When Telling the Truth Helped Me!
Before becoming a ‘Professional Blogger’ I worked for a few years in Sales & Marketing. We were selling Computer Networking related equipment to enterprise companies and organizations.
I was working in a company that had a national presence. Since it was my first job, the salary was less. So I was looking for a change. During that time, I got an interview offer from a popular MNC that was well-known for its employee policies. I decided to give it a shot.
On the day of the interview, there were a couple of rounds (written test, first-level interview) and I cleared both. Then came the final interview. They asked me some questions and they seemed to be fine with my answers. When the interview was coming to a close, they asked me if I had any questions for them.
I asked them about the job profile (which I considered very important, even more than the salary package). They said the job involved channel sales (selling to partners) and not much of direct sales (selling to customers).
But my experience was in direct sales and I wanted more experience in it. The consultant who had set-up the interview had mentioned to me that this was a direct sales position, but clearly there was some communication gap.
There I was, on the verge of getting a job in an MNC with a better pay package and other benefits and only one thing stood between me and the job – the job profile. Frankly I didn’t know what to do.
After a few seconds of hesitation, I finally told them I was not looking for channel sales, but wanted to work in direct sales. They were taken by surprise and told me that both profiles were similar and I would become familiar with the new profile within a few months. But I persisted – I wasn’t ready for channel sales yet and I wanted more direct sales experience.
I knew saying the truth would mean losing a lucrative job opportunity but I did it anyway. Just as I was about to leave, one person on the panel told me that his friend in another company had an opening for direct sales job, and gave me his contact details.
I thanked him and approached the other person on the next day. When I called, this person said – ‘Yes, my friend told me about you – could you come down for an interview’. I thought ‘Wow, half of my work has already been done!’. Needless to say, I got the job (with direct sales profile) in the new company.
Many times, we hesitate to tell the truth, especially when it comes to big decisions in our life. I have realized that honesty may set us back immediately, but on the long-run it will be more beneficial.
So be honest to others, and more importantly – to yourself! What you think you need desperately, for which you are ready even to lie, may not be what you actually need.
Destination Infinity
Disclaimer: This post has been written for an indiBlogger contest in association with Kinley.
Nice ad.
Yes honesty always pays, sometimes it takes more time.
Very often, yes 🙂
Destination Infinity
It helps to be honest and truthful.
Nice post DI.
Yes, it surely helps, but we need to outgrow our temptation to lie.
Destination Infinity
Honesty is the best policy. I am glad you told the truth.
I guess I was mentally prepared to lose it here, but I got lucky!
Destination Infinity
It was the honest answer of yours that impressed one of the interviewers to help you in getting the other position.My esteem for you goes up.
In my perspective, I didn’t want that job so I was mentally ready to tell the truth.
Destination Infinity
I indeed agree! I won’t say I haven’t lied but things changed a lot utmost now and I feel honor to be honest always. People believe me and I never want to lose their faith kept on me.
Cheers! Let us lead the truth
Yes. Lying not only reduces others’ faith in us, but will also reduce our own faith in us!
Destination Infinity