Finding a job opportunity is exciting, especially if it's right up your alley. But after the basic application process and the interviews, you don't get the call back. For most Pinoy employees, this simply means they didn't get the job. After all, hiring for many companies in the Philippines is built on the we'll-call-you-don't-call-us routine. But in case you're wondering what went wrong, it is quite possible (and okay) to ask the employer why they didn't give the job to you.
Here are some reasons why you should ask why you didn't get hired:
- you need to know what qualifications you lack
- you need to know what the other candidate (whom they hired) has that you don't
- you need to know the kind of qualifications you need to acquire
- you need to know how to improve yourself to increase your chances of getting hired the next time around
If you don't get the call back, don't just chalk it up as an unfortunate event or shrug it off and say, 'it's their loss, not mine.' It will be your loss if you don't learn from the experience. So how do you ask?
Make your intentions known.
It would help if you let it be known that you would like to be informed in case you didn't get the job. That way, you'll find out if informing candidates who didn't pass is part of the HR's practice. If it isn't, ask how long the period would be until a replacement is found and then ask if it's all right for you to call them to inquire about your application.
Call your interviewer.
The person who interviewed you is likely to be the boss of the department to which you are applying. If you want direct answers, ask them for information why you weren't hired.
Call HR.
Probably the most useful department to call in case you want to ask why you weren't hired is Human Resources. Even if the decision maker is a manager from another department, the HR could still be privy to the reasons why they didn't pick you. (Emphasis on 'could' because sometimes HR isn't informed of the real reason why) You could call, ask whom to talk to regarding a review about your application and then ask to speak to that person.
If you worked with a job placement agency, call your contact person and ask them why your qualifications didn't make the cut. They'll be more than happy to inform you and advice you on what you should do in the future.
Send an e-mail.
If you're a bit shy or unsure about how to go about the whole process, you can always send an e-mail to the HR department, your interviewer or your contact person. Include your name, the position you applied for, the date of your interview/s and with whom. Inform them that you didn't get hired but would like to know why. Be businesslike. Don't whine or sound defensive. Remember that as a job applicant, you have the right to be informed why the opportunity wasn't given to you.
It would also help if you mention that you would like the information to help you identify your weaknesses so you could do better the next time.
Be ready for anything.
In the Philippines, some companies will inform you why you got beaten out of the position automatically as part of their hiring procedures while other companies won't. I once applied for a job with a publishing company -- a job I was excited about. I passed the test, got interviewed but hit a snag when the interviewer asked me about my current salary. She seemed disappointed that I was making that much already (which wasn't much, by the way). I assured her I was willing to negotiate (read: bring the figure lower -- stupid, I know but it was the job I was after. The remuneration was just a second priority).
The interview ended and I was assured they'd just call. So a week went by, two weeks... no call. Of course, that meant I didn't get hired. But I was so blinded by my longing for that job that I called the company anyway. The woman at the other end of the line said that they hadn't made a decision yet and that they'd just call.
So another week went by and since I was makulit, I called again. The woman at the other end seemed pissed that I had to ask for information about the job. She said that if they wanted to hire me, they'd call me and that's that. She didn't even tell me if they'd already hired someone. She said it so harshly that she killed my spirit for a few days.
Oh well... should've known better, though. To make the long story short, I didn't get the job of course and went on to pursue another career.
So if you do ask, don't sound hostile or desperate (like I did). It's a simple process, after all but be ready for what you're about to hear.
Prepare a few detailed questions.
Don't turn your conversation into an hour-long discussion of your qualities. The person at the other end of the line has work to do and all those questions from you are probably making him loose his patience. He's probably nodding to himself and thinking, 'Now I understand why this person didn't get hired in the first place.' So anyway, if you want to get something useful from your inquiry, ask a few pointed questions. Some examples:
= what skills do I lack that didn't qualify me for this position?
= do you prefer someone with ___ degree/education/training/certification?
= since you're looking for someone with excellent communication skills (or any other skills), did my present speaking and writing skills prevent me from getting the job?
= may I ask what your assessment of me is as a job candidate? (Tricky question but if you get an honest reply, it can be very helpful. Again, just be ready. And whatever you might hear, no matter how hurtful or surprising, don't lash back or try to defend yourself.)
= did I have mannerisms that seemed inappropriate?
= what mistakes during the interview do you think I should correct?
Don't ask accusatory questions or things that would put the hiring manager on the spot. After all, companies don't want to be charged of discrimination or unfair hiring practices. Make sure everything is businesslike and professional. And remember to make it short. The person you're talking to is already either super bored or breaking out in cold sweat.
Now that you know how to get in touch with your could've-been employer, here's the cold, hard truth about what you can expect:
When you call or send an e-mail, the most common reply you'll get is this: 'I'm sorry, you did not qualify for the job.' or something to that effect. If you prod further, the person at the other end of the line will probably tell you stuff like, you don't have the right education, training or background or that they preferred someone with more experience.
It's rare to get an answer that is useful for your purpose. Why? Because HRs and hiring managers prefer to play it safe and would rather be polite than hurt your feelings. It could also be that they really don't know or understand the reason why.
Or maybe the reason is simply discriminatory -- you're married and the guy they hired is single (meaning, he can be sent anywhere at any time without hearing a peep out of him) or that you're overqualified (meaning that you're older and likely to ask for more in terms of compensation) or that you're a woman (and they'd rather give the job to a man because the industry you're applying into is male-dominated).
My point here is that if you don't land the job, it's okay to ask why you weren't hired. Just make sure you:
- ask the right person.
- ask the right questions.
- don't expect earth-shattering revelations.
- learn from what they tell you and not use it as an excuse to defend yourself, harangue them on the phone, send them e-mails accusing them of discrimination or stupidity for not hiring you or starting a blog designed to put the company down.
If it's feedback you wanted, that's what you're going to get. Learn from this, improve whatever needs to be improved and move on.
Read more on this article...
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Monday, September 7, 2009
Methods of Job Recruitment: 6 Ways Employers Find You
There are several ways employers can find you. Here are just a few of them:
Internal Recruitment
This is also known as in-house recruiting, wherein an employer looks at the available manpower already working in the company to see who has the best qualifications for an available job. Armed with the specifications for a particular job position, the management, with the help of Human Resources, looks for employees who already have the training, background and experience to handle the new assignment.
Why employers prefer this:
Simple – it's easier for them to hire someone they already know and whose job performance they already have confidence in. It's also advantageous, in that the candidate is already familiar with the company, its mission and vision, its workers and of course, its culture.
This is why many companies make it a policy to consider internal hires first before placing an ad each time a job vacancy comes along.
Why you'll like this:
If you’re already working and your company begins to look for a job candidate, you can apply for a position that you may already be prepared to handle. If this happens in your company, it's probably a good sign that employees are given a chance to progress in their work and that it's possible to move up in your environment.
Want Ads
If the desired candidate cannot be found within the company, the management will opt to place an ad. This will usually appear on local and nationally-circulated newspapers, trade magazines and/or online job boards.
