Boss, statue? (Boss, is that you?)

Learning traffic in business world today is changing. In previous decades, it is just a downward approach but nowadays, it can also be an upward approach. Of course, I am talking about vertical learning traffic only. Because this is the most uncomfortable level. The horizontal approach will always be an all-time favorite. You can ask help or advice from co-workers comfortably.

It is expected that whenever you commit mistakes, your boss will call your attention or advice you whenever you need it (downward approach). But what if, it’s your boss who needs to be corrected this time? Is the upward learning approach acceptable? Is it healthy? Well, it really depends on the ego of your boss, how you do it and the office politics. Let me share to you the 3 different bosses that I know.

When I am still a rank & file, I have this co-worker (higher than me but not my direct superior). She made this incorrect (accounting) journal entry in previous month that year. And when I have to make my entry related to that, I have noticed it and call her attention. She instructed me to just use her journal entry to close it. I was idealistic that time and I really told her that it’s incorrect way of doing so. Unfortunately, I have hurt her ego and we really never became friends.

Second boss I know is a real headache! Even if you’re not a perfectionist, you can notice various spelling and grammar mistakes in her email. But I have learned KKK constructive criticisms. (Kiss, Kick, Kiss – Praise first before criticizing, then, praise again) I let her save her face, even if at times, at my expense. There are also times that I take things as it is. And despite of these, I still give my sincerity, respect and submission to her because she’s still my boss. The irony of it all, we became real friends when we both left the company.

The third boss became my boss when the former boss resigned. And since he is still new with the responsibility, I helped him familiarize with the particular report that is due for submission. And I had a free lunch at Amici (an Italian Resto) that day. Although, that free lunch is highly appreciated, there’s so much more with this third boss. He is also open and appreciative to new learning. He is the most sincere boss that I have known. He taught me that any boss is also a human being, someone I can cry or laugh with. I have utmost respect to this third boss; he’s a real great leader. And of course expectedly, he became my ALL-TIME favorite and most loved BOSS.

We may meet similar boss just like the 3 bosses above. Whoever, we have to give respect to them despite of their weakness. Always remember that a boss has all the right to be one. And since we are all created as imperfect individuals, let us tolerate imperfections if we can. And copy only the positive characteristics from people we meet. As for me, I want to be like the third boss when I get to that level!

{Special thanks to RRR, for inspiring me to be a great leader, too.}

Important Work Habits

Photo from Google

Why do you work?  Have you ever asked yourself this question? I am pretty sure that all your answers are related to providing or offering something to your love ones. Let it be your parents, family, children, girlfriends/boyfriends or whatever the case may be. Do you plan to be successful in your chosen career? Well, I hope so. And if your answer is DEFINITY YES, here’s the list of important work habits that will help you be more successful.

Punctual – Always be on time in everything (attendance, reports, meeting, etc.).  I have met so many people who are not really that excellent in work but they are loved by their supervisors. This is because punctuality also shows reliability.

Organized – Not all of us possess this skill. But it’s worth to be important, also.  This reminds me of my staff in previous job. She is really organized and I can depend on her always. Thus, she is valued greatly.

Interpersonal – You should build rapport not only with your department or company but with external parties as well.  It is always easier and more comfortable to work with friends. It also fosters teamwork and/or cooperation. Thus, it will be faster to get things done. This is a seasoning in business world.

Office Etiquette - This is the most disregarded work habits from staff to executive levels. One example is writing an email with BCC (Blind carbon copy).     Can you trust your colleague or boss doing this?

Responsibility – Do your duties because it is the least expectation from you. It is better if you can do it earlier or faster. Some people has a delaying tactics to show that they are “as if” busy. If you do this, you will get only raising eyebrows.  Also, be initiative in doing follow-ups, if needed.

Expertise – Know all the rules. Understand all the instructions. And be efficient in whatever you do.  If you don’t know something, study and master it. My previous manager noted me as someone who has “superpowers” in MS Excel. She relied to me so she gave me one of her confidential work that needed my superpowers in MS Excel.  I am happy and honored that she have entrusted it to me.  So, you will never know any missed opportunity in learning more and mastering it.

