Hunting for a job in India could be a herculean affair. The trouble is not only with job givers but also with the searchers. Most of the professionals I have met are so sure about themselves and their capabilities. But what they forget is the vast availability of unemployed persons with lot more credentials. In India most working people think that if they can do their 9 hours work without much trouble it will easily be enough get them an alternate job. That was true some 30 years back. Today even an ordinary employer expects a large number of skill sets for a low level job. I was out of curiosity following the progress of a friend in job searching.
The friend is 50+ and was working as a general manager in an engineering firm. He was mainly focusing on supplies and dispatch to customers, but with some experience in production. Suddenly the company gave him notice to quit as it was not doing well. He searched the length and breath of India but could not find a suitable job. Finally when he was lucky enough to be called for an interview, he realized how difficult it was to get through. He was pushed through some 4 levels of interview and came out with flying colors. In the final interview conducted by the CEO he was asked if he had experience in dealing with labor problems. My friend said "No", but assured them he could handle any problem with his capabilities. The next remark from the CEO was that he looked too soft and how he could deal with a production environment? It is well known in India that a GM for production is expected to be a well built burly man with a handlebar mustache and a scary countenance. At that moment my friend lost all hopes as he could very well understand that they were trying to find reasons for rejecting him. Of course my friend got a different milder job after 2 months, which was not to his satisfaction, but more of a compromise.
As people work they have to improve their skill sets.It is also important to think and plan much ahead on what area and position they want to occupy in the future rather than focusing only on current capabilities.
Before joining any new job it is better to analyse if the experience will improve their profile.
