
FAQs
Is The Smart Cube (TSC) hiring?
Yes. We are hiring across levels for all our service lines.
How is TSC any different from the other KPOs?
- We are not a large factory of analysts - there is no quick turnaround 'grunt' work.
- All work involves analysis - its not mere data collection and information gathering.
- We draw conclusions from our research, to ensure our clients have to do less thinking.
- We don't work in a process-driven environment - team thinking and creativity is encouraged.
- Our culture is unique - no anal supervisors monitoring every hour of work or bossy managers throwing their weight around. We believe in ROWE - Results Oriented Work Environment, where the outcome, intermediate or final, is the only thing that matters. Also, the workplace is like a second home, where colleagues become lifelong friends.
- We have an amazingly talented and intelligent pool of people. Since our work requires serious brain-ware (and not data just collection skills) we don't hire mediocre analysts.
- An extremely tax-friendly compensation structure that leaves you with a higher cash-in-the-bank than most organizations.
- It is a flat organization, technically and in spirit as well. You are not just an employee code.
- Flexible time buckets
- No night shifts
Can I select which service line to join?
Yes, you can state your preferences. However, we will assess the best fit for your skills and experience.
What skills does the company look for in potential candidates?
Our employees come from diverse educational backgrounds and experiences. The common link is strong analytical capabilities, experience in using databases, exceptional business acumen, excellent spoken and written communication skills, and interpersonal skills. We look for people who are passionate about research, have strong self-motivation and the ability to work independently. We are particular about ensuring a cultural fit into our organization and value system.
What is the selection process?
Candidates are first short-listed on the basis of their CV. The interview process typically begins with a call from our HR team. This telephonic interview tends to focus on your experience, interest and openness to a career in TSC. Following this interview, you could be invited for technical interviews at our office. You will probably meet with a variety of people, as the interview process progresses, and it is also an opportunity for you to meet our people to get to know the organization better. Typically, most interviews would be scheduled in a day, so that you don't have to keep coming back.
How long is the selection process?
Our normal hiring process takes 3-4 days, and of course, depends on your ability to make it for the scheduled interviews. However, in many cases we have selected the person in the first meeting itself with the offer being made the same day.
Does TSC offer part-time opportunities?
No
Does TSC hire people with physical disability?
Yes. Physical disability is not a limitation if all other selection criteria are met.
What kind of career and personal development opportunities does TSC offer?
We have a mentoring program that plays an instrumental role in mapping and following the career path of every
person in the organization. Career progression is facilitated through a Personal Development Program at the
beginning of the year and monitored on an on-going basis.
TSC has a round-the-calendar training schedule that meets individual development needs through a series of interactive and well-structured modules. From technical training to soft skills, training is on-going. Off-site training is also a critical element of individual and team building exercises at TSC. We believe people at TSC need to be good human beings as much as strong analysts - our off-site training is geared to meet this objective. We conduct our outbound training in the mountains and every person goes through at least one camp in a year. It is not the conventional corporate training, and leadership training may entail a 14 km trek at 14000 feet in the Himalayas.
TSC has a round-the-calendar training schedule that meets individual development needs through a series of interactive and well-structured modules. From technical training to soft skills, training is on-going. Off-site training is also a critical element of individual and team building exercises at TSC. We believe people at TSC need to be good human beings as much as strong analysts - our off-site training is geared to meet this objective. We conduct our outbound training in the mountains and every person goes through at least one camp in a year. It is not the conventional corporate training, and leadership training may entail a 14 km trek at 14000 feet in the Himalayas.
What is the TSC culture?
TSC is a vibrant, informal and a multi-cultural organization. The emphasis is on promoting a responsible, self-motivated work environment rather than one dictated by rules and regulations. We manage to combine serious work with an easy work environment. Outsiders think it is perhaps a bit too easy for a serious research and analysis firm, but we can't think of TSC in any other way.
We have ensured that our organization works in tune with societal dynamics. For this, we have continuously engaged in social activities and community work such as blood donation, caring for the environment, helping the needy, etc. We call it 'doing good' - do as much good as you can for the society and the world we live in. It may be a drop in the ocean, but any action is better than the noblest of thoughts.
We have ensured that our organization works in tune with societal dynamics. For this, we have continuously engaged in social activities and community work such as blood donation, caring for the environment, helping the needy, etc. We call it 'doing good' - do as much good as you can for the society and the world we live in. It may be a drop in the ocean, but any action is better than the noblest of thoughts.
Will I get to work in teams?
We only work in teams. And these are not fixed. Teams are formed for the duration of a project only i.e. it is a project team structure.
How is performance measured?
We have a strong and objective Performance Management System that is frequently tweaked to incorporate world class best practices. Performance on every project, even a one day assignment, is evaluated and documented formally, and there is a performance appraisal twice a year. Continuous feedback ensures developmental needs are identified sooner, rather than later. The final evaluation in March / April forms the basis for all pay hikes, promotions and bonuses.
What is the level of client interaction?
Every project entails varying levels of client interaction. At all times, we work very closely with our clients to understand their objective and the research requirements. Client interaction is more intense at senior levels and may even include visits to client locations. For most part, we interface with client teams over conference calls and email; all analysts are a part of this client interaction process.
Does TSC have reward and recognition programs?
Yes, individual employee reward and recognition programs ensure that superlative performance does not go unnoticed. Great effort and contribution is recognized immediately and not just at the performance appraisal period.
Is it a five day week?
Yes, it is. Client deadlines sometimes require us to work weekends.
What are the office timings?
Our office timings are 9:00 am to 6:30pm. However, the emphasis is on your work and not your presence in office during these hours. Most employees are in office by 10am and tend to leave between 6:30pm and 8pm.
How is a work-life balance maintained at TSC?
At TSC, we value that people need to balance demands of their work with personal life / aspirations. To that end, we believe that no employee needs to work long hours and weekends, unless necessary. We want people to have a life, and enjoy it as well. We encourage people to take time off to enjoy themselves or just pursue activities that they feel passionately about. Work hard and party hard is the credo.
What is the dress code at TSC?
The dress code at TSC is formal business and business casuals Monday-Thursday. Friday is casual dressing.
Do I have to sign a bond upon joining the company?
No. We don't tie you down to any legal bond.
What are the firm's revenues?
Sorry. We are a private company and do not disclose financial information.
Is TSC a profitable or loss-making firm?
We have been profitable from the first day of operation, and are cash-positive.
Can we work in the offices in Europe and USA?
No. The offices outside India are for business development and sales. These offices hire locally, and not from India.
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