Golden Job

It's all about Job and Career!

A job search is tough. Few candidates are prepared for what happens in a job search. Few have had any formal training. Some will get help with their resume. Some will reach out to friends and family for guidance, but there is a whole lot more to a job search than the tactics and mechanics of the resume, networking and interviewing.

There are two enemies in most job searches that rarely get discussed. One candidates have to deal with, and few are prepared to handle is, “TIME.” Many enter unemployment totally unprepared for the length of time a job search takes and how slow and long the hiring process is. They have one time frame and the company has a completely different set of priorities and time frame.

The other biggest enemy is, “themselves.” As time passes and frustration sets in they start questioning themselves and their abilities. The have also gone through all the contacts in their network, have been doing the same thing over and over again for months with little results, and they are burned out. Now what?

The best thing you can do for yourself at this point is get what we refer to as an accountability partner. Accountability is something as adults we ****. That is why most can’t wait to become adults. We all want to get away from this word. We want to do what we want, when we want, how we want and without anyone holding us accountable. Fine for life, but not a good thing in a job search.

An accountability partner needs to be selected very carefully. They need to be someone you respect and trust. Someone blunt and direct, who will tell it like it is, especially when you don’t want to hear it. They should not be a friend or family member.

This is where the tough love enters the picture.

A good accountability partner will help you. They are not here to become your friend or buddy. Get a dog if that is what you are seeking. Their job is to encourage you when you’re down and motivate you when you just don’t want to go to another networking meeting or send another resume. Their job is to kick you (figuratively not literally) in the appropriate place when encouragement and motivation don’t work as well as hoped. A good accountability partner knows the right buttons to push and when to push them.

They must be a person you can open up with about your job search and what is happening to you on the inside and even in your personal life. They are someone who will empathize with you, console you, feel your pain, be understanding, compassionate, never hit you when you’re down, but instead picks you up, dusts you off and when all of this is completed, kicks you in the appropriate place and gets you going again.

A good accountability partner will listen to you. They will know the differences between an excuse and a real obstacle. They may be able to provide some resources to help you out when you are stalled. They won’t accept excuses. They will listen to them and then kick you in the appropriate place and get you back on track.

A good accountability partner is somewhat like a good drill sergeant in the military. You **** them while you are in boot camp, but you also know that they have your best interests in mind for the upcoming battle. They are successful if, at the end of the battle, you look back and say, “Thanks, you really helped me get through this.” Oh, you may still **** them, but you surely respect them.

They may or may not end up being your friend. That isn’t important. What is important is that you want to refer them to every person you meet in-transition.

Finding an accountability partner (even if you have to pay one) willing to give you “TOUGH LOVE” during your search may be the best thing you do for your job search, yourself and your family.

Firstly, remain calm in the morning. Nervousness is natural but don’t let it overtake you and affect your behavior. If nervousness leads to anxiety and shows on your behavior with others, it will lead to a negative impression of you. So, keep anxiety at bay and go with a confident and positive outlook. In fresher jobs, other colleagues and your boss would know that you come with no prior experience but that does not mean that you allow yourself to be taken for granted.

Dress up appropriately for the job. Irrespective of whether you know the dress code or not, dress up in formal attire. This projects a professional image of you. Being a fresher, are not expected to wear a formal suit to work but a full-sleeved shirt with a tie and formal trousers would work for boys. Girls may want to opt either for a salwar-kameez or a formal trouser with a business shirt. Eventually, even if your job profile does not require you to dress up formally, you cannot take that liberty on the very first day. Once you find out what the dress code, you can adhere to it later on. Since your first impression counts a lot, you must make sure that you make the right first impression. It will also speak about your approach towards the job.

On the first day, when you reach the office premises, you will have to undergo an induction process. Generally, this is done for all levels- jobs for freshers, jobs for mid level or jobs for senior level. At office, an executive from the HR department would meet you and take you through all the formalities. Since you are a fresher and have no prior experience in these things, you would get all the required guidance and assistance required to go through this process. Also, you must not hesitate in asking and seeking help if you are stuck anywhere. Once the induction formalities are over, there might be an orientation programme on the same day. It might be conducted a few days later too. The purpose of the induction programme is to familiarize you with the goals, objectives, values and the ways of working of the organization.

After this, when you are seated at your desk, and are being introduced to the rest of the members of your team, make a little extra effort to get to know people in the same department. Try and be friendly with everybody. Also, make an extra effort in finding out what your job profile entails. Be inquisitive and open-minded. Read up about the company and its history. It is good to be inquisitive but make sure you ask intelligent questions. You would not look like a fool by asking questions but they must express your desire to learn and not as stupidity. In fresher jobs, your seniors would know and expect this from you.

From the first day itself, create a professional image of yours. That does not mean that you do not make friends at work but remain focused and professional in your approach towards things. Don’t compromise work to make friends and don’t act and sound casual with things and the responsibilities given to you. Since your first job is like your launch pad, it is for you to decide how you want to utilize this window of opportunity to give you a successful career ahead.

Apart from these small tips, there are other general things that can help you establish a positive picture f yourself in your first job. For instance, being polite to everyone, willingness to work extra, keenness to learn new things and pushing yourself extra to achieve perfection in whatever you do are things that will ensure that you make a good start to your career.