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Friday 12 June 2015

The Best Job Interview Tips To Help You Get Hired Fast


In this article we'll review job search techniques that very well may help you land successful career employment. We will look at some basic, but very valuable, job interview strategies for handling stumbling blocks you may encounter while in the job interview itself, or how you can avoid them altogether, or minimize any negative impact they may have. Since the job interview is the source of your key interaction with a potential employer, you want that transaction to present you as a knowledgable, professional, engaging job seeker who will enhance their company if hired. You may control that outcome by heeding the job interview techniques outlined below.

Job interviews are stressful for a number of good reasons. Typically, you only have one opportunity to impress a potential employer. Often it's an interview which may only last thirty minutes to an hour, in which time you must effectively present your qualifications, express professionalism, and show your desire for that particular job. It is imperative that you appear competent, intelligent, professional, and well spoken. It is a hard and fast rule of job hunting that the job seeker should prepare answers to any and all anticipated questions well before the interview. The success of your interview may well depend on how prepared you are to answer these questions in a competent and professional manner. It is most effective if you physically write out the important points you will cover as you respond to these questions.

But what many candidates do not consider, however, is to rehearse the actual delivery of those answers. The kind of presentation you make will impress the interviewer, for good or ill, as much, if not more so, than the content of your response. Therefore, it is helpful for you to practice answering these questions allowed, in front of a mirror, and, more importantly, with another person, whether it be your spouse, a close friend, or your professional mentor. No matter how prepared you may be intellectually to answer these inquiries, you will be much more confident if the interview is not the first time the words have come out of your mouth.

When the interviewer has asked a question, and the ball is in your court, you may feel a strong desire to respond immediately. If you are not prepared for the question, you may begin speaking with no clear idea what you are going to say. In moments like this, most people will revert to everyday verbal stalling tactics, such as using phrases like, 'you know,' or the dreaded '...umm.' Use of verbal filler will mark you immediately as unprofessional and easily thrown. Take a few seconds to collect your thoughts and frame an answer. Interviewers appreciate a deliberate silence much more than 'hemming and hawing.' This will indicate to the interviewer that you are deliberate and thoughtful, and that you only speak when you have something to say. This is an issue that applies to many people, and it deserves your attention. Even if you think you understand, it may take some practice under actual interview circumstances before you are able to master being comfortable with creating a pause in the conversation. Even so, it's a central concept to use, as it will give you a more equal footing with the interviewer, whether you realize it or not.

You also don't need to use jargon to sound knowledgeable in an interview. In the first place, not everyone is necessarily familiar with the jargon you may use. And, in the second place, most interviewers consider anyone who uses obvious 'industry speak' as someone who is trying to 'baffle them with B.S.' You will make a much better impression if you choose your words and phrase your answers so that anyone can appreciate the value of your skills and accomplishments. Speak simply and coherently, and your experience will speak for itself.

Don't ever use slang in an interview. Speak to the interviewer like he or she is your boss. You should always appear polished, professional, and respectful. Use of slang may make the interviewer feel that you are becoming too familiar, and may not respect their position and authority. Even if this is true, it's unwise to sabotage your chances of getting the job by using slang. And never use profanity in a job interview. Profanity suggests a fundamental lack of respect, and is simply inappropriate.

Always allow interviewers to complete their question before giving a response. From the standpoint of good manners, it is rude to interrupt someone while they are speaking. Also, you may end up answering the wrong question if you do not listen carefully to all that's being asked of you.

Re-read these key job interview strategies, they are valuable. I rely on them daily, and they have, in the past, made the difference between whether the job seekers I've represented as an executive recruiter got their second interview or even the job offer itself. I insist my key job candidates learn these job interview techniques before I confirm any job interview on their behalf. It may sound demanding, but if you apply these job interview tips to your own job search, you may find that you too may benefit from their plain speaking wisdom.

BEST OF LUCK IN YOUR JOB SEARCH !

If you are sourcing for a recruitment consultant Singapore job, you will need to obtain the CEI basic exam to be qualified to operate as a license recruitment consultant in Singapore.

Wednesday 10 June 2015

How to Write a Resume Cover Letter

Are you looking for a new job? Do you need a new place to earn your income because you are ready for a change? There are two things you probably already know when you start to look for a job. One, is you will be going for a change. Two, you will have to know how to write a resume cover letter so that you can get your foot in the door. Here is how to write your cover letter.

First, you need to start with your address and phone number at the top. Contact information is very important and you can even include your email address here if you would like.

Second, you need to address the person that will be reading it directly. Do no use Mrs. unless you are absolutely sure that the person reading it is married. If you do not know who will be reading it you can use Sir or Madam, but if you know the name you should always use it.

Third, open with the job position you are applying for. You can also include a reference number is necessary and you should include where you found the listing. This tells the potential employer exactly what you are looking for right off the bad.

Fourth, you should talk about why you want to work for the company you are applying for and what you will bring to the table. This is your chance to impress, brag, and give the reader the information they need to be convinced to read your resume and invite you in for an interview.

Last, always make sure that your cover letter is on the same type of paper as your resume and that you sign it in either black or blue ink. It should also be typed and should be centered in the page. These are very important tips to how to write a resume cover letter.

Seeking for a job in SG, you can get a list of available jobs at wda job bank.

A recruiting article by Dougles Chan - A recruitment mentor that speciliased in recruitment training and recruitment mentoring in Singapore and globally.

Contact Dougles Chan @ +(65) 9388 0851 or email to dc@dougleschan.com for your recruitment training and mentoring needs.

How to Find a Job in Minneapolis

With Minneapolis' unemployment rate holding steady at about 7.1%, there are many people in the Twin Cities looking for a job right now. If you're one of them, here are a few resources that may ease the burden of your search:
  1. Know who the players are. Five Fortune 500 companies have their headquarters here: Target Corp, US Bancorp, Xcel Energy, Ameriprise Financial, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. The city's major employers include Target, Wells Fargo, Ameriprise, Star Tribune, U.S. Bancorp, Xcel Energy, IBM, Piper Jaffray, RBC Dain Rauscher, ING Group, and Qwest. There's also the Mayo Clinic in nearby Rochester. Go directly to these companies' websites and search for jobs from there. Many of them don't need to advertise on sites other than their own.

  2. Craig's List, Indeed.com, Star Tribune, and the State of Minnesota websites. All of these websites are valuable places to search for a job. Of them, the most valuable one is probably Indeed.com. But put a lot of irons in the fire and diversify your search-don't just submit your application to one place.

  3. LinkedIn. LinkedIn tailors the job search to keywords that match job descriptions already on your resume. It also allows you to search your network for possible contacts at different employers.

  4. Your alma mater's alumni association and career bank. The university you went to is a valuable resource for networking yourself into a new career.

  5. Professional associations. Most professional associations have a "Find a Job" link on their website. This is an excellent way to find jobs that are suited to your background.

  6. Temp Agencies. When all else fails, it never hurts to find a temp job while you're waiting for a permanent position to come along. What's more, temp jobs may lead to a permanent position with the company that you're temping with. 
Job Hunting manuals like What Color is Your Parachute? can be helpful during a career transition. Also, try volunteer work while you're looking for a job, because it will occupy your time and improve your spirits. What's most important when searching for a job in Minneapolis is not to give up. The right job is out there for you, it just may take awhile to find it.

Searching for a job in Singapore, you can find a list of available jobs at WDA jobnet.

A recruiting article by Dougles Chan - A recruitment mentor that speciliased in recruitment training and recruitment mentoring in Singapore and globally.

Contact Dougles Chan @ +(65) 9388 0851 or email to dc@dougleschan.com for your recruitment training and mentoring needs.

How to Choose a Professional Recruiter


When people look for jobs, they are frequently of the idea that selecting a legal recruiter is like selecting a staffing agency. This is patently untrue. In the world of professional recruiters, the recruiters select you, you do not select them. Understanding this basic concept will help you get the most out of your job search.

When people use a professional recruiter to find a job, the process is the exact opposite of that which companies employ. A corporation or law firm will use one or maybe two professional recruiting agencies to fill their job openings. Individuals, when they are searching for jobs, should make sure a huge number of recruiters have their résumés. A good number to hit is 500 recruiting firms.
Unfortunately, these firms frequently know very little about the people who have sent in résumés.

Before contacting any recruiters, it is important to know what type of job you're after. In addition, you should know what direction you want your career to take in both the short and long term.
Unless you are planning on paying a recruiter out of your own pocket making the firm more like your agent or you're an extremely sought after person for one reason or another, recruiting firms cannot afford to focus all of their attention on finding you a job. In addition, you need to contact a large number of recruiters since it is impossible to know what positions they've been charged with filling or even who their clients are.

