tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14283314791291601782024-03-13T22:49:05.735+08:00From the Desk of a RecruiterA Recruitment Consultant, with a full time job in helping people find jobs and a part time job of maintaining her sanity in the process.Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08903388397116935702noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1428331479129160178.post-84415263300104303492013-06-21T01:30:00.003+08:002013-06-21T01:34:02.581+08:00A social disease - CynicismIn the current state of hazy affairs where PSI peaks at 371, the highest in the history of Singapore, the rush to purchase masks for daily wearing became the priority of most Singaporeans.<br />
<br />
Gas masks would be the best, seconded by the popular-during-SARS-period N95 by 3M. Desperados who can't get any settle for the least useful, surgical masks. As citizens rush to the clinics, pharmacies, TCMs to get masks, Singapore and Indonesian government get into their snail-like pace to come to a resolution to the haze problem.<br />
<br />
Tonight, as I sat behind my keyboard, wearing a mask in my own enclosed room, I was "on-duty" as web master for a political party.<br />
<br />
While I was safely behind the protection provided for by my windows, door and masks, a handful of my fellow political buddies brazed the haze to give out free surgical masks to residents of the estate.<br />
<br />
It's a political move, yes. It is also a human move.<br />
<br />
And yet, as I take on the safest duty tonight to post updates on the Facebook wall, I see the appreciative sides of Singaporeans.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, I also see the ugly side.<br />
<br />
Comments like "Useless", "Waste of time" and "No Use" peppered the comments, all because the free masks that were given out were not N95.<br />
<br />
I felt nothing but disappointment for my fellow countrymen.<br />
<br />
These comments are addressed to Singaporeans walking in the haze, giving out masks for free.<br />
<br />
Since when is it a useless act to give out free items? I see Singaporeans braving heat, braving rain, braving insanely long queues to collect the commonplace tissue packs, toothpaste, mouthwash at Raffles Place.<br />
<br />
I see Singaporeans braving this very haze to queue for a cat plushie.<br />
<br />
And yet to the fellow Singaporeans who walk around estates in the haze giving out free masks (that were sold out in pharmacies, clinics islandwide), it was deemed by some as a useless act.<br />
<br />
What happened to the society that cultivated such cynicism within the citizens of this garden city. What was more appalling was that this cynicism was directed to our own people.<br />
<br />
These cynical comments are from Singaporeans, to Singaporeans.<br />
<br />
Was it the haze that got to them?<br />
<br />
Was it the fact this was done by a small political party with limited resources and outreach?<br />
<br />
Or had cynicism become a tumour of the society. Have Singapore developed a society where receiving help or giving help should be met with snide remarks.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'm a newbie in politics, having only been in a party for 2 years. But I've learnt quickly, not to let any of these get to me on a personal level. Heaven knows how much weird and insane stuff I've faced from candidates in my usual day job.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Tonight, however, it did. As much as I tried to let it not affect me, it did. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It's one of those nights where being in politics weigh me down.</div>
<div>
<br />
One of those nights.<br />
<br />
<br />
From the <strike>hazy</strike> Desk of a Recruiter</div>
Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08903388397116935702noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1428331479129160178.post-56311134772053516172013-05-29T22:38:00.002+08:002013-05-29T22:38:39.483+08:00License to speak<div>
Following the MDA's most recent legislation for news websites, one couldn't help but be cynical on the motivation behind this enforcement.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
To quote our Minister for Communication & Information, Yaacob Ibrahim: </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"... it is regularizing what is already happening on the Internet and making sure that they are on par with our mainstream media"</blockquote>
<br />
This statement, if read as-is, seemed to be brimming with the usual traits of this "democratic" government:<br />
<br />
Confidence fueled by arrogance fueled by ignorance.<br />
<b><br /></b>
To sincerely believe that the publications (about Singapore) on the Internet should be "on par" with the local media implied much confidence in the standards of our mainstream media.<br />
<br />
It seemed to be a belief by the people behind wardrobes that our mainstream media is an ideal representation of how news publication should be. Perhaps it will be an ideal representation... in North Korea.<br />
<br />
<br />
The confidence in which how, and what, news websites should publish is fueled by ignorance, that is fueled by arrogance.<br />
<br />
To believe that they can regulate the Internet is arrogant. It is as though a small kid telling an adult that he should conform to the former's expectations.<br />
<br />
To believe they can enforce what other news websites (besides the 9 obvious state-controlled sites) can publish about Singapore is ignorance. These people don't seem to realize how the world sees our so-called "media". Our media <b>is</b> state-controlled; this is so open that every foreign news website reporting on this new legislation had described our media as "state-controlled media".<br />
<br />
<br />
The Minister thinks Singaporeans are criticizing on the move as a method to control the media. No. We're not the only one. The whole world thinks so, and is criticizing it with a variety of vocabulary. Only <strike>ignorant </strike>the less critical, will think that this legislation is not a backhanded way to control the news content.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Welcome to Singapore; one day, we will all need to pay for a license to speak in this country. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08903388397116935702noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1428331479129160178.post-45036644815643143972013-05-06T12:18:00.000+08:002013-05-06T12:19:20.625+08:00When Colors don't really helpThere were days where I receive resumes in <a href="http://recruiter-desk.blogspot.sg/2011/02/wee-bit-bright.html" target="_blank">bright red font colors</a>. That was in the past though.<br />
<br />
But then, there will be days where I receive email cover letters with rather interesting choice of colors for their fonts.<br />
<br />
(Note: Email Cover Letters = Cover Letters that were written in the email body rather than in a separate document)<br />
<br />
Example:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW-CfptHp1ACLBWD0ZMhV_ZUf2_z3VaxsEbgMcvxmfzF2Uw_ALG0-OcyPktO9yxbZZ_pHsZDVynfvMoTa1MDvSAw7wm4RIARo40EvMJ9R3PsdWM-fyK4PcGRqWbetbCiAsL5mwsYt3CG_N/s1600/06052013.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW-CfptHp1ACLBWD0ZMhV_ZUf2_z3VaxsEbgMcvxmfzF2Uw_ALG0-OcyPktO9yxbZZ_pHsZDVynfvMoTa1MDvSAw7wm4RIARo40EvMJ9R3PsdWM-fyK4PcGRqWbetbCiAsL5mwsYt3CG_N/s400/06052013.bmp" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I suppose I can use the Outlook's feature "Edit Message" to view this cover letter. Which was what I was doing while taking the screenshot. Nonetheless, the color combination amused me.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08903388397116935702noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1428331479129160178.post-7734979796864856342012-12-13T12:13:00.002+08:002012-12-13T12:13:39.489+08:00What's in a name?<div style="margin: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<i>Dear Jobseeker, </i></div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<i><br /></i></div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<i>Thank you for your resume, your contact number and your contact email. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Now... what is your name? </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
<i>From the Desk of a Recruiter</i></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<i>*~*~*</i></div>
<br />
<br />
Time to time I came across "interesting" resumes. On top of the other interesting ones previously blogged about, this particular resume came in several weeks back.<br />
<br />
Interestingly enough, there was no name <b>anywhere</b>.<br />
<br />
And I mean <b>anywhere</b>. There was no name in the email address except a jumble of selected alphabets; there was no name in the email body; there was no name in the resume file name (it was named as "resume.docx"); there was no name in the resume document itself.<br />
<br />
I can't even find a godforsaken surname/last name I can address this person by.<br />
<br />
There was, however, what I assumed to be his initials:<br />
<br />
<b>A.K</b><br />
<br />
Ah yes. That is very helpful when you're looking for a job. Many companies would be thrilled to hire somebody they couldn't even identify properly.<br />
<br />
*rolls eyes*<br />
<br />
Yes, I'm having a minor bitch moment there.<br />
<br />
December is a tiring month for a recruiter.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Signing off<br />"A.C"<br />From the Desk of a Recruiter<br /><br />Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08903388397116935702noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1428331479129160178.post-59966483873760255752012-10-08T13:47:00.000+08:002012-10-08T15:00:49.828+08:00When random ramblings became not so random<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The Amy
Cheong incident is truly enlightening at how fragile racial tolerance is in Singapore.
