Business as career

3

Business As A Career

3.1 Introduction

Dear learner, in the previous lessons you have been made familiar with

the concepts of ‘economic and non-economic’ activities, ‘business’,

‘profession’ and ‘vocation’, ‘trade’, ‘industry’ and ‘commerce’. You have

learnt in detail the various forms of business organisation including their

advantages and disadvantage. These lessons highlighted the nature and

scope of business activities and the ways in which such activities could

be organised.

Many of you may be thinking of securing a job in a business firm or

running a business of your own. Whether you will be able to do so

depends on how you prepare yourself and plan for the work you would

like to do and what kind of life you will like to lead keeping in mind

your needs.

The education is for life and life is an ongoing process. Most of your

thoughts on what you want to become probably come from what you have

heard while listening to radio or watching the television. You may also

have read newspapers and magazines which advertise job vacancies or

may have been advised by parents and relatives about what you should be.

On the basis of your understanding you may think that you know what

work can be handled easily by you. In due course, when you engage in

any occupation or job, you may realize that it is different from what you

thought it would be. You may start thinking clearly about your abilities

and aptitudes for the future work-life. This necessitates the knowledge of

56 :: Commerce (Business Studies)

what employment opportunities are available and the abilities required

for different types of employment. In the present lesson, you will be

able to get information about career opportunities, which may be useful

in planning for your career.

3.2 Objectives

After studying this lesson you will be able to:-

l state the meaning of ‘career’;

l discuss the need for wage employment;

l identify the avenues of wage employment;

l recognise different sources of information for avenues of

employment;

l analyse the job opportunities available in offices, industry and

business;

l ennumerate the requirement of wage employment as a career in

terms of knowledge, skill and personality traits;

l preparing application for employment and personal bio-data;

l outline the procedure of getting your name registered in

Employment Exchange;

3.3 Meaning of Career

Career literally means an occupation with which opportunities for

advancement or promotion can be availed of in life. It does not mean

simply the choice of vocation. It implies various positions, one may

occupy in course of his/her work-life. In a broad sense, career is an

important aspect of one’s life pattern. For instance, some of you who

find a job of an office assistant may in course of time become office

superintendent and may even be promoted as office manager. The work

you do in different positions may be called your career-path and it is

likely to influence your work habits and daily routine. The difference

between ‘career’ and ‘vocation’ is that while career means advancement

Business as a Career :: 57

in work life, vocation refers to the first entry-point without the scope of

promotion through skill development. Career covers a sequence of

positions in a job or an occupation that a person is engaged in during his

work life and for which he/she develops abilities. Career may be divided

into two broad types : (i) Wage employment, (ii) Self employment.

Wage employment and Self-employment

Employment literally means being engaged in any economic activity with

the expectation of a return or reward. Wage employment means working

for wage or salary. In other words, in case of wage employment a

person undertakes to render personal services under a contract of

employment. Thus it has three basic features, namely:

(a) the employee works for the employer;

(b) he/she acts according to the desire of his/her employer, and is

under the employer’s control and supervision; and

(c) he/she works for remuneration.

Self-employment means engagement in any economic activity which can

be run by an individual with an object of earning an income or profit.

Wage-employment has been discussed in the following sections of this

lesson, and self-employment has been dealt with comprehensively in the

next lesson.

Intext-Questions 3.1

Match the following statements given in column A and column B.

A B

(i) Business (a) engaging in a job which requires skill

but does not have scope for promotion

or advancement.

(ii) Wage-employment (b) an occupation with opportunities for

advancement or promotion in life.


(iii) Vocation (c) economic activity directed towards

production and distribution of goods

and services.

{iv) Career (d) working for remuneration as directed

by another person.

3.4 Need for Wage Employment

As already explained, wage employment means rendering personal service

for remuneration. Wage employment is important for human beings as it

enables them to earn their livelihood for survival and for decent and

comfortable life. Wage employment can be sought in private firms or

Government departments.

The need for wage employment may be outlined as follows :

1 Wage employment assures a regular income and other benefits,

like housing and medical benefits, old age pension and other

retirement benefits etc. There is no uncertainty of earnings.

2 Every one is not capable of self-employment by starting a business

of one’s own, Moreover it involves risks of loss.

3 Wage employment as a career also provides opportunities for

promotion with higher pay and status.

4 Self-employment itself generates wage employment. In order to

run one’s own business, there is need for employing others.

5 Large business organisations and other institutions require people

to perform various tasks which can be possible only through wage

employment.

6 Local, State and Central Governments require people to be

appointed to carry out various administrative and other functions.

This also creates wage employment.


Intext Question 3.2

Fill in the blanks :

(i) Every one of us cannot take up .................. as a career.

(ii) Wage-employment guarantees a ...................income for the

employee.

(iii) Wage employment does not involve any ...................

