There are some things that you should not ask on your first or initial interview with an employer. Not in the 21st century when information can be obtained through a mere click on the internet. If you asked these questions, it reflects on your lackadaisical attitude and it just go to show you are not the most resourceful person around.
So, before you go for any interview, you should do your homework and find out these:
1. What are its products or services?
2. Is the company listed?
3. How long has the company been established?
4. Who are their main customers?
5. Who are their major competitors?
6. What is its position or ranking in the industry?
7. Are they growing or shrinking?
The only exception is when the employer is a start-up company.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Friday, October 15, 2010
Cut Down The Noise
Noise comes in many shapes and sizes. They are noise when they interrupt our focus, taking our attention, time and energy away from what matters.
But most of us didn't know they are noise and we unconsciously entertain them.
We make commitments that we cannot keep.
We sign-up for engagements that we do not enjoy.
We buy the latest gadgets that we do not need.
We read and listen to every latest news.
We say we need to stay on top of things. Otherwise, we won't make it.
And we go through this cycle of illusion that to be busy and to be seen doing lots of things, we will be on the path to success, that we are the next real thing.
But our body tell us something else. We get sick.
Our minds felt overwhelmed - we ended up burned out, discouraged or even disillusioned.
Things that we do that do not give us a sense of fulfilment, that do not enhance value to our lives or the lives of others are noise. They are stress in disguise that cripple us eventually. Cut them down!
But wait a minute...
What about things like sweeping a dirty floor, washing the toilet, taking out the garbage, relieving a sick colleague and etc. These tasks are obligations and you can't avoid them!
Yes, I said cut them down for it's not possible to completely cut them off.
Yet, we can turn the mundane to meaningful task if we understand the consequences of our acts. By relieving a sick colleague, I'm saying to her that we are a team and we should watch out for one another, besides I might just learn something new from her work. To arrive to such a perspective and attitude takes a renewed mind - that your every act means something, has a purpose after all.
Yet again, it's in the silence away from the noise pollution that one is able to get to that perspective.
But most of us didn't know they are noise and we unconsciously entertain them.
We make commitments that we cannot keep.
We sign-up for engagements that we do not enjoy.
We buy the latest gadgets that we do not need.
We read and listen to every latest news.
We say we need to stay on top of things. Otherwise, we won't make it.
And we go through this cycle of illusion that to be busy and to be seen doing lots of things, we will be on the path to success, that we are the next real thing.
But our body tell us something else. We get sick.
Our minds felt overwhelmed - we ended up burned out, discouraged or even disillusioned.
Things that we do that do not give us a sense of fulfilment, that do not enhance value to our lives or the lives of others are noise. They are stress in disguise that cripple us eventually. Cut them down!
But wait a minute...
What about things like sweeping a dirty floor, washing the toilet, taking out the garbage, relieving a sick colleague and etc. These tasks are obligations and you can't avoid them!
Yes, I said cut them down for it's not possible to completely cut them off.
Yet, we can turn the mundane to meaningful task if we understand the consequences of our acts. By relieving a sick colleague, I'm saying to her that we are a team and we should watch out for one another, besides I might just learn something new from her work. To arrive to such a perspective and attitude takes a renewed mind - that your every act means something, has a purpose after all.
Yet again, it's in the silence away from the noise pollution that one is able to get to that perspective.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Are You A Moral Hazard? (inspired from Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps)
If you watched Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps, you will not miss these words: moral hazard. Well, I actually thought "moral hazard" made a more appropriate title than money never sleeps. What is moral hazard? “It means they can steal your money and no one is responsible.” Well, that's in accordance to Gordon Gekko.
So, we have a new buzz word in town! Ok, probably it's just me.
Anyway, I decided to read up more about it.
Interestingly, “moral hazard” originally comes from the insurance industry. It arises because a party does not take full consequences of its actions, and therefore has a tendency to act less carefully than it otherwise would, leaving another party to hold some responsibility for the consequences of those actions. This leads to personal acts that by definition are moral hazards. For example, if you buy fire insurance for your house, you may not care less about smoking in bed as you know the insurance company will pay for the repair of the damages.
Guess what? Moral hazards occurred in employment context too especially in regards to relationships between the business owners and their management staff. As working relationships at that level are largely based on trust, business owners may not be able to observe and scrutinize every action and decision-making of their managers. Moral hazard can happen when the managers are protected from the consequences of poor decision making. Bear in mind, the managers are essentially not dealing with their own personal money and therefore likely to be less vigilant or worse still, completely with a full conscious mind, squander away company’s money for self-interest. Sounds familiar?
