B-Cognizance
IIITA e-Magazine
October - December 2006 Vol 2 Issue 11
Our entire effort, from the day we enter the education system, is targeted towards getting that dream job. Though the dreams keep changing as we mature the underlying principle remains the same – a job which we enjoy doing. When we start our first job the illusions of a ‘perfect job’ usually vanish within the first few months and we are forced to admit that there is no such thing as a ‘dream job’. For the fortunate few who are able to get that elusive ‘dream job’, stick with your current job and stop reading this article!
Normally all jobs have a positive as well as a negative aspect and if we are forced to define the concept of a ‘dream job’ it would be a job, with as few negatives to it as possible, which we enjoy doing.
When we start our careers, the temptation is there to get a job that pays the highest compensation and thus allows us to be financially independent. At that time except for very few people who really think about what they want; most of the people choose the job on the basis of compensation and believe that this is the best that could have happened to them. But soon after when they start working, they realize that money is not everything. Then the focus shifts to things like job profile; what kind of work one does, how does it affect people in real life and the long term career prospects within that field. After all many HR journals say that, after 20 years of job experience. 20 years should not be 1st year added 20 times, but it should be 20 different years.
Still unsatisfied and in search of that perfect job; the job hunt starts again and one may get the job profile he or she wanted. Now after working for a while, they realize it is not the money or the job profile. It is the work environment, team members and how the company treats one as an employee which matters and one starts looking for a job. So where does this search end?
The answer is to have a perfect balance between all the above mentioned ingredients, which are: good salary, satisfying job profile and above all healthy working environment, right from your first job. Sometimes one may have to compromise on few of them, depending upon various factors such as, salary expectations and location related issues. Therefore, even though the definition of a perfect job is different for different people if at the end of the day, if one manages to balance all these ingredients we will end up with a job that one enjoys doing which in turn will lead to better salaries and more recognition within the field.
Now after trying to define a perfect job, we give some tips on how to pick up those early signals about a prospective employer, which people often ignore and thus end up accepting the wrong job offer. Everybody has a vast network of friends and one can get feedback from friends on any company possible. But, sometimes what may work for one; may not work out for other. As far as personal experience goes, I always find it better to reach 30 minutes before the interview to try and get the feel of the place. As you wait in reception area many employees will pass by you and you can always feel the pulse of the place.
For example, if you are a casual dresser and like a laid back work environment you can see what the people are wearing and how they behave with their colleagues. There can be n number of things you can notice by spending a little time on the company premises either before the interview or after the interview. This practice is in fact very effective while deciding whether you will fit in or not.
Another tip is to, try to be friendly with the person who takes you to the interview room and drops you back at the reception. They may drop a lot of hints, which you may find useful while considering the offer. This probably will be the HR person and it will help to be friendly with this person; as later to know the outcome of your interview you will be communicating with the same person. Also, because your each and every movement and behavior is noticed – being friendly and professional at the same time gives a good impression.
Another important aspect is salary negotiations. Well for starters keep it negotiable in the beginning and if asked mention your present CTC (don’t falsify) and that you expect at least X% on top of that (for example, nowadays 30-50% jump in salary is normal). Try to be assertive and at the same time diplomatic, so that you do not shut all doors for future negotiations. Once you know for sure that you have hit the bullseye, which you will know by being friendly with the HR person; one may start their negotiations. But remember not to go overboard, always do your research and try to find the average salary for that position in the market.
Many companies are known to start mini technical round or pick on some weakness before making the offer so as to humble down the candidate. Do not fall for that, as no one is perfect and how one may perform on job is, somewhat different from the performance during the interview. Also, if company is cribbing for odd 10-20 thousand in per annum CTC, it is not a good sign. For a good candidate a financially sound company will not mind paying even double the existing salary.
On the ending note I would advise everybody to be true to themselves. Don’t fall for a brand name, compensation offered, great campus etc. Be true to yourself and try to judge how will you fare in that environment and what all can you compromise on without burning yourself. In the end being happy at work place affects your future professional life, present personal life and your interaction with other people around you. So, best of luck and happy job hunting.
by Azahar Machwe
MSc Information Technology, University of the West of England, UK Researcher University of the West of England, UK
Sorabh Kalra
MSc Software Engineering, University of the West of England, UK Software Engineer R&D Apexdecisions.com Pvt. Ltd.
