Career progression

Self-reflection questions to accelerate your career growth

Carol Yeoh — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 02:42:13 +0000

Self-reflection questions to accelerate your career growth Carol Yeoh

Self -reflection is one of the most effective ways to take control of your career development and personal growth. By reviewing achievements, assessing specific skills, and clarifying career goals, you can make informed decisions to advance your personal development and professional life.

At Michael Page, we’ve seen that professionals who maintain a regular self-reflection practice are better equipped to seize opportunities, adapt to industry trends, and shape their own career growth. This article explains why reflection matters and offers practical questions to help you gain insight and turn it into action.

Start your reflection with these questions:

What achievements am I most satisfied with this past year?
Which specific skills have I strengthened recently?
Where do I want to be in the next two to three years on my career path?
What feedback have I received, and what did I do with it?
Which tasks give me the most energy?
What challenges have I managed successfully in my professional journey?
How do I measure success in my current position?
Where are the gaps in my skills or experience that could unlock new career development opportunities?
Do my personal values align with my organisation’s?
What actions will move me closer to my professional and growth goals?

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Why self-reflection matters for career development

As the year ends, reflection is more than a ritual – it’s a powerful tool for growth. Pausing to review your experiences helps you celebrate successes, learn from mistakes, and identify areas for improvement. These insights allow you to approach the future with clarity and intention in a fast-moving job market.

Introspection takes this further by exploring your thoughts, motivations, and personal values. Building self-awareness ensures your goals remain authentic and aligned with how you define career and job satisfaction.

Reflection also sets the stage for meaningful goal-setting. It highlights what you truly want, which strategies worked, and where to focus next. This clarity makes ambitions achievable and relevant, whether you’re aiming for a managerial position, a lateral move, or a new job that advances your professional development.

Beyond career benefits, reflection promotes wellbeing. Processing experiences can reduce stress and support mental health, self-esteem, and self-care, helping you start the new year with renewed energy. Over time, this contributes to stronger work life balance and physical health in your daily life.

Reflection also fosters adaptability. By examining how you navigated change, you strengthen resilience and prepare for future challenges.

This is a vital skill in today’s dynamic landscape. At an organisational level, cultures that encourage reflection, coaching, and learning often see improved employee retention and attract top talent.

Practical self-reflection questions for career growth

1) What achievements am I most satisfied with this year?

Reflecting on achievements builds confidence and highlights where you’ve added the most value. It also helps you identify patterns in your success. Do they come from leadership, technical expertise, collaboration, or customer impact?

Action step: Write down three achievements and note the specific skills you used. This will prepare you for performance reviews, interviews, and conversations about your career path.

Example: “I led a project that reduced costs by 15% and improved delivery times, showcasing my ability to manage resources efficiently.”

2) Which specific skills have I strengthened recently?

Tracking skill growth guides training priorities and supports progression or lateral moves. It shows where learning has translated into impact and which online courses, stretch assignments, or mentoring contributed to progress.

Action step: List two skills you strengthened and one priority skill to build next. Choose a course, mentorship programme, or on-the-job project to develop it.

Example: “Completed advanced data analysis training and improved facilitation. Next, I’ll develop stakeholder influence by chairing a monthly forum.”

3) Where do I want to be in the next two to three years?

A medium‑term horizon clarifies capabilities and experiences needed for progression. It prevents drift and focuses effort on career development opportunities.

Action step: Define one target position and three capabilities required. Set quarterly milestones and a simple skills plan.

Example: “Move into a managerial position. Build budgeting, coaching, and stakeholder management through Q1 to Q4 stretch projects.”

4) What feedback have I received, and what did I do with it?

Using feedback demonstrates adaptability and continuous improvement. Even negative feedback can be advantageous to your career growth. Closing the loop builds trust with managers and colleagues.

Action step: Summarise recent feedback, actions taken, and outcomes. Ask for follow up feedback within six weeks – from your manager, or from a direct report if you lead others.

Example: “I improved time management with a scheduling tool; handovers now meet deadlines and project quality has improved.”

5) Which tasks give me the most energy?

Energy signals where you can add the greatest value and sustain performance. Mapping energisers and drainers informs workload design which can help you support your work life balance and wellbeing.

Action step: Identify two energising tasks and one draining task. Seek projects aligned to strengths and streamline or delegate low-value work.

Example: “Mentoring and solving complex issues energise me; repetitive reporting drains energy. I’ll automate reports and mentor a colleague weekly.”

6) What challenges have I managed successfully?

