4 Easy Ways To Dress For Success

According to several studies, dressing for the job you desire actually works. Anyone who owns a set of powerful suit can attest that the right clothing pieces can become a confident booster. Furthermore, a 2012 study published in the “Journal of Experimental Social Psychology” showed that subjects who wore lab coats scored higher on attention-related tasks than did those who did not.

On that note, here are some tips to help you dress for success:

DRESS CODE #1: FIND A COLOR THAT SUITS YOU

One of the quickest ways to update your wardrobe is to freshen your color palettes. Look into your closet and focus on the neutral and seasonal colors. Neutral colors help in optimizing versatility. Simply put, you will be able to maximize your buck by investing in pieces carrying these colors. Is black not for you? Perhaps you can try other neutrals such as grey and navy.

Finally, seasonal colors convey the sense of newness. Adding one or two seasonal colors to your work outfit can go a long way!

DRESS CODE #2: INVEST ON KEY PIECES

What better way to spend your clothing allowance than by investing on key pieces? As much as possible, women shall focus on picking out their handbags and men shall focus on picking out their watches. Why is this so?

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Designer labels are often correlated to financial success. Our materialistically driven society puts emphasis on these items and judge you based on that. Admit it! Pairing a designer handbag with a less expensive apparel can instanly elevate your look! The same goes for wearing a designer watch in a board meeting.

DRESS CODE #3: PLAY IT SAFE

Yes! Times have changed. However, some employers may still be wary of the candidates donning body piercings and inks. Their reaction towards these elements depends on the company’s policy, the industry you chose, and the interviewer’s age. It is best to play things safe.

Take out your visible piercings and cover up your visible tattoos. Doing so may manifest how serious you are in terms of the job you want.

DRESS CODE #4: KEEP THINGS NEAT

Our physical appearance play an important part in the impression that we leave, especially in job interviews. Keeping your hair up and makeup light can evoke a huge difference in how people view you. In lined with these, you must choose jewelry that are uncluttered (e.g., skip on the dangling earrings).

Let us move on to the men’s style. Wall Street stylist Jacci Jaye suggests that men should avoid wearing head-to-toe neon. Instead, she advocates wearing bold colors or patterns as accents. For instance, a colorful tie or pocket square can add a sense of playfulness without distracting anybody.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

In conclusion, there is truth to the saying: “dress for the job you want and not for the job you have”.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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4 Cheap Thrills In Bangkok

To usher in the New Year 2019, my friends and I are planning to visit three Southeast Asian countries including Bangkok (BKK). We are so excited to explore the cultural wonders of BKK. There is so much more to see than its shopping malls! For instance, you may visit these affordable places:

#1: WHEN IN DOUBT, CYCLE AROUND

What better way to get to know an unknown city than by roaming around the area by land? Strolling the area with your bare feet can only take you to the narby places. Try renting bicycles instead!

Bicycle tours are all the rage in Bangkok. Upon searching through the Viator’s website (i.e., a TripAdvisor company), I found a 2-hour bicycle tour consisting of six people. The small group shall pedal past many sights such as the Old Customs House and the Chinatown. The tour costs about S$25.

#2: TRADITIONAL PUPPET SHOWS, ANYONE?

Thai Puppetry may be a dying art but, the Artist’s House in Bangkok does its best to preserve this tradition. You can enjoy a beautiful folktale as told by intricately-made puppets for free. Shows run daily at 2 pm, except on Wednesdays. Puppeteers dressed in black pull the strings to control the vivid marionette puppets. Fully immerse yourself in the story to absorb their culture and creativity.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

#3: PLAYER ONE, READY!

Adventure-seekers and alike will be pleased with the Escape Room Bangkok. Each room has its own backstory, which sets the tone of the game. This “stimulation” establishment offers a new type of adrenaline rush as it does not involve physical strength to win. Instead, participants must use problem-solving skills and teamwork to break free from a given room.

Whether you are trying to accomplish a prison break or to vanquish a paranormal being, each person shall pay about S$29.

#4: A SWEET STROLL IN THE PARK

Boasting its free admission is one of BKK’s top parks – the Lumpini Park. Lumpini Park has enough space for you to ride the bike, play basketball, take yoga classes, and indulge in the greenery. In the colder months, you are free to listen to the orchestral concerts held every Sunday.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Do you have extra money to spare? Well, you can take advantage of the many food stalls found in the parks perimeter. Amp up the delightful experience by riding their paddle boat. Just watch out for the monitor lizards as these are animals are scattered in the area!

Sources: 1 & 2

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How To Keep Your Sanity When Switching Careers

While others have to dive into a life-changing decision from working at a nine-to-five to working for oneself, my father had to do the opposite. Taking a step toward a career change was an exhilarating moment for him! As days passed by, he realized that he does not know how to start. He experimented with three different positions in the span of three years. Finally, he found his calling – a job at a globally renowned technology company.

Keeping your sanity while exploring your options can be challenging! May these tips help you with the career switching process:

DO YOUR RESEARCH

What opportunities are available for you to grab? Know these by doing your research. It is free to consider the alternative careers found online. You may also discuss your core skills and possible paths with your friends and relatives. Lastly, hunt for a vacancy through your networking contacts.

