A Lesson I Never Forgot

It was early in my career.

I was swamped with work — something important my Director had asked me to complete.

In the middle of that rush, a few candidates had arrived for their interviews.

I kept them waiting.

My Director walked in, looked around, and asked gently,

“Why are the candidates waiting?”

I explained, a little defensively,

“I’m working on the task you gave me… it’ll take me another half an hour or so.”

He nodded, then said something I carry with me to this day.

“Never keep candidates waiting.

It’s our need — we called them here.

It’s our responsibility to honour their time.

Never make them wait — not for the interview, not for the outcome.

Internal work can wait.

A bad candidate experience?

That leaves a scar. They may never come back.”

He wasn’t angry.

Just... clear.

And right.

That day, something shifted in me.

Since then, I’ve followed that lesson to the T.

Today, when I see posts asking candidates to "be patient," "be understanding," or "trust the process," I can't help but remember that moment.

Yes, candidates should be respectful.

But empathy is not a one-way street.

With all the technology we have today, sending a response — even a ‘no’ — isn’t hard.

It’s not about time.

It’s about priorities.

And the truth?

Organizations need candidates

more than candidates need jobs.

Every job seeker is a human being.

Someone anxious about their EMI.

Someone supporting a family.

Someone starting over after a setback.

“Any form of delay is disrespecting the candidate,” my Director had said.

He didn’t mince words.

Behind every HR title is a human.

But the same holds true for every application.

Let’s not forget that.

Comments

Day One -- What Am I Going To Write About?

To be honest, I’m not sure. I didn’t have a plan for this. A few ideas popped into my head yesterday, but I let them slip away without writing them down. So now, I’m here, wondering... What should I write about? I’ve always admired how writers seem to find the words. They don’t just tell stories; they make sense of life. Whether it’s fiction, essays, or poems, their words flow effortlessly, drawing you into their world. It’s like magic—captivating and transformative. Somehow, they’ve mastered the craft of turning simple words into gems that stay with you long after you’ve read them. And then, there’s me. I just write. I let my thoughts spill out, raw and unfiltered, without much structure or thought. No carefully woven narrative, no grand flow—just whatever comes to mind. Sometimes, I wonder if I’ll ever get to the level of those writers who make it all seem so easy. Maybe I will. Maybe I won’t. But right now, that doesn’t matter. What matters is that I’m writing. I showed ...

Day 2 - What's Your Purpose?

Have you ever truly asked yourself, What’s my purpose? It’s a question many ask, but few genuinely pursue. We often move through life, following routines without stopping to consider why we’re doing what we do. Many choices are made simply because "that’s how it’s always been done," without questioning the deeper reasons behind them. Think about it: How often do people choose a career because it's popular, without ever asking themselves, Why do I want to do this? It’s rare to pause and reflect on what drives us at our core. But those who are in pursuit of purpose— they ask the important questions. They don’t just accept choices blindly; they challenge the status quo, question the outcomes, and evaluate the significance of their actions in relation to their larger goals. Purpose provides clarity. It’s the compass that guides decisions and actions, ensuring every step is intentional. It’s not just about achieving success; it’s about creating meaningful change,...

Day 3 - The Power of Letting Go: Why It's Okay to Give Up

In a world that glorifies perseverance and celebrates grit, we're often told to keep pushing through no matter the cost. "Winners never quit, and quitters neve win" has been drilled into us since childhood. But what if sometimes the strongest, wisest choice is to let go? What if walking away could be your key to unlocking a better future? There are moments in life when we know—deep down—that continuing down the same path is futile. Yet, we keep going, fueled by hope that maybe, just maybe, things will turn around. We tell ourselves, "I'll give it one more try," even when we know it's unlikely to work. So why do we hold on? There are many reasons, but they often come down to fear: What will people say? Will I be seen as a failure? How can I let go when I’ve given it my everything? I can’t imagine my life without this. There must be a way to make it work! These thoughts cloud our judgment, keeping us stuck. But the real point is not the reason...

Connecting with thoughts - My thoughts and Me

Search This Blog