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Ans: Dear Balaji,

Thank you for writing in.

First of all, stop labelling yourself (like you have mentioned in the above question "I am an Introvert type"). As humans our brains are wired to believe what information we feed to ourselves.

Second, acceptance. Accepting the way, you are. That is your strength.

Certain steps that can be considered -
- Know the agenda you are entering into. This will help you prepare in advance on the conversations you need to engage in.
If there are no agendas then you can -
- Initiate small talks. For example- talk about current affairs in the industry (avoid talking about religion or politics) as this can get sensitive. Conversation should be general in nature. This will help you break the ice with the individual.
- Asking open ended questions- such questions help you encourage others to share more information. Instead of asking yes/no questions, ask questions that require a more detailed response, such as "What was that experience like for you?" or "Tell me more about..."
- Focus on your observation- Observe your surroundings and what's happening in the environment. You can use these observations as conversation starters. For example, if you're at a restaurant, you can comment on the decor, the food, or the atmosphere.
- Share Personal Stories- Personal anecdotes can make your conversations more relatable and engaging.
-Use Body Language- Your body language can enhance your communication. Maintain eye contact, use gestures to emphasize points, and smile when appropriate to convey warmth and engagement.
-Don’t hesitate to seek for professional help- If you feel that your difficulty in engaging in conversations is causing significant distress or impacting your personal and professional life, consider seeking professional help. This should help you navigate with the tips and tricks.

Hope this helps.

All the best

Ashwini Dasgupta
To your Success. Be You. Be Confident
Author of Confidence Decoded- Is it a Skill or Attitude?

Ans: Hi There,

Thank you for asking the question.

It's important to ask questions to the HR / Interviewer during the interview. Asking right questions are important to demonstrate your genuine interest in the company's mission, the role's responsibilities, and how you can contribute to the organization's success.

When interviewing for a job, it's important to ask questions that demonstrate your interest, engagement, and understanding of the role and the company. For example- questions can be around :

Roles and Responsibilities:
"Can you describe the day-to-day responsibilities of this role?"
"What are the performance expectations for someone in this role in the first three to six months?"
"Can you describe the day-to-day responsibilities of this role?"

Company and Culture:
"What is the company's approach to professional development and career growth?"
"To whom will I report, and what is their leadership style?"
"How does the team typically collaborate and communicate?"

Company Growth and Future Plans:
"What are the company's growth plans and strategic priorities for the next few years?"
"How does this role fit into the company's long-term vision?"
"Are there opportunities for career advancement within the organization?"

Next Steps and Timeline:
"What are the next steps in the interview process, and what is the expected timeline for a decision?"
"Is there anything else you need from me to evaluate my candidacy?"
"When can I expect to hear back regarding the outcome of this interview?"

Hope these example help you. These are few of the areas I have cited. Accordingly you can dive into other areas too. Tip : only speaking around salary might not create an impressive image.

All the best.
To your Success. Be You. Be Confident
Ashwini Dasgupta
Author of Confidence Decoded-Is it a Skill or Attitude?

Ans: Dear Vinod,

Thank you for writing.

I will be able to help with the generic viewpoint. I will recommend you to reach out to a Tax/ Legal and understand in depth. There are experts in these areas you could speak to.

From the last update on September 2021 as per the definition cited by the experts- an NRI (Non-Resident Indian) is generally defined as an Indian citizen who is residing outside India for employment, business, or any other purpose that indicates an intention to stay abroad for an indefinite period. However, the specific criteria for being considered an NRI can vary based on the laws and regulations of the Indian government, particularly with regard to taxation and other legal aspects. To determine your residency status for tax purposes and other legal matters, you should refer to the Income Tax Act of India and consult with a qualified tax professional or legal expert. Also, note the tax laws and regulations are subject to change hence speak to the expert in this area and get the understanding.

Hope this helps. All the very best

To Your Success. Be You. Be Confident
Thanks and Regards
Ashwini Dasgupta
Author of Confidence Decoded. Is it a Skill or Attitude?

Ans: Hi Rohan,

Thank you for writing in.

There are many aspects which one should avoid during interviews. Below is the list for your reference.

