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!
Interview Manners
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First impressions can make or break an interview. Your clothes, hairstyle, gestures, and anything else an interviewer sees before you open your mouth make your first impression. Some estimates are that the first 30 seconds determine success or failure. Recruiters do not expect you to have a large career wardrobe. Buy a suit that looks good, fits well, is made well, and that will not bore you if you wear it every day for a week during recruiting season. However, there is more to "suiting up" for an interview than just wearing a suit.
Your Hair: A hairstyle that looks great with "college casual" may not work with a suit. Trim those ragged edges! Tame those tresses! Get that hair out of your eyes and off your collar! Women: if you need a big barrette for a pulled-back style, chose a simple one. Men: melt down those spikes!
Your Shoes: Shine 'em! Men: if you are buying a new pair, wing tips with laces are more professional than slip-ons or loafers. Women: If you are not accustomed to walking in heels, scuff the soles with an emery board so that you do not slip. Then, wear your sneakers to class and change right before the interview.
Your Fragrance: Wearing any type of fragrance to an interview is not recommended. However, if you insist on being aromatic, do not wallow in it! Too many people are both allergic to or turned off by one scent or another, and your interviewer is sure to be one of those people.
Your Accessories: Nothing that jangles, clangs, dazzles, shimmers, or attracts more attention than you do.
Your Glasses: Eye contact is important during an interview, so make sure your glasses are clean.
Your Pen: Buy a fresh new pen for the interview. A nice pen will make a better impression than your chewed up BIC.
Should a man wear an earring? Perhaps. But if you do, understand that most recruiters will think that an earring does not fit the company's image. You will have to be a very dynamic candidate to get past the "earring thing". It is probably best to interview without it.
Should a woman wear her engagement ring? Sure. Questions about a candidate's marital status are almost certainly illegal. If the subject comes up, you can get the interview back on course by asking if marital status is one of the qualifications for the job. However if you do not want your wedding ring to be an issue at all, leave it at home.
Avoid Six Common Interview Mistakes
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As the manager of a software store for 10 years, I can honestly say that questions about pay in the first interview from anyone other than a temporary applicant always bothered me a little. Temp jobs aside, if you are not really out there just for the money, asking this question right out of the gate is going to make any other questions you ask sound conniving and insincere. Unless the subject comes up, don't wade into the issue of the pay in the first interview. You can talk about it after you impress the employer enough for a second interview.
Tip # 2: Talk tech to techies only
Feel free to discuss what you know, but remember: If you are talking to a nontechnical manager or human resources representative, you are not going to impress them with talk about life in the trenches. My previous supervisor was totally unimpressed with anything to do with technology. A sure way to put the man to sleep was to begin any story that had to do with computers.
When I interviewed for a previous position, the department manager actually had a technically savvy person participate in the interview to ask and respond to questions she would not understand. When I saw this tactic being used, I knew it was not a time to try to impress with a lot of techno babble.
Answer questions about your work history briefly and keep the tech comments to a minimum until you know the history of the company and the people involved in the hiring process. If you have questions about the technology in use at the site, keep your questions specific and relevant to the position for which you are applying. http://www.ChetanaSinterview.com
Tip # 3: Keep your philosophy to yourself
If you hate Bill Gates, Windows XP, and the whole Office Suite, keep it to yourself. Ranting about your tech philosophy can ruin your chances at the position.
I once interviewed a young man for a retail sales position in a software store. When I asked about his opinion of the then-new Windows 98, the applicant ranted about "the revolution of UNIX" and loosening the grip of Microsoft on the PC market. I am not exaggerating; the man sounded like he was ready to sign on to a paramilitary group. I almost didn't have the heart to tell him my company was a Value Added Reseller for Microsoft.
Chances are, you will work with many people who need your help with one of the Microsoft products, so you don't want to blast the tools you will likely be using and supporting. If you are asked about how you feel about a product, be honest, but don't preach. The interviewer probably just wants to see how you respond to such questions. http://www.ChetanaSinterview.com
Tip # 4: Don't climb the advancement ladder in the interview
If you are joining the ranks of a new company, the last thing the interviewer wants to hear is, "How fast can I get out of this job?" Do not ask about opportunities for advancement until the second or third interview. If you are joining a company just to advance into another position, silence is golden. Keep it to yourself unless the interviewer asks or unless it is somehow already known that you'll be advancing quickly. Remember that what you say now can come back to haunt you later. You don't want to brag to someone who might be under your wing after a promotion.
