​THREE WAYS TO HELP PEOPLE #SMARTRESTART The world is never going to be the same as it was before COVID-19. Even when COVID-19’s impact is diminished and you got the green light to be able to restart again, you still have to choose if, how, and when to reboot yourself. ​​ ​​​​​1. Embrace new way of working Digital skills​Enhance your digital skills to leverage on smart tools and tech, which level the playing field for all workers – not just for those who were equipped to workremote anyway. As an example, the use of software such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Slack and many more.​From my own experiences, I see that many tutors for example, cannot work during this pandemic, as they cannot go out and teach their students. So they have to workremotely from home and teach using platforms such as Google Meet or Zoom, Slack and many more and continue to make sure that they can reach their students. Collaborate​Enable collaboration but also ensure data security and privacy by explaining to workers that everyone is responsible for protecting data, while initiating practices and procedures that will strengthen data security within a business to curb breach problems. See the upside​Think of remote work as not a challenge to overcome but a business advantage to achieve. By not tying work to a physical location, we democratize opportunity and open-up a world of new possibilities. ​It also teaches us to be more disciplined and in charge of our time management. It simply gives us more freedom and consequently more responsibility and accountability. Focus on outputs​Managers emphasized that “being seen” as a proxy for how committed an online worker is to an organization. Focus on output, not online presenteeism. Ensure clearoutput targets are set as the measure, rather than being hung-up on specific hours. 2. Remember that leadership is key in the times of crisis Lead by example​Prepared and responsible leadership is critical to react promptly and competently in a time of crisis. Leaders are able to help people by providing suggestions, materials and support to make sure that is no one left aside. ​If you are a junior employee, you too can lead by example. Not all leaders need titles. Clear communications​If you are a leader, remember that you should be visible in online tools and channels, communicating proactively and engaging in timely conversations where they are happening. ​Townhalls, online conferences really help to ensure the clear communication between leaders all people in the organization. Share your thoughts​Consider how new ways of working and getting work done can contribute to industry transformation, redesigning business models and diversifying supply chains and markets that will benefit the business in the long-term. ​Always think to share with workers on how the company is strategizing for the better future of all people in the company. Show them that even it is tough in this new working style, we still be able to strive in the market. 3. Stay focused on reskilling and upskilling Reskilling and upskilling​For many of us who are fortunate that we are still working, our job scopes have evolved. Apply and adapt to new roles and new ways of working. Time spent working remotely can provide an opportunity to explore and develop skills while all of we work through this together. ​Here I can recommend you get your free access to Percipio for a highly engaging learning experience curated into nearly 700 learning paths. Get ready for more training to move digital. Webinars and online tutorials “solve” the theme of compresence. Quizzes and tests allow companies to verify learningand keep the engagement curve high.​Learnability​Support a culture that enables people to nurture their learnability and continually update their skills. The Skills Revolution we predicted is here, it is happening now, ensuring people re-skill, upskill is how companies will stay competitive, and people will be motivated and engaged, bringing value for thelong-term.​We can start to think through scenarios and your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, to develop a new view of advantage points to smart restart during this pandemic time. Lay out the facts of the current situation and see where you can gain benefits. ​​​13 July 2020Posted by:Nadhirah Afiqah - Marketing Assistant

​What to Do If Your Job Got Impacted by COVID-19?​As COVID-19 travelled across the world, only essential operations can fully function during lockdowns while non-essential operations were moved into a remote setup. ​Co-workers are connected virtually over video conferences and email. Physical distancing, washing our hands, not touching our faces and staying home to flatten the curve are unusual habits most of us have to develop.​So we are heavily reliant on technology when working remotely. As a virtual team, we use online tools to effectively deliver tasks assigned throughout the day. ​But what happened to the jobs that still needed human contact? In a world supported by technology, people still long for personal, human contact.​A special survey by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) has found that 46.6% of self-employed respondents reported losing their jobs following COVID-19 and the Movement Control Order (MCO) being enforced. ​The survey is called Effects of Covid-19 Survey on Economy and Individuals and a total of 168,182 respondents aged 15 years and above participated in the survey. ​In Malaysia, the Movement Control Order since March has seen companies struggle with cash flow to sustain their operations and jobs. Many have to make difficult decisions of salary cuts. ​This is changing the work environment and lives of a huge number of employees.