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  • How to prepare and perform in a Job Interview

    How to prepare and perform in a Job Interview

    Got an interview call? Great! Its not just the call of opportunity but of a test to judge you as a potential candidate for a particular job.

    Preparing & Performing in a Job Interview
    Preparing & Performing in a Job Interview

    Getting an interview call is just half the work done in your job hunt. Many who get the interview call just don’t know how to present themselves and behave during a job interview. There are probably hundreds of articles written in detail about how to dress up or behave during an interview.

    Here I will just list down some important points to follow while preparing for an interview and brief information about each point.

    Dos and Donts

    When you receive an interview call:

    • Make sure you show your interest in that particular Employer and the proposed job. A cold response to the interview call wills half your chances of a good interview.
    • Clearly convey to the Employer that you wish to appear for the interview on the assigned date and time. If for any reason you could not appear for the interview, mention that to the potential Employer.
    • Clearly understand the interview schedule i.e. date, time and venue. Employers hate late comers and time wasters.
    • Ask which documents you are required to bring with for the interview. Initially Employers just ask for your resume but its good to be clear.
    • Take the contact details of the relevant person for correspondence regarding the interview.

    Dressing:

    • Remember that you are the “product” you will be going to “sell” to the Employer. Dress yourself properly with decent and neat attire. A product in a nice packaging stands a better chance of selling than one in a poor packaging.
    • Wear decent accessories that suit your personality, like a watch, cufflink, a tie or a pair of glasses. For men wearing accessories like chains, bracelets or cowboy hats etc. is not a good idea.
    • Do your hair properly.
    • Your shoes must be clean and in good shape. Remember that your hair and shoes are the first to get a viewer’s attention.

    The Interview; “Perform” like a Champion:

    • Before going for an interview, research and know as much as possible about the organization, its business, competitors and market standings etc.
    • Reach on time for an interview. Being late reduces your chances of getting hired up to 50%.
    • You are here to perform; your good “performance” can make you a star and get you the job. Needless to mention the consequences of a bad performance.
    • Be confident; you’ve already done half the work for getting this job by getting an interview call.
    • “First impression is the last impression”; make a pleasant entry in the interview hall/room. Pass a smile (not a silly one) to the interviewer/interview panel.
    • If in a reachable distance, make a warm hand shake (no need to crack his/her bones) with the interviewer.
    • Answer each question clearly and confidently. Shaky voice shows lack of confidence.
    • After the interview, ask questions about the organization, job responsibilities, work environment etc. Remember these questions are important to show your interest in the company and willingness to work with them.
    • After the interview session, take the interviewer’s leave, make a positive handshake with a decent smile and leave the room/hall.

    Writer is a contributor and team player at TechnoBird/Mustakbil.com.

    For Jobs in Pakistan and Middle East, Visit: https://www.mustakbil.com

  • Why you should get your resume written by experts

    Employer or Jobseeker, you must have come across the term “CV/Resume for any suitable position”. Now the question, is there exists a “CV/Resume for any suitable job”? the answer is no. “One size fits all” is a myth and is as false in this case. You are unique are so should be your Resume/CV.

    Mustakbil.com- Jobs in Pakistan
    Mustakbil.com- Jobs in Pakistan

    Getting a CV written by an expert is often considered as a time and money wasting “luxury”. But the fact is that, the money spent on getting a CV written by a professional is an investment which pays you for years to come; as you climb your professional ladder. Much sooner than you think; often through your next paycheck.

    Times of using a single CV/Resume for applying to multiple jobs have long gone. Nowadays you need a custom CV for basically each job switch or job hunt for that matter. Keep in mind that your Cv/Resume reaches the employer before you and it serves as your “marketing brochure”. And like a good one, it must highlight all the qualities you have and “sell” you for the job.

    Like for any other service, hiring an expert resume writing service is a good idea, irrelevant of your career level. Either you are a fresher, an executive or an experienced manager, tweaks and fixes to your Resume/CV are needed and are to be done by experts.

    There are several freelancers and companies providing Resume/CV writing services. Which one to choose is a tough call, but a few points kept in mind will help you make a better choice:

    • Who they are?
    • Their experience in Human Resources / Recruiting?
    • For how long they’ve been operating?
    • How are their writing skills?
    • Do they have any certification?
    • How good are their confidentiality practices?
    • What is their privacy policy?
    • Do they have physical presence?
    • Do they offer revisions?

    Consider your resume like your “fingerprints”. They are unique, identifiable in a million and are everywhere in the Job market. Do not rely on templates usually posted on the internet.  If you can’t afford a writer, at least use a Resume builder to generate a properly formatted resume.

     

    Mustakbil.com is a project of TechnoBird. TechnoBird is an IT and ITES company specializing in information collection and dissemination since 2002. TechnoBird owns and operates various online portals like: Mustakbil.com , Nisbat.com ,Naicar.com , DirectPK.com , 1eent.com , Frokht.com .

  • Why and How to Buy a Used Car

    Buy New / Used Cars in Pakistan, Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Peshawar
    Buy New / Used Cars in Pakistan, Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Peshawar

    Why Buy a Used Car:

    So, you’ve reached to a point where you need or want to buy a car. Buying a used car is quite a smart decision for below reasons:

    • Saves you money. You don’t pay already depreciated cost for the vehicle.
    • You save on accessories some of those are not pre-installed by the manufactures.
    • Might save insurance amount depending on your car age.
    • Used cars are already on road so you can have expert opinions from its users. Lots of research data is available for on road cars, hence adding some reliability to your choice of used car.
    • You can enjoy manufacturers’ warranty and service; depending on your used car age.

