Career advice
Curated writing from operators, recruiters, and HR leaders — written for people building real careers in HK.
Dealing with meetings (Part 1) In today’s demanding workplace, meetings are a regular feature of everyone’s schedule. So how can we ensure that our attendance helps to achieve the aims that have been set? The answer lies in careful preparation, and there are several points to consider.
In part 1 last week, we explored what tone is and why it matters in our formal email correspondence. In this section, we focus on language which will help you to make the right impression on your reader. Play it safe Using formal style, showing respect, is always the right choice in a professional context. Use the salutations below to open your email and greet your reader appropriately. Known reader:
So, you have finally located your ideal job, you have crafted a winning cover letter, fine-tuned your CV and landed the all-important interview. You have prepared diligently to showcase the mix of skills and experience which makes you the perfect candidate. Then, the interviewer hits you with the unexpected: ‘What is your greatest weakness?’. How do you answer this question and avoid making yourself look bad? Be honest
As COVID-19 continues to cause disruption around the world, at the time of writing Hong Kong is in a relatively better position compared to others. While the possibility of a resurgence in cases cannot be underestimated, Hong Kong has at least been able to resume some semblance of business normality and is now dealing with the ‘problem’ of enabling staff to return to work.
當我們還是學生時，天生有著高IQ(智商)的同學總是得天獨厚，無論哪個學科都能輕易上手，老師在課堂上都喜歡問他們問題、同學也會向他們請教功課。這些同學，在往後的日子都有無盡的出路，做醫生律師或其他專業人士也好像是必然。但是，當我們踏入職場後，便發覺整個世界的遊戲規則都變了。最聰明的同事不一定最成功；最成功的往往是人際關係好，左右逢源的人。他們有著很好的人緣，不慍不火，很能控制情緒也很會溝通。這種很可能就是高EQ(情緒智商)人士。高EQ人士不一定代表他做人很「世界仔」、反之他不一定會對人過份阿諛奉承、但有能力把自己的情緒控制好，再清楚表達自己的想法。這種擁有好EQ的同事容易得到上司及同事信任，對於升職加薪亦更容易。 高EQ的表現
In part 1 last week, we looked at what to do before interview day to help you answer questions better (preparation, research, prediction and practice). Today we give you further advice for the interview day itself and how to look back on it after it’s done. On interview day Calm your nerves
Hong Kong was ranked second in the latest Cloud Readiness Index by the Asia Cloud Computing Association (ACCA), with IT professionals prioritizing investments in cloud computing and hybrid IT more than any other technology.
You have drafted a cover letter and sent off your resumé. The call or email came through; you’ve been shortlisted! The end is now in sight! But there’s still just one more hurdle to clear: the interview. And it’s in English! No one really enjoys interviews (if you’re one of the rare few, you wouldn’t be reading this article right now…). However, with these top tips in hand, you’ll be able to sail through it more smoothly than you might expect. Before interview day
香港的物業種類繁多，除了最普遍的住宅物業外，還有工商廈，商場，車場，會所管理等。因每類物業均有其獨特性，無論是用家及市場的期望，所適用的法規等亦不盡相同。為回應及配合用家不斷提昇的期望，市場上各物業管理公司各出其謀，務求貼市貼地推出不同創新服務，讓用戶獲得更佳的服務。物業從業員要妥善管理這些林林總總物業除了是一門學問外，亦是一門專業，學會今年舉辦了首屆的「香港房屋經理學會精英大獎」，正正是為了表揚他們在這一方面的專業。
For many Hong Kong professionals, aspiring to a management role is a key career goal. Elaine Lam – Managing Director, Robert Half Hong Kong, discusses the characteristics that define an effective manager.
Uncertain times can be unsettling for your team. Elaine Lam — Managing Director, Robert Half Hong Kong, looks at how to keep employees motivated and bring out the best in your people. Motivating staff is a key skill for business leaders though it can be more challenging at certain times than at others. Periods of economic or domestic uncertainty, the introduction of new workplace technologies — even something as simple as returning to work following a vacation, are all factors than can see employee motivation flag.
In business, it’s absolutely essential to make a good impression with anyone you’re communicating with when writing – from your boss, to a potential new client, to your fellow colleagues. Making even the most basic error in your writing can send all the wrong messages – you may come across as careless, lacking attention to detail and not showing respect to your reader.