The role of a resume has always been subjective. It depends on the owner. Some serves as an identity of the candidate, some serves as the credibility certificate and most, as the communication skills of job seekers finds new low, as the only source of information on the jobseekers.
What is a resume by the way? Originally spelled as résumé, Merriam Webster dictionary defines it as a summary of a set of accomplishments. Answer.com says it is “a brief account of one's professional or work experience and qualifications, often submitted with an employment application”.
It’s time to take another look as one thing is for certain, resume is not your business card to be stored away by employers for future reference, and a resume is your personal assistant that should work for you!
Indeed, it is a summary of you and your qualifications, a tool and a marketing brochure of you and your career. It is true and it is persuasive in its approach and not just a mere template.
Its purpose is simple: to get you an interview!
Your readers
Yes, you have a reader, whether or not you realise it. A writer craves recognition from his or her readers. A sports columnists throws his views and opinions that should intrigue and trigger response to sports enthusiasts, while a political journalist would comment on the current state of the nation to the amusement or the dismay of newspaper readers with a nose for armchair politics.
Likewise, a resume is basically a piece of literature, albeit non-fiction of yours, that should pique the interest of your readers.
Who are your resume readers then?
Well, there are actually two stages of readers. On the first stage occupies human resource (HR) executives and HR Managers. The second stage would see readers such as the hiring managers (big corporations), department heads followed by general managers, managing directors and chief executive officers.
In short, it’s no ordinary bunch of readers you have there…and it shows how much the content of your resume is worth.
Most writers write with readers in their mind. A typical reader would appreciate this and that content; expect this and that issue, can digest this and that conclusion. It is no different with your resume.
The difference here is you have two set of readers. Here the first stage readers (remember, the HR execs and managers) would do a skim-scan, meaning they have no time to delve into details, just quick to the point on whether or not to shortlist you. This is where brevity matters.
Readers Objectives
Their main objective is two:
1. To disqualify as many candidates as possible
2. To shortlist listing candidates
The first objective certainly sounds nasty, but someone has to do it and an ineffective resume, i.e. totally unreadable and messy resume, no matter how great the experience and qualification is, may not appeal to these eyes.
Once cleared, your resume moves on to the second stage where the decision makers reside. Here, they know that the first stage had shortlisted the best possible candidates and their job has become simpler. They simply have to look at the qualification and match experience with requirements and specific needs, and find Best Possible Fit.
So bear that in mind. Your readers come first when it comes to sitting down and drafting that darned resume of yours. It takes a lot of courage to be honest and honesty is what selling many writers out there and there are no reasons why you resume should be different.
Rabu, 18 Agustus 2010
Senin, 26 Juli 2010
Professional Grooming
Personal grooming nowadays, believe it or not, is associated more with pets than human beings. This is not helped by the TV series or documentaries showing helpless canines and felines undergoing makeover and transformed into well-groomed pet.
Like it or not, your first impression during the interview includes how good you look, no matter how well you perform. Now, here’s an opportunity where you can be equipped with soft skills that will give you the added advantage during interviews or even other social occasions.
You will gain a better understanding on the importance of good grooming, individual skin & hair types and how to care for them, basic personal make-up skills, professional conduct and etiquette in a social and business setting as well as its positive impact in both their personal and professional lives.
Event: Professional Grooming
Date: August 11th, 2010
Time: 10.00 am (registration at 9.30am)
Venue: Jobseekers’ Advocate Centre
29th Floor, Wisma UOA II (opposite KL Convention Centre),
21, Jalan Pinang
50450
Target audience: HR Personnel & Job Seekers.
Trainers: Zarina Zainal & Samantha Chin of Inspiring Individuals
Participants will learn
A) Projecting a Professional Image
Professional Image vs Personal Image
Grooming Standards: Projecting the Professional Image
Wardrobe Styling
Body Types – Vertical & Horizontal
Lines & Designs
Psychology of Colour
Personal Hygiene
Hair Care & Styles
B) Etiquette
First Impressions
Meetings & Greetings
Business Etiquette
Social Etiquette
Professional Behaviour
C) Deportment
Posture
Sitting
Walking
Contact: Bertrand Chua at 03 – 2176 0024 or email at suisoon@jobsdb.com.my
Senin, 05 Juli 2010
Cover Letter: Huh? What is That?
