A US master's degree, a prestigious FAANG job, and hands-on experience with major projects. For many, this sounds like a dream career path. Life appears perfectly set. Then, layoffs strike. You return to India, free from visa worries, armed with solid experience, and ready to snag top roles at multinational corporations. But the real challenge begins when the phone stays quiet. No calls, no interviews, just an unsettling silence.
This harsh reality is not uncommon in today's competitive job market
Professionals returning from abroad often collide with India's fierce competition, selective recruiters, and perceived gaps that scream "risk." While FAANG on a resume might seem impressive, success here depends heavily on practical skills, strong networks, and perfect timing. A recent online story vividly captures this raw struggle, offering wisdom from those who have walked this difficult path.
A FAANG professional's unexpected job hunt struggle
A skilled individual shared a tough personal experience on Reddit's r/returnToIndia subreddit. After completing a master's degree in the United States and spending three years in program management at a FAANG company, this professional faced layoffs and moved back to India. Expecting a smooth transition into large firms like FAANG or other multinational companies, they instead hit a solid wall. "I have not received a single interview callback," the user posted.
A two-year gap on the resume, resulting from the layoff and relocation, likely plays a key role. "There is a two-year gap on my resume due to the layoff and relocation, and I am starting to wonder if that is what is hurting me the most. I expected my US and FAANG experience to carry weight, but that does not seem to be the case," the professional added in the post. The mounting stress has prompted a rethink of the entire application process, driving a search for tips from fellow returnees.
Social media weighs in with practical advice
Fellow Redditors quickly responded with hard-earned advice based on their own experiences. One person wrote, "Had a similar experience, was working in the UK, was made redundant, looked out for jobs there, had VISA issues, moved back to India, found a job after 7-8 interviews. Market situation is not that bad to be honest, but the competition is more and will have to settle for less salary as of now."
Another commenter insisted on persistence, stating, "India is altogether a different beast when it comes to competition. Keep at it, don't get demotivated. Keep polishing your skills and upskill. All you need is one relevant role. Three years of experience is a sweet spot to be in, not entry-level and also not very high expectations. Good luck!"
A third user emphasized the need for modern skills, advising, "We are in a skill-based economy now, not a pedigree-based one anymore! Sorry, it sounds harsh, but it is what it is. You need to pivot to hardcore tech skills like AI, etc." A fourth contributor highlighted the importance of networking, writing, "Everything in India is via networking. Use LinkedIn to build your network and find your next job opportunity. You can't afford to be out any longer. Just take what you can get. Consider project manager jobs."
These insights underscore a critical shift in India's job landscape. Credentials from abroad no longer guarantee automatic success. Instead, adaptability, continuous learning, and proactive networking have become essential tools for navigating this challenging environment.
