Career Journey and Current Challenges
I am a sales and BD professional with over 15 years of experience. I started my career from the very basic field level as a medical representative 15 years ago and worked my way up to top management as a Zonal Manager. I have worked with top MNCs and Indian houses in various capacities across industries like pharma, finance, and FMCG. In my last assignment, I served as Zonal Manager (East) with a decent CTC of 11 lacs p.a. I was associated with that company until January 2010. However, I decided to start my own business, which unfortunately failed due to various reasons. In the meantime, I learned that the company I last worked for had been dissolved. Now, in 2013, I am desperately looking for a job as I am already 40 and have a family to support.
Employment Gap and Salary Concerns
Wherever I apply, I am being rejected due to this 3-year gap in employment or because my last CTC was relatively high, and no company is willing to pay me that much for someone who has been unemployed for 3 years. I have tried to explain to interviewers that I am not expecting my previous salary, acknowledging the tough competition and market conditions. However, this does not seem to improve my chances. Salary compromises are often viewed suspiciously in HR evaluations, and I cannot appeal to HRs based on my personal circumstances.
Integrity and Career Progression
Moreover, my failed business venture seems to overshadow my career progression from a field executive to a top management role and all my accomplishments. It is important to note that I am an honors graduate in Science without professional degrees like B.E. or MBA. I climbed the ladder through sheer hard work. Some of my colleagues and industry acquaintances are suggesting that I falsify my resume to cover the employment gap and make other adjustments to enhance my profile, but I strongly oppose this idea.
I refuse to compromise with facts and integrity, as lies can have serious consequences. However, I am aware that some individuals have taken such unethical steps and are now in comfortable positions. I lack the courage to engage in such dishonest practices, and my conscience does not permit it. Is there no room for honesty in today's job market?
Seeking Advice for Job Interviews
From a technical standpoint, how should I present myself to prospective employers during interviews? Personally, I am facing significant personal and financial challenges typical of a 40-year-old unemployed individual. My situation has deteriorated to a point that is difficult to express here, and I am struggling day by day. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. How can I secure a job to support my family, regain my self-respect, and most importantly, rebuild my life? I would be grateful if the esteemed members of this forum could address my concerns and provide technical guidance on how to approach recruiters and succeed in interviews. If necessary, I can provide my resume for review.
Regards
From India, Kolkata
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3I am a sales and BD professional with over 15 years of experience. I started my career from the very basic field level as a medical representative 15 years ago and worked my way up to top management as a Zonal Manager. I have worked with top MNCs and Indian houses in various capacities across industries like pharma, finance, and FMCG. In my last assignment, I served as Zonal Manager (East) with a decent CTC of 11 lacs p.a. I was associated with that company until January 2010. However, I decided to start my own business, which unfortunately failed due to various reasons. In the meantime, I learned that the company I last worked for had been dissolved. Now, in 2013, I am desperately looking for a job as I am already 40 and have a family to support.
Employment Gap and Salary Concerns
Wherever I apply, I am being rejected due to this 3-year gap in employment or because my last CTC was relatively high, and no company is willing to pay me that much for someone who has been unemployed for 3 years. I have tried to explain to interviewers that I am not expecting my previous salary, acknowledging the tough competition and market conditions. However, this does not seem to improve my chances. Salary compromises are often viewed suspiciously in HR evaluations, and I cannot appeal to HRs based on my personal circumstances.
Integrity and Career Progression
Moreover, my failed business venture seems to overshadow my career progression from a field executive to a top management role and all my accomplishments. It is important to note that I am an honors graduate in Science without professional degrees like B.E. or MBA. I climbed the ladder through sheer hard work. Some of my colleagues and industry acquaintances are suggesting that I falsify my resume to cover the employment gap and make other adjustments to enhance my profile, but I strongly oppose this idea.
I refuse to compromise with facts and integrity, as lies can have serious consequences. However, I am aware that some individuals have taken such unethical steps and are now in comfortable positions. I lack the courage to engage in such dishonest practices, and my conscience does not permit it. Is there no room for honesty in today's job market?
