From the Desk of a Recruiter

The Perfect Resume is like The Perfect Woman...

2012-01-16T22:35:00.000+08:00

It doesn't exist.

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.

Having said that, I update my resume regularly with the strictest expectations. My friends do not get the fresh-out-of-poly-blur-like-sotong version of my resume.

I remember writing on this blog once:

A perfect resume is like a perfect woman. It doesn't exist.

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.

However, it would be nice if you follow to certain norms expected of a resume, or any professional document for that matter.

1) Professional-looking photos, for goodness' sake

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.

I have received some weird photos 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.

Just a gentle guideline on choosing the photo you wish to put in your resume.

- A plain white background. (We do not need to see cubicle doors)
- 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)

2) Standard fonts will do.

Arial is a common favourite. Times New Roman being a close second. Other fonts resulting in a delightful resume includes Calibri, Verdana and Garamond.

So, please, dear jobseekers. Lucida Handwriting and Comic Sans MS 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.

3) Standard font size will do

This topic is a personal favourite ever since I received an extremely impressionable font-size-35-resume , I couldn't repeat any more often about the importance of font size in a resume.

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.

There is absolutely no reason why a resume would require the font size 35. I still don't get that.

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?

4) Standard font color will do

Black on white goes together well. Very, very, very well. So please exploit that color combination to the best you can.

And avoid bright red in your resume whenever you can. You are writing a resume, not emulating a Facebook notification.

Having said that, avoid any variations of bright colors too. My eyes will thank you.

5) Avoid too many attachments.

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.

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.

Yes, 15 attachments.

Note to the fresh graduates:

- 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.

- Resize the picture files if you have to.

- There is a wonderful software called "WinRar"

And with the above 5 points, I conclude this first entry of the year 2012. May everyone find their ideal jobs soon.

Signing off
Adeline
From the Desk of a Recruiter

“True Blue” Singaporeans? Be true-hearted, Singaporeans, not blue-blooded.

2011-10-28T18:14:00.000+08:00

Having sat behind a computer reading resumes for coming 4^th 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)

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.

In light of an interesting debate that took away an hour of my sleep last night, I feel compelled to write this blog entry.

For those who’d care less to read through all 70 comments, here’s the summary.

A popular online media site shared a link commenting how a local company placed an advertisement seeking specifically Filipino personnel for RPG/AS400 development.

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.

Within 10 minutes of the posting, comments like the following appeared:

“Our Gov prefer the FT than the Singaporean ... That's why there's NO LAW to protect Singaporean.”

Me, having had a memorable experience in hiring AS400 people, simply could not resist posting up the fact that how aged this technology was.

To my surprise, the comments that followed were… “interesting”, to say the least.

“Adeline,the job ad shouldnt specify pinoys.period.”

“Such adverts amount to racism and discrimination. The company could simply advertise "Requiring RPG /AS400 Programmers and Developers". Imposing Race and Nationality requirements in Singapore Job Advertisements need to be dealt with. Meritocracy means Hire on merit. Not race, not nationality.”

“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".

“Adeline you're blind.”

“Adeline Chan ....Maybe you are Pinoy or One of the brainless 60% ...”

Erm, no, the last time I check, my nationality is stated as Singapore, my brain is sitting happily in my skull and I’m only short-sighted.

And wow. “Meritocracy”, “Discrimination”. Big, fancy words arrive. *drum roll please*.

The irony of the situation slapped me in the face like a smelly sock that has not been washed for years.

So, these “true-blue” Singaporeans are upset that:

1) An advertisement posted “Filipinos needed”.

2) 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.

For all the fairness that was obligated in the recruitment industry, I only see bitching, cursing about job advertisements with a tag that says “<Insert Foreign Country> needed” or “Singapore PRs welcomed” or basically, any job advertisement that contains the word “Foreigners”.

What about job postings that declares “Only Singaporeans need to apply”? 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.

How is that not “Meritocratic” or not “Discriminatory”, Singaporeans? Or is recruitment fairness only applicable to Singaporeans?

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.

Would they rather Singaporeans learn a technology that is the same age as their parents/grandparents?

Would they rather Singaporeans take up a job that has no career advancement opportunities?

Or would they rather Singaporeans to stay 20 years out-dated while foreigners out there move into the new decade ahead of Singapore with Microsoft, Oracle and SAP?

If that is how “true blue” Singaporeans should think, then this post-GE2011 “assumed-nobility” of Singaporean blood is truly ridiculous.

Yup, these people are “true blue” alright. But it probably will soon mean “truly blue-blooded”.

Be “true-hearted”, Singaporeans, not “blue-blooded”. It will only result in a further degeneration of our country.

We don’t have to love foreigners either. But neither do we need be xenophobic or extremist.

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.

Signing off

Adeline

From the Desk of a Recruiter

Regarding Foreigners

2011-07-13T00:48:00.002+08:00

Regarding Foreigners

(Note: Long entry ahead)

The General Elections 2011 was over for just about 2 months, but even now, we could feel the impact to society.

In my line of work as a recruiter, I deal with foreigners on a daily basis. 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.

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.

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.

Anyway, Singaporeans give me equal (and sometimes more) amounts of grief to curse and swear about.

But that’ll be an entry for another time.

As I read from social media, internet news sources or even comments from people I know, I noticed a pattern slowly emerging.

Foreigners (as a total entity) had been a very convenient excuse for anything and everything that happened to Singapore.

Increase findings of corpses? Cos of foreigners lah!

Increased social issues? Cos of foreigners lah!

Packed train stations at peak hours? Cos of foreigners lah!

Lousy service? Cos of foreigners lah!

Lack of jobs, university opportunities, housing for Singaporeans? Cos of foreigners lah!

And the list goes merrily on.

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.

Foreigners will probably be the next synonym for Sauron from Lord of the Rings, aka the Root of all Evil at this rate.

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.

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.

Yes, it is a terrible analogy, but I hope this made my point across.

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.

The Story of Mr Foreigner, SME ABC and the Work Pass.

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.

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.

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.

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.

What would any fresh graduate (locals or foreigners alike) have selected?

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.

