Best questions to ask at the end of an interview

a woman having an interview

The interviewer will almost always ask whether you have any questions for them at the end of an interview session. Your response should always be yes because you should take this chance to pose a few relevant ones.

Remember that the purpose of the interview isn’t merely to make your future employer want to hire you. It’s also about determining whether or not you think highly of the company and if you would be a good match. You will send a strong signal that you’re engaged and serious about the position if you ask the right inquiries.

Here are some of the best questions to ask at the end of an interview.

How do you measure success?

It’s critical to understand how a firm gauges the performance of its workers. It will assist you in determining what it would take to grow your career there and whether the employer’s beliefs are compatible with your own.

Why did the previous person leave?

While addressing this may be awkward, it demonstrates that you are keen on the organization’s operations. It’s important to discover if the individual who had the position before you was dismissed, transferred, or departed on their own before you jump into the very same role.

What do you like about this company?
man and two women in a meeting

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Inquiring about your interviewer’s personal experiences can provide you further clarity into the team culture as well as assist you to establish a relationship with them. Furthermore, this inquiry may offer you an inside look at the top advantages of working for the organization.

What type of person tends to succeed here?

This question demonstrates to the recruiter that you are concerned about your future with the organization, as well as assists you in determining whether you are a suitable match for the role. Imagine the individual you will be speaking to once the interviewer reveals what he or she is searching for in an applicant. Is that somebody a close match, or is it too far from who you are?

Do you have any qualms about my qualifications?

This query throws you into a competitive disadvantage, but it also demonstrates that you are confident in your ability to tackle your shortcomings. Their response may also offer you insight into where you rank and allow you to resolve any reservations the interviewer may have while you have their undivided attention during the session.

Can you let me in on the daily responsibilities of this job?

Lastly, this question might help you understand the many facets of the job, notably if it’s a cross-functional post or a high team collaboration position. You will ideally have a better grasp of the work duties, which will aid you in deciding whether or not it’s a suitable position for you. You will also have a deeper understanding of the precise skillsets necessary.

Failure to prepare questions might give the impression that you are uninterested in the position, so consider what you can gain from the interview if you ask a few. It’s critical that you use these questions to determine whether the work is truly appropriate for you. Consider adding some of the abovementioned interview questions while creating your list and use the opportunity to convince the employer that you will be a valuable asset to the team.

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Here’s a glance at Singapore’s new private home sales for Q1 2022

Belgravia Ace

Watching the property market, especially for new private home sales this year? Before we take a glance at 2022, allow us to refresh your memory on December 2021’s stats:

In the wake of new cooling measures and the regular year-end slump, new private property sales in Singapore plunged 58% in December 2021 compared to November that same year. Overall sales, nonetheless, recorded an eight-year high in 2021. Experts believed that purchasers who were not subjected to the Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) scheme will boost demand this year. These are first-time purchasers or people who have sold or plan to sell their current residential property to purchase another.

Fast forward to 2022, here’s a glance at Singapore’s new private home sales for Q1 2022.

January: Rose by 3.5%

In January, new private house sales in Singapore increased by 3.5%, following a significant drop in December 2021. Ikigai and Belgravia Ace were the only two launches in January, and the latter strata-landed development sold 77 apartments at an average caveated amount of S$4.4 million.

The majority of the customers, according to a Huttons Asia official, were first-time buyers who were unfazed by the cooling measures. He went on to say that the purchasers’ capacity to spend more than a million for the downpayment and stamp duties indicated either adequate cash flow or a hereditary transfer of wealth.

February: Fell by 22.5%
Royal Hallmark

Image Credits: royalhallmark.com

Sales of new private residences decreased 22.5% in February, owing to a combination of cooling measures and global uncertainty related to the Russia-Ukraine crisis. Other barriers might include increased loan rates, property tax increases in 2023, and fewer housing alternatives as a result of this year’s lower lineup of project debuts.