Further, you never know what may happen if you actually get the job. Learn to accept and adapt and, above all, be happy you have a job. Due to downsizing, a former coworker of mine did not move into the network administration position she wanted and was expecting to get. The bitterness fostered by her broken expectations eventually caused her to resign. In the tight job market of the time-similar to the one now-and with her lack of certified qualifications, she ended up seeking work at a local restaurant. http://www.ChetanaSinterview.com
Tip # 5: Avoid the dreaded electronic interruption
Cellular phone and pager etiquette might seem a trivial thing to those that are hooked up, but you can kiss any job opportunity goodbye if you interrupt an interview to take a telephone call, especially if the human resources representative has a low tolerance for personal digital devices. Only if you are exchanging information by invitation should you reveal the fact that you carry a PDA. If you wear it on a belt loop or somewhere that is exposed, lose it, along with any other electrical device hooks and loops, and store them in pocket, purse, or briefcase. If you can't spare the time away from the rest of the world to do an interview, why are you applying for the job?
I have conducted training classes with people who, when asked to turn off their phones and pagers during class, place their devices in silent mode. When giving a lecture to a class or holding a discussion, watching a person being silently buzzed is terribly distracting and also aggravating.
If you think getting rid of electronic communications devices isn't important, just ask any human resources rep who has had a person answer a cellular phone during a job interview. Then ask if the person got the job.
Tip # 6: Remember to say thank you
Beyond thanking your interviewers for their time as you leave, it's vital that you follow up in written form. If the competition for a position is tight, a follow-up thank you note can mean a lot. If the manager is slow to hire, the arrival of a thank-you note can serve as a reminder about the candidate who's awaiting the manager's next move.
Just after you've completed the interview, take note of anything specific you discussed and make a point of referencing it in your thank you letter. Even a nice greeting card is better than nothing.
It may seem like a small detail, but the experts will tell you that this tried-and-true tactic really makes an impact. A coworker of mine, who successfully worked as a job coach, used to keep a stack of generic notes in her desk. When a participant in her program applied for a job somewhere, she would give the person one of these notes to have them drop in the mail on the way home.
Interview Preparation Guidelines
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Some resume writing tips
- The first important thing is your resume should not have any grammatical or spelling mistakes. I see many resumes without any proper alignment of the text. Use a good font and size.
- For a fresher it is always must to mention their percentages in the resume. Some people mention only for their highest degree and not for all. This is not acceptable in most of the companies. Try to keep your highest degree as the first in the table.
- Your e-mail and phone number should be visible at first sight. Please do not expect HR to search and find your mail-id in the resume. Some people keep their mail-id in the header of the doc. Try to avoid this practice. Double check your mail-id and phone number before sending your resume
- Save the mail in your sent items whenever you apply to a company.
- Do not apply to multiple companies in one mail. If you cannot avoid it at least use "BCC" instead of "To"
- Do not keep your passport number in the resume, nobody will ask for that.
- Do not keep more than three pages in your resume.
- Make sure that your resume contains at least two very good projects but do not keep more than three. Generally two are enough. The more the projects you keep the more the questions you face.
Preparation
You must be familiar with C, C++ and basic JAVA concepts
Following is the descending order of number questions from each subject interviewer will ask.
Following is the descending order of number questions from each subject interviewer will ask.
- Data Structures (Very important) - Try to exercise simple programs on all types of data structures
- Operating systems - Should be familiar with all basic concepts and definitions, try to learn some OS algorithms
- Computer Networks (TCP/IP, ISO-OSI, Congestion, etc...)
- DBMS (Basic definitions, Normalization with examples)
- Software Engineering (s/w paradigms, types of testing and its definition and SDLC)
Apart from the above you should exercise RS Agarwal Objective Aptitude, Sukunthala Devi Puzzles and some math and English in old GRE book.
For a fresher no one will ask for J2EE, .NET and some other software in the market. Once you are selected they will train you according to their requirement. Please remove it from your resume unless if you get a call based on those software.
For a fresher no one will ask for J2EE, .NET and some other software in the market. Once you are selected they will train you according to their requirement. Please remove it from your resume unless if you get a call based on those software.
Interview
- The most important thing is confidence. Just attend the interview that you will get the job.
