Hi Komal,
You've highlighted an interesting and key issue, which I guess has not cropped up due to whatever reasons. The fact remains, as an individual, one has all the right to choose whether or not to be a teetotaler. And nobody has the authority to question it on the professional front (friends may not always spare you from coaxing though), most importantly due to professional reasons. It cannot be a criterion in one's CV!
But, the fact also remains that in social gatherings in a professional setup, people connect faster and better when they share a drink or two. This is important from an HR perspective too. Now, this is where attitude comes into the picture. Even without having a drink, one can be free, comfortable, and make the other person comfortable with a little extra effort. One can have a fresh lime, juice, or a soft drink while networking with people who are having alcohol. In a large gathering, people will not be able to tell that one is not having an alcoholic beverage. In a small gathering, one has to make that extra effort to break the ice. Having a drink is not the objective; communicating and connecting with people is! Just imagine if drinking is the criterion, and the HR guy gets drunk, sozzled, and ends up on the floor, what will be the reaction? A little bit of the 'art of disguise', smart communication skill, is what a teetotaler needs in these situations! :) Enjoy!
From India, New Delhi
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You've highlighted an interesting and key issue, which I guess has not cropped up due to whatever reasons. The fact remains, as an individual, one has all the right to choose whether or not to be a teetotaler. And nobody has the authority to question it on the professional front (friends may not always spare you from coaxing though), most importantly due to professional reasons. It cannot be a criterion in one's CV!
But, the fact also remains that in social gatherings in a professional setup, people connect faster and better when they share a drink or two. This is important from an HR perspective too. Now, this is where attitude comes into the picture. Even without having a drink, one can be free, comfortable, and make the other person comfortable with a little extra effort. One can have a fresh lime, juice, or a soft drink while networking with people who are having alcohol. In a large gathering, people will not be able to tell that one is not having an alcoholic beverage. In a small gathering, one has to make that extra effort to break the ice. Having a drink is not the objective; communicating and connecting with people is! Just imagine if drinking is the criterion, and the HR guy gets drunk, sozzled, and ends up on the floor, what will be the reaction? A little bit of the 'art of disguise', smart communication skill, is what a teetotaler needs in these situations! :) Enjoy!
From India, New Delhi
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The company would be more interested in your participation in the party or gathering rather than drinking. In our company get-together, even females drink. There are many males who don't drink. This is not a big issue. Though it is an unusual question, it could have been easily handled.
From India, Madras
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2From India, Madras
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Komal, a little bit surprised, but nowadays most of the corporates arrange parties, events, and many more. However, everything depends on you, and since you are not a drinker, take it easy. If the company is really good, the salary meets your demands, and growth is essential. If all of these aspects are good, you can join without worry, my friend. All the best...
From India, Madras
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From India, Madras
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Hi,
On the flip side, maybe they asked the question wrongly? Maybe the job entailed entertaining others and wanting to know whether you are fit for being a hostess/representing the company at such parties or not?
I know many people who entertain though they do not touch alcohol or non-veg too. Yet, they are successful in keeping the guests busy with a smatter of small talk and never attracting attention to themselves. We usually see pictures of people holding glasses of liquid with a napkin around it. These could be people who do not drink and do not want to show off they are drinking water/soda.
If the income and other service parameters are good, it would be worth taking a chance. After all, we have stepped out into the world. Should we not be brave enough to face what comes?
Think it over. Take care.
Regards
From India, Bangalore
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On the flip side, maybe they asked the question wrongly? Maybe the job entailed entertaining others and wanting to know whether you are fit for being a hostess/representing the company at such parties or not?
I know many people who entertain though they do not touch alcohol or non-veg too. Yet, they are successful in keeping the guests busy with a smatter of small talk and never attracting attention to themselves. We usually see pictures of people holding glasses of liquid with a napkin around it. These could be people who do not drink and do not want to show off they are drinking water/soda.
If the income and other service parameters are good, it would be worth taking a chance. After all, we have stepped out into the world. Should we not be brave enough to face what comes?
Think it over. Take care.
Regards
From India, Bangalore
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