How Can I Overcome Job Search Challenges After Being Let Go from a Family Business?

Seeking Advice on Overcoming Employment Challenges

I have 12 years of experience in HR. Recently, I unfortunately joined a family business-type company. After 4 months of joining, along with some others who were newly hired, I was informed not to come back. It seems like such companies hire when needed and fire when necessary.

Now, moving forward with my prestigious 12-year HR career is proving to be difficult. I have had three interviews where I mentioned the issue of unemployment, which might have led to me not being called for further interviews.

I am troubled by how to secure another job in reputable companies similar to those I have previously worked for, unlike my last experience.

Please advise on how I can secure another job. When I explained in interviews that I am currently unemployed due to being a victim of a 'hire and fire' practice, I was not selected for final interviews, something that has never happened before.

The correct reasons seem to be hindering my job search process.

Regards

Sorry to say, but despite having 12 years of experience, why did you join the 'family business type company'? When you came to know that the company is not a professional one, you should have left the company and joined a new one before they asked you to quit. Anyways, hereafter, whenever you go for an interview, don't say anything bad about the previous company where you worked (like there was a hire and fire system, etc.) as it gives a bad impression. Present yourself in a positive way and try to explain how you can be beneficial to the company.

Also, do your own SWOT analysis, which will help you attain clarity. This will definitely help you get the job. Sorry if my words are a bit harsh. Wishing you all the best.

Regards,
Rajeev Dixit
Manager - HR

Thank you for showing me proper guidance. I have never been in such a situation in my career, and it was not discussed during any seminar or HR meeting. Now, can I indicate that I am currently not employed? If yes, what would be the appropriate way to explain it positively to justify?

Thank you again.

Never badmouth your past employer. One reason why the company terminated most employees could be that the business was at a loss. This is just my guess. When a prospective employer asks you the reason for your resignation (generally, companies don't dismiss an employee, but rather ask for voluntary resignation. Technically, it is still considered 'resignation' only). Dismissal happens only when disciplinary issues arise.

So technically, you have resigned. You can tell a prospective employer that the business was not doing well and also that you didn't find growth opportunities.

Remember, you are not telling a lie. You are telling the truth.

Kind regards, [Your Name]

Thank you, HR4NATION. I will reply to this.

Sharing Situations from My Last Employment

I had accepted this position due to my friend, who is a labor consultant for that company. I was tasked with establishing the HR department. However, the Managing Director (MD) and Chairman are father and son, respectively. The Heads of Marketing, Operations, and Accounts-Commercial are all friends of the MD. When I hired a required Safety Officer for the highly hazardous establishment, the Safety Officer was asked not to come the next day as they were deemed unnecessary.

There were many other daily occurrences, such as the Head of Operations sending messages early in the morning, around 7:00 a.m., instructing to call and remove an operator.

I have only worked for companies that are genuinely managed, regardless of being private limited or limited in India or domestic. Nonetheless, finding employment has been very challenging for me as I am currently unemployed.

If there are any other suggestions for improving my job search, please share them with me.

Regards,

I understand your situation. When you speak with your prospective employer, explain that the company was not performing well, and it took you three months to realize this. Mention that several employees from other departments were laid off due to financial losses, which prompted you to resign.

Thank you.