While the most majority of Singaporeans tolerated each other, once every so
often, incidents of such bigots randomly rambling on Facebook became the top
news of everyone’s News Feeds. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">We often
thought that racial harmony is “given”, seeing we “grew up in Singapore”. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">And yet, we
have this Miss Amy Cheong who steps forward with questionable intelligence and
reminds us that racial harmony is not to be taken granted for. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2OvyupQpHYHB47qUZFHKRNhaXEp-Q87EUwA4Cn_LGPDPjCJIp6SQAdIM9fzArYIC0Ove3y9FbUr56vsNjJpsocxz5u8wOGyN9laGVwReHIimIQ9HU7KbGT4J42iu49exFp6BvnHNGn-Oz/s1600/Amy+Cheong+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2OvyupQpHYHB47qUZFHKRNhaXEp-Q87EUwA4Cn_LGPDPjCJIp6SQAdIM9fzArYIC0Ove3y9FbUr56vsNjJpsocxz5u8wOGyN9laGVwReHIimIQ9HU7KbGT4J42iu49exFp6BvnHNGn-Oz/s320/Amy+Cheong+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Insert
Picard’s double facepalm picture here please. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Her comments
on the local Malay custom of having void deck marriages showcased not only her
insensitivity to her fellow countrymen, but also the hint of self-centered
elitism. <br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">It’s rather
shocking at how she is able to declare that “expensive” weddings results
long-lasting wedding. Was she a wedding planner or a wedding counselor? <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-US">Actually, no. She's just a membership consultant. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Spending tens
of thousands on a wedding dinner does not equate to a happy marriage. More
often than not, an expensive wedding dinner banquet added onto the financial and
mental stress of the newly-wed couple. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Which, according
to some of my friends and acquaintances, also explains why wedding lunches are
on the rising trend. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">As she
cursed, and swore with vulgarities on our Malays’ wedding customs, she seemed
to have forgotten that Chinese do utilize void decks in our own custom and
culture – in funeral wakes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">In
retrospect, I wondered if she would curse and swear if her family held a funeral
wake that lasted any number between 3-7 days, with chanting/choir singing every
other night. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The saddest
part of it all, in my opinion, was that she seemed to think her comments were “silly”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6kD-Ht76PjE8Ygf6QBllgncNwylz61R9sEGg7Noznn7EhKT6wFIOxBg4p4vzu-9sWVdACQB8B76T2XFitaoKR6677aw0HShyphenhypheniIYhtuSeIIdYu9Iu-FfntE_H6orBiBy5VZ_pZTKlPNA4y/s1600/Amy+Cheong+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6kD-Ht76PjE8Ygf6QBllgncNwylz61R9sEGg7Noznn7EhKT6wFIOxBg4p4vzu-9sWVdACQB8B76T2XFitaoKR6677aw0HShyphenhypheniIYhtuSeIIdYu9Iu-FfntE_H6orBiBy5VZ_pZTKlPNA4y/s320/Amy+Cheong+2.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I wondered which
part of her Facebook comments qualified as “silly”. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The <i>“How can society allow pple to get married
for 50 bucks?” </i>part?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Or the <i>“…maybe then the divorce rate wont be so
high!”</i> part? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Or the <i>“Not to mention as u happily start ur new journey,
there will be hundreds cursing u to death, me included”</i> part?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">For someone
who is educated enough to hold the assistant director rank with NTUC, she is
sadly lacking in the department of EQ. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">As of this
moment of this blog post, Amy Cheong has been sacked from her employer. (insert
Today’s report)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">To: Miss
Amy Cheong, for all the declarations and apologies that you had Ctrl C + Ctrl V
into your Twitter posts, you seemed to be missing the key reason why the nation
was outraged. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Your post was appallingly racist. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">No, it is
far from being “silly”. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">And I doubt
many will believe that you “didn’t mean it”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">For one to be
cursing/swearing openly and repeatedly on the social network, it only shows
how much sincerity and earnestness she placed in those “silly” words. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">May this be
a lesson to you. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Signing off<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Adeline<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">From the
Desk of a Recruiter<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08903388397116935702noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1428331479129160178.post-66178835377753061052012-09-27T18:26:00.000+08:002012-09-27T18:26:57.162+08:00The Case of the Grumpy Candidate<br />
Things has been kinda sluggish, particularly as we enter the final quarter and what is often known as the "bonus" period.<br />
<br />
There were fewer and fewer anecdotes encountered lately. Or perhaps my sense of humor disappeared along with my sales. But no anecdotes doesn't mean I don't encounter notable incidents in the workplace.<br />
<br />
As a recruiter, I am responsible to both my candidates and my clients.<br />
<br />
I am responsible in placing my candidates to the right clients; at the same time, I am also responsible for identifying candidates with the right experience/attitude for my clients.<br />
<br />
So yes, I do reject candidates base on their attitude.<br />
<br />
<br />
<i><span style="color: purple;"><b>Case 1 - The Case of the Grumpy Candidate</b></span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: purple;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="color: purple;">Me: Hello, may I speak with XXX? </span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: purple;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="color: purple;">Candidate: WHAT?! </span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: purple;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="color: purple;">Me: *stun* I am calling in regards to the application that you submitted for one of our positions.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: purple;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="color: purple;">Candidate: What position is that?! </span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: purple;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="color: purple;">Me: The Software Analyst role. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: purple;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="color: purple;">Candidate: Call me later! *hangs up*</span></i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<i><br /></i>
Needless to say, I never called the person back. I was appalled at his phone etiquette (or lack there-of), that I left a note in the central database - that this person has a very rude attitude.<br />
<br />
There are some candidates shows recruiters the negative aspects of their attitude, with arrogance topping the list. These candidates seemed to think only HRs are worth their time and courtesy.<br />
<br />
It probably never occurred to them that recruiters (sometimes) are their access routes to several HRs.<br />
<br />
One might argue that the candidate might be busy. Or the candidate might be in a bad mood. Those who knows me personally would know I am more than capable of yelling at CSRs when they step on my tail.<br />
<br />
But my response is and will always be:<br />
<br />
What if the person is your user?<br />
<br />
What if the person on the other line is your boss?<br />
<br />
Or, in case of job seeking, what if the other person is a potential hiring manager, doing a phone interview?<br />
<br />
There is nothing wrong in yelling at people over the phone. But I suppose it's not much to ask to at least answer the phone with a neutral tone. Should the caller deserve a couple of minutes of yelling, we can always start in the next sentence.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Signing off<br />
Adeline<br />
From the Desk of a Recruiter<br />
<br />
<br />Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08903388397116935702noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1428331479129160178.post-29021516721470348842012-09-11T20:30:00.000+08:002012-09-12T14:21:35.959+08:00The JobThis happened to me at around 7pm one fine day....:<br />
<br />
<i>Call in applicant: "I saw a job advert on the net. I'd like to talk to your HR Manager about this."<br />
<br />
Me: "We're a recruitment consultancy here. Maybe I can help you with that."<br />
<br />
Call in applicant: "I'd like to talk to someone about job opportunity"<br />
<br />
Me: "What is it regarding? Maybe I can help you with that."<br />
<br />
Call in applicant: "No, I'd like to talk to someone about the job."<br />
<br />