Why employers prefer this:
Publicly available want ads allow a company to find a good number of candidates for a particular position. That way, they can choose from as many applicants as possible. This is also a good method of job recruitment for multiple job vacancies.
Why you'll like this:
Want ads are the most useful method of recruitment for jobhunters, particularly if you've never worked before or are looking for a change of environment. On the downside, it's a free-for-all and for jobs that are highly sought after, very competitive.
Government and NGOs
There are numerous government programs that train people to make them employable. Many of these agencies are in close contact with companies, providing a means with which highly skilled labor can find jobs they are qualified for. This is also another method of recruitment that allows companies to find employees with specialized training.
Why employers prefer this:
The labor pool found here is trained to perform specific skills, something that not many in the jobhunting market may be capable of doing.
Why you'll like this:
If you have specialized skills, you could go straight from being a short-term trainee (6 months to 2 years) to becoming a fully employed worker. This is also perfect if you're relatively inexperienced in the job market and are exploring your job opportunities for the first time.
Recommendations
Yep, this method of recruitment is alive and well. A company will often depend on recommendations from people in the same industry and job level. For example, one HR manager could ask another HR manager to recommend someone for a job opening in a certain department. Sometimes, the source could also be a professional contact, confidant or even a friend.
Why employers prefer this:
One advantage of using recommendations as a method of job recruitment is that a hiring company can gain access to an employable individual who is recommended by a person they trust. There's a high likelihood that the candidate is already familiar with the company, its culture and what the job entails.
Why you'll like this:
Getting recommended makes it easy for you to find another job – you don't even have to go looking for one. If you do get recommended for a job, be thankful. It means that your hard work is paying off.
Getting Pirated
If another company likes the way you do your job, they may be tempted to lure you into their side of the fence. This is called 'pirating'. People who get pirated are usually those who exhibit stellar performance. The crossovers generally occur within two companies in the same industry.
Why employers prefer this:
They know exactly what they want and once they find it in an individual, they go for it. In the end, they get the talent they want for a purpose they have already designed.
Why you'll like this:
If your work is exemplary, you might be piracy-material. If you do get offers to swim to the other shore, it's probably a good indication that your skills are in high demand.
Job Placement Agencies
Another popular method of job recruitment is using job placement firms, also known as job consultants or headhunters.
Why employers prefer this:
All the administrative tasks associated with hiring will be taken on by the job placement firm. These include: placing ads, sorting resumes and CVs, scheduling candidates for interviews, conducting interviews and tests (if required) and to some extent, negotiating salary and compensation terms.
Why you'll like this:
Most of the jobs that go through job placement agencies are the 'meaty' jobs. Because it can cost them extra, companies who hire these firms are serious about their search. That means, you shouldn’t have any problems about the stability of the job. If you're nervous about negotiating directly with the hiring company, you can discuss all your concerns with the headhunter.
Read more on this article...
Internal Recruitment
This is also known as in-house recruiting, wherein an employer looks at the available manpower already working in the company to see who has the best qualifications for an available job. Armed with the specifications for a particular job position, the management, with the help of Human Resources, looks for employees who already have the training, background and experience to handle the new assignment.
Why employers prefer this:
Simple – it's easier for them to hire someone they already know and whose job performance they already have confidence in. It's also advantageous, in that the candidate is already familiar with the company, its mission and vision, its workers and of course, its culture.
This is why many companies make it a policy to consider internal hires first before placing an ad each time a job vacancy comes along.
Why you'll like this:
If you’re already working and your company begins to look for a job candidate, you can apply for a position that you may already be prepared to handle. If this happens in your company, it's probably a good sign that employees are given a chance to progress in their work and that it's possible to move up in your environment.
Want Ads
If the desired candidate cannot be found within the company, the management will opt to place an ad. This will usually appear on local and nationally-circulated newspapers, trade magazines and/or online job boards.
Why employers prefer this:
Publicly available want ads allow a company to find a good number of candidates for a particular position. That way, they can choose from as many applicants as possible. This is also a good method of job recruitment for multiple job vacancies.
Why you'll like this:
Want ads are the most useful method of recruitment for jobhunters, particularly if you've never worked before or are looking for a change of environment. On the downside, it's a free-for-all and for jobs that are highly sought after, very competitive.
Government and NGOs
There are numerous government programs that train people to make them employable. Many of these agencies are in close contact with companies, providing a means with which highly skilled labor can find jobs they are qualified for. This is also another method of recruitment that allows companies to find employees with specialized training.
Why employers prefer this:
The labor pool found here is trained to perform specific skills, something that not many in the jobhunting market may be capable of doing.
Why you'll like this:
If you have specialized skills, you could go straight from being a short-term trainee (6 months to 2 years) to becoming a fully employed worker. This is also perfect if you're relatively inexperienced in the job market and are exploring your job opportunities for the first time.
Recommendations
Yep, this method of recruitment is alive and well. A company will often depend on recommendations from people in the same industry and job level. For example, one HR manager could ask another HR manager to recommend someone for a job opening in a certain department. Sometimes, the source could also be a professional contact, confidant or even a friend.
Why employers prefer this:
One advantage of using recommendations as a method of job recruitment is that a hiring company can gain access to an employable individual who is recommended by a person they trust. There's a high likelihood that the candidate is already familiar with the company, its culture and what the job entails.
Why you'll like this:
Getting recommended makes it easy for you to find another job – you don't even have to go looking for one. If you do get recommended for a job, be thankful. It means that your hard work is paying off.
Getting Pirated
If another company likes the way you do your job, they may be tempted to lure you into their side of the fence. This is called 'pirating'. People who get pirated are usually those who exhibit stellar performance. The crossovers generally occur within two companies in the same industry.
Why employers prefer this:
They know exactly what they want and once they find it in an individual, they go for it. In the end, they get the talent they want for a purpose they have already designed.
Why you'll like this:
If your work is exemplary, you might be piracy-material. If you do get offers to swim to the other shore, it's probably a good indication that your skills are in high demand.
Job Placement Agencies
Another popular method of job recruitment is using job placement firms, also known as job consultants or headhunters.
Why employers prefer this:
All the administrative tasks associated with hiring will be taken on by the job placement firm. These include: placing ads, sorting resumes and CVs, scheduling candidates for interviews, conducting interviews and tests (if required) and to some extent, negotiating salary and compensation terms.
Why you'll like this:
Most of the jobs that go through job placement agencies are the 'meaty' jobs. Because it can cost them extra, companies who hire these firms are serious about their search. That means, you shouldn’t have any problems about the stability of the job. If you're nervous about negotiating directly with the hiring company, you can discuss all your concerns with the headhunter.
Read more on this article...
Sunday, September 6, 2009
8 Tips for Jobhunting While You're Still Employed
So maybe you're no longer happy with your job. Maybe it's time to cast your net once again and try to seek out greener pastures. But don't quit your job yet. Searching for another job while working in your present one is quite possible. Here are some tips when jobhunting while you're still employed:
Make sure you do not jeopardize your present job.
Keep this in mind before you start your search. Many would-be job hoppers make this common mistake, banking too much on the potential of a new job without really knowing for sure if they'll be able to land the next job or not.
