New Year cheers, job updates, career advice, and news on career fairs all rolled into one

As we've heartily revealed previously, in line with the fact that impressions and judgments are a part of the work world, personal branding is something one should effort on in order to achieve success. This is just one of the many things in our to-do list for a successful job hunt, however.

Defining who you are as a job seeker and finding the right employers are two separate things, you see. And it's for this reason that we effort on providing you updates on Singapore jobs and industry news, never mind that the task requires excessive preparation on our parts.

So, are we asking for thanks? Not really. Merely explaining how important it is to keep up with the news (and visit jobsdbsingapore.blogspot.com every Friday). We're not the most systematic of Singaporeans, but really, our idea of a job search that's good is that which follows a clear defining point. Something that can only be achieved through personal branding and applying only to job ads you're qualified for.

We promise to make this brief, so you won't have to suspend your merrymaking for so long. We've been making updates since late October. Now, do you trust that our updates are worth reading? Worth the time reading, we mean? It's not like we get our reports from nowhere and dress up crap to look like relevant news.

Anyway, we're serious about making this short, but comprehensive. So, shall we begin with the discussion?

The spotlight still belongs to those we've mentioned in the last edition (really, we should start giving them numbers soon) and so, nothing's new, although we have to admit that hospitality jobs are slightly more promising. With the tourism sector on boom (Surely, Marina Bay Sands organising a big New Year party accounts for something), we're seeing a stable influx of hotel jobs, food jobs, restaurant jobs, travel jobs, and casino jobs in the first quarter of next year, and most probably until the next.

There's our database to get your engines running again...don't forget. We're expecting Singapore accounting jobs, banking jobs, IT jobs, admin jobs, insurance jobs, and engineering jobs to remain in their places in our top jobs list next year, so what better way to motivate yourself than to bookmark Find Jobs?

We're extending our promotions for the CPA Australia Career Expo 2011, happening on January 22. Register now to 'get noticed, get connected, and get ahead'.

Speaking of Singapore job fairs...our editors are really working hard so that JobsDB.com Career Expo 2011 will become a blast. With tons of job opportunities and career seminars expected to highlight the fair, it's definitely worth attending. And because it's worth it, we're re-posting the shiny icon:

Will you give us more time so we can promote again our ongoing contests? We're still giving away exclusive planners! Complete "I love JobsDB.com because..." and stand a chance to win one. Also, you still have two days to try your luck at sg.openrice.com's WRITE, EAT, & SHOP contest.

Until next year! Let us all celebrate the New Year with flying colors. We'll talk you guys again on January.



JobsDB.com Singapore
Singapore's finest resource for jobs
http://www.jobsdb.com.sg/Singapore

Looking for a job? JobsDB.com Singapore is the preferred jobs portal for Singapore Careers and Jobs in Singapore - From Accounting Jobs and Banking Jobs to Beauty Careers and Entertainment Jobs. Jumpstart your career with us. Apply for jobs from our 20,000 job listings here: www.jobsdb.com.sg/SG/en/Search/NewAdvanceSearch.

For career tips, we recommend Career Advice. From job hunting tips to career development guidelines, get advice from experts @ www.jobsdb.com.sg/SG/en/Resources/JobSeekerIndex.

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Let's talk about personal branding.

The work world is never at rest. And as career writers and blogging representatives to www.jobsdb.com.sg (albeit indirect), we ought to do the same. The expectation to catch up in itself is overwhelming, but thanks to the undying support of our watchers, followers, and also detractors, we're still very much motivated to go. Hey, we've been the moderators of Jobs in Singapore for more than a year now...surely that accounts for something positive.

We get excited over Christmas and New Year, yes, but these holidays are no exception to the rule that we must always work for our readers' sake. So there.

Which is why we're scared to mess up. You guys haven't failed in keeping our motivation bar filled; it goes without saying, the only way to return is to show the same level of enthusiasm.

Too dramatic for a Holiday post? Well yes, but it's a great introduction for another party-pooper, right?

No seriously, we're just trying to make you laugh. We're set to take our breaks for the New Year very soon, and this is just our way of making use of the remaining two days (today and tomorrow) wisely. We've been advised by our hardworking editors to talk about Singapore Jobs and the latest Industry News tomorrow. Which then leaves us with no other choice but to reserve today's slot for career tips.

We really hope you'll allow us to interfere with your vacationing once again and give attention to what we've prepared to discuss for today. Reading won't spoil your mood for the New Year, we promise. Just a short commentary on a career topic concerning both the realms of job search and career building.

In today's work world, impressions decide whether a person gets 'it' or not. Because of the topic's relevance, we've developed a habit of mentioning it here once in a while. Ergo, you won't find this unfamiliar. Contemplating on an already familiar matter...we've done this before, right? Anyway, shall we begin?

There's a reason why personal development is a staple category at www.learningdb.com.sg. To say that more and more career professionals are realising the importance of personal branding in looking for a job or building a career is no longer an assumption. It's closed to being common knowledge, through the shared efforts of concerned career experts and online jobs portals like JobsDB.com Singapore, that achieving career success is also a matter of knowing how to present oneself in the best way possible, physically and verbally.

The word to note is inconsistency -- something that many top companies consider as a big turn off, so job hunters, please take note. It can be detrimental to what you've done so for for your plans, on the other hand, if you're a career builder. So, any acts of inconsistency must be avoided in order to succeed. Keeping a personal brand happens to be the best way to do so.

But you must know that 'who are you' and 'what you want to portray' are different matters altogether. Although it's much more advisable to stick with the real you (that way, committing inconsistency is virtually impossible), we're not saying that 'what you want to portray' can't be achieved. It will just take time. Determination, attending career seminars to improve your skill, and hiring a personal coach to get professional help are just some ways of getting yourself to level up and reach your ultimate stage. Our suggestion is you focus on 'who you are' while you're still rallying to reach your stars.

