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What’s an elevator pitch and how you can create one for your job search

Do you know what an elevator pitch is? Want to make a smart guess? As its name suggests, it has got to do with a pitch you can make if you were to meet a valuable contact in a lift ride.

According to the Cambridge dictionary, an elevator pitch is “a short but effective explanation that is intended to persuade someone to buy a product or accept an idea”. It could also be “a short description of a product or business idea, especially one given to a possible investor”.

With a rough idea of what an elevator pitch is, let’s zoom in on the steps on how to create one you can use in the context of a job search.

#1: Pen down one sentence

Image Credits: unsplash.com

If you’re reading this while waiting in queue to get your daily takeout, you might want to type this down on your phone somewhere. For those who are sitting at your desk right now, reach out for a pen and paper. Then, write down just one sentence why you think you’re worthy of entering XYZ company.

This move will help you get started on revolving your elevator pitch on that one idea. In other words, it’s the crux of your talk. It should be confident, optimistic, showcases your strengths, and reveals how your previous experience can assist you to be a top achiever in the new position.

Here are some examples for your consideration:

I’m a sales executive with extensive retail experience of the kind this role requires.
As a CFO in three consulting firms, I bring substantial industry experience to this crucial role.
I have a strong track record in HR, and I believe my accomplishments will be an asset to your firm.

#2: Craft an opening

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Once the heart of your elevator pitch is ready, it’s time to move on to craft an opening. Ideally, one that is warm and has the potential to build rapport with the contact you’re speaking to.

Should you be using this opening pitch at an interview session, then your opening to your recruiter could be something like: “I’ve studied this position at your company, and I am excited by what I see.”

If you’re meeting an acquaintance who’s working in the same company you’ve applied to, and you’re thinking of gaining a tip or two, maybe you can try saying: “It’s nice to meet you here. I’m getting ready for an interview at your company and wondering if there is any advice you can give on how I can land the job I’ve applied in the HR department.”

#3: Get into the specifics

Image Credits: Freepik

By now, you should have your core message and an opening all written down. Great work! Now, moving on to the halfway mark. In this step, you will want to go into the specifics. By that, we mean the experience and successes you’ve had in your job positions.

To prove that you’re serious about contributing to the company because you’ve done similar tasks at your previous one, list it. Give a few concise reasons why you think you should get the contract.

Here are some for your reference:

My track record includes administering our benefits program.
It also involved designing and overseeing an employee satisfaction program.
Finally, I have led a team of 12, and we have surpassed all our targets.

Job seekers who have been through several jobs can still get into the details by chronologically listing down your achievements from one position to the next.

#4: Add a call to action

Image Credits: Only Simchas

Marketers would know this very well. A call to action (CTA) is a marketing strategy that involves using words or phrases to induce immediate actions from the target audience. This is crucial for job seekers because you’re now attempting to market yourself to your potential employer.

It’s not an easy task, either. Let’s say you happen to meet a useful contact who’s working in the same firm you’re planning to apply to. In this case, your CTA might be for that particular individual to provide you with a reference email or call to be made on your behalf.

For interviewees, your CTA after a seemingly pleasant conversation should be something like: “I love what I’ve heard, I’m looking forward to next steps, and I trust that you will be in touch soon. When can I expect to hear from you?”

#5: Customise according to situations

Image Credits: Freepik

So you’ve successfully created your personalised elevator speech. Now, it’s time to string them together and check for coherency. Be mindful that you can customise the different sections based on the situations you’re in.

Also, lest you think you have to deliver the entire script word for word, do not misunderstand. In a conversational context, especially an impromptu meeting, time may not necessarily be on your side. But having a written elevator pitch can provide you with a narrative thread at the back of mind for you to retrieve when the opportunity presents itself.

Play it by ear when the time calls for it!

Fundamental Differences Between Stocks And Bonds

As a novice in the world of investments, it is important to know the basic differences between stocks and bonds. Stocks provide partial ownership in a corporation, while bonds are loans from an individual to a company or government.

One of the biggest differences between these two is how they generate profit. Stocks must appreciate in value and be sold later on. On the other hand, bonds pay fixed interest over time. Continue reading this article to know other notable differences between stocks and bonds.

STOCK MARKET VERSUS BOND MARKET

A place where investors can trade equity securities such as common stocks is called the stock market. Buying stocks (i.e., equity securities) entails that you are buying a very small ownership stake in a company. Equity holders purchase stocks in a company on a belief that it will perform well and that the value of the shares they purchased will increase. These stocks are traded on stock exchanges.

