Anna Agoncillo, Author at MoneyDigest.sg

6 Things That Will Sabotage Your Chances At Job Interviews

Knowing how to smoothly glide through a job interview with grace is highly desirable.

Avoid common interview mistakes by following these six tips:

1. SHOWING UP LATE

It is certainly obvious why showing up late can blow your chances of getting the job. It gives a sense of irresponsibility. Counter this by scheduling your arrival at least 20 minutes in advance so you can find a parking spot or have leeway in case you get lost. Also, the extra 5 to 10 minutes will give you the enough head start to prepare for the challenge ahead.

2. COMING CLUELESS

Coming unprepared is unacceptable that you might as well just walk out of the room. Take some time to learn about the company and the duties of the position you are applying for. Gather data on the company’s basics such as the its mission and vision because this will help you answer the questions later on. Also, prepare extra copies of your C.V. or resume.

3. LEAVING YOUR PHONE ON

It is very disruptive if your Smartphone or mobile device rings in the middle of the interview. Not to mention, it is rude. So if you want to please your interviewer, remember to turn your phone off or to keep it on silent mode.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

4. TALKING ABOUT MONEY

Talking about your potential salary or potential raise can send a wrong message to your “would be employer”. Thus, you must not speak about money unless you are asked.

5. NOT TALKING AT ALL

Talking about money is one thing, not talking is another. Skipping the interviewer’s questions is undesirable. Do not be shy to ask for the interviewer to repeat the question if you did not understand it at first. Then, speak up. Speaking up will show that you are interested in the job.

6. SAYING THAT YOU HAVE OTHER OFFERS

Do not go rumbling about your other offers or mention that you are in the early stages of screening in other companies. You must show the interviewer that you are 100% passionate about the position you are applying for!

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

Good luck! 🙂

Sources: 1 & 2

Every Singaporean’s Survival Guide To Working Overseas

It is undeniable that having a global outlook and international experience are desirable characteristics that employers sought for. Working alongside people from different cultures can open a lot of opportunities. For instance, Brazil and Mexico have skills shortage, particularly in life sciences, finance, and engineering. Going to Hong Kong for business is an attractive option too because English is widely spoken.

So, if your heart is set to living and working outside Singapore, here are a few smart tips you shall consider:

1. RESEARCH , RESEARCH, RESEARCH

As an independent employee working abroad, you have many responsibilities to fill. From getting legal documents to opening bank accounts and learning the local language, you must research the needed requirements beforehand. Start by browsing the web or asking your friends and family about the foreign land. Also, you can go on an educational trip at your chosen country. For instance, you can extend your vacation to finalize whether or not you are willing to move in abroad. Weigh the advantages and disadvantages of the working and living conditions.

Then, keep in mind that the Singaporean passport is a powerful means of travel. Singapore citizens have visa-free or visa on arrival access to about 169 countries. You would not have to apply for visa in United States of America and People’s Republic of China. But, visa is required in countries such as Afghanistan, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen.

2. KNOW YOUR OWN RIGHTS

It is important to know your own rights as you are required to pass contracts, permits, taxes, and so much more. The first thing you shall be familiar with is the length of your stay. For most countries, your length of stay depends on the length of your employee contract. And, once your contract expires, you must find a different way to stay legally in the country.

3. KEEP A FRUGAL MINDSET

You are diving in the foreign country alone…with no access to affordable food at the “Hawker Centres”, what shall you do? Well, you must budget your money and do your best to save extra cash for emergencies. Know how much you will need for food, housing, transportation, and other expenses every month. Then, plan your living costs accordingly. Seek help from your local friends to make your life easier.

4. BE SAFE

You are not living in one of the safest countries with a safety index of 82.92! While you are living and working overseas, you are accountable for the laws of that country. Do not take them lightly and respect them instead. Stay safe by avoiding walking alone at night and by keeping your money in more than one location.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

Sources: 1 , 2 , 3 , & 4

Save Money By Finding A Bra That Fits

Tired of constantly purchasing a bra that is either too loose or too tight? Perhaps, you have not figured out your perfect size yet. Do not worry, you are not alone! I was once lost in the sea of under wires, push-ups, and strapless undergarments as well. But, I turned things around by following these steps:

1. FIND THE PERFECT SIZE

The foundation of this journey is to find the right size of your brassiere. Start by determining your band size.

While wearing a bra, measure around the bottom of it directly under your bust. Round the measure to the nearest whole number. If the number is even, add four inches and if the number is odd, add five inches. The sum will become your band size. For instance, you measured 33 inches then, your band size is 38.

