SAUDI ARABIA

IISJAA holds job seekers training workshop

January 17, 2018

JEDDAH — The International Indian School Alumni Association (IISJAA) launched another program for its members that focused mainly for job seekers and HR training. The Skill development program was held on Dec. 7, which was in tune with the core IISJAA objective “By the Alumni, For the Alumni”. Around 60 Alumni attended and benefited from this program.

The objective of the workshop was to discuss the special challenges faced by a job seeker. Participants learned job-seeking strategies to get them back on track for employment. “Planning for Success” involves providing participants with tools and resources to cope with employment search setbacks.

The Training Program was conducted by six talented Alumni trainers — Ali Siddiqui, Mohammed Ibrahim, Syed Aziz, Farhan Khan, Hisham Kazi and Sadia Siddiqui who have spent many years as IT and HR professionals in major corporations. They volunteered to share their expertise in this indispensable and powerful tool, which is most sought after in today’s competitive job market. The agenda of the program was to give job seekers the skills necessary in drafting professional resumes, facing interviews with confidence, using proper technicalities for online job search engines and follow ups.

“The way interviews are conducted has evolved over time and recruiters are more interested in a candidate’s soft skills rather than just academics, hence it is important to understand how to portray confidence and enthusiasm during an interview, which comes from preparation, confident attitude and expressive interaction between the candidate and recruiter,” said Farhan Khan, who shared his expertise on strategies for facing a job interview.

Selection from an employer’s perspective was another major topic of the program that was very well briefed by Sadia Siddiqui, who works in HR dept. “It is very important and relevant for job seekers to be aware of what the employers value and look for in prospective employees and whether they are able to better present themselves and find a job that they are passionate about in their lives.”

Another major task on how to prepare a CV was a crucial part of the program. “It’s important that people who prepare their CVs get an understanding on what it takes to be noticed amongst the crowd. A job seeker should learn the key elements needed to prepare a unique CV which highlights your strengths,” advised Mohammed Ibrahim.

More towards professionalism, the workshop also provided direction on what’s expected before and after one is hired. “A job seeker should know the legal aspects involved in a job as it can help ensure job security. Knowledge of laws will ensure that one is aware of his and his employer’s rights, which will help in avoiding exploitation or discrimination, thus improving confidence and one’s morale,” said Hisham Kazi, who discussed the legalities of employment.

In today’s world when everyone is turning to digital platforms for their needs whether it is shopping, networking or collaboration, job vacancies as well have evolved and adapted and adopted this trend. Most companies today discourage walk-ins or direct CV mails whilst they are posting vacancies on their websites or Job portals.

“It is necessary for job seekers now to develop this skill and adapt to new techniques required for searching jobs online. This eventually is the first step towards starting your job right before you face any recruiter or interviewer. I always say to master this technique that will land you an interview,” said Ali Siddiqui — an IT professional. He shared various techniques and keywords used in a “Job description” by online Job Search Engines.

Job seekers know how important it when choosing the right words in communicating with prospective employers. But what about nonverbal communication? “You might be saying how great you are, but your body is reflecting your true feelings away,” said Syed Aziz, who concluded the program by sharing some expert advice on how to effectively let your body do the talking in a job interview.

The trainers were appreciated for volunteering time to the workshop with mementoes, presented to them by IISJAA President Suhail Mehdi and Vice President Syed Maqdoom Ali.

Overall the program was well received by the members of IISJAA, who praised the innovation and continuous work done by the Executive Committee Members (Suhail Mehdi, Syed Maqdoom, Ameenuzzaman, Nadir Hameed, Nabeel Shaikh, Zubair Siddiqui, Muzammil Hashmi, Sabah Noureen and Rayeesa Fatima). — SG


January 17, 2018
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