Have you been fired from your job and noweher to go? What should you do in such a situation? Is there a way to get a new job quickly?
Do you fear a pink slip from your boss for whatever reasons? How to manage such situations?
In a chat with Get Ahead readers on January 14, Desh Deepak Khanna and Amit Nigam from The Competition Masters answered these and several other queries related to avoiding job losses.
For those of you who missed the chat, here is the transcript.
mkl asked, how it avoid pink slips i am working but still i do not have much work to do...
Desh Deepak answers, at 2009-01-14 14:16:19 Assess if you are giving back to your company more than it is paying you. Basically, your company should carry the impression that you are more useful than what you are being paid. So, try and become more efficient, volunteer to take up work even if you feel you are not supposed to be doing it.
Amit Nigam says, Hi. This is Amit Nigam from Competition Master and I am ready to take your questions
tin asked, do u think its really true that most of IT companies following LIFO these days in india
Desh Deepak answers, Not necessarily. Pink slips are given first to those who the company feels are being paid much more than they are giving back to the company. Or to those for whom there is no longer any work left. Sometimes first IN can be chosen to be given pink slips as fresh recruits are available at much less salary
shraddha asked, i am a IT graduate. i am unable to live at metro city so i m looking 2words UPSC exam plz tell me zbt IT job
Amit Nigam answers, Not sure whether you are asking for UPSC or IT??
arushi asked, in todays market.. what are the best ways to avoid pinl slips
Amit Nigam answers, The key is to use this time to: 1. Differentiate yourself from the peer group. 2. Build a stronger profile, both technically and personally
santhoshamit asked, How can I proceed if I lost my job in the recession next 2 years what to do? Im an MBA graduate working in IT as HR
Desh Deepak answers, Do not lose hope. Bad times result are best time to maybe acquire new skills to make yourself ready for the new openings that get thrown in. In an emergency be ready to take up a job in any company that offers you one, even if it means getting paid less than you were being paid. Systematically keep on applying to various companies. Treat job search as a job in itself.
swati asked, Why only service industry faces this issue? Manufacturing industry hasn't seen this impacr yet? Does it mean the choosing a career in manufacturing is a wise decision?
Desh Deepak answers, Every business has a cycle of ups and downs. Down turn does not mean everyone gets bolted out. If over a period of time you prove yourself to be useful and important employee you can hope not be thrown out in downturn unless the company situation really becomes hopeless. Service industry did provide tremendous opportunities in last 7-8 years and will also provide in future too.
Sunita asked, Hi,whts the current situation of job in telecom testing.
Amit Nigam answers, Telecom is one sector which is still hiring...
Naveen asked, Sir, Please advise me how to prepare the forthcoming SBI associate clerk exam held on 1 march 2009.
Amit Nigam answers, Please visit www.competitionmaster.com for such queries. This forum is meant for the topic at hand
smily asked, i m a BE mech enggr,, working in CAD service industry, i m not happy working here as there is no work at all. tell me what should i do?
Desh Deepak answers, Start looking for new openings. Dedicate part or full time hours to a structured job pursuit. Set a schedule everyday for networking with peers, finding leads and openings, preparing customised resumes and cover letters and finally sending them across to prospective employers. This will give you better results and enable you to find a new job faster.
tin asked, Till what time (months/Years) you you think this recession will continue in Delhi IT Market?
Amit Nigam answers, No one knows for sure. My personal take is that we are not really looking for the time when everything is restored as before, but more important is to watch out for signs of revival. To me it looks like another 2-3 quarters away
monideepa asked, recently left my job. am a fashion designer. but now i am getting very few calls what do u suggest?
Desh Deepak answers, Have patience and keep on trying. Also use this time to acquire more skills in your profession or acquire new skills that can open more avenues to you. Soon the sentiment will improve and you can hope to start getting calls
shrikant asked, I want a Bank job
Desh Deepak answers, You need to appear in various recruitment exams by PSU banks. Also keep a tab on job openings by private banks and apply accordingly. To know more about Banking as a career visit www.competitionmaster.com
ET asked, I DONT SEE ANY FUTURE IN MY COMPANY AS MY BOSS HAS LEFT THE COMPANY. EACH N EVERY SINGLE DAY IS BURDEN TO ME. TELL ME HOW TO PROCEED , AS I SEE END TO MY CAREER ? PLEASE REPLY VERY IMP
Amit Nigam answers, Keep on lookout for opportunities and prepare yourself thoroughly for job interviews. Monitor the companies which are still hiring and thoroughly research them before approaching. Good Luck
Naveen asked, Sir, Please advise me how to prepared the forthcoming SBI associate clerk exam held on 1 march 2009.
