~~== JOBSEEKERS' HAVEN ==~~: 09/30/06

Saturday, September 30, 2006

Career-related or leisure courses?

Written by Adele Ong - 27 September 2006

If you want to enhance your qualifications and skills for the sake of your career, you would think that the only kinds of courses worth attending would be work-related, or lead to academic qualifications relevant to your field and industry.

But upgrading yourself isn't necessarily restricted to furthering your studies only in work-relevant areas. Upgrading can also mean branching out into a whole new field, or developing skills in things traditionally classified as leisure pursuits.

More options, more security

Branching out into a different field altogether can have practical returns in the sense that it gives you an alternative field of expertise and a possible pathway for a second career.

Even if you have no plans to shift to another industry, knowing that you have the qualifications and skills that will allow you to do so can offer a sense of security. This might even allow you to feel happier and more confident with your present job, because you no longer feel "chained" to it.

As for healthy leisure pursuits, these provide mental relief from the drudgery of work. If you love an activity, exploring it more deeply can give you a tremendous sense of satisfaction and greater feeling of energy. It can broaden your horizons so that you are capable of bringing more to your roles as a career person and a family member.

Therefore, do not discount leisure courses as irrelevant to your work or a waste of time.

Getting serious

However, when you are required to make a choice between taking a serious academic/skill upgrading programme and spending more time on a leisure activity, you have to look at the phase of life you are in and prioritise.

Sometimes, a person really cannot progress any further in his or her career without higher qualifications. This can happen in fast-evolving fields where a diploma that was good enough 10 years ago can barely even get you in the door at entry-level now. It can also be the case in highly competitive environments, where every advantage you can get gives you that added edge.

If you are serious about your career in that field, and you know you must upgrade, bite the bullet and do so. Improve your skills. Get that degree. Get that doctorate. You can still put aside a little time (albeit less) for your leisure interests, family and friends while you work and study, then go back to what you love full-swing when your studies are over and you have made some headway in your job.

Getting comfortable

But if you are in a pretty comfortable place in your career, are actively and usefully contributing to your company, and/or are not overly ambitious about scaling the corporate ladder, make time - lots of time - for learning more about those activities that put a smile on your face and a spring in your step.

Learning and studying of that sort will make you more well-rounded, confident and happy. Will that improve your performance on the job? Most probably, so long as you do not become obsessed with a pursuit at the expense of your punctuality at work, productivity, reliability and attentiveness - but that's another topic altogether which we can look at on a future occasion!

Part-time or full-time courses?

Written by Adele Ong - 13 September 2006

Working professionals who intend to further their studies through a diploma, undergraduate or post-graduate course that will stretch over a year or a few years must decide between studying full-time and part-time. What points must you bear in mind when making that choice?

If you are considering part-time studies, ask yourself:

"How much energy and time can I spare?"

Working full-time and studying part-time is not a light undertaking. Many people feel mentally and/or physically drained at the end of a tough day's work. It takes gritty determination to finish up at the office, then slog through more hours in an evening class where you are expected to absorb information, be creative and think on your feet, and participate by contributing your own ideas in discussions!

Hint: Before embarking on lengthy part-time studies, go on a trial run with a short-term evening programme (perhaps one lasting eight weeks, or even a leisure or hobby programme) to see how your body and mind handle it.

"What about family and work commitments?"

Many part-time programmes include classes held not only in the evening, but also over several hours on weekends. If you have a family, you may find that the evening classes already take you away from them too much. What if you disappear for hours on weekends as well?

Work commitments may also hold you back after office hours, or demand some weekend duties from you. Is your employer understanding enough to spare you these duties because of your studies? Will the course be flexible enough to let you make up classes/stretch the period of time in which you must complete your studies if you miss lessons because of work?

Hint: Talk to both your employer and the course provider about these concerns before signing up.

If you are considering full-time studies, ask yourself:

"What are the implications of interrupting my career?"

Unless you work for a company that encourages staff to go on sabbaticals, or is happy to sponsor you for post-graduate studies, taking a year or two out to go back to school almost certainly means giving up your current position and going job-hunting all over again after graduating. You must also have enough funds to see you through the course and beyond, because you won't be drawing a salary.

