== JOBSEEKERS' HAVEN ==

If you want to make some money online...

2006-10-15T18:53:00.000-07:00

Hi, if you want to make some extra cash online, I have a special report for you, by a guy call Ewen Chia. He's been in the online affiliate marketing industry for a long time and knows every tips and tricks to make money on the internet. I've myself read this free report, bought his inexpensive package, and started making some bucks on the net. You can do it too by downloading and reading this report now:

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Dilbert

2006-10-14T16:46:00.000-07:00

Do you know that Dilbert actually has a cartoon series of his own? I didn't know that until I stumbled upon a video clip on youtube, have a look...

Free Resume Template for Marketing/Business Jobs

2006-10-10T20:13:00.000-07:00

I've prepared a resume template for marketing/business related jobseekers. Hope you like it...

Resume template for marketing/business related jobs

Free Resume Template for Aeronautical Engineering Job

2006-10-10T01:46:00.000-07:00

For those looking for aeronautical engineering jobs, here's a resume template for you:

Resume template for aeronautical engineering job

Is your body 'talking right' at interviews?

2006-10-04T02:59:00.000-07:00

Written by Goh Mei Yi - 4 October 2006

During an interview, what you say is not the only thing that matters - how you present yourself is just as crucial. Make sure your physical actions and gestures convey the same message as your answers.

Walk tall, stand strong

Astute HR managers can size up candidates at a glance. When you enter the room, walk purposefully towards the table, smile and greet the interviewers. If the interviewers are the ones coming into the room you are in, then rise and greet them.

Before the interview, whether you are in a reception area or inside a room, sit "at attention" and don't spend the time adjusting your clothes or daydreaming.

The handshake test

It is business manners to shake hands during introductions, and at the start or conclusion of a meeting. When shaking interviewers' hands for the first time, it's generally safe to let them establish the length and firmness of the handshake and follow their lead.

How do you give a good handshake? Grasp the hand firmly and squeeze gently. Hold the hand for about two seconds as you make eye contact and exchange pleasantries. To get the perfect handshake, try it out on a few friends, and get their feedback on your timing, grip and technique. Keep a handkerchief in your pocket in case you need to dry wet or sweaty palms.

Exit gracefully

Don't lose your focus after the interview has concluded. Give a firm goodbye handshake and leave the room in a confident manner. Keep going until you are safely out of sight of the building, then you can take that huge sigh of relief.

Here are some do's and don'ts to bear in mind during the interview itself:

Do:

Pay attention to your posture. Sit up straight and lean slightly forward in your chair to project confidence and active participation.
Keep an interested expression on your face. Also make body expressions that demonstrate interest, such as nodding, tilting your head, or smiling.
If more than one person is interviewing you, make and keep eye contact with all interviewers. But turn your attention to the person who posed the question when you are giving an answer.
If the interview is interrupted, refrain from staring at your interviewers during the interruption. Offer to leave the room if they need privacy.

Don't:

Touch your hair, nose or any part of your body. Even if it's really itching, just bear with it.
Sit with your arms folded across your chest. This gesture indicates defensiveness, resistance, aggressiveness or a closed mind.
Shake your legs, tap your feet, wring your hands or bite your fingernails. All of these actions demonstrate insecurity and can be extremely distracting.
Gesticulate wildly. It is all right to use your hands to express yourself while you talk, but no orchestra conductor moves, please.

Say goodbye to your old job diplomatically

2006-10-04T02:49:00.000-07:00

Written by Goh Mei Yi - 1 August 2006

No matter how much you hate your current job, never leave on a sour note. Don't tell irritating colleagues what you really think of them. As much as you may want to, resist the temptation. The world is much smaller than we think, and you never know when you will encounter your ex-boss or colleague again.

