​The Most In-demand Digital Marketer Skills In 2021​The digital marketing industry in Malaysia is booming (and, to be honest, expanding rapidly), and brands are putting even more emphasis on digital advertising than ever. People all over the world are having to cope with a new way of life as COVID-19 spreads around the globe. Though traditional retailers were already losing favors with customers, stay-at-home orders have effectively disrupted the industry.​​Companies that have already begun to pivot to a digital marketplace are better positioned to thrive in this environment. However, having a functional website and an e-commerce store is just half the fight. Just as important is the ability to get customers to those product pages.​Thus, a digital marketer's role is continually evolving to keep up with the new technologies, tactics, and best - practices. It can be challenging for marketers to know which main skills they should work on during their careers because digital marketing now encompasses such a broad variety of core areas.​As brands recover and begin recruiting in the second half of 2021, digital marketing teams will prioritize candidates who can add the most value to a team. It's more crucial than ever for marketers to consider what key skills they already have and what additional training they require to become the most employable versions of themselves during this downturn.​​Content Marketing​It's no coincidence that the first key skill on my list is content marketing. Being a successful content developer, in my view, is one of the most important skills for any digital marketer. ​At the heart of any digital marketing strategy – whether it be social media marketing, search engine marketing, or email marketing – quality content fuels the performance for each of these mediums.​It's critical to be able to communicate high-quality content that engages, enlightens, and attracts the audience. One of the most important techniques for establishing a long-term partnership with your audience is to provide value through content.​Search Engine Optimization (SEO)​For digital marketers looking to advance their capabilities, it’s important to note that SEO is still a booming area to specialize in. From analyzing keywords, writing valuable content, properly structuring website schemas, creating backlinks, fixing site errors, and uncovering UX insights – the role plays a critical part in the success of any digital brand.​​Social Media Marketing​​With more social platforms available than ever, the role of social media marketing has become essential for brands looking to drive value from this medium. As the social media landscape constantly evolves with new channels, tools, strategies, and trends, the demand for highly skilled social media marketers has never been higher.​​Data Analytics​​This demand for data analysts extends beyond those who can easily handle a Google Analytics dashboard. Throughout each stage of the funnel, digital marketers must now consider how to better calculate conversion events across different channels, using various methods. ​With more data being collected than ever before, marketers must be able to extract the requisite information in order to make well-informed decisions. Regardless of whether you're in charge of SEO, paid procurement, or content marketing, you should know how to use the data you have to shape the foundation of future plans.​​UX Design​​Most of us have come across the term user experience design, but few understand how much it influences our purchasing preferences and decision-making processes. If your online platform is difficult to use or visually appealing. If you’re are looking for an area of interest to specialize in, UX design can provide you with a high-value skill set that helps businesses harness the power of their entire marketing team.​​​Developing your knowledge of some of the above in-demand, transferable digital marketing skills can help you achieve professional success, whether you're in the early stages of your digital marketing career or want to find a specific field to excel in.​​Once you’ve equipped yourself with these necessary skills, it’s time to prepare for the job-seeking process. There's no denying that finding a job in 2021 will be challenging, so if you’re looking to try a career in digital marketing, head over to ourjobs portalto see the latest jobs in the labor market today.​​​

Job Hunting on LinkedIn​Your LinkedIn profile is your chance to get your name and face in front of thousands of professionals in your industry. If you're looking for a job, that's essential. The good news? LinkedIn will actually measure the “completeness” of your profile as you work and offer suggestions on how to make it stronger. So, treat your profile like your resume.