Challenges reveal resilience, problem‑solving, and risk management – capabilities employers value highly when promoting employees up the career ladder.

Action step: Capture the context, actions, and results for two challenges. Turn each into a concise case study for reviews or interviews.

Example: “Resolved a major client issue under tight deadlines by coordinating cross functional support, retained the account, and lifted NPS.”

7) How do I measure success in my current position?

Clear success metrics align expectations with your organisation and help you prioritise. They make progress visible and strengthen job satisfaction.

Action step: Write three metrics you can influence (e.g., timeliness, quality, stakeholder satisfaction) and track them monthly.

Example: “On time delivery ≥95%, defect rate ≤1%, stakeholder score ≥4/5. I’ll review results on the last Friday of each month.”

8) Where are the gaps in my skills or experience?

Identifying gaps focuses learning and prevents stagnation. It informs targeted career development rather than general training.

Action step: Choose one gap to close first. Plan a project, course, or mentorship programme with dates and success criteria.

Example: “Limited exposure to budgeting – co-own Q2 forecasting with finance and complete a short budgeting programme.”

9) Do my personal values align with my organisation’s?

Alignment improves engagement and long‑term career satisfaction. Persistent misalignment may indicate a change is needed.

Action step: Map your top three personal values against company behaviours. Discuss opportunities that better reflect those values with your manager or mentor.

Example: “I value transparency and collaboration. I’ll propose a monthly open forum to share project learnings across teams.”

10) What actions will move me closer to my goals?

Insight matters when it becomes action. Small, consistent steps compound into meaningful progress and build momentum toward growth goals.

Action step: Set three SMART goals: one skills goal, one visibility goal, and one career readiness goal – and review monthly.

Example: “Complete a leadership programme, present at a cross functional forum, and mentor a colleague to build coaching capability and professional connections.”

Turning insight into action

Reflection matters only when it leads to progress. Use your answers to set clear goals, seek mentoring through a mentorship programme, and build new skills via online courses and stretch assignments, while leveraging networking to expand your professional connections. Balance ambition with self-care to protect your mental health and physical health..

At Michael Page, we help professionals turn plans into real career development opportunities and strengthen their personal and professional development. Make reflection a regular habit to stay focused and move closer to your career ambitions.

Ready to put your plans into motion? Apply your insights and explore roles that match your skills. Start shaping the career you want today.

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Carol Yeoh

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Benefits of networking for career growth

Carol Yeoh — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 03:18:48 +0000

Benefits of networking for career growth Carol Yeoh

Networking has long been considered a key part of career development. Yet in today’s professional environment – shaped by rapid digital change, economic uncertainty and growing competition for skilled talent – it has become even more critical.

The relationships you build can influence how visible you are in the job market, how resilient you are in times of change, and the opportunities that come your way.

Importantly, it is not about attending networking events or collecting as many contacts as possible. Networking is about creating meaningful, two-way professional relationships that provide support, insight and opportunities over time.

Whether you are at the start of your career or an experienced professional, investing in your network building professional relationships can make the difference between waiting for opportunities and having them come to you.

Essentially, some benefits of networking for career growth include:

Getting access to roles not advertised
Strengthening your professional profile
Acquiring insights and strengthen resilience through your network
Building confidence and communication skills
Creating long-term relationships
Allowing individuals to stay relevant in the changing job market

Click any of the link above to jump ahead to the specific networking tips featured in this article.

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1. Provides access to unadvertised job opportunities

Many roles are never advertised publicly. Instead, they are filled through referrals or recommendations within trusted circles.

Most job opportunities are found through networking, with a significant proportion never appearing on job boards. An Australian government survey found that in 2021 to 2022, around 14% of recruiting employers did not advertise their most recent vacancy – relying on word-of-mouth or direct approaches instead.

This means that by maintaining strong professional connections, you increase your chances of hearing about hidden job markets or new roles before others. Sometimes this might be a direct referral from a colleague. At other times, it could be a simple introduction or recommendation that gives you visibility with a hiring manager.

For employers, this is equally valuable. When hiring through referrals, organisations often benefit from candidates who come pre-endorsed, reducing the risk of a mismatch and helping to speed up the recruitment process.

2. Strengthens your professional profile

Your network is an extension of your professional identity. Each time you engage – whether at an industry event, on a panel discussion, or by sharing perspectives online – you are building your profile. Over time, this reinforces your reputation and signals your credibility to others.

This visibility is particularly important in competitive fields. For example, in technology or financial services, industry professionals who are actively involved in communities and networking events are more likely to be recognised as thought leaders.

