Dated 14th Jan 2004
How do you answer the question- `What is it like to work in a group? What qualities do you require to work in a team?'
NANJAPPA
Karnataka
Working in a group requires one to possess or acquire good interpersonal and communication skills. Working within a team requires one to stretch oneself beyond one's limitations and make a conscious choice to be a part of the work group. One must be willing to share information, be communicative and an active participant. Cooperation and coordination are also necessary to help the team evolve as a complete unit.
But in relation to answering the question when asked during a job interview, you must consider and devise a suitable situational response. If the position you are applying for, requires you to spend lots of time alone, then of course, you should state that you like to work alone and vice versa. Never sound too extreme one way or another. Don't say that you hate people and would "die if you had to work with others" and don't state that you "will go crazy if you're 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 roles as a part of the team as well as an individual to handle crisis.
I want to pursue a career in biotechnology and would like to know the future prospects of the subject.
PALLAVI
Via e-mail
Apart from the private sector, biotechnologists can also work for government institutes and organisations. A number of agriculture, dairy and horticulture institutes employ biotechnologists. Most biotechnologists are employed in research and development, and in other departments of institutions and industries involved in biotechnological work. They work extensively in the production departments of industries. For production jobs, postgraduate students from the engineering stream are given preference. Opportunities are plenty in the food processing, chemical and textile industry.
Some industries employ biotechnologists in their marketing divisions to develop business in sectors where their products would be required. They also help to identify biotechnological development opportunities in India and abroad. Environmental biotechnology is a popular option. The pharmaceutical industry is another major employer. Pharmaceutical biotechnologists, microbiologists, molecular biologists and biochemists are some of the top earners now.
While government labs are also constantly on the lookout for biotechnologists, the private sector employs biotechnologists in both technical and managerial positions. For those academically inclined, there are possibilities for doctoral studies at various institutes abroad. The phenomenal growth of biotechnology has led to the creation of paying opportunities.
What is the job profile of, and what are the career prospects for multimedia developers?
MARIA
Kerala
Creativity is an essential criterion for multimedia developers. They should have the ability to take responsibilities as well as the ability to work with team members. Excellent organisational skills are an added asset. Multimedia Developers can expect to find careers as trainers in corporations and public service agencies, as instructional multimedia designers and producers, as specialists in instructional computing and software design, and as computer-resource teachers.
In addition, Multimedia Instructional Designers may be involved in the design and production of informational CD-ROMs, which are educational titles and reference material such as encyclopedias where information is presented in an easy-to-understand manner. They also design games that vary from "shoot everything that moves" arcade-style material to educational games which hide learning behind fun, and web sites that vary in content and intent as much as traditional CD products.
Career opportunities for multimedia developers continue to grow along with the concurrent advances in multimedia and communications technologies. There have increased the number of opportunities in schools, colleges, universities and other training programmes that have embraced the potential for multimedia enhancement of learning materials. The same is true for corporations that are using multimedia technologies to create training programs to enhance the skills of their workforce.
What matters the most in an interview - is it the dressing, response style, body language or any other factor?
REVANSIDDAYYA
Gulbarga
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 dressing is usually best, as this projects a professional image and does not cause a distraction.
Body language is an important part of any communication. The interviewer will analyse your body language; even if they are unaware of this at the conscious level.
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 curt 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 the interview. You should be confident and sure of what is required of that position.
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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