Avoid Negative comments about your current or previous employer
Salary discussion- this should be discussed at the later stage and not at the initial stage. HR will block a slot to discuss on salary.
Not preparing enough for the interview
Talking about weaknesses without any mitigation
Not having any questions for the interviewer
Avoid humor if you are not good at. It can back fire
Showing overconfidence. Note- there is a thin line between confidence and over confidence. This can come across as arrogance.
Avoid Lying. Building trust is the most important aspect in the interview process.
Avoiding Eye contact and doing overly gestures
Not been punctual

Hope this helps. All the very best
To Your Success. Be You. Be Confident.
Thanks and Regards
Ashwini Dasgupta
Author of Confidence Decoded. Is it a Skill or Attitude?

Ans: Hi Swapna,

I am sorry I didn't get your question. Are you referring to Questions in Job Interviews. Kindly confirm

To Your Success. Be You. Be Confident
Thanks and Regards
Ashwini Dasgupta
Author of Confidence Decoded. Is it a Skill or Attitude?

Ans: Dear Sir/ Madam,

Thank you for writing in

The calculation of residency days for tax purposes can vary depending on the specific tax laws and regulations of the country in question. Each country has its own rules regarding tax residency, and deputation to another country may or may not be considered as part of the residency calculation.

In some countries, the period of deputation to another country may be counted as part of the residency days, while in others, it may not be considered. It depends on factors such as the tax treaty between the two countries, the duration of the deputation, the nature of the work being performed, and the individual's ties to the home country.

To determine how deputation to another country is treated for tax residency calculation, it is essential to consult the tax laws and regulations of both the home country and the host country, as well as any applicable tax treaties between them. Additionally, seeking advice from a qualified tax professional who is familiar with the specific tax laws of both countries can provide more accurate and personalized guidance. Tax residency rules can be complex, and it's crucial to ensure compliance with the tax regulations of all relevant jurisdictions.

Hope this helps. All the very best.

To Your Success. Be You. Be Confident
Thanks and Regards
Ashwini Dasgupta
Author of Confidence Decoded. Is it a Skill or Attitude?

Ans: Dear Sir/ Madam,

Thank you for writing in.

IT companies do conduct background checks on potential employees as part of their hiring process. However, the specifics of the background check may vary from company to company. Some background checks may include verification of employment history, education credentials, criminal records, and other relevant information.

Regarding verifying PAN (Permanent Account Number) details, it is more commonly associated with tax and financial purposes rather than employment verification. PAN is a unique ten-digit alphanumeric identifier issued by the Income Tax Department in India. It is typically used for tax-related transactions and documentation.

When it comes to hiding company details due to issues with a previous employer, it's essential to consider the implications and potential risks. Being dishonest about your employment history can have serious consequences if discovered during the background check or at any later stage. It can lead to the termination of employment or damage your professional reputation.

Instead of hiding company details, it's generally recommended to address any issues with your previous employer transparently and professionally during the interview process. If there were challenges or conflicts in your previous job, try to provide a balanced perspective and focus on what you learned from the experience and how you have grown as a professional.

You can also emphasize your positive attributes, skills, and achievements from your previous roles without dwelling on any negative aspects. The key is to present yourself in a positive light and demonstrate your ability to handle challenges and work well with others.

Remember, honesty and integrity are highly valued traits in the workplace, and being upfront about your experiences, both positive and negative, is crucial to building trust with potential employers.

Tip : Avoid speaking negative about your current and previous employers.

Hope this helps. All the very Best

To your Success. Be You. Be Confident
Thanks and Regards
Ashwini Dasgupta
Author of Confidence Decoded. Is it a Skill or Attitude?

Ans: Hi Sir,

Thank you for writing in.

Few recommendations for your reference -

Update Your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight your relevant skills and experiences while addressing the employment gap. Focus on transferable skills and recent freelance work that showcases your abilities (if any). Tailor your application to each job posting to demonstrate your genuine interest and fit for the role.

Networking: Leverage your professional network to seek job opportunities. Reach out to former colleagues, friends, and acquaintances who might be aware of job openings or can provide referrals.

Online Presence: Ensure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and reflects your skills and experiences. Connect with people in your industry and participate in relevant groups and discussions.

