Sunday, 14 August 2011
Wednesday, 20 July 2011
Be aware of Job Guarantee programs
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DON'T BELIEVE IN ANYONE WHO ASKS YOU TO PAY MONEY FOR OFFERING A JOB.
Companies don't need to take any money from you. They might tell you hundreds of stories like they are taking money as a 'Security Deposit' or for 'Infrastructure' purpose. Don't trust them. If they don't have enough money for their infrastructure, they don't deserve to run the company :)
Instead, I advise you to trust a company who doesn't ask a penny from you even if it is a start-up company. You can work for FREE (or for a very less salary) if you want to get some work experience. That is Ok. But never pay money from your pocket for any reason. In worst-case scenario, if you are paying money, don't forget to take a signed paper (On their Company Notepad with the signature from an official) or a valid bank receipt from them in which it's clearly written that you have paid the money as a refundable security deposit and it should also have the Terms & Conditions.
Also, don't submit/handover your educational certificates (or any original documents) unless it is a very good company and its mandatory for all employees working there. If you are submitting the documents, make sure you get a written proof that they have taken them as per the policy of their organization. (F.Y.I., Good companies never insist their employees to handover originals to them. They generally ask you to bring them during joining period to cross check with the photocopies of the same.) If you blindly believe somebody's words without following the above guidelines then, you will be in serious trouble later when you want to leave the company. I know many freshers who suffered because of this. Hope you don't get into trouble.
Thumb Rule #2
DON'T BELIEVE IN ANY 'JOB GUARANTEE' PROGRAMS FROM TRAINING INSTITUTES. 99.0 % OF THEM DON'T KEEP UP THEIR PROMISES.
It has become a trend that many companies/institutes asking jobless people to pay 50,000 (or more) and they will pay you 2,000 per month. Just think logically how foolish it is. For 1 year, they will be paying you (2000X12=) 24,000. So, you are working FREE for them for more than 2 years. In other words, they will be giving you a part of the amount that you have paid to them initially. And they will be enjoying the interest on your money.
These institutes promise you a lot of things when you go for counseling. They will show their past record of placing people in MNC companies and they will tell you the list of companies that come there for the placement. Don't get deceived by them. All those promises will go in vain the moment you pay the money.
In the worst-case scenario, if you must join, then enquire with the students who are studying there and who already studied there. (You can know any regrets from those who are currently studying there and you will know the pros and cons from the people who already studied there. Try to get feedback from those who achieved the job and those who couldn't get the job after the completion of the course.)
Unveiling the Secret :- From my experience, I can say that, typically some good training institutes could place those candidates who meet with the company's eligibility criteria such as the engineering branch/stream you have done and the percentage criteria through out the candidate's career. These institutes will lure freshers showing the past records and allows everybody to join the course initially but they keep mum on this issue until you demand the reason why they couldn't place YOU. Remember, even the good institutes are running on a profit basis and NOT on a service basis!
It's always good to get trained in some latest technologies and it improves your chance of getting a job. But don't join any institute based on their promise of giving you a job. When you want to join an institute, remember to enquire with the student who has taken the course and observe the infrastructure, lab availability timings, and the faculty. Some institutes train you using their previous batch students as faculty. Be careful. Preferably, join a branded institute as they maintain quality of education to some level. But generally they are expensive to afford as they try to maintain the quality. Remember? No institute is at your service ! Everything is business. You cannot change that, but you need to be careful.
Thumb Rule # 3:
KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN 'PLACEMENT ASSISTANCE' AND 'PLACEMENT GUARANTEE'.
There is a subtle difference between 'Placement Assistance' and 'Placement Guarantee'. The former one means that they will help you to get a job, but no guarantee. If you observe the advertisements carefully, most of them mention '100% Placement Assistance'. Later they can always escape saying that they never guaranteed a job. Even if they do, there will be a famous super star saying "* Conditions Apply !" :-). Ask them what those conditions are.
When some institute says 'Placement Guarantee', ask them to mention it in written and give it to you. (No body can dare to give you. They cleverly say that how can we assure you a job if you don't learn anything. Or they will ask you not to join the course if you don't have the trust on them and they can even say that, there are hundreds of candidates who are pursuing the course and they will slap a question back to you whether they are all fools to join that institute. What will be your reaction? ) See to it that it's clearly mentioned in that document WHAT IF they can't provide you a job. Also tell them that you will pay the money the next moment they provide you a job (Since they are anyway saying job is guaranteed, ask them what's the problem with this...:-)).
