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Asking about your delayed promotion without seeming pushy

I was suddenly reminded of a close friend at work who was “chasing” after her promotion but kept facing delays.

It was not just a frustrating experience for her but for me as well because I was looking forward to her promotion as much as she was.

But days turned to weeks and weeks to months; nothing happened.

Is that you too?

You’ve been promised a promotion by your boss but months have passed and you’ve yet to receive any official email or letter from your HR?

Then this article is for you.

Keep your emotions in check

Yes, I know your emotions are running high now.

It’s natural.

But showing your emotions for the world to see at work can sabo you instead of aiding the situation.

Woah, woah, don’t get me wrong. I’m certainly not asking you to ignore your feelings. It’s unhealthy.

I’ve “exploded” once at work before and I know how it feels to bottle everything up.

What I’m saying is that you should know the difference between “feeling” and “showing” your emotions.

If you need someone to talk to about the situation, connect with someone outside of work, or better still, seek a professional counselor.

Schedule a meeting to discuss the issue

Sometimes, even the most patient among us needs a gentle reminder about something promised but not delivered.

Don’t second guess your boss’ thoughts. Reach out and ask if you can schedule a meeting to talk about your promotion. Of course, be armed with the main points you want to make.

Share that you are looking for clarity as to when the promotion may come through (since you’ve waited long enough since the last talk).

Tip: Keep that accusatory tone in your bag.

Come prepared with examples of your achievements

If you’ve stayed long enough, you would have some past performance reviews stashed somewhere, right?

Image Credits: venngage.com

Use that as a starting point.

Highlight the positives in your past reviews—whether that be praises from your colleagues, successful projects you spearheaded, or any other accomplishments that speak to the value you’ve added thus far.

You can also share some “evidence” of successes that you’ve had since the promise of your promotion was made.

But we all know we’re not flawless.

So play the balance game by mentioning your shortcomings—delayed project deadlines or issues with communication—whatever it is, openly acknowledging your flaws can show that you’re aware of personal areas of improvement.

Express your commitment to career growth at the company

You want the promotion for the money. That’s a fact.

But showing it upfront is not going to get you anywhere.

You want your boss to know that you don’t just want the promotion—you want to take ownership of the opportunity and drive results for the company.

And you can do so by revealing your long-term vision for yourself and the company.

Showing that staying at the company is part of your long-term plans will help demonstrate that you don’t just want the position—you want to be here over time, to contribute in every single way.

Okay lah, a bit fake but you want the promotion, right?

Ask for clear next steps and timelines

You can’t be waiting forever for a delayed promotion.

I sure won’t.

So ask for the details about your promotion. This will give you an idea of how long the process may take.

But be reasonable too.

For example, if your bosses are dealing with a huge project or it’s “paperwork season”, they may need more time than usual to process your promotion.

This is why it’s important to be patient and understanding when waiting for an official confirmation of your promotion.

Gear up for the next steps if the promotion ain’t happening

If months have gone by (or worse still, a year or two) and there’s still no sign of your long-awaited promotion, it’s time to think ahead.

Perhaps it’s about time you start looking elsewhere for opportunities that could help you get ahead in your career.

Go to job search portals and start researching potential similar roles in other companies.

Prep your resume and portfolio, write cover letters… you know the drill, yeah?

And yes, it’s time to log in to your moldy LinkedIn profile and start networking—you never know what opportunities may arise.

However, be sure to not neglect your current duties in your role as you await more updates from your boss and HR manager.

And always, always, leave on a good note (if you’re resigning). Burning bridges won’t do you any good.

As we close, if your boss is delaying your promotion, don’t be afraid to ask why. Be direct but polite, and make sure you’re specific about the terms of the promotion. By being mindful of both your needs as well as your boss’, you can have a productive conversation about your delayed promotion without seeming pushy. Remember, the only way to get what you want is to ask for it. Don’t settle for anything less than you deserve.

Latest WFH internships posted from 16 to 19 May 2023

Happy Friday, and welcome back to this weekly WFH internship opportunity series!

Remote internships provide an incredible chance for fresh graduates or aspiring professionals to gain valuable experience in their preferred industry while enjoying the flexibility of working from home.

Interested? Join us as we dive into the latest available internships posted from 16 to 19 May 2023.

