Be it any position, crafting a compelling job description is vital to invite the most qualified candidates for the job. This critical document performs functions such as describing required skills and competencies, defining the job position, serving the basis for the employment contract and acts as a valuable performance management tool. For writing a clear, concise and effective job description, you just need to follow these amazing tips-

Specific job titles

Make sure you use targeted job titles instead of generic ones. A perfect job title should possess following qualities-

• It should perfectly define the nature and duties
• It should include a key phrase that accurately describe the role
• Avoid internal lingo that may confuse the candidate
• It should reflect the ranking order
• It should be free from age and gender implications

Example- Parking inspector- a good job title while Council Enforcement officer- a bad job title.

An apt Job summary

A strong and attention-grabbing summary has every potential to captivate the job seeker. It is must to provide an overview of the company and expectations for the position. Inform readers why your company is unique – a insight about company culture will sum up why a candidate would love to work for you. Include an exact job location so that the job seeker will have a much-needed clarity on this. Mention the salary range that is competitive with similar positions in other organizations rather than assigning a particular salary to the position. Make sure the salary section is updated from time to time to match the changing pay scale.

A good job description should also include reporting lines and working relationships. Reporting lines gives a clear view by showing who the candidate reports to. It is not only important to know the compliance issues but also to have a better understanding of the hierarchical structure of the organization.

Working relationship implies the people and departments, the candidate will work closely with. There is no better way than an organizational chart to throw light on this aspect.

Responsibilities and duties

A list of duties and responsibilities associated with the role is highly recommended in order to get the right candidate. Though this list will vary in length but it should be concise and short. If you will bombard the Job description with numerous duties, the document will become operational manual rather than a job description. Roles in smaller companies generally have all-rounder nature but you need to make it as short as possible. Highlight the day-to-day activities of the position which will help candidate understand the daily tasks. It is also required to specify previous job experience, educational qualifications, certifications and other skills. If the job demands, you should also include required personal traits such as soft skills, problem solving and great communication skills. You might be tempted to list out all the skills required but follow the rule- short and concise.

A well-written job description gives the reader a sense of priorities involved. Accuracy of job description will provide more success in future.

Reshali Balasubramaniam

Head of HR, HR Counselor and adviser at https://jobpal.lk and EFutureTech Systems. Submit your resume online and be contacted by prospective employers.

The post Quick Guide For Job Description Preparation appeared first on Jobpal.lk - Find Jobs in Sri Lanka. Post Jobs for Free..

Even for a seasoned professional, hosting a meeting can be a daunting task. Leading a meeting effectively is an important skill in the corporate world. A boring PowerPoint deck is enough to send everyone to sleep or to seek solace in tea breaks and lunch. Most meetings fail due to poor preparation, bad management and limited participation. Every meeting should bring you closer to your desired results. So, for achieving the goal, you need to do things differently. Here are some awesome tips to effectively host a meeting-

Set the objective

Starting at the middle and reaching to a result – it is not possible. Firstly, you need to determine the objective of the meeting. Is it really necessary or an email will solve the purpose? Don’t plan a meeting just for the sake of meeting. What would be the nature of the meeting? Defining the purpose will also help set the tone for the meeting and deciding the benchmarks for success. Share the meeting’s goals beforehand in order to allow participants to come prepared with ideas, suggestions and discussion points.

Respect the time frame

It is advisable to set a specific start and finish time. If the colleagues will know the duration of the meeting in advance, they can schedule rest of their day accordingly. If the meeting will respect the stipulated time frame, you will gain the reputation of being considerate towards your coworkers’ schedules. Sometimes it may happen that the meeting runs long, inform politely the set ending time and release those who have other commitments.

Stay on track

Even the best planned meetings can be derailed due to numerous reasons. As a host, it is your prime responsibility to keep everyone focused. Be adhere to the set agenda and take every possible effort to stick on the planned path. Be equipped with some transitional phrases to redirect the participants such as we can explore further this aspect at another time, but for now let’s focus on finding ways to solve the customer grievances.

It’s all about location

Chose a space which is large enough to accommodate all the members. There is nothing worse than being awkwardly stuffed around a table meant for 5 when 8 people have turned up. Figure out what props you might need and are all in working condition? Test the technology in the room by arriving early on the day or doing a test-run beforehand.

Keep the things going

Conversations and ideas are dying out? Re-energize the team with some proactive ideas. Open-ended questions can be the best ways to keep up the flow. Stay flexible and be open to possibilities.

Assign someone for note-taking

Instead of simultaneously taking notes while hosting a meeting, designate a note-taker who will be responsible for jotting down important details of the meeting on their laptop with the approval of the speaker.