​Before we share our tips, here are steps from LinkedIn themselves on how to build a profile and develop a network:​Keywords are the key (no pun intended)Recruiters search for candidates using keywords. Specialized recruiters will purchase Recruiter Licences from LinkedIn to have more flexibility and options in their searching.The words you use to populate your profile, are the ones that will allow the system to display your profile to recruiters when they search for candidates.To cut the long story short, you might want to use the words in your profile that you want to be found for. So if you are looking for an accounting job, use words and skills that relate to accountancy in your profile. ​Pro tip: If you are not sure what keywords to use, look into the jobs that are being posted on the platform to see what type of requirements they have. Then use similar terms in your profile​Where to use keywords? Well, the main areas are in your profile “Headline”, “Current Position” and the “About” or “Summary” sections. More keywords can be added in describing the responsibilities and achievements you had in the “Experience” section as well as the “Skills” section.​How to Develop a Network?​Your connections can exponentially increase your exposure and access to other connections. The right connections can help you get inside information on a company, refer you for a job, or provide career advice. So, the more connections you have, the better your chances of finding someone to help with your job search. ​You can connect with almost anyoneThere is a common misconception that you can’t connect with some people because there is no “Connect” button on their profile. However, if you click on the “More” button on the left side, you can still connect.​​Always add a note to your connection requestWhenever you send a connection request, you are given the opportunity to add a note. Use that to your advantage. Highlight why you would like to connect to the person and how this can be beneficial for both of you. For example: “Hi Jonas, I have recently seen your post about [add the topic] and it was very interesting. It would be a pleasure to stay in touch”.​Use searchFilter your potential connections based on their companies, industries, and job functions. You can also see whether you have any connections who work at a specific company from a company’s page or job listing.​Use Advanced SearchYou can follow companies and people to receive regular updates on the news and trends that are pertinent to hiring. Besides, use the advanced search option to refine your search and to search by date posted, experience level, specific location, job function, company, and industry.​Look for alumni associated with your college or universityBecome a member of your university’s alumni group on LinkedIn. Virtually every college and university in the world has one or more alumni groups. Go to the Groups Directory and search for the name of the educational institutions you attended and join as many as an appeal to you. ​Join a discussionTo get noticed by someone, a good practice is to engage with their posts. Comment on an article someone has posted or you can also provide your opinion on the post or ask a question to start a conversation and have a start for a relationship.​LinkedIn GroupsBy joining groups relevant to your profession or industry and contributing to ongoing conversations in industry-aligned groups will help you learn about your colleagues and competition, build expertise, and position you as a passionate & engaged professional.​One interesting channel for LinkedIn tips comes from an unexpected source. TikTok! Search for this profile on TikTok as it has amazing advice on how to best leverage LinkedIn tools: https://www.tiktok.com/@wonsulting​Optimizing your LinkedIn profile means making a lot of major (and minor) tweaks. ​But you don’t have to do it all at once. If you start small and commit to doing a little every week, you’ll find yourself with a well-optimized profile in no time.​To read more tips to hunting jobs during this unprecedented time please download Post Pandemic Job Hunting Guide​Post Pandemic Job Hunting Guide​​​Posted byNadhirah Afiqah- Marketing Assistant

CVs To Stand Out - Tips For Career Changers​If you are looking to make a career change, then you need a CV that demonstrates how your skills can transition into a new industry. You need to attract recruiters’ attention with a clear CV structure that displays your transferable skills showcasing why you’d be ideal for the sector you’re pursuing. This comprehensive guide will give you the tools to write a CV that stands out from the crowd. Your CV should emphasise your key strengths, allowing recruiters to easily navigate your experience and pinpoint your relevancy for new opportunities. ​Explain your objectives​Highlight what type of job you're seeking. You can use this space to make it clear how your former career has provided you with the skills you need in your new field, and for this job in particular.​Position past experiences in a positive way​A successful career-change CV clearly shows how your career path to date is a consistent progression of your talents, emphasising how the experience you gained could support your career change. It would be fantastic if you can include qualitative data to support your claims. ​Transferable skills should be highlighted at the top​Don’t be tempted to list skills you are not truly adept at because recruiters see hundreds of resumes and they are not easily fooled. Identify your transferable skills. Start by getting to know your new industry. Read job descriptions and industry news to gain a sense of the skills that employers require. ​Courses and Training​Document qualifications or courses you have obtained, especially those most linked to your career change. Start with recent online courses, workshops, training sessions, or part-time studies you have undertaken to enhance your skills. ​Differentiate yourself​Your past experiences can give you a competitive edge! Most people applying for the job will have similar backgrounds. However since you are making a career change, you are different. Remember to show that you can bring new perspectives to the role and provide non-traditional points of view.​Find out more in our Post Pandemic Job Hunting Guide​To download the full report Post Pandemic Job Hunting GuidePost Pandemic Job Hunting Guide​​​Posted byNadhirah Afiqah- Marketing Assistant​​

