Dated April 28, 2004
Describe a challenging work issue you have faced, and how you dealt with it?
RAVI KUMAR
Hyderabad
First of all, consider the requirements of the `new' job/organisation and find something from your previous work experience that highlights a skill, experience or situation that might be needed going forward. It is always a good idea to make a list while preparing for an interview: Have the necessary grounding for the new job. Explain what additional value you can add to the new job. Support your claim with sufficient proof/examples.
Quote instances when you worked to meet tough deadlines, how you managed yourself and others; dealt with a difficult client; or, if you were a Manager, describe how you dealt with an under performing employee. As such questions try to gauge how you perform in challenging situations, avoid using language such as stressful, anxious, tension, etc. Focus on teamwork, customer service and meeting expectations of clients, colleagues and superiors.
To substantiate your claims, list out (for yourself) examples of when you used a particular skill, exhibited the characteristic or handled the problem, etc. This will not only give you `short stories' to relate in an interview, but will also bolster your confidence and channel your job search.
How does one choose a career, especially freshers who are unable to decide their area of interest? How do they find out their line of interest?
VIJETHA
Kerala
Good career decisions have to be based not just on your aptitude, but also on your "deep" interests. The most common mistake people make while choosing careers is to do something because they're "good at it". It's a story that we all hear at some point of time. Someone says, "I'm an engineer, but I don't like being one." Asked, "Then why did you become an engineer in the first place?" the answer invariably would be: "I was good at science and maths, so people told me I should become an engineer." Ask the person whether he liked engineering, he would say, "No, but it was easy."
The real question is, where does your interest lie? Think of your interest as the most important thing in your career. Once you know the area of your interest, you can express it in a number of ways. You may have aptitude for science and maths for instance, but without a deep interest to express that aptitude, you'll fail. Once you realise that your interest plays a key role in job satisfaction, the next step is to get in touch with your interest patterns and connect them with the activities involved in the execution of your job. Human interests do not get concretised till they reach a certain point in life. It is easier to measure and describe them at that point. We all develop a unique pattern of interests. And this pattern remains virtually constant over a long period of time. If you clearly understand your interests and think about how they can be expressed in specific business situations, you'll have the elements of a good career decision at your disposal.
What are the career prospects for communication graduates?
PADMINI
Tirupati
Most Communication graduates find jobs in the media organisations. They can also "cross over" to other directly related fields. They can also get employment in industries that require analytical ability and communication skills.
Communication graduates can land any of the following jobs based on their interest:
In the corporate world, they can become Corporate communication professionals; communication policy analysts; and communication training coordinators.
In the field of filmmaking, they can aspire to be scriptwriters; production assistants, assistant directors; and producers.
In the new economy, they can join as computer animators, web and interactive multi-media designers.
In the media, they can join as Reporters for newspapers, magazines, TV channels or radio stations, as news anchors, producers, etc.
In advertising agencies, they can become Graphic designers, art directors, creative directors, copy writers, account executives, public relations officers, media planners, researchers, etc.
In government establishments, they can join as executive officers, immigration officers, teachers, police inspectors, as assistants to legislative councillors, as administrators for welfare agencies, and as executives or executive trainees in many business organisations.
In an interview, if I am asked why I left my previous job what should be my reply?
SRIVIDYUT
Chennai
By posing such question, the interviewer tries to assess the potential problems, which you faced in the previous job that you may bring with you. The best way to deal with this question is to always cite reasons such as career progression, quality of life, reward package, etc. and link these to positive aspects of the job you are being interviewed for.
NEVER launch into a tirade about how much you hate your previous company, what a total fool you thought your boss was and so on. Always be positive, as this projects a more confident and positive image.
How do you handle the question on mobility?
SRINIVAS
Vizag
There can be a couple of reasons for asking such a question. The job may involve a lot of travel. If so, it should have been made clear in the job advertisement or the details you receive. If it wasn't, now is the time to establish the facts, and the expectations of the employer. If regular travel is a problem for you, say so - there's no point in getting the job and then being unhappy.
Another reason for asking this could be to assess your attitude to flexibility in working practices. Again, be honest about your own requirements and expectations. This is the time to make sure that everyone is happy with the proposed working relationship - and to open negotiations on any areas that need to be discussed further.
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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