Dated February 23, 2005
I have heard a lot about the virtues of having a positive attitude. What does the employer look for when he is interviewing a candidate?
Bidhan Chandra
Mumbai
Employers want people who believe in themselves and their skills, who want to work, and who have a positive attitude. An interviewee with a positive attitude conveys poise, self-confidence, decisiveness, and has extroverted tendencies.
Employers usually choose candidates who are enthusiastic about their lives and their careers, because people perform best when they like what they do. One step toward developing a positive, enthusiastic outlook is to surround yourself with supportive, positive people.
How do I relate my experiences to the job I am being interviewed for and how will it work in my favour?
Ellora Bharati
Cuttack
Use every question as an opportunity to show how the skills you have relate to the job.
Use examples of school, previous jobs, internships, volunteer work, leadership in clubs, and experiences growing up to indicate that you have the personal qualities, aptitude, and skills needed at this new job.
You want to get the point across that you are hard working, honest, mature, dependable, loyal, and a team player. You might mention holding demanding part-time jobs while going to school, working in the family business, being president of your business club, or handling the high-pressured job of working in customer service at a department store.
How do I get my points clear on the skills I possess?
Prashant
Mumbai
When considering job applicants, employers look for both job-specific skills and general workplace skills. Job-specific skills are the skills necessary to do the particular job, such as balancing a budget or programming a computer.
General workplace skills are transferable from school to job and from job to job.
These transferable foundation skills include communication skills, listening skills, problem-solving skills, technology skills, decision-making skills, organising skills, planning skills, teamwork skills, social skills, and adaptability skills.
All jobs require general workplace skills; not all jobs require fully developed job-specific skills. If the employer offers on-the-job training, you may only need to demonstrate that you have the basic aptitude required to start the job.
What is the most important thing employers look for in someone with little to no experience?
Monica
Hyderabad
In addition to the basic relevant skills - computer skills, sales aptitude - employers want to see that people have done their research and know a fair amount about the employer. Employers have egos, just like people.
The first step is to avoid the mistake of applying generically.
The next challenge is to convince an employer that you learn fast and will work hard. Sometimes it is easier to apply for a job when no jobs are posted.
This is of course, assuming that, in this job market, most organisations are hiring pretty regularly. It also helps if you are ready for either full-time, part-time or contract work.
So if your experience is limited, someone might be intrigued enough to take a chance on you on a contract basis rather than go into a full-time hire.
If you have done your research, and figured out a targeted marketing document for yourself, that increases your chances even more.
I am a Manager in a telecom company and I am looking for opportunities in India. Do companies undertake to pay the cost of relocating to India? Which companies do this?
Teena
Kerala
Most companies do offer to compensate the candidate if they have to relocate to India. The amount, however, depends on company policy and the experience profile of the new hire.
During the course of the interview you can negotiate with your employer to bear part of the expense. However, due to the downturn and availability of candidates in the market if the company is unwilling to undertake the extra expense, we would advise you not to push too hard.
Could you give me some tips on how to cover employment gaps and job-hopping?
Sanjay
Via email
If you have an extensive gap in employment, you may want to address it in your cover letter to the prospective employer. Include a brief one- or two-sentence explanation, but do not go into detail about a long illness or a frustrating job search. Rather, state that you were out of the workforce for whatever reason, and explain that you are eager to return.
If the gap in your employment happened a long time ago, don't bother mentioning it at all.
Should the subject of your employment gap come up during an interview, explain why simply and briefly. In other words, use the exact same brief, simple explanation you used in your cover letter.
Obviously, they were impressed enough with your background (despite any gaps) to invite you in for an interview!
Regardless of the reasons for your employment gaps, always maintain a positive, optimistic attitude, and be sure to let the hiring manager know that you are excited and ready to return to work!
The FAQ column deals with career concerns addressed to The C&K Management LTD. PO Box 2178, Secunderabad 500003 or emailed to faqs@cnkonline.com
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