Have a clear goal about your jobhunt.
Know what you want in your next job. If your jobsearch is based on a flimsy reason, you might not be able to land a job that will fit you perfectly. Then you'll find yourself jobhunting once again.
Consider the new set of skills you have gained in your present job.
This is important for your next employer. So you're looking for a new job. What are your new qualifications? Have you learned enough in your present job to actually have sufficient capability to move to the next one? If your prospective employer sees there's nothing new you can bring to their company, you might not be considered employable.
Be very discreet.
Unless there's someone at the office that you can absolutely trust, do not blab to anyone about your newest activity. This, even if you hate working for your boss or are truly unhappy with your job.
Flaunting your intention to leave the nest to everyone who cares to listen is pushing it. What are you trying to do? Rub it on everyone's faces just so they'll know how much value you have in the company? If you do leave, they'll know that soon enough. Or if you're really a valuable employee, they probably already know.
However, if there is someone -- a close friend or a confidant -- that you can trust with your life, then you could probably tell them about your intentions. This can be particularly helpful in case you need someone to cover for you. Just make sure this individual can really, truly be trusted.
Fly below the radar.
When you're looking for a new job while still employed, you have to be careful about letting other people (especially employers) know that you're available. Choose who you speak to carefully. Posting your resume online to be viewed publicly may alert your present employer about your jobhunting activities. In case this happens, you should be ready with a good explanation.
Some of the jobhunting resources you can use:
Newspaper ads
Classified ads (online and off)
Want ads in trade and industry magazines
Personal contacts
Another good way to look for a job while still employed is by going through job placement or employment agencies. They are also sometimes referred to as executive search companies or headhunters. They do the search and initial interviews for prospective employers.
These types of companies are well-versed in the jobhunting and placement process. They maintain a high level of confidentiality regarding job searches so you can rely on them to keep your application private. These are free, by the way so don't be conned into paying to have yourself placed by any of these firms.
Don't use company resources when jobhunting.
Just because you're jobhunting while employed does not excuse you from using your company's computer, printer, scanner or broadband connection to search for available jobs or send out your resume. It's rude and in case you get caught, it will be a source of embarrassment for you.
Don't use your jobhunting as a weapon of revenge.
If you must look for a job, do so because you really want to seek better opportunities. Don't do it as a way to get back at anyone, including your mean boss.
Try to schedule your interviews efficiently.
You can't report to the office dressed up for an interview without anyone noticing about the sudden change in your attire. Be ready when a prospective employer calls. If you can, try to schedule an interview at an early time – say, 8 a.m. – or later in the day. That way, you can either report for work late or just simply leave early.
Read more on this article...
Make sure you do not jeopardize your present job.
Keep this in mind before you start your search. Many would-be job hoppers make this common mistake, banking too much on the potential of a new job without really knowing for sure if they'll be able to land the next job or not.
Have a clear goal about your jobhunt.
Know what you want in your next job. If your jobsearch is based on a flimsy reason, you might not be able to land a job that will fit you perfectly. Then you'll find yourself jobhunting once again.
Consider the new set of skills you have gained in your present job.
This is important for your next employer. So you're looking for a new job. What are your new qualifications? Have you learned enough in your present job to actually have sufficient capability to move to the next one? If your prospective employer sees there's nothing new you can bring to their company, you might not be considered employable.
Be very discreet.
Unless there's someone at the office that you can absolutely trust, do not blab to anyone about your newest activity. This, even if you hate working for your boss or are truly unhappy with your job.
Flaunting your intention to leave the nest to everyone who cares to listen is pushing it. What are you trying to do? Rub it on everyone's faces just so they'll know how much value you have in the company? If you do leave, they'll know that soon enough. Or if you're really a valuable employee, they probably already know.
However, if there is someone -- a close friend or a confidant -- that you can trust with your life, then you could probably tell them about your intentions. This can be particularly helpful in case you need someone to cover for you. Just make sure this individual can really, truly be trusted.
Fly below the radar.
When you're looking for a new job while still employed, you have to be careful about letting other people (especially employers) know that you're available. Choose who you speak to carefully. Posting your resume online to be viewed publicly may alert your present employer about your jobhunting activities. In case this happens, you should be ready with a good explanation.
Some of the jobhunting resources you can use:
Newspaper ads
Classified ads (online and off)
Want ads in trade and industry magazines
Personal contacts
Another good way to look for a job while still employed is by going through job placement or employment agencies. They are also sometimes referred to as executive search companies or headhunters. They do the search and initial interviews for prospective employers.
These types of companies are well-versed in the jobhunting and placement process. They maintain a high level of confidentiality regarding job searches so you can rely on them to keep your application private. These are free, by the way so don't be conned into paying to have yourself placed by any of these firms.
Don't use company resources when jobhunting.
Just because you're jobhunting while employed does not excuse you from using your company's computer, printer, scanner or broadband connection to search for available jobs or send out your resume. It's rude and in case you get caught, it will be a source of embarrassment for you.
Don't use your jobhunting as a weapon of revenge.
If you must look for a job, do so because you really want to seek better opportunities. Don't do it as a way to get back at anyone, including your mean boss.
Try to schedule your interviews efficiently.
You can't report to the office dressed up for an interview without anyone noticing about the sudden change in your attire. Be ready when a prospective employer calls. If you can, try to schedule an interview at an early time – say, 8 a.m. – or later in the day. That way, you can either report for work late or just simply leave early.
Read more on this article...
Saturday, September 5, 2009
5 Key Attributes Employers Check Out in Job Applicants
When a company is hiring, what exactly do they look for? Here's a peek at the 5 critical attributes that hiring companies expect to find in job applicants:
Education
Does it matter that you went to school? In many job vacancies, it does matter if you've completed high school or college or obtained a Master's or a doctorate degree. In some cases, even the school you went to will factor heavily on whether you land the job or not. Even a certificate course will mean the difference between getting the job and getting rejected.
Specific courses are often required for specific jobs. In the same manner that you can't ask a baker to build a house, you can't make a journalism major perform the job of a systems analyst.
Job experience, technical skills and other trainings
Other than your education, you have to bring something extra to the table. These will be judged by the hiring company based on your past work experience, any technical or special skills related to the job that you might have, special projects you have contributed to and trainings you have undergone.
Don't forget to indicate this type of information on your resume. It's a vital add-on to your desirability as a job applicant. It's also important to mention these attributes during the interview.
Special abilities and skills
Another important consideration for employers is any special ability you might have that can contribute positively to performing the required task. The ability to drive a vehicle, for example, is often a must-have attribute for certain jobs such as sales, marketing and service-related work. If you will be working on the production floor, being able to operate machinery or equipment is also a critical factor that will determine your employability.
Mental and emotional characteristics
Why do you think the hiring company asks you to take job application tests? To take a peek at your mental and emotional attributes, of course. Other than your intelligence, your aptitude for certain skills and tasks will be an added bonus to the company that hires you. And yes, how you handle common challenges such as stress, extra workload, disagreement among co-workers, unexpected surprises at work, etc. will determine whether you're the right candidate for the job.
