Berozgar Job Article Section

Pakistan is emerging as the destination of choice for IT outsourcing in Pakistan for the following reasons:

• An IT workforce of 133,000 with good English language and people skills growing at a phenomenal rate of almost 20,000 a year.
• A hundred and ten ISO-certified IT companies, with over 25 undergoing CMMI rating.
• A reliable digital telecommunications infrastructure with backup and reliable energy and transport networks.
• An ambitious program of world-class IT Parks, with a rental rate of approx. US$1 per sq ft /month.
• A prosperous economy that offers lucrative domestic opportunities and is attracting increasing amounts of international investment.
• A steadily improving risk rating and a tightening environment for intellectual property protection.
• A streamlined government regulatory process of one of the most attractive incentive programs anywhere, which includes tax exemptions, 100% foreign equity and earnings repatriation.
• International leaders such as BearingPoint, NCR Teradata, Mentor Graphics and ZTE have chosen to locate their development and consultancy center in Pakistan.

Government Incentives
In order to promote its IT industry, the Government of Pakistan has provided several incentives to investors. The establishment of a reliable IT infrastructure and the provision of an incentives package are instrumental in the development of the local IT industry.

Other benefits provided to the IT companies are in the form of tax holidays for 15 years and 100% foreign equity ownership. Because of these incentives, an increasing number of foreign IT companies have chosen Pakistan for their outsourcing operations. Some of the areas in which the Government is facilitating the private sector companies include:

• Information Technology Parks with low rent, fiber optic connectivity, libraries and conference rooms
• Provision of funds for software companies to get ISO-9000 and CMM-level certifications
• Foreign investors allowed 100% ownership of equity in “IT/ITeS companies”
• Tax exemption for IT companies till 2016
• 100% repatriation of profits allowed to IT companies
• Seven years’ tax holiday for Venture Capital funds
• The rate of depreciation on computer equipment is 30%
• The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has allowed the opening of Internet Merchant Accounts by banks
• Instant, reliable and high-speed connectivity available
• Over 85% of telecommunications infrastructure is on fiber optic cables
• Internet access is available in over 1862 cities/towns across Pakistan
• Pakistan is the first country in this region to establish DWDM telecommunications infrastructure
• Several cellular companies are using digital transmission (GSM and TDMA)
• The cost of 2 Mbps connection has been lowered to US$ 1000/month
• Redundant backup connectivity is available through PTCL for call centers.

A vibrant, expanding economic contributor, Pakistan’s IT Industry generates over 2 billion dollars each year for the country. Rapid investment is being fuelled by the mushrooming growth of exports along with the support of government organizations and policies. A global service provider, Pakistan offers multiple benefits for outsourced services including value addition, processing and back end support. With smooth regulatory procedures to ensure efficiency and on-time delivery, Pakistan has established as the world Leader in quality with over 125 ISO and CMM certified companies.

Over 100,000 trained IT professionals in country and an ever increasing number of specialized educational institutes are adding ever better trained resources to an already vibrant job market. This ensures a talent pool of exceptional skills is constantly available to the industry, while specialized low cost facilities available and friendly policies ensure IT organizations a hassle free set up and work environment. These facilities are available in the shape of IT parks, already and being established around the country. Offering state of the art IT Enabled Office Space and facilities, these parks offer ready to furnish office space to IT organizations with the aim of providing a one stop solution to set up or expand IT enterprises.

Three IT parks have been developed so far, in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi. The need for IT parks has arisen given that land was required to meet tremendous unfulfilled demand for the expansion of IT companies. The existing buildings, like other retail space, do not address IT Enabled Office Space requirements such as uninterrupted year around operations, quality bandwidth, reliable power and security, accessibility, expandability and parking space.

IT Parks in Islamabad:
The first IT park was developed in Islamabad. Scenic land was purchased close to over a dozen HEC recognized universities and several world class hotels, nestled serenely just of. Islamabad has excellent quality of life including hills, green belts, parks, and superior city administrative services- the ideal location of choice for multinationals and expatriates. Islamabad has a population of 2 million with literacy rate of over 80% growing at over 3% a year. Islamabad and the sister city of Rawalpindi are emerging as the “Silicon Plateau” of Pakistan.

IT Parks in Lahore:
Lahore, the cultural and academic hub of the sub continent, is known as the “Boston of Pakistan”. It was the top choice for location by 65% of target companies as per the Lahore IT Survey. The IT Park in Lahore has 6 acres within premises of Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport. Lahore’s metropolitan area has population of over 8 million, largest concentration of software export firms, and dozens of HEC-recognized Universities and IT Departments.

