Ria Singh
Via email
In order to avoid communication gaps especially at the workplace, remember some of these ground rules:
Focus on what you know. Describe your own feelings rather than evaluating others. Express yourself and your views, rather than making assumptions about other people or situations.
Try not to take everything personally, and similarly, express your own needs and opinions in terms of the job at hand. Be genuine rather than manipulative. Be honest with yourself, and focus on working well with the people around you, and acting with integrity.
Allow for other points of view, and be open to other ways of doing things. Diversity brings creativity and innovation.
Value yourself and your own experiences. Be firm about your own rights and needs. Undervaluing yourself encourages others to do the same. Respond to others in ways that acknowledge their experiences. Thank them for their inputs. Confirm their right to their feelings, even if you disagree. Ask questions, express positive feelings; and provide positive feedback when you can.
Be consistent between verbal and non-verbal cues. Non-verbal cues tend to be more convincing than verbal messages.
What is your weakness? How do you respond to such a question in an interview?
Rajiv Kapoor
Bhopal
Generally we know our strengths and are comfortable expressing them. Ideally, the strengths you express should relate to the responsibilities of the job.
Describing a weakness is harder. There's a concern that one might damage oneself in the process. Whatever you do, don't try to turn a weakness into strength. Example: "I work too hard." Interviewers will see right through this ploy. Besides, we all have weaknesses. If you can't express a weakness at the interview, interviewers may wonder if you'll be receptive to constructive criticism in the future.
Pick a weakness that is technical in nature and that can be fixed by training. Example: "I would like to improve my computer skills in Excel." Do not pick a weakness that relates to your personality or character. Example: "Sometimes I get impatient with people." Character flaws are generally perceived as unfixable.
Could you give me some tips for writing a cover letter?
Akash
Via email
When writing your cover letter keep in mind that it should be brief and to the point. The purpose of the cover letter should demonstrate that you meet or exceed the requirements listed in the job description. It should indicate that you're interested in the position, and that you are available to accept the position if offered.
When writing the cover letter, avoid negatives. A cover letter is not the place to explain why you left or are leaving an employer, why there are gaps in your employment dates, etc. These "negatives" are best delivered in person during the interview so that your personality can counter them.
Try to avoid a salary history in the cover letter. Even if the position specifically asks for your salary history, providing this information may work against you. If the job ad specifically says that applications without a salary history will not be considered, give a salary range, and state that your salary requirements are flexible based on the opportunity the position will provide.
Your cover letter is not a summary of your resume; instead, it is an introduction of yourself and an argument for being the best candidate for their company and the specific position. Try and avoid writing a generic cover letter
Personalise your cover letter if possible. Your cover letter should be addressed to a specific person - avoid the "Dear Sir or Madam". Standardised letters insult the reviewer's intelligence and indicate that you, the writer, are broadcasting his/her resume to every employer in the area. It also indicates that you have not made an effort to learn more about the company. Generic cover letters can lead to failure. Even if you do not know the name of the recipient, you usually can find a contact name at the company, go to their company website, and search the "about us" pages for names of individuals to address your cover letter and resume to.
[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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