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How to Answer “Why Did You Choose this Job?” Effectively
One of the most common questions in any job interview is “Why did you choose/apply for this job?” As an interviewee, it can throw you off-guard if you didn’t prepare beforehand. It's important to be strategic while answering this question as it can be a make-or-break situation when it comes to securing the job. Here’s how you should go about it.
Why Do Recruiters Ask “Why Did You Choose this Job?”
The two main reasons why recruiters ask this question are your motivation and organizational fit. Recruiters want to know whether you are motivated enough for the specific role. They also want to understand whether your ideas and values align with the organization's.
The question also allows them to assess your long-term career goals, skills, and preparedness for the position. It provides an insight into your character, vision, and suitability for the organization in the long run.
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How Do You Justify the Choice?
Now, if you’re in an interview and asked this question, you will need to justify why you chose or applied for the job. It's granted that you cannot say stuff like you like the salary or the designation. While these certainly can be motivating factors, recruiters want to know the in-job aspects that interest you or align with your skills and aspirations. Keep the following points in mind while justifying your choice.
- Highlight your research on the company and the position - Show opportunities for growth - Highlight your potential impact and contribution to the organization - Personal connection - Show eagerness, enthusiasm, and commitment to the role.
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What is Your Desired Salary? How to Answer Recruitment’s Trickiest Question
What’s your desired salary? It’s a question that will sweat out even the most confident applicant. The question will eventually pop up at one stage or the other during the recruitment process. What you need to do is be strategic about it. If you lowball the number, you will have to settle for less. If you go for the high, you might not be considered anymore. So how do you answer this? Let’s find out.
What is Desired Salary?
A desired salary is pretty much self-explanatory. It refers to the amount you expect in exchange for your service. A desired salary is useful both for the employer and the potential employee. It allows the employer to understand the expectations of the potential recruit and assess whether it fits within their budget or not.
On the other hand, a potential candidate can determine a desired salary based on their experience and skills for a position. However, it is important to research the market rate for similar positions and be prepared to negotiate to reach a mutually satisfactory salary package.
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How to Determine the Appropriate Desired Salary
From the perspective of Bangladesh, the concept of desired salary holds little value in most hiring cases. Unless you are applying for a highly technical position or a mid-career switch, the negotiations hardly work in favor of a candidate. Still, there are several ways to determine the appropriate salary. Here’s how.
Understand the Industry Standards
Research what the industry standard is for the role you’re applying to. Consider location, required skills, and level of experience in this regard. Bdjobs, Chakri, and CareerJet can be good starting points for the research.
Match Your Skills and Experience
Be realistic about where you are skills and experience-wise. For example, if you apply for a position requiring 2-3 years of experience as a fresher, chances are you won’t even make it to the preliminary screening let alone salary negotiations.
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The best approach would be to again research what other companies are paying for your skills and experience level to get an estimate.
Factor in the Benefits
Many organizations offer benefits and perks like commute allowance, mobile allowance, rent subsidy, and high bonuses. Consider all the benefits you will be getting before estimating a number.
Consider Future Growth Potential
Another thing to consider is the future growth potential of the company. In the case of a company with a robust growth and promotion structure, an initial low salary can be offset by long-term career earnings.
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How to Customize Your Resume for Each Job Application
During the shortlisting step of a hiring process, employers today look for personalized, and streamlined resumes that match the provided job descriptions and experience requirements. However, most of the applicants tend to prepare a common resume and send it with all applications. As a result many deserving candidates often miss interview calls. Let’s discuss why this traditional method does not work any more and ways to rework your resume according to the specific job circulars.
Why Not to Submit the Same Resume for Every Job Application
The best way to make the most out of any job application would be to customize the resume according to the job need. Fortunately, it isn’t as tedious a process as it sounds.
The main reason why you shouldn’t submit the same resume to every job application is because of relevance. Different jobs have different requirements. Tailoring your resume allows you to highlight the specific skills and experiences that are most relevant to each position.
Read more: Does Everyone Need to Learn Programming? The Truth About Coding in The Age of AI
Most companies these days use ATS or Application Tracking System which is designed to filter out resumes based on keywords. Customizing the resume targeting a specific job will allow you to incorporate as many keywords as possible.