IT Parks in Karachi:
Karachi, the “New York of Pakistan”, was chosen as the location for the second IT Park. Spread out on 6 acres of prime, highly secure land was purchased within Karachi city. Based on proximity to residential and commercial areas and educational institutes, availability of infrastructure, and legal status, it was unanimously chosen as the best possible location by companies in the region according to the Karachi IT Survey. Karachi’s metropolitan area has a population of over 15 million, the largest concentration of IT firms, and dozens of HEC-recognized Universities and IT Departments. Karachi is an international financial and travel hub, famous for its air and sea port, and as the economic heart beat of the country.

Everybody’s talking about IQ testing and the importance of raw intelligence. A 1999 article in Scientific American said that only the top 5% of Americans (those above an IQ of 125) are even potentially capable of doing senior roles. The bottom 5% (those below IQ of 75) are unlikely to be able to work and will form an underclass in society.

Company’s have always recognized the importance of straightforward “academic smarts” both through specific graduate recruitment programmes and more generally in the way they select and recruit people.

There is an opposing point of view though. Some psychologists have criticized the whole idea of IQ. They either claim it doesn’t actually exist or that it is simply a measure of how good you are at doing IQ tests! Others claim that it is biased against certain groups OR that it doesn’t predict work success (work “smarts” are not the same as “academic brilliance”). Some theorists have claimed its too narrow a concept; that “intelligence” is in fact a bundle of different attributes from understanding language and manipulating numbers to being able to get on with people. Different jobs require different sets of skills.

The provisional answer to “Do Smart People Make the Best Managers?” is NO! We all know very clever people who are not just bad managers but are socially totally ineffective; people who seem almost lopsided.

Yet intelligence as defined in IQ is important. IQ is often defined as being able to deal with increasingly complexity - and most managers do have to do that.

Intelligence seems to be a hurdle you have to jump over. You need a certain amount of intelligence to get into a management role. The more senior you get, the more different management jobs get and therefore the wider the variety of skills you’ll need.

Think about the different combinations of personal attributes you may need for different management jobs.

Think about particularly changes in fast track graduate schemes. There is a collapse in confidence that degrees and other academic qualifications measure what they were measuring even 5 or 6 years ago: and the evidence is that this is in fact the case. Thus many graduate recruiters are doing ancillary measures of high level reasoning to check who are the real high fliers. But the real trick is not only to measure raw cognitive intelligence but those other attributes which may lead to success later on in careers.

Pakistan Unemployment: Causes and Solutions
Unemployment is a central problem of Pakistan because when unemployment is high, resources are wasted and people’s incomes are depressed; during such periods, economics distress also spills over to affect people’s emotions and family lives. The socio economics system of Pakistan and institutions has failed to provide employment to the increasing labor force. Labor force include all persons who are of ten years and above , and during the period are without work, currently available for work and seeking for work. About 2.4 million persons of labor force were estimated as unemployed in 1999, as construction and transport sectors have an absorbed 11.2 percent, 6.8 and 5.7 percent as compared to 10.5percent, 7.2 and 5.0 percent respectively in 1994-1995.

Major Causes of Unemployment:

1. Employment in the private sector absolutely stopped because they shifted their capital to other countries because of nationalization of industrial units badly affected the investment industrial sector.
2. The higher growth rate of population is the major cause of unemployment in Pakistan. The resources of the country are limited because population has exceeded the optimum level.
3. Karachi is the biggest industrial base of Pakistan, but investors are reluctant to invest there because of unrest and violence.
4. Our educational system is also responsible for increasing unemployment rate among the educated youth. The attitude of our youth towards the choice of a career is unrealistic and unproductive. Rapid mechanization and computer technology also causing unemployment.
5. Lack of infrastructure and facilities in the field of energy, telecommunication and transportation also prevent the industrialist from setting up new industries.
6. Lack of enough industries to employ ever increasing number of graduate in Pakistan
7. The government is not involving in capital expenditures which create more jobs.
8. Main issue of unemployment in our country is that when ever a new technology comes as software or hardware then all the people starts studying about that. Then at the end, you will see ten thousand students of a particular field about 5 to 10 job vacancies.
9. Things are not handled in appropriate manner, as the vacancies are less but job seekers are more than that.
10. Opportunities are not enough and system of reference is so much indulged in our society that if a company needs employees then workers of that company will provide some resume to them of their relatives and friends so in this way many people don’t get the opportunity to apply for those jobs.

