HR Archives - Page 6 of 7 - United HR For Recruitment And Placement For Africa, India And Abroad

Professional Lessons to learn from Diwali Festivities

As many of us know, Diwali is not just about a day. The festivities and the rituals begin right from Dhanteras, and go on for days till Bhai Dooj.

Now, here are some professional lessons to be learnt from the five days. Don’t worry, we are not asking you to work during the holiday season, but the following lessons can always be implemented after you come refreshed from a Diwali break.

Dhanteras:

This day, the thirteenth day of the dark fortnight of the month Kartik, is associated with cleansing and purchasing.

The day gives us lessons about the importance of getting rid of chaos and old clutter , and thus make space for order, novelty and freshness.

In the office space, it is similarly necessary to get rid of old, obsolete technology, and be up to date with the emerging trends. Plus, it is a great idea to keep the work station clean, tidy and ordered. There is known to be a positive correlation between work efficiency and a well-lit, hygienic, peaceful work environment with minimal disturbances.

Chhoti Diwali:

The fourteenth day of the fortnight is associated with preparation of sweets using various ingredients like flour, semolina, dry fruits, milk solids, etc.

Remember how the various sweets are not simply “sweet”, but the taste of the main ingredient always lingers? Be it milk, cashews, almonds, pistachios, there is an instant recognition.

It would do us good if we keep this in mind: it is necessary to retain one’s essence to gain recognition.

For example, an HR manager of any company, would much prefer a candidate who is honest and transparent as opposed to someone who is showy (flamboyant) and ingratiating.

Sooner or later, the inner qualities of that candidate would be recognised, like the main ingredient of the “sweet.”

Diwali:

Here comes the festival of lights! There is sound, there is colour, there are feasts, there are Pujas performed, there is celebration everywhere! The young people visit and take blessing from the elders. Oh, and there are diyas, rangolis!

In the professional lingo, this teaches us the importance of good networking, bonding, the importance of mentors. It tells a lot about the power of one small diya. About the power of one single colour to add that missing touch in a rangoli. Sometimes, a rangoli remains incomplete without that one colour. Team work is the Key.

A line of diyas has the capability to light up an entire place. Collaboration, not competition is the way to go.

Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj:

Govardhan Puja is celebrated to mark the feat of Shri Krishna when he lifted up a mountain to save cowherds and farmers from incessant rains. Some regions celebrate this day as a New Year, and some as the Annakut, literally mountain of sweets. Some celebrate the bond between husband and wife.

Bhai Dooj celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters, here, the sister acting as a protector of the brother.

Anyhow, the two days teach us a lot about the importance of being supportive to our colleagues, especially in the time of crisis.

Taking responsibility, having empathy, handling interpersonal relationships effectively are some of the lessons we can take with us. It tells us about the importance to have Emotional Intelligence. In short, the importance of taking leadership in little things.

Emotional Intelligence could be used in handling meetings, negative feedback or appraisal, client relations, empowering your colleagues, etc.

Diwali festivities not only give us good times, but good lessons which could be applied in a professional setting.

Delving into meanings of festivals and traditions, could help us a great deal to understand the values and their timelessness.

Happy Diwali!

Recruitment Story: Sleeping, Smelling, Dreaming Generators

Some of us would be familiar with our parents and grandparents telling us stories about the struggles they had to go through when they were younger. Anecdotes about walking long distances to go to school, when all we have to worry about now is whether we will be able to catch the bus on time. About how one had to actually spend hours in the library to look for one tiny snippet of information, when all we have to do is one Google search.

Looking at these incidents with humour is all very well, but the thing is, all of this is true. We have to admit that our parents and grandparents did some pioneering acts which might daunt us if we think about it now.

Here we present one such story about our initial years.

Flashback to almost thirty years back. The India we know today was different then. The world as we know now was different then.

There was a requirement of an “Operator” for an 11,000 kva, 40 feet tall generator at a Textile mill in Nigeria.

The only brief given was the person should:

“Sleep with Generator

Smell of Generator and

Dream Generator.”

