What Your Interviewer Is Secretly Thinking about Your Appearance

By Farhan Shah

First impressions are incredibly important, more so in job interviews. As you walk into the room, your interviewer (orinterviewers) is already forming pre-conceived notions about you based on your appearance, even before the obligatory handshake.

According to a study done by Princeton psychologists, people form first impressions about you almost immediately in the blink of an eye, about a tenth of a second to be exact, and longer exposures do not necessarily equate to a different or better impression.

Before your mouth has opened, your interviewer has already sized you up, so make sure your interviewer has not mentally removed you from the shortlist even before you present your case.

According to a recent survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, 73% of employers would not hire slovenly, smelly or dirty employees so if you come in to the office smelling and looking like something the cat brought it, you can forget about a job offer.

There are 3 parts to your appearance.

• Clothes

• Grooming

• Smell

Clothes

According to international business dress expert Barbara Pachter in the book “Job Interview for Dummies”, you have to “send a message through your clothing and be aware of the details.”

This means that the clothes you wear send a signal, and subsequently a message, to your interviewer. An outfit that is one size too big looks unprofessional and tells your interviewer that you cannot be bothered to put in effort in the way you look, which might also translate to your future job performance.

Shoes are also an important part of your outfit. A well-put-together outfit can go to waste if your shoes are grubby or dirty. Your interviewer will notice your shoes, so make sure the pair that you have on are clean, polished, and in good condition.

For men, another clothing faux pas you can commit are ankle socks. Although these are highly fashionable, they do not belong in the interview room. Nothing turns off an interviewer more than seeing hairy, exposed flesh when you sit down and expose your ankles. It tells the interviewer that you cannot differentiate between the boardroom and the beach.

For women, gratuitous shows of flesh should be avoided like the plague. “Sexy isn’t a corporate look. Low-cut tops that expose cleavage draw attention to this body part and are not appropriate in the office,” Joyce Kennedy writes in Job Interview for Dummies.

Grooming

After your clothes are taken care of, it is time to groom yourself. Focus on the parts that will be visible to the interviewer, which includes your facial hair and nails.

No interviewer likes to see visible nose hair protruding out of your nostrils. It becomes an unpleasant distraction and will result in your interviewer thinking about how best to trim your hair instead of listening to you expound your career achievements.

As for your nails, make sure digits are trimmed and buffed. Unsightly talons indicate to your interviewers that you are oblivious to details and might be prone to careless mistakes in your work. For the ladies who put on nail polish, ensure that your nail polish is not chipped because it sends the same signals, that of not noticing details, to your interviewers.

In the case of stubble, it is largely dependent on the position that you are applying for. If you are applying for a creative position, the interviewer might not pay any heed to your 5 o’clock shadow. However, if you are attempting to score a corporate job, it’s best to be clean-shaven.

Smell

Now that you have picked out the perfect outfit and made sure your hair and nails are in tip-top condition, don’t forget the olfactory factor. It’s not just about what the interviewer sees but what the interviewer smells as well. Unfortunately, in sunny Singapore, being located so close to the equator results in excessive sweating for some, and with it a malodorous side-effect.

If taking an air-conditioned taxi is not an option for you, accommodate some time (about 10 – 15 minutes) in your schedule to clean up in the washroom before you enter the interview room. Stow deodorant and cologne in your bag as well so that any unsavoury smells are taken care of.

Ensure that your mouth is not reminiscent of dead fish. Gargle mouthwash and drink lots of plain water before you head out. That will take care of any last vestiges of halitosis. Nothing turns off an interviewer more than being assaulted in the nostrils by any unpleasant odour. They will start to think about how they will have to work in close proximity with you every day, for as long as you stay with the company, which might not be very appealing.

The JobsCentral Group, a CareerBuilder company, is the owner of JobsCentral.com.sg, one of Singapore's largest job and learning portals. Get a free career personality test and more career- and education-related articles at JobsCentral and JobsCentral Community. Alternatively, Like us on Facebook or Follow us on Twitter for more career-centric content!

7 Things That Turn Off Employers During an Interview

1. Trashing your former company
2. Demonstrating a lack of direction
3. Being too desperate
4. Arriving too early.
5. Having the money talk.
6. Anxious behavior
7. Dwelling on accomplishments and successes

Read the full article here.

Top ten Buzzwords to avoid in your CV

The following is from LinkedIn:

Competition for opportunities can be fierce, so craft your LinkedIn profile to stand out from the professional pack. Some objectives you should keep in mind are: Banish buzzwords from your profile. Use language that illustrates your unique professional accomplishments and experiences. Give concrete examples of results you’ve achieved whenever possible and reference attributes that are specific to you.
Singapore’s top ten trotted-out buzzwords are:

1. Track record
2. Motivated
3. Effective
4. Creative
5. Dynamic
6. Innovative
7. Problem solving
8. Communication skills
9. Extensive experience
10. Interpersonal skills

So those of you trying to apply for work, please remember to avoid the words above!

How to Stand Out at Your New Job

We always talk about "first impression". I can always remember the first time I was committee member of a "Malaysian Senior Staff Council". The first impression of the newly elected chairman, Mr Lim, impressed me a great deal. In my mind, I told myself "This council is going to make a difference. The chairman knows what he wanted to do". The differences between "a high performer" and an "ordinary" staff are miles apart and you can see it during the first meeting!

However, in my opinion, the greatest failure of a "high performer" after he/she has reached the top is to be proud, arrogant and disrespect.

Whatever, read this article. I know that many won't be "high achiever" overnight but it helps.

Scholarships for SPM/STPM Leavers

Note: The Star scholarship fund closing date is 6 April 2011!


List of Scholarships for SPM/STPM Leavers:-
1. Taylor's World Class Scholarship
2. Taiwan Scholarship
3. Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology Scholarship
4. IJM Scholarship
5. British Council IELTS Scholarship
6. Petronas Education Sponsorship Programme
7. Khazanah Scholarships
8. Japanese Government Monbukagakusho Scholarship
9. Securities Commission Scholarship
10. Honda Dreams Fund
11. Bank Negara Scholarship
12. American Malaysian Chamber of Commerce Scholarship-AMCHAM
13. ASEAN Scholarships
14. UEM Scholarships
15. KPLSPM - Program Penghantaran Pelajar Cemerlang Ke Universiti Terkemuka Luar Negara (Closed)
16. Management Development Institute Of Singapore Scholarship
17. UTM Endowment Scholarship
18. Hong Kong Polytechnic University Scholarship
19. Singapore Scholarship
20. Politecnico di Torino Scholarship (Computer Engineering)
21. Romania Scholarship
22. Astro Scholarship
23. Kuok Foundation Undergraduate Awards
24. Sinchew, theStar, theSun-MAPCU Scholarship Fund
25. ACCA Scholarship
26. Hong Leong Foundation Scholarship Programme
27. Malaysia Airports Education Sponsorship Program
28. Gamuda Scholarship Award
29. Malaysian Society for Complementary Medicine Scholarship
30. Shell Scholarship
31. Maxis Scholarship
32. Felda Global Group Scholarship Award
33. MNRB Scholarship
34. The One-World-Scholarship
35. 40 Chancellor's International Scholarships at University of Sussex (Closed)
36. 50 Undergraduate Scholarships at University of Glasgow (Closed)
37. Tsukuba Scholarship (Closed)
38. Yayasan TM
39. Maybank Scholarship (Closed)
40. Opportunity Fund Award
41. University of Canterbury Malaysian Alumni Scholarship (Closed)
42. University Honors Scholars Program at East Tennessee State U (Closed)
43. Scholarships for Traditional Medicine Studies in India (Closed)
44. Dr Goh Keng Swee Scholarship (Closed)
45. The University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus Psychology High Achievers Scholarship
46. Manulife Scholarship Awards
47. Axiata Young Talent Programme
48. Limkokwing Scholarship Award
49. UTAR Scholarships for Top Achievers (MBBS Programme)
50. ECM Libra Foundation Financial Assistance Programme
51. Yayasan Sime Darby Scholarship Programmes
52. Genting Malaysia Scholarship
53. Tsinghua University Scholarship
54. Fairview IB Diploma Scholarship (Closed)
55. Tuart College, Perth Scholarship (Closed)
56. Sunrise Education Foundation Tertiary Scholarship
57. Kingston University Undergraduate scholarships
58. National Science Scholarship (BS)
59. Samling Scholarship and Bursary Programme
60. Ng Bee Chai Foundation Scholarship
61. Tun Suffian Foundation Scholarship (Law)
62. Tun Dr. Mahathir UPM-ELS Scholarship
63. The Prysmian ASEAN Scholarship (E&E Engineering)
64. Selangor State Government Education Loan
65. Prince of Wales Island International School Scholarship
66. Shell-Curtin Scholarship(For Degree Student Only)
67. Nursing scholarship
68. Yayasan Tenaga Nasional Scholarship
69. Akademi Laut Malaysia Cadet Sponsorship Programme
70. IMU Scholarships
71. Higher Opportunities for Private Education (HOPE)
72. BN YES Scholarship
73. Yayasan Wilayah Persekutuan
74. EPF Scholarship Programme
75. Malaysia Smelting Corporation Berhad (MSCB) Group Scholarship
76. Malta Arts Scholarships
77. University of East Anglia International Student Scholarships

For Undergrads :-
1. One Semester Exchange Student Scholarship (Communication Management)
2. KODAK Scholarship Award
3. Midway Honors Scholars Program at East Tennessee State U
4. Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship
5. X-FAB "Journey to Semiconductor" Scholarship Program

For Post-Grads :-
1. Iskandar Foundation
2. UC Berkeley Extension IDP Scholarships
3. Fulbright Malaysian Award
4. Panasonic Scholarship
5. Erasmus Mundus

Thanks to Mr. Kho Yok Chong for forwarding the list to me.

Lots of Jobs at Dayang

Closing Date: 18th February 2011

Human Resource Manager
DAYANG ENTERPRISE SDN BHD
Sublot 5-10, Lot 46, Block 10,
Jalan Taman Raja (Hilltop),
Miri Concession Land District,
98000 Miri, Sarawak.
or email: hrm@desb.net

1. PROJECT MANAGER
Requirements
· Possess a recognized degree in any discipline of engineering.
· 10 years experience in the O&G construction industry with not less than 5 years in similar position managing construction, maintenance, offshore activities.
· Committed in HSE and demonstrate leadership and have a proven record in project management and contract management.
· Conversant with structural maintenance of offshore platforms & familiar with critical path method.
· Preferably have working knowledge in using Artemis 2000 software.

2. OPERATION SUPERINTENDENT
Requirements
· Possess at least a Technical Certificate of recognized engineering discipline or equivalent.
· Possess a minimum of 10 years offshore experience in O&G construction industry
· Familiar with construction work, marine operations and safety management with at least 5 years in supervisory level & shall be able to read, write and speak English and BM.

3. PLANNING ENGINEER
Requirements
· Minimum of degree level from a recognized tertiary institution (Mechanical, Civil or Structural).
· At least 8 years experience in multi-disciplinary construction with at least 3 years in the offshore construction industry as a planning engineer.
· Familiar with safety & quality requirements & offshore O&G production processes.
· Experience in planning methods, CPN and construction/maintenance manhour estimations.
· Familiar of planning tools such as Artemis or Microsoft Project or equivalent.
· Working knowledge of plant inspection and paint assessment procedures.

4. FIELD ENGINEER/CONSTRUCTION ENGINEER (MECHANICAL/STRUCTURAL/PIPING)
Requirements
· Preferably B.E. in Mechanical or Civil and registered with BEM.
· At least 8 years experience in multi-disciplinary construction work with at least 3 years in the offshore construction/maintenance industry as a field engineer.
· Preferably conversant with marine aspects of vessels especially relating to vessel movements.
· Preferably conversant with PETRONAS Carigali Technical Specifications & Standards.
· Knowledge of computer project planning and scheduling tools such as Artemis would be an
advantage.

5. FIELD ENGINEER (ELECTRICAL & INSTRUMENT)
Requirements
· B.E. in Electrical or Electronic from a recognized tertiary institution and registered with BEM.
· At least 8 years experience in multidisciplinary construction work with at least 3 years in the offshore construction/maintenance industry as a Field Engineer (Electrical & instrument)
· Knowledge of computer project planning and scheduling tools such as Artemis would be an
advantage.
· Familiar with instrument equipment and their functions and the overall process involved.
· Familiar with commissioning activities and their requirements.

6. HSE OFFICER
Requirements
· Possess a certificate in Occupational Health & Safety from NIOSH or equivalent
· Shall have at least 8 years experience in the construction industry including 5 years of offshore
O&G construction experience in supervisory position.
· He shall have in-depth knowledge in Occupational Safety & Health Act (OSHA) 1994 and possess a certificate in Occupational Health and Safety from NIOSH or equivalent.

7. QAQC INSPECTOR
Requirements
· Shall certified by IMM Level II or NACE International Certified or SSPC or FROSIO or Icorr or etc
· Have at least minimum CSWIP 3.2 Senior Welding inspector and addition PCN Level II in
radiographic interpretation.
· Passed in IRCA Registered Course as Lead Assessor for Quality Management System accordance with ISO 9001:2000.
· He shall have at least three (3) years experience in painting welding inspection and a good working knowledge on all aspects of painting/welding procedures, specification, paint performance & application.

