New “House” for My_1st_Path

Hi everyone, we’re glad to announce our new home for My1stPath blog, finally we got our DotCom, isn’t it cool?

Well, definitely we’ve got a long list of people to thank to, here we go…

Thanks to Cheng Soon from GetFound.com.my for his professional consultancy and his effort and time. Mostly he did the migration stuff which none of us know-how. If I’m not mistaken he had to export from WordPress.com manually, article by article… And not to forget the header part! Yea it was me who get the graphic done initially, but without his Firework to add on some effect it won’t be as lively as we have now. Cheng Soon will be helping us a lot in the future in My1stPath, for a kind young man and talented as him in SEO and internet marketing, I’d say we should really keep an eye on him. Oh yes, he is still single and available, you may get his contact from me.

Then MyPath as the mother of My1stPath! Yes, without the support behind, we won’t get most our contributors to come in and contribute, I believe they preferred to remain anonymous here (oops), anyway, this won’t happen without all of you.

And we have our article contributors, An Tien, Antonia, Teresa, PK, SH and Shanie (and many more to come, including YOU!) and last but not least, WordPress.com (haha). Thank you and looking forward for your continuous support for good articles.

Let’s look forward for more articles to come in, and we will keep improving from time to time, so stay with us at My1stPath New Home!

Revamp Your Career Life! (1 of 3)

Been dragging your feet lately when it comes to work? Many people think that signals the time to move on but before you make the huge leap think things over. A lot of times, the solution doesn’t really lie on getting a new job because a career makeover might just be the thing you need!

Your work life is very much similar with your love life; once the mundane sets in and the novelty flies out of the window people just tend to just do what’s expected of them. Gone are the enthusiasms or the new ideas that you used to have and the robotic mode takes over. So, before you take that big leap and hand in that resignation letter take a look at the practical tips below that might serve as a reminder of why you used to feel so passionate about your job in the first place.

Countering Boredom [Method One]

Given time even the most interesting job can become a ho-hum mundane. A number of well-managed organizations understand that boredom and complacency will set in when employees are designated to the same job scope for a long period of time. Without movement either in the form of promotion or more responsibilities, it’s easy to become demotivated. Tania Regis, a career columnist advices, “if your manager or organization is inclined towards job rotation, then opt to change your job function and try finding something that you will like to do or learn to do.” You will be surprised how many managers are receptive to these ideas. So, set aside a suitable time to speak with your manager but avoid plonking yourself at her table and blurt out your decision about going to another department.

Countering Boredom [Method Two]

However, if that’s not possible try reminding yourself what attracted you to the job in the first place. Has the methodical workings or the culture of the organization derives you from the joy of your job? Carrie Lim a writer confesses, “I love to write but I noticed tight deadlines is a kill joy for me. Over time, I even dreaded writing! I realized this and spoke to my editor and we worked on more realistic deadlines. Now, I have more time and my editor happier because my articles are better written and better researched.” Find out what’s bothering you about your work. Like Carrie it could be overloading but for you it might be the lack of challenge. Do you find that you could perform your duties half asleep? Then ask for more job responsibilities or perhaps speak to your boss about taking more responsibilities. Many solutions are possible once you become aware of the problem and care to take some action.

Change can be painful but always undeniably important. What do you think?

Article source: Jusco Pearl, page 42-43, Issue 37, July 2007.

Picture source: Internet

Interviewing Fresh Graduates

Hi!

My name is SH, a recruitment consultant with one of the local firm in Penang. I was invited to My1stPath to share about my experience on interviewing of fresh graduates. I have never written blogs before and this is my 1st time, so, if my blog is boring, please pardon me. I was reluctant at first to write but somehow I felt strongly and wanted to help more fresh graduates on starting right with their 1st job.

I am not going to paint a picture in my sharing as I felt you need to know the truth about the real world not the “ideal world” of employment.