Follow up

Before you call it a day, give a brief recap of what needs to happen next. Clearly outline the action plans and respective responsibilities of everyone in order to make the meeting successful.

Reshali Balasubramaniam

Head of HR, HR Counselor and adviser at https://jobpal.lk and EFutureTech Systems. Submit your resume online and be contacted by prospective employers.

Reshali Balasubramaniam

Head of HR, HR Counselor and adviser at https://jobpal.lk and EFutureTech Systems. Submit your resume online and be contacted by prospective employers.

The post Effectively Hosting a Meeting appeared first on Jobpal.lk - Find Jobs in Sri Lanka. Post Jobs for Free..

Is Position described looking fantastic but the experience required is a little out of reach? There are times when you spot a perfect job but you feel a little light on experience. But don’t give up on it just yet! We understand that job market is flooded with candidates, you just need to give your little experience resume a little boost. Here are some impressive tips to nail it-

Get started with your skills

Thoroughly read the job description. For any qualification you think you do not meet, try to think of a time where you did something relevant or similar. Be prepared with your response in advance with some additional strengths as why you would be a perfect candidate for that particular task. No company want random experience so if you will present something related to the requirements, you tend to have better chances to get selected.

Learn the new skill- fast

There is no worry if you are not pro at every skill company is asking for, you can learn about it before time. Go for the tutorial online to gain some knowledge and understand the basics about that particular skill. This step will boost your confidence and you can easily impress the interviewer. In some cases, just telling them that you are learning that skill is enough to be in the good books of the interviewer.

Show them obstacles are the stepping stones

Another way to overcome a skill gap during an interview is to show them you know how to rise to a challenge. Talk about a time that you have achieved a milestone or your efforts were appreciated in a role where previously had zero experience. Make them realize that you are willing to do whatever is needed in order to learn new skills.

Let your resume speak for you

If you really wish to position yourself for the job you are not experienced for, tailor your resume accordingly. Make sure your resume highlights the strengths and transferable skills to the job you are interested in. There are many free services that can evaluate your resume on the basis of its appearance and content. Make a smart move ad get hired for your dream job!

Be confident and give your best shot

It’s normal when you have little experience, you tend to feel under confident. Without confidence, it is difficult to make good impression in the professional world. For some, it’s a piece of a cake but for most, it is harder to achieve. The goal is to look confident, even if you really aren’t.  There are several tricks to accomplish this. Standing tall, making eye contact, speaking slowly and clearly, keeping your hands visible, sitting with right posture and taking big steps are some of the amazing ways to determine confidence level of a person.

The idea is to make a strong and smart impression to get the message across that you are worth taking a chance on.

Reshali Balasubramaniam

Head of HR, HR Counselor and adviser at https://jobpal.lk and EFutureTech Systems. Submit your resume online and be contacted by prospective employers.

The post How to look qualified when little light on experience ? appeared first on Jobpal.lk - Find Jobs in Sri Lanka. Post Jobs for Free..

So, your exciting time has finally arrived? Are you all charged up to approach the first day in the new company? Are you nervous that how will you fit into the company culture? Fret not, its normal to feel this way! The process of blending into your new company culture is as important as acing the interview. We will tell you how?

Be updated and do your homework

The work will not resume the morning of the first day but that does not mean that you should walk through the doors with zero expectations. Do your research about company’s culture, read on to the history, vision and mission of the organization, talk to the contacts you already have there, take help of social media (LinkedIn, Facebook) to give you a sense of coworkers. On-boarding process really works, be sure to put into your personal efforts.

Keep the doors open

Before focusing on the actual work, it is vital to concentrate as much as on people and culture in the first days. Organizations also provide buffer period to every employee so that they get accustomed to the new job and environment. Make use of this time by absorbing everything you can about those around you. Be open minded and sociable. Integrating into a company’s culture may be difficult for those who are shy in nature but not asking questions early will only make them awkward to ask down the line.

Take help of those who have been associated with the company for years, as they will be able to provide you with the most in-depth info. Establish relationships with your colleagues, internal clients, managers and HR people. Make sure you join them during their lunch break or free time. Know how the people being addressed. Use words with caution especially swear words or while sharing jokes. What may be accepted in a media firm may be considered rude in management company.

Get connected over the time

The culture of companies change as time goes on, try to be a part of regular conferences, meetings and special holiday parties, functions and events. Be slow and steady in learning about a company and its people. While awkward moments, strenuous conditions and difficult employees are bound to pop up, it’s your knowledge and attitude that will help you fit into any new job for the long haul. Culture helps to keep the workplace exciting when the things get monotonous.