Spare yourself from future embarrassment by parting ways in a friendly manner, or at least a civil one. Here are some things you should and should not do when you hand in your resignation.
DO

Announce your intention to leave the company in a professional manner. Maintain a courteous tone.
Tell your direct supervisor first. Then inform other colleagues in your department.
Write a professional letter of resignation. There's no need to launch into a lengthy explanation, just a simple statement that you are leaving and your last day of service.
Give your employer enough notice so that they can find a replacement in time. Work with your current and future employers to set a date both sides are comfortable with.
Finish your work. If it can't be completed, provide a list of outstanding tasks and inform your supervisor.
Offer to train your replacement. If you leave before a replacement is hired, make yourself available to answer questions in person or over the phone.

DON'T

Boast to colleagues about your new position, salary or perks. Thank them for their support and friendship, and exchange contact information to stay in touch.
Leave your work area a mess. Organise your materials and label files and documents clearly so that they can be easily located.
Take it easy and slack off. Remain a contributing member to your team during your last days at work to leave a good and lasting impression.
Bad-mouth the company and rant about your boss during the exit interview.
Filch office supplies for your home or new office. Unless you paid for it, leave it behind for your successor.

Maintain your privacy at work

2006-10-04T02:41:00.000-07:00

Written by Goh Mei Yi - 30 August 2006

Like it or not, more employers are monitoring staff activities because of increased technology available to employees, such as e-mail and Internet access. Observations can also be made via surveillance cameras and outgoing phone calls.

While some people may feel that keeping tabs on their actions and whereabouts violates their privacy at work, many employers feel that employees must follow company policy regarding personal use of technology since it belongs to the company.

Don't forget that your purpose in the office is to work, so use your discretion when it comes to personal stuff.

Read the staff handbook

Most companies will have a list of policies pertaining to e-mail and Internet usage. If in doubt, always check with HR.

Limit company e-mail for private use

Don't assume your office e-mail is yours to read alone. Someone in your organisation, usually the network administrator, has the authority to watch the e-mail traffic coming and going out of your e-mail account.

Don't send an e-mail you might regret

Technology has made it so easy to spread information. Err on the side of caution when you compose an e-mail, as your recipient might hit the "forward" instead of the "reply" button. If you have something confidential to communicate, call instead of sending an e-mail.

Keep your password private

If you don't want others to gain access to your computer while you're away, keep your login password to yourself. Avoid an easy-to-guess password like "abcdefg".

Don't visit certain websites

Each time you open a web page, you leave an electronic fingerprint which indicates that your computer visited a particular website. But more embarrassingly, your colleagues might catch a glimpse of what lingerie styles you are buying online.

Activate screensaver password

Adjust your computer setting to require a fresh login after a period of inactivity. Don't give others the opportunity to read your mail while you are away from your desk.

Be punctual

If you use a security pass to enter your office building, management can easily trace the time you entered the premises and reported for work. They can use this information to implicate tardy employees if they have to.

Free Resume Template For IT Jobs

2006-10-03T00:53:00.000-07:00

Here's the resume template for IT job application.

Resume template for IT/computer-related job

Career-related or leisure courses?

2006-09-30T16:14:00.000-07:00

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?

2006-09-30T16:12:00.000-07:00

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

2006-09-30T16:02:00.000-07:00

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

2006-09-30T15:59:00.000-07:00

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:

Use eye contact appropriately
Be attentive and alert to a speaker's verbal and nonverbal behaviour
Wait for the speaker to finish her sentence before you start yours
Respond with appropriate verbal and nonverbal expressions
Ask questions in a neutral tone of voice
Paraphrase or summarise what the speaker has said
Be non-judgmental and empathise with the speaker

Free Resume Template for Accounting/Financial Jobs

2006-09-30T08:39:00.000-07:00

Hi, here's the template for accounting/financial jobs, a special request from Hardwarezone.com Forum {{:-)}

Resume for Accounting/Financial Jobs

Free Resume Template for Nurse

2006-09-30T07:15:00.000-07:00

This resume is for those applying for nurse jobs. This one's uses some colors and can make your resume stand out from the rest. Try it!

