This is a simple guide aimed at fresh graduates and also would be fresh graduates. It is divided into three sections: pre graduates, graduates and post graduates.

Obviously the guide in here is not exhaustive, and also some of these are already discussed in various other topics, so do check there. Please feel free to contribute your thoughts in here.

Also, it is worth noting these are based on my experience in the UK so it may not be directly applicable, but should still be useful.

Simple Guide for Pre Graduates
Should I start looking for jobs even before I graduate?
Major companies tend to start their graduate recruitment even before the actual graduation date. Also, they tend to do more than one recruitment rounds, so if you missed the 1st one, you can still wait for the second one.

For July graduates, some recruitment process starts around November/December time.

Why should I start looking for jobs so early?
You don’t have to if you prefer to take a few months off after you graduated. However, graduate scheme in companies tend to fill in quite quickly so if you missed one window, you’ll need to wait for another.

Also, by starting early, you get more opportunities to experience the selection process thereby helping you to build up your skills.

What else can I do?
For final year students, the university or companies would usually run career fairs and exhibitions. Visit these to find out what are the options available out there.

Also, speak to your seniors and your lecturers and think about what you want to do. They can usually recommend a few good companies for you to join. Whilst this is debatable, my opinion is that your first job matters so think hard about that. We’ll come back to this shortly.

Also, you university should be able to help you brush up your interview skills, and to give you a feel for what to expect in an interview, carry out mock interviews, preparing your CV etc. Speak to them.

What do I need to do in an interview?
This has been discussed in great length in the pinned topic. However for a short summary:

- Make sure you know your company, do some research, understand where they operate in etc.
- Prior to the interview, prepare a list of questions interviewers would most likely ask.
- Dress smartly, but don’t overdress and nothing fancy. Chose dark coloured or white/blue (traditional colour shirt). Obviously this may not be applicable to all circumstances, so adapt as you see fit.
- Arrive 10 minutes earlier prior to your interview, if you’re running late, call up the company and let them know you’re running late.
- Don’t ask about money or benefits. Wait until you’ve got the job.

There is still a lot to talk about in this list but that’s not the point for this topic. So do check out the pinned topic.

Simple Guide for Graduates
I’ve got more than one offer which job should I pick?
This is one of the most commonly asked question, and also one of the more debateable ones. Obviously there is no one size fit all answer to this question, but you should consider the following:

Your first job is not to make money, as you would be joining a company with 0 experience. The company will be paying you to learn. So don’t expect or pick a job just because they pay more than the other.

You should think about what you can learn in your first job. The key point is what you can learn now to enable you to progress further in the future. Think about how you can develop yourself in the company you work.

Be a bit careful about joining a field that is too specialised as a fresh graduate. It is not bad, but think about how easy it would be for you to move around in the future, and whether is there a market even in other countries. For fresh graduate, it would be better to try and gain experience which is as diversified as possible.

After graduating, does it mean I don’t need to learn anymore?
Even after graduating, your learning process will not stop. You will learn in your work and you will gain experience. You may not need to take formal learning such as those in the university, but you certainly should continue to learn and develop yourself.

Think about taking evening classes, part time studies to Masters level, a second qualification, language etc. Continuous improvement is the key here.

Also, you could also think about taking none work related courses, such as art, music or something that interests you. This would help break you away from your daily routine and should also help you meet new people, and experience new things. Work is not your only life, you need life outside work too.

Simple Guide for Post Graduates
The following are stuff that I have discovered and learnt over the past 4.5 years from working. These are based on my experience, advice from others and from reading books. I find them particularly useful as these are considered as ‘soft skills’.

1) It is a common mistake by graduates where they try to do more, i.e. things not related to their work. This is not a good idea, just do what the company pays you to do.

Whilst it may be great to try and be helpful, being too helpful will send signals to people to dump things onto you. Also, you may be able to do A, B and C perfectly. However, if you have to do A, B and C simultaneously, can you still do a good job with all three? Else, if you do a bad job, it may backfire on you.

2) Learn how to say no. This sort of relate to Item 1 above as I personally find saying no to be rather difficult at first, especially when people start complaining or have a go at you. For example, if someone ask you to do something outside your job scope, you can say No and give them a reason such as you are busy or you don’t know. If you are in a situation where you can only say yes, then make sure the person knows that you are doing them a favour.

3) If something doesn’t work, don’t just say it doesn’t work. Always offer alternative solution or idea and always show that you have tried finding out why it doesn’t work.

4) The glass is half full or half empty. There are two ways for you to talk to people:

a) No, you cannot do this. To do this, you will need to do A, B and C.
b) Yes you can do this by doing A, B and C.

The key point here is to be positive and show a realistic can do attitude. It doesn’t mean saying yes to everything when you can’t deliver.

5) If it’s worth doing, it’s worth overdoing. This is a quote from Mythbusters but one I find applicable to my work. If you are asked to do something, don’t do a half-hearted job. Give it your best + extra to try and match + exceed the person’s expectation. This is how you can get noticed.

