Review before you send an email

Make life easier by asking these five questions before hitting send, says Westhill Consulting Career andEmployment, Australia.

Do I need to send this? If it is a chain letter or an inspirational story about the power of love and the triumph of the will or a joke then you do not need to send the email.

There are people who appear to like getting and sending some of these but most likely these people are typically over the age of 75 and retired, with some more time on their hands. Most people dislike receiving these messages.

Other samples of mails you don’t need to send consist of questions to which you can Google the answers.

Did I proof read it? You never know where a typo might take you. Warning! Be cautious. Even if you don’t wind up digging a hole you can’t get out of, it’s still significant to proof your copy before sending. This should be specifically if you’re communicating with a higher up or a potential employer or connection.

Do I sound professional? Yo, G, WASSUUUUP? OK, I’m totes old. If you are sending a professionally-related email, except when you’re buddies with the correspondent, ensure it appears professional. This denotes turning off the caps lock, leaving out the emoticons, maintaining language clean, and for Pete’s sake turning off the exclamation marks. This may sound like a fraud.

Am I mad? Don’t send an angry email. We all write them, but then again we must never send them. Go ahead and write it if you must – just that can be liberating – however then save it. And don’t address it, in instance you send it by accident. Sit on it for 24 hours. Ninety-nine per cent of the time you won’t want to send it after that. If you still want to make a point, rewrite the message to appear less angry, and then you can send it. (Related question: Am I drunk?)

Does everyone on the list need to get it? We all get emails that have nothing to do with us such as updates from completely unconnected departments, or the dreaded “reply all.”

Take me off your list.

Another situation: if you’re doing some form of raise, make certain the people on your list will be interested in what you are promoting. Perhaps what one wanted was information about Bali and not Jakarta, Indonesia.  

Resume fails

Many people make at least one or two of these. Here resume fails, which are detailed further by Westhill Consulting Career and Employment, Australia.

Padding: Better known as “lying.” Deceit is not ever a good idea. It’s not worth the humiliation and possible problem if you get caught. Things people usually lie about take in degrees, and previous titles and salary. Tell the truth or it’s a fraud. If you say you were a teacher in Jakarta, Indonesia when in fact you weren’t, you are making a big mistake. They have ways to confirm this.

Zero keywords: Given that many companies use resume screening software, it’s a warning, if you don’t use the right keywords, beset precisely to the job in the question, it’s very probable that your resume will certainly not make it past the electronic gatekeeper to be seen by human eyes. Review the job description cautiously and ensure to take account of the proper keywords.

Clichés: Don’t refer to yourself as “driven” or “innovative.” Likewise on the list of stereotyped terms are “expert,” “strategic,” and “organizational.” We all need a good thesaurus. Fortunately there are sites and apps for that.

“Pore grammar:” What they mean is “typos” and the samples they give consist of “Dear Sir or Madman” and “Have a keen eye for detail.”

Bad grammar and spelling is a detached subject and are not on the list, although they should be, since they are an enormous turnoff for employers. Actually, they are the first thing most say will get your resume thrown.

They are split for the reason that a typo is something you would grasp with proofreading, while a grammar mistake may perhaps not necessarily be. If you don’t know you’re wrong, you’re not going to see it. Spellcheck can be useful but it’s not at all times correct and, consequently, some have a tendency to just disregard it. The takeaway: proofread and have somebody else second check for you. You can furthermore use websites like Grammarly.com. Review your resume again and again.

Absence of customization: What kind of job are you looking for precisely?

Slim it down, people. Maintain it to be relevant. If you have experience that you believe is superficially relevant, or helps make a huge impression, find a place to put it that isn’t in the method or you may sound like a scam.

Decide on a career path

Deciding on a worthy career is all about pursuing your passion, preserving an open mind and acquiring about various careers. There is no right or wrong career, only preferences that we all must make during the course of our lives. Take the time to make a well-versed choice and then after cautious thought take the leap! You will be fine on your way to a career that is perfect for you!

Westhill Consulting Career and Employment, Australia’s things to remember while pursuing the right career choice:

Warning! Don’t Fret – There is nothing wrong with not comprehending what you desire to do. Yes, deciding on a career is a vital decision, however it isn’t something that will make or break the rest of your life. Numerous people try five or six jobs, before they discover one they truly enjoy. The secret is to not let career indefiniteness become incapacitating or paralyze you forever. Reach to a decision and understand you can always change careers along the way.

