KOCHI: In today’s era, one can never presume to get a white-collar job without a highly decorative CV. However, Fingent Technology Solutions, a software company in Kochi, believes otherwise. Setting an example, this company is hiring people without degrees, and even those with non-technical educational backgrounds.
Deepu Prakash, head of Process and Technology Innovation, says the company believes only in competence and not about the applicants’ educational qualifications. And the company is doing well, by following this model. It works with Fortune 500 companies like Johnson and Johnson among others. However, when Fingent began operations in Kochi six years ago, they used to hire people just like the rest of the companies.
“A B.Tech/M.Tech/ BCA/MCA qualification was a definite yes,” says Deepu. “The others, who were smarter, but didn’t have our set engineering standards, were always rejected. However, a few years down the line, we realised that we were not getting the desired results. Many of them were not thinking out of the box nor were they competent.”
That is when Deepu, who had worked many years in Europe, decided to employ a customised version of a model common to Europe. “Talent management and recruitment are a well-researched subject in these countries,” he says. “Before hiring a person, they ensure that the applicant is suitable for the job, despite their qualifications. They may work as interns or contract employees for at least two years. If they are fit, they are hired.”
This is what Fingent, with Anija Susan as its Operations head and Dileep Jacob and Global Operations head, started doing. They began giving on-the-job-training to their recruits. Also, whichever applicant came knocking on their doors, they were given a case study.
“We tell them to use their analytical skills to solve the case,” says Deepu. “Of course, they show us their CV, but we don’t ask whether they have got their degrees or from what educational background they come from.” What is important is whether the applicant has the aptitude, potential and the interest to learn. “That’s all we ask,” says Deepu.
‘I was told not to apply for a job’
Maneesh S, who now works as a mobile app developer with Fingent, says he was told by the recruting agency that he could not apply, because he had a few engineering papers to clear.
“So, I just applied for an internship at Fingent. And they selected me. After I completed it, the company offered me a job,” he said.
Dinesh Mohan, another mobile app developer, says he was told by the recruiting agency that he would not qualify, because he didn’t have the marks. “There is a set standard in the industry that qualifies people to engineering jobs. In Dinesh’s case, we were sure of his aptitude which is why we decided to hire him,” said Deepu. B.Com graduate and team leader Aneesh remembers how surprised he was that a software company like Fingent was willing to hire him, despite not being equipped with an engineering background.
“Though I had experience working in the technological field, none of the other companies were willing to hire me, because I didn’t have an engineering certificate. I applied to Fingent and, to my good luck, I was hired because they felt I was good enough,” he said.