5 TIPS FOR FRESHERS LOOKING FOR A JOB

Job searching and landing an interview is probably one of the most stressful things in an individual’s life.

People often underestimate the effort that one needs to put behind their job search strategy and hence, more often than not, professionals do not find their desired job.

You think you’re going to do your day job and then manage to find time to devote to your job search but this mindset rarely bears fruitful results.

However, if you’re a fresher, you not only face these hurdles but more.

There’s the constant nagging by your parents to find a job.

The sense of insecurity when your peers get a job.

The pressure to say the right things if you land an interview call.

Salary negotiation.

I got a taste of all the above things last year after completing my MTech in June last year. My college had poor placements which forced us to find jobs on our own and it was definitely an eye-opening experience.

Well, I did manage to land a job at a good company after 2 months of applying, numerous interviews, and stressful salary negotiations.

IS IT DIFFICULT TO FIND A JOB IN INDIA?

While I’m not going to deny that getting a job in India is tough, I do not agree that it is impossible. During my journey, I picked up on quite a few things which will help you in your job search process and if you’re a fresher as well, I’m sure what I’m going to share next with you will be VALUABLE.

POWER OF A STRONG RESUME

Your resume is like your identity card in the corporate world. The first medium of contact between you and a recruiter. However, most people do not know how a resume should be drafted and thus, miss out on even being considered for the second round.

If you’re a fresher, the first thing you should keep in mind is that your resume should not be more than two pages. Not even two at times but one. It’s logical. I’m pretty sure you haven’t done anything significant till now as a fresher to have a two-page resume in the first place.

A well-drafted summary that hooks the recruiter, accurate representation of your internships, skills, and marks. That’s all you really need in a fresher’s resume.

Keep it short, meaningful and professional.

And you’re good to go.

WHAT IS LINKEDIN? IS IT SIMILAR TO FACEBOOK?

LinkedIn is similar to Facebook, but for professionals. A place where you get to build a network of professionals from various sectors. And you have no idea the untapped potential this platform has to offer.

LinkedIn allows you to represent yourself in a bigger scale as compared to your resume. A place where you get to ‘Show-off’ to prospective employers.

Imagine that the recruiter likes your resume and wants to know more about you before giving you a call. LinkedIn is the place he/she’ll check after browsing through your resume and a good profile increase your chances of a call 10x more.

WHY YOU SHOULD DEVOTE TIME TO RESEARCH DURING YOUR JOB SEARCH?

This is a part which is not given much importance and that’s where most job seekers drop out of the race. Don’t just blindly apply to a job listing.

Research about the position and the company. Connect with people who already work there and ask for their unbiased(hopefully) opinion.

Read the job description carefully. A very important practice you should do is to research more about your recruiter as well so that you’re at the same wavelength during the interview. Trust me, very few people do this.

Think where you can contribute and the ways in which you can make the organization better.

Remember, people want to hire you for the value you’ll bring to the table.

HOW DO I STAND OUT DURING INTERVIEWS?

Interviews. Probably, the most nerve-racking part of this entire process.

While a little nervous energy is natural and doesn’t hurt, don’t let it overpower your actual personality. No matter who takes the interview, don’t be intimidated.

It’s your time to shine and guess what? The recruiter wants the same as well. They would be the happiest if you’re the right person for them. You just got to show it to them.

Make sure your ideas and information are properly communicated to the recruiter.

Be honest and stand by your opinions. Don’t be a yes-man just for the sake of a good impression.

Honestly, it is okay if you don’t land the job. But it’s more important that you leave a lasting impression on the recruiter. And trust me, they WILL remember you and contact you in case of future openings (speaking from personal experience).

SO, YOU HAVE BEEN OFFERED THE JOB. WHAT NOW?

You’re probably on cloud nine because they have offered you the job. And you deserve to be. However, you’re still a few steps behind the fairy tale ending to your job search.

Don’t let the job offer cloud your judgment and self-worth. Have an open mind and think ten times over the salary you have been offered.

It is your first salary and you’re going to build upon this. Hence, the foundation needs to be strong.

Research about the average salaries that freshers are offered in your sector. If you feel you have more to offer than other candidates and have the necessary skills, feel free to ask for a better offer.

Do it the right way, providing ample reasons as to why you deserve the package you’re asking for. And I assure you that if you can successfully implement the aforementioned things, a good company will happily oblige.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Job search is not impossible to crack. Nothing is. It’s definitely not rocket science. However, it needs focus, determination, and patience. It may happen that you still could not land a job after doing everything right, but that’s exactly where you’ve got to be persistent.

Honestly, every experience prepares you better for your next opportunity.

And you never know, which opportunity will come knocking at your door.

Feel free to pen down your thoughts and queries in the comments below.

See you next week with another piece of value!

Until then,

Ciao!