6) Be nice to everyone, and also be nice to the receptionist or admin. A smile is free, so don’t be afraid of giving them out.

When someone is behaving unprofessionally towards you, the last thing you want to do is to respond in the same way. Remember the inverse rule, the more unprofessional someone is, the more professional you should be and the ruder the person is, the more polite you should be.

7) A wall is there to let you show how much you want something.

8) Be open to criticism. People criticise you because they care. You should be worried when people stop criticising you as this means have given up on you.

Even when faced with unconstructive criticism or people bent on putting you down, just smile and go away or ignore it if you can. Don’t engage in a prolonged argument as it is a waste of your time and often, it does not reflect well on you.

9) Remember please and thank you, they go a long way.

10) Always carry a mini notebook with you, when people teach you something, write it down.

11) Avoid making mistakes but understand that mistakes cannot be avoided. What you need to do is learn and make sure you don’t make the same mistake twice. This is tough, but when you make a mistake, be sure to own up to it as soon as you can as there might still be ways to contain the damage. Keeping quiet will help no one.

12) Don’t be lazy, always do your homework before asking a question.

July 2011 Update

13) Everyone dislikes whiners, so either do it and don’t whine, or don’t whine and don’t do it. Instead of whining to your boss, don’t whine, be proactive and propose solutions to a problem.

14) Talk less do more. People like a man of action or someone who can make things happen instead of just talking about them.

15) Ask and you shall be given. It took me some time to do this, but if there’s something you want, ask politely. More often than not, you will be able to get what you want.

16) WIFY – What’s in for you? This is negotiation Rule 101. If you need something for someone, think about what the person wants in return. Bringing something to the table the other person wants would more readily get you what you want.

17) Don’t hog the credits and spread them to those around you whom you worked with.

18) Do what you’re paid to do and don’t be a busy body. You may notice your colleagues or your managers are goofing around etc. Unless if what they are doing stops you from doing your work effectively, stay out of it and don’t go around complaining etc. That’s your boss’s problem as that’s what he is paid to do, not you.

Communication (July 2011 Update)
How to tell people they are wrong?
There are times you need to tell someone they made a mistake in their work. Never ever gloat over someone else's mistakes because remember, you will make them one day too, including silly mistakes.

There are two ways for you to tell people they are wrong:

a) This is wrong. You should do it this way. Follow up, why have you done it like that?
b) What do you think if we do it this way?

My personal preference is (b) because it gets people thinking and two heads are always better than one and from time to time, the other person would surprise me with a new insight. However, remember there are times you need to use (a), if you’re in a hurry but always remember to have a follow up discussion afterwards.

The key point here is to focus on the work and not the person. People can get defensive if you’re not careful with your words because they feel their intelligence etc is under threat.

Remember, you’re there not to interrogate them, but to discuss and find the best solution. So don’t behave like you’re interrogating a criminal.

How to tell someone you don’t know and still look good?
First off, let’s face it that you don’t and can’t know everything. Anyone who tells you they do is probably lying or delusional and you know what to expect from them. If someone ask you something and you don’t know, don’t try to act smart and wing it because it will bite you back.

There are three ways how you can answer about something you don’t know:

a) I don’t know.
b) Good question! I don’t know BUT I can find out the answer and get back to you by the end of today.
c) I am not entirely sure, but my recollection is …………. I will confirm this to you later today. (Only use this if you are uncertain with your answer instead of not knowing it).

Answer (a) is an unhelpful answer and you get ‘points’ deducted if you answer to people like that. Answer (b) and © show that you are honest and at the same time proactive. Anyone worth their salt will appreciate that we don’t know everything and would appreciate your answer.

Remember though, the answer above only works if you can’t answer 2 out of 10 questions. It will back fire on you if you use them more than 20% as people will think you’re actually incompetent.

KISS and jargon, jargon and jargon
Let me tell you how to spot the fakers and the NATOs (No action talk only) when you’re talking to one: Jargon.

People who hasn’t got a clue what they are talking about likes to throw around complicated words, jargon etc. Anyone who understands something can explain them in clear simple terms you and me can understand.

Remember when either writing or speaking, use simple terms people can understand. Don’t use jargon and technical terms and assume everyone understands. Also avoid short forms such as POPP, TIPPS, CDO etc unless if you absolutely need to. Even if you do that, be sure to explain it, for example, we need to speak to PTM, people that matters concerning this.

No, no and NO!
The last thing a client want for an answer is no and it’s the easiest way to upset someone. I’ve sat in meeting where people got so crossed when the other party just said, no, no and no for all the questions. You’ll be seen as unhelpful and that will be the last time people work with you.

The wrong way to answer when you’re asked to do something:
A: Can you do this?
B: No.

The right way to answer:
A: Can you do this?
B: When/What/Where etc do you need to get this done?
B: To do this, the fee/resources etc would be xxx.

The key point here is unless if it’s sending someone to Mars, most things can be done if you throw enough money, time or people at it. The question is whether the client wants to do it or not and whether can they afford it.

Replace client with your boss and the same rule applies.

