By POST A RESUME (www.postaresume.co.in)
10 Quality Goals for Managers...
Researching the internet though, I found numerous fundas and frankly too much gyaan on what many different writers seem to think are the ‘Top 10 Qualities’ a manager should have. The amusing part of it was that every list of the ‘Top 10ers’ seemed to be almost completely different. In fact, there seem to be as many ‘top 10 qualities in a manager’ as there are managers! I’ve listed 10 goals that I personally feel one should strive for when seeking to become a professional, people-person manager.
See Possibilities – Good Managers know how to bring out the best in others. They look for possibilities that perhaps no one else can see.
Know the Structure – Know the structure of the company – the guidelines, limitations and policies. A good manager needs to be up-to-date on what the current procedures are in the company so they can give employees good, clear expectations.
Remember: Small Actions Count! –Little drops of water make the mighty ocean, and little deeds of kindness act as glue that holds the puzzle pieces together. Each time you go out of your way to do something nice for another, it is noticed, and you are respected that much more.
Be Creative –A creative manager separates a competent manager from an exceptional one. Creativity adds that special spark to otherwise mundane responsibilities and projects, and can act as an inspirational tool for co-workers and other employees.
Commit – Commit not only to the success of your team’s project, but to your team as well. Remember: your level of commitment is contagious.
Be ‘Human’ – Don’ let your authority create a gap between you and the members of your team. There is nothing wrong with being yourself. Be someone your team members can look up to and gain respect, loyalty and a good connection.
Stay Versatile - There is always room for flexibility and versatility. Be open to others suggestions and sudden changes.
Think back - Think back to how things would be for you if you were in their place. How would you want your manager to be? Be that manager.
Have fun while you work – A good manager knows how to have a good balance between being professional at work and having fun in the process. I’ve known this quality to work wonders in combatting attrition as well! But don’t forget, there is a very fine line between having fun while your work and still staying focused.
Be a role model - Remember that you are the leader for the people who work under you. They will mirror you and your work ethics. Be worthy of being a role model.
By POST A RESUME (www.postaresume.co.in)
Take Time to Relax
Although stress is something that most of us suffer from to an extent (whether in the form of a chronic illness or only an occasional happening), it is not the monster we make it out to be, and can in fact be harnessed with only a small bit of extra effort.
In today’s modern, fast-paced society, it is imperative that we learn to find a just balance between working hard and taking the time to relax and enjoy ourselves. Each one of us has a need to rest and recuperate after a hard day, week, or month of work.
Relaxing need not be an extravagant affair. Watching a movie or listening to music at the end of a long day can work wonders for healing the effects of a stressful day. This coupled together with a nice meal and a refreshing fruit juice, should make you feel almost as good as new.
Many executives I know say that listening to their favorite music both to and from work is an excellent way to sneak some relaxation into an otherwise busy schedule. You can also try listening to music during your lunch break to ease the stress and strain of the day.
If you want your time of relaxing to be extra special you can always plan out a ‘family day’ with your near and dear ones. It need not only be your personal family, it can be that of your friends, colleagues or relatives as well. Take your family to the cinema, the zoo or wherever will be the most relaxing for you.
You can also throw a party exclusively for your HR team. Organize it, and surprise those on your team by gifting them invitation cards to attend.
No matter what, take time to relax. It is worth it!
By POST A RESUME (www.postaresume.co.in)
Dare to Achieve Your Dream...
“People who soar are those who refuse to sit back, sigh and wish things would change. They neither complain of their lot nor passively dream of some distant ship coming in. Rather, they visualize in their minds that they are not quitters; they will not allow life's circumstances to push them down and hold them under.”How big do you dare to dream? How often do you strive for that something in your life that others tell you are unattainable – and then achieve that very thing?
A friend of mine was telling me the most incredible story of something that happened to him in his life that he feels made him into who he is today. I felt his story was worth recounting. As a boy, my friend was weak and fragile. With an inflamed kidney, the doctors gave strict orders that he should be kept from active outdoor events and strenuous activities.
“Sitting in my chair, I longed to run and play with the other kids”, he says as he thought back toward those days. “I’d keep asking how long it would be before I could go and play. I was told that I was just too weak to physically exert myself.”
“One day”, he continues, “I just decided that I would attempt the seemingly impossible and I ran. Sure I got sick and it was tough, but I wanted to prove that I had set my mind to overcoming, and I was going to achieve that goal.” Holding true to his goal, he not only ran but soon began winning medals as well for the sports teams he played in for his school.
Today, this man is firm in his belief that anything is possible if you set your mind to achieving it. My guess is that he should know. His effort in public speaking was yet another hurdle that he made it over.
What made him the overcomer that he is in life today? Passion? Idealism? I am convinced that it was a firm belief in the fact that he who sets his mind to overcome – can in fact do so.
By POST A RESUME (www.postaresume.co.in)
Exercise motivation tips...
Not everyone is born and blessed with the motivation to workout. If you're one of those people who would rather be doing anything but running on the track, or be anywhere but lifting weights in the gym, check out these tips for a little added motivation, a change in your exercise mentality, or just a new idea to jump-start your workout.
* Mix it up
If you get tired of the same old thing day in and day out, give yourself some change. No one said you had to walk the same route each morning, or bike day in and day out. Keep things varied and don't get stuck in a routine. You'll find you'll look forward to different scenery and changes in activity. By working different muscle groups, your body will be happier too.
* Make exercise a social thing
Grab some friends with the same exercise interests. Having people to work out with is a sure bet for motivation. You'll keep each other going and will be less likely to quit early. It's nice to have others to talk with and cheer on.
* Bring the kids, bring your pet
If walking or jogging's your thing, bring along the dog or strap your kid into a jogging stroller. If they count on you for their daily dosage of fresh air, you'll have an added reason to get out there.
* Be realistic
Set goals you know you can follow through with. Choose activities you know you can do and do well. If you find yourself constantly frustrated with your workout, chances are it's time to rework your strategy and find a better fit.
* Find workouts that aren't "workouts"
Being active still counts, even if it's not a proper workout. Walk to the store. Choose stairs over elevators. Walk during your lunch hour. Designate an "active" day where you don't have to go to the gym, but make a conscious effort to exert some energy. You will feel good for being active, and will have given yourself a break from your normal regime.
* Write it down
Keeping a log to show improvement will help you see how well you're doing and can help you set new goals. If you feel like you've been doing the same thing for ages, set a new challenge and track your progress. Having some workout "homework" could help you become more diligent.
* Reward! Reward! Reward!
If you find exercise is torture, give yourself something for getting through it. Whether you exercise for 4 days in a row, or jog an extra mile--if you're happy with your performance, give yourself a prize! This could be a day off from the gym, a new pair of jeans...make yourself happy because you deserve it!
* Sports count too
If you hate the thought of going out to "exercise," find something you do like. Start a volleyball league at work. Learn to play tennis. You'll have fun and, guess what? You'll be exercising!
* Look good!
If you feel good in your workout clothes, chances are you'll want to show 'em off! Buy yourself some outfits that make you feel good--things you WANT to put on. No one said you had to workout in grimy t-shirts.