Desh Deepak answers, Regular reading of The Competition Master will help you prepare well. Try and practice to solve as many solved papers that are published. For GK read a good book on General Knowledge
pavanp asked, can we take a risk of doing a part time management course from good institution, in this down turn time?
Amit Nigam answers, I'd say its a good idea. What is the "risk" you foresee in doing that? This obviously helps you to differentiate yourself from your peer group and will help you broaden your horizons.
santhoshamit asked, do you think it is better to go for training for the next 2 years specially freshers?
Desh Deepak answers, There is no harm in getting more training and acquiring more skills. But simultaneously if you do get a chance to get a good job go for. The experience along side will be good help later.
KV asked, My boss has just quit the organization and while doing so, he has cautioned us "for the worst" also my husband my be shifted out of mumbai.We are in a rented accommodation. I am not sure whether my job is secure, but I have been an above average performer. how should I deal with this stress(more like anxiety)?
Desh Deepak answers, Bad times now are a sure sign of good times ahead. Do not loose hope. To deal with stress read Personality Development articles published in The Competition Master every month. You can also download the e-book on Personality Development from www.competitionmaster.com. You will find the advice good to deal with stress as also develop a more positive personality
Subhankar asked, Hello Sir, I am Working as a Faculty in CMC Ltd, But I always dreams to be a Software Developer.Will my this experience will be counted if I want to join any Development Job
Desh Deepak answers, Yes surely your experience in teaching will get counted
markusindicum asked, HI, we have been asked to find a job by march 2008. In current scenario where may companies have frozen hiring process, please suggst what to do. I have an experience of 4.8 years and currently working as assistant manager in an elearning company
Amit Nigam answers, You can have options both in IT and education space. Simultaneously try in both these industries. Education is a sunrise sector for India. Improve your domain knowledge and research on where you will fit in the organization where you are applying. Accompany your application with a cover letter to clearly communicate why you think you are the right candidate for the job.
Sundeep asked, Hello.. I Joined a company with a GOOD Package.. But after joining here,i realised that the project is in Second Phase and i don't have work to do.. What should i do??? Should i shift the job(I joined a month back..)
Desh Deepak answers, If you are not happy it will be better to start looking for new opening. But to do not leave in haste. Only if you have another job in hand should you decide to leave.
answerme asked, When is the current recession going to end?
Desh Deepak answers, Our expectations are that current downturn will take one to two years to be over.
Shekhar asked, Why it is called as pink slip?
Desh Deepak answers, Pink slip refers to the American practice, by a personnel department, of including a discharge notice (printed on pink paper) in an employee's pay envelope to notify the worker of his or her termination of employment
yogesh asked, Hi I am yogesh . I am working with one MNC on SAP .My manager is taking least interest in assigning me to new project and my current project will be over in 3 months. Shall I switch the job. Is it a right time for switch
Amit Nigam answers, You can also try to escalate this through other channels in the same organization. People who are convinced of your abilities will obviously want them to be put to a good use in the interest of organization. If I were you I'd defer this decision of switching over for a while
sanya asked, can u tell....which jobs are not effected by recession?
Amit Nigam answers, Pharma, Education, Telecom, Power etc. are considered in a relatively better shape...
mihir asked, iam 37 years. i got pink slip .how i get new job
Desh Deepak answers, Never just sit quietly in regret. You are in charge of your own career. Go ahead dedicate full time to a structured job pursuit. Set a schedule everyday for networking with peers, finding leads and openings, preparing customised resumes and cover letters and finally sending them across to prospective employers.
Bala1 asked, What are cheper Executive management courses for someone who is having 10+ years of experience. Top Mgt institutes charges more than 10L.
Amit Nigam answers, You can check with ICFAI and TAPMI
Nitin asked, hi, I am working in an organization since last 3 years. I work as software tester here. I carry an experience of 6 years. Please tell me is this the right time to leave the job? and how is the market for software testing people right now. Thanks
Desh Deepak answers, This not the right time to leave a job without having a new one in hand. In fact even if you have a new opening assess properly and be sure that the project for which you are being hired is long-term
DD asked, Who are the people which are in firing lin ein IT companies, is it the freshers or 4 to 5 yr experience people becuase they are expensive.
Amit Nigam answers, Firing line is decided on a different set of parameters, including relative performance, the amount of slack company can absorb, future industry outlook etc.
raja6 asked, I am a Satyam employee. Do you suggest I quit now or wait and see if there is any improvement in the company?