Sometimes, I also fail in some of this work habits but I make sure to improve continuously on it.  Because I believe that this can be my valuable weapons not only in climbing the corporate ladder but also being happy and contented. I am pleased that in every work, I have done it the best way I can.  I also hope that this can help you be more successful as you can be. Stay inspired!

Sample Interview Q&A

Job interviews are similar to social conversation in many ways.  But however factual and sincere you are with your answers, it seems that job offers are still out of your reach. You wonder why you got no job offer even if you have a very good qualification. You know why, it is not at all times about being factual and sincere.  It’s also about the information that you give.  So you have to be selective with your answers during the interview. So much information about your personal life will bring you to nowhere. But too little will also give the interviewer an impression that you are hiding something. I hope that this sample Q&A will give you vast idea on how you can compose your answers to possible interview questions. I list 15 possible questions which are asked frequently and some questions that you should consider to ask them also. Let’s begin..

1. Tell me about yourself? Give a brief overview of your personal details and more about your professional details. Limit your answer to about 2-3 minutes.
2. Strength and Weakness? Give 2-3 strengths you possess.  For your weakness, give a conservative one and back it up with your continuous effort to improve or correct it.
3. Why are you the best person for this job? This is similar to “Why should we hire you?” Emphasize on your career accomplishments, skills and ability to set priorities.  It is important to give examples in your “getting things done” experiences especially in identifying problems and your energy in solving them.
4. How long would it take you to make a meaningful contribution to our organization? Give a realizable time line. Surely, you will have a pressing demands and responsibility from your first day (if hired). You also need to know the organization well enough to make a major contribution. Is 6-months enough be a real asset to the organization? This really depends on how fast you learn and adopt a new environment.
5. How long would you stay with us? An interviewer wants to know how he can keep you in his organization. Admit your interest in a career with the organization and factors that will keep you.  Is it the challenges or achievements, or both?
6. Your resume suggests that you may be over-qualified or too experienced for this position.  What’s your opinion? Sometimes, in establishing a long-term association with the organization, it’s better to start in a lower position. This is true especially if you want to transfer from local company to MNC. And if you perform your job well, surely new opportunities will open up for you. Tell the interviewer that since you are well-qualified, they will get fast return on their investment.
7. What important trends do you see in our industry? In this question, your research about the company will help you understand the market beforehand.  Give two or three technological challenges or opportunities, demands and economic conditions related to their industry.
8. Why do you want to work here? Give some company’s attributes or integrity as you see them like stability or working environment and relate it to your motivation to work best.
9. Why are you leaving your present position? Don’t badmouth your previous boss. But rather focus on potential career growth and challenges.
10. What’s your biggest achievement? Your answer should be job-related. And do not exaggerate your contributions to major projects.
11. What would you like to be doing five years from now? Give realizable professional goals and what you might be doing in their company if some opportunity exists.
12. Can you work under pressure? Show your willingness but don’t forget to emphasize that planning and time management can reduce panic deadlines.
13. Describe the difficult problem you have to deal with.  Show your professional and analytical abilities. Ideal steps in solving any problem is to examine the situation, recognize the problem and its hidden factors, list possible solutions, determine the best solution and seek for your boss’ advice and approval.  It is best to give specific examples in your previous job.
14. What are you looking for in you next job? Your answer should be related to 3 elements that you are looking for such as: job, company and, superior.
15. How would you relate your key competencies to this position? Demonstrate your experiences & work ethics and how can you help them with their goals not only within the department but with the whole company as well.

Things to ask the interviewer at the right timing:

·         What would be the first priorities on the job? Identify their struggles or pain.

·         How would you describe your company’s culture?  Or what do you enjoy most about working here? Determine whether you are fit in.

·         What additional information can I provide about my qualification? Show you really are interested.

·         What are the next steps in the selection process? Know when to expect hiring result

·         Can you clarify what you said about……… or give examples of? Ask follow-ups

• What are the short and long term goals of the company? Find out where the company is going.  This is the most important question to ask. In my previous job hunt, I got 3 tempting job offers: first company- MNC but I will have only 1 day off, second company – a junior managerial level but local company, third company – an MNC but I will be a “one-man team” and I am free on weekends. I choose the third one but you know what happened? The company closed down just before my 6^th month. So, I came to appreciate this very important question.