#1: StackUp (Under TribeX) – Product Content Intern

Website: app.stackup.dev

Allowance / Remuneration: $1,000 monthly

Job Qualifications

–

Key Responsibilities

Content Creation: propose and design campaign content for learning on StackUp to increase educational value, and drive user engagement and usage.
Stakeholder Management: work with internal and external stakeholders in designing and running content to increase user engagement. Where relevant and timely, you may also have the opportunity to participate in meetings with external partners.

How to apply?

View the job post in full here and write to Yan Ning via this link.

#2: Soft Spot – Marketing Intern

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Website: softspot.baby

Allowance / Remuneration: $800 – 1,100 monthly

Job Qualifications

–

Key Responsibilities

Customer service: Respond to and resolve customer queries or requests promptly and professionally
Events and activations: Assist in the planning and execution of pop-ups and other events
Marketing collaterals: Develop marketing materials on an ad-hoc basis
Business development: Be the key liaison for selected retailers to help drive channel growth

How to apply?

View the job post in full here and write to Ely via this link.

#3: IFoundries (Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd – Social Media Graphic Design Intern

Website: ifoundries.com

Allowance / Remuneration: $600 – 1,000 monthly

Job Qualifications

Familiarity with producing content for Instagram, Facebook
A portfolio showcasing knowledge of graphic design ideally with a focus on digital design
A keen eye for consistency, color, typography, and details
Knowledge of current trends in design and technology
Strong proficiency in Photoshop and Illustrator
Keen eyes for details
Video production, video editing, and photography skills and/or their equivalent are a plus

Key Responsibilities

To work closely with the digital marketing team to design social media and online ad campaigns
Assist in brainstorming design ideas for social media posts and other marketing collaterals
Assist with editing images for marketing collateral and product launches
Brainstorm new and creative strategies.

How to apply?

View the job post in full here and write to Vary via this link.

#4: Clarins Pte Ltd – Intern – Finance

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Website: clarins.com.sg

Allowance / Remuneration: $800 – 1,300 monthly

Job Qualifications

Business or Finance degree
No particular experience is required but generally eager to learn and discover a fast pace business in a multicultural and dynamic international company
Basic Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint knowledge
Basic understanding of Information Systems
Eager to learn from experienced professionals (hard and soft skills)
A high degree of responsibility, integrity, and attention to detail.
Investigative nature
Entrepreneurial mindset, challenging the existing, seeking perfection
People and communication skills with an ability to adapt to different personalities

Key Responsibilities

Monthly Sales Reporting and Analysis
Tri-annual Budget and Re-estimates exercises
Day-to-day tasks
Ad-hoc Project Management

How to apply?

View the job post in full here and submit your resume to [email protected].

#5: Third Floor Pictures Pte Ltd – Production Assistant

Website: thirdfloorpictures.com

Allowance / Remuneration: $800 – 1,500 monthly

Job Qualifications

Independent, responsible, punctual, and self-driven.
Able to learn quickly and communicate effectively.
Interest in television long-form work – both fiction and factual content.
Minimum 6 months of related work experience.
Only for Singaporeans / PRs.

Key Responsibilities

Assist producers in day-to-day production tasks, including research and budget-related work.
Communicate with various production personnel to develop production schedules and prepare detailed call sheets. You may be required to travel for filming and assist in overseas production.
When a project goes into the post-production stage, you’ll coordinate with the different parties involved and assist in post-pro work.

How to apply?

View the job post in full here and write to Oman via this link.

Note: We’ve selected these internships based on the “remote” tag, but some positions may still require some face-to-face time. Please contact the employer directly for more deets.

11 Reasons to Ask for a Salary Increase

When money is involved, asking for a salary increase becomes a sensitive topic, requiring proper planning. To successfully request a salary increase, you need to convince your supervisor that you deserve it and choose the right timing. This article highlights the best time to ask for a raise and provides guidance on making this request.

#1: YOUR POSITION EVOLVED

Your work performance is one of the strongest arguments for receiving a pay raise. Going beyond the requirements of your job may involve taking on additional responsibilities, surpassing quotas, and assisting your co-workers. If your position has evolved to include new tasks, you can discuss the possibility of a pay raise with your supervisor. If you are capable of completing these tasks, offer to take responsibility for them voluntarily. This demonstrates your enthusiasm to learn and your commitment to the company’s success.

