Many of us have Facebook, Twitter, blogs, MSN, etc. We update our statuses on Facebook and Twitter, update our blogs and maybe chat on MSN.
But we do not realise that sometimes we cross the lines of using these social networking sites. We scold our colleagues or or managers there, and expect no one to read them.
No, you are very wrong.
Anyone would have access to what you post on your blogs (unless it's private). Your colleagues will see what you post on Facebook and Twitter.
If you were to scold any of them, think twice before posting them on these social networking sites. Even though you may not have added your supervisors / bosses on these networks, it always pays to be safe.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Monday, January 3, 2011
Topic 2: Common interview questions
Below are some questions that are usually asked during job interviews:
Don't be afraid of sharing your previous employment to the interviewer. Of course, share only generic information like job scope, and the people you have come across etc. Pay attention to company secrets that you are not supposed to share.
Challenges
Yes, all of us face problems when we work so share them when you come across these kind of questions, be confident in speaking and the interview will be impressed on how you overcome them.
Last drawn salary
Employers would want to know the salary that you last had. They would want to see if the current job offer has a lower salary range, whether the interviewee will still be interested or not.
What do you know about our company?
Research on the company's information before going for the interview. Share with the company what you know, what the company does, what clients they deal with, history of the company etc.
What do you know about this job?
Knowing the job opening will increase your chances of passing the job interview because you are prepared for it. You should know the basic information like:
Lower salary
If you show sincerity about accepting the lower salary and willing to learn more, this will definitely be a plus point.
Besides these questions, don't be surprised if you are tasked to show some skills you stated in your resumes. You may also need to take an aptitude test to suit your accessibility.
Always remember, do not badmouth about your previous employment. Being prepared will definitely help you score in the interview.
Should you ever fail the interview, don't ever give up. There are lots of other opportunities in the market.
Good luck!
- Can you tell me more about your previous employment?
- What were the challenges in your previous employment?
- Last drawn salary.
- Why did you leave?
- What do you know about our company?
- What do you to expect to learn in the job?
- Are you able to accept this salary (if lower than previous)?
Don't be afraid of sharing your previous employment to the interviewer. Of course, share only generic information like job scope, and the people you have come across etc. Pay attention to company secrets that you are not supposed to share.
Challenges
Yes, all of us face problems when we work so share them when you come across these kind of questions, be confident in speaking and the interview will be impressed on how you overcome them.
Last drawn salary
Employers would want to know the salary that you last had. They would want to see if the current job offer has a lower salary range, whether the interviewee will still be interested or not.
What do you know about our company?
Research on the company's information before going for the interview. Share with the company what you know, what the company does, what clients they deal with, history of the company etc.
What do you know about this job?
Knowing the job opening will increase your chances of passing the job interview because you are prepared for it. You should know the basic information like:
- Job scope
- Responsibilities
- Work locations etc.
Lower salary
If you show sincerity about accepting the lower salary and willing to learn more, this will definitely be a plus point.
Besides these questions, don't be surprised if you are tasked to show some skills you stated in your resumes. You may also need to take an aptitude test to suit your accessibility.
Always remember, do not badmouth about your previous employment. Being prepared will definitely help you score in the interview.
Should you ever fail the interview, don't ever give up. There are lots of other opportunities in the market.
Good luck!
Topic 1: The resume
Below, you may find the information useful to help you score an interview.
The secrets to score and ace an interview
BEFORE THE INTERVIEW
1. Cover letter
Most applicants do not realise this but this is actually quite important.
Some applicants may have long resumes but some have short ones. A cover letter is basically a 1-page summary of yourself. And it also shows how you are different as compared to other applicants.
A cover letter (submitted electronically) will allow the interviewer to assess the person based on what he/she writes before he invites the person for an interview.
2. Short cover letter
1 page is sufficient, and keep it to a maximum of 4 paragraphs. You are not writing an essay, so summarise! Do not bore the interviewer with your fanciful words. Try to keep them as simple as possible.
3. Salutations ARE important
Instead of addressing the whom it may concern party as a “Sir” or “Ma’am”, do a deeper research to find out who is the exact person you are referring to. Unless you are unable to find that out, keep to Sir or Ma’am.
4. Resumes should be detailed
This is in contrast to your cover letter where you should summarise where necessary.
i. Photo
A photo is the most important in a resume because it allows the interviewer to know how you look like and whether you are suitable for the job.
ii. State your objective
Different people find jobs with objectives in mind so do state what you are going to achieve while looking for a job in that particular industry.
iii. Focus more on the past 2 jobs
Most employers prefer to know what you actually did for the past 2 jobs. You should therefore list all the jobs you have done but the focus should be on the last 2 jobs you held. Be as detailed as possible to let your interviewer know of what you actually did.
iv. Salary range
Leave your salary as a negotiable figure as this will give the impression that you can be easy to negotiate with.
vi. Education
The last 2 educational backgrounds are important. List all you educational experience down but only elaborate on the last 2.
5. Research
Most of the time, during formal interviews, most interviewers will ask the interviewees how much they know about the company. Being prepared always helps and it doesn't hurt to know more.
DURING THE INTERVIEW
1. Do not arrive too late, nor too early
Arriving too early (e.g. 40 minutes earlier) will give the impression to the interviewer that you, as the interviewee, are not mindful of the time. Of course, being late is definitely a no-no.
2. Never fold your arms
Folding your arms will give the impression that you are a person who keeps to himself and not willing to share.
3. Posture
Never slouch. This is a sign of disrespect and non-interest.
4. Do not interrupt
Wait till the interviewer finishes speaking before you continue.
5. Do not badmouth
As much as you do not like your previous employment, never ever talk bad about any one of the employees. This will not only give the impression that you are person who badmouths, and also a person who is unprofessional. Keep those comments to yourself.
6. Sharing the correct things matters
Sharing your previous job experiences will definitely allow the interviewer to understand what you have learnt, rather than just solely reading your resumes.
7. Think before you speak
Do not answer immediately. Even though you may have an answer, wait for a while to give the impression that you are in deep thoughts before answering. This will also show that you are a person who is not rash in making decisions.
8. Thank the interviewer
Regardless of whether you passed or failed the interview, always remember to thank the interviewer for his or her time.
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