(iv) Three types of benefits, generally provided in wage-employment

are:

[1].....................

[2].....................

[3].....................

(v) Employees accepting wage-employment, may get.................with

higher pay and status.

(vi) Wage employment may be sought in ........... and Government

offices.

3.5 Avenues of Wage-employment

Availability of wage employment depends primarily on the local or

regional job vacancies. Some of the major avenues of wage employment

are listed below:

(1) Small factory/shops

(2) Business firms

(3) Service organisations

(4) Government and Semi-Government organisations

(5) Public Enterprises

(6) Private institutions

(7) Defence and Allied Services

(8) Agricultural Sector


(1) Wage employment in small factory/shops

In this category comes employment in workshops, provision stores,

Super Market, Departmental Store, stationary shop, chemist’s shop,

etc.

(2) Business firms

Manufacturing and trading organisations, newspaper offices,

advertising agencies, etc. also provide wage employment to a large

number of people.

(3) Service organisations

Avenues of wage employment also exist in service organizations

like Railways, banks, financial institutions, insurance companies,

transport companies, airways, telecommunications, and advertising

agencies.

(4) Government and Semi-Government organisations

These organisations include Municipal offices, local, state &

central government offices, Government educational and technical

institutions, Government hospitals and Postal Department.

(5) Public Enterprises

Public enterprises are owned, managed and controlled by central

and state governments and include State Electricity Boards, Water

Supply undertakings, Mahanager Telephone Nigam Ltd, Shipping

Corporation of India, Port trusts, Steel Authority of India Ltd.

(SAIL); Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd. (BHEL) Indian Oil

Corporation (IOL); Oil and Natural Gas Commission (ONGC);

National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC); Gas Authority of

India (GAIL); Bharat Electronics Ltd. (BEL); Hindustan Machine

Tools Ltd. (HMT); and other State Government enterprises.

(6) Private Institutions

These include schools, colleges and other educational institutions,

hospitals, nursing homes, etc.


(7) Defence and Allied Services

Defence Services including Army, Navy and Air Force provide

employment of different types.

(8) Agriculture and Allied fields

This includes employment in agricultural farms, plantations, dairy,

poultry firms, horticulture etc.

3.6 Sources of Information about Avenues of

Employment

The first requirement to get a job is to know where jobs exist. Other

necessary details regarding the nature of the post, and where and how to

apply for the same can be collected from particular sources. Such

information is of vital importance for the job seekers. The sources of

information for jobs may be listed as follows :-

(1) Newspapers, Journals and Magazines

(2) Television and Radio

(3) Employment and Placement agencies

(4) Employment Exchange

(5) Internet Services

Let us discuss these in brief.

(1) Newspapers

Vacancies are advertised both in classified columns and display

column of newspapers. Newspapers are important sources of

information for job-seekers to get necessary information about

vacancies in different fields of employment. Some of the widely

read newspapers are: Hindustan Times, Indian Express, Times of

India, Navbharat Times, Hindu, Tribune, Pioneer. Employment News

is a specific newspaper published weekly by the Ministry of

Information and Broadcasting which give full details about vacancies

in different government offices/departments and public

undertakings. Apart from this, there are other dailies published


in Hindi, and other regional/local languages in various parts of the country.

For local employment opportunities, posters are found to be very

useful sources of information.

Journals and Magazines

There are some journals and magazines which are particularly

devoted to news regarding job vacancies and employment

opportunities. These include: Employment Survey, Employment

Exchange News, Competition Success Review, Employment Review

Career Information Service, etc. Apart from giving the information

about vacant positions, they are also useful for the purpose of

vocational guidance.

(2) Television and Radio

These are other sources of information for job seekers. Television

and Radio generally have particular hours when they advertise the

job vacancies.

(3) Employment and Placement Agencies

Privately managed employment and placement agencies often

advertise in newspapers about jobs which exist. The kind of

positions for which applications are invited are generally of

supervisory level. There are certain other employment agencies

who maintain register of job seekers and inform them regarding

vacancies from time to time.

In all metropolitan and other cities, several placement agencies

also provide placement service. In view of the paucity of time and

in case of urgent need, a large number of employers depend upon

the services offered by placement agencies.

(4) Employment Exchanges

Employment Exchanges have their offices in different cities and

at different places, where job vacancies are notified on the notice

boards.


(5) Internet

With the advancement in information technology and widespread

use of computers it is now possible to avail of certain facilities

like ‘Internet’ which enables direct access to information regarding

job-vacancies. This source of information is available and may be

used where necessary. It is also possible to make use of computers

having E–mail facility to apply for jobs for which vacancies have

been advertised.

Intext Questions 3.3

(I) Fill in the blanks with suitable words:

(a) Name two magazines which advertise vacancies for jobs in

different sectors.

