Tag: HR

Looking For A Job in Times Of Lockdown

 

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While some of us have been trying to balance WFH and the chores of our homes, there are some of us who were job hunting when the lockdown was announced. How does one go about looking for a job in these times of lockdown and social distancing? How does one approach companies when the staff is working from home? Whether you are a fresher who was looking for a launch-pad, or someone who was looking for a new opportunity, this is an uncertain situation to be in.

We bring some tips on how to go about searching for a job in times of the pandemic.

 

Online Is The Way:

It is important to remember most companies are working, just not in their offices.

We must keep our search and research on. As we have discussed in our articles about researching about companies, we have a lot of resources available online.

List down the companies you are interested to work at, and start checking their websites and social media one by one.

Checking the websites and social media now is a great time, because not only would they give you an idea about their mission statements, their work culture, but would also give you glimpses about how they are handling the entire WFH situation.

A lot of companies would now be more active on their Facebook, LinkedIn pages as a way to engage with customers and clients as much as possible. It is also likely that the companies would be more quick in responding to emails and messages.

What’s more, some companies which earlier were not too responsive on virtual platforms  may now have realised the value of prompt online communication, leading to faster, and more elaborate and specific responses to queries.

Do not be hesitant in sending out emails and queries, provided you are prepared to begin working in unconventional ways, which brings us to the next point.

 

Be Prepared:

Send out emails to the companies you are interested in working at, but make sure you let them know that you understand that times are uncertain.

Be prepared in case the companies give out vague or ambivalent or diplomatic responses. Some companies might tell they would let you know once things get “normal”, and you might have to wait out the lockdown.

Some might offer a role which can be done through minimal online training or no training and is more suitable for a WFH setup, but this role might be different than what you were originally looking for.

Some might offer a more short-term role, which might be important as long as long you are working remotely, and that which might undergo a change once the situation gets back to normal.

Here, you need to consider the urgency. How urgently do you need a job right now? Considering factors such as past savings, family responsibilities, work experience, internet resources, etc., coupled with the online research you undertook about the company should give you a fair idea about a) which companies to send out emails to, and b) what to expect from each company c) and which offers to consider.

 

Be Visible and Don’t Stop Networking:

Based on the urgency of your job search, keep networking. As mentioned, now is the time most companies would be quite active on LinkedIn and other online social networking platforms.

Find what online connections you have with the particular companies you are interested in working at; see if you can find a mutual connection and get in touch with them (virtually) if necessary to inquire more about the company and how the company is going about hiring processes.

Cash on in the increased amount of time companies would be spending online. Make your presence visible by posting regularly, engaging in discussions and commenting on posts which you find interesting and useful.

 

Take Your Time:

In the current situation, it is best not to think too long term. Consider how urgent is landing a job right now. Consider if this is a good time to learn a new skill or get enrolled in a distance learning program? Is this a good time to start a personal project you were thinking about? Is this a good time to take a break?

Be it in times of lockdown or normalcy, looking for a job gives us a certain down time to think things over. And there will be times when you might not have much to do except wait.

Additionally, in conclusion here are some quick pointers you can keep in mind:

  • Be prepared to appear for virtual interviews and calls. Make sure your internet connection and equipment are working well, with a tidy background. Try the lighting, sound and visibility with a friend or a family before you appear for any professional call.
  • Have a plan B. In other words, be prepared in case things don’t work out the way you wanted them to. Plan B could be anything from “settling” for a role which you didn’t particularly like, to “taking a break” from working, to keep looking.
  • Have a fixed routine. Chart up a time table. Fix the timings when you would research and network, and when you would engage in spending time in hobbies, recreation and chores. Do not forget to spend time with friends and family (through phone and video calls if you are living alone, or regularly if you are living under the same roof).
  • Do not be afraid of the gap in your resume. This is an unprecedented situation, and companies in the future would understand the reasons.

 

Professional Lessons to learn from Diwali Festivities

 

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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 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!

 

 

(This article has been reposted by us.)

How to Fall in Love with Your Job Again

how to fall in love with your job again

Months and years have gone by, and you are beginning to feel it, that dreaded feeling which gives you bad ideas, the word that makes you feel burdened and anxious, that B word. In other words, you are beginning to get bored with your job.

It is easy to think of quitting the job. After all, there is nothing left to it now that stimulates you, that motivates you. Why wait? You don’t love your job anymore, and don’t think you ever would.

These are psychological and practical tips (or tricks) we have which will help you find meaning in your job again. After all, why go through the tedious job hunting and all the rigmarole when you can rekindle your old ‘romance’ with your present job.

