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Looking for a job? Know what employers expect
For a fresher looking out for the right employment opportunities, it is important to know what employers are looking for rather than blindly apply to various organisations for a possible vacancy. The expectations of employers are never static, they keep changing based on the emerging business landscape, including the expectations of their own customers.
So to help freshers in their job hunt, here are some of the myths and realities about employers' expectations that will help launch their career:
Myth #1: A recognised degree or a postgraduate qualification is the most important pre-requisite for employment
While a degree is certainly a good starting point, what employers are looking for is sound knowledge of the domain or sector for which the candidate is being considered. Therefore, whatever field you have specialised in, make sure you have clarity on the concepts relevant to your subject. In fact, for some of the roles, employers are even prepared to consider candidates who may not have a formal degree but have in-depth understanding of the subject.
Dr Uma Ganesh is the CEO of Global Talent Track.
Myth #2: Employers provide the necessary training
In boom periods, when employers were recruiting in large numbers and had very little lead time, they were prepared to train candidates after they were recruited to provide them with the relevant skills. However, increasingly, employers now prefer recruiting candidates who come already equipped with the relevant skill sets and the on-the-job training period is reduced to a minimum duration mainly focused on company-specific orientation. This is why it is important to educate yourself on the skills you will require and invest in gaining them.
Myth #3: Communication skills are important only for marketing or customer-interaction roles
Every role today has a fair requirement of communication skills -- whether it is a financial accountant, a researcher, an analyst or a trainer, all the roles call for a mix of written and oral communication skills, both in English and sometimes in the local language as well. In today's connected world, communication using a variety of media is the key to success. Without good communication skills, it is impossible to progress in careers and get people around you to recognise your value.
Myth #4: Employers look for competencies only in a specific area
It is true that the employers look for specialised competencies relevant for the role that you are being considered for. However, today more and more employers are looking for candidates who have 'T' shaped competencies. What this really means is that candidates should have broad understanding/exposure to a variety of related areas while specialising in specific set of skills.
Therefore, it is not good to ignore all other areas and concentrate in only one area, potential employees are expected to have the ability to appreciate, contribute and if required, move into related areas (as the situation demands). The employment market today demands the ability of individuals to not be specialists but generalists with specialised knowledge and capabilities in one or two areas.
Myth #5: Once I acquire my degree/postgraduate qualification, my education is over
It is no longer true that you do not have to bother about learning anything new once you finish your formal education. With today's dynamic marketplace and the rapidly changing technology which have a huge impact on every-day life and business, only those who are constantly watching and adapting, manage to survive and grow. Therefore, it is imperative to develop the mindset to learn constantly and consciously develop new competencies to remain ahead in the workplace. Employers look for this ability to learn on your own without anyone's help and being a self starter while recruiting.