When sending out résumés to recruiting agencies, there is a choice that you will have to make. The choice is between sending a résumé out to a contingency based firm or a retained firm. During book times, recruiters can afford to be more selecting. As a general rule, if the salary which you are currently making or looking for is more than $100,000, send your résumé to retained recruiters first.
If your requested or current salary is less than $100,000, send your résumé to contingency recruiters.
The difference between these two groups is that higher paying positions go to retained recruiters because companies who are filling top positions will usually pay a recruiting firm a retainer fee. This allows the firm to focus on a particular position and allows for a better fit of job applicants.
Location is another thing to keep in mind although this can be a little misleading. Firms aren't aware of jobs only in their immediate geographical area. They may be aware of jobs on the other side of the country. Recruiting generally transcends geographic boundaries.

The last thing to keep in mind is the firm's specialty. Any job hunter should select recruiting firms based on the fields in which they specialize. It doesn't make sense to send a résumé to a recruiting firm that does not cover your area of expertise.

If you are sourcing for a recruitment consultant Singapore job, you will need to obtain the CEI certificate to be qualified to operate as a license recruitment consultant in Singapore.

Tuesday 9 June 2015

Find Jobs on Twitter

Find Jobs on Twitter. That sounds easy, doesn't it?
The first thing you should know is that you can't find jobs on Twitter. That's discouraging isn't it? But, Twitter can help land you a job. But let's not start with finding jobs on Twitter. Let's start with Facebook and LinkedIn - and see how they'll help you on Twitter. Hmm. . .

There's really three ways to find a job.
1. Make a contact at a company you want to work for and hope he/she hires you.

2. Fill out an application when you see the "Now Hiring" ad or sign.

3. Become an expert in your field and have them come to you.

We'll concentrate on the first one and the third one. The first one requires you to know what company you'd like to work for. That's where we start. If you do know what company you want to work for, search Facebook and LinkedIn for that company. Write down the names of the people you find, click on their profile and see what you can learn before you "friend" them. Then search the internet for the company and find ALL the people you can find that work for that company. Write them down and take notes on their positions, ideas, websites, etc. . .

Then go to Twitter. Search for those people on Twitter and "follow" them all. They all won't be on Twitter - but follow the ones you can find. Then search Twitter and follow anyone talking about that company. That's the first step. Now you have an audience of people who know about, work for, or like the company you want to work for. So start responding, ask questions, talk about your experience a little - but basically make friends. Then start "friending" people on LinkedIn and Facebook and start the conversations about "hey, I've always wanted to work there - who would I talk to." That's the first way.

The second way starts the same as the first - except instead of searching for people that work for the company you want to work for - search for people talking about your niche. Build a Twitter audience of people whose companies do what you do, of people whose hobbies are your niche, of people who have an interest in what you do. Then become the expert.

Seeking for a job in SG, you can search a list of available jobs at Singapore job bank WDA.

An article by Dougles Chan - A recruitment mentor that speciliased in recruitment training and recruitment mentoring in Singapore and globally.

Contact Dougles Chan @ +(65) 9388 0851 or email to dc@dougleschan.com for your recruitment training and mentoring needs.

7 Deadly Rules to Write an Award Winning CV (Curriculum Vitae)

C.V. or Curriculum Vitae is the most important piece of document when you are on the job market. With a high quality C.V. you boost drastically your chances to get the job you desire! In this article I will give you 7 deadly rules in how to write an award winning C.V.

The first rule of C.V. writing is to not exceed 2 pages; this gets really hard sometimes especially when you have lots of experience or qualifications.

The second rule is to always start your C.V. with a brief resume. In this area you will write a 2 to 3 paragraph long review about yourself. You will include your very latest qualifications, skills and the types of jobs that you are targeting. You will have briefly explained why these types are very suitable for you (backing up with your skills and qualifications).

The third rule is to list your qualification in a chronological order (very latest first). You will also mention the college name (in capital letters) and address along with the date of accomplishment.

The fourth rule if to list your skills in bullet points.

The fifth rule if to write the most closed match job experience that you had, chronologically (from latest first). You will include the name and address of the employer or company with your position and a sort description of your role. You should also include the month and year of starting and ending dates.

The sixth rule is to write about your interests and hobbies do not skip this rule. The employer knows you only from your C.V. so acknowledging these things helps them to figure out the kind of person you are (socially).

The seventh and the last rule is to reassure the reader that you can provide good references about yourself, by ending the document with "references available upon request".

Seeking for a job in SG, you can get a list of latest jobs at jobs bank Singapore.

An article by Dougles Chan - A recruitment coach that speciliased in recruitment training and recruitment mentoring in Singapore and globally.

Contact Dougles Chan @ +(65) 9388 0851 or email to dc@dougleschan.com for your recruitment training and mentoring needs.

Cant Find a Job? Learn How to Make Money in a Network Marketing HomeBusiness

Have you been laid off from a job and not having any luck in the job hunt? Have you graduated from college and discovered that there are no jobs on the market? Like many people, you have probably been looking around trying to find a job in this tough economy but have had no success. You have probably been doing this for weeks, months or even years.

What Should You Do?
So what should you do? Should you hope that unemployment doesn't run out before landing a job? Or Should you look for alternative ways of making money? If I were you I would consider starting a Network Marketing Home Business. Network marketing is a business model where you get paid by recruiting people into your business or get paid by retailing the product. It's a great business model because you get paid on the efforts of your team instead of your efforts alone. You can even get paid while on vacation.

Starting a network marketing business is typically very low and affordable (Under $500) compared to other businesses. I do recommend finding someone who is on a team of leaders who will help you learn how to market the business. You can market your business both online and offline.

Offline Marketing-The Old School Method
With offline marketing you start out by making a list of your warm market, which are people you know. You then peak their interest. If they are interested, you will present them with information about the company, which is usually through a conference call, audio CD, or web presentation. The next step is to sign them up, make a commission and help them do the same.

You will eventually blow through your warm market and then have to move onto your cold market. This includes buying and cold calling leads and belly to belly. Buying and cold calling leads takes lots of practice and patience. You are going to spend a lot of time on the phone, talk to a lot of people and spend a lot of money. Most people have little to no success using this method.

Online Marketing-Attraction Marketing
If you don't feel like the old school offline marketing methods are for you, consider growing your business using the internet. Using the internet to market your business isn't that complicated. You just have to plug into an attraction marketing system. Attraction Marketing is about branding yourself as a leader and expert and generating targeted leads. People who are interested in working with you.

You will learn how to do this through an Attraction Marketing System as well as make money from prospecting. This is the nice thing about marketing your business using the internet. With the old school methods, you only make money with your primary business when signing only 5% of your prospects up.

What To Do Now?
Stop searching Monster.com or any other job search engine for jobs that don't exist. Start learning how to make an income working from home using the power of the internet. All you need to do is plug into a marketing system and start growing your business today. You could spend your time growing a business that will keep on paying you even if you don't work. On the other hand, you could spend your time looking for a Job that you will probably end up losing again. Which would you prefer?

Seeking for a job in Singapore, you can source a list of available jobs at WDA jobsnet.

A recruitment article by Dougles Chan - A recruitment mentor that speciliased in recruitment training and recruitment mentoring in Singapore and globally.

Contact Dougles Chan @ +(65) 9388 0851 or email to dc@dougleschan.com for your recruitment training and mentoring needs.

Monday 8 June 2015

Find a Job That Works for You and Be Happy

If you are either at crossroads in your career or still figuring out what 'ladder you really want to climb', a dream job may well be just what you should be looking for. Yet, many people unprepared to contemplate the idea - well, it's just a dream, isn't it?

The short answer is - it is entirely up to you, but I can guarantee that the job you yearn for is somewhere out there waiting for you to find it. First you need to know what it is you are looking for, otherwise you can keep looking aimlessly and, after a while, give up saying that 'it is simply not there'. Once you know exactly what your dream job is all about, you can then establish the steps you need to take to get there - do you need new skills, qualifications, experience?

Often, it can be a question of really know that whatever you have done with your life so far can be useful in a field you never thought was possible. For example, if you want a career in banking, that's a good start, but doing what? The banking industry is vast - in fact, there could be an argument here that whatever your background, you are probably well on your way to making your mark in the banking industry, even if you don't have the most obvious credentials. Someone with a background in anthropology or international development, for example, could make a great candidate for the industry's corporate social responsibility sector.