Resume Template for Nurse (1Mb)

Free Resume Template for Software Engineer

2006-09-30T07:10:00.000-07:00

Here's another one for Software Engineering Jobs...

Resume template for Software Engineer

What you should never say at an interview...

2006-09-28T07:17:00.000-07:00

Written by Goh Mei Yi - 13 September 2006

If you have a tendency to say the wrong thing at the wrong time, this article is for you. Every single word you utter during an interview gives your potential employer an insight to your character and your thoughts, so choose your words carefully.

"I left my last job because my boss was an idiot"

Bad-mouthing your previous employer is probably the stupidest thing you can do during an interview. No matter how much you detest your boss, give a more positive answer.

Suggestion: Say you left to look for more responsibility, greater opportunity for advancement, or it was time for a change. Keep your opinions about your ex-boss to yourself.

"I'll take whatever you can pay"

Don't say it if you don't mean it. The interview is a chance for you to find out what salary the company is willing to pay and for the interviewers to decide how much you're worth and what amount you're asking for.

Suggestion: If you're not sure, give a wide range. Do research about what similar jobs pay before the interview.

"I can't wait to use the staff benefits"

If you think this is a witty way to end an interview, think again! You'll look as if you're joining the company for the free perks and not because you want the job.

Suggestion: Why not mention that you can't wait to try out your ideas instead? It sounds more professional and gives them more reason to hire you.

"I was given a 12-month bonus"

If you didn't get it, don't say it. Someday, somewhere, someone will find out that you were lying and you'll live to regret it. Interviewers expect a little exaggeration about your accomplishments during an interview, but not blatant lies.

Suggestion: Always tell the truth. You can keep up a charade for only so long and employers have a way of finding out things.

"My short-term goal is to clear my credit card debt"

While it may be true, your would-be employers don't need to know. When asked about your five-year goal, they want an answer that relates to the company. Even if you don't plan to stay so long, say something that reflects a commitment to the job and the company.

Suggestion: I see myself in a position at least two levels higher than this job I'm applying for.

"My dog died and I can't get over it"

Even if your interviewer brings up his personal life to lighten the mood, don't take it as a green light to pour out your woes. You may think you're bonding with your interviewer, but it just comes across as unprofessional.

Suggestion: If you interviewer asks about your pet, just say your beloved pooch passed away at a ripe old age and leave it at that. Keep the conversation businesslike and professional.

Free Resume Template For Electronic Engineering Jobs

2006-09-28T04:44:00.001-07:00

In case you don't know, I am currently working as an electronic engineer in a semiconductor company. So the first free resume template I am going to post on my blog is naturally going to be for those applying for electronic engineering jobs.

This resume is constructed more for those fresh graduates in mind. The format is in ms word doc form and you can edit it in any way that you want. Remember to include all your areas of strength and expertise inside the resume, the more the merrier!

Resume Template for Electronics Engineer (Entry Level)

Your Resume Must Tell Employers What They Want to Know

2006-09-28T04:32:00.000-07:00

When you attempt to craft a resume, there is always the danger that you will fall in love with your own creation. While it stands to reason that you would want to produce a resume that reads well to you, your opinion doesn’t count as much as a prospective employer’s viewpoint.

As a result, it is vitally important that you turn out a resume that tells employers exactly what they want to know. If your resume is deficient in any way…if it fails to inform a recruiting manager where you worked, how long you worked there, what your educational background is, what skills you possess, and your general qualifications for a specific position…your resume will quickly end up in the waste bin.

Don’t Depend on the Interview to Make Up for Problems With Your Resume

A number of job-seekers are satisfied with producing a resume that’s less than perfect because they hold out the hope that they can make up for their resume’s flaws through a stellar performance during a job interview. The problem with this line of thinking is that, unless your resume is top-notch, it is unlikely that you will be selected for any interview at all. Therefore, it pays to devote time and attention to fine-tuning your resume so that it meets the needs of prospective employers.