Truth and perception
You need to learn how to manage perception. For example, the truth is you’re hard working but your colleagues' perception is that you’re not. Try guessing if you’ll get a pay rise or a promotion. Another example is that you’re really intelligent (truth), but your colleagues' perception is that you’re so so (perception) because you rarely demonstrate your intelligence well enough.

The key point here is to understand the difference between the two, you may think you’re doing an important task but in actual fact, the perception by the company is that the task is really easy.

This post has been edited by Geminist: Apr 29 2014, 01:20 AM

Good guide.. should be pinned up instead..

Wow superb. I agree this shld be pinned

Finally, a mentor for our fresh graduates.

a helpful tips for all graduates. thx

- Don’t ask about money or benefits. Wait until you’ve got the job.

However, i do believe during the interview, they will ask about the expected salary from us

This post has been edited by kl87: Dec 13 2010, 12:34 PM

Even when you have 0 experience and therefore 0 bargaining power?

My concern with people asking this question is you might be seen as going after the money instead of the job. Whilst this is true in practice, i.e. you need the money, but it doesn't mean you should make it so obvious.

PS, it's great to see people finding this useful. It is not aimed at providing all solutions, but to help get the ball rolling and to get people thinking. Hopefully, some of the stuff in there would save you having to find it out the hard way or to spend time discovering it.

This post has been edited by Geminist: Dec 13 2010, 07:23 PM

i beg to disagree.

this form the essence of employment.

however, i agree that do not compare with other friends. it's a marathon... u never know what will happen 2-3 yrs down the road. Some jobs start a bit high but climbs slowly, while some will start low but has good increment

I also beg to disagree. As a fresh grad I have been asked "What is your expected salary" by at least 65% of the companies that have interviewed me.

My answer was always "I'll let the company decide on my value as I am a fresh grad, therefore I do not have any power to demand nor bargain salary" but they still insist on providing a number or range.

I agree that the first job isn't about money. I know people who will say otherwise but in essence, I feel that the first job should be selected based on how much you think you can reap from your employers in terms of knowledge and experience.

@kobe8bryant
well, there are ambitious ppl who look for both. Why shouldnt this job pay me well and allow me to learn at the same time? In my personal opinion, "nobody is going to pay you well if the job is easy as everyone can do it" and "you get paid well doing jobs that can only be done by certain ppl".

Of course as a fresh grad you will not be doing extremely difficult task but in essence, you join the company to earn more and they will throw you those difficult task sooner or later otherwise it isnt worth paying you so much.

It really depends on the profession you are in, I believe. In the profession I am in, either your employers train you well or they don't train you at all. So picking a wrong employer and then making a heap of mistakes could be a confidence shattering career move. I admit I don't know how all employers train their staff but based on my experience and hearsay of my friends, I do believe that it'd be better to pick the job that trains you more. That is you have to choose between salary and experience/training.

a huge company owner once told me..
if you want to have a good 1st impression during interview, when they ask you about expected salary..then tell them like this, juz pay me based on my performance..

might get that t job since they expect you to be good..

i got an offer from a company in subang jaya last week but i didnt received any offer letter from the company yet. when i call hr, they inform me that the offer letter still pending for MD signature.

is there a chance that the offer will be turn down by the company?

quite confuse here,,pls help

few month later, i will graduate and start my working life,
thnx for all of these guide, it is very helpful to me,
i need to prepare myself right now to survive in the future

Most probably not, it could just be a simple case that the MD isn't in the office. MD's barely care about new recruits unless you're applying for a high ranking position within the organization.

AGREE! i waited for 3 months after interview b4 they finally confirm to me that they'll take me. i called couple of times to follow up previously and it seems that MD is always overseas or not around (but after i joined only i got to know they previously already offered some1 else, but dat fella didn't last long so they call me back). i got my offer letter only after i've worked there for 2 months...hell of a HR dept in some companies...

---

Added on January 11, 2011, 11:08 pmand so true...they will surely ask IF you didn't state it in your resume. if you've stated your expected salary, they'd most probably NEGOTIATE with you instead. so be prepared. i'd normally ask them how much they're looking to offer for this position. some companies fix a range for certain position. well, some of them will say something like depends on qualifications, experience etc. and i will normally ask them "based on my qualification and experience, how much do you think the company would offer me?" hear what they say.

btw, would anyone really go for a job with sal way below their expectation? maybe i should ask, would they be happy with the job considering the salary is way below the expected?

This post has been edited by craze fad: Jan 11 2011, 11:08 PM

well written and very true

Thx Geminist for sharing your experience.

I very much agreed for Point 1 and 2. I currently facing this situation. Always try to act in good faith by helping others. In the end, they start to push the work to you and won't even thank you for helping them. Thus, sometime we really got to learn to say "No".

By acting in good faith at time won't bring us any goods.

Another point i wish to highlight is that never take the words of management for granted. As they might chance their decision from time to time. If not, the higher you expect, the deeper you falls. Just do your work within your responsibility unless the task(s) assigned by superior...

Just to drop my opinion here. Both might apply, but it is highly dependable on each individual's discretion and situation.