What?

This was no era of KRAs.

This was no era of specifications of degrees or specialisations.

This was no era of interconnected email networks which now ensure that there is an almost instant spotting and filtering of potential candidates. Headhunting was the only way.

Add to the mix, although generators were a norm in industries in India as well as Nigeria and electricity not as widespread as it is now, a machine this big was still a rarity.

How would one cope with a “Brief” like this in the present day?

It was the brief where we had to understand that there was a need of someone who knew all about dismantling and assembling generators like the back of his hand.

They needed someone who could work hands on with a generator. Or more specifically work hands on with an 11,000 kva, 40 feet tall generator.

We found the perfect candidate for this position. Yes, with no KRAs and just this brief. Yes, in that era.

This was all done, under the able guidance of our CEO, Dr.O.P Pahuja, who is a hands on Engineer himself. This tells us so much about his visionary nature.

This recruitment story is of the time when industriousness, problem-solving skills, perseverance, awareness, risk-taking, courage were the qualities that were necessities. They were needed to thrive and keep companies running successfully.

This recruitment story is a testimonial to the pioneering and industrious nature of Team United HR. It aligns perfectly with one of our mission statements: “Putting right People in Right Places”

Lives Of Happy Candidates: Mr. Nagaraja K R

A good environment is a prerequisite to personal and professional growth. Be it the workplace, the city/town one lives in, or the kind of work one does, it is necessary that they all contribute to the well-being and success of the individual. We make sure that our candidates get such an experience that helps them look beyond the preconceived prejudices and biases about places and people.

We, at United HR Solutions make sure that our candidates get the best opportunities possible, which help them realise their potentials, and which help them strike a perfect balance of personal and professional life. Success, after all, should be wholesome.

Unfortunately, Africa as a continent has a very peculiar image in the minds of many. The things mentioned above like well-being, safety, growth are not the things generally associated with the place because of half-baked information one might have come across, hearsay, reliance on limited sources or simply because of an unwillingness to look beyond certain stereotypes. Success on a corporate level is an even more unthinkable possibility for many.

We have a different story to tell.

Our successful and happy candidate, Mr. Nagaraja K R has a different story to tell (and show).

He tells us about his experience in Tanga, a port-city in Tanzania where he works at Neelkanth Lime Ltd. :

“Under guidance of our Managing Director, All department HOD with all teams we are able to contribute for business success and bringing investor’s vision into final business results successfully. There is 100% focus on KRA, feasibility, cost benefits, optimum resource utility, converting time to money, trying to bring positive results every day, reduce wastages, converting unutilized resource to money. The management is very supportive, and their drive for result-oriented activities, culture and values has helped in achievement of KRA/KPI/goals. Here I got more duties & responsibility, new assignments, challenging tasks, more business insights,all of which has helped me to grow from all professional angles. This working environment helps individual capability improvement & gives opportunity to bring skillset into real time practice. ”

As can be seen, the roles and responsibilities offered in Africa as a continent in general are far less rigid, and provide an opportunity for a truly professionally wholesome development. Mr. Nagaraja started as an Executive Assistant with the company. He is now a General Manager.

He further tells us about the place:

“Tanga is good place to work. Small town, peaceful. People are good in general, the city is clean. Security is good. Irrespective of time you can go outside. There is a good theatre here and all new Hindi films release along with their Indian releases. Some good hotels are available here. Indian food is also available here,be it North Indian or South Indian.

“Fruits like Cassava, Mangoes, Pineapple, Ramphal and are very cheap. Cost of living is less compared to other towns in Africa / Tanzanian city. Weather is good most of the year, and pollution is very less. The vegetation is good. There is connectivity to Dar es Salam via roadway, airway and seaway. The traffic is minimal and it takes maximum 30 minutes to commute anywhere in Tanga. ”

He shared these wonderful photographs of the place.

The quaint Tanga airport. Look at the clear blue sky!

Tanga roundabout.

The picturesque Tanga Bay [Bandari Port]

P.S : We thank Mr. Nagaraja K R for sharing his experiences with us. We also thank the city of Tanga for welcoming him with open arms.