Exclude What You Don’t Like – A great method to slim down your career choice is to spontaneously dismiss those areas where you evidently have no interest. Review your choices. Distinguishing what you desire is sometimes made a little easier when you discard what you don’t fancy. Think about the sensible career choices available to you. This will help you progress a ranked list of occupations that you can discover further.

Consider Your Educational Background - Don’t set aside your existing academic background, skills and talents when choosing a career path. It is much easier to follow work that takes all of these areas into credit, instead of discharging them and beginning out in a brand new direction. For example, if you like children enjoy it; seek out careers that utilize your talent and passion, be a teacher in Jakarta, Indonesia maybe.

Begin Exploring – As you progress on the list of careers that may be of interest, you can begin discovering them more in-depth. Know the qualifications and skills you need for the occupation. Know the experience that may be needed and the average level of pay. These things will help you narrow down career choices. Talk to others already in the profession to gain hands-on vital information.

Try New Things – Keep in mind, each career you yield is a stepping stone to something else. It is significant to try new jobs, to conclude your likes and dislikes. There is no such thing as a wasted opportunity.

Communicate to Others – If you’re still uncertain of which career path you intend to pursue try talking to family and friends who know you best. Every so often those closest to you can give important vision into the talents and skills you have. Remember, take others thoughts into consideration, and however understand that in the finale the decision must to be yours. Follow your intuition to avoid scams!

The Right Time to Move Overseas

Working abroad imparts a dream job opportunity for countless people however there are always advantages and disadvantages to proving yourself in a new country. For instance, you are a teacher in Jakarta, Indonesia and you want to move to Canada. This article explores the reasons for and against moving abroad in early or mid-career.

Why move at the start of your career?

To find a job when the market is extremely competitive in your country of origin

The academic job market is currently very competitive in several parts of the world and you may sense that you have no other option but to weigh up opportunities somewhere else the world. You may discover the job opportunities are better abroad, with higher salaries and better working environments.

Improve your employability later

If you aspire to go back to your country of origin later in your career, it may be advantageous to you to have a number of years of experience working abroad. It demonstrates inventiveness and also shows a consciousness of global academia that might be beneficial to employers in your own country as they pursue to develop their international agenda. It is significant to go into an episode of work abroad with a well-defined plan of your objectives and how long you want to be abroad.

Lesser family ties

Even though it is not always the circumstance that scholars at the very beginning of a career catch a move easier, they are less likely to have a mortgage, a young family and other commitments to retain them in their own country. Nevertheless, this is an overview and everybody’s situations vary. There may be elderly parents to think through or you may have begun a family while a PhD student. A move abroad is at all times a trial for personal motives at whatever stages of the career that it’s taken.

More flexible to new cultures

Though it’s not accurate for everyone, moving to a new country and fitting in with a new culture is simpler for some people when they are younger. On the other hand, you may have a naturally courageous spirit and want such an important challenge at later in life: once more it varies on your persona.

Complications of moving at the start of your career:

Warning! You have little work experience to use when trying to seek work abroad

As a new scholar you haven’t yet really proven your niche and so may find it hard to ‘sell yourself’ when challenging with overseas candidates. When you are a reputable scholar in your own country you will have a sturdy CV with which to deal with overseas jobs.

You will begin at junior level: very competitive and very hard work! Never entertain complaints from yourself.

Starting a new job in a new country at the lowest of the career hierarchy is something to think long and hard about. Review your plans very wisely. Teaching loads are possible to be heavy and wages comparatively low.

Later on in your career you may have recognized your international reputation and so are able to control a higher salary and will not be contending for work with big numbers of junior scholars produced by that country’s universities.

You will likewise be more self-assured of your own leadership and interpersonal skills that will permit you to succeed in a foreign environment. Having the assertion to identify that you are good at your job and have something optimistic to offer can help you to conquer the early culture shock of moving.

Westhill Consulting Career and Employment

Career Branding Tools for Job-Seekers

   

LinkedIn profile. You must have a profile on LinkedIn no matter if you are a professional -- or an aspiring professional --, a business-oriented networking site that be made up of millions of skilled professionals from everywhere in the world, on behalf of hundreds of industries from more than 200 countries. When you enter, you can make a profile that can work as both a resume and an introduction to your career brand. Once your profile is finished, you then build networks with other members, getting acquaint with to new people via the people in your network.

Personal Website. No matter where you are in the world, such as Jakarta Indonesia in SE Asia, Florida in USA, or maybe Sydney in Australia. One of the greatest ways to build and promote your career brand is by developing a professional Website that presents your key accomplishments. At a least, you must buy a domain name based on your and publish your resume. Even well, advertise your career portfolio, content-rich articles, and other keyword-filled resources that will lead potential employers searching for someone with your qualifications straight to your site. Read more in my article at Westhill Consulting Career and Employment, Australia.  