Practice Interviews: Practice answering common interview questions to boost your confidence. Emphasize your accomplishments and the value you can bring to potential employers.

Continuous Learning: Stay updated with industry trends and technologies. Consider taking online courses or certifications to enhance your skills and demonstrate your commitment to learning. This will help you boost your confidence and enhance your skills.

Volunteer or Freelance Work: If possible, consider taking on volunteer work or freelance projects related to your field. This can help you build recent experience and fill the gap in your resume.

Be Positive and Persistent: Job searching can be challenging, but maintaining a positive attitude and staying persistent are key. Celebrate small victories and keep moving forward. This is very important.

Remember, setbacks are a part of life, and it's important to remain resilient and adaptable. Stay focused on your strengths and the value you can offer to employers. With determination and the right approach, you can overcome the challenges and find a job that suits your skills and experience. Good luck with your job search!

To Your Success. Be You. Be Confident.
Thanks and Regards
Ashwini Dasgupta
Author of Confidence Decoded. Is it a Skill or Attitude?

Ans: Hi Anjib,

Thank you for writing in.

Options you may try

-Post the request on Linkedin mentioning looking for an internship
-Speak to referrals in the industry who can help you connect
-speak to college placement cell they will have the list of companies visiting to the campus or can help connect with the relevant people
-Through linkedin directly message the HR for help.
-Speak to your son's friends and check where they have been placed and ask for connections.

Hope this helps. All the best

To Your Success. Be You. Be Confident
Ashwini Dasgupta
Author of Confidence Decoded. Is It a Skill or Attitude?

Ans: Hi Sir,

Thank you for writing in.

Congratulations on the success of your daughter.

I would suggest please speak to your daughter and understand her interest. At the end, she is the one who is going put efforts, patience, interest and build her career. Hence, it's important you buy in her consensus.

Here, you are referring to two different career paths and both has relevant expertise as per the choices you make. Below I have given the brief for your reference.

If you choose BA (Hons) Economics -

If you are interested in a career in the civil services, particularly aiming for the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) exam, a BA in Economics could be relevant. Economics is one of the optional subjects in the UPSC exam, and having a background in this subject could give you an advantage in that aspect of the exam. However, keep in mind that the UPSC exam is highly competitive, and success in the exam depends on many factors, including hard work, dedication, and a comprehensive understanding of various subjects and current affairs. Hence checking the interest of your daughter is of utmost important.

On the other hand, if you are considering pursuing an MBA from an Indian Institute of Management (IIM) by taking the CAT (Common Admission Test), the choice of your undergraduate degree is less crucial. IIMs consider the CAT score, past academic performance, work experience, and performance in the interview/GD (Group Discussion) round when evaluating candidates. While an economics background could be helpful in developing analytical and quantitative skills required for the CAT, many successful MBA candidates come from diverse academic backgrounds.

If you choose B.com (Hons) -

If you are interested in a career in the civil services and want to appear for the UPSC exam, a BCom (Hons) degree can provide a solid foundation for the General Studies paper in the UPSC examination. BCom (Hons) covers various subjects related to commerce, economics, finance, and accounting, which can be beneficial for certain topics in the UPSC syllabus.

Similarly, if you are considering pursuing an MBA from an IIM through the CAT exam, a BCom (Hons) degree can be a good choice. BCom (Hons) graduates often possess strong analytical and quantitative skills, which are valuable for success in the CAT exam. Additionally, the IIMs appreciate diversity in academic backgrounds, and BCom (Hons) would add to that diversity.

As mentioned, with any career decision, it's essential to assess your daughter's interests, strengths, and long-term goals. Both paths, UPSC and CAT, require Commitment, Dedication and Hard work. You should research further on both the career options, possibly talk to professionals in each field who have achieved in their respective fields. Take time to explore both options thoroughly and choose the path that aligns best with your daughter's aspirations and ambitions.

Hope this help's. All the best

To Your Success. Be You. Be Confident
Ashwini Dasgupta
Author of Confidence Decoded. Is it a Skill or Attitude?

Ans: Hi Sunil,

Thank you for writing in.

Few tips to get started.

Self-Assessment: Identify your skills, interests, and strengths. It's been 22 years so by far you would have enough clarity what are your strengths and area of interests. We often tend to ignore and take it for granted due to our vast experience. Hence recommendation is to revisit your own strengths and interests.

