Vincent Yee On Career

Package Yourself To Success

This is very interesting story. I know for a long time that we need to ‘package’ ourselves to give a good impression. Unknowingly we have to impress almost everyone that we may meet.

When you dress better than other people, you are perceived as a leader and someone who has higher authority. You will feel better too.

Whether you like it or not, perception is reality and your confidence depends on it. You don’t just feel good about yourself, but you can also make a great impression when you are meeting with important client or attending a job interview.

No doubt, first impression is what it counts. When you feel good, you are boosting your confidence too. Others will see that and begin to follow you because you are perceived as a leader.

You may say “I’m not a leader… I don’t know how to talk or present or blah… blah… blah”. I tell you what, you don’t have to know all those stuffs.

I’m not saying you don’t need to know how to speak or improve your presentation skill. Those are necessary to close or succeed in your business deal.

My point is be confident, stay that way and show it. People like to follow those who they perceived as a leader. The keyword here is perceived.

So, don’t worrying and start package yourself to success. Nice dress, no?

What Information Should I Include In My CV?

Everyone who looks at you CV expects to see things included in a certain way. Failure to meet the recruiters expectations basically end up with your career hopes through that job filed under b for bin. If you walked into your local sports stadium and there was no playing field, you wouldn’t stay there very long would you? It’s the same thing with your CV

Your first and second name should sit prominently at the top of your CV. There is no need for second (or more) names to be added). Leave it as plain and simple as you can and avoid pretense at all costs. A shortened version of your Christian name is increasingly acceptable, for example, Fred not Frederick is very normal nowadays. Using the name with which you answer the telephone will be fine

Include your full, correct postal address along with post code or zip code as appropriate. Landline numbers are always a good idea. Personally, I would always include a home telephone number as well as a mobile number. If you don’t have a mobile yet, consider purchasing a cheap pay as you go mobile phone- it will definitely be worth it for you

Your personal profile or career statement. Make sure that following the basic information you include a personal statement. It doesn’t need a heading, just go straight into it. Include what you can do (job title), for who (industry sector), where (geography), and also point to your track record. The employer basically needs to know in a nutshell whether you fit with the sort of role that they are looking to fill.

Working from your most recent work achievements and moving backward, you need to pick out key achievements for which you have been personally responsible. Focus on achievements and not responsibilities. Nobody takes anyone on for those reasons alone. You really need to quietly sell yourself in this, the most important section of the CV. Make sure you are telling the truth as well- you may be called on to back up these claims with factual evidence at the interview or at some later date

Academic qualifications are different from professional qualifications. academic qualifications are gained at educational institutions like schools, universities, etc. Start with the highest level of qualification (which is usually the most recent as well), work through your qualifications and list them appropriately

There is some confusion about professional qualifications- people think that all qualifications are the same, whether they are academic (gained through educational institutions) or professional. Professional qualifications are usually gained through a company, service provider or perhaps an individual. Make sure they are listed in order of level of importance. This can be a little subjective but try and put the most important/ most relevant first given the type of job for which you are applying

The last section of your CV is made up of hobbies, interests, other information, etc. This information is a bit like the relish on a burger- not much use without the main ingredient, but it can make the difference between a memorable meal or just another snack. Your interests should be factual. Never put your actual date of birth on your CV. There are far too many people who may want to make use of this valuable personal information who may wish to use it to steal your identity

Developing Your Leadership Qualities

A leader is one who leads. The thought appeals to you, but you have no idea how to get started, and what steps to take in that direction. Luckily for you, there are leadership development trainings and seminars that you can avail of and enroll in. There are even companies and organizations that invest a lot of money in offering such trainings to their employees in an effort to enhance their employees’ potential to lead other people. These companies see the potential of their employees, and sees leadership development as an investment, not only in their employees, but in the company itself.

Leadership development aims to develop and enhance an individual’s leadership skills and talents. You are in luck and ahead of the game if you are already working in a company or organization that encourages their employees to attend leadership development seminars. Keep yourself in the loop by constantly checking company intranets and bulletin boards where seminars and trainings are posted. Volunteer to attend much-avoided conferences and seminars. Act like a sponge and absorb new knowledge. Remember that not everything will be useful, but a willingness to learn and an open mind to new information are highly valued leadership skills.

Outside of the workplace, there are other venues for leadership development for you. Keep in mind that a person who undergoes leadership development will do well when they hear feedback on their performance (whether good, bad or needs improvement), and when they have a mentor and/or a support system for their leadership goals.

If you have doubts or hesitation about your leadership abilities, take heart. Leadership is something you can learn. It will take time, but it can be done. You must have a mind frame that is open to becoming a leader in the future. Believe that you can become and envision yourself as the leader that you want to be. Focus on what you know and what you have right now, and then determine where you want to be. Do not doubt your capability to become a leader. Be open to try new things and experiences. Be willing to learn. Be flexible and open to change.

A good leader is a flexible leader. You can be decisive without being rigid. You must be patient. Leadership is not something you can learn overnight. Attend classes. Read materials on leadership. Of course, it would be good if you have a moral fiber that knows right and wrong. There are far too many leaders that get seduced by the glory of leadership that their ability to know right from wrong easily gets compromised.