Apple Product Professional - Retail Assistant at Machines Sdn Bhd
Oracle Technical Evangelist at IBM Malaysia Sdn Bhd
Sales Engineer / Site Engineer at SLP Engineering Construction Sdn Bhd
Jumat, 31 Juli 2009
Kamis, 30 Juli 2009
HR Ministry to resolve maid issue Soon
With so much going on in the country, we forgot some of pertinent issues like one concerning Indonesian maid. As readers might know, Indonesia temporarily banned its citizens from coming to wrok here as maids.
Well, the Human Resource ministry announced that it is pushing to resolve the Indonesian maid issue by the end of next month.
Minister Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam was quoted in reports as saying that the Malaysia-Indonesia joint working group on maids was expected to meet next month to discuss lifting the temporary maid ban imposed by Indonesia on June 26.
“We will try to resolve the maid issue by the end of August. We want a fair solution for both maids and employers,” he told reporters yesterday.
According to the reports, the upcoming meeting is also expected to review the memorandum of understanding between the two countries on maids to ensure better protection and wage structure.
A meeting was supposed to be held on July 15 but was postponed by Indonesia, he said.
Well, the Human Resource ministry announced that it is pushing to resolve the Indonesian maid issue by the end of next month.
Minister Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam was quoted in reports as saying that the Malaysia-Indonesia joint working group on maids was expected to meet next month to discuss lifting the temporary maid ban imposed by Indonesia on June 26.
“We will try to resolve the maid issue by the end of August. We want a fair solution for both maids and employers,” he told reporters yesterday.
According to the reports, the upcoming meeting is also expected to review the memorandum of understanding between the two countries on maids to ensure better protection and wage structure.
A meeting was supposed to be held on July 15 but was postponed by Indonesia, he said.
Top 10: Interview Mistakes
Most of the time, potential job candidates are not aware of the mistakes they make before and during the interview. These small mistakes that might cost them a job.
Running Late Without Notice
Turning up late for the interview and never calling to say you are running late will not give a good impression to your potential employer. If you are running late, do inform your interviewer and apologize that you are running late and ask if it is possible for you to attend the interview a little bit late or just request for the interview to be rescheduled if that is not possible.
Of course, the worst that could happen which could quash your employment chances is your attitude when you do not even bother to turn up at an interview without calling.
Lack of Preparation
Preparation for an interview includes:
In the event that you are required to attend an interview at short notice and you applied for a job with no company description stated in the ad, keep your cool and ask questions during the interview to know more about the company.
It is recommended that you carry an extra copy of your resumé in your working bag just in case you are called for a job interview during your lunch/tea break at short notice.
Lack of Confidence/Over Confidence
Lack of confidence could be perceived by potential employers as your lack of preparation; being nervous could also be giving the impression that you are trying to cover something or is lying. Being over confident may turn interviewers off as you may be viewed as being too big-headed or you may be viewed as a braggart who talks more than you deliver.
Talking Too Much
It is not wise to talk too much and fail to listen and understand the questions asked. Listen carefully to answer the questions asked, be clear and concise in your answers to show that you understood the question and are not just rambling for the sake of talking. Be specific and respond directly to the questions asked. Be careful with your selection of words and think before you say anything to decide if what you are going to say is necessary or appropriate.
Inappropriate Dressing
Avoid revealing clothes or being underdressed - stick to conventional dressing, i.e. mono colours and minimal accessories.
Body Language
Avoid weak or too strong handshakes, minimal or almost no eye contact with the interviewer and slouching when seated. Keep a straight back when seated and refrain from fidgeting or shaking your legs, twitching your nose, biting your nails or other signs that showed your nervousness. Take a deep breath to remain calm and be aware of your body language. Your body language tells your interviewers more about you than your speech.
Criticising or Slating Your Previous Employers/Company/Colleagues or Complaining About Your Day
No one likes a person who complains, keep in mind that it is not a recommended icebreaker. You are being interviewed to promote yourself as the best possible candidate for the post, not to criticise others or complain about the train/car that broke down on your way to the interview.
Lying or Concealing Information
Never attempt to lie or cover up any vital information, no matter how important you thought it was for you to conceal the information. You may land the job but how long it will be before you are found out?
Failing to Ask Questions
Ask questions to show that you are interested in the job, lack of enthusiasm is a killer of your chances of employment.
Money Talk
Never bring up talk on salary at the beginning of the interview. Only talk about salary or your employment package, i.e. remuneration, benefits, etc. when the interviewer asks you or the matter has not been brought up and the interview is near its end.
Running Late Without Notice
Turning up late for the interview and never calling to say you are running late will not give a good impression to your potential employer. If you are running late, do inform your interviewer and apologize that you are running late and ask if it is possible for you to attend the interview a little bit late or just request for the interview to be rescheduled if that is not possible.
Of course, the worst that could happen which could quash your employment chances is your attitude when you do not even bother to turn up at an interview without calling.
Lack of Preparation
Preparation for an interview includes:
- Research on the background of the company
- Bring along an extra copy of your resumé and relevant supporting documents, just in case
- Be prepared with the answers for possible common interview questions
- Rehearse on your speech, clarity, confidence, etc. prior to the interview
In the event that you are required to attend an interview at short notice and you applied for a job with no company description stated in the ad, keep your cool and ask questions during the interview to know more about the company.
It is recommended that you carry an extra copy of your resumé in your working bag just in case you are called for a job interview during your lunch/tea break at short notice.
Lack of Confidence/Over Confidence
Lack of confidence could be perceived by potential employers as your lack of preparation; being nervous could also be giving the impression that you are trying to cover something or is lying. Being over confident may turn interviewers off as you may be viewed as being too big-headed or you may be viewed as a braggart who talks more than you deliver.
Talking Too Much
It is not wise to talk too much and fail to listen and understand the questions asked. Listen carefully to answer the questions asked, be clear and concise in your answers to show that you understood the question and are not just rambling for the sake of talking. Be specific and respond directly to the questions asked. Be careful with your selection of words and think before you say anything to decide if what you are going to say is necessary or appropriate.
Inappropriate Dressing
Avoid revealing clothes or being underdressed - stick to conventional dressing, i.e. mono colours and minimal accessories.
Body Language
Avoid weak or too strong handshakes, minimal or almost no eye contact with the interviewer and slouching when seated. Keep a straight back when seated and refrain from fidgeting or shaking your legs, twitching your nose, biting your nails or other signs that showed your nervousness. Take a deep breath to remain calm and be aware of your body language. Your body language tells your interviewers more about you than your speech.
Criticising or Slating Your Previous Employers/Company/Colleagues or Complaining About Your Day
No one likes a person who complains, keep in mind that it is not a recommended icebreaker. You are being interviewed to promote yourself as the best possible candidate for the post, not to criticise others or complain about the train/car that broke down on your way to the interview.
Lying or Concealing Information
Never attempt to lie or cover up any vital information, no matter how important you thought it was for you to conceal the information. You may land the job but how long it will be before you are found out?
Failing to Ask Questions
Ask questions to show that you are interested in the job, lack of enthusiasm is a killer of your chances of employment.
Money Talk
Never bring up talk on salary at the beginning of the interview. Only talk about salary or your employment package, i.e. remuneration, benefits, etc. when the interviewer asks you or the matter has not been brought up and the interview is near its end.
Selasa, 28 Juli 2009
Interesting Employment Statistics
- 32% of employees who have a cold try to look busy but don't get much work done.
- More than 80% of college students admit that they would cheat to get a job.
- An employee who spends just one hour a day surfing the Internet when they should be working could cost the employer RM3,300 a year in lost working time.
- More than 95% of professional career networks have a complete listing of the best jobs in Malaysia.
*source: various online sources
Senin, 27 Juli 2009
4 Steps to Asking for A Raise
Do you feel that you deserve a higher salary? The fastest way to increase your income is to ask for a raise. But if you just ask your boss for a raise without giving him any reasons why you deserve one, you're less likely to succeed. These 4 basic guidelines can help you plan and prepare to explain to your boss why you deserve a pay raise.
Research
Start by finding out what the going rate is for those working in your field. Check out job listings for jobs similar to yours, and study published salary reports. If you belong to a professional organization, find out if they have salary information available. Be sure to factor in the number of years you have worked in the field and for your current employer. Settle on a range rather than a specific figure, and be prepared to negotiate.
Also, find out how your company is doing. Pay attention to the company grapevine or check business news and reports to gauge your company's financial health. If your company is facing financial difficulties, you are unlikely to get a raise, so you may need to wait a while till the time is right.