What to do? If you’ve been following this blog for quite a while now, you should know where we're getting at. Career Advice has plenty to offer when it comes to the topic of personal branding. That's one reason why we're very opinionated on the topic, really. So, for further information (okay, after your vacation), be sure to visit its library of career articles. But because we're all for our readers' convenience (if you don't mind reading some more paragraphs), let us introduce the most favoured of them all.

This article at www.jobsdb.com.sg/SG/EN/Resources/JobSeekerArticle/job-search-advice.htm?ID=202 by Brenda Bence is a classic favourite among job seekers. It explains how a personal brand can help one become the #1 choice. The second part of the articles focuses on tips, so reading is definitely worth the time.

For non job hunters, the article that we recommend the most is this one at www.jobsdb.com.sg/SG/EN/Resources/JobSeekerArticle/The%20Future:%20The%20Changing?ID=575 from Kelly Services. It provides the most comprehensive explanation on office environment and dress code as factors in career management.

More articles for you to read:

Knowing how to create your own good luck and keys to career planning

Remaining Relevant in The Workplace

The Fundamentals of Career and Success

Comes in multiple chapters -- Managing your career Chapter 1

GROWING A SUCCESSFUL CAREER

Be sure to drop by tomorrow for Singapore Careers! We know we've got lots of making up to do.

JobsDB.com Singapore
Singapore's finest resource for jobs
http://www.jobsdb.com.sg/Singapore

JobsDB.com Singapore is committed to helping every job seeker land a good job. Currently looking for a job? Browse our jobs database and see if anything is of interest to you. It doesn't matter what industry you're in -- our jobs portal caters to every industry there is in Singapore, from Accounting Jobs and Banking Jobs in Singapore to IT Jobs and Singapore Hospitality Jobs. Let us lead your way to rewarding jobs in Singapore, jump start you career with us.

For career tips, we recommend Career Advice. From job hunting tips to career development guidelines, get advice from experts @ www.jobsdb.com.sg/SG/en/Resources/JobSeekerIndex.

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We interrupt your regular programming for some learning and development promotions.

Fresh from a long vacation, we're back!

No need to frown. This is not intended to be a party-pooper. Believe that we haven't set this appointment just to spite you guys, our beloved readers. Such is an action we're not capable of committing, you should know if you've been watching our actions as moderators to Jobs in Singapore since a long time ago.

We just feel compelled to make a follow up. How did your Christmas go? In line with the fact that we hate failing people...did we fail to keep our promise? The one we made before signing off officially for Christmas?

Whatever is your answer to that, today we're elaborating on that one point concerning learning and development, the one about LearningDB.com and Career Events.

Have you visited www.learningdb.com.sg and www.jobsdb.com.sg/StaticContent/SG/CareerEvents/default.htm to check (like what we've hinted the last time we're holding the mike) on the schedules? Nevertheless, we can assure you that our editors are in for starting 2011 with a bang. The offerings for the first half of the year (so far) are nothing if not exciting.

If you haven't dropped by, you can make up by staying with us today until the end. If this is your first time visiting, we suggest that you take out a pen and notepad.

More and more career professionals are recognising the essence of professional image in career building; in line with this, our editors have decided to devote the January of next year talking about making first impressions and dressing for success. We've enlisted the help of Audrey Quek to give you guys a comprehensive take on the matter via Unleash Your Image Power Through Dressing and Etiquette, so you should definitely sign up.

February for Career Events will be about personal branding too, FYI. Though we don't intend the two to be sister seminars, if you are joining Audrey, we suggest you enlist your attendance to Present with Confidence too.

What about March? JobsDB.com Career Expo 2011 will be held on March and so, as is tradition, Career Events will be the one to take charge of the aspect of learning opportunities in the fair. If you're attending, please show your support by joining us in the talks. Nothing's final yet topics-wise, but we assure you that the lessons will come from experts and that attending will give you tons of helpful info. We're reposting this shiny icon for further promotions:



As for LearningDB.com... schedules for February and March 2011 are already up. The good news is, quite a number of those that will have their first sessions ever on January will be following up the next month. That soon! So, if you can't in January, the February slots are for you. We're talking about the following career seminars:

09 Feb -- EQ Techniques -To Improve Personal Effectiveness At Work with Chua Bee Choo
10-11 Feb -- Getting Results from Your Business Writing with Florence Au
18 Feb -- Power E-mails that get results with Sandra Sandu-Reeves
18 Feb -- Telephone Skills for Service Professionals with Chua Bee Choo

There will be lots of new seminars on February as well. Joining the four in the roster are:

10-11 Feb -- Getting Results from Your Business Writing with Florence Au
16 Feb -- Exceptional Work Skills with Tina Altieri
18 Feb -- Building Great Business Relationships with Shirley Taylor and Alison Lester
22 Feb -- Dealing with Difficult People and Situations with Ricky Lien
22 Feb -- Savvy Networking Skills For Success with Sandra Sandu-Reeves

Of course, our editors have also reserved slots for the classics. Those who've been wanting to catch sessions of Creativity at Work, Winning and Retaining Clients, Dealing with Difficult People and Situations, Polished Presentation Skills for so long, can finally sit on them this coming February 2011. Schedules are available at www.learningdb.com.sg/default.htm#Feb.

Based on what we've seen before going about this task, March 2011 will be a very, very busy month for LearningDB.com. Our editors have got a full schedule for the month, including seminars on communication skills, computer skills, stress management, negotiation skills, writing skills, presentation skills, and business planning. And because we don't want to hold your attention any longer (or interrupt your vacationing), we guess we'd have to postpone the discussing of these career seminars until the next Monday. Catch a glimpse of the schedules at www.learningdb.com.sg/default.htm#Mar.

