Hi,
I would really appreciate if someone could suggest how I can overcome my problem of gaps, frustration, and rejection. Some details about me are: I am a commerce graduate. After completing a diploma course in computers, I joined a company as an Office Management Executive. However, they changed my profile to Inside Sales Marketing as my performance in inside sales was better than that of the direct sales employees. I worked with the company for a year but left because I started receiving prank calls on my workstation and getting flowers in the office. I complained to my boss, but he took it lightly. Meanwhile, a competitor company offered me the position of Asst-Marketing Manager-Inside Sales, so I accepted it. I worked there for another two years but left due to bad office politics. I wasn't able to secure a new job for a year because the offers I received were either for direct sales positions, which I was not keen on, or for inside sales positions where I was considered overqualified.
Eventually, I made an amendment to my resume and labeled myself as a Marketing Coordinator instead of an Assistant Manager. I joined a new company as a Tele-Marketing Executive, as I wanted to secure a job at least. However, as the company failed to establish itself even after a year, they began downsizing, and I had to resign. Since then, I have been unable to find a job. Previously, companies tended to offer me positions I hadn't applied for - for instance, if I applied for an event coordinator role, they would offer me an admin executive position. This pattern continued, leading to further frustration. To address this, I enrolled in a Symbiosis PGDBA program in Sales and Marketing (although in hindsight, I should have chosen Admin or HR), and I successfully completed it with distinction. However, after a four-year gap since my last job, I am struggling to justify my time off. I am 30, unmarried, and lack a compelling reason to explain the gap. I considered trying in a BPO, but I now find myself suffering from interview phobia.
I have provided detailed information to give you a complete understanding of my situation. At times, I contemplate interviewing as a fresher. What should I do in such a situation?
Regards,
From India, New Delhi
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5I would really appreciate if someone could suggest how I can overcome my problem of gaps, frustration, and rejection. Some details about me are: I am a commerce graduate. After completing a diploma course in computers, I joined a company as an Office Management Executive. However, they changed my profile to Inside Sales Marketing as my performance in inside sales was better than that of the direct sales employees. I worked with the company for a year but left because I started receiving prank calls on my workstation and getting flowers in the office. I complained to my boss, but he took it lightly. Meanwhile, a competitor company offered me the position of Asst-Marketing Manager-Inside Sales, so I accepted it. I worked there for another two years but left due to bad office politics. I wasn't able to secure a new job for a year because the offers I received were either for direct sales positions, which I was not keen on, or for inside sales positions where I was considered overqualified.
Eventually, I made an amendment to my resume and labeled myself as a Marketing Coordinator instead of an Assistant Manager. I joined a new company as a Tele-Marketing Executive, as I wanted to secure a job at least. However, as the company failed to establish itself even after a year, they began downsizing, and I had to resign. Since then, I have been unable to find a job. Previously, companies tended to offer me positions I hadn't applied for - for instance, if I applied for an event coordinator role, they would offer me an admin executive position. This pattern continued, leading to further frustration. To address this, I enrolled in a Symbiosis PGDBA program in Sales and Marketing (although in hindsight, I should have chosen Admin or HR), and I successfully completed it with distinction. However, after a four-year gap since my last job, I am struggling to justify my time off. I am 30, unmarried, and lack a compelling reason to explain the gap. I considered trying in a BPO, but I now find myself suffering from interview phobia.
I have provided detailed information to give you a complete understanding of my situation. At times, I contemplate interviewing as a fresher. What should I do in such a situation?
Regards,
From India, New Delhi
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Hi Seema,
It's never too late in life. As it is said, "jab jago tab savera". Leave all the negative thoughts and start a new beginning with new thoughts and say to yourself, "Yes, I can do it, and I will do it." You are educated and have completed your post-graduation. So, you can once again try for a marketing job, or even BPOs are also not a bad option. Customer care is also a viable option. Nowadays, if you have good communication skills, a lot of opportunities are available in the market.