If you are having a difficulty with sorting out your ideas, try meeting a career counselor to reap a professional advice.

CHECK YOUR FINANCES

Do not ignore the contents of your bank account! Career Expert Kerry Hannon states that you must have “good financial health to help smooth[en] your transition”. You see, being in a suitable financial situation allows you to try new things without stressing over your salary.

Create a transitional budget through no cost tools such as Spendee and Microsoft Excel. Having a budget will give you a clear picture of what is within reach.

TRY IT OUT

If you are a person who prefers calculated or conservative moves over creative and unconventional strategies then, you can try things out first. You can identify part-time or volunteer activities related to your target field to test out your interests and abilities.

Are you passionate about working with animals? Consider volunteering at animal welfare organizations such as SPCA. Do you want to switch to publishing? well, try editing your current company’s newsletters first.

BELIEVE IN YOURSELF

I am going to end this article with a thoughtful quote from Mr. Robin Kermode, a leading European Speech Director.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

“One of the hardest things with a change of career is believing that we can do this new task. We tend to think of ourselves as a photographer, an accountant or whatever. That’s what seems to define us. Now we have to re-define ourselves and begin to believe it deeply inside us. Once we believe it, others will too.”

Sources: 1 & 2

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You Don’t Want To Miss These Online Shopping Hacks

THE INCOGNITO MODE

If you keep clicking on a particular item, a website is likely to offer it at a higher price. Furthermore, it may bombard you with advertisements of that item. The incognito window will help you save money through private browsing. It blocks third-party cookies and disables search history. This way, websites such as Hotels.com and Expedia cannot practice price discrimination.

CHECK ITEM AVAILABILITY

The Editor’s Market is one of my favorite stores due to its emphasis on modern street-wear. However, their items sell out fast! Fortunately for me, consumers can check out the item availability and reserve it via the online shop. Simply become a member by answering this form: theeditorsmarket.com/membership.

GET FREE SAMPLES

Free beauty samples are usually given at checkout. It gives you the opportunity to test out products without having to waste your money on a full-sized bottle. Sephora, a mecca for makeup addicts, offers free samples in its online store. Go to sephora.sg/pages/free-samples and follow the basic rules.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

a. Add a sample to your bag at checkout.
b. Only one sample may be added to each order.
c. Samples are available while supplies last.
d. If a sample goes out of stock, Sephora will provide a substitute.
e. Samples are not available during sale periods.

ENJOY FREE RETURNS

Whether you admit it or not, you do not always like what you purchase online. That is alright! International brands such as ASOS and MANGO allow you to process free returns. For ASOS, returning an item is a hassle-free task. Start by filling out the return form and printing out the shipping label. Then, drop it off at your local SingPost branch.

For MANGO, the prices on its website is the same as the prices in its physical stores in Singapore. You can return an item at any of its multiple outlets. It saves you the effort of heading down to the post office.

THE 24-HOUR WAIT

Last but not the least, you can subscribe to delayed gratification. Leaving your items in the shopping cart for at least 24 hours can help you decide whether you really want or need to purchase it. Some companies such as ZALORA Singapore will lure you with a special discount code to encourage you to checkout your cart. Apply this savvy shopping tip then.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Sources: 1 & 2

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Is Employee Training Worth Spending For?

In the past few months, I have been attending seminars and training conventions nonstop. Two of which were products of my personal efforts. While the succeeding three were given freely by the company I work for. These statements may sound a little too textbook heavy. However, I valued it all.

Well-trained employees do come at a cost and it can contribute to a better workplace in the long run. Yes! You are required to shell out time, money, and resources. However, it is a worthy investment. Here are some of the reasons why:

#1: IT INCREASES PRODUCTIVITY

Employees who are not equipped with tools to efficiently do their jobs are likely to be less productive than those who are well-trained. I remember lodging a resignation letter due to not having sufficient training, which led to burnout. Underperforming employees can be a burden for any business. Think about the costs that come with that!

#2: IT UPGRADES YOUR BUSINESS

Times have changed! Several industries have embraced the modern advances of technology. No business shall be left behind! It is important to comply to the current industry regulations mandated by the government. This can be achieved by attending training. Furthermore, ongoing training ensures that your staff’s knowledge and stratgies are up-to-date.

#3: IT CREATES UNIFORMITY

Undergoing proper training can ensure that the responsibility of supervision will be lessened. I am not saying that you need to eliminate supervision completely. But, you do not have to micromanage everyone in the workplace. Well-trained employees will know how to complete their tasks or goals in a uniform manner.

#4: IT ATTRACTS THE BEST CANDIDATES

When prospective employees go for a job hunt, they assess whether a specific organization is a good fit for them. Employee benefits can draw the best talents from the start. Offering continued training or compensation for further education creates a “good image” to a business. Training is a key feature that many people look for within their job search.

#5: IT BOOSTS EMPLOYEE SATISFACTION

The premise is simple: employees who are happy with their jobs stay at a longer period of time. Proper training contributes to employee satisfaction. You see, employees who are satisfied with their roles are the ones who understand the scope of their jobs. They know what strategies or resources to exhaust to get the job done!

Happy employees are more productive. Moreover, they want to contribute beyond what their job entails.

Sources: 1, 2, and 3

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