If you are a carpenter and your dream is to make films, the same applies. You just need to look at any film's credits to find out the range of skills needed to make that happen.

The journey to a dream job maybe bumpy, but that's doesn't mean the road is not there. If you need support, career coaching can help you define your career goals, plan your career path and make a realistic assessment of what you need to get there.

There may well be challenges ahead, but the easy road is not always the right road. A few months ago I attended a training course and was quite surprised to learn that about 80% of the people in the room - aged between 20 and 50 - felt they had made a bad career choice. Many had spent time and quite a lot of money building a career they later found to be unfulfilling. Many wished they could turn the clock back while others felt that, after all the effort they had put in, they had to bite the bullet and get on with it.

It is a matter of individual choice but it makes me question - what is worth more than waking up every day knowing that, even in a bad day, your job is something you enjoy, excel at and has meaning to you?

Tips for finding your dream job

  • If there were no limitations or barriers, what would your perfect job description be? Be as specific as possible and don't think about labelling your job yet - many jobs with the same title can be quite different. What would you be doing? Where would you be working? What would your work environment look like? Would you work alone or in a team? What would your colleagues be like? How far would you commute? What would be your every day activities? What would be your achievements? How much would you work?

  • Divide a piece of A4 paper into three columns. In the first one, write down everything you are naturally good at; in the second one list all the things you enjoy doing; and in the third one write down everything that's important to you. Don't think about it too much, just put your thoughts down on paper. There is no right or wrong, or indeed possible or impossible. Now look at the three columns and try to find a common thread. It may not be obvious at first. If that's the case, put the paper way and look at it again another day. You will realise there is a theme which runs through some your answers, which may point you in the right direction.
Searching for a job in Singapore, you can search a list of latest jobs at jobsbank sg.

A recruitment article by Dougles Chan - A recruitment coach that speciliased in recruitment training and recruitment mentoring in Singapore and globally.

Contact Dougles Chan @ +(65) 9388 0851 or email to dc@dougleschan.com for your recruitment training and mentoring needs.

Computer Knowledge - Can You Find a Job Without It?

Nowadays, is it possible to find work if you don't know how to use a computer, or is computer literacy essential to getting a job? This is a question I've heard several mature jobseekers raise lately, and after doing a little investigating, I'd like to share my observations.

Certain jobs clearly require computer knowledge. Rocket scientist or mechanical engineer, for example. But increasingly, most ordinary jobs require some computer-savvy. Anyone who works in an office, for example, must have some familiarity with the computer, including the receptionist, who at the very least will have to know how to send and open an e-mail, browse the Internet, and perhaps do a simple letter in a word-processing program.

Certainly there are still a few jobs today that require little or no computer knowledge. Hairdresser is one that comes to mind: construction worker, sanitation worker and groundskeeper are others. The problem is that these jobs tend to be physically demanding and not that suitable for the older workers who are most likely to lack computer skills. Even among these jobs, the number requiring no computer knowledge whatsoever is dwindling. Many of the trades, such as electrician, mechanic, plumber or TV repairman, increasingly require information from manuals and tables that are only available online, and require the use of computerized equipment.

When I first considered writing this article, my thought was that certainly retail and restaurant server jobs were reliably computer-free. I reconsidered this view later that very day, when I went out to do some errands, and stopped at a busy coffee shop. The lady behind the counter, with a Trainee badge pinned to her uniform, was probably in her early 50's, and seemed slightly flustered as she slowly and deliberately entered my order into the computerized register.

I saw mild panic in her eyes as I told her I wanted to pay for my coffee with a special swipe-able coffee card. This entailed her hitting various buttons on the register, then pressing several more on a little separate keypad, then swiping the card through two different debit machines. She went through the whole process once, twice, three times - nothing worked. Finally, with her face all red from embarrassment and frustration, and with a long line forming behind me, she called over another worker, a boy who looked 16. He calmly hit a few buttons, swiped the card, then said, "There you go!" and sauntered off, leaving her looking exhausted. That's when I reconsidered my earlier idea that restaurant jobs are computer-free.

From the coffee shop, I stopped off at a corner store to rent a movie. The teenager serving me said that that day a new video-rental system was taking effect. She had to re-enter all my membership information in their system, including my driver's license number, phone number and address, and then had me set up a PIN number using a special keypad.

Then I paid by debit. Between the PIN keypad, the debit machine and the computerized touch-screen register, her fingers were flying, completing the complicated process in about 3 minutes. I was very impressed. But again, I was shocked at my earlier assumption that retail clerks don't have to know anything about computers.

Bottom line? There are very few jobs left today that require absolutely no computer knowledge. My guess is that a few years from now, there will be even fewer than there are now. So for anyone planning on re-entering the job market right now, my advice would be to learn at least some basic computer skills.

The very minimum I would suggest would be to learn how to open and send an e-mail, and how to access the Internet, and find and navigate a website. Use a friend's computer, go to an Internet cafe, hang out with a grandchild...

So can you still get a job without computer knowledge? Yes, but it's getting more difficult. Why not face your fear and meet the challenge? Learn a little computer. You may be surprised at how quickly you gain knowledge and confidence, and maybe even more surprised at how much fun it can be!

Searching for a job in SG, you can source a list of available jobs at job bank Singapore.

A recruiting article by Dougles Chan - A recruitment mentor that speciliased in recruitment training and recruitment mentoring in Singapore and globally.

Contact Dougles Chan @ +(65) 9388 0851 or email to dc@dougleschan.com for your recruitment training and mentoring needs.

How to Write the Perfect Hospitality Resume!

Putting together an intelligent and organized resume requires a certain amount of time and thoughtfulness that you will need to devote to this endeavor before sending out the final draft to potential employers. There are many different jobs in the hospitality business, and you will want to consider which one you want, because that should be part of your career objective, one of the first parts of the resume you are putting together.

The career objective that you write down should clearly state what type of job you want and what your long term prospects are for the future. Employers like to look at career objectives that are well-written and thought out. It gives them a clear idea of who they are hiring and what they want. For example, if you are interested in becoming a hotel manager, you will need to clearly state that in your career objective.

Even the most basic of information is going to be important and vital to whether or not a company chooses to hire you on as a full time employee. You will always want to make sure that your name and contact information is listed at the top in a organized way that will allow them to call or email to let you know about any interviews they are conducting. Make sure you provide both a home and cell phone number, so they will not have a difficult time reaching in case of a job opening. As far as your email address goes, it should be something that looks professional and will let them know that you take your job hunt very seriously.

The past employment history that you provide should be complete and cover all the jobs you have had in the past five to ten years. List the most recent jobs first, followed by past positions you have held. While it always helps to have experience or training in jobs that pertain to the one you are applying for, such experience is not always necessary. This is especially true if you plan on applying for a lower level position. If you plan on becoming a manager of a pub or restaurant though, you will want to have some education or at very least a good amount of experience behind you before applying anywhere.

This means thinking about going to school for some business major that pertains to the hospitality business. Make sure that you choose a school that you can trust to give you a diploma or certificate that will be worth something once you graduate. The school you go to for a business degree is important, because it will be on your resume along with all the other important information that employers will be reviewing.

Seeking for a job in Singapore, you can get a list of available jobs at wda job bank.

An article by Dougles Chan - A recruitment coach that speciliased in recruitment training and recruitment mentoring in Singapore and globally.

Contact Dougles Chan @ +(65) 9388 0851 or email to dc@dougleschan.com for your recruitment training and mentoring needs.

How to Find Hidden Jobs Or Unadvertised Jobs

When you learn how to find hidden jobs or unadvertised jobs that no-one else knows about you give yourself an immediate and massive advantage in the jobs market. By applying the principles which I explain below, you eliminate the competition for jobs, especially now when statistics tell us that recruitment is falling rapidly.

Did you know that for every advertised vacancy in the 'help wanted' columns or in job banks on the internet, it is reckoned that there are at least two unadvertised jobs?
When you think about it, organizations prefer to recruit as cheaply as possible so if they can avoid advertising, so much the better. If their own people can introduce new recruits, or if a well targeted resume and cover letter arrive at the right moment, they save money.

Of course that sounds fine in theory, but if these jobs are not publicly advertised, how do you get to know about them?

You can easily learn how to find hidden jobs, which include unadvertised or unannounced jobs using these 4 key ideas below. The great thing is that once you understand how to apply these techniques, you can soon identify jobs that no-one else knows about and create a shortlist of just one - you!

1: Identify companies that are of interest to you:
Look at current advertised jobs that interest you, and then think of some other companies that might offer similar work.