Seeking Advice for Job Interviews
From a technical standpoint, how should I present myself to prospective employers during interviews? Personally, I am facing significant personal and financial challenges typical of a 40-year-old unemployed individual. My situation has deteriorated to a point that is difficult to express here, and I am struggling day by day. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. How can I secure a job to support my family, regain my self-respect, and most importantly, rebuild my life? I would be grateful if the esteemed members of this forum could address my concerns and provide technical guidance on how to approach recruiters and succeed in interviews. If necessary, I can provide my resume for review.
Regards
From India, Kolkata
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Why lose heart and get desperate? Your past record as a marketing person appears to be wonderful. You have excellent achievements even before reaching forty. Some decisions do go wrong, some do not meet expectations, but that's life. There cannot always be lush and green; there are days of summer as well as days of rain. What I wanted to tell you is not to lose your confidence and patience because these are the two things that help you overcome all your troubles.
Since you have decided to pursue a job, approach it as a job-interested person and not as a small businessman. This attitude will certainly pay you back. You have been out of the loop for a while, and now your first task will be to somehow re-enter the field. I believe you are wise enough to understand these points.
I am sure you will find a good job in the very near future, and in the end, not only yourself but all of us will be happy to congratulate you. So keep hope and good luck.
Regards
From India, Kolhapur
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Since you have decided to pursue a job, approach it as a job-interested person and not as a small businessman. This attitude will certainly pay you back. You have been out of the loop for a while, and now your first task will be to somehow re-enter the field. I believe you are wise enough to understand these points.
I am sure you will find a good job in the very near future, and in the end, not only yourself but all of us will be happy to congratulate you. So keep hope and good luck.
Regards
From India, Kolhapur
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Sorry to hear about your predicament. How long did you work for the now-defunct company? Where were you employed before that? Have you kept in touch with any of your former colleagues from those companies? If so, have you reached out to them?
The worst thing one can do is lose hope and fall into depression. You are absolutely correct that falsifying records is not a sustainable solution and will only lead to sleepless nights, especially if you have a conscience that disapproves of such actions.
Kishore Kulkarni has offered you solid advice; it would be wise to follow it.
Kind regards,
Regards
From United Kingdom
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The worst thing one can do is lose hope and fall into depression. You are absolutely correct that falsifying records is not a sustainable solution and will only lead to sleepless nights, especially if you have a conscience that disapproves of such actions.
Kishore Kulkarni has offered you solid advice; it would be wise to follow it.
Kind regards,
Regards
From United Kingdom
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Be positive in your approach as suggested in the earlier post. Go as a job seeker and not as a failed entrepreneur. A good potential employer will, in fact, see your entrepreneurship experience as a plus and not a minus. It's a matter of presentation. As you might be aware, 9 out of 10 new ventures end in failure; that does not mean the person has failed. There are a multitude of factors that can cause a business to fail.
What to Present in Interviews
You should make a summary of:
- Lessons you learned in the last 3 years
- New skills you acquired
- An analysis of what factors caused the failure and what you could have done or managed better
Talk about these when asked about them in the interview.
Experiences of life should make a person better and not bitter. So try to present your profile with a positive approach. You are a courageous person to have tried a new venture; many companies would be highly appreciative of that quality as they can put you in leadership roles for new ventures since you are not afraid to take new responsibilities.
So good luck to you, pal. Be strong and keep trying. Also, make a profile on linkedin.com to get noticed.
And the last point, you are not old; 40 is the new 20...
From Kenya, Nairobi
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What to Present in Interviews
You should make a summary of:
- Lessons you learned in the last 3 years
- New skills you acquired
- An analysis of what factors caused the failure and what you could have done or managed better
Talk about these when asked about them in the interview.
Experiences of life should make a person better and not bitter. So try to present your profile with a positive approach. You are a courageous person to have tried a new venture; many companies would be highly appreciative of that quality as they can put you in leadership roles for new ventures since you are not afraid to take new responsibilities.
So good luck to you, pal. Be strong and keep trying. Also, make a profile on linkedin.com to get noticed.
And the last point, you are not old; 40 is the new 20...
From Kenya, Nairobi
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Your Positive Points
1. Having 15+ years of experience in Sales and Business Development across different industries.
2. You are honest and sincere, and you do not want to fabricate your resume.
Attempting to start a business is not a big mistake. Everyone wants to grow, and you tried your best. Maybe due to some reasons, you were not successful. So, look for the next step.