Changes can be hard but they bring liveliness to anything. Transition becomes easier when you making real efforts to adapt to the company culture. Patience and kindness are of prime importance when learning the ways of the new place and building relationship.

Reshali Balasubramaniam

Head of HR, HR Counselor and adviser at https://jobpal.lk and EFutureTech Systems. Submit your resume online and be contacted by prospective employers.

The post How To Rightly Adapt To Companies Culture? appeared first on Jobpal.lk - Find Jobs in Sri Lanka. Post Jobs for Free..

Are you about to throw your hat in the ring to get your perfect job? If yes, watch out for the right referees. They are of vital importance and can land you in the right job. Even if you have all the right skills that your prospective company needs, all the endeavour will be in vain if your chosen referee is not confident about you. In short, you need to mentor your own referee to make sure that they shine the spotlight on the fact that you are an ideal candidate. Choosing the right referees can make or break your chances of success. Things to consider while choosing the right referees for your resume-

1. Should know your work

Find someone who can attest to the way you work and what you are capable of. If a referee knows ins and outs of your work, he would be able to present in the most impressive manner possible. It is recommended to choose a senior rather than a peer. The crux is – choose someone who has worked closely with you. Try to be up-to date while making your choice.

2. Should think highly of you

There is no doubt about it. If you will choose someone who thinks good of you or appreciate your capabilities, you surely get success. Choose someone who can give first-hand accounts of the success you had in the past projects and knows your potential.

3. Work out the best options

It is wonderful to have lots of options but pick contacts from different spheres of life such as academic, personal and professional. It is advised to stick to professional and academic contacts unless an employer asks for a personal one.

4. Tailor your references

Different companies have different requirements for the same designation. The way you tailor your resume to target different companies, give the same level of consideration to your choice of referees. For example – if a job demands to have supervisory skills, select references who can advocate about your management and leadership skills.

5. Should be confident

Confidence breeds strength. If your referee is armed with confident tones with impressive vocabulary, they can sell you well. You know you can really spoil things. So choose someone who has good phone manners with good communication skills.

6. Brief your referees

Mentoring your referee is an important task you need to take care of. Provide a background on the job you are applying to, which post you are applying for and expected attributes in advance. Also remind them of the great endeavors, accomplishments and projects you have handled so far.

7. Provide contact details on request

Potential employers will always want to know who they are contacting. Make sure you provide information about their full names, phone numbers, email addresses, how you know them and how long you have known them. Do not mention all the details on the resume itself. Rather write referees are available upon request.

8. Always in gratitude

Gratitude without expressing is similar to wrapping a gift and not giving it away. The same way, write a thank you note and tell them the outcome of the job search.

Reshali Balasubramaniam

Head of HR, HR Counselor and adviser at https://jobpal.lk and EFutureTech Systems. Submit your resume online and be contacted by prospective employers.

The post How To Choose The Right Referees For Your Resume? appeared first on Jobpal.lk - Find Jobs in Sri Lanka. Post Jobs for Free..

Lost your passion at work? Lacking motivation? Don’t feel like working anymore? If you are tangled in such a rut especially if you are the one who used to cherish what you do but somehow lost your way- Stop fretting, there is a HOPE. Recover the long-lost devotion at your work by following these simple steps-

Understand the root of the problem

If you force yourself to come out of bed for work then admit that you are no longer passionate about what you are doing in your life. Instead of lamenting over the problems at work, figure out what are the root causes. Once you are clear about the reasons, you can easily make little changes to yourself and your work environment to make thing perfect.

Find new avenues

As we enter different phases of life, our priorities tend to change. One reason you are no longer interested in your work could be that what lured you into it five years ago no longer captivates you now. Keep finding your new love at work. Accept new challenges and work in different areas of your work to find out which part of it attracts you.

Think long term

Consider your monotonous daily tasks as the stepping stones to what you really want to achieve in your life. Do not sweat over the small stuff that do not form the core of your work. This will only divert your attention from your long-term goals.

Rest, rejuvenate and recover

Even if you are madly in love with your work, you are not invulnerable to stress. Get enough sleep, recover all the energy spent and bring back the motivation into your life. Take your mind off work for some time and rejuvenate yourself.

Draw strengths from office-mates

When you start losing interest in your work, you seldom involve in social interactions. Instead of shutting yourself out, be open. Go extra mile to talk to people around you. Developing friendships leads to happier environment and better productivity. Be in touch with individuals who possess positive attitudes and who can offer you insightful perspectives.

Be a mentor and be mentored

Mentor someone new about your work, this step will help remind how dedicated you were when you first started. Seeking mentor ship from an inspirational person can also bring fruitful results. Find a trustworthy person to discuss your work-related problems and get better solutions.