He requested SME ABC to cancel the pass. They replied by saying they will do it after the weekend.

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.

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.

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.

It became quite clear to Mr Foreigner that this lack of action was done deliberately.

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.

Two days after Mr Foreigner sent the email, SME ABC continued maintaining their silence. The email was forwarded to the governance and then…

Silence.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This is not a fairy tale. This is Singapore. There were no happy endings to this story.

The story ended with the worst case scenario.

(To anyone and everyone who had had the patience to read thus far, the tips of my fingers thank you.)

I’d just like to ask a question.

Is this Mr Foreigner’s fault?

Perhaps some reactions would be, “Yes! He asked for it. Who ask him to reject SME ABC? Got job still want to choose! Serves him right lah!”

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.

A job is a job, that I agree.

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.

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?

Would you have liked it to lose the offer with Google because this company decides to punish you for making them do extra paperwork?

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?

For whatever reason why SME ABC chooses to take such an action (or lack thereof) is up to anyone’s imagination.

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.

Yet it is just plain sad that I have to tell him these dreaded words:

“There’s nothing else I could do.”

An honest, but sad reply. There was nothing I could do, except to advice and direct him to where he could seek help.

So what if he’s a foreigner, seriously.

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.

“Too much politics.”

“Too much turnover.”

“I hear from my friend ah, inside not good.”

“I don’t want to work this kind of projects. Only want big banks now.”

“Too far.”

“Not central? I prefer CBD area leh.”

“Just don’t want this company lah.”

“I only looking for minimum 25% increment. Not negotiable. If your client cannot afford me than is ok.”

And this 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.

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.

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.

I am a Singaporean.

I am pro-opposition because I agree with what these parties are saying.

But I am not anti-foreigner.

Before Singapore reaches a state of xenophobia, I’d just like this to be shared.

These are the thoughts of one average recruiter, who sees the life of an average foreigner from a slightly different angle.

Signing off,

Adeline

From the Desk of a Recruiter

Recruitment 101: Lesson #1

2011-06-17T23:23:00.001+08:00

Recruitment 101

Lesson 1:

Never take it for granted that CVs contains contact number or email address.

*~*~*

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.

Except contact details.

Hence, dear students, please remember. Recruiters are not Jean Grey or Professor X with telepathic abilities. We can't contact you with our minds. >_^

Signing off,
Adeline
From the Desk of a Recruiter

"Recruitment 101" series

2011-06-03T16:13:00.001+08:00

Having 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.

What is this about? Well, you gotta read it to get it. ;)

So here you go. Watch out for Lesson #1, coming up soon. =)

GE Entry: The Rising Stars, and a single Gold Star.

2011-05-01T16:48:00.001+08:00

GE Entry: The Rising Stars, and a single Gold Star.

When I headed down to Potong Pasir today, I wasn’t sure what to expect.

Now that I came back to my cosy and messy little room at Bishan, I’m not sure what to express.

But first of, let me get this out.

I now have:

FULL.COMPLETE.UNCONDITIONAL

RESPECT

For the team of SPP.

Not only the Bishan Toa Payoh team, but also Mrs Lina Chiam and Mr Sin Kek Tong.

The unity of Potong Pasir residents were unlike any other. There’s no way residents of Bishan or Toa Payoh can be that close to each other. There’s no way the people of B-TP can express the same kind of unconditional love and respect for their MP, Wong Kan Seng.

The people of Potong Pasir had loved and respected Mr Chiam See Tong for 27 years and their love and respect is like the finest brandy being stored to age.

It can only gets better, and better as time past.

My heart and emotions soared with the crowd as we were led to cheer for the team. I yelled my throat out as I cheered, chanted and screamed with the crowd.

“Chiam See Tong! Chiam See Tong! Chiam See Tong!”

“Lina Chiam! Lina Chiam! Lina Chiam!”

“SPP! SPP! SPP!”

The atmosphere was electric and powerful as I felt, not only the love the residents of Potong Pasir have for Mr Chiam, but the undying respect they all have for this gentle, humble old man.

When I first arrived at Potong Pasir, I was a wide-eyed girl holding onto her Nikon D60 and a simple prime lens. I got my SPP badge, declined the flag (as I figured I’d be busy holding onto my camera) and headed off to find the rally place.

The place was simple. Potong Pasir reminded me of Bishan in my childhood.

A simple little town.

Sure, there aren’t any fancy big shopping malls or luxurious amenities.

But it is quaint.

I stepped onto the field, just in time to snap a few shots of a Toa Payoh resident interviewed by a journalist. I heard the resident voicing out his thoughts, with passion and with agitation against the current MP.

Mr Wong Kan Seng.

The interview ended, and I stepped forward to introduce myself as a fellow resident in the Bishan Toa Payoh GRC.

“We had had enough.”

That was the consensus both of us had about the GRC.

Then I met a young man by the name of N.Lee, serving the army, only 2 years younger than I am but also facing the brunt of money issues even before he entered the workforce.

And I met, with my utmost pleasure and honor, an ex-high ranking officer of the Reform Party, served under Jeyaretnam himself.

There were many uncles and aunties there, unhappy about the government. I agreed with them on the issues they raised.

While I have to say, I do not necessarily agree with everything that they had voiced out, but there was a common understanding.

“We had had enough of the current situation.”

The uncles and aunties commented that they’re surprised to see so many young people around. But they did realize that, whatever happens in this General Election, it is us young ones who feels the brunt of things.

The speakers speak with passion. Some with humour. And some with just a little less rockstar reception.

Nonetheless, the energy was there. The passion was there.

Jimmy, Wilfred, Kek Tong, Hamim, Benjamin, Mr and Mrs Chiam.

The topics they spoke of have only one commonality hidden in the lines.

The need to change.

Change, is always a constant. Without change, there could not be any movement. We change the positions of our muscles to stand, to walk, to move forward. We change our jobs to move forward in our careers.

We change, constantly.

We need change, constantly.

Tears burnt my eyes as Mr Chiam took his stand, his soft, frail voice over the loud speakers. The words of his speech touched the deepest chord of my heart, and I’m sure, many others residents or non-residents alike.

"When there is life there is hope, when there is hope, there will be change."

