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MBA graduate laid off despite good performance - How to explain in interviews?

Shekhar Kumar |157 Answers |Ask -Follow

Leadership, HR Expert - Answered on Apr 21, 2025

Shekhar Kumar is senior manager, talent acquisition, at the Shri Venkateshwara University in Gajraula, Uttar Pradesh. He has 18 years of expertise in the search and placement of executive leadership talent across various industries.
He has also mentored middle and senior management professionals for leadership positions and guided them in career development.
Shekhar has a bachelor's degree in business management from Magadh University, Bihar, and a master's degree in human resource management from Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu.... more

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 21, 2025Hindi

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I don't have a fancy MBA degree I am a BCom graduate from a tier 3 city with 20-plus years of experience who has worked in senior roles across India. I have recently been laid off from a senior management role due to organisational restructuring. I was first asked to get rid of poor performers. After they made me sack over 25 employees within a year. The following year, I was asked to take a pay cut, which I did, for the sake of protecting my team and helping them stay in the company. Last month, the HR asked me to resign with a not-so-exciting severance pay. How should I position this in future interviews without it reflecting negatively on my leadership and career opportunities?

Ans: Here’s how you can position this situation positively and professionally in interviews without damaging your image or leadership profile. Start framing your experience as one where you demonstrated resilient leadership during difficult times. Try to mention your willingness to take a pay cut as an example of your commitment to the team and the company. Avoid using emotionally charged language like “I was forced out.” Instead, be calm, neutral, and strategic. This shows maturity, professionalism, and emotional intelligence. Practice your story with confidence and calmness. Companies know that layoffs happen—what they’re evaluating is how you handled it and your attitude going forward.

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How to exlain lay off in the interview with new company? What justification to give?

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Question by mandu - Jun 18, 2010Hindi

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I have done my MBA in HR.I worked for a reputed company for 7months.The company decided to terminate me before completion of probation.Currently I am out of job for the past 7months and whenever i go for interview the interviewer asks me why I left the last job and i find it extremely difficult to answer this question.This is the main reason i am not getting selected.My career is at an all time low.Kindly help me because i always gave top preference to career and unfortunately i am in danger of remaining unemployed

Ans: A lot of organizations sacked people due to the recession or downsizing

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Asked by Anonymous - Mar 19, 2024Hindi

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Hi - have been working continuously for 15yrs with different orgs.In the last co was laid of due to restructuring.Also hit upon couple of interviews and not able to crack.kindly advice on ghe way forward

Ans: Hello

I can understand your situation its painful...

Please note getting laid off in job is very normal now a days so kindly do not take this as a personal failure...Job market is indeed tough so you will have to be patient also, you may have to compromise on salary be open to that.

In the mean time explore freelance/part-time opportunities, with this you ensure you are in industry and stay connected. Be flexible be open.

All the best.

Milind Vadjikar |1211 Answers |Ask -Follow

Insurance, Stocks, MF, PF Expert - Answered on Oct 03, 2024

Question by AM - Oct 03, 2024Hindi

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Sir, my monthly salary INR 1.7 L is now no more being losing job after layoff, so pl. guide accordingly basis of severance package and other needs which i have explained above.

Ans: In my previous answer I had factored in one year buffer for you to get a new job at hopefully same salary level.

Therefore the horizon was 12 years.

Apart from the severance sum, you may have some EPF/PPF investments with you.

They may be utilised to generate some fixed income just to cover expenses.

You should focus on finding a new job the salary from which can be used to invest for achievement of you financial goals.

All the best!!

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Question by Swati - May 10, 2025

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Sir,i am a 12th class student of 2024-25 batch with pcb from chse (orissa state board) . I want to build my career in engineering by doing B.tech cse from NIT Rourkela or IIT Bhubaneswar . Can i apply for jee mains & jee advance next year after doing my maths from nios this year. Can i apply for

Ans: Yes, YOU CAN. Any candidate with PCB in their 12th standard can appear for JEE Mains if they clear Mathematics from NIOS (National Institute of Open Schooling). The key is that they must fulfill the eligibility criteria of JEE Main, which includes passing 12th class with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as mandatory subjects.

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my son got 69 percentile in JEE PL ADVISE suitable engineering college and BRANCH.