Suggestions:

1. Economic Revival package should announce by the government for the revival of industries sector, to stimulate production and investment.
2. Government should try to boost exports through broadening the tax base and lowering tariffs.
3. Government should announce multiple packages for the development of agriculture sector.
4. A number of fiscal and monetary measures should take attract industrialists and particularly foreign investment.
5. Technical training facilities should be provided. In this way unemployed people will get a chance to enhance their skills and become able to earn more reason able income.

But as these days software companies are growing and new companies are starting their business very rapidly so, I hope ratio of unemployment will become low soon.

There are plenty of types of writing that are in demand. You just need to decide what you’d like to do and what you think you’d be best at. Here are just a few areas to consider:

Web content writing - The range of topics for writing on the web are unlimited, as is the demand. All sites need good content. If you know anything about search engine optimization or are willing to learn, you may be able to command a higher rate writing keyword rich web content.

Medical writing - Pharmaceutical companies need technical writers who are very knowledgeable about medicine and about FDA requirements.

Technical writing - If you like computers and software, if you have an engineering background, or even if you like to take things apart and put them back together again, this could be a great field for you.

Marketing and advertising copywriting - If you can effectively pitch a product or service or can get consumers to take a desired action, such as make a purchase or sign up for something, you could be highly successful in this area.

Product catalog writer - Writing compelling product descriptions can lead to a great business or work from home job as well. Because so many stores now also have an online presence, and many of the smaller to medium sized online retailer operators are not terribly competent writers, the demand is out there for this type of writing.

Blogging - Again, the topics are unlimited. Blogs need frequently updated posts and posting blogs is relatively easy as most use a word-processor-like software tool to write, edit and manage blog posts. If you are web junkie, you could have fun doing this if you write about topics you’re passionate about.

Resume writer - Lots of demand here, as well, if you have the ability to craft great resumes or are willing to learn. Many job seekers don’t, that’s why your services would be in demand. You would be rewarded each time a client told you they landed a job in part due to the great resume you prepared for them.

Business plan writer - If you’re business savvy and can write clearly, you can also offer your services writing business plans.

Ever think about becoming a writer? Many people who like to write wish that writing were their profession. Actually, it can be and while getting established as an independent writer is not especially easy, it may not be as hard as you might think.

Writing is one profession that is especially suitable for those who want to work from home. That’s because most types of writing today only require a computer, an Internet connection and word processing software. That’s why writing is not only a good home-based business, it can also be an opportunity for those who want to telecommute by working for someone else.

The Internet has really accelerated the demand for writers, especially those who can appreciate the subtle differences between writing for print and writing for web publication.

There are some very good online web content writing courses available if you think you’d like to learn more about those subtle differences.

There are some very definite advantages to taking a writing course - even if you think you know all the ropes and can write very well. For one, you’ll have an instructor and possibly other students in the course critique your writing. This can be very helpful, as you may be making mistakes that you weren’t even aware of. And, you’ll be able to show the course on your resume, giving you a leg up on anyone who has never had any formal training. If you offer writing as a home business service, this training can also give you a competitive advantage over others who haven’t had the opportunity for advanced training.

Here are some tips to help you dress to keep your job.

1. Dress for the environment you work in. If the work environment is business casual and you are wearing business dress, you are putting your job in jeopardy. Follow the desired attire.

2. Pay attention to details about your appearance. Keep you hair well-groomed. Nails manicured. Cuticles pushed back. Teeth cleaned. Shoes shined. Clothing Repaired. Keeping a close eye on details demonstrates your ability to pay attention to details, while enhancing your credibility.

3. Mimic supervisors, managers, or top executives. These employees are at the level, which you are trying to attain. Paying close attention to what they do and do not wear will lay the foundation for you.

4. Hire an image consultant. If you are unsure about how to dress, what to wear, or what image you are portraying, then it is in your best interest to hire someone who does know.

5. Create a signature look. Defining a signature style will allow to you stand out in a positive manner. It reinforces your ability to be yourself, while maintaining a professional image.

6. Don’t over accessorize. Stick to wearing one ring on each finger, a bracelet, a watch, and a necklace. Wear only one set of earrings. Make sure the accessories complement each other.

7. Avoid overpowering trends. Wardrobe staples are more appropriate in the business world. Save the geometric pattern dresses for the weekend.

8. Shun dated clothing. Clothing, which appears dated, provides an assumption that you are closed-mined and not open to try different things.

Remember to use your appearance to enhance your work ethics and your visibility at work. It’s sad how many people lose their jobs because of their inability to dress appropriately at work. Following these tips can decrease your likelihood of getting that dreaded pink slip.

