Need info on what recruiters look for in freshers

[Sweta Shah]

Hi,

There are 2008 pass outs engg grads who are still freshers to IT industry. This was because of the recession period faced in 2008. What kind of job opportunities can they expect or look for? Main interest was in java development and coding but considering the experience level, do they have any chance of getting thru good companies? Also, could anyone suggest what will be the expectations of a software developer recruiter from a fresher (2008 pass out)? Will mere certifications help at this point to get a good job in a reputed company?

Thanks.

[arulk pillai]

If you are pro-active enough, there are so many things you can do to stand out from your fellow freshers. This includes technical skills, non-technical skills, job hunting skills, interviewing skills, networking skills, etc. It is good to have a mentor who can guide you.

[Sweta Shah]

Actually main concern here is about the 2 years lag between completing graduation and not yet started work. Recruiters would see this as issue when choosing from eligible candidates.My question was basically to ask, what extra qualifications can a person have (if this is the situation) to stand ahead of his fellow freshers who are just out of college. Apologies if the questions are too abstract. Just want to know thoughts of experienced crowd here.

Thanks.

[arulk pillai]

You can be honest about it, and state what you have been doing in those 2 years. For example, preparing for the certifications, working on self-taught projects using technology X, Y, etc, working on some tutorials to gain some hands-on experience in sought-after technolgies A, B, etc and other work experience (not Java related) and what soft skills you gained. I would also encourage you to look for volunteer work in Java if possible. Always getting a foot in the door is the hardest. Networking is another key aspect. As a beginner you are limited, but volunteer work in Java can open up your ability to network. You can also attend a local JUG (Java User Group).

[Kr Manish]

I think recruiters would KNOW about the recession and you would be quite eligible (though tougher than current campus recruitment drives since you would miss out on the campus recruitment) to apply for the freshers job. Mind you , you are not eligible for experienced level jobs, though. So eventually the expectations from you would be almost similar that the recruiters have from people who are recruited as freshers. Thats just my thinkng. But then again, it should not look like you were just 'hibernating' for these 2 years, (no pun intended :P ) you should have things to show that kept you busy in these 2 years. I know it is tough, but keep on trying. Thats all anyone can say. I have seen from my experience, no one keeps suffering for long, eventually some good news does come, sooner or later.

[Sweta Shah]

Thank you all for your suggestions and thoughts. Volunteer work in java seems interesting to start with. Regards.

[arulk pillai]

Sweta Shah wrote:Thank you all for your suggestions and thoughts. Volunteer work in java seems interesting to start with. Regards.

Smaller companies are more open to this. Get a list of likely companies and approach them. It will open more doors for you.

[Kr Manish]

Ask other peers who have faced this recession and I have seen many who in th eface of such problems joined small companies on very small pay but do a lot of work and thus gained a lot of experience in the process.

[Parag Pathak]

In my opinion try for big company instead of working for small. It will help in many ways in future.
Good luck.

[Kr Manish]

Parag Pathak wrote:In my opinion try for big company instead of working for small. It will help in many ways in future.
Good luck.

We have already discussed that the OP is having trouble in securing a job in a big company so people gave suggestions to try in smaller companies to build the profile.

[Parag Pathak]

Kumar Manish wrote:..... to try in smaller companies to build the profile.

I would not recommend even for fresh engineering graduate to work in small companies.
Good luck.

[Andrew Monkhouse]

I have removed all posts that were attacks on other members of JavaRanch. Everyone is entitled to an opinion here, and you are welcome to discuss why you think the other person's opinion is not the best option, as long as you keep the conversation civil and rational. Please remember the golden rule at JavaRanch is BeNice.

[Kr Manish]

Andrew Monkhouse wrote:I have removed all posts that were attacks on other members of JavaRanch. Everyone is entitled to an opinion here, and you are welcome to discuss why you think the other person's opinion is not the best option, as long as you keep the conversation civil and rational. Please remember the golden rule at JavaRanch is BeNice.

Thanks Andrew.