There is no harm in asking such a question. I think that lady was right in her place; it seems they are very professional. She was totally clear about the company's vision and mission and about the type of person they want to hire. What will happen if they hide this info until your joining? I would say, say thanks to that lady who cleared everything for you in the beginning.
There is no harm in making a policy like this; it is their way to improve their business because they are in such a business environment.
From India, Pune
73There is no harm in making a policy like this; it is their way to improve their business because they are in such a business environment.
From India, Pune
Dear Komal,
Actually, this question is surprising, but you shouldn't be shocked by it. It's better that they clarified their requirements at the beginning itself instead of bringing it to light later, which could have been a culture shock to you. Thus, now you need to be headstrong with your decision and assertively put across your views. Also, think practically - if right now they have a requirement of drinking in a social set-up, at a later stage, they may ask you for certain more compromises which would be very much in and required as per them. But can you compromise on your values for a job? Think for yourself.
From India, Mumbai
Actually, this question is surprising, but you shouldn't be shocked by it. It's better that they clarified their requirements at the beginning itself instead of bringing it to light later, which could have been a culture shock to you. Thus, now you need to be headstrong with your decision and assertively put across your views. Also, think practically - if right now they have a requirement of drinking in a social set-up, at a later stage, they may ask you for certain more compromises which would be very much in and required as per them. But can you compromise on your values for a job? Think for yourself.
From India, Mumbai
Now, in this scenario, I think everybody lives in their own style, so it's not an issue that as an HR, you should take liquor. If you will be attending a party where everybody is drinking, you can politely decline and say, "I'm not comfortable with this."
I suggest to everyone that everybody should live in their own style, using their own mind and never imitate others. Make decisions based on what your conscience allows.
From India, Raipur
I suggest to everyone that everybody should live in their own style, using their own mind and never imitate others. Make decisions based on what your conscience allows.
From India, Raipur
Dear Komal,
I carefully read your words and was a bit surprised by what the consultant has asked you. Ethically, no one should promote drinking nor ask for a drinking person in order to be picked up for a job. It doesn't sound neat at all. However, if the consultant approached you in the following manner: "The management of the company gets into many functions and parties sort of, and I wonder if it's okay with you to accept a drink offered to you as a protocol in front of other senior management staff from other companies?" See, if it was brought to you in that way, one could pass the question and reply with no doubts whatsoever. Besides that, I have been in many occasions where I met individuals from HR from several organizations around the world who simply do not drink while everyone is having their drink in hand, and it does not mean anything to us or to anyone whether that person is drinking or not. I would advise you not to pick up that job as there is something fishy about it and it does not look professional to me at all.
Best of luck, Ms. Komal
Mimas Khodr, M.D.
Misuyura Int. Trading Co.
Lebanon, India, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea
Hi, Recently, I got a call from an HR Consultant for some HR opening with one of their client companies. She asked me for a few details, but one question almost shocked me. She asked me whether I drink or not. I said no, which is a fact, but then she told me that their client had this mandatory requirement that the HR person should drink (reason: she has to be a part of many events/parties, and their clientele is of such nature). The company is among one of the most successful and reputed business houses from India. How fair is this? Can any employer actually put such condition for recruitment?
Regards, Komal
From India, Chandigarh
I carefully read your words and was a bit surprised by what the consultant has asked you. Ethically, no one should promote drinking nor ask for a drinking person in order to be picked up for a job. It doesn't sound neat at all. However, if the consultant approached you in the following manner: "The management of the company gets into many functions and parties sort of, and I wonder if it's okay with you to accept a drink offered to you as a protocol in front of other senior management staff from other companies?" See, if it was brought to you in that way, one could pass the question and reply with no doubts whatsoever. Besides that, I have been in many occasions where I met individuals from HR from several organizations around the world who simply do not drink while everyone is having their drink in hand, and it does not mean anything to us or to anyone whether that person is drinking or not. I would advise you not to pick up that job as there is something fishy about it and it does not look professional to me at all.
Best of luck, Ms. Komal
Mimas Khodr, M.D.
