Job interviews and larke-wale visits- twin siblings

As I entered the senior year of university, the dreaded dilemma of career vs marriage finally presented itself to me. Fraught with uncertainty at both ends, I juggled to keep all doors open.-job interviews and larke-wale visits. Going through enough of these to make one feel worthless, I came to realize that both of these activities are a lot similar to each other.

Market Saturation:

Don’t say no to the time set for the ‘interview’. The job market and the rishta market, both are too saturated to allow you the luxury of fulfilling a prior commitment. Once you get a call, consider yourself lucky and agree for the meeting, or the next candidate on the list will be approached immediately.

“Where do you see yourself” question:

The moment in which your only concern is ‘now’, when all you aim for is ‘this job’ or ‘this guy’, foolish questions about future plans are thrown at you.

‘Where do you see yourself in next 5 years?’- a question asked at every job interview. Aren’t the interviewers aware of the fact that the answer to this is always an exaggeration, because, the only thing a job candidate is realistically capable of aiming at that moment is obviously the job he/she is being interviewed for.

The larke-ki-amma poses an even more mundane question- ‘What do you plan to do next?’ Lady, isn't it obvious. I am not sitting in front of you all dolled up to pass a scholarship interview.

Merit Evaluation:  

A multi-skilled candidate is what everyone is looking for. To land a good job, you need a resume showing off not only your academic excellence, but a long list of extra-curricular activities and considerable work experience, even though you are yet to graduate.

The larke-wala’s have a similar taste for multi-purpose bride-to-be. She should be well educated, to be able to support in times of financial crisis. She should be a good cook, so that the in-laws can get a dine-out experience at home, everyday for free.  She should be the hottest chick on the block, so that husband can have a red-carpet experience each time the couple goes out.

Dress-code:

There are sessions conducted in schools and colleges to counsel the new entrants in job market about how to dress up for the interview. A false impression as your first impression will lead to success is the mantra.

Similarly, the rishta interviews also have an implied dress-code to be followed. If it’s only the larke-ki-amma visiting, go for a sober colour. You don’t want to appear as too alive to scare the mid life crisis facing to-be-mother-in-law.  If the guy is accompanying his mother in the first visit, you have a tough situation. Try to go for a young, lively look, but the body language should send out a message of subservience. Never forget you are a kunwari larki in need of an identity, which only larke-wala’s can provide you with. Be thankful.

This cycle continues for me and many like me. All I want to ask is a little concern, if not from the corporate world, then at least from those who seek companionship

An edited version of this post appeared as a blog on website of Express Tribune
http://blogs.tribune.com.pk/story/13386/marriage-proposals-and-job-interviews-are-pretty-much-the-same/