The pride of Potong Pasir residents was at an indescribable peak as each of the SPP candidates stood up and bowed gracefully to mark the end of the rally. I could feel that not only the pride that the residents have of themselves, of Mr Chiam and of the entire SPP team, but also SPP’s pride of being the representation of this quaint little town known as Potong Pasir

The town with slanting slopes was a star in its own right, marked with the shine of integrity and pride.

Last night, I felt the pride.

Last night, I saw the pride.

I was part of those proud to be supportive of these courageous people and their even more courageous leader.

Last night, I felt the hope.

Tomorrow, I believe I will see the hope at the Bishan Toa Payoh Rally.

I hoped that one day, Bishan Toa Payoh could be like these people of Potong Pasir.

SPP, if the past 2 weeks have encouraged me to be supportive of your actions, last night, cemented my believes in you.

You are rising stars, led, by a single, rare golden star.

GE Entry: Encountering the 5 stars of SPP

2011-04-30T11:29:00.001+08:00

GE Entry: Encountering the 5 stars of SPP

I was supposed to be rushing home to do assignments that Thursday night. But as I walked out of Bishan station, I couldn’t help but be surprised to see a group of 5 men and some others in standing around handing out fliers.

At the time, I do not even recognize Mr Chiam See Tong.

Yes, that is how ignorant a 24 year old can be.

At the moment, however, I wasn’t just an ignorant 24 year old. I was a granddaughter who had the misfortune to bury two grandfathers, I was quite saddened to see a frail old man standing there, almost bent at 90 degrees and shaking hands with public.

Saddened, and at the same time, somewhere in my apathetic heart, deep respect works like a fountain of spring water, and I couldn’t take my eyes off this group. I can’t find the heart to walk away without knowing more. Curiosity overrode all my thinking abilities.

But the media reporter was just right next to me, getting ready for an interview. And I wasn’t getting any brochures. I don’t even know who these people are. So I bolted.

Temporarily.

One has to eat, no matter what.

I returned when the crowd dispersed and I approached one of the volunteers passing out fliers. I asked him if it’s possible for me to speak to these 5 men bearing the star. He said, yes, sure. So I had the opportunity to talk to Wilfred.

I still remember the first thing I said to him was.

“Hi. I’m just wondering what you guys are doing here. I thought you’d forgotten about Bishan already.”

Before you guys start pelting me with eggs, in my defense, I would have said the same thing to Wong Kan Seng if he’s the one I talked to.

But moving on.

Wilfred was a nice chatty guy. I wasn’t holding back in my sarcasm and concerns when I talk to him. While some of the points I raised weren’t addressed quite the way I expected it to be, he did raise an excellent point following on my initial question.

The residents in this Bishan-Toa Payoh are different.

I agree. Bishan is a jaded estate. Toa Payoh is a mixture of old and new estates. Thomson area (Sin Ming, Shun Fu) is another class of its own.

To handle a GRC that can be of such diversity, Mr Chiam had to get together a strong enough team.

Intriguing answer. And that was when the conversation continued for another 20 minutes.

He spoke of the elderly living in the one-room flats of Toa Payoh. He spoke of the rumours of elderly sleeping in void decks.

I returned by sharing with him how non-existent Bishan seemed to be in the eyes of the politics. It has always been Toa Payoh, since Toa Payoh is the bigger slice of the pie. I’ve heard about opposition wanting to enter the WKS territory since last year but until that day, there was no-sound, no-picture.

I asked Wilfred another question. Is he a resident of Bishan? He says no. Does he know the history of Bishan? He says he only knew it used to be a cemetery. I just laughed and said, “Yeah, you’re standing on what was part of it.”

Then, the kicker question.

“What do you think you can do for Bishan.”

What can SPP do for Bishan?

As a resident all my life, I’ve heard just about every comment I could about this small little “town”. How everyone living in Bishan are rich people, rich families, etc etc etc.

But, not everyone who lives in Bishan is rich.

I’ve seen an old lady collect cardboards and trash thrown out by residents since I was 9. 15 years later, she’s still doing the same thing.

I suggested to him to take walk down to the market at Blk 150 onwards. Have a look at the people there. Talk to those people. Just because we are small doesn’t mean we don’t exist. Just because we are “rich” doesn’t mean we can be ignored.

For almost 20 years, yes, we’ve seen upgrades. Yes, we’ve seen our share of contribution. Yes, we’ve seen a whole lot of good stuff. Even if we disregard the MSK incident, you’ve been doing decent stuff here.

Have we seen you?

I haven’t.

But I’ve seen Wilfred.

I’ve seen Mr Chiam, who’s a good 20 years older, 20 times weaker than you, and he’s standing at the entrance of Bishan MRT, shaking hands of the public and talking to people. He earned my respect, even if he didn't speak to me at all.

He's earned a 24 year old's unconditional admiration and support.

I’ve seen the 5 men bearing the star logo.

I see them as the 5 stars in our national flag.

I’ve seen these people.

I hear these people.

And I’ve seen them heard me. A nobody, sarcastic 24 year old who walks in front of a candidate asking a rude question.

They've heard me.

Which is why I’ll vote for these people.

Signing off

Adeline

From the Desk of a Recruiter

GE Entry: It’s not about voting for comfort. It’s about voting to have our voices heard.

2011-04-30T03:00:00.003+08:00

A friend of mine spoke out his point in not voting for opposition. In all my sincerity, he is making sense in his reason for voting for PAP.

To be fair, he is being fair and logical. And for that, I believe he is deserving of a proper response from someone who was politically neutral and apathetic to someone who is now pro-opposition.

It’s not about voting for comfort. It’s about voting to have our voices heard.

Being politically apathetic comes with its benefits. It means I don’t even bother reading newspaper or watching the news. Boring stuff, really. It is easy to stay in the comfort zone.

Watching the same people taking $2-4million annual salary.

Hearing words that was supposed to be logical but can’t seem to be computed into logical sense.

Feeling frustrated with rising costs of living.

Feeling frustrated with rising miscellaneous taxes among other things.

Feeling frustrated with knowing our country is one that promotes democracy but couldn’t even allow freedom in the media or her people’s speech.

