Dewan Rai

Kathmandu:

There was a time when a person loved to flaunt and boast of his inherited property. But the times have changed and nothing makes people proud other than their own accomplishments. Consequently, competition is getting even more tough with an alarmingly escalating rate of unemployment leaving millions of energetic youth unemployed.

A job hunter usually performs the following ritual until he lands his job: he first makes enquiries from his friends, relatives and acquaintances about a suitable position while simultaneously scanning newspaper advertisements for job vacancies. He then writes applications, posts them and waits for the response that seldom comes. He has to start all over again if he is not shortlisted. Even if he is short listed, he has to go a long way before he is employed.

But there are ways you can reduce the stress to zero level. Just queue up to a recruitment firm. As Pankaj Raj Pande, marketing executive at World Link Communication Pvt. Ltd, opines, “The recruitment firms help you out find a suitable job.” Pande, himself, was recruited in the present company through Real Solution, a human resource consultancy.

Initially, Pande had no idea about such firms until he heard of them from his friends. He had had a short earlier experience of working as a tour officer and administrative executive. “I applied for a position in marketing. I was called after some days. I was interviewed and was then sent to face another interview, this time at World Link. I got selected. It all happened instantly,” a still elated Pande remembers.

Recruitment firms provide time efficient as well as cost effective solutions to staffing requirements for different organisations and companies. They maintain a database of possible candidates for companies affiliated with them. “We find a suitable position for candidates and a suitable worker for the company at the same time,” says Ashish Sharma, executive director, Real Solution.

Recruitment firms eliminate advertising expenses for the company as well as caters to their human resource needs at minimal cost. The companies sometimes do not find appropriate candidates even after following the entire recruitment procedure: sifting through piles of application forms, taking examinations and interviews. These firms have thus become a one-stop solution for many of the companies in the country now. They claim to be capable of supplying professionals from all disciplines for junior and middle level to senior level positions. Sharma says that a candidate has to register only once at his organisation for filling the form. “Then he remains in our network until we find him the most suitable job,” he said. They are also provided counselling on their strengths and weaknesses and how to prepare for an interview.

According to Sange Lama, president, Alliance International Inc., almost 99 per cent freshers apply in their institution. “Since the freshers don’t have the skill and experience as required by the companies, sometimes, none of the applicants get selected,” he clarified adding, “So the youngsters often don’t believe in us.” His firm charges 10 to 50 per cent commission from successful candidates depending on salary scale. “Selected candidates sometimes do not act upon our terms and conditions. This troubles us,” he grumbles.

Despite everything, this firm receives about 100 applications per month. According to the firm

record, most applications are for low profile positions like receptionist, office secretary, junior accountant, etc. Even these positions are not bad for a fresher if he posses the ability and determination to excel in his job, though.

Some firms also offer consultation services even after one gets employed. Pande says, “I go to Real Solution at least once a month to get counselling which has helped me in making decisions in my job.” This service is also a strategy to keep in touch with client firms. “Once a client gets registered with us, we explore him for every possible work opportunity,” says Sharma.