You could focus on companies that operate in your industry. You could also find out about trends in the labor market, so that you can focus on growth areas or companies undergoing expansion, or other change, this will help you to find hidden jobs.

All change can produce opportunities.

2: Make a short-list
By now you have a long list of industries or companies that are possible employers. The next step is to select the companies that best match your interests, skills and values, and make a short-list of target companies. Focusing on a few companies is more effective than targeting too many, as you can prepare more comprehensively.

You can make a short-list by comparing your interests, skills and values with the information you've collected about each industry or company. Then consider additional factors like location and travel, work hours and company culture.

3: Additional research to find hidden jobs.
Now that you've identified your target companies, the next step is to do some more detailed research.

For example:
  • What does the company do and how is it structured?

  • How big is it?

  • What are its future prospects? Is it tendering for major contracts or attracting new clients?
4. What To Do Next To Find Hidden Jobs.
Work through the contacts on your network list so you can find or create a link with the firm that you are interested in, then arrange to talk with your personal contact who will be able to provide information and advice, NOT offer you a job; tell you whether it would be fruitful to pursue the company; and put you in contact with a decision-maker.

Arrange to meet but don't expect or ask for anything other than advice. The secret to finding unadvertised jobs is to tread very carefully. Don't put anyone on the spot so that they think you are expecting THEM to find you a job!!

What you must be aware of is that not all jobs get advertised, but they all start somewhere - if only in the mind of a manager who has a problem that needs a solution.

You can be the solution if you follow my approach to finding unadvertised jobs.

This approach to find hidden jobs is a very important part of your career change activity.

Looking for a job in Singapore, you can search a list of available jobs at wda job bank.

An article by Dougles Chan - A recruitment coach that speciliased in recruitment training and recruitment mentoring in Singapore and globally.

Contact Dougles Chan @ +(65) 9388 0851 or email to dc@dougleschan.com for your recruitment training and mentoring needs.

Sunday 7 June 2015

Writing Your Resume When You Have Had a Variety of Jobs

A challenge that a lot of job seekers face is the fact that they have held a variety of non-related jobs. Take Susan for example. Susan started her career as an administrative assistant, moved into pharmaceutical sales, shifted to real estate during the boom and is now looking to re-launch her career as a medical assistant after having finished a training program. "How do I show all these different jobs on my resume and still make an impression?" she asks me.

The answer is to showcase the transferable skills from all of her jobs that are relevant to the position. You start by listing the 3-5 core skills that employers want for the desired job. Don't know what they are? Just go to Indeed.com and read a number of ads and see what employers are asking for and you will be able to quickly build this list.

In this case a good list would be:
- Excellent interpersonal skills in working with a variety of patients and personnel

- Strong attention to detail

- Accuracy in verbal and written communications

- Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment

- Medical knowledge, skills and abilities which can include injections, operating EKG and other devices, and medical coding techniques.

Now the last skill she should have from her recent training, but the others are things she clearly demonstrated in her past jobs. So instead of focusing on her sales abilities as a real estate agent, she can focus on her ability to ensure compliance in a highly regulated environment by paying strict attention and accurately filling out the copious paperwork involved in real estate transactions.

This translates to a bullet on the resume as follows:
- Noted for attention to detail and accuracy in completing over 75 applications and achieving 100% approval.

- Demonstrated the ability to allay clients' fears, confusion and trepidation.

- Recognized for ability to build rapport with a variety of multi-cultural and demographically diverse clients.

Get the picture? The key is to identify the top skills that an employer is seeking, and using that as a theme, highlight these same skills in your diverse jobs.

Looking for a job in Singapore, you can search a list of available jobs at jobbank Singapore.

An article by Dougles Chan - A recruitment mentor that speciliased in recruitment training and recruitment mentoring in Singapore and globally.

Contact Dougles Chan @ +(65) 9388 0851 or email to dc@dougleschan.com for your recruitment training and mentoring needs.

8 Easy to Follow Steps For Writing Your First CV

Writing your first CV, although it seems a daunting task doesn't have to be a difficult process. Many people find it very difficult to sell themselves as it feels like bragging so inevitably you can end up with a CV that undersells your talents.

Additionally, if you are a school leaver or university graduate, it is unlikely that you will have a great deal of relevant experience or evidence for relevant skills. They will be there somewhere! It is just a case of thinking laterally to come up with everyday experiences that show your talents.

Whether you are a school leaver with no work experience or an individual with a wealth of experience who has never been required to produce a CV until now, do not panic! Simply follow these simple rules and you will produce an impressive CV in a style and format that employers will recognise and appreciate.

The 8 Easy Steps to a Perfect CV

1. Include the following sections, and preferably in the following order:

* Personal Details

* Personal Profile

* Education and Qualifications

* Any other relevant qualifications

* Employment History

* References

2. Ensure your CV is concise, preferably no more than 2 A4 pages

3. Choose your words carefully to provide maximum impact - especially in your personal profile where you really need to highlight your skills and knowledge

4. List your Employment History with the most recent job first

5. If you do not have any work experience then substitute this section for, 'Personal Successes' and describe your achievements and the skills required e.g. voluntary work or sporting achievements.

6. Make sure your CV is tailored to suit each job you are applying for, focusing your attention on the skills that job specifically requires

7. Do not include any clip art or photographs

8. Check your CV to make sure there are no spelling mistakes or grammatical errors

You will now have a winning CV! Couple this with a killer cover letter and you will be giving yourself the best possible chance of securing an interview.

Seeking for a job in SG, you can source a list of available jobs at job bank Singapore.

A recruiting article by Dougles Chan - A recruitment mentor that speciliased in recruitment training and recruitment mentoring in Singapore and globally.

Contact Dougles Chan @ +(65) 9388 0851 or email to dc@dougleschan.com for your recruitment training and mentoring needs.

Top Teen Jobs - The Easiest Job For Every Student Under 18

Many teens and student nowadays are searching for the top teen job. Most are unsuccessful because companies do not offer higher-paying jobs to students under 18. The general stereotype is that teens are lazy and not to be trusted. On the contrary, teens actually learn extremely fast and can be highly successful employees.

The traditional jobs for teens are now becoming less and less popular. Flipping burgers, tutoring science, and babysitting seems to be on the fall. Despite the increased ease of finding regular jobs on the Internet, teens are now looking for other venues of work.

The Internet not only provides more opportunities for people to find jobs, it also provides more jobs of its own. Many teens and students are now completing their work online doing paid surveys.

Paid surveys are incredibly easy to fill out, require no training or skill, and pay well. You choose your own hours, work at your own pace, and stay in the comfort of your own home. You get to voice your own opinion, improve products, and make money all at the same time. How much did someone pay you the last time they asked for your opinion on something?

Completing paid surveys is easily the best and hottest top teen job out there right now. Anyone above the age of 13 can complete surveys and rake in some cash. Whether you're trying to pay off school, buy some new clothes, or go to the movies, this is definitely the easiest job for every student and teen.

Looking for a job in SG, you can find a list of available jobs at job banks WDA.

A recruitment article by Dougles Chan - A recruitment coach that speciliased in recruitment training and recruitment mentoring in Singapore and globally.

Contact Dougles Chan @ +(65) 9388 0851 or email to dc@dougleschan.com for your recruitment training and mentoring needs.

Saturday 6 June 2015

Resume Writing Tips For Contractors and Consultants


Independent contractors and consultants often find it difficult to prepare a resume because of their disjointed work history. They tend to have lots of short-term jobs, which usually results in a resume that violates two of the main principles of effective resume writing. They are:

  • Length: A candidate that has numerous contracts or consulting engagements over a 10-year period will want to capture all of them (particularly when they insist on including the month and year of the engagement), which can generate a resume that is five or more pages in length.

  • Longevity: Most job seekers will list the company the contract was with as the "employer" because is it often a company that many will immediately recognize. Although it is important to include brand-name companies on a resume, as they do carry a lot of weight to recruiters, HR reps, and hiring managers, the negative impact the apparent choppiness of experience can have far outweighs the benefit of listing the jobs in this manner.
How Do I Create a Resume for Contract Positions?
As a consultant or contractor, developing a resume for another contract-based position will be more simple than developing a resume for an in-house, corporate position. Recruiters and hiring professionals experienced in the consulting or contracting arena will expect many job entries that are short in duration on a candidate's resume. As such, you can craft your resume in a manner that highlights your more high-profile engagements as well as those in which you have some special achievement to call out. Longevity should not be a major issue in this type of resume, just length. You want to be sure that the resume is not too long, which can cause the reader to lose interest and bypass you entirely.