Prepare your evidence
You should emphasize how you have performed above and beyond your job specifications to justify why you deserve a corresponding pay increase. Approach this task as if you are preparing for a job interview or a major sales presentation. Write down any major accomplishments that you have achieved during your time with the company. Also note any additional responsibilities that you have taken on. Examples of evidence you might present are solid numbers of revenue you earned, costs saved, client testimonials praising your customer service, tight deadlines you've beaten, products and/or services you've improved, and so on.
However, do not cite your personal needs as a reason for needing a raise. This is not the time to bring up your mortgage or the payments for your new car. The salary your employer pays you is for value of the work you do, not the expenses you have.
Decide how you'll respond to a rejection
Before you even walk into your boss' office, you should give some thought to what to do if you don't get the raise. Will you continue to work for the company and ask again at a later date? Or will you look for another job that will pay you what you feel you're worth?
If you are otherwise happy at the company and plan to stay even if you don't get a raise, then ask your supervisor what you can do to increase your salary in the future – such as taking on additional responsibilities or improving your performance. Also, don't overlook non-monetary benefits such as additional leave, training and other perks.
If your decision to stay at the company hinges on whether you get the raise, resist the urge to frame your request as an ultimatum. Threatening to quit if you don't get the raise will make you look unprofessional – and your boss might take you up on your offer. Even if you are positive that you will leave if you don't get the raise, don't make this the focus of your request. And if your request for a raise is denied, accept the rejection gracefully, thank your supervisor for his time, and then go about your job search quietly and professionally.
Ask for a raise!
You've done your research and have a file folder of irrefutable evidence. You even have an exit strategy in the event of a rejection. Now is the time to ask.
Schedule a face-to-face meeting with your supervisor that allows plenty of time for you to make your case. Also, it makes it harder for your boss to say no when you are right there to overcome any objections. Let him know in advance that you wish to discuss your compensation to give him time to consult with HR and his own supervisor. Be polite but firm, and don't get emotional.
Asking for a raise may seem daunting, but it's an important negotiation skill that you'll be able to add to your repertoire. Plus, when you are successful, you'll be earning extra money so you'll have a real reward to show for your efforts. So, be positive and ask for what you're worth!
Research
Start by finding out what the going rate is for those working in your field. Check out job listings for jobs similar to yours, and study published salary reports. If you belong to a professional organization, find out if they have salary information available. Be sure to factor in the number of years you have worked in the field and for your current employer. Settle on a range rather than a specific figure, and be prepared to negotiate.
Also, find out how your company is doing. Pay attention to the company grapevine or check business news and reports to gauge your company's financial health. If your company is facing financial difficulties, you are unlikely to get a raise, so you may need to wait a while till the time is right.
Prepare your evidence
You should emphasize how you have performed above and beyond your job specifications to justify why you deserve a corresponding pay increase. Approach this task as if you are preparing for a job interview or a major sales presentation. Write down any major accomplishments that you have achieved during your time with the company. Also note any additional responsibilities that you have taken on. Examples of evidence you might present are solid numbers of revenue you earned, costs saved, client testimonials praising your customer service, tight deadlines you've beaten, products and/or services you've improved, and so on.
However, do not cite your personal needs as a reason for needing a raise. This is not the time to bring up your mortgage or the payments for your new car. The salary your employer pays you is for value of the work you do, not the expenses you have.
Decide how you'll respond to a rejection
Before you even walk into your boss' office, you should give some thought to what to do if you don't get the raise. Will you continue to work for the company and ask again at a later date? Or will you look for another job that will pay you what you feel you're worth?
If you are otherwise happy at the company and plan to stay even if you don't get a raise, then ask your supervisor what you can do to increase your salary in the future – such as taking on additional responsibilities or improving your performance. Also, don't overlook non-monetary benefits such as additional leave, training and other perks.
If your decision to stay at the company hinges on whether you get the raise, resist the urge to frame your request as an ultimatum. Threatening to quit if you don't get the raise will make you look unprofessional – and your boss might take you up on your offer. Even if you are positive that you will leave if you don't get the raise, don't make this the focus of your request. And if your request for a raise is denied, accept the rejection gracefully, thank your supervisor for his time, and then go about your job search quietly and professionally.
Ask for a raise!
You've done your research and have a file folder of irrefutable evidence. You even have an exit strategy in the event of a rejection. Now is the time to ask.
Schedule a face-to-face meeting with your supervisor that allows plenty of time for you to make your case. Also, it makes it harder for your boss to say no when you are right there to overcome any objections. Let him know in advance that you wish to discuss your compensation to give him time to consult with HR and his own supervisor. Be polite but firm, and don't get emotional.
Asking for a raise may seem daunting, but it's an important negotiation skill that you'll be able to add to your repertoire. Plus, when you are successful, you'll be earning extra money so you'll have a real reward to show for your efforts. So, be positive and ask for what you're worth!
Kamis, 23 Juli 2009
Private pension given green light.
Those not involved in current pension scheme can rejoice. A private pension funds scheme will kick off by next year.
The announcement was made by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop, who said the new scheme would target the two million self-employed and those who were outside the current pension scheme.
The media reports quoted him as saying that the new pension funds could either be operated by new fund management firms to be licensed by the Securities Commission, or by existing firms.
He added that the funds would be regulated by the Securities Commission.
Rabu, 22 Juli 2009
Panasonic: More R&D talents required
The hardest hit industry at the times of economic turmoil would usually be manufacturing, and that means the electronic and electrical equipment producers as well. We have heard of retrenchment and job freezes announcement coming from this sector. Yet, there are still good news, and this time it comes from Panasonic.
In an exclusive interview with JobsDB Malaysia, Panasonic Management Malaysia Sdn Bhd’s director, Mikio Matsui noted that the company is expanding its Research & Development (R&D) centre in Malaysia and is seeking talents to be part of it.
“Regardless of the function in the company, we always need new human resources, and now we wish to highlight the importance of R&D function more in Malaysia,” he said.
He pointed out that this was in contrast with in early days (Panasonic set up its business in Malaysia back in 1965), the jobs available for Malaysians has always been labour intensive.
“Now, Malaysia is no longer a country for cheaper labour, compared to other countries in this region,” Matsui said, “Panasonic understand this point, and at the same time Malaysia has been very successfully developing young talents in R&D.”
The company’s assistant general Manager, Wytinne Cheng, noted that in Malaysia alone there are 400 engineers working in the R&D centres throughout Malaysia. Panasonic has 20 companies in Malaysia consisting of manufacturing plants, R&D centres, sales & services companies and management offices with diversified business segments.
“Not many know this, but we have a software lab in Cyberjaya, which started with 20 staff, and now we are planning to expand it to 200 people,” Cheng said.
Matsui said that with Malaysia’s growth in the technology field, it was about time that R&D arena should be expanded here.
“We are confident that Malaysia can offer more R&D talents,” said Matsui, adding that, specifically, there is demand for engineers specializing in electrical, electronics, mechanical, software, computer science and information technology.
“There are also some openings for professionals in finance, sales & marketing and human resource,” Matsui said.
He also added that Malaysia has other advantages in terms of human resource, apart from the required talents.
“We have been here for more than 40 years, and we have been feeling very comfortable with Malaysia and the people,” Matsui said. “People from any country have their own culture and identity. Malaysia is multi-cultural and because of this the people here have good adaptability to different cultures. We strongly appreciate this feature.
He also noted that Malaysians have good command of English, an international language for trade and business. “It’s a good advantage; if we go to other nations in this region, you may not see that,” he added.
Matsui noted that the doors are always open for talents looking to be part of the company’s rich culture and legacy. “We give opportunities to ambitious people to create and market innovative products & solutions that enrich lives all around the world,” he added.
The company celebrated 90th year in business last year, and prides itself over the legacy left behind by its founder, Tan Sri Konosuke Matsushita, which emphasized on strong employer and employee relationship.
“When he was asked what he was producing in the company, he answered, ‘no doubt we are producing electrical and electronic product, but before that, we develop the people.’,” recalled Matsui. “In short he always maintained that in Panasonic, we develop the people before the product.”
Cheng noted that new recruits are always given training and education on the company’s basic corporate values – most of which are constituted in its Basic Business Principle, drafted by its founder.
“Sometimes competency can be learned and experience can be acquired through time, but I think it’s important for employee share same value and goal, and everyone move towards same direction,” said Cheng, noting that BBP is the “common language” the company uses throughout the world.
On the ongoing economic turmoil, Matsui noted that the company has always been ready for any form of uncertainties.
“In very good time, we should never relax. In bad times, we should work harder,” Matsui said, “This is the kind of DNA we inherited from our founder. He mentioned that both good times and bad times are equally acceptable; the bad time is for us to get ready for the next booming time.”
