How To Switch From A Service-Based To A Product-Based Company?

How To Switch From A Service-Based To A Product-Based Company?
How To Switch From A Service-Based To A Product-Based Company?

Introduction

Software engineers after graduating have two options to choose from – getting into a service-based company or getting into a product-based company. While both places are great for showcasing your capabilities as an engineer, product-based companies are better suited if you are looking for better pay and a better work-life balance.

Not only this, several incentives are provided in product-based companies in addition to your regular pay scale which makes it even more interesting to get up and go to work each day. 

It is said that when you are not loving the job you are doing, there is no point in continuing. While the job profile plays a major role in making an employee interested in his role, the role of the work environment can also not be ignored.


There are times when a software engineer can decide that he wants to advance more in his career and hence he wishes to move on from his role at a service-based company to get a role at a product-based company. 

This article offers a comprehensive guide about how one can make a smooth transition and get all the answers one needs to a crucial question – how to switch from a service-based company to a product-based company. 

Difference Between Service-Based and Product-Based Company 

PRODUCT-BASED COMPANIESSERVICE-BASED COMPANIES
As the name suggests, product-based companies are companies that have a certain product that they wish to sell in the market. For example – Facebook, Adobe, Apple, Microsoft, Google etc. are some of the best product-based companies.These companies provide services to other companies. They can have their own products as well. For example – Infosys, Wipro, TCS, HCL, Cognizant etc. are some of the top IT service-based companies. 
Product-based companies hire selectively and take a few candidates for different roles. Service-based companies are known for carrying out mass recruitments on campuses. 
Product-based companies provide better salaries to their employees.Service-based companies provide lesser salaries than product-based companies. 
The interview process is rigorous and the preparation needs to be strategized. The interview process is fairly easy.
Developers work on the latest technologies. Freshers are assigned support projects. 
Office timings are flexible, the only requirement is that you complete your work well within the deadlines. Office timings are strict and employees need to work around 7-9 hours a day. 

Resources to Prepare for Service-Based Company Interviews

Coding Ninjas has launched the best course for complete preparation of Service-Based Company Interviews, TCS, IBM, Infosys, and other similar exams and companies.

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How To Get Into Product-Based Companies?

There are several stages one needs to go through before getting into a product-based company. Each stage has its separate preparation techniques.

Failure at any stage might lead to the loss of your candidature at the product-based company you are applying to. 

  • The first stage of the process is the resume shortlisting process. Every time a company puts a new opportunity on its careers page, thousands of applicants apply at once to get a chance to work with the company. Resume shortlisting is the stage where most of the applicants are rejected. These rejections can happen due to several reasons which include but are not limited to – resume not being in alignment with the job description, less experience in the field, common resume errors, and so on. You need to ensure you are creating a professional-grade resume that can impress the recruiters. 
  • The second stage of the interview is an exploratory call where the interviewer assesses your dedication to work for the company and the reason that drives you to do the same. For this round, you need to be well researched about the company and the role you are applying for. Good research shows interest and will definitely make your application go forward. 
  • The third stage of the interview is a coding round. The format of this coding round varies from company to company. Some companies prefer taking a machine coding round, some prefer taking around which involves low-level system design whereas some companies provide take-home assignments to the candidates. 
  • The fourth stage of the interview is a problem-solving round. This interview is a test of your data structures and algorithms skills and knowledge. Product-based companies prefer individuals with good reasoning and algorithmic skills. 
  • The final stage of the interview is an HR round. The interview is a test of both your technical and non-technical skills. The projects that you have mentioned on your resume play a huge role in your selection. This round might also cover puzzles, data structures and algorithms, structured query language, object-oriented programming, and computer fundamentals.  

Now that you are aware of what you have to prepare for, let’s have a look at how you have to prepare. This is an important section for the topic – how to switch from a service-based company to a product-based company. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I change from a service-based company to a product-based company?

To transition from a service-based company to a product based company, you need to upskill your coding, development and aptitude skills. For a comprehensive guide, refer to the article above.

How do I move a service to a product?

The answer to the question of how to switch from a service-based company to a product-based company is a series of learning and unlearning. You can refer to the article above for a detailed insight into how you can make the transition smoothly.

What should I learn to get placed into a product based company from a service-based company?

You need to be well versed with computer fundamentals, data structures and algorithms, system design and SQL.

Which is better – a product based company or a service-based company?

A product based company is better in terms of pay and work-life balance.

Is Deloitte a service-based company?

Yes, Deloitte is a service-based company.

Is IBM a service-based company?

Yes, IBM is a service-based company.

Is Cognizant a product based company?

No, Cognizant is a service-based company.

Which are the top service-based companies in India?

Wipro, Tata Consultancy Services, HCL Technologies are among the top service-based companies in India.

Key Takeaways

To make your transition from a service-based company to a product-based company certain, you need to give everything you got. Take regular mock interviews, participate in peer learning and keep on applying until you get hired.

Most importantly, enjoy the process and take pride in being a developer. It is extremely fun to understand the computer fundamentals and data structures and algorithms once you start getting the hang of it. 

Happy Learning! 

By Pooja Gera

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