Know-How Exchange : Career/Training

I think you're asking the wrong question. Career decisions are not about what you think you want to do. They are about the value you can bring to an employer.

So the real question is, "What can you deliver that a target employer really wants and needs?" And to answer that question, you have to KNOW what each target employer needs most. An employer hires people who can bring high value to their operation.

Further, you'll want to give specific examples of things you've done that are relevant, not list the things you THINK you might like to do.

Job search is really about finding the right company, one where you can make a unique and valuable contribution, not convincing a company to hire you.

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Dear divyamehta1,

I suggest you stop and re-read your outline above.

If you're working for me and this outline is your approach, you won't be working for me for very long.

Sorry to rain on your parade here but if you're just starting out in FMCGs you'll probably start at the bottom, you won't be supervising anyone until you've got the best part of a year under your belt, if then, and for a good portion of your initial training, I'm afraid you'll be doing as you're told.

Harsh? Yes. But realistic.

Your list talks only about you, you, and you. What I, as your prospective employer want to know is what you can do for me. If you trot out a list like this in an interview you might face the following responses (in parentheses)

1) I love supervision

(And?)

2) Can handle people comfortably by talking, assisting, and managing people.

(How? What's your experience? Tell me how you've resolved conflict, tell me how you've used your people skills to improve or diffuse a situation.)

3) Interest in analysing the product on factors like
a) PRICE b) QUANTITY C) Peoples response(On the spot analysing consumer behaviour towards project by comparing the competitors other product features

(My customers are not interested in features. Features do not sell, tell me about benefits and value.)

4) I love to work in the store and to give creative inputs of my own regarding product appeal.

(Whoa! With branded content you'll be making NO recommendations
for what's going on on the store floor until you've learned the ropes.
And even then, you'll be doing that through your boss, not on your
own, unless expressly instructed to do so).

5) I love to assist in work of launching and promotion of a product.

(Good. Until you've found your sea legs you'll observe and learn)

6) Interested to work for fixed hours

(Excuse me? Do you WANT to work here or not?)

You need to figure out the answers to the points Michael raised and you need to figure out what value you bring. I know my opinion here might sound harsh, but it's based in realism and it's intended to open your eyes.

FMCGs are all about customer needs and how those needs can be met now with a workable, fresh, timely solution, and about how best to position and condition both the goods and the customer to be most receptive to those needs and those benefits.

I hope this helps.

Gary Bloomer
Wilmington, DE, USA

It's great that you have an idea of what you want to do. That'll help strengthen your quality-of-life. However, before you can do what you want, you need to show the company how you can make a difference. Within any large company, there are no doubt many jobs that could satisfy your professional needs. But you need to focus on what specifically is the right match: for you and your employer. Start by doing informational interviews within a company you're interested in working for. Once you understand the company's managerial strategy you can better figure out how to sell yourself to them.