The key function of the stock market is to bring sellers and buyers together into a regulated, fair, and controlled environment where they can execute their trades. This regulated environment not only helps the investors, but also the corporations whose equity securities are being traded. The economy thrives when the stock market remains its robustness.

Let us move on to the bond market. The bond market is where investors go to trade debt securities (e.g., bonds), which may be issued by the governments or the corporations. The bond market is also known as the credit or debt market. Buying a bond or a debt security entails that you are lending money for a period of time and charging interest. You can compare the process to how banks charge interests to its debtors.

The key function of the bond market is to provide its investors with a steady, albeit nominal, source of regular income. In some cases, investors receive bi-annual interest payments. Many investors choose to hold bonds in their portfolios to save money for long-term needs such as retirement and their child’s education.

WHERE STOCKS AND BONDS ARE TRADED

Stocks are traded on exchanges, which are places where buyers and sellers decide on a price. Some exchanges are carried out on a trading floor or other physical locations. While, other exchanges are carried out virtually and are composed of a network of computers.

In contrast, the bond market does not have a centralized location to trade. Bonds mainly sell over the counter. As such, individual investors do not usually participate in the bond market. Those who participate include large institutional investors like pension funds foundations, asset management firms, and investment banks. Individual investors who wish to invest in bonds do so through a bond fund managed by the asset manager.

RISKS OF STOCKS VERSUS RISKS OF BONDS

Investors of stocks may be exposed to risks such as currency risk, liquidity risk, interest rate risk, and geopolitical risk. Moreover, stocks run the risk that the company could perform poorly or fall into bankruptcy and disappear altogether.

When it comes to bonds, investors are more susceptible to risks such as interest rates and inflation. When the interest rates are high and you need to sell the bond before it matures, you may end up getting less than what you paid for. If you are purchasing a bond from a company that is not financially sound, you are embracing the risks of credit. The bond issuer may not be able to make the interest payments, leaving itself open to default.

BOTTOMLINE

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Many people opt to invest in both stocks and bonds to diversify. The appropriate mixture of stocks and bonds in your portfolio must consider your tolerance for risks, personal timeline, and investment objectives. Typically, stocks and bonds do not fluctuate at the same time. Think about that.

Sources: 1 & 2

Christmas Gift Ideas for 4 Different ‘Lovers’ In Your Life

As we all know, 2020 has been a whirlwind of a year. But don’t let that distract you from this fact: it’s beginning to look like Christmas!

Pandemic or not, it’s time to dust off the ornaments, set up the fir tree tucked away in your storeroom, and most importantly: start preparing your gifting list.

As we know, it can be tricky business shopping for loved ones. With different personalities, likes and dislikes, things can get pretty overwhelming. To help kickstart your festive planning, we rounded up a list of unique gifts for 4 types of ‘lovers’ you probably know. The best part? They won’t break the bank!

For the caffeine lover

From fancy oat milk lattes to traditional teh Cs, it’s safe to say that Singaporeans’ love for the brew knows no boundaries. Here’s our roundup of gifts you can get for your caffeine-loving pal. Be warned — you might end up getting a couple for yourself!

1. Hook Coffee Christmas Advent Calendar, S$50

Image credit: hookcoffee.com.sg

With so many brews, blends, and flavors in the market, trying them all might seem like an impossible task… until you get your hands on this calendar. With 24 different flavors, it’s perfect for those seeking a surprise in every cuppa.

Where to get: TANGS
Address: 310 Orchard Road, Tang Plaza, Singapore 238864
Opening hours: 11:30am – 8:30pm daily

2. Bodum Stainless Steel Travel Mug, S$29.80

Image credits: bodum.com

Goodbye, soggy paper cups. Meet the new favourite companion: a sturdy, stainless steel coffee mug. Wrapped in a distinctive non-slip silicone sleeve, this travel mug is designed with convenience and comfort in mind. And as we know, nothing beats a piping hot cuppa to kickstart the day, so why not make sure your loved one gets only the best?

