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Questions to ask yourself before you hire your first employee

You’re ready to take the plunge and hire your first employee. Congratulations! This is a big step for the future of your business.

But before you go ahead and post that job ad, there are a few questions you need to ask yourself. What kind of company culture do you want to create? How will this person contribute to the growth of your business? What are the specific skills and qualifications you’re looking for in your ideal candidate?

Allow us to help you answer these questions and more, so that you can find the perfect fit for your team.

What is your budget for this role?

You need to be realistic about what you can afford, and it’s crucial to know what the salary range should be for the position you’re filling.

Various factors go into determining an appropriate salary range, such as the skills required for the job, the location, and more. But a good rule of thumb is to make sure that the salary you’re offering is in line with what other companies are paying for similar positions.

If you’re not sure where to start, there are a lot of great online resources that can help you come up with a fair salary range for your position. So take some time to do your research before putting together a job offer that will attract the best candidates.

What are the key performance indicators for this role?

What are the specific tasks and responsibilities that this person will be responsible for? To get a better idea of what you’re looking for, start by making a list of the essential skills and qualities that are required for the position.

Think about the specific goals you have for your business and how this new employee can help you achieve them. Define what success looks like in terms of their performance, and measure it against these key performance indicators.

What qualities are essential for the role you’re hiring for?

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Start by thinking about the qualities that are essential for the role you’re hiring for. For example, if you’re hiring a salesperson, you will probably want someone outgoing and aggressive. If you’re hiring a copywriter, you will want someone knowledgeable in writing persuasive content.

Once you have a good idea of what qualities are essential for the role you’re hiring for, start thinking about candidates who fit that description. Narrow it down to five or six candidates and then do some more research on them. Check their references and see if they would be a good cultural fit for your team. Only when you’re sure that you’ve found the perfect candidate should you extend an offer.

What kind of training and development will this employee need?

Will they require on-the-job training, or will they need to be signed up for extra courses? Will they need to be certified in a certain area? And don’t forget about ongoing development.

You will want to create a plan for both initial and ongoing training and development. This will help keep your new employee up-to-date on the latest trends and developments in their field, and it will also help them grow and develop as a professional.

How will you know if the person is a good fit for your company culture?

After all, you want to make sure that the person is a good fit for both the job and the team. You don’t want someone who is going to be a disruptive force or who is going to clash with the rest of the team.

So how do you go about assessing company culture fit? First, take a look at your core values and see if they match up with those of the candidate. Second, ask how the candidate has handled conflicts in the past. And finally, take a look at the references they provide and see what others have had to say about them.

As we close, what is the role you’re looking to fill? What are the qualifications for the position? How much will this employee be paid? How much work are you willing to put into training this individual? Do you have a solid onboarding process in place? These are just a few of the questions you will need to answer before bringing someone on board. By taking the time to ask yourself these questions, you will set yourself up for success and avoid many common hiring pitfalls.

MOE Teachers and Allied Educators to Get up to 10% Salary Increase from October 1

Over 37,000 Ministry of Education (MOE) teachers, allied educators, and kindergarten teachers will get a 5 to 10 percent increase in their monthly salary from October 1, according to MOE. In a press release last August 16, MOE said that 35,000 education officers, 1,600 allied educators, and 800 preschool teachers in MOE-run kindergartens will receive the pay bumps.

The salaries for teachers and allied educators were previously reviewed in 2015, while the scheme for preschool teachers in MOE-run kindergartens was last introduced in 2019. MOE’s current move will ensure that the educators’ overall salary packages remain competitive, so that it can continue to attract and retain good educators.

Aside from this, the 30-year retention plan for teachers will also be enhanced. Moreover, teachers who do not hold key personnel appointments could also be eligible for a higher salary ceiling from next year, with the introduction of a general education officer (GEO) 5A substantive grade.

ENHANCED RETENTION PLAN

MOE’s 30-year retention plan for education officers, also known as the CONNECT Plan, will also be enhanced by about 20% from next year. Currently, a flat rate quantum between $3,200 and $8,320 is set aside for officers each year. The amount depends on their length of service. Payouts comprising a portion of the money accumulated are given every 3 to 5 years of their career.

From 2023, MOE said that the annual deposit quantum and payout ratio will be increased to better support the education officers in the earlier years of their career.

NEW SALARY GRADE

To better recognize the contributions of well-performing teachers who do not hold key personnel appointments (e.g., subject head or senior teacher), MOE will also establish a new general education officer (GEO) 5A substantive grade from 2023.

