It's All In The Planning! » Snippets

Snippets: Network to build rapport

ssquah — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 09:23:14 +0000

You don’t have to feel like you are seeking charity when you ask family members or friends to hook them up to a job opportunity. When you network with people, think of it as a relationship-building process. As you go outside of your immediate circle of contacts and chat up other people, why not ask them about their career and their company, and what they like and dislike about both? Everyone likes talking about themselves and before you know it, you’ll have built a rapport. Eventually, these new friends will be happy to share job leads and contacts.

Snippets: Reach out and network

ssquah — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 05:03:33 +0000

Networking can be key to successfully advance or change your career. Your network already includes friends, family members, business contacts and colleagues, but you can always broaden it further by joining professional organizations within your field, contacting alumni from your university, joining groups on social websites that speak to your profession, attending industry conferences and seminars. Even through volunteering. An event that is specifically about networking is also a great place to connect with others. The more people who know you, your strengths and abilities, the better your chances at receiving job leads, key advice or information about a particular company or industry. Continue reading →

Snippets: Volunteer yourself

ssquah — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 04:57:41 +0000

If your heart is set on remaining with your organisation, it makes good sense to volunteer yourself for social committees where you can build your reputation as a solid, passionate person, dedicated to the industry and the company itself. More than that, should your objectives change later, this experience always looks good on a resume. Continue reading →

Snippets: Self-promotion

ssquah — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 04:51:39 +0000

Learn the fine art of self-promotion. If you have had major accomplishments or created successful programmes, make sure people know about them, especially the people in influential positions who could help you advance professionally. Let it be known that you are seeking a promotion or the next step up in your career. Continue reading →

Snippets: Do your research

ssquah — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 04:45:45 +0000

Before you attend any interview -- and normally, you should do this days before the interview -- do your research and preparation. Try and find out more about the job and the company. What's the company background and how does it operate? It will boost the opinion of you in the eyes of the employers if you show the enthusiasm to know more of the company you hope to join. Continue reading →

Snippets: common resume characteristics

ssquah — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 05:36:53 +0000

A well-designed resume should possess these characteristics in common:

Good visual appeal, an easy-to-read layout and high quality reproduction
A highlight of your strengths and linking them to the employer’s needs; minimizing or excluding irrelevant experience
Presents your most important information first
Entirely free from any error: spelling, typographical, punctuation or grammatica
Succinct and organized; does not exceed two pages.

Snippets: inter-personal skill

ssquah — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 05:35:37 +0000

Strong interpersonal skills play a crucial role in gaining the respect of your boss and colleagues. They also attract the notice of outside influencers who might open new doors of opportunity to you. Be friendly, outgoing and personable. Listen carefully … Continue reading →

Snippets: stepping stones

ssquah — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 05:30:05 +0000

That first job you do may not be your dream job but it is a stepping stone to a successful career. And it is the satisfaction that you get from working and the quest for knowledge that will make you work hard.

Journalist Quentin Lim said the first job was not a time for fresh graduates to demand for high salaries and benefits. He adds: “At this point, they have no experience and so salary should not be the most important factor. What is most valuable is the experience you can gain. Fresh graduates also cannot afford to be lazy. We have to work even harder to stand out from the rest, as there are so many graduates these days. During my parent’s time, being a graduate was enough to guarantee a job but today, that’s not enough. You need to pick up skills which are good enough for the employers.”

Snippets: your reputation’s worth

ssquah — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 05:26:50 +0000

A lot. In fact, your reputation is the most valuable thing you own. If you have a bad reputation, nobody will want to take a second look at you. Therefore, be known for being dependable, professional, and cooperative. Act and … Continue reading →

Snippets: always be within reach

ssquah — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 05:15:18 +0000

Always be reachable when you are applying for a job. As mobile phones with pre-paid plans have become rather affordable, getting one would be advisable as you can then be contacted wherever you are. Other points of contact that you may want to include are your email address, home address and home telephone number. An email account is easily available on the web and you can get one for free. Be ready to be contacted and constantly check your emails for our job alerts!