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You’ve been searching for a new job for a long time, but can’t find the right one? Well, perhaps it is time to revisit your approach because finding the right job is not just about having a good resume and applying to various companies. It’s about having the correct approach.

Time it
“To begin with, find out which companies are recruiting before you apply,” suggests Krishna Mathur, who works as a HR manager at a leading IT firm, “You might want to work with a particular company; but the question is: is that company looking for people; in other words, are they recruiting?”

Studying the market scenario is important as most companies follow a hiring cycle. Thus, time your application appropriately. In other words, to get the right fit, you have to understand the needs of the market and learn to connect with the right people at the right time.

The right move
“An aggressive job hunt never helps. When you are looking for a job, no matter how desperately you may need one, remember it’s important to plan your moves smartly. Jumping at every opportunity is definitely not the way to go. Your desperation often becomes evident when you appear for the interview,” suggest career counsellor Vinitha Pradhan, “Having the right approach is half the battle won.

Remember, you should apply for a particular position in a particular company because you want to do that job, and not because you are unemployed or are unhappy with your current job.”

Mathur further adds, “Desperate job seekers often apply for random positions without checking the eligibility criteria, and then eagerly wait for a call from the employer. Such moves tend to set a negative impression on the employer. Remember, you might overlook your shortcomings, but the employer wants the best deal.”

Be real
Whether it’s your job profile or remuneration, or any other benefits, be realistic with your expectations. As Pradhan elaborates, “You might want to take up a managerial position in a renowned company. A fancy designation is something you can flaunt around, but are you ready for the challenges that post entails? Do you have the required academic background, necessary skill sets and enough work experience to do justice to that position?”

The same principle applies to monetary benefits as well. For example, “In the current market scenario, when corporates are only hopeful of the economy picking up or even otherwise, it may not be a wise idea to quote unrealistic figures for your remuneration. You can demand a hike in your salary percentage, but be prepared to compromise and reach a mutual decision,” explains Mathur.

Be organised
Organising your search helps in more than one way. An organised job hunt comprises a hard core structured plan of action. This will include mapping your career aspirations, understanding your requirements, your strengths/weaknesses, short listing companies/positions you are interested in, keeping track of the companies you have applied to, the status of the application, time management, resume management (if you have more than one resume), etc. Following a disciplined routine is important.

Be available
Mathur rightly points out, “One big problem we face while hiring is the convenience and availability of candidates. Candidates often ignore calls because they are busy or just don’t want to be disturbed at that time. They attend to mails at their convenience and leisure. Very often we get responses after a month.. We have our own deadlines and can’t wait till eternity for a candidate to respond. As a HR personnel, I would suggest, be available. If you are busy, you can express your interest and excuse yourself. But do remember to revert at the earliest as competition is intense and no vacancy will wait for you to oblige.”

Wind up
Most often people are under the presumption that having the ‘perfect’ resume and applying to all the possible companies that they can spot will get them a good job. There are people who function by the paradigm that randomly applying to all the possible places will definitely get them a job. Remember, searching for a job is a job in iteself that requires dedication, determination and discipline. It’s no child’s play.

What to do
Keep a tab over the market scenario. Plan your moves smartly. Make the right move at the right time. Have a positive approach. Understand your skill sets.

What not to do
Do not apply randomly. Do not keep unrealistic expectations. Don’t indulge in an aggressive job hunt. Don’t apply to companies that are not hiring. Don’t ignore the calls you get.

Source:
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/quickiearticleshow/5161991.cms

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