Coming back to our Resume Q&A series, another most frequently asked question was about Cover Letter. What is it? When do one write a cover letter? What do you put inside the cover letter? Dead rat?
Before that picture this if you will: back when there was no internet, no mobile phone (there was but usually they are used to wedge car tyres on a slope) and worst, no satellite TV channels and you are already squirming.
Well, here’s the worst part. Those applying for job has to write in. Yes, write physically. Use pen or a typewriter to write a prose which basically says that you are looking to fill certain vacancies you saw in a newspaper and persuading them to give you an interview where they grill you to concede that you are not the right person for the job. Okay, I am kidding, but that was the cover letter used for…and here’s even more troubling part, you have to post them in what is now known as snail-mail. Those days it was known as snail-on-chain-mail, because it was even slower and sometimes they never even get delivered.
Well, if you had enough of the above horror let me reiterate to you that cover letter have not existed and in fact, very much exists….a reminder especially for those who only apply job through job portal through ours. Let’s get to the questions
So, what is a cover letter in nutshell?
And introduction of yourself, and your intent in having an interview session. Here, you inform them who you are, which vacancy you are looking at filling, and what can you contribute to the organisation.
Contribute? Like Contribution Statement?
Precisely. Remember Contribution Statement from the previous Q&A? Use that here after introducing yourself, it will be a good prelude to the mail receiver before reading your resume.
In fact, some may even not read your resume because you have an impressive cover letter and an awesome Contribution Statement. But remember, you have to be true and persuasive, any smell of bull dung may motivate them to delete your mail. Unlike the old days of getting into rage, tearing your letters to pieces, balling them and aiming the wastebasket and missing it, all it takes these days is just one click and they would do it happily.
Do we really need to write a cover letter?
Not if you use the online recruitment services like JobsDB. Sure, we encourage you to use our search function, go through many job offerings and just click on your job of choice.
It also helps if you also write them a personalised cover letter, cite where you found the job posting (posted on JobsDB on [date]) and upload a resume tailor-made for that particular organisation.
Can you give samples of cover letter?
There are many online, but we encourage you to start from scratch. Here are few introduction paragraphs, just to give you an idea:
“I am writing to introduce myself to you as a student of
“ I am writing with reference to your advertisement in JobsDB.com for want of a Senior Accountant. I consider that my credentials and interests matches with your requirement and want to apply for the same.”
Or a simpler one like this:
“My name is Bob Tan and I am currently working in XYZ Bhd as a sales manager. I am writing in reference to your job vacancy posting in JobsDB.com for Sales Director position”.
For more info, you can write to me, rakeshkukmar@jobsdb.com.my.
Alternatively, you can come to our resume workshop. Details as follows:
Venue: Jobseekers’ Advocate Training Centre
Date: 14th August, 2010
Time: 10 am – 1pm
To register, write to Bertrand Chua at suisoon@jobsdb.com.my or call us at 03 – 2161 0000.
Rabu, 23 Juni 2010
JobsDB.com Re-establishes Position as Industry Innovator With “Dynamic Job Search on Map” and “Dashboard” design
Innovative and revolutionary new features to enable users to multi-task
Kuala Lumpur - 24 June 2010 – JobsDB.com, Asia Pacific’s leading job site, today launched a complete revamp of its website to give millions of jobseekers and employers an enhanced experience in their search for jobs or candidates. Its newest feature, “Dynamic Job Search on Map”, a location-based search interface, allows jobseekers to look at relevant jobs in specified locations. Users can view thousands of jobs on an in-built map on the fly, and these jobs will change as the search criteria is updated and the map is dragged. This feature is a first for any job portal in the region.