Personality
No, it's not about looking like you stepped out of an Armani or Versace ad campaign, but it does help if you have a confident, outgoing, pleasant personality. This is often a key attribute that will help you stand out from the pack, particularly if the competition is stiff.
If you have the qualifications but prove to be difficult to work with, the job will probably go to somebody else. Employers count on your attitude not just towards work and the office but also towards people (co-workers, clients, customers and suppliers) and work situations that may arise. Character counts and your employer wants to know if you can deliver.
Read more on this article...
Education
Does it matter that you went to school? In many job vacancies, it does matter if you've completed high school or college or obtained a Master's or a doctorate degree. In some cases, even the school you went to will factor heavily on whether you land the job or not. Even a certificate course will mean the difference between getting the job and getting rejected.
Specific courses are often required for specific jobs. In the same manner that you can't ask a baker to build a house, you can't make a journalism major perform the job of a systems analyst.
Job experience, technical skills and other trainings
Other than your education, you have to bring something extra to the table. These will be judged by the hiring company based on your past work experience, any technical or special skills related to the job that you might have, special projects you have contributed to and trainings you have undergone.
Don't forget to indicate this type of information on your resume. It's a vital add-on to your desirability as a job applicant. It's also important to mention these attributes during the interview.
Special abilities and skills
Another important consideration for employers is any special ability you might have that can contribute positively to performing the required task. The ability to drive a vehicle, for example, is often a must-have attribute for certain jobs such as sales, marketing and service-related work. If you will be working on the production floor, being able to operate machinery or equipment is also a critical factor that will determine your employability.
Mental and emotional characteristics
Why do you think the hiring company asks you to take job application tests? To take a peek at your mental and emotional attributes, of course. Other than your intelligence, your aptitude for certain skills and tasks will be an added bonus to the company that hires you. And yes, how you handle common challenges such as stress, extra workload, disagreement among co-workers, unexpected surprises at work, etc. will determine whether you're the right candidate for the job.
Personality
No, it's not about looking like you stepped out of an Armani or Versace ad campaign, but it does help if you have a confident, outgoing, pleasant personality. This is often a key attribute that will help you stand out from the pack, particularly if the competition is stiff.
If you have the qualifications but prove to be difficult to work with, the job will probably go to somebody else. Employers count on your attitude not just towards work and the office but also towards people (co-workers, clients, customers and suppliers) and work situations that may arise. Character counts and your employer wants to know if you can deliver.
Read more on this article...
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Ways to Increase Your Income and Build Your Savings
I'm all for keeping a nest egg you can tap in times of financial drought. But in tough times, saving can be rather painful. Fortunately, it's not entirely impossible. You can, with a little effort, a lot of willingness and a smattering of creativity, increase your income, build your savings and sleep tight at night knowing you'll be waking up the next day with money in your pocket and in the bank. Here are some tips you might consider using:
Hoard your income.
There are some people who earn money nearly effortlessly but for most of us, income = sweat and tears. That's why it's incomprehensible why some Pinoys spend their hard-earned dough like there's no tomorrow.
If you want to increase your income (or at least your take home pay), be protective about your money. Sure, go ahead and spend for stuff you need -- food, gas, utilities, rent -- but be wary about purchases that you can actually do without. Be selective though. A new pair of shoes, for example, may be an impractical purchase if you have several dozens already in your closet. But if you only have two or three pairs and all of them are outdated, a new purchase may not be too bad.
Don't spend more than you can afford. Look at it this way: if you spend on unnecessary items, you're only making other people rich. If you want to increase your income and build your savings, be super careful about how and why money leaves your pocket.
Set aside a set amount of your income.
Ever heard of the phrase 'pay yourself first'? This is what it means. From your income, decide on a set amount of money you can save and then live off of the amount left. Let's say your take home pay is P10,000 a month (I'm merely using that amount because it's easier to compute :-)) and you decide to set aside 20% of that. You will only be left with P8,000 to spend on a monthly basis.
Now P2,000 may or may not cramp your style but 2,000 bucks translates to P12,000 after six months and P24,000 after another six months. Plus, you could be earning an interest by then. Get a chunk out of your salary, bonus, commission, even income you earn from your part-time job.
Try this trick for at least 3 or 6 months and you'll see how effective it is.
Found money? Put it into your piggy bank.
From here on, make a resolution to keep all loose change you find in a piggy bank or alkansya. Most people scoff at saving coins these days but you'll be surprised at how easily they can pile up over time.
You could also actively collect coins from all your expenses. Let's say you have a P3,000 budget on groceries and spent only P2,650. Drop the P350 in your home-based savings account and don't put it back into your wallet where you can easily whip it out and spend it.
Make it a Swiss account.
The 'Swiss' account is not exactly one, unless you have millions to stash away where the government can't touch it. The Swiss account is a term used to refer to a secret account some husbands or wives keep that their significant other doesn't know about.
If your spouse is a spend-happy person, you might want to open one. If you're single and has a tendency to spend too much, you will need to open one. If you have a partner who can manage your finances, you still might want to open one. This Swiss account should be a savings account that is difficult to touch, such as one that is accessible only through passbook-transactions (no ATMs). That, or you could keep a good chunk of cash in a time deposit.
By setting aside money that's not easy to get your hands on, you'll be least likely to withdraw it and spend it. Look for banks with a low initial deposit and then regularly, faithfully deposit a set amount to it. If there's a bank that accepts just P2,000 for opening an account and you could save P500 a month for a year, that's P8,000 already. Not bad just for setting aside a small amount.
Get a part-time job or use your hidden skills and talents.
These days, earning an income from just one source is no longer practical. Try your hand on a home-based business or even an online job. If you have a hobby that you can make money from, why not spend weekends creating things you can sell? Some of the most popular home-based businesses I have encountered includes baking, catering, wedding invites and souvenirs, graphic arts, copywriting, candymaking, Web design, scrapbooking, photography, jewelry, even selling cars and real estate.
Start small. Most of the time you probably won't need a big startup capital. Be careful, though. Not every job opening posted online comes from a trusted source.
Try to earn passive income.
Passive income comes from one-time deals or jobs. Some of the most popular sources of passive income include commissions, royalties, rent and interests. Commissions can be earned through network selling while royalties are earnings from work you've previously done, such as books, music, computer programs, etc. Mutual funds and insurances can be good sources of passive income but only after the account has reached maturity and you can begin reaping the fruits from your premium payments. Read more on this article...
Hoard your income.
There are some people who earn money nearly effortlessly but for most of us, income = sweat and tears. That's why it's incomprehensible why some Pinoys spend their hard-earned dough like there's no tomorrow.
If you want to increase your income (or at least your take home pay), be protective about your money. Sure, go ahead and spend for stuff you need -- food, gas, utilities, rent -- but be wary about purchases that you can actually do without. Be selective though. A new pair of shoes, for example, may be an impractical purchase if you have several dozens already in your closet. But if you only have two or three pairs and all of them are outdated, a new purchase may not be too bad.
Don't spend more than you can afford. Look at it this way: if you spend on unnecessary items, you're only making other people rich. If you want to increase your income and build your savings, be super careful about how and why money leaves your pocket.