Feeling frustrated with the lack of someone average to just yell out to the people sitting behind pretty brown boxes.

“Hey, you millionaires, just take an elevator down from your lala-lands and live in reality with us!”

Each Singaporean faces different challenges in their daily lives here in Singapore. Singaporeans have grown from warm and caring to now, apathetic and cynical. Is it really just us, or is it because we see no reason to be caring now?

Just like how water can erode rocks.

Eventually, the lack of transparency, or simply, understanding by the government gets to her people.

Perhaps some are just voting the opposition for the sake of the opposition.

Perhaps some are voting because the opposition seemed to be better at communicating logic.

It all boils down to, we want some change.

We want people who actually talks to us and at the very bare minimum, listens to our ideas.

Not the same group of people who only talks to us when their area is contested. So if an area like Bishan, or Tanjong Pagar is not contested for years and years, where are these people? Are they sitting in their offices, assuming they know us, they know the best for us and create policies with excuses of “for the benefit of us”.

In my opinion, a government should be made up of people with different views. Not an army of automatons who only speaks from one sided view, or are brainwashed to think only in one single road. For a country known for our abilities at harmony of different cultures and races, for a country known to be democratic, it doesn’t seem to project into our parliament, at least, where ideas are concerned.

What is the point of calling ourselves a People’s Republic, when the cries of Singaporeans are not heard?

***

Rising costs can be attributed to global warming. It’s a domino effect and we all know it. Yes, other countries face higher living expenses, rising living costs, ridiculous taxes etc etc etc.

The list is never ending.

You compare Singapore to British, Malaysia, USA.

Should I compare the salaries then?

They are also impacted by the higher living costs that are plaguing the entire world. Agreed. But is it really the same?

In the United States, they have higher living costs and a president earning USD400,000 per year.

In Singapore, we have higher living costs and a president earning SGD4 million per year.

Should I compare the working culture then?

How much time does an average Singaporean spend in their work in a year?

Recently, someone shared with me that employees in Europe can receive as high as 45 days vacation leave.

“Oh, that’s only about 6 weeks off.” , or so he says.

A common friend of ours once commented. The working culture in United States is lax, compared to Singapore.

“I can leave on time at 5.30pm,” or so he says.

For all the ridiculous taxes the people of Europe and United States have to pay, the returns are intangible. For all the taxes we have to pay here, where do we see the returns? In an average of 44 work hours in a week? In a SGD400,000 increment for our top government official? Or in $400-$800 worth Growth Dividends?

I shouldn’t keep biting the old bone about the salary being received by our government officials, but can the graphs of living costs be compared between countries?

Rising living costs are unavoidable. But it’s probably just that wee-bit too hard to justify rising living costs here in Singapore when the salaries of government officials are rising at the same time.

I’m sure I’m not the only Singaporean who starts wondering, are we paying for our lives or for theirs?

***

Foreign Talents.

Ah…

This is a topic worthy of a 3 page essay on its own.

I am a recruitment consultant. I see foreign resumes everyday. As a matter of fact, I see 90% foreign resumes

I am neutral on this policy, because I have went through the frustration of not able to find suitable local candidates for my clients. Or picky, choosy locals.

In some days, I'd want to murder locals more than FTs. And trust me, I ain't the only recruiter who thinks this way.

FTs have their merits. I cannot deny that. No organization in this country can deny that. No one in this country is able to deny that with a 100% conviction Singapore can live without a single FT.

I have met plenty of awesome people who aren’t Singaporeans and they truly are fantastic people.

I seriously believe our economy will crash harder than 2009’s economic downturn. Or 1997’s economic downturn.

If I want to be pro-PAP, I can say that all of our forefathers were FTs, some 60-80 years ago. I myself am a 2^nd generation Singaporean. My local roots don’t go that far back.

The point here, however, is not just about how FTs comes in and steals our jobs. It’s about the policy allowing them freedom to walk in and out of Singapore as though it’s some market place.

Excuse me, would you like a stranger to walk in and out of your own home as though it’s a hotel?

At a point in time, Singapore Citizenship or Permanent Residence is being regarded as nothing more than a tool of convenience. Cheap, even.

Say for example, a housewife immigrant comes over from her country, sits pretty in Singapore for 3-6 months before being awarded the PR status.

How on earth can that be considered Permanent Residency?!

It’s nothing personal against FTs. Yes, we have social clashes. Yes, we have cultural clashes.

According to MM Lee, we are supposed to “welcome these people with open arms” as they may become citizens.

May I ask if they are here to be part of us, or simply to take a walk, try their luck as though Singapore is one huge casino and then walk off happily jingling with coins and a pretty blue card after striking jackpot?

Ok, I might have exaggerated a little bit there.

Or perhaps, a quote from a friend might be a little more apt.

“They think in Singapore, money come out of walls.”

*sigh*

I’m neither pro nor anti FTs. I can’t say for the whole of Singapore. I have friends who are FTs but I am also racist to a certain extent. It’s an occupational hazard, I’m afraid.

But it would be nice if Singaporeans can be placed in first priority. As a homeowner, I’m pretty sure you’d find it offensive if strangers walk in, sit and use your top of the line computer and then walk out after achieving his purpose. And you are not able to anything, because you’re told to welcome him with open arms.

We are Singaporeans in Singapore. At least, that’s what our NRIC and Passport indicates.

I think.

This is our home. They are, at best, future new neighbours in the next block. At worst, they will just be passer bys. In a very bitchy and childish way, we shouldn’t be giving them unconditional respect or begging for their respect until they truly understand what it’s like to be living in Singapore.

In a more respectful way, it'd be nice for the government to hear our voices as well. And not just theirs.

Signing off

Adeline

From the Desk of a Recruiter

GE Guest Entry: Why I wouldn't vote for Opposition. Yet

2011-04-30T02:30:00.002+08:00

Note from the Desk:

This is a post made by a friend of mine. My response is here
Or, for now, you can just scroll up. ;)

Cheers!

