A different Approach Towards Interviewing Candidates
In search of a higher degree in spirituality and knowledge, a scholar named Musa (Moses) marched along the dark desert, leading his people to his vision.
“Stay here; indeed, I have perceived a fire; perhaps I can bring you a torch or find at the fire some guidance[1],” said Musa after he witnessed the glaring fire on his way back to Egypt.
As the leader, Musa galloped to reach the source of fire, leaving his people safe behind.
When he came to it, he was called, “O Moses,[2] Indeed, I am your Lord.[3]” Hence, Musa, the scholar, was finally interviewed by God. He was asked questions, tested and given an orientation.
At the beginning of the conversation or “interview”, God asked Musa to “remove his sandals”. The “sandals” here could be a reflection of many metaphorical meanings; they could be the burdens the interviewee carries before being interviewed. The interviewer’s role is to be humane and help his/her interviewee clear his/her mind and feel comfortable, as if they are barefooted; as if they are actually home and they can speak about anything freely.
God proceeded, “Indeed, you are in the sacred valley of Tuwa.[4]” Instead of an interviewer asking the interviewee, “Tell us about yourself.” The interviewer starts by talking about the company, a very small briefing. Hence, the interviewer begins the relation by becoming a provider instead of a taker.
“And I have chosen you…[5]” God said. Imagine how valuable an interviewee would feel when the interviewer clarifies and highlights that this person was chosen for this interview, because there is something special about them.
“Indeed, I am Allah. There is no deity except Me, so worship Me and establish prayer for My remembrance.[6]” The interviewer then introduces him/herself to establish a further connection, and to build loyalty towards his vision in the heart of the interviewee.
“Indeed, the Hour is coming – I almost conceal it – so that every soul may be recompensed according to that for which it strives[7]. So do not let one avert you from it who does not believe in it and follows his desire, for you [then] would perish.[8]” Reveal your knowledge as an interviewer; speak about the business environment, give the interviewee a free piece of advice.
In our example, God then proceeds, “And what is that in your right hand, O Moses?[9]” After all these orientations, the interviewer starts to ask questions about the interviewee, calling him/her with their first name. The “right hand” resembles your power – it could be your right or left hand – It is what you hold and are able to cleverly wield.
Musa replied, “It is my staff; I lean upon it, and I bring down leaves for my sheep and I have therein other uses.[10]” Musa – as the perfect interviewee he was – first answered by “defining” what he held, then he described what it “means” to him, then he stated “how” he uses it. Finally, after his short comprehensive answer, he used mystery as a closure. He highlighted that he has more, and that was not all.
God replied, “Throw it down, O Moses.[11]” One could speak so bright, yet a smart interviewer directly sets a small test to match the spoken words with the actual work.
Musa followed and threw his “staff” down into action, which turned into a swiftly-moving snake.
God replied, “Seize it and fear not; We will return it to its former condition.[12] And draw in your hand to your side; it will come out white without disease – another sign,[13] That We may show you [some] of Our greater signs.[14]”
After the test, the interviewer teaches the interviewee a new lesson and proves that in the present and future the interviewee will learn a lot in this organization.
“Go to Pharaoh. Indeed, he has transgressed,[15]” God ends the interview – but not the conversation – by providing Musa with the “Mission”. Hence, Musa successfully becomes the scholar and the Prophet we know.
Mahmoud Mansi
Sources: Surat Taha (Chapter 20), The Holy Quran
Translation Sources: http://quran.com/20
[1] Chapter 20, Verse 10, [2] Chapter 20, Verse 11, [3] Chapter 20, Verse 12, [4] Chapter 20, Verse 12, [5] Chapter 20, Verse 13, [6] Chapter 20, Verse 14, [7] Chapter 20, Verse 15, [8] Chapter 20, Verse 16, [9] Chapter 20, Verse 17, [10] Chapter 20, Verse 18, [11] Chapter 20, Verse 19, [12] Chapter 20, Verse 21, [13] Chapter 20, Verse 22, [14] Chapter 20, Verse 23, [15] Chapter 20, Verse 24.
Photography: Mahmoud Mansi
EDITORS: Mennat-Allah Yasser Zohny & Nada Adel Sobhi