Could My Vegetarian Choice Affect My Job Prospects in a Global Company?

Hi, this is Aditi. I'm an electrical engineer since May 2013. Today, I appeared for a campus interview. I cracked the aptitude test and moved to the next round, which was a personal interview (PI) and technical interview (TI). The interviewer asked the usual questions like introduction, family information, and also questioned if I am a vegetarian. I answered yes, but he further inquired if I would be willing to eat non-veg since I may need to travel the world. I responded with a no. Could this be a reason for rejection? Would this be a limitation if I work in an MNC? Please guide me on what my answer should have been.

Thank you for your response. I share the same sentiment. However, I would like to address this from an interview perspective. Many individuals believe that our approach should always be affirmative, using "YES." On the other hand, some friends have suggested that even if you agree, it might be beneficial to elaborate with more than just a simple "YES," as the interviewers may not get to know you well based on a single-word answer.

Interview Response Strategy

In this scenario, what is your opinion? How do you think I should have responded if faced with a similar question in the future?

Dietary Habits in Job Interviews

Asking about diet habits in a job interview is quite strange. How can it be a limiting factor in job performance? There is nothing wrong per se with being a vegetarian. Considering Indian dietary habits, even KFC launched a veg section in their outlets.

Handling Questions About Dietary Preferences

Regarding the question of consuming non-veg food while traveling the world, instead of directly saying "no," you could have given a more diplomatic reply like, "I know a couple of individuals within our network who are vegetarians and have been living abroad for decades. There are ways to strike a balance between my dietary habits and world tours."

Yes, vegetarianism poses challenges at times. I have had personal experiences during my travels abroad. However, it cannot be the sole criterion for one's profession.

Professionalism in Interviews

Moreover, that was quite an unprofessional question. Just because it was an MNC, it does not mean there are no unprofessional individuals there. Unprofessional behavior can be found anywhere. If someone as significant as Oprah Winfrey can become a victim of racism, who are we, the ordinary mortals, to think we are exempt? Discrimination can manifest in various forms.

Furthermore, recently, stones were thrown at an Italian minister. Just a couple of weeks ago, she was compared to an orangutan!

Inspiration from Notable Figures

Do not worry; these occurrences are unfortunately all too common. Remember someone no less than Dhirubhai Ambani. He traveled extensively in Africa and still remained vegetarian. Take inspiration from him and carry on.

Nonetheless, one thing is certain: this MNC has not adequately trained its staff on employee diversity.

Thanks,

Dinesh V Divekar

Hi friends, this is Aditi here. I got selected in the company I posted about previously. However, there is one problem—the company is in Delhi, and my parents are not allowing me to go. I just want to ask, I have received their offer letter with a package of 2.5 L. Will it be useful for me in searching for a job in any other company off-campus? Please guide me.

Regards,
Aditi

After going through all the responses and queries by Aditi, first, I would like to say that she, as well as all candidates if found in the same kind of situation, must not feel like they can be rejected because of being vegetarian or non-vegetarian. There can be more reasons for rejection and selection that play an important role in this process, but yes, this can be one of the reasons too.

Secondly, if an interviewer rejects any candidate because he/she is a vegetarian, it will not be acceptable and is a very unprofessional act.

These kinds of questions are generally asked by interviewers/employers from retail/FMCG sectors, so there is nothing strange about it. I also experienced this a few years back. By asking this, the interviewer actually wants to know about the decision-making skills of a candidate – what one would do in a different situation or when faced with something not acceptable to them. "It's life, and there are many stages where we have to do things we never thought of or liked to do, which is a fact."

Moreover, questions for judging the decision-making skills of a candidate vary with work functions/categories, but this is a very common question that can be asked of any candidate to understand their attitude, approach towards life, and whether they can accept challenging conditions or not.

Perhaps, few people won't accept or understand it, but it is a truth asked by interviewers. Discrimination certainly is not acceptable. Regarding MNCs, you should not worry because there is a big difference between interview questions and living (working) a corporate professional life in reality. You are totally free to choose what to eat while working.

@To All: As Aditi was assuming what could be the reasons for her rejection (if rejected), which is common for newcomers, I suggest to all candidates not to worry and to be confident and wise with your answers as this is a crucial stage for you.

@Aditi Lastly, as you have been selected and offered a good package initially, this can certainly be helpful in job searching, but there is something I would like to highlight by referring to the same question asked by the INTERVIEWER.

You are a girl, and your parents' concern in this regard is understandable and acceptable, but what will you do if you get a very good opportunity to work outside your city/country, which could be a golden opportunity for your career and professional life? At this early stage, you might not be able to go, and your parents might not allow it, but in the future, would you like to work outside your town?

Best of luck in making your decision.

Hi, I accept your concern as well as that of your parents, but you also know how important this job is for you. Parents always care for their children just like they have done in the past and continue to do so today. I appreciate and respect your decision not to go against your parents. However, it's important to remember that there are many girls living in Delhi NCR from other states and cities. If everyone starts saying that Delhi is not safe and they should not come here for work or anything, I believe you can understand the consequences, which are not feasible.

Thirdly, your employer who is providing you this opportunity has agreed to provide cab facilities for you and other selected female candidates. This will help in commuting safely from the office to your PG/Hostel or wherever you plan to stay.

My wife and I are from Chandigarh and currently living in Gurgaon. We also have cousin sisters here. We have many female friends and people in our circle who are living in Delhi (Gurgaon) from Punjab, West Haryana, and South India. We understand well what is right and wrong for us socially and professionally.

Your decision is entirely yours, but if you feel that this opportunity is good and will provide you with a solid foundation to start your professional life and learn new things, you may want to reconsider your decision and convince your parents.

Lastly, there is nothing stopping you from returning to your town if you choose to. Once you have gained experience and knowledge, you can start looking for a job in your own town as well.

I just wanted to say that you need to make a wise decision. Also, Pune is a very good city with great career options. You can find a good job there too. My best wishes and those of the community are with you.