Set aside a set amount of your income.
Ever heard of the phrase 'pay yourself first'? This is what it means. From your income, decide on a set amount of money you can save and then live off of the amount left. Let's say your take home pay is P10,000 a month (I'm merely using that amount because it's easier to compute :-)) and you decide to set aside 20% of that. You will only be left with P8,000 to spend on a monthly basis.
Now P2,000 may or may not cramp your style but 2,000 bucks translates to P12,000 after six months and P24,000 after another six months. Plus, you could be earning an interest by then. Get a chunk out of your salary, bonus, commission, even income you earn from your part-time job.
Try this trick for at least 3 or 6 months and you'll see how effective it is.
Found money? Put it into your piggy bank.
From here on, make a resolution to keep all loose change you find in a piggy bank or alkansya. Most people scoff at saving coins these days but you'll be surprised at how easily they can pile up over time.
You could also actively collect coins from all your expenses. Let's say you have a P3,000 budget on groceries and spent only P2,650. Drop the P350 in your home-based savings account and don't put it back into your wallet where you can easily whip it out and spend it.
Make it a Swiss account.
The 'Swiss' account is not exactly one, unless you have millions to stash away where the government can't touch it. The Swiss account is a term used to refer to a secret account some husbands or wives keep that their significant other doesn't know about.
If your spouse is a spend-happy person, you might want to open one. If you're single and has a tendency to spend too much, you will need to open one. If you have a partner who can manage your finances, you still might want to open one. This Swiss account should be a savings account that is difficult to touch, such as one that is accessible only through passbook-transactions (no ATMs). That, or you could keep a good chunk of cash in a time deposit.
By setting aside money that's not easy to get your hands on, you'll be least likely to withdraw it and spend it. Look for banks with a low initial deposit and then regularly, faithfully deposit a set amount to it. If there's a bank that accepts just P2,000 for opening an account and you could save P500 a month for a year, that's P8,000 already. Not bad just for setting aside a small amount.
Get a part-time job or use your hidden skills and talents.
These days, earning an income from just one source is no longer practical. Try your hand on a home-based business or even an online job. If you have a hobby that you can make money from, why not spend weekends creating things you can sell? Some of the most popular home-based businesses I have encountered includes baking, catering, wedding invites and souvenirs, graphic arts, copywriting, candymaking, Web design, scrapbooking, photography, jewelry, even selling cars and real estate.
Start small. Most of the time you probably won't need a big startup capital. Be careful, though. Not every job opening posted online comes from a trusted source.
Try to earn passive income.
Passive income comes from one-time deals or jobs. Some of the most popular sources of passive income include commissions, royalties, rent and interests. Commissions can be earned through network selling while royalties are earnings from work you've previously done, such as books, music, computer programs, etc. Mutual funds and insurances can be good sources of passive income but only after the account has reached maturity and you can begin reaping the fruits from your premium payments. Read more on this article...
Tips for Pinoys Who Have Lost Their Jobs (Or About to)
Are you one of the increasing number of Pinoys losing their jobs? Being shown the door is very rarely a happy event, especially in tough times such as these when jobs are hard to come by and whatever job openings are available are just way below or above your current skills. If you have already lost your job or are just thinking you might be the unlucky recipient of a termination notice, here are some tips on what to do:
Network. Now.
Sometimes, the best next step is just right under your nose. Start looking for a possible next employer. Tap the sources you know, particularly officemates (those you can trust not to yap about your latest jobhunting efforts), industry contacts, friendly suppliers and customers.
Do this even if you truly like your job and want to stay. If things don't go your way, at least you have a real job waiting for you.
Get all necessary documents from your employer.
If you lose your job, make sure your employer gives you all your employee documents. Ask for a Certificate of Employment and other support documents including your letter of termination, clearance, quit claim form, etc.
Make sure you also have a copy of all documents that pertain to your finances -- salary (including last pay), certificate of payment of loans (whether you've paid them in full or still have a balance) and copies of other information regarding SSS contributions/loan payments and BIR deductions.
Start living a stingy life.
When you lose your job, you need to protect all the money you have. Do not make the mistake of not having enough at the time your employer shows you the door. If you fear you might lose your job at any time, cut your expenses immediately. Skip the Starbucks coffee, the fancy lunch and the after-office drinks. A thousand bucks saved is a thousand bucks you can grab when you truly need it.
Update your professional and transferable skills.
The point here is to make yourself relevant to whoever your next employer might be. If or when you lose your job, you'll be much more employable compared to other jobhunters at your level. If you haven't lost your job right now, check to see what resources or tasks you can sign up for that will improve your skills, both professional (finance, human resources, management, manufacturing) and transferable ones (customer service, communication skills, negotiating, leadership, etc.).
Enroll in government-sponsored trainings.
Government agencies such as TESDA have programs for people who may be out-of-school, in between jobs or just want to expand their skills. If you lose your job, the last thing you might want to do is to pay for expensive re-training courses and TESDA might just be the perfect tool for that.
The agency offers these trainings for free. Sure, you will have to pay for other expenses such as transportation fees and lunch and probably some materials but the cost is nearly negligle compared to what you could have spent if you enrolled in classes offered by private training schools.
If you want to know what TESDA offers at an area near you, here's a link: TESDA
Get a temp job.
Sure it's just temporary or part-time but so what? It's still a job. And when times are this hard, you're lucky to actually have one. Usually, the pay is way down your salary scale. If you've been earning P700 a day, don't be shocked if a temp job offers you a measly P270.
But look at it this way: P270 a day is still P270 more that you'll have in your wallet. At the end of the week, this translates P1,350; at the end of four weeks, that's P5,400.
Since it's a part-time job, you'll probably only work for a few hours -- two, maybe four or five. You can still use the rest of the day to look for work or get more training.
Get an online job.
There are plenty of online jobs you can apply for in case you need a transition job or a job that will help earn you something while you transition to the next phase of your career. Most online jobs require some sort of training or skill (Web development, Web design, Java and PHP, medical transcription) but there are others you can do almost immediately (content writing, SEO, paid-to jobs such as blogging, posting in forums and surveys, online selling and auctions).
Losing your job
Many Pinoys view their job as an important part of themselves, so much so that their identity is tied to it. You know how it is... 'Tanungin mo si Engineer...' or 'Ayan na si Manager...' This is why it can be a real blow to lose a job because for many of us, it's what defines us as people or professionals.
But a job is often temporary. It's just something you do to earn a living, not who you are. Do not think you will lose yourself as a person if you are stripped of a title or get demoted to a lower rank as a result of getting fired. Of course, the loss of an income source can be very difficult but with a little work and creativity, it can be remedied.
Instead, view it as a chance to examine your goals closely. Is this what you really want to do? Is this what you want to be doing for the rest of your productive years? Ten, twenty years from now, what would be your biggest regrets about this job?
Very often, a job loss is not a loss, it's an opportunity to find something that will be so much better and more rewarding. Now that you don't have a job to distract you, ask yourself if it's truly a loss. For all you know, this could just be the chance for you to finally do what you truly love and get paid for it.