Me: "............. Yes, you can talk to me. What is it regarding?"<br />
<br />
Call in applicant: "No. I'd like to talk to someone about the job. Can you get someone to call me back about the job?"<br />
<br />
*Me facepalming*<br />
<br />
Me: "Okay... What is your number?"<br />
<br />
Call in applicant: "+971 XXXXXXX"<br />
<br />
Me: "Sorry, we can only accept candidates currently residing in Singapore."<br />
<br />
Call in applicant: "Fine." *hangs up*</i><br />
<br />
*~*~*<br />
<br />
My only reaction at the end of the conversation: <br />
<br />
<span style="color: purple;"><b><u>WHAT </u>JOB LAH! </b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
All in a day's work. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
*Takes deep breath*<br />
<br />
<br />
Signing off<br />
Adeline<br />
From the Desk of the Recruiter<br />
<br />Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08903388397116935702noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1428331479129160178.post-68332953657739381502012-07-02T09:32:00.005+08:002012-07-02T09:32:54.227+08:00Meme: Facepalm Worthy Intelligence<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/556101_10151704815786777_441121817_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="368" src="http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/556101_10151704815786777_441121817_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Picard does it best at facepalms. </div>
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Signing off</div>
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Adeline</div>
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From the Desk of a Recruiter</div>
<br />
<br />Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08903388397116935702noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1428331479129160178.post-33283819821171955922012-06-25T18:33:00.001+08:002012-06-25T18:34:42.761+08:00Recruitment 101: Lesson #3<br />
<b>Recruitment 101</b><br />
<br />
<i>Lesson 3:</i><br />
<i><br /></i><br />
<i>Never take it for granted that cover letters are professional documents. It may contain other information, such as a summary of the childhood memories of the job applicant had of his/her deceased father, 3 siblings and family teachings. </i><br />
<br />
<br />
*~*~*<br />
<br />
Let it now be said. In a cover letter:<br />
<br />
We<b> <u>DO NOT</u> </b>need to know:<br />
<br />
1) Who raised you<br />
2) The age your father passed away<br />
3) The number of siblings you have and/or have to take care of<br />
4) How your family's teaching has influenced you to be who you are.<br />
5) How your ex-employer has mistreat you<br />
6) How your wife thinks you should get a new job<br />
7) How the arrival newborn child is motivating you to get a better paying job<br />
<br />
<br />
We. Are. Not. Matchmakers. Or. Family. Counsellors<br />
<br />
<br />
What we<b> <u>DO</u> </b>like to see:<br />
<br />
1) Written descriptive of your educational qualification<br />
2) 2-3 paragraphs of your professional experiences<br />
3) How your experience can value-add to the listed vacancies<br />
4) Your contact details<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><b>Resumes and Cover letters are professional representation of one's self. </b></span><br />
<br />
Leave personal history, your ah-gong/ah-ma/ah-pa/mummy/hubby/wife's teachings to gossip or chit-chat-sessions with your friends.<br />
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<br />
Yes, it's been a long Monday.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Signing off,<br />
Adeline<br />
From the Desk of a RecruiterChanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08903388397116935702noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1428331479129160178.post-45910018487990507202012-06-18T22:00:00.000+08:002012-06-18T22:00:08.993+08:00Preventive Mastur.. what?<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
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<i>Dear Jobseeker, </i></div>
</div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
</div>
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<i>Read your resume carefully before sending it out. </i><br />
<i><br /></i><br />
<i>"Preventive Maintenance" and "Preventive Masturbation" are worlds apart. </i></div>
</div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
</div>
<i>From the Desk of a Recruiter</i><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<i>*~*~*</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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I am an avid surfer of <a href="http://www.fmylife.com/" target="_blank">FMyLife.com</a>. For those of you out there thinking today is the worst day of your lives, please drop by the website. It's therapeutic.<br />
<br />
<br />
This <a href="http://www.fmylife.com/intimacy/19270252" target="_blank">anecdote </a>pops up on one of my daily views on the FML website.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span style="color: #0b5394;">Today, I found out that my resume contained the word "masturbation" in the skills section, courtesy of a practical joke by my best friend. I have been using this CV unsuccessfully for over two months. FML</span></i></blockquote>
<br />
Finding it utterly amusing, I forwarded this little anecdote to my fellow colleagues. After a good laugh to chase away the office blues, one of them decided to do a keyword search, to see if the word "masturbation" truly exists in the massive load of resumes we received.<br />
<br />
And... yes, it did... on the employment history of an engineer<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span style="color: #0b5394;">"Preventive masturbation of machinery...." </span></i></blockquote>
<br />
Needless to say, we had another laugh.<br />
<br />
Over time, I came to develop a mental list of "Top Weirdest Resumes".<br />
<br />
Some of them were weird because of strange resume <a href="http://recruiter-desk.blogspot.sg/2011/02/photography-skills-apply-in-jobhunts.html" target="_blank">photos</a>; others due to strange <a href="http://recruiter-desk.blogspot.sg/2011/02/wee-bit-big.html" target="_blank">typography</a>.<br />
<br />
THIS particular hilarious gem, however, wins the new #1 spot on my <strike>rather disorganized</strike> list, all with a simple word.<br />
<br />
<br />
Advice from the Desk:<br />
Always, always, <b><u>always </u></b>read your resume two times before clicking the send button. Spending an extra 5 minutes won't kill your eyes.<br />
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<br />
<i><br /></i></div>
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Signing off<br />
Adeline<br />
From the Desk of the Recruiter</div>Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08903388397116935702noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1428331479129160178.post-69486409026311208472012-06-14T13:55:00.003+08:002012-06-14T14:31:43.789+08:00Not too big, not too small, but juuuuuust right.An incident shared:<br />
<br />
<i>Colleague: Any particular reason why you're looking to leave? </i><br />
<i><br /></i><br />
<i>Jobseeker: I'd like to move onto a bigger firm. The current one I'm in is too small. </i><br />
<i><br /></i><br />
<i> Colleague: I have an opportunity with XXX (established property development company). Would you be interested? </i><br />
<i><br /></i><br />
<i>Jobseeker: Oh. That company is too big. I don't think I will be interested. </i><br />
<i><br /></i><br />
<i>Colleague: ... </i>
<br />
<i><br /></i><br />
*~*~*<br />
<br />
Following last year's blog post on how I can't seem to understand job-seekers' mindset, here is yet another case that truly puzzled us on the mentality behind job-seekers.<br />
<br />
As one of my friends have responded:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span style="color: purple;">Not too big, not too small, but juuuuuuuuust right </span></i></blockquote>
<br />
Uh huh... Coming to you soon:<br />
<br />
<b><i>Goldilocks Staffing Consultancy </i></b><br />
<b><i> - Dedicated to finding opportunities that are juuuuuuuuuuuuust right. </i></b><br />
<br />
Rant aside, some jobseekers want bigger company, with bigger package, bigger basic salary, bigger responsibilities, we give them one.<br />
<br />
Instead, they'd like to take the bigger package, bigger basic salary, but not the bigger company and/or bigger responsibilities.<br />
<br />
On certain days in this job, I feel like I'm working in a food-stall.<br />
<br />
"Aunty ah! I wan one wanton mee, extra wantons, got discount?"<br />
<br />
"Alo ah! I wan one job, extra money, little responsibility!"<br />
<br />
I'm not sure if I should feel sad/depressed that this is a growing mentality among job-seekers, particularly those who wants lovely bank-like paycheck, but not the heat that comes with that money.<br />
<br />
And one would think the concept of 'no free lunch' should be instilled in all of us.<br />
<br />
Signing off<br />
Adeline<br />
From the Desk of the RecruiterChanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08903388397116935702noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1428331479129160178.post-76681406276084660732012-06-11T12:56:00.002+08:002012-06-11T12:57:21.207+08:00Recruitment 101: Lesson #2<br />
<b>Recruitment 101</b><br />
<br />
<i>Lesson 2:</i><br />