How Do I Go from a Contract or Consulting Position to an In-house Position?
Developing a resume for an in-house position when the bulk of your experience is in consulting or independent contracting is the real issue at hand here. Don't worry. There are ways to communicate your key strengths and accomplishments while meeting the length and longevity expectations of corporate hiring professionals. Remember, HR representatives are the first group to review your resume, and they look for certain "red flags" to eliminate candidates right off the bat, which is somewhat reasonable as they usually have hundreds of resumes to go through. Two of the major "red flags" are employment gaps and whether the candidate is a job hopper.

If you list only some of the contracts you have had, it could very well leave holes in your experience time line. Again, if you include everything, the resume will be way too long. To overcome both issues, list the consulting or contracting firm you worked through, or, if self-employed, the name of your firm (if you did not have a formal name, simply add "Services" or "Professional Services" after your last name to represent your company name) for the main position heading. This is an umbrella entry that should indicate the time period of your contracting history. Then simply provide a general overview of what you did, saving individual engagements for the bulleted list.

If you worked for many different contracting or consulting organizations, my recommendation is to make the umbrella listing with the date range for your position as a consultant. Then you can have a sub-heading that mentions the different consulting or contracting firms you worked with during that time frame. This way, you can combine most things, if not everything, into this one main entry. Provide a basic overview of your duties, like discovery, analyzing customer needs, developing solutions, recommending strategies, etc. and then list major engagements and their positive outcomes in the bulleted list.

I guarantee this approach will help get your resume through the initial reviews performed by corporate HR folks by overcoming some of the "red flags" that derail so many contractors and consultants when looking to switch to an in-house type of position.

If you are seeking for a recruitment consultant Singapore job, you will need to obtain the CEI basic with efma to be qualified to operate as a license recruitment consultant in Singapore.

6 Tips for Finding a Job After College

Finding a job after college can be an tiring process. What you worked on while in college was researching papers, reading books, and taking tests. College didn't exactly prepare you for finding a job after college. Follow these six tips and you'll be on your way to getting that job in no time.

1. Nosce te ipsum- "Know thyself"
This is extremely important when it comes to finding a job after college. What are your dreams and goals? What would be your dream job? What have you always enjoyed doing? What are your skills? These are very important questions that you need to answer before you move forward in finding a job after college.

2. Build a powerful Resume.
When building a resume it's important to focus on what exactly you have to offer to the particular company you are applying for. Show how you're skills will be perfect for that company. Why should they hire you as opposed to someone else? Communicate THAT point and you will get the job.

3. Knowing where to look for a job.
After building your resume its time to find your new job. One of the best places to look for jobs is online. Particularly online job boards. Google search "[type of job you're searching for] + job board. That will bring up the website that has jobs that you're looking for. These types of sites are where you will find many of the best jobs. You can try looking on sites like Monster.com or Careerbuilder.com which are the two biggest job boards. But you will have more success if you look in the smaller job boards.

4. Broaden your network.
Many college grads say the best way to get a job is to look in your network. Let everyone that you know that you are looking for a job. By expanding your network you never know what jobs may come your way.

5. Keep your emotions in check.
Looking for a job can be hard. Especially if it takes a while to find one. Quickly, it become this emotional roller coaster of going from getting excited because you got a call for an interview, to an extreme low when you don't get the job. How you avoid this is simply focusing on the process of getting a job. If you focus on the day to day process of searching for a job, then finding a job after college has less of an emotional impact.

6. The law of averages.
The law of averages stats that at some point you are bound to get a job. Each time a company decides not to hire you, just think of it this way: One more 'no' got you one more 'no' closer to that 'yes' for that job you've been waiting for.

Stick to these tips and you'll get a job in no time.

Looking for a job in Singapore, you can search a list of latest jobs at job bank Singapore.

An article by Dougles Chan - A recruitment mentor that speciliased in recruitment training and recruitment mentoring in Singapore and globally.

Contact Dougles Chan @ +(65) 9388 0851 or email to dc@dougleschan.com for your recruitment training and mentoring needs.

Workplace Safety Tips - My Top Ten List

Maintaining a safe workplace is almost but not entirely totally unlike following OSHA regulations. If complying with OSHA regulations at your lowest up front cost is your goal, then I suggest you read another site. However, if you are truly interested in keeping your employees safe and productive in your workplace then here are some workplace safety tips for you. They might even help you comply with some OSHA regulations along the way.

My Top Ten Workplace Safety Tips:

  1. Maintain a clean work area. Not only will you remove many hazards from a work area by keeping it clean, but you will also provide a more productive work environment for your employees.

  2. Use guards and engineering solutions wherever possible instead of relying on PPE - personal protective equipment. PPE is hard to police and uncomfortable to wear. Find a way to prevent the exposure in the first place. Your workers will be much more productive if they are comfortable

  3. Assume your employees want to work safely and give them that chance. Many safety incentive programs seemed to be based on the idea that employees want to get hurt and you have to bribe them not to stick their hand in the machine. If you have that idea, then these tips are not for you.

  4. Give clear work instructions. Make sure your employees know the right way to do what you expect of them. Don't just give them a list of things not to do. Include safety instructions in every procedure you write.

  5. Don't dwell on worst case scenarios but focus on what is most likely to occur. Start by focusing your energy in preventing your most common incidents. That means you will have to keep an accurate OSHA incident log even if it looks bad to some manager you report to.

  6. Love your employees. Don't confuse this with something that might get you a sexual harassment claim. I mean, care about your employees and let them know you do. If a machine is becoming unsafe, shut it down before someone gets hurt.

  7. Spend time getting to know the work your employees do. Even if you once did that job, it is likely it is done differently by different people. Look at what people are actually doing and compare this to what is written in procedures. If the procedures are different from the actual practice , find out why.

  8. Maintain the machinery in good working order. Many times employees get into dangerous situations by having to compensate for a machine defect or wear. In the case of wear, it may have occurred so gradually that they think it is normal. A strong preventive maintenance program makes for a strong safety program.

  9. Avoid unnecessary hazards. Look for new materials or equipment that can eliminate the hazards your workers are exposed to.

  10. Maintain a clean work area. See workplace safety tip number one above. Potential exposures to hazardous material and conditions can be dramatically reduced simply by keeping the work area clean. And the benefit in employee productivity and morale is worth the effort even without the safety incentive.
Looking for a job in Singapore, you can find a list of available jobs at job bank WDA.

An article by Dougles Chan - A recruitment mentor that speciliased in recruitment training and recruitment mentoring in Singapore and globally.

Contact Dougles Chan @ +(65) 9388 0851 or email to dc@dougleschan.com for your recruitment training and mentoring needs.

Tax Relief - Job Search and Job Deductions

In trying to find a job that is similar if not identical to your last one, at the same level of responsibility and similar duties, your expenses may be tax deductible. Even if your job was an internship while in college or you worked while a college student and searched for a similar job, you can claim the deductions.

But if you had no job for sometime, or just out of college but didn't work while studying, your search will be considered for a new trade or business and you cannot claim the deductions.

Eligible deductions are:

  1. Fees for the employment agency. If your employer later reimburses the fees, include the amount in your income. If paid directly to the agency, you may not add it to your income.

  2. Resume preparation costs. Production costs, postage, long-distance phone bills, advertising, photographs needed in the resume

  3. Travels. Airfare, mileage, meals and lodging

  4. Legal fees to preserve status.

The deductions can be claimed only if the total expenses exceed 2% of the adjusted gross income, but subject to the deduction limits in income thresholds.

While in the job, you can claim deductions for expenses that are necessary and ordinary and not reimbursed by your employer. Necessary means it helps the business and is appropriate. Ordinary expenses are those accepted and common in the business.

The expenses may be for physical examination, office supplies not provided by the employer, profession, union or trade dues, research or lecture expenses, safety clothes and gear, personal tools or equipment, mobile phones and computers.

The expense of commuting to work is not deductible, but travels to other locations ---in-city or outside-- as part of the job, if not reimbursed by the office, are deductible. Also for traveling to and from a second job.

Looking for a Singapore Jobs, you can always check out the latest jobs in Singapore WDA job bank where thousands of jobs are available.

Friday 5 June 2015

8 Things I Did to Improve My Current Job

The economy is in a terrible state; a state of which we haven't seen the likes since the Great Depression. Employers are slashing jobs at a record pace and unemployment offices are overcrowded with people now forced to reconfigure their lives. During these tough times we all want to avoid being the one to get the proverbial "pink slip"... easier said than done when you are at the mercy of your employers. Hard work may no longer be enough; it's time to step up your game. You need to show that you are not only worth hanging on to, but that you are a contributing member of the team that will help the company survive. The question on everyone's mind--how?

