career Archives | Page 38 of 45

6 Things That Will Sabotage Your Chances At Job Interviews

Knowing how to smoothly glide through a job interview with grace is highly desirable.

Avoid common interview mistakes by following these six tips:

1. SHOWING UP LATE

It is certainly obvious why showing up late can blow your chances of getting the job. It gives a sense of irresponsibility. Counter this by scheduling your arrival at least 20 minutes in advance so you can find a parking spot or have leeway in case you get lost. Also, the extra 5 to 10 minutes will give you the enough head start to prepare for the challenge ahead.

2. COMING CLUELESS

Coming unprepared is unacceptable that you might as well just walk out of the room. Take some time to learn about the company and the duties of the position you are applying for. Gather data on the company’s basics such as the its mission and vision because this will help you answer the questions later on. Also, prepare extra copies of your C.V. or resume.

3. LEAVING YOUR PHONE ON

It is very disruptive if your Smartphone or mobile device rings in the middle of the interview. Not to mention, it is rude. So if you want to please your interviewer, remember to turn your phone off or to keep it on silent mode.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

4. TALKING ABOUT MONEY

Talking about your potential salary or potential raise can send a wrong message to your “would be employer”. Thus, you must not speak about money unless you are asked.

5. NOT TALKING AT ALL

Talking about money is one thing, not talking is another. Skipping the interviewer’s questions is undesirable. Do not be shy to ask for the interviewer to repeat the question if you did not understand it at first. Then, speak up. Speaking up will show that you are interested in the job.

6. SAYING THAT YOU HAVE OTHER OFFERS

Do not go rumbling about your other offers or mention that you are in the early stages of screening in other companies. You must show the interviewer that you are 100% passionate about the position you are applying for!

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

Good luck!

Sources: 1 & 2

Every Singaporean’s Survival Guide To Working Overseas

It is undeniable that having a global outlook and international experience are desirable characteristics that employers sought for. Working alongside people from different cultures can open a lot of opportunities. For instance, Brazil and Mexico have skills shortage, particularly in life sciences, finance, and engineering. Going to Hong Kong for business is an attractive option too because English is widely spoken.

So, if your heart is set to living and working outside Singapore, here are a few smart tips you shall consider:

1. RESEARCH , RESEARCH, RESEARCH

As an independent employee working abroad, you have many responsibilities to fill. From getting legal documents to opening bank accounts and learning the local language, you must research the needed requirements beforehand. Start by browsing the web or asking your friends and family about the foreign land. Also, you can go on an educational trip at your chosen country. For instance, you can extend your vacation to finalize whether or not you are willing to move in abroad. Weigh the advantages and disadvantages of the working and living conditions.

Then, keep in mind that the Singaporean passport is a powerful means of travel. Singapore citizens have visa-free or visa on arrival access to about 169 countries. You would not have to apply for visa in United States of America and People’s Republic of China. But, visa is required in countries such as Afghanistan, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen.

2. KNOW YOUR OWN RIGHTS

It is important to know your own rights as you are required to pass contracts, permits, taxes, and so much more. The first thing you shall be familiar with is the length of your stay. For most countries, your length of stay depends on the length of your employee contract. And, once your contract expires, you must find a different way to stay legally in the country.

3. KEEP A FRUGAL MINDSET

You are diving in the foreign country alone…with no access to affordable food at the “Hawker Centres”, what shall you do? Well, you must budget your money and do your best to save extra cash for emergencies. Know how much you will need for food, housing, transportation, and other expenses every month. Then, plan your living costs accordingly. Seek help from your local friends to make your life easier.

4. BE SAFE

You are not living in one of the safest countries with a safety index of 82.92! While you are living and working overseas, you are accountable for the laws of that country. Do not take them lightly and respect them instead. Stay safe by avoiding walking alone at night and by keeping your money in more than one location.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

Sources: 1 , 2 , 3 , & 4

5 Tips On Successfully Running The Business With Your Lover

Managing a business poses its challenges and managing one with the one you love can make it even tougher.

Luckily, there are different ways to successfully intersect your business with pleasure. Here are some of them:

1. PLAN AHEAD

Before diving into a business venture with your boyfriend or girlfriend, one of the first things you must develop is a concrete plan. If you have never gone to that route before, it is best to research on your target market and the business nature itself.

2. COMMUNICATE OPENLY

Transparency is important if you want to make things work. Talk openly and honestly about your expectations, your concerns, and your assigned roles. It will make the business easier to manage if you had established these things earlier on.

3. SET YOUR GOALS STRAIGHT

If you are going on a cruise or a romantic trip with your lover and you decide to mix the business elements by meeting a few potential clients along the way, always keep your business pitch. It would be a horrific loss to spend tons of money and time on a potential client who does not take you or the business seriously. This is why you must set your goals and stick with them.

4. HANDLE THE CHAOS WELL

Conflict and chaos will happen beyond your control and you have to figure out a solution without adding blaming, bad attitudes, and frustrations in the pot. Handle the chaos well by calmly solving each problem side by side. Control your business and prevent conflicts by using websites such as Basecamp and Yammer.

Basecamp is a web-based project management and collaboration tool that allows files, messages, schedules, and other stuff to be stored in one place. While, Yammer is a private social network that helps employees communication across departments and locations.