(1) ___________

(2) ___________

(b) _________ is the name of the weekly published by the

Ministry of Information and Broadcasting for different

vacancies in Govt departments/undertakings.

(c) Placement Agencies generally help in applying for jobs in

__________.

(d) Vacancies are advertised both in ____________ columns

and display columns of newspapers.

(e) Job vacancies are notified on the Notice Broads of

___________.

3.7 Job opportunities in Offices, Industry and Business

Job opportunities exist in offices, industries and business and one may

seek employment after passing the Senior Secondary (class XII)

examination. The nature of these jobs include work involving typing,


duplicating, photocopying, handling inward and outward mail, filing and

indexing, office-correspondence, accounting, etc.

(A) I. Clerical Jobs in Government Offices

Clerical jobs in central government offices are filled through

examinations conducted by Staff Selection Commission (SSC)

having its headquarter in New Delhi. For clerical jobs in state

government offices, there are S.S.S.Bs. (Subordinate Service

Selection Boards) for one or a group of states. These Boards

conduct examinations for recruitment of clerical staff for the state

government offices and other subordinate offices.

Minimum Qualification for clerical jobs (lower division clerks)

and Accounts Assistants is Matric/10+2 with at least 30 w.p.m.

typing speed (English)/25 w.p.m. (Hindi). Stenographers’ jobs are

also clerical jobs. Normally for a stenographer’s job, a candidate

must have short hand speed of 100 w.p.m. (English) and 80 w.p.m.

(Hindi) minimum qualification of 10+2. The age limit for clerical

jobs is between 18 and 25 years with relaxation in case of

Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe, physically handicaped, and ex-

service men.

II. Job opportunities in Railways

The following categories of jobs are available in Railways for

candidates with 10+2 qualification.

1. Booking Clerk

2. Accounting Clerk

3. Goods Clerk

4. Train Assistant / Driver

5. Stenographer

The recruitment to the posts of Accounting Clerk/Booking Clerk

and Goods Clerk are filled through examinations conducted by

‘Staff Selection Commission’. Railway Recruitment Board (RRB)

conducts examinations for recruitment of train assistants, drivers

and other higher posts. Minimum qualification for Accounts Clerk


and Stenographer (steno-typist) normally is 10+2 pass and typing

speed of 30 w.p.m. and for a stenographer post, proficiency in

stenography with typing skills are required. For Train–Assistant/

Driver the qualification desired is 10+2 with I.T.I. certificate of

training and age between 18 to 32 years.

III. Job-opportunities in Bank Offices

In the Reserve Bank of India, Public Sector banks and other

commercial banks, opportunities exist for the following types of

jobs:

(a) Clerk–cum–Cashier

(b) Clerk–cum–Typist

(c) Stenographers

(d) Telephone Operators

For jobs in Reserve Bank of India, the minimum qualification

required is 10+2 pass and age between 18 to 24 years (relaxable

in case of SC/ST & others). For jobs in Public Sector banks, the

minimum qualification required is 10+2 or equivalent and age

between 18–26 years (relaxable as above) proficiency in

stenography and typing. Knowledge of computer operation is also

required for such jobs. For Reserve Bank of India’s jobs,

recruitment is made by ‘RBI Staff Selection Board’ and for jobs

in nationalised banks, recruitment is made by ‘Banking Services

Recruitment Board’ (BSRB) at New Delhi and its offices at State

level.

IV. Jobs opportunities in Life Insurance Corporation and

General Insurance Corporation (LIC and GIC)

Clerical jobs in Assistants grade are filled up by L.I.C. and G.I.C.

through their respective Staff Selection Boards. The minimum

qualification required is 10+2 pass with 60% marks or graduation

from a recognised university with the age limit as prescribed under

their rules.


(B) Job opportunities in Industries

The nature of jobs usually available in the industry are as follow:

a) Clerical jobs in the office

b) Storekeeper, Time keeper and Record keeper

c) Assistant in Packaging and Production departments

d) Assistant in Transport department

e) Assistant/Helper/Conductor in Road Transport Industry

Nature of jobs and tasks involved vary from industry to industry

and organisation to orgnaisation. Eligibility conditions also vary.

(C) Jobs in Business (Trading Establishments)

Business firms play an important role in generating employment

opportunities. Types of jobs available in business firms may include:

1) Receptionist

2) Office Assistant

3) Accounts Assistant

4) Salesman / Salesgirl

5) Telephone operator

6) Computer operator (Data Entry Operator)

7) Misc. Clerical jobs

All the above are essentially clerical jobs. Each job involves

particular duties. The nature of the jobs are discussed below in

brief:

1) The job of Receptionist is generally meant for ladies. Their duties

include greeting and attending to visitors/guests, executives etc. at

the reception office located near the entry of establishment. The

Receptionist is also known as ‘Front–Desk–Executive’.