Hmm… Where should I start? There is a long list to share… most of my experience of interviewing fresh graduates honestly is very disappointing. When we called them up for screening, we noted that majority of these candidates do not know what jobs they are applying. When they are called by a recruiter, they will pause and then said I did not apply to the job but then the recruiter actually shortlisted them through the advertisement they have posted. This will indeed give a very negative 1st impression. My advice is if you’re applying for a job, write it down in a note i.e. which company you have applied to in order not to loose the 1st chance for interview. Recruitment agencies will give you a chance but for employers, they will reject your application instantly. Worst still, I have come across some candidates who actually wrote in to my email through advertisements which I put up in Jobstreet. They wrote directly to me and after 5 days I called them up and the relpies I received shocked me as they said they did not apply for the said job. So, I had to refresh them on the date/time they sent the applications to me. For me, I will reject these candidates’ applications, as it seemed that these candidates are not really serious in getting into a real job. They just hit the “send” button with their resumes and hope that someone will call them up for interview appointments.

From my past experience, most of the candidates that I interviewed, I realized that most of these jobseekers are quite ignorant about the importance of resume. The job market is very competitive and recruiters from companies have many  resumes to screen and shortlist and who do you think they will shortlist?

Do you know that a good resume/write-up will provide you with an opportunity to employment? At least, you will be shortlisted for the 1st interview with the employer. How do I define a good resume? Jobstreet has a standard format and I am sure most of you have already registered with them. My advice is, spend some time planning and drafting your resume as this is the first crucial step.

Bear in mind that when you write your resume, keep it short and precise. Use effective and powerful words and if you are a fresh graduate, always remember to emphasize on the university/college and school activities that you have participated. Also, state the projects that you have participated and also your role in these projects. If you have internship, do state it down and also if you have done any part-time/casual job or volunteer work. Always remember to state clearly your responsibilities, roles and your achievements/what you have learned during your varsity/college days.

Getting testimony from your supervisor during your internship will be very helpful as it will immediately increase your chance for hiring consideration.

What you must not do. Do not copy your friends resume and send it to an  employer. I have interviewed candidates before with almost the same content in their resume. Yes, the world is that small. Always remember, lies will be spotted easily but truth will touch people’s hearts.

We have bridged candidates who are not excellent in their academic but have good attitude. Bottom-line is, it doesn’t matter how good or bad your grade is, as long as you have good attitude and willingness to learn, you will be HIRED for the job. This is what employers are looking for NOW.

Be prepared that when you applied for a job, note down which company and position you applied for and always do your research before attending the interview. If you do this, you will at least be sure to be called for 1st interview.

Well, hope this sharing helps… all the best to you.

Cheers

 

Article contributed by SH

Picture source: Internet

Face of the Clock

 

 

If Life is made up of hours and days on the clock, then here’s something to deliberate on..

NOT TOO LONG AGO our forebears knew life in ways quite unlike how we relate to it now.

For them to work was to bring home bread for the table, there was simplicity in the way the hours are allocated and the associated modes of behavior.

 

The Face of the Clock

Neither have we lost touch with the face of the clock, our hours are appropriated too by the stacks and portions. In fact we are better at it by virtue of the social system we live in. This is largely true for urban folks.

Who knows TIME better than we do? With the hours neatly packed and trimmed for unused fats, these days the exercise drills right down to the precious minutes and seconds. We are more adept than ever in watching out for the jot and title that make up the 24hour cycle in a day.

I am convinced this myself, being once an employee at a company that operated on a 5day week, work began daily without fail on the dot at 8am. The bulk of the 8~9hours spent were regimented activities all blurred into oblivion now, and most employees would be glad to be out of scrutiny by 545pm at the scan-out clock.

For me, the morning rush hour was actually a mere 45minutes on motorbike spanning a distance of 30km from urban North to the outskirt. Simple routine and numbers to live by, but they had to be exact or ‘the System will punish you’.