Wikipedia explore it further by quoting some examples of such situations:
• When a manager has a secure position from which he or she cannot be readily removed.
• When a manager is protected by someone higher in the corporate structure, such as in cases of nepotism or pet projects.
• When funding and/or managerial status for a project is independent of the project's success.
• When the failure of the project is of minimal overall consequence to the firm, regardless of the local impact on the managed division.
• When a manager may readily lay blame on an innocent subordinate.
• When there is no clear means of determining who is accountable for a given project.
So, are you a moral hazard in your company? ....:D
So, we have a new buzz word in town! Ok, probably it's just me.Anyway, I decided to read up more about it.
Interestingly, “moral hazard” originally comes from the insurance industry. It arises because a party does not take full consequences of its actions, and therefore has a tendency to act less carefully than it otherwise would, leaving another party to hold some responsibility for the consequences of those actions. This leads to personal acts that by definition are moral hazards. For example, if you buy fire insurance for your house, you may not care less about smoking in bed as you know the insurance company will pay for the repair of the damages.
Guess what? Moral hazards occurred in employment context too especially in regards to relationships between the business owners and their management staff. As working relationships at that level are largely based on trust, business owners may not be able to observe and scrutinize every action and decision-making of their managers. Moral hazard can happen when the managers are protected from the consequences of poor decision making. Bear in mind, the managers are essentially not dealing with their own personal money and therefore likely to be less vigilant or worse still, completely with a full conscious mind, squander away company’s money for self-interest. Sounds familiar?
Wikipedia explore it further by quoting some examples of such situations:
• When a manager has a secure position from which he or she cannot be readily removed.
• When a manager is protected by someone higher in the corporate structure, such as in cases of nepotism or pet projects.
• When funding and/or managerial status for a project is independent of the project's success.
• When the failure of the project is of minimal overall consequence to the firm, regardless of the local impact on the managed division.
• When a manager may readily lay blame on an innocent subordinate.
• When there is no clear means of determining who is accountable for a given project.
So, are you a moral hazard in your company? ....:D
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Part-timers or Freelancers?
A new clause in the Employment Act 1955 is introduced in Malaysia that will take effect from Oct 1, 2010 in which part-time workers’ benefits and rights are protected. They will be entitled to EPF contributions, Socso coverage and medical entitlements based on a pro-rata basis. (Read more here)
I applaud the initiative in giving protection to part-time workers but I’m not too convinced on its ability to lessen the country’s dependence on foreign workers by increasing the participation of the latent workforce that amounts to about 6.5 million people mainly consists of housewives, disabled citizens, students and undergraduates.
If we are to ask any of the 6.5 million people who had decided not to work part-time, I fear the majority answer is not because they do not get the benefits like EPF and Socso. That probably had never even crossed their minds.
The reality is that most do not get into part-time jobs because they either simply do not need the extra income or they have other priorities that are more important in their lives at this juncture, i.e., family with young kids or studies. Using benefits to lure them to work may not be the right tool to use.
And this regulation may not augur well with employers. It simply costs too much to hire a part-time staff now.
I agree 6.5 million untapped talents are a waste but there is a better way of getting them to be involved in being part of nation building. Take housewives, for example. Their priority is their school-going children through spending time at home, cooking, building relationships and chauffeuring them to schools and places. They may have some free time in between these activities and they can be put to good use by earning some extra cash. The best work option has to be home-based, work that probably can be done via a laptop and an internet connection.
And this is the new trend and companies see the benefit of outsourcing work to freelancers – pay per job arrangements. Their freelancers are their contractors and not employees and therefore not subject to the Employment Act regulations. Now, if you are an employer, which option would you prefer?
It’s food for thought , don’t you think so?
Click here to find freelancers in Malaysia
Getting Freelancers - The Pros and The Cons
I applaud the initiative in giving protection to part-time workers but I’m not too convinced on its ability to lessen the country’s dependence on foreign workers by increasing the participation of the latent workforce that amounts to about 6.5 million people mainly consists of housewives, disabled citizens, students and undergraduates.
If we are to ask any of the 6.5 million people who had decided not to work part-time, I fear the majority answer is not because they do not get the benefits like EPF and Socso. That probably had never even crossed their minds.