Some institutes say that they will recruit you based on your performance in training. This is even more fishy. They can always escape later saying your performance is not up to the mark (Despite of you performing very good) and walk away with your money. Be careful.
In the worst case, if you are paying money, see to it that you pay in installments. (At least, it will save you from losing your entire money). If their training is really good, you will anyway pay the remaining money. Otherwise, you can escape with the least damage. Hope you will keep in mind that I've asked you to join an institute mainly to learn the technology and not for their job guarantee scheme. So when you want to learn, join the best! It may even fetch you a job!
Thumb Rule # 4:
DON'T ATTEND THE WRITTEN TESTS/INTERVIEWS THAT ASK YOU TO PAY REGISTRATION FEE. 99.0 % OF THEM ARE FAKE.
An exception is the Government companies. They require some registration fee. That's OK. Remember that good/branded companies never ask you for registration fees. They don't need it. If they are taking money, there is something fishy. Don't pay registration fee unless you are totally convinced. Just walkout if you think something is fishy..
Thumb Rule # 5:
DON'T BELIEVE ANYONE WHO SAYS THEY CAN GET YOU THROUGH COMPANIES BY 'BACK-DOOR'.
People in the companies are not senseless to recruit candidates in illegal ways and put them and their own company in trouble. Don't believe if someone says he knows the HR or Project Manager of a company and can provide you job through back door. In the best case, one may get a job if the candidate directly knows high level people and he/she meets all the eligibility criteria of the company and the candidate is talented enough to get a job but he/she didn't get an opportunity to prove his/her ability. But remember, there is no bypass to the process of the company. Process is rigid and it is because of the process, a company grows or shrinks! It's better and happy to stay away from such back door offers instead of getting troubled by them. Think!
Thumb Rule # 6:
DON'T BELIEVE IN ANY OF THE 'ONLINE TYPING JOBS' OR 'SMART JOBS' THAT ASK YOU TO PAY SOME MONEY TO EARN MORE.
If they give it for free, then you may think about it. (But, I strictly discourage such jobs because you will lose your will to get into a good job that matches your profile.) Better, simply ignore. Don't pay even a single paisa. They lure you saying you have to pay 500 Rs (or more) initial payment to earn thousands of money every day ! All that is simply trash. You will be wasting your time and you won't earn even a single paisa after paying your/your parents' hard-earned money.
Thumb Rule # 7:
THINK TWICE BEFORE PAYING MONEY TO ANY OF THE JOB SITES.
Personally I don't believe in Premier Memberships, Online Tests that require you to pay money. I believe that's just eye wash stuff and will not fetch you any job if you don't have right talent. If you have talent, you will anyway get that job even without the help of those programs. Even if they send your resume to 1000 companies or 10,000 companies, the companies won't recruit you unless they have vacancies and you are suitable for those positions.
If someone says they succeeded through some job program, just think what is the percentage of people succeeded in getting jobs through that program. I don't think it will be more than 1 %. I am not saying all programs are fake ones. But my advice for you is to think twice before you spend your hard-earned money on some job programs. Remember that companies pay money for those job sites if you get selected through them. In such case, there is no need to collect money from you.
Common Mistakes in a Group Discussion
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Here's a list of the most common mistakes made at group discussions:
Emotional outburst
Rashmi was offended when one of the male participants in a group discussion made a statement on women generally being submissive while explaining his point of view. When Rashmi finally got an opportunity to speak, instead of focussing on the topic, she vented her anger by accusing the other candidate for being a male chauvinist and went on to defend women in general. What Rashmi essentially did was to
* Deviate from the subject
* Treat the discussion as a forum to air her own views.
* Lose objectivity and make personal attacks.
Her behaviour would have been perceived as immature and demotivating to the rest of the team.
Quality Vs Quantity
Gautam believed that the more he talked, the more likely he was to get through the GD. So, he interrupted other people at every opportunity. He did this so often that the other candidates got together to prevent him from participating in the rest of the discussion.
* Assessment is not only on your communication skills but also on your ability to be a team player.
* Evaluation is based on quality, and not on quantity. Your contribution must be relevant.
* The mantra is "Contributing meaningfully to the team's success." Domination is frowned upon.
Egotism Showing off
Krishna was happy to have got a group discussion topic he had prepared for. So, he took pains to project his vast knowledge of the topic. Every other sentence of his contained statistical data - "20% of companies; 24.27% of parliamentarians felt that; I recently read in a Jupiter Report that..." and so on so forth. Soon, the rest of the team either laughed at him or ignored his attempts to enlighten them as they perceived that he was cooking up the data.