I knew the motorbike ahead of me on the same stretch at the particular moment during the 110km/hr ride along the North-South highway. But we would never have met each other long enough to exchange a familiar glance. I was always overtaking him on the side lane, and he probably knew me only by the L-license plate on the rear.

If I am this disciplined about the exactness of the hours and minutes, it isn’t my choice but the result of company rules and policies on punctuality and work hours. Work has altered my lifestyle behavior; I had to give up my nocturnal habits and turned myself into a (reluctant) morning person.

Why, the official dictates at work place has simply decided my bed time to be 10.30pm, the duration of travel and the hour to reach home before school closed and the kids would be crying in the dark.

Everything else I call private to my life has to be back tracked accordingly to suit the official tagline, such is the impact/influence we live in and have to live with. Ruled and reigned in, re-alignment is inevitable.

This was my weekly routine rehearsed to perfection. It was not just rat race up the corporate ladder; it was encroachment of Work into my Life.

I did not feel robbed, I just adapted like many do unwittingly. Why, my protest is feeble and would be in vain. Besides, who is not time-conscious and subservient to it? I would be crying out to nobody and appear foolish.

In contrast, my retired mother knows no difference between Monday and Sunday. While I can feel the glitch between the highlights of an eventful weekend and the monotony by Monday morning, she does not share the same excitement we get from anticipating a planned event. Her life has never been structured, organized nor planned as a housewife and a businesswoman. In fact, she never grew up having her life that much bounded with the time piece like we do. In comparison, she’s free.

For her time blends without demarcation of zones or differentiation of behaviors. She knows nothing about Monday Blue, Weekend Hangovers, Happy Hour by the weekend, etc. It surprises me whenever she asks me what day of the week it is.

For an office workers that would have been gross sin not knowing the work from his right hand to his left. Knowing and living by the hands of the clock is fundamental to life as we know it. So much about ‘Doing the Right thing at the Right time’.

The obsession and entanglement we’re in is a generality unique to our era.

 

The point of it

I am not decrying the hard facts of life; I am only highlighting something so overlooked for its simplicity & apparent ordinariness.

While we are collectively riding this massive wheel of change called Civilization, let’s not forget there was once a separation between Work and Live.

‘Living for Work and Working to Live’ are two paths heading different directions.

I would defend the sanctity of humanity, even if we have to languish in the sea of rules & regulations by the face of the Clock; we ought to stay clear against blurring the borders where Life and Work rule, respectively.

Birds don’t stop chirping just because the haze is on. It does justice to humanity once a while to highlight the obvious, to sing in the right tune.

 

Article Contributed by PK Tan
Picture from Internet

 

Rubik’s Cube [2] – Money and You

One of the most prevalent misconceptions concerning money relates to its importance. For example, how many times have you heard people say in conversation, “money isn’t everything”, or “money isn’t important” or “I don’t care about money”. Well, the people who say these things might not care about money, but I’ll bet their car dealer cares about it, the person who holds their mortgage cares about it and etc. In truth, there can be no denial of the fact that money is important to any person living in a civilized society. Therefore, to argue that it is not as important as this, or that, is absurd. For nothing can take the place of money in the arena in which it is used!

Many people like to accept about money is that it only comes as a result of “luck” or “good fortune”. For instance, whenever people gather to talk about someone they know who has been financially successful, there is always someone among them who will say, “He was just lucky”, or “He was just in the right place at the right time”. In no uncertain terms, that although “luck” obviously plays some part in financial success, it is never sufficient in and of itself, because while “good fortune” is a factor in financial success, it must always be coupled with effort and hard work!

