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N. Nagaraj

This is probably the worst time to talk about careers, but however unfriendly the environment, we journalists have to keep our eyes open for interesting things. Many people have raised a query about their careers in recent times, and it has been a great learning experience for everyone involved — family, friends and colleagues.

Confidence. This is the first quality that you need in these times of flux and pessimism. If you are unhappy, quit. This learning comes from two people I know, a chartered accountant working for an accounting firm at Chennai, and a creative MBA in an ad agency in Coimbatore. The work environment was terrible in their earlier offices, and they felt that it was very damaging to their self-respect. The CA had more than enough reason to be unhappy, and he felt terrible because he wasn't being given enough assignments and some of his assignments were even being taken away from him. The MBA also thought he was wasting his time. Both of them moved to totally new industries — the CA to an MNC back-office and the MBA to a television company.

Both of them are struggling in their new jobs. Some of the sheen has worn off the new things that they had set off to do. However, the single most important gain is that both of them are very happy now. This leads us to the next big asset... .

Competence. You have to be good — really good — at whatever you do. Don't look at opportunities in terms of same industry or same function. Make a list of things that you are very good at, and take a shot at an opportunity that fits your competencies. For instance, the CA whose entire experience was in audit, moved to financial services by convincing himself and his new employer that his skills in management, deadline-driven style, and grasp of financial exceptions were very important for the new job.

The MBA — a copywriter for years — plunged without any reluctance into television by selling himself as a very creative person whose ideas mattered. It should also be mentioned that he did not hesitate to equip himself technically for television. Which leads us to the next big point...

Congruence. While people may be able to convince themselves and others about their suitability for a particular job, one mustn't forget that there is something known as reality. One might say anything to get a job, and be successful at it too, but does one really want to do this? For instance, a friend who was in the software industry moved into financial services when he saw quite a few people being laid off at his earlier job. He convinced the new employer and landed the job, a job that was much better paying and a posting at his native city. Just a month into the job, he found that he had painted himself into a corner as far as his career ambitions were concerned. He couldn't blame anyone but himself as he walked into it with his eyes wide open.

So, before you decide to jump, ask yourself whether you really want that job are not. What are your ambitions — personally, career-wise, and financially and which of these ambitions get priority. This is really the key to continued happiness at the new workplace. Put yourself in the employer's position and take a call on whether you fit in. Finally, the most important thing about this currently depressed job scene is the fourth `C' word — Caution. Be very careful. Think about the other three Cs carefully and take your time. It's better to lose out an opportunity because you did not have enough time rather than regretting the decision till your next break happens.

A friend who had the misfortune of losing heavily in business had to shut down and start on a professional career path. It was very difficult for him in the beginning to get a job as his background was in leather trading. Finally, after about three months of waiting, some breaks came his way recently. These included two hotel jobs, an administrative job and a freight-forwarding job. While the hotel jobs were the most lucrative in the short run, he knew that he wouldn't be able to stay on, so the choice boiled down to the admin and the freight forwarding jobs. He thought very carefully about his options and his value to the companies, and has decided on the freight- forwarding job as best suited for him.

Finally, as far as the interviews go, all these people had a few common thoughts: One, consider the questions carefully, and take the time to frame your responses carefully; two, emphasise your `soft' skills and competencies, such as leadership, consensus-making, motivating people, marketing skills and so on; three, ask questions to clarify your thoughts and your position; four, during the course of the interview, evaluate the offer, set your benchmarks and negotiate hard; five, be honest and open about your doubts and concerns; and six, make it a point to ask for a visit on a normal day without setting up any interviews or meetings.

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