Read more on this article...
Network. Now.
Sometimes, the best next step is just right under your nose. Start looking for a possible next employer. Tap the sources you know, particularly officemates (those you can trust not to yap about your latest jobhunting efforts), industry contacts, friendly suppliers and customers.
Do this even if you truly like your job and want to stay. If things don't go your way, at least you have a real job waiting for you.
Get all necessary documents from your employer.
If you lose your job, make sure your employer gives you all your employee documents. Ask for a Certificate of Employment and other support documents including your letter of termination, clearance, quit claim form, etc.
Make sure you also have a copy of all documents that pertain to your finances -- salary (including last pay), certificate of payment of loans (whether you've paid them in full or still have a balance) and copies of other information regarding SSS contributions/loan payments and BIR deductions.
Start living a stingy life.
When you lose your job, you need to protect all the money you have. Do not make the mistake of not having enough at the time your employer shows you the door. If you fear you might lose your job at any time, cut your expenses immediately. Skip the Starbucks coffee, the fancy lunch and the after-office drinks. A thousand bucks saved is a thousand bucks you can grab when you truly need it.
Update your professional and transferable skills.
The point here is to make yourself relevant to whoever your next employer might be. If or when you lose your job, you'll be much more employable compared to other jobhunters at your level. If you haven't lost your job right now, check to see what resources or tasks you can sign up for that will improve your skills, both professional (finance, human resources, management, manufacturing) and transferable ones (customer service, communication skills, negotiating, leadership, etc.).
Enroll in government-sponsored trainings.
Government agencies such as TESDA have programs for people who may be out-of-school, in between jobs or just want to expand their skills. If you lose your job, the last thing you might want to do is to pay for expensive re-training courses and TESDA might just be the perfect tool for that.
The agency offers these trainings for free. Sure, you will have to pay for other expenses such as transportation fees and lunch and probably some materials but the cost is nearly negligle compared to what you could have spent if you enrolled in classes offered by private training schools.
If you want to know what TESDA offers at an area near you, here's a link: TESDA
Get a temp job.
Sure it's just temporary or part-time but so what? It's still a job. And when times are this hard, you're lucky to actually have one. Usually, the pay is way down your salary scale. If you've been earning P700 a day, don't be shocked if a temp job offers you a measly P270.
But look at it this way: P270 a day is still P270 more that you'll have in your wallet. At the end of the week, this translates P1,350; at the end of four weeks, that's P5,400.
Since it's a part-time job, you'll probably only work for a few hours -- two, maybe four or five. You can still use the rest of the day to look for work or get more training.
Get an online job.
There are plenty of online jobs you can apply for in case you need a transition job or a job that will help earn you something while you transition to the next phase of your career. Most online jobs require some sort of training or skill (Web development, Web design, Java and PHP, medical transcription) but there are others you can do almost immediately (content writing, SEO, paid-to jobs such as blogging, posting in forums and surveys, online selling and auctions).
Losing your job
Many Pinoys view their job as an important part of themselves, so much so that their identity is tied to it. You know how it is... 'Tanungin mo si Engineer...' or 'Ayan na si Manager...' This is why it can be a real blow to lose a job because for many of us, it's what defines us as people or professionals.
But a job is often temporary. It's just something you do to earn a living, not who you are. Do not think you will lose yourself as a person if you are stripped of a title or get demoted to a lower rank as a result of getting fired. Of course, the loss of an income source can be very difficult but with a little work and creativity, it can be remedied.
Instead, view it as a chance to examine your goals closely. Is this what you really want to do? Is this what you want to be doing for the rest of your productive years? Ten, twenty years from now, what would be your biggest regrets about this job?
Very often, a job loss is not a loss, it's an opportunity to find something that will be so much better and more rewarding. Now that you don't have a job to distract you, ask yourself if it's truly a loss. For all you know, this could just be the chance for you to finally do what you truly love and get paid for it.
Read more on this article...
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Should Marvin Fernandez Forgive Boyet Fajardo?
Of all the things that people can give away for free, forgiveness is the most difficult of all. It's just not something that anyone could easily bestow because it goes against human nature. After all, to forgive is to exonerate, to pardon, to absolve. Once you forgive someone, you release their responsibility to you. Now, Boyet Fajardo is asking Marvin Fernandez to forgive him. Should Marvin do it?
If you don't know what the fuss is all about yet, Boyet Fajardo is a Filipino fashion designer. He designs and sells clothes for a living. His designs are sold at Robinsons, Landmark and SM. The labels are 'Initials', 'Substance' and of course, 'Boyet Fajardo'.
He has some considerable but relative fame, having been recognized as a talented designer for a good 20 years. I say 'relative' because outside of the bigger (waaaaayyyyy bigger) circle that truly big shot fashion designers move in, Fajardo is quite simply, a nobody. Or at least, a minor designer. Don't believe me? Try comparing him to people like Giorgio Armani, Karl Lagerfeld, Ralph Lauren and our very own Pitoy Moreno and Inno Sotto. Both men, by the way, have been immortalized by at least two hit Pinoy rock songs. Someone has yet to find Fajardo inspiring.
Marvin Fernandez, on the other hand, works as a cashier at Duty Free Philippines in Paranaque. He was a virtual unknown until the notorious incident. On Friday the 13th of March this year, though, his relative anonymity has changed.
Marvin was manning the cash register when Boyet Fajardo dropped by from the airport. The fashion designer used his credit card to pay for his purchases but since his card was unsigned (an unwise decision, by the way), Marvin asked him for an identification. Boyet allegedly produced an ID card which was again, unsigned.
Marvin, going by his training and the SOP he and his fellow employees are mandated to strictly follow, asked for another ID. This set off a bomb in Fajardo, who proceeded to berate and insult not just Marvin (whom he referred to as a fag) but also one of the lady officers (whom he called fat).
He even threatened to call some politician who, strangely enough, could strip the Duty Free employees of their jobs. Hmmm... interesting. I always thought Filipino politicians were a strange breed, able to dance, sing, sell laundry soaps, skin whitening products and vitamin supplements then shake the dirty, muddy hands of farmers and garbage collectors with a straight face. But for them to actually step in and get someone fired on an offended fashion designer's say so... (insert pregnant pause here)
What followed next was an unbelievable display of sheer arrogance and stupidity on the side of Mr. Fajardo. When the lady officer asked what they could do to rectify the situation, he demanded that Marvin go down on his knees and allow himself to be slapped in the face. What the...!?
Marvin did go down on his knees, which probably calmed down Mr. Fajardo a tiny notch because he did not attempt to slap the young man.
This incident, by the way, occurred on March 13, 2009, Friday the 13th. The video footage was played on national TV on March 23. It was reported on the same date that Mr. Fajardo would be giving his statement the next day.
Sure enough... there it was. A short interview of the designer, pudgy and pasty-faced, telling his side of the story.
I watched Fajardo's televised interview on Tuesday, March 24, aired on ABS-CBN and GMA. According to him, he was tired from the long plane ride and therefore cranky. Anyone who's been on a long plane trip, he says, would've felt like he did -- cranky. I guess... but not everyone would be as stupid as he was to flash an unsigned credit card and throw a hissy fit just because someone asks for ID -- a signed ID.
