6 Ways To Write Emails With Stylish Confidence

Many of us spend a good chunk of our mornings to sending and reading emails. Surely, email-related tasks are permanently part of our to-do lists. However, do you do it with confidence and proper etiquette?

#1: REMEMBER THAT EVERYTHING IS DOCUMENTED

As writing emails become second nature to us, we sometimes forget that our work email is not always private. Remember that your work email technically belongs to the company. It can be fully monitored. In the age of fast-paced social media, an unpleasant email can easily spread out in a matter of seconds. You will not be able to retract a statement that fast! So, be professional at all times when you are using your work email.

Work emails are part of your company’s formal written records. Sometimes, these records can be used as admissible documents in the court. Those emails can be shared as a part of any legal proceedings and can be used directly against you. Thus, you must be careful in writing emails that contain sensitive information or commentary about other employees or clients.

#2: SET A REALISTIC TIMELINE FOR DEADLINES

We all have different work habits and some people do not have a sense of urgency when it comes to completing deadlines. Instead of writing “The deadline is tomorrow at 10:00 am!”, you may write something similar to this: “When can you get this done?” You may also write how much you will appreciate it if he or she can finish the draft today because you will have enough time to discuss necessary changes before the tomorrow’s deadline.

Help your co-worker see that you cannot extend or push deadlines because of him or her. We all exhaust our resources to meet the deadlines. It is only fair for others to do the same. Asking about the person’s timeline can instill responsibility because he or she knows that there is someone waiting for his or her output.

#3: HEAD STRAIGHT TO THE POINT

When giving out suggestions, you may write: “I think maybe we can…” This statement does not exude confidence and assertiveness. Instead, you may write: “It will be best if we can…” The second statement gets straight to the point too.

Everyone is busy, including you! It is best to get your point across as early as possible. Start the email with a quick and friendly greeting to address the person. Then, follow it up with the request or issue that needs to be addressed. “Input needed for project X by Tuesday (December 1), at 3pm”, writes Employee A. This message will alert the reader right away. Do add supporting details in bullet points or separate paragraphs so that no part of the request or issue is left out.

#4: STOP APOLOGIZING IN EMAILS

Refrain from starting a message with “sorry to bother you…” The act of sending an email entails a small intrusion on the reader’s time. If you really need to communicate via email, keep it short and concise. You do not need to apologize for sending out important matters. Moreover, apologizing throughout the email takes away the main idea of your message and diminishes confidence in you as the sender.

#5: DO NOT SPAM YOUR CO-WORKERS

As said above, everyone is busy. Please do not spam your co-workers with multiple emails every time you have a new idea. Keep a running list of the things you need to discuss or to ask to your co-workers. Then, send the list once a day. Saying that “it can be easier to discuss this in person” is better than re-writing an email for an hour with multiple threads.

Spare your energy to productive matters. Have a quick chat with the primary person over a cup of coffee. This way, you will be able to get your point across efficiently and you will be able to receive feedback at a faster rate.

#6: FORWARD NECESSARY EMAILS

Save your reader’s time and energy by using the “forward” button exactly where you are in the conversation. By doing so, your reader will immediately spot the message that you want him or her to see. Your reader will avoid shuffling through a pile of previous messages too! Furthermore, you can write: “let me know if you have questions” upon sending.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Sources: 1 & 2

 

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6 Skills With High Demand In Today’s Workforce

It comes as no surprise that today’s workforce is constantly changing and adapting with the needs of our environment. Technology-driven careers are becoming more and more in-demand these days. No matter which field you choose to take part in, having certain skills can increase your likelihood of success.

Consider sharpening these coveted skills:

#1: CLOUD COMPUTING SKILLS

Who does not know the Cloud? Almost all our data are stored in the Cloud. Cloud computing allows access to data storage, software applications, and other services powered by the Internet. Skills in Cloud computing are sought after due to the increasing number of companies that switched its business functions to the remote servers.

Cloud computing requires technical skills to ensure data security, to perform migrations, to negotiate terms with Cloud service providers, and to implement the best practices throughout the process.

#2: ANALYTICAL REASONING

Analytical reasoning is the ability to make sense of the data gathered and to uncover insights that can help business decisions. You already utilize analytical reasoning in your day-to-day lives. Detecting patterns, observing people, brainstorming, interpreting data, making decisions based on several factors, and integrating new information are all required in shaping one’s analytical reasoning.

People who have strong analytical reasoning skills are assets to the company as they investigate the problem and find solutions in an efficient manner. They understand the situation first before making decisions and taking necessary actions to help achieve the company’s goals.

#3: MOBILE APP DEVELOPMENT SKILLS

As smartphones and other mobile devices become the center of our communication an job processes, the industry for mobile application development continues to thrive. More and more businesses have converted their consumer experiences and internal processes digitally. Thus, people with experience and knowledge in app development are in-demand.