Tips For Attending Video Interview

Gone are the days when you were required to go to the workplace for an interview. Yes, advancement in technology brings the flexibility of giving the interview at a place that is convenient to you. It could be home, cyber café, or a restaurant.

The first change was a telephonic interview, and with the rise of video conference services, there is a revolutionary change. Today, an in-person interview is scheduled by the HR and candidates to appear online.

Telephonic and video interviews are quite similar, and in most of the cases, interviewers can judge the person as effectively as they can do an in-person meeting. Hence, it is a cost-effective and efficient way of selecting suitable candidates and weeding out unfit people.

However, for many people, it is a big challenge to appear in a telephonic or video interview. They miss the in-person charisma.

Do you fall in the same category? Experts say that it is not a big deal. One can attend perfection in it by overcoming potential pitfalls. Here are some workable, simple tips to overcome the anxiety.

Here are some tips that can make you successful in the interview.

Make yourself comfortable with the equipment first

You can’t remain aloof with the equipment and technology in the modern era. When you are completely dependent on it during the interview, the first thing you should learn is how the system works?

Arranging the things well in advance and testing the functionality before the interview are good moves. Keep technical assistance ready if you are not a ‘techie’ person.

Don’t forget the Murphy Law! Always have a backup plan if something disastrous happens. An extra webcam, microphone and computer system should be kept handy if the interview is really crucial for you.

Audio and video calls take some time to set up. Therefore, you should be ready at least 15 minutes prior to the interview.

If at all you can’t continue the interview, inform the HR person about it and see if they can reschedule or reinitiate the call.

Beware of the timing

You need to be as prompt and alert in the telephonic interview as you are in the personal interaction. When the interviewer asks a question, you should not take excessive time in responding. It creates a suspicion in the mind of the interviewer. Therefore, you should be alert and conscious.

Beware of the surroundings

Would you hire a candidate who appears in the video interview in a shabby room with low lighting? Or there are pets roaming around in the background or kids screaming near the microphone?

You would not even like to continue the interview. Hence, wear the shoes of the recruiting manager and fix the background before you connect.

It is always better to have it in a separate room. Make it clean, neat and attractive. There should not be anything that is visually distracting. Keep the phone ringers off in the surrounding area.

Don’t arrange it in a restaurant or coffee shop just because the background is attractive. The place comes out to be too noisy and irritating.

Mind the aesthetics

Illumination and background color matter a lot. Don’t use a room that is too shiny or dull. Avoid casting shadows on the face. The source of light should be placed at an angle that doesn’t cause a glare on the face.

Wear a dress that suits the occasion. It is not an exaggeration, but interviewers have seen candidates appearing in nightgowns or robes. Do not wear casuals (round neck T-shirt and half pants) in any case.

Put a little bit makeup so that you don’t look oily.

See, the approach has to be formal always eve if the interview is not in person. It is always good to appear professional. Shave when you get ready and get dressed in business clothes.

You should hear each and every line carefully. Avoid repeating your statements. It gives a wrong impression.

Have a mock drill

‘Practice makes a person perfect’; the cliché holds good for telephonic or video interview as well. Rather, it is furthermore important to practice for it as there are several technical aspects also.

Some people feel awkward in front of the camera. They should do a rehearsal before the actual interview. You can practice with a friend, record the session and watch the same later. You get a fair idea about it.

In a telephonic interview, you should convey the cheerfulness and enthusiasm in your voice. Smile while you speak and see the amazing impact.

Speak clearly and softly. Keep the tone medium and beware of the modulations. Let your professionalism get reflected from your voice.

If you practice for the interview well, then it is guaranteed that you will get success. By practicing for the interview, you can get a good grip over the subject.

Don’t ever cheat

Whether it is an audio call or video call, do not use unfair means while you appear in the interview. Don’t read from a prepared script. Don’t seek help from a specialist or friend.