2) Office Assistant is entrusted with the tasks of attending to office

correspondence, and filing and indexing.

3) Accounts Assistants are assigned the work of accounting, billing,

ledger-keeping as well as preparation of salary/wage bills and

dealing with Petty Cash.

4) The job of Salesman/Salesgirl may include attending to customers

at the sales counter as well as door to door selling.

5) The job of Telephone operator is that of attending to PBX/PABX

switch board. Sometimes the job also requires handling/operating

the Telex machine. In trading establishments, generally ladies are

preferred for this job.

6) A computer operator should have knowledge of working with

required software for the firm and proficiency in data feeding.

7) Clerical jobs involving tasks of a routine nature such as; maintaining

attendance-register. Keeping record of telephone calls received,

preparing routine reports etc. are performed by people who are

appointed as Clerk/Assistant.

The minimum qualification required for the above posts is normally

10+2, but preference is given to Graduates in any subject. Technical

training is also necessary for some of the jobs like: Telephone

operator, Computer operator etc. The minimum age for appointment

for the above posts is 18 years and the upper age is flexible. For

certain categories of jobs, written tests as well as trade tests like

operating test, stenography speed test along with interviews may

be held for selection.

The following chart shows the various types of clerical and other

jobs and qualifications required for appointment.


Job-Opportunities & General Requirements

Employer/ Recruiting Nature Minimum Age Other

Organisation Agency of Jobs qualifi– limit requirements

cation

(1) Railways Staff (1)Clerks 10+2 18 – –Age Relaxation for

Selection (2)Junior- (Senior- 25 SC/ST & Defence

Commission Stenographers Secondary) years personnel

& Rly. (3)Booking-Clerk –Reservation for

Recruiting (4)Accounting- physically handicap-

Authority Clerk ed & war widows etc

(5)Goods Clerk –Shorthand speed

(6)Train-Asstt/ 10+2 100 w.p.m.

Driver (XII–Pass) –Due weightage to

(7)Stenographer higher qualifications

(Rly) –I.T.I. training certi-

cate for Technical

posts.

(2) Banks Banking (1)Clerk-Cum- 10+2 18– –Age relaxable in

and Service Cashier or 24 case of SC/ST &

Reserve Recruitment (2)Clerk-Cum- Graduate years others.

Bank of Board Typist & –Higher qualification

India (BSRB) (3)Stenographers 18– prefered

& (4)Telephone- 10+2 26 –knowledge of com-

Reserve Operator (XII-Pass) years puter operation,

Bank Staff stenography &

Selection typing is desirable.

Board

(3) Job in –Firms (1)Receptionist 10+2 –No –Training in inter-

Business –Private (2)Office-Asstt. Pass Age personal relation is

Placement (3)Accounts-Asstt. or limit desired.

agencies (4)Sales-Counter Gradua- as such –Graduates are

–Agencies (5)Telephone- tion –Min. prefered.

using Operator age is –Trg. in PABX/PBX

Internet (6)Data Entry 18 yrs. Switch Boards.

Operator –Upper (Certificate from

(7)Clerical Jobs limit Telecommunication

in various of age Department).

Departments varies –Computer Training

from Certificate.

Orgn. Experience Holders

to are given higher pay.

Orgn.


Employer/ Recruiting Nature Minimum Age Other

Organisation Agency of Jobs qualifi– limit requirement

(4)Life LIC (1)Clerical Job 10+2 18–25 –Graduation is

Insurance Staff (Asstt. Grade) (Pass) or prefered.

Corporation Selection with as pre- –Working

& Board 60% scribed of computer

General – Marks under their knowledge

Insurance rules application.

Corporation (Same as –Proficiency in

in case of English

Banking) language.

(5) Industry –Firm/ (1)Clerical Jobs 10+2 Minimum –Higher qualifi-

Company in Industry (Pass) age is cation is given

–Industry Office OR 18 years preference

concerned (2)Storekeeper BA/ Eligibility –Specialized

–Employment Timekeeper B.Com/ conditions Training for

agencies Recordkeeper B.Sc. and age Cashier posts is

–Private (3)Asstt in (Upper desired.

Placement Packaging and limit) –Experience

Cells Production generally Holder are given

Departments varies from higher pay.

industry to

industry

(No hard

& fast

rule)

Intext Question 3.4

Fill in the blanks with appropriate words:

(a) ______________ conducts examinations for vacant posts to be

filled in different nationalised banks.

(b) To fill up vacancies in Life Insurance Corporation of India &

General Insurance Corporation, selection tests are conducted by

______________.

(c) For becoming a stenographer, knowledge of ______________ and

______________ is essential.

(d) Minimum qualification for Receptionist is generally

______________ and proficiency in ______________.


(e) Telephone operator is a post which needs operational knowledge

of ______________ Boards.