For early-career professionals, networking can help establish credibility quickly by demonstrating curiosity, initiative and willingness to learn.

Networking also extends beyond personal branding. A strong professional profile can make you more attractive to employers, clients or business partners, creating opportunities that go well beyond your immediate role.

3. Gain insights and strengthen resilience through your network

Networking is not just about job leads – it is also about building a support system that helps you grow and adapt. Conversations with peers, other professionals and influential voices in your field can expose you to best practices, emerging industry trends and new perspectives.

This cross-pollination of ideas is invaluable, particularly in fast-changing sectors such as digital transformation or workforce flexibility.

At the same time, strong networks provide encouragement and reassurance during times of uncertainty. Having peers and mentors to turn to can reduce stress, boost resilience and increase engagement in the workplace.

In this way, networking serves both as a source of knowledge and as a foundation for career and personal wellbeing.

4. Builds confidence and communication skills

Networking requires you to introduce yourself, explain your work and engage with others. At first, this can feel challenging. However, the more you practise, the more confident and effective you become.

Over time, networking helps you to:

Articulate your skills and career goals clearly.
Develop active listening skills that strengthen relationships.
Adapt your communication style to different audiences.

These skills extend far beyond networking situations. Strong self-confidence is equally useful in interviews, presentations, negotiations and leadership roles. For professionals aspiring to management or client-facing positions, developing communication skills through networking can be a vital stepping stone.

5. Creates long-lasting relationships

Strong networks are built on professional relationship, not transactions. While a first conversation may lead to an opportunity, the real value often emerges over time. Long-term connections can evolve into mentorships, collaborations or trusted friendships.

These relationships can provide support during career transitions and offer guidance in moments of uncertainty. By building relationships with a diverse network of industry peers, you gain access to a broad range of perspectives that can help you navigate difficult periods in your career.

Long-term relationships in your career can also make celebrating achievements more meaningful. They create a sense of belonging in your industry – an important factor for engagement and motivation.

For organisations, encouraging employees to network externally can bring benefits too. Staff who maintain strong professional connections often bring back valuable insights, new business opportunities and greater visibility for the company brand.

6. Allows individuals to stay relevant in a changing job market

The nature of work is changing. Automation, artificial intelligence and shifting economic conditions are reshaping industries and roles. In this environment, professional relationship building is key to getting personal recommendations and trusted referrals.

Employers often rely on robust networks to identify talent quickly, particularly in markets where demand for skills is high. For professionals, this means that staying visible through networking is not optional – it is essential.

By maintaining strong connections, you ensure that you remain on the radar for future opportunities, even as the job market changes.

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What are the steps of networking?

You can start networking through small, practical steps. Opportunities often exist in everyday workplace settings, such as:

Internal online forums: If your company uses an online platform for internal communication (like Workplace or Yammer), actively participating in discussions can boost your visibility – especially in large organisations. Sharing insights, commenting on posts, or even starting conversations helps you connect with colleagues beyond your immediate team.
Professional social media platforms: LinkedIn is a powerful tool for building your professional presence. Regularly post about your work experiences, share industry-relevant content, and engage with your network’s updates. These actions showcase your expertise and keep you top-of-mind within your professional circles.
Workplace clubs and interest groups: Joining internal clubs – whether it’s a sports team, arts and crafts group, or a DEI committee – can help you build relationships with like-minded people in a more relaxed, authentic setting. These professional groups often lead to stronger collaboration and support across departments.
Vendor and client relationships: If your role involves external stakeholders, nurturing positive relationships with vendors or clients can be a long-term networking asset. These connections may open doors to future opportunities, referrals, or industry insights beyond your current organisation.

Unlocking the benefits of networking: Why it should be a career priority

Shaping your networking skills is more than an occasional activity. It is an ongoing investment in relationships that can influence your career success, resilience and wellbeing.

By approaching networking effectively with authenticity and reciprocity, you can build a community that supports you at every stage of your professional journey.

In a world where opportunities are increasingly shaped by connections, the question is no longer whether networking is important – but whether you can afford not to make it a priority.

Looking for your next career move? Browse the latest opportunities on Michael Page and connect with roles that match your skills and ambitions.

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Carol Yeoh

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What does it take to be a successful receptionist?

ken — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 06:14:52 +0000

What does it take to be a successful receptionist? ken

A receptionist is more than someone who greets people coming into the office or answering the phone. This individual is usually the first person a visitor to your office comes into contact with.

Receptionists represent a company’s DNA and brand

How receptionists manage the reception would create an impression for walk-in visitors and customers who step into your front office for the first time.

