Your first job interview is a big step into the world of adulthood and the professional realm. It’s a mix of excitement and nerves as you prepare to face potential employers and prove yourself. The pressure can feel overwhelming, leaving you uncertain about how to handle this new challenge.
One of the toughest aspects of a first job interview is the lack of prior experience. As a fresh graduate or young professional, you may wonder how to effectively showcase your skills and talents without an established work history. It’s easy to feel inadequate in such situations.
To counter this, focus on your transferable skills gained from internships, volunteer work, or academic projects. Employers value enthusiasm, willingness to learn, and adaptability – so make sure to highlight these qualities during the interview.
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Navigating the interview process itself can also be confusing. You might be unsure about the questions you’ll face, how to dress appropriately, or how to interact with the interviewers. The fear of making the wrong impression can be quite daunting.
In preparation, familiarize yourself with the company and its values. Take time to research their operations and the specific job you’re applying for. Go to the company’s website and click the “About Us” or “Careers” section to learn more. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the company.
It’s common for self-doubt and imposter syndrome to creep in during first job interviews. You might question your worth and abilities, leading to a lack of confidence.
Remember, the company selected you for an interview because they see potential in you. Don’t let imposter syndrome hold you back. Instead, focus on your achievements and the hard work you’ve put in to get to this point. Visualize a successful outcome and turn your nerves into positive energy.
Though a first job interview may seem challenging, remember that everyone faces this hurdle when starting their career journey. Embrace the process as an opportunity to learn, grow, and improve your interview skills.
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Practice answering common interview questions with friends or family, and don’t be discouraged by rejections. Each interview experience will contribute to your growth, bringing you closer to that exciting first job opportunity. So, face the challenge head-on and remember that you have the potential to shine brightly in your first job interview.
Let’s face it, kids can be costly. From daily expenses like groceries and clothing to future endeavors like college funds, the financial responsibilities can seem overwhelming. The idea of a family vacation might make you hesitant, but don’t dismiss it just yet.
Traveling together not only strengthens the bond between parents and children but also creates unforgettable memories. After all, what’s the point of working hard if you can’t enjoy life? The good news is, you absolutely deserve and can afford that much-needed vacation. To help you make it happen, here are some practical tips on how to save money while traveling with kids!
TIME YOUR VACATION
If you have young children or are willing to take older kids out of school for a few days, you can score great deals by traveling in the off-season. Avoid peak travel times like Christmas, Thanksgiving, holiday weekends, and summer vacations. Instead, plan your trip for September, October, February, or April. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also encounter fewer crowds and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere.
MAKE A TRAVEL BUDGET
Before setting off on your family adventure, create a strict budget and commit to sticking to it. Consider making an Excel spreadsheet outlining every expense, including flights, rental cars, accommodations, meals, snacks, entrance fees, and souvenirs. Having a clear overview of your expenditures will prevent any surprises and help you resist impulsive spending during the trip.
OPT FOR EXPERIENCE GIFTS
Consider giving your kids experience gifts instead of material possessions. Initially, they might not fully grasp what to expect, but once they experience the excitement and joy of traveling, they’ll cherish the memories far more than any material gifts. Trips to museums or fun outings like trampoline parks can be incredibly rewarding for everyone involved.
CONSIDER ALTERNATIVE STAYS
If your vacation involves staying at a destination for an extended period, explore accommodation options like Airbnb or Homestay. These platforms often offer weekly discounts, making them more cost-effective, especially if you’re staying for more than a week. Additionally, choosing a place with a kitchen allows you to save money on meals by preparing some at home.
Alternatively, consider staying at guesthouses or smaller hostels instead of large hotels or chains. Not only will this save you money, but it can also provide a more authentic and immersive experience of the local culture.
EXPLORE ON FOOT
Walking is not only great exercise but also an excellent way to save money while traveling. I don’t know how many times I have heard of horror stories about taxis or tuk-tuk frauds! Instead of relying on tuk-tuks or local buses, explore your destination on foot.
Walking allows you to discover hidden gems, charming side roads, and local sights that you might otherwise miss. It’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in the local culture and create unique memories along the way.