I actually second kl87 on this (personally - in my case). In one of my previous interviews (I was still pretty fresh back then) I actually asked what are the company benefits (honestly, not that I care but I find that I have nothing to ask so the question just popped out of my mouth) and the boss replied, "All the basic benefits you find in other companies..." and he gave me this 'look'. lol it kind of indicate "what a stup*d question" that I asked.

I realized then and there that this is indeed not a wise question. I mean, there are people who actually place company benefits into heavy consideration on whether to accept a job or not, but since it's not something crucial for me (as long as it's 14 days AL, MC claim etc - basic compensation) I noticed that I don't need to ask about it until I'm accepted for the job.

That's just my personal experience and POV ^^; it's normal to talk about salary (I always wait for interviewer to initiate the discussion about pay) but less likely when it comes to benefits. If the interviewer happens to highlight/ talk about their benefits, then it's fine to ask further question about anything that you're not clear with

Hmmmm sounds like you're being taken advantage of. It's unavoidable sometimes. I read in a blog somewhere that says it is fine to show that you have xx skill (eg. ability to use Photoshop) but do not accept extra responsibility pertaining it if it's not part of your responsibility. Must learn to say "no" and be firm on it, otherwise it'll be placed under your KPI before you know it.

Haha well it varies with companies on the management part. Some management team are very indecisive and they're not sure whether certain things would be feasible. Sometimes in order to keep a potential staff from leaving, they would promise all sorts of candy but once you stayed on you'll realize that it's nothing like they said.

Well, it sounds like my current situation, during the interview they promised to let me do the job related to networking. They also promised me that I will have the chance to handle company server. But since I started joining the company I've been doing alot of programming work, not even touching a single networking stuff. I thought that I will have the opportunity after being confirmed, but the sad is until now I'm still doing programming work I'm fine with the work as I minored in programming too, so why not treat this as a learning opportunity. I know I have make a mistake, I should say 'NO' at first but I'm too afraid to reject. But after being confirmed, my increment only RM100 as a programmer with basic RM2k only . Deduct the EPF and SOCSO my salary only RM1.8k, how am I going to survive as I need to support my family. Recently my company has upgraded the network as the new building has accomplished. The sad part is I was not invited to work with the senior to configure the network, if they don't allow me to join in, when will I have the opportunity to learn networking. I wonder do they treat me as a part of the team? I feel like being transparent all the time. They don't even bother to know what am I doing recently. Somehow these senior are so 'kiasu' people, whenever I ask them questions, they will answer in a short, "I know you can do it, that's the purpose company hire you". I've been applying for new job but till now don't have any feedback. FYI, this company is the listed company which dominance 80% of recycle business in Malaysia, situated in Penang. So people, if you are in my shoes, what will you do? Quit or stay on? Hoping a feedback from you all. Thanks for reading anyway.

This post has been edited by heartbreaked: Feb 10 2011, 09:56 AM

I'VE BEEN THROUGH A LOT after graduation. why isnt this guide available back then...!? its a good guide - simple yet comprehensive which is why not many replies (nothing much to add to the guide). great job.

i also will graduate next month..late march probably..

thanks to ts for giving nice and simple guide..

i hv start searching for a job but i'm so worried bcoz my pointer is not so good (below 3.00)

Ohhh this kind of issue actually not suitable to be posted here... but anyway just my 2 cents since you brought it up:

This is a common situation. What you might want to do is bring this matter up to your direct superior. Tell him/ her that you are very interested in networking and you really wish to have an opportunity to participate in projects related to networking.

Secondly, some seniors are actually kinda 'ngiau' towards newbies/ juniors. IMO you should try to get closer to these seniors and talk to them more often (out for tea, dinner, yumcha, whatever works). If you think by buying them lunch once or twice might bridge the gap, why not do it? Once you're more acquainted with them, they treat you like an actual junior and would help you in various aspects. The thing with seniors is that, you must not show them an 'attitude'. Sometimes you can't expect them to come to you and ask you out for lunch. You need to take the initiative.

If you think they are kiasu, then act dumb. Let them think you're clueless and agree verbally to what they say (though you may not think so in reality). You need to be more observant around them and try to be friendly with them, including your boss. If these seniors are close to your boss and you don't deal much with your direct superior, you'll find that these guys play a role in many things related to you.

End of the day it's up to you to stay or leave. If you have tried everything and things still remain the same then perhaps you wanna pursue other opportunities.

This post has been edited by sweet_pez: Feb 11 2011, 04:00 PM

if they call u up for interview means u meet their basic requirement. your pointer then is no longer relevant. so don't get nervous during interview k.

thanks for the advice..

will try my best for the coming interview..

Sorry for posting it here, but I'm a fresh graduate and need some advise regarding my first job, since this section is for freshy, so I brought it up here

I have told my direct superior before, he told me that right now I should focused on programming jobs first before proceed to networking. But I do not have the guts to tell what I really expect from the job. My fundamental of programming is very strong, within 1 month I have learned all the programming language used by the company. I've been doing the same tasks everyday and wanted to learn new things such as networking which I majored in university.