By this time, you already have read all important steps in job hunting from writing a resume, writing a cover letter, interview preparation and this sample interview Q&A. I advise you to read these workplace related blogs once more or as many times as you can till it become part of you. {just like a mom reminding you not to skip breakfasts ;) }

My next workplace blogs will be now related to work ethics and workplace taboo. Please visit some time again soon.

Thanks & Godspeed!

Four Seasons

Photo from Google

{Story Collection}

There was a man who had four sons. He wanted his sons to learn not to judge things too quickly. So he sent them each on a quest, in turn, to go and look at a pear tree that was a great distance away.

The first son went in the winter, the second in the spring, the third in summer, and the youngest son in the fall.

When they had all gone and come back, he called them together to describe what they had seen

The first son said that the tree was ugly, bent, and twisted. The second son said no it was covered with green buds and full of promise.

The third son disagreed; he said it was laden with blossoms that smelled so sweet and looked so beautiful, it was the most graceful thing he had ever seen.

The last son disagreed with all of them; he said it was ripe and drooping with fruit, full of life and fulfillment.

The man then explained to his sons that they were all right, because they had each seen but only one season in the tree's life.

He told them that you cannot judge a tree, or a person, by only one season, and that the essence of who they are and the pleasure, joy, and love that come from that life can only be measured at the end, when all the seasons are up.

If you give up when it's winter, you will miss the promise of your spring, the beauty of your summer, fulfillment of your fall.

Job Interview at last

After sending your CV to prospective employers, here’s a call or email, at last, inviting you for an interview. A job interview is the next step in hiring process for employers to know you better and to evaluate if you are best fit to their job vacancy. It is oftentimes a confirmation of what you have written in your CV. Make it your chance also to evaluate the company and the available opportunities that they can offer.

Your goal at this point is to have a good job offer. So, let me help you prepare for this interview effort.

Preparation for a job interview:
• Make sure that you have the correct information of your interview appointment such as: date & time, company name & address and, interviewer’s name and designation.
• Plan to arrive 15 minutes before your actual appointment. You will feel more relax and confident.
• Dress appropriately and smell conservatively. For ladies, put light make-up. This will make a good first impression.
• Don’t leave your house with empty stomach. But not so full that you may feel sleepy and yawn during the interview.
• Do some researches and check the company website. Know the nature of the business, the size, market (consumers/competitors), etc.
• Prepare and practice your answers for the possible interview questions. Also, prepare to ask questions during the interview. Always remember, practice makes perfect!
• Review your resume. Some people tend to forget the details of previous work experiences.
• Have a positive mental attitude.
• Above all, pray. Ask for His guidance and blessing.

How employers assess the best candidate. Some criteria are as follows:
• Qualifications - skills & experience
• Positive attitude, flexibility, work ethics
• Genuine interest in the company and position
• Communication skills


During the job interview:

• Give firm handshake, an enthusiastic greeting and, lots of eye contact.
• Establish rapport with the interviewer. Certainly, you also wish to work with people you are comfortable with.
• A job interview is similar to any social conversation. Respond to questions politely and naturally. Relate your answers to the position and company’s needs.
• Stress your qualifications and achievements. Be factual and sincere.
• Avoid discussion related to salary, benefits, vacation and sick leaves. If asked on your first interview, respond politely that you will seriously consider any reasonable offer they will make.
• Avoid answering “No, I haven’t”. Instead, tell the interviewer that you have done something similar or express your interest to pursue it excellently.
• Find out the selection process.
• After the interview, sincerely thank the interviewer for his time and emphasize once more your great interest for the position.


Good luck in your job interview and Godspeed! Hoping to hear success stories from you.

All About Love

10 important things I have learned about love…

1. First Love never dies, inasmuch as it stays like a Legend.
2. A great love highly values respect – consistently.
3. A man in great love can cross the mountains and swim the seas (figuratively). He will make a way.
4. You are WORTHY of a happy heart. Moreover, love will make you happier – the heart of his life.
5. Keeping some mysteries and surprises is better.
6. Giving unconditional love is very hard (truly, madly, deeply...).
7. True love stays at your side through UPs & DOWNs.
8. The cure for the heartache is another heart. So, do not linger on lost love for a long time.
9. The greatest love story is always your OWN – not the PAST but the PRESENT.
10. Love transcends everything.