Twitter account. Each day, more and more individuals and businesses are tweeting information, ideas, links, and more -- all in fewer than 140 characters per tweet (message). Twitter, a networking and micro-blogging site, enables people to connect and communicate -- developing both a following of people as well as following the tweets of others. Tweeting key information, resources, and other professional advice -- while building a following -- is a very easy way to build your career brand.  

Professional blog. If you are a decent writer and can commit to writing regularly, creating a professional blog is a great tool for building your career brand where employers can review you and your work. A blog is a specialized Website that focuses on a particular subject (person, industry, profession) that can include news, analysis, commentary, and links in a variety of formats (including print, audio, images, and video). Showcasing your expertise and knowledge of your industry or profession is an excellent way to build your career brand.  

Social networking profiles/accounts. Consider joining at least two social-networking sites. One should be a general social-networking site, such as Facebook, and one should be career-specific (which you can find by searching Google -- most professions have multiple networking sites). While social networking is just that -- social -- remember that networking with others (online and off) is one of the most powerful tools of job-hunting as the majority of jobs are filled through referrals, not through responses to job postings. Warning! Be very careful on using any social networking sites.

How to Tailor Your CV to get more Interviews

If you were proceeding for an interview at a big City law firm in Jakarta Indonesia, it is doubtful you would turn up wearing sandals, swimming trunks and a tee shirt. Similarly, if you were going for an interview to be a Lifesaver for a beach in Bali Indonesia, it may come across as somewhat strange if you turned up for your interview in a pin striped suit and bowler hat. If it’s significant to shape your method for interviews, it is likewise vital when it comes to your CV.

It is a usual mistake to rely on just one generic version of your CV for every application. How much the CV demands changing relies very much on your own situations? A professional looking to promote their career within a comparable role and industry may require twisting the CV for diverse applications. If you are a graduate or changing career then you will need to totally refocus the information in your CV to validate the right skills and qualities for altered career paths.

Recruiters are more often than not time threaded and under pressure. It is consequently up to you the job hunter to make certain the information in your CV directly connects. The first thing the recruiter needs to see is that your CV is applicable to the role applied for and no deceit or hoax. This is where a Professional Profile comes into its own. This performs as your introduction and allows you to evidently position yourself in line with the job you are applying for.

How many CV versions will one need? Think of your CV as growing like a tree. You begin with writing the main trunk version. Depending on how many career opportunities you are open to will then order the number of branch versions. For every branch you should tailor the CV for every separate application. At the very least you should try to mirror the language a particular employer uses to show empathy with their culture and values. Warning! For roles that call upon just a specific part of your expertise you will want to delete irrelevant points and detail further examples of appropriate achievements.

You have just one opportunity to engage, enthuse and illicit a positive response.  So, don’t leave it to chance. The scattergun approach using just one version of your CV for multiple applications is unlikely to hit the spot. By tailoring your CV for each application you are far more likely to be successful in getting interviews. So a little more work now means a lot less work in the future. Review your CV now!

Avoid Deceit and Evaluate your Job Offer

Evaluate the basics: Not only does the salary categorize as a critical factor of the job offer however other matters are also very important to think through like the type of contract, the probation period, the working hours, the working days, the reporting hierarchy, the job responsibilities etc. All of these variables in addition to your salary and benefits should be openly specified in your contract.

Evaluate the salary offered: How does the salary offered weigh up against the salaries of other professionals with your similar qualifications and experience in your country of residence? Is it just a hoax? Inquire around, acquire information from professionals, there are lots of articles offered by Westhill Consulting Career and Employment, Australia for more information of the topic.

Evaluate the travel quota: Does your job necessitate frequent or occasional traveling and how occasional? Are you the kind of individual who does not mind packing and unpacking more than twice a month? Do your personal responsibilities permit you that kind of flexibility? It is highly valuable for you to question about the traveling quota accompanying with your potential job in order for you to achieve you and your family’s expectations and make a intelligent decision.

Evaluate the career route: If you are eyeing for stability and nonstop development, guarantee yourself beforehand on that, you should take the role and prove yourself, you would have room for career growth. Talk with your potential direct manager/ recruiter about the future prospects of the position offered to you and asks yourself do they and do you foresee future growth in this position within the company?