Perspective
Search for perfection
Our entire effort, from the day we enter the education system, is targeted towards getting that dream job. Though the dreams keep changing as we mature the underlying principle remains the same – a job which we enjoy doing. When we start our first job the illusions of a ‘perfect job’ usually vanish within the first few months and we are forced to admit that there is no such thing as a ‘dream job’. For the fortunate few who are able to get that elusive ‘dream job’, stick with your current job and stop reading this article!
Normally all jobs have a positive as well as a negative aspect and if we are forced to define the concept of a ‘dream job’ it would be a job, with as few negatives to it as possible, which we enjoy doing.
When we start our careers, the temptation is there to get a job that pays the highest compensation and thus allows us to be financially independent. At that time except for very few people who really think about what they want; most of the people choose the job on the basis of compensation and believe that this is the best that could have happened to them. But soon after when they start working, they realize that money is not everything. Then the focus shifts to things like job profile; what kind of work one does, how does it affect people in real life and the long term career prospects within that field. After all many HR journals say that, after 20 years of job experience. 20 years should not be 1st year added 20 times, but it should be 20 different years.
Still unsatisfied and in search of that perfect job; the job hunt starts again and one may get the job profile he or she wanted. Now after working for a while, they realize it is not the money or the job profile. It is the work environment, team members and how the company treats one as an employee which matters and one starts looking for a job. So where does this search end?
The answer is to have a perfect balance between all the above mentioned ingredients, which are: good salary, satisfying job profile and above all healthy working environment, right from your first job. Sometimes one may have to compromise on few of them, depending upon various factors such as, salary expectations and location related issues. Therefore, even though the definition of a perfect job is different for different people if at the end of the day, if one manages to balance all these ingredients we will end up with a job that one enjoys doing which in turn will lead to better salaries and more recognition within the field.
Now after trying to define a perfect job, we give some tips on how to pick up those early signals about a prospective employer, which people often ignore and thus end up accepting the wrong job offer. Everybody has a vast network of friends and one can get feedback from friends on any company possible. But, sometimes what may work for one; may not work out for other. As far as personal experience goes, I always find it better to reach 30 minutes before the interview to try and get the feel of the place. As you wait in reception area many employees will pass by you and you can always feel the pulse of the place.
For example, if you are a casual dresser and like a laid back work environment you can see what the people are wearing and how they behave with their colleagues. There can be n number of things you can notice by spending a little time on the company premises either before the interview or after the interview. This practice is in fact very effective while deciding whether you will fit in or not.
Another tip is to, try to be friendly with the person who takes you to the interview room and drops you back at the reception. They may drop a lot of hints, which you may find useful while considering the offer. This probably will be the HR person and it will help to be friendly with this person; as later to know the outcome of your interview you will be communicating with the same person. Also, because your each and every movement and behavior is noticed – being friendly and professional at the same time gives a good impression.
Another important aspect is salary negotiations. Well for starters keep it negotiable in the beginning and if asked mention your present CTC (don’t falsify) and that you expect at least X% on top of that (for example, nowadays 30-50% jump in salary is normal). Try to be assertive and at the same time diplomatic, so that you do not shut all doors for future negotiations. Once you know for sure that you have hit the bullseye, which you will know by being friendly with the HR person; one may start their negotiations. But remember not to go overboard, always do your research and try to find the average salary for that position in the market.
Many companies are known to start mini technical round or pick on some weakness before making the offer so as to humble down the candidate. Do not fall for that, as no one is perfect and how one may perform on job is, somewhat different from the performance during the interview. Also, if company is cribbing for odd 10-20 thousand in per annum CTC, it is not a good sign. For a good candidate a financially sound company will not mind paying even double the existing salary.
On the ending note I would advise everybody to be true to themselves. Don’t fall for a brand name, compensation offered, great campus etc. Be true to yourself and try to judge how will you fare in that environment and what all can you compromise on without burning yourself. In the end being happy at work place affects your future professional life, present personal life and your interaction with other people around you. So, best of luck and happy job hunting.
by Azahar Machwe
MSc Information Technology, University of the West of England, UK Researcher University of the West of England, UK
Sorabh Kalra
MSc Software Engineering, University of the West of England, UK Software Engineer R&D Apexdecisions.com Pvt. Ltd.