So what is the right mix, the right solution to stay above water during tough times? They say change is coming. I say change is here. It's time to wake up and cope with change.

This has been my experience:
I left a good job that had long given up on the promise of providing me opportunities for growth in my respective field of information security. I was looking for a challenge; the next stepping stone in my career. I worked as an Information Technology technician for nearly ten years. I had suddenly realized the company's technology strategy didn't fit with my understanding and aspirations around enhancing the discipline of Information Security. Soon after, I accepted a job offer from a healthcare insurance provider which offered many challenges and a promising future. But it wasn't all as I thought it would be - not right away anyways.

During my first year of employment my job felt like a waste of my time. I was not contributing, not because I didn't want to or couldn't, but because in my opinion things happened slowly and very little interest was given to my expertise and purpose. I tried my best to stay busy and contribute even when the rewards were small and few and far between. As work began to come our way and much was expected of us, we needed a plan, we needed a strategic plan to handle information security.

However, a plan was never fully developed and a vision didn't immediately flourish. Work became an everyday frustration of "putting out fires" and we were never put in a position to show value and results. One of the toughest things to do in the industry of information security and assurance is show ROI and we simply didn't put ourselves in a position to do so. I saw this as a problem and raised the issue. I raised the issue again and again until it got me in trouble.

 I didn't get in trouble because I was pointing out the obvious, but perhaps because of complex politics and because I didn't fully understand how the organization worked. Despite all that, I felt it was my obligation to my employer to raise issues of concern since this is why I was hired. So I backed off and went into frustration and unmotivated mode. What a terrible way to work. Everyday I looked forward to being late to work and leaving early although I never acted on it. I remained strong to my commitment to my employer. My job became a burden on me however, and to top that off, the economy started to hit us, big time.

For the first time in years this strong performing company was faced with the tough decision of lay offs. This scared me, or at least got me thinking. I asked myself: "If I was asked by an executive to describe my contributions to the company, what would I say? How can management justify my job?" Wow! Wake up call!

1. I realized that I would, like everyone else, likely struggle to find work if I lost my job. Not because of my ability or marketability, but because there's a lot of competition out there and finding a better job would be really tough. So I decided to change my current attitude and focus to fit my style - the turning point.

2. I wrote down what benefits my job offered. When I say benefits I mean what challenges, learning opportunities, chance to get involved, opportunities to develop my professional status and knowledge. I wrote down the things that I can find at work that would show results for my employer.

3. I looked for areas or projects where my past experience could be of use in an effective manner to help others while helping myself establish a better reputation and improve my brand within the company. This was important to me because in every job I've ever held, I have always been involved in rewarding projects and activities and I wanted to maintain that.

4. I developed plans on how I would contribute to these projects. I didn't want to only contribute, I wanted to stand out and be noticed. So I had to develop ways that I could be productive and be a leader. I thought out my ideas and put them on paper so that when I presented them, they would make sense and gain stakeholders' interest.

5. I took charge. I became a marketing genius of my own work and myself. I sought out people that would be on my side and back my ideas. In many cases I gained people's input on my plans before I presented them. Input from people that have an established reputation in the company is an undervalued asset. If you can find allies, go get 'em.

6. Positive attitude. My attitude changed drastically. I have always been a pretty optimistic and positive person but for a while my attitude was down the toilet. How did I remain positive you ask? Simple, I just stayed true to myself and to my strengths. I figured, if I get laid off, I didn't want to walk away thinking I could have done better. I'm at my best when I am true to myself and when I maximize my strengths and abilities. Find them, we all have them. That's why you were hired in the first place.

7. Get noticed. There is nothing wrong with letting people know that you did something right. You're expected to own up to your mistakes so why not take credit for your good work? I began walking into my boss's office 3-4 times a day to let him know what I've accomplished thus far. I kept him informed of every detail of my work and how it was being received by other departments.

8. Finally, I made my boss look good. When you do good work in cross-functional activities and teams, your ability will shine and everyone will know your worth. But it is your boss that holds your success and job status in his or her hands. If you make your boss look good, he or she will want to retain you because your work actually provides him with job security as well; you're part of his or her vision and helping achieve that. Eventually you will outgrow your job and possibly look to leave, unless you're content where you are and with the growth you've achieved, but while you're at your job, making your boss look good will get you more projects to work on, and more opportunities to shine and develop yourself professionally. Make your boss your ally.

So after all that, where am I today? Today, I'm leading two of the company's most critical information security activities. I'm developing the company's Information Security Incident Management and I'm also heading the information security risk assessment for a high priority project. My boss and others, have shown great appreciation for my work and every day now my work has major rewards with those rewards coming more often.

The money is the same, but my life is simpler and my job is a happier place. My positive attitude seems to be contagious as others look forward to working with me and participating in my meetings. I usually stand by the conference room door as people leave my meetings so that I can get feedback. Positive feedback is great food for self confidence.

In all, I feel that I have further solidified my job status and most importantly, I have engaged myself in promising activities that will have great rewards in the future. Information Security has a promising future, so this will only enhance my chances to grow professionally.

Seeking for a job in Singapore, you can source a list of available jobs at Singapore WDA job bank.

A recruiting article by Dougles Chan - A recruitment mentor that speciliased in recruitment training and recruitment mentoring in Singapore and globally.

Contact Dougles Chan @ +(65) 9388 0851 or email to dc@dougleschan.com for your recruitment training and mentoring needs.

How to Write a Winning CV

With unemployment on the rise and stiff competition for jobs it has never been more important to get your CV right. A well written CV is a powerful marketing tool, so what can you do to make sure that yours attracts interest?

There are some very simple ways to improve your chances of being invited to an interview. Always make sure that you proofread your CV thoroughly before sending it off. As a general rule, a CV should be no longer than 2 pages and it must be written in the 3rd person. It's also important to make sure that your CV looks the part and that it is well structured. Getting the basics right is a good start, but making your CV stand out takes a lot of time and effort. It is vital that you highlight your skills and experience appropriately.

Top Tips to Make your CV Stand Out:

Include a Professional Profile
A Professional Profile is a paragraph at the beginning of your CV that gives the reader an overview of your key skills and experience. It should be written in the 3rd person and no longer than 10 lines in length. Bullet points are totally acceptable if you wish to use them.

Tailor your CV to the Role
Carefully study the job advert or job description to determine the skills/experience required. Focus on emphasising your most relevant qualities throughout your CV.

Include Key Achievements
Highlight Key Achievements that demonstrate results. You can include Key Achievements in a separate section if you want. Try and back your achievements up with figures or feedback.

Ensure Readability
Recruiters like CV's that are easy to scan so use clear headings and bullet points. Make sure that you check for spelling mistakes and grammatical errors.

Obviously you don't want your CV to stand out for the wrong reasons. Make sure that you use a sensible email address and that you spell the company name correctly in your cover letter. It's also advisable to avoid including generic interests, most of us like watching TV and listening to music but such information is not CV worthy.

Searching for a job in Singapore, you can find a list of available jobs at jobsbank sg.

An article by Dougles Chan - Search Engine Guru - The best SEO company in Singapore and globally. Contact Dougles Chan @ +(65) 9388 0851 or email to dc@dougleschan.com for more information on how to make your website to be the top in Google.

Copywriting Tips: How To Get Your First Copywriting Job

Today, I'm going to share with you some copywriting tips and how to start your own copywriting business. This article will show you how to get your first copywriting job and clients as a new copywriter. I personally followed the steps below to get my first copywriting job.

Tip #1: Write For Friends For Free
In the beginning, I wrote the first couple of jobs for free. So I did 2 jobs for friends for free. I wrote advertising for them including the website, email copy as well as print ads. Through this, I got copywriting experience, writing experience and references. The question is how did I get paid? How did I get my first job? The answer to these questions will continue to the next copywriting tip.

Tip #2: Join Copywriting Forums and Identify Successful Copywriters
I joined a copywriting forum on the internet with lots of different copywriters discussing different topics, and helping people out who'd come and ask for copywriting advice. On this forum I identified a successful copywriter, and built a relationship with him.

Tip #3: Contact Successful Copywriters
Next I contacted this successful copywriter and propositioned him through email. I told him that I'm a new copywriter, I'm new to the business and I'm looking to get some work. I said if he was ever overloaded with work, then perhaps he could send some work my way and I could help him out. Out of that, I got a reply from him within a couple of days telling me that he had some extra jobs, but he not sure about my ability. He wanted to see my portfolio first.