The second step is to determine your bust measurement. Wrap the tape measure a bit loosely around the fullest part of your chest. Then, round the measure to the nearest whole number. Lastly, calculate your cup size by subtracting your band size from your bust size. Then, refer to this chart to know your cup size.

2. FIND THE RIGHT STYLE

Now that you had discovered your perfect size, you can move on to finding the right style. Take note of three things namely: the cut, the fabric, and the color. The cut can be full cup, half cup, or camisole style. The fabric can be cotton,silk, or lace. And, the color can resemble any part of the rainbow! Find the right style that will fit not only most of your outfits but also most of the occasions.

3. SEEK HELP FROM THE SALESPERSON

If you still feel completely confused and lost then, it is time to ask the salesperson’s help. Helping you find the perfect bra is part of their job. Also, you may ask if there is a professional fitter in the shop to help you check your measurements. Then, test the recommended bra yourself.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

4. WASH WITH CARE

It is important to wash your undergarments with care. In fact, bras made with nylon and cotton do not do well in the heat of your dryer. A better alternative is to hang them to the air dryer or to wash them inside the laundry mesh bags. You can purchase cheap laundry bags at Daiso. Also, remember to fasten the bra to prevent the hooks from clinging on to delicate sweaters.

Sources: 1 & 2

5 Tips On Successfully Running The Business With Your Lover

Managing a business poses its challenges and managing one with the one you love can make it even tougher.

Luckily, there are different ways to successfully intersect your business with pleasure. Here are some of them:

1. PLAN AHEAD

Before diving into a business venture with your boyfriend or girlfriend, one of the first things you must develop is a concrete plan. If you have never gone to that route before, it is best to research on your target market and the business nature itself.

2. COMMUNICATE OPENLY

Transparency is important if you want to make things work. Talk openly and honestly about your expectations, your concerns, and your assigned roles. It will make the business easier to manage if you had established these things earlier on.

3. SET YOUR GOALS STRAIGHT

If you are going on a cruise or a romantic trip with your lover and you decide to mix the business elements by meeting a few potential clients along the way, always keep your business pitch. It would be a horrific loss to spend tons of money and time on a potential client who does not take you or the business seriously. This is why you must set your goals and stick with them.

4. HANDLE THE CHAOS WELL

Conflict and chaos will happen beyond your control and you have to figure out a solution without adding blaming, bad attitudes, and frustrations in the pot. Handle the chaos well by calmly solving each problem side by side. Control your business and prevent conflicts by using websites such as Basecamp and Yammer.

Basecamp is a web-based project management and collaboration tool that allows files, messages, schedules, and other stuff to be stored in one place. While, Yammer is a private social network that helps employees communication across departments and locations.

5. REMEMBER TO MAKE TIME FOR EACH OTHER

When you create a business with your partner, it is paramount to make time for quality dates or intimacy sessions. Start by deciding when you will close the operation of your business for “date nights”.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

Reconnecting with your lover outside of work is important because you are more than just “business partners” you are an A+ couple!

Sources: 1 & 2

Reduce Your Debts Dramatically With The Debt Diet

Ellie Kay once said: “Getting out of debt is like going on a diet — it may sound simple, but it sure isn’t easy.”

Debt takes a toll on your relationships, your family, and your future. Just as being obese leads to physical and emotional challenges, debt has its own negative consequences too.

Inspired by Oprah Winfrey’s Debt Diet, three financial experts namely: David Bach, Jean Chatzky, and Glinda Bridgforth were sent to help several families to solve their monetary dilemmas. They shared debt elimination tips and suggested practical ways for people to increase their income and reduce their spending.

Before anything else, here are the “signs” that you need to go to participate in the Debt Diet:

1. You depend on your credit card to pay for your living expenses.

2. You rely on overtime pay to make monthly expenses meet.

3. You utilize your credit card/s to pay for items that you used to pay for in cash (e.g., groceries or clothing).

4. You use your emergency savings to pay for your bills.

5. You borrow money from your family and friends to pay your bills.

6. You delay paying one bill in order to pay an overdue one.

7. You utilize credit card A to pay bills for credit card B.

8. You can only pay the minimum amount due on your accounts.

If most of the “signs” point to YES, you may employ the following steps of the Debt Diet:

1. Determine how much debt you have and what it is costing you.

2. Monitor your spending and look for ways to make extra money (e.g., by giving up certain expenses).

3. By understanding how credit cards work, use your credit card/s to your advantage.

4. Stop spending on unnecessary things.

5. Make a strategic monthly spending plan.

6. Determine ways to increase your income and identify the steps you need to achieve it.

7. Prioritize your debts.

8. Do your best to know yourself and your spending behaviors.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

Sources: 1 & 2

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