This is it!! My big day. After studying hard for 4 years, it’s time for campus recruitment. Let me introduce myself; I am Lekha, a soon to be a software engineer. I hail from a middle class conservative South Indian family. More than me, my parents wanted me to be a software engineer and get a high paying job which will take me onsite.
So here I was, dressed in a beautiful teal salwar suit, smart and ready to take on the world. As soon I reached our college auditorium, I was given a set of forms to be filled. All duly filled and submitted, I waited to be called in by the panel of interviewers.
Though I looked calm and composed, I was actually very nervous. I really wanted to ***** this – TCS is a big name in the market. It would make Appa so proud and give me a decent 6 figure salary.
While I sat musing about all this, I suddenly heard “Lekha K” being called out. I jumped out of my seat like a scalded cat. Oh ***! I was so nervous. What was I even thinking? Why would a company like TCS hire me? It was too late though, the volunteer gave me an impatient look that said, “ Go in, I have other things to do”.
Walking in, I saw a panel of 6. The interview began with questions about my background, education, aims, goals and what not. I answered the best I could, but I was so nervous, I don’t remember what I actually spoke.
Towards the end of the interview, the HR guy asked me if I was flexible to work from a different city. I nodded though the thought scared me a bit.
They looked at each other, and the HR executive asked me to wait outside. Six poker faces stared at me, not giving a clue whether I had cleared the interview. I got up, thanked them and left, clenching my clammy hands.
I sat down in the waiting area, giving nervous smiles to those waiting for their turn. It seemed even they were judging me, asking me if I had done well. As waited, I tried to remember my responses. I was not sure if everything that I said was appropriate. I do sometimes speak without processing the information.
Suddenly I saw the HR executive walk towards me. Hope and despair played an orchestra in my brain. Approaching me, he said,” Lekha, please follow me. I walked into another room and sat down facing him. It’s a good thing that I sat down. my legs were almost jelly like. He looked at me and smiled, “Congratulations, you are selected.” Phew… that was it. I was employed!!! . I did a little mental victory dance. He discussed my package and other terms and I happily sat with him to complete my hiring formalities.
– Article by Lekha K