So I dont need to tie a knot....

The last time, I posted I said this could very well be my last (on this blog atleast). The wait for the offer was one of anxiety, frustration and irritation. The itch was there, the ointment too. Question was which was the best. I had my hopes set on this one. And I stopped looking at anything else.

Monday, July 07, 2008
I got the offer. Its a good one too. But it was never about the offer was it? It was the job that mattered. And the offer letter was more to ensure that I indeed had the job. My waiting period was done. Had a good offer, and I start next week. Looks like my three odd months of searching have borne fruit.

A little bit of the job - it seems nice. People are nice. Offices seem nice. And beat this - its really close by. Sounds really good and I think it is. Monday cant come fast enough.

And thanks to PG. After all it was a certain jackal that made this possible.

So that being said, I am inclined to say that this my last possible post about jobs. Do I dare comment on what my job experience would be?

To end this - a quote from Floyd

and the seeds of change were planted...

Limbo

Boy! Talk about being bored beyond recognition!

The last time I updated this blog, was on the 11th. Fifteen days before. Wonder how time passed by. Oh right! I was bored. And boredom can lead to one seeking to banish said boredom. The catch here is that activities you partake in,to stave off the said proverbial boredom wolf (much like the proverbial wolf that one is threatened by hunger and poverty) is that it leaves precious little to remember. I, however, did manage to have some memorable times within this period. I got to know a lot of people, went for a bike ride and indulged in some productive work along the way.

And I didnt lose sight on my job search... yet. I managed to go for some interviews. One was really good but I didnt get the postion/opening where I wanted. More calls from the placement agencies and more from prospective employers.

However, I did manage to get a lead, and as of now have a job in hand - a job that seems wont do its best to piss me off! The interview process was stimulating to say the least, and the parameters to the job seems to be falling into place.

I can say with complete conviction - here is a job that I am looking forward to...

More on that when I get the offer in hand. And for all I know, the next post may be the last for this blog.

The Ad Agency

I was still waiting for my second interview call when I got the decision from Mumbai. I had just finished my first interview and things looked good.

The second interview was to be scheduled and the salary to be decided. I continued to follow up with them and to my amusement I was told I was selected and to join coming Monday. The salary was too low and I wondered if my two years had any bearing at all. The basic was far too low for me to sustain and it was incentive based. It makes me wonder why would anyone put such misleading figures in the newspaper. Talk about an advertising agency doing what it its functionality is - exaggeration.

I thought, well this is in hand. If nothing else works out. But how much scope do I have? What kind of increments would I get? Whether I would make progress at all. Its something that I can get answers to once I join. Will I join? I say no. But circumstances may say otherwise.

For now I do have another lead, but that is for another post.

Mumbai Aftermath

I waited to hear from them for sometime. It took them long enough - one thing after another kept coming up. I finally heard from them. But the outcome is skipping a step.

I got back to Pune and half-heartedly continued looking for a job. Profiles came and went. The only thing that changed was that my resolve to shift to Mumbai kept diminishing. The horror stories kept coming in about how difficult it is to manage accommodation in Mumbai. By the end of it I had pretty much decided not to shift to Mumbai. A small part of me still said shift to Mumbai. But I decided to concentrate on Pune.

I came across a newspaper offer for an advertisement agency. I went for an interview which was five minutes that left the interviewer highly impressed (later I would know why). I was to have a follow up interview. The profile seemed interesting and the pay advertised seemed a dream.

I found that the Mumbai job was a no go. They were looking for someone else. I was upset, but not that much because it meant I didnt have to move out of Pune.

Well easy come easy go...

Mumbai - Part 3 - Some thing off topic

I know this may not be the right place, but I had seen some stuff that were not during the course of my trial period.

• Colaba is a really beautiful place.
• Mumbai has been cleaned up a lot.
• There are so many people here. But getting lost in the crowd with a good height is not what it is made out to be.
• I had two american ladies staying next to me. Common bathrooms meant they pranced around in their towels thinking it was a dorm room.
• The weather is quite taxing.
• I roamed around the Gateway a lot. Looks real good at night.
• I missed the UCL finals because the hotel didnt have it.
• I missed out on a chance to visit a lot of restaurants in Colaba.

