Learn from your first job

Fresh out of college or school, you are enthusiastic about the next big thing in your life, a job that is the first and probably the most important step towards your dream career. With that offer letter in your hand, you feel that you’ve won a battle and now life is going to be a smooth ride. Well, maybe not! The battle has just begun.

Read on to find out the most commonly made mistakes by freshers on their first job and how to avoid these blunders that could very well sabotage their career:

• Work just enough: Overestimating yourself is one of the biggest career mistakes you can make, especially in your first job. In the fervor to prove your metal, you might take more responsibilities than you can successfully fulfill. But if you have promised, you must deliver.On the contrary, not volunteering at all to do some extra work can also work against your image, categorizing you as lazy or incapable. So only accept as much as you can accomplish efficiently and let your work speak for you. Not only will it add to your knowledge bank but also add brownie points to your work credibility. Always remember that quality precedes quantity. 
• ‘I know it all’: No one appreciates if you start your job with ‘I know it all’ attitude. You are in a new environment with new people and no one, not even your boss, will expect you to jump in and start solving all the problems. Give yourself time (atleast a month) to understand the job that you are hired for and your target goals in the next 6 months- 1 year. You will not be judged if you seek help from your seniors or colleagues. So ask as many questions as you like but judiciously utilize the first month or two to learn the tricks of the trade. 
• The First Impression: More often than not, ‘first impression is the last the last impression.’ Your workplace attire, body language and general code of conduct are the factors that make or break your first impression. You might not realize but everything that you do is observed by your boss and team. So it would be a nice idea to keep a check on your lunch break duration, punctuality and anything that might reflect negatively on you. 
• Accept Criticism: Gracefully accepting criticism is the golden rule to being successful in your career and life. Welcome feedback and constructive criticism and use it to improve the quality of your work. Never talk back to your boss in a tone or manner than might be offensive. If you have to make a point, be polite. Also remember to be open to suggestions or new ideas and it express willingness to learn. 
• Social Networking: No, we are not about Facebook and Twitter here! Make it a point to personally connect with the workforce at your organization. Mingle with new people and understand their nature of work. Remember their names whenever you meet them the next time and show interest in what they have to tell you about their job experiences. Listen, observe and analyze whatever is happening around you and it will only be easier for you to blend in with everyone else. 
• ‘Too err is human, to forgive divine…: It is your first job and as vigilant as you might be, you are sure to make some mistake. But remember if you have made an error, don’t obsess over it. Take onus of your actions, apologize and move on to fixing it in the best way you can. Don’t be a quitter and face the challenge that lies ahead of you. You will come out of it as a better refined and polished worker. 

Article curtsy: shine.com

Get Noticed (Resume Cover Letter)

 

 

A cover letter is a letter of introduction that highlights key accomplishments in one’s career. It briefs the employer about the type of position that one is seeking and the reasons why they would be the right person for the job. Most employers seriously consider only those resumes that are accompanied by a cover letter as this adds focus to the candidate’s resume. It is a vital part of the job application process since it initially unveils you as a serious candidate just by the way it has been written.

 

Crux of the cover letter :

In the competitive job market, the Get noticed! While a great resume may not always get you hired, supplementing it with a stellar cover letter is a sure-shot way to bag that job absence of a cover letter could land you in jobless hell. Since there are multiple applicants for a single job opening, the candidate who submits his or her application with a wellwritten cover letter will be the one to get noticed immediately and is most likely to be called in for an interview. A good cover letter also explains the job candidates’ organisation and communication skills, two qualities of paramount importance in any organisation. Further, your cover letter can explain things that your resume can’t. For instance, if you have a gap in your employment history or if you happen to be changing your career focus, a cover letter can explain these things in the most positive way possible.

 

Customise it :

It is important that each cover letter must be tailored to suit different jobs and employers. Avoid sending a generic cover letter to multiple companies since HR managers can instantly spot a mass mail. An attention-grabbing cover letter always addresses the organization and its needs. Research the company before writing the letter; scan through the company’s recent news and then incorporate relevant points. It’s also important to personalize the letter as nobody likes to receive impersonal mail; some might even mark it as spam. Take some time to find out the correct addressee.

 

Keep it professional :

Write the cover letter with the employer’s needs in mind; capitalise on your qualifications without sounding boastful.

 

Get to the point:

Employers receive applications from dozens, if not hundreds of applicants, and thus, they don’t really have the time to read lengthy letters. Since the cover letter will be seen before the resume, it’s a great way to make your mark. Describe what you can do for the organisation in the clearest and most direct way possible. An ambiguous cover letter will fail to attract the attention of your prospective employer.

 

Edit with care :

Use a simple block format with left flush margins and ragged right margins. Restrict your cover letter to a single page. Lastly, go through the letter several times so as to avoid any kind of mistake, including typos, grammatical errors and wrong spellings. Just like any professional letter, the body of the cover letter also comprises three parts – the introduction, the main body and the closing. Armed with a ‘killer’ cover letter and resume, you can be sure of entering the job market place and making your mark!

Five ways to crack a phone interview

 

In a super-competitive market, the phone interview is increasingly being used by hiring managers for the first screening, and in the process, the firststage elimination as well. ET gives you the lowdown on how to ace a phone interview and swing the selection process in your favour. 

Get Serious 

Treat telephonic interviews the same way as you would a face-to-face interview. "This includes things like keeping your resume handy, making sure you get the name and designation of the interviewer right and avoiding multitasking," says Makarand Khatavkar, MD and head - HR, Deutsche Bank. He adds: "I actually advise people to dress formally for telephonic interviews - this will make a huge difference in the way you come across to interviewers." 

Tune out Distractions 

While taking the call, ensure you are in an area where you can speak without interruption. Use a landline if possible. If you're at home, turn off the TV or music system, and the call-waiting facility on your mobile. The regional operations head of a leading bank recalls he was once taking an interview where there was a constant background noise. At one point, he even heard the interviewee muffling the receiver and ordering for a coffee. "It shows a complete lack of respect," he says. 

Be Positive 

Ahello and even a broad smile when on a call often compensates for a physical handshake. "Research has shown that smiling on the phone creates a positive image. Smiling will make you sound professional and confident. Talking on the phone isn't as easy as it seems; speak slowly and enunciate clearly," says Khatavkar. 

Listen Keenly 

Ajob interview is a way to sell yourself. Listening is therefore very important. "Focus on what is being asked and respond clearly. Avoid the temptation to fill pauses, and take time to articulate your response. Remember, first impressions count on phone lines as well," says Khatavkar. 

Take Follow-Up Action 

At the end of the call, thank the interviewer for his or her time, reiterate your interest in the job and request a face-to-face interview. Get a contact number as well. Being hands-on in following up can help your chances of landing the job.