Expert Edge Session On Interview Hacks for Freshers | Sheetal Sandhu

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Ahmed Mainul
Ahmed Mainulhttps://www.hospitalitycareerprofile.com
Ahmed Mainul (Mainul Mondal) is a seasoned journalist with extensive experience in hospitality news, executive appointments, biographies, and industry updates. Having worked with reputed hotel brands like Marriott, Taj, and others, he brings a wealth of industry knowledge to his writing. His deep understanding of the hospitality sector and his commitment to delivering insightful stories make him a trusted contributor to Hospitality Career Profile
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Stepping into the professional world as a fresher is an exciting yet overwhelming journey. To guide freshers through this pivotal phase, we hosted an inspiring Expert Edge session with Sheetal Sandhu, a celebrated HR leader known for mentoring young talent and shaping high-performing teams.

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As a Group CHRO, Board Member, Start-Up Mentor, and ET HR Leader Award recipient, Sheetal brought a wealth of expertise to the table, sharing practical advice tailored to freshers. Her insights covered everything from resume-building tips to interview strategies, helping fresh graduates lay the groundwork for workplace readiness.

Here’s a recap of the key takeaways from the conversation, created to help freshers begin their first job journey with confidence.

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1. Transitioning from Campus to Corporate Life

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Your first job is not a continuation of academic achievements but a fresh opportunity to establish credibility and lay the groundwork for a successful career. Freshers may perceive the professional world as a challenging space filled with difficult tasks and people. However, with determination, grit, and confidence, surviving in this environment is entirely possible. The workplace is full of supportive individuals who genuinely want to help you succeed.

 

Unlike the largely theoretical nature of academics, the corporate world demands hands-on, practical learning. Approaching this transition with resilience and adaptability is essential for success. Within the workplace, seeking support from a supervisor, orientation manager, or buddy can make the journey smoother. While the transition may not feel effortless initially, with the right mentorship and mindset, freshers can confidently grow and excel in their roles.

2. Crafting the Perfect Resume

When crafting your resume, there are two main formats to consider:

  • Chronological Format: This approach lists your education, internships, and projects in order, starting with the most recent. Begin with your objective, followed by key achievements like awards and recognitions, and then move on to your education and projects. For each project, whether it’s a three-month assignment or a 15-day stint during academics, highlight the competencies developed and the skills acquired. For instance, if you’ve specialized in a particular function during an MBA in HR, reflect on why that function excited you and how your experiences align with it.
  • Functional Format: This format emphasizes specific skills and competencies. If you’re targeting a specialized field, such as mechanical engineering, prioritize relevant live projects at the top. Follow this with education, awards, and recognitions to provide a holistic view of your qualifications.

 

Choose a format based on your career focus. If aiming for a general profile, opt for a chronological format to showcase your growth. For a specialized role, highlight functional skills and tailor your resume accordingly.

3. Networking: How to Make the First Move

Networking on LinkedIn can feel overwhelming for freshers, but it’s important to approach it thoughtfully and confidently. Start by deciding if you’re comfortable with direct outreach; if not, begin through referrals from alumni, colleagues, or mutual connections who can introduce you. Before reaching out, ensure your LinkedIn profile is refined, showcasing your skills and accomplishments, as networking is a two-way street, and your profile should attract interest. Personalize your messages after researching the person’s expertise and craft tailored, polite communication that adds value. Engaging with content, joining relevant groups, and commenting on posts related to your interests can also help establish connections organically. Finally, manage your expectations—rejections or lack of responses are part of the process. Avoid chasing or overwhelming people with requests, as respectful, meaningful interactions lead to more effective networking.

4. Developing the Right Skills for Your First Job

To succeed in their first workplace, freshers should focus on a combination of attitude, skills, and mindset. A positive attitude, characterized by a strong will to succeed, learning agility, and adaptability is essential. Employers value individuals who approach challenges with humility, respect, and enthusiasm.

Key skills include:

  • Problem-solving: Find creative solutions and think carefully to make things work better.
  • Communication: Be clear, respectful, and effective during interactions
  • Time management: Focus on your tasks and avoid unnecessary distractions.
  • Critical thinking: Ask thoughtful questions and suggest improvements without disrupting the team.
  • Digital mindset: While mastering technical tools isn’t mandatory, familiarity with AI tools can boost efficiency. 
  • Having work ethics: Integrity, honesty, and accountability—ensures lasting success.

5. Turning Setbacks Into Opportunities

There’s no such thing as rejection in your first job search – it’s all about opportunities. Missing one just means moving closer to the next, potentially better, opportunity. Each interview helps you grow, gain experience, and prepare for the next role. Think of every interview as a step toward your dream job, not a setback.

Patience is key. It’s natural to feel pressured when peers are getting placed, but remember, everyone’s journey is unique. Take time to prepare and stay focused. If a role doesn’t work out, it’s okay to politely seek feedback from recruiters to learn and improve.

 

Build resilience and maintain a positive mindset. Avoid falling into negative self-talk. Instead, remind yourself that this is just part of the process. Replace the word “rejection” with “opportunity” in your vocabulary and trust in your abilities. Stay confident, embrace the lessons, and look forward. Your persistence will lead you to the right job.

6. Evaluating Company Culture Beyond Online Reviews

When evaluating potential employers, it’s important not to rely solely on online reviews. Instead, freshers should conduct their own research to better understand a company’s culture and values. This can be achieved by connecting directly with current employees, attending interviews, and seeking insights from people with firsthand experience. These interactions offer a more authentic and comprehensive view of what it’s like to work at the company.

7. The First Step Toward Success

Finally, Sheetal shared the most important advice for freshers starting their career journey: take that first step with confidence. Whether it’s applying for a job, networking, or learning a new skill, the first move is often the hardest, but it sets the tone for everything that follows.

Watch the full interview here

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