In Person Drop

Bilal Ahmad
Sep 8, 2018 · 5 min read

Background:

First of all, I updated my CV according to the job description. Then, I decided to drop my CV online on the official website of Descon Engineering and applied online. I also found the email address of chief of Human Resources Sir Ahsan Qureshi and sent him an email for the position of Project Management

Experience:

On Thursday, I dressed up well and prepared myself physically and mentally as well. I went to the headquarters of Descon situated at Ferozepur road, Lahore at sharp 10 am with all the necessary things like updated CV, cover letter and some other educational transcripts.

It is my biggest aim that I will work in that organization that’s why I chose it for the in-person drop. It was a great experience ever in my life to meet the HR professionals for in-person drop and experience the formal behavior at the workplace. When I reached there, I met with the security guard and he was familiar to me because I have visited the organization before. He gave every possible information that was required for me. However, I reached the office of HR and asked his PA about his routine and when will he be free for me? He didn’t respond to me properly and went away.

At that time, I felt disappointed because no one was paying attention to me. I sat there and kept on waiting for 30–40 minutes then I met with an engineer there who told me that he could fix my appointment with Ahsan Qureshi (Chief of HR) for just 15 minutes. I thanked him for giving me such a big favor.

When I entered the room, I noticed that sir Ahsan was much busy in online work, however, he treated me well. I dropped my CV and cover letter on his table and tried to communicate by following the Amal principles. Did he ask me either I have read about job description or not? I replied that I have gone through it that’s why I am here to drop my CV because it was my biggest aim to work in your organization and I was a big fan of your contribution towards the growth of the company. He smiled and asked about myself, I spoke my elevator pitch before him almost in one minute and also engaged him in the discussion. I went the extra mile in the discussion as I had done research about their upcoming projects and the small details about their company. As he had no more time for me so he gave me his personal card and email address to follow him for the next time.

Challenges:

1- Didn’t receive any response of email I have sent to the recruiter.

2- The behavior of PA towards me.

3- Waiting for considerable time outside the office.

4- Arranging an appointment with the HR.

5- Expressing my elevator pitch and maintaining my body language.

What did I learn?

The most important thing that we learned from him was while saying our strength stories to them and our accomplishments never try to be defensive. It is quite necessary that when you visit a company or an organization you must know the norms and values of every department. They are super interested in our non-verbal communication. If you visit your dream company, don’t frighten from the challenges you might face. In fact, they are on our side because they help us a lot not to do that mistake next time. We should also understand the norms of meeting with company officials. And the last thing, we should ask some thoughtful questions so that if they are busy they would be compelled to think about the answer.

Questions that I asked about them.

I asked some questions to sir Ahsan Qureshi listed below.

1- What did they look for a fresh graduate?

He replied that they are in search of professional and desperate people that would work for them honestly and be loyal to them. He also said that grades matter for them and they prefer a candidate with excellent grades in the relevant degree.

2- What were the future goals of their company?

He answered me shortly that they are much interested to enhance their business through the World as they have already built up a strong network in many countries. And they are planning to adopt more technological methods.

3- How important do you think it is to be yourself in an interview?

He clarified the point, being real and authentic is the most important thing during an interview and other fields of life as well. And they are always interested to see either you represent yourself authentically or not.

How can I apply these outcomes in the future?

I am thinking to go the extra mile by showing my real passion and authenticity during an interview next time and in my daily life as well. While dropping my CV in person I will adopt the cultural dress of that company and department to make them feel that I am really desperate for them. I will do some more research about them and know the names of related staff members. I will also work upon my body language to engage them properly.

Other candidates can learn too much from my experience of dropping CV in person and knowing the culture of this company. There are many challenges and difficulties in this way but we should continue our effort with patience and chase our ultimate goals.

Sending Thank you Email:

When we returned from his office I sent him a thank you letter in which I praised his vision towards the company and thanked him for spending his most valuable time discussing with us.

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