(f) ______________ is the person who sells goods at the shop’s

Sales Counter and who persuades and educates the customers.

(g) The job of a stenographer is generally regarded as a

______________ job.

(h) Clerical jobs in Central Government offices are filled through

examinations conducted by ______________ and clerical jobs at

state level are filled through examinations conducted by

______________.

3.8 Requirements of Jobs in terms of knowledge, skill

and personality traits.

After the detailed discussions about job opportunities available for wage

employment, let us study the requirements of various jobs in terms of

knowledge, skill, and personality-traits.

JOB TASK KNOWLEDGE SKILL PERSONALITY

TRAITS

(1)Clerical –Typing –Typing Knowledge –Computational –Diligence

Jobs –Inward and –Knowledge skill (ability –Honesty &

outward about essential to count, calculate sincerity

mail hand- parts and keyboard and do arithmetical –Alertness

ling of typewriter operation of –Emotional

–Filing –Knowledge of various job) stability

–Indexing office machines –Technical skill –Judgement

–Office –Knowledge of (ability to handle –Common-

correspon- other routine office machine) sense.

dence office duties –Communication

–Public –Knowledge of skill (ability to

dealing postal services convey and inter-

–Code of conduct pret messages)

of clerical jobs –Administrative

skill (ability to

handle paper

work and other

office tasks).


JOB TASK KNOWLEDGE SKILLS PERSONALITY

TRAITS

(2) Steno- –Taking –Noting, drafting 1)Operational skills 1.Inteligence

grapher dictation and follow up (ability to take & 2.Diligence

and rela- –Transcri- of letters transcribe short- (Hardwork)

ted jobs ption –Knowledge of hand dictation. 3.Judgement

such as –Officer’s Stenography 2)Technical skills 4.Quality of

Personal personal –Knowledge of (ability to operate Promptness

Asstt/PA/ correspon- Memography telephone, telex & 5.Persuasi-

Secretary, dance fax machines) veness

etc. –Attending 3)Communication

telephone skills (ability to

calls convey & interpret

–Assisting messages and deal

the boss in with official

official & correspondence).

non-official 4)Interpersonal skill

work. (ability to interact

with general public).

(3)Accounts –Cash –Arithmetical 1)Conceptual skill –Helpfulness

Clerk- dealing Knowledge (ability to handle –Diligence

cum- (Receipt & –Knowledge of foreign exchange –Alertness

Cashier Payment) Banking Laws, transactions, –Honesty

in –Preparing Rules & Procedures dealing with –Judgement

Banks FDR, Bank –Knowledge of Negotiable

Draft and Negotiable Instruments,

Telegraphic Instruments Act, sanctioning

Transfers loans and advances loans & advances

–Handling & RBI instructions 2)Computational

of cheques –Knowledge of Skill (ability of

& Bank- Accountancy calculation)

Drafts –Knowledge of 3)Technical Skill

–Correspon- foreign exchange (ability to use

dence with transactions machines)

the clients 4)Comminicational

–Helping Skill

clients in

Bank-

dealing–Mainten-

ance of

record.


JOB TASK KNOWLEDGE SKILLS PERSONALITY

TRAITS

(4)Telephone a)Operating a)Knowledge of 1)Technical 1)Tolerance

Operator on Tele- PBX/PABX Board skill and

and phone b)Telex/RAX/FAX 2)Operational Patience

Computer b)Operating message lines skill 2)Cheerful-

Operator on c)Knowledge of 3)Communication ness

Computers required software skill 3)Sociability

d)Knowledge of (fluency in 4)Courtsey

organisational language) and

activities politeness

e)Knowledge of

regional language

(5)Store- –Store- –Knowledge of 1)Accounting skill

keeper keeping Storekeeping (ability to main-

activities –Knowledge of tain Stores A/c) 1)Honesty

in business Stores Accounts 2)Operational skill 2)Integrity

firm and including (Skill of prepa- 3)Alertness

industry elementary cost ring voucher, 4)Watchfull-

–Maintaining accounting delivery notes, ness

records of –Knowledge of purchase orders,

incoming rules & procedure and inspection

& outgoing –Knowledge of reports etc.)

stocks Inventory Methods

–Mainten- –Knowledge of

ance of identification,

stock & classification and

safety codification of

measures materials.

for

preservation

of stock

–Receiving

and issuing

of stock

(6)Counter- 1)To sell a)Knowledge of 1)Communication –Persuasive-

Sales the product product & its skill ness

Jobs as per attributes (ability to persuade –Honesty

and customers’ b)Knowledge of customers) –Patience

Sales- require- customers 2)Demonstration –Cheerful-

man- ment c)Knowledge of skill ness

ship competing (ability of


2) To product conducting

explain and d)Elementary demonstations

demonstrate knowledge & displaying

the use of of marketing goods.

different 3)Promotional

products skill

3)Prepare (ensuring sales

cash memos promotion).