Don’t forget what you really love

We get so tied up with deadlines and fire-fighting that we often forget to appreciate little things in life. Offer gratitude to the blessing in life, smell those lovely flowers, have fun with family and sometimes jump in that puddle. Don’t worry, it won’t do any harm. Make a habit to notice the lovely things about your job. Stop taking things for granted and be happy for what you have. Write down anything about the day you are proud of.

Follow these guidelines to get reacquainted with your passion.

Reshali Balasubramaniam

Head of HR, HR Counselor and adviser at https://jobpal.lk and EFutureTech Systems. Submit your resume online and be contacted by prospective employers.

The post Lost Career Passion, How To Rediscover ? appeared first on Jobpal.lk - Find Jobs in Sri Lanka. Post Jobs for Free..

Declining a job offer is hard to do. And when you worked hard to get one, it becomes more difficult to turn it down. Whether you are offered a job that you would never accept in a million years or you want to maintain good relationship with HR department because you might consider the job in future, here are some awesome steps to say thanks but no thanks gracefully!

1. Appreciation is the key

First and foremost thing is to be thankful to your hiring manager for all the time he or she has put in. It is true that interviewing and recruiting is the part of their job but it takes a lot of time going through resumes, trolling social media profiles, taking out the time to interview and talking to other members of the team in finding the suitable candidate for the job. So a heartfelt thank you will go a long way. Appreciate them for the generous offer.

2. Face-to- face conversation has no substitute

Undoubtedly, the best way to reject an offer is in person.  Direct communication is straight forward and allows free flow of ideas, thoughts and feelings. This platform will let you clearly state your reasons. Face-to face communication is must to understand both the parties.

3. State a good, brief reason

When both of you have spent a lot of time in the interviewing process, it is utmost important to give a brief but honest reason about not accepting the position. There is no need to go in details. If no reason seems working out, gently tell them- “the offered job does not suit my career objectives”. But do not leave a hiring manager in the dark about why you are turning down an offer.

4. Reject politely

If you are not interested in the offer, there are many ways to refuse. One is to do in writing by letter or email. If you are opting for this way, it should be very warm in which you should thank the concerned person for extending the opportunity and politely explaining the reason behind your refusal. Other way is to do on the phone. You have talk softly listing the reason why you are not going to make it. Whichever way you choose, the bottom line is that you are grateful. For e.g.:  instead of saying you pay terribly use appropriate words like “the proposed salary does not match my expectations. I am afraid. I would not be able to accept”. In short, choose words carefully.

5. Be in touch

In certain industries, job search world is small. When you respectfully turn down an offer, you still maintain relationship with the hiring manager or employer. Keep the door open to avoid losing opportunities later down the line.  I would love to keep in touch and it was pleasure to meet you, can preserve a good relationship with the hiring manager.  Turning down a job never feels great but some humble words can do wonders.

Reshali Balasubramaniam

Head of HR, HR Counselor and adviser at https://jobpal.lk and EFutureTech Systems. Submit your resume online and be contacted by prospective employers.

The post How To Properly Turn Down A Job Offer? appeared first on Jobpal.lk - Find Jobs in Sri Lanka. Post Jobs for Free..

After the long search and application, finally your resume stood out and you got an invitation for a job interview.  Congratulations!  It means that you have already set one foot on the door to your dream job.  But don’t celebrate that much yet, you still have to prove that what was written on your resume is true.  Whatever made your application noticeable should stay true when you get to meet them in person.  Come to that first interview prepared and ready to impress them.  Here are some tips on how to get ready for your first interview:

• Research on the company.

It’s good to know the company that you’re applying to first.  Understand their mission and be familiar with their core values.  Knowing what they are doing and who their clients are is a plus.  The interviewer would notice that you are indeed interested in joining their company and you value their company.  If you could research on your interviewer, that would be an advantage as well.

• Review your resume.

Relive your greatest achievements in your past projects and the greatest challenges that you have faced and managed to overcome.  Since you will be interviewed be prepared to answer questions regarding your past.

• Look forward.

Aside from reliving the past, you also have to come to your interview with a vision.  Interviewers would want to know what your personal goals are and if your goals are aligned to the company’s goals.  They want to know if you can contribute to the success of the company.

• Dress for success.

Make sure that you dress professionally and neatly during the interview.  Prepare your clothes the night before and make sure it’s crisp and clean.  Wearing something great boosts your confidence.

• Put your best face forward.