<i><br /></i><br />
<i>Never take it for granted that application emails contains resumes. </i><i>It may contain something else...</i><i> a 439-page documentation developed for a school assignment, for example</i><br />
<i><br /></i><br />
<i>Or, it may contain something more interesting. Like, </i><i>blood-test results.</i><br />
<br />
<br />
*~*~*<br />
<br />
Often, I wonder what is going through the mind of job-seekers when they select documents to be attached in an application email.<br />
<br />
I'm comforted by the fact that 98% of the emails I received from job-seekers do contain the relevant attachments, such as cover letter, passport-size photos, resumes/CVs, transcripts, etc...<br />
<br />
The remaining 2% however, contains the weirdest attachments I've seen. More recently, I came across one who attached a 439 page documentation for a programming language. This attachment was accompanied by another 120 page documentation for goodness-knows-what, resulting in the application email to be a whopping 17MB, of which 69KB was relevant - his resume.<br />
<br />
At least Mr 439-Page-Documentation submitted his resume. Just the other day, I received an application email with only one document - blood test result.<br />
<br />
Well, Mr Blood-Test-Results, I am happy you were tested negative for Hepatitis A, B or C. But I still have no idea how your blood test is able to justify you were suitable for an IT Engineer role.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Signing off,<br />
Adeline<br />
From the Desk of a RecruiterChanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08903388397116935702noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1428331479129160178.post-10844520964946856112012-04-28T20:00:00.000+08:002012-04-28T20:00:01.457+08:00Meme: What I really do<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiMKo5RWICgcSOLZk_VheOHfNYIuBflRg4vcBfpo4arFYyPdJ5Kb26J-Y1TSlBNTnd6i9mHznyqKBFlcdvcov6pdKOKhCAUhjgBSv6wa_S8OCe5x_VoI0dXyvHfqnFDpkh8CLKcwTewExl/s1600/Recruiters-Meme.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiMKo5RWICgcSOLZk_VheOHfNYIuBflRg4vcBfpo4arFYyPdJ5Kb26J-Y1TSlBNTnd6i9mHznyqKBFlcdvcov6pdKOKhCAUhjgBSv6wa_S8OCe5x_VoI0dXyvHfqnFDpkh8CLKcwTewExl/s640/Recruiters-Meme.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Just for fun. =D Cheers!<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
Signing off<br />
Adeline<br />
From the Desk of a RecruiterChanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08903388397116935702noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1428331479129160178.post-87903869753811143122012-04-25T22:00:00.000+08:002012-04-25T22:00:00.841+08:00Meme: Y U NO...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/530316_10151509656666777_522631776_9991163_1739766121_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="245" src="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/530316_10151509656666777_522631776_9991163_1739766121_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This has been on my mind for the past 24 days and 3 months and 4 years, and I suppose will continue to be on my mind. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When the world of recruitment runs on a try-luck mentality, it starts to move away from being a proper service and to a world of gambling. With the induction of online job portals, the only risk for jobseekers in mass-sending resumes is that mild ache in the mouse-finger.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>"Just try lah. No harm mah!" </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've received fresh IT graduate applying for a Global Head in Information System Architecture. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've received fresh Business Administrative graduate applying for a Business Objects Consultant.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've received an Admin Executive applying for SQL 2008 Architect
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've received Physical Education graduate and current basketball coach applying for Oracle Database Administrator. (No kidding)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sometimes, I reply these people, asking them to elaborate on their <b>relevant</b> experience in the field. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The most common answer I've heard, in a nutshell: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>"I've used this software before. I am sure I can do this job." </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I know how to use a fridge. Does that mean I can build a fridge on my own?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When does looking for a career became an action of "just try, no harm"? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm not really sure if jobseekers will appreciate it if employers just try them out for a few days. Just try luck and see. No harm, right?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Or, would jobseekers enjoy it if recruiters send them out to any available position, regardless of what they are qualified for. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Just try luck and see, no harm anyway. Do I have to care if you are a 2nd class Honors graduate in IT and I recommend you for an Admin Assistant job?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Some (keyword: some) of the job seekers have the most questionable attitude when they apply for everything that contains the words "IT" or "Computer" and expect a full-time permanent employment with career progression with an attractive paycheck. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The only logic I see similar exists in the casinos. Of course, at the casinos, you do not have the luxury of throwing your chips to every game without any cost. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No matter how many times you declare in your cover letter/resume how "meticulous and takes work with pride" you are, sending your resume to 100 job advertisements a day only shows how little time/effort you spend in understanding a simple piece of information. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Of course, there's always two sides to a coin. I'll post up the other side of the coin in the next update. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Signing off</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Adeline</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">From the desk of a Recruiter</span>Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08903388397116935702noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1428331479129160178.post-49056142925023998712012-03-13T19:00:00.000+08:002012-03-13T19:00:05.055+08:00Plant's reproductive structure<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<i>Dear Jobseeker, </i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<i>The name of this country is Singapore, or S'pore if you're really lazy. It is <b>not</b> Spore. </i><br />
<i>We are not the reproductive structure of a plant. </i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<i>From the Desk of a Recruiter</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<i>*~*~*</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<i>... </i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<i><br /></i><br />
I'm not exactly sure why job applicants can be in such a rush to send out an email, that they overlooked the aprostaphes.<br />
<br />
Not exactly the best way to impress an employer or a recruiter of those "excellent English communication skills" of yours when you can't even compose an email using standard English, (never mind business standards)<br />
<br />
I do take solace that these mistakes were never made by local Singaporeans. That would have been a truly facepalm moment.<br />
<i><br /></i><br />
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Signing off<br />
Adeline<br />
From the Desk of the Recruiter</div>Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08903388397116935702noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1428331479129160178.post-46701859857688581892012-01-16T22:35:00.000+08:002012-01-16T22:37:48.314+08:00The Perfect Resume is like The Perfect Woman...It doesn't exist.<br />
<br />
More often than not, I have requests from friends asking me for advise on resume writing. Other times, they simply ask me for THE template. I usually give them the template I use for myself.<br />
<br />
Having said that, I update my resume regularly with the strictest expectations. My friends do not get the fresh-out-of-poly-blur-like-<i>sotong </i>version of my resume.<br />
<br />
I remember writing on this blog once:<br />
<br />
<i>A perfect resume is like a perfect woman. It doesn't exist.</i><br />
<br />
A resume, or a curriculum vitae, has only one purpose. To sell your abilities and experience to a prospective employer/recruitment consultant. As long as it achieved that purpose for you, it is your perfect resume.<br />
<br />
However, it would be nice if you follow to certain norms expected of a resume, or any professional document for that matter.<br />
<br />
<b>1) Professional-looking photos, for goodness' sake</b><br />
<br />
Photos are a part of the standard resume template. Google "resume template" and I am pretty sure more than 50% of templates you see includes a space for a passport photo of yourself.<br />
