Business Archives | Page 12 of 19

How To Ace These Tough 10 Interview Questions

There is nothing worse than coming into a job interview and the interviewer asks you with hard questions, which you do not know the answer to. Avoid this situation by being ready with polished interview answers.

1. WHY DID YOU LEAVE YOUR PREVIOUS JOB?

No matter how tricky this question sounds, you can make your way around it. I know how tempting it is to dish about your colleagues who mistreated you. However, this is not the time for that! Talk about your past experiences and focus on your career goals.

Elaborate about the important values and skills that you learned from your past experiences. Then, highlight that you are ready to use these in the position that you aspire to land. Another alternative is to state that you left to chase a better opportunity and face new challenges.

2. WHAT ARE YOUR WEAKNESSES?

There is no perfect way to respond to this question but, you must avoid literal and generic answers. Saying that you are a workaholic or you are incapable of driving will not boost your image during an interview. Instead, identify the areas that you want to improve on and explain how keen you are to develop that skill in the new position.

3. WHAT ARE YOUR STRENGTHS?

This question allows you to shine the competition. With this question, the interviewer is looking for work-related strengths that are in lined with the vacancy. Provide realistic examples of the times you displayed these strengths and connect it with the objectives of the job.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

4. WHAT ASPECT OF YOUR LIFE WOULD YOU LIKE TO CHANGE?

Most job seekers answer this question by stating that they are 100% happy with where they are at the moment. If that statement is entirely true then, they will not seek a new job opportunity to change their careers.

Rather than coming across as cliché, pinpoint a major turning point or a missed opportunity in your life. Manifest that you are willing to move on from the situation by taking positive actions to turn things around. Provide examples to back up your claim.

5. WHY DO WANT TO WORK HERE?

This question calls for prior research and analysis regarding the targeted company. As a Registered Psychometrician, I know how important it is to find an employee that matches the objectives and goals of the company. This is why you must respond in a way that echoes the essence of the company.

Mention the aspects of the company that you admire and how your abilities make you a perfect fit.

6. HOW HAS YOUR EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND PREPARED YOU FOR THIS JOB?

There are various ways to respond to this broad question. I suggest to highlight the practical applications of the knowledge that you absorbed in school. State some examples that support the crucial competencies needed for the job.

This is an example: “During my last two years at SIM University, I had the opportunity to become a part of the program-committee and represent the whole batch of my course. I constantly practiced my communication skills given this responsibility.”

7. IS MONEY MORE IMPORTANT THAN JOB SATISFACTION?

It is alright to value money as it aids in our survival. By answering that money is more important, the interviewer may perceive you as someone who is blinded by a larger paycheck. Job satisfaction shall trump money in this situation.

Put emphasis on the pivotal role of job satisfaction to your internal motivation and to increasing your productivity at work. This will surely impress the interviewer.

8. HAVE YOU APPLIED FOR OTHER POSITIONS?

Interviewers like to ask this question to identify how interested the candidates are in the position and how determined they are on their search. Candidates who are applying for similar jobs (i.e., in the same industry or work environment) are more desirable. You may enumerate the typical characteristics that are needed for the job that you are applying for. Say something like: “I have applied for other positions that involve strong customer service orientation too.”

9. HOW DO YOU SPEND YOUR FREE TIME?

This question comes up frequently because it gives a glimpse into a person’s character and work-life balance. Instead of tailoring your answers to show some extraordinary pursuits, be honest and realistic. The interviewer will appreciate the conversation more if you explain why you engage in such activities.

10. CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT THE WORST MANAGER YOU EVER HAD?

Ranting about your horrible ex-manager will not work to your favor. It is unattractive to talk badly about your previous managers or bosses. This is because your potential manager may anticipate that you will treat him or her in the same manner, somewhere down the line.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

A better response to this question is: “While no boss is perfect, there were some who taught me more than others. I am not complaining because I learned the types of leadership styles that I respond to the best.”

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

Do You Have The 5 Traits Of A Good Boss?

If you want to succeed in running a business, you need to understand that it takes more than just telling people what to do. You must have the qualities that make you stand out from the rest.

Do not get me wrong, possessing the traits of a good boss will not make you perfect. This is because an individual must act based on these traits. You cannot preach to a crowd if you are disorganized yourself.

Fortunately, these traits can be and must be learned through repetition. Start by knowing what some of these are:

1. CONSCIENTIOUSNESS

Conscientiousness, a trait in the Five Factor Model, has long been associated with success. This is because people who are highly conscientious are dependable and organized. While, people who are low on this trait tend to be more careless, spontaneous, and laid-back.

You can easily spot this trait in the workplace. A boss with a high sense of duty comes to work on time, follows the projects’ deadlines, and avoids unnecessary absenteeism. Acting beyond what is required of you (going above and beyond) is also an indicator of your conscientiousness.