Posted By: Nasir Sultan (Manager Operations, MechTechnologies)

Review these typical interview questions and think about how you would answer them. Read the questions listed; you will also find some strategy suggestions with it.

(Excerpted from the book The Accelerated Job Search by Wayne D. Ford, Ph.D, published by The Management Advantage, Inc.)

1. Tell me about yourself:
The most often asked question in interviews. You need to have a short statement prepared in your mind. Be careful that it does not sound rehearsed. Limit it to work-related items unless instructed otherwise. Talk about things you have done and jobs you have held that relate to the position you are interviewing for. Start with the item farthest back and work up to the present.

2. Why did you leave your last job?
Stay positive regardless of the circumstances. Never refer to a major problem with management and never speak ill of supervisors, co-workers or the organization. If you do, you will be the one looking bad. Keep smiling and talk about leaving for a positive reason such as an opportunity, a chance to do something special or other forward-looking reasons.

3. What experience do you have in this field?
Speak about specifics that relate to the position you are applying for. If you do not have specific experience, get as close as you can.

4. Do you consider yourself successful?
You should always answer yes and briefly explain why. A good explanation is that you have set goals, and you have met some and are on track to achieve the others.

5. What do co-workers say about you?
Be prepared with a quote or two from co-workers. Either a specific statement or a paraphrase will work. Jill Clark, a co-worker at Smith Company, always said I was the hardest workers she had ever known. It is as powerful as Jill having said it at the interview herself.

6. What do you know about this organization?
This question is one reason to do some research on the organization before the interview. Find out where they have been and where they are going. What are the current issues and who are the major players?

7. What have you done to improve your knowledge in the last year?
Try to include improvement activities that relate to the job. A wide variety of activities can be mentioned as positive self-improvement. Have some good ones handy to mention.

8. Are you applying for other jobs?
Be honest but do not spend a lot of time in this area. Keep the focus on this job and what you can do for this organization. Anything else is a distraction.

9. Why do you want to work for this organization?
This may take some thought and certainly, should be based on the research you have done on the organization. Sincerity is extremely important here and will easily be sensed. Relate it to your long-term career goals.

10. Do you know anyone who works for us?
Be aware of the policy on relatives working for the organization. This can affect your answer even though they asked about friends not relatives. Be careful to mention a friend only if they are well thought of.

11. What kind of salary do you need?
A loaded question. A nasty little game that you will probably lose if you answer first. So, do not answer it. Instead, say something like, That’s a tough question. Can you tell me the range for this position? In most cases, the interviewer, taken off guard, will tell you. If not, say that it can depend on the details of the job. Then give a wide range.

12. Are you a team player?
You are, of course, a team player. Be sure to have examples ready. Specifics that show you often perform for the good of the team rather than for yourself are good evidence of your team attitude. Do not brag, just say it in a matter-of-fact tone. This is a key point.

13. How long would you expect to work for us if hired?
Specifics here are not good. Something like this should work: I’d like it to be a long time. Or As long as we both feel I’m doing a good job.

14. Have you ever had to fire anyone? How did you feel about that?
This is serious. Do not make light of it or in any way seem like you like to fire people. At the same time, you will do it when it is the right thing to do. When it comes to the organization versus the individual who has created a harmful situation, you will protect the organization. Remember firing is not the same as layoff or reduction in force.

15. What is your philosophy towards work?
The interviewer is not looking for a long or flowery dissertation here. Do you have strong feelings that the job gets done? Yes. That’s the type of answer that works best here. Short and positive, showing a benefit to the organization.

16. If you had enough money to retire right now, would you?
Answer yes if you would. But since you need to work, this is the type of work you prefer. Do not say yes if you do not mean it.

17. Have you ever been asked to leave a position?
If you have not, say no. If you have, be honest, brief and avoid saying negative things about the people or organization involved.

18. Explain how you would be an asset to this organization.
You should be anxious for this question. It gives you a chance to highlight your best points as they relate to the position being discussed. Give a little advance thought to this relationship.

19. Why should we hire you?
Point out how your assets meet what the organization needs. Do not mention any other candidates to make a comparison.

20. Tell me about a suggestion you have made.
Have a good one ready. Be sure and use a suggestion that was accepted and was then considered successful. One related to the type of work applied for is a real plus.

21. What irritates you about co-workers?
This is a trap question. Think real hard but fail to come up with anything that irritates you. A short statement that you seem to get along with folks is great.

