My Journey Through Multiple Interviews: From Entry Level to Management

My career path has been filled with numerous interviews, each step bringing me closer to my ultimate goal. Although the path has been challenging, it has taught me valuable lessons about persistence and preparation.

The Entry Level Position

My very first office job was through a temp agency, and I did not need to go through an interview. This marked the beginning of my professional journey. However, as I started seeking permanent, higher-paying jobs, the process became more involved.

For my first permanent job, despite increasing earnings, it was a straightforward process. The pay was low, and the position was entry level. The company was not overly picky in its selection process. However, as my earnings increased and the stakes grew higher, the competition did as well.

Learning as I Go

Typically, securing a higher-paying job required an average of four job interviews, spread across four different companies. Each company held at least three rounds: HR, Manager, and additional manager or manager’s manager. This rigorous process helped me grow and learn with each attempt, making me a better candidate each time I faced a challenge.

Industry Leap: From Employee to Manager

My most extensive job chance involved a significant industry shift—from a rank and file employee to a manager and union leader. During this period, I interviewed with approximately 20 organizations for various roles. Initially, the goal was to explore what these positions entailed and determine if I was a good fit. In some cases, I was offered jobs but turned them down due to a lack of alignment with my career goals.

The job market was middling during this time, not as abundant as in better times, but not entirely bleak either. My journey culminated when I found a role that resonated deeply with me. I kept a copy of the front page that read, “Worst job market in 20 years,” as a snapshot of the times.

Interviewing for the Same Company

I faced three interviews for the same company during my career journey. The first interview was a group discussion (GD) in college in Manipal, India, soon after Sachin Tendulkar had announced his retirement. Alas, my initial rejection: I was so engrossed in the event I had planned to attend that I decided not to go to the interview. The topic discussed at the interview was democratic governance, and I failed to contribute a single word, leading to a rejection.

My second attempt, applying for a different role at the same company, ended with another rejection. The startup offered me four or five roles, all of which seemed suitable. I decided to delay my joining for college-related commitments. However, this second interview was not about accepting an offer but rather the company closing the vacancy before I could start.

The journey continued, and my third interview was the deciding factor. I participated in the off-campus drive for the first role at BYJU'S, India's largest ed-tech company. This time, I performed exceptionally well in the GD and interview rounds and got the job offer the next week. This interview marked the beginning of my journey with BYJU'S, a small office of 80 people when the company was valued at around 50 million, growing to 12 billion currently.

Conclusion

The experience taught me that following my dreams and learning from each failure are crucial steps on the path to success. With persistence and determination, one can navigate through the challenges and secure the job they deserve.