- Be clear in your answers
- Ask twice if you are unable to understand the question
- Use paper if you are unable to explain. It is always easy explaining using a paper
- If you do not know something, say frankly. But the answer should not be "NO" to basic questions.
- Try to know about the company before attending the interview.
- If a company is working on networking concentrate more on Computer networks and Data structures. You should plan your preparation according to the area of working.
- You should be very familiar with your projects. Please do not keep some application projects in your resume if you are an engineer. This is ok for MCAs.
- Please keep in mind that interviewer does not know anything about your projects, he will ask questions only from your explanation. Be well prepared about your projects.
- I have personally seen many resumes got rejected in my company even after they cleared the written test because of bad resume and projects.
- For management and HR rounds you should expose yourself that taking you into their company will be a big asset to them
- Try to know about the company history, their area of working, no.of people, number of countries they work, CEO of the company and etc... Everything is available in their web site.
I hope I am not wrong in the above points and will help at least one fresher to get a job. Please let me know if someone wants very clear info about the books to refer, topics to concentrate more and any other doubts you have. I will try my best to answer you.
Do not keep hopes on trying on a fake experience; many companies started doing background verification...
You can work hard if you can just imagine software life, money and comforts you are going to get...Interviews are always simple it just depends on how confident you are...
BE CONFIDENT and TOMORROW WILL BE YOURS
Do not keep hopes on trying on a fake experience; many companies started doing background verification...
You can work hard if you can just imagine software life, money and comforts you are going to get...Interviews are always simple it just depends on how confident you are...
BE CONFIDENT and TOMORROW WILL BE YOURS
Group Discussion Topics | GD Topics
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This is especially to people looking for both on campus and off campus jobs.
Now that the campus recruitment has started in many colleges, here comes another important step in acquiring that elusive step towards selection - Group Discussion's. I present here a few topics that I have collected which I think will certainly help you all. These are topics that are generally asked or are likely to be asked. Along with the topics I have also given the broad points along which these topics can be discussed.
Now that the campus recruitment has started in many colleges, here comes another important step in acquiring that elusive step towards selection - Group Discussion's. I present here a few topics that I have collected which I think will certainly help you all. These are topics that are generally asked or are likely to be asked. Along with the topics I have also given the broad points along which these topics can be discussed.
Suggested GD Topics:
1. Is coalition politics here to stay?
2. Does India need a dictator?
3. Is India moving away from a secularist state?
4. Education in India - or the lack of it
5. What ails Indian sports?
6. The Age of Information
7. Is Philosophy just an armchair theory?
8. Success is all about human relations
9. Borderless worlds - Dream or reality?
10. Quality is a myth in India.
11. Education and success - Is there a correlation?
12. We don't learn from history, we repeat it
13. Do we need a global policeman?
14. Indian villages - our strength or our weakness?
15. Agrarian Economy in India - boon or bane
16. if there were no armies in the world......
17. Indian customs - are we in a time warp?
18. "How green was my valley........". Is nature paying the price ?
19. Management Education - Is it necessary to succeed in business
20. The role of NGOs in economics and politics
21. NGOs - Do they serve peoples interests or are they pressure groups?
22. Death of Socialism
23. Role of women in development
24. Kids today are not what they used to be
25. Casteless India - A pipe dream
26. Should Trade Unionism be banned in India
27. Repeated elections - Should taxpayers pay for it?
28. Indian bureaucracy - foundation strengths or colonial hangovers?
29. In India, the whole is less than the parts - Do we lack in team spirit?
30. Generation X - Drivers of our future or are they our lost souls?
31. Do we need a cut in the defence budget?
32. "Dot.com" companies - Is there room for everyone?
33. Artificial Intelligence - Will man be ever replaced by machines?
34. if I were to choose my person of the millennium...
35. All the world is a stage....
36. when managers become Hamlets...
37. If Patel were our first Prime Minister.......
38. Materialism - Have we sold our souls to the Devil?
39. You've come a long way, baby - The rise and rise of feminist power .
40. Role of ethics in tobacco industry, liquor industry etc.
41. Should gambling be legalised in India?
42. Are we unfit for Democracy?
43. Survival tools for the new millennium
44. Examinations - has it killed education
45. Cultural Invasion through the air waves
46. Should doctors be tried in Consumer Courts
47. Abortion and Euthanasia - Is it morally right for society
48. Are beauty pageants neccessary?
49. The relevance of Gandhism today
50. India and the WTO
51. Did India handle the hijack issue properly?
52. Is E-Commerce the best thing for India
Is coalition politics here to stay?