What I understand from your text is that you are losing hope in yourself. I will tell you, you should never lose hope. At this point in time, you don't need to add any qualifications unless your job requires them.
You may try the following:
1. Look at your resume from the perspective of a business manager.
2. Highlight your achievements and capabilities.
3. Try different job portals and consultants.
4. Apply for mid and senior-level positions (from 8 years onwards).
5. Never try to convince about your failure or gap; give a valid reason (if they do not believe, forget it).
6. Be assertive and never plead for a job. You will lose the opportunity. No businessman gives a job because you want it; he will take only people whose skill set and attitude match, irrespective of whether you are employed or not, or have rich experience or not.
7. You may remove your date of birth and irrelevant data from your resume; try to tailor your resume for each opportunity you face.
Success is there with you
Wish you all the best.
Regards,
Harish
From India, Bangalore
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1. Having 15+ years of experience in Sales and Business Development across different industries.
2. You are honest and sincere, and you do not want to fabricate your resume.
Attempting to start a business is not a big mistake. Everyone wants to grow, and you tried your best. Maybe due to some reasons, you were not successful. So, look for the next step.
What I understand from your text is that you are losing hope in yourself. I will tell you, you should never lose hope. At this point in time, you don't need to add any qualifications unless your job requires them.
You may try the following:
1. Look at your resume from the perspective of a business manager.
2. Highlight your achievements and capabilities.
3. Try different job portals and consultants.
4. Apply for mid and senior-level positions (from 8 years onwards).
5. Never try to convince about your failure or gap; give a valid reason (if they do not believe, forget it).
6. Be assertive and never plead for a job. You will lose the opportunity. No businessman gives a job because you want it; he will take only people whose skill set and attitude match, irrespective of whether you are employed or not, or have rich experience or not.
7. You may remove your date of birth and irrelevant data from your resume; try to tailor your resume for each opportunity you face.
Success is there with you
Wish you all the best.
Regards,
Harish
From India, Bangalore
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You just need two things:
1. Try to strengthen your hopes.
2. Reshape your CV. Yes, not falsify, but reshape it! Falsifying means you add or subtract wrong information, while reshaping means disguising all of your weaknesses as strengths. Reshaping is not illegal; it is rather adjusting your strengths and weaknesses in the right place and with the right words. I'd like to see your CV so that I will be able to advise more. Meanwhile, the following article will tell you more about CV reshaping:
Your Career Lion: Create Your Resume With Pride
Please review the link for further guidance.
Best regards
From Pakistan, Karachi
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1. Try to strengthen your hopes.
2. Reshape your CV. Yes, not falsify, but reshape it! Falsifying means you add or subtract wrong information, while reshaping means disguising all of your weaknesses as strengths. Reshaping is not illegal; it is rather adjusting your strengths and weaknesses in the right place and with the right words. I'd like to see your CV so that I will be able to advise more. Meanwhile, the following article will tell you more about CV reshaping:
Your Career Lion: Create Your Resume With Pride
Please review the link for further guidance.
Best regards
From Pakistan, Karachi
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My sincere advice is to be positive in your approach and consider changing your ID to a more pleasant one. There are plenty of outsourcing agencies for recruitment. You may find a few if you search online, and our respected members can also guide you.
Once again, I reiterate that you should remain positive. Be proud that you are an Honours Science Graduate with rich, multi-level experience. As our respected member pointed out, you should reshape your CV. Even if you receive 70% to 80% of your previous remuneration, it's okay. Something is better than nothing. I hope you will take this advice in the right spirit.
Wishing you all the best.
Regards,
Ravi
From India, Mumbai
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Once again, I reiterate that you should remain positive. Be proud that you are an Honours Science Graduate with rich, multi-level experience. As our respected member pointed out, you should reshape your CV. Even if you receive 70% to 80% of your previous remuneration, it's okay. Something is better than nothing. I hope you will take this advice in the right spirit.
Wishing you all the best.
Regards,
Ravi
From India, Mumbai
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With your varied and rich experience, I'm sure it won't take long to find a suitable job. I'd just recommend that you try to be a little more cheerful. After all, you attract what you constantly think about and feel. Now that I've covered the psychology mumbo-jumbo, I can go ahead.
