Dated 31th Jul. 2002

I'm working as a software engineer. However, recently I received a regret letter of the company's closure. Now I'm in a dilemma, do I start looking for another job or continue my education further? Please guide me as to what I should be doing next.

Rajiv

Bangalore

Since jobs for software professionals are becoming fewer and far between, you could consider securing your present situation by taking up any good offer that comes by your way. Pursuing MBA through correspondence would be a good idea in your situation. If it's M.Tech that you're planning to do, then you'll have to choose between a job and a full time course.

I'm a chemical engineer and it's been a year since I have been unemployed. Please suggest what I should do to get a good job.

Pankaj Verma

Via e-mail

With the job market down the way it is right now, most engineers are finding it hard to land good jobs. To better your chances, register yourself with a placement agency. You can also personally go and drop in your CV with companies that need chemical engineers. You can try your luck to get to defence establishments and atomic power plants, or work as a consultant offering specialised consultancy services.

I have applied for jobs in several companies without much luck. What

could be the reason for the rejection?

K.Gurusrinivas

Via e-mail

A candidate is often rejected for several reasons. It may be due to poor communication or language skills, lack of depth, poor etiquette and so on. Therefore, check where you are going wrong. List all the commonquestions from the interviews you have attended till date and check if your responses to them have been lacking in some way. Work on areas where you find some lacunae. Seek assistance from friends or career counsellors on improving your presentation skills. See if your resume needs to be worked on.

I am an engineering graduate. Despite numerous attempts, I have been unable to get a positive reply during interviews or when I apply for jobs. What are the steps to be taken so that I am successful?

Murali

Jodhpur

One probable reason for failure in job interviews could be that many job seekers fail to inform potential employers of key facts about themselves, their strengths and skills. Therefore ensure that you draft good resume. Try methods that could generate leads, and then follow up every lead until you get either the interview or another lead. Call people and companies you've always wanted to work for. Ask an executive for an "information interview" to obtain information about the firm and the industry. Implementing a diversified approach can give you added confidence of how to go about finding a job.

The FAQ column addresses questions regarding career concerns sent to C&K Management Ltd, PO Box NO. 2178, Secunderabad-500003, or emailed to faqs@cxknetworks.com