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5 Questions You Should Ask The Interviewer To Get A Good Company Insight

How will you know if you are really suited for the job and the company you are applying for unless you ask? Satisfaction at work and lesser turnover rate can only be ensured if you have a good insight of the company even during the job interview. According to studies and professional experiences, here are some questions every candidate should ask…

1. WHAT IS THE IDEAL EMPLOYEE FOR THIS POSITION?

Do not waste your time. Before saying “YES” to a job offer, consider whether you are the type of employee they are looking for. Some bosses in Singapore demand more attention and punctuality while others are loose and flexible toward their employees. You can get even more information by asking what the mission of the company is. Research showed that people are happier when there is a goodness of fit between the company’s and the employee’s goals.

2. CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE WORKPLACE CULTURE?

Not all Singaporean organizations make employees work for long hours. Asking the interviewer about the workplace culture will help you grasp the management styles, dress code, employee dynamics, and more.

3. WHAT IS THE LARGEST ISSUE THAT THE COMPANY IS FACING NOW? WILL I BE ABLE TO HELP?

Demonstrate your interest in the company. This question will not only imply that you are thinking of supporting the team but it will also encourage the interviewer to visualize you in the rightful position.

4. WHILE WORKING HERE, WHAT DO YOU ENJOY THE MOST?

Your interviewer who is superior in the company may have a more biased or positive view than others but, it is still worth finding out about the benefits that the job might bring once decide to stay in the company for long.

5. CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT THE PREVIOUS PERSON WHO HELD THIS POSITION?

I have had an interviewer who told me that the post was vacant due to pregnancy but once the previous employee comes back, she would fill in a higher post. This is a good sign of the company’s flexibility and growth. If your interviewer speaks bitterly of the past employee, determine if the boss takes things personally or if the place is in turmoil.

Image Credits: Chris Potter via Flickr

After discovering the answers to these questions, ask yourself this: Are you right for the job?

Sources: Forbes and Inc.

4 Community Centres’ Workshops That Can Really Make You Money

Do you want to learn a life skill without breaking the bank? Then, consider going down to your community centre (CC) and find out the courses they offer. Far more than saving money, you can transform these awesome skills you learned into viable freelance businesses or occupations.

1. MASSAGE

Having a spa addiction or aspiring to become a massage therapist can become costly loads to your budget. Solve your problems with the Massage Therapy courses offered by several CCs. Learn the art of traditional Thai massage that relieves one’s stress levels by for only S$20-30 at Tampines North CC. This workshop will teach you how to engage sensorial experience and fuse it with health care. While, acupressure point massage is available at Bishan and Serangoon. Beyond getting paid for massage services, it can also serve as a sweet bonding activity for you and your partner.

2. HAIRCUTTING OR HAIRDRESSING

If you are tired of constantly paying for minor hair trims or are dreaming of becoming the next big thing in the hair scene then try the hair courses offered by CCs. CCs offer various techniques for hairdressing such as basic hair cutting, hair braiding, and hair perming. From April 14 to May 5, Punggol Park CC is offering hair-cutting basics for about S$65. This course is ideally for beginners or those who wish to update their knowledge on hair dressing. It not only offers the fundamental theories but also the practical lessons.

3. KNITTING

Every since the rise of “bohemian or gypsy chic” fashion, knitting is no longer an old woman’s hobby. Knitting can be found in hair accessories, jewelry, clothing, and more.

Image Credits: Guangzhou Hanyige Clothing Co., Ltd.

Toa Payoh CC offers knitting courses for about S$100. In this course, you’ll be taught the basics of knitting and use it to make your own clothing and jewelry. Using your creativity can help you create whatever your heart desires.

4. BALLOON SCULPTING

Have you ever noticed those people who are hired to make twisted balloons in order to entertain the children? They are everywhere from children’s party to company events. Making almost everything from cartoon characters to colorful flowers, this talent of balloon sculpting can now be learned. Woodgrove, Ulu Pandan, Tampines North, and Yew Tee conduct single-session workshops amounting to S$10-25. Learn the basics then, teach yourself more techniques by watching free videos on the Internet. This will not only save you money once you decided to have kids but it can also be a fun part-time job.

Image Credits: Erwin Soo via Flickr

Source: www.pa.gov.sg

4 Ways To Earn And Save Money As A Housewife

Raising children and keeping your home in top shape can be challenging at times. Even though you love to spend more time with your children, money is usually tight when there is only one income in the household. So, knowing ways to earn and save money while you are staying at home sounds like music to your ears. Here are some tips to get you started with…

1. HOBBIES OR BUSINESS STARTERS

Do you love to make cupcakes, jewelry, or essence oils? Turn your hobby into your own business. Be your own boss and master your own schedule by thinking about your skill set and hobbies then, start making an online business out of it. Free platforms for selling or making your own online shop such as: Carousell and Tictail, are available online.