Efficient “Dashboard” Design
JobsDB.com’s new website aims to take the job search process to the next level. Focusing on user experience and improved efficiency, the proprietary system utilises a “dashboard” design which allows jobseekers and employers to perform multiple tasks on a single page without irritating page changes and pop-ups frequently experienced by web users. Through a split-screen display, named “Preview Mode”, jobseekers can view up to 100 job templates on the same page. Likewise, in “Resume Preview”, employers can open up to 100 brief or full resumes and process them under the same user-friendly design.
Industry Innovator
Since its inception, JobsDB.com has frequently enhanced its website with innovative and revolutionary designs. In 1998, it was the first to introduce “Job Alert”, emails customised to jobseeker’s search criteria, and the “Jobseeker-controlled Resume Release” function which safeguarded the privacy of its members. The “Paperless Job Fair”, also became a technological showcase for the company. These and other original designs have since become features adopted by the street and other jobsites in the region.
New features to be released in July
JobsDB.com will be launching its latest RMS (Recruitment Management System) with additional ground-breaking features in July.
Building Self-confidence In the Workplace
We secretly admire the doctors and medical practitioners who treats us for our many illnesses. He seems so sure of himself and is such a miracle because he can cure us of our tummy aches, influenzas and the occasional runny nose. There is a reason why we are so drawn to him and are able to connect with him. He has what we call "self confidence".
Confidence is a vital aspect of our day-to-day lives and is especially important in the workplace. After all, you would not be appreciative of a colleague who fumbles and trips over his words while doing a presentation. Unfortunately, not everyone was born with "built-in" self confidence. In fact, many of us had to work hard to achieve some semblance of confidence. People with low confidence and self-esteem often feel unappreciated and find it hard to succeed. The good thing is that it can be achieved with time and effort. Rome was not built in a day, so don't expect the same for yourself and do not push yourself to the limit.
You can easily distinguish a self-confident person from others. They stand tall and proud with their head held high and answer questions clearly but calmly. You will feel instinctively drawn to them because they inspire others around them. This automatically concludes that a self-confident person is often more successful than those who are not.
How confident are you to your colleagues? Take a breather and answer some of these questions to see if you need a crash course in building your confidence.
1. Do you always behave like how others expect you to?
2. Do you manage your behaviour based on what other people think?
3.Do you prefer to stay in your comfort zone and avoid taking up risks and challenging tasks?
4.Do you often find yourself scrambling to fix mistakes so that other people won't notice?
5.Do you feel yourself blushing in shame every time someone points out your mistakes?
If you answered "yes" to two or more of the above questions, then it's time you fix this. A person with low self-confidence is often self-destructive. Confidence is a mixture of courage, strength and the ability to pick yourself up when something fails.
Take pride in what you have achieved
Keep a log book or a diary and jot down all the achievements you have made. Perhaps you have closed a successful sales deal or have been recently promoted. Take note of praises and words of encouragement from your superior. For days when you feel down and demoted, flip through the pages and re-read some of your successes. They are a constant reminder that you can do it and are able to achieve more if you set your heart to it.
Be a go-getter
Set realistic goals for yourself and stick to it. Say "I will complete this project in a fortnight" and not "I think I can complete it in a fortnight". If you make a strong reinforcement to the statement, chances are your brain will register and you will be able to meet the deadline. Also, try to set goals that will highlight your strengths and minimize your weaknesses.
Receive a compliment graciously
It is a natural instinct for Asians to be overly humble when someone compliments them. Don't be. Acknowledge that you deserve the compliment because you have worked hard for it. Smile and say "Thank you. It was really nice of you to notice my work. I'm very proud of it as well" and not "Oh, it was nothing. Anyone could have done it." The former shows that you are capable of handling tough projects while the latter says that you are a pessimist, plus it also gives the impression that your job is an easy-peasy one!
Positive self-talk
At this point, you have to start managing what goes in and out of your brain. Yes, you might have had a terrible experience at your last job and it has sucked out all of your self esteem and confidence. It is now time to let go and move on. Eliminate all negative self-talk and replace them with positive ones. One good tip that I've learnt is to stick colourful pictures on your wall, in your car, or any other places that are convenient to you. Stick a smiley face to remind you to smile. Put phrases of encouragement and frame them up.