Evaluate the working conditions: Westhill Consulting Career and Employment, Australia just ran an online poll regarding good working conditions in the Jakarta Indonesia, to emphasize on the significance of a healthy working environment at the workplace and its influence on the productivity and loyalty of employees. An overpowering 76.3% of professionals surveyed stated that better working conditions would outcome in more organizational loyalty, more productivity and more job involvement, but they are yet to be provided by employers as per 23.7% of poll respondents. The top constituents of good working conditions as per the respondents are the following: correct training and professional development schemes, generous incentives like vacation days, parking and education allowance, room for personal job authority and decision making and good office setting like lighting, seating, lunch rooms and gyms. Look closely at these factors and assess where your potential employer stands in their regard before committing to the job offered to you.

Avoid Deceit in Salary Negotiation by these Do’s and Don’ts

DO your homework and review: Most people has nothing to say when they are questioned about their salary expectations. It’s better to do your research concerning what the market rate for your potential position is instead of formulate an unprepared response. When researching, go through Westhill Consulting Career and Employment, Australia to find more about the salary levels for your profession and in the region. You may furthermore communicate with recruiters and contact people in your network of friends and colleagues who would be keen to share salary information with you to avoid scam and fraud. Applying all that salary cleverness as a starting point, you can squeeze it rendering on your own experience and qualifications and come up with a slimmer range that you can positively tone to the potential employer.

DON’T say yes too soon: Taking the offer put forward immediately is unwise. Typically fresh graduates and job-seekers that are moving to a different geographical location make this error. Considering the salary offered against your actual worth is vital. Do not say yes except you feel that the offer is contemplative of the worth you will offer to the firm. Not talking might make you to feel underpaid, and receive lower increases and a sluggish salary growth as you move up the career ladder leaving you stressed and discouraged.

DO think about other benefits: Talking about salary alone and disregard other benefits is also a usual error while negotiating salaries. Other factors must be well-thought-out such as insurance coverage, the preference of flexible work timings, maternity and paternity leave, paid vacation days etc. These aspects have monetary value devoted to them and should be grossed up with the salary figure to amount the value of your package.

DON’T make irrational comparisons: Salaries may vary from one industry to another or in different countries such as in Jakarta Indonesia compare to California in USA. Comparisons should be evaded in such circumstances and salary negotiations must be based on research conducted for the specific industry in question.

DO wait for the right timing to mention the salary: Talking about the salary too soon in an interview is not advisable. Market yourself as a worthwhile candidate and if the interviewer is sincerely interested in hiring you, they will mention the topic themselves at a later part of the interview. Take the signal from there and quote your range. If you have former work experience, a good rule of thumb is to ask for a 20% increment over your previous salary figure as the minimum anticipated salary.

DON’T give an exact salary figure: At all times try to give a range, as it gives more room for negotiation. If the employer is offering something lower than your minimum, talk on the benefits.

Why Candidates Fail to Make an Impression in Interviews

Poor preparation: Candidates who come to an interview understanding insufficiently about the company, the industry and maybe the role are in a poor situation to match with well-prepared professionals who will devote the compressed interview time exactly putting themselves for the employer’s precise requirements. Employers intend to know you are curious, energetic, resourceful and inspired and what clearer verification of that than coming completely prepared and with sharp understandings into the employer and their brand/positioning/problems/news etc. If you have prepared right you will be able to hit the ground running in the interview with answers that show how you are exceptionally placed to increase value from the get-go given the company’s specific culture (maybe you are from outside the country, Indonesian from Jakarta or American from the USA), positioning, objectives, circumstances and situation.

Showing a negative attitude: Many polls conducted by Westhill Consulting Career and Employment, Australia have uncovered that attitude takes a vital share in defining character and persuading the employment decision. Warning indications of bad attitudes that are positive to reject by a possible employer involve badmouthing former bosses, companies and colleagues; self-justifying or foully equivocal answers to key interview questions; or openly aggressive answers, posture and demeanor. Keep in mind people hire experienced people they consider they will actually like working with and who will extend a good optimistic atmosphere inside the organization and to exterior clients and stakeholders. Employers are highly aware that negative attitudes are very spreadable and are very different from being interested to applicants with less than an exemplary attitude regarding work, life and themselves.

Absence of enthusiasm in the company: Some things can estrange an employer more than an applicant who is tepid or fair-minded about their company and its brand and objectives. The interview is not the stage to doze off and convey weary answers that blow of dullness with your audience nor is the time to wax lyrical concerning how much you sincerely favor all the competitor brands. Employers are eyeing for nothing less than passion. If you cannot assure the employer that you will be as enthusiastic about their company and line of work as they are you will not be perceived to own the star quality they are searching for nor will they place extreme trust in your long-term loyalty, stamina or staying power.

