Dated 22nd Oct 2003
Please enumerate some effective career tips
RAGHAV
Rajasthan
Be honest and straightforward in all your dealings
Be accountable for everything you do
Put in your best effort always
Invest time, money and effort to learn something and enhance your learning
Dress for success. If you want a more responsible position, dress likes someone worthy of more responsibility.
It has always been a difficult issue to decide on an appropriate career. Kindly tell how a person just out of college should one decide on a career that suits her?
SUREKHA
Mumbai
Deciding on a career requires time and effort. An analyses and assessment of interest, skill and capabilities must be done to arrive at a probable list of alternatives. And then pick one that fits your personality.
There are counselling offices, counsellors and tests to help you make informed career decisions. Using career-testing instruments, computerised programs and career resource centres are other ways that you can make good career decisions. Talking with advisors and people in a variety of professions also can be extremely helpful.
Are failures the stepping-stone for success?
VINITHA
Hyderabad
A failure shows you what doesn't work. Failures tell you what you should not do.
Perceiving failure in the right perspective, gives an opportunity for regrouping and evaluation while accepting the experience as part of the journey to success.
Failures force you to be more creative. You look for new ways to succeed. Besides, they ensure that you remain down-to-earth and offer a new learning every time. If everything you did were a stunning success, the possibility of learning something new would be almost null.
It causes you to re-evaluate what's important in life. Failure is one way to reflect on the direction towards which our lives are heading. Those with an eye for success respond first by anticipating mistakes. Secondly, they accept responsibility for the mistakes committed.
Use failure as feedback mechanism in your progression toward your goals. It is sure to help you succeed.
In a job interview I was asked that how do you spend your spare time? How do I answer?
RAJA
Chennai
Hobbies (or the lack of!) can say a lot about someone! The parameter could range from your hobbies to the work you do. It is about spending quality time when you are either free or on a vacation. This determines your varied interest apart from your job. Most employers usually pose this question to determine if you use your time constructively. Do not mention pastimes, which can carry negative or boring connotations. Describe positive or interesting activities. Working in your spare time for an NGO is a good and impressive spare-time activity.
I have completed my MBA and have sent my resume to different consultancies and job sites, but am yet to receive any feedback from them. Could you please tell me what could be the probable reasons?
ANITHA
Kerala
Merely posting a resume is not sufficient. You need to follow up (either mail the person or contact) your attempt. Resumes should be posted basing on the requirements of the potential employer. Is your resume neat and professional? You need to lay emphasis on the areas, which are required for the particular job you are applying for. I hope you have not made the cardinal mistake of just sending your CV without a compelling covering letter. Have different CVs and covering letters tailored specifically to meet the needs of different posts. A well-formatted resume will clearly send the appropriate message and ensure that you receive a positive feedback.
Tips to improve language and interpersonal skills?
SHINI
Kerala
There are various ways by which you can improve your language and interpersonal skills. Sign up for language classes, where the emphasis is on the written and the spoken aspects. Make it a point to interact extensively in that language to develop fluency and master the language. Read as much as you can in the language! This will not only improve your vocabulary also expose you to various usages of the language.
Personality development and communication courses often help one refine their social and interpersonal communication skills and etiquette. Attend a course and diligently apply what you've been taught - that's the only way to polish your skills. Take up opportunities that require you to interact with people on a wider scale.
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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