Well, not all the seniors are like that, just one or two are so 'ngiau' and I don't feel comfortable with them. Another mistake is I was placed at downstairs while all the seniors are at upstairs, therefore we seldom communicate and the gap getting broader. I try to talk with them but always I get a cold response from them. I sometimes drive them to lunch, but when we sit together, we all remain silence

I never argue with them if I have a disagreement. I only deal with my direct superior if the project is new, but sometimes I need to do the task which handled by the senior before regarding enhancement and support. My dissatisfaction is I was not invited into networking project and upset of what my superior promised me before.

I see... then,

1. If it's me, I might take it for another few months then bring the conversation up again casually someday. You don't have to be so formal and knock on your boss's room and talk about it. Ask your superior out for lunch (if there's an opportunity) and tell him that you're performing well in programming area. Then casually ask, "Is there any upcoming networking project?" and try talking about it. I understand it requires practice and experience to make the topic sound natural but you've got nothing to lose by asking, right?

2. You can't help where you'll be stationed in the office. Try initiating the talk. You can take a short 5-10min break for tea and casually walk downstairs to talk to the seniors. Or, if you brought something perfect for tea time - why not share it with them?

Why the awkward silence? Try talking and laugh more. Act more natural. Sometimes your body language tells more than what your lips say. With them being called your "senior" perhaps they sense that you're not comfortable around them.

3. You might want to check "why" you're not invited or asked to be part of the team. There could be some reasons behind it and perhaps some of the okay seniors might know. Ask them. As a last resort, ask your direct superior why you're not included. Don't be offensive or defensive. Just try asking in a nice manner over a cup of coffee - if you wish to continue working there.

Thanks for your advise , really appreciate it, now I have a clear mind on what should I do, I guess you are indeed a senior in you organization right, that is why you can give the point of view as a senior.

Good guide great jobs

This post has been edited by pseudo117: Feb 21 2011, 08:04 PM

Thanks for the tips.

Easy and simple Guides thanks.

glad i found this post.
=)
i'm now working part time in a company that is interested to take me in but claims that they couldn't afford to pay my expected salary.
after reading this post, i'm confused whether i actually did more than i should.

i was told to work half day on the weekdays and a few hours on weekend as they will "train" me. But basically i was assigned work the first day i went. from drafting letters to planning, customer service, conducting programs. Are these considered part of training? cos i think the work load i was given was a job-like amount d. and i was never told clearly how much i was going to get paid.

to be honest i think i did learn a few things from my work. At least an insight of what is really going on in this industry and all. i do like the place i work, my colleagues are fine too. it's just that i observed those colleague who work in this company for quite some time often complain their job is hectic. (and IMO i'm actually assigned to do more than what they did.)

since you guys mention that it's best take a job that can provide one with more experience for 1st job, now it make me think whether i should really lower my initial expected salary to work there.

This post has been edited by Alexis~: Mar 12 2011, 10:31 PM

just curious, which company you working with?

would prefer to keep it a secret. lol.
I still need to work there for quite a while.
don't want them to find out and got me kick out. i'm almost done with them.
most important is my salary. been spending a lot in the transport fees to go back and forth.

besides all the stuff i mentioned,
i'm even the tech-person in this company.
any electronic device got problem,
i gotta "try" and fix it. lol

hello everyone, any advise on what professional certificate out there for fresh graduate like me can join ?

thanks for the guide.really helpful..

thumbs up = )

its rallt helpful for the guides. GJ ts!

i need help here...currently i am in a final year and waiting for my internship this May but my university do allow me to chose either want to do intern or work ( means i can work as a full time employee during my intern period and i just need to submit report for my intern to my university )...so i found a company which allow me to work for them as part of my intern, meaning that i work and get full salary....

now the problem is, how am i to explain in the resume that i am currently not graduate yet ( as mention above im in final year and will start intern period in may ) and in which section should i stated it?

hope someone with more experience will help me, thank you

at ur educational background just write :-

University Level :

2005-2008 : Diploma In ..................... , UKM
Status : Completed With CGPA 3.01

2009-Now : Bachelor (Hons) Of .......................... , UKM
Status : Final Semester With Current CGPA 3.25 (Internship/Industrial Training)

nice arrangement..

A very good guide. Hopefully, I'll be able to walk the talk.

What a post! Thanks this one could help people!!

Sorry if I am posting on wrong threads...

but I would like to ask, is SPM certificate needed IF I am applying a job at OVERSEAS???

I haven't take my SPM cert and it's already three years since I graduate..

i wanna ask that
if no working experience go find job good or internship good ?

How i wish I've seen this b4 when I just graduate~ Good guide indeed...





Some might not agree with these.... I strongly believe it. I never asked for it, and thinking that let them decide how much I worth. Otherwise, wait yourself when you are experienced enough then go and ask people...





Its totally true. I dont how to say no until I so fed up with the colleague (even I always pretend that I'm ok with it). Dont know why last time I always do free service just because I pity them. At last, I manage to get some excuse from being given so much things that is unrelated... haha...