On top of that, a receptionist is likely to be the person who will receive job applicants at the office for their job interviews. He or she is, therefore, someone that a candidate will interact with and get an impression of a company’s culture.

Therefore, this role, which appears seemingly simple, becomes much more than a front desk person, and definitely, more than administrative support. Obviously, administrative tasks are still important to keep office processes moving but it is crucial to note that this individual also serves as the company ambassador.

Who will make a great receptionist?

First and foremost, a receptionist needs to be a people person. He or she will interact with a lot of people throughout the day and they would range from internal staff, and senior stakeholders to job seekers, courier personnel, visitors, customers, and clients.

Therefore, interpersonal and communication skills are crucial for these front-desk professionals. The ability to communicate clearly and concisely is a major advantage, and good listeners will always make good receptionists.

It can be challenging for those who are more introverted to take on such a position, as receptionists constantly need to engage with people either in person, virtually, or on the phone, and those who do not like to engage with people may become emotionally worn out. One needs to have great interpersonal skills and an affinity for building good working relationships to succeed as a receptionist.

The receptionist’s duties, tasks, and responsibilities are things that an interested party can pick up. However, a person’s attitude and personality are very much inane and will be challenging to change or adjust.

A receptionist’s responsibilities

An office receptionist must be organised, meticulous, and have excellent communication skills.

Administrative duties: This role is required to perform administrative duties such as filing, data entry, monitoring deliveries, assisting new joiners on their first day, forwarding incoming phone calls, answering phone calls, taking messages, sorting mail, directing visitors, faxing, and assisting the office manager with office management tasks, such as ordering coffee for visitors or food for an internal office party.

General computer knowledge: This job also requires the individual to be proficient in computer-based spreadsheets and word-processing software. They need to have some basic computer hardware knowledge and skills, as they very often need to help set up computers for new joiners or projectors for office presentations.

Being discreet: Aside from administrative duties, a great receptionist has to be professional and trustworthy. There will often be times when the receptionist will handle sensitive information and difficult situations, so discretion will be an absolute must.

Multi-tasking: The work requires a receptionist to be a multi-tasker. he or she needs to be focused (read: needs to remember the names of all employees in the office), or it would be easy to lose control of the day. This person should also have a good working knowledge of an organisation’s goods, services, and systems.

What are the characteristics of an accomplished receptionist?

The appropriate person for the position needs to be customer oriented. They must have great soft skills and empathy. Customers can be difficult, and one bad experience could cause them to avoid your organisation for years. There is a need to be friendly yet firm, even in stressful situations.

Depending on the industry, being empathetic and caring can be key to a receptionist’s role if he or she is working in a medical clinic. Excellent customer service comes into play and how a receptionist takes care of their visitors can play an important role in returning business. For instance, a receptionist at a gynaecology clinic where patients may sometimes face sad news.

Excellent time management is vital, as is an accomplished telephone manner. Other necessary characteristics that might not necessarily be on the job description include having a good emotional IQ and being warm, friendly, helpful, and highly approachable.

What does a receptionist do on a daily basis?

Although there will be some very clearly defined daily tasks for a receptionist, it's important to see this as a role that can require a number of somewhat diverse duties.

Receptionist work can include arranging meetings, setting appointments, managing the calendars of senior stakeholders, and keeping records. There may also be a need to make travel arrangements such as flights, taxis, and hire cars for senior-level employees. Keeping the lobby area tidy is important, and there could be a requirement to provide refreshments for visitors.

In all administrative tasks that come under the receptionist’s remit, discretion and sensitivity are of importance. In medical and dental facilities, a receptionist will need to be skilled at handling patient records, handling important telephone calls for the practice, and the like.

Depending on the size of the company, a receptionist may take on more office management responsibilities too, such as taking stock of office stationery and pantry supplies, and managing the cleaning staff.

For most roles, normal office hours will apply.

What is the career path of a receptionist?

Depending on the nature of the organisation, receptionists can often progress on to other roles, such as administrative assistant, secretary, supervisor, customer service representative, personal assistant, and office manager.

In some organisations, there could be opportunities to study for NVQs, diplomas, and other formal qualifications, in the process helping with the career path. Reception desks can be the springboard for a highly rewarding journey.

Gaining experience as a receptionist in any business organisation can open the door for similar roles elsewhere. It’s often the case that the skills you acquire along the way can be easily transferred from sector to sector.

In some cases, an experienced receptionist will have the ability to smoothly transfer into a sales role, customer service, or perhaps a job in the hospitality industry, in part because of the skills they have displayed when dealing with customers, clients, staff, and visitors in their previous capacity.