Mobile app development is a set of procedures involving programming and creating applications or designing software for fast-operating mobile devices. Because apps are so common, you can find plenty of tutorials and classes for app creation. Check out coding boot camps to kickstart your app development career.

#4: PEOPLE MANAGEMENT SKILLS

Despite the technological advancements and the social distancing restrictions posed around the world, people management skills help strengthen the business. Strong people management skills involve building relationships, keeping the team on track, increasing the team’s morale, and helping others achieve their goals.

People management includes the use of both soft and hard skills. We need people who can help us deal with work stress and empathize with us, especially during this challenging times.

#5: UX DESIGN SKILLS

User experience design is essential in making the digital world work for us. UX design is important because it aims to fulfill the people’s needs. Moreover, providing positive experiences to the clients can increase the likelihood of them coming back to the website itself. You can find an increasing number of opportunities in this field. If you want to gain advantage in this field, you can enroll in an online degree program led by UX experts.

#6: SEO/SEM MARKETING SKILLS

Digital marketing (SEO/SEM marketing) help increase the visibility or the web presence of companies and start-ups. People who are experts on the field can help blossoming online retailers to get noticed. Being noticed and having more site traffic leads to increased customers and revenue. Many companies are realizing the importance of digital marketing and are regularly looing for people with strong SEO/SEM marketing skills.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Try exploring the digital marketing courses available at Google Digital Garage. Most of them are free!

Sources: 1 & 2

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How To Alter Your Budget To Suit Your Work From Home Lifestyle

According to the multi-ministry task force handling COVID-19, Singapore may enter Phase Three by the end of 2020 should the community cases remain low in the country. The restrictions reflected by this upcoming phase may last for a year or more. That being said, more and more people are working from home.

This huge shift in the global workplace has brought many changes in our lives. Whenever big transitions occur, it is a good opportunity to re-assess all the aspects of our lives including our finances. What has changed in your budget ever since you started working from home?

Reduced costs on transportation, work clothing, daily coffee stops, and dining out were usually observed in the previous months. In contrast, many experience a spike in utilities, groceries, and online shopping fees. How can you better prepare for your future with this new set-up?

#1: RE-EVALUATE WHERE YOUR MONEY IS GOING

Get a realistic view of your finances by pulling out your bank statements, credit card bills, and other month expenses from the past three months. If you are using a budgeting app such as Mint, you may track your spending using the information inside the app. Look for unnecessary categories or recurring expenses that you can do without. This will help you spend less than what you have originally planned.

Aside from your spending, concentrate on other parts of your personal finance such as investments and emergency funds. You have the luxury of time to re-evaluate how much you are saving in your emergency funds. Ensure that the money you put inside will be sufficient to cover unforeseen events such as unemployment. We must overcome complacency during these tough times.

#2: CONSIDER DIFFERENT BUDGETING STRATEGIES

As you establish your new budget to suit your work from home lifestyle, you may employ different strategies such as goal-specific budget and the 50/30/20 method. The former focuses on the goal and not the percentages. You may start with a specific short-term goal such as saving S$50 for your emergency fund this week or a long-term goal such as putting away S$5,000 for a vacation next year. Break down your goals and allot how much you need to save per week or per month. Ensure that you meet your other financial responsibilities as you prepare for your goals too.

The 50/30/20 method entails putting 50% of your take-home pay to your fixed expenses including groceries and rent. 30% needs to go to your variable expenses such as entertainment and clothing. While, 20% is dedicated to your savings. Choose a strategy that will best work for you.

#3: STORE EXTRA CASH IN YOUR HOME

Many of us are working from home because there has been a shift in the economy due to the unpleasant effects of the pandemic. It helps to be prepared as we live within the realms of uncertainty. Store extra cash in your home for emergency situations. You may label this as your emergency fund, which can cover your expenses for at least six to nine months.

Knowing that you will be alright for a considerable amount of time before needing to use other financial resources can help you sleep better at night. This will prevent you from incurring debts.

#4: MAXIMIZE YOUR TELECOM AND INTERNET PLANS

Because most of our time are spent at home, it comes as no surprise that our utilities are higher now. Do your best to ensure that you are getting the most out of your telecom and internet plans. If your plan has an inclusion of data, try to substitute a costly mobile call for calling over at WhatsApp or Telegram. Various online platforms offer free calling and video-conferencing services worldwide. Take advantage of that!

#5: CONSERVE ENERGY

This new living and working arrangements have considerable effects on our electric bills. As much as possible, conserve energy on the devices and appliances that you work with. Unfavorable habits such as leaving your laptop constantly plugged in or forgetting to unplug your smartphone charger can cost you.