* Distract yourself
Pull up a stationary bike in front of the TV. Listen to your favorite tunes on your headphones. Enjoy books on tape. Having other things to concentrate on can make a big difference in helping time go by.
* If at first you don't succeed.....
There's no limit to the number of chances you get to start exercising again. If you give up or skip week after week, try again--once you finish that daily workout, you'll be glad you did.
By POST A RESUME (www.postaresume.co.in)
The Best Way To Predict Your Future Is....
...To INVENT It!!!
By POST A RESUME (www.postaresume.co.in)
People May Doubt What You SAY,
But They Will Always Believe What You DO!!!
By POST A RESUME (www.postaresume.co.in)
What Employers Want?
While many jobs require a unique set of skills, there is a pretty standard set of qualities that most employers want in an employee. Increase your chances of landing the job you want by highlighting your "soft" skills as well as your technical skills in the interview. Employers look for a variety of strengths, including:
Communication:
You can communicate clearly and concisely both verbally and in writing. You recognize that communication is a two-way street and are able to listen and interpret effectively, as well.
Leadership:
You take the lead and assume the responsibility to get things done. You don't have to be a manager to be a leader; it is a valuable skill in any job.
Problem-Solving: You can analyze and identify a problem and develop effective solutions. You explore new and innovative ideas in addition to tried-and-true solutions.
Problem-Solving: You can analyze and identify a problem and develop effective solutions. You explore new and innovative ideas in addition to tried-and-true solutions.
Confidence:
You know and like yourself. You recognize your strengths and know what you can accomplish.
Flexibility:
You can "roll with the punches". You adapt easily to new situations and are open to new ideas.
Energy:
You are a hard worker. You are willing to put the time and effort into accomplishing your objectives.
By POST A RESUME (www.postaresume.co.in)
Top Men on the Move...
Ex-SEBI chief Mehta joins Jain Irrigation board
Jain Irrigation on Thursday said it has appointed D R Mehta, former Chairman of Securities Exchange Board of India (SEBI), as a director of the company.
Ranjit Puri becomes ISMA President
The Indian Sugar Mills Association has got a new head with Ranjit Puri taking over as its President at the industry body's annual general meeting held here recently.
Puri, Chairman of Haryana-based Saraswati Sugar Mills, has succeeded P Rama Babu, Managing Director of EID Parry (India), as the President of ISMA, a release said. ISMA also said Godavari Sugar Mills Executive Director Samir S Somaiya has been elected as Vice-President of the industry body.
SAIL appoints B S Meena as Director
State-owned Steel Authority of India Ltd on Wednesday said it has appointed B S Meena, Additional Secretary & Financial Adviser in the Ministry of Steel, as Director.
J Schubert to step down as Siemens MD; Armin Bruck to takeover
Juergen Schubert will resign as Siemens Ltd’s managing director this month after steering the fortunes of the company for 12 years. Dr Armin Bruck, now director in-charge of energy business, will take charge as the new managing director, the company announced in a statement.
Wipro telecom solutions division gets new head
Wipro Technologies, the global software services business of the IT bellwether, appointed Sudip Nandy as chief executive of its telecom and product engineering solutions division, following the resignation of its president Ramesh Emani, the company said.
NCDEX top brass Narendra Gupta puts in papers
Narendra Gupta, the chief of strategy, at the National Commodities and Derivatives Exchange of India (NCDEX) has put in his papers along with a few other top executives. The head of the spot market at NCDEX, Mukund S Annigeri has also resigned.
Some other key executives are also believed to have quit along with Mr Gupta and Mr Annigeri. One official put the number at about seven. This, however, could not be immediately verified.
Phil Tracy joins Cairn India
Oil exploration firm Cairn India said that Engineering and Operations Director of Cairn Energy PLC Phil Tracy has joined its Rajasthan project board. Cairn India Chief Operating Officer Laurie Smyth would step down as full time director in January 2008. He would retire from his full time employment when his contract expires in April 2008.
Ajai Nigam takes over as Chief Controller of PESO
Ajai Nigam had taken over as the Chief Controller of Explosives, Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO), Nagpur. Nigam has served in various capacities in the Department of Explosives and is currently the Joint Chief Controller of PESO, an official release said here today.
Brajmohan Verma new chairman for JSEB
Brajmohan Verma was appointed as the chairman of Jharkhand State Electricity Board, according to official sources. Verma replaces D N Pandey. Other members of the Board are Shiv Narayan Choudhury (distribution) and Gopinath Munda (technical).
The principal secretaries of the energy department and the financial department would be the other two members, the sources added.
R Pillai is first executive on Reliance Retail board
Reliance Retail's senior executive in charge of operations and strategy, Raghu Pillai, has been inducted onto the company’s board with effect from December 1.
This makes Mr Pillai the first Reliance Retail (RRL) executive to be given a board position. The other three on the RRL board are Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani, his close associate Manoj Modi and the dean of Kellogg School of Management, Dipak Jain.
At present, Mr Pillai is directly involved with RRL’s initiative in hypermarkets, automotives, home and others. Mr Pillai joined Reliance Retail in March 2006 after a 10-month stint with Kishore Biyani’s Future Group where he was the CEO of Home Solutions, the groups’ home furnishing business.
D K Sarraf is ONGC director of finance
D K Sarraf has joined ONGC as the new director of finance. Prior to this appointment, he held the same position in ONGC Videsh Ltd (OVL), a subsidiary of ONGC.
The position at ONGC has been vacant for a long time since R S Sharma was elevated as chairman & managing director in May 2006.
FM's Advisor resigns ahead of Budget
Ahead of the budget 2008-09, Parthasarathi Shome, Advisor to the Finance Minister, has resigned. Official sources said the resignation has been accepted.
Shome's exit assumes importance as he was essentially a tax expert and was the main think tank on introduction of the Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) and the Banking Cash Transaction Tax.
Dena Bank appoints M Surya Naik as non-official Director
Public sector lender Dena Bank today said it has appointed M Surya Naik as a non-official Director on the board of the bank.
The Central government has appointed M Surya Naik as the part-time non-official Director on the bank's board for a period of two years, Dena Bank informed the Bombay Stock Exchange.
Nagesh Pinge joins JSW Steel Board
Nagesh Pinge, a veteran in audit and risk management, has joined the board of JSW Steel as an additional director. Pinge's appointment is effective from December 28, 2007, JSW Steel said in a release. Before this appointment, Pinge was working in Reliance Retail as President (Internal Audit & Compliance).
Tata Tele appoints TPS Walia Circle Operating Officer of Punj
As part of its restructuring exercise aimed at realigning the company for future growth, telecom operator Tata Teleservices on Monday announced the appointment of T P S Walia as a Circle Operating Officer for Punjab.
Prior to this, Walia was responsible for the circle operations of UP East as COO, an official release issued here said. Uday Bhansali joins Kotak Mahindra Capital as Executive Director Investment banker Kotak Mahindra Capital today announced the appointment of
Uday Bhansali as Executive Director (Investment Banking).
In his new role, Uday will be responsible for client relationships and will also oversee a team of bankers, Kotak Mahindra Capital said in a release.
