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.
Langganan:
Postingan (Atom)