    Money Matters:

    Now comes the money part. Most of us already have in mind which used car we wish to buy. But it’s a smart move to set aside a budget and look for cars that fit in that budget. For most car shoppers, small or medium sized family cars like Suzuki Cultus, Suzuki Alto, Suzuki Mehran, Suzuki Khyber, Suzuki Swift, Toyota Corolla, Honda City, Suzuki Baleno, Toyota Vitz, Honda Civic, Daihatsu Coure etc. are ideal. Often used/imported Japanese cars are a good choice at a reasonable price. But again go for the choice that suits your requirements and most importantly your budget.

    Key to setting a realistic budget:

    Below will help you decide and set a budget for your used car purchase:

    • Analyze your needs like size of your family, commute frequency, distance you travel on average, number of people travelling with you mostly etc.
    • How would you like the payment plan? Mostly used cars are purchased at an upfront cost and money needs to be paid at the time of purchase. However, nowadays financial institutions like banks as well as car dealerships offer car loan facility for used cars. If you have ready cash for the purchase, perfect; go for it. Should you decide otherwise, keep in mind that some extra documentation would be required by the lending entity and interest may apply on car loan facility. A guide for car loan facilities could be found at: https://www.NaiCar.com.

    Choose a Car for your needs:

    Once you’ve set a budget for your purchase, target cars of sizes that match your needs. Like for a small sized family, Suzuki Mehran, Suzuki Alto, Suzuki Cultus, Toyota Vitz or Daihatsu Coure would be just fine. Similarly for medium sized family, Toyota Corolla, Honda City, Honda Civic, Suzuki Baleno, Suzuki Liana or Mitsubishi Lancer etc will be a good choice. Market is frequented by these cars and should you be a smart shopper, you’d make a great purchase.

    Research for your chosen Car:

    Now that you have chosen your set of prospect vehicles based on your needs, research on each of them for price, features, mileage, maintenance cost, spare parts availability etc. Look for cars that are abundant in local market and are used by people having same needs as yours. You may use various mediums for your research like internet, market surveys, friends’ or experts’ advice etc.  Using car comparison tools offered by online portals like https://www.NaiCar.com saves you lots of effort and time.

    Buy a Car online:

    Gone are the days when you had to hop through multiple car dealers for buying a car. Though it’s a good idea for research but not necessarily for buying a used car. Many online car classifieds portals such as https://www.NaiCar.com provide all that you need to buy a car; on your computer screen.

    Should you decide for buying a used car online, uses the search functionality provided at the website, narrow down your search to a small set and contact the sellers. Ask for them to show the vehicle preferably at a location that is not far from the city. A public place or a market is a nice place for car inspection. If you know all about the vehicles great! Otherwise, take an expert with you who could check the vehicle for faults.

    Negotiating for the right price:

    Assuming you’ve done your research properly; negotiate for the right price in light of car’s condition and expert advice. Set a schedule for payment and car delivery.

  • Simple tips on Job Search for fresh graduates

    Simple tips on Job Search for fresh graduates

    Job search tips
    Job search tips

    Each year thousands of young students graduate from hundreds of institutes to start a professional life. Most of them are not even aware of what actually it needs to start a successful career. Below are some tips following which one can have an idea on how to go about career path.

    Choosing a Career:

    By the time you graduate, you might have made your mind regarding your career choice. The problem lies where one is not certain of the field/industry he/she wants to step into.  In that case a career counsel’s advice must be sought instead of hitting and trying and losing in the end.

    Writing a Resume:

    Ever wondered, why they call it the most crucial factor of your job hunt? The answer is simple; your resume is the sales pitch that you’d be using to “sell” yourself for a particular role. This world is all about selling and purchasing, so better the sales pitch, better are the chances of you being “sold at a good price”.

    What a resume must contain? Well, some say put in as much information as you can, but in my view, putting too much information could cause recruiter/employer lose interest in you and just end your resume up in the junk. Most recruiters/employers take just 10-15 seconds to decide for a resume to be considered. So, only relevant and most important information must be provided in your resume. Save the rest for the interview.

    Job hunt (Applying for Jobs):

    Like all operations we once performed with hassle are now could be done with ease, job search has also been made easy; thanks to increased reach of mediums carrying Job ads. Evolution of e-Recruitment has made is times easier for Jobseekers to search and find the relevant jobs in their fields. With just a few mouse clicks, your resume could reach the company of your choice. Similarly, you are now more reachable for employers; thanks to social recruiting.

    Ease of hunting and applying for jobs does not give you a license to bombard employers’ inboxes with your resume. You must never apply for jobs you are not suitable for or you might end up black listed as spammer and doors of e-hiring could close permanently before even being opened.

    Preparing for Interview:

    An interview call is just the half work done. An impressive interview is what you need to land on your dream job. Up until now, you’ve made an impression you may call it virtually, now is the time to make it “real”.

    How you prepare for the interview? Having a full command on your area is not what is expected from you, you are a fresher and employers know that. However, a grasp on what you’ve studied is important. It goes without saying; prepare academically. Common sense, general knowledge, some knowledge of surroundings would be a definite plus.