Think of what recruiters are looking for in your resume. How well you fit in the role and what competitive advantage do you bring to the position? For example, you might want to highlight and link your projects for a data scientist role rather than including your organizational responsibilities. It will allow you to demonstrate skills that make you a good fit and also showcase your competitive edge.
Submitting the same resume for every job will not only reduce the response rate but will also fail to highlight your true potential to the recruiters.
Read more: Why Backbenchers are Often More Successful in the Professional World
Does Everyone Need to Learn Programming? The Truth About Coding in The Age of AI
It probably wasn’t even half a decade ago when people thought programming and coding were the future. Every tech pundit and industry leader chimed in on how knowledge of programming would be an essential career skill in the new frontier.
But the world has shifted much since then. The frontier tech evolved so much and so drastically that recently at the World Government Summit, Dubai, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang had something entirely different to say. He stressed that with the rapid integration of AI, programming, and coding would soon cease to be a vital skill.
That posits an interesting question, should everybody learn coding or programming? Let’s try to find an answer.
How to Know if Programming or Coding is Essential for Your Career Growth?
Let’s assume that programming in the future will cease to be an in-demand or vital skill. But does that make programming or coding obsolete? Absolutely not. In fact, the paradigm shift in frontier tech would require upskilling the existing programming knowledge. A programmer would effectively move from writing lines of code to a more strategic and oversight role as AI takes up the tedious task of coding.
Read more: Workplace Burnouts: Causes, Symptoms, Signs, and Remedies
So rather than asking whether programming is right for you or not, it is important to assess whether you are equipped to adapt to the changing role in the future.
Pros of Learning Programming
- Wide range of career opportunities in software development, web development, data science, artificial intelligence, and more - Improving logical thinking and problem-solving skills - Promotes creative thinking - High demand - A lifelong learning opportunity - Automation, efficiency, and flexibility of knowledge application.
Cons of Learning Programming
- Involves a steep learning curve - Sedentary nature of work - Keeping up with the rapid changes in the industry - Complexity and high expectations.
Read more: Empower Your Tech Career in 2024: Master These In-Demand Skills for Success
Why Backbenchers are Often More Successful in the Professional World
Imagine a 12-year-old girl who’s constantly struggling with her studies. Her imagination runs wild with stories as she gets constantly bullied in school. Even later in university, the girl finds herself to be a below-par student with not much enthusiasm for academics.
While one would assume that it’s a dead end for a career, we’re of course talking about J.K. Rowling, the beloved creator of Harry Potter.
There are tons of examples of backbenchers succeeding in life, sometimes more than the toppers. What might be the reason behind that? Let’s explore.
Leading Through Example: The Successful Backbenchers
The list of successful backbenchers is surprisingly long. It's undeniable that many successful persons in today’s world had been bad students at some point in their lives. Consider the case of Virgin’s Richard Branson, Microsoft’s Bill Gates and Apple’s Steve Jobs. All of them reached the pinnacle of success in respective career paths even if they have histories of being dropouts in educational lives.
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There are even presidential candidates like Al Gore who weren’t particularly excelling in studies. Movie stars like Drew Barrymore, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Cameron Diaz have been outspoken about their rather lackluster academics.
It’s not difficult to find backbenchers who succeeded in life. The question is, why are they successful? What sets them apart from the toppers? The short answer is not being bound by the constraints of conformity. Backbenchers often have the freedom of not having to conform to societal expectations. They can take different routes, risks and even explore ideas that a topper usually won’t. While these risks and off-the-beaten-path approach paid off for many, it’s not always guaranteed to succeed.
Why are Backbenchers so Successful?
The entire idea that backbenchers are surprisingly successful comes down to a few points. Some of these are character traits, some are behavioral and some are situations surrounding the individual.
Out-of-the-Box Thinking
Believe it or not, the traditional education system based on learning and assessment dates back to the Industrial Revolution. The Darwinian theory of survival of the fittest somehow got incorporated in the education system as well which made it less about learning, and more about staying ahead in everything.
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This is where backbenchers are different. For them, classroom learning and grades aren’t everything. They might explore a variety of interests, which can lead to a more diverse skill set. This broader perspective can be advantageous in professions that require a holistic understanding of different disciplines. It can also contribute to a more well-rounded and adaptable individual.