2. STAY-AT-HOME NANNY SWAP

Instead of paying costly bills on daycare or babysitting, have another stay-at-home mom to take turns in taking care of your children. Watch your friend’s children for one weekend then, she will watch yours for the next. This will not only save you money but it will also give one day off for you to relax and run errands.

3. TIDY UP AND SELL STUFF ONLINE

Tidy up the clutter in your closet and find the things that you deem to be unused or underused because you can sell them online. The old clothing articles of your children that are still in good condition can be sold too. How about the costumes that you only used once? Get rid of it and earn money simultaneously.

Try selling your items to the worldwide marketplace platform of eBay and Gumtree. And, consider selling your items to your friends and family by posting an ad on Facebook. Save money by buying bargain items in these sites.

4. BECOME A SALES REP

A sales representatives or brand ambassadors sell household, beauty, or health products in their own ways. Join millions of independent ambassadors of Avon or MaryKay Singapore.

Have the freedom to design a schedule that works for you without thinking of building a business from ground up and still be able to nurture your loving children!

How To Land Your Dream Job Without Spending A Dollar

Landing your dream job or any job can be a challenging task. But, it is definitely worth the effort. Throughout the process, you will have to tap into your creative mind and stay motivated. Here are 6 tips that can help you…

1. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF FREE ADVICE FROM THE EXPERTS

Job portals or online classified ads such as Jobstreet and Monster have articles that can teach you how to make a professional Curriculum Vitae (C.V.) wherein your qualifications are presented efficiently. For example, it is recommended to have no more than a page for every 10 years of experience.

2. MAKE YOUR C.V. EYE-CATCHING

Your C.V. will stand out from a pile of other candidates if you add a sparkle of creativity. Use Adobe Photoshop for retouching your photos or Prezi.com for making an interactive presentation. As much as possible, make the content specific and concise.

3. MAXIMIZE YOUR ONLINE JOB SEARCH

If job portals have no listings that match your qualifications, then submit your C.V. to the employers’ websites directly. Most websites have “Careers or Jobs” tab on the home page. By doing so, you are actively pursuing new openings.

4. SEEK AND YOU SHALL FIND

Aside from researching for job openings online, go outside and talk to your friends, family, church-mates or fellow spinning classmates…they might just have a position for you. But, you shall never ask a person you just met for a job; ask them for career advice and contacts. The more people you share your goals to, the greater your chance of scoring a lead.

5. RESEARCH

Research the companies that interest you. Find out about their job operation, products, and services. If you are acquainted with some of the employees in the firm then, ask them about the skills that are valued most when hiring and the job opportunities that are available at the moment.

6. WORK YOUR WAY IN

You will never know if you’re suited for the company unless you try it yourself. Even though there are no current full-time positions available, consider internships, freelance, and volunteering opportunities.

Image Credits: Kevin Dooley

This will benefit you because big companies tend to hire within and the experience will fill the gaps in your C.V.

Real Ways To Make Money Online

Some online businesses and websites are prevalent of scams or are filled with annoying ads that give a bad impression. But, do not let that stop you. The Internet is full of realistic opportunities to make a couple of quick cash. All you have to do is be creative and patient in finding credible ones. Here are 6 ideas you can start with…

1. 99 DESIGNS

Originally from Australia, 99 Designs became one of the world’s largest online graphic design marketplaces. They have been connecting designers to customers who are in need of quality yet affordable designs. If you have always been good and passionate at Photoshop or any graphic design tools then 99 Designs is perfect for your skills. Simply enter t-shirt, logo, website, and print design contests to win and earn money.

2. EBAY OR CAROUSELL

Explore through your pile of books, clothes, and other items. Look for anything of value and good condition that you do not want or need anymore. Then, sell it on eBay or Carousell. eBay is a website that serves as a marketplace for people worldwide while Carousell is pretty much a Smartphone version of eBay. You can also sell your bargain items to your friends and family by posting an ad on Facebook.

3. CONTENT-BASED SITES

Content websites are always in the lookout for quality and sensible content. Know your expertise then get paid for each article at eHow or Constant-Content.

4. AMAZON MECHANICAL TURK

Amazon Mechanical Turk is a market place for workers, businesses, and developers. It gives you an opportunity to work from home and to hold your own working hours. Just find and complete simple tasks such as testing sites or answering surveys, to make money.

5. MICROWORKERS

Crowd source your Micro Jobs to more than 600,000 Workers worldwide through Microworkers. Make money by completing small tasks online such as signing up for websites, searching articles, or linking url to websites.

Image Credits: Tax Credits via Flickr

These are such easy ways to make few bucks online! Try ’em now.

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