Companies place a premium on character

Corporates and recruiters look for character and work ethics above all else in candidates. Knowledge and other skills are not crucial as they can be taught, says KJA Swarup, General Manager (HR) of ITC Ltd.

He was delivering the BL Club lecture at St Paul’s MBA College, Ibrahimpatnam, on ‘Total Quality Management’. The State Bank of Hyderabad sponsored the series of lectures.

Corporates are also choosy when it comes to recruitment of human resources. When in doubt they do not hire, but rather continue searching for the right candidate.

Only 4 per cent of the management graduates are “employer ready.” Hence the need of the hour is to help develop these management graduates into “finished products” for the industry which needs them.

Swarup underlined the significant role of management institutes, industry professionals and that of the students themselves in making this happen.

Another aspect he emphasised was that students need to prepare right for the job interview. Good preparation and a cool mind are absolutely necessary to sail through the interview.

Looking presentable is the first step in that process and displaying the right body language will set the right tone for what is to follow.

He, however, cautioned that one should not “express to impress” but should “express to express.” Use of bombastic language and artificial accent are put-offs.

Sincerity is one quality which is appreciated by all the interviewers and will enhance the net worth of the individual.

In the 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. The candidates’ extra curricular activities reveal a lot about them.

The corporates 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.

Summing up, Swarup said the candidate’s character, ability to work hard, functional knowledge, teaming and leadership skills and above all positive outlook towards life is what is important for corporate recruiters.

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