    How to dress for an interview? Dressing appropriately for interview is as important as it could be. Choose your dress wisely considering the job you are appearing an interview for. A perfectly ironed trouser and a crisp shirt with fine shoes is usually considered good, but again do not ignore the position and responsibilities coming along with your prospective job. Dressing casually for an interview is a big NO. Similarly do no overdo with your attire and how you carry it.

    Interview Day:

    So here is the big day and here you are; ready for what would be officially your first step in professional life. You have the knowledge; you are prepared for it like anything; now do not spoil all by making small mistakes on interview day.  Reach the interview venue well in time. Being late halves your chances of a fruitful interview. On your call, proceed to the room where interviews are being conducted. Knock politely and ask for permission to enter. Give a warm handshake to your panel/individual interviewer, if they are at an approachable distance; don’t cause hustle in the room by trying approaching those who are far; don’t crack bones, just a little warmth will do.  Sit confidently, alert, with a little smile on your face. Wait for the questions you’ve prepared all the answers for. Answer gently, confidently and truthfully. Do not lie for the questions you don’t know the answers. The moment you lie, you are “dead”. If time allows, provide all the information that you kept from sharing in your resume. Your achievements, goals, ambitions and expectations are now to be highlighted and shared. If all goes well and it reaches to salary negotiations, don’t be shy or greedy while discussing it. Asking your “right price” is your right.

    After the interview concludes, make a warm handshake with the interviewer and leave the room with calm and positive attitude. Rushing to leave or panic shows nervousness and that is not desired for a potential candidate.

    For Jobs in Pakistan and Middle East, Visit: https://www.mustakbil.com

  • Economy, Hiring Trends and Job Market in 2013

    So, 2012 is over; Many of us switched jobs, got our first ones or kept searching for a dream job. Whatever the case may be, a sneak peek into “Hiring Trends and Job Market in 2013” will be helpful.

    Much like last couple of years, economic slowdown will be dominant in 2013. Be it US or the Euro Zone, consumer spending is lowered compared to the numbers a decade ago. Decreasing demand in US and big economies of the EU has hit hard the manufacturing sector which still is one of the largest employment generating sectors in the world.

    You might have heard or read “When the US sneezes the world catches cold” ever wondered what it really means? Here is what it really means; consumer spending in the US is the single most important driving factor for manufacturing and services industries in the EU and Asia. Low consumers spending in the US means less demand, resulting in job losses in EU and Asia.

    During the last couple of decades, China and India have emerged as fastest growing economies in the world. Despite their dependence on the exports, their local consumer market provides both economies a cushion against global recession. Thanks to their large populations and a growing middle and upper middle class. Though decline in global exports of both the countries hurts their economies, the job market is not that vulnerable.

    But what about Pakistan?

    Heading towards an economic collapse, Pakistan needs serious measures to be taken to avoid an employment emergency. At an unemployment rate of around 5.7%, situation isn’t that bad compared to the global economic crisis. But that doesn’t indicate all well at all.

    A decade of flawed policies has led Pakistan to the verge imploding. Though growing at around 3.5 percent; rampant corruption, low tax to GDP ratio, declining foreign exchange reserves and massive borrowings (both internal & external) make Pakistan’s economy vulnerable to a major setback.

    For Job market, it means limited opportunities for workforce. Power crisis has proven to be the last nail in the coffin for Pakistan’s fragile economy. Trade imbalance makes it difficult for government to maintain a sustainable growth and curtail the unemployment rates.

    Who will be hiring in 2013?

    If economy is that bad, the big question is who will be hiring in 2013? Like in 2012, the growing sectors will be the services sector, IT & ITES, media and to some extent large scale manufacturing. Companies will be looking for cheap and skilled labour force to meet ever increasing challenges of quality and cost effectiveness. People looking for jobs will have to work for a lower wages due to a large number of jobseekers looking for limited job opportunities. Low income means less spending which doesn’t help economic growth rather, worsens the situation.

    Is everything bad?

    No, not really. When they say “it can’t get any worse” they actually are looking for ways to get it better. With election around the corner, one can hope for a better government. Some policy level decisions and corrective measures can fast turnaround the situation. And when I say so, I have reasons to believe so.

    Pakistan is among one of the few nations to have a dynamic, cheap and young workforce. With half the population under the age of 25 years, rated among top four most intelligent nations (based on the provided resources), one of the largest pool of doctors, engineers and labour force, only a fool would say “its all bad”.

    During last couple of years, a large number of entrepreneurs have entered the arena for good of their own selves as well as of the society. In new economies, not big businesses but entrepreneurs are the driving factor.

    Careers in demand in 2013

    • Managers and Assistants
    • Business and Finance Analysts
    • Sales Staff
    • Customer Service Representative
    • Project Manager
    • BPO, Back Office, Offshore Staff
    • Software Engineers
    • IT Professionals (Systems and Networks)
    • Events Managers
    • Civil Engineers
    • Mechanical Engineers
    • Hospitality Staff – Managers and Assistant Managers
    • Fast Food Crew

  • Know Your Rights – Equal Employment Opportunity Laws in Pakistan

    Dear Valued Member,

    Thank you for being a part of Mustakbil.com, Pakistan’s leading jobs site. This post highlights some of the Equal Employment Opportunity rights given to every Pakistani citizen in Constitution of 1973.