Thumbs up for @Geminist.....

i really need you guys to assist me with this >> http://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?act=ST&f...0#entry42933420 <<

fresh grad. 23 yo. majoring in international business. 2nd upper class dgree.

facing dilemma on what path shud i take??

seriously being a fresh grad hunting for job is really stressful and mind wrecking.

i really need someone or two or mybe three to assist me! :'(

http://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?act=ST&f...0#entry42933420

the user told me, he will give more than what I am expecting the salary.

That is a very general question isnt it. This question should be forwarded to your future employer.
Generally, it would be necessasry to provide a copy if you state ur result in ur resume.

Hey nice information.

is it good to ask about apprisal ?

Hai, im fresh graduate..i just wondering management training or admin job is helpful to learn new thing??Cos both of this job seem like similier..which one is encouraged for fresh graduate thank you..

This post has been edited by kekwa1: Jun 21 2011, 04:41 PM

Thanks for the tips and guideline! It really helps me alot!

I was curious how to let them know that I am doing them a favour?

to all frenz..i wanna ask all of u something about the position for fresh graduates...I already finish my studies in degree of accounting..is it the qualify position for me is for account assistant only or i can be an executive..please..hope someone can explain to me about my situation because sometimes the position wants someone with 1,2,3,4,5 years experience...any tip for me?

It varies depending on the situation so it's not one size fit all. For example, I would sometimes say, "This is actually outside my brief, but I'm doing it for you this time as we value the relationship" etc. You don't have to spell it out as most people would take a subtle hint.

People normally refer executive as the ones with working experience (as the salary is much higher than assistant). Fresh graduates mostly go for account assistant to gain experience...

good advice..

thanx ea for ur advice

I'm too late to read this

Very Useful Guide indeed,wish i read this earlier

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Added on July 15, 2011, 8:38 pmTotally Agreed

This post has been edited by guitarnotcheap: Jul 15 2011, 08:38 PM

I am a work permit holder in Singapore and they need your SPM certificate when approving for your work permit at Ministry of Manpower (MOM).

I'm glad most find the guide to be useful. Do give your feedback here or if you have something to share as well. Thanks.

Also, I've updated the 1st post with additional points and something on communication.

This post has been edited by Geminist: Jul 31 2011, 06:42 PM

Good Advice! Thanks alot, it would be very helpful for me as Im graduating end of this year.
But Diploma.. HAHAHha LOL

this is extremely helpful for freshies

simple but sounds good!

Thanks for the tips. Looking forward to hear some more. Perhaps from those who had a lot of interviews experienced.

If I may so humbly add my input regarding one aspect of a job which I believe have not been touched yet - Resignation and accepting a new job offer

Woops, just noticed that there's a thread specifically for resignation. It's been a while since I browse through this part of the forum. Mod, you can choose to delete this post since it's redundant. Thanks.

Now unless if you're really loyal to a company, and the company has been treating you well, you would at one point of your career resign from your job. I've went through 3 jobs in 4 years, and the job changes are mostly attributed to career development prospects.

One would think that tendering of resignation is as simple as handing in a letter, but I've learnt that it's more than that in my 1st resignation.

1. The most basic item needed to tender would always be a letter of resignation. There are lots of samples available online to refer to.

2. You can choose to have a short chat with your boss before actually handing in the letter. This is a matter of courtesy and a sign of respect IMHO, where you would tell him that you've been offered a position in so and so, and you would like to seek his advice and thoughts on this. A good boss who cares for you will give you a fair advice, while some bosses may not care as much. This would also pre-empt the boss to try to counter offer you in some cases, if he thinks that you're valuable enough to retain. Give his advices a deep thought for at least a day or so, before handing in the actual letter when you've thought it through.

3. Always be sure of why you want to resign. While you can choose not to tell your boss, it is once again a sign of respect if you are open enough to discuss about that, especially if you're still planning to work in the same industry. Having strong reasons to resign, such as career advancement, better exposure, better pay, better benefits, better work-life balance etc would at least let your boss know that he has tried hard enough in the event that he chose to counter offer. Remember, never burn bridges because you may never know when you may need his help in the future, or even better a job offer somewhere down the road.

4. Make decisions, and don't regret them. I've been in 2 cases whereby I chose to leave shortly before the bonus payout, and my bonus was forfeited. You can try to time your resignation after bonus is announced/paid out, but that is never the ideal case. Companies hire people because they need people, and it's half of the time urgent.

5. If I'm not mistaken, you have the right to collect the offer letter from your new employer, take 7 days to vet through it before signing and returning it. Check with the HR of your new hiring company on this. In this time period, you may also choose to present the offer letter to your current employer if you intend to get them to counter offer and give you a better salary for finally deciding to stay with your current company. You can then reject the offer in the other company.