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MOE highlights that “teachers are the core of our education system”, which is why the Ministry will continue to provide opportunities for educators to learn and develop themselves throughout their careers.

“This includes providing in-service courses to help teachers deepen their content mastery and pedagogy, as well as exposing teachers to diverse experiences outside the classroom through external work attachments,” said the Ministry.

Sources: 1 & 2

How to handle unfriendly rivalry between employees

So you have an employee who just can’t seem to get along with anyone else on the team?

They always seem to be caught up in some kind of power struggle, and it’s affecting their productivity and the morale of the rest of the staff. What can you do?

In this article, we will give you a few tips on how to handle unfriendly rivalry between employees. It’s not always easy, but with a bit of patience and some clear boundaries, you can hopefully nip the problem in the bud.

Acknowledge the problem

You’ve probably heard the saying “there’s no room for two tigers in the same jungle.” Well, the same thing applies to the workplace.

If you have two employees who are constantly butting heads, it’s going to create an unpleasant environment for everyone. The first step is acknowledging that there is a problem. Don’t try to sweep it under the rug, because it will only get worse if you do. Address the issue head-on, and be clear about what you expect from both employees.

Talk to each employee separately first

When you have employees who are unfriendly with each other, the best thing to do is talk to them separately first. This will help you get a better understanding of what’s going on and why they’re acting this way.

It’s also a good way to find out if there’s any truth to the rumors you’ve been hearing. By having a one-on-one conversation, you’re showing your employees that you’re interested in resolving the situation. And this sends a message that you don’t tolerate any type of hostility in the workplace.

Of course, it’s not always comfortable to have such conversations. They may feel like it’s a personal attack, but remember that you’re just trying to get to the bottom of things. Stay calm, be professional, and take notes so you can reference them later on.

Facilitate a meeting between the involved parties

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You should facilitate a meeting between the involved parties. This will give them a chance to air their grievances and explain their side of the story. It will also allow you to get an overall understanding of the situation.

By mediating the meeting, you can ensure that it stays productive and doesn’t turn into a shouting match. You may need to play referee from time to time, but that’s okay. It’s your responsibility to make sure that the meeting stays on track.

The employees may not be happy with each other, but at least they will have an opportunity to resolve their differences under your watchful eye.

Set clear expectations and encourage positive competition

So what can you do as a boss to encourage positive competition among your employees?

First, set clear expectations. Make it apparent that you want them to support each other, not compete against each other. And let them know that you will be keeping an eye on the situation. Second, praise them when they work well together. This will help motivate them to continue working positively together.

Finally, be sure to address any negative behavior immediately. If any backstabbing or bullying is going on, it needs to stop right away. It will only create further tension and conflict in the workplace, and nobody wants that.

When you’re the boss, it can be tough to know how to handle unfriendly rivalry between employees. On one hand, you don’t want to seem like you’re taking sides. On the other hand, you want to make sure that everyone is getting along and working towards the same goal. Make it obvious that you don’t tolerate any kind of bullying or harassment and encourage employees to communicate with each other if they have any problems.

How to choose between a copywriter and a content writer

You’re probably familiar with the term “copywriter.” They’re the people who help businesses create compelling advertising and marketing materials.

But what about “content writers”? What do they do, and is it something you need for your business? The short answer is that it depends. Both copywriters and content writers can help you create great content for your website and social media pages, but the two positions have rather dissimilar focuses.

Allow us to break down the distinctions between copywriters and content writers so you can decide which position is right for your business.

Defining the terms

When it comes to content, there are two main positions you can hire: a copywriter or a content writer. So, what’s the difference?

A copywriter is someone who writes persuasive sales copy. They create catchy headlines and use persuasive language to get people to buy a product or service. A content writer, on the other hand, is responsible for creating informative, value-driven content. This might be in the form of articles, ebooks, or blog posts.

The main difference between the two is that copywriters are focused on selling, while content writers are focused on informing. If you’re not sure which position you need, consider what kind of content you want to create and what your company goals are.

What does a copywriter do?

Copywriters understand the art of persuasion. They know how to write persuasive content that will make people want to buy what you’re selling. They can also help you create website content, email marketing campaigns, and even social media posts.

They typically have a background in marketing, journalism, or creative writing. They understand the basics of persuasion and know how to craft powerful content that will convince people to take action.

What does a content writer do?

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Well, a content writer is responsible for creating and publishing content across a variety of channels, including your blog, website, and social media pages. They help you to develop a content strategy and create engaging and informative copy that will resonate with your audience.