Image Sources: unsplash.com

One of the easiest ways to save energy is by ensuring that your cables or chargers are unplugged. Most devices work best with the 40-80 battery rule. You must plug the charger when your battery drops below 40% and disconnect the plug when the battery reaches 80%. Leaving a laptop or handphone constantly plugged in can cause extra wear and tear to the battery. Take care of the devices, which you use on a regular basis.

Sources: 1, 2 & 3

 

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How To Master Working From Home With Kids Around

With the restrictions of the coronavirus pandemic and our compliance to social distancing guidelines, many of us have transformed our homes into offices. Your home is an oasis, except when you are forced to mix your personal life with your professional life. Schools may have opened last June, but some rotate between online and on-campus lessons. It is a gradual transition that comes with the new normal.

The “no kids allowed in the office” rule no longer applies to us. Employees and business owners are now juggling their household duties with their workplace tasks. Some find it a struggle to create a peaceful environment free from the distractions created by their children, pets, or younger siblings. Just take a look at the video below!

TALK TO YOUR CHILDREN

It is important to talk to your children about what is happening around them. Ensure that you are explaining the situation at an age-appropriate level. Some children may understand the safety restrictions, while others may see the pandemic as an unreasonable limitation.

Explain to them that we are looking out for each other during this pandemic. Part of how we help each other right now is by staying at home. Sometimes, a change in perception is all that we need.

ESTABLISH A SCHEDULE

One of the benefits of working at home is flexibility. Write down your priorities for the day and set them within your working hours. If you’re married, you may explore alternating schedules in coordination with your partner and your children. This will help you manage your household chores and office tasks accordingly.

Have an agreed schedule with your employer to ensure that you are filling in the required number of hours per day. Given that most of us work from home, some employers may understand the need for non-traditional schedules.

FOCUS ON YOUR PRIORITIES

Prioritize your work by accomplishing important tasks first. There will be interruptions along the way and it will take longer than usual. This is why you accomplish urgent tasks in the morning and save the minor tasks later in the day.

Avoid unexpected yells and loud noises in the background by hitting the mute button during conference calls. Toddlers will not understand that they cannot always have your undivided attention. If your toddler seeks your attention during a business call, you may ask to reschedule if you can. Minor tasks such as replying to client comments on social media may be done while your children are sleeping.

CREATE SNACK AND PLAY STATION

Find a spacious corner in your home and assign that as the “snack and play station”. Prepare a bunch of snacks and drinks for your children and instruct them on how much they can consume per day. Aside from this, you may let your child’s creativity run wild through free-play. Provide books, art materials, and other learning materials such as puzzles and blocks within this station.

Tackle your workload while your kids are having fun and playing safely on the corner.

PLAN FOR INTERRUPTIONS

Think of alternative strategies to minimize the disruptions from your family members. Firstly, you can take advantage of naptime. Do bulk of your heavy tasks during this time. Whether your child sleeps for one to three hours, use this time to complete tasks that seek your focus and concentration.

You may also setup a virtual meeting between your children and your relatives while you work. Ask a friend or a family member for a favor to teach your children a new skill while they are chatting online. Connecting your children to their friends and their grandparents through Skype, Zoom, or Facetime can be helpful to their well being too.

SET REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS

Let us face it! There are no professional advantages to pretending things are the way they used to be. Reduce your anxiety and manage everyone’s expectations by being honest with your coworkers. Tell them what is going on in your home office.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Similarly, you must be honest with yourself when it comes to your abilities in handling your children. You cannot turn into a good teacher overnight. Be patient with yourself and your children throughout the process.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

 

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Looking for a job? Haidilao S’pore is still hiring, pays up to $5,000 for Junior Sale Executive

Haidilao is hiring

Even though, the COVID-19 situation has caused companies to cut jobs and freezes hiring, there is still a wide variety of companies that are hiring.

One such example is popular restaurant chain Haidilao.

Haidilao Singapore has posted several job offers on their Facebook’s page and several online career portals. As for today, they are looking currently to hire service crew, receptionist, food runner, dishwasher, electrician/maintenance staff, midnight crew/cleaner, management trainee on both a full time and part time basis.

The working locations are where their restaurants are located at: Clarke Quay, Somerset 313, Jurong East IMM, Bedok Mall, Novena Royal Square, Plaza Singapura, Seletar Mall, Sembawang Sun Plaza, Paya Lebar Quarter, Tampines Century Square.

The remuneration package is stated as S$2,350 – S$2,750 a month. Interested job seekers can call them at +65 67334985 or WhatsApp them at +65 90679607.

If you prefer back end jobs, they do have several entry level job offers that you can consider.

They have listed the following vacancies on Joblum:

Haidilao has also posted several job offers on career portal MNC Jobs:

To apply for the jobs, simply click through and follow the instructions.

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