Surviving the first 90 days

This post came out from The Straits Times (12 July 2012)
Title - Surviving the first 90 days

Some pointers that I've got are:
1. Mixing with the wrong crowd
2. Failing to introduce yourself to the head honchos
3. Doing no more than is required of you
4. Getting involved in office politics
5. Asking about promotion
6. Failing to engage your manager in weekly performance reviews

On Mixing with the wrong crowd

• Like it or not, you will be judged by who you associate with. Take your time to get to know your colleagues and co-workers before forming any close bonds. Hanging out with office gossips, slackers or cliques of individuals who keep themselves separate from the rest of the organisation will see you being tarred with the same brush. 
• Your aim should be to be polite, friendly and respectful towards everyone that you come into contact with, but form alliance only with the influencers who can help to further your career. 
• These people don't necessarily sit at the top of the organisations, but they are people who have respect and credibility and whose opinions are listened to and acted upon. 

On Failing to introduce yourself to the head honchos

• If the people at the top of your organisation don't even know that you exist, the chances of your career going anywhere are slim. 
• If you want to make the very best impression from the start, schedule a short appointment with the company leaders and use the opportunity to discuss their vision for the organisation, how your role fits into that vision and how you can maximise your input towards company objectives in the course of carrying out your role.

On Doing no more than is required of you

• Putting in the designated number of hours, sticking rigidly to your job description and learning as you go along might be enough to help you retain your new job, but if you are really going to stand out amongst your peers, you are going to have to do better than that. 
• Be the first to arrive and last to leave during the early days, use every minute and every resource to expand and accelerate your learning and always be prepared to go that extra mile. Deliver more than is required of you and ahead of schedule if possible to demonstrate the added value that you bring to the organisation, and volunteer to take on projects that no one else wants to touch. Always aim to consistently exceed your manager's expectations.

On Getting involved in office politics

• Breaching confidentiality, gossiping, talking about colleagues and co-workers behind their backs and at a personal level, becoming involved in office relationships and taking sides in disputes are all major minefields in the workplace. 
• If you want to ensure a sound professional reputation and be seen as credible, avoid them at all costs. 

On Asking about promotion

• You have been hired to fulfil a particular need within your organisation, so indicating that you are just using your new role as a stepping stone to something better isn't likely to go down well.

On Failing to engage your manager in weekly performance reviews

• During the first few months of your employment, it is absolutely essential that you find out from your manager how your performance is perceived and where you need to make adjustments in order to excel in your role, rather than merely guessing. 
• Less regular performance reviews might be adequate further down the line, but during the initial 90 days you need to sit down and get a blow by blow account of how you are doing. 

Yours,
Something Small Thinking Big

Five ways to start a new career

This post came out from My Paper (18 April 2016)
Title - Five ways to start a new career

Some pointers that I've got are:
1. Analyse the situation
2. Set goals
3. Find a mentor
4. Prepare for the transition seriously
5. Take action

On analyse the situation

• You may have certain tasks in your job that you love more than the rest, and feel that certain aspects of the job that you dislike are holding you back from progressing. Identify what these duties are and speak to your manager about the possibility of changing your job scope. 
• To ensure that your concerns are being addressed, have regular discussions with your supervisor. Too often, critical discussions between employers and employees are not taking place which leads to dissatisfaction.

On Set goals

• Take small steps to reach your dream career in the near future.
• When setting goals for making a change, have a clear understanding of what you want and layout the steps to you need to take to get there. Map out your goals and timeline for the change you are preparing for.
• Think about what changes you would like to see in a month or two and proceed from there. Ensure that your most immediate goal will bring you a few steps closer to your career of choice.

On Find a mentor

• Talk to someone who can give you unbiased advice on the type of profession that will suit you best, like your senior colleague, boss at work, or someone of a higher position in another company.

On Prepare the transition seriously

• Have an open mindset. If you decide to start anew and have a break from your current career, you must prepare yourself for a difficult transition at the beginning. Access your abilities and weaknesses and understand your likes and dislikes. Leverage your connections and network of contacts. 
• Update your resume and include everything you have learnt in your career so far, along with major accomplishments and reliable references. Whether you are joining a new department within your current company or thinking of accepting a new job from another company, you have to be certain it will be the right fit.

On Take action

• Start asking your boss or human resource team for opportunities of a transfer or a promotion. If you are applying for a job in another company, apply only for jobs that you feel are a step up from what you are currently pursuing. 
• Be prepared to start with a lower salary if you are switching to a different industry. Starting on the right footing with a suitable job, albeit a lower pay, may get you there more quickly. 

