The Art of Landing a Job: A Sad Tale of Fresh Job Seekers
During my recent flight out of the UAE, I meet a young engineering graduate who was on a visit visa but faced the harsh reality of not securing a job.
Embracing my habit of striking up conversations whenever possible, I delved into his story, sensing a greater lesson that could be shared.
It saddened me to witness our younger generation absorbed in mobile devices, missing out on the art of interaction and, by extension, the practical knowledge that accompanies it.
In this particular instance, the young engineer, disheartened and returning home with a sense of hopelessness, became the protagonist of a transformative journey.
Offering solace and encouragement, I assured him that youth is on his side, and more opportunities would present themselves.
He had invested a significant amount of money and felt the weight of disappointment early in his career. His dreams seemed to crumble, and the inability to secure a job in a country like the UAE within three months was not just a career setback; it felt like a blow to his family's pride.
Intrigued, I delved into the details of his job-seeking approach since landing in the UAE, finding a narrative familiar to many job seekers. He had followed the conventional path—crafted a CV with the help of a friend, continuously revised it based on suggestions, applied online, and responded to advertisements. Despite landing a few interview calls, he struggled to convince employers of his suitability, facing rejection due to his status as a fresher.
Shockingly, two interview calls were from fake companies seeking money for guaranteed job interviews.
Realizing the gap in his understanding of the job market and business dynamics, I felt a responsibility to share insights based on my extensive experience. Last night, he messaged me with uplifting news – he followed the advice and secured a job in Bangalore within two weeks.
Here are the key pieces of advice for job seekers for landing a job ....- Academic Degrees ≠ Job Guarantee: Invest effort in understanding the practical world and your standing in it.
- Skills Matter: Develop key skills alongside academic pursuits.
- Engage, Explore, Network: Seek advice from seniors and industry professionals to streamline your job search.
- Enroll in Bridging Courses: Stay updated with the latest industry trends.
- Industry Knowledge: Read extensively about your chosen industry.
- Individualize Your Profile: Stand out from the crowd by customizing your job hunt strategy.
- Learning Opportunities: As a fresher, prioritize jobs that provide learning and skill development.
- CV Crafting Skills: Recognize the importance of learning to create an effective resume.
- Communication Skills: Invest time in improving your interpersonal and communication skills.
- Personalization Matters: Craft cover letters and personalized messages for a positive impact.
My advice to Companies.
Please incorporate into your CSR initiatives a commitment to engage and support young job seekers. Hosting an open day is an excellent way for businesses to facilitate a deeper understanding and interaction between job seekers and industry professionals. This, I believe, is a genuine act of giving.
While innovation is a prevalent buzzword, its potential can only be realized when our younger generations are embraced rather than turned away due to a lack of experience. Encouraging them to contribute fresh perspectives and ideas, rather than adhering strictly to hierarchical structures, is the key to igniting real innovations that can drive genuine transformation in the world. Let's foster an environment where the untapped potential of youth becomes a catalyst for positive change.