Known as one fo the largest electronic product manufacturers in the world, the company has around 305,828 staff force as of last year, and more than 17,000 employees in Malaysia alone.
In an exclusive interview with JobsDB Malaysia, Panasonic Management Malaysia Sdn Bhd’s director, Mikio Matsui noted that the company is expanding its Research & Development (R&D) centre in Malaysia and is seeking talents to be part of it.
“Regardless of the function in the company, we always need new human resources, and now we wish to highlight the importance of R&D function more in Malaysia,” he said.
He pointed out that this was in contrast with in early days (Panasonic set up its business in Malaysia back in 1965), the jobs available for Malaysians has always been labour intensive.
“Now, Malaysia is no longer a country for cheaper labour, compared to other countries in this region,” Matsui said, “Panasonic understand this point, and at the same time Malaysia has been very successfully developing young talents in R&D.”
The company’s assistant general Manager, Wytinne Cheng, noted that in Malaysia alone there are 400 engineers working in the R&D centres throughout Malaysia. Panasonic has 20 companies in Malaysia consisting of manufacturing plants, R&D centres, sales & services companies and management offices with diversified business segments.
“Not many know this, but we have a software lab in Cyberjaya, which started with 20 staff, and now we are planning to expand it to 200 people,” Cheng said.
Matsui said that with Malaysia’s growth in the technology field, it was about time that R&D arena should be expanded here.
“We are confident that Malaysia can offer more R&D talents,” said Matsui, adding that, specifically, there is demand for engineers specializing in electrical, electronics, mechanical, software, computer science and information technology.
“There are also some openings for professionals in finance, sales & marketing and human resource,” Matsui said.
He also added that Malaysia has other advantages in terms of human resource, apart from the required talents.
“We have been here for more than 40 years, and we have been feeling very comfortable with Malaysia and the people,” Matsui said. “People from any country have their own culture and identity. Malaysia is multi-cultural and because of this the people here have good adaptability to different cultures. We strongly appreciate this feature.
He also noted that Malaysians have good command of English, an international language for trade and business. “It’s a good advantage; if we go to other nations in this region, you may not see that,” he added.
Matsui noted that the doors are always open for talents looking to be part of the company’s rich culture and legacy. “We give opportunities to ambitious people to create and market innovative products & solutions that enrich lives all around the world,” he added.
The company celebrated 90th year in business last year, and prides itself over the legacy left behind by its founder, Tan Sri Konosuke Matsushita, which emphasized on strong employer and employee relationship.
“When he was asked what he was producing in the company, he answered, ‘no doubt we are producing electrical and electronic product, but before that, we develop the people.’,” recalled Matsui. “In short he always maintained that in Panasonic, we develop the people before the product.”
Cheng noted that new recruits are always given training and education on the company’s basic corporate values – most of which are constituted in its Basic Business Principle, drafted by its founder.
“Sometimes competency can be learned and experience can be acquired through time, but I think it’s important for employee share same value and goal, and everyone move towards same direction,” said Cheng, noting that BBP is the “common language” the company uses throughout the world.
On the ongoing economic turmoil, Matsui noted that the company has always been ready for any form of uncertainties.
“In very good time, we should never relax. In bad times, we should work harder,” Matsui said, “This is the kind of DNA we inherited from our founder. He mentioned that both good times and bad times are equally acceptable; the bad time is for us to get ready for the next booming time.”
Known as one fo the largest electronic product manufacturers in the world, the company has around 305,828 staff force as of last year, and more than 17,000 employees in Malaysia alone.
Selasa, 21 Juli 2009
RM3.5b Investment in Several Sectors
More goodies from the government. Well, from foreign investors actually. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak announced that a sovereign wealth fund owned by the
In the media reports, he said the proposed investment would be carried out in partnership with a new Malaysian sovereign wealth fund to be known as "1Malaysia Development Berhad" (1MDB).
He said this on night after talks with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan during a brief stopover here, en route to
According to the report, Sheikh Mohammed is chairman of the Mubadala Development Company which, since its establishment in 2002, represents the main investment vehicle for the government of
Lesser Number of Unemployed Graduates?
Expect lesser numbers of graduates this year. So says the Higher Education Ministry.
It’s minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin was quote in the media as saying that a study conducted by the ministry showed that 30 per cent of the total 170,000 graduates from three years ago were unemployed.
He said the number fell to 26.5 per cent in 2007 and 24.1 per cent last year.
Khaled said a good economic climate played a big role in reducing unemployment but he was hopeful the number would drop further this year.
Having said that, he also expressed his disappointment with graduates are not attending entrepreneurship programmes organised by the ministry.
"Of the 170,000 graduates produced yearly from 2004, only 10,000 will attend entrepreneurship programmes each year," he was quoted in the report.
Senin, 20 Juli 2009
MNC's to create 5,000 Engineering jobs.
More good signs on the economy, and better yet, the jobs scenarion. According to the Multimedia Development Corp (MDeC), some 5,000 engineering jobs in hardware and software designing will be created by multinational corporations (MNCs) and local electronic companies in the country by year-end.
In a media report, it's chief operating officer Ng Wan Peng said that about 5% of these jobs would be related to hardware design engineering of integrated circuits (ICs)
She also added that so far this year about 5,000 engineering jobs have been created.
In a media report, it's chief operating officer Ng Wan Peng said that about 5% of these jobs would be related to hardware design engineering of integrated circuits (ICs)
She also added that so far this year about 5,000 engineering jobs have been created.
Poll: Employment A Priority
Well, this is no surprise but a poll result shows that employment is the constant in the voters mind.
According to a poll conducted in Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s 1Malaysia blog outof Of the 5,224 people who voted, 1,684 or 32.2% viewed employment as the most important consideration followed by security.
A total of 1,674 or 32% of the people regarded security as the most important factor, while 1,501 or 28.7% opted for housing. Only 365 or 7% felt that transportation was the most important issue in the country.
Malaysians were asked to rate from a list of four choices on what they considered as the most important issue in their life — employment, security, housing or transportation.
According to a poll conducted in Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s 1Malaysia blog outof Of the 5,224 people who voted, 1,684 or 32.2% viewed employment as the most important consideration followed by security.
A total of 1,674 or 32% of the people regarded security as the most important factor, while 1,501 or 28.7% opted for housing. Only 365 or 7% felt that transportation was the most important issue in the country.
Malaysians were asked to rate from a list of four choices on what they considered as the most important issue in their life — employment, security, housing or transportation.
Minggu, 19 Juli 2009
Learn How To Be A Good Listener, Listening Skills Show Respect To The Speaker
Have you ever been in a middle of an interview or even in a conversation in that matter, when the person you are talking to just gets up and walks away? Or fiddles in the chair? Or even looks everywhere but at you? How does this make you feel? Most people feel hurt. The listener acts as though he or she is absolutely not interest in what the speaker has to say or already said. And yet, when it is their turn to talk, they expect, if not demand, attention.
Have you ever been in a heated conversation and realize that your partner has no idea what you have been saying? It could very well be the manner that you are delivering the argument or speech, or it may even be that your partner is a poor listener. Poor listening skills seem to be the majority and not the minority of fresh graduates. Since Malaysia is so used to being fast paced in all matters, we often forget how to slow down and just listen.
So how can one learn to be a good listener? Below are some common tips that can help poor listeners work wonders in all situations not only during interviews.
Learn to listen by using lots of eye contact:
Let the speaker know that you are interested in what is being said
Be slow to speak:
Sometimes, people speak to think out loud. Sometimes, all they really want is a shoulder to lean on and a willing ear to listen. By being slow to speak, you are allowing the speaker to work out or solve problems themselves. Also, one must think before he/she speaks
Keep the secret:
People trust you with information because they believe that you will not gossip and spread slander. Keep their trust by keeping things private; between the two of you
Be Attentive:
Learn to actively listen. Let the speaker know that you are actually listening, although you are not speaking, by saying things like, "yeah, hmmm, I know, that's true, okay, that makes sense," and so forth. This shows that you are in tune with what they are saying and also following what they are saying
Show Gratitude:
Let the speaker know that you feel honored that they were able to open up to you. If nothing personal was said, than let the speaker know that you had a great time listening and that you learned a lot. In a society that forgets to show gratitude, a simple use of kind words, can make someone's day a little brighter. Showing kindness and appreciation will also help you with the interviewer
Stay in Tune:
Do not simply disappear in the middle of any conversation because your mind wandered. Whether you actually get up and walk away or let your mind wander elsewhere, it is just being plain rude. If you find that your attention span is small, actively repeat what is being said to you as the speaker is speaking
Have you ever been in a heated conversation and realize that your partner has no idea what you have been saying? It could very well be the manner that you are delivering the argument or speech, or it may even be that your partner is a poor listener. Poor listening skills seem to be the majority and not the minority of fresh graduates. Since Malaysia is so used to being fast paced in all matters, we often forget how to slow down and just listen.