That being said I had two really scary incidents. One was with a taxi driver. We were at a signal when another taxi driver pulled up beside us. Casually the other guy asks "What happened to your case?". My driver equally casual replies, " I got to pay a fine for five thousand and a jail term of five years." His eyes kept darting back and forth from his friend to the rearview mirror - all the while staring at me. I was impassive and offered no expression. I thought of running, but he had a cab to run me down.

On the way back I took a seat in an Indica. The driver made me reach Pune in three hours flat. That includes peak hour traffic. He scared the bejesus out of me. Never again will I sit in a cab with a really young driver.

Mumbai was truly fun. May consider staying a weekend now and then,

Mumbai - Part 2 - How it went

I left on Monday. The office was in VT and I could have easily take a train. I didnt have a reservation so that meant the bus. It took me some time to reach Mumbai but somehow I reached near the office by early afternoon. I met the marketing guy and we headed to the office. The location was at the business end of the city - prime. I was told to peruse the website (their product) to familiarize myself. I met the team members during the day. They are a nice bunch of people. The senior guy offered to put me up at a team member's flat or the office itself (yes the office has a bed). I politely refused. I didnt want to impose. The first day got over pretty quickly. During the course of the day I was given an assignment.

The day getting over, I headed out to book myself a place. The hotels I looked around the area were quite frankly pathetic. I found a hotel two blocks from the office but I couldnt get a single room. The only one they had was an ultra small room where I couldnt fit across the breadth or the height. I managed to find a really good hotel next to Cafe Mondegar. The tariffs seemed ultra expensive, about twelve hundred a night. I managed to land a deal of eight hundred and fifty for three nights. The hotel was decent with TV, AC but common bathroom that was frankly cleaner than my flat. I walked to the Gateway of India and roamed around. I got back to the room and had a good sleep, looking forward to the next day.

The next day I met more team members and was psyching myself for the assignment. I was ripped a new one by the reviewing members. You would think I would lose hope and confidence. But I knew here were three guys who really knew what it was all about. I was told to redo the assignment and handed a couple more. The next two days were all about the assignments. I continued to enjoy the work atmosphere and the kind of assignment I got. I redid the assignment and I thought it went well. I had truly learnt quite a lot. The last day I gave a presentation and it seemed to go much better than the first one. It just showed what a productive atmosphere can do. With that done I headed back to Pune waiting to hear from them.

All the while I thought - I could really fit in there. Mental images - so real that you are sure it will happen.

Mumbai - Part 1 - Initial Approach

I came across a job. Not just any job. It was a job that I set as a standard for others. It meant shifting to Mumbai but it was that good a job.

The whole process in itself was really interesting and thorough. It began with an application for the opening, followed up by a call from the office. I spoke for a good half hour and was given an assignment. The assignment in itself was real interesting and I enjoyed doing it. I already had inputs with the product they were dealing in and that made it all the more easier. The more time I spent on the assignment, the more I enjoyed it. Anyways with the assignment done, the guy calls me up again. Since the office has a few members a trial period was in the offing. A date was fixed and I was to spent four days in Mumbai.

I also got a call from one senior member and he asked me questions which left me wondering.

I left on one Monday. No accommodation meant that I had to put up in a hotel. A hotel in Mumbai. I had heard horror stories about accommodation in Mumbai and how I would survive. It was a drastic step out of my comfort zone.

After some thought, I realised. It was a job that was worth pursuing.

The Gap

I know I know. I seemed to have dropped off the face of the earth for sometime in between.

Thing is I was in Mumbai and actively pursuing a job that is really good. It took some time and I thought better wait till I know the outcome.

The process in itself was long but I learned a lot and enjoyed myself.

Picking up the paper.

I dont know how many weeks I have been looking for a job. Like Indiana Jones looking for the holy grail. Only its like Monty Python without the coconut banging and the cheap costumes. Also, the Brrriitttissshhh accent.

So I used a tool criminals use to keep one step ahead of the police ( the media: specifically the paper). I found one ad that was remotely what I was thinking of, and I scheduled an interview. Tomorrow it is.

