Meetup Takes on Google !

Campus recruiting is competitive. With companies like Google, Microsoft and the likes, it's difficult to find talent unless you stand out and have a unique vision.

CEO of Meetup, Scott Heiferman has collated a funny document which is comparing Meetup with the Google !

The document, Meetuplex is very funny and also very honest.

Go check out whether it is a place where you'd like to work and associate with as well...

Found it interesting!! Meetup is Hiring !! Check out the current openings here !!

Related Posts:
Google Rated Employer of the Year

Technorati Tags: jobs, careers, work, campus, life,

Is this the Inevitable End ??

For over a decade, the Information technology Industry has been accountable for the consumer revolution in India. Accounting to over $40 Billion, the outsourcing industry is responsible for 8 % of the GDP. The Information Technology (Software) Industry employs 1.5 Million professionals and has been accelerating for more than 30 % every year and a steady increase in the cost of talent!

The cost of Talent is now a major issue that the Indian Information Technology Industry is currently facing. The cost of talent and the steady inflation has led to software giants thinking out of the box.

The Times today posted an article stating that Tata Consultancy Services widely know as TCS has now opened a software development centre in Guadalajara, Mexico where they will outsource close to 500 jobs this year and will extend to 5000 over a period of five years.

Mr. Gabriel Rozman, President of TCS, Latin America quoted that

“We see costs rising in India and people becoming less available,” and “That’s why we’re going to places like Latin America, which has professionals and reasonable costs.”

According to The Times, a stronger rupee, rising costs and a lack of talent is causing the move. Tata competitors including Infosys, Satyam and Wipro have already moved some of their operations to mainland China.

Is this a sign of shift focus of exploitation of third world counties? Is this the first sign of IT Slump in India?

Time will tell...

Source: The Times & The Inquirer

Technorati Tags: Times, News, Career, IT, Work

Freelancers - Jobsites

I found a very cool site build for freelancers and also a Monster list of Freelancers Job Portal while i was searching and am sure it will help you find the right work. The list has traditional, budding sites and also some cool Job Bidding Sites... You can find it here...

Technorati Tags: Recruitment, jobs, careers, work

The Death of Resumes !!

Times are changing and so are employers !! Employers are dumping the traditional Printed resumes and now are becoming entirely Digital!! Resumes are no longer read & thus you might have to fill out an application / online form. Here’s what Google does:-

Google, uses a screening program to measure applicants' attitudes, behaviors, personality and biographical details. Answers are scrunched in a formula that creates a score, indicating how well the candidate is likely to fare on the job.

"Applicants may be upset, but I see no resolution in sight,"

Employers for sure will benefit out of the entire process of “Digitization of Resume” but candidates & Head-hunters are not very pleased. The Big IT Giants in India have been forcing their panel of consultants (as well) to submit resumes digitally and thats a sign of adaptation to the west. So if you are looking for a Job, be prepared to fill in Online Applications – they are here to stay !!

Though Efficiency of the process is something every recruiter would love to have, i am still not sure whether it is the right time to experiment…

Source: Bradenton Herald | 03/18/2007 | Resumes have gone way of the dinosaur

Technorati Tags: Recruitment, Interview, Interesting, Google,

Link of the Day

Bhuvana Sundaramoorthy has published an excerpt from the book The Accelerated Job Search by Wayne D. Ford, Ph.D, published by The Management Advantage, Inc.

Review these typical interview questions and think about how you would answer them. Read the questions listed; you will also find some strategy suggestions with it.

1. Tell me about yourself?

The most often asked question in interviews. You need to have a short statement prepared in your mind. Be careful that it does not sound rehearsed. Limit it to work-related items unless instructed otherwise. Talk about things you have done and jobs you have held that relate to
the position you are interviewing for. Start with the item farthest back and work up to the present.

2. Why did you leave your last job?

Stay positive regardless of the circumstances. Never refer to a major problem with management and never speak ill of supervisors, co-workers or the organization. If you do, you will be the one looking bad. Keep smiling and talk about leaving for a positive reason such as an opportunity, a chance to do something special or other forward-looking reasons.

3. What experience do you have in this field?

Speak about specifics that relate to the position you are applying for. If you do not have specific experience, get as close as you can.

4. Do you consider yourself successful?

You should always answer yes and briefly explain why. A good explanation is that you have set goals, and you have met some and are on track to achieve the others.

5. What do co-workers say about you?

Be prepared with a quote or two from co-workers. Either a specific statement or a paraphrase will work. Jill Clark, a co-worker at Smith Company, always said I was the hardest workers she had ever known. It is as powerful as Jill having said it at the interview herself.