How much money you want? For answer this question, it would probably be a good idea for you to decide what you want the money for. But to simply say “I want the money to live on”, is not good enough. You should probably say “I want to live better than that”, how much better? Let list down the things or activities that you plan to spend money on over the course of the next year. For example: food, clothes, car, vacation, recreation, insurance, savings and etc. There are just a few of the many possibilities. You do not fill in the mounts you are now spending. Rather, you take each item on the list, visualize how you want to live, and then fill in the amount of money it will cost you to do so. For example, you might go out to a nice restaurant to dine on very special occasions, but you might visualize yourself spending a very enjoyable evening out for dinner once a week, where the service is excellent, the food is even better, and the environment is fit for royalty. How much would that cost? That is a figure we’re looking for. We do not have a contract to live forever, this is our life, and we should be enjoying it to the fullest extent humanly possible! Therefore, we should have the amount of money we need, to provide the things we want, to live the way you choose to live.

 

Article contributed by Teh An Tien
Picture from internet

It is not enough to aim, you must hit!

Since the 1^st article, it’s been a month we’ve started this blog, thanks to our friends and article contributors who supported us all the way, and last but not least, thanks to the visitors who dropped by from time to time.

First of all, congratulations to Antonia, it is not easy to secure a job right after graduation, but I believe you deserved it. As I always believe in extra curricular activities, as you mentioned that AIESEC made you different from the rest in the interview. Although everyone has different perception, but by creating point of discussion and being e actively involved in an interview with interesting topics to talk about, this is where you outshine the rest of the candidates in the interview.

Talk about interview, I believe Shanie did a good sharing in her article. I was lucky to sit in for few interview sessions conducted by my boss, I’m not up to the level to read body language but you can really see if the person is not comfortable or nervous, our body can be too honest sometimes. Good to know more about it, it might help you in your next interview session who knows?

I was talking to my friend during a mamak session; about his finding says that CEO is no longer Chief Executive Officer, but “Chief Ethics Officer”. Understand that this may just another bombastic term to attract readers, but somehow it makes sense. From result oriented to experience and attitude, now employers actually look into how honest you are. Anyway, the trend is still focus on attitude. I’m not here to comment about people, but trust me; it’s good to have a correct mindset before you start to hunt for your career.

Totally agree with Teresa, “The bottom line, if you have a giving attitude towards an organization you will be blessed as with the amount you sow, you will reap likewise.” It’s up to you.

I like a quote that An Tien (contributor of Rubik’s Cube) shared in his Friendster, “it’s not enough to aim, you must hit.” What a brilliant sentence. Reminds me of a friend who told me that he won’t start working till he gets a job that pays RM2.5k as a basic for a start, and like many others, they believe that they can somehow get high-paid positions once they have graduated. Good to aim, but do you have what it takes to hit?

As An Tien shared in his introductory article for Rubik’s Cube series, “the rewards which you will receive in this life, material or psychic, will not come to you because of your potential, but rather, because of your performance.”

As a trial month, number of articles posted was not many, but I’d say we managed to cover the basic issues here. From corporate point of view to new comers, we have advised and shared that, we’re on our way to make a difference in people’s lives. Feel free to tell your friends about this blog, and write us some articles if you wish to share and feel free to write us your comments

Finally, let’s greet our beloved country for her 50^th anniversary of nationhood. Enjoy your holiday, we will meet again in September with more good & interesting articles, stay tuned!

 

 

Regards,

Editor@My_1st_Path

Path_Tracker Profile (August 2007)

Hi, I am Antonia Lim. People usually thought I am not so of a Chinese, that I should be a Portuguese blood or Malay or Japanese… and the list goes on. But I am pure Chinese and wondering what is wrong with people’s eyes? LOL. Often people perceive me as cool and quiet, I guess I am indeed a little quiet but always a warm friend to everyone. I like to spend most of my free time doing nothing or sit in front of my laptop to update my blog and chat with my friends. Life for me is like a blank sheet of paper. God draws something on the paper and colours it. And by end of the time, you are that beautiful picture! Ain’t it wonderful? (*^^*) Read My Article

Teh An Tien, 21 years old, a adaptable and conscientious person, managing director of a local accounting firm. I was born in Kedah and lived most of my teenage years in Kangar, a very lively and small city. Son of a Malaysian business man. I had the opportunity to be involved in many different aspects of my father business from a young age. Swimming is my only sport.