#2: YOU RECEIVED A PROMOTION

A change in position often comes with an increase in salary, which is particularly significant when transitioning from a rank-and-file role to an executive or managerial position.

#3: YOU GAINED SENIORITY

Did you recently gain seniority in your company? In some companies, particularly in the public sector, as employees gain more seniority, their position grade and rewards tend to increase. This can be expressed through various forms of recognition, such as benefits or bonuses, which acknowledge their years of service and dedication.

#4: YOU WERE REQUIRED TO TRAVEL MORE

Traveling for work, as mandated by your job responsibilities, can serve as a compelling reason for an increase. It not only demands adapting to diverse environments, childcare arrangements, and professional schedules but also entails emotional challenges. Moreover, travel carries inherent risks that can potentially compromise the safety and well-being of workers.

#5: YOU NEED TO ALIGN WITH INFLATION

An employee’s salary is initially determined upon their employment, but it can be subject to change through annual promotions and other factors, such as inflation. It is crucial to argue for the need to align the cost of living with current wages. One significant aspect is ensuring that the salary keeps pace with the evolving minimum wage, which is reassessed annually, often in December, depending on the company. Regular salary adjustments are essential to maintain a fair and equitable compensation structure.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

#6: YOUR COMPANY IS GROWING

The company you work for is experiencing growth, and you play a crucial role in that progress. It is entirely acceptable to request a pay increase because of this expansion. However, it is essential to articulate how your contributions have contributed to the collective effort that drove this growth. What did you do differently from others?

#7: YOU BROUGHT IN NEW CLIENTS

In line with the company’s growth, if you have brought in a significant number of clients in recent years, you can make a persuasive case for a raise based on your exceptional networking skills and abilities. As a commendable employee, it is important to assert your value through concrete facts and sales figures.

#8: YOU MANAGE MORE PEOPLE

Have you recently been assigned to a team? It is deserving of a raise due to your new responsibilities. Managing individuals with their unique differences can pose a challenge for any employee. Effective management cannot be improvised; it demands specific qualities, efforts, and concessions.

#9: YOU ARE PAID LESS THAN YOUR CO-WORKERS

With comparable professional characteristics (such as time, position, experience, and diploma), the pay gap between men and women in Singapore was 14.4% in 2020. This indicates that full-time resident women aged 25 to 54 earned $0.856 for every $1.00 earned by their male counterparts.

If you discover that you are being paid less than a co-worker with the same qualifications and job duties, it is important to discuss this matter with the Human Resources department. Seek to understand the reasons behind this disparity and do not hesitate to engage in salary renegotiations.

#10: YOU RECEIVED AN EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE REVIEW

Since most employers factor in individual performance when making pay decisions, it becomes a crucial variable when being considered for a pay increase or promotion. Demonstrating excellent performance is essential for retaining your current responsibilities and achieving a higher salary. Consistently maintaining a high level of performance is equally important. Even when applying for a new job, this information can hold significance for your prospective employer as it provides a more comprehensive understanding of your abilities.

#11: YOU GAINED ADDITIONAL EDUCATION

In healthcare and academia, pursuing further education and obtaining certifications hold significant importance. The quality of one’s education can directly impact their salary. Graduating from a top program generally has a positive influence on pay. Furthermore, acquiring additional certifications relevant to your current position can contribute added value to the company, providing compelling arguments during salary negotiations.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

In conclusion, there are numerous valid reasons to request a salary increase, including evolved position, promotion, seniority, increased travel, inflation alignment, company growth, client acquisition, team management, pay disparity, excellent performance, and additional education. Best of luck in your negotiation!

Sources: 1 ,2, & 3

Mastering a new tongue can help boost your income

With the rise of AI and the possibility of AI replacing jobs, have you been thinking of various ways to level up your career?

If you’ve been considering learning a new language as a form of self-upgrade, you’re on the right track.

In fact, I think our sunny island is the perfect place to practice a language given the saturation of nationalities and languages. This means you will have lots of opportunities to meet people, learn, and practice.

Mastering a new language can help boost your income because it opens a world of career opportunities for you. And I’m not just talking about being able to speak; being able to read and write can give you an entire spectrum of advantages in the competitive job market.

And even if you may take some time to be fluent, being trilingual can be a great asset for travel and leisure!

Speaking a foreign language can increase your salary potential

Fluency in a foreign language is a qualification that employers are looking out for.