Put Yourself in the Employer’s Place

In order to write an effective resume, you need to put yourself in the place of the hiring manager. The employer’s eyes may be glazing over from all the resumes he or she has had to review. As a result, the employer is probably skimming through the stack looking for potential employees who fit some key criteria: the criteria being that they will perform the job effectively and efficiently; they will benefit the company; and they will be dedicated to their position.

Be Sure to Cover the Basics

While it is certainly wise to make your resume as brief as you possibly can, it is critically important that you include the basic information a prospective employer wants to know. You might be surprised at the fact that a number of job-seekers forget to include their e-mail addresses or cell phone numbers—two key ways for employers to get in touch with them. Also, be sure to include your snail-mail address, in case the employer needs you to fill out an application or a survey.

Your resume should include a complete job history (at least, post-college), information about skills you have that are applicable to the job you’re applying for, a list of the degrees you’ve earned and the colleges, universities, and relevant training programs you’ve attended, and your references. A prospective employer wants to know what your references have to say about you—he or she doesn’t want to take the time to call you and track down names and phone numbers at the last minute. The more complete the information you provide about your references, the better. Providing reference information as an addendum to your resume is a positive option.

Indicate Why Your Candidacy is Special

Once you’ve covered the basics, it’s highly important that you provide the employer with information that will distinguish your candidacy from the rest of the job applicants. If your resume is overly broad in focus, it will not attract the interest of a corporate recruiter. Instead, consider narrowing your focus by including information about special skill sets you possess, leadership roles you’ve held, and evidence of your team-building abilities. This information, like the rest of the information on your resume, must be presented in a clear, concise manner—otherwise, the employer will simply move onto the next resume.

Don’t Forget the Profile

Employers are definitely interested in your key accomplishments, evidence of your professionalism and your pursuit of excellence. These achievements can be easily encapsulated in a profile section at the beginning of your resume. Recruiters can read through the profile quickly, giving them an immediate impression of your suitability for the position that’s been advertised.

What Employers Don’t Want to Know

It is also important to pay some attention to what employers don’t want to know—or, at least, what they would prefer not to read on your resume. While each prospective employer is unique, there are certain common viewpoints that most share when it comes to resume appraisal. In an effort to set themselves apart from the pack of other job applicants, a number of job-seekers make the mistake of making their resumes “too personal.” For instance, one individual who was seeking a position in government tried to portray himself in a unique light by including the names of his three dogs. Rather than making him appear intriguing, his decision to include dog news on his resume proved to be a deal-ender. Also, for the most part, your resume does not need to explain in detail why you left a particular position. You can leave the discussion of that for the eventual job interview. It is far better to talk about the pitfalls in your job history in person rather than to try to explain them on paper.

The Intangibles

There are certain intangibles that employers want to know about you—information that you can convey in your resume. For instance, by proofreading your resume carefully and making sure that it is error-free, you are showing a prospective employer that you have a keen eye for detail. By presenting your resume in a professional, easy-to-read manner, you are demonstrating that you have excellent written communication skills. By listing your community and volunteer activities, you show an employer that you have a sense of commitment to bettering the world around you. These intangibles can often determine whether or not you are called in for an interview—or whether your resume is kept on file—never to be seen again.

About The Author
Anna Jones This article was written by the certified professional resume writers of Resume Service (http://www.AccuroResumes.com/). The writers at AccuroResumes will help create a perfect professional resume suited to your best needs. See why thousands of people are discovering the benefits of a perfect professional resume written by AccuroResumes.com. You are guaranteed to be 100% satisfied with your new, professional resume or, your money back. Reproductions of this article are encouraged, but must include a link pointing to http://www.AccuroResumes.com/.

~~== JOBSEEKERS' HAVEN ==~~