As you may know, we have spent our last few days interviewing applicants for Cuca. Although we are still a couple of months away from being ready to open, we wanted to give enough time for our chosen candidates to get organized and, on the other hand, we had repeatedly been told about how difficult it would be this year to get good people so we decided to start hunting talents sooner than later.
We began our campaign by frantically spreading the news about our vacancies to every single soul we know in Bali. Our efforts seemed to pay off… we received more than 200 applications!!!! Once we selected the best ones, we organized the interviews to be held in two batches: a day for the candidates who spoke English and another one for those who only spoke Bahasa (the local language).
These two very long days were a complete immersion program into the Balinese and overall Indonesian culture. We learned about peoples’ lives, hometowns, families, priorities, dreams and aspirations, weaknesses and strengths. We shared our future plans and exchanged vows. It was an unforgettable experience where we met absolutely wonderful people and outstanding professionals. We understand now why Bali is all about hospitality.
Over the course of so many conversations, there were some really funny moments. Although the language barrier made them even funnier, for your reading pleasure we try our best to transcribe the highlights:
Us: BLUE
CANDIDATE: orange
CONTEXT: (in brackets)
What is your long-term goal?
(Decisively)
I want to run the world
Why should we hire you?
Because I love the way the restaurant name sounds: Cuuuu Caaaa
Why should we hire you?
Because I can make a football team for Cuca
You have left every job after only a few months. Why would we believe that you will stay longer with us?
Because if I leave another job, my wife will kill me.
(The candidate had dramatic puffed hair)
If we hire you, will you cut your hair?
(Without hesitation)
No, sir, sorry.
(First question interviewing a cook)
As you know, this job is about passion. Do you like cooking?
No, not really…
You are 37, right?
Something like that (actually he had no idea how old he was…)
(Interviewing a candidate for a cooking position)
In your CV you mention you are a Muslim. The problem is that we will serve pork…
Nice! I love pork! In Bali it is delicious!
(Our concept is Tapas, Cocktails and Desserts)
Why do you want to work for us?
I like Italian restaurants
I see… but this is not an Italian restaurant…
Oh, ok, I also really like French restaurants!
(Silence…)
(First question interviewing a cook after a streak of many unsuitable candidates…)
Do you love cooking?
Yes, I love.
You are hired!
(The candidate, confused, looks at Natalia, our assistant, to understand what is going on… Natalia is as shocked as him but reassures him that apparently he’s just been hired)
(The last question at the end of a great long interview with an older distinguished manager)
What are your ultimate goals for this job?
I want to become the General Manager and look at all aspects of operations.
But then a big hotel will be a more suitable place than a restaurant.
(Shocked)
This is a restaurant??????
(Interviewing a lady with very little experience for a cook position)
We will need to extensively train so you will have to commit at least one year. Are you planning on having kids soon?
Yes, sir! We are trying!
Ah, ok, I see….
(Someone in a similar situation as above)
You left your last job after only a few months. Why?
I got pregnant.
Are you planning to have another kid soon?
No, I had twins.
(Interviewing a girl dressing improperly sexy for the occasion)
Why should we hire you?
I am a fun girl!
Putting aside the laughs, the interviews went amazing. Cuca is very lucky to having found such great talents and more importantly, exceptional people.