Celebrate
Last but not least, celebrate to rejoice in the fact you have worked diligently to bring your self-confidence to another level. Allow yourself some fun. After this, stretch yourself a little bit more. Make your goals bigger and challenge yourself more. Take it one step at a time at a pace that's comfortable to you. Some people take three months; others may take up to six months or more. You will slowly notice a difference in yourself.
Confidence is a vital aspect of our day-to-day lives and is especially important in the workplace. After all, you would not be appreciative of a colleague who fumbles and trips over his words while doing a presentation. Unfortunately, not everyone was born with "built-in" self confidence. In fact, many of us had to work hard to achieve some semblance of confidence. People with low confidence and self-esteem often feel unappreciated and find it hard to succeed. The good thing is that it can be achieved with time and effort. Rome was not built in a day, so don't expect the same for yourself and do not push yourself to the limit.
You can easily distinguish a self-confident person from others. They stand tall and proud with their head held high and answer questions clearly but calmly. You will feel instinctively drawn to them because they inspire others around them. This automatically concludes that a self-confident person is often more successful than those who are not.
How confident are you to your colleagues? Take a breather and answer some of these questions to see if you need a crash course in building your confidence.
1. Do you always behave like how others expect you to?
2. Do you manage your behaviour based on what other people think?
3.Do you prefer to stay in your comfort zone and avoid taking up risks and challenging tasks?
4.Do you often find yourself scrambling to fix mistakes so that other people won't notice?
5.Do you feel yourself blushing in shame every time someone points out your mistakes?
If you answered "yes" to two or more of the above questions, then it's time you fix this. A person with low self-confidence is often self-destructive. Confidence is a mixture of courage, strength and the ability to pick yourself up when something fails.
Take pride in what you have achieved
Keep a log book or a diary and jot down all the achievements you have made. Perhaps you have closed a successful sales deal or have been recently promoted. Take note of praises and words of encouragement from your superior. For days when you feel down and demoted, flip through the pages and re-read some of your successes. They are a constant reminder that you can do it and are able to achieve more if you set your heart to it.
Be a go-getter
Set realistic goals for yourself and stick to it. Say "I will complete this project in a fortnight" and not "I think I can complete it in a fortnight". If you make a strong reinforcement to the statement, chances are your brain will register and you will be able to meet the deadline. Also, try to set goals that will highlight your strengths and minimize your weaknesses.
Receive a compliment graciously
It is a natural instinct for Asians to be overly humble when someone compliments them. Don't be. Acknowledge that you deserve the compliment because you have worked hard for it. Smile and say "Thank you. It was really nice of you to notice my work. I'm very proud of it as well" and not "Oh, it was nothing. Anyone could have done it." The former shows that you are capable of handling tough projects while the latter says that you are a pessimist, plus it also gives the impression that your job is an easy-peasy one!
Positive self-talk
At this point, you have to start managing what goes in and out of your brain. Yes, you might have had a terrible experience at your last job and it has sucked out all of your self esteem and confidence. It is now time to let go and move on. Eliminate all negative self-talk and replace them with positive ones. One good tip that I've learnt is to stick colourful pictures on your wall, in your car, or any other places that are convenient to you. Stick a smiley face to remind you to smile. Put phrases of encouragement and frame them up.
Celebrate
Last but not least, celebrate to rejoice in the fact you have worked diligently to bring your self-confidence to another level. Allow yourself some fun. After this, stretch yourself a little bit more. Make your goals bigger and challenge yourself more. Take it one step at a time at a pace that's comfortable to you. Some people take three months; others may take up to six months or more. You will slowly notice a difference in yourself.
Selasa, 22 Juni 2010
Resume Q&A: Making Contribution Statement
During the recent months, JobsDB
Q: What is Contribution Statement?
We brought in the element called Contribution Statement, instead of the usual Career Objective. In these times of Knowledge Workers, an employee is beyond job definition. A unique contribution from job candidates should come from combinations of talent, passion, conscience and need. What can you bring to the organisation that is uniquely you, and would help fill in the gaps in the organisation, and perhaps even make it grow stronger.
