Dated December 14, 2005
(Questions answered on career concerns)
What qualities do you require to work in a team?
Prasun
Chennai
If the position you are applying for requires you to spend lots of time alone, then of course, you could state that you like to work alone and vice versa. Never sound too extreme one way or another.
Do not say that you are uncomfortable with people and would "die if you had to work with others" and don't state that you "will go crazy if you are left alone for five minutes"!
A healthy balance between the two is always the best choice. If you have previous experience illustrating the fact that you can work alone or with others, then offer it.
Quote examples on how your previous job taught you to spend a significant amount of time on your own, or that you have learned how to get along well with people in the workplace by working on numerous team projects.
It is always good to have a combination of both the roles -as part of the team as well as an individual to handle crisis.
What matters most in an interview - is it the dressing, style of answering, body language or any other factor?
Kanwaljeet
Gurgaon
All these factors matter to an extent. Decide on the image that you want to convey and dress appropriately.
Even before you begin to speak, the interviewer is likely to have formed opinions about you based on the way you are dressed, your personal grooming, posture and body language.
For most corporate interviews a low-key approach to dress is usually best, as this projects a professional image and does not cause a distraction.
A brilliantly prepared interview delivered in an interesting voice will fall well short of the mark if accompanied by negative, intrusive or hostile body language.
Keep your responses as short and simple as possible, the interviewer will judge you by the way you respond to the questions he or she asks.
An overall revamping of self is essential while attending an interview. You should appear confident without being arrogant.
Give me some tips on how to improve my presentation skills.
Bhargavi
Hyderabad
Some tips for improving presentation skills:
The first and foremost thing is to know your subject. Take time in advance to prepare for the presentation (outline, writing the presentation, practising the delivery, etc).
Prepare outlines and overheads to help develop your confidence in your presentation (part of knowing your topic well).
Have your outline with you to refer to as you make the presentation and to trigger your thoughts as you speak.
In the initial stages of your preparation, seek honest feedback in a one-on-one situation. Ask colleagues for their opinion- what works well and what needs improvement.
The more important the results of your presentation are to you, the more important it is to get help in refining the presentation.
If you have an opportunity, tape your presentation (videotape is best) and ask others to critique it.
Watch yourself and learn to look for subtle body language clues to your confidence or insecurity.
When you are confident, relaxed and enthusiastic about your topic, it comes through strongly to your audience.
Always let your presentation be interactive. Because based on the participants' needs and expectations, you may wing it in.
I am well over 40 and scouting the job market for a placement. How do I compete with younger employers who (in many cases) are a bundle of energy and enthusiasm, are willing to work for less pay, and are generally technical savvy?
Ram Mohan
Kottayam
In order to be in the job market you need to develop a strong mental attitude to compete and win as a serious contender.
To accomplish this, you need to mentally focus on the positive attributes of your age and experience.
Think of what you can offer an employer as a "more mature" candidate: sound decision-making skills, experience in relating to a wide variety of people, broader perspectives on life, and mature judgment on business matters.
Rather than being on the defensive with regard to your age, use it as an offensive strategy.
Think of how age has given you valuable life and work experiences that contribute to your becoming a seasoned professional who has "been around the block a few times" and knows how to handle difficult people and challenges in the workplace.
That is something to take pride in. Maintaining that mind set, you will be better equipped to compete, and win, in the job-search arena.
In practical terms, during an interview mention specific instances in which you have made valuable contributions to the success of a company, offered solutions to vexing problems, trained others to perform at peak productivity, and so on.
What are the career prospects for nursing professionals?
Shirley
Trivandrum
With the advancement in medical science, there has been a constant improvement in the nursing education standards.
And as the number of hospitals, nursing homes, private clinics, sanatoriums etc. are increasing day by day, professionally trained and qualified nurses are very much in demand, creating ample scope in this profession
The demand for skilled, qualified nurses has increased.
Employment opportunities in this profession are available in government and private hospitals, nursing homes, sanatoriums, clinics, crèches, schools, offices, factories, orphanages, old age homes, etc.
The FAQ column deals with career concerns addressed to the C&K Management Ltd. P.O. Box 2178, Secunderabad 500003 or emailed to faqs@cnkonline.com
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