Polish Your Resume and Cover Letter: Craft a well-written resume and cover letter that highlight your achievements, skills, and experiences. Tailor them to each job application to showcase your suitability for the role. Customize your resume as per the jobs.

Networking: Build a professional network by attending industry events, job fairs, and connecting with people on social media platforms like LinkedIn. Many jobs are found through referrals and personal connections.

Online Presence: Create a strong online presence through platforms like LinkedIn and professional portfolios. Showcase your expertise and share valuable content related to your field.

Job Search Strategies: Utilize various job search platforms, such as online job boards, company websites, and recruitment agencies. Be consistent and diligent in your job search efforts.

Prepare for Interviews: Practice common interview questions and be ready to articulate your skills and experiences confidently. Research the company and the role to demonstrate your interest and knowledge.

Focus on Soft Skills: Apart from technical skills, employers value soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and adaptability. Work on developing and showcasing these skills in interviews and on the job.

Continuous Learning: Stay updated with industry trends and advancements. Participate in workshops, webinars, and seminars to keep improving your skills and knowledge.

Professional Attitude: Demonstrate a positive and professional attitude during your job search and in interactions with potential employers. Be punctual, courteous, and responsive in your communications.

Follow Up: After interviews or submitting applications, follow up with a thank-you email or letter. It shows your interest and appreciation for the opportunity.

Be Open-Minded: Be flexible and open to exploring different job opportunities, especially if they align with your long-term career goals.

As you have been in the industry for 22 + years look at your own networks who could refer and guide you for the right opportunities. Importantly trust yourself and your abilities. Job Search requires patience. You will get there soon.

Hope this helps. All the best.

To Your Success. Be You. Be Confident.
Ashwini Dasgupta
Author of Confidence Decoded. Is it a Skill or Attitude?

Ans: Hi Tapash,

Thank you for writing in.

Few Tips to get started.

Reading -Read English texts out loud to improve your pronunciation and rhythm. This exercise will also help you become more comfortable with the language.

Think in English: Most often we think in our native language and then we try to translate the same in English hence grammar mistakes tend to happen. Instead do the reverse try to think in English rather than translating from your native language. This practice will help you become more spontaneous and fluent in your communication.

Focus on Listening Comprehension: Improve your listening skills by regularly listening to English audio, such as podcasts, audiobooks, or TED Talks. Try to understand the main ideas and key points of what you're hearing. Listening is the first step to communication. This requires patience.

Build Your Vocabulary: Work on expanding your vocabulary by learning new words every day. Use vocabulary apps to help with memorization or open your oxford dictionary and learn new three minimum words. This way your vocabulary will increase and get better. This will avoid you from falling short of words.

Learn and Use Idioms and Phrases: English is rich in idioms and phrases. Learn common expressions and how to use them appropriately in different contexts to sound more natural and fluent.

Practice Speaking Regularly: Find opportunities to speak in English regularly. This could be with native English speakers, or even with yourself in front of a mirror. Practicing speaking aloud helps build your confidence and fluency.


Surround yourself with the language as much as possible. Watch English movies, TV shows, and videos, listen to English podcasts, and try to read books, articles, or news in English. Immersing yourself in the language will help you familiarize yourself with its nuances and vocabulary.

Opt for Professional help- You can also look at professionals who can help you with their courses. There are many experts around. If you are comfortable investing money on such courses then I recommend you do so.

Learning any new language including English requires practice and efforts. Requires consistent practice and exposure to the language. Accept that you are in the learning phase and you will get better with efforts.

Hope this helps. All the best

To Your Success. Be You. Be Confident.
Ashwini Dasgupta-Author of Confidence Decoded. Is it a Skill or Attitude?

Ans: Hi,

Thank you for writing in.

You can reach out to Mindtree and request them to relook at your candidature. It's quite common that candidate's going back to the organization's for reconsiderations. Dont' hesitate. Organization's welcome good candidates.

Few things to keep in mind-
Before reaching out please be well prepared with your responses the HR might ask. For example- what brings you back. Here, please have a reasonable response. You might not want to sound you are considering Mindtree as a back up or secondary option. No organization will like to heat that. So come up with a strong and reasonable response.