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Asked by Anonymous - May 11, 2025

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hi sir, I secured 87.35 percentile in jee mains and 68 percentage in board exam. can i participate in josaa councilling. and can a get a seat.

Ans: General category candidates need at least 75% in 12th or be in the top 20 percentile of their board to be eligible for JoSAA counselling.

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Asked by Anonymous - May 11, 2025

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I'm a PCB student without maths. am i eligible for M.tech in IITs through GATE if i do online BS Data Science course from IIT-Madras?

Ans: Great question.
No, currently you are not eligible for M.Tech in IITs through GATE if you have only the BS in Data Science from IIT Madras and do not have Mathematics in 10+2 or a BSc/BTech degree with core Mathematics and relevant engineering subjects.

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Question by Pratyusa - May 10, 2025

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My class 10th exams with 95% overall I score 99 in biology 92 and mathematics I prefer both subject equally I have a keen interest in physics(95%) I'm struggling to choose between PCM and bcb in class 11th because I am not sure whether I am better suited for biology or mathematics in West Bengal student prayer prefer PC MB but I feel might concerned about handling the pressure of 4 core subjects have already advised me to go for PCM for engineering and PCB for medical but my problem is I am not able to understand that I am should I go for biology or should I go for math with PCM of PCB can you please suggest what stream might be more suitable for me considered considering my strength and interest?

Ans: How can I understand your strength and interest? You should know it better than me. You can take PCMB as many students are doing well

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Question by Puneet - May 10, 2025

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DTU - Engineering Physics or NSUT CSE which is better. have equal interest in both.

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Question by Swati - May 10, 2025

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Sir i am a 12th pcb student from chse (orissa state board) from this 2024-25 batch & i have scored 89% in my 12th boards . I want to build my career in engineering by doing b.tech cse from (NIT Rourkela or IIT Bhubaneswar ) . Can i apper jee mains or jee advance next year( 2026 ) by appearing additional nios maths in this year 2025. It's an urgent please ans me as quick as possible.

Ans: Yes, you can appear for JEE Main and JEE Advanced in 2026 if you meet the eligibility criteria by completing Mathematics as an additional subject through NIOS.

Milind Vadjikar |1211 Answers |Ask -Follow

Insurance, Stocks, MF, PF Expert - Answered on May 11, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - May 10, 2025

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Hi Sir, If I have some lump sum amount 1lakh. Where should I invest to get good growth in 3-4 years. Could you please advise? Thanks in advance

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Considering the trade war kind of scenario coupled with geopolitical tensions it is advisable to invest in a Multi asset allocation type mutual fund for a horizon of 3-4 years.

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IIT-JEE, NEET-UG, SAT, CLAT, CA, CS Exam Expert - Answered on May 10, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - May 10, 2025

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Sir ; can I get NIT KURUKSHETRA (Cse) with 98%ile in JEE MAINS 2025 ?? EWS rank : 4201

Ans: Hi
highest branch you can get under Home state quota is electrical. CSE is not possible.

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IIT-JEE, NEET-UG, SAT, CLAT, CA, CS Exam Expert - Answered on May 10, 2025

Question by Ayush - May 10, 2025

Career

Hii myself Ayush because of my health issues I was unable to gave my theory exam of class 12 boards 2024 , but have given the practical exam so will 2024 will be considered as an appearance in class 12 or not , and i did my class 12 through nios board in 2025 and i am confident of scoring more than 75 percent , si which year will be considered as an appearance of mines 2024 ,2025 as I have decided to prepare for jee adv , and it has two attempt so if cbse taken my apprence in 2024 , I will not be eligible according to the rules , but I have asked form jossa helpline no they said if cbse doesn't consider 2024 as an appearance you are eligible, please try to answer this i will be greatfull . Try to gave me authentic answer

Ans: Hello Ayush
In your case, although you attempted the practical exam in 2024, you did not complete the theory exams, and consequently, no result was declared for you in 2024. As per the JEE Advanced guidelines, an "appearance" in Class XII is considered only if the board declares a result for that year, irrespective of whether or not the examination was conducted.

Since you completed your Class 12 through NIOS in 2025, with the board declaring your result in 2025, your first valid appearance is considered to be in 2025.

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