6. What do you know about this organization?

This question is one reason to do some research on the organization before the interview. Find out where they have been and where they aregoing. What are the current issues and who are the major players?

7. What have you done to improve your knowledge in the last year?

Try to include improvement activities that relate to the job. A wide variety of activities can be mentioned as positive self-improvement. Have some good ones handy to mention.

8. Are you applying for other jobs?

Be honest but do not spend a lot of time in this area. Keep the focuson this job and what you can do for this organization. Anything else isa distraction.

9. Why do you want to work for this organization?

This may take some thought and certainly, should be based on theresearch you have done on the organization. Sincerity is extremelyimportant here and will easily be sensed. Relate it to your long-term career goals.

10. Do you know anyone who works for us?

Be aware of the policy on relatives working for the organization. This can affect your answer even though they asked about friends not relatives. Be careful to mention a friend only if they are well thought of.

11. What kind of salary do you need?

A loaded question. A nasty little game that you will probably lose if you answer first. So, do not answer it. Instead, say something like, that’s a tough question. Can you tell me the range for this position?

In most cases, the interviewer, taken off guard, will tell you. If not, say that it can depend on the details of the job. Then give a wide range.

12. Are you a team player?

You are, of course, a team player. Be sure to have examples ready. Specifics that show you often perform for the good of the team rather than for yourself are good evidence of your team attitude. Do not brag, just say it in a matter-of-fact tone. This is a key point.

13. How long would you expect to work for us if hired?

Specifics here are not good. Something like this should work: I’d like it to be a long time. Or As long as we both feel I’m doing a good job.

14. Have you ever had to fire anyone? How did you feel about that?

This is serious. Do not make light of it or in any way seem like you like to fire people. At the same time, you will do it when it is the right thing to do. When it comes to the organization versus the individual who has created a harmful situation, you will protect the organization. Remember firing is not the same as layoff or reduction in force.

15. What is your philosophy towards work?

The interviewer is not looking for a long or flowery dissertation here. Do you have strong feelings that the job gets done? Yes. That’s the type of answer that works best here. Short and positive, showing a benefit to the organization.

16. If you had enough money to retire right now, would you?

Answer yes if you would. But since you need to work, this is the type of work you prefer. Do not say yes if you do not mean it.

17. Have you ever been asked to leave a position?

If you have not, say no. If you have, be honest, brief and avoid saying negative things about the people or organization involved.

18. Explain how you would be an asset to this organization

You should be anxious for this question. It gives you a chance to highlight your best points as they relate to the position being discussed. Give a little advance thought to this relationship.

19. Why should we hire you?

Point out how your assets meet what the organization needs. Do not mention any other candidates to make a comparison.

20. Tell me about a suggestion you have made

Have a good one ready. Be sure and use a suggestion that was accepted and was then considered successful. One related to the type of work applied for is a real plus.

Read the entire thread here.
Technorati Tags: interview, Q&A

Tips for Recovering from a Bad Interview….

Everyone has a bad interview now and then. Even the most patient person gets frustrated after getting the run around. It is important to know how to handle these mini-travesties when they happen. Here are some quick ways to shake it off, find the silver lining and get your job search right back on track.

1) Get it off your chest by talking about it with someone you trust. Everyone needs to vent, so indulge your emotional side for a few hours and tell the story. It’ll feel good to have rehashed it. The last thing you want is for pent up frustration to effect the next interview. Get it all out and then prepare to move on.

“Man invented language to satisfy his deep need to complain.”
Lily Tomlin (1939 - )

2) Admit mistakes and fix them. If you were late, if you tripped up, if you forgot to tuck in your shirt - whatever it was, seize the opportunity to learn and grow. You have the ability to change your actions and become an even better candidate the next time around.

“The events we bring upon ourselves, no matter how unpleasant, are necessary in order to learn what we need to learn; whatever steps we take, they’re necessary to reach the places we’ve chosen to go.” Richard Bach, The Bridge Across Foreve

Read the entire article here...

Technorati Tags: Interview,

Phone Interview Etiquette

These days, phone interviews are a part of most screening processes and I’ve noticed that candidates rarely do prepare for the first discussions with their prospective employers. It is rather the first impression you leave and therefore I would like to few tips which can help you during your job hunting process.
1. Do your research: - It is necessary to know a brief about the company you’re applying to including the Job description
2. Writing Material: - Often Telephonic discussions involve in solving puzzles, coding or evaluation of technical abilities, therefore a notepad and a pen would be ideal.
3. Your resume: - These days’ people do have different sets of resumes highlighting different skill sets and thus having a copy of your resume which you applied would be a definitive edge. Normally, initial discussions are based on Resume.
4. Speak precisely and answer to the point unless required. Always remember to charge your mobile phones and always try to scheduled telephonic discussions on landlines whenever possible
5. Communicate clearly and ensure that there are no hindrances between you and the interviewer.
6. Be professional: - Do maintain courtesy of ensuring that you greet them and always say Thank you before you wrap up the discussion and also ask if it would be possible to meet in person
7. Unscheduled interruptions: - It could so happen that you might be scheduled for unscheduled meetings or emergencies. Always do reschedule discussions during such emergencies.

