Navigating Interview Challenges: Importance of Recommendation Letters and Addressing Resignation Rea

Hi all,

My name is Walter, having a total experience of 10+ years. The last position I held was as a Team Leader in a Leading International BPO in Pune. I worked there for 7 years, with 4 years of Team Leader experience in Semi-Tech as well as Financial Voice Process, based out of the US with a team of more than 20 reports. However, last May, I left the job due to family medical reasons.

Since November, I have been searching for a job with a similar profile but have struggled to explain to interviewers the reason for leaving my previous job, as it is very personal due to my mother's illness and the reasons why I did not get promoted in 4 years. I even fabricated different stories in two interviews, but they fell on deaf ears. Somehow, interviewers perceive my decision as if I was asked to resign or was terminated.

In the past month, I have not received any calls from potential employers. I have shared my CV with most of my friends and contacts but have had no luck.

I have financial commitments to my family, and the pressure is mounting each day due to being out of work. Unfortunately, my interviews have not progressed to the stage where I could discuss my work experience, achievements, and tasks I managed.

I'm feeling lost and depressed as I have always been passionate, hardworking, and a team player at my job. However, today I am not even getting any opportunities.

Please advise. I have also attached my resume for any suggestions or job openings for me.

Thanks,

Walter J.M

Hello Walter,

While empathizing with your situation, prima facie, with the current scenario of most companies wanting to hire those with the most clear track record, maybe we can't blame them. I can suggest one way for you to circumvent this issue/problem. Please talk to your boss (the higher he/she is in the hierarchy, the better) to whom you were reporting when you last worked and get a strong Recommendation Letter—and make it a regular part of your resume. Maybe the reasons for your leaving the job could be mentioned briefly/subtly in it. That way, you would be addressing the concerns of those who suspect your credentials without you having to clarify/explain. Whether we like it or not, another person's verdict/opinion about us carries much more weight than our own when it comes to such issues.

All the Best.

Regards, TS

Thank you, TS.

Certainly, my Senior Manager and HR had told me to provide their numbers for any reference checks. Just because I have not succeeded in any interviews, I will inquire about the possibility of a Recommendation Letter or upcoming openings with my previous organization.

I also want to express my gratitude to you for suggesting to include "the reason for leaving" in the resume. It didn't occur to me earlier.

At times, we may feel hesitant to share certain details, but the opinion of others does hold significance.

Regards,
Walter J.M.