Look neat and clean from head to toe.  The little things matter when you are in a job interview.  Basically, you are selling yourself to the company, so you should look attractive and worthy of a job offer.  This is not just about your talent or skills, your attitude and personality matters as well.  So, make sure to carry yourself well and observe your non-verbal cues.

• Be on time.

Being on time for a job interview gives you an advantage as you have enough time to retouch and relax prior the interview.  It also adds to your professionalism.  Being late gives you stress and makes you lose some brownie points.  It also mirrors how you would be as an employee with potential attendance issues in the future.

• Prepare to ask.

After the interview, you are given the opportunity to ask questions.  Prepare relevant questions for your interviewer.  Make them specific questions that would show that you are really interested in the job and in the company.

There you have it, 7 tips to get you ready for your first interview.  As the saying goes: There’s always a first time.  But for job interviews, make sure this first time will not be your last time.  Leave a good impression, an impression that will welcome you to your dream job and start your career rolling.  So, for now take a deep breath and enjoy the ride.

Reshali Balasubramaniam

Head of HR, HR Counselor and adviser at https://jobpal.lk/and EFutureTech Systems. Submit your resume online and be contacted by prospective employers.

The post Getting Ready For Your First Interview? appeared first on Jobpal.lk - Find Jobs in Sri Lanka. Post Jobs for Free..

Summary

After the long search and application, finally your resume stood out and you got an invitation for a job interview.  Congratulations!  It means that you have already set one foot on the door to your dream job.  But don’t celebrate that much yet, you still have to prove that what was written on your resume is true.  Whatever made your application noticeable should stay true when you get to meet them in person.  Keep the ball rolling.  Come to that first interview prepared and ready to impress them.  Wow them not just with your talents and skills but also with your winning attitude and personality.  Below are some tips gathered over time and experience to help you prepare for your first job interview:

• Research on the company.
• Review your resume.
• Look forward.
• Dress for success.
• Put your best face forward.
• Be on time.
• Prepare to ask.

These 7 tips will get you ready for your first interview.  You may agree that this list is good but not until you apply them to your next job interview will you testify that this is indeed helpful.  Your goal is to land that job and to achieve your goal you have to take steps to take you closer to achieving your goal.  Preparing for the job interview is one of these steps.  Don’t be afraid to take that step.  So, for now keep calm and ace that job interview.  Good luck to you!

Getting ready for your first interview

After the long search and application, finally your resume stood out and you got an invitation for a job interview.  Congratulations!  It means that you have already set one foot on the door to your dream job.  But don’t celebrate that much yet, you still have to prove that what was written on your resume is true.  Whatever made your application noticeable should stay true when you get to meet them in person.  Come to that first interview prepared and ready to impress them.  Here are some tips on how to get ready for your first interview:

• Research on the company. It’s good to know the company that you’re applying to first.  Understand their mission and be familiar with their core values.  Knowing what they are doing and who their clients are is a plus.  The interviewer would notice that you are indeed interested in joining their company and you value their company.  If you could research on your interviewer, that would be an advantage as well.

• Review your resume. Relive your greatest achievements in your past projects and the greatest challenges that you have faced and managed to overcome.  Since you will be interviewed be prepared to answer questions regarding your past.

• Look forward. Aside from reliving the past, you also have to come to your interview with a vision.  Interviewers would want to know what your personal goals are and if your goals are aligned to the company’s goals.  They want to know if you can contribute to the success of the company.

• Dress for success. Make sure that you dress professionally and neatly during the interview.  Prepare your clothes the night before and make sure it’s crisp and clean.  Wearing something great boosts your confidence.

• Put your best face forward. Look neat and clean from head to toe.  The little things matter when you are in a job interview.  Basically, you are selling yourself to the company, so you should look attractive and worthy of a job offer.  This is not just about your talent or skills, your attitude and personality matters as well.  So, make sure to carry yourself well and observe your non-verbal cues.

• Be on time. Being on time for a job interview gives you an advantage as you have enough time to retouch and relax prior the interview.  It also adds to your professionalism.  Being late gives you stress and makes you lose some brownie points.  It also mirrors how you would be as an employee with potential attendance issues in the future.

• Prepare to ask. After the interview, you are given the opportunity to ask questions.  Prepare relevant questions for your interviewer.  Make them specific questions that would show that you are really interested in the job and in the company.

There you have it, 7 tips to get you ready for your first interview.  As the saying goes: There’s always a first time.  But for job interviews, make sure this first time will not be your last time.  Leave a good impression, an impression that will welcome you to your dream job and start your career rolling.  So, for now take a deep breath and enjoy the ride.

The post Keep Calm and Ace that Job Interview appeared first on Jobpal.lk - Find Jobs in Sri Lanka. Post Jobs for Free..