Technorati Tags: Communication, Etiquette, Interview, Recruitment

Why Programmers cannot Program...!

I happened to read about Why Can't Programmers.. Program? on Coding Horror (I really like the Blog name) and on JoelonSoftware. I truly am very convinced with their remarks and I totally agree that most of the entry level programmers really don't know to code. In fact most of the Job seekers don't even look at Jobs before they apply - Thanks to the Apply All button on Monster and competing job search engines!

How this can be avoided:-

1. Coding Test are given during campus placements rather than just the aptitude tests
2. Coding skills are given more weightage vis-a-vis just plain aptitude
   
3. Computer Science graduates should b interviewed rather than other specializations in engineering
4. IT companies really don't engineers for Cut, Copy and Paste.... Challenge them !!!
5. Focus a lot on Training right after hire and give freshers more time before they actually are put on projects. In fact, most of IT engineers in India do not have a Computer Science Degree!
   
6. Candidates hardly read JDs - Job descriptions should be read before you apply for a position.
   
7. Never shortlist a programmer without a coding test (My personal experience) and finally
8. Brands sell but on the Job - NEVER !

Check out the discussions on Technorati !

After reading these I am sure you will realize why Talent is Hard to find :)

Monster Introduces New Tools

Monster introduced (rather followed) their competitor and introduced SMSExpress. Now, hiring on Monster could also be done with an SMS...

Not a path breaking innovation, but surely will extract more from the existing clients... For more details, click here...

Ace your Interview!!

I found a very cute collection of tips to ace your interview. Read it here and give it a Digg if you like the article :)!!

Jobster is Back !

Yes, Jobster is back with a bang and Jason quoted that Jobster will be launching a new site today which will provide FREE Job Postings. The service is purely for positions based out of the USA and hopefully will be open to the rest of the world soon.

Jobster now showcases "Share on Facebook" Icon and will have some connectivity with Facebook. Jobster will also announce the deal with Facebook this week.

UPDATE: You can find the announcement here.

All the best Jason!!

Checkout jobs in London at Canary WharfJobs.com.

The End of Job Boards!

Traditional approach had career portals like Monster, Dice, Naukri, JobsAhead, Hotjobs and the like reigning the Online Recruitment Space. But changing times have changed the trend.

Now, jobsites all over the globe are facing a dearth of quality postings turning the spots on to another arena… yes you’ve got that right, Blogs!

Blogs are no longer just a collection of web blogs… they are the next gen Jobsites. There are a lot of tech blogs that publish Jobs these days. Some of the popular ones like TechCrunch, GigaOm have job threads along with their Blogs. This might sound very convoluted and you may begin to think that it burns a hole in the pocket, but the fact is pretty much on the contrary.

My personal favorites are :-

Jobthread:- who lets you post a job on their site and includes a referral reward. Publishers can send the job out to their contacts and, if they desire, to search engines as well. Revenues are split in half. For further details, click here .

Jobomatic:- is a new entrant by SimplyHired, in competition with Job Thread.

Like Job Thread, publishers can set their own listing price, and the service will cost the publisher to share 30% of any revenue generated from those listings.

Both services have no frills attached.

Wonder why no Indian recruiter provides similar services?

I would like to have one some day… some day soon.

Search internships at CollegeRecruiter.

Want your resume to be unique?

Corporate Recruiters go through a lot of resumes and therefore every job seeker should spend considerable time to ensure that his/her resume stands out. I am very impressed by a resume that I found today which really impressed me.... Eager to know what?

1. Precise

2. Usability Experience is wonderful

3. Articulate

4. Very Impressive

I rate this resume very high on my list!!

Want to know why, here is a screenshot for you and you can see the video right here...

Technorati tags: Resume, Flash, Flash Resume, Presentation, Careers

10 Most Frequently Asked Interview Questions

Edugree has published a list of the 10 most Frequently asked Interview Questions, which you can find here. Always have these questions answered before you go in for the interview.

