JobStreet.com “The Voice” will feature selected JobStreet.com members who are in a different line of profession each month. If you are curious about what really goes on beyond the job title, do read on! Stay with us as we go one-on-one in The Voice with JobStreet.com members.

JobStreet.com member : Billie Anne Lyou
Job Title: Business Development Executive

JobStreet: Thank you for sparing your time to talk with us. Very quickly, how long have you been a JobStreet.com member?

Billie: Since April 2005, so that will be 11 months.

JobStreet: You have been a loyal member of JobStreet.com. Since when did you sign up for PriorityApplication and why?

Billie: I signed up for PriorityApplication (Entry Level) in May 2005 after I realized my numerous applications to the advertised jobs on JobStreet.com were not getting any response from the recruiting companies. I knew that there must have been hundreds of applicants vying for the same job position as I, and I wanted my resume to be among the first few to be viewed by the recruiting companies because the first few applications have a higher chance of making an impression on the recruiters’ mind. In addition, if the recruiters knew that I had signed up for PriorityApplication, it signals to them that I am seriously looking for employment.

JobStreet: You are indeed one of the many thousands that have signed up for PriorityApplication. Can you tell me a little further: after signing up for PriorityApplication, did you believe it will help you with your job seeking activities and do you have anything in particular to share?

Billie: After signing up for PriorityApplication, I managed to score a few interviews with the companies I sent my resumes to, and that really boosted my confidence. I was also able to view useful statistics about competing job seekers for the position I applied for, and whether my resume has been viewed by the recruiters. This helps me to gauge my chances of getting the job. I feel more assured having this information as compared to previously when I had absolutely no idea about the level of competition I was facing.

JobStreet: Any advice to new job seekers about the importance of being ready for a job interview?

Billie: You have to be ready all the time! I have had recruiters calling me and asking me to go for an interview in about two to three hours’ time but of course, the majority of recruiters usually give you a day to prepare. By being ready, I mean getting your certificates and supporting documents printed and placed neatly into a folder, picking a proper outfit, have a clear idea of your strengths and skills, and arriving for the interview on time. Being ready naturally makes you feel confident and calm, allowing yourself to have a chance to make the right impression on the interviewers. I am very sure nobody wants to feel jittery and unsure of what to say during an interview.

JobStreet: We are glad that you have given good advice to job seekers alike. Do you believe that a good resume opens the door to an opportunity of securing a better job?

Billie: Definitely. The resume is essentially an introduction to yourself. Every little detail on the resume enables the recruiter to form certain impressions of you. If your resume cannot fit the expectations of the recruiters, then you can be sure that you would not even get a chance to be interviewed.

JobStreet: What is your current line of work? Can you explain to job seekers about your current position?

Billie: I am working for a company that leases out computer and audio-visual equipment for usage in conferences, exhibitions and corporate events. My job scope is a mixture of public relations, marketing, sales and administrative work. Hence, the title “Business Development Executive”.

JobStreet: Could you share with us what your working hours are like? Do you believe in work during the weekends?

Billie: I start work at 9am and end at 6pm, Mondays to Fridays. Of course, when I have to attend my clients’ corporate events, my working hours will stretch beyond that. I personally do not believe in working during the weekends because I do need some time for my family and friends, and time to pursue my own interests. However, my job requires me to report to work on certain weekends if there are clients’ events going on, and even though I may grumble about it, I cannot jolly well disobey my boss. Thankfully though, most of the events take place during weekdays.

JobStreet: Thanks for your time at this interview. Do you have any parting words to job seekers out there?

Billie: You are most welcome for my time. I wish I had some wise parting words to share but unfortunately I do not. I can only offer a word of encouragement: Don’t feel disheartened when you cannot get the job you want, take it as a chance to try again elsewhere instead. Who knows, you might just find a job that is more suitable for you!