Unfair practices can be judged by HR experts easily. It shatters your image and creates a negative feeling about you. Even if you are the best-fit candidate from other aspects, you will not be considered for the vacancy.

Video and audio interviews are becoming increasingly common nowadays. Statistics says that six out of ten people get selected through this channel. Hence, it is furthermore important to get mastered in it. By taking a few precautions, you can achieve grand success.

Conclusion

In brief, there are six important tips that make your telephonic or video interview successful.

Keep the backup plan ready.
Practice by taking a dummy video interview with a friend.
Prepare well before the session begins.
Look professional, behave in a professional manner and talk professionally.
Dress in the proper manner.
Look at the camera and not at your screen.
Pay attention to the interviewer and do not repeat statements.
Make the surroundings suitable for the interview.

All The Best!

“Stay Connected” – Sure Way To Success

What do we mean by networking? Well, it has nothing to do with the array of computer systems connected to each other using some network protocol. It is all about connecting with other people within and beyond the organization.

In the professional world, networking is critically important if you want to reach new heights in the career.

When you want to get promoted in the same company, you have to establish a fantastic relationship with your boss, colleagues, and your team members.

If you are looking for another opportunity, then you should be in touch with your friends working in other companies or few good recruitment firms.

Statistics says that those who build an excellent network in the professional world grab good jobs than others. They climb the organizational ladder quickly and capture the key positions. Nobody denies the importance of caliber here, but networking gives a boost to the career for sure.

When you build a network, make sure it has a good reach. It means, there has to be the right proportion of depth and spread.

What makes a network effective?

When your aim is to grab exciting career opportunities through networking, it is very much important that you build it well. Here are top ten tips to achieve success.

Don’t join groups for the sake of joining if you want to use networking to search the job opportunity. Many people commit the mistake of joining groups that do not add any value in their mission. Thus, they don’t get expected results.
Spend adequate time in research and homework. Look for the groups that are relevant. If there are people who know you personally, then it is good to join such group. You can expect some help in future.
When you start networking, begin with a small group. Try to be in touch by posting regularly. Comment and likes are important to show that you read the posts of others. It is relatively easy to be active in a closed group than a large, open group.
Create a profile that describes you the best. If your aim is to use it for professional benefit, then make sure it displays your competency and caliber. People jumble up with personal and professional networking and end up with making pathetic profiles.
Classify the groups and tag them formal and informal. For job seeking purpose, you should focus on formal groups. Make sure your posts are neutral, balanced and do not show any political inclination. People should perceive you a thoroughly professional person. Show positive attitude and openness in views.
Try to be focused on your field of profession only. Tag yourself to the groups of like-minded people. For example, if you are banking professional, then the groups you are part with should contain people from the banking industry. Comment on the latest happenings in the banking structure and forward posts that are valuable and important. Remain focused to the subject.
Since the people in your network are people of high stature, e.g. business leaders, marketing executives, CXO’s, and directors; you should position yourself well. Seek the help of professionals if you can’t handle social media. Nowadays, it is possible to get experts for managing it.
Do not build social networking from a short-term perspective. Consider it as a tool that is going to work perpetually. You should start it early and work on it continuously so that when you are in need, you reap the benefits. When you help others when they are in crisis, you will get help when you are in a troublesome situation. It is a ‘Give and Take’ relationship always.
Stay connected by pinging others frequently. When you ping someone, others feel that you remember them. Believe it; the feeling is just awesome. Experts say that those who keep in touch with others get the best benefit of networking. They get the response when they seek it desperately.
Keep the number of contacts as many as you wish, but manage them well. When you want to leverage networking, quality always matters. Each one in the contact list should be able to extend help if required.

Even if you are not an Internet crazy person, it is very much possible to get the best benefit of keeping a large group of contacts. Don’t think just from the job perspective, but it is a good thing from the professional perspective.

It is like popularizing your profile across the world. When others across with any requirement where you can be fit in; they will contact you. Consistent and regular interaction makes you visible in the virtual world, and visibility is the key to success today.

Share your thoughts and ideas with others and get benefited from their viewpoint. It is a process of mutual development.