 

Ask For What you Want:

Mr. A was working two teaching jobs. Things were getting too hectic for him, and he didn’t get adequate amount of time to prepare for his classes. His efficiency declined, and he had a hard time being an engaging teacher.

Mr. A could either quit one job, but then that would mean lessening of income, plus the additional burden of looking for a new job. Or he could talk to the principal of one of the places, and ask her if there’s a possibility to either get a teaching assistant or maybe reschedule a few classes.

If he decided to try on the latter option, wouldn’t that help him do the job more efficiently, and give him a renewed sense of meaning? Even if he doesn’t get exactly what he wants, chances are the principal would try to negotiate and they might reach a workable compromise.

 

List out the Pros and Cons:

Sometimes, the employers aren’t as ideal as the principal in the above example, and there is indeed a lot to deal with.

Squeeze in a little time to list out the pros and cons of job. Each and every pro and con. It could be a minor pro like getting weekends off when most companies in your country work six days a week. You can also list out something as obvious as the job helping you earn a living.  It could be a minor con like having to wait for the bus in the sun. No one is going to read this, so be uncensored about it.

And then see which part weighs in more, and is there anything that can be done to fix the cons, while keeping the job.

This little exercise helps one to realise if one actually needs a new job or is it little temporary fixable inconveniences that are being irksome.  Moreover, the pros list can make one feel grateful, and gratitude is a big factor that adds meaningfulness.

 

Look at the Big Picture:

Look at the bigger purpose: Why you did you decide to do what you are doing in the first place? Think how has the job served you in your personal mission, if you have any. How has it contributed to your personal growth?

The daily routine can sometimes blind us to the whys and the hows.

 

Maybe you Need a Break:

It is a good feeling when you feel fresh and focused about your job. But it is possible to feel the wear, to get really tired of what you are doing, to feel an insurmountable list of unrealistic expectations you are expected to meet, momentarily. It is during those moments that we feel like quitting.

Before taking the final plunge, it is a good idea to take a break. Even a one or two day getaway can be sufficient to recharge your batteries, find focus again, and give you a renewed sense of purposefulness in your job.

 

Falling in love with your job again can boost your efficiency and productivity. Sometimes, it could be as simple as asking for what you want. Sometimes, it is about gratitude, about a bigger purpose. Sometimes, it is just about needing a break. You don’t need to give up on your journey when you can just sit down for a while.

 

The Power of a Thank You Email

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We have talked about interviews and what to do after them in one of our previous posts. We mentioned about a thank you mail. Let us talk about it more.

Why do you need to send a thank you mail after you have been to an interview?

Actually, you should send a thank you mail even after a business meeting. It doesn’t have to be limited to interviews.

So, let us dwell on this for some time.

 

Firstly, why say thank you?

Well, a very basic answer is that a follow up mail, thanking the person for their time is common courtesy. But to look at it in more detail, a thank you mail would be appreciated because:

  • It shows you are really interested in the job. Many times, companies are faced with candidates who do show up for interviews, and they get selected, but when the time comes to join, they back out at the last moment. Or even if they do join, they leave really soon. Or worse, they ghost the company altogether. Sending in a mail simply thanking the interviewers for their time can help you come across as a genuine candidate.
  • If your interview hasn’t gone too well, a ‘thank you’ mail can help you stand out otherwise. It also shows you are well-organised, well-mannered and resourceful. Why resourceful? Sometimes, you may have to track down the specific email address you are supposed to send the mail to. Again, all this shows you are actually keen on the job but more importantly, that you are a human being who understands the importance of other people’s time.

 

Now, does it have to be an email only?

The answer to this depends on the kind of industry, and the kind of company. Start-ups, tech companies would appreciate a precise, short email. Sending them a page full of handwritten note of thank you wouldn’t go well.

The older, traditional companies may appreciate a handwritten mail. But even then, sending in an email would ensure it reaches exactly when and where you want it to reach. A traditional post is subject to unexpected delays.

Whatever the medium, make sure the note is precise, clear and short. You don’t have to write an essay.

So, let us dwell just a little bit more and look at the technicalities.

 

What does a thank you mail typically include? What are the thing you should be careful about?

It typically has to have the following points covered:

  • Thank them for their time and show appreciation for it.
  • A detail you discussed during the interview, so they know it’s customised. The last thing we want is a copy-pasted mail.
  • Express interest in the position and tell them you are eager to learn what happens next.

You may add that they can contact you if they want any clarification about anything.  You can also add a line or two telling you are confident that you will perform the role well.

