Month: October 2014

Relishing an evening cup of coffee in a not so crowded but a happening coffee joint, my friend answers a call from one of the many hiring companies where he had recently taken up a job interview. I have been watching him carefully plan his career progression, selecting companies, considering job vacancies, applications, interviews and the most important “follow ups”.

Assuming that he has been selected because of his relaxed smile, I extend my congratulatory greetings to him. With a sheepish smile he goes on to explain  that the recruiter whom he spoke called  up to inform him about his non selection adding that he is happy with the prompt response from recruiter/hiring company on his application , interview follow ups and wishes to reapply with them in future too.

As someone who is bridging the applicant-employer gap, it strikes to me that while we appreciate the thank you notes or emails from job seekers, we many a times  fall short of responding like wise. It would be a good practice to inform the job seeker on his application and interview process regardless of his selection not just because the two way recruiting process calls for it but because the person deserves to know the result of his time invested and also because he valued and considered us of the so many other options available to him.

Also, this way we build up a passive interested job seeker whom we may find a fit in future who is persuasive of applying with us just because of the thought “that if my application is treated so sensitively then they would treat me so much better as an employee”.

What is a start up?
It is a vaguely defined terminology and past few years it has been one of the most researched word on the internet Google to be more precise. Let’s take a simplified approach a start up is essentially an organization established for someone’s idea as well as business model to understand how, when and why it’s scalable. Quit essentially it’s a very expensive science experiment.
Wiki Quotes a start up as

“A startup company or startup is a company or temporary organization designed to search for a repeatable and scalable business model.”

A startup is an idea being materialized and it takes years and years of sheer hard work and not many have the courage, conviction and determination as to pursue an idea. If they can it will be one of the most successful Companies. One of many examples is modern-day technology giants such as Apple, Amazon and Facebook.
Now as to the question the billion dollar question goes “why join one?” Well let’s get the facts right.

Learning curve

One apparent advantage you have when you join a start up would be that your learning curve becomes shorter and your skills grow and evolve as a result you are more aware. Any startup would generally trail you on the job unlike a few corporate where you attend class room session as to what to do and by the time you realize or face the adversities explained scenario the acquired skill is lost. As the result of human brains ability of retention is about 50 percent of the data input. It’s not intentional it’s not stress it’s completely natural.

Entrepreneurial mindset
As a part of a start up you are more prone to develop a different mindset altogether as to why it’s simple you are exposed to every aspect of the business be it making your own coffee to meeting the highest players in your business. So you grow without your own knowledge and your mind set changes from a narrow cubicle to a world of opportunities.

Versatility of skills
The kind of learning that happens in a state up scene is incredible you learn not for your job at hand but what you will handle in the near future. The tasks are not assigned not based on what you are hired for but based on what you are good at this is one way to truly discover your skills and what you really want to do and excel in it. Don’t consider it a job but an effort you are making to know what you are made of and to truly understand yourself. It’s not that you are hired to do something you have to do that alone, no you are free to explore “only the path is shown not the way to approach it”. This only happens in a startup.

Initiative orientation
Know this initiative and organized behavior take you to great heights when it comes to working in a startup environment. Here you don’t succeed if you lead from the back you have to lead from the front this is the key most people starting the business don’t understand but this is an open secret misunderstood and misguide by primitive thinking of the tall structural facet as a result the tower grows taller and the higher they go the harder they fall.

Career not job
There is a strong debate as to career and a job mean same or are they different well, the truth is it’s all up to you if you are looking for a career and not a job a startup is opt for you. As to why should you pursue a career its simple let’s say you are a mail man you deliver letter it’s a job and you do it on cue is expected this is a typical job perspective. Now from a career perspective you do it on time or before to delight them develop mannerisms and greet the receiver with a smile and show commitment and never miss out on dead line that’s a career.
Here are a few more things that are advantages when you join a start up
• You really get to show case your skills and achieve life goal
• You may become a future entrepreneur
• You learn hard work is the only way to do things
• Discipline comes naturally to those who work in a start up
• You become more conscious and aware of the system as well as industry at large

An interview is basically a formal interaction which would make even the toughest quake. Let it be the smartest person in your class or the toughest jock who won last year’s football match. Some say it’s a war situation between David and Goliath sort of a situation. However you can even out the odds by doing a few sensible and common things that actually works.

Three very simple steps to success that can actually help you turn every interview in to a successful crusade.

Step one

Sleep tight

Why? Well I get this question whenever I tell some one about this reason is simple our brain essentially performs like a high performance sports engine it needs rest. As a result low stress levels, more focus, reduced chances of failure to perform tests provided during the time of interview and most important of all helps you relax

Arrive early and Stay calm

It is imperative you arrive on time because it shows how important the job is and as they say ‘first impression is the best one’ so make a good impression on the first meeting. There would be a lot going on a new environment creates a state of anxiety how use your imagination! And best thing to do would be Calm and composed to keep your nerves.

Mind your Presence/Attire/Posture/manners

Mind yourself wouldn’t suffice so mind you presence good mood is infectious and a smile even better. Wear appropriate attire and carry accurate accessories not your wardrobe where in it should be functionality  and sensibility are your two best friends.90 percent of human communication is non verbal so  watch out what message you are giving out and ensure they are positive. Most important of all be e nice it counts. A simple thank you goes a long way.

Step two

Prepare your resume as per the position

Revisit your resume from the point of view of the interviewer. It may provide insight into the company’s employee need something that would certainly be advantageous to know going in. So edit it based on key terms of the Job description quotes.

Ensure your skills are up to date

Ensure the skills mentioned on the job description are what the responsibilities are what you looking for  and  you are not walking in to a Mexican standoff,  so be very clear  about your skill set don’t give any wrong idea to the interviewer.

Make sure to carry necessities not your trophy cabinet

Carry only necessary documentation and answer to the point don’t over exaggerate it could land you in a heap of trouble as you are new to the company.

Step three

Be attentive

Being attentive is very important as situations change and so does environment with each interview. Honestly Environmental and Situational awareness are your best wingmen if your mission is landing the job with flying aces

Stay focused

It is vital to stick to your goal no matter what be clearly present in the environment don’t worry if it works out,  don’t worry about what you can do with your life, don’t worry what to do with money you earn, most important of all don’t lose sight.

Be prepared to let go

Not every man who walks in to a interview room is a hire, so if things don’t work out or the other way around be prepared to let go and move on Its not about whether the company chooses you it is you who have to ultimately make the decision ,so make a clear conscious decision

A few General guidelines that actually help

1. Practice, practice, practice no harm not there are any new shortcuts to hard work so practice
2. Research the position, the company, and current affairs about your current position
3. Anticipate the questions you feel will be asked, then prepare sample answers don’t overdo it
4. Prepare open-ended questions to ask interviewer don’t burden then not all are like indeed people
5. Prepare a list of relevant experiences and examples demonstrating your ability to do the job.