4)Receive

cash or

ensure that

cash is

paid at

cash

counter.

5)Ensure

that delive-

ry of goods

is made

against

payment.


1. Fill in the blanks with appropriate words:

(i) A person working on the Key Board of a Typewriter is

called _____________.

(ii) Mail received in the office is called _____________ mail

and sent from office to outsiders is called ________ mail.

(iii) An employee operating the computer is called

_____________.

(iv) Photo-copies are made with the help of a machine known as

_____________.

(v) When the clerk/assistant deals directly with the public, the

process is known as _____________.

(vi) Taking notes from the boss in shorthand is known

as_____________.


(vii) Stenographers are generally expected to do ___________

duties and _____________ work also.

(viii) The machine through which printed messages are

communicated is known as _____________.

(ix) Stenographer must have thorough knowledge of

_____________ and practice in _____________.

(x) Taking dictation from the boss and typing the matter is

a process related with _____________ skill of a

stenographer.

(xi) Accounts clerks are required to possess _____________

skill for accounting work and calculation.

(xii) Cheerful personality and knowledge of _____________

language are the important personality-traits of a Telephone

operator.

(xiii) Computational skill is desired of a Storekeeper for he/she

has to do _____________ work and _____________ of

stock.

(xiv) A successful salesman is one who possesses the knowledge

of _____________ and knowledge of _____________.

2. Which of the following statements are ‘True’ and which are ‘False’?

Write (T) against ‘true’ statement and (F) against ‘false’ statement.

(a) Competitive examination for clerical and related posts are

held by Staff Selection Commission.

(b) Banking jobs can be secured simply by applying for them.

(c) Vacancies in Railway Department are advertised by Station

Masters.

(d) The minimum qualification required for a job in Reserve

Bank of India is that the applicant must have passed 10+2

examination.


(e) Knowledge of computers is essential for Accounts Assistants

of large companies.

(f) Typing is an out-moded skill and is seldom needed in office

use.

(g) In Government offices the maximum age for applying for a

clerical job is 25 years (except for SC & ST candidates).

(h) Stenography and Typing are one and the same in office

terminology.

(i) Telephone operator is required to have thorough knowledge

of PBX/PABX Board operations.

(j) Knowledge of Accountancy and Mathematics is a must to

become a Receptionist.

(k) A good salesman should be well trained in Vocational skills.

3. Complete the following sentences with suitable words.

(i) The department located at the entrance of a factory is known

as _____________.

(ii) A person working on a computer for feeding data is known

as _____________.

(iii) The person maintaining record of the arrival time and

departure time of employees is known as _____________.

(iv) _____________ is a person who takes dictation from his/

her boss in shorthand and types the same matter on

typewriter.

(v) Person dealing with cash receipts and payments is called

_____________.

(vi) The authority which conducts examinations for filling up

different posts in nationalised banks is _____________.


(vii) One who is trained in PBX/PABX Board and has thorough

knowledge about his orgnaisation and who greets visitors at

the entrance is _____________.

(viii) The person behind the sales counter of an establishment

and who has the necessary skills is known as

_____________.

3.9 Applying for a Job

Having recognised the importance of being informed about various

sources of wage employment, the next step is to prepare an application

to be sent for the job. The application can be sent in two ways:

(a) Bio-data with a covering letter indicating the job applied for;

(b) An application containing detailed particulars about the candidate.

If the first type of application is to be sent, the bio-data should be

prepared in the proper form giving the following details:

1. Full Name

2. Name of Father / Spouse

3. Date of Birth

4. Residential Address

5. Educational Qualifications

6. Technical / Professional Qualifications, if any

7. Experience

8. Name of two references

9. Signature of candidate

The covering letter should be simple and indicate the job for which the

application is being made. A sample covering letter and a sample Bio-

data are given hereafter:


B-54/TA-Rani Jhansi Road,

Press Enclave,

Nagpur,

PIN -220007

Dated : 25th Feb. 1998

To

The General Manager

Bombay East South Transport Corporation,

Mumbai Mahanagar Palika,

Andheri, Mumbai - 220009.

Respected Sir,

In response to your advertisement in ‘The Hindustan Times’ dated

20th Feb. 1998 for the post of Accounts Clerk, I am enclosing herewith

my bio-data for your kind consideration.

Waiting for a line in reply soon.

Thanking you,

Yours faithfully,

–Sd–

(SUNEEL GUPTA)

Enclosure : Bio-data

BIO–DATA

(1) Name : ___________________

(2) Date of Birth & Age : ___________________

(3) Father’s/Husband’s Name : ___________________

(4) Nationality : ___________________

(5) Present Address : ___________________

(6) Permanent Address : ___________________


(7) Educational Qualification

Exam Year Board/ Subject % & Div.