The following points could be discussed under this topic:
Nature of coalition politics.Indecisiveness of elections. No particular party is getting the peoples mandate.Advantage of coalition politics in enabling formation of government. Flipside of coalition politics- a party with a handful of seats become powerful.Government falls before tenure. Fresh elections each time. Suggest a way out of this problem, for e.g.: once a party pledges support to a coalition, it will not withdraw its support until it has watched a governments performance for atleast three years...etc The future -will it only have coalitions, emerging political trends...etc...
Does India need a dictator?
The following points could be discussed under this topic:
The current political structure.Drawbacks of it.Bureaucracy, layers in decision making, anarchy. Dictatorship would mean centralised power and faster decision making.But, country run on whims and fancies of an individual.Freedom on individuals could be clamped ..etc.. Present a balanced argument for and against and take up your position on the issue. C h e t a n a S
Is India moving away from a secularist state?
The following points could be discussed under this topic:
Define secularism.Constitution calls our country such a state, but how things have changed over the last 50 years.Spread of nationalism. Division into majority and minority groups-e.g. benefits given to minority groups perceived as a threat by others. Role of non-tolerant neighbors in fuelling fundamentalism. It is a passing phenomenon. We have the national character to overcome this.. Points along these lines can be discussed.
Education in India-or the lack of it.
The following points could be discussed under this topic:
Discuss current education system. Discuss our sociological structure.Poverty which forces kids to drop out to supplement family income.Vicious circle-poverty due to lack of education and vice versa.Suggest solutions to get out of this-for e.g., governments are doing a commendable job with the midday meal schemes but we need more of such efforts. Going down further, why restrict it to government alone? why cant private people, NGOs and other voluntary bodies come forward to do the same? How about tapping corporate funds for such causes .....etc.
What ails Indian sports?
The following points could be discussed under this topic:
A nation of 950 million, we fail to produce great champions barring the occasional Vishwanathan Anand or Geet Sethi. Sports system steeped in bureaucracy. Overriding popularity of cricket leading to neglect in other sports.Traditionally, sports not accorded much importance by us as a career. Need to develop sports from the primary school level- "catch em young". Various incentives to be given to budding sportsmen like academic credits, sports in lieu of a few other subjects etc. Development of sports infrastructure, making it amenable and affordable...etc.....
The Age of Information.
The following points could be discussed under this topic:
Today a plethora of sources to provide information-Newspapers, radio, Television, Internet etc. Information available at the touch of a button. Greater decision making power to the individual. Also easier decision making for the individual. Information is the key to ones success today. One who is more informed forges ahead. The flipside-information overkill. At times deciding is tough due to too much information ...etc.....
Is Philosophy just arm chair theory?
(This is an example of an abstract topic which is thrown up to students once in a while by the examiners)
The following points could be discussed under this topic:
Talk what you know about this topic . Talk of its relevance in day to day life( or irrelevance if you feel so..). Talk of its influence in literature e.g. Influence of Kant on the romantic poets especially Wordsworth or of Bacon, Voltaire et al on the "Enlightenment" period etc. Talk of its influence in politics e.g. Influence of Nietszche on Hitler and subsequent genocide during Nazi regime etc. Talk of ethics and morals and their importance in life. talk of Indian philosophy. the Gita. Discuss whether we use any of these in our lives and their importance in moulding our values...etc...
Success is all about human relations
The following points could be discussed under this topic:
The most important skill for success in to have people on your side. One can get a lot of work done by superiority and hierarchy but one cannot be a leader of men unless one maintains excellent human relations.Its importance not only in professional life but personal life too.Knowledge and expertise does one no good if one cannot maintain proper human relations...etc.
Borderless worlds-Dream or reality?
The following points could be discussed under this topic:
Globalisation of business.Opening up of the various economies. Cross cultural exchanges. More and more people getting an opportunity to work in different lands among different peoples and absorbing a bit of their values and culture.This leads to greater tolerance and understanding of others' problems. The other side-people despite all this have nationalistic and regionalist chauvinism. A world divided into first, second and third worlds. People still talk of "their" economy and not world economy. Europe has shown a step in this direction with EU but its feasibility remains to be seen.So while people clamour for globalisation, they still think only in terms of their national interests...etc...