Wish No More

My heart throbs the first time that I saw you
You stand from afar and smile at me, too
Those sweet smiles have melted my heart helplessly
And your firm handshakes have shivered me secretly

I really wish to hug you but I was shy
Wish to hold your hand and squeeze it tight
Swing it back and forth till we get tired
Or just lean at your shoulder while we watch the stars

There are so much more that I wished we have done
Enjoying lots of food and travels are just some
But life is too short and now, you are gone
So, I wish no more and let bygones be bygones!

A Certified Traveller

Hong Kong for the second time

The first time I toured Hong Kong is in 1995. It is a High school graduation gift from my mom. In October 2009, I had the second sweet glance of Hong Kong, where most of my siblings and relatives are working. This is also my second adventure to Ocean Park, Giant Buddha and The Peak. Now, there are more places to see in Hong Kong. I do not have to go to US or Japan to experience the spectacular Disney World or go to London for the Madame Tussaud’s museum. And the cable car experience in Ngong Ping 360 is simply a cloud 9.

I enjoyed the Halloween Street Party a lot, too. It is simply amusing that people spend so much time and money for their masquerades. Even if I am not wearing any mask, a guy took picture with me, too. Do I look scary without make ups? Hahaha It is certainly a fun-filled night with my sisters and brother. And a dinner in a Thai resto with them completes my day.

With so many street adventures, window-shopping, mall hopping, food tripping and family bonding moments, what more can I ask for in this travel?


Fantasies at Macau

From Fishermen’s wharf to hotel hopping, I enjoyed this best. It is like a world of fantasies for me. The majestic Venetian Hotel is simply superb. The pyrotechnic show in MGM is very awesome. And the show in City of Dreams is totally magnificent. I felt that I’m one of the mermaids in the deep of the oceans. With hotel hopping, I had the closest look at the biggest diamond in the world and have stepped in lots of gold bars, too. I felt so opulent then. I feel like the true Empress.

The famous landmark in Macau is the façade of the Church that stood still in war. I feel more blessed in that place. I also enjoy the free tastes of food in the street and in the shops (with matching free water to drink). We also did not miss their best delicacy – the egg tart that also happened to be one of my favorites.

Another breathtaking experience is going up to Macau Tower. There’s a glass floor in the tower, too. It was a clear view of thousands feet below me. My nerves for the fear of height became active and I totally lost the strength to take another step.

I have seen Macau in just a day but every moment is simply the best.


Windows of the World - China

Going to Shenzhen, China through Tourist Agency is not an excellent idea because I prefer flexibility in schedules. We went to two museums where we spend so much time in shops (within the museum) than viewing the collections. In addition, we are given minimal time in their major tourist destination – the Windows of the World. It is full of miniature gardens of the famous landmarks all over the world. My most fantastic moment there is riding a camel in a pink Persian dress with my Sister Loren. It would be almost perfect if there were gardens also for the snow world.

However, most Chinese do not understand nor speak English. They cannot answer a simple query of the location of the comfort room (toilet, comfort room, washroom or bathroom is not understood). Most signage is written in Chinese characters also, thus, it is not really a tourist friendly destination.


Singapore pleasures

Travelling this city with pleasures is not my primary purpose. But in my every travel, I really wanted to make the most out of it. I had a walkathon in almost all the popular places of Singapore like Esplanades, Clarke Quay, Bugis Street, Chinatown, Little India, Lucky Plaza (also known as Little Philippines); Chijmes, Novena Church, Holy Trinity Church, etc. It was also my first time to enter a Hindu temple at Sri Marianan Temple.

I also enjoyed strolling in parks like Chinese & Japanese gardens, Botanical gardens (composing of 2 lakes and 6 big gardens including Orchid garden), Sun Plaza Park and other small parks. I enjoyed the safety of these places and using the exercise equipments free is simply fulfilling.

I had a tiring day at Sentosa too although I really didn’t enjoy the Underwater world and the Dolphin show. In my opinion, Manila Ocean Park is better and yet cheaper.