Passed University Taken

X — CBSE — —

XII — National — —

Open

School

Others — — — —

(8) Professional/ (i) Short Hand Speed :_______ WPM(E)

Technical (ii) Typing-Speed :_______ WPM(H)

Qualifications (iii) Computer–Application :_______ WPM(E)

(iv) Any other :_______

(9) Work Name of Nature Post Period Salary

Experie- Employer of Job Held Drawn

nce (Firm)

(10) Special Talents/Qualification if any :_____________

(11) Employment Exchange Registration Number :_____________

& Date

Suneel Gupta

Signature

(b) Where an application is made giving full particulars, it should

contain all the details regarding the candidate’s educational and

professional qualifications, experience and names of two referees. A

sample application is given below:


Application for the job of an Accounts Clerk

B-2/41–Mohan Gopal Avenue,

Maharaja Bazar,

Agra Cantt.

Agra (UP)

22nd April 1998

To

The General Manager

M/s Standard Footwear Pvt. Ltd.,

Nehru Place,

New Delhi - 110019

Sir,

In response to your advertisement for an Accounts Clerk which appeared

in the ‘Hindustan Times’ today, I beg to apply as a candidate for the same.

I am a young man of 18 possessing good health. I have passed 10+2

examination in Ist division form National Open School with Accountancy as a

subject. I have also worked as an Accounts Clerk with M/s Gulmarg Refrigerators

Ltd., Delhi, for over one year. In this firm I was entrusted with ledger keeping

& financial dealings. My supervisors were highly satisfied with my work, but I

was to leave the firm on account of family circumstances. I was getting Rs.3500/

- p.m. when I left that job.

Sir, may I add that I know typewriting and can operate on computers and

also have a fair speed in Stenography. Given a chance, I shall leave no stone

unturned to satisfy my seniors with my hardwork and devotion to duties.

I have given below the names of two refrees, (who are not related to me),

as desired by you, for your kind information. The original certificates/testimonials will

be submitted during interview. Waiting for a favourable reply soon.

(i) Shri M.R.Sharma, Principal,

Govt Inter College, Raja Bazar, Agra

(ii) Shri S.N.Goel, Deputy Director (Estate Office)

House No. 214, Gali Bajrangbali,

Moti Gate, Agra (UP)

Yours faithfully,

–Sd–

(MADHAV KRISHNA SHARMA)


3.10 Procedure for getting the name registered with the

Employment Exchange

Under the scheme of ‘National Employment Service’ the Government

has established Employment Exchanges all over the country which collect

and provide information regarding jobs notified by employers. Candidates

who are registered their name with employment exchange can avail of

these facilities to find suitable wage employment in both Government

and private sector organisations.

The function of an employment exchange is to serve as a link between

employers and employment seekers. The employer may not be aware of

suitable and qualified candidates and the unemployed usually are in search

of jobs, who can register themselves with the employment exchange. The

procedure of getting one’s name registered with the employment exchange

is as below:—

(1) A candidate can visit any Employment Exchange during specified

hours on any working day. He can obtain from the employment

exchange a blank card for registration to be filled up. This card

includes the name, father’s name, residential address, qualification,

whether general category or SC/ST, N.C.O. Code No., job desired,

place where the candidate wishes to serve, salary expected, work

experience and other related information.

(2) Certain documents have to be enclosed with the card, such as

proof of age, photocopies of educational qualification, experience,

as well as a photocopy of Ration card for address verification.

(3) Having filled up the card, and with the enclosures ready, you are

to see the Employment Officer with your original certificates and

copies. He will verify and attest the copies and your signature on

the Card and return the original certificates.

(4) The card as attested above will be kept in the Employment Exchange

for record and making future calls for employment, and a

registration card, bearing code no. of Job (NCO), date of

registration, and your specimen signatures will be handed over to

you. This registration card is to be renewed after every three years.


In case of any correspondence with the employment exchange,

you are to mention your registration number.

Lists of casual/adhoc vacancies are generally placed every Friday

on the ‘Notice Board’ at the Employment Exchange. The Exchange

holds typing tests for candidates every week for interested

candidates. If a candidate qualifies in the test, it helps him/her to

serve on a clerical job. The Employment Exchanges also provide

guidence to job-seekers free of cost.


Fill in the blanks selecting the correct words from those given in brackets.

(i) Personal Bio-data includes particulars about one’s past experience

and ____________. (Typing skill/Weakness/Achievements).

(ii) Bio-data is generally submitted at the time of ____________ job.

(Applying for / Interview for / on both)

(iii) Employment Exchange generally serves the purpose of providing

information about jobs available in ____________.