At age 18, I moved to Penang in order to further my study. During my college years, I was able to improve my leadership & interpersonal skill since I was part of the Pertubuhan Gerakan Belia Bersatu Malaysia (GBBM) member. I’ve been a president at GBBM Mata Ayer Branch for the past 2 years.

I received a Diploma In Business Study (Accounting). After that, i proceed to take ACCA professional course in Penang as well. I have almost finished all of my paper and I am almost ready to become a full time in my jobs, helping my father to develop his business. Recently, I have joined a MLM company. Over the years, I have had to adapt to changes in a fast-paced environment, learn and struggle a lot. Of course, if there is no struggle, there is no progress.

Fortunately, throughout my entire life I have been surrounded by people who guided me, supported me, and taught me valuable lessons. I’m used to participate those motivation talk and seminar. I’m continuously learning and growing from every experience I have and from every person who i come across, so each one plays a role on my personal development. Read My Article

Ms Teresa Sia, aged 38, is the Executive Director of a local recruitment agency. Prior to joining the current company, she was attached to Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad, Corporate Finance division as the Senior Manager from 2004 to 2007. She obtained her Bachelor degree in Economics from the University of Adelaide, Australia in 1992. Teresa started her career in Deloitte Kassim Chan in early 1992 as an audit assistant. In late 1993, she joined Price Waterhouse Coopers as a tax semi-senior. Subsequently, she joined the corporate finance division of Malaysian International Merchant Bankers Berhad (now known as MIMB Investment Bank Berhad) (“MIMB”) in June 1995 as an Executive and rose to the position of Assistant Vice President in July 2004. She has over twelve years experience in the investment banking industry specialising in the area of corporate finance. She completed her professional exams in CPA Australia in 1997 and is also a member of the CPA Australia. Read My Article

Shanie Loo is an air stewardess of International Airline. Prior to joining the current company, she was attached with one of the MNC as Marketing Executive. She loves to travel and meeting people. Read My Article

I secured a job

Well, it turns out that I interviewed with Kansai Coatings Malaysia – just neighbor to Sime Kansai Paint. Kansai Coatings is a 100% Japanese Company [Par Paint - its brand] while Sime Kansai Paint [70% Japanese 30% Sime Darby]

I will be working as almost everything in the company though called a Chemist – R&D, decision maker in many things, quality control – meeting ISO, troubleshooting, meeting clients if needed, getting wider business opportunities, production and manufacturing, customer service – the most important matter of all as stresses from the division director, Mr. Azham, whom I may work under next time… all for paints of homes and architectures. RM2k as it offers, on job training, lots of benefits, and given uniform and lab coat and safety attires for work [no need to crack my head of what to wear everyday].

Ms Jolynn Teh [HR], called just now [3pm] and she said the company would like to take me in! The interview was a bit passive… though both Mr Azham and Ms Jolynn were very nice of telling me about the job prospect, the divisions and the people in the work place, job description, benefits and so on. All my questions answered before I asked. When asked if I have any questions, I only manage to tell them about my convocation week when I need unpaid leave. They were positive about everything. I am happy.

They saw my CV and were very interested on my AIESEC profile. So I managed to tell them about opportunities in AIESEC and experiences I gained. They like outgoing people as it fits the job description. I did not gave them a definite answer on whether I want the job or not and instead I tell them I need to go back and consider first… after talking to my parents, I wrote a letter of appreciation to them and told them that I would like to go for the job… and just half an hour or so, Ms Jolynn called to confirm my status for the company – HIRED. I will be starting my work on the 1 August 2007 and at the meantime, I have to go for medical check up before I can start working.

I am happy: [1] I have income soon. [2] First interview, first job [3] parents are happy [4] David is happy [5] friends are happy [6] I am stepping into the corporate world after all – from fears to fearless.