Yours,
Something Small Thinking Big

Survival tips to help you cope better if you are laid off

This post came out from The Straits Times (5 April 2016)
Title - There is life after retrenchment

Some pointers that I've got are:
1. Reframe your beliefs
2. Work in a different industry
3. Upgrade your skills
4. Network
5. Work on your resume
6. Update your image

On Reframe your beliefs

• First, accept the fact that your services are no longer required by your current employer. It is natural to feel shocked and angered by this, but sooner or later, you will have to move on.
• You are probably afraid to step out of your comfort zone to experience new growth. You are not alone. Many people do not bother to stretch themselves. They remain in their comfort zone as they are complacent, safe and sound. 
• Your comfort zone is dictated by change. The harder you fight change and resist its force, the more difficult it is to break through and move forward. Begin with embracing small changes incrementally and adapting to new environment. Then you can move on. 

On Work in a different industry

• If your current industry is described as being in its sunset phrase, it is probably not a wise choice to stay in it. You may want to consider a career in another industry. 
• Although your salary package might be reduced, at least you are still engaged in the workforce. Alternatively, you can take on a part time job. This will help you manage any cash-flow problems and give you more time to decide what your next job to be.

On Upgrade your skills

• Enrol for courses to upgrade your skills. Business writing, communication, resume writing and presentation courses boost your soft skills and directly impact your chances of finding a job.
• Next, decide which technical skills you need to work on to make yourself more employable. Computer technology is advancing rapidly. Learn something that enhances your computer skills, for instance, marketing and blogging. 

On Network

• Avoid sitting in front of the computer or staying at home for too long. Participate in a variety of networking events to broaden your knowledge and build up your circle of contacts. You will be able to find people with common interests. Networking also provides fresh information about new openings and other career opportunities.

On Work on your resume

• If you have worked at the same company for a long time, your resume may be outdated. You may want to seek advice from a professional resume writer or attend courses on how to create an impressive resume. 

On Update your image

• It is not enough to be smart. You need to look smart too.
• Read up on how to present a professional and well-groomed image to boost your job search. You can even invest in the services of an image consultant if you think you need a dramatic image overhaul. 
• When you feel good about yourself, you will appear confident and make a good impression on your interviewers. 

Yours,
Something Small Thinking Big

Smart way to tell potential employers about your job status

This post came out from The New Paper (21 January 2016)
Title - Truth of the matter - If you have been retrenched, there is a smart way to tell potential employers about your job status

Some pointers that I've got are:
1. Get an official statement
2. Pre-empt the question
3. Offer referees
4. Highlight pertinent details of the restructuring
5. Look on the bright side

On Get an official statement

• When staff members are notified of an impeding downsizing exercise, there is usually an official statement or story from the company's senior management. Affected employees should speak to their direct supervisor or human resource manager to get more information.
• Common reasons include cost cutting measures, the relocation of operations to lower-cost sites, the outsourcing of a function to a third party or the cessation of certain jobs altogether.
• Repeat the official story to potential employers in a matter of fact tone, without any trace of bitterness.

On Pre-empt the question

• Candidates will invariably be asked why they are looking to change jobs. When asked, those who are still employed will typically state that they are looking for new challenges or new growth or a better environment in which to excel.
• If you are an unemployed candidate, it is okay to tell your potential employer that you have been affected by a restructuring exercise. It might be even better to tell him the facts before being asked, thereby getting it out of the way early so everyone can focus on the key objectives of the interview - how you, the candidate, fit the role requirements.

On Offer referees

• Erase any doubts about your performance by offering your potential employer the chance to speak to a referee.
• In this instance, the best referee is obviously a direct supervisor or someone fairly senior who has worked closely with you in the recent past. It does not matter if the referee has also been affected by the restructuring. 

On Highlight pertinent details of the restructuring

• Give the interviewer important information such as how many people were affected by the restructuring, which location the operation has been moved to, how the former employees' responsibilities have been divided up, what the new structure looks like and so on.
• Such information points to the fact that your exit from the company was not performance-related.

On Look on the bright side

• Being in transition gives you several other positioning advantages.
• You can be very direct and open about the fact that you are pursuing many other job opportunities and are currently speaking to several potential employers. This can be used as an effective negotiation tool.
• Being in transition also does not mean that you should succumb to pressure to lower your salary expectations. 
• If you have a solid track record, it is possible to maintain or even increase your salary because of the value you will bring to the role. 

Yours,
Something Small Thinking Big

Don't end up in the wrong career

This post came out from The Straits Times (12 January 2016)
Title - Don't end up in the wrong career - What not to tell yourself when looking for a job

Some pointers that I've got are:
1. But I'm good at it
2. I am in need of cash
3. Things will change
4. I am afraid
5. Nothing else will be better

On But I'm good at it

• Don't settle for a job just because you have the requisite skills and qualifications and are able to do it. You should never dedicate your attention to and spend your energy on anything just because you do have the skills.
• It is your life and your job. You have the right to be selective. Never be contented with a career in which you are good at. You have a choice and there is always room for improvement. 
• If you are thinking of making a career switch, be open to developing the necessary skills that will make you more suitable for the job you have in mind.

On I am in need of cash

• Employees often make the mistake of sacrificing their happiness in career for money. Your need for cash might be pressing, but you should keep in mind that money is not just the only thing that can make you happy and it will never be able to keep you glad for long.
• However, it cannot be denied that people do have some financial needs that need to be met but if that is your only reason for going to work everyday, then you must be prepared to have a miserable work life.
• There are different ways to make money that you can try. Try to find something that can give you job satisfaction, apart from a high pay. Always remember that compensation may come in different forms and a paycheck is simply one of them. 