In the mean time,
- Keep the job hunt on.
- You can connect with some good Recruiting agencies in the market who can help you connect with organizations for a job.
- Reach out to your references and mention that you are looking for an opportunity.
- Post on linkedin as open to job's
- Reach out personally to HR/ Seniors in your industry on linkedin

Most importantly be positive and have patience. You will soon get what you want.

Hope this helps. All the best.

To Your Success. Be You. Be Confident.
Ashwini Dasgupta
Author of Confidence Decoded. Is it a Skill or Attitude?

Ans: Hi,

Thank You for writing in.

Most important aspect to consider is to do some research before you making a final decision. Until you have enough data on the US market especially in the area you are looking for a job my suggestion would be that you find a job in India and in parallel do your research and then move to US.

It is true that sustaining in US without a job can be challenging. Also currently the US market is quite skeptical. Yes, you can take up part time job in US but you need to be aware of the laws there as there are certain limitations.
So Research, plan, prepare and then act.

Hope this helps. All the best.

To Your Success. Be You. Be Confident
Ashwini Dasgupta
Author of -Confidence Decoded. Is it a Skill or Attitude?

Ans: Hi Parry,

Thank you for writing in.

First of all, it's important that you should know the intention, what is the purpose. If the purpose is to move to US for kids for their future and betterment, then you have already made the decision of settling in US.
Secondly on the Parents- Here as you are currently feeling not sure about the job, I can suggest that you spend some time in the current role in US and see how you are progressing on the job front. Once you are sure and it's moving as per your expectations then you may think of calling your parents to US. Considering the age, you may not want them to travel and come out of their comfort zone and stay in US especially when you are in doubt.
Or
You can start hunting for a job in India from US and then move back India. Moving back to India with no job with proper planning will not help sustain for long.
Secondly, if you want to start your business please jot down the pros and cons (importantly if you are the only earning member in the house). You need to do the market intel of your business and see how lucrative it will be especially knowing the recession has hit where most of them are considering downsizing. Also, it is equally true to set a business can take months to years. You need to ask q's to yourself if you will be able to sustain that long (consider the number of family members, expenses, education etc) or will you have to use the savings. You will have to do a deep logical thinking on all of these aspects. You can start the business as a side hustle and work building it along with your job. This way you are financially stable, and you get the time to build your own business for future.
I can understand you might be emotionally drained or frustrated but know that this is temporary. This will fade off. For now, focus on one thing at a time and have patience. Think practically.

Hope this helps. All the best.

To Your Success. Be You. Be Confident.
Ashwini Dasgupta
Author of -Confidence Decoded. Is it a Skill or Attitude?

Ans: Hi,

Thank you for writing in.

Entrance exams for Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other reputed colleges in India are generally conducted by the Common Admission Test (CAT) for admission to the postgraduate management programs.

XAT or Xavier Aptitude Test is another popular MBA entrance exam held for admissions to the Xavier member institutes including XLRI Jamshedpur, XIMB and XIME.

PGDBA exam is held for admission to the Post Graduate Diploma in Business Analytics (PGDBA) course offered collectively by IIM Calcutta, IIT Kharagpur and ISI Kolkata.

IIFT is held by the National Testing Agency for admission to MBA(IB) by the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade. The university-level examination is held annually in online mode.

NMAT is a national-level examination held by GMAC for admission to top MBA institutes including NMIMS and XIMB among 30 B-schools in India.

TISSNET is held by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences Mumbai, TISSNET paves the way for admission to its Master’s programs in management offered at the various campuses.

I have listed few for references. There are multiple other institutes you can look. Please zero down on one so that it will further help to focus on one.

Other tips-

Understand the Exam Pattern: Familiarize yourself with the exam pattern, which includes sections such as Quantitative Aptitude (QA), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC). Understand the marking scheme, time allocation, and the number of questions in each section.

Gather Study Material: Collect study material, including textbooks, reference books, previous years' question papers, and online resources. Some recommended books for CAT preparation are:

Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations
How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT
Create a Study Plan: Develop a structured study plan that covers all the sections and allows for regular practice. Allocate time for each topic, focusing on your weaknesses while maintaining a balance across all sections. Set realistic goals and track your progress.