Adeline

Recently, I noted a lot of friends of mine have been getting into a frenzy about how bad PAP Government is and why everyone should vote for the Opposition. I happened to agree with some of the points being brought up by them. I agree that PAP have recently gotten complacent with their dealings. Shortcomings have been push into spotlight, events like YOG and MSK. Despite of all this, I will still vote for the People's Action Party.

Why?

Reasons are as follows:

Are the Opposition parties even prepared to form the government in the unexpected event that PAP suffer defeats? The Opposition suddenly becomes the government, have they any concrete plans to govern the nation? Do not forget we are talking about 5 different political party coming into power. Each with their own point of view on what needs to be done. What will this lead to? Coalition Government. And if there is anyone who follow the politics of the world, Japan and British government are currently running on such a system. And what look at what happened to them.

Political deadlock. Like what had happened in USA recently, the Democrats and Republicans disagreements almost lead to a the shutdown of USA Government. How will this affect Singapore in the eyes of the investor? Unlike USA who is one of the biggest economy in the world, Singapore cannot afford such a breakdown. We are too connected to the gobal economic. Any breakdown will spook the investors and they will bail out fast as a we are a small country with very litte backup or Plan 'B'.

So who would suffer once these investors bail out? Us, the average Singaporean blue-collared & white-collared workers who depend on these investment to create jobs. Is there anyone here who work in the private sector to some extend doesn't involve with any overseas counterpart like multinational companies? I think not.

Opposition for the sake of opposition is a stupid concept in the very first place. It is like going through motion for formality's sake. Nothing concrete is being done and smokescreen are being formed. Currently what are the major issues that most Singaporean face? Inflation that leads to higher price. And yet some people are pulling out old events that happened some time back to harp about it. Why this thing happened? What like this? Why like that? Do anyone of you want your own bosses to pull out old problem and mistakes and start demanding for explaination from you? Things that you thought have been laid to rest the previous time? Bloody irritating, isn't it?

The Opposition have been rising the issues about the increasing cost of living and all of them have some sort of grandiose plan on how to reduce the cost of living.Has anyone even stop and think about other countries? The way that everyone has been say is like ONLY Singapore and Singaporeans are experiencing the increasing cost of living. Anyone who have go across the Causeway would know about this. Malayisa are also having problem with the higher cost of living. And anyone who have friends in the Western countires will find out that they too are having the same issues. The entire world is experiencing the same issue. British recently increase the cost of tution for the University, the cost of food in USA also increased sharply in these recent years.

And from where the money to reduce the prices will come from? Government sponsored stuff? Right, look at how well that worked for Malaysia. How much their government is losing just to reduce the pricing of basic necessity. Pension and social Welfare services? Look at our very own former colonial masters, the British. How much of the money are being spend on Pension and Social Welfare and how much the Bristish people abused them. So much so that education and infrasture spendinhg have to be cut to balance the budget. And how high are their taxes are. Have anyone even consider that, huh?

Foreign talents, all I have heard from Singaporeans have been how all these people are coming in to steal our jobs. Blah, blah, blah. This is happening all over the world as every nations head towards gobalization. It is extremely ridiculous that that we are complaining about them from food court helpers to programmers on how they steal our job. Has anyone consider how ridiculous Singaporean demands are when it comes to pay? A friend of mine can testify on the what are pay expectation of fresh Singapore graduates. I will use Nurses as an example. Anyone notice how many nurse are foreign talent in Singapore hospital? Government structured hospital should hire mostly Singaporean nurses right? Wrong. Most Singaporean nurses leave government structured hospital and cross over to private nursing cite the following reason, long working hours and low pay. Imagine that! Singaporean unwilling to work at government hospital and yet Singaporeans are bitching about how all these' foreign talents' are taking over our job.

Sports as a career in Singapore for Singaporean? Out of 100, how many parent encourage their kids to become sportsmen or sportswomen? Very, very few. Study hard! Become a Lawyer or Doctor! Sports have no future! With attitude like this, how many Singaporean child will become sportsmen? And yet people cry foul when we get Chinese paddlers to play for us. And we scream again when Singapore Lion's Fifa ranking dropped. Who is to blame for all these? Some how or rather, the fault falls on our Singapore Government.

And the Opposition plans to reduce these foreign talent. So who will play for Singapore and who will do those work that we consider dirty job for us?

There is a long list of items I can pull out but there is no point. This will sooner transform into rant instead.

Call me whatever you want but until there is an Opposition Party that is willing to contest in the GE by fielding candiates in at least 70% of Singapore GRCs and SMCs to form the Government, I will still continue to vote for PAP Government.

GE Entry: "Progress"

2011-04-30T01:11:00.002+08:00

GE Entry: "Progress"

Original FB post and photo

"$2.6b 'Progress Package' for lower-income groups, elderly, NSmen" - now PM Lee, in 2006

Excellent progress, Mr Lee. Excellent.

I have to agree, this is a rather epic photo

To clarify, these aren't PAP candidates. These are the PAP supporters.

One might argue that this is merely a 2D image of that single second. But I'd argue back, there're so many of them right infront of her. I myself am guilty of ignoring this old lady on occasions. I don't give her a $2 note every single day. Yet, for an entire group of supporters to be standing so close to her and not a single one to be even glancing at her...? Or talking to her. With all due respect to the old lady, she is rather large. How can all of them just happen to be looking away?

Or are these supporters only human when the candidates arrive? They will only notice the old and needy when the cameras are tuned in onto them, or when Mr Wong Kan Seng grace the floor?

With this, I wonder, what would WP, NSP, RP, SPP, SDP supporters do in this sitation.

Signing off
Adeline
From the Desk of a Recruiter

GE entry: When it boils down to the evil $$$

2011-04-29T13:37:00.006+08:00

GE entry: When it boils down to the evil $$$

Why do I not care about politics. Well, frankly, I have more important stuff to care about.

At 24 right now, the only thing I care about is money. (I welcome anyone who thinks about this to raise their hand as well)

Money to sustain living here.

Money for my love for food and the necessities to be vain.

Money for future. (Assuming the world doesn’t end next year)

Money, money, money. It’s all about the S-11. *ka-ching*

While it may seem like a very average gripe, well, it is. I’m just an average woman trying to see a future here.