Regards,
Rajeev Dixit
From India, Bangalore
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It's never too late in life. As it is said, "jab jago tab savera". Leave all the negative thoughts and start a new beginning with new thoughts and say to yourself, "Yes, I can do it, and I will do it." You are educated and have completed your post-graduation. So, you can once again try for a marketing job, or even BPOs are also not a bad option. Customer care is also a viable option. Nowadays, if you have good communication skills, a lot of opportunities are available in the market.
Regards,
Rajeev Dixit
From India, Bangalore
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With your experience and the postgraduate qualification, have you thought of teaching? You may find the field of education less daunting and, though it may not be as lucrative, it's a very satisfying field. Also see [Whistling While You Work: The 10 Most Satisfying Careers | CareerCast.com](http://www.careercast.com/jobs-rated/whistling-while-you-work-10-most-satisfying-careers)
From United Kingdom
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From United Kingdom
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Dear,
Don't be negative. Make a tour with your good friends for a few days, and you will feel good. After that, try again in your same field with positive energy. You have a PG Course and experience. Think about changing the location; that's also a good idea so that your chances may increase for moving ahead. Hope you will receive some good news in your life.
From India, Chandigarh
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Don't be negative. Make a tour with your good friends for a few days, and you will feel good. After that, try again in your same field with positive energy. You have a PG Course and experience. Think about changing the location; that's also a good idea so that your chances may increase for moving ahead. Hope you will receive some good news in your life.
From India, Chandigarh
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Dear Seema,
There is nothing to feel disheartened about. You were simply choosy about the kind of job that you wanted to take up and preferred not to work until something worthwhile comes along. Why should it be considered as stigma and something undesirable? A person can dare to be different and choose his or her own way of life. Somehow, the industry calling it a "gap" and as such something not very desirable is just a prejudice and a false belief.
To expect that people would start working and continue until they reach old age and infirmity is not the only way to lead life, nor is it a very healthy or admirable way. You have taken a much-considered break and then pursued an academic course. Subsequently, you think you are not able to fit yourself into some popular molds which are being dished out to you. It is fine, so far.
Now, you have to make your decision regarding a job, career, or plain livelihood. You have to decide and back it up with full conviction, whether you would be able to make yourself ready to accept the opportunities available and come out of your comfort zone to apply your effort and will to deliver what is required in these roles? It is quite possible that on the way you may come across something that may appeal to you.
Alternatively, getting into a job may bring people, circumstances, and resources near to you, which you may need to chart out your own journey! The possibilities are endless! All you have to make is a start. Perhaps you have waited long enough for the right opportunity to come your way. It may not be worthwhile now to wait any longer for your "dream" job. Make a start now, and someday you'll find what you have been looking for.
It would be very unfortunate that despite your qualification and experience, you do not make a start at all. So, just put all your self-doubts, apprehensions, and worries behind you, and start looking afresh at all the available opportunities.
Hope the above makes some sense. Do feel free to revert back in case you need further clarification or assistance.
Warm regards.
From India, Delhi
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There is nothing to feel disheartened about. You were simply choosy about the kind of job that you wanted to take up and preferred not to work until something worthwhile comes along. Why should it be considered as stigma and something undesirable? A person can dare to be different and choose his or her own way of life. Somehow, the industry calling it a "gap" and as such something not very desirable is just a prejudice and a false belief.
To expect that people would start working and continue until they reach old age and infirmity is not the only way to lead life, nor is it a very healthy or admirable way. You have taken a much-considered break and then pursued an academic course. Subsequently, you think you are not able to fit yourself into some popular molds which are being dished out to you. It is fine, so far.
Now, you have to make your decision regarding a job, career, or plain livelihood. You have to decide and back it up with full conviction, whether you would be able to make yourself ready to accept the opportunities available and come out of your comfort zone to apply your effort and will to deliver what is required in these roles? It is quite possible that on the way you may come across something that may appeal to you.