    According to the Constitution of 1973

    Article 26 says no person otherwise qualified can be discriminated against in the matter of employment on the basis of race, religion, caste, gender, residence or place of birth (Exceptions: specific services can be reserved for members of either sex if such posts/services require duties which cannot be adequately performed by the members of other sex, e.g. Lady Health Visitor)

    Article 27 puts complete ban on discrimination on the basis of gender in appointment in “the service in Pakistan”, provided that the performance and functions of the job can be carried out by, and is deemed suitable for, both sexes.

    Article 32 of the constitution says that special representation shall be given to women in local government institutions (i.e., local bodies).

    At Mustakbil.com we do not allow employers to create any sort of discrimination among the job applicants and as soon as we find any job opening with discriminatory text we immediately remove it from our website and warn the employer. We strongly advise all employers not to discriminate jobseekers on the basis of race, religion, caste, gender and residence or place of birth. Rather they should offer equal employment opportunity for everyone.

    If you find this post useful, please do share it with your friends.

    Thank you,

    Team Mustakbil.com

    —

    Note: The above information is provided on good faith basis and should be taken as a basic guideline about the equal employment opportunity laws in Pakistan instead of any legal advice.

  • POP Principle

    All human beings have aspirations, hopes and dreams to become a breathtaking success. Yet most of us don’t achieve what we desire to. Majority of human beings live a life of mediocirty, way below their level of satisfaction. We often feel unhappy, dissatisfied, unfulfilled and even unaccomplished. If you want to produce a significant improvement in any area of your life, you got to bring POP Principle in action in your day to day living.

    The POP Principle guides you to achieve success, prosperity, and a deeper sense of contentment in your life. It can bridge the difference between your aspirations and actions thus creates the life you truly desire and deserve.

    What this ‘POP Principle’ is? Simple.

    The P in POP Principle stands for ‘ Potential’

    Every human being is born with some hidden potential which is unexplored, unidentified and unutilized. Each one of us has some unique secreted talents, capabilities and skills which are burried, unseen and concealed.

    So the first step toward creating a great life is to explore, understand, and acknowedge your potential. The identification of your hidden potential gives people a sense of worth and ignites the desire to show the rest of the world how distinctive, unique and matchless they are.

    It is the potential that if harnessed, turns ordinary human beings in to Imran Khan, Allama Iqbal, Abdusattar Edhi, Jahangir Khan, Moeen Akhtar, Dr. Abdul Qadeer, Aisam ul Haq and Abida Parveen. You will agree that these great legends have always had the potential to become great. And so did so many other human beings. So the question is why couldn’t they too become great?

    The second P in ‘POP Principle’ stands for Possibilities

    If we agree in the first place that each new born baby on the planet is manifesting in this world with some unique set of skills, abilities and potential; then we can comfortably say that some Possibilities exist for every human being to use that passion to desing an extraordinary life for them.

    But the question is how do we narrow the gap between one’s ‘Potential’ and ‘Possibilities’?
    If ‘Possibilities’ are unlimited, abundant and endless, then why a large majority of people is unable to transport their potential in to possibilities?

    There seems to be a missing link that can connect potential with possibilities? The missing link is actually ‘O’

    The O in ‘POP Principle’ stands for Opportunity

    ‘Why poeople don’t use their potential to realize possibilities?

    I have asked this question many hundered times in my trainng sessions. Every time the answer is the same. By the way, before I share their response, what is your answer? What is stopping you from realizing the full potential of the possibilities waiting for you?
    The answer is simple. The missing link is ‘ Opportunity’. People complain for lack of opportunities. ‘Yes I have the talent, give me an opportunity and watch me realizing possbilities’ is the usual stance.

    After doing motivational and change management sessions with throusands of people, I have reached to one conclusion. We all are mostly in a ‘waiting’ mode’. We are waiting for the opportunites to come to us. Whereas the fact is that we have to make a move and attract opportuities.

    The ‘Opportunity’ does come to each one of us. More than one time. But the trick is that the opporunity almost always comes in a disguised form. A bulk of people don’t recognize it, spot it, or identify it. The best we do is to expalin it as a problem. Yes, when stand face to face to a new opporunity, we see it as a problem, not as an opportunity. Since we all want to run away from problems, we avoid it. Avoiding the opporunity means, we miss it. And missing the opportunity means we will reamin whereever we are till the next opporunity comes up.

    On the other hand, all capable, talented and high-potential people were able to decode the disguised opporunity and see it differnetely. Yes, initially it looked like a problem but they convereted it in to ‘challenge’ for themselves. Accepting challenge provided them the guts, courage and nerves to stand tall against all adverse situations. Yes, it was difficult for them to embrace pain and go away from the comfort trap but their ability to create a challenge from what others see as problem gave the fuel and energy to reach to the land of infinite ‘Possibilities’ .

    Who can deny that Jahangir Khan has always had the potential to become the world’s greatest sportsman ever? but it is his ability to constantly challenge his circusmstances and see every problem as an opportunity to grow that made him one of the most admired legends in the sports history.

    The fact is that you have an enormous potential to build a great future for yourself and your lvoed ones. Having that potential and even being able to correcty identify your potential is not enough. You need to devleop an eye to see the possibilities for you that no one else can see for you. By simply watching new possibilities from a distance is not sufficient either. You need to constantly narrow the gap between your potential and desired possibilities.

