What I’ve learned from job hopping for 8 years

I’ve gone into many many many chinaman and unorganised companies. This is the summary of my experience so far.

Disclaimer: I know it’s not easy to find a job now. But if u are currently employed and wondering whether to jump to another job, this could b ur gauge whether to jump. If u’re unemployed and just need a job, don’t be picky

1. Avoid ‘company confidential’ ads. The company is saving costs rather than hire a permanent HR dept. In general, they are chinaman company, always on cost savings.

2. Avoid family business where the directors or top management are family members of the biggest boss. They have no idea how to lead and most of the time donno what they are doing. They did not work their way up. Do ur research online if they are family members (same surname and too young to be at a high position). If brother/ sister of biggest boss, it’s okay. If biggest boss kids, AVOID

3. During interview, ask how many staff there are. Those small company (1-50 staff) tends to micro manage. Except startup companies

4. During interview, if they ask:
a) why did u leave ur last company?
b) why is there a gap in employment?
c) why this this this company short term only?
AVOID going into this company. They are focusing on your faults and NOT ur expertise

5. DO join companies which interview focuses on your experience and expertise.

6. During interviews, look around the company. Are there ppl there smiling and laughing? How is the office and table structure? OBSERVE. A good layout plan of office is important because it reflects how organise the company is

7. How is the biggest boss (May be your direct or indirect boss)? Does his employees look up to him? Does he hav compassion? Does he hav a DAUGHTER? Bosses who has daughters are more compassionate.

8. Look up Jobstreet and Glassdoor review. Crucial.

9. A good company will tell you their benefits up front (during signing of offer or even during first interview), without u needing to ask them. The HR will tell u willingly and not hiding and the HR is happy being hardworking and informative.

10. As for salary, a good company will not negotiate salary. They will giv the salary U ask for. There is not a need to bring up salary topic

11. Is the turnover high for the boss’s secretary? If can find out. The closest person to the boss is the secretary. If the secretary post has a high turnover rate, avoid. Eg of high turnover secretaries: TopGlove, Berjaya, Naza, Genting

12. If can, ask the HR whether HR’s KPI also includes turnover rate. If it does, it’s a good company

13. Observe the HR interviewing you. Does she show concern? I had an interview before where the HR told me “I look nervous and pale” which it was true. And she consoled me to relax.

When u’ve entered the company already, observe:

1. How is the structure of the organisation chart? Is it well planned? Is it a clear path? Ensure u and other staff only report to ONE person.

2. How does the biggest boss manage? When there are mistakes or a problem, who does he goes to? Does he go to the GM or straight to the employee tat did the mistake. Avoid a company tat the biggest boss goes straight to the employee to find fault. There must b a clear line of authority

3. I once joined a company where, one person was head of HR, customer service, legal, etc etc, but she is not a GM or a VP. She was just a kuli, doing paper work like preparing ‘letter of offer’. AVOID

4. Avoid companies where manager always changes or managers who are only under contract. And they keep restructuring

5. Find out what’s the turnover rate like in the company and whether HR’s KPI is concerned wit turnover rate. A good company’s HR’s KPI is also based on the turnover rate

6. How are the staff attitude towards the bosses? Positive or complains? Are the staff always complaining about the bosses? Not one, but majority. If one, u can sweep under the carpet. If many, start browsing jobstreet.
Anything else to add?