​How To Nail Your First Impression With HR/Hiring Managers?​“Interviews are all about making a good first impression”. First impression is the initial factor to consider or judgment a HR/Hiring Manager makes about who you are after their first interaction with you. ​There are few factors that can affect the employers’ first impression of you, such as:how you look, what you wear, how you speak and your overall emotional state. ​When you are looking for a new role, how you present yourself on your application or a CV and during an interview can all influence the recruiter and hiring managers' first impression of who you are.​So, check out these few suggestions before you step into your interview to ensure you're presenting yourself in the proper perspective and setting up for the most successful interview possible.​​DRESS & GROOM PROFESSIONALLY (even if the interview is online)​Appearance is incredibly important when making a first impression. Turning up dressed appropriately is an indication of your professionalism which proves that you are taking this job application sincerely. ​Don’t overdress; don’t underdress either. ​👨‍💼 👩‍💼 Wear business attire if you’re looking for an office-based job. E.g.: office clerk, customer service representative, executive assistant, accounts payable clerk, office manager. Meanwhile for other professions, the outfit must be appropriate for the role you’re applying for. ​Whatever outfits you plan to wear, make sure that it looks neat and presentable. The clothes are not supposed to be too tight or too exposing. It is also crucial to ensure you are well-groomed with good hygiene, a professional hairdo, and good breath (brushed teeth). ​Note that chances are your hiring manager will not only be evaluating your answers but also if you'd be a good representative of the company when meeting their business clients.​✖️ Avoid unnecessary distractions - disruptive jewelries (for females), overwhelming fragrance, too many hand gestures or having your meat caught between your teeth can be distracting for interviewers and may make it difficult for them to concentrate on what you are saying.  ​ARRIVE ON TIME​Your goal should be about 🕔 10-15 minutes early of your scheduled time for the interview. This time is needed for you to use the restroom before heading into the interview and also required for completing any necessary documentation/preparation BEFORE the interview.​Running late? Call as quickly as possible to let your interviewers know. They’ll appreciate it than you providing a lame excuse after they've already been waiting for 30 minutes.​​WATCH YOUR BODY LANGUANGE​Even though a job hunter might feel confident on the inside, their body language could tell a completely different story.​THE HANDSHAKE 🤝 - Aim for a firm handshake(but not bone-crushing), and as you shake, make eye contact and smile confidently.​BE MINDFUL OF YOUR POSTURE - Good posture gives an impression of confidence and professionalism. You should also be sure to maintain eye contact with the interviewer throughout the interview.​​GO PREPARED​Prior to your interview;research the company and know what they do, what your responsibility would be in the position you are applying for, what the company’s core values are and how you can add value to the company​Showing you have done your homework can leave the hiring manager with the impression that you are serious about the position you have applied to.​​RESUMES & CERTS SHOULD BE NEATLY ORGANIZED AND READILY ACCESSIBLE​You can be assured that, the recruiter/hiring manager will request for a copy of your updated resume & other supporting documents within the first few minutes of your interview. You’re going to look a little chaotic if you have to drill through your bag searching for it. ​​Thus, you should be able to pull out your CV & other important documents on prompt to make the best first impression. The best way is to carry a binder to hold your resume copies.​​With so many to choose from, employers can be very selective in hiring the talents they need. These hints on how to make a good first impression at a job interview cannot promise you a job, but they can certainly get you a little closer. ​​Don’t you think it is time to try? Good luck, then!​​​Posted by:Yogakumari Sankar- Prospect & Content Development Executive​