Desh Deepak answers, No point quitting without having another job in hand. There are moves to save the company and be patient and do not quit purely on basis of negative sentiment.
raja6 asked, I am a Satyam employee. Do you suggest I quit now or wait and see if there is any improvement in the company ?
Amit Nigam answers, Unless you get a decent enough offer I'd suggest you to hang on. Satyam's competitors are waiting to exploit this situation and you don't want to be a victim of that. I'm sure such issues will be amongst the top priority items of the newly constituted board
sanya asked, can u tell....which jobs are not effected by recession ?
Desh Deepak answers, FMCG sector is a strong industry. Other sectors still growing are Pharma, Power, Telecom, Power Equipment and Financial Services
mishan asked, I work for an indian mnc which recently acquired world bank project.I work in a project where there is no process followed. Its almost nil. I feel frustrated. But what to do. I feel like leaving the job but cant seeing the market situation.
Amit Nigam answers, You can still follow the processes if you feel convinced and committed. Other may follow suit if they see value, including your supervisor. It will help you to gain better visibility within the organization
Dhruva asked, i have better bookish knowledge but i feel low when it comes to practical knowledge. i have never assigned proper work. will it affect in future work place?
Desh Deepak answers, Practical knowledge does have its strategic importance. Try and get some practical experience too.
jitu asked, iam in central PSU should i quit and go in private sector
Desh Deepak answers, As a PSU employee you are enjoying job security that is not available to private sector employees. In todays scenario I will not advice to switch to private sector unless you are very sure about the company offerring you the job and the prject for which you are being offered the job.
AmitSS asked, Dear Deepak, Amit, Im in a company which has offshore IT projects majorly from the US. When US president elect Mr. Obama's comes into power in White House, what will be his stance for outsourcing, will he cut down the projects which are supported from India? Or will he continue currently going projects and put a brake on giving new projects to India or any other Asian country?
Amit Nigam answers, I think you are more worried about the short-term policies of the new US govt. Most of the big IT projects are outsourced with a minimum commitment period, and its really not easy to go back on those commitments for a variety of reasons.
Ak asked, Do you also do 1-1 career or education counseling? how do i find out more about your services and cost etc?
Amit Nigam answers, Yes, we do have. Please get back to us through http://www.competitionmaster.com/contactus.aspx
AmitSS asked, Dear Deepak, Amit, Im in a company which has offshore IT projects majorly from the US. When US president elect Mr. Obama's comes into power in White House, what will be his stance for outsourcing, will he cut down the projects which are supported from India? Or will he continue currently going projects and put a brake on giving new projects to India or any other Asian country?
Desh Deepak answers, Lets not mix politics with reality. Current jobs will surely continue. We can expect some initial pressure on companies not to outsource new jobs but I do not expect a drastic change in the outsourcing scenario.
Guru asked, Hi am a 3+ Exp manual tester(IT), fired couple of months ago. since then, seldom got I a call for Interview. Advise, what to be done?
Desh Deepak answers, As told earlier in reply to another question, be patient, use this opportunity to develop more skills and keep applying and exploring for job openings
Guru asked, Hi am a 3+ Exp manual tester(IT), fired couple of months ago. since then, seldom got I a call for Interview. Advise, what to be done?
Amit Nigam answers, Try using your personal contacts. Simultaneously try cold calling and personal visits. Also use this time to improve your personal and technical skills so that when that much awaited call comes through you are in a better position to capitalize on that
kris asked, I too am a Satyam Employee. I am worried that clients may desert Satyam. DO u suggest to quit???
Amit Nigam answers, nless you get a decent enough offer I'd suggest you to hang on. Satyam's competitors are waiting to exploit this situation and you don't want to be a victim of that. I'm sure such issues will be amongst the top priority items of the newly constituted board
kris asked, I too am a Satyam Employee. I am worried that clients may desert Satyam. DO u suggest to quit???
Desh Deepak answers, Carry on till you are offered a new job. Do not be in haste to leave. There are efforts on to save Satyam and jobs it offers ... wait and watch for some more time.
ddss asked, HI...M WORKING IN A TELECOM MAJOR SINCE JULY 2007>>NOW M PLANNING TO DO MS (WITH 2 YEARS EXP)...IS IT ADVISABLE TO DO MS IN US NOW IN THIS RECESSION PERIOD?? I HAVE A ADMIT FROM A REPUTED UNIVERSITY.
