Dated November 3, 2005
(Questions answered on career concerns)
How do I develop my verbal communication skills? What sort of books can I read to enhance these skills?
Shubra Sharma
Via email
Good communication skills essentially include your ability to deal with people from various walks of life, on a one-to-one, one-to-many, many-to-one and many-to-many basis. To improve your verbal skills, try to inculcate the habit of reading books, newspaper, magazines, etc., in short, any printed matter, and attempt to learn something new from it. Engage in conversations with people who communicate well. Pay attention to the nuances of conversations. Learn to participate and withdraw, listen and offer inputs at the right time. Attempt to use your new learning. Don't let a few beginners' glitches put you down. No matter where you are, or where you want to be, you need good verbal and non-verbal communication skills to succeed.
If you're an extrovert, focus on using your listening skills, listen to what the other person is saying and think before you respond. Don't assume that silence means agreement in meetings be sure to ask others if they agree and wait for their answers.
If you are an introvert, practise speaking in meetings, express your opinion and share your ideas. Try to develop your nonverbal communication skills too, use appropriate gestures to convey the right message, any action will make you part of the conversation. Don't feel that your contribution is not important; try to express your ideas even if they are not fully developed.
I have seen so many resume samples that I fail to understand which one to use. Are there any specific guidelines for choosing a resume format?
Avinash Mahato
Bhubaneshwar
The language of a resume should be action oriented. Most sentences should begin with action verbs (such as achieved, compiled, evaluated, handled, filed, measured, coordinated, to name a few). Use short phrases and clauses with no subject, rather than full sentences, in your position descriptions.
Eliminate extraneous words and irrelevant information. Avoid phrases such as "My duties included..." or "Responsible for..."
Do not use personal pronouns such as "I" or "My." While it is important that you take credit for what you have done, be careful not to use words that inflate or exaggerate your responsibilities. If you choose to include phrases such as "hard worker" or "quick learner" make sure you back these statements up by giving examples of where these qualities were demonstrated.
Check and re-check spelling, grammar, and spacing very carefully. Even one mistake is too many.
A resume is a very flexible document. It can be adapted to highlight your particular skills or experiences. Information can be included or deleted according to your needs. The order in which you present this information can vary as well. The content categories you choose for your resume will be determined by a number of factors, especially your strongest "selling points" relative to the type of position you are seeking.
What are the career prospects for MSc biochemistry?
Kaleeswaran
Nagalapuram
Biochemists may work in industry, pharmaceutical houses, hospitals, universities, or private research labs. Thecentral government employs many biochemists, as do state and local government agencies, and the rapidly growing field of biotechnology has a great need for biochemists. Many jobs in biochemistry involve high-level research and require advanced training. However, with the demand for biochemists at all levels a variety of employment opportunities can be found with a bachelor's degree. Some jobs available to graduates might include that of a biochemist, medical or pharmaceutical lab technician, food scientist, and industrial salesperson.
In addition, graduates in biochemistry may apply to professional schools, such as medicine, dentistry, optometry, or veterinary medicine. The graduate degree also provides a sound background for pursuing advanced Masters or a Ph.D. in biological sciences. For positions that involve designing or directing research projects, a Ph.D. is a must.
How can I,as a fresher, best prepare for a job search?
Seema Rawal
Hyderabad
Identify your skills and abilities. Analyse and determine what you learned from your previous experiences/projects, classes, and activities and how you have benefited from them. Keep your objectives concise and realistic.
Try and research the types of positions that are appropriate for someone with your background and accomplishments. Know what type of career and organisations you want, the types of responsibilities, size of employers, type of industry or service, locations, etc. Assess your strengths and weaknesses that you are working to improve. Be ready to tell an employer about them. Know something about the employers before you apply for jobs.
The FAQ column deals with career concerns addressed to the C&K Management Ltd. P.O. Box 2178, Secunderabad 500003 or emailed to faqs@cnkonline.com
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