Dated 20th Oct 2004
I am on the threshold of entering this competitive corporate world. How do I choose an interesting career?
Krishna Mohan
Powaii
Find out what you're passionate about. If you can't, take time to do a thorough self-assessment. This doesn't have to be elaborate, just sincere.
Knowing yourself and what trips your humour trigger will produce the key to unlock your future. Look at what it is when doing it you lose track of time, and concentrate on what skills you're using. These are the ones you're born to use.
Create a vocation. Explore occupational titles and descriptions. If you have difficulty integrating your passion with an existing career, invent one. The key here is to be true to yourself.
Network to find people who will support you. Contact would-be mentors who are enjoying similar vocations and let them know your plans.
Be open to their suggestions. The assistance you gain will take you a long way toward your goal.
Avoid excuses and ignore negative feedback. This may well be the most difficult task in your quest to do what you love. Making excuses for not pursuing your desire and listening to negative feedback from others will have you second-guessing your choice.
Work persistently until you get there. Stay focused and ready to take on whatever is necessary to survive in your vocation of choice.
This may mean securing an internship, enrolling in graduate school, learning a new skill or developing a talent. If you're working toward what you love, it will be fun and well worth it.
When you're having fun for a living, share your story with others. This may seem trivial, but it's an important way to maintain fulfilment. Don't brag, inspire. You'll be enthusiastic, energetic and thrilled about what you're doing on a daily basis. People will notice and inevitably have questions for you.
Be open to sharing your experience. Be willing to serve as a mentor to someone. And, remember to thank those who have encouraged you along the way.
<137>What kind of experience do you have that benefits this particular job? I hope this is not a stock interview question. What should my answer be?
Asim Ahmed
Gwalior
The question offers you a golden opportunity to sell yourself, as the interviewer is on the lookout for an individual who is a problem solver and can 'hit the ground running'. The answer to this question lies in understanding the role when it is first described to you and taking the trouble to ask lots of questions about tasks involved. This opens the door for you to respond with suitable skills and experience showing you could accept the role with confidence. In effect, they are really assessing, 'how much training and instruction we would have to give you before handing over this project to you?'
Do you make your opinions known when you disagree with your supervisor? Please clarify what the question means and how should one answer the same.
Sanjay Shinde
Rajkot
This is a sticky question. If you have successfully dealt with a situation like this previously where the process and outcome was very satisfactory to both parties, then mention these as examples. Try to show that you're a mature individual with the confidence and intelligence to approach your supervisor in private to discuss your objections in a constructive, calm manner.
I am planning to leave my present job. What should my answer be if the interviewer asks why I want to switch my job?
Rajeev Bhat
Gulbarga
When asked, "If presently employed, why do you wish to change positions," the reason could be, `I am changing positions because the company I am applying to is quite an established firm.' These are common questions in interviews, so it is important to have a good answer. If presently employed, state a valid reason such as career progression, or a desire to explore new avenues.
Use your research to put forth several points about the company that you feel will be a great match and suit your particular skills and experiences. Emphasise the fact that this opportunity to work for them is just what you have been looking for because.... and then explain the several ways you can add value to the organisation.
Remember, when asked why you left, do not downgrade in any manner your previous/current employer. Leave the interviewer with the feeling that you have only been associated with winners! Do not go into the 'I can retire from this job' aspect; it can have negative connotations. Present yourself as a vital, enthusiastic employee that can offer experience to the organisation...for many years to come.
If appropriate, point out that you are not just 'looking around' but are sincerely interested in working for this particular company and that you are not a 'job-hopper' but are interested in a long-term career move.
To begin with, I wanted to have a great career and have not set any goals; which is why I remained tongue-tied when asked, `What are your career goals?' How should I define them?
Supriya K
Hyderabad
A career goal helps you focus on what you want to do for a living. It can be a specific job you want to do -- such as doctor or teacher. A career goal can be a particular field you want to be in, such as medicine or education.
Rather than limiting your future, a career goal may help you discover career possibilities that you wouldn't have thought of otherwise. There are several job possibilities within a chosen career. For instance, if you choose medicine as career, you may want to be a scientist, a para-medic or a doctor.
A career goal will also guide you into doing what you want with your life -- rather than just drifting along.
Generally, a career goal is based on your skills and interests, career possibilities and job trends.
Once you choose a career, think strategically about the steps to accomplish your goal. Understanding and accomplishing your career goal will be a lot easier if you create a career plan.
A career plan determines your skills and interests, what career best suits your talents, and what skills and training you need for your chosen career.
Most of the time, employers look for people who stay in the job for a while. Therefore, career goals of returning to school, starting your own business or moving to a different location will not be appropriate. They are checking to see if you are really interested in the job or considering the job you have applied for as a stopgap arrangement. If your career goals fit with those of the company, then your chances for getting hired increase.
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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