    The only thing that narrows the gap is your knack of seeing problems as challenges. You know why? Because if you see opportunities as problems you will go defensive and employ escaping strategy. But when you see problems as challenges, you feel energized, enthused and stirred to overcome any obstacles between your dreams.

    Remember, if you are committed to tap your untouched, unhunt, unexploited potential, jump at every possible disguised opportunities. Make a shift in your way of looking at things. God has sent you on this planet with a premium seed of greatness. Don’t waste it. Plant it. Cultivate it. Nurture it. Grow it. And then be ready to harvest the rewards of turning your hidden potential in to endless possibilities.

    About Author

    Qaiser Abbas, Author of best-selling book ‘Tick Tick Dollar’
    Founder & Chief Inspiring Officer, Possibilities (Management Training & Consulting)

    Qaiser is a best-selling author, motivational speaker, high-energy trainer and successful entrepreneur. He is a living example of overcoming adverse circumstances, breaking self-imposed limitations, challenging others’ negative assumptions about you, saying good-bye to the comfort trap, following your dreams, struggling hard in face of countless failures and eventually turning the dreams into reality.

    The life Qaiser lives today was not possible in even his own wildest dreams.

    Qaiser was raised in a family that lived way below the poverty line. His childhood was a picture of deprivation, scarcity, and deficiency. He lost his mother at the age of 7 and father at 21. Both died without having any ‘incurable’ disease. Both incidents marked the beginning of seemingly an endless ‘suffering’. His youth was a walking image of crushed self-esteem, stumpy self-confidence, negative self-image and a defeated personality. Yet his desire to do something valuable for his family kept him alive. He took up a range of rough jobs in hazardous, treacherous, and unsafe physical conditions to sustain him and continue his education.

    Qaiser’s desire to create a successful and prosperous life for his loved ones collapsed and crashed innumerable times. He had to go through countless failures and setbacks before he started making tiny shifts in his thinking. In the next five years, he surprised himself and everyone around by crafting a life that he conduct even imagine only few years ago. Today, Qaiser facilitates motivational, team-building and coaching sessions with over 200 clients including fortune 500 companies like Unilever, P&G, Total, Coca Cola, Gillette, 3M, OMV and Reckitt-Benckiser.

    Qaiser’s life changing motivational books, training programs, media appearances and success seminars have touched thousands of people in many parts of the world. His audience describe him as inspiring, impactful, direct-from-heart, and incredibly energetic.
    Qaiser is also Founded Possibilities Foundation to share success with less fortunate segments of the society. The entire income generated through his books is dedicated to support the education of talented and deserving students. Qaiser is married and lives in Lahore, Pakistan.

  • Choose or be Chosen

    The Difference between Suzuki and Mercedez. Everyone with a reasonable saving can buy a Suzuki but very few can afford to buy Mercedez while having the want to HAVE it. That’s how Mercedez has positioned itself in the world of car market. Why is this so? Because Mercedez offers such features and qualities, in a four wheeler that makes it distinguished, celebrated and out of the ordinary. There is of course something “extra” in it that makes it extraordinary. There is something outstanding in it that no other auto manufacturer can even afford to offer. On the other hand Suzuki offers all the routine features and comes up to the expectations of anyone who wants a four wheeler carrying a small family and thus is affordable.

    Now look at yourself and the features and qualities you have to offer. Are you a Mercedez or a Suzuki? Do you have just the necessary ingredients to carry on a routine office task or you offer something to your employer or in a larger sense to the world, which is extraordinary and none other has to offer. If you are a Suzuki than anyone can have you for a minimal price, but if you are a Mercedez only few will be able to afford you but everyone will want to HAVE you. The book Choose or be Chosen without degrading the worth of Suzuki, tries to motivate and provides you the practical tips to become a Mercedez and earn the right worth for yourself in the job market.

    Over the years, during thousands of interview sessions, I came across candidates who could have earned a much respectable place for themselves but could not. This was merely because of their inability to create and present those unique features and qualities that they possess, during the interviews. Most of the interviewees come across to be desperate to just get the job, without knowing how badly that desperation damages not only that one chance to get hired but also their true worth. Over the years I have also came across comments from many about a popular word “SAFARISH” (nepotism). Candidates, young graduates and many worthy professionals also believe that without Safarish they cannot get a job.

    My answer in this book is very simple. Safarish works because we do not understand the difference between DONKEYS and HORSES. Strange, but true. In a crowd of Donkeys if there is one Horse, it can easily be recognized. But if there are all Donkeys, the employers will be better off picking a donkey that has a cart (safarish) at the back. Hence it is your choice if you want to be a Donkey or a Horse. And trust me in the corporate sector and job market in Pakistan I have seen hardly any horse rejected, and if for some reasons a donkey gets selected, in the next three months either the donkey has to transform into a horse or it is replaced with a horse.

    This book touches upon another myth, that is, the there are limited JOBS in the market, and not all can be accommodated in these limited jobs. Yes the jobs are limited, yet the WORK in Pakistan is not limited. Our youth and those who are in search of a JOB get desperate, burn their degrees, get frustrated and mourn the injustice, because they try to fit themselves in a lift, going at the top floor, that can only afford to carry limited people at a time. They do not take the pain to see the alternatives, the WORK opportunities and the abundance of extra features God has granted them. I could not have written the book and this brief had I not practically experienced all of the above myself.

