Tuesday, May 27, 2008

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!

To read the complete article, please visit our homepage: www.timesjobs.com

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Getting Freshers Jobs

Getting freshers jobs is not always easy. You must first plan out your career of choice and decide how you want to get it. Plan well as this is something that will affect the rest of your professional life!

The first thing to remember is that jobs for freshers are readily available in every sector of the corporate world. It is up to you entirely how you want to plan your career strategies.

People decide their career of choice in many different ways. The first and most obvious of career rewards is the salary for which you are taking up the job.

If you are a fresher looking for a new job, remember that you must do plenty of research into your prospective career opportunities.

Decide, plan and implement: Decide where you want to go with your career, say five years from now. Plan how you will get there. Make your strategy. Then implement your plan.

Remember to listen to the opinions of others, especially those whose careers and work ethics you admire. They will give you good counsel and advice. But don’t forget that the last decision is always yours!

Once you have made your plan, don’t let anything get in your way. Keep the goal always in your mind and let nothing stop you.

And finally, keep reviewing your progress as you go along. Well begun is only have done. Keep tabs on how things are going. Constantly evaluate your progress.

Thursday, May 15, 2008

If you want a Call Centre Job (BPO Job)

What is a BPO job like?

Instead of working in a bank, credit card company or telecom company where you get to interact face-to-face with the customer, in a call centre you solve problems and provide information over the phone or Internet from a remote location. As in the IT industry, call-centres work round-the-clock and are air-conditioned and ergonomically designed (the better ones even have their own gyms and coffee shops to help you unwind). The atmosphere is informal yet professional. You work in shifts and meals plus pick-up and drop services are offered to every staff member.

On the flip side you must realise that while all this may sound very hi-tech and the money may be fairly decent, the work can become somewhat routine and monotonous. The stress of working long hours, night shifts, irregular eating habits and the demanding pace can be a big challenge. The job is surely not just about having fun. It requires a lot of grey cells and hard work.

What do call centers look for?

Call centres look for confidence and the ability to speak well in unfamiliar situations, basic computer skills and of course excellent spoken English with a decent voice qualityHandling tricky complaints and persuading clients to stick to repayment schedules calls for diplomacy, presence of mind, communication skills and absolute familiarity with the product line and company policy

For more on a BPO Job, visit the Career Resources page on http://www.timesjobs.com/.

Monday, May 5, 2008

Resume Fill-ins

Awkward holes in your CV can give you sleepless nights while job hunting. There are some of the experiences, apart from work, that you can highlight to create the best impression

When you start thinking of your resume as a powerful tool, the results can be astonishing. Ideally your resume should project a professional image, reflect your unique skills sets and accomplishments, be easy to understand and most importantly project you as the best candidate for the job. However, there are often some unforeseen circumstances that lead to the accumulation of blank spots on your resume. When you are searching for a job a gap in employment can cause a lot of stress and fear.


What can you do to stop that listless period from burning you down the road? In other words, what can you put on your CV apart from employment/ work history? Are there any significant experiences you have had, or accomplishments you have realised, that have helped to define you as a person?


Let them know what’s in it for them. Project the positive. Your break may have helped you rejuvenate and spend time with the family but think from the perspective of an employer. How do they gain from hiring you? Highlight your accomplishments and help them understands your value.


Life throws up a lot of surprises and you can’t possibly plan for everything. A change in the economy resulting in downsizing, sickness, divorce, the birth of a child or a lot of other unexpected things can keep you away from work for long. It is important to stay positive and let your potential employers know that this gap has rejuvenated you and that you are ready to join the workforce with more passion conviction and commitment.