To back up using stats, research has shown that you can stand a chance to raise your salary by up to 15% with new language proficiency.

A study on bilingualism in the workplace revealed that those who spoke > 2 languages earned an average of 5 to 20% more than those who only spoke one.

But lest you get me wrong, I’m not saying that language fluency is a guarantee of a steep pay raise. I’m just saying that it does put you in a good position to receive one.

And common sense tells you that being multilingual gives you access to a larger job market. Other than international companies in Singapore, you can also search for opportunities abroad.

Knowledge is power, ya.

You will have a competitive advantage

There’s no denying that we’re seeing more foreigners on the streets of Singapore in recent years.

Image Credits: todayonline.com

And that’s a sign that many are settling down in Singapore, starting up businesses, and working on our shores.

Being able to communicate in their local language will give you a natural advantage over those who can’t. This can be a huge plus point when it comes to thriving in such workplaces.

In addition, learning a new language can open up a wider range of opportunities, including international roles that pay higher salaries.

Companies are always looking to expand their business globally, and having an employee who can communicate effectively with people in different markets is an invaluable asset.

Furthermore, with globalization and increasing diversity, there is a growing need for multilingual employees.

This means that multilingual candidates have an edge over their monolingual counterparts when it comes to getting hired for certain roles. And that edge often translates into higher salaries and better benefits!

The most in-demand languages for careers

You probably do not need me to say this:

English and Mandarin Chinese are probably the “hottest” languages worldwide.

But apart from those two, which the majority of Singaporeans have a slight advantage over, other in-demand languages include Spanish, French, German, Hindi, Arabic, Portuguese, and Japanese.

But ultimately, I think you do what’s best for you. Because passion will take you to places.

For example, if you take a huge interest in Japan and want to move there one day, then start learning their language!

And the same goes for any country you’re keen on moving to that doesn’t use English or Mandarin Chinese as their main language of communication.

Online resources to master a language

With the pandemic coming to an end, more language schools are offering in-person classes now.

But if you think it’s too much of a hassle, there are online resources you can make use of to start your language-learning journey.

Here are three to get you started:

Babbel

With Babbel, you can learn any language from the comfort of your own home! It offers up to 14 languages such as Spanish, French, and Portuguese, with packages starting from S$13.32 for three months.

The Open University Learning Space

The Open University Learning Space offers language learning resources that follow the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) suitable for beginner to advanced-level learners. You can check out this short courses page: open.ac.uk/courses/languages/short-courses, where they offer beginner to elementary modules for German, Italian, and more.

Duolingo

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Duolingo is not only a fun and interactive way to learn new words and phrases quickly, but the app’s bite-sized lessons keep it interesting without overwhelming the learner. I’ve used it to learn Japanese and Indonesian, which is not bad if you’re an absolute beginner.

Investing in mastering a new language can take years, but it can pay off in monetary ways. With globalization and people moving across countries to work and try a hand at entrepreneurship, the modern workplace requires folks with language skills other than their native ones. And if you’re fluent and at a working proficiency level, you can negotiate for a higher salary. So why not take the plunge and embark on a journey of language learning today? You will only stand to win.

Latest WFH internships posted from 9 to 12 May 2023

It’s that time of the week again.

If you’re in search of a remote opportunity because you think you would be able to better manage your time, here are the latest WFH internships posted from 9 to 12 May 2023.

#1: Easypnp (SG) Pte. Ltd. – Apps Developer Internship – WhatsApp Business Integration

Website: pnp.sg

Allowance / Remuneration: $800 – 1,500 monthly

Job Qualifications

Currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.
Strong understanding of app development concepts, frameworks, and languages (e.g., Java, Kotlin, Swift, React Native).
Familiarity with WhatsApp Business API and integration processes is a plus.
Proficiency in backend development and RESTful APIs.
Experience with Google Cloud Platform services, particularly DialogFlow, for building chatbot applications.
Knowledge of natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning frameworks is desirable.
Solid problem-solving skills and ability to think creatively to develop innovative solutions.
Excellent communication and teamwork skills to collaborate effectively with team members.