Cue the cheers.

You can now resume with your merrymaking. Oh hell, give us more time because we still have other important announcements to make! Just two...

Done sending your entry to our "I love JobsDB.com because..." contest? If you haven't, cast your reason now at www.jobsdb.com.sg/SG/en/StaticContentFullContainer/i-love-jobsdb/Santa-complete-sentence-form.html. We're not asking for much. Just a sentence and you will already award yourself a chance to win an exclusive planner.

Phase two of What's your dream job? is still on going. Just saying in case you're feeling pretty generous towards us today.

JobsDB.com Singapore
Singapore's finest resource for jobs
http://www.jobsdb.com.sg/Singapore

Looking for a job? JobsDB.com Singapore is the preferred jobs portal for Singapore Careers and Jobs in Singapore - From Accounting Jobs and Banking Jobs to Beauty Careers and Entertainment Jobs. Jumpstart your career with us. Apply for jobs from our 20,000 job listings here: www.jobsdb.com.sg/SG/en/Search/NewAdvanceSearch.

For career tips, we recommend Career Advice. From job hunting tips to career development guidelines, get advice from experts @ www.jobsdb.com.sg/SG/en/Resources/JobSeekerIndex.

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It's Christmas once again...

...and the time has come for us to take our leaves. But before we wish you guys a Merry Christmas (and a Happy New Year as well), here are some reminders.

Career Advice won't take a break. So you may still browse its library of career articles even though we're out.

Same goes for LearningDB.com and Career Events. There are no more seminars to be held, but the schedules for January 2011 will be viewable even during the holidays. More time to polish your plans for learning and development! We'll be waiting for your sign ups!

And (because we won't have a chance to remind you guys again in the next five days or so), don't forget to send your entries for our "I love JobsDB.com because..." contest. Hey, we're not asking that much...just one sentence and you're good to go. Plus, the prize is great. Exclusive planners are exclusive planners and they, most definitely, shouldn't be ignored.



Updates for JobsDB.com Career Expo 2011? We've just received confirmation on the following details:

25-27 March 2011
Suntec Convention Halls 402 & 403
10:00 am - 7:00 pm

Main site has been uploaded. Kindly click on the shiny button below to get there.


As for jobs... Find Jobs will always provide you quality prospects. It's a very hardworking database whose categories are updated daily, particularly those concerning Singapore Accounting Jobs, Banking Jobs, IT Jobs, Media Jobs and Engineering Jobs.

Questions? Suggestions? Feel free to use the comments section below.

And of course, the greetings!



JobsDB.com Singapore
Singapore's finest resource for jobs
http://www.jobsdb.com.sg/Singapore

JobsDB.com Singapore is committed to helping every job seeker land a good job. Currently looking for a job? Browse our jobs database and see if anything is of interest to you. It doesn't matter what industry you're in -- our jobs portal caters to every industry there is in Singapore, from Accounting Jobs and Banking Jobs in Singapore to IT Jobs and Singapore Hospitality Jobs. Let us lead your way to rewarding jobs in Singapore, jump start you career with us.

For career tips, we recommend Career Advice. From job hunting tips to career development guidelines, get advice from experts @ www.jobsdb.com.sg/SG/en/Resources/JobSeekerIndex.

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'Tis the season of stories!

Besides being the month of giving gifts and exchanging cards, December is also the time for sharing inspiring stories. Christmas is coming and everyone's in a merry mood. Of course, we're no different. Albeit it's not that obvious, we've been ecstatic since late November.

Because we can't wait for December 25 any longer, we're sharing to our followers today what our editors have specifically asked us to write about come the actual day of merrymaking. Never mind the possible consequence.

There. You may be asking...will this improve your mood for job hunting or career building (whichever is applicable in your case)? Probably. But here's the thing, we've never been this excited over a topic before. Those assurances are probably enough to incline you to continue reading (and reach the good stuff).

The perfect mood for Christmas in these writers' collective perspectives, is that which can be quantified as "intellectually fun." We're firm believers that time is of the essence in career management or a job search, so even though the general view regarding Christmas is that it's all about eating, partying, and ferrying, our idea is that you still shouldn't leave out on your intellectual life. All these having said, what's apparent now is, this post is going to be about fun but still relevant stories.

If you're an avid follower of us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/jobsdb.com.sg, you should have heard of this news already. But for the sake of those who haven't visited the Fanpage for a while, thank you because JobsDB.com Singapore tops the chart once again and wins the No.1 Recruitment Website of the Year award by Human Resources Magazine for the fifth year running.

It goes without saying that we feel exceedingly grateful for you guys because of making this happen and happy that our efforts have been a success. Rest assured, our enthusiasm won't change and we'll even seek to improve our services more! Again, thank you!

Have suggestions? Use the comments section below to share what's going on in your mind right now. Consider this as your Christmas gift to us. But wait, we've prepared many stories to tell for today, so don't leave our site just yet to prepare.

We're really enjoying reading entries at engage.sg.jobsdb.com/dream-job/. You'll be surprised at what's over there...that many Singaporeans, for instance, actually dream of being performers in the entertainment industry. Many more factlets are waiting to be discovered by you...so read, read, READ.

Did you join the phase one of What's your dream job? It's been extended, as we've announced last week...so you know what to do. If you have friends who are interested as well, kindly pass them the link.

Do you like telling stories about food? Share them to sg.openrice.com and stand a chance to win great prizes this Christmas season. Due to the overwhelming response in November, we want to continue rewarding OpenRicers with unlimited sure-win CapitaLand Shopping Vouchers for every 6 reviews.