2. COMPASSION

As the noble Dalai Lama once said: “Compassion is not religious business, it is human business…”

He highlights that regardless of our status, compassion is an essential trait for human survival. It is also applicable in the workplace. A compassionate boss can create a workplace filled with people who value each other and who go thru the hurdles as a unit. After all, the Latin etymology of the word “compassion” translates to “to suffer with”. Try to practice compassion in everything that you do.

3. CREATIVITY

Some of the world’s most inspiring leaders are creative individuals. These inspiring individuals include Facebook’s founder Mark Zuckerberg and Patanjali Ayurved’s founder Baba Ramdev. In the local scene, Jeannie Chew of Soaplah comes to my mind.

The invention of the Soaplah came from Jeannie’s previous experiences with skin problems. She was troubled with eczema and other skin issues at a young age that she started making her own natural soap. In her journey to find the best solution, she handcrafted her soaps using natural ingredients such as pure essential oils with anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. Her hard-work paid off as Soaplah offers a variety of soaps that can absolutely soothe even the most sensitive of skins!

Image Credits: www.facebook.com/soaplah

If you are like Jeannie, creative thinking can spark a vision or a sudden epiphany. The road to perfection comes with mistakes. It is your job as a good leader to navigate the wrongs into rights.

4. INTEGRITY

Majority of the people agree that a good boss must uphold integrity and sincerity. Integrity entails honesty in internal and external aspects of the person. It requires you to tell the truth in every situation.

For instance, an honest boss is willing to share the good and the bad news to its employees. It is because he or she knows that they deserve to know.

5. ACCOUNTABILITY

The grave responsibility bestowed on you comes with great accountability. Accountability is not only for the achievements of the company but also for its downfalls. There are no “absolutes” in business. One can never ascertain the things that can happen in the future after making a decision.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Be fearless and accept the responsibility of your actions. If necessary, hold others accountable too.

Sources: 1, 2, 3, & 4

5 Steps To Write An Irresistible Business Proposal

A business proposal (BP) is a written document that is sent to a potential client in order to obtain a specific goal. It is a crucial tool that can help you navigate and manage your business.

The challenge is for you to write a proposal that will keep your prospects hooked!

UNDERSTAND YOUR PURPOSE

It makes perfect sense to begin your journey by identifying and understanding your purpose. Answer this simple question: “What product or service are you selling?

A business proposal is created to earn sales and not just to inform people about what you are offering. Understanding the purpose of your business proposal will help you define the problems it needs to address as well as its solutions that provide value.

CREATE AN OUTLINE

After knowing the direction that you intend to take, it is time to organize your business plan by building an outline. The six fundamental parts of the BP are the executive summary, business overview, offer description, marketing analysis, detailed implementation, and financial projection.

The executive summary is synonymous to the abstract of a research paper. It includes the essential elements of the business plan that your client can easily read in a glimpse. Be sure to include the background of your business, its mission and vision, the market opportunity, its financial requirements, the competitors, and its financial projections.

Business overview gives a background of your business. It includes when and why your business was formed, its mission and vision, its business model, and any existing strategic relationships with other brands or institutions.

Image Credits: wikihow.com/Write-a-Business-Proposal

As the name suggests, the offer description highlights the nature of the products and services that you are selling. It seeks to describe these in detail by including information such as the manufacturing process and the availability of materials.

Inside the marketing analysis is the layout of your marketing strategy that addresses customer service, sales, public relations, and advertising.

The second to the last section is where the investors focus on – the detailed implementation. This part includes the dates and the deadlines of your business plan.

Lastly, the financial projections specifies the “quantitative interpretation of everything you stated in your organizational and marketing sections”. Include your projected profits and losses in the next three years or so.

DO SOME RESEARCH

Tailor your business proposal to the personality and the “vibe” of your potential client as much as possible. If you prospect’s target market is the youth, highlight the benefits of your products to the hippie millennials. Do further research on the needs and wants of your prospects.

This will ensure that your BP is comprehensive.

WRITE THE CONTENTS

Curtains are all set. It is time to perform! Let your thoughts flow in harmony with the outline you set.

Add additional information such as the people involved in the business, your successful track record, and the evidence of the business’ financial stability. This will strengthen your claims as well as your perceived competence.

EDIT THE PROPOSAL

The last step entails that you transform into your own critique. The face value or the appearance is as important as its content. Make sure that there are no grammatical and typographical errors. If you are not good with words, you can always high a professional to do the task.

Image Credits: wikihow.com/Write-a-Business-Proposal

Remember that the BP must manifest how you and your business can benefit potential clients.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

Opening A Small Business Soon? Here Are 5 Ideas That Are Worth Hearing!

