Facing Humiliation in a Job Interview: How Would You Handle This Situation in Dubai?

Hi everyone,

I am recounting an incident that occurred to me recently and would like your thoughts on this.

I am looking for employment in Dubai and, as per my experience and qualifications, only "secretary/admin/PA/Office assistant" positions apparently suit me (Dubai standards)!!!

Here is a little of my background... I have 6 years of experience, out of which 4.5 years were in BPO (IT) Operations management (India) and 1.5 years in IT service management experience in a GCC country (other than UAE) as a Secretary/coordinator. I held a responsible position in India, but due to circumstances, I had to move to the GCC 2 years ago.

Recently, I had an interview in a construction firm for the position of a secretary for "xx" head. Now this company's HR has shortlisted my resume from naukrigulf and then called me for a personal interview. During the personal interview, this HR executive and XX head (under whom I am supposed to work) seemed very happy with my previous record and informally told me that I should be joining them from the next day. However, they would confirm my joining date after speaking with their organization Head. The next day, I got a call from the HR executive that their Organization Head would like to meet me for a personal interview. Unfortunately, that interview became a pathetic experience for me in my life. Personal and rude comments such as "Did you travel from Hyd to Bangalore all alone when changing jobs? Didn't your parents object to that?" Derogatory remarks about my BPO experience as though people in BPOs just pass their time doing nothing. Then comments such as obtaining a degree through distance mode from Indian universities is like bribing someone to get a degree, etc. The job experience that I have seemed very funny to him. Then questions about my father's job/position in India, etc. After an hour of humiliation, I was told by this gentleman that if all these things were fine with me, then I could join them.

My question to all of you is, what would you have done if someone (remember the organization HEAD) had humiliated you this way? Is this the normal procedure of humiliating people in Dubai when they apply for a job as basic as a secretary? Above all, with my management concept, I don't think a company's head has to bother with interviewing a base-level employee. At least, I haven't seen this happening in big MNCs in India. The senior management normally has countless tasks besides just passing time. What would you say?

P.S.: By the way, this secretarial position is not a very specific role such as HR admin/legal secretary. This is a general filing, documentation, travel arranging role which pretty much has no significance to my academic qualification.

Dear Aspirant,

If the person's behavior was really bad, my advice is to search for another opportunity. With your experience and knowledge, you will surely get another chance.

Always keep in mind that individuals from reputable organizations generally exhibit good behavior. Therefore, you can assess the organization's standard based on the behavior of senior employees.

Best of luck,
Rashid

The behavior of the head of the company says a lot about the organizational culture. My advice would be to let go of this opportunity and look for another job. You mentioned that you have worked in BPO; why don't you look for a job in a similar industry there? If you have made up your mind to work in such an insignificant position, it's better to work in an industry where you have some experience. Let it mean starting afresh.

Thanks,
Minakshi

Hi,

I am working with an institute that believes that the employer would humiliate the employee, and if the employee wants to stay, it's their wish. People here believe that if somebody is their employee, then they should not mind these humiliations. Newcomers are the worst victims of this belief or attitude. So it is good that we should not go for such kind of companies. I have been working in this company for the last 7 months as the only HR person and have observed the situation. So please look for another job unless you want to learn or practice your skills on how to handle difficult people.

Regards,
Pratap

I personally thank all of you for taking out your valuable time to reply to me. Yes, I have done the same thing as advised by all of you here. I did not accept the offer and have sent a very strong mail in response to all the humiliation. Hope the employers here understand that they are not authorized to demotivate anyone who comes to look for a job in their organization as we aren't anyone's slave.

I'm really happy that you could share your thoughts about them openly, and you made the right choice. Someone should open their eyes to what is going on, and it is not acceptable in the working environment since they are dealing with people, not dolls, who listen and do not respond.

The attitude of the head shows that he is far from cultural values and ethics, which means that in a professional arena, he will act like that with each employee. I'm sure this will affect their productivity!

I hope you will find the better place you deserve! And it's really good that you didn't involve yourself in this negativeness :) I think work should bring only positive emotions, and one will always be successful in his/her career path. Good luck in your new start-ups!