<br />
I have received some <a href="http://recruiter-desk.blogspot.com/2011/02/photography-skills-apply-in-jobhunts.html">weird photos</a> in my time as a recruiter and most of my peers would have had similar experiences with eccentric resume photos. Let it be said that HR Managers and/or Recruiters do not really care how your wedding dress/prom dress looks like, so please choose an appropriate photo.<br />
<br />
Just a gentle guideline on choosing the photo you wish to put in your resume.<br />
<br />
- A plain white background. (We do not need to see cubicle doors)<br />
- Just you, and you alone. (If a friend decides to hug you/kiss you while you are taking the photo, please ask to re-take)<br />
<br />
<b>2) Standard fonts will do.</b><br />
<br />
Arial is a common favourite. Times New Roman being a close second. Other fonts resulting in a delightful resume includes Calibri, Verdana and Garamond.<br />
<br />
So, please, dear jobseekers. <a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6a/Lucida_Handwriting_sample.svg/662px-Lucida_Handwriting_sample.svg.png">Lucida Handwriting</a> and <a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/42/Comic_Sans1.png/220px-Comic_Sans1.png">Comic Sans MS</a> are not suitable fonts for a resume. If you really have to use the above two fonts for any document, please ensure the document is not in anyway tied to a professional representation of yourself.<br />
<br />
<b>3) Standard font size will do </b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
This topic is a personal favourite ever since I received an extremely <a href="http://recruiter-desk.blogspot.com/2011/02/wee-bit-big.html">impressionable font-size-35-resume </a>, I couldn't repeat any more often about the importance of font size in a resume.<br />
<br />
Standard sizes of 10, 11, 12, or even 13 works well for a resume. Anything above 16 and below 20 should be used only as headers.<br />
<br />
There is absolutely no reason why a resume would require the font size 35. I still don't get that.<br />
<br />
Neither are there any reasons why a resume should be written in font sizes 5-8. I mean, you do want someone to read the words in your resume, don't you?<br />
<br />
<b>4) Standard font color will do </b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
Black on white goes together well. Very, very, very well. So please exploit that color combination to the best you can.<br />
<br />
And avoid <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">bright red</span></b> in your resume whenever you can. You are writing a resume, not emulating a Facebook notification.<br />
<br />
Having said that, avoid any <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan;">variations </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow;">of </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime;">bright </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">colors </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">too</span>.</b> My eyes will thank you.<br />
<br />
<b>5) Avoid too many attachments. </b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
It is almost a daily occurrence for recruiters to receive resumes of a whopping 10MB. In case you don't realize, 10MB is almost the size of 2 (maybe 3) MP3 files.<br />
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Often, these resumes comes from zealous fresh graduates who attached their lifelong certificates, right down to their PSLE certifications. My record so far was receiving a job application with 15 attachments. Excluding the resume.<br />
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Yes, <b>15</b> attachments.<br />
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Note to the fresh graduates:<br />
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- Attach the appropriate certifications. If you are applying for an IT job, we do not need to receive Certificate of Participation for Basic Accounting I, II. and III.<br />
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- Resize the picture files if you have to.<br />
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- There is a wonderful software called "WinRar"<br />
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<br />
And with the above 5 points, I conclude this first entry of the year 2012. May everyone find their ideal jobs soon.<br />
<br />
Signing off<br />
Adeline<br />
From the Desk of a RecruiterChanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08903388397116935702noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1428331479129160178.post-74054773202322635172011-10-28T18:14:00.000+08:002011-10-28T18:14:56.094+08:00“True Blue” Singaporeans? Be true-hearted, Singaporeans, not blue-blooded.<div class="MsoNormal">Having sat behind a computer reading resumes for coming 4<sup>th</sup> year now, I know the pains of hiring locals, and hiring foreigners alike. For the first two years of my recruitment experience, hardly a day goes by without moments where I have to do a facepalm, or starts cursing at my trusty Compaq. (For more details, please feel free to explore my archives)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">GE2011 was over for almost half a year now. The newly elected MPs had taken their oaths and already the highlights of the Parliamentary debates were yesterday’s news. But yet, it seemed like the feelings of “anti-foreigner-ism” remained as fresh as it were in May. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">In light of an <a href="http://www.facebook.com/theonlinecitizen/posts/283722151649189">interesting debate</a> that took away an hour of my sleep last night, I feel compelled to write this blog entry. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">For those who’d care less to read through all 70 comments, here’s the summary.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">A popular online media site shared a link commenting how a local company placed an advertisement seeking specifically Filipino personnel for RPG/AS400 development. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Note: RPG/AS400 is an IT technology that is over 50 and 20 years old respectively. Essentially, it is the great-great-grandpa of the languages we learn in Polys and Unis.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Within 10 minutes of the posting, comments like the following appeared:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><i><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">“Our Gov prefer the FT than the Singaporean ... That's why there's NO LAW to protect Singaporean.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Me, having had a memorable experience in hiring AS400 people, simply could not resist posting up the fact that how aged this technology was. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">To my surprise, the comments that followed were… “interesting”, to say the least.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><i><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">“Adeline,the job ad shouldnt specify pinoys.period.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><i><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">“Such adverts amount to racism and discrimination. The company could simply advertise "Requiring RPG /AS400 Programmers and Developers". Imposing Race and Nationality requirements in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Singapore</st1:place></st1:country-region> Job Advertisements need to be dealt with. Meritocracy means Hire on merit. Not race, not nationality.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><i><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">“At least this company is honest enough to not waste the time of a job seeking Singaporean. Maybe websites like JobsDB should have a section or marker for us locals, indicating "Singaporeans and Dogs need not apply".<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><i><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">“Adeline you're blind.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><i><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">“Adeline Chan ....Maybe you are Pinoy or One of the brainless 60% ...”<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Erm, no, the last time I check, my nationality is stated as <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Singapore</st1:place></st1:country-region>, my brain is sitting happily in my skull and I’m only short-sighted.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">And wow. “Meritocracy”, “Discrimination<i>”</i>. Big, fancy words arrive. *drum roll please*. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The irony of the situation slapped me in the face like a smelly sock that has not been washed for years. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">So, these “true-blue” Singaporeans are upset that:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US"><span>1)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">An advertisement posted “Filipinos needed”.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US"><span>2)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">Companies are looking for foreigners for a technology that is so old, even our parents might not have learnt it when they are in school. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">For all the fairness that was obligated in the recruitment industry, I only see bitching, cursing about job advertisements with a tag that says “<<u>Insert Foreign Country> </u>needed” or “<st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><u>Singapore</u></st1:place></st1:country-region><u> PRs welcomed</u>” or basically, any job advertisement that contains the word “Foreigners”. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">What about job postings that declares “<u>Only Singaporeans need to apply</u>”? There’re a dime a dozen out there in the Internet, and I see no media bitching and commenting about how “un-Meritocratic” it is to place a job vacancy that likewise, also only specify which nationals need to apply. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">How is that not “Meritocratic” or not “Discriminatory”, Singaporeans? Or is recruitment fairness only applicable to Singaporeans? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">It is even more so ironic how Singaporeans are being so righteous about a job vacancy not being available to Singaporeans when this is a technology so old, Singaporeans ROFL when presented with this opportunity. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Would they rather Singaporeans learn a technology that is the same age as their parents/grandparents?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Would they rather Singaporeans take up a job that has no career advancement opportunities?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Or would they rather Singaporeans to stay 20 years out-dated while foreigners out there move into the new decade ahead of <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Singapore</st1:place></st1:country-region> with Microsoft, Oracle and SAP? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">If that is how “true blue” Singaporeans should think, then this post-GE2011 “assumed-nobility” of Singaporean blood is truly ridiculous.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Yup, these people are “true blue” alright. But it probably will soon mean “truly blue-blooded”. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Be “true-hearted”, Singaporeans, not “blue-blooded”. It will only result in a further degeneration of our country. <span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">We don’t have to love foreigners either. But neither do we need be xenophobic or extremist. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">A very micro-view of this foreigner-issue, but it is pretty clear to me that reiterating macro-views to these true-blue Singaporeans will only mean I am physically and/or mentally handicapped.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Signing off</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Adeline</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal">From the Desk of a Recruiter</div>Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08903388397116935702noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1428331479129160178.post-19776049757493388192011-07-13T00:48:00.002+08:002012-06-23T10:48:33.228+08:00Regarding Foreigners<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><u>Regarding Foreigners </u><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><u><br />
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<i>(Note: Long entry ahead)</i></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">The General Elections 2011 was over for just about 2 months, but even now, we could feel the impact to society. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">I have kept silent on the foreigners issue since the beginning of my involvement into politics, because I stand neutral in this matter. But I guess through recent events, there was only that much silence I could maintain. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">In my line of work as a recruiter, I deal with foreigners on a daily basis. Hell, I was even responsible in doing what was condemned in GE2011, placing foreigners into jobs Singaporeans are capable of doing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">That being said, as a very typical Singaporean, I curse and swear about some of the grief I had to endure with this group of foreigners. But let it also be known that I have had the pleasure of dealing with some really awesome foreigners as well. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Anyway, Singaporeans give me equal (and sometimes more) amounts of grief to curse and swear about. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">But that’ll be an entry for another time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">As I read from social media, internet news sources or even comments from people I know, I noticed a pattern slowly emerging. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Foreigners (as a total entity) had been a very convenient excuse for anything and everything that happened to Singapore.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Increase findings of corpses? Cos of foreigners <i>lah</i>!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Increased social issues? Cos of foreigners <i>lah</i>!<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Packed train stations at peak hours? Cos of foreigners <i>lah</i>!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Lousy service? Cos of foreigners <i>lah</i>!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Lack of jobs, university opportunities, housing for Singaporeans? Cos of foreigners <i>lah</i>!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">And the list goes merrily on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">While I do agree with some of the comments, seriously though, enough should be enough. Foreigners may have started a butterfly effect that played a part in all the issues that had happened (or will happen), but it is getting too easy to use them as The Reason for all our suffering. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Foreigners will probably be the next synonym for Sauron from Lord of the Rings, aka the Root of all Evil at this rate. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">While I do not agree with the current policies allowing unrestricted entry of foreigners into the workforce, they should not be the ones to carry the brunt of the people who decided and agreed upon these policies.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Say a restaurant offers buffet promotions without conditions. And as you’re eating there, helping yourself to perhaps the N-th serving of the most expensive food item, the restaurant managements grumbles loudly about how the customers are taking advantage of them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Yes, it is a terrible analogy, but I hope this made my point across. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">During the past two weeks, I was involved in a unique situation. It was this situation and the repercussions of it that prompted me to write this blog entry to share my thoughts. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US">The Story of Mr Foreigner, SME ABC and the Work Pass.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US">Mr Foreigner was a graduate from a local tertiary institute. While in the past, foreign students are given PR invitation letters upon graduation, it wasn’t the case for him due to the recent changes in immigration policies. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US">He tried unsuccessfully to get a job for a quarter of a year. Finally, he was offered a job from SME ABC. It wasn’t a job that offered the path for his ideal career, but hey, a job is a job. He accepted the job through verbal agreement and did the necessary procedures for his work passes. He was awarded the work passes, even though he never formally signed any contract agreement with SME ABC.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US">It just so happened that a week after his work passes with SME-ABC was approved, Mr Foreigner had the was eventually offered an entry level into the exact career path he dreamed to have from MNC XYZ. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US">Mr Foreigner was no dodo. He had lived in this city-island for three years and through that three years he had heard enough of MNC XYZ to know it was one of the most attractive places a fresh graduate could enter.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US">What would any fresh graduate (locals or foreigners alike) have selected? <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US">He accepted the MNC XYZ offer and proceeded to complete the paperwork. But MNC XYZ hits a problem. Mr Foreigner already had a valid work passes with SME ABC. Unless SME ABC cancels the work passes, MNC XYZ will not be able to apply the work passes for Mr Foreigner. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US">He requested SME ABC to cancel the pass. They replied by saying they will do it after the weekend. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US">After the weekend, and some weekdays, flew past, SME ABC told him the person who does the work passes was overseas and will complete the cancellation after he returns. There was nothing else they could do.