JOB-SEEKING TIPS FOR FRESH GRADUATES

AUTHOR_Yan Lam PHOTO_Panda Lei

July is the month when graduates rush to seek employment. How could the inexperienced novices, just stepping into the society from the campus, find the optimal position? This time we have invited multiple skilled Human Resources practitioners and business etiquette advisors to offer some suggestions. Meanwhile, we have selected a number of insightful books covering fields like business etiquette, career planning, and self-improvement, hoping to give new graduates some practical advice on their career development.

President Wendy Vong (Right) and Chairman Paul Lam (Left) of The Macau Human Resources Management Association

The Macau Human Resources Management Association has pooled over a hundred Human Resources practitioners, who come from all walks of life and fully understand the needs of the Macao job market. From their professional point of view, how could a freshman stand out as the person that the HR department is looking for?

Wendy Vong, president of The Macau Human Resources Management Association, in her 30 years’ experience as HR practitioner, has viewed countless resumes and witnessed the changes of Macao job market. “From our past experience as HR practitioners, we notice that graduates tend to aim beyond what they are capable of. When seeing the official figure of median income, they mistake it as their starting salary.” Wendy says with a smile, “I would recommend graduates to be well-informed about the companies of their interest and the whole job market.” Paul Lam, chairman of the association, nods in agreement. “Freshmen shouldn’t be afraid of hard work or be picky about their job. Gaining working experience is of more importance.” Meanwhile, they point out that small and medium-sized enterprises in Macau may not at once meet the expected salary of job seekers, it is better to focus on the nature and potential of a position, rather than blindly pursue high salary. For those who already get the job, they had better keep upgrading themselves and get prepared for the increasingly competitive job market.

To work full-time or part-time? Nowadays there are a lot of “slash youth”, the majority of whom love free part-time jobs. Wendy says this is also the problem they often encounter in recent years. From the perspective of HR practitioners, they prefer full-time job seekers to ensure the well-functioning of the company and the convenience of the employment process. If an applicant’s resume shows too many part- time experiences and frequent job hopping, it could leave an impression that he has no resolution or clear goals, thus could hardly be the suitable candidate.

How do they see the popularity of civil servants among graduates? “I would encourage graduates to try; after all, everyone has different personalities. Some like to follow procedures while some prefer free and creative jobs. If you don’t give it a try, you can’t tell which one is suitable for you.” Paul says, “Young people should understand themselves in the process of job-seeking and working. Find your own interest, set long-term goals and achieve self- value.”

We have summarized four common questions that bother freshmen most in terms of job-seeking, and invited Wendy and Paul to give their advice.

1. I’m very interested in a position, yet I don't meet their requirements. Should I submit a resume?

Paul: It won't hurt to give it a try. I encourage you to try hard for the job of your interest, unless your educational background has absolutely nothing to do with that position.

2. The company isn't recruiting this year, can I recommend myself?

Paul: Why not? Self-recommendation is an expression of confidence. Even if there's no vacancy for the position, it never goes wrong to leave your resume to the HR department.

3. My favourite company hasn't given me a reply, yet other companies decide to hire me? Should I keep waiting or accept the offer?

Wendy: A freshman would better not wait too long, I recommend accepting the offer. As for your favourite company, you could give them a call to ask about their intentions in an indirect manner.

4. After entering the job for one week, I realize I don't like the job. Should I change the job immediately?

Paul: Do not quit immediately. You'd better find a new job before resigning, to avoid a long employment gap.

Fine feathers make fine birds. Dressing properly and demonstrating business etiquette can give HR  a good impression that you are a professional person with good attitudes and personalities. Debbie Wu, an instructor on international business etiquette, here introduces some important interview etiquette tips to young people.

Debbie Wu, Instructor on International Business Etiquette

Etiquette before interview:

Get acquaintance with the company

1. Acquaint yourself with the company's businesses and management style, etc.

2. Prepare paper resumes and certificates, and bring a work of yours to the interview if the post requires reference.

3. Try to go to the location of the company once in advance and make a proper schedule for the interview day.

4. After being invited for an interview, ask them to leave the contact information for instant communication in case of an unexpected event.

Develop A Good Personal Image

For gentlemen:

1. Wear suits, preferably dark blue. Wear ties with single colours and simple patterns, e.g. stripes.

2. Wear safety socks, preferably dark-coloured stockings, to ensure that your shanks are not exposed.

3. Wear black or coffee leather shoes with simple designs.

4. If you'd like to wear a watch, wear a metal one to show that you are mature and punctual.

5. Do not wear over three colours.

6. Bring a briefcase to the interview, do not put things in the pockets of your outer wear or trousers.

7. Pay attention to personal cleanliness, long nails, hairs and beard should be dealt with before going to the interview.

For ladies:

1. Wear simple business suits, and put on an outer wear regardless that you are wearing trousers or a skirt.

2. If you'd like to wear a skirt, the length is preferably about three centimetres above your knees, and wear skin-coloured silk stockings.

3. Wear low heels that cover your toes. Do not wear over-high heels and sandals.

4. Accessories should not be over three.

5. Do not wear over three colours.

6. Keep your hair neat. Long hairs should be tied up or fixed with hairpins.

7. Apply a light makeup to show your respect.

Etiquette during interview:

1. Punctuality

It is a taboo to be late for an interview. You should arrive 5 to 10 minutes earlier to leave some time for you to check your appearance, but it is also inappropriate to arrive too early in international etiquette.