Alternatively, getting into a job may bring people, circumstances, and resources near to you, which you may need to chart out your own journey! The possibilities are endless! All you have to make is a start. Perhaps you have waited long enough for the right opportunity to come your way. It may not be worthwhile now to wait any longer for your "dream" job. Make a start now, and someday you'll find what you have been looking for.
It would be very unfortunate that despite your qualification and experience, you do not make a start at all. So, just put all your self-doubts, apprehensions, and worries behind you, and start looking afresh at all the available opportunities.
Hope the above makes some sense. Do feel free to revert back in case you need further clarification or assistance.
Warm regards.
From India, Delhi
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DEAR, send me ur update cv on my mail id,hope i will find a suitable job for you.
From India, Chandigarh
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From India, Chandigarh
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Visit emofree.com and download the EFT manual. EFT stands for Emotional Freedom Technique. You will improve your confidence and be able to deal with all phobias.
Hope this serves the purpose.
Should you desire more details, contact Nikhil at 09376214434.
From India, Vadodara
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Hope this serves the purpose.
Should you desire more details, contact Nikhil at 09376214434.
From India, Vadodara
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Dear Seema,
You don't have to worry about this; the past is past. Just forget it and move on. What I can tell you is, just keep on trying; definitely, you will get a better job. There are some people who can understand your profile and reasons for that gap, and definitely, if everything goes fine, you will get a job. Hey, don't forget to treat yourself after getting a job :)
Regards,
Mohan
From India, Bangalore
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You don't have to worry about this; the past is past. Just forget it and move on. What I can tell you is, just keep on trying; definitely, you will get a better job. There are some people who can understand your profile and reasons for that gap, and definitely, if everything goes fine, you will get a job. Hey, don't forget to treat yourself after getting a job :)
Regards,
Mohan
From India, Bangalore
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Dear Seema,
This is in addition to what other senior members have said. I would not like to repeat what they have said. Have you done SWOT Analysis of your career? If not, then you may click here to know more about it.
SWOT Analysis is a powerful tool for career planning. After reading your post, I may say that because of your long stint in sales, you might have developed better selling skills. On the weakness side, I can say that your English is poor. You need to improve your English first. I have drawn this conclusion from your post. You need to learn tenses. Forget about the actual job knowledge; if this is how you speak, then who will give you a job?
You have developed an interview phobia because of a lack of awareness. The more you understand yourself, the better you understand the world. To develop your self-awareness, I recommend going through the following two links:
Johari Window Model - helpful for personal awareness and group relationships
and
The Johari Window (Questionnaire included for self-analysis), - IndusLadies
Secondly, you need to organize your personal life as well. It also has a bearing on your professional life. Certain things need to happen at a certain period of life. Any delay is not conducive in the long run.
All the best!
Dinesh V Divekar
From India, Bangalore
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This is in addition to what other senior members have said. I would not like to repeat what they have said. Have you done SWOT Analysis of your career? If not, then you may click here to know more about it.
SWOT Analysis is a powerful tool for career planning. After reading your post, I may say that because of your long stint in sales, you might have developed better selling skills. On the weakness side, I can say that your English is poor. You need to improve your English first. I have drawn this conclusion from your post. You need to learn tenses. Forget about the actual job knowledge; if this is how you speak, then who will give you a job?
You have developed an interview phobia because of a lack of awareness. The more you understand yourself, the better you understand the world. To develop your self-awareness, I recommend going through the following two links:
Johari Window Model - helpful for personal awareness and group relationships
and
The Johari Window (Questionnaire included for self-analysis), - IndusLadies
Secondly, you need to organize your personal life as well. It also has a bearing on your professional life. Certain things need to happen at a certain period of life. Any delay is not conducive in the long run.
All the best!