He will also drive many of Kotak Investment Banking's International alliances, it said. Prior to joining the Kotak Mahindra group, Bhansali has worked for 20 years with Accenture Ltd, it added
Jain Irrigation on Thursday said it has appointed D R Mehta, former Chairman of Securities Exchange Board of India (SEBI), as a director of the company.
Ranjit Puri becomes ISMA President
The Indian Sugar Mills Association has got a new head with Ranjit Puri taking over as its President at the industry body's annual general meeting held here recently.
Puri, Chairman of Haryana-based Saraswati Sugar Mills, has succeeded P Rama Babu, Managing Director of EID Parry (India), as the President of ISMA, a release said. ISMA also said Godavari Sugar Mills Executive Director Samir S Somaiya has been elected as Vice-President of the industry body.
SAIL appoints B S Meena as Director
State-owned Steel Authority of India Ltd on Wednesday said it has appointed B S Meena, Additional Secretary & Financial Adviser in the Ministry of Steel, as Director.
J Schubert to step down as Siemens MD; Armin Bruck to takeover
Juergen Schubert will resign as Siemens Ltd’s managing director this month after steering the fortunes of the company for 12 years. Dr Armin Bruck, now director in-charge of energy business, will take charge as the new managing director, the company announced in a statement.
Wipro telecom solutions division gets new head
Wipro Technologies, the global software services business of the IT bellwether, appointed Sudip Nandy as chief executive of its telecom and product engineering solutions division, following the resignation of its president Ramesh Emani, the company said.
NCDEX top brass Narendra Gupta puts in papers
Narendra Gupta, the chief of strategy, at the National Commodities and Derivatives Exchange of India (NCDEX) has put in his papers along with a few other top executives. The head of the spot market at NCDEX, Mukund S Annigeri has also resigned.
Some other key executives are also believed to have quit along with Mr Gupta and Mr Annigeri. One official put the number at about seven. This, however, could not be immediately verified.
Phil Tracy joins Cairn India
Oil exploration firm Cairn India said that Engineering and Operations Director of Cairn Energy PLC Phil Tracy has joined its Rajasthan project board. Cairn India Chief Operating Officer Laurie Smyth would step down as full time director in January 2008. He would retire from his full time employment when his contract expires in April 2008.
Ajai Nigam takes over as Chief Controller of PESO
Ajai Nigam had taken over as the Chief Controller of Explosives, Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO), Nagpur. Nigam has served in various capacities in the Department of Explosives and is currently the Joint Chief Controller of PESO, an official release said here today.
Brajmohan Verma new chairman for JSEB
Brajmohan Verma was appointed as the chairman of Jharkhand State Electricity Board, according to official sources. Verma replaces D N Pandey. Other members of the Board are Shiv Narayan Choudhury (distribution) and Gopinath Munda (technical).
The principal secretaries of the energy department and the financial department would be the other two members, the sources added.
R Pillai is first executive on Reliance Retail board
Reliance Retail's senior executive in charge of operations and strategy, Raghu Pillai, has been inducted onto the company’s board with effect from December 1.
This makes Mr Pillai the first Reliance Retail (RRL) executive to be given a board position. The other three on the RRL board are Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani, his close associate Manoj Modi and the dean of Kellogg School of Management, Dipak Jain.
At present, Mr Pillai is directly involved with RRL’s initiative in hypermarkets, automotives, home and others. Mr Pillai joined Reliance Retail in March 2006 after a 10-month stint with Kishore Biyani’s Future Group where he was the CEO of Home Solutions, the groups’ home furnishing business.
D K Sarraf is ONGC director of finance
D K Sarraf has joined ONGC as the new director of finance. Prior to this appointment, he held the same position in ONGC Videsh Ltd (OVL), a subsidiary of ONGC.
The position at ONGC has been vacant for a long time since R S Sharma was elevated as chairman & managing director in May 2006.
FM's Advisor resigns ahead of Budget
Ahead of the budget 2008-09, Parthasarathi Shome, Advisor to the Finance Minister, has resigned. Official sources said the resignation has been accepted.
Shome's exit assumes importance as he was essentially a tax expert and was the main think tank on introduction of the Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) and the Banking Cash Transaction Tax.
Dena Bank appoints M Surya Naik as non-official Director
Public sector lender Dena Bank today said it has appointed M Surya Naik as a non-official Director on the board of the bank.
The Central government has appointed M Surya Naik as the part-time non-official Director on the bank's board for a period of two years, Dena Bank informed the Bombay Stock Exchange.
Nagesh Pinge joins JSW Steel Board
Nagesh Pinge, a veteran in audit and risk management, has joined the board of JSW Steel as an additional director. Pinge's appointment is effective from December 28, 2007, JSW Steel said in a release. Before this appointment, Pinge was working in Reliance Retail as President (Internal Audit & Compliance).
Tata Tele appoints TPS Walia Circle Operating Officer of Punj
As part of its restructuring exercise aimed at realigning the company for future growth, telecom operator Tata Teleservices on Monday announced the appointment of T P S Walia as a Circle Operating Officer for Punjab.
Prior to this, Walia was responsible for the circle operations of UP East as COO, an official release issued here said. Uday Bhansali joins Kotak Mahindra Capital as Executive Director Investment banker Kotak Mahindra Capital today announced the appointment of
Uday Bhansali as Executive Director (Investment Banking).
In his new role, Uday will be responsible for client relationships and will also oversee a team of bankers, Kotak Mahindra Capital said in a release.
He will also drive many of Kotak Investment Banking's International alliances, it said. Prior to joining the Kotak Mahindra group, Bhansali has worked for 20 years with Accenture Ltd, it added
By POST A RESUME (www.postaresume.co.in)
Retail companies look on the ‘fair’ side of hiring.
Some of the biggest players in the organised retail turf are looking up to the fairer sex, especially when it comes to dealing with killer attrition blues. Reliance Retail, Future Group, Shopper’s Stop and RPG Retail are experimenting with a host of hiring models to improve the ratio of fairer sex in their workforce.
The reason is simple. Most of these retailers have now cottoned on to the fact that women professionals are much more suited for retail job profiles, which ultimately improves retention levels.
Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance has launched an initiative to encourage the spouses of employees to work in its retail venture. Accordingly, the employee’s wives are being trained to take up jobs — full time, part-time or on call — at Reliance Retail outlets.
The Future Group plans to start stores which will be manned entirely by women. For this, it has tied up with a Chennai-based HR firm Avtar to offer flexi-career opportunities where women will be required to work for a maximum four hours a day. This project will debut in Kolkata and will be subsequently taken across nation.
The reason is simple. Most of these retailers have now cottoned on to the fact that women professionals are much more suited for retail job profiles, which ultimately improves retention levels.
Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance has launched an initiative to encourage the spouses of employees to work in its retail venture. Accordingly, the employee’s wives are being trained to take up jobs — full time, part-time or on call — at Reliance Retail outlets.
The Future Group plans to start stores which will be manned entirely by women. For this, it has tied up with a Chennai-based HR firm Avtar to offer flexi-career opportunities where women will be required to work for a maximum four hours a day. This project will debut in Kolkata and will be subsequently taken across nation.
