Career Resources for Job Seekers

Recruiters often spend less than a minute on a first look, and many use software to search resumes. Keep yours simple and specific.

• Use one column, standard headings (Experience, Education, Skills) and a text-based PDF or Word file.
• Put your phone number, email and current city at the top.
• Describe results with numbers — targets met, customers handled, time or cost saved.
• Tailor the skills section to each job you apply for, using only skills you can talk about.

Most interviews in India cover the same ground: your background, why you are moving, your notice period and your salary expectations.

• Prepare a two-minute answer to “Tell me about yourself” that ends with why you want this role.
• Answer experience questions with the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result.
• Know your current CTC, expected CTC and notice period before the call — you will be asked.
• For video interviews, test your camera, microphone and internet connection beforehand.

Cost to Company (CTC) is not what reaches your bank account. Ask for a salary breakup before you accept an offer.

• CTC can include employer PF, gratuity, insurance and variable pay that is not paid monthly.
• In-hand salary is your monthly pay after PF, professional tax and income tax (TDS).
• Check how variable pay is decided and when it is paid.
• Confirm probation, notice period, working days and job location in the offer letter.

Negotiating is normal and expected. It works best once you have an offer and a clear idea of the market rate for the role.

• Research the pay range for your role, city and experience before you quote a number.
• Give a range based on the market and your skills, not only a percentage hike on your current CTC.
• Be accurate about your current salary — many employers ask for payslips to verify it.
• If the base salary is fixed, ask about a joining bonus or help with a notice-period buyout.

Having documents ready avoids delays between accepting an offer and your first day.

• Aadhaar card, PAN card and passport-size photographs.
• Education certificates and mark sheets.
• Last three months of payslips and your current offer or appointment letter.
• Relieving and experience letters from previous employers, and your bank account details.

Fake job offers are common. A genuine employer or recruitment agency will never ask you to pay to get a job.

• Never pay a fee for registration, interviews, training kits or an offer letter.
• Be careful with offers that arrive without an interview or promise unusually high pay.
• Check that emails come from the company’s own domain, not a free email address.
• Never share OTPs, bank passwords or card details with anyone offering a job.