    As a fact of the matter when I wrote this book I was out of the JOB, searching for one and believed that world can deny me having a JOB but cannot stop me from WORK. By the grace of God, by having this belief, I not only got a job within two months but also continued to learn about the extra FEATURES God has granted me. Hope you will learn and earn a brilliant livelihood for yourself.

    About Author:

    Umer Raza is engaged with the Human Resource Profession for over a decade. He has a Master’s degree in Economics from Quaid-i-Azam University and has diploma in Freelance and Feature writing from London School of Journalism. He started his Professional career from a training and consultancy firm Ace Consulting Lahore. From Ace he started his training delivery and consulting career through his services to different client organizations. Then he moved to Manufacturing indsutry, as Deputy Manager HR in Crescent Bahuman Ltd, the biggest Levis Jeans Manufacturing facility in South East Asia. He has also served in the hospitality industry and worked for two of the large luxury hotels i.e. Faisalabad Serena Hotel and Islamabad Serena Hotel as Manager Human Resource. During his work expousre at the hospitality industry he had the opportunity to initiate the process of change through training and development. Currently he is associated with the Technology industry through Trans World Assocaites which is a subsidary of Orascom Telecom as Head of Human Resources.

    Based on his practical HR experince of interviewing people, screening their resumes, and accepting or regreting them he co-authored a book titled “CHOOSE OR BE CHOSEN” which is for young graduates and the mid career professionals to prepare themselves in order to search and get a good career move. He also served as the Editor of the corproate Magazine “Ace Watch” that was based on the professional development of the young and middle managers.

    He taught Human Resource Management as a visiting faculty member at University of Agriculture Faisalabad and University of Faisalabad. Besides, he has also delivered lectures to students on different motivational and professional topics at Fast University, Fatima Jinnah University, Iqra University, Rifah International University in Islamabad and at NUST Business School.

    Having a passion to develop Human Recources and create change in our day to day work routine he uses his energies in creating and developing new initiatives for his staff and delivers training programs on different topics. His training programs are sumplemented by his practical exposure to the issues faced by Human Resources within the company and his insight into how to present practical solutions to such problems. These training programs are not only limited to learning and education but motivate and inspire to CHANGE.

  • Stay away from CIA trap

    No matter which part of the world you live in and what are your views on politics, terrorism, human rights and global warming it is important for you to know what CIA trap is.

    It is irrelevant what race, religion, and culture you belong to. I don’t want to know your age, education or family. I have no interest in your history, friends, failures, disappointments or setbacks. I don’t even wish to know your goals, dreams and vision for the future.

    Whatever future you want to create, please don’t become a victim of CIA if you are really committed to reach your goals.

    You probably didn’t like the suspense. You want to know why? Why CIA is your biggest dream killer? How CIA can possibly become a hurdle for you to build a solid future? What this CIA has to do with your most desired goals, ambitions and future? My answer is …. Everything!

    CIA can block your vision, damage your present and throw you out of the game.

    What this CIA stands for?

    C is ‘complacency’

    CIA trap starts with ‘complacency’ that entices you to become complacent, comfortable and relax with whatever you have already achieved despite a strong need to move ahead. It convinces you to indulge in an attitude of satisfaction even in the absence of any significant achievement. When complacency sets in, organizations belonging to the elite clubs like fortune 500 companies disappear from the business map. Complacent teams are bound to embrace embarrassment. Complacent individuals lose their competitiveness and fall behind the success line.

    Stop being complacent today. Avoid the temptation of sluggishness, lethargy, idleness and laziness. Take every single day as an opportunity to go beyond where you were yesterday, even a few inches. Don’t accept the smug strategy that allures you to think as self-satisfied, haughty, and arrogant. Complacency will kill you. Allow yourself to experience some ‘creative stress’ on a daily basis.

    I is ‘inefficiency’

    When trapped by CIA, even the most competent, capable and talented people become inefficient. Once this ‘inefficiency’ cuts into their skins, it gets deeper and deeper. It then starts running in their blood.

    Have you ever seen amazingly gifted people ruining their life with disgusting mediocrity? Who has not witnessed some remarkable artists’, musicians, actors, teachers, writers, publishers, politicians and leaders who popped up with a bang and grabbed our full attention? You might also have seen them becoming a victim of ‘complacency’ at a later stage. These ‘once successful’ starts then dwelled to long on less than their very best. Therefore, world ‘labeled’ them as inept, wasteful, clumsy, useless and even hopeless.

    You can still get out of CIA trap if you decide to say good bye to inefficiency and replace your feeling of inadequacy with competence, effectiveness, and value.

    Failure to do so will throw you in to the third degree of CIA imprisonment.

    A is ‘apathy’

    Apathy is the worst of all human emotions. People with apathetic tendencies begin to behave as indifferent. They show lack of concern toward everything around. Such people devastate organizations by becoming uncommitted towards business goals, unconcerned towards customers; casual towards quality issues, and unworried about their own contribution.

    Nothing can kill personal and business relations as quick as apathy. Apathetic individuals, teams, groups, committees, unions, communities, and societies can effortlessly craft dissatisfaction, chaos, confusion and turmoil. Apathy can destroy motivation, drive, and enthusiasm for personal and organizational growth.

