Request for help – Interview CR Manager

[Evi]

Hi everyone,

I have been invited for a second round of interviews at a leading international company. According to their website, corporate responsibility is a fundamental part of the company’s everyday business practice. They have been listed as one of the top 100 companies according to Business in the Community’s Corporate Responsibility Index and supersector leaders within the Dow Jones Sustainability Index and STOXX classification.

In this second interview I’ll have to present what I think the gaps/opportunities of their corporate responsibility could be. Does anyone have tips or suggestions on how to proceed? How far shall I go without stepping on their toes? Shall I stick to one or two topics or embark upon as many as I can tackle in the 20 minutes I have?

I was thinking in the area of “employee well being” and “human capital development” because according to DJSI report by SAM Research there is potential for improvement in these areas. I also believe that there is still work to be done in the area of controlling supply chains to guarantee that these meet and preferably exceed national and where applicable international labour standards. But how can I find out that this is really an opportunity?

What about accreditation, are performance management systems such as ISO 9000 and 14000 relevant to CR? Should all larger companies (this one has got around 50,000 employees in UK and Ireland) have such a system implemented?

Does anyone have experience setting up policies and procedures on how to minimise waste and reducing water and energy usage on-site and in offices? I see an opportunity here but perhaps someone could give me some examples especially for larger companies?

I would really appreciate any kind of help or feedback.

Best regards,

Evi

[FabianPattberg]

Hi Evi.

Well all good questions. I can give you my opinion on some.

1. I would say that you should challenge their approach to CR is a way that they see that you have activly thought about their strategy and that you are able to propose changes how to make their CR strategy, etc better.
2. I would focus on the most important topics (2-3 max) during your 20 minutes. Waht are the most important in your opinion? Reporting ,CR strategy , stakeholder engagement or others?
3. On ISO,etc. I think every company of this size should have this implemented.
4. On waste and energy reduction look at BT (British Telecom), Npower and Unilever here in the UK.

Hope this helps and good luck with the interview.



Fabian