6. By the way, don't forget to try to request for a higher pay in the new company, if you can justify it. The usual salary increase is 20%, but if you're asking for 30% you'd better be able to justify it. You can most commonly justify through experience, forfeiting an upcoming increment/bonus to join the new company, traveling distance, additional cost that you may have to incur just to work in the new company, etc. Find out, and aim high but not too high until they reckon that your request is bordering ridiculous, and choose not to hire you instead. But it is always advisable to ask for more, then negotiate. If HR calls you and say what you min acceptable salary is, you should have thought it through and have a solid answer that you are comfortable with, because that's what's most probably they will be giving you.

That's more or less what I have for now. Shall add in more if I can think of additional things.

This post has been edited by LaR_c: Sep 2 2011, 01:47 PM

Good Sharing. Thanks =)

I am a fresh graduate few months back this year. I went for a job for a month, and had made a decision to move on to another job that has bright future. My advice,

during the interview

1) when asked for expected salary range, give a reasonable number that can actually cover your traveling (fuel plus tol) and food cost ( in case the company do not provide travelling allowance etc.)
2)check whether there is insurance coverage for you - if u need it
3) working days and hours (will it work for you?)
4) Usually interviewer would explain to you about your job scope. If not, you can ask about it, at the end of the interview,when you are given chance to ask.

After the interview
1) watch for the contract paper which you might be asked to signed. Read the T&C first! - I didnt get mines anyhow
Some employers might not give, as they would set a period before they confirm you

During work
1) If unsure, stop it there and ask somebody who knows better than you, just to avoid some potential disastrous mistake.
2)Ask questions, make yourself a useful busybody but not to the extent of disrupting people busy working.
3) if you are dealing with documents, familiarise yourself to the types of documents and pattern of filing, etc. Have a look around the working place, to see what they actually have.
4) Maintain a cheerful attitude, be alert , have some good eye contact when somebody is talking to you
5) As you made a mistake, you to prepare yourself for the consequences, and if asked to justify, be ready to give a concrete reason for committing the mistake. During the 1st week, mistakes may be excusable, but it should be avoided later on. Don't repeat same mistake twice.

The office that I worked in previously pushed me general works and and also for clinical operations. Things were tough as i was expected to perform both, but weighing more to general side. Basically, stamping, photocopying, cutting pappers... yikess..The manager was supposed to hire a second general clerk, and i clearly didn't apply for a clerk position. However, another freshie who joined work much later than me, has the pleasure to work within her work zone. Unfortunately to say, I faced unfair treatment which I regret till now.
Plus, the handing of salary was much delayed, but the knowledge I gained was valuable on the other hand.

It can be stressful for some of you. Freshie life is painful i know

However, this was my bit of experience i gathered in my previous office. Hope it helps.
But now, a better job is there for me, with the fringe benefits.

Usually first month salary for new employee they will pay in cash. Make sure you to treat your colleague.. Haha..

this is important. i better write this one down.

Good Sharing Pal..
anyhow, i cant wait for graduating soon. Is it possible for me to find a work out of my field of studies.?

Hi Spawn89,

I graduated last year and worked already more than a year. For me graduate is only a ticket. I worked in field almost out from my field of study. At first, I felt very unhappy but I realized that I got new knowledge in other field. It is a bonus actually since you have two choices if u feel like to change a job. (maybe after two years of working, to go back to ur field of study since company still looks at you as a fresh or to continue in the current field maybe at same or other companies with two years experience). It just my opinion.

hi guys i am currently studying dual majors in marketing and management in the university of wollongong in the bachelor of commerce undergrad degree.

i will start my 2nd year in feb 2012. my primary major is management. In my first year

scores in my management units were 77, 80 (those were my major units) and in the rest units i got 60+, 65+ (which included economics, accounting, finance, business ethics, statistics which were not my major units)

from 2nd year onwards all my subjects will be major units based on management and marketing. I hope to score 75+ in those.

But my question is when i apply for a job in marketing or management they will only look at my final year results and maybe 2nd year results right? as 19/24 subjects will be based on management and marketing only the rest five in which I didnt do well in my first year will they also look in those? will it affect my interview and possibility of getting a job?

my uni doesnt give out a gpa but i can calculate the gpa on a scale of 4 using the australian system should i give the GPA of my major units only in my CV/resume?
or the overall which includes the 5 other subjects?

Is there a thread here also from which I can know what are the average results/gpa/marks obtained by the fresh graduate to get their first job with income of 2.5k to 3k plus?

If the interviewer call back and said I've been accepted for the job. What should I said on the phone when I'm still blur for the T&C?

Accept first, came to the office and only reconsider after reading the T&C? or said I'll reconsider when I read the T&C through phone?

Thank you

I think you shouldn't worry too much about not having the gpa system. The big companies would have certainly heard of other systems and it shouldn't be a problem, since you'll definitely not be the first person having this. Just include your official transcripts in your application and if possible some basic explanation about how the grading is done in your university.

A major factor that can greatly improve your chances would be any internships/work experiences that you might have obtained during your studies. If you have done these, make sure they are well detailed in your resume. From my personal experience, this can be a major game changer.