Ready for your next career step? Check out these receptionist roles in Hong Kong, or submit your CV now.

Michael Page

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What does it take to be a successful office manager?

ken — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 06:11:41 +0000

What does it take to be a successful office manager? ken

Office managers are responsible for making sure everything runs smoothly in the office. They coordinate schedules, handle employee issues, negotiate with suppliers and work hard to ensure everyone gets along within the company culture.

They may be the first person that team members talk to when they arrive at work each day. Office managers are responsible for keeping businesses running smoothly. They oversee many aspects of daily operations, including hiring new staff and ensuring all necessary duties are completed on time and within the office budget.

Office managers need to know every employee's schedule, or at least, they have access to everyone's schedules. They plan, coordinate, and control the smooth running of a wide range of office activities. Those in an office manager role need to know how to manage processes, procedures, documentation, project management and communications. He or she also needs to understand supervision, training, and administration, and how they can benefit the business.

Qualities that make a good office manager

Office managers know the ins and outs of the office. They oversee daily operations at the office, are great problem-solvers and are true masters of coordination.

Interpersonal & Communications skills

Communication is essential to being successful with office manager responsibilities. An effective office manager works closely with many people, including new hires, departmental managers, administrative staff, those who provide office supplies and even top executives. They must be able to communicate effectively to resolve conflict and provide clear direction. They may also be required to offer secretarial support to senior stakeholders.

Multi-tasking skills

Office managers would be pulled left, right and centre every other day by different people in the office, requesting information and asking for advice, from changing the printer ink, to finding stationery, checking on courier packages and even finding out about the boss's day. They need to juggle different tasks without losing focus and work independently without having to be micro-managed.

Time management skills

A person who doesn't manage their time properly will be overwhelmed by the amount of work that piles up. Office managers should know how to manage their time effectively on a daily basis. They should be able to schedule tasks properly and plan ahead for upcoming deadlines.

Organisational skills

Good organisational skills allow office managers to take charge of their workload, and ensure that everything gets done in a timely manner.

Administrative skills

Many of the tasks on the job description of office managers may be administrative in nature. For example, answering phones, taking messages, purchasing office equipment, working with relevant software and filing paperwork.

Office managers may also draft documents, help with payroll, keep an organised office environment and communicate via phone, email and fax (yes, some companies are still using fax machines). These skills can help you succeed as an office manager regardless of the relevant business sector.

They are proficient use of all Microsoft tools and have great calendar management experience.

An office manager is responsible for overseeing every aspect of an office. He or she must oversee finances, payroll, and other administrative tasks. The office manager may be required to compile data from other departments like finance to create various reports. If an office manager is looking to upskill, they can consider Basic accounting and finance knowledge to help perform various duties.

What are the characteristics of a good office manager?

Office managers should be patient, empathetic and high in emotional intelligence. They need to check in with their workers regularly and offer support and encouragement to every office team member. When a manager doesn't have people skills, they won't inspire the team to achieve success.

An office manager needs to be friendly and approachable. Level-headedness is very important when working as an office manager. Managing employees and maintaining a calm demeanour is essential, and will also help when training staff for new responsibilities.

Office managers should always expand their knowledge. There are many ways to achieve this, including reading management literature, attending seminars, company events or conferences, keeping up-to-date with technology and taking courses.

What does an office manager do?

Duties for office managers vary according to the size of the employing organisation, so it could mean organising, planning and overseeing a large pool of administrative assistants or working with one or two people in a smaller office.

Regardless of the size of the organisation, an office manager must be able to motivate and encourage employees to increase both productivity and work quality and to take on extra responsibilities if required.

Duties can include organising meetings and arranging appointments, dealing with correspondence, ordering stationery and furniture, preparing letters, presentations and reports, supervising and monitoring the work of the team, managing office budgets and, if relevant, working alongside other administrative managers.

Liaising with staff, suppliers and clients will be a regular duty, and there will often be a need to chair meetings and allocate leadership roles among the staff. In larger organisations, there could also be a chance to become involved in special projects.

What does the career path for an office manager look like?

Office management qualifications are useful for many reasons. You can use them to show off your skills and knowledge and step up from the office administrator role. Some people choose to take office management qualifications on-site, while others prefer distance learning or in-house training. Low-cost training courses are available online.

Office managers should take advantage of certifications to highlight their knowledge and administrative skills. Certificates demonstrate that a person has mastered administrative procedures.

As a general rule, the role of office manager can lead to more senior management positions later in a career, as well as a chance to move from company to company if required.