Desh Deepak answers, Recession has nothing to do with acquiring further skills. Take it this way: by the time you would have finished your MS course the economic upturn might have started and then u will be in better position to bag a good job offer.
ddss asked, HI...M WORKING IN A TELECOM MAJOR SINCE JULY 2007>>NOW M PLANNING TO DO MS (WITH 2 YEARS EXP)...IS IT ADVISABLE TO DO MS IN US NOW IN THIS RECESSION PERIOD?? I HAVE A ADMIT FROM A REPUTED UNIVERSITY.HI...M WORKING IN A TELECOM MAJOR SINCE JULY 2007>>NOW M PLANNING TO DO MS (WITH 2 YEARS EXP)...IS IT ADVISABLE TO DO MS IN US NOW IN THIS RECESSION PERIOD?? I HAVE A ADMIT FROM A REPUTED UNIVERSITY.
Amit Nigam answers, If I understand you right, you had already made up your mind for MS and now in dilemma due to recession. I think it is a good time for going back to school. People who are graduating from schools now should be worried. When you graduate industry will hopefully be on a hiring spree 1.5 years down the line...
PRASHANT asked, I AM A BANKER HAVING EXPERIENCE OF 10 YEARS WHAT CAN I DO FURTHER ?
Amit Nigam answers, Depends on your career objectives. An MBA is a good option as well, which imparts skills which can be used across sectors.
saurabh mishra asked, Long Gaps between two jobs were not supposed to be good by indian employers. Now as we have seen crashes like Lehman Bros and Satyam, when people are really too many in comparison to jobs available do you think Indian employers will change their attitude towards people shifting domians and having longer gaps between two jobs.
Amit Nigam answers, At least they will be not as averse to hire someone with a gap as before
gftf asked, Which company is in better shape as of now... Wipro, TCS, Infosys or HCL
Desh Deepak answers, All are doing well
Chaya asked, Hi, Right now am working as a software Engineer in Accenture, Hyderabad. I want to take up Civil Services Examination - IAS. Please suggest me the Optional Subjects that i can choose in order to score high scores. Please advise which institutes are best for the coaching in india.
Amit Nigam answers, Please get back to us through http://www.competitionmaster.com/contactus.aspx
RG asked, Hi I m working as project lead and on bench from last 5 months.Most of the positions in company or onsite will be for technical person.I do not have technical touch from 3 yrs.What to do.Shall I accept work on VB?
Amit Nigam answers, Absolutely!! Being on bench makes you a low hanging fruit especially during a recession
Abhishek asked, Is it the the right time to look for a goverment job after 6th pay commission?
Desh Deepak answers, Government jobs do not pay you as high as private, even after 6th pay commission. But you can be sure about job security that government job offers. Joining is tough ... you have to clear competitive exams to join. Competition is tough to get in.
yogeshrathi asked, Hi, I am in telecom embedded domain. How is the future of this domain??
Amit Nigam answers, I see bright prospects for this domain
ddss asked, THANK YOU..Deepak and Amit..BUT IS IT A GOOD IDEA TO COME BACK TO INDIA AFTER MS? (MAYB AFTER A YEAR OF WORK EXPERIENCE IN US)
Desh Deepak answers, Do not close that option. India will offer you as good opportunities and if you manage to grab one nothing like being in your home country. There are so many opportunities today and will be tomorrow also thast offer you best of both worlds.
Pras asked, Hi, I am working as a software engineer from past few years. But, I am not getting satisfaction from my software job. I am also doing blogging in my free time. I am thinking of leaving my software job to take up full time blogging. What'z your suggestion ?
Amit Nigam answers, How will you make money? More importantly, how will you be different from others? Is this sustainable?
mkl asked, i got pink slip from mnc and now i am working a company which is supplier to that mnc. from one of my friend i come to know one job in there dept. i called to his boss but he said still there is no vacancy, i doubt that it is because of my early boss presence he might not consider me, but i have strong believe that i can do that job very efficeintly. can you please advise how can proceed
Desh Deepak answers, Do not be desparate to join. There will be many other opportunities that you can explore.
krishna asked, Hi, How to happy or stress free in current pink slip period ?
Amit Nigam answers, Focus on improving your skills and differentiating yourself from your peer group. Do not get involved in negative office gossips and work hard.
Chaya asked, Hi, Right now am working as a software Engineer in Accenture, Hyderabad. I want to take up Civil Services Examination - IAS. Please suggest me the Optional Subjects that i can choose in order to score high scores. Please advise which institutes are best for the coaching in india.
Amit Nigam answers, Please get back to us through http://www.competitionmaster.com/contactus.aspx
Sunit asked, Hi Guys, I work for a media sales company...ad sales...is it time to quit if the market is not doing well?