Link to 10 Most Frequently Asked Interview Questions EDUGREE - College Degree Program and Career Advancement Information

Technorati tags: Recritment, Careers, Interview, Recruiting

Answering tough HR Questions

If you ever wondered how to answer tough interview questions like why we should hire you or where do you see yourself 5 years from now or career related questions, your wait is over as Rediff has published some tips from senior HR managers and industry professionals, which you can find here.

While its important for everybody to prepare for an interview, do keep yourself ready by answering some of the questions published here.

Link to Interviews: Why should a company hire you?

Technorati tags: Recruitment, Interview, Recruiting, HR

Three Rules for an Attention-Grabbing Resume

I found a great article on Yahoo Hot Jobs and I think Joe has nailed the right way to create a resume. Great read and simple to implement.

He quotes....

Sometimes your resume can hurt you more than help you. In today's job-search market, you are often competing against large numbers of candidates, and your resume has to be good enough to make it past the first screening.

The first people to view your resume are often lower-level staff looking for a quick way to weed candidates out of consideration. You can minimize the chances of your resume being eliminated during this round by following three simple rules.

1. Less is more.

Don't tell too much. Your resume should read like a billboard, not an encyclopedia. A good resume should leave the prospective employer with a desire to know more. They will be likely to call and phone-screen you. So don't fill in all the details just yet. Save that for the interview. Do, however, paint a big picture of who you are and what you can offer.

For example, you may have worked for several years at your present employer. Certainly you could fill up several paragraphs with all that you've done. Instead, think of the one or two most critical projects, duties, or functions that you provide. List the most important and give them no more than a sentence or two each.

Here is an example:

EXPERIENCE:
May 2003 to Present: XYZ Company, Their City, CA
Senior staff design engineer.
Products designed/Projects involved: A, B, C.
Description of most important project and results.

Description of second most important project and results.

Skip the hobbies and personal information. Avoid mind-numbing detail that will cause a reader's eyes to glaze over. One page is ideal -- two pages only if you are a 15- to 20-year veteran with a significant growth and promotion history.

2. Use more keywords.

You want the search engines to flag your resume for closer examination. Do this by including several keywords that are relevant to your job and your job skills, as well as specific industry words that may be appropriate. Also, include the names of major companies you worked with or for, as this often is important to employers. Include those in the "experience" section, as appropriate.

Here are some examples of keywords: International Standards (ISO), Flash, MBA, copy edit, CPMs, medical device, Dreamweaver, and search engine marketing (SEM).

Some candidates add a separate "keywords" section at the bottom of digital-format resumes, or others list keywords as part of a "skills" section. These are possible catch-all areas specifically for the search engines to recognize.

3. Be specific.

Don't just tell them what you did. Move beyond that and tell the benefit of your accomplishment. A good way to do this is to include several specific ways you helped your employer make money or save money. Identify measurable results; use numbers. Remember, the only benefit you can bring to the table is past performance. When you interview (either phone or in person) this is what will be discussed.

Think of all your jobs in the past and bring forth examples of some of your best work. How can an employer think of you as a problem solver? If at all possible, try to "monetize" your accomplishments (state them in terms of money). At the interview, you will be prepared to enlarge upon these successes.

By Joe Turner

Link to The Resume That Stays in Play - Yahoo! HotJobs

Microsoft Interview Questions

Want to be a part of Microsoft. If yes, here are few questions asked by Microsoft professionals during their interview. They focus on some basic themes :-

• Riddles
• Algorithms
• Applications
• Thinkers

You can find the entire question bank here...

I thank SellBrothers for putting in so much of effort in this

Source: Microsoft Interview Questions

Create an online resume!

Emurse is a powerful tool that lets you create and host your resume online — for free. This is an amazing service and this site also gives you expert advice and an easy to use resume builder.

I recommend Emurse as they have the following features:

• Expert Resume Builder
• Password Protect Resume
• Send and track resume submissions
• Download the resume in any preferred format like DOC, PDF, RTF or Text.

You can also password protect your resume too.

For a video demonstration of the system, check out a recent review by Screeniac.com!

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Study on Job seekers & where they get most offers!

Research from ConferenceBoard shows :-






Courtesy:- Taleo

Want to Practice your Interview?

Yup, now you can practice your Interviews at home, office, a library or wherever you've got. Sounds amazing right.... read on! I thank DownloadSquad for the review... find it here...


Interviewstream has launched a new job interview prep web site called InterviewTRUE. This tool requires an Internet connected machine with a webcam and microphone and you answer
questions as if you were in a real job interview. When you're done, you
can playback your job interview and analyze your interview. Another amazing feature is that you can either answer questions you choose to answer or else select the domain or the category.


Now, this gives you an idea as to how much you can rely on technology!


You can find the demo here...

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