Well, everyone has already listed out great points and advice. Can you personally list out what you're open to doing and the limits that you have personally set for yourself? Have you tried any social networking websites to promote yourself and interact with fellow industry mates and/or recruiters? I recommend LinkedIn, especially.
The three years (missing according to you) are not exactly a hiatus since you were trying to establish a business. This, for whatever reason, didn't work. However, it doesn't take away from all the years of experience you've accumulated.
Please don't consider falsifying your work experience. The ramifications will be much more severe, especially since you are in a senior position. Don't give up hope, and certainly, do not moan about your age!
All the best!
From India, Mysore
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Well, everyone has already listed out great points and advice. Can you personally list out what you're open to doing and the limits that you have personally set for yourself? Have you tried any social networking websites to promote yourself and interact with fellow industry mates and/or recruiters? I recommend LinkedIn, especially.
The three years (missing according to you) are not exactly a hiatus since you were trying to establish a business. This, for whatever reason, didn't work. However, it doesn't take away from all the years of experience you've accumulated.
Please don't consider falsifying your work experience. The ramifications will be much more severe, especially since you are in a senior position. Don't give up hope, and certainly, do not moan about your age!
All the best!
From India, Mysore
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Dear Fabcat, I have tried all social networking sites and more to promote my career and candidature. I have been knocking on the doors of every placement agency worth its salt. But somehow, nothing is happening. There's not a single job portal where my CV is not posted, similarly not a single professional or other networking site where I have not tried. It's just not happening. Help me if possible.
From India, Kolkata
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From India, Kolkata
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Dear Not so lost anymore, I hope, As I was reading your post, I was thinking along the lines of you being a Consultant or Corporate Trainer. This is much sought after in today's work arena, and the pay is good as well. I feel with your experience, you could try this. My mother works in this capacity, and it's rewarding. I will message you my details as well. Keep up the good spirits!
From India, Mysore
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From India, Mysore
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I am reading this post more than 15 days from the last message. I hope you got some positives during this time. To the best of my knowledge, marketing people are always in demand, more so in a recession, as they are the only ones who can rescue a company. I would suggest you post your CV here. Maybe the CV needs to be written properly. Seniors here can see and tell you if you need to make changes.
Secondly, most employers will not consider the 3-year gap as unemployed. You were not employed but self-employed. Consider that when you apply for a new job. In your CV, show this period as working for XYZ company (the actual name of your business, not a fake one). During the interview, you need to tell them that you decided not to continue being self-employed as you wish once again to work within the support system that a large organization creates and that you are finding it difficult to focus on your main selling skills being bogged down by too many other requirements (e.g., business development, HR, tax, collection, banking). That would be a very good reason to return to the job.
Do not put your CTC in the CV. When asked, focus on your earning level in business as the level you wish to earn or how much you need to have a comfortable life in the city. Avoid discussing your CTC in the previous job on the grounds that it was 3 years ago and too many things have changed after that. When talking about how much you earned in business, stress the lack of income stability as the reason for wanting to get back to the job.
You need to project that you are not aspiring to get back to the earning levels of your heyday. Most prospective employers would be considering that and thinking you will leave after 3 months when you get another job. You need to convince them that it won't happen.
Regards.
From India, Mumbai
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Secondly, most employers will not consider the 3-year gap as unemployed. You were not employed but self-employed. Consider that when you apply for a new job. In your CV, show this period as working for XYZ company (the actual name of your business, not a fake one). During the interview, you need to tell them that you decided not to continue being self-employed as you wish once again to work within the support system that a large organization creates and that you are finding it difficult to focus on your main selling skills being bogged down by too many other requirements (e.g., business development, HR, tax, collection, banking). That would be a very good reason to return to the job.
Do not put your CTC in the CV. When asked, focus on your earning level in business as the level you wish to earn or how much you need to have a comfortable life in the city. Avoid discussing your CTC in the previous job on the grounds that it was 3 years ago and too many things have changed after that. When talking about how much you earned in business, stress the lack of income stability as the reason for wanting to get back to the job.
You need to project that you are not aspiring to get back to the earning levels of your heyday. Most prospective employers would be considering that and thinking you will leave after 3 months when you get another job. You need to convince them that it won't happen.
Regards.
From India, Mumbai
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