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US">A few days after he returned from overseas, SME ABC told him the cancellation system was on a scheduled 18 hour maintenance hence there was nothing they could do.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US">A week after the system was up, SME ABC stopped answering his calls or replying his SMSes. When they eventually did answer, they reprimanded him for lack of work ethics and having them incur the extra $30 for the medical checkup. They then continued to ignore and avoid his calls. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US">It became quite clear to Mr Foreigner that this lack of action was done deliberately.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US">At wit’s end, Mr Foreigner sought help from the governance of all manpower problems. The governance advised him to send an email to SME ABC formally resigning from his post and requesting their action to cancel the work visa. If SME ABC should ignore his email, the governance would then be able to take action. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US">Two days after Mr Foreigner sent the email, SME ABC continued maintaining their silence. The email was forwarded to the governance and then…<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US">Silence. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US">In the days that followed, Mr Foreigner went to seek more advice and help from the governance, hoping someone would be able to provide some concrete help in his situation. The time is ticking and he knew, using his common sense, that MNC XYZ will not have the patience to wait for a fresh graduate for two weeks. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US">Governance Officer A told him, there was nothing they could do. He has to make a trip to SME ABC to have them cancel the work pass or he has to wait till the work pass expires… after 6 months. Otherwise, he has to wait till the governance has an update. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US">Governance Officer B was more helpful. He pressed some buttons on a device known as a desk phone and attempted to contact SME ABC. SME ABC continues ignoring calls. After one afternoon of calling, Officer B told him there was nothing else they could do since SME ABC continues to ignore their calls. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US">Mr Foreigner knew he could not find another job until SME ABC decides to cancel his work pass. But by the time SME ABC decides to cancel, it might have already been too late.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US">This is not a fairy tale. This is Singapore. There were no happy endings to this story.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">The story ended with the worst case scenario. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">(To anyone and everyone who had had the patience to read thus far, the tips of my fingers thank you.) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">I’d just like to ask a question. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Is this Mr Foreigner’s fault?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Perhaps some reactions would be, <i>“Yes! He asked for it. Who ask him to reject SME ABC? Got job still want to choose! Serves him right lah!”</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">To those who would like to respond with this answer (or similar variations), with all due respect, you deserve a smack to the back of the head. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">A job is a job, that I agree. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">But given a choice between a prominent MNC and a SME, the preference for most fresh graduates would be obvious; the MNC. This isn’t the issue of pickiness. It is just human nature. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">If Google offers you, the reader, a job opportunity after you’ve accepted a job offer with a company you never knew existed before, would you have done the same thing?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Would you have liked it to lose the offer with Google because this company decides to punish you for making them do extra paperwork? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Would you have liked it if you were not legally allowed to seek for another job for 6 months, ANY job for the same reason? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">For whatever reason why SME ABC chooses to take such an action (or lack thereof) is up to anyone’s imagination. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The unfortunate fact is, Mr Foreigner faced helplessness in the country he stayed in three years, believing in prospects in his future was brighter here than his sub-rural hometown upon graduation from a local institute. Not only from the companies, but from the mother of all manpower issues as well. And for someone who could only sit in the sidelines and listen to him over the phone, I find myself unable to be apathetic to his predicament.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Yet it is just plain sad that I have to tell him these dreaded words:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br />
<b>“There’s nothing else I could do.”</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">An honest, but sad reply. There was nothing I could do, except to advice and direct him to where he could seek help. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">So what if he’s a foreigner, seriously. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Every other day in my line, I deal with people rejecting the clients I have to offer. Even if the clients I offer to candidates are big and prominent names in the industry, there could still be an endless assortment of reasons from candidates on why they’d rather not consider these clients. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span lang="EN-US">“Too much politics.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span lang="EN-US">“Too much turnover.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span lang="EN-US">“I hear from my friend ah, inside not good.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span lang="EN-US">“I don’t want to work this kind of projects. Only want big banks now.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span lang="EN-US">“Too far.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span lang="EN-US">“Not central? I prefer CBD area leh.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span lang="EN-US">“Just don’t want this company lah.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span lang="EN-US">“I only looking for minimum 25% increment. Not negotiable. If your client cannot afford me than is ok.” <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">And <b>this</b> list goes rapidly longer and ridiculous with each passing year I stay on as a recruiter. Trust me, I get more of these reasons from locals than foreigners. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">This is a single case. Perhaps it is a localized case, just one of its kind. It’s just the case of one foreigner who had gotten bullied by this country, as compared to the millions others enjoying their stay here.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">But it’s time we stop using foreigners as the reason for all the negativity happening in Singapore. Not everything is their fault. Not everything is done by them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I am a Singaporean.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I am pro-opposition because I agree with what these parties are saying.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">But I am not anti-foreigner. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Before Singapore reaches a state of xenophobia, I’d just like this to be shared. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">These are the thoughts of one average recruiter, who sees the life of an average foreigner from a slightly different angle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Signing off,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Adeline<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">From the Desk of a Recruiter<u><o:p></o:p></u></span></div>Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08903388397116935702noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1428331479129160178.post-23862839148603500452011-06-17T23:23:00.001+08:002011-06-18T00:40:07.066+08:00Recruitment 101: Lesson #1<b>Recruitment 101 </b><br />
<br />
<i>Lesson 1: </i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>Never take it for granted that CVs contains contact number or email address.</i><br />
<br />
<br />
*~*~*<br />
<br />
Despite the existence of common sense in most people, in my line of work reviewing CVs everyday, I do come across resumes with beautifully written and impressive career history, career aspirations and credentials. <br />
<br />
Except contact details.<br />
<br />
Hence, dear students, please remember. Recruiters are not Jean Grey or Professor X with telepathic abilities. We can't contact you with our minds. >_^<br />
<br />
Signing off,<br />
Adeline<br />
