Hi Friends,
Most of you must have heard of Murphy’s law, which states that , “if anything can go wrong, it will”. This is a rather cynical and yet comic way of looking at happenings in life. Die-hard optimists would however argue that Murphy’s law could also prove to be a self fulfilling prophesy because if you begin with the premise that things will go wrong, it is quite likely that they certainly will, thus reinforcing Murphy’s law.
In careers and especially, job searches, a variation of Murphy’s law (this is my version) could be ” you will never get the right interview calls or job offers when you need them. However, as soon as you take up a sub optimal offer, you will be faced with a deluge of interview calls’.
Over the years, I have come across many colleagues who face this dilemma and have to indeed take it on their chins and bear it with a grin. They shrug off the disappointment saying ” Ce’st la vie (thats life)!”
The current downturn in the global markets isn’t really helping job seekers. Lucrative openings are few and far between.
However all is not lost! Since fortune favours the brave and comforts the courageous, I have a few thoughts on how to tackle situations of ‘job offer drought’.
1. Always have your CV updated: You never know when the next job opportunity may crop up and if you do not have an updated CV you could lose precious time in applying. As they say, sometimes ‘the early bird does catch the worm’.
2. Keep your eyes and ears open: Like all other aspects of corporate life it always makes sense to remain alert to options and opportunities. Some simple steps you can take could be:
a) Job e-groups: You can find many e-groups dedicated to profession based job posts. If you are an MBA do have a look at your alumni e-group periodically for interesting job posts. Sites like citehr.com or coolavenues.com are also a great place to network.
b) Job Sites: Be registered with job sites like naukri.com / monster.com which can feed your mailbox with appropriate jobs.
c) Placement consultants: Always be in touch with and try to build a rapport with 2-3 reputed placement consultants. You would be surprised by the kind of help and job advice / job market data which can be provided by consultants.
d) Friends: Cultivate a set of friends who would remember your name when it comes to recommending for suitable jobs. Informal networks are a great way to get info abt great jobs.
e) Industry networks: Make it a point to be part of industry forums, interest groups and networks. This gives you visibility and could also make some HR guy sit up and take notice of your presence.
3. Attend job interviews: This helps you remain updated and prepared. Even if you do not take up an offer, job interviews can provide you with valuable insight into yourself and your state of preparedness to face interviews for your ‘dream job’.
4. Make a name for yourself: If you stand out of the crowd among your colleagues in terms of competence, knowledge and skills, you are sure to be wooed by competitors in your own industry and sometimes from outside the industry as well.
Getting a job is no longer a piece of cake in these troubled times. The global financial services sector collapse has sent shivers up the spine of many a corporate executive and lent pink slips to thousands of bright kids on the block!
However with a little bit of effort and some sincerity, you can ensure that you have enough options to tide you over these less than salutary seasons.
Wish you all the very best.
Regards,
SD….
