“Do you have a job for me?” — How networking in India often backs us into a corner
Look, if you’re a senior leader in India, I bet you’ve either said this or at least thought it on a recruiter call: “Do you have something for me right now?”
I totally get it; it’s quick, it’s direct, and in this market, who has time for small talk? But here’s the catch: it keeps you on the radar…while quietly leaving you undervalued.
I’m an executive search consultant specializing in HR leadership roles, and honestly, filling seats isn’t my entire focus. What I really love doing is helping both clients and candidates refine their personal brand and how they present themselves in those make-or-break conversations. That way, the market finds *them* not just when they’re job-hunting or scrambling to hire.
The transactional trap we’re all stuck in (especially here)
In India, most networking feels like a transaction: “Got a job? Need a benchmark? Quick intro?” Makes sense in a place that runs at warp speed. But it boxes you in, relationships only kick in when there’s an immediate need, and long-term plays get sidelined.
Think about Hong Kong or Singapore for a second. There, it’s more baked into the culture to nurture connections over time, social capital is currency. Hong Kong’s guanxi thing? It’s all about trust and give-and-take that builds slowly, not just firing up when there’s a role on the table.
Not saying one’s superior. Just this: if you only reach out when you *need* something, you’re always coming from behind.
What I actually do:
Most senior folks don’t struggle to find jobs. They struggle to stand out.
When someone hits me with, “Ping me on roles,” I usually say: “Sure, but first, let’s get the market crystal clear on what they’d be getting if they hired you.”
That’s the personal brand piece, plus nailing how you show up in the room.
No TED Talk training, just making sure your wins don’t drown in jargon or ramble.
Many leaders still think personal brand means “posting more on LinkedIn.” That’s optional.
Your brand, in my world, is simply the answer to: “What do people call you for?”
If that answer is vague, you get approached for vague roles.
My hands-on stuff?
- Reshaping that CV into a tight story: problems you crush, in what messy business contexts.
- Nailing your one-liner: the thing folks remember post-chat.
- Future-proofing: So today’s pitch doesn’t lock you into yesterday’s roles.
I can’t turn you into Gary Vee; I can only help you click with the right crowd, right away.
If you would like to discuss more on this topic please contact Rinkal Choudhary at rc@elliottscotthr.com