job Archives | Page 3 of 4

Despite Higher Wages, Thirst For F&B Workers Is Higher Than Ever

Regardless of the 5.6% increase in the wages of the accommodation and food services sector in 2013, Singaporeans are still keeping away from the jobs it offers.

In fact, job vacancies in this sector elevated from 5,010 in 2011 to 7,740 in 2014. Majority of these vacancies carried the positions of waiters, followed by food service counter assistants and cooks. Employers even added that these positions were hard to fill with locals.

To be fair, this is influenced by the ever so growing number of establishments. The Singapore Department of Statistics conducted a survey last year and found that there were about 6,750 establishments in the food and beverage (F&B) industry in 2013!

With overflowing establishments and lack of manpower, businesses may turn to other options such as outsourcing talents abroad or letting the employee perform multiple positions.

Nonetheless, if you are at the crossroads right now, it is good to contemplate on entering the welcoming arms of the F&B industry.

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

There are a lot of positions and wages you can choose from! Here are just some of them:

1. GENERAL MANAGER

Average salary per month: S$7,000

The restaurant’s general manager supervises all the employees and oversees the profile and loss of the business. The general manager does this by exploring the ways to cut costs and increase sales. Also, it is his responsibility to ensure that everything runs smoothly in the restaurant.

2. EXECUTIVE CHEF

Average salary per month: S$7,000

The executive chef is brain behind the kitchen operation. He or she is tasked to create the menu and recipes with the head chef, manage the product inventory, supervise the kitchen staff, and perform some administrative work. In most cases, this executive position does not require one to cook on a daily basis.

3. RESTAURANT MANAGER

Average salary per month: S$3,000

Aside from the day-to-day operations, it is the restaurant manager’s job to attend to the restaurant maintenance, customer complaints, staff hiring and training. Usually, the average pay for restaurant managers in hotels are higher by a couple of thousands.

4. HOST

Average salary per month: S$1,800-S$2,200

The host is in charge of assisting the guests to their designated tables and taking reservations from the guests. Also, they graciously handle the walk-in customers.

5. WAITER

Average salary per month: S$1,800-S$2,200

Waiters or service attendants set and clear the tables. They are familiar about the restaurant’s menu. In other restaurants however, waiters are divided into two groups namely: a.) to support the senior waiters and b.) to perform other tasks such as preparing the bread and coffee.

6. SOUS CHEF

Average salary per month: Differs per division

The sous chef is the next in line when the head chef is not around. He or she is the one you can count on when you need the extra help in the kitchen. Also, he makes sure that the qualities of the ingredients are maintained.

The sous chef position exists within a hierarchy that is divided into three levels namely: executive sous chef, senior sous chef, and junior sous chef. The average salaries per month respectively are S$3,600, S$3,200, and S$2,500.

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

Sources: 1, 2, 3, & 4

Not Investing Because It’s ‘Risky’?

Too often we hear of people or even peers who have not begun to explore the idea of investing because they’ve been told that it is ‘risky’. Wait, did you say ‘they’ve been told’? Does that mean that they never even tried their hands on it and come to the false conclusion that investing is risky? Sure, investing entails risk because there’s the possibility of losing money doing it. But do you really know what ‘risky’ mean? Does not losing necessarily equate to ‘no risk’? No.

True risk lies behind what is seldom seen. Having only one source of income is a really big risk. While the money is coming in from your monthly salary, it’s easy to feel safe and secure because you can settle your credit card debts, mortgages and bills. However, it’s this very framed up mindset, that money only comes from working (1 Income Source) that blinds us. We become so comfortable with receiving one paycheck per month that we fail to see the possibility of having multiple paychecks coming in.

Have you ever thought about “What happens if I got fired?” With layoffs becoming more and more common these days, it is a very real question. Is it simply just a time to go look for a new job to fix that broken stream of income? Or is it time to think about a greater issue at hand? This is the kind of risk I’m talking about, unforeseen risks. Who knows if another massive labour cut happens and you’re one of the unlucky victim? What would you do without 3-6 months of income? How are you going to pay for the bills now? Now, is having a job truly risk-free?

Consider this, what if you had a job while your investments were paying you cash dividends (Sharing profits with shareholders). Now you would have multiple streams of income, depending on how many different companies that pay out dividends consistently you have invested in. Even if you had lost your job, you still have a couple of income streams that does not even require you to do anything to make sure that money keeps coming in. This in turn creates a buffer for if in the unfortunate event you lose your job temporarily. On the even brighter side, you could have income from your job while your investments continue to pour even more income into your bank account!

Is investment still ‘risky’ when you see this side of the picture? Wouldn’t the risk of having only one source of income be even greater?

Just because you don’t know how to invest, doesn’t mean you can’t learn how to invest! There are many articles here on MoneyDigest and on the internet that can teach you how to invest. Just remember, which is more risky? Having only one source of income or spending some time to learn how create multiple sources of income.