If you're looking for 'real' inspiring stories, those with a touch of drama to them, Career Advice has a section that you can visit. Remember our editors' marketing effort before the Coolest Desk Contest? Well, that's it. Read entries at www.jobsdb.com.sg/SG/EN/Resources/JobSeekerIndex/Jobseeker-Inspiring-Stories?ID=511.

Merry Christmas, everyone!

JobsDB.com Singapore
Singapore's finest resource for jobs
http://www.jobsdb.com.sg/Singapore

Looking for a job? JobsDB.com Singapore is the preferred jobs portal for Singapore Careers and Jobs in Singapore - From Accounting Jobs and Banking Jobs to Beauty Careers and Entertainment Jobs. Jumpstart your career with us. Apply for jobs from our 20,000 job listings here: www.jobsdb.com.sg/SG/en/Search/NewAdvanceSearch.

For career tips, we recommend Career Advice. From job hunting tips to career development guidelines, get advice from experts @ www.jobsdb.com.sg/SG/en/Resources/JobSeekerIndex.

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End-of-Year Tips for Career Success! From Career Advice.

In all honesty, we're not 'that' brave. Probably, not as brave as you think we are. Our fear of experimenting with writing styles is one proof...and there's more.

They say that it's normal for writers to have weird tendencies; we're worried about our case because it's different. Our being paranoid is considerably graver than what's normal...

Which explains why we're afraid to try different things. We've asked for your suggestions because we don't want you to lose interest.

BUT we try. What's important is we make attempts to brace our fears. Today we'll try to prove that once more. Considering that Christmas is just around the corner, this tone that we've chosen to use for today is a little bit of a party-pooper, but we hope that our warrant is understandable. So, off the topic at hand?

Are we planning to destroy your holiday mood by talking about a serious aspect of career building or job hunting today? No way. Well, we don't want to lose our holiday mood too.

Because it's Christmas, we don't want to spoil your mood with too much serious information. So, what we've chosen to talk about today is somewhat fun but still relevant. Just enough to get you in a study but cheerful mood -- the perfect mood for Christmas!

We know...we should already be vacationing, just like the most of you. But really, we just want to make sure that you guys are good with your careers and set to start off 2011 with a bang. Plus, we haven't featured career articles from Career Advice for quite some time now, favoring our own interpretations to stuff. So here we go...

They say that change is constant. Ergo, career planning is a continuous affair. To achieve career success, needless to say, is to stay relevant in the workplace. The work world is never at rest and so should you be if you want to reach the stars. It's all about doing the things that will make one's skills and qualifications current, which can be done through proper timing and researching. Adaptability is an essential skill.

You can say that this isn't cheery at all and we won't argue. But don't be discouraged because Career Advice, through JobsDB.com Singapore, is more than willing to lend you a hand. Well, the website's been Human Resources Magazine's recruitment website of the year since 2006 for a reason (a title our parent website has held for five years now). The section is very rich when it comes to career articles on the topic of staying relevant, written by career experts and recruitment professionals.

This article from Kelly Services at www.jobsdb.com.sg/SG/EN/Resources/JobSeekerArticle/The%20Future:%20The%20Changing?ID=575, for instance, which has just been uploaded by our editors, gives tips on how career professionals, both career builders and job hunters, can embrace adaptability to stay relevant. Flexible working, life long learning, training opportunities, office environment, dress code, career management, and work life balance are among those listed as the most important aspects to look into in line with the goal.

Another article from Kelly Services, which can be found at www.jobsdb.com.sg/SG/EN/Resources/JobSeekerArticle/Remaining%20Relevant%20in%20The?ID=572, lists down what one can do to to get the ball rolling for himself. The tips are as follows:

• know yourself
• set your goals
• update your skills
• commitment
• make your voice heard
• take responsibility
• flexibility
• connect with people
• mentoring
• taking risks
• office politics
• work smarter
• being a winner

These articles, although our editors have published them separately, go together. Use them side by side as reference for better execution.

Another article on Career Advice that we want you to read can be found at www.jobsdb.com.sg/SG/EN/Resources/JobSeekerArticle/The%20Key%20to%20Success%20in%20Job?ID=568. Here, career coach, Atul Mathur argues that how smooth and fruitful one's job search will be depends on how prepared he is. In line with this, he's provided five steps:

• take charge of your thoughts
• know yourself
• learn what works
• know the environment
• dreams, goals and plan

What about for job seekers? Kevin Donlin's "Troubleshooting Your Job Search" at www.jobsdb.com.sg/SG/EN/Resources/JobSeekerArticle/Troubleshooting%20Your%20Job?ID=576 is an excellent reference for them. Those who are looking to step up their efforts in 2011 but don't know how to are very encouraged to read this.

"Jobs Application Tips" by Kelly Services at www.jobsdb.com.sg/SG/EN/Resources/JobSeekerArticle/CAREER-2?ID=547 is also a great reference on how to make applications stand out. In a nutshell, the writers are suggesting that you:

• put yourself in the employer's shoes
• keep an open mind
• dollars and sense
• develop a strategy
• make an effort

Other new uploads at www.jobsdb.com.sg/SG/EN/Resources/JobSeekerIndex that we want you to check out:

How to Get Around the Three Major Mental Roadblocks to Success
Writing cover letters that sizzle
Is There Employment After 50?
20 Tips to Help You Make a Great Impression

JobsDB.com Singapore
Singapore's finest resource for jobs
http://www.jobsdb.com.sg/Singapore

JobsDB.com Singapore is committed to helping every job seeker land a good job. Currently looking for a job? Browse our jobs database and see if anything is of interest to you. It doesn't matter what industry you're in -- our jobs portal caters to every industry there is in Singapore, from Accounting Jobs and Banking Jobs in Singapore to IT Jobs and Singapore Hospitality Jobs. Let us lead your way to rewarding jobs in Singapore, jump start you career with us.