Most In-Demand High-Paying Non-Technical Jobs in 2024
There’s a common misconception that all lucrative jobs are technical or IT-related. But the truth couldn’t be further off. While it is true that IT jobs make the most money by 2024 standards, there are other non-tech jobs as well that fetch well over six digits. Here’s what they are and what you’ll need to secure one.
10 Best Careers for Non-Technical Professionals
For the sake of uniformity, the job requirements and the annual payout will be according to the US national standard. While the payout might vary across regions, the skill set and requirements remain more or less the same.
PR Specialist
A public relations specialist is essentially the face of any company. The primary responsibilities of a PR specialist include everything related to the customer side interactions. A PR specialist is also responsible for developing PR strategies and overseeing implementation procedures.
Other key responsibilities include drafting press releases, speeches, and other communication materials. In extraordinary cases, a PR specialist is also responsible for crisis management strategies. These include avoidance of negative publicity.
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A PR specialist is expected to have degrees in public relations, communication, or other related fields. An APR certification is an added plus for a specialist role.
The average salary for a PR specialist is around 60,122 USD or around 6,58,6557 BDT per year (1 USD = 109.55 BDT).
Content Manager
A content manager is responsible for curating and executing the content strategy of any business. Additionally, a content manager is expected to create and publish content. The medium includes social networks and media outlets. One of the key responsibilities for this position is to ensure precise consistency in brand messaging. A content manager is also responsible for analyzing different performance metrics.
The position requires a bachelor's in marketing, communication, journalism, or related fields. The annual salary for the content manager position is around 60,634 USD or 6,64,2648 BDT per year.
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Market Research Manager
Market research managers are responsible for analyzing the market. It also encompasses the identification of relevant trends within the organization’s operating industry. The position comes with the stringent responsibility of analyzing and drawing insights from the market. The data output helps to make informed decisions. A market research manager is also expected to develop and implement new research methodologies. The goal is to cater to organizational needs and efficiency. Another key responsibility for this position is to maintain liaison with the management.
A market research manager is expected to have a bachelor’s or master’s in marketing, business, statistics, or business analytics. The gross salary for this position is around 60,442 USD or 6,62,1614 BDT per year.
DSE launches online platform for smart management of stocks
The Dhaka Stock Exchange on Monday launched the platform "Smart Submission System of DSE" with an aim of keeping an effective role in the country's capital market through innovation and research.
In line with the 'Smart Bangladesh' philosophy, the DSE has created an online platform for the integrated online data collection, price-sensitive information, and direct payment of financial accounts to increase transparency and efficiency of various compliances of securities laws of listed companies.This platform is a big step for the country's technology-based capital market. Transparency and accountability of the country's capital market will increase through online submission of information.Through this system various companies will be able to automatically disclose price-sensitive information in accordance with securities rules and various compliances will be maintained.Chairman of DSE Professor Dr. Hafiz Muhammad Hasan Babu was present as the chief guest at the event.Bangladesh Association of Publicly Listed Companies (BAPLC) President Rupali Haque Chowdhury and DSE Brokers Association (DBA) President Saiful Islam were present as special guests.Among others, the managing director of DSE ATM Tarikuzzaman CPA and Chief Regulatory Officer Khairul Bashar Abu Taher Mohammad, according to a press release.
BCC to organize a job fair for disabled people Feb 10
Bangladesh Computer Council (BCC) of ICT Division is going to organize a job fair in the capital Dhaka with the aim of providing employment to specially-abled or disabled people.
The fair is being organized in collaboration with the Centre for Services and Information on Disability (CSID), said a press release.
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On February 10, 2024, Saturday morning, the day-long fair will be organized at the office building of the NGO Affairs Bureau in Dhaka’s Agargaon.
The state minister for Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Mr. Zunaid Ahmed Palak, MP will inaugurate the job fair 2024 as the chief guest.
According to the release, about 500 job seekers have already submitted online applications.
Of them, efficient and skilled people in computer education have been called to face interviews at the fairground.
The organizing authorities are expecting that it would be possible to give jobs to around 50 people at the fair while more than 200 job candidates will be shortlisted for interview for subsequent recruitment.