Tip #4: Show Off Your Copywriting Portfolio - Get Copywriting Jobs
Now remember, I was just getting started in the copywriting business. I didn't have a big copywriting portfolio, but I did have two copywriting samples I had done for friends, for free. So I sent through my samples and he was impressed!

Tip #5: Prove Yourself
Before he actually decided to send me the job, he wants me to tell my thoughts on something he has written recently. As a successful copywriter asking me, a total beginner to analyze his work and ask for my thoughts to improve his work, was very intimidating. This is the right time to prove your skill and expertise. I shared a couple of things that I thought he could change such as the headline as well as a new opening sentence of the sales letter. In the end, he was actually very impressed and sent me work right away. Literally within two weeks he sent me two pain clients as referrals who offered paid copywriting jobs to me. Those jobs were worth thousands of dollars.

Tip #6: Find More Copywriting Jobs Online
As my career took off and my confidence grew, I was able to use different strategies and not just relying on other successful copywriters as my main source of getting clients. Start to participate in some of those online marketing forums or copywriting forums which you can find by going to Google and typing in "copywriting forum". Once you go to those forums, you can now identify the real people who seem very active as copywriters. Now what you may find are some copywriters who would be happy to give you work but they may take a percentage. This is standard and this is usual.
So, that's what I recommend you to do. Go there find a copywriter who seems doing quite well.

Contact them and simply start a referral relationship. And you never know in the future when you'd become overloaded of copywriting jobs, you might be the one sending on work to other copywriters as well. Because there are more clients that we could ever all work for. There's never going to be a shortage of writing advertising no matter what kind of economy were in and that's what I recommend you to do.

Looking for a job in SG, you can find a list of latest jobs at WDA jobsnet.

A recruiting article by Dougles Chan - A recruitment mentor that speciliased in recruitment training and recruitment mentoring in Singapore and globally.

Contact Dougles Chan @ +(65) 9388 0851 or email to dc@dougleschan.com for your recruitment training and mentoring needs.

5 Key Things to Remember When Writing Your Resume

Are you actively looking for a new job? If so, you need to focus some attention on your resume. Whether you intend to breathe new life into an old resume or create a new one from scratch, please keep these key points in mind when doing so:

Your Resume is What Lands You A Job Interview
To most of us, a resume is a document stored on our computer or a simple piece of paper. To an actively looking job seeker, a resume is a vital document that makes or breaks their chance of landing a job interview. Yes, job interviews are what land you a job. But, it is the resume that lands you a job interview. Until the interview, you are just one of many applicants. Your resume (this document) must do all the talking for you. That is why it is recommended you take the time to craft the best resume possible, proofread it multiple times, ask friends and family for suggestions, or even consider hiring a professional resume writer. Without a good resume, you don't stand a chance of scoring an interview let alone a job.

Your Resume Should Contain Strong, Yet Relevant Keywords or Phrases
Hiring managers and business owners get hundreds of applicants for one open position. Due to that massive number, they are unable to physically and thoroughly read every single sentence on every single resume. That is why they scan or browse for important keywords. Keyword searches are also used when searching online databases. For that reason, your resume should contain important keyword phrases. It all depends on the job you are applying for and your experience, but a few keywords to use include accomplish, management, managed, achieved, delegated, and so forth.

Your Resume Should Be Easy to Read
When it comes to writing your resume, it is important to focus on ease of reading. There are a number of different ways this free resume tip applies to job searching. First, your resume must be easy on the eyes. That is why a simple format is recommended, as well as bullet points, short sentences, and short paragraphs. Anything that looks like it will take 15 minutes to read will be bypassed. Then, it is important to keep a good flow. The information on this document should not jump around. Keep your job history (including tasks performed) together, keep your education together, keep your training and/or skills together and so forth.

Your Resume Shouldn't Be a 5-Page Story, But It Does Not Need To Be 1-Page Either
Online, you will find lots of free resume writing tips. Many of those tips state that unless you are looking to apply for an executive level position, your resume should be one page and one page only. This is actually not recommended. Why not? Sometimes you need one page and sometimes you need two. You never want to eliminate important training, job skills, or education just to get your resume to nicely fit on one page. Keep in mind that your resume does not nor should it tell your entire life story, but it should include the basics (job history, common tasks especially those that are transferable to the new job, education, training, and so forth).

Your Resume Is Something You Can Edit Later
Resume writing is a skill. Yes, anyone can write an okay resume. With that said, it often takes a professional or loads of trial and error to write a 100% excellent resume. If you don't want to hire a professional resume writer, focus on some trial and error. Lets say you apply for 15 jobs that you are qualified for, but you don't get one single interview. At this point in time, you should revisit your job search resume. Consider improving it or seeking professional assistance. While you cannot edit the resumes you already sent out, you can work on improving yours for the future.

Looking for a job in SG, you can get a list of latest jobs at jobs bank Singapore.

A recruiting article by Dougles Chan - A recruitment mentor that speciliased in recruitment training and recruitment mentoring in Singapore and globally.

Contact Dougles Chan @ +(65) 9388 0851 or email to dc@dougleschan.com for your recruitment training and mentoring needs.

Thursday 4 June 2015

Roustabout Jobs - Entry Level Rigging Jobs


Roustabout jobs and Assistant Roustabout are considered the most common entry level positions on an offshore oil rig. The work conditions are challenging and physical fitness is a very important requirement. Many of the Roustabouts will work long hours comprising of twelve hour shifts for up to three weeks in length.

Duties of a Roustabout
The duties of a Roustabout are varied and very physical in nature. In this position, you will be required to clean and paint the rig which is a job with no end. You will also be required to help the Mudman with the mixing and drilling of mud and will help the crane operators with moving of equipment and supplies on the deck and around the rig.

Qualifications and Certifications
While this is a challenging position, it does not require any previous experience and very little in the way of qualifications, particularly for those looking to find employment in North America. Some of the companies employing Roustabouts will consider paying for the certifications that you will need before you take the position, so it is an ideal foot in the door with very little outlay in finances. All that is required by the recruitment personnel is a good attitude and a desire to work hard. The courses that you will have to undertake before you start your first contract will include a medical certificate, survival certificate and an underwater escape training certificate for helicopters. After completing your courses, you will also be required to do an in-house safety training induction course.

It's important to remember that different countries have different requirements when it comes to certification required. In certain countries and even in the States, you may be required to complete your certifications prior to even applying for a position. This doesn't always guarantee that you will be employed and can result in a substantial financial outlay. It is always a good idea to research which companies are employing and what their personal requirements are before you spend any money on certification.

The Emphasis is on Physical Fitness
When making your application, also remember that this is a physical, labour intensive position that you are applying for. Always include any work experience which was physical in nature. Don't worry to much about qualifications unless you have been informed that that is what they are looking for, because usually it is of less importance to the recruiters than your physical ability to do the job.
Roustabout jobs are not difficult to find as advancement within crews takes place fast and there are always new openings coming available, but remember that the rewards are only in relation to the effort that you put in and that you will be expected to do your fair share and learn continually in order to be a viable part of your offshore oil rig crew.

If you are sourcing for a recruitment consultant Singapore job, you will need to obtain the CEI basic exam to be qualified to operate as a license recruitment consultant in Singapore.

Secrets of a Successful Job Search

Because today's job market is so competitive, it is now essential to set up a battle plan if you want to land a job as fast as possible. There are several factors you should consider to build an effective job search strategy.

What is your niche?
Before you start applying to job openings you should take a step back to assess your strengths and experience and see if they match your current job or if you would be more qualified for another job. It's never too late to make a career change if you have the right qualifications, so think about this before you start writing your resume and send job applications.

Tell Employers what they want to hear
You need to show employers that you will be a good fit for the job and bring value to the company, which means you might have to slightly customize your resume to the jobs you're applying to. Make a list of the skills that you have and are relevant to each position; then use these skills to prepare a different resume for each of these positions.

Job Search Steps
* Choose the job you want
* Choose where you want to live
* Choose companies that are good for you

Implement your job search by: 

1. posting your resume online and looking for jobs on employment sites.
2. Sending unsolicited direct mail to companies that you would like to work for.
3. doing some networking. 4. going to job fairs.

The Interview
Preparing for interviews is mandatory. Not only should you do your homework by learning more about the companies you're applying to, but you should also demonstrate in details what a great fit you are for the job and the company. Make sure to also prepare a couple of questions that show you are interested. As for making a good impression, suits for men and dresses for women are usually the rule - also don't forget to be well groomed and have good manners.

