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Saturday, July 27, 2013

A graduate's guide to land a job

When applying for jobs, one has to be very careful about the impression management of oneself and one’s institute (this is truer for a fresh graduate). There are no two opinions about the role of interviews and assessments in the hiring process and for the very reason they have been stressed on much by academics. The focus of the write up is, therefore, on other elements of the job seeking process.
Here is a go through of things-to-do and things-not-to-do while sending out job applications and appearing for interviews.

STEP 1- Be focused!
Being focused is by far the most important and most ignored phase while looking for suitable employment. What normally happens is that the job seeker applies at all possible openings he comes across. And upon receiving the interview call(s) he considers whether he really wants to work at that appointment or for that particular organization or not. Not showing up for the interview on time or at all are the consequences of not thinking things through beforehand, which brings a bad name both to the applicant and Alma mater.
In order to avoid such situations one should do a self-assessment. Make a wish list of desired employers/sector, areas of interest and constraints. For example if the aspiration is to work with brands, applying for a job in the development sector is not the best way to go about it. Another important thing is to know constraints like relocation or mobility and communicate them to the employer well in time i.e. during the interview or before the offer is made. A lot of job seekers in their attempt to land a job avoid communicating such constraints to the employer which cause unpleasantness for both the parties later. If you are a strong candidate otherwise, these things hold little importance.

STEP 2- Do your research!
In times like these when the competition is tough, little extra sets you apart. Simple things like observing timings and dress code are expected but having basic information on the operations of the company shows the candidate’s interest in the employer. It’s a good idea to have a question prepared for the employer on the future plans of the company or company’s take on relevant ongoing matter.   

STEP 3- Interviews!
Interview is at the heart of recruitment process. Although different organizations have their own assessment points but the general rule of thumb is honesty, coupled with preparedness, capability and aptitude towards job.

STEP 4- The Result!
A player’s sportsmanship shows when he loses a match, same way a candidate’s personality shows when he responds to a job offer. Sometimes the job seeker has accepted a better offer by the time another recruiter approaches him; here the best way is to thank for their offer and politely excuse them, often it is a good idea to recommend some good candidates. Display of temper and accusation on non-achievement are the worst possible reactions which also ruin any possible future prospects with employer. 

FINALLY!

It is, in most cases, better to wait for a more suitable job offer than to keep on switching jobs until you get the desired offer. Several companies over a short span of time look bad on the resume. Also the high switching rate and not sticking with companies for long leave a bad legacy for the alumnus.