RIDE BUDGET AIRLINES
When traveling within Southeast Asia, consider flying with budget airlines like AirAsia, VietJet, or Tigerair. These carriers offer affordable fares, allowing you to save money on air travel. To stretch your savings even further, travel with carry-on luggage only. While checking a bag might be relatively inexpensive in Southeast Asia compared to other regions, the money you save can be better spent on exciting excursions or adventurous motorbike rides.
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Traveling with kids doesn’t have to be a financial burden; it can be a rewarding and memorable experience for everyone involved. So, pack your bags, create unforgettable memories, and cherish the joy of exploring unfamiliar places with your loved ones!
NewJeans x LINE FRIENDS pop-up store has officially opened its doors in Singapore and being the humble K-pop fan that I am, I had to drop by.
It’s at Orchard Central anyway.
In all honestly, I was expecting to just walk in and have a look around but it was much more crowded than I expected it to be.
I’m going to spill the beans and explain my camera roll, plus show you the prices so you can compare them with the Kpopmerch Official Store on Shopee.
Give me your attention as I reveal everything I’ve seen and experienced.
Scan a QR code to join the queue
So I reached there slightly past noon and a staff was holding a QR code that you have to scan to join the queue.
I was told that it would take about 15 minutes and was urged to come back later.
But this was what I was greeted with after entering my particulars:
The queue situation looks okay though, so I thought I would head elsewhere to run my errands first before coming back to join the queue since it would probably take me more than 15 minutes.
But just as I was on my way to pick up some stuff, I received a message asking me to proceed back to the holding area:
It was only about 10 minutes since I joined the virtual queue so I was secretly happy that it didn’t take too long. Well, at least for now.
I went back to the holding area, right opposite Equate Coffee, showed the staff my message notification, and joined the queue.
12.25 pm.
The long wait starts from now
Silly me as I wasn’t expecting to wait that long.
But minutes passed, the line moved little by little… But it still wasn’t my turn.
I was almost close to leaving because I was starving.
12.45 pm.
Oh yeah, I was nearing the end of the queue and was given a little “Q ticket” by the staff:
“Finally…” I thought.
But nope.
The holding area was just the first batch.
Oh my, oh my God.
Here’s the second “holding area”:
But at least there are seats so you can rest a little while waiting.
1.14 pm.
Finally, it was time to enter.
I returned the “Q ticket” to the store staff at the entrance and received a little freebie in return:
Store experience and prices
Okay, so here’s the real deal.
When you enter, here’s what the store looks like:
To your left, there will be BT21, LINE FRIENDS, and TRUZ.
But everyone was crowding around the right side of the pop-up store, which is where you will find all your NewJeans display and merch.
This is right near the entrance:
And then there’s more when you walk in:
Last look at the display before we move on to the prices:
Here are some of the photos I took and I’ve listed the product names together with the in-store prices so you can compare them to the Kpopmerch Official Store on Shopee and decide if you want to get them offline or online, yeah.
There’s also a phone zone right in front of the check-out counter so you can snap your pics and videos before paying for your merchandise.
FYI, their carrier bags are not free so you might want to bring your recycling bags if you don’t want to pay extra on top of your already pricey goods.
The carrier bags are priced at $0.40, $0.60, and $1 according to sizes anyway.
All payments are to be done via cash or nets only and items sold are not exchangeable nor refundable.
Here’s more to note:
Should you buy online or offline?
If you’re as impatient as I am, I would suggest that you get your NewJeans merch online.
The above image shows you the two holding areas I had to go through, which took me about an hour all in all.
I’m not the sort that likes waiting so I think shopping online would make things a lot easier (and cheaper for selected goods).
However, I do have to highlight to you that some merchandise is already sold out online so it’s your chance to get them offline if they still have it when you visit.
Also, there are a handful of items that I can’t seem to find in the Kpopmerch Official Store on Shopee (those that I didn’t input any links to), so it’s a good opportunity for you to get them in-store.
Anyhow, I’m writing this on the launch day of the pop-up store, which is on a Friday. I cannot imagine what the queue situation is going to be like during the weekend.
I would highly recommend that you visit on a weekday if you have the freedom to do so.
The event will last till 23 November but the merch won’t wait so you should visit early before the items get sold out.
A creator, observer, and sharp-witted communicator with an eye for aesthetics.
Interest in health & wellness, F&B, and lifestyle.
Solid understanding of different marketing techniques and familiarity with social media platforms, content creation tools (CapCut, Canva, etc.), and digital marketing software (MailChimp).
