With job searches undergoing a digital transformation, Zarin Bhathena tells you what tools and skills are needed to make the search effective
Technology has definitely transformed the landscape of India Inc, be it by the enhanced functionality of our phones, watches, TV and other devices, or by simply altering the way we search for jobs today. While job sites have made it easier to look through millions of vacancies in the market, it is but essential for one to be computer literate — in surfing the Internet, accessing mails for job alerts and searching and applying for the right job.
Social networking is ubiquitous with today’s workforce and an increasing number of corporates are using these sites to target the right talent at the right place. They may also create a webpage to constantly update job openings and allow you to apply online for one or multiple vacancies. Recruiters are also part of various communities on Facebook and linkedIn, which the jobseeker can join in order to get updates on relevant openings.
While looking for a job online you need to regularly update your CV, as recruiters only pick the latest CVs assuming that older the CV, higher are the chances that the candidate has already got a job. You should also highlight key professional skills or certifications like communication, programming, online marketing, User interface designing, etc. Using these skills — designing the CV neatly, crisp communication, using technical language etc — gives your résumé a higher chance of getting noticed among thousands of prospects.
Today, using a smartphone effectively is more important than mere computer literacy. Almost all companies post jobs on apps. Digital literacy is not finite and is constantly enhanced, so the more you know, the better you execute. Digital fluency can also prevent you from falling in traps like money-for-job scams and financial fraud.
Marc Prensky coined terms like ‘digital immigrant’ and ‘digital native’ to describe the present mass of digital consumers from different generations. Whichever category you fall into, it is important to leverage the internet through portals, apps, social networking and email while looking for a suitable job. Sites like Glassdoor.com also allow you to conduct a background research of the company, on its work culture and growth scale.
A recent survey found that in India, men use digital tools to prepare for and find work more frequently than women. Yet, when women and men have the same level of digital proficiency, women are better at leveraging it to find work. It is necessary to constantly upgrade your digital skills in order to progress even after finding a job.
let’s look at some important digital skills that one needs and enhance regularly.
Document and project collaboration: Employees should be able to create, format and collaborate documents and projects digitally. Excess paperwork and possible loss/damage leads to wastage of time, human errors in analysis etc. Organisations could use management tools like Asana and Trello for process improvements. It also enhances communication and productivity.
Staying updated with digital tools: News travels at breakneck speed now and one must know how to see it first. Using tools and apps like Inshorts, Twitter, RSS feeds, podcasts etc enhances general awareness, communication and social networking skills.
Making work more efficient and organised: There are multiple digital tools available for this. Juggling between tasks, prioritisation and managing time is essential and some are better at it than others. Sticky notes, reminder apps, digital diaries etc can be used effectively for better productivity.
Digital etiquette: For the workplace, digital etiquette has some dos and don’ts for online communication. Simple things like how to keep an email short, not send spam within colleagues and maintain consistency are required to have a smart social presence.
Search and research: Searching the Internet is an art to be learnt and the vastness of digital archives is the key to many business applications. Employees must be able to quickly and effectively search for relevant and accurate data, distinguishing fact from fantasy.
Security and privacy: Data and security breaches due to human error are ever-increasing in the digital realm. Employees must be trained well in security and privacy awareness, and know how to use their businesses’ specific safeguard practices.
The writer is senior vice-president and head HR of Worldline South Asia & Middle East