(Private/Government/Government and Private Sector)

(iv) Vacancies for ____________ post are notified weekly on the notice

board of Employment Exchange.

(Casual/Regular/Temporary)

(v) Employment Exchange also provides ____________ service.

(Financial/Legal/Guidance)

(vi) Registration card issued by employment exchange must be renewed

after every __________. (6 months / 1 year / 3 years)

(vii) Employment Exchange provides ____________ service to job

seekers. (costly / cheap/ free).


3.11 What You Have Learnt

Most of the students after passing 10+2 examination are generally

expected to plan for their future career. Career means an occupation with

which opportunities for promotion can be availed of. For career planning

you must have necessary information about the opportunities available

for employment in different fields. It is possible to plan for employment

of any one of two types: (i) Wage employment in which the employee

has a paid job and the remuneration is generally fixed; and (ii) Self-

employment whereby one can initiate any economic activity on account

of his ability and resources with the object of earning an income or

profit.

Different jobs like clerical jobs, and jobs of stenographers, computer

operators, salesmen, telephone operator and receptionist are available in

Government offices, industry and business. The important features of

every job must be known along with the types of orgnaisation in which

job vacancies exist. The general requirements of jobs in terms of

knowledge, skill and personality traits should also be known.

Job opportunities that exist can be known through advertisements in

newspapers, journals, magazines, television, radio, and from other

employment agencies. Jobs can be sought by sending application or

sending Bio-data with a covering letter.

Employment Exchanges set up by the Government all over India are very

helpful in providing employment information and services. Getting the

name registered with employment exchange is important. The employers,

particularly the Government need compulsory registration of unemployed

persons in Employment Exchange. A casual visit to the employment

exchange is helpful for getting employment news.

3.12 Terminal Questions

(1) What do you mean by

(a) Wage Employment, and (b) Self Employment

(2) Define the following terms: Career, Employment, Vocation.

(3) Enumerate any five types of jobs for which selection examinations

are conducted by Government.


(4) Discuss different sources from which you can get information

about avenues of employment.

(5) State the importance of the following source of information about

job vacancies:

(a) Newspaper

(b) Television

(c) Placement Services

(d) Journals

(6) Discuss the advantages of an Employment Exchange for job

seekers.

(7) Write an application to M/s Hindustan Home Appliances Ltd., New

Delhi, in response to their advertisement in newspaper for the

post of ‘Accounts-Clerk’ enclosing your Bio-data.

(8) Enumerate the nature of job opportunities in business, trade and

Industry.

(9) State the need for wage employment.

(10) Outline in brief the procedure to be adopted by a job seeker for

getting his name registered with the Employment Exchange.

(11) Write an application in response to the advertisement for the post

of ‘Computer Operator’ in Golden Washing Machines Co., Nehru

Place, New Delhi-110019.

Students Activity

(1) Visit the nearest Employment Exchange and watch the process of

registration of name.

(2) Familiarize yourself with the important documents to be filled up

to get vocational guidance in Employment Exchange.

(3) Take out one week’s newspapers and identify the job vacancies for

which you qualify after passing 10+2 examination.


3.13 Answers to Intext Questions

3.1 (i) (c)

(ii) (d)

(iii) (a)

(iv) (b)

3.2 (i) Self-employment

(ii) Regular

(iii) Risk/Uncertainty

(iv) Housing, old age pension, retirement benefits, medical

benefits (any three)

(v) Promotion

(vi) Private

3.3 (a) Employment Survey and competition success Review,

or any two of those mentioned in the text

(b) Employment News

(c) Private organisations

(d) Classified

(e) Employment Exchanges

3.4 (a) Banking Service Recruitment Board

(b) Staff Selection Board

(c) Stenography and Typing (Shorthand and transcription)

(d) 10+2 pass, inter-personal relations

(e) PBX/PABX

(f) Salesmen/Salesgirl


(g) Clerical

(h) Staff-Selection Commission, Subordinate Service

Selection Boards.

3.5 1. (i) Typist

(ii) Inward, outward

(iii) Computer operator

(iv) Zerox machine/Photo copier

(v) Public dealing

(vi) Stenography

(vii) Personal, Clerical

(viii) Telex machine

(ix) Shorthand, Typing

(x) Transcription

(xi) Computation

(xii) Regional

(xiii) Accounting, Valuation

(xiv) Customer, Product

2. True (a), (d), (e), (f), (g), (i)

False (b), (c), (h), (j), (k)

3. (i) Reception

(ii) Data Entry Operator

(iii) Timekeeper

(iv) Personal Assistant/Steno

(v) Cashier-Clerk


(vi) Banking Service Recruitment Board

(vii) Receptionist

(viii) Salesman

3.6 (i) Achievements

(ii) Applying for

(iii) Government and private organisations

(iv) Casual

(v) Guidance

(vi) Three

(vii) Free