By POST A RESUME (www.postaresume.co.in)
Recreational & fun activities for Employee retention...
Stress busters and fun activities in high pressure jobs are essential! And because of this many companies have realised the need to look beyond the norms. Nowadays organisations include fun activities & add-on incentives in their curriculum more than ever before, to satisfy, and to hopefully retain their precious ‘revenue generating workforce.’Remuneration, job profile and work environment are the most important factors for any employee. Having said that, it’s also hard to satisfy everybody and everyone on different parameters and at various hierarchy levels in an organisation… that’s why many companies feel the need to come up with various strategies to interest and retain their key employees.
To take a breather from the hectic schedule and also to break the monotonous and mundane routine of everyday chores and scheduled tasks, employers provide many facilities in and around the workplace for their staff. For example many MNC’s and other big companies provide in-house facilities like:
• Swimming pool.
• Well-equipped gym.
• Basketball/ Tennis court.
• Pool table.
• Table tennis & various other sports facilities
Research has shown that these and other such activities help people stay active and keep them charged up during the day. This in turn helps keep the environment a little light and can inspire a positive attitude amongst individuals working in a company.
Recreational rooms with games like chess, scrabble, and dart boards etc. are also beneficial to refresh individuals in their break time, or from their hard days work. Some other activities to involve employee participation are:
• Weekend team trips/ excursions.
• Regular team or office parties/ theme parties.
• Dance and music learning opportunities for individuals.
• Yoga camps.
Some BPO’s, where employees are constantly glued to their seats taking calls, massage therapists and masseurs are also called in to relax and de-stress them while they are on the job talking to clients. Giving out movie tickets, gift hampers and small cash rewards/ vouchers are also some other means commonly used to entice individuals. To make people comfortable many offices even promote casual wear on weekends and even on a Monday to minimise the ‘Monday Blues’ effect.
Employee satisfaction reduces attrition and a bonafide quality workforce helps the overall business. Keep the employees happy and they in turn will help the organisation grow, prosper and flourish.
By POST A RESUME (www.postaresume.co.in)
Teach the Boss to Retain Employees…
Next time you lose an employee, pay close attention to his boss! He may just be the reason behind him leaving the organisation. At a conference on Talent Retention, HR managers argued that the need is to ‘teach the boss’ - on ways on how to manage his subordinates and more importantly to be ‘liked’ by them. A study by IDC (India) on salary hike in the IT sector points out that while salaries have increased by over 18%, it does not correspond with a similar increase in employee satisfaction levels HCL Infosystems is positioned at 23 in salary rank but topped the charts on employee satisfaction levels. Similarly, TCS employees rank their company at No. 4 in terms of ‘satisfaction with salary’ with a rank of No. 13 in terms of hikes given. Infosys is ranked 12th for salary hikes but stands at 28th place in respect to satisfaction with salary.
The survey clearly points out that there is hardly any correlation between ‘salary levels’ and ‘satisfaction with salary.’ But even as companies are looking at ways to keep their ‘experienced’ workforce together, the key here is to train the boss, say HR managers.
“Bosses are not always good managers, which is the single most important reason for people leaving jobs. It’s important to provide training to bosses on how to manage their group. This can play a major role in building a strong, effective team,” says an HR expert.
There was less than 8% correlation between salary and satisfaction with salary. What it means is that companies who have their act together on employee satisfaction can manage a lower wage bill and still have happy employees.
Clearly for the HR, the biggest task ahead is to come up with innovative ways for retaining employees, nowadays companies are willing to go the extra mile for employee retention. MNC’s spending on ‘pampering employees’ has also increased from an average 8% to almost 17% of the cost to company (CTC).
By POST A RESUME (www.postaresume.co.in)
If you are good looking?
If you are good looking then you surely have an edge over any other average looking person, especially if the interviewer is of the opposite sex, revealed a study. According to a study, hiring practices are dramatically influenced by a bias towards attractive interviewees in terms of high and low status job packages being offered. The study was led by Carl Senior and Michael J.R. Butler of the New York Academy of Sciences. "When someone is viewed as attractive, they are often assumed to have a number of positive social traits and greater intelligence," said Carl Senior and Michael J.R. Butler. They added: "This is known as the 'halo effect' and it has previously been shown to affect the outcome of job interviews." The researchers looked at how the halo effect influenced a mock job negotiation scenario where male and female interviewers were made to see pictures of attractive or average looking male and female job applicants
Interestingly, it was found that the female interviewers assigned attractive looking male interviewees more high status job packages as compared to average looking men. They also preferred attractive men over attractive women and gave them more high status packages. Similarly, average looking men also got more low status jobs than average looking women. However, male interviewers were not biased in the number of high or low status job packages that were given to attractive looking interviewees of either sex. Infact, overall, the male interviewers gave out more status job packages.
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Interview Preparation.
An invitation for an interview shows that, on paper, you are the right person required by the organisation for the vacant position. In fact, it is estimated that 80% of candidates are rejected at the application stage so you are really more than three quarters of the way towards getting the job!Larger organisations will have interviewers who are often personnel professionals, or who are trained and experienced interviewers, so expect the interview to be very structured to obtain the maximum from you. In smaller firms you are more likely to be interviewed by a partner who may not be a trained interviewer. If you are confronted by a ‘bad’ interviewer you will have to work hard to use the questions as a means of conveying the points you wish to make. It can be a good idea to try to steer the conversation towards the topics you have particular strengths in, highlighting your good points.
There are several different types of interview/questioning techniques: -
Preparation is essential if you want to do well. Have a look at the checklist:
Stage 1 - Preparation
- Re-read your resume.
- Prepare questions to ask and to be asked.
- Work out clothes to wear.
- Rehearse interview.
- Anticipate the obvious questions during the interview.
- Work out a strategy for dealing with stress.
- Read vacancy details, employer’s literature - what they are and what they want.
- Know where the interview will take place
Stage 2 - First Impressions Count
- Arrive in good time.
- Make a good entrance.
- Body language - handshake, posture, eye contact.
- Smile.
Stage 3 - The Interview
- Be yourself
- Be honest
- Be prepared to talk - but not too much
- Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification
- Illustrate your answers with examples
- Be ready to sell yourself Be interesting
Stage 4 - The Final Stage
- Know when the interview is over - read employer’s body language
- Thank him/her for his/her time
- Learn from the experience - ask for feedback if necessary
Questions You May Wish To Ask
The Organisation
- Major current projects
- Future developments
Work
- What you would be doing
- How long for
- Typical projects/timescales
- Variety of work.
Training
- Training offered/possible
- Help with professional qualifications
Colleagues
- Who would you work with?
Location
- Where would you be based?
- How much travel/mobility
Prospects/Salary
- Likely progression
- Where are previous graduates
General Way of Life
- Accommodation, amenities, limits on free time etc
Questions You Can Prepare For:-
- Tell us about yourself
- Why did you choose your degree and what have you gained from it?
- What has been your most important achievement in life so far? Why?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- Why have you applied for this job?