Key Responsibilities

Collaborate with the Apps Development team to integrate WhatsApp Business apps with GPT for autoresponder functionality.
Utilize Google Cloud and DialogFlow to develop intelligent chatbot capabilities for the WhatsApp Business integration.
Work closely with cross-functional teams to gather requirements, understand business needs, and implement effective solutions.
Develop and maintain a system to provide specific information to customers when they make inquiries via WhatsApp Business.
Design and implement a user-friendly interface for customers to place orders through the app.
Conduct thorough testing and debugging of the application to ensure optimal performance and user experience.
Stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends, technologies, and best practices related to app development, messaging platforms, and artificial intelligence.

How to apply?

View the job post in full here and write to Michael via this link.

#2: Bob The Baker Boy Pte Ltd – Digital Marketing Intern

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Website: bobthebakerboy.com

Allowance / Remuneration: $800 – 1,000 monthly

Job Qualifications

A responsible self-starter with an aptitude for handling multiple tasks.
A strong sense of design aesthetics and detail-oriented.
A good command of written and verbal English.
Possess/Pursuing: Diploma in Design or Communications OR a strong interest in digital creative – content creation and graphic design (with a portfolio).
Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, Lightroom, InDesign, Premier Pro) and Canva.
Singaporean or PR only, or Student Pass from approved institutions.

Key Responsibilities

Spearhead content creation and management of e-commerce and social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Blog, and Emails)
Assist in developing and executing marketing strategy and branding through the use of photography, videography, illustration, and any other graphic design mediums.
Fulfill any other projects and tasks assigned by the Team.

How to apply?

View the job post in full here and write to Maycee via this link.

#3: Happy Little Munchers – Marketing Intern

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Website: happylittlemunchers.com

Allowance / Remuneration: $750 – 900 monthly

Job Qualifications

Self-motivated, mature individual with initiative who enjoys working within an entrepreneurial environment
A good command of written and verbal English
A strong interest in digital creative – content creation and graphic design (with a portfolio).
Singaporean or PR only, or Student Pass from approved institutions.

Key Responsibilities

Managing social media platforms (Instagram, FB)
Creating content for marketing materials, ads, and email marketing
Website design
Assist in the running and facilitation of events (if any)
Assist in Information management and daily admin tasks
Assist in branding through the use of photography, videography, illustration, and any other graphic design mediums.

How to apply?

View the job post in full here and write to Matt via this link.

#4: Brendan Aw Ventures – Marketing Content Writer Intern

Website: brendanaw.com

Allowance / Remuneration: $200 – 400 (project /contract based)

Job Qualifications

Extreme attention to detail
Proven writing experience with marketing topics
Deep expertise in Affiliate marketing, Content marketing, Email Marketing, or SEO niches.
Portfolio of published marketing articles
Knowledge of SEO best practices

Key Responsibilities

Writing round-up posts/listicles, How-tos, and in-depth review articles
Performing thorough research on assigned topics
Following blog editorial guidelines at all times
Proofreading your work to make sure it’s error-free
Passing AI detection

How to apply?

View the job post in full here and apply via this link: airtable.com/shraNrFiTKHRdsS7y

#5: Schoolber Pte Ltd – UIUX Designer

Website: schoolber.com.sg

Allowance / Remuneration: $2,000 – 3,000 monthly

Job Qualifications

Diploma / Degree holder with or without experience in designing web/mobile applications or graphic design
Sound understanding of the product design principles
Experienced in using product design software (e.g. Adobe XD/ Figma, Illustrator, and Photoshop)
Team spirit; strong communication skills to collaborate with various stakeholders
Multi-tasking and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks.

Key Responsibilities

Conduct user experience design requirements to discover insights on user pain points and consumer behavior
Collaborate with the IT team to design and build digital products that align with business goals
Producing high-quality UX design solutions through wireframes, visual and graphic designs, flow diagrams, storyboards, site maps, and prototypes.
Developing and conceptualizing a comprehensive UI/UX design strategy for the brand
Identify and resolve UX issues based on analytics and user feedback
Ensure timely delivery of projects deliverables
Designing UI elements and tools such as navigation menus, search boxes, tabs, and widgets for our digital assets.
Testing UI elements such as page layouts, page designs, page flows, etc, and target links for landing pages.
Providing advice and guidance on the implementation of UX research methodologies and testing activities to analyze and predict user behavior

How to apply?

View the job post in full here and write to Charlemagne via this link.

Note: We’ve selected these internships based on the “remote” tag, but some positions may still require some face-to-face time. Please contact the employer directly for more deets.