After the Interview
If you're still interested in the job after meeting with the company, it is recommended to follow up with a thank you later where you will show how excited you are about the position and emphasize again what assets you will bring to the company.

Searching for a Singapore Jobs, you can always check out the updated jobs in Singapore WDA job bank where thousands of jobs are available.

Preparing For Your Job Search

There are a variety of things that people need to do when they are ready to do a job search. The challenge is that most people don't prepare ahead of time and they are using the same old and tired techniques.

In today's world employers are looking for people who can show how they can help the company. They want to know how your expertise and education can improve their bottom line.

What many people don't realize is that you have to put time and energy into a job search. It's not something that will happen overnight but if you work at it you can find the exact job you want.

Here are a few tips to help you in preparing for your job search:

Do Your Research
If you are preparing for a new career, changing careers or looking for work for the first time it is important to do research about the types of jobs that are available. It is a good idea to go online and just look at careers. There are several career sites that explain what a career is, how it works, what people do in it and so forth. You will need to understand the jobs that are available before you find one you want.

Write Down Your Skills And Abilities
A very important skill is to know your strengths and abilities. You should also know your accomplishments to date. Employers are looking for employees who have accomplished something on their other jobs or in their college courses.
If you can show your strengths in your job search you can have a better interview. This information translates into your competencies that the employer will be looking for when they read your resume and ask for an interview.

Write a Solid Resume
Although most people would argue that your résumé is what gets you a job, this is not true. Your resume is only there to get you to an interview; after the interview it is a moot point. Do not listen to people who say you have to do an old fashioned resume that looks like a grocery list of places you've been and names your job.

Instead, employers want to know your accomplishments. As an example, a sales job would want to know how much you've sold in the past. A detective agency would want to know how many cases you successfully solved.

Your resume is your first impression. It should be clean, neat, and free of typo errors and on a crisp white or off-white paper.

Always write a cover letter
You can compose cover letters ahead of time but the most important aspect of this document is to create a snapshot of your resume. Each time you do a cover letter, look at the job posting. Write your cover letter to show how you have accomplished the requirements of the job posting. This will get you into the interview fast because most people do not follow this step.

Searching for a Singapore job, you can always check out the updated jobs in Singapore WDA job bank where thousands of jobs are available.

Job Search Advice That Can Improve Your Success - 3 Tips to Implement

When you are gainfully employed you are complacent. But when you are unemployed you are facing stressful situations like job searching.

Here are three tips that can help:
1) As like anything in life job hunting is no different. Approach finding a job like it was a full time job. If it means waking up early as if you already had a job and get out there and hunt, hunt, hunt until you find something. Go to all the job and career centers in your area.. If you treat it like a part-time job it will take longer.

2) Set goals for yourself. Treat it like a project. You should apply all the skills you learn't in your last job to attack the present endeavour.

3) It's all about being your own boss. Set targets and expectations for what you want to accomplish.

Once a week meet up with yourself to see how much you have accomplished in terms of goals. Then plan steps to take and achieve for the next week. Write reports, one for the previous week and one for the up coming week. Compare these reports on what you wanted to have.

For example, you could set goals in the report, of the number people or businesses to call. Also the number of networking meetings to attend and the research you will conduct. In the weeks to come compare the results that you obtained the weeks prior. For example if you planned to attend 5 networking meetings and you only attended 2. Find out where you went wrong and write down in your next report steps you will take to not make the same mistakes again and make sure you hit your goal.

Seeking for a job in Singapore, you can always check out the latest jobs in Singapore job bank WDA where thousands of jobs are available.

Wednesday 3 June 2015

Executive Recruiting - Employers - Use Recruiting Methods to ImproveEmployee Retention!


Anyone who owns a business understands the high cost of replacing people and the painful ripple effect of losing key employees. Turnover is expensive! Moreover, if you lose a great employee to a Headhunter (Executive Recruiter) you are slammed twice. Once for the loss of a productive key person and again with the expense of a new hire.

There are more costs if you consider the time gap while the position is empty and the expense of getting a new person comfortable, knowledgeable, and profitable.

Why not utilize the same principles Recruiters use to keep your valuable employees?

As an Executive Recruiter and entrepreneur it's frustrating to watch my clients lose employees to other Headhunters! And if the employee who leaves is working with a pro, my client won't know a Recruiter was involved. That Recruiter will do everything in their power to prevent a good candidate from discussing their needs with the current employer.

When I have a client I like and respect 'territorial feelings' can develop. I feel protective and want to guard my clients from others in my profession. I want to shut down their revolving door.

The best way to protect my clients is to help them incorporate the recruiting thought process into their interviews and employee conversations. Sounds like I'm putting myself out of business right? Wrong. What I'm doing is adding priceless value to my role as a consultant. I've never lost a dollar by helping my successful clients become more successful.

When an employer asks their employees the same questions Executive Recruiters use to attract 'happily employed' candidates from their competition they gain insights needed to keep that employee longer. The most important thing a Recruiter does is have conversations with candidates who have never really had a good conversation about their professional growth.

As an employer you may be thinking, "I know, I know. We already talk to employees during reviews". If those conversations are simply an exercise, as in, "I've got to get another bogus task done", they'll lose any hope of effectiveness. In fact, these conversations may be most useful if they're not associated with the review process. I say this because an employee retention conversation should be all about the employee! The magic of the conversation and the way genuine loyalty develops is when a few minutes a year are focused on the employee and not the company.

When everything is about the company: the company mission, the company growth, the company policies, the company profits and goals, the company wants this, the company demands that...well the company becomes vulnerable to Recruiters. Recruiters who are successful because they have conversations about the employee. Good conversations; one at a time. Conversations too many employees have never had with anyone.

Recruiters establish rapport and trust with the questions they ask and by listening. Yes, they have an agenda and that agenda is to get the best candidate for their client. What they gain are countless contacts with candidates who were not right for a specific client but who feel so respected, and valued, that they feel a connection with their Recruiter, possibly becoming a key resource in a small world.
If you're an employer who hates your turnover rate, my suggestion to you is learn how Executive Recruiters operate. The best ones follow a step by step process anyone can learn. Not only will you be able to improve your employee retention, you'll use the same principles to negotiate a business deal, buy a company, and persuade your spouse or kids to change a behavior.

If you are seeking for a recruitment consultant Singapore job, you will need to obtain the CEI basic course to be qualified to operate as a license recruitment consultant in Singapore.

Job Search Tips - 3 Ways To Get You Closer To "You're Hired"

Don't you just love on "The Apprentice" when Donald Trump closes it out with those two little priceless words, "you're hired?" Well in your own search for that ultimate career, I'm pretty sure, those are the two words you're wanting to hear.

So on that note, one critical part of your job search is in doing follow-ups. Here are three kinds of follow-ups that can help boost your job search results:
  1. Follow-up your first resume/cover letter mailing with another resume/cover letter mailing. Things can happen with the mail--it can become lost, stolen, or delivered to the wrong address. So if you don't hear anything from the company you applied to, it wouldn't hurt to send in another resume/cover letter package. Wait about 1 week after you mail the first resume/cover letter. So what if they've already received it? Then they'll just get a second one, no harm done. What's the benefit of this? If anything, it will get your name and information in front of your potential employer twice. And that's another nice little technique that helps you to stand out.

  2. Follow-up your interview with a thank-you letter. Too many job seekers don't realize how important this is. Do this--before you go to your interview, the night before, begin typing the letter in your computer, and save it. Then, as soon as you get home from the interview, the minute you hit the door, sit down and finish typing out your thank-you letter. Print it out and take it over to the post office. Not to the nearest corner mailbox, but to the post office. More than likely, it'll get to your potential employer the next day. Again, this gets your name in front of your potential employer at least twice, which can help you to stand out from other applicants that have been interviewed. It also shows your professionalism and enthusiasm for the position.

  3. Follow-up with a second thank-you letter if you get a rejection letter. I know, I know. You're probably thinking, why should I send a follow up letter to a rejection letter? Because you never know--you could have been the company's very next choice. What if the person they hire works there for a while, and they decide to quit? Or what if the company feels the person they hired just isn't all they thought they would be? Either way, this would place you back in their prospective eye. So write a polite letter, thanking them for taking the time to interview you, and that you hope they might keep you in mind for any future positions that may open up.
These three types of follow-ups are not only polite and professional, they can greatly enhance your job search results and help you to stand out from other applicants. Which can lead to that moment when you yourself can ultimately hear those golden words, "you're hired."

Search for a Singapore Jobs, you can always check out the updated jobs in Singapore job bank WDA where thousands of jobs are available.