“Indian Boss Rejects Job Candidate Over Hobbies Like Playing Guitar and Running Marathons”
In a revealing post on X, Parminder Singh, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of UK magazine Tatler Asia, recounted a surprising incident from his past that sheds light on some outdated hiring practices in India.
In a revealing post on X, Parminder Singh, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of UK magazine Tatler Asia, recounted a surprising incident from his past that sheds light on some outdated hiring practices in India.
Singh shared how a candidate, who was well-qualified for a marketing role in India, was rejected solely because of his extracurricular activities. The applicant had mentioned in his CV that he ran marathons and played the guitar, skills that Singh believed spoke to the candidate’s well-rounded personality. However, when Singh presented the candidate to his boss, the response was shocking.
According to Singh, his boss expressed concerns about the applicant’s ability to balance work and personal pursuits. “‘Yeh aadmi yeh sab kuchh karta hai to kaam kab karega?’ (This person does all of this, so when will he work?),” the boss had remarked, implying that the candidate’s hobbies would interfere with his professional responsibilities.
Singh was disappointed by the rejection, admitting in his post that he regretted not being able to hire the capable individual. He also reflected on his time working at Google, where he noticed a much different perspective on talent. Singh highlighted an unwritten policy at Google, where candidates who excelled in areas like the Olympics were welcomed into the company. “Excellence is a transferable skill!” Singh emphasized, indicating that extracurricular activities could demonstrate valuable qualities in a candidate.
Singh’s post comes at a time when discussions around work-life balance, particularly long work hours, are gaining momentum in India. His story serves as a stark contrast to a recent viral video showing Larsen & Toubro Chairman SN Subrahmanyan advocating for a grueling 90-hour workweek. In the video, Subrahmanyan commented on the need for employees to work on weekends and even Sundays, stating that employees should not waste time at home. His remarks were met with widespread criticism from corporate leaders and the public.
Singh’s story sparked further outrage among those advocating for a healthier work culture. Many social media users, including prominent business figures, condemned the notion that long work hours should be valued over a more balanced, fulfilling lifestyle.
The incident also raises questions about the broader hiring culture in India, where candidates with diverse interests and talents outside of work are still often perceived as less committed. It suggests a need for more progressive thinking in recruitment practices, where employers look beyond rigid expectations and instead recognize the value that diverse skills and experiences bring to the table.
As companies in India and globally continue to embrace more flexible and inclusive workplace cultures, stories like Singh’s reflect the growing shift towards recognizing the importance of work-life balance, well-rounded candidates, and the pursuit of personal passions alongside professional success.
Sources By Agencies
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