You and I know where “here” refers to. The land we stand on now,

Singapore

Question is, is there one possible future here?

Every other month, I hear my parents ooo-ing and aaa-ing about the rising prices of property in

Singapore

, in particular, the area I live in.

Bishan.

About 3 out of 10 times when I shared my residential area, I get the “Wow-you-are-rich-girl” look, coupled either with jaws dropping or with eyes wider than they were 3 seconds before. At the time of the fiasco on an apartment in one of Bishan’s point block sold for a sky-high price, I get the same look more often.

Well, unfortunate point is, it’s not my flat. I didn’t pay for the flat. My parents did. I’m just lucky to be born into a family who had, over decades of tears and sweat, achieved means to live in this “jaded” estate.

Every so often, I’d sit with my parents and listen to their comments on how difficult it’ll be for my generation to sustain a family here, and the sad, sad fact is, I couldn’t find any reason to rebuke them.

And precisely the reason why I question on the future here. My future here.

Just one simple question.

Can I afford the same kind of environment I grew up in for myself and my family in the future?

We all hope to give our family a better environment. That’s why we work hard, for a better future, right?

But I’m not even thinking that. I’d be thanking all the deities up in the Heavens if I could even provide the same standard of living for my family in the future.

Within a span of 10 years, the value of the flat I live in raised by almost 50%. And if I assume this to be how things will be like for the next 10 years, does this mean I’d need to pay a million for a HDB flat at a low-rise building?

Mind you. Low-rise building. Not anywhere near half the height of a point block. =\

At 24, I’m wondering if I should be worrying about if I’d be able to feed myself, my parents and my family when I reach 42.

Will I be able to afford a roof over my head, decent education for my children, medical services for my parents AND sustain myself 10 – 20 years from now?

I’m one of the lucky ones who receive decent, if not good, increments over the past few years. And yes, I attribute it to luck. As a recruiter, I’ve seen my share of people, (be it from the lower, middle-low or middle-high classes) who were not as lucky as I am. And please, don’t get me started on the foreigner-stealing-jobs issues. To do justice to that issue, I’d need to write a separate piece. But a fellow colleague has aptly summarized the entire issue into:

“I feel like I’m not in Singapore but in _(insert foreign country name)_ anymore. So many applications from foreigners from _(insert foreign country name)_”

Living standards in Singapore gets higher and higher, proportionate to our age getting older and older. And it’s a good thing. We, the generation born after the 70s enjoy air-conditioned buses, clean and green environment, decent education, safe environment, etc etc etc.

The list has no ending.

We cannot deny that PAP made this happen. We have increasingly better living standards.

We are lucky to have a better life than our parents, and for that, I am grateful for PAP’s existence.

Grateful. Period.

But gratefulness should not be taken for granted. Wake up, people. Yes, we owed you a favour for a better life, doesn’t mean you can keep using the past to whack on us and remind us we owed you that favour.

How can we really move forward if you keep asking us to look back and remember who made this island the way it is now?

To quote a phrase I’ve heard since young.

“以前？以前 ma-ta穿短裤啦，以前？现在都不一样了还讲以前？”

(Translation: “The past? In the past ma-ta (policemen) wear shorts leh! Times now are different liao still talk about the past?”)

My grandmother said that. And if an old lady is able to think that way, why not our ruling parties who have just about the same hair color as my grandmother?

For all the candidates who recycles the idea of “remember what we have done” in their speeches and interviews, please, realize it is the year 2011 now. It’s not only a new decade, new century, new millennium, but it is also a different era.

Unless you tell me where I can find a bowl of noodles sold for 20cents or a KFC restaurant still using forks and knives, please realize, growth is not just about remembering what was done but what has to be done, going forward.

We cannot wear the shoes of our parents and walk backwards to take the same paths as them. So stop telling us to fit into their shoes, look from their perspective, and remember what was done.

Sorry, news flash. But we cannot turn back time.

Perhaps though, you should step into our shoes, and look from our perspectives as we, the younger Singaporeans move ahead in this country, for this country.

But I digress. Back to $$$ issues.

In the past 5 years, we read about increments received by our government officials. The monthly salaries received by our officials are easily more than an average Singaporean’s annual salary. They need to count their increments and salaries with fingers from both hands.

And wow! Lo-and-behold, within the same time period, we hear “increments” made to taxes and costs of living.

For a country that’s more than 50 times smaller than the United States, with lesser problems than that gigantic country, I do not understand why our government officials should receive so much more than what Mr Obama is receiving.

With this, I shall bring up an interesting article I’ve found online, written in 2007, 1 year after GE2006, on the salaries of our government officials.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2007/04/05/us-singapore-salaries-ministers-idUSSIN16441320070405

To quote a very interesting paragraph:

The government defends the high salaries as necessary to attract the brightest people and to prevent corruption.

"If we don't do that ... corruption will set in and we will become like many other countries," Defence Minister Teo Chee Hean was quoted as saying in the Straits Times last week.

Allow me to roll my eyes first for just 1 second.

High salary doesn’t necessarily attract brightest people, but it just might perhaps attract empty Tin-cans - I mean - vessels.

10 years from now, will salaries received by the government be 10 million per annum, in order to keep attracting the brightest people? Will the people receiving this amount be able to understand the $$$ issues their people are facing?

Will they be able to understand the woes where an average Singaporean’s transport costs per month can take up a quarter or even a third of their salary?

Will they be able to understand that a simple lunch of bak chor mee and coffee can costs as much as $6 - $7?

Will these multi-millionaires be able to understand that education fees costing $30,000 for a bachelor degree is not “low”?

Will these people be able to realize that a million dollars for a HDB flat is not an helping in providing us a roof over our heads?

Will we be able to see a future by resting our very average lives in these multi-millionaires?

We might not see a future by resting our votes onto the opposition. But in retrospect, can we see a future by resting our votes on the other choice we have?

When we boil it down to the $$$, yes, it’s something that we’re not born with and we can’t take it to our graves. But in the years between our birth and our deaths, we still need to talk about it.

And here I am. Talking about it. =)

And this is only the beginning.