Dinesh V Divekar
From India, Bangalore
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Dear Seema, Please intimate your contact details, at least your email ID. I am sure somebody will help you
From India, Mumbai
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From India, Mumbai
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I am also suffering from age discrimination , low moral , wage difference etc at work place after serving 15 long years in one company . I know the issue but people dont understand the problem .
From India, Delhi
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From India, Delhi
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Dear Seema,
I appreciate the valuable suggestion from Mr. Manpreet. Plan and execute a tension-free tour along with your closest friends or relatives. Then, after, you will be able to think in a right way.
Thanks,
From India, New delhi
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I appreciate the valuable suggestion from Mr. Manpreet. Plan and execute a tension-free tour along with your closest friends or relatives. Then, after, you will be able to think in a right way.
Thanks,
From India, New delhi
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Hi,
Thank you for reviewing my situation and providing your valuable suggestions. I have been advised by everyone to stay positive. While I do try to maintain a positive outlook, I do get frustrated at times. For instance, when applying for corporate jobs, I often do not receive responses. Moreover, during interviews, potential employers are taken aback by the gaps in my employment history. In a recent interview for a BPO role, I was questioned about my employment gap and salary expectations. Despite explaining that I am willing to accept a package based on industry standards, I was put on hold. This has led me to consider starting fresh without highlighting my past experiences. I believe my fear of rejection stems from previous disappointments.
Although I am open to various job opportunities, I have always avoided roles involving hard-core sales, which seem to be frequently suggested to me, even by my seniors during exit interviews. In previous positions, I have gained experience in administrative tasks such as data management, creating presentations, and coordinating, as well as in HR responsibilities like candidate sourcing, interview scheduling, and reference checks. While a high salary is not my top priority, I do not subscribe to the idea of a dream job; rather, I am seeking a stable position in a supportive work environment.
What types of roles would you recommend I pursue now? Should I include my past experiences in my job applications?
Thank you and regards.
From India, New Delhi
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Thank you for reviewing my situation and providing your valuable suggestions. I have been advised by everyone to stay positive. While I do try to maintain a positive outlook, I do get frustrated at times. For instance, when applying for corporate jobs, I often do not receive responses. Moreover, during interviews, potential employers are taken aback by the gaps in my employment history. In a recent interview for a BPO role, I was questioned about my employment gap and salary expectations. Despite explaining that I am willing to accept a package based on industry standards, I was put on hold. This has led me to consider starting fresh without highlighting my past experiences. I believe my fear of rejection stems from previous disappointments.
Although I am open to various job opportunities, I have always avoided roles involving hard-core sales, which seem to be frequently suggested to me, even by my seniors during exit interviews. In previous positions, I have gained experience in administrative tasks such as data management, creating presentations, and coordinating, as well as in HR responsibilities like candidate sourcing, interview scheduling, and reference checks. While a high salary is not my top priority, I do not subscribe to the idea of a dream job; rather, I am seeking a stable position in a supportive work environment.
What types of roles would you recommend I pursue now? Should I include my past experiences in my job applications?
Thank you and regards.
From India, New Delhi
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Dear Seema Sodhi,
Going by your CV and your preferences, it appears to me that you need to have more confidence in yourself. Believe in yourself and only yourself. There is no point in brooding over the past. Wake up and face whatever comes your way. What phobia? It's nothing but an illusion, given that you have successfully navigated numerous interviews and have been employed not just once but multiple times. You have not experienced unemployment since graduating. With a PGD under your belt and experience in various firms, you are indeed attracting opportunities, that's the reality. So, don't feed us stories. Get ready and go for it. You will achieve what you desire, if only you seek and pursue how to attain it. Regarding teaching, I have my doubts. Nowadays, without at least a minimum of a PG degree with M.Phil or Ph.D., it's challenging, which you do not possess. Please correct me if I'm mistaken.
I believe you excel in marketing and sales, a field that offers countless employment opportunities. Some of our CiteHR friends have inquired about you already. However, explore and pursue what resonates most with your heart. I think you can bridge the gap by gaining additional experience with another employer (e.g., freelance work in event management, etc.). It's simple; just ask your friends for assistance.