- What do you have to offer us?
- What are the current issues in this sector of work?
- What experience do you have of working in a team and what role did you play in that team?
- Describe a project you have successfully completed.
- How would your friends describe you?
- Describe a situation you have found difficult. How did you overcome it?
- What questions would you like to ask us?
If you would like help with interviews come to the Careers Service to talk to an adviser. We have a video available called, “Why Ask Me That?” which shows you how to do well at interviews. We also have a range of books on interview techniques for you to look at.
Scared about Telephonic Interview.
How difficult did you find the last time you were on a telephonic interview for a long searched job? Did you make it???Here is a little wrap up on the Do’s & Don’ts while on a telephonic interview…
1. Do give correct and detailed contact information so your interviewers can easily connect with you.
2. Do ensure that your family is aware that this telephonic conversation is important in your job search
3. Do know about the job and the company you are interviewing forDo practice. Modulate you tone. Check your speed and pronunciations. Take appropriate pauses.
4. Do make sure you are in a place where you can read notes, take notes, and concentrate. ensure that you can hear and are being clearly heard.
5. Do make synopsis to avoid fumbling. This will also make you more confident since you are prepared. Ask thoughtful questions to end the conversation intelligently.
6. Do also have your resume with you, so that you have all the necessary important information handy.
7. Don't get nervous between conversation breaks. If you've completed a response, but the interviewer hasn't asked his or her next question, don't start to fill in airtime.
8. Don't panic if you have special needs. If you are hearing-impaired, for example, phone interviews are still possible.
9. Don't snuffle, sneeze or cough. If you can't avoid these behaviors, say "excuse me." Don't eat or drink while speaking.
By POST A RESUME (www.postaresume.co.in)
Closing the Interview.
Knowing how to successfully close interview can make the difference between getting the job and being one of the unfortunate individuals who receives a rejection letter in the mail. While much attention is given to the matters of how to write a resume and cover letter as well as what to expect in regards to interview questions, far too many job seekers are unprepared when comes to knowing how to successfully close an interview. Keep in mind that this is perhaps your last opportunity to demonstrate why you are perfect for the job. Successfully closing an interview walks a fine line between being too aggressive and not being aggressive enough.
It's always a good idea to bring along some questions that you can ask the interviewer at the end of the interview. This shows that you have more than just a passing interest in the position and truly want the job. If you have taken the time to do your research on the company, this also demonstrates initiative and increases your chances of being hired.
Once all questions have been asked and answered, it is quite appropriate to ask the interviewer when they anticipate making a hiring decision as well as what the next step in the interviewing or hiring process will be. Make a point to ask the employer for a business card so that you can have readily available contact information for following up with the employer in the days to come. This will also make it much easier for you to mail the all important interview thank-you letter as soon as you return home.
Also don't forget to shake hands with the employer and summarize how your skills and experience, as well as ambition and desire, make you the perfect candidate for the position. If you're really confident and don't mind taking risks, you might ask "So, is there anything stopping you from offering me the job right now?" This ploy should only be used if you feel the interview has gone well, however. Otherwise you might be setting yourself, as well as the interviewer, up for an embarrassing response.
A much milder version of this tactic would be, "Is there anything else I can answer for you to make a hiring decision?" If you really aren't sure how well the interview went and don't want to waste your time waiting for a call that may never come, you could simply ask, "Have I done well enough to advance to the next level of the hiring process?"
This puts all the cards on the table and an employer who appreciates honesty and frankness will reciprocate by letting you know where you stand. If for some reason, you were not the candidate the employer was looking for this may give you a golden opportunity to clear up something that might make you the ideal candidate. Otherwise, at the very least, you won't be spending the next two weeks waiting by the phone and you can begin concentrating on other employment prospects.
In the event that the employer does not offer you a firm commitment and seems to be a bit hesitant about when a firm decision will be made, don't take it as a personal affront. There could be any number of reasons why the employer is reluctant to hire you on the spot-the least of which could be the need to consult with superiors. It's important that even if you are disappointed about not receiving a job offer on the spot that you remain positive, up beat and confident. Finally, take the time to thank the employer for meeting with you. Above all, remember to always be professional no matter what happens.
By POST A RESUME (www.postaresume.co.in)
How I blew up my change to bag a great job!
A Truly Smart Job Seeker, before a long awaited interview is intricate about details like formal attire, information about the company and the job he is applying for. But not everyone is so smart! Here are some mind boggling incidences on how some "not-so-smart" Job Seekers blew up their chance to get the job they were trying very very hard for.
You can't misbehave.Hold Your Moods!!
You must be there on time and put your best foot forward! Be graceful and well behaved. Don't keep checking the time in your wrist watch as if you were bored of the process. "One applicant asked the hiring manager to speed things up so he could catch a bus." But the weirdest story came from a hiring manager who said, "One applicant said the company had a black aura and left." Now this kind of an attitude will not get you a job ever!
BE Professional PLEASE.
Your first impression can make or break your chance to get the job- but "not-so-smart" applicants don't understand the concept of formal attire. These ultra-cool candidates arrived at their interviews in T-shirts and jeans, but the worse is to come. One job hopeful arrived at his interview displaying a hairy chest, medallion, strong cologne and a wad of gum in his mouth. And which is worse: the applicant who wore a housecoat and slippers or the one who wore his slippers with a bathing suit and T-shirt?
But even the "so-called-smart" and impeccably dressed candidates can appear very unprofessional. Singing the national anthem, trying to sell the interviewer a car, doing yoga at the interview and showing off your new gadget will have similar effects!
Nervous breakdown's in the making..
Some degree of anxiety is normal - even beneficial - at an interview, but hiring managers report some candidates take nervousness to the extreme. Applicants fumbled, giggled, babbled, and even did not remember the job they were applying for - but they were the lucky ones. Other, "not-so-smooth" job seekers wet themselves, and one applicant fainted in the reception lobby.
Being acquisitive is fine.but don't look greedy!
Employee benefits are important to you and to every job seeker but asking the benefits in the initial contact is not recommended. "Not-so-smart" job seekers are very impatient to know about salary, time off, vacations - even a raise before they are offered the job. Other, more audacious candidates complained about the working hours, and one even asked, "How soon can I have your office?"
Stop acting Frantic!
YES!! You want the job, but wowing the interviewer with your skills and qualifications is much more effective than outright bribery. Some candidates just went across and offered interviewer gifts, money and far more for a job offer!
By POST A RESUME (www.postaresume.co.in)
Be-ware of the common ones!
No way can you foresee each n every question you might be asked in an interview but you can be smart by preparing sturdy, crisp responses to usually asked questions. Nearly all interviewers ask analogous questions to get acquainted with candidate's abilities & experience and evaluate his capability to do justice with the job.
1. Introduce yourself.
This is over and over again the first question in an interview. It's the most complicated one if you're not all set. Keep in mind, the interviewer does not want to hear about your hobbies. Its time for one-minute gist of your years of experience and skills in the context to the job you are looking forward to get. Sell your professional self.
