EMPLOYMENT COMMUNICATION

Communication strategy to seek gainful employment

Understanding yourself Prepare an effective rsum Network efficiently with colleagues, batch-mates, seniors, and alumni. Build capabilities and skills that add meaning and value to the rsum.

Mistaken Assumptions About Networking

It is unethical. One does not know anyone important enough to network with. One does not know how to introduce oneself to others. It sounds too self-promoting.

Three Components of Employment Communication

The cover letter and rsum The group discussion The interview process

Purpose of a Cover Letter

To judge whether the candidate has a good command over the English language. To learn whether the candidate has taken the time to match their skills with the firms requirements. To compare at the outset whether the job requirements match the candidates skills and experiences.

To excite the recruiter and encourage him or her to open the rsum

Other Types of Job Correspondence

Acceptance letter

Thank you letter

Withdrawal letter Rejection letter
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Possible Drawbacks of a Rsum

Spelling mistakes Grammatical errors Too factual a tone; the rsum reads like a job description Incomplete information Poor formatting Excess length Poorly organized
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 Inclusion of too much unnecessary personal information Use of long paragraphs instead of bullet points Criticism of a previous employer Lack of details Difficult formatting (such as zip files) that may be difficult to access Lack of summary of skills and accomplishments Unexplained gaps in employment

Components of a Rsum
Name, address, contact numbers, and e-mail address Objective Summary of skills Education Relevant experience Work history or professional history Other activities, memberships, honours, interests (optional) References (if required)
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Group Discussion
Ability to get along with other people The amount of importance given to group objectives over personal ones Ability to frame issues Ability to suggest ideas Communication skills Assertiveness Ability to take initiative Adaptability Ability to think on ones feet
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Classification of Group Discussions

Topical group discussions Case study-based group discussions Abstract group discussions Controversial topic group discussions

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Types of Interviews
Panel interviews Sequential interviews Stress interviews Behavioral or HR interviews Telephone interviews Video conferencing interviews Case interviews Lunch/dinner interviews

Blog-based

interviews

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Preparing for an Interview

Pre-interview Preparation Investigate the employer Make a personal inventory The Interview Pay attention to body language Respond to questions attentively Close the interview pleasantly
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Post-interview Follow-up Thank the interview panel for their time Follow this up with a query about your performance and future prospects with the company

Donts During an Interview

During an interview, do not: Ask for the job. Criticize your previous employer. Give canned answers. Be late or too early to the interview. Smoke during the interview. Interrupt the interviewers. Accept an offer immediately. Emphasize salary or benefits. Use profanity.

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Thing to do Before a Telephone Interview

Do take a telephone interview as seriously as an in-person interview. If the call is unexpected, ask to reschedule. It is always better to be prepared. Keep your rsum handy. Keep employer research materials within easy reach of the phone. Have a notepad handy to take notes. Turn off the stereo, TV, and any other potential distractions. Practice speaking before the actual call takes place. Keep a glass of water nearby.

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Things to do During a Telephone Interview

Address the question; answer to the point and crisply; simultaneously list key skills. Clearly enunciate your strengths, achievements. Ask for clarifications directly. If you have doubts about the answer, it is better to be honest. Do not hold the mouthpiece too close. Sign off by saying It was nice talking to you. Thank you.

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