How Raviteja Landed 2 Big Offers After Multiple Rejections with Mentorship?

"I was not able to get past the second interview rounds. I wanted more than just feedback; I wanted to learn how to implement feedback to overcome my shortcomings." - Raviteja

Have you ever felt that itch for a change in your career? 

Well, Raviteja knows that feeling all too well, a seasoned business analyst looking for better opportunities. 

Despite his six years of experience, the interviews left him feeling tense and uncertain. 

Sure, he tried his best, but couldn’t get past the second round.

With the support and expertise of mentor Prashant Singh, he sailed through the mentorship program. 

It wasn't always smooth sailing, but he kept pushing, honing his skills, and building his confidence. 

And guess what? It all paid off big time!

Within a month, Raviteja found himself holding not one, but two fantastic job offers from major companies!

Now, let's hear it straight from the man himself.

When did you make an initial decision to pursue a job switch?

Last year I began exploring the possibility of a job switch and started looking into various interview processes. 

Now, I wasn't completely sure about making the switch and was casually exploring my options. 

However, it was only recently that I made a decision to take the idea of switching jobs seriously.

What was your background?

I have a background in business analysis, with experience primarily in the banking and financial sectors.

What was the reason you wanted to switch companies?

Well, as a business analyst, I've been exclusively working in the banking and financial domains so far. 

But I also wanted to explore other domains and take on new challenges. 

I believe it's important to broaden my experience and skill set to grow both professionally and personally. 

So, exploring different industries seemed like the perfect opportunity to do just that!

You mentioned that you were facing problems in your interviews, where were you getting stuck?

Situational-based questions. 

In interviews, I found myself getting stuck with situational-based questions, especially when they were related to areas outside my expertise. 

For example, since I have a background in retail banking and don't know much about investment banking, I struggled when asked how I would approach working in investment banking if given the chance. 

Despite having 6 years of experience, I often felt tense and unsure about how the interview would go.

Though I tried my best to answer these questions, I couldn't be sure if they were right or wrong. 

In some cases, I knew the information but somehow found it hard to articulate my thoughts.

How did you discover Preplaced and why did you choose Preplaced?

I discovered Preplaced while looking for mock interview platforms to improve my interview skills. 

I tried several other platforms, but they didn't quite meet my needs. 

I wanted more than just feedback; I wanted to learn how to implement feedback to overcome my shortcomings.

One thing that attracted me to Preplaced was the focus on providing interview exposure along with valuable feedback. 

Another essential factor for me was time flexibility. 

Since I was working full-time, finding sessions that fit my schedule was crucial. 

With Preplaced, I had the freedom to connect with mentors and communicate my availability, ensuring that sessions could be arranged at a time that worked for me.

When I discovered Preplaced, I also learned about the free trial session, which was an excellent opportunity for me to discuss my goals and challenges with a mentor without any commitment.

In my first session, my mentor Prashant assessed my skills and knowledge, pinpointing areas that needed improvement. 

Not only did he identify these areas, but he also guided how to enhance my performance.

All in all, the combination of interview exposure, valuable feedback, time flexibility, and personalised mentoring made Preplaced the perfect choice for my interview preparation journey. 

It's been an enriching experience, and I feel more confident in my abilities thanks to Prashant’s comprehensive approach.

What were some key/eureka moments during your mentorship experience?

There were quite a few but practising the STAR interview method for answering situational questions was a life-saver.

What was the duration of the mentorship program at Preplaced?

One month. I had weekly sessions with Prashant usually lasting for 1 hour or more.

How did you feel when you received offers from 2 big companies?

It feels great! 😄

Now, I'm focusing on preparing for the work culture at Phygital Insights, the company where I got selected. 

It's important to me because the work environment can play a significant role in how much I enjoy my job.

What advice would you like to give to aspiring candidates who may be facing similar challenges?

In my first interview, I struggled to answer questions. 

In my second interview, I didn’t make it past the second round. I got rejected in almost 4-5 interviews before finally getting 2 amazing offers.

You can say that Google has “everything”. But it's not everything that you want. It's the one that aligns with your goals and aspirations. 

Mentorship can save you time and help you focus on improving rather than Googling your way through it all. 

To sum it up

Raviteja's story teaches us the importance of determination, growth, and mentorship in careers. 

He faced challenges but found hope with Preplaced's support.

Through Prashant's guidance, he conquered tough questions and got two great job offers!

Raviteja's advice rings true: seek mentorship to save time and effort. 

With dedication and support, anything is possible. 🚀

You can also watch the interview below.

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Related:

Success Story: How Nandana cracked her SDE interview at KPMG

Overcoming Rejection: Divya’s Journey to a Data Analyst Role