For career tips, we recommend Career Advice. From job hunting tips to career development guidelines, get advice from experts @ www.jobsdb.com.sg/SG/en/Resources/JobSeekerIndex.

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For a productive January 2011!

Five days to go before Christmas! It goes without saying that we're excited. Grumpy writers we may be, but we're no sociopaths. Christmas is easily one of the most cherished celebrations in the world, anyway. So, we're betting there are other career professionals who feel the same way.

We're not taking a break just yet for your learning and development, though. LearningDB.com already has schedules for January 2011...we've just been informed by our editors. That's good news!

So, for this week's advisory on training opportunities and career workshops, we can finally polish your career building/job hunting schedules for January next year. You should take notes... www.learningdb.com.sg will be offering new seminars on writing skills, communication skills, and computer skills (seminars that you haven't seen yet) after New Year.

But first, let's go back to what Career Events has in store this coming January. We've promoted this seminar on this blog for many times already, but because we care for your career, we'll still do today. Unleash Your Image Power Through Dressing and Etiquette with Audrey Quek will empower you with business etiquette which is crucial in demonstrating professionalism to help you gain a poised and confident manner. From the key components to a winning image to the difference between manners & etiquette, in this seminar, Audrey will discuss everything about projecting a professional image so enlisting your attendance is definitely an investment.

We suggest you sign your name as early as now because first 10 sign-ups will receive complimentary Flower Advisor vouchers. For more information, please call Pei Yan or Linc at 6861 1000 or email us at marketinginfo@jobsdb.com.sg.

Now back to LearningDB.com. But before anything else, we'd just like to inform those business professionals and entrepreneurs who are following us that Dr. John Ho is set to have Business Finance for Non-financial Managers again on January 17. It's really necessary that we make this announcement, considering the seminar's immense popularity. We're still finalising the venue, but the dates are already final. Get it printed in your calendar now.

The new stuff? We swear...you haven't seen these seminars before, so you should take notes.

Florence Au has 23 years of experience in training adult learners about business communication. Get your writing skills improved; attend Getting Results from Your Business Writing which is set to be held on January 6.

We're encouraging those with secretary jobs, admin jobs, customer service jobs, sales jobs, and tech support jobs to attend Telephone Skills for Service Professionals with Chua Bee Choo this coming January 7. Get promoted with excellent telephone skills!

Ms Choo is set to have another seminar on January 31, FYI. Looking to improve your personal effectiveness at work? Attend EQ Techniques and see vast improvements on how you interact with people in no time. Those with HR jobs and PR jobs are encouraged to attend.

Sandra Sandu Reeves, in cooperation with LearningDB.com, has come up yet again with an interesting seminar on English proficiency. To be held on January 13, Mind Your English, will improve your grammar and vocabulary on both "Singlish" and Standard English.

Because we give importance to time management...the next time we write about career building in relation to working more efficiently, expect us to mention this seminar. Join Sandra in Smart Time Management and achieve more results in less time. You'll make your boss happy...definitely.

Another seminar from Sandra to watch out for is POWER E-MAILS that get results! Learn about the 8Cs for effective e-mail writing and improve in this department of working. Don't miss this great opportunity; make yourself available on January 21.

You also ought to know that lots of computer courses are scheduled to take place on January. Technology plays an important role in today's work world. Even though you're not a web designer or an application specialist (even if you don't have an IT job, so to speak), please consider enlisting your attendance for these seminars. Here's the roster as of present:

20-21 Jan -- Computer Literacy Course
12 Jan -- Microsoft Windows Vista Essentials
27-28 Jan -- Black Belt Security Introduction to Securing Your PC - White Tip
10-11 Jan -- Creating Web Pages with HTML Course
17 Jan -- e-Newsletter Design (EDM Design)
17-18 Jan -- Internet Training

For more information, please contact LearningDB.com at 6861 1000 or email to learning@jobsdb.com.sg. To enlist, visit the webpages for each seminar at www.learningdb.com.sg/default.htm#Jan. We'll be waiting for your sign ups!

This list is not yet final so you can expect us to feature more! Visit this career blog regularly for the updates.

JobsDB.com Singapore
Singapore's finest resource for jobs
http://www.jobsdb.com.sg/Singapore

Looking for a job? JobsDB.com Singapore is the preferred jobs portal for Singapore Careers and Jobs in Singapore - From Accounting Jobs and Banking Jobs to Beauty Careers and Entertainment Jobs. Jumpstart your career with us. Apply for jobs from our 20,000 job listings here: www.jobsdb.com.sg/SG/en/Search/NewAdvanceSearch.

For career tips, we recommend Career Advice. From job hunting tips to career development guidelines, get advice from experts @ www.jobsdb.com.sg/SG/en/Resources/JobSeekerIndex.

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December treats... (Singapore jobs and more)

Experts may have a habit of describing career as a shark infested water, but if the lottery can be won, then so is this realm of life. Career building and job hunting can get as tricky as a labyrinth, yes, but as we repeatedly say throughout Jobs in Singapore, confidence is all it takes to prosper. You only have to remind yourself of that and you'll find your motivation renewed in no time.

Don't just walk away from your insecurities, run! There's a reason why seminars on personal development are offered by Career Events and LearningDB.com. It's for your information that projection is an important factor as well in building a career or looking for a job.

So, what does that (*cough* intellectual *cough*) rant have to do with Singapore Jobs? We're just trying to give advice... Remember our rule? There's no need to prove that this question about job hunting knows no season. You should have seen this one coming. Now, do you still feel betrayed?

Don't be. Hopefully, we can ward that feeling off with these beats we've researched for today's edition (seriously, we should start giving our updates numbers...edition numbers). Anyway, we've been researching since the start of this week; surely -- we're going to risk sounding very cocky here -- you'll feel really motivated by the time you reach the end.