5. REMEMBER TO MAKE TIME FOR EACH OTHER

When you create a business with your partner, it is paramount to make time for quality dates or intimacy sessions. Start by deciding when you will close the operation of your business for “date nights”.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

Reconnecting with your lover outside of work is important because you are more than just “business partners” you are an A+ couple!

Sources: 1 & 2

Which Would You Choose: Money Or Passion?

“Let your passion serve as your energy source to keep you going.”

– Psychology Of Love, Money, & Life

As you may have noticed, I am a firm believer of following what you love in work and in life. Dedicating your life in search for that one thing you love and value the most is paramount. Even Philosopher Dan Dennett claims that it is the secret to unlocking happiness.

If I were asked to choose between money or passion, I would choose the latter. However, reality entails that some people fail in the process of pursuing their passion.

Let me start by discussing the benefits of following your passion…

1. DESIRE IS IMPORTANT IN VENTURING THE UNKNOWN

In venturing the unknown, it is important to do something head on with your desire. You can either be doing something you are passionate about or do something that will logically lead to the work you love. Only then will you be able to give your 100% without feeling like work is forced upon you. Furthermore, you will be more motivated to work for longer hours.

2. COMING UP WITH BETTER IDEAS

Your passion will ignite your creativity and resourcefulness. You can freely pour yourself to you work and come up with better ideas.

3. PASSION AIDS IN NEW OBSTACLES

When you are trying to attempt something new or face new obstacles in work, you do not want to give up easily. Well, passion aids in that as it acts as your motivation to keep you in your career path.

4. PASSION BREEDS FULFILLMENT

Passion will certainly give you a sense of fulfillment. In fact, research showed that people who make regular progress toward something they care about reported not only being fulfilled but also satisfied.

With its bountiful benefits, why do some people fail in the pursuit of their passion?

1. THEY FOLLOW WRONG ADVICE

Some people listen to the “so-called experts” that sells strategies to get rich quick. But let us face it, if money is your passion, you would have to work for it. There is easy way to get the pot of gold!

2. THEY DO NOT HAVE REALISTIC PLANS

To be successful while following your passion, you need to develop a well-researched realistic plan that covers all bases. You must understand what your “meaningful work” requires physically, emotionally, and financially.

3. THEY LACK COMMITMENT

Some people who quit their jobs to pursue what they love may not realize the amount of time and effort it requires. So when bad things happen, they lack the commitment and hard work to continue on.

4. THEY LACK KNOWLEDGE ON MONEY MANAGEMENT

If you cannot afford to do something you are passionate about then, you better contemplate on your decision. Before doing so, make sure that you can attend to your basic needs such as food and shelter (as seen on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs). To be financially successful, you need to appreciate and love money too, not just for the sake of making them.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

After knowing all these, analyze the Pros and Cons and evaluate your situation while keeping in mind the cost of living comfortably in Singapore.

Sources: 1, 2 & 3

4 Stand-out Hobbies You Shall Put In Your C.V. To Elevate Your Employability

You may think that the “hobbies and interests” section in your Curriculum Vitae (C.V.) is rubbish but, it is not! Often underestimated by many, a good hobbies and interests section has several benefits.

First, this section gives you the opportunity to manifest your endearing personality and characteristics. Second, it allows you to support your working experience and claimed skill set. Third, it helps you create smooth conversations with the interviewer. And lastly, it helps the interviewer decide if you are culturally fit in the company you are applying for.

With all these in mind, here are the 4 Stand-out Hobbies You Shall Put In Your C.V. To Elevate Your Employability…

1. PARTICIPATING IN TEAM SPORTS

If you participate in any team sports then, do not hesitate to include it in your C.V. or resume. Team sports show your capacity to work with others in the pursuit of a goal. Furthermore, it shows that you are able to commit and learn from your mistakes. These qualities are particularly desirable in industries that need interpersonal relationships and great teamwork.

2. WRITING

An interest in writing (i.e., through making your own poetry website, writing a book, managing a blog, etc.) gives emphasis on your communication skills and creativity. These strengths are desirable in the application of editorial and public relations positions.

Aside from this, most often than not, your interviewer will be Google-ing you before your interview. And, having your own blog or website will give you an edge over others. In fact, based on personal experience, I had come to more than two interviews wherein they would compliment how interesting and how eloquent I am in my blog. From search engine optimization to social media management and language skills, having your own creative writing hobby boosts your image and offers a peek inside your beautiful mind.

3. GOING TO MUSEUMS OR READING BOOKS

You may think that putting “museum enthusiast” or “bookworm” in your C.V. is boring but, it is not! These interests allow you to showcase your thirst for knowledge and education. This quality is especially favorable if you are applying for a position as a researcher.

4. TRAVELING

Wanderlust can enjoy not only the perks of travel but also the perks of employability. Having a strong desire to explore the world gives the impression that you are brave enough to step out of your comfort zone.

While traveling, you are planning your finances and budgeting your expenses. Through this, you picked up organizational skills. While traveling, you are able to befriend a person from a different culture or even learn a local phrase or two. Through this, you picked up communication skills.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

Moreover, writing that your hobbies include traveling will show that you are open to relocate. A quality that is sought after by many global companies today.

Sources: 1 & 2

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