How Can I Make My Resume ATS-Friendly?

 1. Avoid Fancy Resume Designs. Use a clean, straightforward format with 

white background.

2. Use a professional and traditional font like Calibri, Arial, Helvetica, 

Verdana, Times New Roman.

3. Avoid images and graphics or complex layouts that might not translate 

properly on different devices.

4. Use standard resume section headings. Standard resume section headings 

include contact information, work experience, skills, core competencies and 

Resume summary or objective.

5. Use keywords and phrases from the job descriptions. For example: complex 

projects, customer satisfaction, project planning, stakeholder communication, 

cross-functional teams management, strict deadlines, budget constraints, etc.

6. Match keywords to your experiences. Identify relevant keywords from a job 

description or desired field and then carefully include those words and phrases 

into your resume, cover letter or online profile to highlight the specific 

skills and experiences that are necessary for the job requirements.

7. List skills in bullet points. Skills may include Management, Communication, 

Leadership, Problem Solving, Time Management, Active Listening, Computer Proficiency, 

Creativity, etc.

8. Mention your present and past jobs details clearly. Remember to include your designations, job durations, etc. Describe your key responsibilities under each job in a paragraph style without the use of any table or complex formatting.

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--Rumki Sen

Industries Expected to Have Good Job Prospects

 1. Computer and Information Technology

This industry is one of the fastest growing and most creative sectors in the world. It offers a wide range of opportunities to people having different skills and work experiences. This industry is currently in the highest demand in the job market. Some job titles in this industry are Software Engineer, Web Developer/ Designer and Computer Programmer. 

2. Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI)

This sector requires a thorough understanding of finance, economics and numbers. Also, sometimes one needs to have good knowledge of law. This segment consists of a variety of financial firms, including banks, investment houses, lenders, finance companies, real estate brokers and insurance companies. The BFSI sector offers a unique blend of benefits that cater to a wide range of career aspirations.

3. Education

Everything that we achieve in life is due to having knowledge and education. Teaching profession is popular and in high demand. Through education, teachers enable today's students to make better choices for their future.

Here are some job prospects in the education and teaching industry:

a) Special Education Teacher - Provides support and guidance to students with special needs or disabilities to make them independent.

b) Preschool Teacher, School Teacher, College/University Lecturer, Professor, Principal

From teachers who work inside classrooms to administrators who manage and oversee an institution’s operations, there are many types of jobs in this field.

c) Curriculum Developer

Develops and supervises school curriculum and ensures it meets regional and state requirements. 

d) Educational Consultant

Works with educational institutions, government bodies or private organizations to propose and implement strategies for educational development. 

e) Educational Leader

Provides tools to educators, brings new techniques to teachers and offers administrative skills to principals.

Other industries with high job growth potential include:

A. Power and energy

B. Infrastructure

C. Manufacturing

D. Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals

E. Agriculture and Agri-Tech

F. Retail and e-commerce

G. Tourism and Hospitality

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5 Things You Should Never Say in a Job Interview

 1. My last company's boss was really bad.

Never ever badmouth a former employer in an interview even if you 

really had a really bad boss. You need to be very careful about 

what you are saying especially when you are explaining why you have left 

your last company.

2. The answer to this question is on my resume.

If you are asked about a particular job or experience, answer clearly 

without mentioning that everything is given in your resume. A hiring manager 

wants to see your communication and social skills. So, use the opportunity to 

show your skills even if the required information is written on your resume. 

3. My next goal is to start my own business.

Most employers want to hire people who are willing to work for them for a long time.

If they know that you have a plan for starting your own business shortly then they 

probably won't offer you the job.

4. Do you want to see my references?

If an employer wants your references, he or she will ask for them.

5. I don't have any question to ask.

You should show interest in the company you have come to give job interview for.

Not having any question for the interviewer shows that you’re not interested in 

the company you want to work for. Prepare a list of important questions to ask the 

hiring manager so that the employer understands you are keen to join the company.

---Rumki Sen

5 Tips for Returning to Work After a Career Gap

1. Be honest about the career gap.

2. Rewrite your resume.

3. Explain your employment gaps honestly in your resume and cover letter.

4. Remain confident. Don’t be apologetic. Don’t be embarrassed.

5. Prepare yourself for job interviews. Explaining the reason for a career break positively and honestly can help in the job interviews.

All the Best!!

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-- Rumki Sen

The Basic Writing Skills Required for Writing

Writing is a medium of communication and having writing skills would help you to express ideas, opinions, and thoughts in an easy and clear way. To have the basic writing skills:

1. Learn to write in simple language. Avoid slang, fancy words and abbreviations.

2. Use paragraphs so that the readers do not get bored. The transition from one paragraph to another must happen smoothly so that there is a connection between the paragraphs.

3. Use proper punctuation, correct spellings and grammar and develop fine vocabulary.

4. Proofread and edit. Once you finish your writing, it is the time to do editing and proofreading. For instance, check for spelling, grammar, punctuation, voices, speech, and sentence formation and other errors. Also, check for commonly misused words like ‘affect’ and ‘effect’, ‘your’ and ‘you’re (you are)’, ‘its’ or ‘it’s’ (it is), 'there' or 'their', etc.

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Develop Excellent Communication Skills for Job Interviews

Communication is an integral part of any interview process and if you can develop the skills to communicate properly with the hiring manager, then you can be successful in getting the job you want with ease.

Talk Slowly

Talk slowly so that you can answer the interview questions with a calm mind even if you are feeling nervous. Don't panic. Your slow pace in talking will help you in dealing with the anxiety you are having  during the job interview.

Use the Right Words

Practise which words to use in a job interview to convey the message you want to as using the right words will help you in expressing yourself with greater clarity.

Ask the Interviewer Questions

In a job interview, it is not only the interviewers who ask questions to the job candidates. You can also ask the interviewers questions that are essential for you to know the company and the position you are giving interview for better. It is always a good idea to prepare a list of important questions that you want to ask during the job interview as this will give you a control over the flow of the interview.

Listen carefully

Communication involves both speaking and listening. So, make eye contact with the interviewer and listen to what he or she is saying. This will help you in understanding the questions properly and answering them perfectly.

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-- Rumki Sen

Tips for Group Discussions in Job Interviews

1.  No aggression in Group Discussions.

2. Develop excellent listening skills and listen carefully.

3. Dress professionally, sit up straight, make eye contact while speaking and listening, remain calm and never appear nervous.

4. Give others time to speak.

5. Even if there are disagreements, remain polite to respect other people's opinions.

6. Show confidence so that your group members take you seriously and listen to what you are saying.

Apply for Jobs on Company Websites

If you know the nature of work of the companies you are interested in, then directly go to the websites of those companies. Apply for jobs directly on the company websites and your applications will go directly into the company's applicant tracking system. On many company websites, the job listings are done for all level positions - from part-time hourly jobs to top management positions. Apply for the one that suits you most.

Please follow all the instructions given on the websites while filling up the forms for applying for jobs online. You may need to fill out a profile, including your educational and professional experiences and skills or upload your current resume or take an employment test as a part of the online application process. If your profile matches with their requirements, you will be called for an interview.

What are you waiting for? Start applying for jobs online from today only.