Deal with ZEAL
Given the present environment, individuals tend to be sceptical about their job prospects, which is not surprising. While the fear of not being able to find a job again is experienced by momentarily unemployed people, students who have just graduated go through the apprehension of having opted for the wrong area of specialisation. As Andrew Dyos, HR director operations, Vertex (UK & India) puts forth the above viewpoint, Prakash Shanware, president –HR, Ipca agrees, “The laid-off employees and fresh graduates are highly stressed and uncertain about when things will improve.” A Mateen, VP, HR, DHL Express-South Asia adds, “The loss of a job gives rise to a host of emotions that include confusion, despair and loss of self confidence.” But then, one has to move on and start looking for newer avenues and make the best of the situation.
| "The loss of a job gives rise to a host of emotions that include confusion, despair and loss of self confidence," A Mateen, VP, HR, DHL Express-South Asia |
Experts suggest that it is how you go about finding the right job that matters. One needs to be more creative and think beyond the ordinary, at these times, to have an upper hand while job hunting. Suman Anjoy, head, HR and professional services, Himalaya Optical who believes in the above, says, “First, plan and manage a successful job search campaign. Secondly, part-time jobs should be taken up gladly to fill in the resume gaps.”
A laid-off employee needs to be constantly optimistic about his/her future prospects and enthusiastically look for job openings without a pessimistic attitude. Sarkar makes a few suggestions: 1) your CV should be updated properly and critically analysed. There is no room for spelling and grammatical mistakes, which are often found, 2) proper details of the last assignment should be mentioned and the success achieved therein. Ashok Srinivasan, VP, operations support, Expertus, a learning outsourcing organisation points out that one should look at contract assignments in the short term till something more permanent is obtained; the objective being to remain engaged and active till the situation improves,” he suggests. Improving your online social networking skills, reading blogs, asking friends about job openings at their workplaces are a few methods of job hunting, according to Anjoy.
Dr. Y V Verma, director HR & MS, LG Electronics recommends a few must-dos for the suddenly unemployed in order to accelerate their chances of acquiring a job:
The most important part to job hunting after you have been laid off is to treat the “after lay-off” period as a job. Since you are no longer working, you have the time to dedicate to your job hunt. If you spent seven hours a day working, you should spend seven hours a day looking for a job too. Research job openings in the niche that you would like to work in. Job hunting is a numbers game. Of the jobs that you apply to, the odds are that possibly 10 per cent of them will call you in for an interview. To increase your odds of getting an interview after you have been laid off, you have to make sure that you continuously apply to jobs throughout the time that you are laid off.
Jagat M Sarkar, head (HR), eRevMax Technologies suggests innovative ways through which you can find jobs, after getting downsized, even during such testing times:
Candidates should look out for new companies and budding entrepreneurs who are trying to set up businesses. It is during such trying times that we see a lot of innovative products being conceived. If the company’s prospect looks good, candidates should consider joining it (at low salaries, if required). Check out government advertisements. During recession, the government starts various research and infrastructure based projects as a measure to increase employment opportunities. Job seekers should also focus on SMEs for employment as these companies keep on floating trainee positions in various departments. With the internet gathering momentum and social sites turning into networking hubs, it is imperative for job-seekers to have a presence online.
There is always light at the end of the tunnel. However, the road towards the tunnel may not be devoid of roadblocks. But a little optimism can make all the difference!
(Source: Viren Naidu, Times Ascent, May 6th 2009)
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