Yes, we know...Christmas is just around the corner and many of you may have already suspended your job hunting to celebrate the yuletide season. But we're not planning on stopping the updates anytime soon if only because of the fact that the job market is never at rest and as indirect messengers of it, we should do the same. So to speak, we should repress the urge of taking a break for as long as we can for the sake of our readers. Even if you say to our faces that no one's watching our show anymore, nothing will change on our execution and we'll deliver our tasks like normal.

So...our findings, yes?

The services sector has produced the most jobs in the third quarter of 2010, according to the latest report from the Ministry of Manpower. But can we expect Singapore education jobs, finance jobs, communications jobs, health care jobs, utilities jobs, wholesale jobs and retail jobs, and transportation jobs to promise the same stability in 2011? To us, yes.

The tourism sector, particularly, has been in the spotlight since early this year and based on what we've read from our favourite news sources, it seems that nothing will change in 2011. Resorts World Sentosa and Marina Bay Sands will keep on attracting many tourists to visit Singapore in 2011, according to experts....which means there will be enough jobs in hospitality for everyone next year.

The Singapore Tourism Board is expecting to tap technology to boost tourism in the quarters to come. So, we guess, this will make it jobs in Singapore more in demand?

Retailing has seen growth this year as well. Experts are expecting more from it in 2011 so it can safely be assumed that retail jobs will remain competitive. If this is your field of choice, there's a strong assurance that you won't be having any problems with your job search, needless to say.

We've found Research and Development in the buzz too, echoing a recent release of findings by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*Star). Something new for job seekers of Singapore sciences jobs, research jobs and R&D jobs.

Prospects can be found in our database. So...


Oddly enough, we have no new non-career announcements to make today. Just allow us to use the space to remind you of our ongoing marketing pursuits.

What's your dream job? has been extended. We don't want to sound annoying (we just wrote about the contest yesterday), so...Write in to editor@jobsdb.com.sg and win $50 if your write-up gets featured as a winning piece!

Then there's also the capitalandvouchers contest by sg.openrice.com. Write a review now at sg.openrice.com/singapore/restaurant/writeall.htm.

Free Calendars up for grabs for the first 300 members to complete the sentence: "I love JobsDB.com because..." Click on the link for your complimentary copy now!
www.jobsdb.com.sg/SG/en/StaticContentFullContainer/i-love-jobsdb/Santa-complete-sentence-form.html.

We've just received confirmation on the offering of the following learning courses in January 2011:
06-07 -- Jan Getting Results from Your Business Writing
07 Jan -- Telephone Skills for Service Professionals
13 Jan -- Mind Your English
17-18 Jan -- Business Finance for Non-financial Managers
19 Jan -- Smart Time Management
21 Jan -- Power E-mails that get results
31 Jan -- EQ Techniques - To Improve Personal Effectiveness At Work

More info at www.learningdb.com.sg/default.htm#Jan. Enlist now. The earlier the better!

JobsDB.com Singapore
Singapore's finest resource for jobs
http://www.jobsdb.com.sg/Singapore

JobsDB.com Singapore is committed to helping every job seeker land a good job. Currently looking for a job? Browse our jobs database and see if anything is of interest to you. It doesn't matter what industry you're in -- our jobs portal caters to every industry there is in Singapore, from Accounting Jobs and Banking Jobs in Singapore to IT Jobs and Singapore Hospitality Jobs. Let us lead your way to rewarding jobs in Singapore, jump start you career with us.

For career tips, we recommend Career Advice. From job hunting tips to career development guidelines, get advice from experts @ www.jobsdb.com.sg/SG/en/Resources/JobSeekerIndex.

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Let's talk about career dreaming.

There's no law against presenting career tips creatively. It's just that we prefer to converse straightforwardly, if only because 'similes or metaphors can only confuse the thought'. Don't think that we're saying these things to escape goat, though. Believe that we find this curious as well. It's interesting that although we've been writers of career since a long time ago, we're still afraid to experiment with writing styles.

Heck, we just don't want you to commit mistakes. You know very well that in career building, there's no time to spare.

But why this confession? Remember Engage? We've been reading entries from the website since yesterday afternoon. It's really amazing how creative people can get in expressing things. Needless to say, we feel inclined to jump on the bandwagon. Dare we call ourselves pros of writing (and employees of the website) if we don't.

As we repeatedly say throughout Jobs in Singapore, we're all for our reader's satisfaction, and so well, you probably get the drift. It's been so long since we last took a breather on this blog, anyway. It's as if everyone has been shouting at us to loosen up all along yet...yet. Tragic, but don't worry, we're continuously findings ways to get rid of that behaviour. It's also in our new years' resolution, FYI.

Now, back to Engage... If you haven't seen the website, we're pretty sure you're wondering about this. So far, what we can report is that many career professionals in Singapore are fun seekers. Aviation Job, Event Planner Job, Fashion Designer Job, Hospitality Job, and Writing Job are some of the most cited Singapore Jobs. We're not yet through browsing the library, but rest assured, we'll update this list as soon as we do.

Cool, right? It turns out a lot of our assumptions are correct. We didn't know we could fortune tell. No seriously...perhaps the ability to predict is natural to writers like ourselves? Now we're thinking of dropping our dream of functioning in a Hotel Manager Job to shift to an Entertainment Job. Why not? The latter pays well too, right?

And no, we're not making you feel ashamed if yours is not in the library (or if you've found out about this contest just now and can't relate to our blabs in the earlier paragraphs). In fact, if you really haven't visited Engage (or browsed www.jobsdb.com.sg/Singapore for quite a while) this will be a good news to you.

