When I’m meeting the HR manager for my medical check-up appointment letter today, she told me that there were a lot of people applied for the job (I hope it’s true) and all of them were asked to use AutoCAD during the interview to demonstrate their proficiency of the software. She also told me that I’m the only one that did not asked to do so. In fact, I was asked to do so but I told the interviewer that I might need some times to recall. The interviewer paused for awhile and then said “ok, never mind, maybe it’s time for you to go back home and practice AutoCAD again; AutoCAD is very important here.” Then, the interviewer goes on with another question. “Maybe,” the HR manager continues with a smile, “he (the interviewer) got chemistry on you.” As a matter of fact, the first question that I asked the HR manager when we just met for the medical letter was how many QA engineer working here. She told me that I will be the only QA engineer (!). “So,” I said, “I have to do all the measurements and testing?” “Oh, no. There is another QC engineer to do all these. You just have to focus on… what you guys called it…?” “AutoCAD.” I said. Then she starts telling me the “story” I mentioned at the beginning.
Did chemistry really work on me and the interviewer? I don’t think so. I was selected simply because I’m “familiar” with 6 Sigma and it was my triumph card. Throughout the interview, I talked about 6 Sigma (which is extremely useful in quality management) most of the time. Ironically, I didn’t learn 6 Sigma from schools or from my past working experiences. I start picking up 6 Sigma after seeing it appears everywhere (especially GE and Rolls-Royce) in the “Requirements” of the job that I wanted to apply. I remember, few years back, I’ve read an article and it asks all the reader start picking up the skill themselves or through course whichever that is require in the job but yet to be taught in school and add it in the resume to show the potential boss that you are really keen and interested in the job. I thought it makes sense, thus I decided to take the advice and start picking up 6 Sigma myself. Fortunately, it really works, and thanks to the author who wrote the article.
So, if it is really the job that you like or a company that you wish to work for, but unfortunately it requires something that you’ve never learn before, say a mechanical engineering student suddenly wish to work in Oracle or Intel which required XML, SQL or even ERP SAP, freak not; just start picking up a book that teaches the subject, learn it yourself and show it in your resume. I believe your potential boss will appreciate it and take you into consideration for the job. If it doesn’t work out, never mind, it shows that s/he may not be a boss that appreciate human resource as an asset to the company but what s/he wants is just a working horse!
Once again, good luck for your future endeavor!
Anyway, my new company is a listed European MNC with approximately €62 per share at the moment I written this. I hope it is a good company, I’ve made a good choice and all the best to myself as well. :))))
