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Mayank Rautela | Answer |Ask -Follow

HR Expert - Answered on Feb 24, 2021

Mayank Rautela is the group chief human resources officer at Apollo Hospitals.
A management graduate from the Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies with a master's degree in labour laws from Pune University, Rautela has over 20 years of experience in general management, strategic human resources, global mergers and integrations and change management.... more

Question by Swagato on Feb 24, 2021Hindi

Hello,
I'm Swagato Ghose, 32, from Kolkata. During the pandemic and because of lockdown, I lost my job. I'm a marketing professional and worked for a print and packaging company based in Hyderabad.
The situation is very difficult because, even after trying hard for the past two to three months, nothing positive is materialising.
No organisations revert after the interview process and the salary offered during the interview time is negligible when compared to what I was getting before this lockdown happened.
It's getting unbearable and I am on the verge of a nervous breakdown as the future seems absolutely uncertain.
I'm badly looking for a decent opportunity, but there seems to be very little hope in these tough times as it looks like the recruitment has frozen in most of the good companies.
I am really worried about the future and don't know how my professional career is going to shape up.
How do I survive this phase?
Thanks and regards,
Swagato Ghose

Ans:

Hey Swagato.

Hold on! Never give up as life is always full of ups and downs.

A job loss in the time of a global pandemic is not a result of your performance but due to the slowdown in the economy.

Things are now getting back to normal and most companies have started selective hiring.

This is the time to start reskilling in your area of work so that you have the right skill sets that companies are looking for in your field.

Keep yourself engaged with some freelance work or even charitable work.

Remain positive and healthy and close to your loved ones.

You have a bright future.

CareerReply

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Question by Shivaram - Mar 02, 2021Hindi

Dear Sir,I got a job in mid-February 2020 in the UAE. All medical tests were done.However, by mid-March, the COVID lockdown was announced by government of India, which resulted in the cancellation of the project. I came to know about this in November 2020.My work experience has been abroad for 15 years and many employers are sceptical about employing me in India.I started a tie-up of apparel business in September 2020 in the Mumbai region. But, due to COVID, no one is buying new apparels after Diwali.I am into daily prayers, exercise and yoga but I am at times depressed due to the current pandemic and the slow economy. There have been numerous fights in my house due to no income.I am seeking your necessary professional help to revive my career again.What should I do?Shivaram Viswanathan

Ans:

Hi Shivaram.

Let me address your points one at a time.

1. If you have the right skill sets, most of the companies in India would be open to providing you job opportunities.

2. Spending levels in the market are bouncing back to normal and soon your apparel business will pick up. Hold on to that and do not exit in a hurry and make losses.

3. COVID has impacted most of us so please don't take out your frustration in arguments with your loved ones.

It’s good to know that you are focusing on your health. Continue doing that and take care of your family. Shower them with your love.

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Question by Nagaraju - Mar 10, 2021Hindi

Dear Mayank,I am a BCom graduate with 25+ years of experience in accounts and finance.My designation is manager, accounts and finance.I have worked for reputed companies like Karvy Consultants, Ramky, VLCC Healthcare and others.On March 20, 2020, a few days before the lockdown, I was asked to resign from my job and my salary was paid on the same day.Since then, I have been applying for jobs continuously.I am not adamant about my designation. I am trying for all jobs that relate to my experiences. I have been searching through newspapers, Naukri.com, Monster and various social media but it has been a case of ‘Apply and apply but no reply’.Fortunately, both my kids are working from home in IT companies but being the senior responsible caretaker, I am sitting idle without a job in hand.Can you advise/suggest and help me to solve this problem.RegardsNagaraju U E

Ans:

Dear Nagaraju.

I appreciate your zeal and enthusiasm to continue to work even after a long career and the fact that your children are also working. Apart from what you have been doing, I would recommend these specific steps:

1. Reach out to your managers and colleagues who you have worked in the past as references are still the best way to get a job.

2. Since you have an accounting background, you can also consider working as a freelancer as there are many opportunities for part time gig workers.

3. Explore academics as a career option.

4. Giving back to the society is also very enriching, so do take up some charity or volunteer work.

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Question by Himanshu - Mar 30, 2022Hindi

Dear Mr Rautela, I am Himanshu Anand, 35 years old, from Delhi. I saw your article on Rediff and wondered if you can help me out. I graduated with BTech in information technology in the year 2008 but, due to recession, placement letters were held back by companies. I became depressed and decided to join my father’s distribution business where I handled sales and marketing for leading brands like Exide, Luminous, etc, and increased the turnover four times. But now it all seems gloomy again, starting with demonetisation, GST and then coronavirus. I have worked for more than 11 years but I can’t find a job now. Please suggest how can I move ahead. Regards, Himanshu

Ans:

Hi Himanshu.

I would suggest two possible career paths for you.

First, since COVID has now receded, you can get back to your family business.

You can increase your understanding and knowledge in this sphere by doing an online course on managing family businesses.

The second option is sales; since you have done so well in your own business, I am certain you will be a successful sales professional. Take up a course in sales management and look for opportunities in sales or even customer relations.

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