GETTING JOB-READY!

The world is in the middle of a pandemic. The industry and academia are facing issues like never before and resourceful human beings and bright minds are what they seek right now. The students graduating from various institutions with the industries struggling to keep up, uncertain of the competition and exposure out there, find their career and future at stake. We also find a lot of experienced professionals being removed from their hard-earned jobs. With the whole world suffering and the population trying to get back on track, it is important that we try to find positivity in our lives every day, and make use of the time and resources we have for a brighter, career-ready future. So here are a few factors that need to be taken care of while you are preparing for a job. Kindly note that these are a few things that I personally found useful after my research. This might differ with the kind of job you are looking for and the corresponding industry. Do feel free to correct me if I’m wrong :)

1. Getting specific

While we might end up getting at least one job if we apply for a hundred, I would suggest getting specific. Take the time to figure out the position and industry that you would enjoy working in, and devote yourself to find the best opportunities in the same industry. Although you might easily land up in a job when taken the former path, the latter would save you from the regret, stress, and possible trouble you might get into in an industry that you don’t like.

2. Resume

Your resume creates the first impression of how good you are as a learner, a team player and an employee. Make sure that you include all your relevant certifications, experiences and references in the resume, and highlight the certain skills and experiences that cater to the position you apply for. Instead of sending out the same resume for every opportunity, go for necessary alterations in your resume for every other job that you apply for. Also include your past experiences with the company you are applying for if any, to display the effort you have put in to get into the company.

3. References and Networking

The personalities whom you include in your references make a huge difference. Create a list of people you could approach for the reference, and send them out requests about the same. Try to approach people from both industry and academia who could talk about your skills, experience and attitude. Keep in touch with all the eminent personalities you would possibly meet at conferences or workshops, and add them to your network. Make excellent use of networks like LinkedIn to connect with professionals from all around the world and request endorsements and recommendations.

4. Be true to yourself; Do Not Fake it

Be honest with the way you present yourself-be it the resume or the interview. Do not say things the employer wants to hear just for the sake of it; it won’t do good in the future. Creating a false impression would only mislead the employer who would then expect you to work in ways that you might not be comfortable in. Being honest and ethical would be the best way to show off your skills to get hold of your dream job.

5. Follow-Up

Follow up on every opportunity that you have applied for after a few days. You could send a thank you mail if you get selected for the role or another email stating that it was a pleasure to have an interaction with them and that you appreciate the opportunity. You could list out your thoughts on why you wanted to work with them in the first place or anything else specific about them and their service. You could also leave your contact details and a note that you would be happy to work with them anytime and a request to notify you once they publish more opportunities. This would make a good impression of you as a person and would show that you are sincerely interested in this position.

6. Do NOT Give Up

Hope is what keeps us going. Rejections would always be there. What is important is that you learn from every opportunity that you get rejected from, and apply that in the coming one. Turn your negatives into positives, and work on your weaknesses. This would develop your ability to initiate, learn and grow. Focus on your accomplishments and skills rather than lamenting upon an opportunity that you didn’t get. Every rejection is a learning experience for the next one!