ART OF JOB HUNTING

After graduation comes career. You have to start hunting for jobs. Its time you brought theory in to reality and start applying all that you have learnt in colleges practically. You graduated with stars in your eyes and a dream in your pocket. The days of stipends and allowances were over, and you looked forward to cheques, bonuses and perks with eager anticipation. You start preparing resumes, check for vacancies in newspapers, apply for jobs and prepare for interviews. Then you wait for the much-awaited call with impatiently. All this sounds hectic but believe me job hunting is not an easy task. After so much of hard work when you don't get a call you feel disappointed and ask the big question WHY. You tell yourself " People don't want people with no experience".

Well job hunting is difficult but never give up hope. Hunting for your first job is difficult. If you're a graduate looking for your first job, or an older person entering the job market for the first time, there are a lot of factors working against you in today's competitive world. But you have to keep trying and one day you are bound to succeed.

Here are a few tips, which will help you search your job with more efficiency and intelligence.

Go one step ahead
With this what I mean is start planning for your job hunt in your final year of college.

Read business magazines, keep yourself updated about the various professions that are coming up and which might interest you or is your field of work. Ask others about job opportunities and vacancies in their companies. Meet professionals, ask questions and keep your eyes and ears open to the job market and figure out where you'd like to see yourself in it. Make sure you choose a job that's made for the future and is there to stay.

Go For Experience
Try to work in your vacations or do a summer jobs or part-time work. Help your father or a friend's father in his business, to get the required experience and also to know the life after college. Try to get as much exposure you can.

Preparing your resume
The next step after getting experience and making contacts in your field is to prepare your resume. Though a resume won't get you a job, but if it's properly done, it will definitely give you the interview call. The functional resume, in which you detail your areas of expertise, is the best bet for first-time employees. Employers do not bother reading informal stuff you put in your resume. Design your resume to answer the needs of the particular job you want or of the company you want to join. List the skills you've acquired that will be most relevant to that employer and be specific. List your educational background, internships, volunteer work or any other work experience.

Preparing for interview
If you're determined and wise, you'll get the job interview you seek. When going for an interview, dress in formal clothes. Arrive early and remain calm and composed. Be gentle and modest with the interviewer. Answer the questions fully. Don't give irrelevant answers and don't lose your patience and temper. Ask the interviewer as to when they will inform about the selection and when you will be hearing from them.

Art of negotiation
In today's job market, starting salaries are usually fixed for entry-level candidates. You can't do much about it. Take what's offered, and if you think it's not enough, ask for a six-month salary review to discuss it again. But don't forget to negotiate and ask your employer about your salary and assignments. If you are not comfortable with it you can ask for a raise but don't refuse it just because you are not comfortable with it. Remember what is more important initially is the experience.