Where to get: TANGS
Address: 310 Orchard Road, Tang Plaza, Singapore 238864
Opening hours: 11:30am – 8:30pm daily

3. Kindred Teas Teapot + Blooming Tea Set, S$42.75

Image credits: kindredteas.com

Not big on coffee? No problem. This local tea brand offers a wide variety of blooming tea that tastes as good as they look! From lychee to rose blends, these hand-threaded balls of tea might not look like much. However, once steeped in water, they slowly unfurl to form a gorgeous bouquet. Perfect for afternoon tea, and perfect for the ‘gram.

Where to get: Naiise Iconic @ Jewel Changi
Address: 78 Airport Boulevard Jewel, #02-205/206, Singapore 819666
Opening hours: Mon – Thurs: 11:30am – 8:30pm, Fri – Sun: 11:30am – 9:30pm

For the eco-conscious

Beyond the reusable straws and collapsible lunch boxes, here are some eco-friendly items for your friends looking to take a walk on the green side.

4. Purple & Pure Plantable Graphite Pencils, S$19.20

Image credits: naiise.com

Say goodbye to the days where we’d throw away pencils once they get too short to write with. Made with recycled newspaper, these pencils come in packs of 10 and each with a biodegradable seed capsule so that you can watch your stubs turn into plants.

Where to get: Naiise Iconic @ Jewel Changi
Address: 78 Airport Boulevard Jewel, #02-205/206, Singapore 819666
Opening hours: Mon – Thurs: 11:30am – 8:30pm, Fri – Sun: 11:30am – 9:30pm

5. Doiy 30-day Go Green Challenge, S$15

Image credits: naiise.com

Studies have shown that it takes roughly a month to cultivate a habit, so why not make it a little more fun and interactive? For those with friends who are looking to up their eco game, this makes the perfect gift! Over a month, individuals will receive one prompt a day, each giving tips on how to incorporate eco-friendly habits into their lifestyle.

Where to get: Naiise Iconic @ Jewel Changi
Address: 78 Airport Boulevard Jewel, #02-205/206, Singapore 819666
Opening hours: Mon – Thurs: 11:30am – 8:30pm, Fri – Sun: 11:30am – 9:30pm

For the lover of all things quirky

Instead of settling for the usual gag gift, make a (meaningful) statement this Christmas — you’ll thank us later!

6. The Little Drom Store Strangely Singaporean Weekly Planner, S$6.90

Image credits: thelittledromstore.com

A cutesy planner with a local twist, this weekly desk planner is perfect for those who love to jazz up their workplace with bright colors and fun prints. Each day of the week is accompanied by a hilariously fitting Singlish word depicting the mood. Available in 2 designs, this will make even the most disorganized person look twice — mai tu liao!

Where to get: TANGS
Address: 310 Orchard Road, Tang Plaza, Singapore 238864
Opening hours: 11:30am – 8:30pm daily

7. LUCKIES Smart-Phone Projector, S$45

Image credits: naiise.com

Designed for the homebody, this Smartphone Projector can turn every corner of the house into a makeshift cinema. Just pop your phone into the box, and you’re all set. Tip: If you’re gifting this, don’t forget to throw in a couple of snacks too!

Where to get: Naiise Iconic @ Jewel Changi
Address: 78 Airport Boulevard Jewel, #02-205/206, Singapore 819666
Opening hours: Mon – Thurs: 11:30am – 8:30pm, Fri – Sun: 11:30am – 9:30pm

8. Scratch Maps Original, S$39.90

Image credits: naiise.com

While we wait for the day borders reopen, we can satiate that wanderlust by travelling the world via a map and uncovering places to add to the bucket list in the meantime. However, this map is by no means an ordinary one. Once you’ve travelled to a country, simply scratch off the gold foil top layer to reveal the beautiful detailing beneath it. How’s that for bragging rights?

Where to get: Naiise Iconic @ Jewel Changi
Address: 78 Airport Boulevard Jewel, #02-205/206, Singapore 819666
Opening hours: Mon – Thurs: 11:30am – 8:30pm, Fri – Sun: 11:30am – 9:30pm

For the budding fitspo

If there’s anything the pandemic taught us, it’s our ability to adapt and improvise. With the Circuit Breaker came a slew of home gym set-ups, giving birth to a whole new tribe of fitspos. Why not use this chance to encourage your friends who have embarked on their fitness journey to continue doing so?

9. Fitbit Inspire HR Smart Watch, S$99

Image credits: courts.com.sg

The Fitbit Inspire may be an entry-level fitness tracker, but it gets the job done! It not only tracks your active minutes and number of calories burned but also your sleep cycle, while helping you set sleep goals. This device is perfect for those seeking to build healthy habits with the help of a smart device, without being too expensive.

