Ask the Headhunters (18/10/2001)
Undoutably, globalisation has resulted in an explosion in work opportunities, but it has also made employees increasingly vulnerable to turbulence in world markets, not necessarily of their own making. The IT industry in India is a case in point acutely affected by the crests and troughs in the US economy. Employees wooed with lavish salaries a year back are facing the unkindest cut of all – downward salary revisions, and layoffs. Most employees lack the emotional and pyschological resources to strategically plan careers in the altered environment. As an online career solutions provider, AssureConsulting.com launches Ask the Headhunters to empower its readers with resources to propel their careers forward in these Hard Times. Write in ....
I have had a bad experience with a prospective US employer. The employer filed for my H-1B, but failed to reply to
subsequent queries from the INS. I am still interested in finding a job in the US.
But I do not know how to go about it. This previous contact was through a known
person.
I am Manager of Finance in a German Organisation. I am fluent in German and English. I also double up as the systems administrator in my current workplace.
Any suggestions…
Sirtaj
The US economy is in the midst of a recession and according to Marc Faber, the Swiss born economist, the current downturn could last longer than most people except. A large number of global and mid-sized corporates are on a cost cutting spree and are reining manpower expenses by downsizing the workforce. This applies to financial conglomerates as well. For example Meryll Lynch has announce 10,000 job cuts worldwide.
Against this gloomy backdrop, the Headhunters suggest that you look for another job in Germany or another European country rather than relocating to the US.
Hi. I am a software engineer and I have to go through a telephonic interview. Any tips.
Raghav
A telephonic interview is not half as daunting as it appears. The Headhunters received some useful tips via mail and these could help you:
Avoid being caught completely off-guard by keeping your resume and a note-pad and pen by the telephone. If you are expecting a call in your office, stay right on your desk. If at home ensure that there are no distractions.
Pronounce your words clearly. Don't talk too fast or loud. Ask the interviewer if he/she can hear you properly to tune your volume. If your pronunciation has heavy accent, pause between each sentence for a bit.
Do ask the interviewer if what name does he/she want you to use to refer him/her. Usually, the people who take telephonic interview are quite experienced and clear such things at the onset only. It is common to have a small polite conversation to settle things before the real interview begins. You may refer to the interviewer by his or her first name.
Usually the interviewer asks his set of questions, which are based on their requirements and your resume. So be prepared to be asked about anything in your resume. Do talk about your projects in the past that is relevant to the kind of work experience needed.
Avoid giving monosyllabic answers like yes or no. They convey no real information about your abilities. Also, try giving answers which give details about you to the interviewer and he/she can ask you more questions.
Be succinct in your answers. Avoid repeating yourself.
If a situation arises where you are forced to say "I do not know", do so. There is nothing wrong in not knowing. Make up by saying "I do not know, but I can study that and I am confident that given the opportunity, I can master it in a short span of time".
Take notes. These will be invaluable when preparing for the face-to-face meeting or for asking questions at the end of the interview.
Towards the end of the interview, you will get an opportunity as the interviewer questions. Do ask a few questions that will reveal your intelligence. For example, question the interviewer on immediate projects the interviewer's department is involved in and other projects the company is involved in.
Once the details are confirmed, finish with this request: "If I need any additional information, can I get back to you." No matter how many questions you get answered in the initial conversation, there will always be something you forgot. This allows you to call again to satisfy any curiosity-it will also enable you to increase rapport.
At the end of the interview - always thank the interviewer for his time.
If you are not hired, don't lose heart. There may be several reasons for the client company to reject the applicant even after a successful interview like:
Budget constraints.
Terms with consulting company are not agreeable to client.
Salary not agreeable to client.
Client is not ready to sponsor your Work Visa and has restrictions in company corporate policies.
Project schedule postponed.
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