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Don’t let experience be a stumbling block
This is a dilemma most graduates face after their exam results- even after a few months they are either jobless or into a low scale job or something unrelated to their subject. On enquiry, they say that it is because the industry requires people with experience, which they lack. But lack of experience need not be a setback as some have made it without any experience to their credit.
Experience can be just another credential the companies expect you to possess. However, there are many offers for fresh graduates also. Companies hire freshers to maintain a balance in the workforce in terms of age, skill sets and innovation or to have more energetic and enthusiastic people. But many freshers do not get into such companies because they lack the crucial skills to get through the recruitment process; they have no focus or knowledge of what they want. They are unaware of the true picture of the job market. They have the inability to endorse themselves or have high expectations.
To get such offers, you must have a good academic record. Do a thorough research of openings, requirements and salaries in your field. Do a realistic assessment of your knowledge and abilities. Now apply for those positions, which suit you the best. Realise the fact that the pay and position that can be offered to you might not meet your expectation.
Also, bigger companies might not be interested in freshers or the competition for the very few on-offer might be too high. Thus, while applying for jobs for the first time, your focus must be on the profile. Consider what it can add to your resume and how it helps in your career progression.
Once you have a fair idea of what you should be looking out for, the next step is to work on how to promote yourself as the suitable candidate for them. The prospects of a fresher, rests mostly on his resume and then on his performance at the interview. Thus, here are a few areas, which you can highlight in your resume to catch the selector’s eye.
• Good academic record. Emphasise those that are directly related to current position.
• Additional qualifications related to the current job.
• Training and seminars attended
• Soft skills, skills suitable for the post and attributes that match with the company’s culture.
• Part-time jobs, internships, projects taken up earlier
• Extra curricular activities
• Relevant achievements
Once you zero in on a set of suitable openings, find out about the companies and their recruitment process. Try to meet its employees to gain an insight into what is expected from potential employees.
Tailor you resume specific to each job. Brush up on your knowledge. Go through the common interview questions- both technical and non-technical, available on several websites and prepare answers for them. Update yourself with latest skills and happenings related to your field.
Take advantage of campus interviews, job sites and placement assistance services offered by institutes. Respond to calls promptly and put your best attitude forward. Once you are called for the succeeding rounds, ensure that you demonstrate your abilities well; convince the interviewer that you are interested in the job and impress upon him that you are a hard worker, enthusiastic learner and a suitable hire.
You can also apply for posts that expect experience of up to three years, provided you have the ability to prove yourself worthy in the subsequent stages of recruitment process.
Another option is to make use of your contacts to gain information on the openings and request them to give you a reference.
In the case of employee referrals, companies can compromise on experience to some extent if they find you competent enough.
Job search can sometimes take a long time. Do not lose heart and compromise. Take up some additional short-term courses to gain relevant additional knowledge and keep yourself occupied.
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NITYA SAI SOUMYA
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