There is no fixed advice for everyone considering such a move. Industries, employers, technological advances, individual resources and capabilities and economic health all vary from case to case, from time to time. You alone must decide if the risk is worth taking.

Hint: Look at your industry's future direction and needs, your own ambitions and interests, and your financial stability, before you leave your job to take a full-time programme.

"How much shorter is the full-time course?"

While full-time courses almost always take less time to complete than their part-time alternatives, you will find that the time difference is not always enormous. It may be just a half-year less.

So if course length is a factor in your decision-making, check first to see if you can't complete the part-time course in just a few more months than the full-time option. However, if your key consideration is devoting full attention to your studies without work distractions, then by all means go for the full-time version.

Hint: Know why you are choosing one option over another, and decide if that reason is worth the sacrifices that will come with either option.

Fashion Lessons for Interviews

Written by Goh Mei Yi - 6 September 2006

On a few occasions in life, you have to concur with the saying that "you are what you wear". Going for an interview is one of them. Here are some fashion faux pas to avoid for that meeting with your prospective employer. You should NOT:

…turn up in casual wear

Even if the company interviewing you has an informal culture, showing up in your weekend wear is a no-no. Fail-safe clothes for an interview are the classic jacket suit or simple dress for ladies; and long-sleeved shirt, tie and tailored trousers in conservative colours for men. Select clothes appropriate for the position you are applying for.

…wear a new outfit - and announce it

Remember to cut the price tags off new clothes. If you are fresh out of school and clueless about office attire, go to Raffles Place during lunch hour and observe what types of clothes most people are wearing. If you've never worn a suit or tie before, wear it a few times at home to get used to it.

…choose the wrong colour or fabric

Keep clothes in neutral colours or discreet prints that don't distract the interviewer. For ladies, keep bra straps hidden from view. Stay away from pure linen, which wrinkles easily, and sheer fabrics that show all.

…go too heavy on scent

When it comes to perfume or cologne, less is better. You don't want to be remembered for your lingering scent after an interview. You can kiss the job goodbye if the interviewer has a sensitive nose and your perfume sets off his allergy.

…paint a 'wayang' face

Stick to the natural look when it comes to makeup. Choose safe colours like peach or beige. If you are not in the habit of wearing any make-up, try a little lip gloss and loose powder to cut down on shine.

…let accessories steal the show

Accessories are meant to jazz up an otherwise mundane outfit. Stay clear of oversized earrings and necklaces that compete with you for your interviewer's attention. Pay attention to your shoes and bags too.

…have hair here, there and everywhere

Unless you are gunning for a job in a hair salon or modelling agency, avoid extreme styles and hair colours. Keep your fringe close to or above the eyebrows, or swept to the side so that the interviewer can see your face. Men should be clean-shaven. If you have a beard or goatee, keep it neat.

The Art of Listening in an Interview

Written by Goh Mei Yi - 20 September 2006

If you're of the mindset that an interview is only about you answering questions, think again! You've only got half the picture right. An interview is also the time to keep your ears open and do fact-finding about the job and company.

Listening is one of the most under-utilised skills in a job interview. Most candidates are so preoccupied with how they present themselves and how to tackle the interview questions that they tune out what the interviewer is saying.

Listening has its rewards

An interview is your chance to gather valuable information that cannot be found in the job ad or company website. While the interviewer may not be able to divulge certain news to you, her choice of words and tone of voice may give you indirect hints.

Don't be too eager to launch into your answer after hearing the first part of a question. Let the interviewer finish the question because it's only polite. What you think is a display of enthusiasm could be perceived as impatience and lack of respect.

The ability to listen is also important, especially if you are applying for a position in sales or customer service. If you can't pay attention to what the interviewer is saying, will you ignore a customer's request in future?

Listen to ask questions

The act of listening tells the interviewer you have heard and understood what was said. Make an impact on the interviewer by remembering the small but important details of the conversation. When the opportunity presents itself, formulate questions or offer your opinion based on those points to show you can think on your feet.

If the interviewer keeps bringing up your lack of experience in a particular area of work, she's actually voicing her concern that you may not be suited for the job. At this juncture, (if you have been listening carefully) you should either convince her why her fears are unfounded or decide that this job is really not for you.

Hone your listening skills

Practise being a better listener outside of interviews, by following these tips: