JobStreet.com believes in working harder for our members to get their dream positions Recently, we went to get feedback from some of our members who have used our Career Enhancer products to improve their chances of securing a position. Some of these members have agreed to be spotlighted.

Mr Juan Chow Yee is a JobStreet.com member who agreed to be spotlighted and we are pleased to present our interview with him. Here are excerpts from this interview which was conducted by Jeffrey Chew of JobStreet.com.

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

Juan: Four years

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

Juan: Since it first started. I believed it was good product, especially if you need to get noticed first by potential employers.

JobStreet: You are indeed one of the many thousands that have signed up for PriorityApplication. Can you tell me a little more. After you had signed up, did you believe it would help you with your job seeking activities? Do you have anything in particular to share?

Juan: From the online statistics and status of my applications, I saw an improvement to my chances of being noticed by employers. However, being a PriorityApplication does not guarantee success as it still depends on the employers’ needs, the balance of skills, experience and remuneration cost that are reasonable and acceptable to both employer and candidate.

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

Juan: Seek information about the potential employer’s business activities, type of customers, the industry, market size, competitors, etc, especially what makes the business tick. It shows initiative, which is an added advantage. If asked, tell them how you did your research to find out more about the employer.

Well-pressed working clothes, groomed hair, look of excitement and enthusiasm. Sometimes, an organization needs young, enthusiastic minds to stimulate fresh and crazy ideas. Good academic results may be an advantage but more important is a great working attitude to impress employers on accepting challenges openly and getting the job done no matter what it takes.

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

Juan: Proper resumes get the employers’ attention as well as make the first impression of the candidate. First impression is important in getting noticed and may even influence the employer on his/her choice of candidate before an interview. But securing the job will depend on evaluation of actual skill, experience and articulation of the candidate during the interview. At least, a proper resume helps in getting the first leg in the door.

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

Juan: I’m currently a Senior Manager involved in Corporate Finance, Accounting, Business Development and General Management. My time is equally divided in managing the financial and tax affairs of the group organization, evaluating, assisting in the implementation of new business ventures and finally developing and monitoring the compliance of the organization’s standard operating policies and procedures. People skills and time management are crucial other than competent work skills in guiding my subordinates.

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

Juan: Eight to 10 hours a day. Being in management may require commitment on longer hours especially on deadline projects or scheduled work. Meeting the expected completion deadline is the priority especially if it affects the organization's financial results and decisions. Weekends are family time if you work during the weekdays. Balance of family bonding and own personal time to do the things you love during weekends helps in reminding ourselves there are more important things in life that require our undivided time than just work. Also, our overall outlook is balanced both mentally and spiritually and it does help in managing stress at work.

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

Juan: Be enthusiastic in everything you do. Nothing is too menial that you cannot do. Despite being in senior management, I have also driven delivery vans to know what it’s like to be a van driver. Be humble. Don’t look back if you had a disastrous interview. Always look forward and learn how to improve your resume, your communication and presentation skills and learn to tell potential employers why you are the one that will make a difference in their organization.