‘Character, work ethic key to landing right job’

While recruiting, companies look for character and work ethic above all. Knowledge and other skills are not as crucial as they can be taught, said K. J. A. Swarup, General Manager-HR, ITC Ltd.

Great companies do not recruit when in doubt. Corporations in general are choosy when it comes to recruitment. They will search until they get the right candidate. Only four per cent of the management graduates are “employer ready”, he said.

The ITC executive was delivering the BL Club guest lecture at the Malla Reddy Institute of Management here recently.

Finished product

The need of the hour is to develop these management graduates into “finished products” for the industry that needs them. The role of management institutes, industry professionals and that of the students themselves are crucial in making this happen.

Swarup urged students to prepare appropriately for the job interview. Good preparation and a cool mind are absolutely necessary to sail through the interview, he said.

Explaining the key aspects of doing well in an interview, he said looking presentable is the first step in that process. Displaying the right body language will set the right tone for what is to follow.

He discouraged use of bombastic language and an artificial accent. Sincerity is appreciated by all interviewers and will enhance the net worth of the individual, he said.

In a job interview, there is no substitute to being one’s natural self. Moreover, knowledge in one’s functional area is a given and premium is put on teaming and leadership skills. Students’ extra-curricular activities reveal a lot about themselves, eh said.

Corporate houses often look for students who have taken up leadership roles in their academic life. A proven track record in organising technical and cultural festivals is a distinct advantage, he pointed out.

somasekhar.m@thehindu.co.in

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