Signing off,

Adeline

From the desk of a recruiter

Pronunciation Woes

2011-03-28T21:28:00.000+08:00

Dear Jobseeker,

"Negotiable" is not pronounced as "Ner-go-shia-TA-ble". It's "Ner-go-shia-ble".

Thank you.

From the Desk of a Recruiter

*~*~*

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.

Signing off,
Adeline
From the Desk of a Recruiter.

Something unrelated to Recruitment...

2011-03-17T12:51:00.000+08:00

In a midst of a crazy frenzy to complete my assignment, ~~due to days and days of procrastination~~, came the catastrophic earthquake that literally swept Japan off her feet with a huge tsunami and the rest of the world in a frenzy to keep up with the news.

As I finally submitted my assignment and had some free time to sit down and watched some news coverage by Taiwan broadcasts; after 5 pieces of tissue paper and about 2 hours of some serious tears-work, I felt compelled to do my minuscule part in this disaster.

The news coverage by Taiwan was akin to a documentary, showing footage of rescue workers trying hard to find survivors; showing the expressions of survivors seeking their loved ones in a pile of debris, and amidst all the depressing news, also some heartwarming news of how ramen-shops gave away free bowls of ramen to survivors.

One particularly impressionable story was of an elder couple, seeking their son who worked in a nearby postage office. As the elderly mother wiped tears and sobbed about how they had given up hope on finding their son, she still stood before the destroyed postage office, crying out in a choked, broken voice, for her son. The elderly father, who was silent throughout the interview stepped across the debris field (despite his wife warning him not to), his aged voice rang out loud and clear, calling for his son with his childhood name.

Another impressionable story was of a miraculous find of a 4 month old baby, who was swept away by the wave and was found alive and unharmed by search & rescue team. How she escaped drowning or being crushed, as helpless as she is being a 4 month old baby, was a fact that miracles do happen in disastrous times.

We should all really treasure life.

Some food for thought.

Different Stages...

2011-03-09T22:37:00.000+08:00

While arranging for interview.....

Jobseeker: This week not very convenient. Schedule is abit tight.

Adeline: Aiyo. What stage is your project at now? Implementation?

Jobseeker: Desperate stage... *Sigh*

Adeline: ....... ^^|||

*~*~*

One of the rare and few pleasantly humorous moments.

For those who know of what is a SDLC would probably understand it better, but the punchline is not really that hard to get.

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

Signing off

Adeline

From the Desk of a Recruiter

Of assisting and ...

2011-02-25T18:08:00.000+08:00

I won't be hiring this assistant soon, even if her resume boasts, "I'm a team player with 16 years of assassinating experience." - Cindy Donalson

Readers' Digest
(Referred by Qammie)

*~*~*

A close friend of mine shared with me this gem of a joke from Reader's Digest.

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.

Signing off,
Adeline
From the Desk of a Recruiter

Dear Fresh Graduate...

2011-02-23T16:35:00.000+08:00

Dear Recruiter,

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.

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.

From Fresh Graduate.

*~*~*

Dear Fresh Graduate,

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.

From the Desk of a Recruiter

*~*~*

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Like I said, people. There're better ways to do career suicide. Please don't do it this way.

Signing off
Adeline
From the Desk of a Recruiter

I don't mean to be rude but this is...

2011-02-23T16:28:00.005+08:00

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.

(Note: The English is minimally edited. I spoke in such pretty language back then. ^_^)

<>

Adeline: May I know your availability?

Jobseeker: Hah? *pause* Oh... Social Visit Pass

Adeline: I mean, may I know your a.vai.la.bi.li.ty?

Jobseeker: Ah... So.ci.al Vi.sit. Pass.

Adeline: ... When can you start work?

Jobseeker: Oh, ooooh. Immediately.

Adeline: *sigh* Ok, when will your Social Visit Pass expire?

Jobseeker: Im.me.di.ately!

Adeline: ... *facepalm*

*~*~*

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.

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.

Welcome to Singapore.

Signing off,
Adeline
From the Desk of a Recruiter

PS: Amidst assignment and work craziness, this blog is slow in its updates. But then again, I wonder if anyone notices it. ^^"

A wee bit bright

2011-02-11T00:45:00.000+08:00

Dear Jobseeker,

I understand the need in ensuring your CV attracts attention. However, your choice of font color #FF0000 is pushing it. Thank you.

From the Desk of a Recruiter

*~*~*

Remember in the previous entry, I mentioned one of the two suicidal mistakes when writing their CVs? Yeah, this is the second one.

Yes, there is a very strong need to ensure your CV attracts the attention of either the recruitment consultant or the HR officer reading.

But... having your CV in full #FF0000 color is reeeeeally pushing the limits on making a CV "attractive".

To those of my readers who understand HTML color codings, you probably should know what color I am referring to.

In any case, this is the color I am talking about.

Yes, it is bright red.

No, I am not kidding when I say I received a CV in bright red.

And please, jobseekers, please, do not do a job-hunt suicide by choosing the worst color possible. There are better ways to do suicide during a job-search.

Signing off,

Adeline,

From the Desk of the Recruiter

A wee bit big

2011-02-10T18:18:00.000+08:00

Dear Jobseeker,

I appreciate your consideration in ensuring your CV is legible. However, font size 35 for the entire document is pushing it. Thank you.

From the Desk of a Recruiter

*~*~*

I do hope all jobseekers out there do not make this one of two suicidal mistakes when writing their CVs. Yes, there is a very strong need to ensure your CV is first and foremost, viewable on the screen of the recipient.

But... Is there really a need to do up a 10 page CV with font size 35? *facepalm*

In case anyone is interested... This is a screen capture of font size 35. (Please click on the thumbnail to see the original size)

Why would ANYONE write their resumes in this font size is beyond me.

Signing off,
Adeline,
From the Desk of the Recruiter

State of Australia

2011-02-09T17:55:00.000+08:00

Dear Jobseeker,

My name is AdeL-I-N-E, not AdeL-A-I-D-E. I am not a state of Australia, thank you.

From the Desk of a Recruiter

*~*~*

...

Following up from an incident with spelling errors, here's another one for laughs.

I wasn't entirely sure how to respond when I received an email from this jobseeker starting with "Dear Ms Adelaide."