The reality is that most do not get into part-time jobs because they either simply do not need the extra income or they have other priorities that are more important in their lives at this juncture, i.e., family with young kids or studies. Using benefits to lure them to work may not be the right tool to use.
And this regulation may not augur well with employers. It simply costs too much to hire a part-time staff now.
I agree 6.5 million untapped talents are a waste but there is a better way of getting them to be involved in being part of nation building. Take housewives, for example. Their priority is their school-going children through spending time at home, cooking, building relationships and chauffeuring them to schools and places. They may have some free time in between these activities and they can be put to good use by earning some extra cash. The best work option has to be home-based, work that probably can be done via a laptop and an internet connection.
And this is the new trend and companies see the benefit of outsourcing work to freelancers – pay per job arrangements. Their freelancers are their contractors and not employees and therefore not subject to the Employment Act regulations. Now, if you are an employer, which option would you prefer?
It’s food for thought , don’t you think so?
Click here to find freelancers in Malaysia
Getting Freelancers - The Pros and The Cons
Monday, September 27, 2010
Freelancers Advertise Service For Free - Allyhunt.com
Freelancing has fast becoming a trend in the market place nowadays. Besides counting on current clients or friends for jobs, where else can a freelancer make his or her service known?
Allyhunt.com, launched in July 2007 and now one of the fastest growing job sites in Malaysia has a unique feature not available in other conventional job sites. They have a “Freelancers” section that allows job seekers the option to advertise their services as freelancers. The service is provided free. There are 8 skill groups, i.e., design, editorial, education and training, financial and business services, health and grooming, IT, media and entertainment, and sales and telemarketing for freelancers to choose their area of expertise. Freelancers have the option to put a link to their websites, besides the opportunity to upload their work samples into their profiles to vouch for their credibility. They can also name their price, i.e., displaying their hourly rate.
Employers or anyone for that matter who are interested in outsourcing a piece of work to a freelancer can scan through Allyhunt pool of freelancers that are in the hundreds now. The contact details of the freelancers, either in the form of an email address or hand phone number is displayed prominently at the top of each freelancer profile, making the connection with the respective freelancers easy and convenient. Besides, this is a FREE service extended to employers, with no commission charged.
Freelancing is getting more popular nowadays. With more work that can be carried out with a mere lap top and an internet connection, employers see the benefit of outsourcing some project work to freelancers instead of hiring additional full-time staff. With the employment landscape changing according to times, it is important for Allyhunt to precisely serve the various needs of employers and job seekers.
And should the employers be interested in advertising a freelancing job, they can do so through purchasing a job posting package via Allyhunt. Good news to employers who are scouting for “value for money” package as Allyhunt is offering a package of one year unlimited job postings at a special rate of RM500 only that also comes with FREE resume database search of their 50000 job seekers and growing. Employers can post their full-time, contract, part-time or freelancing jobs with this package.
Allyhunt can be accessed at www.allyhunt.com
Allyhunt.com, launched in July 2007 and now one of the fastest growing job sites in Malaysia has a unique feature not available in other conventional job sites. They have a “Freelancers” section that allows job seekers the option to advertise their services as freelancers. The service is provided free. There are 8 skill groups, i.e., design, editorial, education and training, financial and business services, health and grooming, IT, media and entertainment, and sales and telemarketing for freelancers to choose their area of expertise. Freelancers have the option to put a link to their websites, besides the opportunity to upload their work samples into their profiles to vouch for their credibility. They can also name their price, i.e., displaying their hourly rate.
Employers or anyone for that matter who are interested in outsourcing a piece of work to a freelancer can scan through Allyhunt pool of freelancers that are in the hundreds now. The contact details of the freelancers, either in the form of an email address or hand phone number is displayed prominently at the top of each freelancer profile, making the connection with the respective freelancers easy and convenient. Besides, this is a FREE service extended to employers, with no commission charged.Freelancing is getting more popular nowadays. With more work that can be carried out with a mere lap top and an internet connection, employers see the benefit of outsourcing some project work to freelancers instead of hiring additional full-time staff. With the employment landscape changing according to times, it is important for Allyhunt to precisely serve the various needs of employers and job seekers.
And should the employers be interested in advertising a freelancing job, they can do so through purchasing a job posting package via Allyhunt. Good news to employers who are scouting for “value for money” package as Allyhunt is offering a package of one year unlimited job postings at a special rate of RM500 only that also comes with FREE resume database search of their 50000 job seekers and growing. Employers can post their full-time, contract, part-time or freelancing jobs with this package.
