Dated June 07, 2006
(Questions answered on career concerns)
In a recent interview I was asked, `What sort of decisions are most difficult for you?' Without knowing the context, I found it difficult to answer the question. What should have I said?
Rajesh Kumar
Via mail
The interviewer wants assurance that you are not indecisive over important issues. A good answer is to mention that you have difficulty making a decision where there is insufficient knowledge or information and that you try to avoid such a situation by trying to remain informed. Try to imagine what sort of decisions would need to be made in the new role, and steer clear of mentioning any of those as 'difficult'.
Your answer must not reflect any weakness. Try to focus on decisions that have to be made without sufficient information. This will show your positive side. For example: "I like to make decisions based on sufficient information and with alternatives." Mention also that when you need to make quick decisions, you have to rely on 'gut feeling' and experience."
I have received an interview call from a reputed company and I want to clear it at any cost. Can you give me some tips on how to come out with flying colours in an interview?
Bithika
Cuttack
As soon as you enter the room smile, offer a firm handshake and introduce yourself. Be sincere and avoid informal greetings. Take the polite, conservative route.
Read the mood. If the interviewer is formal, then probably you too should be so. If the interviewer is casual, then follow along while remaining courteous and professional. Wait to be told to take a seat or ask if you may, then say thank you. This shows good manners.
If it's possible without making a commotion, scoot your chair a little closer to the interviewer's desk. This shows interest and confidence.
Sit with good posture. If you don't know what to do with your hands, keep them folded in your lap. This is another indication of good manners. Avoid crossing your arms over your chest, as it subliminally demonstrates a closed mind to some.
Maintain eye contact with the interviewer. Avoid staring or you might make the interviewer uncomfortable, but don't look away too often either. To some, failure to maintain a comfortable level of eye contact indicates that you are lying, searching for answers or are lacking in confidence.
It's okay to ask questions to answer the questions better, which the interviewer asks you. But, withhold the major part of your questions until the interviewer asks if you have any, which is typically toward the end of the interview. Avoid asking frivolous ones just because they expect you to have questions. Instead, ask about important matters, such as job duties, management style and the financial health of the company.
Ask about matters of lesser importance during follow-up interviews. Typically, you'll negotiate salary, benefits, perks and such in a follow-up interview. Nevertheless, don't bring it up until asked; yet be ready to discuss it.
What are the job opportunities one can expect for courses such as B.Pharm and industrial pharmacy?
Sashivardhan
Chennai
The field of industrial pharmacy has diversified a great deal and offers a wide range of career options both in large, innovative pharmaceutical companies and smaller support organisations.
With a degree in industrial pharmacy you should be able to gain employment in the industry or a hospital. Such jobs depend upon the nature of an individual company's business and would typically be in pharmaceutical development functions, such as formulation design, commercial or clinical trial manufacture and supply.
Many pharmacists use their industrial knowledge and experience to move to secondary level jobs away from pharmaceutical development, for eg. regulatory affairs, clinical research, commercial manufacturing/quality assurance or medical sales, marketing or information.
What are the career prospects for dairy technologists?
Anchal Sinha
Delhi
Responsibilities of dairy technologists/engineers includes setting up and maintenance of dairy plants and related activities; managing, marketing and sales of milk and dairy products and dealing with the industry's requirements. It also includes developing methods for processing, packaging, storage, transport and distribution of products and also improving production of milk and other dairy products.
Openings for dairy technologists exists with co-operatives and federations in equipment design and fabrication and plant design in the public sector or in private sector companies that manufacture and market milk products.
A large number of dairy technologists also consider establishing their own production or processing units or work as consultants in research and development in the dairy industry.
I am a short-tempered girl and the slightest discomfort makes me lose my cool. How can I learn to be more composed?
Deepti
Hyderabad
The best way to control your temper is to practise anger management. Think positive every time you feel your hackles rise, adopt a few relaxation and breathing techniques to keep your temper under check.
Re-channelise your energies whenever you feel you are about to give in to your anger. Anger is a natural reaction that often needs to be expressed.
The essence is to communicate well, to express concerns and feelings at a level where they can be considered calmly, and to address problems so they lead to solutions or compromises in an atmosphere of good will. Rather than reacting blindly to situations, listen calmly to what the other person is saying and state your opinions in an unfazed and respectful manner.
[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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