2. Eye contact

Keep eye contact with the interviewer during your conversation. Focus on the eye-nose triangle of the interviewer but do not stare. If there are two or more interviewers, focus on the one talking, and make eye contact with the rest while talking.

3. Decent sitting posture

Sit 2/3 of the chair, do not relax your body and lean against the back. While sitting, men can unbutton their outer wear in case it wrinkles. You should keep your knees close to each other or split a little naturally, and put your hands on the knees. Ladies who wear a skirt should tidy the fringes of the skirt before sitting, while those who wear trousers can just sit down steadily, with their knees close to each other, and at the same time placed to the left or the right a little, with right hand covering left hand on the thigh. You should lean your body forward a little bit to show respect.

4. Sincerity

Keep smiling and do not interrupt while somebody is talking, nod to show you are listening. Be confident, not arrogant; do not have too exaggerated expressions. Be honest if you do not know the answer to the question. Use both hands when submitting or receiving documents.

Etiquette after interview:

Express your gratitude to the interviewers when the interview is over, then walk slowly out of the room, and close the door gently. Do not engage yourself in cheering or loud talking after you walk out of the room. In addition, you can send a thank-you email to the company the next day, which can show your courtesy, and boost your impression among HR.

Book Recommendations: Etiquette Rules You Should Know

Why recommended? International business etiquette is a “world language” and a rule which cannot be ignored in business interaction. The book introduces the essentials of business etiquette, so that both fresh and experienced workers can understand the universal etiquette rules and build a more professional career image.

A resume is the first impression you leave on the company you apply for and might get you a job interview. Here we offer some tips for writing a good resume:

1. Keep it concise: Keep the resume concise within 2 pages. A resume should include a decent photo, contact information, and your educational background, personal experiences and achievements relating to the position you apply for, etc.
2. Use templates with caution:  There are many templates on the Internet but they are too identical to stand out. You should tailor your resume and emphasize your different strengths for different companies.
3. Avoid mechanical errors: Details tell your attitude, and spelling mistakes are bad impressions which compromise your opportunities for an interview.
4. Write what is true: Do not overstate your capabilities. Describe your strengths within the bounds of the position. Never provide false information.
5. No salary expectations: Do not write salary expectations, or the company will think you are after money rather than the job.

Book Recommendations: The Career Planning Guidebook

Why recommended? The book introduces 132 positions from 23 fields, and explains relevant educational requirements, job responsibilities, onboarding salaries and career prospects, to get young people acquainted with different lines of work in Macao, and thus enable them for better career choices.

After the detailed explanation from The Macau Human Resources Management Association and international business etiquette instructor, you can learn more practical knowledge from the following selected books on workplace and career.

Job Hunting

Job-hunting Magic: EQ Secrets from Interview Experts

The author was the former executive director of Goldman Sachs Investment Bank and has read more than 15,000 resumes of job applicants. In the book, she offers practical and efficient job-hunting skills for workplace freshmen in three parts including “the success of finding a job depends on your emotional intelligence”, “how to write the resume and cover letter that can win an interview”, and “how to stand out in an interview”.

Job-hunting Strategies for Enneagram Types

Choosing the career based on your personality may reduce the risk of entering the “wrong” industry. This book analyses the jobs that match with the Enneagram Types in detail, and there are 162 questions on workplace ability that help you understand your personality advantages. In addition, it also teaches you how to break through your personality limits and helps you find the ideal lifelong career.

Career Planning

You Don't Have to Go Fast but Go Far: Workplace Details You Won't Learn Elsewhere

The way of surviving in workplace and at school differs greatly. Whether you are a newcomer or a veteran, you cannot keep staying in your comfort zone. The author has also been a newcomer and was also confused and anxious. As an experienced worker, she shares with us: as long as we set goals, constantly hone our professional skills and manage business contacts, we can realize our career vision.

Don't Be the Strayed Bird

The author proposes in the book that everyone has a “critical decade”. According to his career experience, he sums up the “3232” rule, that is, three years of life planning, two years of adjustment, three years of workplace “purgatory”, and two years of self-breakthrough. The four stages make more young people entering the workplace think about their career development.

Workplace Etiquette

Don't Take the Last Donut: New Rules of Business Etiquette

The devil is in the details. A minor etiquette fault in the workplace may ruin your efforts for many years! This book is written by the American workplace etiquette expert Judith Bowman. She proposes the 4C method, including “Confidence”, “Control”, “Contribution”, and “Connection”, which helps the professionals highlight their personal features and career images through appropriate body language, eye contact, and behaviour.

Come dirlo? Parole giuste, parole belle

Speaking is an art. A few more words may be regarded as flattery, while a few less may be impolite. The book uses examples to illustrate the benefits of using language appropriately and giving compliments, and it also advises to avoid lies or ambiguous expressions, in order to establish a good interpersonal communication.

Self-Upgrading

From Rudiments to Proficiency in the Pomodoro Technique

The Pomodoro Technique was developed by an Italian, Francesco Cirillo. It uses a timer to divide 30 minutes into 25 minutes of work and 5 minutes of rest, with the focus on finishing the task at hand. The book includes three parts: the introduction, practice, and refining, which helps working people stop suffering from procrastination.

Efficient Reading in the Slash Era: Using Multiple Reading to Establish Cross-Border Knowledge Network, Enhance Competence, and Expand Successful Life

Self-upgrading has become very important in the ever-changing workplace. The author sums up his self-learning method through years of reading: formulating a self-learning strategy by multiple reading. In other words, we can start from our own work field and multiply another cross-border field, which can improve work performance and establish a unique career orientation.