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 white shirt and
colorful tie which he had bought especially for the interview.

According to the company's letter, his interview was to start at 10.00 a.m. but when he arrived at
9.45 a.m., he found 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 seated 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.

1 Identify the mistakes made by the interviewers in the case.

2 What might Ali decide to do next?
3 How might the interview process be improved?

Ali's First Day at Syarikat Zumaju Sdn.

Bhd.
All began his first day at Syarlkat Zumaju with some trepidation. It was such a huge place. He had
reported to the Administration office which was positioned conveniently at the .main door. One of
the officers there had taken down his personal particulars and sent .him straight to the Market
Research Department, where he was to be employed as a Trainee Officer. When he got there, the
head of the department was on leave and the office was almost deserted as a major survey was
being carried out by the staff which had required them all to go outstation.
All was shown to. a desk which obviously belonged to another officer and was told to read some
magazines and brochures until the head of the department came back to brief him.

The next morning, the manager arrived very early and was surprised to find Ali already at his desk.
She was also a bit shocked because Ali’s clothing looked crumpled and somehow he did not seem as
smart as he had been during the Interview.

She walked over to All and said, "Good morning. I'm Fatimah, the head of Market Research
You're here very early."

Ali looked sheepish and replied, "Actually, I'm not really early. I slept here in the office last night:'
Fatimah was astounded, "Why did you do that?"

All admitted his problem. "Last night, I couldn't find the exit. All the doors led to other offices or
cupboards, so in the end I had no choice. I slept on the floor!''

1 How do you think Ali will feel after his first day of work?
2 Prepare a plan for Ali's first day of work.