GOING GOING GONE

There was a time when pharmaceutical company’s would hire only science graduates as representatives. I was an arts graduate. Even though my first job was with a consumer company, at one point I wanted to shift to pharmaceutical selling. I applied to many companies, only, to be rejected, on this ground.

I was in-between jobs, and in one of the interviews met a guy, named Agi. He was a science graduate and had some experience in pharma selling. After the interview, we had tea and smoke. We lived nearby each others’ residence. So, we became friends. We met everyday and whiled away time.

In the meantime, both of us were, selected in a pharma company. Agi, proceeded to Mumbai for training. I could not go, as my finances were extremely low.  

I continued applying. Agi returned from the training, but did not take up the job, as the company did not give him the head quarter they had promised in the interview.

I was called for an interview, from a good pharma company for which I had applied. Agi had missed applying for this company as he had been attending the training in Mumbai.

I went for the interview, that was conducted in a hotel in Chennai.. Agi also came along with me. I was called in. I was asked to sit.

The person who interviewed me, Mr.Nathan, went through my CV. In it, I had mentioned that I was a graduated of the Madras University.

He asked me, “Mr. Murali, are you a graduate in Chemistry, Physics or Biology?

I cleared my throat, nervously. I said, “ No sir, I am a graduate in economics.”

He apologized, and said, “ I am so sorry, had I known about this, I would not have called you for the interview. We hire only science graduates. “

I replied, “ I know sir, that you would do just that. That is why I did not mention it. “

I continued, “Sir, give me a chance to prove myself. Treat me the same way you would treat a science graduate. If I am good enough hire me. If not at least I would have the satisfaction of having tried. “

He gave me a medical literature. He asked me to study it, and explain it to him, two hours later.

As I left the room, I asked him, “Sir, one of my friends is waiting outside. Should I send him in?”

He replied, “Yes, please do.”

Now it was Agi’s turn. Mr. Nathan, searched for Agis’s CV, in his dossier. It was not there. He asked Agi, “ I am afraid your CV is not here. Agi replied, “It will not be there sir. I came to know of the interview, only this morning. I have bought my CV with me.”

Mr. Nathan smiled. He went through the CV, and gave Agi, another medical literature to study and explain.

Agi and I went to a nearby restaurant. Over many cups of tea and cigarettes, he helped me learn the medical terminologies, their meanings, and the idea behind the medical literature. I needed the job very badly, as my family was in a financial dead end. So I put my heart and soul in the preparation.

We were, called in two hours later. I explained the literature to the best of my ability. Agi too put in an impressive performance. That day they had interviewed 32 candidates. Only two were finally selected: Agi and me.

Many years later, during a conference, Mr. Nathan, remarked, during lunchtime. “Murali, you got the job, by not mentioning your graduation subject. And Agi, you got it without even applying.” He patted us affectionately on our shoulders.

The world has changed so much since then. Now the availability of good candidates is so rare, that pharma companies have, started hiring candidates who have arrears in their graduation, and even college dropouts.

These candidates cannot speak English and are not well versed even in their own mother tongue.

Training them needs a lot of patience, and empathy. Gone are the days when company’s could pick and choose candidates. Today they have to make do with whoever is available. The days of skilled committed employees are,” going going gone.”