All the best, pal.
Kumar S.
From India, Bangalore
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Going by your CV and your preferences, it appears to me that you need to have more confidence in yourself. Believe in yourself and only yourself. There is no point in brooding over the past. Wake up and face whatever comes your way. What phobia? It's nothing but an illusion, given that you have successfully navigated numerous interviews and have been employed not just once but multiple times. You have not experienced unemployment since graduating. With a PGD under your belt and experience in various firms, you are indeed attracting opportunities, that's the reality. So, don't feed us stories. Get ready and go for it. You will achieve what you desire, if only you seek and pursue how to attain it. Regarding teaching, I have my doubts. Nowadays, without at least a minimum of a PG degree with M.Phil or Ph.D., it's challenging, which you do not possess. Please correct me if I'm mistaken.
I believe you excel in marketing and sales, a field that offers countless employment opportunities. Some of our CiteHR friends have inquired about you already. However, explore and pursue what resonates most with your heart. I think you can bridge the gap by gaining additional experience with another employer (e.g., freelance work in event management, etc.). It's simple; just ask your friends for assistance.
All the best, pal.
Kumar S.
From India, Bangalore
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Dear Seema,
I suggest that you go through a sample report that I can send to you on various virtues. Based on these values, you should build on your strengths and improve on weaknesses.
Please send me your CV with a photograph and preferably your autograph. I charge 2% of CTC for such assessments, but I shall do it for you for FREE.
You may send the details to amazingdowsin@gmail.com.
Pranam,
Nikhil @amazingdowsing 9376214434
From India, Vadodara
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I suggest that you go through a sample report that I can send to you on various virtues. Based on these values, you should build on your strengths and improve on weaknesses.
Please send me your CV with a photograph and preferably your autograph. I charge 2% of CTC for such assessments, but I shall do it for you for FREE.
You may send the details to amazingdowsin@gmail.com.
Pranam,
Nikhil @amazingdowsing 9376214434
From India, Vadodara
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Dear Seema,
You have been well advised in the previous comments. Take a job that is closely related to what you would like to do. Do not look at a high position or worry about your qualifications versus your role. Just go out and take a job even if it is temporary or unpaid. Start interviewing and think of these as your practice sessions for the job that you would really wish to get. Your focus now should be to get back into the professional environment, spend your first salary imitating the attire of the successful colleagues and similarly attend to your grooming. Listen to the BBC programmes to improve your diction and fluency in English. Join a local toastmasters club to improve communication skills and build confidence. Success will come to anyone who works hard and is passionate about what they are doing.
How to justify your gap period? Think about all your achievements in the past few years - you helped somebody, engaged in studies, traveled, etc., and build a story around this that you can happily share with your interviewer. The key word is "happily." Nobody likes a depressed person, and a good way to boost your mood is to start working out or going for long walks, which will help alleviate your frustration. It is your life, and if you decide to take a break from the working world, nobody can dispute your decision. However, you must be positive while conveying it, and if well conveyed, the interviewer will not spend too much time on this as they will assess you during your probation.
Bear in mind that the interviewer in front of you is also under tremendous pressure to recruit the right person, or their job and credibility are at stake. They are also trying hard to achieve recognition with their colleagues and management. If you convince them about how you can help the company and the reason why they should recruit you, you will put them at ease. Bear in mind that in addition to qualifications, the interviewer is looking for a person they can work with, whose attitude will be a perfect fit for the company culture.
Remember, if others can do it, so can you. Best wishes for all the success that is just around the corner for you.