Ready for your next career step? Check out these office manager jobs or submit your CV now.

Michael Page

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What does it take to be a successful Marketing Executive?

ken — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 06:08:33 +0000

What does it take to be a successful Marketing Executive? ken

Marketing executives work with many different departments of a company, including advertising, public relations and product development, to create a marketing strategy that maximises profits.

They specialise in understanding what the market needs, sometimes by conducting market research to determine the potential demand for goods and services offered by their company. Marketing jobs are available in just about every sector of business.

Marketing executives are also responsible for planning and executing advertising campaigns designed to meet the demands of the buyers, whether they are customers or other businesses.

It can be a creative career as it would require you to develop innovative ideas, depending on the product or service you're marketing. For instance, think about how differently you would market a new lipstick range and a new car.

They are usually creatives with effective analytical, interpersonal, and decision-making skills, and a sound understanding of what it takes for a marketing department to achieve results.

To succeed in this field, you must be proficient in using analytical software, database user interfaces and other technological platforms in order to attain designated business goals.

Marketing professionals should be able to form pricing strategies based on the demand for the products being advertised. They often analyse sales data to determine the success of the marketing strategies used.

Qualities that make a good Marketing Executive

There are a number of marketing skills that will help you to become an excellent marketing executive. They include:

Soft skills

A good eye for detail
Excellent communications skills
Strong interpersonal and organisational skills
A friendly, confident manner and first-class people skills
A flexible attitude and an ability to get on well with others
The ability to deal effectively with customers, clients, marketing assistants and other colleagues, as well as a range of employees within your company

Functional skills

A passion for matching the right buyers to the right products
Previous experience in marketing, advertising, sales or customer relationship management
Sound knowledge of your company's products and services, and the optimum marketing strategy for them
A degree in marketing is obviously an advantage, but for many employers, it's not always a formal requirement
A good understanding of finance within a marketing sphere, and the ability to interact well with senior marketers
An affinity for strategic thinking, allied to a methodical and analytical approach, and an understanding of various marketing initiatives

What does a Marketing Executive do?

Those who have chosen a career in marketing can be responsible for a diverse range of duties, many of which will differ from one position to another, one sector to another.

Build brand awareness

One of the most important aspects of the role is to create awareness of your brand, in ways that are often aimed at specific target audiences comprised of interested parties and potential customers.

You will often be required to provide help with marketing plans, advertising campaigns, direct email marketing projects and feedback sessions. Sourcing advertising opportunities and placing adverts in the printed press, on the web and on broadcast media will be common duties.

Content marketing

There will be occasions when you are working closely with in-house or external creative agencies to design marketing materials such as brochures and press packs, and of course, within your organisation's internal marketing teams and sales reps.

You will have to know how to write and proofread marketing copy for online and print campaigns. In addition, you may be required to produce marketing collateral like brochures and videos, and perhaps to utilise social media channels to get the best from marketing campaigns.

Event management

Organising events such as product launches, photo shoots and press functions are likely among the duties of a marketing executive. The marketing industry is definitely the place for the people person.

Developing relationships with key stakeholders

This will be a must for people in marketing jobs. Marketing executives must evaluate and review marketing trends, campaigns, advertisements, and SEO to make sure they're using the right mediums.

Track performance

They need to track marketing performance and ROI, and prepare weekly or monthly marketing reports for members of senior management. They also need to monitor and report on competitor activities.

Manage external agencies

When appropriate, they should lead external agencies, such as PR firms, an external marketing agency or ad agencies, to effectively manage events and press relations, editorial requests, presentations and promotions, and online activities. They may also need to manage the marketing budgets and be aware of all market trends.

What does the career path of a Marketing Executive consist of?

There is a somewhat undefined career path for marketing graduates, but it's worth noting that a marketing career offers a number of other branches and tributaries. First jobs for those in marketing often centre on sales or customer service, or possibly in field marketing.

As a general rule, the career path for specialists tends to go from entry-level all the way up to senior marketing executive, marketing manager, marketing director, digital marketing director, chief marketing officer and VP of marketing.

Skills that are collected along the way can help with career progression, and of course, talented marketers can easily switch from one sector of industry to another and from company to company. Needless to say, the average salary will increase the further you can go up the career ladder.

Ready for your next career step? Check out these open marketing executive positions or submit your CV now.

