Human Resource Knowledge

The HR language

Sometimes it is difficult to decode what an HR person says after an interview or during negotiations. So here is a ready reckoner:

I’ll get back to you…

This is perhaps the most common of all. If you hear this, it means that you will have to wait till this HR person can arrive at a decision. He or She will probably interview a few more candidates and then settle on the right one.

Your CV looks interesting ….

Rush home and try to find out what’s so interesting in it. It’s probable that the interviewer hasn’t understood a word in it. If you are finding it tough to create a good resume, ask a friend to help. However, be sure that your friend is better at communication than you are.

I’ve put it for approval…

When you call to get an update and hear this, it means that you have a 50-50 chance. And in case you are not chosen, then the interviewer does not want to be blamed for it. The blame lies on some unseen superior authority.

Can I call you back?
If you hear this line, you can almost give up, the hopes of ever hearing from this person. It’s just polite way to say sorry we can’t hire you.

This is the best I can offer….
It means that this is definitely not the best. Recruitment guys will try to sign a deal at the lowest possible. Do not ever show your desperation in finding a job. They are trained to smell a candidate’s need and will propose accordingly. Keep your cool at the interview. Even if they quote a decent amount, don’t show your excitement immediately.

Money is not everything…
If you hear this, do not keep quiet. You need a smart comeback like ‘I’m sure a job switch needs to be worth my while’. If the interviewer guesses that you are not the assertive types, she is going to try and trick you into accepting a low offer.

Our budgets don’t permit us to take you on…
Basically, they don’t want you. It also means that the package you expect is way beyond what you deserve. It can also mean that she thinks you are unsuitable for the job and is just citing money as the problem.

Recruitments are on freeze…
Oh, you must be most familiar with this line in recent times. The recruitment scene at the company might truly have frozen or this might be the best excuse that HR personnel can give to avoid hiring you. Unfortunately with the job cuts happening closer home, you can’t even contest these words.

Like the HR language the bosses have also some language. Here is a list of some common lines that bosses use and what they actually mean:

1. I’m in the middle of something…
Means: I’m whiling away my time, but am in no mood to be disturbed.
2. I’ll be back in a couple of hours…
Means: I’m going out for lunch. Message me if anything urgent crops up.
3. Just got a call, my kid isn’t keeping well…
Means: I’m not going to be in tomorrow. Don’t call me unless someone is dying.
4. Your project wasn’t that bad…
Means: You’ve done a good job but you still need to improve to prove yourself.
5. You guys deserve a sponsored lunch…
Means: Expect no increment so get your fill as the lunch table.
6. I’m busy now. Will let you know…
Means: your idea is not too great, come up with a better idea…
7. This is urgent. Can you work on this project if you aren’t too busy…
Means: I am in no mood to work. You complete this assignment latest by tomorrow and leave it on my desk.
8. We need to now pull up our socks…
Means: All of you need to put in long hours.
9. Let’s do a meeting tomorrow…
Means: There’s going to be a firing session, you better come prepared.

Labels: HRM

posted by Paresh @ 8:39 PM