Career advice
Curated writing from operators, recruiters, and HR leaders — written for people building real careers in HK.
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:
We’ve all been there. You’re writing an email to a client or colleague. Before you hit send, you quickly skim your email for errors. Grammar, spelling and punctuation? Everything looks fine. You click send, confident of a job well done. Later, you receive a reply and something isn’t quite right. Your usually cordial colleague seems oddly distant. Your long-term client’s response to your enquiry is terse. Frankly, it’s all a bit awkward. What could have gone wrong?
In Part 1 last week, we focused on how to decide which weaknesses to talk about in an interview or appraisal. This week, we’ll look at how to present them and avoid appearing like a poor candidate. Turn your weaknesses into strengths
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
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
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
Last week, we looked at the purpose of a cover letter and how to structure the first two paragraphs, covering an opening statement and a description of relevant studies and work experience. Let’s look at how to finish the draft you wrote last week. 3. A description of the important personal qualities that you would bring to the job. Emphasise why you are the best candidate for the job.
Applying for a job can be a daunting task. There is so much to do — finding the right role to apply for, updating your CV, going to an interview — all of these are important steps that must be done well. Writing a cover letter can therefore sometimes seem less important when faced with other important tasks. But a good covering letter can make the difference between rejection and progressing to an interview. Let’s look at how to tackle this all-important piece of work. What is the purpose of a cover letter?
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.
Last week we talked about the importance of simplicity, clarity and accuracy, as well as the basics of how to organise your CV. We also mentioned the importance of clearly displaying your contact details at the top of the first page. How do I shape my CV to the job?
With any CV, you can be sure that it will be looked at both quickly and critically. Simplicity, clarity and accuracy are the keys to getting through the first door — but what is that first door? Employers do not have time to spend hours looking at every CV. Those first few seconds are crucial. What’s more, the first glance at your CV will be to see if you, the candidate, meet the essential requirements. If you do not demonstrate that you meet them or if your information is unclear, your CV will head straight to the recycling bin.
In Part 1 last week, we looked at some ways to help prepare for and write up your performance review. This week we will focus on what to say in the meeting and what to do beforehand.A conversation with your boss about your performance doesn’t have to induce panic. Hopefully, the preparation you’ve done has boosted your confidence and reminded you of your accomplishments. Before you head into that meeting, make sure to do the following. Make notesThis can help you stay on message and identify what you want to focus on.