull moment. Sadly, when the results for English tests were out in an hour, almost 60% of the girls were eliminated. I was astounded, 'cos It was a very simple test that seemingly, anybody could pass. The remainder of girls were all nervous and happy at the same time, knowing that It's not over and there are many hurdles to overcome.

A height check took place soon after. They wanted us to touch a paper clipped to a certain height on the wall and to my surprise, a few girls were eliminated here as well. Then they check to see If you have any visible scars, birthmarks or tattoos. Another nerve wracking experience.

Towards the end of our interview, we were divided into two groups and given a topic to discuss in the GD round. There was some chaos and the RO's closely make their observations during this round. I think what they are looking for is how well a candidate performs under chaotic situations, their spirit of team work and co-operation. We roughly had 5 minutes to discuss amongst ourselves what role each one would enact and how they'd bring out the theme of the topic. I was with this American girl, Chandra, and both of us were clueless of what to do, as time limitations did not permit us to discuss anything. We somehow enacted an impromtu act, which I was not completely happy with, as we hardly spoke anything. But Lady Luck was smiling and we were later given the green signal. This time only fewer girls were eliminated.




Day 3 - One on one interview: Today was a much calmer day after the apprehensive weekend. The RO's, as sparkly & glamorous as ever, took 15-30 minutes with each candidate. It was like having a conversation with them. They asked me a few questions from the booklet (forgot to mention, you get a booklet on the 2nd day) pertaining to the rules and regulations, your favorite destination If you were given a free ticket to travel and other miscellaneous but important details. You are asked to bring along all the documentation needed - your educational certificates, passport copy, photographs (one full length & one close-up) etc. Then, your time starts to be patient and forget about what happened in the last 3 days of your life. That's right. What follows after a week or two is an e-mail from your co-ordinator to finish the medical rounds with a list of reports and check ups.

It was difficult for me knowing the fact that I cleared three rounds and having to wait for almost 3 months, until my offer letter was e-mailed to me. My only goof-up was not having a passport. I had to apply after I cleared all the rounds and I couldn't travel on the date I was given, which was the 28th of last month. I finally recieved my passport and scanned them the copy of it. I was informed that they have applied for my Visa and that I will be updated soon with my travel date & E-Ticket. So, that brings me to my present day. Here I am ! Waiting for the auspicious day when I can celebrate relocating to Doha.


I hope this helps any interested candidates in the future in getting an idea of what the interview is like. Though, It may differ from country to country and from RO's to RO's, you know what to expect. And my suggestion, wear your make up down (This is no swimsuit interview), dress simple with your hair neatly tied in a bun or a pony tail & If short, neatly styled. Minus the accessories & Voila ! You are all set :)