So how can one learn to be a good listener? Below are some common tips that can help poor listeners work wonders in all situations not only during interviews.
Learn to listen by using lots of eye contact:
Let the speaker know that you are interested in what is being said
Be slow to speak:
Sometimes, people speak to think out loud. Sometimes, all they really want is a shoulder to lean on and a willing ear to listen. By being slow to speak, you are allowing the speaker to work out or solve problems themselves. Also, one must think before he/she speaks
Keep the secret:
People trust you with information because they believe that you will not gossip and spread slander. Keep their trust by keeping things private; between the two of you
Be Attentive:
Learn to actively listen. Let the speaker know that you are actually listening, although you are not speaking, by saying things like, "yeah, hmmm, I know, that's true, okay, that makes sense," and so forth. This shows that you are in tune with what they are saying and also following what they are saying
Show Gratitude:
Let the speaker know that you feel honored that they were able to open up to you. If nothing personal was said, than let the speaker know that you had a great time listening and that you learned a lot. In a society that forgets to show gratitude, a simple use of kind words, can make someone's day a little brighter. Showing kindness and appreciation will also help you with the interviewer
Stay in Tune:
Do not simply disappear in the middle of any conversation because your mind wandered. Whether you actually get up and walk away or let your mind wander elsewhere, it is just being plain rude. If you find that your attention span is small, actively repeat what is being said to you as the speaker is speaking
Rabu, 15 Juli 2009
Job Satisfaction
Human beings strive to seek satisfaction in every aspect of their life. From satisfying their basic primal needs - hunger, thirst, rest and social interaction - the complex society today has its benchmark of goals and fulfillment that should be achieved by individuals. This set of goals and fulfillment includes securing a good job, preferably with a good pay and hopefully, with job satisfaction.
Why the wishful thinking in the latter part? Is it so hard to achieve job satisfaction? What is satisfaction anyway? Human beings are known for their nature of being hard to please. It is human nature to be inquisitive and curious.
The insatiable thirst for knowledge coupled with the incessant desire and craving for something new are factors which determine the never ending quest of humans striving for "satisfaction" in every aspect of their life. The ever changing and developing technology proves the never ending quest for satisfaction in life and the ever increasing number of people experiencing undue stress and problems denote an underlying sense of dissatisfaction.
There are many ways to seek satisfaction and different people opted for different ways to search for job satisfaction. There is a general rule of thumb - change your mindset and be realistic in your expectations. Try out these tips:
Embrace Changes
Accept the fact that things may change - people change and you may also change over time. Embrace changes and you will find that, you just might be a step closer to job satisfaction. Bear in mind that what brings you satisfaction today may not be so in the future. There is no one set rule of how to be satisfied with your job. There is also no fixed guideline on how to overcome challenges at work into a motivation for you to achieve job satisfaction.
Acknowledge Differences
For a gardener with eight mouths to feed at home, the meaning of job satisfaction may be to bring home his daily pay of RM15 and to ensure that his wife has the means to put the needed food on the table. For a top executive with a five-figure salary, job satisfaction is no longer a matter of daily survival - unlike the aforementioned gardener - it may be a matter of fulfilling his own personal goals and meeting other set objectives and aims of his organisation. With such a broad definition and interpretation of satisfaction, we are back to square one - How to achieve job satisfaction?
Can happiness bring you satisfaction? Yes, to a certain extent. Those who are wiser will say that satisfaction equates happiness and contentment. How to be happy then? "It is all in the mind" - a cliché which applies to almost everything in life - including in your quest for job satisfaction.
Why the wishful thinking in the latter part? Is it so hard to achieve job satisfaction? What is satisfaction anyway? Human beings are known for their nature of being hard to please. It is human nature to be inquisitive and curious.
The insatiable thirst for knowledge coupled with the incessant desire and craving for something new are factors which determine the never ending quest of humans striving for "satisfaction" in every aspect of their life. The ever changing and developing technology proves the never ending quest for satisfaction in life and the ever increasing number of people experiencing undue stress and problems denote an underlying sense of dissatisfaction.
There are many ways to seek satisfaction and different people opted for different ways to search for job satisfaction. There is a general rule of thumb - change your mindset and be realistic in your expectations. Try out these tips:
Embrace Changes
Accept the fact that things may change - people change and you may also change over time. Embrace changes and you will find that, you just might be a step closer to job satisfaction. Bear in mind that what brings you satisfaction today may not be so in the future. There is no one set rule of how to be satisfied with your job. There is also no fixed guideline on how to overcome challenges at work into a motivation for you to achieve job satisfaction.
Acknowledge Differences
For a gardener with eight mouths to feed at home, the meaning of job satisfaction may be to bring home his daily pay of RM15 and to ensure that his wife has the means to put the needed food on the table. For a top executive with a five-figure salary, job satisfaction is no longer a matter of daily survival - unlike the aforementioned gardener - it may be a matter of fulfilling his own personal goals and meeting other set objectives and aims of his organisation. With such a broad definition and interpretation of satisfaction, we are back to square one - How to achieve job satisfaction?
Can happiness bring you satisfaction? Yes, to a certain extent. Those who are wiser will say that satisfaction equates happiness and contentment. How to be happy then? "It is all in the mind" - a cliché which applies to almost everything in life - including in your quest for job satisfaction.
Selasa, 14 Juli 2009
Local's First for Margma.
Bad news for the Malaysian Rubber Glove Manufacturers Association (Margma) and good news for locals, especially those retrenched.
According to news reports, Labour Department said no to hiring of foreign workers as proposed by Margma earlier, as the organisation needs to improve work conditions and wages to attract locals.
"I have instructed my officers to find out what measures the manufacturers took to seek local workers, and what kind of work conditions and wages they provided so that a decision could be made fast (by the department)," the department's director-general Datuk Ismail Abdul Rahimhe was quoted in the report.
The report stated tahat although the department had yet to receive a formal application from the association, he had directed his officers to take proactive action and contact the association immediately to find out its needs.
According to news reports, Labour Department said no to hiring of foreign workers as proposed by Margma earlier, as the organisation needs to improve work conditions and wages to attract locals.
"I have instructed my officers to find out what measures the manufacturers took to seek local workers, and what kind of work conditions and wages they provided so that a decision could be made fast (by the department)," the department's director-general Datuk Ismail Abdul Rahimhe was quoted in the report.
The report stated tahat although the department had yet to receive a formal application from the association, he had directed his officers to take proactive action and contact the association immediately to find out its needs.
9 Tips for Better Online Job Hunting
Job hunt - a "task" that influence your future and life goes without saying that the Internet has drastically changed the way people today hunt for jobs. It's probably been a few years since you've submitted a resume via mail or fax. But even most professionals turn to the Internet for help locating a new position, not all understand the finer points of a Web-based job search.
Following are some tips to keep in mind the next time you look online.
1) Top Job sites
It's prudent to start your job search by visiting top job sites such as JobsDB.com because of the sheer number of listings offered. In addition, employers of all scales and industries are apt to list their job openings on sites with strong brand recognition. If you're at a crossroads in your career or willing to relocate, the big boards offer the widest view of what jobs are currently available.
2) Submit your online resume or ready-made resume
Resume and cover letter are the marketing tools to sell yourself to the employers. Employers will judge you based on your resume. You must ensure that the submitted resume is great and containing the essential details. You may spend some time to fill in your online resume step-by-step. Or, to save your time, you may make use of the resume upload function to upload your ready-made resume to the recruitment site if you have it on hand. The advantages of a full online resume over a ready-made resume is that it guides you through developing a good resume without missing out the important details that all employers would like to know about the candidates. But be mindful of your spelling and grammar when typing information directly onto online forms.
3) Essential of Resume Update regularly
Always get your resume prepared with updated information to tackle every opportunity when great openings present. In order to maximize the opportunity of getting hired, you should regularly update your resume with relevant accomplishments, new job duties, recently achieved certifications, and other similar achievements.
4) Get jobs come to you, Job Alert Subscription
In addition to search the large boards, you may get the jobs come to you by subscribing to service offered by recruitment site - Job Alert! The service allows the job seeker to specialize your preferred job function and suit to your field. Besides, it always keeps you up-to-date on opening or position offered by employers. All you need to do is check your email daily to get the job alert, you may apply directly when suitable job found. Subscribe now to Job Alert!