Then he proceeded to say that he is asking for 'paumanhin' for what happened. And therein lies my bugbear. When you ask for 'paumanhin', it's equivalent to saying 'I'm sorry'. Fair enough... but here's what's really bugging me:
Isn't paumanhin a milder form of patawad? It's the kind of thing you ask for when you've done something that's easily forgivable. Paumanhin is what you ask for when:
- you're late for a meeting
- you can't make it to a wedding
- you spilled wine on someone's shirt
- you have to leave a nice party early
Patawad, on the other hand, is something you ask for when:
- you hurt someone deeply
- you caused someone to experience harm
- you humiliate someone
- you kill someone
Patawad is what you ask for when you need someone's forgiveness.
What Boyet Fajardo should have asked for was not Marvin Fernandez' paumanhin but his patawad. Fajardo's apology was just too little, too late (aired and apparently, only verbalized 11 days after the fact. After the hissy fit he threw was captured on film and shown on TV and a backlash is now theatening to bite him on his a**.
And here's another thing that's bothering me. Fajardo is publicly airing an apology to someone whose name he doesn't even know. On the ABS-CBN interview, Fajardo says, 'Marvin Hernandez'. On the GMA interview, he says, 'Marvin Gonzales'. Again, what the...?! Is this deliberate? C'mon! You've already shamed the poor young man already, you could at least have the basic decency to remember his name and say it right. Or is this your stinking pride talking out of your lipgloss-slathered mouth?
Second, when you apologize, at least be remorseful about it. Fajardo's statement on TV doesn't show a person who is sorry because he did something wrong. It shows a person who's sorry because he got caught doing it. It's good PR to do the obligatory mea culpa on Tv because it helps provide some form of cover for your dirty deed.
So should Marvin Fernandez forgive the man who humiliated him? Would you forgive someone who treated you like crap without even knowing who you are as a person? Would you forgive someone who humiliated you in public just because you were doing your job? Would you forgive someone who was so full of his own crap that he couldn't see beyond his own limitations? Would you forgive someone who turned you into little more than a slave just because you didn't recognize his relative importance? Would you forgive someone who didn't even bother to get your name right?
Well, Marvin... it really is all up to you. Just remember this: Boyet Fajardo did not apologize to Marvin Fernandez -- he apologized to Marvin Hernandez and Marvin Gonzales. Should anyone at all insist that you find it in your heart to forgive Boyet Fajardo, remember that he did not apologize to you. He apologized to another guy. Read more on this article...
If you don't know what the fuss is all about yet, Boyet Fajardo is a Filipino fashion designer. He designs and sells clothes for a living. His designs are sold at Robinsons, Landmark and SM. The labels are 'Initials', 'Substance' and of course, 'Boyet Fajardo'.
He has some considerable but relative fame, having been recognized as a talented designer for a good 20 years. I say 'relative' because outside of the bigger (waaaaayyyyy bigger) circle that truly big shot fashion designers move in, Fajardo is quite simply, a nobody. Or at least, a minor designer. Don't believe me? Try comparing him to people like Giorgio Armani, Karl Lagerfeld, Ralph Lauren and our very own Pitoy Moreno and Inno Sotto. Both men, by the way, have been immortalized by at least two hit Pinoy rock songs. Someone has yet to find Fajardo inspiring.
Marvin Fernandez, on the other hand, works as a cashier at Duty Free Philippines in Paranaque. He was a virtual unknown until the notorious incident. On Friday the 13th of March this year, though, his relative anonymity has changed.
Marvin was manning the cash register when Boyet Fajardo dropped by from the airport. The fashion designer used his credit card to pay for his purchases but since his card was unsigned (an unwise decision, by the way), Marvin asked him for an identification. Boyet allegedly produced an ID card which was again, unsigned.
Marvin, going by his training and the SOP he and his fellow employees are mandated to strictly follow, asked for another ID. This set off a bomb in Fajardo, who proceeded to berate and insult not just Marvin (whom he referred to as a fag) but also one of the lady officers (whom he called fat).
He even threatened to call some politician who, strangely enough, could strip the Duty Free employees of their jobs. Hmmm... interesting. I always thought Filipino politicians were a strange breed, able to dance, sing, sell laundry soaps, skin whitening products and vitamin supplements then shake the dirty, muddy hands of farmers and garbage collectors with a straight face. But for them to actually step in and get someone fired on an offended fashion designer's say so... (insert pregnant pause here)
What followed next was an unbelievable display of sheer arrogance and stupidity on the side of Mr. Fajardo. When the lady officer asked what they could do to rectify the situation, he demanded that Marvin go down on his knees and allow himself to be slapped in the face. What the...!?
Marvin did go down on his knees, which probably calmed down Mr. Fajardo a tiny notch because he did not attempt to slap the young man.
This incident, by the way, occurred on March 13, 2009, Friday the 13th. The video footage was played on national TV on March 23. It was reported on the same date that Mr. Fajardo would be giving his statement the next day.
Sure enough... there it was. A short interview of the designer, pudgy and pasty-faced, telling his side of the story.
I watched Fajardo's televised interview on Tuesday, March 24, aired on ABS-CBN and GMA. According to him, he was tired from the long plane ride and therefore cranky. Anyone who's been on a long plane trip, he says, would've felt like he did -- cranky. I guess... but not everyone would be as stupid as he was to flash an unsigned credit card and throw a hissy fit just because someone asks for ID -- a signed ID.
Then he proceeded to say that he is asking for 'paumanhin' for what happened. And therein lies my bugbear. When you ask for 'paumanhin', it's equivalent to saying 'I'm sorry'. Fair enough... but here's what's really bugging me:
Isn't paumanhin a milder form of patawad? It's the kind of thing you ask for when you've done something that's easily forgivable. Paumanhin is what you ask for when:
- you're late for a meeting
- you can't make it to a wedding
- you spilled wine on someone's shirt
- you have to leave a nice party early
Patawad, on the other hand, is something you ask for when:
- you hurt someone deeply
- you caused someone to experience harm
- you humiliate someone
- you kill someone
Patawad is what you ask for when you need someone's forgiveness.
What Boyet Fajardo should have asked for was not Marvin Fernandez' paumanhin but his patawad. Fajardo's apology was just too little, too late (aired and apparently, only verbalized 11 days after the fact. After the hissy fit he threw was captured on film and shown on TV and a backlash is now theatening to bite him on his a**.
And here's another thing that's bothering me. Fajardo is publicly airing an apology to someone whose name he doesn't even know. On the ABS-CBN interview, Fajardo says, 'Marvin Hernandez'. On the GMA interview, he says, 'Marvin Gonzales'. Again, what the...?! Is this deliberate? C'mon! You've already shamed the poor young man already, you could at least have the basic decency to remember his name and say it right. Or is this your stinking pride talking out of your lipgloss-slathered mouth?