8. PROCUREMENT OFFICER
Requirements
· Possess at least a Diploma in Engineering/Business Administration or equivalent.
· At least five (5} years working experience in the O&G industries as a purchaser buyer.
· Must be familiar with MESC System.

9. QAQC ENGINEER
Requirements
· Minimum a Degree in Mechanical/Structural.
· At least five (5) years working experience in O&G industries, 3 of which must be as QA/QC Engineer
in the areas of `Fabrication/Construction maintenance offshore.
· Have at least minimum CSWIP 3.2 Senior Welding inspector and addition PCN Level II in
radiographic interpretation.
· Passed in IRCA Registered Course as Lead Assessor for Quality Management System accordance
with ISO 9001:2000.
· Conversant with all welding codes, procedures and examination applicable to the relevant
PETRONAS Carigali Standards.

10. TECHNICAL ASSISTANT
Requirements
· Posses a minimum of Diploma in any engineering disciplines.
· Possess numerical skills and technical/drafting experience & structural drawings and piping
isometrics.
· Shall familiar with planning tools such as Artemis 7000 networking system and Microsoft project.
· Experience in offshore construction industry would be an advantage.

11. DRAUGHTSMAN (STRUCTURAL/MECHANICAL & PIPING/ELECTRICAL & INSTRUMENT)
Requirements
· Posses internationally recognized diploma/certificate in engineering or similar qualification.
· At least 5 years relevant design/draughting experience in structural/mechanical & piping /
electrical and instrument draughting with AUTOCAD including material take-off.
· Knowledge of offshore O&G production processes would be an advantage.

12. COMMISSIONING ENGINEER (ELECTRICAL & INSTRUMENTS & MECHANICAL)
Requirements
· Must be qualified as a minimum to HNC level in the appropriate engineering discipline, preferably a
recognized degree holder.
· At least 8 years experience in the O&G industry with a minimum of 5 years in commissioning.
· Must have a significant involvement in a major offshore hook-up and commissioning project.

13. MATERIALS COORDINATOR
Requirements
· Possess working knowledge of the codes and standards of engineering materials.
· Previous experience in handling/storage of materials essential.
· Should possess a working knowledge of different classes of piping and structural materials.
· Must be able to work with micro computer assisted material inventory/control system.
· Possesses a working knowledge of material take-off from structural drawings and piping isometrics.

14. FIELD SUPERINTENDENT (OFFSHORE)
Requirements
· At least 10 years offshore experience of which at least 5 years were as a Supervisor or
Superintendent over multi-disciplinary work (offshore construction/maintenance/ painting work).
· Must posses at least a Technical Certificate or Diploma in Engineering or Equivalent.
· Fully conversant with marine aspects and mooring requirements of offshore barges.
· Qualifications to masters license on seafaring vessels desirable.
· Be the overall Contractor Representative responsible for both the marine and structural

15. HSE OFFICER (OFFSHORE)
Requirements
· Shall be mature, suitable qualified, held a supervisory position in an appropriate discipline for a minimum period of 5 years,
· Shall attended appropriate local development courses as required by PETRONAS Carigali.
· Passed a professional safety course or equivalent recognized by the PETRONAS Carigali (eg. NlOSH,DIPSM, CSO)

16. RIGGING/SCAFFOLDING SUPERVISOR
Requirements
· At least 8 years experience in the offshore construction industry in rigging and scaffolding of which at least 5 years has been spent as a Supervisor.
· Knowledge of safe practices of heavy lift, rigging and scaffolding to B.S. or equivalent is
essential.
· Qualifications to CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) approved scaffolder or equivalent.

17. STRUCTURAL/MECHANICAL SUPERVISOR
Requirements
· At least 8 years experience in the offshore construction industry in structural and piping
fabrication, encompassing all codes of welding and pipe fitting of which at least 5· years in a
supervisory position.
· Minimum qualifications to comprise an approved trade apprenticeship a CGLI (City & Guilds) Advanced Craft Certificate in Welding/Fitting or Equivalent.

18. INSTRUMENT/ELECTRICAL SUPERVISOR
Requirements
· At least 8 years experience in the offshore construction industry in the installation, hook-up, calibration, function test and commissioning of electrical equipment and lighting systems and pneumatic/electronic instrumentation, of which at least 5 years in a supervisory position.
· Minimum qualifications to comprise an approved trade apprenticeship a City & Guilds Advanced Trade Certificate in Electrical or instrumentation or equivalent.