With limited budget, I still enjoyed shopping at the biggest shopping centers like GIANTS, IKEA, Mustafa shopping center and Suntec IT Show – these are all my favorites. I simply love eating at IKEA. I do loved the visit in Fountain of Wealth too, which is the biggest fountain of the world and watched the fountain’s laser show.

Surely, I will return to this place to complete my Singapore adventures because I still wish to go to the Universal Studio.


Kuala Lumpur in a day

Kuala Lumpur is few hours away (by bus) from Singapore. Since I have watched the Conspiracy Theory movie, I always dream to visit the Petronas tower. Fulfilling this dream, I arrived at Berjaya Square early morning, and I ate my packed breakfast there (yummylicious Iced Tea, sliced bread and Nutella spread). I waited there for the first Monorail trip to the tower. Then, I got the 11:30am tower visit ticket but I managed to enter at 10am, that’s the beauty of travelling alone. You can skip the queue and save some time for siesta or another itinerary. I also thank the skybridge visit organizers for allowing me. The tower’s tour guides are very friendly and they even volunteer to take photo of me. From there, I went to the Butterfly garden, Hibiscus garden, Orchid garden, Lake garden and Deer Park – but I am still looking for a more magnificent views. I returned to KLCC station to go to Putrajaya – the business district of Kuala Lumpur. I have so much pleasures travelling this place. I had a chance to enter the mosque and to see the famous and very beautiful landmarks and government establishments. There is a boat tour also for those who want to view Putrajaya from the water ride. At night, I went to Chinatown to buy souvenirs before my return trip to Singapore.

It is a fun and fulfilling travel in Kuala Lumpur where I have experienced wearing the Islam dress, going inside the mosque and touring around it. It’s my first and it is indeed a notable experience.

With these travel adventures, I still wish to experience the sands of Sahara desert and to climb the Mount Everest. If this is not possible, I still wish to have a glimpse of a real desert and snow. Someday, somehow...

The Philippines' 40 Richest for 2011

Year 2011 is definitely a bull market for my fellow Filipinos. With inflation rate of 4.5% in June 2011, our Philippine Peso still managed to be strong - Php42.76 (July 11, 2011). It's a major, major thanks ;) to our OFW heroes and our current government.

And as the list of Philippines' 40 richest for 2011 was disseminated by Forbes, two names captured my interest. A consistent biggest gainer in Philippine economy, Henry Sy managed to stay in #1 rank. And surprisingly, a new face join in the circle, an inspiring fellow from Roxas City, Capiz – Edgardo Sia II (Thanks to a jolly-busy-bee, “Jollibee”).

Here's the complete list of 40 Richest in the country:
1. Henry Sy
a. Net Worth = $7.2 B
b. Age = 86
c. Source = diversified
From the modest shoe store, Mr. Sy becomes the Asia’s biggest shopping mall operator. His business interests include SM Investments Corporation (SMIC), SM Prime Holdings, Banco de Oro Universal Bank (BDO), Belle Corporation, Highlands Prime, China Banking Corporation, SM Development Corporation (SMDC), etc.

2. Lucio Tan
a. Net Worth = $2.8 B
b. Age = 77
c. Source = diversified
A known ally of former President Ferdinand Marcos, Mr. Tan is one of the prominent magnates not only in the Philippines but in China/Macau/US as well. His business interests include Asia Brewery, Tanduay Holdings, Fortune Tobacco, Philippine Airlines, University of the East, Philippine National Bank, Allied Bank, (Hong Kong based) Eton Properties, Allied Savings Bank, Autonomous Jeep Organization, etc.

3. John Gokongwei Jr.
a. Net Worth = $2.4 B
b. Age = 83
c. Source = diversified
Mr. Gokongwei is a Chinese Filipino businessman born in China. His business interests include JG Summit Holdings, Cebu Pacific Air, UIC (Singapore), Universal Robina Corporation, etc.

4. Andrew Tan
a. Net Worth = $2.0 B
b. Age = 58
c. Source = diversified
A simple immigrant from China who studied accounting at University of the East, Mr. Tan is now at 4th richest businessman of the country. His business interests include Alliance Global Group (Megaworld Corporation, Emperador Distillers Incorporation, Golden Arches and Development Corporation -franchise of McDonald’s), etc.