* Exercise restraint in anything. You will end up being frowned upon if you attempt showing-off your knowledge.
* Facts and figures need not validate all your statements.
* Its your analysis and interpretation that are equally important - not just facts and figures.
* You might be appreciated for your in-depth knowledge. But you will fail miserably in your people skills.
Such a behavior indicates how self-centered you are and highlights your inability to work in an atmosphere where different opinions are expressed.
Get noticed - But for the right reasons
Srikumar knew that everyone would compete to initiate the discussion. So as soon as the topic - "Discuss the negative effects of India joining the WTO" - was read out, he began talking. In his anxiety to be the first to start speaking, he did not hear the word "negative" in the topic. He began discussing the ways in which the country had benefited by joining WTO, only to be stopped by the evaluator, who then corrected his mistake. Che tanaS
* False starts are extremely expensive. They cost you your admission. It is very important to listen and understand the topic before you air your opinions.
* Spending a little time analyzing the topic may provide you with insights which others may not have thought about. Use a pen and paper to jot down your ideas.
* Listen! It gives you the time to conceptualize and present the information in a better manner. Some mistakes are irreparable. Starting off the group discussion with a mistake is one such mistake, unless you have a great sense of humor.
Managing one's insecurities
Sumati was very nervous. She thought that some of the other candidates were exceptionally good. Thanks to her insecurity, she contributed little to the discussion. Even when she was asked to comment on a particular point, she preferred to remain silent. http://www.ChetanaSinterview.com
* Your personality is also being evaluated. Your verbal and non verbal cues are being read.
* Remember, you are the participant in the GD; not the evaluator. So, rather than evaluating others and your performance, participate in the discussion.
* Your confidence level is being evaluated. Decent communication skills with good confidence is a must to crack the GDs.
Focus on your strengths and do not spend too much time thinking about how others are superior or inferior to you. It is easy to pick up these cues from your body language.
Dos & Donts of Group Discussion
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Be as natural as possible. Do not try and be someone you are not. Be yourself.
A group discussion is your chance to be more vocal. The evaluator wants to hear you speak.
Take time to organize your thoughts. Think of what you are going to say.
Seek clarification if you have any doubts regarding the subject.
Don't start speaking until you have clearly understood and analyzed the subject.
Work out various strategies to help you make an entry: initiate the discussion or agree with someone else's point and then move onto express your views.
Opening the discussion is not the only way of gaining attention and recognition. If you do not give valuable insights during the discussion, all your efforts of initiating the discussion will be in vain.
Your body language says a lot about you - your gestures and mannerisms are more likely to reflect your attitude than what you say.
Language skills are important only to the effect as to how you get your points across clearly and fluently.
Be assertive not dominating; try to maintain a balanced tone in your discussion and analysis.
Don't lose your cool if anyone says anything you object to. The key is to stay objective: Don't take the discussion personally.
Always be polite: Try to avoid using extreme phrases like: 'I strongly object' or 'I disagree'. Instead try phrases like: 'I would like to share my views on...' or 'One difference between your point and mine...' or "I beg to differ with you" Ch etanaS
Brush up on your leadership skills; motivate the other members of the team to speak (this surely does not mean that the only thing that you do in the GD is to say "let us hear what the young lady with the blue scarf has to say," or "Raghu, let us hear your views" - Essentially be subtle), and listen to their views. Be receptive to others' opinions and do not be abrasive or aggressive.
If you have a group of like-minded friends, you can have a mock group discussion where you can learn from each other through giving and receiving feedback.
Apart from the above points, the panel will also judge team members for their alertness and presence of mind, problem-solving abilities, ability to work as a team without alienating certain members, and creativity
A group discussion is your chance to be more vocal. The evaluator wants to hear you speak.
Take time to organize your thoughts. Think of what you are going to say.
Seek clarification if you have any doubts regarding the subject.
Don't start speaking until you have clearly understood and analyzed the subject.
Work out various strategies to help you make an entry: initiate the discussion or agree with someone else's point and then move onto express your views.
Opening the discussion is not the only way of gaining attention and recognition. If you do not give valuable insights during the discussion, all your efforts of initiating the discussion will be in vain.
Your body language says a lot about you - your gestures and mannerisms are more likely to reflect your attitude than what you say.