19. BLASTING/PAINTING SUPERVISOR
Requirements
· At least 8 years experience in industrial painting of which at least 5 years offshore in blasting and painting, an shall be in at least 5 years in a supervisory position & Knowledge of practices of H.P. Systems of blasting & painting is essential with minimum qualifications to comprise an approved trade apprenticeship a CGLI (City & Guilds) Advanced Craft Certificate in Industrial Painting or equivalent.

20. TEAM LEADER (STRUCTURAL/MECHANICAL, RIGGING/SCAFFOLDING, PAINTING/
BLASTING INSTRUMENT & ELECTRICAL)
Requirements
· Skilled and time served with at least 8 years post training experience in their respective trades of which 2 years has been spent at a team leader/foreman level.
· City and Guilds Certificates preferred or minimum Part II Scaffolding Certificate/Course.

21. WELDER II/ III/ IV (APPROVED BY DOSH)
Requirements
· Skilled with 3 years experience in O&G industries preferably in offshore.
· Qualified to AWS D1.1 (6GR) and ASME IX (6G) for SMAW to all grades of Carbon Steel and Low Temp or
· Qualified to AWS D1.1(6GR), API 1104(6G) & ASME IX(6G) for SMAW & GTAW to all grades of Carbon Steel, Low Temp Carbon Steel, Stainless Steel including but not limited to 6Moly, SS316, SS304 and Duplex Materials or
· Qualified to AWS D1.1(6GR), API 1104 (6G) & ASME IX(6G) for SMAW and GTAW to all grades of Carbon Steel, Low Temp Carbon Steel, Stainless Steel including but not limited to 6Moly, SS316, SS304 and Duplex, copper nickel and Inconel/Incolloy 825 materials.

22. ELECTRICIAN
Requirements
· Skilled with 3 year experience in O&G industries preferably in offshore with knowledge of safe practices of installation of electrical equipment and lighting systems.
· Minimum qualifications to CGLI (City & Guilds) Advanced Craft Certificate or equivalent as
certified licensed electrician.

23. INSTRUMENT TECHNICIAN
Requirements
· Fully trained with at least 5 years offshore working experience in the installation, hook-up,
calibration, function testing of pneumatic an electronic instrumentation.
· Shall posses trade certificates to City & Guilds final standard or equivalent.

24. PIPEFITTER
Requirements
· Skilled with 3 year experience in O&G industries preferably in offshore with construction
experience.
· City and Guilds Level preferred or trade certificate or equivalent required.

25. SCAFFOLDER I & II
Requirements
· Skilled with 3 years experience in O&G industries preferably in offshore.
· Must posses/attend 14 Basic Part 1 Scaffolding Certificate/Course or posses recognized
Scaffolding Part 2 certificate or equivalent as minimum.

26. RIGGER
Requirements
· Skilled and time served with at least 2 years as riggers working offshore.
· Must posses a recognize Rigging/Slinging Certificate or equivalent.

27. BLASTER / SPRAY PAINTER
Requirements
· Should have 3 years experience in industrial painting of which should made up of 2 years
offshore in blasting and painting.

28. ABSEILER BLASTER / PAINTER
Requirements
· Similar to Blaster/Spray painter with addition of qualification in IRATA ABSEILING LEVEL II

29. MECHANIC
Requirements
· He shall have served a recognized trade apprenticeship and relevant working experience of at
least 3 years, two of which must be in offshore construction industry, preferably involved in the
commissioning of rotating equipment.

30. SAFETY SUPERVISOR (OFFSHORE)
Requirements
· Shall be mature, suitable qualified, held a supervisory position in safety for a minimum period of three (3) years experience in areas of painting for offshore construction/maintenance works.
· He shall attended appropriate safety courses as required.

11 Ways to Hurt Your Career

by Megan Malugani, Monster Contributing Writer
While most career advice focuses on how to succeed, we can all learn valuable lessons by dissecting career failure as well. Workplace experts offer insights into some of the top ways workers undermine their own careers and jeopardize their career development.

Please click here for the full article. Although many points are obvious, but it is worth reminding ourselves.
Some of the top ways to kill our career are:

• Not Taking Your Education Seriously
• Lying
• Sullying Your Reputation on Facebook or Twitter
• Gossiping, Slandering, and Excessively Criticizing
• Job-Hopping Just for the Money
• Leaving a Job on Bad Terms