5) Appropriately utilise quick apply
Most job sites enable users to apply for a position with a simple click of the mouse. But don't blindly apply. Recruitment managers seek tailored resumes that directly tie a job seeker's unique skills and abilities to the requirements of the position. Take the extra time and effort to customize your application materials to each specific opportunity.
6) Be an expert in job hunting
Make yourself full with knowledge of job hunting especially for newcomers to the job market. Guides to write great resume and cover letter, negotiating your salary, tips of attending interview, asking the right question in the interview and so on are the precious intellectual treasures for your career hunting. You may subscribe to e-Newsletter where you can receive lots of useful tips on job hunting. Sometimes, you may find some special messages or special recruitment messages from the employers. So, don't miss them, it is vital! They may change your life. Let's subscribe to e-Newsletter now.
7) Let the resume be searchable
Always keep your resume "open" for searching! A searchable resume will open the door to be head hunted by the potential employers. You don't know when the employers will knock on your door unexpectedly to offer you a job opportunity. Probably you will receive some resume request from employers which are unexpected or you may not be interested on the positions offered. But you can still send a resume and cover letter to the company to widen the opportunity, as anything can happen in future.
8) Scanning oldies for goodies
It is a big mistake to limit your search to positions posted in the last few days. Some positions posted one month ago might still available; especially hard-to-find skills are required. It will be advantageous to focus on oldies opening while most job seekers focusing on recent postings, you may be competing with fewer candidates.
9) Follow up
When job hunting is done online, it's critical that you follow up with prospective employers after applying for a position. If you've submitted your application and haven't heard back from the company, make a call or send an e-mail to verify that the resume was received and to reassert your interest in the position. But it should be done within two weeks of submitting application materials.
An online job hunt shouldn't be the only strategy you use to find a new position while the Internet has revolutionized the way job seekers connect with prospective employers. The best searches combine various approaches, including exploring the services offered by recruiting and staffing firms, touching base with members of your professional network, and participating in industry events where you can hobnob with hiring managers.
Following are some tips to keep in mind the next time you look online.
1) Top Job sites
It's prudent to start your job search by visiting top job sites such as JobsDB.com because of the sheer number of listings offered. In addition, employers of all scales and industries are apt to list their job openings on sites with strong brand recognition. If you're at a crossroads in your career or willing to relocate, the big boards offer the widest view of what jobs are currently available.
2) Submit your online resume or ready-made resume
Resume and cover letter are the marketing tools to sell yourself to the employers. Employers will judge you based on your resume. You must ensure that the submitted resume is great and containing the essential details. You may spend some time to fill in your online resume step-by-step. Or, to save your time, you may make use of the resume upload function to upload your ready-made resume to the recruitment site if you have it on hand. The advantages of a full online resume over a ready-made resume is that it guides you through developing a good resume without missing out the important details that all employers would like to know about the candidates. But be mindful of your spelling and grammar when typing information directly onto online forms.
3) Essential of Resume Update regularly
Always get your resume prepared with updated information to tackle every opportunity when great openings present. In order to maximize the opportunity of getting hired, you should regularly update your resume with relevant accomplishments, new job duties, recently achieved certifications, and other similar achievements.
4) Get jobs come to you, Job Alert Subscription
In addition to search the large boards, you may get the jobs come to you by subscribing to service offered by recruitment site - Job Alert! The service allows the job seeker to specialize your preferred job function and suit to your field. Besides, it always keeps you up-to-date on opening or position offered by employers. All you need to do is check your email daily to get the job alert, you may apply directly when suitable job found. Subscribe now to Job Alert!
5) Appropriately utilise quick apply
Most job sites enable users to apply for a position with a simple click of the mouse. But don't blindly apply. Recruitment managers seek tailored resumes that directly tie a job seeker's unique skills and abilities to the requirements of the position. Take the extra time and effort to customize your application materials to each specific opportunity.
6) Be an expert in job hunting
Make yourself full with knowledge of job hunting especially for newcomers to the job market. Guides to write great resume and cover letter, negotiating your salary, tips of attending interview, asking the right question in the interview and so on are the precious intellectual treasures for your career hunting. You may subscribe to e-Newsletter where you can receive lots of useful tips on job hunting. Sometimes, you may find some special messages or special recruitment messages from the employers. So, don't miss them, it is vital! They may change your life. Let's subscribe to e-Newsletter now.
7) Let the resume be searchable
Always keep your resume "open" for searching! A searchable resume will open the door to be head hunted by the potential employers. You don't know when the employers will knock on your door unexpectedly to offer you a job opportunity. Probably you will receive some resume request from employers which are unexpected or you may not be interested on the positions offered. But you can still send a resume and cover letter to the company to widen the opportunity, as anything can happen in future.
8) Scanning oldies for goodies
It is a big mistake to limit your search to positions posted in the last few days. Some positions posted one month ago might still available; especially hard-to-find skills are required. It will be advantageous to focus on oldies opening while most job seekers focusing on recent postings, you may be competing with fewer candidates.
9) Follow up
When job hunting is done online, it's critical that you follow up with prospective employers after applying for a position. If you've submitted your application and haven't heard back from the company, make a call or send an e-mail to verify that the resume was received and to reassert your interest in the position. But it should be done within two weeks of submitting application materials.
An online job hunt shouldn't be the only strategy you use to find a new position while the Internet has revolutionized the way job seekers connect with prospective employers. The best searches combine various approaches, including exploring the services offered by recruiting and staffing firms, touching base with members of your professional network, and participating in industry events where you can hobnob with hiring managers.
Senin, 13 Juli 2009
Job-hopping - A Leap Forward for Your Career Prospect or A Giant Step Back?
We live in an age when the one-company individual no longer exists. Your father, mother or grandparents may have worked for one company their entire lives, but it is becoming commonplace to be employed by three, four or more companies during one's lifetime.
Up to a decade ago, interviewers frowned upon a resume that betrayed you as a "job hopper". However, this attitude has started to shift with industries such as technology, advertising and PR firms who have elevated Job-hopping to a lifestyle and a necessity to keep up with industry changes. Because of this, the tables are turning in the more traditional industries also and the once negative image of job-hopping is now being seen as ambition. In fact, according to one recruiter, in some industries, if you stayed at the same job for five years, you'd have some explaining to do.
However, this doesn't mean the job-hopper stigma has completely vanished. If you've got too many jobs on your resume, you could end up getting pegged as unstable, disloyal, or unable to work as part of a team, especially if these jobs are typically for terms of six months or less. Lou Adler - author of 'Hire with your head down' says " when you look at a candidate who can't get promoted and who keeps moving in and out of lateral positions from company to company, you can't help but think 'what's wrong'?
Thinking about a change?
When it comes down to it, if you must job-hop, make it constructive. Sometimes the best time to switch jobs is when you're feeling good about your career - and that means moving out to move up. You don't want to completely shut yourself off from opportunities to change jobs, however, take your time and consider the effect the change will have on your career. It is important to take a step back, reassess your work habits and to make sure your next move is the right one for you.
Constructive job-hopping takes thought and planning to achieve the goals of moving forward and strengthening a career. Do it badly and you'll move laterally or even backward.
It is also a good idea to thoroughly research any new company prospects. What sounds good on paper doesn't always mean that it will be any better than where you are now especially if it is a lateral move and isn't a career advance. Things to look for are: company background; what the company culture is like; will you fit into the team and how has the company performed financially over the past year?
Why switch?
There are many reasons why you switch jobs, some more positive than others. And the key is to articulate to a prospective employer why you left and eliminate any negative association with your frequent job changes. Some more positive reasons are:
Up to a decade ago, interviewers frowned upon a resume that betrayed you as a "job hopper". However, this attitude has started to shift with industries such as technology, advertising and PR firms who have elevated Job-hopping to a lifestyle and a necessity to keep up with industry changes. Because of this, the tables are turning in the more traditional industries also and the once negative image of job-hopping is now being seen as ambition. In fact, according to one recruiter, in some industries, if you stayed at the same job for five years, you'd have some explaining to do.
However, this doesn't mean the job-hopper stigma has completely vanished. If you've got too many jobs on your resume, you could end up getting pegged as unstable, disloyal, or unable to work as part of a team, especially if these jobs are typically for terms of six months or less. Lou Adler - author of 'Hire with your head down' says " when you look at a candidate who can't get promoted and who keeps moving in and out of lateral positions from company to company, you can't help but think 'what's wrong'?
Thinking about a change?
When it comes down to it, if you must job-hop, make it constructive. Sometimes the best time to switch jobs is when you're feeling good about your career - and that means moving out to move up. You don't want to completely shut yourself off from opportunities to change jobs, however, take your time and consider the effect the change will have on your career. It is important to take a step back, reassess your work habits and to make sure your next move is the right one for you.