Unclear, invented or fraudulent answers and deceit: do not make the interview the time to practice your indirectness skills despite of how expert you are. Employers can see right through a coined, text book answer and dishonest answers are more than likely to be distinguished sooner or later and to backfire. By all means keep the conversation optimistic and productive and don’t live over past failures or negative situations or events however furthermore be watchful that the employer needs someone real, someone they comprehend and can trust, and they are possible to keep excavating till they are easy they really understand who you are and what drives you and what your real strengths and weaknesses are.

Important documents for Expat to avoid hoax and misrepresentation

As an expat in Indonesia is a godsend. You acquire an above average income with a comparatively low cost of living and an extra of tropical paradise not very distant from anywhere you live.

Dealing with bureaucracy in this country could be excruciating, on the other hand as long as you have all the legal documents, you’d be secure.

Westhill Consulting Career and Employment, Australia’s five important documents you should know:

Indonesian Visa

Avoid swindle and think of that the normal fee for 60 days visa is USD 45, for many entries (12 months) is USD 100. Nonetheless if you apply for VITAS (Temporary Stay Permit Visa), it will charge you USD 50 (6 months), USD 100 (12 months), USD 175 (24 months).

IMTA – Work Permit

Warning! You need a work permit! This “Work Permit” is the authorization given to a company to employ a foreigner. If you are not holding an IMTA, you are not working legally in Indonesia.

VITAS – Temporary Stay Permit Visa

This is the sticker visa put in a foreigner’s passport in an Indonesian Embassy/Consular Office abroad which will give the person the right to an ITAS – temporary stay permit (which they apply for after arrival in Indonesia). After you apply for ITAS at the immigration office, they will puat a stamp in your passport.

RPTKA – Expatriate Placement Plan

If a company wants to employ foreigners, the company must submit an Expatriate Placement Plan, RPTKA – Rencana Penempatan Tenaga Kerja Asing- to the Manpower Department if the employing company is a domestic company; or to the BKPM (Investment Coordinating Board if the company is a foreign investment company. In foreign investment/PMA companies, work permits for senior positions (such as Director held by foreigners are for three years and can be renewed just before expiration.

KITAS – Temporary Stay Permit/Card

This is the yellow card that the immigration office will give you after the ITAS has been granted. The card is given for the working expatriate and each dependent for a one-year period.

Jakarta being expats destination city isn’t a sham

What do you know about the city if you got a proposal to pursue your career in Jakarta? Westhill Consulting Career and Employment, Australia will help you understand why Jakarta as an expats destination city.

According to the BPS (Central Bureau Statistic) data from 2011, Jakarta is the capital city of Indonesia with a population of over 10 million citizens. Being a metropolitan city, Jakarta is now identified to be the chief destination for many people, not only Indonesian but also expatriates to look for employment opportunities.

Figure of expatriates who are working in Jakarta is estimated as many as 10,000 people and came from 300 countries. For the period of January-August 2013, the Ministry of Manpower and Transmigration afford 48,000 work permits for expatriates working in all parts of Indonesia.

The uppermost figure comes from China with 10,291 workers. The varied number of Chinese expats working in Indonesia is because of the fast development of Chinese investment in the country. Following chins is Japan, comes with the number of 9.788 workers and next is South Korean for more than 6.013 working permits with many of them employed in the fields of industry, trade, mining along with oil and gas.

As an expats in a capital city like Jakarta, you do not have to be concern about the basics regarding everyday life, like residences, entertainment, food, and recreation spots as they could be easily found. Also never worry about fake people since Indonesians are naturally genuine. These days, many property developers and real estate brokers lease apartments or houses in various rental prices from US$1.500 – 15.000.

According to Colliers International Indonesia research, Pondok Indah, South Jakarta, is the most demanded area to live in by expats with its location proximity to work site and number of international schools like Jakarta International School or the Japanese International School.

For food and entertainment choices, you can always visit shopping center which is easy to find in Jakarta such as Pondok Indah Mall, Senayan City, Grand Indonesia, Plaza Indonesia or others. No trickery about how lovely the country is.

Becoming quite restless by traffic jammed and air pollution from many motor vehicles, particularly two-wheeled vehicles, and then you can revitalize your mind by strolling on Ancol, North Jakarta which situated somewhat out the hectic part of the city or visiting other nearby cities such as Bogor and Bandung that just need a 2 hour’s drive from Jakarta.