2. Why should we hire you?
Most people answer generally, so you need something substantial to stand out. Give genuine examples that demonstrate you as the best-suited for the position. Highlight your achievements and undertakings that are relevant to get the job.
3. Why do you want this job?
Use this occasion to demonstrate how much you know about the company and, most prominently, how you fit best. Concentrate on challenges in the job and organization to show your comprehensive knowledge. Spot out things you have done in past job to take care of the similar issues.
4. What are your weaknesses?
Answer this question to your benefit. "I would turn my weaknesses into strengths," For example, if my weakness is lack of tolerance I would counter it by saying; I have learned particular measures to make sure I remain composed and considerate." Don't pretend that you do not have a weakness.
5. Why did you quit your previous job?
Never evaluate your previous company, the boss, or colleagues. You should have a fine perceptive of the job you're applying to twist this question. You may say that, you really enjoyed various aspects of your previous job and spotlight on how this new job will give you the chance to contribute meticulously on areas that are essential for the current position.
6. Where would you be five years from today?
Don't get swayed away by your five-year plan. You are expected to speak about goals related to the job. This will reveal that you know the industry, the organization and you are looking forward to grow here.
Remember the interviewer is trying to find if you can play a positive role in the organization!
By POST A RESUME (www.postaresume.co.in)
How to Quickly Bypass Long Interview Lines.
Read the employer materials while you wait. If you finish them, read them again. Know the information as if it were your own.
You can only use this technique once during the day (or twice if you have a large gastric capacity), but it is a very effective way to bypass what might otherwise be an hour wait. Ask the recruiter to lunch—your treat. Sitting with you, listening to your background, is all that you ask in return. Many will appreciate the opportunity to get away, even if it is just for thirty minutes. Set up reservations for lunch at a nearby (or, better yet, on-site) sit-down restaurant. Then approach the recruiter from the side of the booth and mention that you have a table for two reserved for lunch. If you are turned down, try it with other recruiters you are interested in until it does work. Usually you will have at least a 25 percent hit rate, so you usually will not have to ask more than three or four different recruiters before you get an acceptance. Then use that time productively by talking rather than eating. You will put the recruiter in a different environment than he or she is experiencing with the rest of the “herd” and will gain a high probability of remembrance based on your willingness to meet their needs first. Try it!
By POST A RESUME (www.postaresume.co.in)
Reveal Your Analytical Attitude to Thrive.
Facing an interview is more of a talent than knowledge, which can be acquired. While your knowledge, academics, and other qualifications play a major part in the hiring assessment, the appointment is still very much base on the judgment of the interviewer.
Interviewer decides whether to appoint you not only based on your credentials, but also on whether your persona will be healthy in their organisation. Often the interviewer's go with their gut feelings on who will get the job offer. Try to speak what the interviewer wants to here. Go ahead and analyze the situation yourself before you are sitting in front of him!
During an interview, a highly nasty discussion can be on your previous job. why are you leaving your present job? How do you evaluate your present organization? What do you think is an ideal working environment? Don't look panicked when questioned on them. A fine way to deal with the most obvious question on why you are quitting your current job can be made comfortable if twisted to a group reason. Say a reason like, e.g., our department was consolidated or eliminated. This will save you from direct limelight of the issue. Be sure you don't make stories. Act smart and prepare such answers in advance. Knowing the answer will make you comfortable in the uncomfortable situation also!
Have a positive attitude towards your present job. Don't look annoyed while describing your previous organization. It can be a style of judgment that the recruiter is using to check your attitude. In reality you could be absolutely heart broken but hold your emotions. Be practical, the man you are talking to is not your girl friend that you can cry over all that went wrong. Take it all in the positive way.
To describe the best working condition according to you is just to know if you are mean for the organization. Don't say people should be helpful, understanding and reliable. Talk from organization's point of view. Say would be happy to work in a place where people are treated as fairly as possible. This is telling the recruiter how open you are to deal with tough situations. Interviewers need to be won over. They need to be convinced that you will be able to fix their troubles and help their company achieve its goals. One of the finest ways to answer interview questions is to use your career success stories. Career success stories are account of the crucial instant in your career when you conquered important challenges to succeed. These stories will create unforgettable impression of you.
In particular if you are interviewing for a new field or new job, make connection between your exceptional abilities and associated situations in the new field through the success you have achieved in the past..
By POST A RESUME (www.postaresume.co.in)
Companies Mislead while Hiring.
Under pressure to recruit and beat competition, employers are bending many rules these days. Companies are now negotiating on basic hiring standards, i.e. misleading candidates on salaries and other areas & making false promises to lure job seekers. “
Companies often seem to be saying — damn the process, just get them on board,” says Ronesh Puri, head, Executive Access, a headhunting firm, adding that scarcity of talent is pushing employers to another level of talent hunting.
At a premier B-school last year, a Mumbai-based business conglomerate hired graduates amid stiff competition promising an exciting job profile and career path. Six months into the job, they quit because promises seemed too unreal and fudged.
A senior executive with a South-based retail chain feels short-changed. While hiring he had been promised a good designation and an impressive job profile, but the company failed to live up to it. “Hiring from a premier B-school has a tag value for companies. As a result, most come and promise the moon”, an IIM alumnus says. “Companies do an oversell — hide the bad things that might put them off and inflate the good things,” says Gita Puri, Director, Personnel Network.
Perhaps salary is where the conning happens the most! CTC is the most abused & deceptive mechanism for companies, as they realise that the young upgrade-brigade has a special weakness for money. So they puff up the CTC with all kinds of things under it to make it look impressive. A Delhi-based company even included EMI on laptops it gave out to its employees as part of the CTC!
Companies are definitely compromising on quality as well. At a Mumbai-based hypermarket, 25-year executives have been made procurement managers and are put in charge of sourcing goods of over Rs. 200 crores. Seasoned executives say it’s a critical function that requires experience and expertise.
Reference checks, detailed interview with key executives before finalising senior appointments, eligibility criteria and screening standards have taken a beating as companies try to get the candidates on board as quickly as possible.
Employers are worried that executives sitting on multiple job offers may jump the gun and hence they are fast-tracking the employment process. Senior level appointments that stretched over three months with many rounds of interviews today are wrapped up within a week or two.
“Doctored resumes have surged. As a result many companies, especially MNCs are now looking at outsourcing reference checks to third parties (it is normally done internally),” says Rajeev Karwal, who recently quit Reliance Retail to turn entrepreneur.
“Reducing threshold of experiences is also happening across the board at all levels”, says K Sudarshan, managing partner, EMA Partners. Functional head positions that typically went to people with ten plus years of experience is also coming down. “This will have its impact,” he says.
It goes without saying that companies know very well that they are overpaying, despite compromising on hiring quality, in these frenzied times. “These are heady days with breathless growth and companies aren’t thinking too much right now,” says Puri. Wait for the wave to die down and sanity to return, stocktaking of rights and wrongs will happen then.
Companies often seem to be saying — damn the process, just get them on board,” says Ronesh Puri, head, Executive Access, a headhunting firm, adding that scarcity of talent is pushing employers to another level of talent hunting.
