12 May,2011 07:11 AM IST | | Sanjeev Devasia and Heena Parkar
Says the state's employment department, which is on a mission to 'clean up its image'. It plans to upgrade its services to include SMS alerts, an updated website, career counselling and even grooming for interviews
There's good news for beleaguered job hunters, who have been disillusioned by the lacklustre affairs that the state's employment exchanges have recently become. Worried over the decline in registration and employment, the state employment department is on a mission to revamp its employment exchanges, using the aid of technology to make it the best in the market. The first step towards reaching this goal: a brand new website.
Adieu, long queues: Job seekers can now register themselves online.
Representation Pic
Tech-savvy
"The state employment department will soon launch a portal, providing a single platform where candidates and employers can liaise and network. A register will be maintained ofu00a0 the job seekers as well as the employers on the website. The data provided by the candidates will be updated, and notification of the employment opportunities will be updated automatically. The job requirements of the candidate will be matched against the requirements of the employers on the website. Different domains have been created for the same purpose," said Employment Commissioner Vijay Kumar Gautam.
"This is not all; once the candidate registers himself with the employment portal, it will also work to improve his or her bio-data to increase chances of employability," he added.u00a0 Till date, the job seekers would register themselves at the exchange and thereafter be in the dark about their chances of getting employment. The state employment department has now started an SMS alert system for those who register themselves, which will notify the youth if and when his curriculum vitae hits a match.
"Usually, after a while, candidates eventually stop following up registration with enquiries. We want to ensure that they are informed as soon as a vacancy arises. Therefore we are encouraging them to provide their mobile phone numbers, or even their relatives' or neighbours', if they don't possess one," said an official.
Those who register their names in the exchange can even avail of tutorials, which will prepare them for interviews and tests conducted by potential employers. Candidates will be offered guidance on how to conduct themselves during interviews.
From its earlier role as mere facilitator of employment, the exchange, commendably, now wants to transform itself to a career counselling and guidance centre. "We are also organising career fairs, where various employers can spot talented individuals and hire them. An orientation programme is organised for the job seekers before they appear for their interviews," Gautam pointed out.
Gautam added, "We want to be perceived as a service providing organisation that has created value for the employers and employees who have registered with us. We want to upgrade our services and clean up our image. The employment exchanges across the state will be linked to each other. If there is a particular opening that cannot be filled by anyone in the database of a particular exchange, other exchanges will be notified."
Happily employed
Name: Sonali Sawant (23)
Qualification: Pursuing M. Com after completing B. Com
Resident of: Vile Parle
Registered in: August 2008
Employed in: November 2008
Feedback: "My mom is a government employee and informed me about the scheme. I had registered with them in August 2008 and obtained employment by November the same year."
"The enrollment process was free. I was hired as a Senior Clerk Stenographer. My remuneration exceeded my expectations. They offered me Rs 16,000 as a fresher. I am satisfied with the job as it gives me enough time for my studies as well."
Name: Amey Tawde (22)
Qualification: Pursuing M. Com after completing B. Com
Resident of: Vakola, Santacruz
Registered in:u00a0 November 2010
Employed in: December 2010
Feedback: "After completing my B. Com I found out about the scheme. Having six months of experience, I applied for the job and was placed in Reliance. My work is clerical in nature, and the pay is fixed. I am simultaneously pursuing an M. Com."
Name:u00a0 Sheetal Salve (25)
Resident of: Dombivli
Registered in:u00a0 March, 2011
Employed in: March, 2011
Feedback: "I had no plans of enrolling. I applied on a whim. My employers selected me within a day. I am relieved at obtaining government employment."
"I had always wanted to work for the fire brigade and this year they were enrolling women. They will begin their six-month training period soon."