5. David Consunji
a. Net Worth = $1.9 B
b. Age = 90
c. Source = construction
A former concrete inspector is now at 5th richest as he expanded his business into infrastructure, real estate, mining and power. One of his business interests is DMCI Holdings, which is now managed by his own son.

6. Jaime Zobel de Ayala
a. Net Worth = $1.7 B
b. Age = 77
c. Source = diversified
The chairman emeritus of Ayala Corporation was ranked as the richest man in 2007 (tied with Henry Sy, see #1 above).

7. Enrique Razon Jr.
a. Net Worth = $1.6 B
b. Age = 51
c. Source = ports
“Port operator who controls listed International Container Terminal Services is the Philippines' youngest billionaire.”-Forbes

8. Eduardo Cojuangco Jr.
a. Net Worth = $1.4 B
b. Age = 76
c. Source = food & drinks
Known as Danding Cojuangco, he is most prominent not only in business but also in politics (run Philippine presidency in 1992 and Uncle of the current president, Pres. Noynoy Aquino) and showbiz (His partner is a known actress, Gretchen Barretto). His business interests include San Miguel Corporation, Bank of Commerce, United Coconut Planters Bank, Del Monte Philippines, Agricultural estates, etc.

9. Roberto Ongpin
a. Net Worth = $1.3 B
b. Age = 74
c. Source = diversified
Mr. Ongpin is a former minister of Trade and Industry for the Philippine Government from 1979 to 1986. His business interests include primarily the Atok Big-Wedge Co., a mining company that produces gold and silver (byproduct) and Top Frontier, an investment firm.

10. George Ty
a. Net Worth = $1.1 B
b. Age = 78
c. Source = banking
He is a self-starter who become an adviser in various firms (Investments, Banks, etc.) and a business tycoon. His business interests include Metrobank (largest bank in the Philippines), Bank of the Philippine Islands, Philippine Savings Bank, G.T. International Tower, etc.

11. Tony Tan Caktiong
a. Net Worth = $1.0 B
b. Age = 58
c. Source = fast food
From the ice cream parlor business, Mr. Caktiong is now in the circle of billionaires for the first time. His business interests include Joliibee, Red Ribbon, Chowking, Greenwich, etc.

12. Inigo & Mercedes Zobel
a. Net Worth = $1.0 B
b. Age = 58
c. Source = fast food
Cousins of Jaime Zobel de Ayala (see above #6) has the accumulated wealth not just from their inheritance in Ayala Corporation but also from their investments in San Miguel Corporation thru their firm, Top Frontier.

13. Emilio Yap = $930 M
14. Andrew Gotianun = $795 M
15. Jon Ramon Aboitiz = $760 M
16. Beatrice Campos = $685 M
17. Manuel Villar = $620 M
18. Vivian Que Azxona = $555 M
19. Robert Coyiuto Jr. = $400 M
20. Mariano Tan = $375 M
21. Alfonso Yuchengco = $370 M
22. Enrique Aboitiz = $310 M
23. Oscar Lopez = $280 M
24. Jose Antonio = $245 M
25. Eric Recto = $200 M
26. Gilbert Duavit = $190 M
27. Menardo Jimenez = $185 M
28. Alfredo Ramos = $180 M
29. Betty Ang = $165 M
30. Felipe Gozon = $163 M
31. Tomas Alcantara = $160 M
32. Benjamin Romualdez = $155 M
33. Wilfred Uytengsu = $150 M
34. Manuel Zamora Jr. = $145 M
35. Jacinto Ng Sr. = $115 M
36. Frederick Dy = $110 M
37. Luis Virata = $100 M
38. Bienvenido Tantoco Sr. = $95 M
39. Eugenio Lopez III = $90 M
40. Edgar Sia II = $85 M

Mr. Sia is also known as Injap (Intsik-Japan) who grew up in Roxas City, Capiz and studied in Iloilo City. He founded Mang Inasal and sold 70% of it to Jollibee Corporation in October 2010. This is the major factor of his debut on Philippines’ 40 richest and become the youngest on the list, also.

Finally, I fervently hope that in the next few years or decade, I can also read a familiar name (family/friend) if not my own ;) in this list.

