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Interview Impersonation

In the late 90s when I worked in India, it was common for my co-workers to schedule their phone interviews for jobs abroad while at work. The calls were typically taken in conference rooms where the interviewer assembled a bunch of experts who were tasked with writing answers to difficult questions so they could read it out loud. It was not surprising that most of these phone interviews translated to job offers.

The business of impersonation in job interviews is still thriving in India and seems even easier than it was before

A typical interview, especially in a BPO/call centre, lasts for no more than 3 or 4 minutes, which makes close verification very difficult, even if the candidate has provided his photograph.

The credibility of India as a favored destination for BPOs is being challenged at many levels. There is news of grand data theft on one hand and of Munnabhais on the other. It does not help that the cost of living in major metros is soaring even as the pay difference between US and Indian IT workers is narrowing.

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Comments

ggop said…
Hmm..I knew about resume embellishment in the 90's where two years on the job translated to "extensive experience".

Why don't these companies fly people in for a face to face interview?
gg
1:07 AM
Heartcrossings said…
ggop - Why don't these companies fly people in for a face to face interview?

IMHO, because they are penny wise and pound foolish - skimp on the air fare and hire an imposter and pay much heavier penalties as a result..
7:17 AM
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