Dated October 6, 2004
This year, I would be completing my M Sc (Microbiology). What are the career prospects for microbiologists?
Aradhana Hans,
Mysore
Basically, research and technical posts in universities are popular, but many choose to embark on a career in industry. Popular industrial segments that hire microbiologists are: biotechnology firms, pharmaceutical companies and establishments engaged in food, drinks and brewing and the water industry. Most of the graduates work in medically related fields in the health service sector and medical research establishments as clinical trial managers. The degree also enables graduates to obtain employment in non-microbiological jobs.
Shortly, I am going to attend an interview. Please explain how to handle questions concerning academics?
Lalitha Chittaranjan
Kazipet
Denounce academics as being 'too theoretical' and 'irrelevant.' Or appreciate the valuable conceptual development that academics provided you.
If forced to choose one of the two, choose the one that is most apt for the interview and what the interviewer wishes to hear. In asking such a question, the interviewer would seek to:
Know whether the job interview candidate is serious about tasks that he takes on
Assess whether the job interview candidate really learned anything
Use the interview to investigate whether the job interview candidate has an intellectual bent of mind
A good answer would create a framework of what one actually learnt. This would include the functional, practical and personal growth that occurred because of academics.
In a recent interview one of my friends was asked: What is your biggest weakness? How should one respond to this question?
Aravind K Rao
Trichy
In a job interview, the objective is to impress the interviewer with your skills, dedication and angelic disposition. Most people are understandably reluctant to blurt out their vices in an interview. If you say you have no weakness, you come off looking arrogant. If you use humour here, you may appear too superficial. Use a weakness that can otherwise be seen as strength.
There are essentially three alternative ways of handling "weakness" question: By being phoney, with humour or with brutal honesty. Whichever method you choose, there is no guarantee that your response will satisfy the interviewer.
One way of using weakness to your advantage is by talking of perfectionism. "My weakness is that I am never satisfied until all my work is done efficiently and flawlessly."
A good example could be: "I have difficulty working with people who don't pull their weight. I set high standards for my work and I expect others to have high standards too." Also, supply a solution or a way in which you are dealing with your weakness. The best way to handle this question is to minimise the trait and emphasise the positive. Select a trait and come up with a solution to overcome your weakness. Stay away from personal qualities and concentrate more on professional traits.
I have received a call from a reputed company and I am keen not to lose the chance. Give some tips to come out with flying colours in an interview?
Nisha M,
Hyderabad
Smile, immediately offer a firm handshake and introduce yourself. Be sincere and avoid informal greetings. Take the polite, conservative route.
Read the mood. If the interviewer is formal, then probably you too should be so. If the interviewer is casual, then follow along while remaining courteous and professional. Wait to be told to take a seat or ask if you may, then say thank you. This shows good manners.
If it's possible without making a commotion, scoot your chair a little closer to the interviewer's desk. This shows interest and confidence.
Sit with good posture. If you don't know what to do with your hands, keep them folded in your lap. This is another indication of good manners. Avoid crossing your arms over your chest, as it subliminally demonstrates a closed mind to some.
Maintain eye contact with the interviewer. Avoid staring or you might make the interviewer uncomfortable, but don't look away too often either. To some, failure to maintain a comfortable level of eye contact indicates that you are lying, reaching for answers or are lacking in confidence.
Don't eat, drink, chew gum or smoke, or even ask if it's okay.
It's okay to ask questions to better answer the questions the interviewer asks you. But, withhold the bulk of your questions until the interviewer asks if you have any, which is typically toward the end of the interview. Avoid asking the frivolous ones just because interviewers expect you to have questions. Instead, ask about important matters, such as job duties, management style and the financial health of the company.
Ask about matters of lesser importance during follow-up interviews. Typically, you'll negotiate salary, benefits, perks and such in a follow-up interview. Nevertheless, don't bring it up until asked; yet be ready to discuss it at anytime.
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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