How to be zapped up for a job?

By Kanchana Dwarakanath, Timesjobs.com Bureau

The increasingly fast dependency on technology for social connects has given rise to a new category of people called the 'techno-socialites', who are high on the list of prospective hires.

There are several people in technology discussion forums such as Techgig.com, who have been lapped up by leading companies that were on the prowl, proactively looking for suitable candidates for specific jobs.

"Increasingly there are no set Job Descriptions (JDs). Today, hiring is happening primarily through networks including online forums, discussion platforms and knowing the candidate's skill-sets and profile through his/her contributions on these forums," said Ramesh Subramanian, global delivery head, Blue Star Infotech, speaking at a boardroom discussion organised by Techgig.com, the technology forum of the Times Group.

This has led to a situation of companies looking for a special segment of people called 'techno-socialites'.

A Techno-socialite
A techno-socialite is a person who has extensive access to targeted tech-forums, a regular participant in relevant discussions, has a good track record and a good network with a certain degree of influence.

All these factors make the individual a must-have for business expansion.

"While it is true that the techno-socialite is also someone who is a gadget freak, but the ones targeted by companies whether they be in the product or services sector are those that are able to put extensive use of their online social skills and connections to either raise funds or enable business inroads," says Suresh Paul, HR-head of Alpha Masco.

Techgig talked to several industry experts to know what makes someone a techno-socialite.

A Social Climber

This is not considered bad in the techno world. "It merely describes a person who accumulates and builds authentic online social relationships, choosing to mix with 'bigger/better' people. We need to understand here that what we define "bigger and better" is very different online," says Paul.

This generally means a presence only in relevant forums of interest that specialise in specific ongoing or upcoming technology spheres.

So if you want to become a much sought after techno-socialite you need to be more 'visible' in the right forums and say the right things. This could mean participating in certain events which could extend your influence and connecting to people of similar interests.


Onsite focus

This is the next key step to develop into a successful techno-socialite and needs to be done within the company you are working for. Interfacing and discussing issues and volunteering to help address them, over and above your job requirements and parleying with employees across the globe on the intranet are a must to be effective.

"We need to understand online interactions help build connect and motivate the employees to act as a team on a whole new stage. Thus, a person who has built connections with someone across the globe has already built a roadway to take forward," says Vikram Kohli, product head of Acusys Software (India). "Collaborating via social media, working on a scale will bring out a unified effort to strengthen the company's base working and even business objectives."
Such a skill in a candidate is a direct road to be in demand.