Where to get: Courts Singapore
Address: Various locations islandwide. Click here to find your nearest store
Opening hours: Differs according to store.

10. Talking Toes ‘I’m Walking Tall’ Today Socks, S$13

Image credits: naiise.com

Whether it’s a jog in the park or an afternoon at the gym, it doesn’t hurt to add a pop of colour and a whole lotta inspiration to your step — literally! These socks come with a motivational quote to help remind you to walk tall and with confidence.

Where to get: Naiise Iconic @ Jewel Changi
Address: 78 Airport Boulevard Jewel, #02-205/206, Singapore 819666
Opening hours: Mon – Thurs: 11:30am – 8:30pm, Fri – Sun: 11:30am – 9:30pm

Tap to Pay for your Christmas Shopping

Ready for your shopping trip? Use NETS Contactless ATM card at these establishments and stand to win S$50 every month! From now till 31 December 2020, simply spend S$30 in a single transaction when you tap to pay with NETS and be automatically enrolled into the draw.

Just look out for the NETS tap icon on your card, or sign up for a NETS Contactless ATM Card at participating banks.

For DBS/POSB, OCBC and UOB, only the above cards are NETS tap-enabled.

For HSBC & Maybank, NETS Tap icon is located at the back of the card.

Find out more about the promotion: https://www.nets.com.sg/promotions/netstap

This article is brought to you by NETS.

Retrenched? Here’s How You Can Get Back Into The Fray

Singapore is in its worst recession since her independence and retrenchment figures are climbing up. For those who are retrenched, initial negativity and shock inevitably surface. Here is how you can manage the emotional impact to ensure that you can stay in the game, and hopefully land a job that is just around the corner.

Keep Your Spirits Up

Photo 41765538 © Gajus | Dreamstime.com

A gamut of emotions often accompanies a retrenchment; ranging from shock and denial to the final stage of acceptance and relief. It’s an emotional roller coaster but do bear in mind that rejections SHOULD NOT define or confine your capabilities. On the other hand, dealing positively with your emotions lay the foundation for personal growth. Take this as an opportunity to re-assess your career choices and consider the options available. For instance, having a positive attitude and an openness to new opportunities will boost your chances of finding employment once again.

Manage Your Finances Prudently

If you are retrenched, you might receive a severance package. A common mistake that most who are laid off make would be to splurge on something to make themselves feel better temporarily. Instead, the prudent thing to do is to budget and plan ahead. Make an estimate on how long this retrenchment package may last while you continue to look for a job. This is especially critical if you have familial responsibilities as the financial obligations will not disappear. A helpful budgeting tip is to track your daily expenses and cut down on unnecessary expenses such as luxury items or expensive restaurant meals. It may also pay off in the long run to use part of the severance package to invest and upskill yourself. This can only benefit your aim to get back into the fray.

See A Career Coach

The job search journey may be daunting, especially when you have not been actively looking for a job for some time. Career preparation will be useful in gearing you up to re-enter the workforce and seeing a career coach is definitely one of the key actions to take. With personality and strength finder tools, you will discover more about your strengths and weaknesses as you embark on a journey of self-discovery. Career coaches have a wealth of experience in providing customised career guidance such as:

Assessing your personality, qualifications and experience to steer you in your career path towards the industry of your choice
Assisting to review your resume, boosting its chances of standing out (Personal strengths are listed categorically and aligned to career objective)

Do leverage the career coaches at Careers Connect, where personalised support is available through the CARE360 series of programmes, as well as Career Matching Services organised by Workforce Singapore (‘WSG’).

Consider Company Attachments

While you continue to search for employment, do consider attachments provided by host companies that help you acquire emerging skills or expand your opportunities in new sectors. Such attachments offer a way to prove your value to the company and maximise your chances of being offered a full-time job.

SGUnited Mid-Career Pathways Programme provides mid-career individuals with traineeships and training opportunities at companies and public sector agencies. Alternatively, the Professional Conversion Programme is also available for mid-career PMETs to undergo skills conversion and move into new occupations or sectors that have good prospects for progression.

Remember, managing the emotional impact is half the battle won. Thereafter, approach Workforce Singapore (WSG) to tap on its Career Matching Services that will take you one step closer to securing re-employment again. Get back into the fray once again!

