Service vs product companies: how freshers should choose
Five checks to decide between a service and a product company for your first IT job: work type, real pay, hiring path, growth and your goal.
Published by Hirastra
Ask what you will build
Service companies build software for clients. Product companies build their own product. Ask HR which one you will work on and which tech stack you will use in your first 6 months.
Will I work on a client project or on the company's own product? Which tech stack will I use in my first 6 months?Compare pay the right way
Do not compare only the CTC. Ask for in-hand monthly pay, what is variable, any joining bonus clawback and whether there is a service agreement or bond.
Fixed vs variable pay? Joining bonus: any clawback period? Is there a service agreement or bond? For how long?Check the hiring path
Service firms usually use aptitude tests plus interviews. Product firms test DSA and problem solving. See how each company hires to plan your prep.
hirastra.com/companiesLook at first-year growth
On LinkedIn, see what people who joined 2 to 3 years ago are doing now: promotions, role changes, moves to product companies.
site:linkedin.com/in "Software Engineer" "Infosys" OR "Zoho" 2024Choose by your goal
Want a stable first job and structured training? Service is a safe start. Strong in DSA and want to build products? Aim for product, with a backup offer. Many people join, learn and switch at 1 to 2 years. Never pay any fee for a job.
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