How to find a job in India?
In this job market, it has become incredibly difficult to find a job. Some of my friends who are true blue professionals par excellence are impacted by the ongoing job market challenges.
So, here is my humble attempt to put together some tips from a Recruiter's perspective. (Yours Truly was a Recruiter until recently and continues to be one in some ways).
People with more than 15 years of experience: For leaders like you, Channels 1 and 2 mentioned below works best. Channel 3 also may work. But it is a distant 3rd.
People with 10 - 15 years of experience: For mid level professionals like you, Channel 3 might be the most effective. Channel 2 can also be helpful.
People with less than 10 years of experience: You are at that sweet spot in your career where Channels 2 and 3 work really well. However, a word of caution - please do not shift jobs too frequently. That might become a challenge for you down the lane. May be, stick to a job for at least 3 years.
Channel 1 - Executive Search Firms (Head Hunters) - If you are at a CXO level or above a certain salary bracket, this approach can work well. Below given are the top 10 executive search firms in India. Kindly take below 4 actions:
1. Please go to their website, and upload your CV there.
2. Find out the leaders of these firms, add them on LinkedIn.
3. Find out the Recruiters working at these firms, add them on LinkedIn.
4. Reach out to the leaders and recruiters at these firms over 'Direct Message' on LinkedIn.
Top 10 Executive Search Firms:
- Heidrick & Struggles
- Egon Zehnder
- Spencer Stuart
- ABC Consultants
- Korn Ferry
- Michael Page
- EMA Partners India
- Accord India
- Stanton Chase
- Russell Reynolds Associates
Channel 2 - Referrals - Many a time, referrals fail to take off because of how you ask for it. Most people reach out to a friend and ask them to refer. Key details are missing here. What are your areas of expertise? What are you looking for? What job are you interested in?
What works best is this approach :
1. Go through the careers site of that organization. Find a job that interests you. Note down the job title and job id (usually an alpha numeric code provided along with the job ad) for which you want to be referred.
2. Ask for this person's work email id. Send them your CV with a brief cover letter in the body of the mail. Please make sure the cover letter includes the kind of roles you are open to and your recent achievements. Include the job title and job id in the body of the mail. Request for a referral. This makes it way easier for your friend to refer you.
Channel 3 - Job Boards - There are many job boards that are popular. It is important that you create your profile on all of them so that your profile becomes visible to a larger group of Recruiters. Some of the popular jobs boards are mentioned below:
1. Naukri
2. IIM Jobs
3. Hirist
4. Indeed
5. Times Jobs
6. InstaHyre
Channel 4 - LinkedIn - This platform is a bit of a long game. It works best if you invest some time and effort every week to network, and build your brand. Although it requires time and effort, it is an important platform. So, do not ignore this one. Think of it as a long term investment. Be patient and keep investing. And one day, it starts paying handsome returns.
Remember - You are an excellent, hardworking, valuable professional. You will find a job very soon. Hang in there.
Sincerely,
Your Recruiter.
