Career Paths and Career Success in the Early Career Stages ...
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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.
58 :: Commerce (Business Studies)
(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.
Business as a Career :: 59
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
60 :: Commerce (Business Studies)
(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.
Business as a Career :: 61
(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
62 :: Commerce (Business Studies)
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.
Business as a Career :: 63
(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,
64 :: Commerce (Business Studies)
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
Business as a Career :: 65
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.
66 :: Commerce (Business Studies)
(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’.
Business as a Career :: 67
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.
68 :: Commerce (Business Studies)
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.
Business as a Career :: 69
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 ______________.
70 :: Commerce (Business Studies)
(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).
Business as a Career :: 71
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.
72 :: Commerce (Business Studies)
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
Business as a Career :: 73
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.
Intext Questions 3.5
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_____________.
74 :: Commerce (Business Studies)
(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.
Business as a Career :: 75
(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 _____________.
76 :: Commerce (Business Studies)
(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:
Business as a Career :: 77
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 : ___________________
78 :: Commerce (Business Studies)
(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:
Business as a Career :: 79
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)
80 :: Commerce (Business Studies)
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.
Business as a Career :: 81
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.
Intext Questions 3.6
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).
82 :: Commerce (Business Studies)
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.
Business as a Career :: 83
(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.
84 :: Commerce (Business Studies)
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
Business as a Career :: 85
(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