career Archives | Page 15 of 44

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

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

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

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:

Management Trainee (Restaurant Operation): S$2,600 – S$3,200
Junior Sales Executive (Basic + Commission): S$3,000 – S$5,000
Quality Assurance Executive: S$3,200 – S$4,000

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

Business Analyst (Investment): S$3,500 – S$5,000
Management Trainee: S$2,600 – S$3,500

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

Looking for a job after graduation?

Feeling like you’re fighting a losing battle against this bad job market?

DON’T!

The job market is a very different one now from when it was pre-COVID…

So maybe what you need is actionable advice and someone to answer your job search and career-related questions.

If that sounds like a good idea, then this latest SeedlyTV episode will help you better prepare yourself as a job seeker and increase your chance of securing a job.

Just tune in on Tuesday, 30 June 2020, at 8pm to find out more about:

What do job seekers need to know about the current job market?
Why is it dangerous if job seekers stay unemployed for too long?
What can we do to leave an impression during an interview since virtual job interviews are becoming more common?
Will a low starting salary affect your career, especially for fresh grads embarking on their first job?

And many many more.

If you’ve got questions of your own, you can also start ask your questions now and tune in later to have them answered LIVE!

Not sure why you should watch this episode of SeedlyTV?

Well, here’s why.

The Seedly team has brought on thought leaders and career professionals who can resonate with your job-search problems and offer real career advice and help.

Here’s a snapshot of who they are.

The Thought Collective

The Thought Collective is a group of social enterprises which aim to create a new generation of socially-minded Singaporeans.

For this SeedlyTV episode, you’ll get to interact with Tong Yee (Co-founder, The Thought Collective) who is a sought after public speaker, trainer, and thought leader who shares his insights with various national level committees.

He will be speaking about what fresh graduates need to know about the current job market, how it is changing, and what to watch out for.

If you’re looking to score a job, he’ll also be sharing about how you can stand out amongst the numerous candidates.

And give valuable tips like how to leave an impression during a virtual job interview.

Glints

Glints is a career discovery and development platform which has helped over a million young professionals discover their dream careers.

Goh Duo Geng (Special Projects Lead, Glints) will be sharing the macro trends in the APAC and Singapore job market and how does that apply to you in your job search.

(Hint hint: you might have a better shot if you know which industries or businesses are actively looking to hire)

And if you’re a fresh graduate or a mid-career job seeker looking for a job or a job switch right now.

He’ll share more about what you can do to improve your chances during your job search.

Jeraldine Phneah (Seedly Community Member)

Jeraldine is a Seedly Community member who contributes actively on the Seedly platform.

She has voiced her opinions on topics like how to build rewarding careers and how to navigate difficult times like this COVID-19 pandemic.

On her personal blog, she has shared job search tips like what are the best job portals in Singapore for millennials and how to optimise your LinkedIn profile.

Discussed sensitive topics like whether it is disadvantageous to graduate from a private university in Singapore.

And how effective is MyCareersFuture — a government initiative to help Singaporeans find jobs smarter — as a job search portal.

Look out for her during the SeedlyTV episode as she’ll be sharing her personal experiences and lessons!

Special Bonus: Receive a Super Exclusive Seedly Career Assistance Package

To give you as much help as you can get.

The Seedly team also wants to send YOU a super-exclusive Seedly Career Assistance Package!

All you have to do is sign up for a FREE Seedly account and look out for it in your email.

Source: SpongeBob SquarePants | Giphy

Whether you’re a fresh grad, a mid-career jobseeker, or would like to explore your options in the job market (read: because your job sucks).

The package includes the best career and job search-related content and resources from local personal finance sites and platforms like SG Budget Babe and The Woke Salaryman!

To help you with your job search and to get your career on track!

Sounds good?