The single February launch, Royal Hallmark, fared quite well though, selling about one-third of its units despite cooling measures and some uncertainty brought on by the Ukraine conflict. The percentage of transactions worth more than S$2 million also remained unchanged. In other words, affordability remained steady, owing to the market’s substantial liquidity.

March: Rebounded by 20.7%

According to recent reports, new private house sales increased by 20.7% in March, following a significant drop in February. Last month, the private housing markets showed signs of improvement, with developers selling more properties. This might be a response to the relaxation of safe management requirements, allowing more people to view show flats. As a consequence of the greater visitor traffic, the number of deals closed increased.

According to an OrangeTee & Tie spokesperson, there were no big project launches above 200 units in March, and existing projects continued to reduce their unsold inventory as buyers returned to the market. The US interest rate rises, on the other hand, may raise mortgage rates and encourage more purchasers to re-enter the market. Some on-the-fence purchasers are likely to lock in house loans before interest rates rise too much since a sharp increase in the cost of borrowing might push some upgraders out of the sector.

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Your Guide to Home Renovation Costs in Singapore

One of the most expensive possessions that you can acquire in Singapore is a home. Given that it is an investment, people want to make their home as comfortable and presentable as possible. However, doing a home renovation can cost you a lot.

HOW MUCH DOES IT ACTUALLY COST?

In Singapore, the ultimate cost of renovation depends on the several factors. Firstly, the type of home will determine the scope of renovation. This refers to whether you live in a condominium, an HDB flat or a landed property. The next factor is the age and condition of your home. The extent and type of renovation work for a brand new BTO differs from a decade-old resale flat.

Thirdly, the type of materials to be used for the renovation must be considered. It is up to you to choose affordable or high-end materials. The contractor or interior design firm is also up to you. Shop around to find the firm that suits you best. Lastly, your total cost will be influenced by how much work you want done. Starting with a blank canvas can cost more than renovating a single room.

You can expect to pay from S$5,000 to over S$100,000 when you are renovating a 4-Room HDB flat (i.e., approximately 90 sq m). Remember that all the aforementioned factors will influence the renovation costs. In fact, Qanvast stated that the average 4-room HDB BTO flat renovation was estimated to cost about S$43,000 to S$45,000 in 2020. Since renovating a resale flat is more extensive and expensive, the expected cost was from S$45,000 to S$52,000.

WHAT ARE YOUR LOAN OPTIONS?

If you are looking for financial aid, you will apply for a renovation loan. Renovation loans are different from personal loans. With personal loans, you receive the money in cash. The institution does not know what you are going to do with the money, so it is riskier for them to lend it to you. As a result, personal loan interest rates are generally high.

On the other hand, renovation loans work by giving the money directly to your contractor. Because the bank knows exactly what you are going to do with the money, they can charge you lower interest rates. Renovation loan interest rates are usually less than 5% p.a.

Before you can apply for the renovation loan, you need to have the contractor’s invoice or quotation signed by both parties. Renovation loans can let you borrow up to S$30,000 or 6 times your monthly income, whichever amount is lower. You can repay this in monthly installments.

HOW CAN YOU REDUCE YOUR RENOVATION COSTS?

Image Credits: pixabay.com

 

#1: Determine what you want.

Not all design styles are created equal – some cost more than others. Experts suggest that the most affordable style is the Scandinavian interiors as it involves simpler aesthetics and fewer built-in carpentry.

Knowing which design style you want, and which rooms you want to renovate will help you determine the total renovation costs.

#2: Paint your walls.

You can save money by painting your walls or an accent wall instead of using wallpaper or building a feature wall.

It is a practical choice if you want to change your home’s look every couple of years. You see, wallpaper or stone are notoriously difficult to remove.

#3: Have less built-in furniture.

Carpentry can take up a substantial chunk of your renovation costs. To reduce your expenses, you can make a list of your top five carpentry must-haves. Your priorities must revolve around custom solutions that require real design work that you cannot easily purchase. For things that you can easily purchase, you can buy as you go along with the renovation.

#4: Compare the available renovation firms.