22. What is your greatest strength?
Numerous answers are good, just stay positive. A few good examples:
Your ability to prioritize, Your problem-solving skills, Your ability to work under pressure, Your ability to focus on projects, Your professional expertise, Your leadership skills, Your positive attitude

23. Tell me about your dream job.
Stay away from a specific job. You cannot win. If you say the job you are contending for is it, you strain credibility. If you say another job is it, you plant the suspicion that you will be dissatisfied with this position if hired. The best is to stay genetic and say something like: A job where I love the work, like the people, can contribute and can’t wait to get to work.

24. Why do you think you would do well at this job?
Give several reasons and include skills, experience and interest.

25. What are you looking for in a job?
See answer # 23

26. What kind of person would you refuse to work with?
Do not be trivial. It would take disloyalty to the organization, violence or lawbreaking to get you to object. Minor objections will label you as a whiner.

27. What is more important to you: the money or the work?
Money is always important, but the work is the most important. There is no better answer.

28. What would your previous supervisor say your strongest point is?
There are numerous good possibilities:
Loyalty, Energy, Positive attitude, Leadership, Team player, Expertise, Initiative, Patience, Hard work, Creativity, Problem solver

29. Tell me about a problem you had with a supervisor.
Biggest trap of all. This is a test to see if you will speak ill of your boss. If you fall for it and tell about a problem with a former boss, you may well below the interview right there. Stay positive and develop a poor memory about any trouble with a supervisor.

30. What has disappointed you about a job?
Don’t get trivial or negative. Safe areas are few but can include:
Not enough of a challenge. You were laid off in a reduction Company did not win a contract, which would have given you more responsibility.

31. Tell me about your ability to work under pressure.
You may say that you thrive under certain types of pressure. Give an example that relates to the type of position applied for.

32. Do your skills match this job or another job more closely?
Probably this one. Do not give fuel to the suspicion that you may want another job more than this one.

33. What motivates you to do your best on the job?
This is a personal trait that only you can say, but good examples are:
Challenge, Achievement, Recognition

34. Are you willing to work overtime? Nights? Weekends?
This is up to you. Be totally honest.

35. How would you know you were successful on this job?
Several ways are good measures:
You set high standards for yourself and meet them. Your outcomes are a success. Your boss tell you that you are successful

36. Would you be willing to relocate if required?
You should be clear on this with your family prior to the interview if you think there is a chance it may come up. Do not say yes just to get the job if the real answer is no. This can create a lot of problems later on in your career. Be honest at this point and save yourself future grief.

37. Are you willing to put the interests of the organization ahead of your own?
This is a straight loyalty and dedication question. Do not worry about the deep ethical and philosophical implications. Just say yes.

38. Describe your management style.
Try to avoid labels. Some of the more common labels, like progressive, salesman or consensus, can have several meanings or descriptions depending on which management expert you listen to. The situational style is safe, because it says you will manage according to the situation, instead of one size fits all.

39. What have you learned from mistakes on the job?
Here you have to come up with something or you strain credibility. Make it small, well intentioned mistake with a positive lesson learned. An example would be working too far ahead of colleagues on a project and thus throwing coordination off.

40. Do you have any blind spots?
Trick question. If you know about blind spots, they are no longer blind spots. Do not reveal any personal areas of concern here. Let them do their own discovery on your bad points. Do not hand it to them.

41. If you were hiring a person for this job, what would you look for?
Be careful to mention traits that are needed and that you have.

42. Do you think you are overqualified for this position?
Regardless of your qualifications, state that you are very well qualified for the position.

43. How do you propose to compensate for your lack of experience?
First, if you have experience that the interviewer does not know about, bring that up: Then, point out (if true) that you are a hard working quick learner.

44. What qualities do you look for in a boss?
Be generic and positive. Safe qualities are knowledgeable, a sense of humor, fair, loyal to subordinates and holder of high standards. All bosses think they have these traits.

45. Tell me about a time when you helped resolve a dispute between others.
Pick a specific incident. Concentrate on your problem solving technique and not the dispute you settled.

46. What position do you prefer on a team working on a project?
Be honest. If you are comfortable in different roles, point that out.

47. Describe your work ethic.
Emphasize benefits to the organization. Things like, determination to get the job done and work hard but enjoy your work are good.

48. What has been your biggest professional disappointment?
Be sure that you refer to something that was beyond your control. Show acceptance and no negative feelings.

49. Tell me about the most fun you have had on the job.
Talk about having fun by accomplishing something for the organization.

50. Do you have any questions for me?
Always have some questions prepared. Questions prepared where you will be an asset to the organization are good. How soon will I be able to be productive? and What type of projects will I be able to assist on? Are examples.