I have a query and would love to hear any advice from anyone. I completed my schooling in 2017 (arts) and joined as a PHP developer in a mediocre firm that had around 200-300 employees at the headquarters where I joined, with branches across the country, while pursuing my BA. I worked there for over 2 years and had a miserable experience. I'm not going to blame them; I was too naive to trust those corporate muppets. I was always overworked and paid with dirty politics until the last day because I was innocently hardworking. I lost all the little self-esteem I had while working. We were underpaid and overworked. In the end, I saw no other way out than resigning. I didn't have a fighting personality, so I could not argue. I endured everything and somehow managed to leave.
However, I do not hold any contact with them now and decided to pursue my higher studies—a Master's in Computer Application. It's been over 2.5 years since I've taken this break, but now I'm afraid: will all these create a negative impact while appearing in interviews? The major aspect I'm concerned about is salary. I was working on extremely low wages for two years; even a fresher now can get twice of it.
Will this long break and low salary make a huge negative impact when applying? What will you suggest I do in such a scenario? I really expect a decent salary as I've seen people far less skilled or average than me earning 8x more. The only difference is they all had their technical degree, resigned on time, and were self-assured. My last salary was 10K in hand and 13,819 without deductions. What's the maximum I can expect now with 2 years of experience? Basically, I had 6 months of internship, which they smartly extended to one year, reducing the count of years of experience in the relieving letter. I was so happy to leave that firm and had such low self-esteem; I did not take any action then. But now I'm a bit concerned as I'm going to apply for jobs soon. Please, any genuine advice will be appreciated on how I should face an interview with what possible expectations.
From India, Delhi
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However, I do not hold any contact with them now and decided to pursue my higher studies—a Master's in Computer Application. It's been over 2.5 years since I've taken this break, but now I'm afraid: will all these create a negative impact while appearing in interviews? The major aspect I'm concerned about is salary. I was working on extremely low wages for two years; even a fresher now can get twice of it.
Will this long break and low salary make a huge negative impact when applying? What will you suggest I do in such a scenario? I really expect a decent salary as I've seen people far less skilled or average than me earning 8x more. The only difference is they all had their technical degree, resigned on time, and were self-assured. My last salary was 10K in hand and 13,819 without deductions. What's the maximum I can expect now with 2 years of experience? Basically, I had 6 months of internship, which they smartly extended to one year, reducing the count of years of experience in the relieving letter. I was so happy to leave that firm and had such low self-esteem; I did not take any action then. But now I'm a bit concerned as I'm going to apply for jobs soon. Please, any genuine advice will be appreciated on how I should face an interview with what possible expectations.
From India, Delhi
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Interview Preparation Advice
The above narrative is sufficient for you to get through any personal interview. If I had taken the interview, I would certainly appoint you for many reasons. First, you worked while doing your graduation. Second, you were offered less than what is fair wages or even statutory wages, but still, you worked for the company. Third, you left the company to pursue your Master's, and that gap of over two years is not a serious issue but should be welcomed. Therefore, you can appear for interviews with confidence. If you speak frankly, nobody will find any negatives about you; I am sure.
From India, Kannur
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4526The above narrative is sufficient for you to get through any personal interview. If I had taken the interview, I would certainly appoint you for many reasons. First, you worked while doing your graduation. Second, you were offered less than what is fair wages or even statutory wages, but still, you worked for the company. Third, you left the company to pursue your Master's, and that gap of over two years is not a serious issue but should be welcomed. Therefore, you can appear for interviews with confidence. If you speak frankly, nobody will find any negatives about you; I am sure.
From India, Kannur
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Employment and Salary Trends in the Gulf 2012.pdf