Dated March 02, 2005
I get put off when employers ask if I would be comfortable working for someone younger or when they say they don't have any employees my age. What do I do?
Ajay Sahoo
Bhubneswar
Often, age-related questions have little to do with discrimination. Interviewers probably just want to know if you would fit their working environment.
Your best bet is to respond to the concern behind the question.
Highlight your enthusiasm for the chance to learn from others of all ages. It's likely that you've had younger colleagues or supervisors in the past. Mention how well this has worked for you.
Say that you think work benefits when people of all ages contribute.
However, there are cases when age-related questions could be a subtle form of age discrimination. If the interviewer seems particularly antagonistic, or over-emphasises that point, it could give you a clue what his real feelings are. In such instances, there is little you can do except cross your fingers and hope for the best.
What are the attributes of a good team member? I often find myself at loggerheads with the others on my team.
Sharanya
Chennai
The key attributes of a good team worker are the ability to:
Understand the purpose of the team and seek clarification where necessary
Analyse his own skills and competencies to establish how the individual might best contribute and what sort of role he will undertake within the team
Analyse the contribution other team-members can make and how other team-members' skills and competencies complement the individual's own skills
Observe and identify the team's behaviour and establishing norms, in order to conform or consciously deviate from these norms when necessary
Assess individual performance, skills and competencies and identify potential development needs
Communicate effectively, including the use of listening skills and an understanding of when and how to intervene
Empathize with other team-members and provide support where necessary.
Team working can improve performance by increasing opportunities for effective co-operation, flexibility, communication and information sharing, innovation and problem solving between groups of employees.
The shared responsibility can also enhance team-members' knowledge and experience and increase individual and organisational productivity.
Koushik
Mumbai
At an interview, always take pains to show that you are a consummate professional. By this we mean your attire, mannerisms and communication skills. Always ensure that you have had a look at the company website so you are familiar with their product and background. Make sure you are very familiar with the job specification and what will be required and be prepared to demonstrate your relevant skills.
Most interviews are competency based. This means that candidates are asked a number of questions designed to measure your ability to cope with different situations.
To cope with these situations you need to be competent enough to answer questions relating to the situation. For instance, in an interview for a call centre, be sure to state what exactly needs to be done to help a customer deal with a particularly troublesome situation.
Be sure of what you have to do and why you have to do the particular job. You need to brush up on areas relating to team work, handling customers, dealing under pressure; e.g. if you have been overworked - how you coped by asking your team to assist as well as letting your team leader know so he can help with the additional responsibility.
I recently attended an interview, during which one of the interviewers suddenly got up and left the room without any warning or explanation. I felt very awkward, and had a bad impression of the company, to the point that I am reconsidering joining them if I am offered the job.
Akshay
Mumbai
It can be very disappointing when recruiters conduct themselves in such an unprofessional manner.
The waiting period after a job interview is stressful enough without the added pressure of you wondering what you "did wrong" to make the person walk out during your session. A job interview works both ways - candidates evaluate a potential employer's conduct in the same manner that an employer evaluates the potential employee.
However, do not simply rule out the company because of the behaviour of just one individual - stay focused on your career objectives. If the organisation can provide you with the opportunities that you want, and the job offered matches what you are looking for, do consider taking up the post if they offer it to you.
What are the career prospects for mechanical engineers?
Rohan
Bangalore
Mechanical engineers are required in automobile, chemical, electronics, steel, and fertiliser industries. Mechanical engineers also play a vital role in government sectors like Ordinance factories, Railways, Steel plants, Oil exploration and Refining, technical wings of the armed forces, Space Research Organisation, etc. With the rapid rate of expansion in the industrial sector, the employment potential for mechanical engineers is very high.
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
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