Also, I came across a lot of "part time" jobs. Work from home, add additional income, housewives oldies support yourself that kind of thing. Sounds like a scam to me. More a pyramid than anything. Weird thing is how people expect you to pay for something that is part time yet consumes every waking moment of your life. Something like Amway. More like buddy keep walking and be on your way.

Spamming the employers

I decided to spam the employers. No it isnt as crazy as it sounds. I just sent my application to so many jobs I lost count.

Thirty five and counting ( so I think).

Its All I can do to stop yawning...

Well like I said - its all I can do to stop yawning. I got another offer. Apparently some company which provides ambulance services needs someone to develop business. Am feeling like yawning - too late. (extended yawn solo, the kind you can superimpose on the DD theme).

It was a good yawn. The kind which makes you stretch all over. The proverbial cat's purr.

Atleast something came off it.

p.s: Got another offer from a life insurance company. May apply and go for it.

The Interview I almost went for...

After the moronic interview with the Life Insurance company, I was scheduled for another moronic interview. This one I rescheduled twice - counting. But that would be getting ahead of things.

Like I said, I rescheduled the interview the first time because I didnt have any formals with me. Then I had an extended break where in I went back home. I did get around to rescheduling it the second time.

This time, I ran on time, I had my formals, but somehow I didnt feel like going for it (read:another job offer was on the cards, one I really liked). Anyways, I puckered up I kissed the notion of forcefully sitting for it. So, I made my way to branch office, and lucky for me it was close by. As I got to the branch, I saw there were was no parking. Loitering around for five minutes, I couldnt find any. A lady on a motorcycle, even asked me help to get her bike on the curb. So, looking around and not finding any parking, it just reaffirmed my reluctance in the first place.

Anyways, that was the interview I never went for. Poor placement guy, still thinks I am a fit enough candidate for that job. A job that was made just to piss off people - those working in it and those affected by it.

The interview I went for...

I got an offer from a life insurance company, like I said. The Branch Manager got in touch with me. The first time I spoke to him, he was dull beyond recognition. Anyways, I decided what the hey might as well sit for the interview and see how I fare according to them.

Well, the office was quite a distance away. I was made to come for the interview in the afternoon, so had to bear the full brunt of the heat and the traffic. Add to that wearing formals.

So I made good time and went in for the interview. The office itself was off putting. It was in a seedy part of a building that was right in the middle of a traffic signal. The work atmosphere was probably full of toxic gases. And add to that smoke from the traffic.

I went in and met the manager. Like I said dull beyond recognition. He took me into a training room and went over the resume. He explained the job and asked me how I plan to recruit members for my sales team. The criteria being - a guy above 25 years with a PAN card. He asked me to do groundwork and make a list of 15 such people. Right, me do such crappy work with no job in sight. The interview went on for barely five minutes and he told me that I would have to meet the Regional Manager. I was told to expect a call in two or three days.

As for the regional manager, if precedents are to go by, I guess dull beyond recognition does not cut it out. And as for the call, it never came. Cant say I feel bad...

The Kind of Jobs Part 3 C - So I scheduled an Interview

Right. Formals. Washed them, gave them out for ironing (damn pleats! could never iron them). Now that I had resolved my formal issues, I was running out of reasons to not sit of the interviews. So I got back to the placement agencies for a follow up on the interview schedule. Considering I was unprofessional I was amazed to see the lengths these agencies will go to, to ensure that the candidate sits for the interview. During my last attempt at scheduling an interview and the most recent attempt, there was a ten day break. During which I received close to twenty "follow up" calls. If only I had Virgin mobile, I would have got paid for incoming.

Anyways, I did manage to schedule two interviews. Two interviews out of a potential fifty or so. If only this odds where there at winning the lottery....

The Kind of Jobs Part 3 B - The kind I really considered

I spent the better part of two days sorting my mail. I made two piles - crap and crappier. I decided to try for the crappier jobs. Why you may ask? You see the crap jobs are upfront about what they are all about. The crappier ones are basically crap, the "-pier" comes with the kind of pressures of the job.