Desh Deepak answers, This is the time to prove that you can deliver even in bad times. If you can do it you can be sure that in future you will be the person sought after for the job and not you going after a job.
prasadkalani asked, I have joined a new company 5 months back (from a desi company to an MNC), but for some reason I am unable to concentrate on work, I was expecting a lot from this change and I am not able to adjust to the new environment. Also this whole economic downturn is causing a lot of concern to me because my company believes in the "Hire and Fire" rule. Unfortunately, instead of taking the problem head on, I have started running away and getting into a mode of procrastination. I am not sure how to tackle this as eventhough I realize the gravity of the problem, I cannot give 100%. Please suggest a way out.
Desh Deepak answers, Do not run away from problems. Do not let the recession effect your work. Read the PErsonality Development features published in The Competition Master (www.competitionmaster.com) as also the e-book on Personality Development on the website. This should help you become more positive and get rid of negative thoughts
Shekhar asked, I may get an offer for US H1 (IT). Would it be better to accept it in situation of US economy slowdown or should I be here in India but with similar uncertainity? Please advice.
Amit Nigam answers, I'd suggest you to accept it; what is the worst that can come out of it? You can always come back. Have good relations with your existing employers as well...
yog asked, after been fired is it wise to work with less than current pay?
Desh Deepak answers, No harm. In the mean time keep trying to get a better paying job
ashuiiitc asked, HOW TO PREPARE ENGLISH FOR BANK PO????
Desh Deepak answers, Practice using the solved Objective English papers published in The Competition Master
priya611 asked, when fired from job what is the reason we should give to employer when we look for next job
Amit Nigam answers, Most employers will understand. If they still ask, you can mention the truth - one could be project getting killed...
TR asked, How to exlain lay off in the interview with new company? What justification to give?
Desh Deepak answers, Tell the truth and if the explanation highlights some negative points about you tell how you have worked to get rid of the negatives and be better prepared for the new job.
soham asked, i m a student of MCA in my prefinal year.As the present situations stand,we expect no campussing this year
Amit Nigam answers, Try to leverage all personal contacts, cold calling, websites, visits... Try to do things differently from others.
ninjahr asked, what are the alternate opportunities that MBA with 2 + years of experience in marketing can explore. I mean where are the hirings happening ?
Desh Deepak answers, Going through various job websites and appointment columns in newspapers will give you good idea about where hirings are taken place
Khanna asked, sir, company told me to leave and instead of giving me severance package of 6 monts gave me for 1 month only. plse help me . wat is the law says when company pays severance package.
Amit Nigam answers, Please look into your job offer letter or company policy. You can always take legal advice
Jay asked, what reply we should give to the interviewer when he/she ask why you are looking out change
Amit Nigam answers, Truth
ajaty asked, I used to work for a health care products manufacture company,as Stores and Purchase officer. Since the company was shifting the entire unit to Jammu. So we all were forced to resign some 1 1/2 yrs back.After that I am still on the lookout for proper job, My areas of interest include Central Excise and Sales Tax apart from inventory control and i want to make a career in these fields. I am not a graduate, but am, persuing B.com from Ignou. Kindly advise what should i do? i am feeling frustrated.Also can u please tell me whether there are lot of opportunities in these sectors??
Desh Deepak answers, Do not be too adamant to get a job purely of your interest. Go for the first job opportunity you get. This will give you back your confidence and make you think more positively. Then keep looking for jobs in areas of your interest and switch when right opportunity is there
karanc333 asked, is this a right time to start a business ? Hi Deepak / Amit - I am currently working in a IT company but planning to start a resurant. Any thoughts ?
Amit Nigam answers, Think of how will you be different from the rest? Funds might be difficult to come by during this credit crunch...
sajeev asked, Hi Deepak, Please advice me what are the small scale business/ part time job scope exist in India which will help me to survive. Recently i got fired form Software company?
Amit Nigam answers, Do not try to take any drastic steps as a knee jerk reaction. Improve your skills and try to launch yourself in the industry again. Once you are established again then you can think with a clearer mind about what you really want to do
Amit Nigam says, Ok guys, it was great chatting with all of you. For any questions that still remain unanswered due to paucity of time, you can get in touch with Competition Master through http://www.competitionmaster.com/contactus.aspx and we will try to revert ASAP. All the best!
Desh Deepak says, OK. It was a pleasure answering your questions. You can post your questions on Discussion board of www.competitionmaster.com for any career relaty query