If you are looking for a fresh entrepreneurial opportunity, you came to the right place! Here are 5 small business ideas that are worth your time:

1. SELLING ITEMS ONLINE

You do not have to be a digerati to open up your very own online shop. If you are skilled at knitting or crocheting, you can try selling the popular “mermaid blankets” among others. Homemade jewelry is another option for innately creative and patient individuals.

With products or services in mind, you can open a shop on Tictail.com or Carousell.com. Tictail allows its users to run a nice virtual store in minutes. While, Carousell allows its users to sell globally through its mobile App. Both are definitely free and easy to use!

2. STARTING A COMMUNITY

Consider operating a business that brings a Singapore’s personal trainers together. You can either employ several personal trainers and market their services or, you can start a website that creates a community of personal trainers.

A personal trainer is someone with a knack for fitness, sufficient expert knowledge, and good interpersonal skills. He or she works directly with the clients to make fitness assessments, set goals, demonstrate exercises, and provide constant feedback to improve the client’s physique.

3. FLYING A DRONE

Many establishments utilize 360° Panoramic Virtual Tours to show everyone what they have to offer. This enables the potential clients to view the brand in a broader and more holistic perspective. Level up the traditional photography business by offering aerial services.

Aerial photography starts by mounting cameras to R/C helicopters. R/C helicopters shoot precise panoramic images and videos. However, professionals suggest to invest on quadcopters or drones.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

4. CUSTOMIZING THE KICKS

As you may have notice, the sneaker culture is at its all-time high! One cannot deny the international popularity of adidas Stan Smith or the NikeLab Air Max 1 Royal. You may start a small business that personalizes sneakers while the industry is prosperous. People who bought the same kicks as the rest can still stand out from the crowd by purchasing your work of art.

This business purely relies on your talent. You can look up the works of the project-based artist Glenn Ng or the renowned sneaker artist Mark Ong (SBTG) for more inspiration.

Image Credits: facebook.com/voidng

5. RUNNING A WEBSITE

With the modern technology, you can run a website dedicated to the topic or theme that you are interested in. Start by sharing your own wisdom and genuine passion to educate or entertain your readers. After which, only promote the products and brands that you really believe in.

By constantly writing or blogging about a certain topic, you become sort of expert on that topic. The most feasible ways to earn money from your blog are paid advertisements, paid articles, offering courses, and selling books.

Sources: 1 & 2

How To Look For The Best Local Suppliers For Your Biz

A party that supplies you with goods or services is called a vendor. Most people refer to the vendor as the supplier. Suppliers are distinguishable from contractors as the latter allow specialized input before handing the final outcomes.

Finding the most suitable suppliers for your business is as important as running it. You can either attract the suppliers or you can search for them. So where do you look for the Singaporean suppliers, exactly?

QUICKEST METHOD

Do you still recall those heavy books which included all the landline handles of your chums? It brings nostalgic memories of my childhood wherein my siblings and I will put the bulky publications on top of each other to build a tower. It sounds silly now but, we had so much fun back in the day!

These said publications are called classified directories or telephone directories. One of its well-known brands is Yellow Pages. Just when you thought that it is long gone, it stays potent since 1967. Yellow Pages is a “comprehensive classified directory that not only helps consumers make informed purchases but also serves the social, commercial and industrial needs of business users”. It is printed in both English and Chinese editions.

You can visit their website at yps.com.sg to supplement your search. For instance, you can contact this supplier if you need someone to customize uniforms for your office:

Muxette Pte Ltd

998 Toa Payoh North #02-25, Singapore 318993
65098051
[email protected]

Yellow Pages and its counterparts is probably the quickest method to get a supplier. The only downside is the fact that you cannot compare prices by merely browsing a single source. However, it provides you with the fundamental information such as the supplier’s address and contact number.

COMPREHENSIVE METHOD

If suppliers seem to be elusive, consider approaching them directly by attending several trade shows, exhibits, and bazaars. It is the perfect chance to expand your network and to grasp how huge your industry is.

Say you are building an events firm that offers wedding planning services. You can check out the “Her World Brides & Resorts World Sentosa Wedding Carnival” to get a comprehensive list of wedding vendors and speak to a team of wedding experts.

Image Credits: herworldplus.com/weddings/events-promos/her-world-brides-resorts-world-sentosa-wedding-carnival

Get the latest schedule of trade shows in Singapore by visiting 10times.com.

MOST CONVENIENT METHOD

One of the most convenient sources of information is the search engine. The Internet has a vast influx of data on local suppliers, manufacturers, and contractors. Use the attached contact information along with the uploaded pictures and videos to your advantage. Start with a minimalist website that gives you the basic details in a form of a classified directory – the STDIRECTORY.

For your safety, refrain from processing everything online. A better approach is to set meetings with the suppliers using the details found on their websites.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

May this post help you to invest time and effort in finding the best supplier who can provide you with quality outcomes at budget-friendly prices.

Sources: 1 & 2

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