On Things will change

• Staying at where you are right now and hoping that things would change is certainly a way of putting your precious time to waste. When you are in a career which makes you miserable, you need to be able to leave if you know things will never change enough to make your stay more worthwhile.
• You should approach your job with a practical and positive mindset. You should start doing what you can to make the situation improve and when things do not change after some time or if only marginal changes take place, you should start moving on.
• One thing for sure - nothing will change if you just sit and wait. 

On I am afraid

• Fear is the main reason why people prefer to stay in a job even when they are not happy with it. However, you should be honest to yourself and start learning how to deal with fear.

On Nothing else will be better

• This is the type of thinking which takes over when you are unhappy in your job. Thinking of this repeatedly will just make you willing to give up. You should never forget that there are different ways for everyone to find joy and satisfaction at work. Don't ever think you are stuck. 

Yours,
Something Small Thinking Big

Important questions to ask before accepting a job offer

This post came out from The Straits Times (2 October 2015)
Title - Before making the leap

Some pointers that I've got are:
1. Is my pay adequate?
2. What kind of progressive wage model does the company have for me?
3. How far will I have to commute to get to my new workplace?
4. Will I be doing something that can make me happy?
5. Will I be able to explore new things?
6. Are my potential workmates nice?
7. Does the job give me time to enjoy myself?

Yours,
Something Small Thinking Big

Is it time for a change?

This post came out from The Straits Times (7 October 2015)
Title - Is it time for a change? How to know if you should take the plunge and start a new career

Some pointers that I've got are:
1. Analyse the situation
2. Set goals
3. Find a mentor
4. Prepare for the transition seriously
5. Take action

On analyse the situation

• What exactly is it that is making you feel stuck and unmotivated? Is it the fact that you have been in the same routine for years and have no clear vision of your career progression? Or are you lacking passion for your job?
• To determine why exactly you are feeling this way, highlight the pros and cons of your job and list out what you see yourself doing in a few years time. It does not matter if it is something unrelated to your current field. The important thing is to identify what is not making you happy. 
• Perhaps you have certain tasks in your job that you love more than the rest, and feel that certain aspects of the job that you dislike are holding you back from progressing. Identify what these duties are, and speak to your manager about the possibility of changing your job scope. 

On Set goals

• Once you have identified whether you want to progress within your company or switch jobs, set attainable goals. It is good to have an end goal to work towards, but you should be able to take small steps to reach your dream career in the near future. 
• Map out your goals and timeline for change you are preparing for, whether that entails taking on new responsibilities or a completely new role. 

On Find a mentor

• After you have put together what you want changed in your near future, seek the advice of someone who can give you good advice on the type of profession that will suit you best. 

On Prepare for the transition seriously

• It is crucial to have an open mindset when planning to start over in a new industry. Access your abilities and weaknesses, and understand your likes and dislikes. Leverage on your connections and network of contacts. 
• Update your resume and include everything you have learnt in your career so far, along with major accomplishments and reliable references. 

On Take action

• Start asking your boss or human resource team for opportunities of a transfer or promotion. If you are applying for a job in another company, apply only for jobs that you feel are a step up from what you are currently pursuing or pertain to the field you are passionate about.
• Be prepared to start with a lower salary if you are switching to a different industry. You do not have the experience in the field yet to command a high salary, but starting on the right footing with a suitable job albeit a lower pay may get you there more quickly. 

Yours,
Something Small Thinking Big

One way of successful ageing is to stay relevant and employable

This post came out from The Straits Times (22 March 2012)
Title - Re-invent yourself

Some pointers that I've got are:
1. Challenges
2. Re-invention tactics

On Challenges

• Competition for jobs with younger workers, worsened by some employers who may prefer not to hire mature employees
• Physiological changes that limit their choice of jobs
• Discovering that their skills may not be current or effective, coupled with the belief that re-training or learning new tasks is difficult
• Establishing a good relationship with colleagues from different generations
• The perception that seniors should be happy retiring from the workforce
• Social embarrassmnet of "having" to work to generate income or being coerced into accepting a lower status job

On Re-invention tactics

• Look for work that brings you job. For example, someone with a passion for gardening could explore whether there are any work opportunities at the local nursery
• Know your strengths and find work that can maximise these abilities. Learn how to become your own best salesman and be proud of your talents. Everyone will have something unique.
• Practise "motivational self-talk". This will ensure that you remain curious and cheerful. Where possible, choose to engage with other positive or like-minded people and steer away from those who sap your self-esteem.
• Acquire basic work skills. This means updating your computer skills, learning how to use Mircrosoft Office applications, and understanding how to use technology such as e-mail, smartphones or applications like Skype.
• Forget about the number of candles on your birthday cake.

Yours,
Something Small Thinking Big