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

4 Work Emails That Can Cost You Your Job

For majority of us, a significant amount of time we spent at work is placed on sending and receiving several emails throughout the day. Because we send and receive hundreds of messages a day, some end up making embarrassing or shameful mistakes that can be harmful in the profession. Yes! Some of your corporate emails may send a bad tone to the receiver. If the receiver decides to forward that said email to your boss then, you might lose your job. Prevent that from happening by knowing the 4 Work Emails That Can Cost You Your Job:

1. “I AM CURRENTLY LOOKING FOR ANOTHER JOB!”

Do I even need to explain why this is inappropriate? If you are sick of your current workplace, looking for another job is one thing but admitting it through a work email is another! You might as well have an “I Hate This Place” sign on your chest!

Do not use your corporate or work email to relay this kind of message even to your most trusted colleagues. You may think that if people know you are seeking for another job then, they will do anything to keep you around. Perhaps you are expecting a raise or a promotion…but that rarely happens! Most likely, you are the first candidate in mind during layoffs.

2. “I AM PASSING AN MC TOMORROW.”

This is not a work email that you want to circulate around unless you really feel sick and you cannot make it tomorrow. Although many people have done this before, it is not professional and it sends a message that you are tired of your job. Not only does the company pay for your MC but they also need to cover for you. If the HR gets this email, you will have some explaining to do!

3. “PLEASE DELETE AFTER READING.”

Having a disclaimer like this is a sign that something shady or something highly sensitive is coming next. If someone outside of your circle reads this, you are going to be in big trouble. The truth is, nothing is ever completely deleted. Take Hillary Clinton for example, whose emails to non-government accounts were out in the public because it was maintained on the Federal government’s servers. So, if it is a sensitive matter, use your personal email or meet up your colleague and talk about it in closed doors.

4. “LET’S ALL PARTY TONIGHT!”

We spend most of our time at work so, it comes as no surprise that parties and get-togethers happen all the time. But, this is a personal event that you must organize and send through your personal email. If anything bad happens in the party, evidence might bring down the company too. Unless it is a workplace party, organize your parties via personal Gmail invites or personal Whatsapp conversations.

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

Oh one more thing! Please avoid sending drunken emails or sending a message that you got really wasted last night using a corporate email. No explanations needed!

Sources: 1 & 2

Common Career Mishaps Young Employees Make

On your first full-time job after graduation, you are bound to make minor to costly mishaps. Keep in mind that it is okay to make these mistakes especially at the beginning of your career. It helps you to learn and as you bounce back, you will be tougher than you ever were before.

On that note, here are the Common Career Mishaps Young Employees (In Their 20s) Make…

1. WAITING GAME

First on the list is the irrational belief that you will magically land your dream position without any ounce of effort. No matter how skilled you are, you need to search for the job yourself. Some people maybe lucky as companies personally look for them after they graduated, however what if you are not one of them? Worry not. By working hard, you can achieve your goals and so much more.

And, once you are accepted for the job, do not forget to dress for the part. There is no right or wrong way to dress except if the company provides the uniforms. Nevertheless, the best thing for you to do is to wear conservative or non-revealing clothes in the first few days then adjust from there.

2. NEGLECTING THE IMPORTANCE OF NETWORKING

Resources and connections play a huge part especially in the business, marketing, and advertising world. Being able to keep in touch with your fellow graduates will help a lot. As young professionals, it will benefit you to attend networking events to increase your knowledge about the working environment. Also, having access to job opportunities at a young age is indispensable.

3. FAILING TO NEGOTIATE

Being fresh to the “working scene”, you may be prone to underrate your worth. This is why it is important to evaluate your skills, education, and experiences. Find out the average salary per year through PayScale.com. It provides salary information for a particular position from its global online database. For example, the average pay for a Sales Representative at Pharmaceuticals is S$46,006/year.

And, if you already got the job yet you feel underpaid and overworked, ask for a pay raise. If you do not ask then you would not get it. Realize that your bargaining strength is all in your head. You can do it!

4. LEAVING A JOB TOO SOON

There is nothing inappropriate with leaving a job unless you have not taken everything into consideration. When faced with a difficult situation at work, young employees often think that quitting will solve it.

You may be away from your annoying colleague but you are faced with unemployment and debt. Is it really worth it to quit? In this situation, it is best to weigh-in the benefits and consequences of your future actions first.

5. LETTING YOUR INFLATED EGO AFFECT YOUR CAREER

Your huge ego can translate in your Resume/C.V., your interview, and your actions. Instead of only boasting your strengths, find the skills that can help the company to improve and put it in your Resume/C.V.

Lastly, do not overestimate your abilities because you are merely starting a journey. Ask politely if you do not know how to solve an issue. This simple gesture can save the company hundreds of dollars.

Image Credits: Sara Ashley via Flickr

Sources: 1 & 2

Search the site