From United Arab Emirates, Dubai
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You have been well advised in the previous comments. Take a job that is closely related to what you would like to do. Do not look at a high position or worry about your qualifications versus your role. Just go out and take a job even if it is temporary or unpaid. Start interviewing and think of these as your practice sessions for the job that you would really wish to get. Your focus now should be to get back into the professional environment, spend your first salary imitating the attire of the successful colleagues and similarly attend to your grooming. Listen to the BBC programmes to improve your diction and fluency in English. Join a local toastmasters club to improve communication skills and build confidence. Success will come to anyone who works hard and is passionate about what they are doing.
How to justify your gap period? Think about all your achievements in the past few years - you helped somebody, engaged in studies, traveled, etc., and build a story around this that you can happily share with your interviewer. The key word is "happily." Nobody likes a depressed person, and a good way to boost your mood is to start working out or going for long walks, which will help alleviate your frustration. It is your life, and if you decide to take a break from the working world, nobody can dispute your decision. However, you must be positive while conveying it, and if well conveyed, the interviewer will not spend too much time on this as they will assess you during your probation.
Bear in mind that the interviewer in front of you is also under tremendous pressure to recruit the right person, or their job and credibility are at stake. They are also trying hard to achieve recognition with their colleagues and management. If you convince them about how you can help the company and the reason why they should recruit you, you will put them at ease. Bear in mind that in addition to qualifications, the interviewer is looking for a person they can work with, whose attitude will be a perfect fit for the company culture.
Remember, if others can do it, so can you. Best wishes for all the success that is just around the corner for you.
From United Arab Emirates, Dubai
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A suggestion : may be attain some additional certification that is in demand and will help you get back into the corporate world ?
From United Arab Emirates, Dubai
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From United Arab Emirates, Dubai
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Dear Seema, See the last life changing seminar by Sandeep maheshwari from You tube or his website. Paresh Doshi
From India, Mumbai
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From India, Mumbai
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Dear Seema,
Before joining any job, you should first attend and complete a personal development training program to overcome such problems. By doing so, you will feel more relaxed and confident, knowing that you have the necessary skills and knowledge.
For more details, please provide your email address so that I can recommend a good training institute that will help build your confidence.
Sanjay FO
From India, Mumbai
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Before joining any job, you should first attend and complete a personal development training program to overcome such problems. By doing so, you will feel more relaxed and confident, knowing that you have the necessary skills and knowledge.
For more details, please provide your email address so that I can recommend a good training institute that will help build your confidence.
Sanjay FO
From India, Mumbai
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Madam,
Just to identify a few things: there are many companies that will take you as a fresher. Also, many companies will not be bothered about the gap, and there are also many companies that will not react or be worried about your gap; they only consider the talent within you. They only consider your approach towards accomplishments, commitments based on confidence.
So, all the best for your progress. May God bless you with a satisfactory lifestyle further.
Regards
From India, Suri
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Just to identify a few things: there are many companies that will take you as a fresher. Also, many companies will not be bothered about the gap, and there are also many companies that will not react or be worried about your gap; they only consider the talent within you. They only consider your approach towards accomplishments, commitments based on confidence.
So, all the best for your progress. May God bless you with a satisfactory lifestyle further.
Regards
From India, Suri
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Dear Seema
Don’t worry I have gone through same situation. I started my second inning with a salary of 6000/-.And in different field. Now I am running my own company and 300 people are working in my company. And when I start second time there was a huge different in market Scenario. Call centre, software industry came in that period though I was in a very good position before that but I was feeling like illiterate person. Still it was my need to work so I work very hard and rest is the story. So cheer up and don't loose hope. You start where ever you get opportunity. Slowly you will achieve your target.
Take care
Indu
From India, New Delhi
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Don’t worry I have gone through same situation. I started my second inning with a salary of 6000/-.And in different field. Now I am running my own company and 300 people are working in my company. And when I start second time there was a huge different in market Scenario. Call centre, software industry came in that period though I was in a very good position before that but I was feeling like illiterate person. Still it was my need to work so I work very hard and rest is the story. So cheer up and don't loose hope. You start where ever you get opportunity. Slowly you will achieve your target.
Take care
Indu
From India, New Delhi
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