If you’re currently unemployed or have been retrenched, and are seeking career guidance, register your interest to see a career coach with WSG here. Complimentary for all Singaporeans and Singapore PRs.

Here are 6 simple ways you can use Instagram to help you land a job

Are you aware that recruiters are now using Instagram as part of their search for potential candidates? If no, it’s not too late to jump on the trend.

It’s probably a no-brainer that LinkedIn is the most preferred social media platform for recruiters and job seekers alike. But based on a new 2020 Recruiter Nation report, LinkedIn is facing a downward trend in job searches.

Instead, Instagram had a 20% surge with recruiters now using the photo and video-sharing social networking service as part of their scout for the best candidate.

Kelly Lavin, senior vice president of talent at Jobvite, an HR software firm, says that an individual’s Instagram content can give recruiters a personal idea of who the person really is. That is what sets itself apart from LinkedIn.

Even if you’re not desperately searching for a job at the moment, it’s still crucial that you pay attention to what you’re sharing with the world now. For those who are currently job searching, here are six simple ways you can use Instagram to help you land a job.

#1: Take charge of your content

Image Credits: Leevia Blog

Should you want a recruiter to check your Instagram profile and browse your content, you will have to make it public. In other words, Instagram is now your ‘open resume’ so take charge of what you’re planning to post.

Vicki Salemi, a career expert at job search website Monster.com, advises us to think about whether the content posted reflects you as a professional. She adds that the postings do not need to focus just on your professional pursuits but should paint you as a multidimensional candidate.

At this point, some of you might be thinking it would make better sense to set up a separate Instagram account. But Lavin reveals that it may feel less authentic. Since employers are looking to get a glimpse of you as a whole person, having a version just for the sake of a job search might backfire.

#2: Flaunt your skills

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Many of us use Instagram to showcase our lives and the new happenings that come with it. While you can still go ahead and post that picture at the beach or a new device you’ve just bought, Salemi noted that it’s essential to flaunt your skills, values, experience, and professional pursuits.

“For instance, if one year ago you completed running a 1,000-person conference and managed budgets and vendors, post a photo of you from last year saying something like, ‘Hard to believe this was one year ago! Lots of hard work but seeing the results of XYZ was (a) sweet success,’” she adds.

To ensure more reach and to demonstrate professionalism, use specific industry buzzwords and hashtags alongside your post.

#3: Use it to research more about a company

Image Credits: instagram.com/onechampionship/

As much as recruiters or employers are using Instagram to their advantage, you can also do the same by using it to research more about a specific company you want information on.

Salemi points out that you can quickly get an idea of a company’s culture by browsing through their content on Instagram. Other than the inner workings of the company, you can also catch sight of upcoming job opportunities on their feed.

Pay close attention to their content and decide for yourself if it’s aligned with what you’re searching for in a company. Their images and messaging can give you key clues to their employee branding. Also, knowing what’s the latest ins and outs could be useful for any upcoming interviews.

#4: Engage to get noticed

Image Credits: instagram.com/klooksg/

Corey Berkey, vice president of human resources at JazzHR, a human resources consulting firm, advises job seekers to follow the companies that interest you and engage with their posts. But remember to do it only when your Instagram profile is ready.

Just like how you connect with key personnel and recruiters on LinkedIn, do the same on Instagram. But Lavin warns us not to overdo it. You can choose to like an individual’s or company’s posts appropriately and add to a conversation with insightful remarks to gain some attention.

#5: Play the hashtag game

Image Credits: Instagram

Hashtags like #nowhiring, #hiring, #jobs, and other more country- or industry-specific keywords can bring to light some opportunities you might not have known before.

Salemi states that as you start following the employers that interest you, pay extra attention to the hashtags they are using. When it’s relevant, share their content and hashtags. That’s one way to show that their content resonates with you.

#6: Allow the algorithm magic to work

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Avid users of Instagram will know how the Instagram algorithm can work to your advantage. As you follow your ‘dream companies’, the algorithm will offer suggestions for you to follow similar ones.

When the right associations and professional organisations pop up, here’s your chance to follow them to keep sight of trends and new developments in the various industries. If you can’t seem to find them on Instagram, head to the company’s website to see if you can spot their Instagram icon on their homepage.

As you slowly build your Instagram profile as a visual resume of your strengths, skills, and interests, do ensure that you do not neglect the type of content on your other social media channels too.

Set aside some time to ponder over the art of personal branding as the year slowly comes to a close.