Misuyura Int. Trading Co.
Lebanon, India, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea
Hi, Recently, I got a call from an HR Consultant for some HR opening with one of their client companies. She asked me for a few details, but one question almost shocked me. She asked me whether I drink or not. I said no, which is a fact, but then she told me that their client had this mandatory requirement that the HR person should drink (reason: she has to be a part of many events/parties, and their clientele is of such nature). The company is among one of the most successful and reputed business houses from India. How fair is this? Can any employer actually put such condition for recruitment?
Regards, Komal
From India, Chandigarh
True. Guess we should look at it objectively and handle such situations. There is no point in getting emotional about this and reacting. This would typically turn out to be that one is not emotionally balanced, especially considering the kind of job we are in.
It is good to stand by our point/belief, and at the same time, it is highly important to be assertive and confident about our choices.
From India, Madras
It is good to stand by our point/belief, and at the same time, it is highly important to be assertive and confident about our choices.
From India, Madras
Hi Komal,
It is very surprising. You know, I also got a call from a consultant and they have offered me such a job. She asked me if I drink or not. I was shocked, but when I discussed it with my husband, he told me that this company treats their HR like a secretary.
After all this, I decided to go for the interview because we are working ladies, we have to face many odd situations in our lives. We should at least know what kind of company this is. I want to see to what extent they can go. I suggest that you also attend this interview and become an expert in handling such situations.
My email id is sumispj@yahoo.co.in.
Regards,
Suman
From India, Gurgaon
It is very surprising. You know, I also got a call from a consultant and they have offered me such a job. She asked me if I drink or not. I was shocked, but when I discussed it with my husband, he told me that this company treats their HR like a secretary.
After all this, I decided to go for the interview because we are working ladies, we have to face many odd situations in our lives. We should at least know what kind of company this is. I want to see to what extent they can go. I suggest that you also attend this interview and become an expert in handling such situations.
My email id is sumispj@yahoo.co.in.
Regards,
Suman
From India, Gurgaon
As I can say, in this world, nothing is good, as the same nothing is bad. So, it's totally dependent upon you. If you dislike it, then simply deny the offer. One more thing, if upon joining, they are asking for a drink, then you should guess what's next?
From India, Delhi
From India, Delhi
Dear Friends,
Please find the post on - Does Alcohol Drinking Mix With Work Events? https://www.citehr.com/195707-hr-per...d-drink-5.html
From India, Calicut
Please find the post on - Does Alcohol Drinking Mix With Work Events? https://www.citehr.com/195707-hr-per...d-drink-5.html
From India, Calicut
Hi Komal,
I agree 100% with Asha. You can always choose a mocktail instead of alcohol. It's always good to have at least one person sober during an outing involving alcohol. You need to determine if the interviewer was trying to test your patience or maturity level by asking you this question.
Regards,
SF
From India, Mumbai
I agree 100% with Asha. You can always choose a mocktail instead of alcohol. It's always good to have at least one person sober during an outing involving alcohol. You need to determine if the interviewer was trying to test your patience or maturity level by asking you this question.
Regards,
SF
From India, Mumbai
Hi Komal,
Be reasonable; maybe that company has a lot of foreign clients who drink. They were just checking your comfort levels. As you said it's a leading company, they are surely not into XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX. So, you can say that you are not a drinker, but you don't mind attending cocktails. That's it, ya, chill. Remember, broadening of vision is always required. I don't believe that an organization will reject you if you don't drink; they just check your comfort levels.
Best of luck...
Regards, Sakshi
Business Development Head
Avalon Academy
From India, New Delhi
Be reasonable; maybe that company has a lot of foreign clients who drink. They were just checking your comfort levels. As you said it's a leading company, they are surely not into XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX. So, you can say that you are not a drinker, but you don't mind attending cocktails. That's it, ya, chill. Remember, broadening of vision is always required. I don't believe that an organization will reject you if you don't drink; they just check your comfort levels.
Best of luck...
Regards, Sakshi
Business Development Head
Avalon Academy
From India, New Delhi
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