Quality is a myth in India.
The following points could be discussed under this topic:
The Indian products and manufacturing techniques. Why are we unable to sustain against global competition.Our mindset towards quality. Indian attitude of "chalta hai" which leads to an undemanding customer which in turn lets people get away with substandard products and services. Today competition is forcing our industry to adhere to global standards so we are getting there in terms of quality. Examples of our software industry which is recognised for its ability to meet global standards etc. Since the topic is general, we can extrapolate it to our quality of life-the air , the water , the facilities we have, the infrastructure we have, the services we get and put up with ....etc......
Education and success-Is there a correlation?
The following points could be discussed under this topic:
This is a topic which provides ample scope for dialectics. One can argue for and against it. One of the best examples is Bill Gates who went on to become the richest man in the world despite dropping out of hid education. Closer home we have the example of Dhirubhai Ambani. What a person learns and what he really wants to do has no correlation many a times. A person succeeds only if he likes what he does.The argument for education will be that, in practice, it is your marks and qualifications that opens doors for you. While one can become successful without education, education brings about a richness in one's life. One is able to appreciate many facets of life due to the extended knowledge that education provides. It opens a new window and provides a different perspective towards things, ability to distinguish between ethical and unethical, moral and amoral ....etc. http://www.ChetanaSinterview.com
We don't learn from history, we repeat it
The following points could be discussed under this topic:
Relevance of history. Reminder of our past telling us what to do and what not to do. Still we have numerous examples which have occurred again and again for e.g. Time and again we have had innumerable wars and bloodshed, Hitler made the same mistake as Napoleon and Napoleon in turn the same ones as Alexander and all the three wanted to rule the world, countries making similar mistakes in world war II as they did during world war I ....etc....
But despite this there are also many examples which have not been repeated ( or rather not brought out to the fore as they were not repeated). This could mean we have indeed learnt from history and avoided those mistakes. In fact that has been the purpose of teaching history so as not to repeat them. Today fear of war is directly due to the record history places before us...etc....
Indian villages-our strength or our weakness?
The following points could be discussed under this topic:
A typical Indian villages and its myriad problems. Lack of basic amenities and infrastructure. their contribution to the economy both in goods and services vis-a-vis their urban counterparts. they could be an even bigger drivers of our economy if they are made self reliant by improving infrastructure and reducing the general disparities between cities and villages ...etc...etc
Agrarian Economy in India-boon or bane
The following points could be discussed under this topic:
Speaking for the topic one can argue the following- time and again it has made us self reliant in food. This increases our bargaining power tremendously in the world economy. Internally also food prices can be kept low and this will have a direct bearing on inflation. This would bolster the economy and provide us freedom from world bodies and other nations.
Against the topic-agrarian economy is at the mercy of climatic conditions. A bad summer, monsoon, or winter could bring the nation down. It will have a spiral effect as increased prices will lead to inflation and problems associated with it. World bodies and other nations will dictate terms..etc....
If there were no armies in the world......
The following points could be discussed under this topic:
Wishful thinking indeed! It would be the key element for world peace. There will be no instrument to wage a war. It will also remove fear and distrust among various nations. We wont have a defence budget. This means more funds channelised into other productive areas. Reduced terrorism and very little separatist groups
But the disadvantage could be imposition by one group, anarchy, laissez faire politics, lawlessness..etc..
Do we need a global policeman?
The role of some countries in "disciplining" others. Assuming on itself to decide what is right and what is wrong for the whole world. Bullying others into submission by its sheer economic power. Overriding the brief of world bodies in world politics C he ta naS
Suggest alternatives like more authority to world bodies like UN etc which is more representative of everyone's interests. More assertiveness to be shown by other nations to such policing nations . making more nations self reliant so that we have less of "Big Brother" Syndrome....etc.....
Indian customs-are we in a time warp?
The following points could be discussed under this topic:
Some undesirable practices over a long time. Dowry- prevalent even among the educated class, Sati- recent example of a lady in North India, Child marriages- still prevalent in backward areas etc. Reason on why do we still follow such customs. Traditional subjugation of women-present even in big cities among upper class society. Allied problems due to such customs- intolerance, fundamentalism, exploitation, etc http://www.ChetanaSinterview.com
Suggest ways out of this like education the masses, indicating the outmodedness and irrelevance of such practices today...etc...
"How green was my valley........".Are we paying the price of nature?