A good content writer understands the needs of their client and the target audience and knows how to create content that is both relevant and compelling. They also know how to use keywords and other SEO techniques to improve your search engine ranking.

When should you hire a copywriter?

You should consider hiring a copywriter when you need help with ad copy, slogans, or email marketing. A copywriter can also help you create a brand voice and style guide.

They’re typically skilled in persuasive writing techniques, so they can help you create content that markets your products or services. Copywriters are also great at creating catchy headlines and coming up with interesting ideas for blog posts and social media content.

When should you hire a content writer?

Given that you’re reading this, we are going to assume you’re at a point where you need help creating content. And that’s where a content writer comes in.

A content writer can help you with everything from developing a content strategy to creating blog posts, landing pages, and even long-form articles to rank on Google. Basically, they take care of all the nitty-gritty details so you can focus on what’s important—running your business.

But when should you hire a content writer? The answer is simple: when you need help creating content that’s engaging, informative, and accurately reflects your brand.

How to choose the right copywriter or content writer for your business

When it comes to content writing, there are a lot of options out there. You could hire a copywriter, a content writer, or even a combo of the two. So how do you know which one is right for your business?

Here are a few tips to help you make the right decision:

Define your needs. What kind of content do you need? What’s your budget? How often do you need new content?
Do your research. Check out different writers’ websites, portfolios, and blog posts to get a sense of their style capabilities.
Interview writers. This is a great way to get to know them better and see if their style and tone align with what you’re looking for.
Make a decision. After considering all the factors, make a decision and go with it. You can always change your mind later if it’s not working out, but it’s best to start with a hiring plan and stick to it.

In a nutshell, when it comes to content creation, there are two main positions you can hire: a copywriter or a content writer. So, which one should you choose? It depends on your needs. If you need someone to help with marketing materials, go with a copywriter. If you need someone to help with the overall strategy and organization of your content, go with a content writer.

How to match your brand with the right influencer

So you’ve decided to explore the world of influencer marketing? Splendid decision! But with so many influencers out there, how do you know which one is right for your brand?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, but here is some advice to help you get started. First, think about what you want your influencer to do for you. Do you need them to create content? Or are you looking for someone to promote your product or service?

Once you know what you want, start by targeting the right type of influencer. Not all influencers are created equal, and not every brand will be a good fit for every influencer. So take the time to find ones who are a good match for your brand and your goals.

In this article, we will give you a few more tips on how to choose the right influencer for your brand.

Why use influencers?

Simply put, an influencer is someone with a substantial social media following who can promote your product or service to their fans. They’re someone with authority in their field, and people trust their opinion.

So why use influencers? There are a few reasons. First, they’re a great way to reach new audiences that you wouldn’t normally have access to. Second, they’re credible, which means people are more likely to believe what they have to say. And third, some can be affordable.

So if you’re thinking about using influencers for your next marketing campaign, read on for suggestions on how to choose the right one for your brand.

What is your brand’s voice?

Before you start reaching out to potential influencers, it’s vital to take a step back and figure out what your brand’s voice is. What do you want your brand to stand for? What are its core values? What’s your messaging?

Once you have a good sense of that, you can start thinking about who would be the best fit as an influencer. Keep in mind that not every influencer is suitable for every brand. You want to make sure that their tone and messaging are aligned with the voice of your brand. If they’re not, it could end up confusing your customers and doing more harm than good.

Define your target audience

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Who are you trying to reach? Figure that out and then start your search. You need to find someone who will resonate with your target audience and can help you reach your goals.

It’s also necessary to consider the type of influencer you’re looking for. Do you want someone who’s lifestyle-based or more industry-focused? Or maybe you’re after a micro-influencer who has a smaller but more engaged following.

Think about what you want your campaign to achieve and who can help you get there. Then start narrowing down your list of candidates.

What type of content does the influencer produce?

Do they focus on video? Or are they more of a writer? Maybe they’re great at creating graphics or taking beautiful photos.

It’s crucial to find someone who specializes in the type of content you want to create. If you’re not sure what that is, think about the themes and topics you want to cover. Do you want to promote a new product, talk about your company culture, or share tips for running a successful home-based business?

Once you know what you want to talk about, you will be able to better match your brand with the right influencer.

So you’ve just started exploring the idea of influencer marketing for your brand? Maybe you’ve even identified some potential candidates for partnerships. So, how do you know which influencer is an ideal match for your brand? As mentioned earlier, there are a few key factors to keep in mind when pairing your brand with an influencer. Consider the above points and have a meeting with your marketing team before you take your next steps. Good luck!