From red flags to green pastures: Roadmap to job search success

With the exams for students who were in their final year over, most of you would have got placement, if in a professional programme. While those in non-professional courses, may want to work for a couple of years in the corporate world before they decide what they want to pursue in post-graduation.

Searching for a job can be a challenging process, but keeping certain key considerations in mind can help you navigate the journey more effectively. It is imperative that you define what you’re looking for in a job. Consider factors like industry, role, company culture, location, compensation, growth opportunities, work-life balance, and more. Prioritise these aspects based on your personal and professional goals.

Assess your skills, qualifications, and experience that you have gained as a student in the college/institute. It could be projects that you did or internship. Look for jobs that align with your strengths and expertise. Tailor your applications and resume to highlight the skills that are relevant to the specific job you’re applying for.

When you finally get down to searching for jobs, and there will plenty, it is necessary to look for red flags. What is a red flag? When seen the context of a job search, a ‘red flag’ refers to a warning sign or indicator that suggests potential problems or issues with a job opportunity, company, or work environment.

They are signals that prompt you to be cautious and thoroughly evaluate the situation before proceeding further. These indicators might suggest that the job may not be the best fit for your goals, values, or expectations.

What are the red flags to watch out for? As a fresher looking for a job, here’s what you need to look for

Vague job descriptions: If the job description is unclear or lacks specific details about roles, responsibilities, and expectations, it might be a sign of disorganisation or an attempt to attract candidates without providing necessary information.

Unrealistic job requirements: Job postings that list an excessive number of qualifications or demands that seem unreasonably high might indicate a company that is out of touch with the industry norms or looking for a perfect candidate that doesn’t exist.

Poor company reviews: Research the company’s reputation on websites like Glassdoor or Indeed. Consistently negative reviews about the company culture, management, or work environment could be a warning sign.

High turnover rate: Frequent job openings for the same position within a short period could indicate a high turnover rate, possibly due to dissatisfaction with the job or company.

Pressure to accept quickly: If you’re pressured to accept an offer quickly without adequate time to consider the offer, negotiate, or properly evaluate the opportunity, it could be a sign of desperation on the company’s part or an attempt to prevent you from thoroughly assessing the position.

Lack of transparency: If the company avoids discussing important details such as compensation, benefits, job expectations, or company policies, it could indicate a lack of transparency or potential issues.

Unrealistic promises: Be cautious of promises that seem too good to be true, such as guaranteed rapid promotions, extremely high salaries for entry-level positions, or overly rosy projections about the company’s future.

How can freshers guard themselves from the red flags and yet gain experience?

Gaining experience is a gradual process. Focus on building a strong foundation of skills and knowledge while actively seeking opportunities to demonstrate your abilities. Over time, as you accumulate experience, you’ll become more competitive in the job market. Freshers, or individuals who are new to the job market, can take several steps to look for jobs and gain experience.

Networking: Connect with friends, family, classmates, professors, and industry professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. Attend job fairs, workshops, seminars, and networking events to expand your professional contacts.

Online job portals: Use job search websites and platforms to look for entry-level positions. Some popular job search websites include LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, and Monster. Customize your search by location, industry, and job type.

Internships: Consider unpaid or paid internships in your desired field. Internships offer hands-on experience, networking opportunities, and a chance to apply your skills in a real-world setting.

Freelancing: Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer offer opportunities for freelancing and gig work. These can help you build a portfolio and gain experience while working on various projects.

Volunteer work: Look for volunteer opportunities related to your field of interest. Non-profit organisations, community centers, and charities often require assistance, and this can be a way to showcase your skills.

Cold applications: Even if a company isn’t advertising a job opening, you can send them a well-crafted cover letter and resume expressing your interest and highlighting how you can contribute to their success.