Hi,

I am not in HR.

I am in IT, java.

The reason I am posting question here, is because I feel only HR people can answer my question.

I have lost my job in recession. It's been more than 7 months now. In the beginning I had casual approach in job search thinking that it is happening everywhere. Now it is more than 7 months. I am appying everywhere I see chance. But i am not getting even interview calls. I got only one chance for interview and I was selected. But salary they offered me ( they verbally told me that I am selected, did not give offer ), was lower than my last salary. So I said I will not work on this salary. But now I am not even getting any interview calls. I asked one HR consultant who told me because it's been more than 7 months I am not working. This is why they do not shortlist me. I did not have idea that even in recession HR people will take this gap so seriously. Now I am in big big trouble and very depressed. I did not have idea how to handle situation when I was laid off. I have more than 8 years of J2EE experience and very good knowledge. But I can show my knowledge only if I get chance for interview which I am not at all getting.

My question is it because job market is too bad and because of it I am not getting interview chance or is it because I am not working for more than 7 and half months, they do not shortlist my resume for interview. How do I handle situation now? I am very tense. Please give me your valuable advice. How do I save my career or is my career is destroyed now? Please help.

From India, Nasik
hi dig,

your career is not over, unless you give up.

take the job that comes up matching your profile but at a less salary. you can't demand or expect the salary you were drawing earlier. that would have been possible if you were in service and shifting jobs.

you are unemployed now but have 8+ years of experience, companies will value your expertise but will certainly try to hire you lower. think of the hiring from the employer's side. they want good guys at afforable cost (they will have a range fixed).

if the job you were selected for is still open, suggest you talk to them, get into employment mode first. try to negotiate for a bit more. this is not the time to be choosy or arrogant. you are the one seeking a job, be prepared to climb down before moving up the ladder.

then after settling down , maybe after 6 months - 1 year try to shift at a higher salary (but don't quit unless you have a job on hand). I faced this in May - June this year, jobless for just over a month, but was able to negotiate with my employers. took a 30% cut in my pay.

after getting into the employment mode, I have been good offers but want to stay in my present job for sometime before considering / making a move.

at the same time, refresh your skill set and try to enhance it.

all the best

From India, Madras
Dear Kumar,
I work with a Consulting firm & based on the same experience I'd like to add few things.
Lets start with the good side:
Industry is recovering & most of the companies are at a hiring spree.
Keep applying & yours chances will be bright enough .
As most of the firms are hiring make sure you are available for immediate joining
Flip side:
General consideration when a person doesnt work over a period of time is that he loses touch in terms of the given skill. Hence consultants think twice before fw such a profile to any of their clients.
Overall:
The best part would be utilise this time to update yourself in terms of the skillset.

From India, Hyderabad
Hi Dig,
As a HR Consultant,I would like share my ideas with you.
At this moment,getting job is a difficult one.You was not working for the past 7 months.It makes a long gap in your career.So this is not a right time for demanding salary.If anybody calls you reg.interview,dont demand the salary.Please don't lose your confidence level
"Opportunity knocks once"

From India, Madras
Dear DigKumar,
Since you've rich experience, you must understand the situation. We can't demand salary when people find difficulty in getting a job. The fact is Employers having upperhand in this recession period.
So, the biggest mistake you've done was the oppurtunity you missed for a less salary. But your life is not over yet, i would suggest you to accept the offers even for a low salary.
Regards,
Murali Nagarajan,
Executive - HR,
i-Net Solution,
Professional Website Graphic Design | Web Development Company Chennai, PHP Web Development & Web Application | Software Development Company

From India, Madras
Hi Kumar,

The reason why your resume is not getting shortlisted in because - people tend to think that "if for 7 months you have not been able to find a job, then there is something lacking on your profile"

However - try these - on your resume, dont mention that last working date (I assume you must have lost your job in April...) So dont mention as working until April 2009.

In this way, atleast you are contacted for an interview right? ANd you will have to make sure you get through the technical round on tele-screening.

The HR / technical recruiter may ask about your tenure, for which you may mention that you are looking since April 09, but not finding the right job yet that can match your experise. Be confident.

(PS: the reason why I mentioned not to write your last working date on your resume is becuase it can stop people from rejecting your resume, even before talking to you. Once you have the chance to meet them - tell them that you are currently unemployed... but use this opportunity of talking to them, as an opportunity to sell yourself)

From India, Madras
I am so much thankful for giving me confidence. Thank you very much for advices. I could have got job immediately in smaller company but I thought I will find only big company and messed up.
From India, Nasik
Hi,
I agree with wat Asha had said, leave the dates. Also, in the interview mention all your experiences and if you had done something in these 7 months, which i assume u should have done to enhance your skills then please do mention that. Also, we normally perceive that only bigger companies can boost our career however even the small companies have many high points like job security, easy platform to establish a repo and identity for oneself, more opportunities, recognition etc... so do think on these terms too before you join the next company...
alll the very best.
Regards
Neha

From India, Chandigarh
I am a M.Com student and have completed ICWAI till 3rd stage. I shall be appearing for final stage in Dec'09 and sure to clear the same. Please let me know the companies where I can apply right now.
Regds
Ravi

From India, Kanpur
Ms. Asha has pointed out correctly for the query on the gap in job and while applying chance to miss out your c.v
I had a personal bitter experience on the same lines and as Ash suggested its better not to mention the last working date, which would turn employer to have a look at your CV and call for interview.
Ash, thanks for guiding in prospective manner.
rgds
kb

From India, Madras
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