Language skills are important only to the effect as to how you get your points across clearly and fluently.
Be assertive not dominating; try to maintain a balanced tone in your discussion and analysis.
Don't lose your cool if anyone says anything you object to. The key is to stay objective: Don't take the discussion personally.
Always be polite: Try to avoid using extreme phrases like: 'I strongly object' or 'I disagree'. Instead try phrases like: 'I would like to share my views on...' or 'One difference between your point and mine...' or "I beg to differ with you" Ch etanaS
Brush up on your leadership skills; motivate the other members of the team to speak (this surely does not mean that the only thing that you do in the GD is to say "let us hear what the young lady with the blue scarf has to say," or "Raghu, let us hear your views" - Essentially be subtle), and listen to their views. Be receptive to others' opinions and do not be abrasive or aggressive.
If you have a group of like-minded friends, you can have a mock group discussion where you can learn from each other through giving and receiving feedback.
Apart from the above points, the panel will also judge team members for their alertness and presence of mind, problem-solving abilities, ability to work as a team without alienating certain members, and creativity
How is Evaluation Done in a Group Discussion
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Winners' skills Group discussion is an important dimension of the selection process. Any institute requires students to work with others for effective functioning. Therefore, people skills are an important aspect of any MBA program.
In today's context, the educational institutes and organizations are interested in team players rather than individual contributors. During the Group Discussion, the panel essentially evaluates the candidate's potential to be a leader and also his/her ability to work in teams. Remember that institutes are typically on the look out for candidates who will inspire to lead and succeed and for that you need to be a good team player.
Here is a sample list of skills assessed during a group discussion:
Leadership skills:
Ability to take leadership roles and ability to lead, inspire and carry the team along to help them achieve group's objectives. http://www.ChetanaS.com
Example: To be able to initiate the group discussion, or to be able to guide the group especially when the discussion begins losing relevance or try to encourage all members to participate in the discussion.
Communication skills:
The participating candidates will be assessed in terms of clarity of thought, expression and aptness of language. One key aspect is listening. It indicates a willingness to accommodate others views.
Example: To be able to use simple language and explain concepts clearly so that it is easily understood by all. You actually get negative marks for using esoteric jargons in an attempt to show-off your knowledge.
Interpersonal skills:
Is reflected in the ability of the individual to interact with other members of the group in a brief situation. Emotional maturity and balance promotes good interpersonal relationships. The person has to be more people centric and less self-centered.
Example: To remain cool even when someone provokes you by with personal comment, ability to remain objective, ability to empathize, non-threatening and more of a team player.
Persuasive skills:
Ability to analyze and persuade others to see the problem from multiple perspectives without hurting the group members.
Example: While appreciating someone else's point of view, you should be able to effectively communicate your view without overtly hurting the other person.
Problem solving skills:
Ability to come out with divergent and offbeat solutions and use one's own creativity.
Example: While thinking of solutions, don't be afraid to think of novel solutions. This is a high- risk high-return strategy.
Conceptualizing skills:
The ability to grasp the situation, take it from the day to day mundane problem level and apply it to a macro level.
Example: At the end of the discussion, you could probably summarize the findings in a few sentences that present the overall perspective. Don't be disheartened if you don't make it after your first group discussion. The best possible preparation for a group discussion is to learn from one's past mistakes...
Frequently Asked Questions on GD
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What is the normal duration of a GD?
A GD is generally of 15-20 minutes duration.
How many panel members are there to evaluate?
There are usually 3-4 panel members to evaluate.
Is there time given for preparation after the topic is given and before starting the GD?
Usually some time (2-5 minutes) is given to collect one's thoughts, but there could be instances when this does not happen, so it is best not to bank on this.
Should I address the panel or the group members?
Don't ever make the mistake of addressing the panel members. The GD is between you and the other members, not the panel members. You must avoid even looking at the panel members while the GD is in progress. Just ignore their existence.
What is the seating arrangement like?
It could be semi-circular, or circular, or seating along side a rectangular table, depending upon the venue. It is best not to bother about trivial issues like this, which you have no control over.
How should I address the other group members?
If you are initiating the discussion, you could do so by collectively addressing the group as "Friends". Subsequently, you could use names (if the group has had a round of self-introduction prior to starting the discussion and you remember the names) or simply use pronouns like "he" or "she".
Suppose I have a lot to say on the topic, should I say all of it?
You would not be looked upon favourably if you kept speaking all the time and did not listen to anyone else. Contrary to the misconception, the person who talks the most is not necessarily the one who is judged the best. The quality and not the quantity of your contribution is the success factor.