    In short, keep away from the CIA (complacency, inefficiency and apathy) trap at every cost. You know why? Because once trapped, some people can go beyond and happily choose to become an agent of CIA. They actively engage themselves in dragging people in to complacency, inefficiency and apathy (CIA)

    In my decade long interaction with both top leaders and managers around the globe, I have caught many of them secretly working for CIA. A majority of them was completely unaware of this truth.

    Are you sure you have protected yourself against the likelihood of becoming a CIA agent? Say no to complacency, inefficiency and apathy (CIA). Replace complacency with some anxiety to surpass performance standard. Substitute inefficiency with effectiveness, efficacy and worth. Trade apathy with care, attention, consideration and awareness.

    The day you quit to follow CIA agenda (complacency, inefficiency and apathy) and commit yourself to demonstrate initiative, drive and engagement; you will begin to experience a rewarding change in every result you produce. It’s a personal promise.

    CIA (Complacency, Inefficiency, Apathy)

    About Author

    Qaiser Abbas, Author of best-selling book ‘Tick Tick Dollar’
    Founder & Chief Inspiring Officer, Possibilities (Management Training & Consulting)

    Qaiser is a best-selling author, motivational speaker, high-energy trainer and successful entrepreneur. He is a living example of overcoming adverse circumstances, breaking self-imposed limitations, challenging others’ negative assumptions about you, saying good-bye to the comfort trap, following your dreams, struggling hard in face of countless failures and eventually turning the dreams into reality.

    The life Qaiser lives today was not possible in even his own wildest dreams.

    Qaiser was raised in a family that lived way below the poverty line. His childhood was a picture of deprivation, scarcity, and deficiency. He lost his mother at the age of 7 and father at 21. Both died without having any ‘incurable’ disease. Both incidents marked the beginning of seemingly an endless ‘suffering’. His youth was a walking image of crushed self-esteem, stumpy self-confidence, negative self-image and a defeated personality. Yet his desire to do something valuable for his family kept him alive. He took up a range of rough jobs in hazardous, treacherous, and unsafe physical conditions to sustain him and continue his education.

    Qaiser’s desire to create a successful and prosperous life for his loved ones collapsed and crashed innumerable times. He had to go through countless failures and setbacks before he started making tiny shifts in his thinking. In the next five years, he surprised himself and everyone around by crafting a life that he conduct even imagine only few years ago. Today, Qaiser facilitates motivational, team-building and coaching sessions with over 200 clients including fortune 500 companies like Unilever, P&G, Total, Coca Cola, Gillette, 3M, OMV and Reckitt-Benckiser.

    Qaiser’s life changing motivational books, training programs, media appearances and success seminars have touched thousands of people in many parts of the world. His audience describe him as inspiring, impactful, direct-from-heart, and incredibly energetic.
    Qaiser is also Founded Possibilities Foundation to share success with less fortunate segments of the society. The entire income generated through his books is dedicated to support the education of talented and deserving students. Qaiser is married and lives in Lahore, Pakistan.

  • Equal Employment Opportunity Laws in Pakistan

    Disclaimer: The below information is provided on good faith basis and should be taken as a basic guideline about the equal employment opportunity laws in Pakistan instead of any legal advice. 

    Objectives Resolution 1949

    The base for the equality of all citizens was provided in the Objectives Resolution which was passed by the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan in March, 1949. This resolution later became a substantive part of the Constitution of Pakistan. This Constituent Assembly framed a Constitution for the sovereign independent State of Pakistan;

    • Wherein the principles of democracy, freedom, equality, tolerance and social justice as enunciated by Islam shall be fully observed;
    • Wherein shall be guaranteed fundamental rights including equality of status, of opportunity and before law, social, economic and political justice, and freedom of thought, expression, belief, faith, worship and association, subject to law and public morality;

     1973 Constitution

     The laws related to the equal opportunity further improved in Constitution of 1973.

    • Article 11 of the Constitution prohibits all forms of slavery, forced labor and child labor.
    • Article 17 provides fundamental right to exercise the freedom of association and the right to form unions.
    • Article 18 says every citizen; subject to qualifications can enter a trade, business or profession of his/her choice.
    • The article 25 of the Constitution provides following guidelines for the equality of citizens:
    1. All citizens are equal before law and are entitled to equal protection of law.
    2. There shall be no discrimination on the basis of sex alone.
    3. Nothing in this Article shall prevent the State from making any special provision for the protection of women and children.
    • Article 26 says no person otherwise qualified can be discriminated against in the matter of employment on the basis of race, religion, caste, sex, residence or place of birth (Exceptions: specific services can be reserved for members of either sex if such posts/services require duties which cannot be adequately performed by the members of other sex, e.g. Lady Health Visitor)
    • The article 27 puts complete ban on discrimination on the basis of sex in appointment in “the service in Pakistan”, provided that the performance and functions of the job can be carried out by, and is deemed suitable for, both sexes.
    • Article 32 of the constitution says that special representation shall be given to women in local government institutions (i.e., local bodies).