Allyhunt can be accessed at www.allyhunt.com
Monday, September 20, 2010
The #1 Reason People Leave Their Jobs
"Why are you looking out?" - one of the most common questions asked in a job interview setting.
Guess what is the most common reply?
I don't feel appreciated.
The need to be appreciated is a strong emotional need. But the problem with many employers or managers today is this: "If they are doing what they are paid to do, why should they expect any word of appreciation?"
I read a very interesting story about the Korean War in which this war produced the worst Prisoner of War (POW) stories of any war in U.S. history. The death rate of American POWs was alarmingly high, depression rates were high, and suicides were high. But the war camp conditions were not cruel and physical torture was minor. What's wrong? Dr. William E. Mayer did a study and discovered why. The prisoners were dying because they simply lost the will to live. The North Koreans had discovered the ultimate weapon of war: withholding all emotional support from others. No word of encouragement was ever spoken. Not only did the prisoners stop caring for one another, they stopped to even care for themselves. How sad.
We thrive on compliments, whether we are leaders or subordinates. "I've told him in the past that he's good in his event management. Do I have to affirm him every time he did a good job?" Well, the answer is yes. Just because you praised someone in the past doesn't mean they're motivated for life. People need to know they are valued right now.
Words of affirmation is very powerful. It encourages the recipients to repeat the same behavior in the future. It was said, "Encouragement is the oxygen of the soul." Besides, you don't lose anything by encouraging others. Instead, it makes you feel good too. "Those who refreshes others will himself be refreshed" - a proverb saying.
If only employers and managers would leverage on this tool and apply them more frequently at the work place, there will not be so many unhappy people leaving their jobs today.
Some tips on giving affirmation or compliments:
Be sincere
Be specific
Be personal
Make them public, if possible
Further reading:
10 Things The Best Bosses Have In Common
Guess what is the most common reply?
I don't feel appreciated.
The need to be appreciated is a strong emotional need. But the problem with many employers or managers today is this: "If they are doing what they are paid to do, why should they expect any word of appreciation?"
I read a very interesting story about the Korean War in which this war produced the worst Prisoner of War (POW) stories of any war in U.S. history. The death rate of American POWs was alarmingly high, depression rates were high, and suicides were high. But the war camp conditions were not cruel and physical torture was minor. What's wrong? Dr. William E. Mayer did a study and discovered why. The prisoners were dying because they simply lost the will to live. The North Koreans had discovered the ultimate weapon of war: withholding all emotional support from others. No word of encouragement was ever spoken. Not only did the prisoners stop caring for one another, they stopped to even care for themselves. How sad.
We thrive on compliments, whether we are leaders or subordinates. "I've told him in the past that he's good in his event management. Do I have to affirm him every time he did a good job?" Well, the answer is yes. Just because you praised someone in the past doesn't mean they're motivated for life. People need to know they are valued right now.
Words of affirmation is very powerful. It encourages the recipients to repeat the same behavior in the future. It was said, "Encouragement is the oxygen of the soul." Besides, you don't lose anything by encouraging others. Instead, it makes you feel good too. "Those who refreshes others will himself be refreshed" - a proverb saying.
If only employers and managers would leverage on this tool and apply them more frequently at the work place, there will not be so many unhappy people leaving their jobs today.
Some tips on giving affirmation or compliments:
Be sincere
Be specific
Be personal
Make them public, if possible
Further reading:
10 Things The Best Bosses Have In Common
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Are We Having Too Many Holidays?
Tomorrow is a public holiday for Malaysia. Again? For the first time in the history of Malaysia, we are celebrating Malaysia day. For those that had enjoyed an off day on Monday and on a five-day working week, they only need to clock in 3 days this week.
I did a bit of counting and noticed I am enjoying a whopping 18 public holidays this year!
Are we having too many vacation days? I did a google search immediately and guess what, Malaysia is not at the top of the list, not even close.
According to a survey from Mercer Consulting which was published in CNBC.com, the two countries that had the most overall holidays are Brazil and Lithuania. Brazil enjoys a statutory minimum of 30 days for vacation and 11 days for public holidays. And Lithuania has a statutory annual minimum of 28 days off and 13 days in public holidays. Some of the countries and their vacation days are listed below.
Austria has a statutory mimimum of 25 days for vacation and 13 days off for public holidays.