And the punchline?

20 minutes later, he followed up with another email apologizing for attaching the wrong document. In this email, he still address me as "Adelaide".

*sigh*

Ms Australia it is.

Signing off
AdeLINE,
From the Desk of the Recruiter

Spelling Woes

2011-02-08T21:54:00.001+08:00

Dear Jobseeker,

"Career" is spelled C-A-R-E-E-R. If you are seeking "carrier" advancement, please contact our Republic of Singapore, Airforce or Republic of Singapore, Navy.

Or, if you're looking for an aircon, please visit Carrier Singapore Pte Ltd for a wide variety of choices.

From the Desk of a Recruiter

*~*~*

More often than not, I receive simple resumes with a very simple email message, yet also, with a very glaring typo error in the email body. What started out with exasperation after reading these emails slowly became amusement.

As much as I'd like to be able to provide to every jobseeker's career objectives and needs, I regret to inform that "carriers" in any and all forms are beyond my abilities. If anyone should be interested to seek "carrier" advancement, please feel free to consult our Airforce or Navy. ;)

Signing off
Adeline
From the Desk of a Recruiter

Photography skills apply in Jobhunts too

2011-02-08T18:00:00.003+08:00

Dear Jobseeker,

I appreciate your efforts in inserting a photograph in your CV. But it is rather difficult for me to tell which of the five people in the photograph is you.

From the Desk of a Recruiter

*~*~*

Welcome to the first of my series in "Resumes" boo-boos. These are real-life mistakes captured in my daily routine of screening resumes. It may seem funny, but, imagine what happens to your career if you should make one of such mistakes.

A perfect resume is like a perfect man/woman. It does not exist. As long as it is right for you, it's a good resume - Desk of a Recruiter.

Right about 6 months into my job, I stopped taking for granted that every CV I receive will have a decent photograph of the applicant. It seems to be a lost art to find a photo-booth, take a passport-size photo, scan it and include it in the CV.

I have received, till date:

Group photos.

Erm... Erm... I can see that these people had a great time at a BBQ, but... which one is the applicant?

Pair photos

This wouldn't be too bad, except both models in the photograph are of the same gender. I still can't tell who is the applicant

Self-taken photos in the mirror showing full-body portrait of the applicant and the background

Right down to the cubicle doors of the toilet it was taken in.

Self-taken camera photos from a top-down angle, showcasing originality in displaying home-made fish-eye effect

For an idea of what fish-eye effect is, please click here

Self-taken photos using a web camera, with an arrow drawn using a thick red brush in Paint software pointing to the head of the applicant

?????????????

Welcome to the top 5 most eccentric photos I have received. (In no particular order)

To all of those who had made the effort to do a professional shot, or just a very simple passport photo from any random photo booth (automated or otherwise), kudos to you and please keep it up.

Note to all CV-writers there: If you don't have a decent photograph, please leave it blank. If you have to include in a picture for the opportunity you're applying for, please make a trip down to the photo booth. Taking any random shots from your collection of photos in Facebook or harddisk might not impress the recipient of the email.

Signing off

Adeline

From the Desk of the Recruiter

From the Desk of a Recruiter, to the Twitting Blue Bird...

2011-02-08T14:24:00.000+08:00

Desk of a Recruiter Announcement:

Now available on Twitter!

Real-time craziness, coming in tiny blue-bird sizes!

Follow @ http://twitter.com/recruiterdesk

Just when I thought I was beginning to understand them...

2011-02-07T18:36:00.001+08:00

One fine afternoon...

Adeline: Good Afternoon Mr Jobseeker, are you open to explore a career opportunity?

Jobseeker: Yes, but only in specific XXX technology as the IT administrator

Adeline: I have an opportunity here which is what you are looking at, but before I continue the discussion, may I know if there are any particular reasons for you wanting to leave your current company after only 6 months?

Jobseeker: I was hired as an IT administrator, but now I'm being tasked and designated to do IT development. Hence I'm only looking for an administrator opportunity in XXX technology

Adeline: I see. I do have an administrator opportunity in XXX. But would you be open to explore such an opportunity in a service provider environment?

Jobseeker: Vendor? I have attended interviews for almost all possible service providers for this administrator opportunity.

Adeline: Have you attended any interviews with my client, Company AAA?

Jobseeker: Never heard of them.

Adeline: If that's the case, would you like to explore an opportunity with them?

Jobseeker: But I have attended interviews for almost all service providers. I probably have attended an interview with your client before.

Adeline: Have you attended any interviews at Location BBB?

Jobseeker: Nope.

Adeline: If you haven't heard of my client's name and location, chances are, you have not attended interviews with them before. Since you are interested in this administrator opportunity, would you like to consider submitting your application?

Jobseeker: I have attended so much interviews for this administrator opportunity. I am interested in the opening, but I am just demoralized from attending so many interviews. I don't think I want to look for a job anymore.

Adeline: ......

*~*~*

The above conversation has been edited to ensure proper English decorum (i.e., grammar) is displayed on the blog, but of course, in real-life the recruiter and job-seeker alike don't talk in such pretty language.

The essence of the conversation, however, remains unedited, and yes, this very adorable jobseeker did say that classic line "demoralized from attending so many interviews".

After 36 months of recruitment, I was beginning to think I'm starting to understand the mindsets of jobseekers in general, but I guess, I have a very long way to go.

Signing off,
Adeline
From the Desk of a Recruiter,

The New Year Brings on New Craziness

2011-02-07T12:08:00.001+08:00

It has been a very, very long while since I had blogged on the ride of fun, laughter, craziness and jokes in the recruitment line. Doesn't mean they stopped though. As I embark on my 4th year in this business, I've came to realize, the insanity within is never ending.

Having experienced Twitter the past quarter of the year, I've decided to re-open this blog to share more craziness on what goes on from behind the scenes, after you click the "Send" button while on a job-hunt.

This year, with new features in this blog, Adeline brings you craziness, in blog and Twitter style, as I trudge through hundreds and hundreds of resumes at work.

Enjoy the New Year. And may it be less crazier than the last. =)

Signing off
Adeline,
From the Desk of the Recruiter