Dated 04th Feb 2004
How does one answer a question such as this - `Would you choose the same career if you were to start over again?'
GITANJALI
Via email
How you answer this question depends on whether or not you are trying to win a job related to your chosen field, or are trying to enter a new field.
No matter how much you despise the career you originally chose, do not admit this fact to the interviewer because it tells him you consider your work to be drudge.
If you are trying to enter a new field, of course, tell the interviewer that you would choose a field you're now trying to enter if you had it to do all over again -- that's why you're trying to gain an entry into it now.
What is meant by a Health, Safety and Environmental Professional (HSE)? How are the opportunities for these professionals?
RAMAKRISHNA
Hyderabad
It is the assessment and management of environmental influences on human health. This entails the study of food safety and hygiene (including production, distribution and fitness for human consumption), occupational health and safety (including investigation and control of work-related ill health), communicable disease (including investigation and control), the built environment (including homes, workplaces and public spaces) and environmental protection (including the control of the air, land and water pollution).
Many graduates work as Environmental Protection Officers (EPOs) working for Environment Protection Agencies. Graduates take up positions as health and safety executives, and so on with the food manufacturing industry, public water utilities, waste management sector, housing associations and environmental consultancies.
There is increasing recognition by employers in the private sector that graduates in Environmental Health have highly transferable skills, and are often in a position to advise them of their legal duties in a range of fields including environmental protection, food safety, health and safety, and waste management.
Give us some tips on how to select a good business school?
CHANDRA KIRAN
Bangalore
While all business schools cover similar curriculums, there is one aspect they are all unique in - their culture. The faculty of the school, its alumni, its past traditions, determines the culture of a school and the values for which it stands, and to quite an extent the direction that the present Dean wants to give to the programme. In terms of recruitment, schools enroll students based on an applicant's ability to fit into the existing culture. Some schools prefer applicants with excellent interpersonal skills while others prefer strong leadership abilities or ability to work in teams. You need to read published interviews with the school's faculty and admissions committee members, meet the alumni and visit the campus to get an idea of what the school looks for in its applicants.
Only once you are sure that you have what the school wants should you go ahead applying to that school. While writing essays for the school, do emphasise aspects of your personality that you believe help you fit into their culture.
After all, you will be doing yourself a favor by making it easy for the school to select you.
Please give tips on how to conduct an effective interview?
SUCHITA
Hyderabad
Every company has its own ideas on interviewing, and the level of skill and experience of interviewers can vary dramatically - but there is a lot you can do to improve your chances of getting the job you really want.
A typical recruitment process consists of two interviews, which may be conducted on a one-to-one basis with the prospective manager or personnel manager, or may even be run by a small panel.
Most companies use the first interview to draw up a shortlist and invite the chosen candidates back for a final interview. Some organisations prefer tests as a benchmark, often reserved for the second stage, which can be psychometric (personality), aptitude (ability) or job specific (eg to test a candidate's technical ability for an IT job).
The interviewer needs to have a very clear picture of his/her requirements in terms of both skills and personal qualities.
A good interviewer can spot when someone is uncomfortable or being deliberately evasive by paying attention to a candidate's body language, the vocabulary chosen, eye contact and tone of voice.
Give some tips on how to survive a layoff?
RANJEET
Delhi
Don't let anything upset your schedule. Adhere to a regular schedule, as you normally would. Don't let the layoff set you back or upset you.
Bounce back by trying to vigorously job hunt for another opening. Keep yourself active and updated. Leave no room for regrets. Treat the event as a milestone, as something for you to learn from. Perhaps you need to update your skills, your qualifications, and simply your attitude and approach to life.
Reconsider your long-held expectations. Just because you always imagined life would play out a certain way doesn't mean that's the way it should be. It's ok to allow plans to change, schedules to be revised, or new goals to enter the picture.
Stay open to different possibilities. You might find that a temporary job or volunteer work can get you an opening in a good company.
Take care of your health. Eat right, get plenty of exercise, and make sure you get enough sleep.
Poor diet and lack of exercise can increase chances of depression.
Keep your selfpreoccupied; learn to empty your mind instead of brooding over the layoff.
Take daily walks, meditate and write.
Creative solutions often arise from a calm and quiet mind.
What are the job opportunities for physiotherapist and who do they work best with?
SIDDHARTH
Chennai
Physiotherapists work in a wide variety of areas ranging from hospitals (including outpatient departments, intensive care units, medical, surgical and orthopaedic wards) to sports clubs. Rehabilitation centres, nursing homes and so on. Chartered physiotherapists have good career prospects. They can go on to become:
Clinical specialists, researchers, teachers or private practitioners.
After graduation, the physiotherapist can work in several settings such as a private practices, hospital and health care institutes.
Physiotherapists work with people of all ages with a wide range of problems e.g. children with cerebral palsy, elderly patients with poor mobility, employees in large companies with repetitive strain injuries, patients of all ages in their own homes - giving treatment, and advice and so on.
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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