There are a myriad of renovation, interior design, and contractor firms in Singapore. Different companies tend to provide different price structures. It is best to research all the available options to find the best company that suits both your budget and preferences.

#5: Keep or sell unused items.

When renovating your home, you may find some unused items such as excess paint or wood. It is recommended that you sell these items to make some money. This money can be used to reduce your overall renovation costs.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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Hop on the Easter Wagon to Buy these Easter Eggs

Chocolate eggs are a staple in any Easter basket. It comes in different forms and sizes. If you’re the one picking out the Easter candy for your family’s baskets, then you only want to give them the best. Here is a list of our favorite Easter eggs in Singapore.

Whether you like it small or large, foiled or plain, hollow or filled, these chocolate eggs will satisfy the sweet tooth of adults and children alike.

#1: SUPERMARKETS

Many local supermarkets have Easter egg offerings from popular brands such as Cadbury and Lindt. Keep your eyes peeled at your local hunt and get them as soon as possible. These items may sell fast, but they are lower in price.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Visit the nearest FairPrice or Cold Storage.

#2: DA PAOLO GASTRONOMIA

Da Paolo’s La Perla Chocolate Easter Eggs are handmade with premium gluten-free chocolates that come in three sizes and flavors. You can also get them in a tin by purchasing them online. The online store also offers a picnic basket complete with cross buns and other goodies.

Da Paolo Gastronomia has various branches in Singapore.

#3: SEE’S CANDIES

Celebrate Easter Sunday with delicious and adorable treats from See’s Candies. This store offers a range of chocolate bunnies and Easter eggs, as well as sour jelly bunnies. Your loved ones will also love the beautiful gift baskets filled with their treats.

See’s Candies is located in The Forum Shopping Mall.

#4: HELLO CHOCOLATE

If you are looking for beautifully decorated award-winning Easter treats, look no further than Hello Chocolate. Hello Chocolate provides a wide array of treats including vegan-friendly options. Feel free to customize your own gift box and top it off with a sweet message.

Shop online at hellochocolate.asia!

#5: GODIVA

There’s something special about Belgian chocolates. Hop over to Godiva for some seriously good food this Easter Sunday. Their ice cream, dipping chocolate, signature pastries, and chocolate eggs will surely tempt you this season!

Visit any Godiva store in Singapore today!

 

Source: 1

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Students in Singapore to go Cashless by 2025

With a handful of coins in your pocket, you are wondering what unnecessary item you can splurge on in the school bookshop. Good times, right?

Singaporean students in the near future will no longer experience the same thing as they will be using the cashless method soon. By 2025, most of the students in Singapore have the option of using e-payment for purchases made in school bookshops and canteens. Instead of giving pocket money, students will be given cards or smartwatches to buy their needs.

The Singaporean Ministry of Education recently signed a memorandum of understanding with DBS to expand the POSB Smart Buddy program across all primary and secondary schools in Singapore. Junior colleges and Millennia Institute are also included.

Clarence Tang, MOE’s Divisional Director of Finance and Procurement Division said:

“Having a cashless option in schools will provide students with an environment to use e-payment safely while enjoying the convenience and benefits of going cashless, such as faster transactions when making purchases.”

Mr. Tang highlighted that the program is aimed at providing a safe environment for students. So, expect to see tap-and-pay terminals around the campus in the next few years.

POSB SMART BUDDY PROGRAMME

Image Credits: www.thewackyduo.com

 

Introduced in 2017, the POSB Smart Buddy programme is the world’s first integrated in-school wearable digital savings and payment method.

Digital payment infrastructure or tap-and-pay terminals will be installed in schools. It can accept payments made through POSB Smart Buddy smartwatches or cards, School Smart cards, and EZ-Link cards.

This initiative will allow both students and parents to track the spending and saving patterns through a mobile app. Students can use the app to set saving goals, while parents can set daily allowance limits and view their child’s purchases in real-time. This way, their child can avoid overspending.

Students will be able to track their financial patterns and learn how to save.

Sources: 1 & 2

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