Coordinator of the job fair and Manager (Systems) of BCC Golam Rabbani said that the BCC has been giving training on ICT to the people with disabilities at free of cost since 2011.
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The job fair is organized mainly to give jobs to persons who have taken training in ICT from BCC, he said, adding, over 900 persons with disabilities skilled in ICT have got jobs through the fair since 2015.
ICT-based institutions belonging to different trade bodies or associations, including Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS), e-Commerce Association of Bangladesh (e-CAB), and Bangladesh Association of Contact Center and Outsourcing (BACCO) member organizations, will participate in the fair.
Workplace Burnouts: Causes, Symptoms, Signs, and Remedies
Do you often feel anxious and stressed out due to work pressure? If such mental status continues for long, it can lead to burnouts and impact on your health. The term burnout refers to emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion from prolonged stress.
In today's hectic settings, individuals are gripped in job or career pressures that slowly depletes motivation – leaving them overwhelmed and drained.
Burnouts may occur due to personal life and job related issues. This article unravels the reasons behind burnout in the workplace, addresses its subtle symptoms, and advocates for preventive measures for a balanced lifestyle.
Types of Burnouts at Work
Overload Burnout
Overload burnout is a familiar and prevalent type. It occurs when individuals strive relentlessly for success at the expense of their health and personal lives.
Often affecting dedicated employees, this burnout stems from working at an unsustainable pace, driving individuals to physical and mental exhaustion. Coping mechanisms involve venting emotions and overcommitting to problem-solving, adding to stress levels.
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Under-Challenged Burnout
Contrary to overload, under-challenged burnout arises from doing too little. Individuals experiencing this type feel bored and unstimulated in their roles, leading to a lack of motivation.
The absence of learning opportunities, growth prospects, and meaningful connections can result in frustration and a sense of being underappreciated. Adaptation strategies include avoidance tactics like distraction or dissociation.
Neglect Burnout
Also known as worn-out burnout, neglect burnout emerges when individuals feel helpless in the face of workplace challenges. It results from a lack of structure, direction, or guidance, making it difficult to meet expectations.
Over time, this leads to feelings of incompetence, frustration, and uncertainty. Coping through learned helplessness, individuals believe they cannot positively impact their circumstances. Eventually, it becomes passive and disengaged when faced with challenges at work.
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How to Make a Video Resume: A Step-by-Step Guide
In today’s competitive job market, distinguishing oneself from a sea of candidates is a daunting challenge. Traditional resumes, while essential, often fall short of conveying the full breadth of an individual's personality and skills. This is where the innovative concept of a video resume comes into play, offering a dynamic and personalized approach to job applications.
What is a Video Resume?
A video resume is a brief, visual representation that complements the traditional, written resume. It's a tool enabling job seekers to vividly showcase their personality, communication skills, and relevant experiences in a way that a paper or digital document simply can't match. This approach is particularly beneficial in fields like creative arts, marketing, and sales, where interpersonal skills and effective communication are foundational.
A video resume isn't a replacement for the traditional resume but rather a vibrant extension that brings to life the qualities that can't be captured in black and white.
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Steps to Create a Perfect Video Resume
Content Planning:
The first and most crucial step is to meticulously plan the content of your video resume. The content should be thoughtfully tailored to the job you're applying for. For instance, if you're pursuing a writer's position, your video could include a segment where you eloquently discuss your writing experience and process. Similarly, for a sales role, highlighting your previous sales achievements would be beneficial.
This tailored approach ensures that your video resume resonates with the specific nature of the job you're targeting.
Script Outline:
Knowing what to say is just the start. Organizing your thoughts into a coherent and impactful script is vital. Remember, this video is your first impression of a potential employer, so it needs to be clear, concise, and compelling. Draft a script and rehearse it repeatedly to ensure a natural and fluent delivery. This practice will help you avoid common pitfalls like rambling or appearing rehearsed.
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A Professional Setting:
The setting for your video resume should mirror that of a job interview. Imagine an office room setting, with you dressed in professional attire, addressing the camera as if you were speaking to an interviewer. This professional approach extends to the recording environment as well; a quiet, well-lit space with a neutral background is ideal. This setting conveys seriousness and professionalism, key qualities employers look for.