Michael Page

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What does it take to be a successful HR Assistant?

ken — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 05:59:36 +0000

What does it take to be a successful HR Assistant? ken

In the swiftly transforming landscape of human resources (HR), the role is no longer confined to compliance and transactions. Instead, it’s taking on an agile and strategic mantle that could define the future of successful organisations.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the HR department became the unsung heroes in many organisations, steering them into a fully virtual environment and assisting with new policies such as work-from-home and hybrid work arrangements for non-essential workers. It was a leap from an administrative focus to a highly strategic one.

Skill sets required to be successful in this field are broad, and as a result, employees must possess different skills to perform well in human resources.

What does it take to be a great HR assistant in this new age?

An HR assistant must be well-organised and be able to coordinate multiple tasks and projects at the same time. The job also involves managing employee information and handling employee relations, so trust and discretion will be highly crucial.

However, the job scope now goes beyond organisation and multitasking. A great HR assistant needs excellent people and communication skills as the job scope shifts from task-oriented to service-oriented.

HR personnel could consider investing in skills that prioritise human-centred approaches, like empathic listening, fostering trust, and building processes that create a positive experience for employees.

The job often involves working out how to manage people. This could include looking after employees, managers, customers, suppliers and clients. The role can also include training. Careers can be internationally focused, even at a junior level.

Qualities that make a good HR assistant

HR departments are growing, and more companies need skilled, talented individuals to help them succeed. There is always a need for HR staff, even if an individual has only been working in one specific discipline. HR skills are universal and are easily transferred from company to company and from sector to sector.

When aspiring to become an HR assistant, you’ll want to cultivate a diverse range of HR assistant skills, encompassing recruitment, onboarding, and employee relations, as these competencies are essential to excel in the role.

Key skills needed for a good HR assistant include:

Effective Communication and Active Listening: A successful HR assistant must possess exceptional communication skills. But it's not just about speaking; it's about genuinely listening and understanding. These interactive qualities build trust, honesty, and respect, which are the cornerstones of effective human resource management.
Emotional Intelligence and Empathy: Being a great HR assistant is not just about managing tasks but understanding people. Emotional intelligence, particularly empathy, sets apart successful HR leaders.

This skill helps you better understand the people you work with, providing the guidance and support they need. Emotional intelligence can indeed be the distinguishing factor that sets one apart as a leader in this space.
Trustworthiness: Every HR assistant will need to handle sensitive information at times, and will need to be trusted. This is far more than a basic administrative assistant role.
Loyalty: Establishing a long-term commitment to the business will always help to make HR teams stronger, and able to support all aspects of the company’s functions.
Negotiation skills: HR assistants will be regularly involved in various negotiations, including salary discussions and purchasing meetings. Skilled negotiators usually succeed in such a role. Having a basic knowledge of employment law can be a major benefit as well.
Self-motivation: The best HR assistants are able to work strongly within a team framework and, when necessary, on their own.
Ability to multi-task: HR departments are extremely busy at times, especially those in large organisations. Multi-tasking is something all HR assistants have to become adept at.
International Focus and Flexibility: The role of an HR assistant can be globally oriented, even at junior levels. Whether it's managing people across various roles or coordinating multiple tasks, an HR assistant must be well-organised, discreet, and capable of handling the international scope and complexities of the role.

In addition, the HR assistant will assist senior members of the team in a range of areas, including recruitment, training, performance management, employee orientation, payroll administration, employee welfare and health and safety.

What are the characteristics of a good HR Assistant?

Relevant characteristics include sympathy, fast decision-making, ethics, and patience. These attributes help HR professionals evaluate and recruit people based on their skills and abilities. An effective HR assistant motivates, organises, and assists organisations in achieving their objectives in several different areas.

Human resources staff need to coordinate with other departments to meet the overall goals of the company. Each department has different needs and challenges, and HR must know how to help them reach their targets.

HR professionals must be knowledgeable about the company’s mission, vision, and strategy. They should understand what each department does and why it exists. HR assistants must understand the laws and regulations of the company.

They must recognise who works there and what skills they have. Up-to-date information about companies, employees and benefits is crucial to know, as is the need to keep up with the latest trends in the relevant sector.

Successful HR assistants will be passionate about sharing knowledge and enthusiastic about working with others. Coaching and training will be critical elements of any development within the organisation. There will be a need to interact with personnel in an advisory capacity at times, so counselling skills will always be seen as an advantage.

The HR department is an important part of any organisation. They help companies manage their employees and run their operations efficiently. There are many different types of HR professionals, with most of them focusing on employee welfare, training, benefits and salaries.

What does an HR Assistant do?