Make sure there is a balance. You don’t want to sound too casual nor too stiff.

Look who you are talking to, as in, take the industry, company and the personnel into consideration and then draft a mail accordingly.

And don’t forget to proofread! Make sure you are addressing it to the right person, and that you are using the right greeting.

Lastly, since there is an email involved, there is going to be a subject line involved as well. Here are some options you can write in the subject line:

  • ‘Thank you for your time’
  • ‘Following up’
  • ‘Great speaking with you’

Again, don’t just copy paste it. Think about the context and then decide what to write.

When do you send it? Typically, the thank you mail should reach the person on the next business day.

 

All said and done, it is true that sometimes it’s the companies which ghost candidates. Sometimes, colleagues and associates may not reply too well. But remember, companies are under no obligation to hire just because you sent a thank you mail.

But then, no one would be able to say that you didn’t do you best; you fulfilled your part of the responsibility by thanking someone for their time and consideration. So, the next time you go for an interview or a business meeting, show them the person you are and say ‘thank you’!

The Wait After An Interview

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You have been waiting for that call since ages now. You wonder what is taking them so long. However, don’t panic, there could be numerous reasons you haven’t yet received a response from the interview(ers):

 

  • The Interviews are Still Going On:

Your interview is over, but that doesn’t mean the process is done. The company still has to take into consideration all the applicants, and hence the there still might be interviews going on.

  • There are Other Events Going On:

Sometimes, companies see a spike in other activities. Founding anniversaries, conferences, seminars, training, there are tons of examples where the personnel might have got occupied. The hiring process may have encountered such halts. A good idea is to check the company’s LinkedIn/ Facebook page to check if there has been an event or is one on the cards.

  • Your Skill set is Not What They Are Looking For:

Sometimes your profile just doesn’t match what the company is looking for. Unfortunately, many companies don’t let the ones who didn’t match the profile (and hence didn’t get the job) know that. A lack of response becomes the response itself.

  • You Are Over-Qualified:

But hold on!

It could be that they didn’t contact because your profile doesn’t match. Not because you are not good enough. On the flipside, you actually might be over-qualified!

Sometimes, companies might be waiting for someone else’s answer, and if they back out, they might contact the other candidates who interviewed. So, don’t lose hope entirely!

  • The Decision-Making is Going On:

Often, the interview may have been conducted by one person or at most a panel of a few people, and the interaction with them may have gone really well. But, it could be that the final decision is to be arrived at only after discussions within the company’s organisational structures. This can be time consuming, owing to diverse reasons, right from sorting out opinions to scheduling to administrative smoothening out. Have patience!

Now, let us jump into what to do in that “meanwhile” phase. For the sake of clarity, we are going to talk about what to do, and what not to do.

 

What to do after you have given the interview?

  • Keep Looking, Keep Moving:

You might get the call soon, but there’s no harm in keeping the search on. Keep moving on with your life and routine. Continue looking for a job, and accept interview calls for other jobs too.

  • Don’t Take It Personally:

If there has been a couple of days and there’s still no call, you have to keep in mind: it’s nothing personal. The employers don’t have anything against you.

  • Reach Out and Follow Up:

This includes reaching out to a recruiter, if you took their help. You can ask them what the status is. Chances are, even the recruiter is waiting for an update.

You can reach to the interviewers too by sending a letter/mail thanking them for interviewing you and letting them know your interest in the position continues. The ‘thank you’ email should be considered common courtesy.

Do this tactfully. Reaching out and following up once is enough.

Follow up only when the date you had been given to a expect a response has passed.

 

Now, what not to do after an interview?

We will keep this short.

  • Do not get obsessed with finding out what happened/will happen.
  • Do not follow up and reach out to the employers and/or recruiters multiple times a day.
  • Do not demand. Do not go to the office and demand you want to meet the hiring manager there and then and want to know what’s going on.
  • Do not go off the grid. Moving on with your life is fine, but that doesn’t mean you go off to a vacation with all your communication devices turned off. That will amount to ghosting, from your side.
  • Do not bluff. Do not call them up and say you have another job offer waiting when you haven’t, just because you want them to speed up their response time.

 

Do’s and don’ts aside, a lot many times, the reason is simply the following-

Maybe, it Hasn’t Been that Long:

You feel like you have been waiting for their response since ages, but actually, believe it or not, perhaps it is hasn’t been that long. Waiting, and especially when the interview went well and you are so close to getting a job, could feel like an eternity. Maybe, just maybe, in fact, it has not been an eternity.