Practice Mock Tests: Regularly practice mock tests to assess your performance, identify weak areas, and improve time management. Analyze your mistakes and work on improving them. Joining a test series or using online platforms that offer mock tests can be beneficial.

Join Coaching Classes (optional): Consider joining coaching classes if you feel you need additional guidance and a structured approach to your preparation. Coaching institutes provide expert faculty, study material, and a competitive environment. However, self-study with proper dedication can also yield good results.

Stay Updated and Practice Current Affairs: Stay updated with current affairs and business news as they form an essential part of the exam. Read newspapers, follow news websites, and magazines to enhance your knowledge of current events.

Focus on Conceptual Clarity: Understand the underlying concepts of each topic and focus on building a strong foundation. This will help you tackle complex problems effectively. Practice regularly to improve speed and accuracy.

Develop Time Management Skills: Time management is crucial during the exam. Practice solving questions within the given time limits. Learn to prioritize questions based on difficulty levels and allocate time accordingly.

Improve Reading and Comprehension Skills: Enhance your reading speed and comprehension skills to perform well in the VARC section. Read newspapers, magazines, and books regularly to improve your vocabulary and comprehension abilities.

Stay Motivated and Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Preparing for entrance exams can be challenging, so it's essential to stay motivated and maintain a positive mindset. Take regular breaks, exercise, and get enough sleep to stay focused and energized.

Hope this helps. All the best

To Your Success. Be You. Be Confident
Ashwini Dasgupta
Author of -Confidence Decoded. Is it a Skill or Attitude?

Ans: Hi Madhu,

Thank you for reaching out. Hope you are doing well.

It totally depends how early in the career you are referring. If the experience was at the start of your career, then that shouldn’t actually have any major impact. As the organizations look for the recent past 3 to 5 years of documentations as part of background check process. So, even if you mention about the employer, it shouldn’t have any challenge. I would highly recommend you call this out during your interview process, so the new employer is completely aware of the same. In the meantime, you can use alternative references as mentioned -
1- Reach out to HR of that company and request for the experience letter copy (best approach). It’s always good to have all the documents.
2- Look for your salary documents/ Bank statements which will show as proof of employment (2nd best approach).
3- You could reach out to colleagues or supervisors from that time and ask if they would be willing to provide a reference or recommendation for your work. Mention their names and contact details on your CV, indicating that they can be contacted for further information.
Hope this helps. All the best.

Ashwini Dasgupta
To Your Success. Be You. Be Confident.
Author of -Confidence Decoded. Is it a Skill or Attitude?

Ans: Hi,

Thank you for the question. Hope you are doing well.
Feeling nervous about facing an interview is completely normal, especially if you haven't been through the process for a long time. However, it's important to remember that change and growth often require stepping outside of our comfort zones.
Here are some steps you can take to prepare yourself and gain confidence for interviews:
1- Reflect on your achievements- Take stock of your accomplishments and skills gained during your 10 years in your current job. Recognize your strengths, areas of expertise, and valuable experiences. This self-reflection will help boost your confidence and provide material to discuss during interviews.
2- Research the job market: Spend time understanding the current job market trends, requirements, and industry expectations. Identify the skills and qualifications that employers are seeking in applicants for the positions you're interested in. This knowledge will help you align your preparation accordingly and help you be interview ready.
3- Brush up on interview techniques: Refresh your knowledge of common interview questions and practice answering them. You can find resources online that provide lists of frequently asked questions. Practice responding to these questions either by yourself, with a friend or family member, or consider engaging with a professional interview coach (as an option). This will again help you get ready for the interview/s. To go one step further you can also ask a friend or a family member to conduct mock interviews with you. This will help you get the experience and become more comfortable with the interview process and improve your responses.
Remember, facing an interview panel can be intimidating, but with adequate preparation, practice, and a positive mindset, you can increase your chances of success. Don't be too hard on yourself if you stumble along the way—it's all part of the learning process. Take the experiences and learnings and move ahead. Good luck with your job search!

Hope this helps. To Your Success. Be You. Be Confident.

Ashwini Dasgupta
Author of -Confidence Decoded. Is it a Skill or Attitude?