Let me elaborate - the crap jobs are very basic, not much hassles. Call center jobs would fall under this category. Everything is spoon fed. For crying out loud you are given a sheet which is structured to a point where you dont have to think what to say next. The crappier jobs require a lot of preparation - which I am not averse to. But, like I said, the profile sucks. And, the immediate boss is a total douche - more often than not.

So, getting back to the interview. Wait I am getting ahead of myself. I got calls for one opening from three different agencies. Talk about not co-ordinating. Anyways, decided to go for the interview. I scheduled the interview and the next day as I was to head to the location, I realised I didnt have any formals with me.

Damn! A reprieve. To hell with it.... I will reschedule.

The Kind of Jobs Part 3 A - The Kind I Considered

So after going through all the jobs that irritated me and left me wanting to take a baseball bat to the nearest car, I found some jobs that seemed worth considering.

Considering that I have shown some experience, I received some jobs that were a bit above the normal minion level. It was more to do with the team leader/sales manager which means - you -manage-and-deal-with-arrogant-subordinates-while-I-sit-on-your-
head-and-give-you-a-hard- time kind of profile! Add to that the subordinates have to be recruited by me.

Well I did seriously consider it. The profile sucked. But it did have a major corporation tag with it, and that would do wonders to my profile. You see, you need experience to land a good job with a position and a good resume to land a good profile. And you need both to land a high paying job.

For me, profile is what matters - and I have every right to be picky!A name brand seems to carry a lot of weightage.Either that or a rock solid profile. And with that, I can effectively add value to my profile.

Right, back to the job. I got the same offer from various companies. Recruit a member of fifteen guys (aged about 25 with PAN cards) to work under you. Then you use your contacts to sell financial products. Basically, its the annoying person who calls on you to sell a life insurance policy or the credit card.

I dont see myself as that person....

The Kind of Jobs Part 2

Now the thing about the websites is that they allow for you to be specific. I wanted something where I am based. Moochers (read many placement agencies) assume that I would drop everything and head to UAE. And for what - a pittance!

No matter how specific I am, it doesnt seem to help. Attempts to refine my preferences doesnt seem to help. Even though I look for Marketing/Business Development, I am mostly offered Sales.

Meet Mr. Me, Sales executive. Doesnt have a good ring to it....

The Kind Of Jobs Part 1

Some jobs are just made to piss us off. Sample this:

Looking for a BPO/CALL Centre Job? Then your search ends here...
We Have a better option for you.... Just call us (no) We Will conduct a telephonic interview with you...
If you get shortlisted, you will be called in the for final interview and offer letter will be rolled out to you the same day...
Isnt it time saving??

We have processes with voice. You should be comfortable with any shifts.

Five days a week, Pickups/Drop AVAILABLE FOR FREE, free meals, insurance, and much more. BEST SALARY PACKAGE FOR FRESHERS AND EXPERIENCED CANDIDATES FOR INTERNATIONAL CALL CENTRE (10,000 to 15,000 PM+INCENTIVES+LOYALTY BONUS)
*Conditions Apply*

So what is this all about? What is the point of such a job? Have been opposed to BPO jobs (apart from some constructive position in HR or on the staff). Other than students/people strapped for cash, it doesnt make sense. It doesnt add to your profile, it doesnt stand/count if you quit.

Like I said, some jobs are made to piss us off.

Portals

With my resume done, I decided to start posting it around. I signed for two portals and with my resume on them, I waited.

Most jobs that I got were not what I was looking for. Portals have become an easy way for placement agencies to mooch off. Since I was looking for something in Marketing and Business Development, I got anything but. All I got was spam and more spam.

After a week of sifting through them, I did manage to get some standard job offers. (Read:boring)

The First Step

So, now that I decided to pick a job, the first step was to make a resume.

Normally, it takes time to make a resume. I took especially long. It took me close to a week to actually decide how to elongate it to one page. People have a problem deciding what to put in and what to leave out. I am blessed, didn't have to make choices, could put everything in.

That doesn't say much about my resume... Does it?

The Why?

So, I attempted all the MBA entrances, got three calls. So, I converted one. So, I decided not to join it. So, I didn't get the college I wanted. So, I decided to attempt again.So, I was planning to work after MBA. So, I decided to pick a job.