Constructive job-hopping takes thought and planning to achieve the goals of moving forward and strengthening a career. Do it badly and you'll move laterally or even backward.
It is also a good idea to thoroughly research any new company prospects. What sounds good on paper doesn't always mean that it will be any better than where you are now especially if it is a lateral move and isn't a career advance. Things to look for are: company background; what the company culture is like; will you fit into the team and how has the company performed financially over the past year?
Why switch?
There are many reasons why you switch jobs, some more positive than others. And the key is to articulate to a prospective employer why you left and eliminate any negative association with your frequent job changes. Some more positive reasons are:
- I followed the best and brightest: companies want people who bring varied experience to the table. For that reason alone, job-hopping makes you more of an asset to a company.
- I followed the money: no one will argue with a move that gave you a salary boost-as long as money is not the only reason why you left.
- I followed the promotion: a promotion shows that you are both valued and that your managing your career aggressively.
- I followed my spouse: employers are typically understanding of this type of move, but also want to know that your career matters too.
- These are completely feasible reasons for job change, but if you're constantly moving because you feel like you've exhausted your opportunities in a short period of time, hiring professionals will question your decision-making ability.
An individual with a job history showing several job experiences can be very attractive to an employer. It says that you have vast experience and shows your value having worked under different systems, structures and management styles. The key is to communicate what you accomplished at each job and how your contributions at each company made a difference.
Once you've decided it's time to move, keep these points in mind:
- Avoid frequent lateral moves. If you're repeatedly switching industries and you constantly feel underemployed or unfulfilled, there's probably something deeper going on. Try temping for a while, take some time to assess your skills, and figure out what you like and really want to do.
- Don't burn bridges. Even if you dislike your boss, your job, your office, leave on good terms. If you're moving within an industry - and in one geographic area - there's a good chance your old boss has some sort of connection to your new one. Keep in touch with other people you worked closely with. You never know when you'll need a reference.
- Leave a positive lasting impression: When resigning, start off with a carefully thought out resignation letter, explaining the reasons why you're leaving and thanking your boss for the opportunity to learn with the company. Then make an effort to stay on for a mutually agreed time frame and train your replacement. This may take longer than the traditional two weeks but will be appreciated that you are still interested in the success of your replacement and any projects on which you are currently working. These actions will send a positive message to the recruitment marketplace that you are responsible, reliable and career-focused.
Minggu, 12 Juli 2009
How To Use Non Verbal Communication To Market Yourself
Everyone knows how important it is to speak confidently, say the right things and show interest when being interviewed or even at a meeting with clients. However, in addition to what you say, one must know that what you do also communicates volumes of information about who you really are.
Experts believe that a large part of communication occurs non-verbally. That means that even a smile on your face and the firmness of your handshake when you say, "Pleased to meet you," says more than your words alone.
It is to be remembered that once someone forms an impression, the tendency is to look for evidence confirming the original opinion and to ignore contradictory messages. That means if you have created a positive impression the first time around, people will focus on things that support that favorable impression. If, however, you have created a negative impression, you will have to work twice as hard to overcome that belief from the minds of those who have that negative impression.
Tips on How to Make a Positive Impression Non-Verbally
Remember that everything you do creates an impression:
Experts believe that a large part of communication occurs non-verbally. That means that even a smile on your face and the firmness of your handshake when you say, "Pleased to meet you," says more than your words alone.
It is to be remembered that once someone forms an impression, the tendency is to look for evidence confirming the original opinion and to ignore contradictory messages. That means if you have created a positive impression the first time around, people will focus on things that support that favorable impression. If, however, you have created a negative impression, you will have to work twice as hard to overcome that belief from the minds of those who have that negative impression.
Tips on How to Make a Positive Impression Non-Verbally
Remember that everything you do creates an impression:
- your facial expressions
- the "look in your eyes"
- your eye contact (or lack of it)
- your hand gestures
- your posture
- the way you comb your hair
- the clothes (even the shoes) you wear
Making an Entrance
The most important thing to remember in creating a presence is to believe that you belong where you are and have something of value to offer. A characteristic of successful people is that they naturally expect others to respond positively to them.
- When entering someone's office, do not poke your head in the door. Walk in confidently. (Knock first, if appropriate)
- Anticipating a negative reaction sets the stage for an unsuccessful meeting. Therefore, enter with more confidence and have a positive mindset
- A strong stride, a direct approach, an upright posture and a sense of energy are extremely important
Body Language
What you do with your body can support and enhance the message your words convey–or detract from it.
- Whether talking with one person or an auditorium full of people, maintain eye contact. Otherwise the person or crowd you are addressing will definitely show no interest to what you have to say
- Keep your facial expressions relaxed and friendly. The idea is to keep the listener interested and comfortable with you and what you have to say
- When standing, maintain a balance to your stance. Do not slouch, or lean on things when talking to people. Always maintain an upright posture
- Move purposefully; it shows confidence. Do not walk into a room for instance as though you are about to steal something or as though you do not belong there
- Let your hands fall to your side after using them and avoid crossing your arms, or holding your own hands either in front of you or behind your back
Shaking Hands
Handshakes are an important physical means of communicating. An immediate, firm, confident and friendly handshake helps establish a positive tone for a meeting and provides a non-verbal opportunity to establish yourself.
- Involve your entire hand in the handshake. Make eye contact; without it a handshake is half as effective
- Women should shake hands with each other just as readily as men. Never allow an important meeting to begin without a handshake. To do otherwise is to non-verbally discount yourself
- Some men think it is impolite to extend their hand to a woman for a handshake. A savvy businesswoman relaxes the uneasiness by extending her hand to a man right away
Sabtu, 11 Juli 2009
Create Your Own Online Resume Page
Through MyResumeOnline.org, you can have your own resume online: www.myresumeonline.org/yourname
Features:
Features:
- Your own resume online: myresumeonline.org/yourname
- Update your resume online anytime and anywhere
- You can add your "resume page address" into your email's signature
- You can also add it to your printed resume (or word/pdf document)
- Attach files (Certificates, Word documents, PDFs, databases...)
- Real-time statistics
- Add up to 5 different photos
- Very easy-to-use
- And it's Free
Jumat, 10 Juli 2009
7 Networking Tips for Shy Job Seekers
The word "networking" can strike terror into the hearts of not only shy job seekers but even the confident ones, and even seasoned entrepreneurs. It conjures up images of wandering round a function room, trying to offload your business card to as many people as you can.
However, networking - when done properly - is one of the most important elements of any effective job search strategy. Consider the facts that almost 80% of jobs openings are never advertised, and around 60% of executive vacancies are filled through networking and referrals.
We usually hate the idea of networking because we think it makes us look pushy, fake or just plain desperate. Relax! Nobody is born knowing how to network. Networking is just another skill that can be learned and can be applied throughout your career.
The following tips can help make the process less painful.
1) Start with people you know
Think you don't know anybody? Think about the people you socialize or currently work with, and their friends/partners/relatives. Not only is it less daunting to start with people you know, it is more efficient and effective to build on your existing network rather than try to create a completely new one from scratch. If everyone you know in turn knows another 10 people, you potentially have access to hundreds, even thousands of people.
2) Do not ask for a job
The most important thing to remember is that networking is NOT about asking people for a job. It is about asking people for information, advice or assistance on how or whom to contact that will be able to help find you a job. Also, it is as much about asking what you can do for them as what they can do for you.
3) Do not assume you are being a pest
Do not assume you are bothering the people you contact. Before you assume you are going to be a pest if you try to make contact with someone, think twice. In fact, most people will be glad to hear from you.
4) Enlist a spokesperson
It is good to have an intermediary who acts as a go-between for you if you are hesitant to contact someone you do not know. If someone in your network has given you the name of a colleague, ask your contact to call the person first for you to "warn" them that you'll be calling. Most people are willing to do this.
5) Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse
If you tend to freeze up when meeting someone new, try practising what you are going to say again and again. If you tend to babble when talking on the phone or leaving messages, take some time to plan what you will say before picking up the phone. A written letter or even email of introduction can make the follow-up conversation less nerve-racking if you cannot even get yourself to pick up the phone and make a cold call.
6) Be comfortable in your own skin
Concern about your appearance is a frequent excuse for being reluctant to network, but it need not be. While the "package" you present to others is important, physical attractiveness is not a prerequisite for being a successful networker. If your confidence is undermined by your feelings about your outward appearance, consider fixing what is fixable and learn to make the most of what is not.
7) Just do it
Networking can be difficult, anxiety-provoking and a pain in the neck, but at some point you have to disregard all the excuses, take a deep breath and just do it. Arm yourself with the attitude that there's nothing to lose, but everything to gain!