​If your job got impacted by the pandemic, these are the things that you can do:​Stay focused and secure your risks​Do you have an emergency savings to help you sail through the period of a job loss? If you don’t, start building one that is worth 6 months of household expenses or at the very least 3 months.​Consider signing up for health and life insurance. If you lose your job and are without an employer cover or an independent cover, your medical expenses could deplete your savings.  Look for opportunities to do things you are passionate about​Reskill, start freelancing, and monetise your passions. Think about the things that you are able to do. Highlighting your experiences while updating your LinkedIn profile. For your resume, on the first page you can highlight what you’ve done and the second page you can put the chronology of the jobs that you have. ​You can start looking for opportunities by speaking to professionals in recruitment agencies, to have idea about the package and what jobs that are available. What if you’re being hired?​If you’ve been hired but then put on hold, you should write to the hiring managers to make sure that the job is confirmed and you will be able to work after the pandemic is stabilised. ​No company would want to spend a lot of money to go through the recruitment process all over again after a few months. Be proactive and also be patient.​Prioritise your needs and wants​Although many get salary cuts, savings could go up as a result of reduced travel and work-related expenses, cutting down on eating out and entertainment and other costs.​Personally for me, I can save more now because I don’t have to travel to the office every day. I’m still able to work from home and just go to the office alternately. ​The key is in staying rational, focused and calm. Analyse your financial situation. You will know which are your needs, wants, how much you can save, which resources you can allocate and where you want it to be.​5th June 2020Posted by:Nadhirah Afiqah - Marketing Assistant

How To Write a Proper Job Application Email? [With templates] Applying for a job can be a difficult and a daunting task for anybody especially for those who are young and have just graduated. Some say the most daunting thing about applying for a job is actually sending in the resume. ​You probably can relate to the little panic attack that you got after hitting the ‘send’ button when you’ve already emailed your resume to a potential employer.​Nowadays, in this era of digital transformation, nobody uses traditional mail anymore to send in their job applications (although sometimes it might be a good differentiator form other candidates). ​The rise of new technologies has changed the way how candidates communicate with employers. Social media, job hunting websites, and not to forget the use of email as a standard of sending job applications. ​So, because on a daily basis we receive many applications, we decided to share a few tips to help you with your next application email.​What is job application email?​It’s an email that provides complete information about your experience and skills to a recruiter or a hiring manager in a quick or simplified manner. It is a unique way to convey your interest in a particular job in an organisation. ​How to make your email stand out from the crowd?​​Hiring managers receive a ton of emails every day. Many job application emails are so terribly written that hiring managers do not even bother opening any attachments. So here are a few suggestions to improve your next application email:​1.   Proper email subject line​To make your email appeal to the eyes of the hiring manager, include your name and the job title you are applying for in the email subject line. They receive so many emails and by doing this, you make their work easier.​2.   Correct salutation​Address your email to the specific person who can be determined by reviewing the company’s website, LinkedIn pages or calling the front office to ask whom should you address in the email. ​If for some reason you cannot determine the ideal receiver of your application you may generalize the salutation by saying, “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear Recruiting Manager” or “Dear Human Resources Manager”.​3.   Keep it short and simple​Keep it brief and just write relevant content about you and why the job is suitable for you. Nobody wants to read a lengthy email with irrelevant content.​4.   Correct format​Neat and organised job application email significantly increases the chances of it being read by the employer. Do not forget to leave proper space between paragraphs and make sure it’s free from grammatical errors.​A job application email might be the first thing for an employer to build an image of you and proceed to look at your resume. It explains to the hiring manager what makes you a potential candidate for the job vacancy. It also gives an insight into why are you interested in the job vacancy, your career summary and how you are keen for the job.​Template 1 - For Experienced Professionals​Subject: Name of Applicant – Name of Position​Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name,​After more than 10 years of continuous progression and achievement, including 5 years in leadership position providing R&D, Engineering & Manufacturing operation, I am ready to take the next step in my career.  