At a premier B-school last year, a Mumbai-based business conglomerate hired graduates amid stiff competition promising an exciting job profile and career path. Six months into the job, they quit because promises seemed too unreal and fudged.
A senior executive with a South-based retail chain feels short-changed. While hiring he had been promised a good designation and an impressive job profile, but the company failed to live up to it. “Hiring from a premier B-school has a tag value for companies. As a result, most come and promise the moon”, an IIM alumnus says. “Companies do an oversell — hide the bad things that might put them off and inflate the good things,” says Gita Puri, Director, Personnel Network.
Perhaps salary is where the conning happens the most! CTC is the most abused & deceptive mechanism for companies, as they realise that the young upgrade-brigade has a special weakness for money. So they puff up the CTC with all kinds of things under it to make it look impressive. A Delhi-based company even included EMI on laptops it gave out to its employees as part of the CTC!
Companies are definitely compromising on quality as well. At a Mumbai-based hypermarket, 25-year executives have been made procurement managers and are put in charge of sourcing goods of over Rs. 200 crores. Seasoned executives say it’s a critical function that requires experience and expertise.
Reference checks, detailed interview with key executives before finalising senior appointments, eligibility criteria and screening standards have taken a beating as companies try to get the candidates on board as quickly as possible.
Employers are worried that executives sitting on multiple job offers may jump the gun and hence they are fast-tracking the employment process. Senior level appointments that stretched over three months with many rounds of interviews today are wrapped up within a week or two.
“Doctored resumes have surged. As a result many companies, especially MNCs are now looking at outsourcing reference checks to third parties (it is normally done internally),” says Rajeev Karwal, who recently quit Reliance Retail to turn entrepreneur.
“Reducing threshold of experiences is also happening across the board at all levels”, says K Sudarshan, managing partner, EMA Partners. Functional head positions that typically went to people with ten plus years of experience is also coming down. “This will have its impact,” he says.
It goes without saying that companies know very well that they are overpaying, despite compromising on hiring quality, in these frenzied times. “These are heady days with breathless growth and companies aren’t thinking too much right now,” says Puri. Wait for the wave to die down and sanity to return, stocktaking of rights and wrongs will happen then.
By POST A RESUME (www.postaresume.co.in)
Developing a Career Plan.
With all kinds of career possibilities available, how do you make a decision? Once you know what career path you want to follow, how do you get there? Following are simple rules to follow -
Develop a career plan. Think about what you want to do and find out more about the kind of training, education, and skills you will need to achieve your career goal.
Assess your skills and interests. Think hard about what you enjoy, what you are good at, what kind of personality you are, and the values you hold.
Research occupations. Find out more about the nature of the jobs that interest you, such as education requirement, salary, working conditions, future outlook, and anything else that can help you narrow your focus.
1. Analyze and evaluate your skills and capabilities:-
Whether you’re employed, unemployed, considering a career change, re-entering the job market, or recently graduated, the first step toward reaching your career potential is to objectively analyze and evaluate your skills and capabilities.
Have a coach or a career counselor objectively assess your natural talents, skills and professional strength. Compare your skills and interests with the occupations you’ve selected. The career that matches your skills, interests, and personality the closest may be the career for you.
2. Set career goals:-
Choose your career goal. Once you’ve decided what occupation matched up best with you, then you can begin developing a plan to reach your career goal.
Find our about financial aid to help support you in obtaining your career goal. If you haven’t already done so, begin saving for courses that will help you achieve your career goals. Learn about job hunting tips as you prepare to graduate or move into the job market.
3. Create a high profile resume:-
Create a resume that will sell you. If required, get a professionally written resume. Don’t send out a resume until it is a strong sales tool that represents you.
4. Grab information on Industry Trends and specific companies
5.Develop sophisticated networking capabilities
6.Develop winning interview skills
Even if you are an expert in your profession, you must be able to sell yourself during an interview.
7.Prepare yourself for salary negotiations
Have a strategy for negotiation top money. A coach or career counselor can give you tools for getting the money you want.
8.Use marketing techniques to get a competitive edge:-
You need to implement an effective marketing strategy to increase your visibility and give you an edge.
9.Use an approach that meets your needs:-
Don’t follow guidelines in a book or from a friend if they are not comfortable for you and not representative of who you are. Be authentic in designing a career search and marketing plan that really reflects who you are.
By POST A RESUME (www.postaresume.co.in)
My Resolutions to Success....
If your career is losing direction, it's time to make not only personal resolutions, but some professional ones too!
Resolutions are nothing but setting goals for your self, which is anyway the secret to success. But keep in mind not to set unachievable steep goals that are not within reach. Set short-term goals and go for them. On the professional front you could look into some of these resolutions or maybe go for all of them!
Revise your skills. Join workshops to brush up your knowledge and also learn the latest.
Also pick up some foreign language course. It will give you an additional qualification. Or do some specialization course to update your skills..
Clear up junk from your book shelf and study. Don't forget your mail box! This will add clarity and you will be able to prioritize.
Update your resume. Highlight your achievements and qualifications. Don't be modest now!
Meet your friends and find out what's new. Develop contacts and mint all the opportunities for growth.
Read best selling books and news papers for sure! Don't be ignorant!
Start saving money for post retirement days. This will give you a sense of security.
Spend quality time with family and friends on weekends. This will help you rewind from the weeks hard work.
Live a disciplined healthy life. Follow an exercise regime to stay in good health!
By POST A RESUME (www.postaresume.co.in)
IS YOUR RÉSUMÉ WORKING FOR YOU?
You know the feeling. You spend hours, or even days, creating a résumé. You pore over every word of your cover letter and agonize over what to say in your email. Then you hit 'send' and wait. And wait. And wait. No one calls. No one writes. You don't know if anyone even saw your résumé. When this happens, it's easy to get dejected and worry that employers are not interested in you. Don't! Remember, they haven't met you. They have only seen your résumé and that may be the problem.
An overwhelming majority of job seekers make basic mistakes with their résumés - mistakes that ensure that they will not get the interviews they deserve. If you feel as though you're sending your résumé into a black hole, try this '10 Step Program' to diagnose problems and get your résumé working for you.
1. Is your résumé the right length?
You may have heard that your résumé should fit on one page. This is nonsense. Recruiters don't care if your résumé is one or two pages long. But they do care whether it is easy to read and gives key information upfront. Your résumé can be one, two, or (occasionally) even three pages. The only rule is that the length should be appropriate for you.
2. Does your résumé clearly position you as someone who can meet the needs of the employer?
Think of a résumé as an advertisement for a product, only this time the product is you. Just like any other advertisement, positioning is everything. The person who receives your résumé will scan it quickly - perhaps for no more than 20 seconds - to determine whether you can help her company. Your job is to say quickly, clearly and loudly that you can!
Don't just launch into a chronology of your career history. Instead, determine your own positioning by spelling out your message at the start of the résumé and giving the reader your version of events straight away. For this reason, you should use the first 1/3 of your résumé to create a compelling personal profile which highlights your key strengths in an attractive, easy-to-read format.