Source: Forbes

The Secret to Financial Freedom

People fear to talk about finances. But everybody wants to be wealthy. Of course, it cannot be achieved overnight or over the weekend. We need to be financial literate first. This does not mean taking Accounting/Finance courses, doing financial analysis or passing CPA Board Exam. Just practice reading especially in my blog (Finance & Investment). I will take you to the real world of practical finance and investment.

Do you know the secret to financial freedom? Now, I will be sharing to you everything. Are you ready to hear (or read) the secret ? {Whispering} There's really NO secret in becoming wealthy. It's just a simple and easy step: to plan and to discipline ourselves with our expenses.

I will give you more tips in my succeeding blogs. But for now, please enjoy reading the rest of my blogs.

Thanks & Godspeed! ;)

Getting Ready for Work

All of us need guidance on how to be a successful professional in our fields. This inspires me to come up with this no-nonsense, straight-forward tips from job hunting, writing a resume & cover letter, interview-related and, work ethics & taboos.

If you are a fresher, you need to be aware of a lot of things from simple to complicated workplace. In this way, you can better plan your way to success! But if you are working for years already, you also need to learn how to recognize potential weapons for possible situations and when to use it.

Always WORK with PASSION. But even if you work that way, you will still need to face different types of colleagues and bosses (Good, Better, Best or Bad, Worse, Worst). Things can be learned along the way but just like any other battle, PREPARATION or AWARENESS is still the better way.

Thanks & Godspeed!

Writing a Cover Letter

Aside from a good CV, you also need a good Cover Letter. Cover letter should equally serve as a teaser for an interview invitation. Remember that HR officers receive hundreds of CV every day. So, make sure that your Cover Letter is equally impressive as your CV.

To help you achieve your goal, here are my valuable tips:
· Cover letter must be just 2-3 paragraphs long.
· It must be free of spelling and grammar mistakes.
· It must be a gist of your qualifications; details should be written at your CV.
· It must sound polite, interesting and most importantly, your great interest to the position you are applying for.

SUGGESTED FORMAT and CONTENT are as follows:

1. Date – The time when you draft the cover letter.

2. Inside address – It should be addressed to specific person and not like “To the HR Department”
· HR Manager
· Company Name
· Address

3. Salutation - Avoid using Dear Sir/Madame. Research or call the company to know the key person responsible for hiring and his/her designation. They are usually the HR Officer or Manager.

4. Body of letter should comprise of 3 “short” paragraphs.
· First Paragraph - Greetings; Show your great interest in the position that is advertised (Source & Date)
· Second Paragraph – Summary of your qualification and skills. Make it 2-3 sentences. Persuade them that you can be an asset of the company
· Third Paragraph – How you can be contacted. Show interest/excitement for the interview invitation.

5. Complementary Close – This should be business-like also ie. Respectfully yours, Sincerely yours and not Lovingly yours.

6. Signature over Printed Name & Designation - Don’t forget to sign.

Now, you are ready to make your own interesting cover letter. Believe in your skills and qualifications.

Good luck & Godspeed!

Resume Writing Tips

Writing a good and inviting CV (or Resume) is always a struggle not only to fresh graduates but also to those who are looking for a new opportunity or a good job. It is the first step to get noticed and be invited for initial job interview.

Honestly, I change my CV many times before I start job hunting. I want to fall in love with my CV first before distributing it to prospective employers.

Here’s my general rule that you may wish to follow:

· Use good quality paper and clean print out of your CV. Don’t use the glossy paper, it is just sending a negative impression like sugarcoating your CV. It’s our aim to get noticed but not negatively. Always remember that it’s more important to have a GOOD SUBSTANCE rather than the GOOD FORM of your CV.
· Use clean format. The division of each category should be clear and decipherable.
· Use standard font size 12 and font Times New Roman for details. Make sure that the subheadings are in the same font and size also.
· All categories should be in chronological order – from latest to earliest.
· Check and re-check the spelling and grammar mistakes, including the consistency of your punctuations. Also, check the consistency of your verb usage. In Job Profile, for example, be consistent in using Present Tense, Past Tense or Gerund. Better yet, ask someone you trust to check it for you. You may overlook some mistakes in your first and second checking.