Do you know that What's your dream job? hasn't really ended but rather, just entered a new phase? That's right; our editors extended the contest...well, sort of. Write in to editor@jobsdb.com.sg and win $50 if your write-up gets featured as a winning piece! It's not everyday that JobsDB.com Singapore gives away a prize this big. Make sure to give it all you've got!

So... Engage in this online contest. Interact and get motivated for your career building and job hunting! Here's a rare chance for you to make money out of your career dreams!


But wait, before you prepare your entry (and thus, leave our website), we'd like to discuss with you something. To the serious stuff, off we go. Are you willing to work things out so you can be qualified to function in your dream career? Turning a dream into reality is a feat, our friends.

Don't be discouraged to achieve your career success! Career may be tricky, but to progress is not an impossibility. Given confidence in oneself and willingness to 'work things out', you'll be surprised that making the first move is not so hard at all. Plus, we're here to guide you every step of the way.

Do you see your dream job at www.jobsdb.com.sg/SG/EN/Search/NewAdvanceSearch? Well, do we have to incline you to bookmark that page? We say...


Join My JobsDB and watch it closely. No to applying just for the sake of applying, though.

You call your dream career a dream because you're not yet qualified for that position. Naturally, it's imperative that you attend training opportunities and career seminars...those in relation to the dream. No problem because Career Events and LearningDB.com are never at rest...because we care about your learning.

JobsDB.com Singapore
Singapore's finest resource for jobs
http://www.jobsdb.com.sg/Singapore

Looking for a job? JobsDB.com Singapore is the preferred jobs portal for Singapore Careers and Jobs in Singapore - From Accounting Jobs and Banking Jobs to Beauty Careers and Entertainment Jobs. Jumpstart your career with us. Apply for jobs from our 20,000 job listings here: www.jobsdb.com.sg/SG/en/Search/NewAdvanceSearch.

For career tips, we recommend Career Advice. From job hunting tips to career development guidelines, get advice from experts @ www.jobsdb.com.sg/SG/en/Resources/JobSeekerIndex.

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Planning your career for 2011. A strategy proposal.

All writers like similes. Career is a complex topic to write about, though. Their promise to add flavour to a thought aside, we don't usually use similes because we're afraid of confusing our readers. Career builders and job hunters are never at rest; similes don't quite equate with our subject matter, it's that simple. We've believed so since ages...even before becoming moderators to this blog,

We're talking about similes because of a mail that has been sent to our Linkedin mailbox last night. The sender is inquiring about our changing styles in writing and it confuses him why (unlike the other career blogs he's following), we don't have something he can classify as a signature. Aside from ranting, which we've been using as a stress buster for quite some time now, we admit to being shaky in this department of writing. He's suggested that we use similes to solve the problem of 'uniformity' throughout Jobs in Singapore.

And in line with the rule we've recently imposed onto ourselves...

Looking for a job and building a career can be likened to a journey. Roadblocks will be encountered, but that doesn't mean it's impossible to achieve career success. All it takes to conquer these hindrances is confidence: confidence in yourself and the people providing you help.

That's not as good as most of you have expected, probably. But for grumpy writers like us, the attempt in itself merits some commendation. You see, we're not as creative as you probably think we are -- it's why breathers are a luxury for us. Such posts doesn't come easy on this blog because its moderators are grumpy, so to speak.

Though, if there's a serious need for creativity, even if we have to bleed out the words, we'll give you creativity. Like right now. The official website of the Dream Jobs Contest has just been put online by our editors, so motivation is pretty much covered. We were creative when we shared to you our dream job of helping the tourism sector by providing f&b jobs, hotel jobs, resort jobs, and tourism jobs via a hotel manager position, right?

Anyway, going back to the topic we've chosen to get today over with, although career is not impossible to conquer, it's not enough to just read career articles so you can produce a happy ending for yourself. Career building for us is all about moving parallel with the job market and using one's goals and credentials and help from career experts as tools. Our definition of career success involves the process of self assessment. Which means, the standard starting point for all career pursuits in our perspective, may that be job hunting or career changing or seeking for advancement opportunities, is labeled 'You'.

No, we're not making things more complicated. Get your 'needs' and wants' stably laid out first and you'll find the rest of the steps easy to pass. Plus, doing so is the closest thing to ending up in heaven -- you've prioritised your preferences and so there's little possibility of getting dissatisfied or down later on. We're using a theory of assumptions here, but nevertheless, if you're into our tips you should employ this as your main strategy for career success this coming 2011.

A lot of articles on Career Advice are about this, so you're pretty much covered. Job hunters will benefit a lot in reading this article by career counselor David Helfand at www.jobsdb.com.sg/SG/EN/Resources/JobSeekerArticle/29.htm?ID=376, for instance. "If relevant career options are not identified, the remaining steps (researching career options, resume writing, job searching, and interviewing) become more and more difficult to complete and, when completed, are more likely to result in job dissatisfaction." A favourite in the section, David's writing style makes the article refreshing to read.

Career builders have nothing to worry about too. From pay raise to training opportunities, we've got career articles by experts from here and abroad on the topic of career advancement. Roger Konopasek's article on salary increase can be found at www.jobsdb.com.sg/SG/EN/Resources/JobSeekerArticle/double-your-salary.htm?ID=377. It talks about designing a "killer" Unique Selling Proposition (USP), something that will ask you to see yourself as a company. Another good article on the topic of pay raises can be found at www.jobsdb.com.sg/SG/EN/Resources/JobSeekerArticle/ask-an-expert.htm?ID=489. This one's from Andree Mangels, a Manager at Robert Walters. His main point is to keep a positive attitude throughout the process. He's provided his tips in a step by step manner, so that's a good favor for you.

