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Though the volume of jobs looks like it’s on the rise, any seasoned jobseeker knows that it is only the averages that count.

Lima Sehgal

Currently, optimism in the job market is as fluctuating as the weather. And just as unpredictable.

The complaints are justified. We would like to pin a reason to trends or seasons — knowing that nothing qualifies. Any one out job-hunting still feels the squeeze.

Though the volume of jobs looks like it’s on the rise, any seasoned jobseeker knows that it is only the averages that count. It is the duplication of vacancies that is the problem. It’s causing a quickening of pulse amongst placement firms. But more smoke than fire.

Jobseeking professionals who circulate get to know the ropes. They are aware that the websites, publications and placement firms are wooing the same clients and are bound to come up with the same offers. The end result is that the pipedream of exclusivity cannot withstand the daylight of competition. Also, one realises that only the time-tested counts, and post mortems qualify more than rainbows.

Yes, the Indian professional is getting street-smart. Whatever the market conditions are, one always has the option to sow a few beans to get a magic beanstalk.

So, I think we can all look forward to an unpredictably happy new year!

Copyright © 2011, Jobnet magazine, issue 96

Republication or dissemination of the contents of this article are expressly prohibited without the written consent of the publishers of Jobnet magazine

Posted under Articles by Lima Sehgal

Our job hunting methodologies have become primitive

Lima Sehgal

There has been no dent in the problem of how to pack in jobs for the multitudes of jobseekers of such diversity.

Such solutions are not about drops in the ocean, but more like collecting dewdrops in the afternoon.

Today, the job seeking professional no longer wants information on jobs – but jobs! The mushrooming job websites and career publications are catering to the advertisers rather than to the readers. Also, the advertising revenue sources being the same has resulted in the same job being packaged and repackaged and displayed everywhere.

It certainly looks good on the racks. But however good the supermarket looks, it is of no use if they don’t have your size.

The desperation level is evident in the ‘hit or miss’ technology used by jobseekers. Mass email your resume everywhere, and hope to hit a job match, and hope to miss your boss’s PC.

I think it’s time we leave the selling of hope to the Avon lady or to Amway.

Our job hunting methodologies have become primitive. The need of the hour is to strip this business of its traditional secrecy. We need employers to get more open about their vacancies. Placement consultants need to network more with each other, since their clients are no longer going exclusive. It would reduce the redundancy of effort, a major factor that is throttling the placement industry and resulting in a loss of confidence in them amongst job seekers.

In the fast lane, there are no shortcuts.

Copyright © 2011, Jobnet magazine, issue 88

Republication or dissemination of the contents of this article are expressly prohibited without the written consent of the publishers of Jobnet magazine

Posted under Articles by Lima Sehgal

The great email promise that lures us into the unknown ocean does not necessarily land us on the shoreline of a promised job.

Lima Sehgal

The internet is virtually the continent of the find and found, but as most Job seeking Columbus’ discover, where they land may not be a new continent, but a place of squatters who never move from Google maps.

Data repetition and obsolescence haunts us, but where else can we go?

There is also a real world out there, which is not on the internet. Like Placement Firms who may have never even tried to get an elbow into a website, Headhunters especially, who just rely on the find and get principle of operations. Top positions, for example, need that approach but it also applies to placement firms who keep their operations on their finger tips.

Wading thru the glitter and litter of keywords one finds that the terrain looks familiar and there is no sign of any greener pastures.

So what is attacking the Indian Jobseeker?

Primarily, there is an illusion that on the internet, what one sees one can get. One soon discovers that applying is a different ball game from the search operation. Any Email on the net is an invitation may look like a welcome invitation, but sending that email may probably not result in getting invited.

The more advanced jobseeker, is aware that in India such passivity does not work so in addition one gets aggressive with the email or telephone follow up.

The great email promise that lures us into the unknown ocean does not necessarily land us on the shoreline of a promised job.

So let’s figure out how to get a job rather than where to find one.

Copyright © 2011, Jobnet magazine, issue 190

Republication or dissemination of the contents of this article are expressly prohibited without the written consent of the publishers of Jobnet magazine

Posted under Articles by Lima Sehgal

Vacancy Duplication is a serious problem for Jobseekers in India

Lima Sehgal

Nothing has had a greater impact on the Indian jobseeking professional than the simple computer related process of Cut & Paste.

Vacancy duplication has reached unhealthy levels. Today, with so many players in the recruitment business — I mean not only the placement firms, but also magazines, newspapers, and job-websites – wooing vacancies for display, the duplication effect is tremendous.

There was a time when the problem was simple. One vacancy being handled by several recruitment firms – and it stopped there. The job seeker either banked on luck to get headhunted, or a little careful spreading of nets amongst placement firms would get in the catch. The law of probability was not such a serious threat.

Today, Bingo! No jobseeker needs a hunting pack. The vendors of the placement business deliver at your doorstep.

Who calls the shots? The jobseeker is certainly getting the short end of the stick. The information supply lines of jobs are numerous, but unfortunately the actual number of jobs are not. The repetitive nature of information is making its utility redundant.

What is worrisome is not the existence of vacancy duplication, but the prevalent myopic attitude. Its time the vendors of vacancies, be it placement, print or electronic, looked a few years ahead and asked – “ANY TAKERS?”

Copyright @ Jobnet Magazine 2010 issue 80

Republication or dissemination of the contents of this article are expressly prohibited without the written consent of the publishers of Jobnet magazine.

Posted under Articles by Lima Sehgal, Articles from Jobnet Magazine, Views, Opinions,

Cut & Paste

Nothing has had a greater impact on the Indian jobseeking professional than the simple computer related process of Cut & Paste.

Vacancy duplication has reached unhealthy levels. Today, with so many players in the recruitment business — I mean not only the placement firms, but also magazines, newspapers, and job-websites – wooing vacancies for display, the duplication effect is tremendous.

There was a time when the problem was simple. One vacancy being handled by several recruitment firms – and it stopped there. The job seeker either banked on luck to get headhunted, or a little careful spreading of nets amongst placement firms would get in the catch. The law of probability was not such a serious threat.

Today, Bingo! No jobseeker needs a hunting pack. The vendors of the placement business deliver at your doorstep. Who calls the shots? The jobseeker is certainly getting the short end of the stick. The information supply lines of jobs are numerous, but unfortunately the actual number of
jobs are not. The repetitive nature of information is making its utility redundant.

What is worrisome is not the existence of vacancy duplication, but the prevalent myopic attitude. Its time the vendors of vacancies, be it placement, print or electronic, looked a few years ahead and asked – “ANY TAKERS?”

Copyright © 2009, Jobnet magazine
Republication or dissemination of the contents of this article are expressly prohibited without the written consent of the publishers of Jobnet magazine.

Posted under Articles by Lima Sehgal