Do not expect to become a master networker overnight. It takes time, patience, and practice to get good at networking. Be prepared to take baby steps and do not let yourself be discouraged by minor setbacks. Every contact you make, no matter how minor it seems, could be the one to propel you to the next stage of your career.
However, networking - when done properly - is one of the most important elements of any effective job search strategy. Consider the facts that almost 80% of jobs openings are never advertised, and around 60% of executive vacancies are filled through networking and referrals.
We usually hate the idea of networking because we think it makes us look pushy, fake or just plain desperate. Relax! Nobody is born knowing how to network. Networking is just another skill that can be learned and can be applied throughout your career.
The following tips can help make the process less painful.
1) Start with people you know
Think you don't know anybody? Think about the people you socialize or currently work with, and their friends/partners/relatives. Not only is it less daunting to start with people you know, it is more efficient and effective to build on your existing network rather than try to create a completely new one from scratch. If everyone you know in turn knows another 10 people, you potentially have access to hundreds, even thousands of people.
2) Do not ask for a job
The most important thing to remember is that networking is NOT about asking people for a job. It is about asking people for information, advice or assistance on how or whom to contact that will be able to help find you a job. Also, it is as much about asking what you can do for them as what they can do for you.
3) Do not assume you are being a pest
Do not assume you are bothering the people you contact. Before you assume you are going to be a pest if you try to make contact with someone, think twice. In fact, most people will be glad to hear from you.
4) Enlist a spokesperson
It is good to have an intermediary who acts as a go-between for you if you are hesitant to contact someone you do not know. If someone in your network has given you the name of a colleague, ask your contact to call the person first for you to "warn" them that you'll be calling. Most people are willing to do this.
5) Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse
If you tend to freeze up when meeting someone new, try practising what you are going to say again and again. If you tend to babble when talking on the phone or leaving messages, take some time to plan what you will say before picking up the phone. A written letter or even email of introduction can make the follow-up conversation less nerve-racking if you cannot even get yourself to pick up the phone and make a cold call.
6) Be comfortable in your own skin
Concern about your appearance is a frequent excuse for being reluctant to network, but it need not be. While the "package" you present to others is important, physical attractiveness is not a prerequisite for being a successful networker. If your confidence is undermined by your feelings about your outward appearance, consider fixing what is fixable and learn to make the most of what is not.
7) Just do it
Networking can be difficult, anxiety-provoking and a pain in the neck, but at some point you have to disregard all the excuses, take a deep breath and just do it. Arm yourself with the attitude that there's nothing to lose, but everything to gain!
Do not expect to become a master networker overnight. It takes time, patience, and practice to get good at networking. Be prepared to take baby steps and do not let yourself be discouraged by minor setbacks. Every contact you make, no matter how minor it seems, could be the one to propel you to the next stage of your career.
Kamis, 09 Juli 2009
6 Strategies for Switching Career Tracks
If you’re thinking of changing careers, you’re not alone. Many people change careers several times in their working life.
Although unhappiness with one’s current career is a common reason for wanting to switch tracks, not everyone who seeks a career change is unhappy with his or her current job. Maybe you’ve discovered that your real passion lies elsewhere. Maybe you find that your current job doesn’t give you a sense of personal achievement or satisfaction. Or maybe you want a less stressful job so you can take better care of your family. Make sure to take all these factors into account to ensure you pick the right opportunities.
Before you make your move, you should evaluate your options carefully. Here are some strategies to help you make a smoother transition from your current career into a different one:
Look for opportunities closer to home
If you’re not ready to make a big leap to another company in another industry, find out if there might be opportunities to learn different skills in the organisation in which you currently work. You’ll already know the culture, will be able to use the organisational knowledge that you already have, and will learn new skills that you can take with you when you decide to leave for greener pastures in the future.
Go back to school
Take courses that are related to the new field to both increase your qualification and to get a feel for the field. Plenty of colleges and universities offer “open” courses, where you can study for certification, a diploma or even a degree in the comfort of your home. (Be sure to check their accreditations first.)
Retrofit your resume
Write a good resume to highlight skills you already have that will be useful in your new career. Study job advertisements for the career you plan to change to, and note which of your current skills can match up with the "wish list" of recruiters for those jobs. Project management, problem solving, effective leadership, hiring and training are all skills that can be successfully transferred. Shift the focus of your accomplishments to give credibility to those skills and prove your ability to cross industry or occupational lines. Needless to say, don’t be tempted to list skills or experience that you don’t actually have. Lying can be disastrous for your career change and can be all too easily exposed with a simple reference check.
See a career counselor
Career counseling may sound like something only college students would need, but counseling is available for experienced workers of all levels. Do not be intimidated to meet with a counselor, even if you are forty years old. In fact, career counselors are used to dealing with older clients.They exist for one reason: to help you identify your ideal career. While counseling may not help you pinpoint a new career path, it will help you gain more insight about your interests and what you can accomplish from there.
Go moonlighting
Get a feel of the industry you plan to join by “moonlighting” in that industry on a part-time or volunteer basis, just to get to know the culture and the people. For example, if you are an architect who is eager to become a travel writer, start out by volunteering to write for your organization’s newsletter and slowly but surely make the transition into travel writing. You will then have a better idea if this is the right move for you, and also add solid experience points to your resume.
Have a safety net just in case
Are you willing to earn less just because you want to try something new? Are you willing to relocate? Make sure you’re financially set up to take care of bills, rent and basic necessities if the new position doesn’t work out for some reason. If you find yourself in a desperate position, you may be forced to take the first offer that comes along – and find yourself right back at square one.
Conclusion
Changing careers may seem like a daunting task. Your friends and family may advise you that you’ve lost your mind; employers in your new field may question your lack of experience; and you may find yourself doubting your own ability to make the change. But if you truly feel that you could flourish in a different field, don’t be discouraged! The field that you chose when you first entered the working world does not have to be the one you retire from.
Although unhappiness with one’s current career is a common reason for wanting to switch tracks, not everyone who seeks a career change is unhappy with his or her current job. Maybe you’ve discovered that your real passion lies elsewhere. Maybe you find that your current job doesn’t give you a sense of personal achievement or satisfaction. Or maybe you want a less stressful job so you can take better care of your family. Make sure to take all these factors into account to ensure you pick the right opportunities.
Before you make your move, you should evaluate your options carefully. Here are some strategies to help you make a smoother transition from your current career into a different one:
Look for opportunities closer to home
If you’re not ready to make a big leap to another company in another industry, find out if there might be opportunities to learn different skills in the organisation in which you currently work. You’ll already know the culture, will be able to use the organisational knowledge that you already have, and will learn new skills that you can take with you when you decide to leave for greener pastures in the future.
Go back to school
Take courses that are related to the new field to both increase your qualification and to get a feel for the field. Plenty of colleges and universities offer “open” courses, where you can study for certification, a diploma or even a degree in the comfort of your home. (Be sure to check their accreditations first.)
Retrofit your resume
Write a good resume to highlight skills you already have that will be useful in your new career. Study job advertisements for the career you plan to change to, and note which of your current skills can match up with the "wish list" of recruiters for those jobs. Project management, problem solving, effective leadership, hiring and training are all skills that can be successfully transferred. Shift the focus of your accomplishments to give credibility to those skills and prove your ability to cross industry or occupational lines. Needless to say, don’t be tempted to list skills or experience that you don’t actually have. Lying can be disastrous for your career change and can be all too easily exposed with a simple reference check.
See a career counselor
Career counseling may sound like something only college students would need, but counseling is available for experienced workers of all levels. Do not be intimidated to meet with a counselor, even if you are forty years old. In fact, career counselors are used to dealing with older clients.They exist for one reason: to help you identify your ideal career. While counseling may not help you pinpoint a new career path, it will help you gain more insight about your interests and what you can accomplish from there.
Go moonlighting
Get a feel of the industry you plan to join by “moonlighting” in that industry on a part-time or volunteer basis, just to get to know the culture and the people. For example, if you are an architect who is eager to become a travel writer, start out by volunteering to write for your organization’s newsletter and slowly but surely make the transition into travel writing. You will then have a better idea if this is the right move for you, and also add solid experience points to your resume.
Have a safety net just in case
Are you willing to earn less just because you want to try something new? Are you willing to relocate? Make sure you’re financially set up to take care of bills, rent and basic necessities if the new position doesn’t work out for some reason. If you find yourself in a desperate position, you may be forced to take the first offer that comes along – and find yourself right back at square one.
Conclusion
Changing careers may seem like a daunting task. Your friends and family may advise you that you’ve lost your mind; employers in your new field may question your lack of experience; and you may find yourself doubting your own ability to make the change. But if you truly feel that you could flourish in a different field, don’t be discouraged! The field that you chose when you first entered the working world does not have to be the one you retire from.