Always remember this general rules. It will help you a lot in one way or another. Remember, it’s better to correct any mistake earlier than realizing it while waiting for your final interview. Most interviewers will not correct it or give feedback about it. How unfortunate it can be, not knowing why you are rejected.

If you’re a fresh graduate, you will more likely emphasize your achievements in school (Dean’s list, affiliation, sports and other activities) but once you get a work experience, you showcase your related work experience to your desired position.

Here’s my suggested sequence of CV categories and some valuable tips:

1. OBJECTIVE –Be concise. This should be specific and related to the position you are applying for. Avoid using a template.

2. CORE PROFESSIONAL STRENGHTS – This is a summary of your qualification and strengths.

3. JOB EXPERIENCE (format below)
· Position, Tenure
· Company Name & Address
· Company Profile (type of business, products or services, scope of business)
· Significant Accomplishments
· Job Profile (preferably, use past tense verbs – it’s more powerful like managed, controlled, improved, reviewed, proposed, worked, prepared, etc.)

4. EDUCATION (format below)
· Course, Year Graduated
· School & Address
· Recognition and Awards , if any

5. ACHIEVEMENTS & ELIGIBILITIES
· Achievements in sports or academic; Licenses, etc.
· Title, Date, Rate (only if you’re confident to expose it)

6. TRAINING (SEMINARS)
· Course Title
· Sponsoring Organization
· Date Taken

7. SKILLS
· Technology skills (MS Office, software, etc.) – if you don’t know MS Word and MS Excel or any open-space application similar to that, then, it’s time for you to study and master it.
· Business Letter writing skill

8. OTHER INTERESTS
· Show your balance lifestyle like activities in sports, time with family & friends and, continuous development of your skills
· Example – Bowling, Badminton, Computers, Blogging, Board games, Gardening, etc.

9. PERSONAL DATA
· Birthdate
· Address
· Cellphone – make sure that it is updated. Preferably one landline and one mobile number.
· Email – Reference should be a business-like email also. Like Juan.delacruz@gmail.com and not this one – hotpapa4u@gmail.com
· Website – This proves more of your writing skills and being a contemporary person. NOTE: Just make sure that It must contains a business-like image and not too personal or may be scandalous.
· Limit personal information like height, weight, religion, parent’s name, etc. It’s not something you want to emphasize in your CV. And this should not be the reason why you get hired.

10. ATTESTATION – certifying all the information provided are true. Don’t ever forget to sign over your printed name.

With above general rules, valuable sequence and tips, I am very sure that you can now write your good and inviting CV. Know your qualifications well. Emphasize more on qualification related to the desired position you are applying for. Since you know yourself more than anybody, you are the better person who can sell your qualifications than anybody else.
Good luck & Godspeed!

Jobhunting 101

From birth, we are dependent to our mother's love & care. When we become toddlers, our family became our only world. And as we grow older, we meet friends from playgrounds to school. After a long period of studying & sleepless nights of doing projects, we are, at last, receiving our diploma.

But what's next? Have we realize that the real world has just begun? We have to look for a job to prove our worth to our parents who brought us to school.

Jobhunting begins... Some of us may get some great opportunity in exploring our choosen career.And some accepts the offer in different path. But still, there are few who has become hapless in finding any job.

In your preparation for this endeavor, I will be sharing some tips that is may be helpful to you.

5Ps of Jobhunting success
1. Know your Passion. Is it the field of your studies? If yes, then, good for you. But for those who have different interests, be glad also that you have now realized your passion. Follow your heart. There are lots of training that can help you equipped for your passion.

2. Picture your future. What do you want to achieve? Is it being employed or being a businessman or both? Be clear of your vision/s in life.

3. Plan. Make a list of necessary steps to achieve your goals. How you do it and what is needed. For example, if you want to be a Manager, plan to have an MBA degree. Put deadlines in every steps. Unless, you want to be promoted only after rendering a decade of your service or worst, be promoted in your retiring years.

4. Pursue. Never say surrender. You may encounter lots of setbacks along your way and you may become weary or hapless. Just rest if you must but never quit. Remember the adage, "The quitter never wins and the winner never quits."

5. Praise God. He is Omnipotent. Offer everything to Him. Seek to be blessed with grateful heart. Faith can really move mountains. Have faith!

Good luck & Godspeed!