God indeed is great – He just make my path goes so smoothly – yea, be obedient and rest will be assured by Him. And thank you brother and sisters for your prayers too.

Article and Picture Contributed by: Antonia Lim

Ask not what the company can give you, but what you can give the company

 

(John F. Kennedy, “Ask not what America can give you, but what you can give America.”)

Having worked for over 15 years in various organizations, I have come across many types of characters of people, be it colleagues, business associates or clients in the corporate world. In the organizations that I have worked with, I have supervised several team members and have been put in charged to expand and grow a division/branch. As such, I was involved in staff matter which include interviewing and recruitment process for many years.

Many people (especially those in the 20s and 30s) join an organization with the attitude of “getting the most out of it”. I have come across many young adults whom I interviewed which will not fail to ask the question “What can the company offer or give me in monetary terms?” during the interview sessions. Monetary returns seem to be one of the motivating factors amongst these interviewees who are mostly in the 20s and early 30s. However, I agree that it is important to know what an organization can offer you in terms of monetary returns but it is more important that after knowing what the company can offer you, can one live up to the expectations and do beyond the ordinary? This is what employers are looking for. A fair and professional company will ultimately reward and give the benefits to such an employee who have “given their best” and have proven themselves that they are worthy of such monetary returns. If however if you have given your best and yet the organization does not reward you, then you are clearly being exploited. That is a “thin line” to draw. How long should one endure such an “exploitation” before moving on to a better organization?

The bottom line, if you have a giving attitude towards an organization you will be blessed as with the amount you sow, you will reap likewise.

So, hang on there if you have been “giving” but felt that you are being exploited as success is just round the corner. If your current boss/management fails to reward you, others will notice you and as long as you have a giving attitude, you will be “head-hunted” by potential employers.

 

Contributed by Teresa Sia

Your Body Speaks

This is a very interesting book that one should read. The No. 1 International Bestseller, THE DEFINITIVE BOOK of BODY LANGUAGE by Allan and Barbara Pease. Both writers are renowned experts in human relations and body language. The book revealed the very basic body language skills on how to make a positive impression, how to interview and negotiate successfully and so forth. Some people might think that they have the skill or they know it well, but sometimes unfortunately, they don’t apply it in their life, knowing the skill is useless when you are implementing it. Or on the hand, some people do not notice or feel that there are hidden negative body languages in their daily verbal and non-verbal gesture, which is habitual, not done on intentionally. But the most important this book is the guide and tool to project a professional image.

I have been in both corporate and service industries, and I realized that somehow to be successful in no matter what you are doing, it comes down to the very same rule, human business. Everyone started off somewhere before they became someone; basically they went through the same first step of the very few seconds of first impression. “By a man’s fingernails, by his coat-sleeve, by his boots, by his trouser knees, by the calluses of his forefinger and thumb, by his expression, by his shirt-cuffs, by his movement – by each of these things a man’s calling is plainly revealed. That all united should fail to enlighten the competent enquirer in any case is almost conceivable. By Sherlock Holmes, 1887″

But what really helps in this book especially for most interviewees is The Nine Golden Keys to Making Great First Impression in the interview. And also Seven Simple Strategies for the Extra Edge such as stand up for meetings use power words and also how to switch table territories. A lot of interviewees failed in their interviews mainly because of their failure to give out good first impression and to market themselves despite fulfilling all the criteria. Visualizing and doing some homework before attending an interview help a lot in boosting your confidence and be mentally ready. Working on your weaknesses, such as your tone and speed of your voice, hand gestures and facial expression will help to be in control. Of course at the end, you should always look into what type of job you are applying and what kind of impression you should be creating.

This book is worth securing a space on your book rack, so that you could browse through whenever you need it, when you have doubts or even whenever you have some interviews around the corner. Happy reading!

Contributed by Shanie
Picture Source: Internet