As such, I am writing to introduce myself as a strong contender for Japanese based automotive manufacturing engineering manager positions that you may be seeking to fill for your manufacturing-engineering-clients. While I have enclosed my resume, I realize you are busy, so please allow me just a moment to summarize the qualifications that should make an easy match for your search assignments; Transferable manufacturing industries qualifications combined with extensive experience interfacing with giant automotive players; Honda, Isuzu, Nissan, Toyota, Hyundai, Mitsubishi and Ford, among others.Clear history of progression in roles that include manufacturing engineering management (heading 16 engineers and technician), R&D management in multi-million-ringgit product development initiative.Extensively accomplished transforming traditional manufacturing operation to lean processes continuously driving out cost and inefficiencies to deliver optimal productivity and profitability.Expert background in quality systems including ISO9000 and the automotive-sector specific TS16949Documented history of quantified contribution that include millions of ringgits in cost saving in addition to improve process efficiencies, workplace safety and quality.​As a leader, I am particularly valued for my ability to come into ambiguous and unprecedented situations, serving as both a trailblazer and a change agent to bring teams together, set new standards, and achieve seemingly impossible goals.​Now my goal is to expand my horizons in other company in a similar position. I prefer to be based in Klang Valley or Perak. However, I am available for travel and have strong experience traveling for business purpose. In recent years, my monthly salary range has been in the RM7000 - RM8000 and I hope to meet or exceed that. Thank you! Please don’t hesitate to contact me if I can answer your questions. Sincerely,Your NameYour AddressYour Phone NumberYour Email AddressTemplate 2 – For Fresh Graduates​Subject: Name of Applicant – Name of Position​Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name,​With all my respect, I wish to apply for the above position. I came across a very exciting position on your job portal that I believe fits me perfectly. I am interested in applying for the position of Software Developer at Shopee. After reading the job description and requirements and matching it with my own experiences, I know that I would be a valuable asset to your organization.​I am currently graduated in Information Technology with Majored in Diploma in Information Technology at University Kuala Lumpur Malaysian Institutes of Information Technology (UniKL MIIT). My current CGPA is3.51.I now want to apply my skills in an e-commerce company like Shopee. As a software developer, I can implement engineering concepts to design innovative and ingenious applications for consumers.​I have gone through a four-month industrial training in IT support at theme park company, Sunway Lagoon Sdn Bhd where I was given tasks to support all the software and hardware problem in the park andalso troubleshoot the problem.​I have attached a cover letter, resume, and certificates for your consideration. Please take a moment to go through them to get a better picture of who I am.I would love to talk to you in more detail regarding this amazing opportunity at your company. It would give me great pleasure to hear back from you regarding my application. Sincerely,Your NameYour AddressYour Phone NumberYour Email Address

How To Write A Cover Letter? A Good Cover Letter​You might be overwhelmed to write one killer cover letter when you had to browse hundreds of samples online. You night start considering, why do you need to write these? Does anyone really read them? Wouldn’t it be so much easier if hiring managers just read my resume?​A cover letter is a single-page letter that you include with your job application. Actually, a cover letter will add advantage to a resume. This is because, a resume is of a limited value to the hiring managers without a cover letter for context. Cover letters are significant because they tell hiring managers or future employers the sort of position you’re chasing – and precisely how you’re qualified for it. Your cover letter can likewise clarify things that your resume can’t. Each cover letter ought to be custom-made to the individual job application. You don't need to begin from scratch every time, yet you got to modify the content of the cover letter to best reflect what makes you a perfect contender for the current situation where you are in a wrestling ring with many other contenders that want to win the title.​Fresh cover letter for each job that you apply for​Creating a custom letter for each job position would make your cover letter more interesting to the employer as it shows your excitement towards the specific position and company that you've applied for. It’s okay to recycle a few strong sentences and phrases from one cover letter or next but please don’t send a 100% generic letter. It is a red flag for hiring managers that you’re resume-bombing every job listing in town. If possible, include the hiring manager's name​Salutations like “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear Sir or Madam” are too generic. The cover letter need to customized and if you can’t figure out the specific hiring managers’ name, try addressing the cover letter to the head of department for the role you’re applying for.Spend some time on LinkedIn to find out who might be your hiring manager or the HR manager of the company you are applying for. You could consider sending them a connection request and tailor make the cover letter to fir their interests or past experiences. Don’t repeat the points on the resume​Don’t simply copy and paste what's already available in your CV. As example: “I was in charge of documentation and filing of invoices.” Rather, develop those visual cues to portray your encounters and achievements, and hotshot for what reason you'd be ideal for the job and the company.Cover letters do get read. To some employers, it is one of the key parts of your job application. It serves as a hook to get prospect employers read your CV. Use cover letters to tell prospective employers what your key skills are, feature why they should procure you, and stand apart over the various candidates.