Second, when you apologize, at least be remorseful about it. Fajardo's statement on TV doesn't show a person who is sorry because he did something wrong. It shows a person who's sorry because he got caught doing it. It's good PR to do the obligatory mea culpa on Tv because it helps provide some form of cover for your dirty deed.
So should Marvin Fernandez forgive the man who humiliated him? Would you forgive someone who treated you like crap without even knowing who you are as a person? Would you forgive someone who humiliated you in public just because you were doing your job? Would you forgive someone who was so full of his own crap that he couldn't see beyond his own limitations? Would you forgive someone who turned you into little more than a slave just because you didn't recognize his relative importance? Would you forgive someone who didn't even bother to get your name right?
Well, Marvin... it really is all up to you. Just remember this: Boyet Fajardo did not apologize to Marvin Fernandez -- he apologized to Marvin Hernandez and Marvin Gonzales. Should anyone at all insist that you find it in your heart to forgive Boyet Fajardo, remember that he did not apologize to you. He apologized to another guy. Read more on this article...
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Must-Have Stuff to Keep in Your Desk Drawer
Other than your trusty pen, computer and cell phone, there are certain things that every Pinoy workhorse should never do without. Stock up on these things and make sure you keep them in those secret corners of your desk drawers. You never know when they'll come in handy:
Isopropyl alcohol or anti-bacterial gel
There are icky creatures that lurk in the workplace waiting to pounce on you and I don't mean those rude officemates of yours. No matter how often you wipe them, desks, cabinets and computer keyboards can get dirty. Keep a small bottle of alcohol or antibacterial gel around for times when you absolutely must kill, kill, kill the bad stuff that stick to your hands.
A good alternative: antiseptic wipes. They're handy, easy to use and dispose, although you'll be producing more waste. Best stick with the liquid type. They simply evaporate or get absorbed.
An extra roll of tissue
Some workplaces provide rolls of tissue for employees' use but bring a roll just in case. Tissues are excellent for wiping away dust, cookie crumbs, spilled coffee or blotting makeup. Great for writing notes as well, in case you run out of Post-Its.
A small mirror
If you only have 5 seconds to check yourself in a mirror, why bother fumbling for one in your bag? Keep a small, compact mirror in your middle desk drawer.
A pair of slippers or flip-flops
High heels killing you? If you'll be stuck at your desk all day, relieve yourself of those badly-fitting shoes and give your feet a break by slipping on a pair of flip-flops under the table.
Some unsolicited advice: don't walk around the office in your slippers. The workplace is not your house, so don't act like it is.
A coat
Some offices have airconditioning that seems to be powered by a gleeful ice demon. Temperatures in these places can get so low that people actually look pale, even bluish. If your office is killing you slowly this way, try to delay the process by bringing a nice coat. When temperatures start to go south, you can always throw your coat over your shoulder to ward away the cold.
Pain relief ointment
Bengay, like the more locally known Salonpas ointment, is great as a pain reliever. It's not a pain killer but on days when your hands, arms, knees, ankles, joints and muscles feel especially tired and knobby, there's a lot of relief that a pea-sized amount of this ointment can bring. It's like instant massage, except you don't spend more time rubbing away.
I recommend Bengay or Salonpas ointment, by the way, because these are two brands that I know of that don't have a distinct smell. Old standbys like Omega Painkiller, efficascent oils or even the newer herbal rubs tend to permeate the air. They make it known that there's someone at the office who feels like a grandpa or grandma way before their time.
Safety pins
Safety pins are incredibly flexible and useful. If there's anything at all that needs to be attached, joined, pinned, pricked, released or just simply pinned, there's a safety pin of every size to do the job.
Medications
Two or three tablets of your basic pain/fever/gastrointestal upset medication can come in handy. You'll thank yourself you have your own stash when things get too toxic at the office or if you ate too much at lunch time. You'll never know when you'll need them.
Your own personal bottle of correction fluid
You could borrow from a co-worker but why bother letting someone else know you made a mistake?
A sachet of single-serve coffee
Should the pantry run out (and it does!), you never have to go through a bad caffeine withdrawal.
A pack of cookies or crackers
Great to grab if you're hungry and can't get away from your desk.
A foldable umbrella
Rain or shine, you're protected.
Read more on this article...
Isopropyl alcohol or anti-bacterial gel
There are icky creatures that lurk in the workplace waiting to pounce on you and I don't mean those rude officemates of yours. No matter how often you wipe them, desks, cabinets and computer keyboards can get dirty. Keep a small bottle of alcohol or antibacterial gel around for times when you absolutely must kill, kill, kill the bad stuff that stick to your hands.
A good alternative: antiseptic wipes. They're handy, easy to use and dispose, although you'll be producing more waste. Best stick with the liquid type. They simply evaporate or get absorbed.
An extra roll of tissue
Some workplaces provide rolls of tissue for employees' use but bring a roll just in case. Tissues are excellent for wiping away dust, cookie crumbs, spilled coffee or blotting makeup. Great for writing notes as well, in case you run out of Post-Its.
A small mirror
If you only have 5 seconds to check yourself in a mirror, why bother fumbling for one in your bag? Keep a small, compact mirror in your middle desk drawer.
A pair of slippers or flip-flops
High heels killing you? If you'll be stuck at your desk all day, relieve yourself of those badly-fitting shoes and give your feet a break by slipping on a pair of flip-flops under the table.
Some unsolicited advice: don't walk around the office in your slippers. The workplace is not your house, so don't act like it is.
A coat
Some offices have airconditioning that seems to be powered by a gleeful ice demon. Temperatures in these places can get so low that people actually look pale, even bluish. If your office is killing you slowly this way, try to delay the process by bringing a nice coat. When temperatures start to go south, you can always throw your coat over your shoulder to ward away the cold.
Pain relief ointment
Bengay, like the more locally known Salonpas ointment, is great as a pain reliever. It's not a pain killer but on days when your hands, arms, knees, ankles, joints and muscles feel especially tired and knobby, there's a lot of relief that a pea-sized amount of this ointment can bring. It's like instant massage, except you don't spend more time rubbing away.
I recommend Bengay or Salonpas ointment, by the way, because these are two brands that I know of that don't have a distinct smell. Old standbys like Omega Painkiller, efficascent oils or even the newer herbal rubs tend to permeate the air. They make it known that there's someone at the office who feels like a grandpa or grandma way before their time.
Safety pins
Safety pins are incredibly flexible and useful. If there's anything at all that needs to be attached, joined, pinned, pricked, released or just simply pinned, there's a safety pin of every size to do the job.
Medications
Two or three tablets of your basic pain/fever/gastrointestal upset medication can come in handy. You'll thank yourself you have your own stash when things get too toxic at the office or if you ate too much at lunch time. You'll never know when you'll need them.
Your own personal bottle of correction fluid
You could borrow from a co-worker but why bother letting someone else know you made a mistake?
A sachet of single-serve coffee
Should the pantry run out (and it does!), you never have to go through a bad caffeine withdrawal.
A pack of cookies or crackers
Great to grab if you're hungry and can't get away from your desk.
A foldable umbrella
Rain or shine, you're protected.
Read more on this article...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)