​How to Make Your Job Application Stand Out Among the Rest [Recruitment Agency Perspective] ​You may be wondering how you can stand out among the crowd of job applicants & stack of resumes. It's time to buckle up and understand how to distinguish yourself during the selection process, whether you are applying for an entry level position or your first employment after graduation or looking for a career change.​This may require cutting back a week or a month on the amount of resumes you have sent out. But a few carefully constructed resumes and cover letters linking the dots can do more than sending out dozens of CVs to open doors.​Remember, generic cover letters and CVs that do not highlight the required skill set will be quickly overlooked! Instead of sending many employers the same version of a resume, accommodate to the role with your application.​​So, customize your resume to the job you’re applying!​Keep your personal information short​Skip your family details, marital status and current address; it’s taking up space and time. Just stick to your name, current place of residence (optional), objective, and the link to your LinkedIn profile.​​​Make sure to highlight your skills & proficiencies​What skills have you acquired?  What are your strengths? ​10 general skills to include in your resume:Active listeningCommunicationComputer skillsCustomer serviceInterpersonal skillsLeadershipManagement skillsProblem-solvingTime managementTransferable skills​​However,it is important to give the recruiter a good overview of your specific technical skill sets and sort the list by relevance to the job.Roselin Francis, Recruitment Consultant @ ManpowerGroup Malaysia.​If you’re not sure where to start, pick out your main skills and qualifications from the job description that apply to you. ​E.g.: Specific skills adopted by a Digital Marketing Manager will be...SEOGoogle AnalyticsFacebook InsightsHootsuiteData AnalysisPaid Social Advertising​Try to demonstrate that you have these skills by providing actual examples or cases to get the employers’ attention on your resume.​​Tailor your relevant work experience to the industry & the job you’re applying for​The entire point of your CV is to focus on the most important pieces that show why you’re a perfect fit for a particular role. Resist the urge to list every single minor duty or project you can think of and narrow your focus to only the most impressive or the most relevant for career change to focus on transferable skills.​​A good resume should match the job requirement, e.g., responsibilities (achievements & targets accomplished in the past) of candidate should be meeting the job descriptions. Feroz Ghafoor, Talent Acquisition Lead @ ManpowerGroup Malaysia.​So, focus on your accomplishments in each position. If you can quantify (in numbers) any of your achievements, it will give the hiring manager a much clearer image of your skills and abilities. E.g.:​​​Keep your resume concise​​While a resume can be two pages, most should be just one. You should only include the information that will help you land an interview.​​Clarity without missing the important information at first look is what really makes a good CV.​Rajive Kathiresan, Practice Head, Language Hiring @ ManpowerGroup Malaysia​Avoid redundancy and fluff!Avoid listing hobbies/outdated technical or business skillsAvoid listing long job duties ​Instead, showcase your key qualifications in the career summary statement at the top of the first page. E.g.:​"Accomplished marketing professional with 4 years of corporate experience in social media management and advertising campaigns. Looking to leverage industry skills and abilities of raising awareness and sales through low or no budget marketing options for local NGO".​​Keep your resume highly organized & well-designed​Make sure your creativity is professional& must be in an easy-to-read format.Font style-Use a professional font like, Times New Roman, Calibri or Arial.Font size-Size12 font should suffice for the recruiters to read the content of your resumeKeep your template designs minimal & aesthetically appealing- make sure the visual elements don’t distract from the content of your resumeBold the heading or subsections to increase standabilityUse reverse-chronological order- List your most recent job experience to the older ones​​Get review from the experts​Still asking yourself what should a resume include to impress hiring managers? Get a free resume evaluation today from the experts at ManpowerGroupMalaysia.​Or fill in the form below & we will keep in touch with you!​​​​2 Dec 2020Posted by:Yogakumari Sankar - Prospect & Content Development Executive​​​

​Job Hunting with Recruitment Agencies; It’s time to upskill and reskill to face the actuality! ​The issue of unemployment among graduates has evolved from a matter of growing concerns to one that leaves furrows on graduating students as they’re facing frustratingly long waiting periods for openings amidst a sputtering economy. ​"According to a study conducted by the Malaysian Ministry of Education 's Graduate Tracer Study in 2018, nearly 60 percent stay unemployed one year after graduation and 55 percent are degree holders". ​The widening gap between what the academic institutions deliver and what business needs in terms of technical and soft skills had led to more unemployment hurdles. Graduates aren't well qualified to stay competitive in the job market with the right level of knowledge and skills. ​Being on the dean’s list isn’t enough to secure you a career. It certainly helps, but it’s outlying what an employer values in a candidate. Companies also want to spot whether you’re a team player, can multitask while being constructive, and be able to form solutions for internal matters and a risk taker.