3. Does your résumé begin with an objective?
Recruiters and hiring managers may not like them because they focus on the needs of the job seeker rather than the needs of the potential employer. Consider this objective statement:
"Seeking a software engineer position with a progressive employer where I can contribute to the development of new technologies and work with bright, committed people."
This may be very honest but it is irrelevant to the reader, who does not care what you want and only cares what you have to offer. Instead of an objective, try using a positioning statement that clearly and concisely explains what you have to offer.
"Senior Software Engineer with 10 years experience developing leading-edge technologies."
Now the reader can immediately see your value to the company. (For even greater impact, tailor this statement for each position so that the reader immediately sees a match between his/her needs and your skills.)
4. Does your résumé contain specifics?
You must place your achievements in context by providing specifics. For example, don't say something vague like "contributed to product design." This tells the employer nothing about your actual contribution. Instead be specific about what you did: "Conducted market analysis for (name of product) to determine design and mechanics. Led changes to original design spec. despite initial developer objections. Received critical acclaim and sold over 4 million units."See how being specific makes a difference? This level of detail shows the reader the contributions you have made in the past (and therefore the contributions you can be expected to make in the future.)
5. Have you outlined achievements as well as responsibilities?
Don't provide a laundry list of responsibilities without showing what results you achieved. Most employers already know what the main responsibilities of your job were. They want to know what makes you different from all the other applicants. An effective résumé summarizes job responsibilities in a few sentences and then provides details of quantifiable achievements.
Focus most of your résumé on the results you accomplished, not the regular duties of your job.
6. Are there any typos?
Your résumé has to be perfect. Proof read it over and over again. When you are sure it's perfect, have other people proof it! If even one word is misspelled the reader will assume that you didn't know how to spell the word (this is bad) or that you didn't care (this is even worse!) Nothing puts the reader off more quickly than misspellings or typos.
7. Is the résumé easy to read?
At least 50% of the impact of your résumé derives from design. A strong résumé design will pull the eye through the document, making it easy to keep reading and will highlight your key strengths clearly. But if your résumé is badly laid out, disorganized or hard to read, it will be discarded before the reader knows how qualified you are. Take time to understand how the page has been laid out and then apply what you've learned to your résumé.
8. Have you listed irrelevant information?
Don't list your hobbies unless they directly support your qualifications for the position. Don't detail your marital status or the number of children you have. Don't mention non-professional affiliations such as political or religious volunteer work unless it directly relates to the position you are applying for. Any personal information runs the risk of turning the reader off. However proud you are of personal achievements, you should not run the risk of alienating someone before you even have your foot in the door.
9. Are you too modest?
Don't be uncomfortable about blowing your own trumpet. Too many people play down their achievements. While you should never exaggerate on a résumé, you should definitely take credit for the things you've accomplished. Some people feel uncomfortable boasting on paper preferring to explain in an interview. But if your résumé doesn't spark interest, you may never get that opportunity, so don't be modest!
10. Have you created an internet-ready version of résumé?
If you have to post your résumé online, or apply to a job via an online system, you will need to convert your résumé to a text-only format. If you don't do this, your résumé will be almost impossible to read because most online systems cannot support the type of formatting used in a résumé (bold, italics, bullet points, lines etc.)
By POST A RESUME (www.postaresume.co.in)
Foolish mistakes that Job seekers make in an Interview...
Arriving Late: -
Inappropriate Appearance: -
Improper clothes and grooming can jeopardize an interview. Casual clothes are definitely out. Your objective should be to dress smartly and not overtly. Remember, nails should be cut, hair well groomed and shoes polished. These may seem like little things but they count for a lot in any interview.
Poor Communication Skills: -
Poor Performance or Preparation: -
Negative Attitude Display: -
Lying in the Resume or During Interview: -
Failing to Confirm Interest: -
Walking in for the interview even ten minutes after the interview is scheduled for, sends a negative first impression to potential employers. Get detailed directions to the interview site and calculate how long it will take you to get there, so that you can arrive 10 minutes early.
Improper clothes and grooming can jeopardize an interview. Casual clothes are definitely out. Your objective should be to dress smartly and not overtly. Remember, nails should be cut, hair well groomed and shoes polished. These may seem like little things but they count for a lot in any interview.
Poor Communication Skills: -
A candidate who has bad grammar, talks too much, or does not listen is a red flag. Being too open during the interview is a killer too. You should be candid, but don’t pile the interviewer with all of your personal problems. Think before you speak!!
Poor Performance or Preparation: -
Yes, there are job seekers who don’t prepare for the interview or even know what job they are interviewing for. Lack of eye contact, extreme gestures or movements, and other physical ticks can really turn off employers.
Negative Attitude Display: -
Hiring managers are turned off by unenthusiastic, bored or arrogant behavior. Using profanity, acting cocky, or putting down a previous boss will quickly turn off an interviewer.
Lying in the Resume or During Interview: -
Do you have to told that dishonesty is a no-no? For example, do not falsely claim to have earned degrees or certificates and do not cover up a possible criminal record. Also, just in case you weren’t sure, stealing from a prospective employer is also frowned upon in an interview.
Failing to Confirm Interest: -
After the employer has finished explaining the details of the organization and the job description, it is your responsibility to reaffirm your interest and ask what the next step is.
By POST A RESUME (www.postaresume.co.in)
What keeps employees happy at work?
With attrition rates soaring high, the million dollar question for HR managers today is… ‘What keeps people happy at the workplace?’ According to a research, the most crucial factor for winning goodwill from employees is good communication and a healthy relationship with colleagues and seniors. This sounds easy, but recent studies have suggested that this is actually the most difficult thing to get right. A research suggested that 73% of British workers believe good relationships with colleagues to be the key reason they enjoyed their jobs, while only 48% cited financial reward.
Research experts say: “Business should not ignore the value of good relationships at work. Simple ways to boost happiness include treating staff fairly, ensuring communication is good, and fostering a positive atmosphere.”
The research highlighted that small businesses have the happiest employees. 86% of employees, who work for organisations with employees between 20 and 100 in number, feel happier as compared to 78% of employees who work in organisations with a workforce more than 1,000.
Research analysts were not surprised at these results. They explained, “In small businesses there is an informal, personal atmosphere that you don't get in large organisations. Individual problems and office politics tend to get ironed out early, as there's a lot to be said for face-to-face contact and working things out.”
A recent 'sickness survey' of absence due to ill health found that the average number of days small businesses lost due to absence per employee was 1.8 days, as compared to an average of 8.4 days for businesses of all sizes.
Ensuring happiness and contentment of individuals in a workplace may be a tougher task for larger organisations, but most importantly an HR manager can put strategies in place to raise awareness of the importance of employee satisfaction. A good pay package doesn’t necessarily guarantee happy employees. Try these to get closer to satisfying employees:
1. Involvement of the top management more than just the annual or bi-annual meet.
2. Investment in training programmes’ for employees.
3. Empowering staff with authority after they prove themselves, and defining their responsibilities clearly.
4. Having a customer service staff for guiding employees in day to day issues.
If organisations think a little more deeply about what employees really want and what will make them happier, they would reap its rewards sooner than later.
By POST A RESUME (www.postaresume.co.in)
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