Q: Do we need to make a Contributions Statement?
Here is a quote from the excellent book by Stephen R. Covey and Jennifer Colosimo called, Great Work Great Career:
“People who are only looking for job have resumes. People looking to make great careers, have Contribution Statement”.
It further notes, “ a great career comes down to making a great contribution, to making a difference that matters to you and to the people you serve. Envisioning, defining and designing your contribution statement is the first step on the path to a great career”.
Q: Is it against the norm, instead of Career Objectives, you put Contribution Statement?
Not at all. Career objective is about the resume writer, his or her aspirations, and ambitions. Employers looking to hire a good candidate are more interested on what the candidates can offer to the company using his or her passion in life, talents, skills, rather than what they want to do with themselves. Contribution Statement also helps the hiring folks to summarise your resume and get to know you better before even meeting you face to face.
So, it is okay to have Contribution Statement instead of Career Objectives. If you are not sure, you can have them both, it’s not wrong.
Q: Can we have some examples of Contribution Statement
“Because my high-risk students are likely to drop out of my school, I will call on my background as an actor….To make my classes as entertaining as possible in order to hold their interest” – A high school Teacher.
“Most software projects fail because of constantly shifting expectations, so I am going to borrow from my background in coaching rugby…to help my team maintain their commitment to a goal while continually adjusting their approach to changing circumstances,” – Project Manager.
“Since the company needs better content digitally, and more exposure through media, I shall use my experience as a writer for many publication and contribute more creative contents and use my experience in the media to get the company additional coverage,” – Online content editor.
If you have further query, don’t hesitate to write to rakeshkumar@jobsdb.com.my.
If You are interested in participating in the next FREE Resume Workshop, on July 3rd, 2010, contact Bertrand Chua at 03 – 2176 0024 or write to suisoon@jobsdb.com.my
Kamis, 17 Juni 2010
How To Overcome Procrastination
Does this sound familiar?
Each and every day you go into your office prepared to take on the tasks you have been or will be assigned. As the day goes by you find yourself looking for every possible excuse to do something other than work on some of the tasks. You have made a considerable effort to remain focused during the day however you cannot seem to fight procrastination. Are you the only one with this problem? What can you do to break this bad habit?”
You are certainly not alone in experiencing this; unfortunately for us all procrastination is something that everyone deals with. There is no way to completely eliminate it from our lives. If we build time into our schedules for procrastination we’ll be in a better position to handle it right off the bat. Here are some tips to overcome procrastination:
1. Work on tasks promptly
Complete task as soon as practical, while you know you have enough time to do it correctly.
2. Change negative thoughts
Do not agonize over tasks. Instead, think of the enjoyment and the relief in getting the job done.
3. Break large tasks down
Make tasks more manageable and work on “getting started”. Try just tackling five minutes of the project and you might find you’ve worked longer than planned.
4. Become Enthusiastic
Muster up the motivation and enthusiasm about the job or task. Talk to the right people and get you reenergized.
Each and every day you go into your office prepared to take on the tasks you have been or will be assigned. As the day goes by you find yourself looking for every possible excuse to do something other than work on some of the tasks. You have made a considerable effort to remain focused during the day however you cannot seem to fight procrastination. Are you the only one with this problem? What can you do to break this bad habit?”
You are certainly not alone in experiencing this; unfortunately for us all procrastination is something that everyone deals with. There is no way to completely eliminate it from our lives. If we build time into our schedules for procrastination we’ll be in a better position to handle it right off the bat. Here are some tips to overcome procrastination:
1. Work on tasks promptly
Complete task as soon as practical, while you know you have enough time to do it correctly.
2. Change negative thoughts
Do not agonize over tasks. Instead, think of the enjoyment and the relief in getting the job done.
3. Break large tasks down
Make tasks more manageable and work on “getting started”. Try just tackling five minutes of the project and you might find you’ve worked longer than planned.
4. Become Enthusiastic
Muster up the motivation and enthusiasm about the job or task. Talk to the right people and get you reenergized.
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