Another thing you can try is contacting your alumni who are working in the industry that interests you.
Personally, I always say yes on the phone and ask when I can get the offer letter. You can still reject it later if the offer isn't good enough, since you haven't given any written confirmation but only a verbal interest. Saying you'll only 'consider' the offer on the phone wouldn't be advisable in my opinion. Just say yes and then decide once you have the offer details.

Thank you for the lesson ... I've never experience to accept via phone .. most of the time I've rejected and say sorry I'm not interested

wow, a very good guide for me as fresh graduates!! Will take my time to finish reading all post.

Thanks to TS for great guide, it's useful even for 'old' grad like me : )

Is helpful tips for fresh graduate. Thanks a lot!

Definitely great guide, I'm currently doing 1st year degree and its worth to have a brief of what I should/shouldn't do in the future.

hi. just a quick one. how do you tackle the current company that you're currently doing your internship at? i mean, apart from avoiding silly mistakes and try to impress the hiring manager with leadership skills etc.... what are the methods/strategies to get hired before/once graduated? thanks a bunch sifu!

Hi guys.

I'm currently doing my master in full research mode and probably in my final semester. Now I'm writing and correcting my thesis only, and if everything goes smoothly, my viva will be on Jun or July. I'm curious as to when is the suitable time to start applying for jobs. Some of my seniors said that for research master student, don't get your hopes high if you are still not done with your viva yet. I wonder how true is this?

If possible, I want to secure a job months before my viva, just like final semester undergraduate student. Will companies accept master student in my situation?

Thanks! It really help a lots!

Do well in what you are assigned is probably the best way.

Do ask your manager/ supervisor/ head of department if there is any chance you can come back just to express your interest in working for them after graduation so that whenever there is vacancy/ opportunities, it will remind them of your interest

I have two job offers from companies in different industries. Both of the offers seem pretty good, so how do I make an informed decision? I have asked around the jobs and careers forum about the companies which I will be working at or even the post that I will be given but I did not get any feedback.

What if after you have worked for a few weeks/months and then better offer knocks your door from other companies? Is it good to switch or to stay? This is dilemma speaking. Thanks for the reply, guys.

I'd jump companies, no joke.

Most likely the title of the thread is the name of the company. People who start a thread using company's name does not attract interest because people who had no info to give on that company will just skip your thread as they had nothing to offer.

If it is not too late you can post the comparisons here.

I just searched for the topics that were already there and posted in them, but you are right.

I am currently going through another offer process so once I have all the facts, then I'll update you on that.

For now, I'd just like to know of how you think the different industries will perform in 10 years time and the responsibility and skill set developed by the position listed in the parentheses. They are semi conductor (design & testing), telco (management trainee) and oil and gas (engineering trainee).

You think I have a crystal ball to see the future or something? Fortunately I do have one. I had a glimpse into the future and this is what I saw.

Semiconductor is not likely to change in the years to come. It is all about getting double capacity for a given size or cutting size to half while maintaining capacity. Skill set for design and testing this remains the same.

Telco was faced with a saturated market. Even now everyone owns a mobile phone already. The competition pushed some smaller players out of the playing field. My crystal ball did not show clearly which telco die or survived. Good Management Trainees at telcos managed to find jobs elsewhere as management jobs fit all industries. The pay is not fantastic as this is a very general skill.

Oil & Gas industry started to face their sunset as the oil wells dried up. O&G players foresaw this day and had long diverted their business into other areas. Those high paying technical experts starts to switch profession as the demand for their services fades gradually.

Unfortunately, I must warn you that my crystal ball is not always accurate

This post has been edited by faceless: Apr 30 2012, 08:59 AM

Can you ask your crystal ball the following questions?

1. It says that the smaller players were forced out, but now we have three more companies (Yes, U-mobile, Tune Talk) to complement the three that were dominating before (Celcom, Maxis, Digi). Any comment on this?

2. Why would OnG companies hire engineers if their wells are drying up? I made a topic about a future in the oil and gas industry as I was admittedly ignorant on the quantity of oil left in the earth and the general consensus was that the supply would not run out in our lifetime.

I noted that you claimed the crystal ball wasnt always accurate but it is spot on on the comment regarding the semiconductor industry where the challenge is to make something smaller and lightweight but maintain a sensible sense of performance.

The more you look at crystal balls the more inaccurate it becomes. So, you need to apply your own analysis.

1) No comments. Perhaps you should look at history now. It is all a question of how well connected a company is and its political interest.

2) The amount of equipment and R&D invested in O&G is nothing compared to the wages of engineers. Until a better source of energy is found why lay the existing facilities to waste? Would it not make better to sense to continue with it and make a switch when the alternative becomes available? By the way did you know when and why petrol station started integrating a convenience store into this operation?

3) Look into history again. The time of diodes and transistors was short live due to its inefficiencies. When the super efficient chips came it stayed much longer. It seems to me that instead of thinking out a better solution people are more inclined to develop and improve the existing.

Not a clue, was the purpose to gain side income?

It was develop in the mid 90s. At that moment they calculated that oil will run dry by 2050. One company tried to look at supermarket business as an alternative to diversified their business into. So they figured they can start off as convenience store in their own kiosk. Others just followed.