United States doesn't have a mandatory requirement for vacation days, but typically gives 15, according to Mercer. The US has 10 public holidays.
France has a statutory minimum of 30 days for vacation and 10 days of public days off.
India only has 12 days as its minimum, but has a high amount of public holidays with 16.
Russia has a statutory minimum of 28 days leave, plus 12 days for public holidays.
United Kingdom has a statutory minimum of 28 days off, but only 8 public holidays.
Poland has a statutory miminum of 26 vacation days and 10 days for public holidays.
Greece has a statutory minimum of 25 days for workers to take time off.
Singapore has 14 days off as a minimum and 11 public days.
Finland has a statutory minimum of 30 days for vacation, plus 10 days of public holidays.
Denmark has a statutory minimum of 25 days for vacation and 9 days for public holidays.
The statutory minimum number of vacation days in Switzerland is 20, but the alpine state also has 9 public holidays.
New Zealand has 20 days vacation as its statutory minimum, but 11 days off as public holiday.
South Korea has 19 minimum vacation days, but enjoys 15 days in public holidays.
Taiwan only has 15 days as its statutory minimum, but has 13 public holidays.
Hong Kong has 14 days mandatory vacation, plus twelve days off as public holidays.
Canada has the least number of overall days off with only 10 as its statutory minimum and 9 in public holidays.
China matches Canada with the lowest number of vacation days at 10, but has 11 public holiday days.
In Malaysia, employees typically enjoy an average of 14-18 days of annual leave (vacation days) and about 15-18 days of public holidays (depending on the state you are working and may I also add, the company you are attached with as not all companies observe all the gazetted holidays).
Are we having too many holidays? Nay... Ask any employee - no one will send a note to complain they are sick of the long holidays ahead…:)
Well, to all Malaysians, Happy Malaysia Day!
Take the Friday off and you can enjoy another "4 days 3 nights" vacation somewhere... (life is good, eh)
I did a bit of counting and noticed I am enjoying a whopping 18 public holidays this year!
Are we having too many vacation days? I did a google search immediately and guess what, Malaysia is not at the top of the list, not even close.
According to a survey from Mercer Consulting which was published in CNBC.com, the two countries that had the most overall holidays are Brazil and Lithuania. Brazil enjoys a statutory minimum of 30 days for vacation and 11 days for public holidays. And Lithuania has a statutory annual minimum of 28 days off and 13 days in public holidays. Some of the countries and their vacation days are listed below.
Austria has a statutory mimimum of 25 days for vacation and 13 days off for public holidays.
United States doesn't have a mandatory requirement for vacation days, but typically gives 15, according to Mercer. The US has 10 public holidays.
France has a statutory minimum of 30 days for vacation and 10 days of public days off.
India only has 12 days as its minimum, but has a high amount of public holidays with 16.
Russia has a statutory minimum of 28 days leave, plus 12 days for public holidays.
United Kingdom has a statutory minimum of 28 days off, but only 8 public holidays.
Poland has a statutory miminum of 26 vacation days and 10 days for public holidays.
Greece has a statutory minimum of 25 days for workers to take time off.
Singapore has 14 days off as a minimum and 11 public days.
Finland has a statutory minimum of 30 days for vacation, plus 10 days of public holidays.
Denmark has a statutory minimum of 25 days for vacation and 9 days for public holidays.
The statutory minimum number of vacation days in Switzerland is 20, but the alpine state also has 9 public holidays.
New Zealand has 20 days vacation as its statutory minimum, but 11 days off as public holiday.
South Korea has 19 minimum vacation days, but enjoys 15 days in public holidays.
Taiwan only has 15 days as its statutory minimum, but has 13 public holidays.
Hong Kong has 14 days mandatory vacation, plus twelve days off as public holidays.
Canada has the least number of overall days off with only 10 as its statutory minimum and 9 in public holidays.
China matches Canada with the lowest number of vacation days at 10, but has 11 public holiday days.
In Malaysia, employees typically enjoy an average of 14-18 days of annual leave (vacation days) and about 15-18 days of public holidays (depending on the state you are working and may I also add, the company you are attached with as not all companies observe all the gazetted holidays).
Are we having too many holidays? Nay... Ask any employee - no one will send a note to complain they are sick of the long holidays ahead…:)
Well, to all Malaysians, Happy Malaysia Day!
Take the Friday off and you can enjoy another "4 days 3 nights" vacation somewhere... (life is good, eh)
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