Should I encourage others to speak up?
Do not directly put someone who is consistently silent on the spot by asking him/her to speak up. If someone has been trying to speak and has a good point but is cut off constantly, you may encourage him/her to continue with her point as you would like to hear her out.
http://www.ChetanaSinterview.com
Are the group members supposed to keep track of the time or will the panel keep track?
It would be good if you are conscious of the time, but not to the point of getting so distracted looking at your watch that you do not contribute to the discussion.
Interview Commandments
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You have fared well in the written test and the group discussion.You are just a step away from admission to your dream programme -- the personal interview.
A panel of management experts, a battery of questions. Are you perspiring already?
Well, a personal interview could actually be challenging and fun if you just relax and remain focused. Think of it as a conversation between the interview panel and yourself, so enjoy it thoroughly.
To begin with, there are four main focus areas in any personal interview:
- Personal details
- Academic details
- Your background
- Current affairs
Commandments for every personal interview
Even after months of preparation, some candidates do not perform well inside the interview room.The trick is to follow the below commandments practice them during mock interview sessions diligently. You are sure to crack the personal interview.
1. Whenever the interviewer asks any questions, listen carefully. Do not interrupt him midway. Ask for a clarification if the question is not clear. Wait a second or two before you answer. And don't dive into the answer!
2. Speak clearly. Don't speak very slowly. Be loud enough so that the interviewers don't have to strain their ears. www.chetanasinterview.com
3. Brevity is the hallmark of a good communicator. An over-talkative or verbose person is disliked and misjudged instantly, so keep it short.
4. If you don't know an answer, be honest. The interviewer will respect your integrity and honesty. Never exaggerate.
5. Never boast about your achievements. Don't be overconfident -- it is often misinterpreted by interviewers for arrogance. www.chetanasinterview.com
6. Don't get into an argument with the interviewer on any topic. Restrain yourself, please!
7. Remember your manners. Project an air of humility and be polite.
8. Project enthusiasm. The interviewer usually pays more attention if you display enthusiasm in whatever you say.
9. Maintain a cheerful disposition throughout the interview, because a pleasant countenance holds the interviewers' interest.
10. Maintain perfect eye contact with all panel members; make sure you address them all. This shows your self-confidence and honesty.
11. Avoid using slang. It may not be understood and will certainly not be appreciated. www.chetanasinterview.com
12. Avoid frequent use of words and phrases like, 'I mean'; 'You know'; 'I know'; 'Well'; 'As such'; 'Fine'; 'Basically', etc.
13. When questions are asked in English, reply in English only. Do not use Hindi or any other languages. Avoid using Hindi words like matlab, ki, maine, etc.
14. Feel free to ask questions if necessary. It is quite in order and much appreciated by interviewers. www.chetanasinterview.com
15. Last but not the least, be natural. Many interviewees adopt a stance that is not their natural self. Interviewers find it amusing when a candidate launches into a new accent that s/he cannot sustain consistently through the interview or adopts a mannerism that is inconsistent with their own personality.It is best to talk naturally. You come across as genuine.
Mind your body language!
1. Do not keep shifting your position.
2. Your posture during the interview adds to or diminishes your personality. Be a little conscious of your posture and gestures. They convey a lot about your personality.
3. Sit straight. Keep your body still. You may, of course, use your hand gestures freely.
4. Avoid these mannerisms at all costs:
4. Avoid these mannerisms at all costs:
- Playing with your tie
- Theatrical gestures
- Shaking legs
- Sitting with your arms slung over the back of the adjoining chair
Post interview etiquette
1. Make sure you thank the interviewers as a mark of respect for the time they have spared for you.
2. As you rise and are about to leave, make sure you collect up your pen/ pencil/ all other stationery.
3. After getting up, place your chair in its original position.
The last word
1. Some institutes (like the Faculty of Management Studies) ask you to deliver an extempore speech suddenly while the interview is going on. Be mentally prepared for the same.
2. Competition will be very tough. Every mistake you commit will turn into an advantage for the other candidates. Hence, be very particular about your preparation. Do not leave anything to chance or the last minute.
3. Remember you have to sell yourself in an interview.
4. Be very particular about what you write in your resume. Check and re-check your resume for facts, spelling errors, etc. Ensure that there are no grammatical errors in the descriptive type questions in the sheet.
Use these hints, and say goodbye to your interview phobia!