Basic knowledge of photography, videography, and video editing software is preferred.
Familiarity with social media analytics and web analytics tools is a plus.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills and knowledge of MS Office and G Suite
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with an excellent command of English.
Ability to multitask, organized, proactive, and able to work both independently and as part of a team.
Highly motivated, and open, with a flexible mindset and ability to work in a dynamic startup environment.
Key Responsibilities
Content Creation:
Collaborate with the marketing team to develop and produce high-quality visual and written content for our digital platforms.
Assist in filming or shooting content for social media, website, and other marketing materials.
Create engaging and informative content based on current trends and events related to the wellness industry.
Social Media Management:
Manage and maintain our social media platforms, including but not limited to Facebook, and Instagram.
Assist in developing a content calendar and schedule posts to ensure consistent and timely sharing of content.
Monitor and respond to comments, messages, and inquiries on social media platforms.
Analyze social media metrics and generate reports to track the effectiveness of social content.
Market Research:
Conduct market research to identify emerging trends, target audience preferences, and competitor strategies.
Stay updated on industry news, events, and developments to propose new ideas and strategies.
Digital Marketing Support:
Support various digital marketing initiatives and advertising promotional activities, including email marketing, search engine optimization (SEO), online advertising campaigns, and websites.
Assist in tracking and analyzing website traffic and user behavior using tools such as Google Analytics.
Contribute to brainstorming sessions and provide creative input for marketing campaigns.
Generate meeting reports and presentation slides for management meetings.
Manage and update database and customer relationship management systems (CRM).
Note: We’ve selected these internships based on the “remote” tag, but some positions may still require face-to-face time. Please contact the employer directly for more deets.
In this post, we’re exploring some fantastic accommodations, each under $49/night, that sit pretty close to the breathtaking beaches of Koh Samui, Thailand.
Whether you’re a sun worshipper, a beachcomber, or simply a lover of stunning sea views, these picks will surely bring your vacation dreams to life without breaking the bank.
Tucked away on the third floor, this cozy hideaway is an ideal escape for up to three guests seeking solace near the shores of Crystal Beach.
For just $39/night for 2 persons and $45/night for 3, you will enjoy a queen bed and sofa bed, access to two shared pools—including a rooftop oasis with panoramic views of the mountains—and use of an on-site gym and laundry room. The kitchen is open for your culinary adventures should you tire of the local fare.
Whether you’re in search of an affordable getaway, a secluded spot to recharge, or a home base for beachy adventures, this little gem has everything you need. Trade the bustle of everyday life for sea breezes, sunsets, and the simple pleasures of this community abode.
For those seeking an ocean escape without (too much) commute, Condo Replay has you covered. This cozy studio apartment on the 4th floor provides views of both the sea and pool, away from the main road below for maximum relaxation.
Everything you need is accounted for, with a small kitchenette and utensils for cooking your choice of the day. After a dip in the sparkling pool or sweat in the gym, do your laundry with the convenient washer provided and hangers for drying your clothes.
All the amenities of the condo are open to you, from tennis and basketball courts to the swimming pool. In under 2 minutes by car, you will be strolling the shops and restaurants of Fisherman’s Village.
Editor’s note: Utilities like electricity and water are billable separately so do check with the host in advance before booking.
Nestled in a lush tropical garden, this spacious one-bedroom bungalow offers a secluded island escape close to Koh Samui’s Maenam Beach, W Beach, and Bo Phut Beach.
Its open-concept layout flows seamlessly from the full kitchen to the living room and out onto the front porch, bringing a tiny bit of the outdoors in. The bedroom features a king bed and ample storage, while the stylish bathroom includes a glass-partitioned shower space.
You will share a pool with fellow guests, and have access to a shared washer and dryer. A 2-minute walk takes you to Maenam’s main road lined with shops and restaurants. The closest beach is less than a 5-minute drive or a 10-minute stroll away.
Whether you spend the day beachcombing, exploring the island, or simply lounging poolside amid the bungalow’s lush tropical greenery, this spacious one-bedroom oasis offers a relaxing taste of island life.
And that’s all from us, folks. At less than $49/night, these accommodations are a steal. So take your pick from our list, book in advance, and pack your bags because Koh Samui is waiting to welcome you to its sandy beaches. Have a lovely island escape to come! 😉