​The 21st century workplace does not require freshers who are “walking encyclopedias” but ratherSelf-reliant and resilient persons who are achievement-oriented with high self-esteem;Persuasive and effective communicators;Emotionally intelligent;Good problem solvers and decision makers with analytical and creative minds;Fast and lifelong learners;Good team players;And ethical with a high standard of integrity (morally intelligent)​​Being on the dean’s list isn’t enough to secure you a career. It certainly helps, but it’s outlying what an employer values in a candidate. Companies also want to spot whether you’re a team player, can multitask while being constructive, and be able to form solutions for internal matters and a risk taker. ​Nevertheless, faulting the higher institutions for this predicament is not going to transform the circumstances. The government has in the past inaugurated countless programs to aid the jobless graduates; SLIM (Skim Latihan Satu Malaysia) Program was one of those that intended to enhance the employability skills of Malaysian graduates. ​​So, what is your role as a candidate to upskill & reskill yourself up the ladder? ​​​Upskilling! ​Learning is the new currency that can aid you as a labor force to prosper. Local graduates should be planning to respond to the changes brought on by the latest pandemic. There will be plenty of new employment prospects in the digital and technological industries, as the existing economic environment has changed after Covid 19. How well the graduates are dealing with this transition is a matter of debate.​Most of you would need to learn new skills by accessing the training opportunities in the market. This because circumstances may emerge that require graduates to perform responsibilities outside their field of expertise. Therefore, graduates need to become more marketable and equip themselves with different skill sets and not just restricted to their specific field.​Be proactive. Make sure you are aware of companies that are hiring and what type of roles and expertise they would require. One way to do so is by job hunting with recruitment agencies in Malaysia to gain more exposure and knowledge about the hiring market. ​​What do you think the role of the recruitment agencies here? ​Thanks to their widespread contacts, recruitment agencies offer graduates access to a number of employers and exclusive vacancies - signing up to one could be your ticket to a job offer. ​On that account, recruitment agencies provides the following benefits to graduates: ​They’re free of charge! Occasionally a worried candidate asks how much we will be charging to find them a job. It is the companies who pay us a fee to put our time into finding the best candidates and managing the practicalities of graduate recruitment, not you. You never have to pay us anything at all. ​They’re a cordial voice! Recruiters at Manpower tend to like talking to people! We will be very interested in what you want from a job, what your strongest skills are and what you think you can offer to a company. You can chat through ideas with us, ask us any questions about the market and use us for advice & feedback.​They know the field We're experts at helping people find the perfect graduate job. As a result, we can navigate you through the process and be there to give your our advice and support. ​They act as a mediator Very few students have any experience of receiving a formal job offer, knowing how it compares to other job offers in the industry and negotiating the finer details. Job application processes, interview formats and job offer differ from one company to another. It is likely that you will find each process to be unique and this can make you unsure of what to expect, and how to respond. We can negotiate with your future employer on starting dates, salaries and just about anything else, to make sure both parties are happy. ​In the end, it’s about helping employees develop the skills they need in order to help stay relevant as work changes. ​We, at ManpowerGroup Malaysia are leading the shift to become builders of talent, partnering with NGOs, governments and clients to help young people develop their employability before they enter the labor market, and providing opportunities for people to acquire new skills and adapt to a fast-changing world of work. ​Whether you're trying to advance your current career or pursue a new one, we have the tools, tips and advice you need. To find out more about the career opportunities available in the labor market today, head over to our job's portal. Or fill in the form below for us to keep in touch with you!​​

​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 the long-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. ​Learn about your learnability quotient by doing the assessment here >>>> https://insights.manpowergroupassessments.com/MYLQ2020/invite/link/ManpowerMY​​​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.