Dated May 12, 2004
What do "You" have to offer? - When asked in an interview?
ROOPA
Bangalore
Employers aren't simply in search of a specific "bundle of skills." A number of interviewers feel that candidates should think hard about what they want from the job and in what way they can contribute over and above their specific set of skills or competencies. It could also mean - what other qualities such as initiative, attention to detail and reliability you bring with you.
Be prepared to have a conversation with the interviewer detailing your experiences and accomplishments while working with people on projects, and during your academic career. Technical and professional skills are just a few of the dimensions on which candidates are evaluated. Thus, they do not constitute the prime criteria to gauge the individual's potential."
What should be the general attitude of the candidates attending the interview?
SANDEEP
Hyderabad
It's not simply what you say that brings you success in an interview; it is your manner and presence often that count more than your words will.
You need to be confident, energetic and enthusiastic. It is good to have a casual attitude but you should not go overboard thinking that the offer is going to knock at your doors. However, an enthusiastic person who demonstrates that he/she wants to shine in the profession will do a lot to convince an employer that he or she is worth the investment. A candidate who can 'engage' the interviewer has a good chance of getting the job offer."
While grades and subjects studied are important, there is not much a candidate can do at the interview stage to change them.
"Attitude is always the best seller. An applicant with a positive attitude will be rated higher than others. In general, the resume gets the candidate to the interview and briefs the employer that he is able to carry out the job. After the interview, employers do not base their decision only on the candidates' qualifications, but on their suitability to the position and department."
What should you bear in mind while attending an interview?
VIJETHA
Khammam
Listen to the questions! Ensure you hear the questions properly. Good answers will reinforce the impression you make on the interviewer with your appearance and behaviour - bad answers will destroy it!
Listen and answer just the question, no more, as this could leave you open to unexpected and awkward follow up questions.
Pause to consider your answers - that shows you are considering them properly.
Though only a certain percentage of selection decision is based on what you say, the statistics assume that you match the job you are going for perfectly - so you can still spoil your chances if you don't get it right.
Lastly, remember your own questions! The typical questions listed above can be used in reverse - for example, what is their management style? So, have your own questions ready.
What are the career prospects for energy conservation management graduates and what would be the basic job profile?
PARI
Tamilnadu
The main employer is the Environmental Health Department. Typical employers include Higher Education (HE) institutions, health trusts, charities and housing associations. In the corporate sector, gas and electricity companies employ energy efficiency managers and project workers to co-ordinate initiatives such as monitoring energy grants to local authorities. These are energy conservation officers by another name.
Non-governmental organisations, such as environmental charities, run projects concerning energy conservation. They focus on policy making, lobbying government, providing a helpline service and supporting energy efficiency schemes.
An energy conservation officer is responsible for improving the energy efficiency of domestic properties and other buildings.
This he achieves by applying practical solutions to energy saving and to raising the profile of energy conservation within an organisation or community.
The job profile would include the development, coordination and implementation of policies to reduce energy consumption. Reviewing the policies so that they are implemented effectively.
Developing models to publicise particular schemes so that they yield good results.UsingITto interpret and present complex information skillfully.
Could you please tell me how can I get into RAW (Research & Analysis Wing)?
SUNIL NAIR
Kerala
Recruitment of personnel for the Research & Analysis Wing (RAW) is carried out in the following manner:
Direct recruitment: Deputy Field Officers (at the junior level), field officers and senior field officers are appointed directly to the Research & Analysis Service (RAS).
Recruitment at the lowest level is that of an `attaché' and during the probation period, you are designated as an Under Secretary to the Central Government.
As per the rules, 50 per cent of the posts in the senior cadre are filled through direct recruitment while the remaining are filled through promotions and deputation of special officers from the CBI, IT, Customs, RBI, and the state police (at the SP, DIG or IG level) for a period of 5-7 years which is extendable up to ten years.
Senior level appointments: These are made in two ways: (i) on-campus recruitment of Civil Service candidates while training for the foundation course; and (ii) recruitment of University graduates. You must have a first division from Class X onwards.
Final selection is made through an interview.
Specialist appointments: Personnel for technical or scientific jobs are selected through campus interviews. Generally, those with some experience in government organisations are preferred. The Interview Panel includes experts and selectors from the UPSC.
Language specialists: Interestingly, RAW also employs language specialists as its work involves dealing with foreign countries.
The faq column deals with career concerns addressed to The C&K Management LTD. PO Box 2178, Secunderabad 500003 or emailed to faqs@cnkonline.com
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Opportunities