Remember our favourite quote from country head of ACCA, Darryl Wee? This article at www.jobsdb.com.sg/SG/EN/Resources/JobSeekerArticle/Career%20Guide?ID=404 talks about the importance of learning in career building. Considering this is the easiest to bargain for among employee benefits, this will definitely motivate you into suggesting you boss to give you and your coworkers more training opportunities and career seminars to attend.

A short note about Dream Jobs...
We're very grateful for those who participated. The things that make engage.sg.jobsdb.com/dream-job/shine are the entries, really, which our editors have classified into categories for easy reading. Those are very funky categories, BTW.

To call the contest a success is a big understatement. How so? Visit Engage to see for yourself.




JobsDB.com Singapore
Singapore's finest resource for jobs
http://www.jobsdb.com.sg/Singapore

JobsDB.com Singapore is committed to helping every job seeker land a good job. Currently looking for a job? Browse our jobs database and see if anything is of interest to you. It doesn't matter what industry you're in -- our jobs portal caters to every industry there is in Singapore, from Accounting Jobs and Banking Jobs in Singapore to IT Jobs and Singapore Hospitality Jobs. Let us lead your way to rewarding jobs in Singapore, jump start you career with us.

For career tips, we recommend Career Advice. From job hunting tips to career development guidelines, get advice from experts @ www.jobsdb.com.sg/SG/en/Resources/JobSeekerIndex.

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Self assessments in relation to career pursuits. A short commentary.

When you attend to dozens of career questions daily, rumbling words is not bad for a resulting craziness. For one, everything in the realm of career is complex. But admittedly, encountering useless sentences can be irritating for a reader, if only because they cannot in anyway help in pushing forward career pursuits. Job seekers and career builders, our market members, are always on a rush; as self-sworn career writers this little hobby of ours is quite questionable to keep.

Which explains why we've conducted a survey on their interests. We're looking to make the remaining days of 2010 conducive and intelligent for this blog. It's something we've wanted to achieve since our first day as moderators to Jobs in Singapore.

The goal holds special positions in our hearts, to this date. Part of our new year's resolution is to focus more on the right stuff, namely; resume writing, job interviewing, career planning, and career management. Saying goodbye is never an easy thing, especially if it's something that one enjoys doing very much, but we'll change in time. We don't keep empty promises -- you should know that very well already if you've been a follower since a long time ago.

Come to think of it, it can be said that the general purpose of this blog is to aid people in achieving success. Success in career, that is. That having said, don't be afraid to conquer the roadblocks in your pursuit, whatever they are. For one, help can be found all over the internet. And secondly, whether you're a career builder or job hunter, the fact that you've reached this blog (and reading this right now), makes you pretty much covered, assistance wise.

As inspired by a message from one follower, in line with the rule we've recently imposed onto ourselves, we'll talk about an aspect of career assistance today. Not FAQ, but we're going to make a short commentary on why despite all the help out there, it's still important that you prioritise 'YOU' when weighing in factors in making decisions for your career.

Only you can make proper decisions for your career. Whatever situation you're in right now, options must be weighed in appropriately and risks, studied before finalising anything. Not to mention, although it can be hard, putting your goals as the standard for your judgments is the most lucrative way out. For a stable career...so that you won't mess up whatever achievements in career you've garnered so far.

Career changers and job hunters have pretty much the same case in relation to this, For the members of the former, what led you to think of switching jobs in the first place? Was it because you went to writing for media when your real passion was in a technical writing job? Or perhaps your real dream was to be in a hospitality career, instead of in a call center job?

Don't commit the same mistake. What we want you to do in your next job search is to see your credentials against your personal passions. Only that can lead to a definitive answer. We're not saying that what you'll end up with is heaven though. It's just that it's easiest to achieve job satisfaction via a match.

The advantage of fresh graduates on this battle is that, in today's corporate world where there are matchmakers of personality and careers, they've been exposed early to the importance of one's personal passions in choosing a career. It's probably already a staple in university counseling activities. And so if this is your first time job hunting, we suppose you already understand the importance of knowing one's self in relation to looking for a job? Or not? Nevertheless, what you've done so far to get a job, we have high confidence in them.

For those who've been planning for advancement opportunities, how are your negotiations doing? If not good, how about a change of tactic?

For your next request, although written strategies from experts are out of the question, it's of equal importance that you follow YOU. If it's a salary increase that you want, as long as it's in the line with the latest salary levels and you have achievements to back it up, fight for the request. Do the same if you're requesting the upper management to give your team more training opportunities and career seminars to attend. As long as your arguments are backed up properly, hold on to the request and don't lose your confidence in it.

You see, it's a matter of confidence in yourself.

Career journey is complex, but the notion that only a few can come out of it happy is wrong. One of the best ways to outsmart its intricacies, is perhaps the plainest one...knowing what you like. If you know what you like, everything else will come into place.

Further reading from Career Advice:

Salary Increase: How to Get that Pay Raise
Training Opportunities: Being talented
Job Satisfaction: How to have job satisfaction at work
Job Hunting: Knowing how to create your own good luck and keys to career planning
Goal Setting: Reach Out for the Stars

JobsDB.com Singapore
Singapore's finest resource for jobs
http://www.jobsdb.com.sg/Singapore

Looking for a job? JobsDB.com Singapore is the preferred jobs portal for Singapore Careers and Jobs in Singapore - From Accounting Jobs and Banking Jobs to Beauty Careers and Entertainment Jobs. Jumpstart your career with us. Apply for jobs from our 20,000 job listings here: www.jobsdb.com.sg/SG/en/Search/NewAdvanceSearch.

For career tips, we recommend Career Advice. From job hunting tips to career development guidelines, get advice from experts @ www.jobsdb.com.sg/SG/en/Resources/JobSeekerIndex.

Read More