10 Steps to Pitch Yourself and Elevate Your Career
Imagine this scenario: You're in a lift. The doors open and someone walks in. You glance at the newcomer and – it's Dato' Lim Kok Wing! Dato' Tony Fernandes! Bill Gates! (Insert the name of a CEO you've always wanted to work for!) This is the opportunity of a lifetime, and you've got one elevator ride - just 30 seconds or even less – to introduce yourself and impress Dato' Lim, Dato' Tony or Bill enough to hire you.
Unlikely, you say? Think again! Throughout your career, you will be presented with many chances to quickly impress someone who could change your life. Whether these opportunities happen at networking events, at conferences, or even in an elevator, make sure you've prepared with an "elevator pitch."
"Elevator pitch" is a term coined by venture capitalists to describe a brief but concise sales pitch to get an investor to fund a new product or service (30 seconds is the average length of an elevator ride in an average building). As a jobseeker, an elevator pitch is like a TV commercial for yourself - it sums up why you're awesome and the employer should hire you.
The key point of your elevator pitch is not to ask the person to do something for you – it's to tell that person what you can do for him or her.
Prep Your Pitch
A good elevator pitch should sound impromptu, but you'll need to prepare it in advance to get it that way. If you're stuck on how to condense your 10-year career into 30 seconds, or on how to stretch your lack of work experience, keep in mind the following six questions that your elevator pitch must answer:
1)Who are you?
2) What do you do?
3) What can you do for me?
4) Why should I hire you?
5) How can I contact you?
Write Down Your Accomplishments
Start by writing down your top five work or academic accomplishments. If you don't have much work experience or are still studying, start with your highest educational qualification or most recent job, and state what your career goal is.
Describe Them
Describe each accomplishment. State what the situation was, what you did, and the results.
Narrow Down
Narrow down each accomplishment to a single statement. Use action verbs like I achieved..., I led..., I created..., I developed...
Analyze That
Analyse what you've written. Do your top accomplishments reflect a theme or specialty? Are you all about growth, customer focus, sales excellence, product innovation, etc.? Take those statements that share the same theme, and again, combine them into a single statement.
Highlight Yourself
Pick the statement that says the most about you and what you want to be, and make it the highlight of your pitch, right after your introduction. Don't use industry jargon, as chances are the person you're talking to may not be familiar with your field. If you confuse them, you won't impress them.
Closing Pitch
Close out your pitch with a clear request for a time to follow up.
Read Out Loud
Read your pitch out loud in a natural tone of voice and speed (don't rush!) and time yourself to make sure it is under 30 seconds. Edit out unnecessary words if you have to, read again, and revise again until it sounds right.
Practise, Practise, Practise
Rehearse so that you don't sound like you rehearsed. Practise saying your elevator pitch out loud, first to yourself. When you're comfortable with it, practise it on family and friends, and ask them for feedback on the content and your performance.
Master Your Key Points
Focus on mastering the key points of your elevator pitch, rather than memorizing a fixed script. That way, it's easier to customize it to suit the situation and the person you're talking to, and you'll sound more natural too.
Deliver with Confidence
Deliver your pitch in a confident manner. Look the other person in the eye, smile (but don't grin), and offer a firm handshake – always be the first to do so to demonstrate your initiative.
Conclusion
Nowadays, it's not enough to just hand over your business card or your resume – you need to accompany it with a short and professional, but memorable, self-introduction. Take the upcoming JobsDB Career Fair for example – with over a hundred exhibitor booths and thousands of visitors expected, you'll have only a very short time to make a positive impression on recruiters so that when they review the hundreds of resumes they've received, yours will stand out.
Your elevator pitch can also double as your "Tell me a little about yourself" answer during a job interview. If you are looking for a job, repeating your elevator pitch to yourself at the start of every day can be a quick but encouraging reminder of why you are the best at what you do.
And one fine day, when Dato' Lim, Dato’ Tony or Bill walks into your elevator, you'll be confident and prepared!
Unlikely, you say? Think again! Throughout your career, you will be presented with many chances to quickly impress someone who could change your life. Whether these opportunities happen at networking events, at conferences, or even in an elevator, make sure you've prepared with an "elevator pitch."
"Elevator pitch" is a term coined by venture capitalists to describe a brief but concise sales pitch to get an investor to fund a new product or service (30 seconds is the average length of an elevator ride in an average building). As a jobseeker, an elevator pitch is like a TV commercial for yourself - it sums up why you're awesome and the employer should hire you.
The key point of your elevator pitch is not to ask the person to do something for you – it's to tell that person what you can do for him or her.
Prep Your Pitch
A good elevator pitch should sound impromptu, but you'll need to prepare it in advance to get it that way. If you're stuck on how to condense your 10-year career into 30 seconds, or on how to stretch your lack of work experience, keep in mind the following six questions that your elevator pitch must answer:
1)Who are you?
2) What do you do?
3) What can you do for me?
4) Why should I hire you?
5) How can I contact you?
Write Down Your Accomplishments
Start by writing down your top five work or academic accomplishments. If you don't have much work experience or are still studying, start with your highest educational qualification or most recent job, and state what your career goal is.
Describe Them
Describe each accomplishment. State what the situation was, what you did, and the results.
Narrow Down
Narrow down each accomplishment to a single statement. Use action verbs like I achieved..., I led..., I created..., I developed...
Analyze That
Analyse what you've written. Do your top accomplishments reflect a theme or specialty? Are you all about growth, customer focus, sales excellence, product innovation, etc.? Take those statements that share the same theme, and again, combine them into a single statement.
Highlight Yourself
Pick the statement that says the most about you and what you want to be, and make it the highlight of your pitch, right after your introduction. Don't use industry jargon, as chances are the person you're talking to may not be familiar with your field. If you confuse them, you won't impress them.
Closing Pitch
Close out your pitch with a clear request for a time to follow up.
Read Out Loud
Read your pitch out loud in a natural tone of voice and speed (don't rush!) and time yourself to make sure it is under 30 seconds. Edit out unnecessary words if you have to, read again, and revise again until it sounds right.
Practise, Practise, Practise
Rehearse so that you don't sound like you rehearsed. Practise saying your elevator pitch out loud, first to yourself. When you're comfortable with it, practise it on family and friends, and ask them for feedback on the content and your performance.
Master Your Key Points
Focus on mastering the key points of your elevator pitch, rather than memorizing a fixed script. That way, it's easier to customize it to suit the situation and the person you're talking to, and you'll sound more natural too.
Deliver with Confidence
Deliver your pitch in a confident manner. Look the other person in the eye, smile (but don't grin), and offer a firm handshake – always be the first to do so to demonstrate your initiative.
Conclusion
Nowadays, it's not enough to just hand over your business card or your resume – you need to accompany it with a short and professional, but memorable, self-introduction. Take the upcoming JobsDB Career Fair for example – with over a hundred exhibitor booths and thousands of visitors expected, you'll have only a very short time to make a positive impression on recruiters so that when they review the hundreds of resumes they've received, yours will stand out.
Your elevator pitch can also double as your "Tell me a little about yourself" answer during a job interview. If you are looking for a job, repeating your elevator pitch to yourself at the start of every day can be a quick but encouraging reminder of why you are the best at what you do.
And one fine day, when Dato' Lim, Dato’ Tony or Bill walks into your elevator, you'll be confident and prepared!
Rabu, 08 Juli 2009
Career Resource Blog
Hello everybody. How have you been and hope it has been a wonderful first half of 2009. Okay, I know that things were not exactly bed of roses as far as job market is concerned. That’s why we are stepping up our effort in helping with awareness of job (especially your dream career and you can count on it) by entering the blogsphere.
I mean, let’s face it; there are so many things happening around us. We have our own Log In and Win contest (just check out our site and you will see that those are real people with real iPods and movie tickets), and lots of activities that is seriously going to benefit you.
So, here we are. Let’s get the ball rolling. Please write in your comments on subjects you feel relevant here. Hey, if it is a good enough subject, I might make separate post on it and get the folks in to dish in their two cents. Put it in your blogroll if you can. Take it easy, and keep watching this space.
I mean, let’s face it; there are so many things happening around us. We have our own Log In and Win contest (just check out our site and you will see that those are real people with real iPods and movie tickets), and lots of activities that is seriously going to benefit you.
So, here we are. Let’s get the ball rolling. Please write in your comments on subjects you feel relevant here. Hey, if it is a good enough subject, I might make separate post on it and get the folks in to dish in their two cents. Put it in your blogroll if you can. Take it easy, and keep watching this space.
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