    Furthermore, article 34 states that “steps shall be taken to ensure full participation of women in all spheres of national life”

    • Article 37(e) makes provision for securing just and humane conditions of work, ensuring that children and women are not employed in vocations unsuited to their age or sex, and for maternity benefits for women in employment.
    • Article 38(a) of the constitution commits the State to secure the well-being of the people, irrespective of, inter-alia, their sex by raising their standard of living, by preventing the concentration of wealth and means of production and distribution in the hands of a few to the detriment of general interest and by ensuring equitable adjustment of rights between employers and employees, and landlords and tenants.

    Labor Welfare Package 2000

    Labor Welfare Package for Workers was announced by federal government on April 30, 2000 in which it was made obligatory for the employers to offer gender equality and affirmative action. This package enforces:

    • Equal remuneration for men and women for work of equal value through appropriate legislation.
    • Enhancement of maternity benefits for female mine workers.
    • Safeguards against sexual harassment through appropriate actions.
    • Recruitment of female labor inspectors for enforcement of labor laws on female workers.
    • Increase in percentage of reserved seats of workers and peasants at Union Councils, Tehsil Councils and District Councils in the Devolution of Power Plan.
    • Extension of coverage of laws to agriculture and other informal sectors of economy.

    Labor Policy 2002

     The Federal Government introduced new labor policy in 2002, the key points of this labor policy are:

    • Empowering labor courts to order re-instatement of illegally dismissed workers or award reasonable compensation in lieu of re-instatement.
    • This policy also calls for extension and upgradation of vocational and industrial training programs to meet the changes of globalization and avoidance of redundancies. If implemented in true spirit, this is expected to be a right step towards affirmative action and equal employment opportunity.
    • Strengthening bilateralism with least legislative and state intervention. This is expected to result in good employer-employee relationship through the strategy of interdependence by employers and employees and their mutual trust.
    • New laws also promise protection of contractual labor by redefining temporary jobs in accordance with international standards.
    • The policy pledges equal opportunities for all and categorically bans child and bonded labor, and discrimination on the basis of gender, sex, race etc.

    Support for Equal Pay

    Ministry of Women’s Development has taken the following steps to advance the work for women as well as equal pay for work of equal value:

    • Increasing women’s capacity to earn by increasing women’s access to sources of livelihood, in particular, agriculture and livestock production and promoting equal employment opportunities that accommodate women-oriented work policies for paid work.
    • Improving facilities for the education, training and skills development for women, to enter and re-enter the labor force, including special arrangements, as specified in the draft Labor Policy for the female relatives of workers.
    • Ensuring appropriate legislation, including the following measures:

    ―      Giving effect to the ILO Convention 100 ratified by Pakistan in 2001 by enacting a law to ensure equal remuneration for men and women for work of equal value.

    ―      Undertaking measures to make work places conducive for women workers so they can work without fear of discrimination and harassment.

    ―      Enacting a law and guidelines to provide protection against sexual harassment at the workplace and relief/remedy in cases where it occurs.

    • Providing special courses for women in entrepreneurial skills to assist and engage them to establish their own small-scale enterprises.

    Ratified International Instruments

    The support for equal employment opportunities further improved when Pakistan signed the following international instruments:

    • ILO Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111) (ratified on 24/1/1961)
    • ILO Equal Remuneration Convention, 1951 (No. 100) (ratified on 11/10/2001)
    • UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, 1979 (ratified on 12/3/1996)
    • ILO Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Disabled Persons) Convention, 1983 (No. 159) (ratified on 25/10/1994)
    • ILO Underground Work (Women) Convention, 1935 (No. 45) (ratified on 25/3/1938)
    • ILO Underground Work (Women) Convention, 1935 (No. 45) (ratified on 25/3/1938)
    • ILO Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organize Convention, 1948 (No. 87) (ratified on 14/2/1951)
    • ILO Night Work (Women)(Revised) Convention, 1948; and Protocol, 1990 (No. 89) (ratified on 14/2/1951)
    • ILO Right to Organize and Collective Bargaining Convention, 1949 (No. 98) (ratified on 26/5/1952)
    • UN Convention on the Political Rights of Women, 1953 (ratified on 7/12/1954)

    The other steps taken for the improvement of recruitment environment in Pakistan includes:

    • National Policy and Plan of Action for Elimination of Child Labor (2000)
    • National Policy and Plan of Action for the Abolition of Bonded Labor (2001)
    • Legislations about the provision of 2% quota for special (disabled) people in the employment in all departments, which was enacted by the Disabled Persons (Employment and Rehabilitation) Ordinance 1981.
    • Endorsement of ILO Conventions 100 and 182.

    Comments

    Though the legislation for Equal Employment Opportunities in Pakistan has significantly evolved with the passage of time but there is still a huge gap between its implementation. One of the main reasons for this implementation gap is the lack of awareness of these rights among the employees. You will hardly find employees suing employers for the misconduct or injustice during the employment selection process.

    The article 25, 26, 27 completely bans the discrimination against in the matter of employment on the basis of race, religion, caste, sex, residence or place of birth. Though there is a portion of employers (mostly multinationals) who have adopted procedures to ensure equal opportunity to some extent but one can easily find the cases of gender biasness where women are not considered equally capable for a particular job. Similarly, minorities and protected group members often face difficulties in getting the jobs of their own choice.

    However, Ministry of Women’s Development has taken several steps to advance the work for women as well as equal pay for work of equal value but there is a long way to go until these are actually implements.

    To sum up, the government still needs to review whether the very basic right of equality promised in Objectives Resolution of March, 1949 are actually given to public or not.