Colombo, Sri Lanka has been dubbed the commercial capitol of the country. It is the largest city, with an average of 4.5 million people residing within its boundaries. All types of business and industry develops and thrives within this western island paradise city. It can easily be the best opportunity possible of finding jobs in Sri Lanka.
The sheer diversity and strength of the economy will make locating jobs in Colombo a promising venture. An important part of being successful is how well you prepare for the job search. The ability to present the best package as a potential employee as you can manage is the critical detail that will set you apart from other candidates.
Experience, Education and a Great CV
Having a clear, concise and well-done CV or resume is a necessity before you even begin your job search. You want to fill it with as much up-to-date and pertinent information as you can. The point is to really accentuate any experience you have that will showcase you as a better candidate than most. Unless a previous job has direct bearing on specialized training and certifications then avoid going back more than 10 years.
Include all degrees, training certificates and program completions that you have done. Even if you feel one may not particularly apply to job vacancies you are pursuing, it shows that you have a sense of accomplishment and drive to complete tasks and succeed. Always account for periods of unemployment, even if all you did during that time was volunteer work.
Availability
Start Date
This may not be a problem if you are not currently employed, but if you are then you need to decide how much time you need to give notice to your current employer that you are leaving a position. Make sure that when you apply for any position that they are clear about when you can start. An inadvertent error could leave you without the new or old position.
Contact Information
Before submitting a resume or CV make sure that it contains up-to-date contact information. You should include a main telephone number as well as an alternate. Include an email as well as snail mail address. This is an important detail that you do not want to overlook. Potential employers will spend absolutely zero time researching where to contact you at beyond the information you furnish.
Getting the Good Job Leads
Office Jobs
If you are seeking a general office or specialized office position then you can begin your search using the Sunday paper. It can give you some great tips on the companies that are currently hiring. there are also online classified resources such as www.ikman.lk. This is also your best source of leads for general labor positions as well.
IT Jobs
There can be a lot of competition for open IT positions in large companies with an IT department. If you do your research well you can find some smaller IT companies that would be impressed with your knowledge of them and what they do. It might be enough to help you land a permanent position. You can always try student resources departments at the school you received training at. There are often open positions posted on campuses for local companies.
Teaching Jobs
Teaching jobs are plentiful in Colombo, Sri Lanka, but you have to make sure you hold the desired credentials of the educational center you wish to submit an application to. The easiest way to get good leads on teaching positions is to go through a private professional recruitment service. They can better match your skills and qualifications to available openings.
The Application Process
Company Applications and Resumes
Even if you have created a terrific resume or CV you still may need to fill out a basic company application. Check with the receptionist or human resources department to find out the proper procedure for that particular company.
Carry Necessary Documents
Take needed documents that prove identity and qualifications with you when you are turning in a resume or application. You never know when you might get an immediate interview, or be asked for specific documents. Not having them handy can put you back at the bottom of the list.
Complete and Honest
Check the application over at least twice before you turn it in to make sure you have not inadvertently forgotten to fill a portion out. Incomplete applications are generally tossed out. Be very honest in answering questions, especially in respect to experience and qualifications. If you claim to know how to use particular computer programs that are essential to the job, it will become painfully obvious that you were dishonest.
Schedule Smart and Respond Quickly
It can be easy to lose track of the companies and positions you have sent resumes or applications to if you are doing several a week. Maintain good records and notes so that you do not lose track of your progress. Return any phone calls or emails promptly. Any lapse in time can be read as disinterest in the position.
Finding the perfect job for you is more than possible in Colombo, Sri Lanka. It is the thriving economic center of the country and home to numerous private companies, colleges and universities and governmental agencies. If you are wanting to teach or find vacancies in IT, office support or management or work in the government sector then Colombo is the perfect place to be.
Getting the word out through any professional organizations you belong to will prove helpful. Many times some of the better openings are never advertised. Use any contacts that you have within your field to get the word out that you are seeking a position. Being proactive and responsive is the best course of action to getting the job you really desire.
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