The following points could be discussed under this topic:
As every one tries to be one up on the other in the race for industrialisation, deforestation is taking place on a large scale. This effect is more pronounced in developing countries. It has made a perceptible difference in the last 50 years with rising temperatures. Global warming. Greenhouse effect. Ozone layer depletion. El Nino type effects. Similarly it has affected other living beings-both plant and animals driving many of them to extinction..etc...
But people have realised it now. A lot of NGOs and voluntary bodies are working on it. Infact there is even a Greens party in Germany which has been winning elections using the environmental plank...etc....
Management Education-Is it necessary to succeed in business
The following points could be discussed under this topic:
This is again a topic where we can have for and against arguments. There are many examples of great visionaries and leaders in business who have succeeded without any formal management education. People have simply done it by their will, passion and desire. But management education has also produced many bigwigs. A management education gives a perspective towards analysis and problem solving.It enables one to take decisions in a scientific manner, it enables you to handle the stress and strains of a demanding job...etc...
The role of NGOs in economics and politics
The following points could be discussed under this topic:
NGOs have become very powerful today. They have a major role to play in politics as they swerve peoples opinion. They enjoy a lot of support and goodwill of the people. They can also make or break a business. They protect the interests of the people and represent a collective voice against anything that goes against their interests. Most of the times NGOs are more capable in securing a fair deal for the general good. Also the NGOs have shown that they are in a better position to handle social issues than most governments ...etc...
Probable GD Topics
1. US war on Iraq-justified or not.
2. Role of UN in peacekeeping.
3. Position of Women in India compared to other nations.
4. Environment Management.
5. Is China better than India in software.
6.Should SONIA gandhi be made the PM
7. BPOs in INDIA
8. Govt contribution to IT
9. Will punch lines rule the Advt
10. Prematial sex
11. Is China a threat to Indian industry
12. India or West , which is the land of opportunities
13. Water resources should be nationalised
14. Balance between Professionalism & Family
15. Effect of cinema on Youth
16. Education in India compared to Foreign nations
17. Is it necessary to ban COCOCOLA in India.
18. What is the effect of movies on youth.(is it good or bad)
19. Are studies more benifitial in India or in Abroad.
20.UN's peace activities and America's war on Iraq.
21.Environment-Whose Responisibility.
22.Is China a threat to the indian software industry.
23.Role of UN in Peace keeping
24.War on Iraq
25.About Hockey being the primary game in India.
26.Can America occupy Iraq
27.Cricket should be banned or not.
28.Is China a threat to India
29.Present state of Indian Cricket team.
30.Love marriage/Arranged marriage.
31.Advantages of Co-education.
Hot GD Topics
1.How to deal with international terrorism.
2.Should we pursue our policy of dialogue with Pakistan?
3.Is peace and non-violence outdated concepts?
4.Are Mobile Phones Boon or Bane?
5.Love Marriage vs Arranged Marriage
Probable GD Topics
1. US war on Iraq-justified or not.
2. Role of UN in peacekeeping.
3. Position of Women in India compared to other nations.
4. Environment Management.
5. Is China better than India in software.
6.Should SONIA gandhi be made the PM
7. BPOs in INDIA
8. Govt contribution to IT
9. Will punch lines rule the Advt
10. Prematial sex
11. Is China a threat to Indian industry
12. India or West , which is the land of opportunities
13. Water resources should be nationalised
14. Balance between Professionalism & Family
15. Effect of cinema on Youth
16. Education in India compared to Foreign nations
17. Is it necessary to ban COCOCOLA in India.
18. What is the effect of movies on youth.(is it good or bad)
19. Are studies more benifitial in India or in Abroad.
20.UN's peace activities and America's war on Iraq.
21.Environment-Whose Responisibility.
22.Is China a threat to the indian software industry.
23.Role of UN in Peace keeping
24.War on Iraq
25.About Hockey being the primary game in India.
26.Can America occupy Iraq
27.Cricket should be banned or not.
28.Is China a threat to India
29.Present state of Indian Cricket team.
30.Love marriage/Arranged marriage.
31.Advantages of Co-education.
Hot GD Topics
1.How to deal with international terrorism.
2.Should we pursue our policy of dialogue with Pakistan?
3.Is peace and non-violence outdated concepts?
4.Are Mobile Phones Boon or Bane?
5.Love Marriage vs Arranged Marriage