From the Desk of a RecruiterChanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08903388397116935702noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1428331479129160178.post-66350221208131728002011-06-03T16:13:00.001+08:002011-06-03T16:16:03.262+08:00"Recruitment 101" seriesHaving not written anything for almost 2 months, due to work, school, personal rollercoasters, writer's block and a wee bit of laziness, I hit a sudden brainwave while in the midst of work to do this "Recruitment 101" series.<br />
<br />
What is this about? Well, you gotta read it to get it. ;)<br />
<br />
So here you go. Watch out for Lesson #1, coming up soon. =)Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08903388397116935702noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1428331479129160178.post-66608374162369440862011-03-28T21:28:00.000+08:002011-03-28T21:28:58.995+08:00Pronunciation Woes<i>Dear Jobseeker,</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>"Negotiable" is not pronounced as "Ner-go-shia-TA-ble". It's "Ner-go-shia-ble".</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>Thank you.</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>From the Desk of a Recruiter</i><br />
<br />
*~*~*<br />
<br />
This was a story shared with me by a fellow colleague and it struck me as pretty amusing. It is a common experience, hence it's worth a share.<br />
<br />
Signing off,<br />
Adeline<br />
From the Desk of a Recruiter.Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08903388397116935702noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1428331479129160178.post-82840367082946110452011-03-09T22:37:00.000+08:002011-03-09T22:37:11.070+08:00Different Stages...<i>While arranging for interview.....</i><br />
<div><i><br />
</i></div><div><i>Jobseeker: This week not very convenient. Schedule is abit tight.</i></div><div><i><br />
</i></div><div><i>Adeline: Aiyo. What stage is your project at now? Implementation?</i></div><div><i><br />
</i></div><div><i>Jobseeker: Desperate stage... *Sigh*</i></div><div><i><br />
</i></div><div><i>Adeline: ....... ^^|||</i></div><div><i><br />
</i></div><div><i>*~*~*</i></div><div><i><br />
</i></div><div>One of the rare and few pleasantly humorous moments. </div><div><br />
</div><div>For those who know of what is a SDLC would probably understand it better, but the punchline is not really that hard to get. </div><div><br />
</div><div>I know I'm really mean by finding this funny after the fact, but still.... I garnered quite a few "Likes" and positive comments when I pasted this conversation on my Facebook, so I figured this deserves a blog post on its own. =D</div><div><br />
</div><div>Signing off</div><div>Adeline</div><div>From the Desk of a Recruiter</div><div><br />
</div><div><i><br />
</i></div>Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08903388397116935702noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1428331479129160178.post-6126861766882132922011-02-25T18:08:00.000+08:002011-02-25T18:08:32.213+08:00Of assisting and ...<i>I won't be hiring this <b>assistant </b>soon, even if her resume boasts, "I'm a team player with 16 years of <b>assassinating </b>experience."</i> - <i>Cindy Donalson</i><br />
<br />
Readers' Digest<br />
(Referred by <a href="http://www.silaskhua.com/qammie">Qammie</a>)<br />
<br />
*~*~* <br />
<br />
A close friend of mine shared with me this gem of a joke from Reader's Digest. <br />
<br />
There's not much need for me to explain on the hilarity and punchline of this joke. Suffice it to say, please proof-read your resumes before blasting them out to potential employers. It's little hidden errors like this that kills your career.<br />
<br />
Signing off,<br />
Adeline<br />
From the Desk of a RecruiterChanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08903388397116935702noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1428331479129160178.post-51235993024908001802011-02-23T16:35:00.000+08:002012-06-23T10:52:16.182+08:00Dear Fresh Graduate...<i>Dear Recruiter,</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>I am Fresh Graduate from N** graduating with Bachelor of Computer Science (with Honors) . I am applying for Software Engineer position. My expected salary is 3,500 SGD/Mon.</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>As some companies are offering me some positions at the moment, I hope if you are interested in me please indicate me your intention within one week as possible.</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>From Fresh Graduate.</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>*~*~*</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>Dear Fresh Graduate,</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>If you think a Fresh Graduate setting a timeline/deadline for the Hiring Managers to respond to your job application cover letter is proper job-hunting etiquette, by all means please accept those companies who are offering you. I would wish them good luck and all the best. </i><i><br />
</i><br />
<i>From the Desk of a Recruiter</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>*~*~*</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
This particular incident was written in a very agitated/bitchy pen sometime in 2009 when it happened. To those who might recall the Desk of a Recruiter back in that year, I was quite bitchy with my words here.<br />
<br />
In any case, in view of the upcoming graduations of my friends currently attending local universities, this should be an interesting read. I do hope none of my friends or readers here make such a job-hunt suicidal mistake while writing their cover letters/job applications.<br />
<br />
I'm not saying there's anything wrong in the context of the email. All jobseekers have in their rights to ask for any salary they seem deem fit. It wouldn't be the first time recruiters receive jobseekers expecting 50% increment.<br />
<br />
It is that "setting of timeline" portion that kinda stretch the limits in a recruiter's tolerance. I'm not entirely sure I would even want to call this Fresh Graduate to assess his attitude when his email is so glaringly arrogant.<br />
<br />
Geez, Mr Fresh Graduate, to be cruelly blunt, there's another several hundreds of your classmates and equivalent graduates who are as qualified or even better qualified than you, who write in better grammar, a more polite tone, more importantly shows better attitude, even if it is just written words.<br />
<br />
I have more reasons to chuck your application aside after seeing your email than to even view your resume to see how fantastic you think you are to expect such a high salary range.<br />
<br />
To all jobseekers, there is a time, and place where you can demand someone to respond to your email. Doing it fresh out of university for your first job ain't exactly a smart time to do it.<br />
<br />
Like I said, people. There're better ways to do career suicide. Please don't do it this way.<br />
<br />
Signing off<br />
Adeline<br />
From the Desk of a RecruiterChanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08903388397116935702noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1428331479129160178.post-42622876285304675232011-02-23T16:28:00.005+08:002011-04-18T19:47:48.745+08:00I don't mean to be rude but this is...In the first quarter of first year in recruitment, I had this rather interesting experience with a jobseeker who came in from our neighbouring countries to seek opportunity in Singapore.<br />
<br />
<i>(Note: The English is minimally edited. I spoke in such pretty language back then. ^_^) </i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i><<after greetings...="" my="" standard="">></after></i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>Adeline: May I know your availability?</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>Jobseeker: Hah? *pause* Oh... Social Visit Pass</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>Adeline: I mean, may I know your a.vai.la.bi.li.ty?</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>Jobseeker: Ah... So.ci.al Vi.sit. Pass.</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>Adeline: ... When can you start work?</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>Jobseeker: Oh, ooooh. Immediately.</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>Adeline: *sigh* Ok, when will your Social Visit Pass expire?</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>Jobseeker: Im.me.di.ately!</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>Adeline: ... *facepalm*</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>*~*~*</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
The punchline of this conversation, this jobseeker holds double degrees from an esteemed university in the home country, one of them a Bachelor of Arts in English Language.<br />
<br />
Having experienced this so early in my career in recruitment, I guess it was safe to say, I also stopped taking for granted that everyone is fluent in English in this world.<br />
<br />
Welcome to Singapore.<br />
<br />
Signing off,<br />
Adeline<br />
From the Desk of a Recruiter<br />
<br />
PS: Amidst assignment and work craziness, this blog is slow in its updates. But then again, I wonder if anyone notices it. ^^"Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08903388397116935702noreply@blogger.com