How Do I Explain My Move from a Big Company to a Smaller One in Interviews?

Dear Sir/Madam, thank you in advance. I am working as a Finance & Accounts Manager, and I am overseeing an entire group consisting of 4 companies with a turnover of 100Cr.

During a recent interview, I was asked about the reason for changing jobs from a big company to a small company. They wanted to know why I wanted to make the switch. I responded by stating that I am looking for a change for career growth, professional development, and skill enhancement. However, they pointed out that I had significant responsibilities in my previous role and questioned how I could claim to seek career growth. They seemed unsatisfied with my answer.

I am unsure of how to address this question effectively. Could you please suggest a suitable response?

Regards, Rakesh Reddy

What your interviewer asked is a logical question. A person who handles finances or accounts worth Rs 100 Cr of his company, when showing readiness to climb for the sake of career growth, brings out a mismatch in the argument. Real career growth would happen when a person moves from handling 100 Cr to 200 Cr, and from there to 500 Cr or even greater.

Probably, the argument was unpalatable to the interviewer, and he became distrustful. Possibly, he perceived that there could be some internal turmoil that made the candidate desperate. Out of desperation, the candidate wanted to grab whatever came his way.

The opposite of what happened with you is also true. In every industry, there are companies that are industry leaders. People from these companies are often poached by other unbranded companies. For every branded company, there are over 100 unbranded companies, and these companies consider a candidate from a well-established company a prized catch. However, this did not happen with you.

Anyway, all employers are not the same. But next time, consider appearing for the interview only if the company states that their turnover is far more than Rs 100 Cr.

Thanks,

Dinesh Divekar

Dear Rakesh, To avoid the repetition of this unpleasant episode, you may choose a company that has a turnover of more than Rs 200 Cr. In India, looking for a company that has a turnover of more than Rs 200 Cr is not ideal. There are thousands of companies in Hyderabad. Secondly, even if you get an inbound call from a company that has a smaller turnover, you may ask them whether it would be acceptable for them to consider a candidate who works in a company with a financial turnover of Rs 100 Cr. With this prior approval, you can save yourself from this embarrassing situation in the interview.

Nevertheless, my strong recommendation is to aim higher and select a company that has a turnover of Rs 200 Cr and above. If you compromise and accept a lower turnover for the sake of salary today, when you are looking for a job after 5-6 years, you may find yourself needing to target companies with a turnover of Rs 100 Cr. This would bring you back to square one, giving you a sense of déjà vu.

All the best!

Dinesh Divekar

Hello Mr. Rakesh,

While I agree with what Mr. Divekar says about finding bigger companies for a job change, a practical and logical answer can be given in a situation similar to yours. You can say that in smaller companies, the job role can become more significant and challenging. Therefore, you are someone who enjoys pursuing such challenges rather than a set standard job role.

Nisha Kapoor
Recruitment Consultant

A beautiful confrontation of self and interview, interviewer, and growth.

Is it money or a career in learning?

Let's first set aside the turnover and money. In your earlier company, let's assume you might not have managed all transactions and responsibilities. There may have been restrictions, and interaction with developments and policies may have been out of focus. This will certainly lead to an unsatisfactory work experience.

Your words should be: "Of course, I was delighted to work with the mighty. Yet, I want to address and share policy issues, commit myself to further responsibilities, and explore more in my career. It is the growth I seek for self-learning in the field."

This will demonstrate your attention and focus on growth, and money will automatically follow. Career growth is not simply about money. Money is a motivator but not always the priority. Of course, your choice and selection are there for growth.

Always select a career after some time where you feel satisfied and not like life is unfulfilled.

You may give the genuine reason for the job change if it is not offending either of the companies.

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