Those who work in a human resources assistant position need to be able to analyse data, create reports, understand an employee file and communicate effectively with other departments. It’s important for those who work in human resources to be highly organised, methodical, analytical and adept at employee engagement.

Human resources assistants are usually responsible for keeping track of employees’ employment records. Screening applicants and clarifying test results will also often be regular duties.

The human resources department is responsible for keeping employee information safe and secure, so organisational skills are vital. They need to work with IT staff to ensure that the system is up to date and that employees are aware of any threats or risks.

An HR assistant is generally responsible for internal communication within an organisation. They schedule new hires into the company, review employee performance and manage the flow of information throughout the company.

Other tasks on the job description could include liaising with vendors and suppliers, maintaining accurate employee records, processing payrolls, learning about employment law and helping with new employee orientation for each successful candidate for new roles.

What does an HR Assistant’s career path entail?

The human resources sector often involves a career path that is somewhat fluid and interchangeable. Switching from one company to another, and from one industry to another, is a relatively simple process. Many newcomers to HR will start at a junior level and work their way up the ladder.

Larger organisations usually offer the opportunity to train for qualifications aimed at career advancement and an improved average salary. Those in senior HR management will often have begun their careers at the most junior level, collecting the relevant experience and soft skills as they go, and evolving into specialist roles.

Searching for HR assistant jobs can be a competitive endeavour, but with a well-crafted HR assistant resume showcasing your relevant experience and skills, you can increase your chances of landing your desired position. Have a look at these resume tips and resources.

Ready for your next career step? Check out these HR vacancies or submit your CV now.

Michael Page

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高薪合約工：你的香港合約工作機會指南

ken — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 05:55:46 +0000

高薪合約工：你的香港合約工作機會指南 ken

在過去疫情的三年中，香港因為下列幾個因素，而令僱主選擇僱用合約員工（Contract Jobs）的情況有顯著增加的趨勢：

大大增強靈活性：合約工作為員工打工仔和僱主提供更大的靈活性。除了可讓求職者員工嘗試不同崗位及工作，同時亦讓僱主可根據需求增加或減少勞動力。
市場充滿不確定性：營疫情後經濟充滿商環境的不確定性，使僱主更傾向僱用合約工而非長工，以減輕風險和維持財政穩定。
節約成本節約：由於企業一般不需為合約工提供與全職員工同樣全面的福利，僱用合約工有助僱主降低營運成本。
精簡招聘流程：招聘合約員工的流程通常比僱用長工短，更快、更有效率，從而讓僱主可以快速地根據按市場環境或項目需求的變化進行勞動力人力資源的調整。
職業轉型機會：合約制為員工提供了探索新領域或行業的機會，累積更多專業經驗，增強他們各行各業的技能。

合約工作機會

事實上，不只合約工作者 (Contractors) 會喜歡合約制，香港的僱主也可能更喜歡僱用合約員工，讓公司可以使用合約管理，減少付出固定開支。下文整理了合約工作市場的前景，並介紹2023年香港市場中的高薪合約工種，助你決定是否成為合約工作者。

香港合約制工作的前景如何？

鑑於新冠疫情促使企業轉變其工作模式，不少大公司正尋求更靈活、更具成本效益的經營方式，滿足其人力資源的需求，預計在未來幾年，企業以聘用合約制員工為主的趨勢將持續加強，其中以IT和金融業為主，由於他們的工作需求一定專業技能和知識，企業聘用合約職位，可以在短期內為企業提供專業的解決方案，因此近年這兩種行業對合約制員工的需求已逐步增加；此外，行政和文書支援工作亦逐漸將重心轉往聘用合約員工。

哪些是2023最高薪合約工作機會？

預計2023年薪酬最高的合約制職位，將是IT和金融領域行業的員工。這些崗位需要具備專業的技能和相關工作經驗，因此員工都可以得到較高薪酬，而某些合約工作機會甚至可在完成合約後，得到1至3個月獎金。：

IT相關工作

IT Scrum Master：IT Scrum Master是在IT行業中最高薪的合約制員工之一，他們一般會在企業的各個IT項目中起至關重要的作用，因此企業對這個職位的需求，在可見的將來將會持續增加。這個崗位負責確保在合符預算的情況下，準時完成各種IT項目的開發。現時在香港，IT Scrum Master月入可達港幣$70,000至$100,000元，按此尋找IT Scrum Master的合約工作機會。
IT項目經理：這是IT行業另一需求非常大的合約制員工。他們負責監督、規劃、執行和交付各種IT項目，在確保項目實行成功擔保非常重要的崗位，因此亦是其中一個高薪的合約員工。IT項目經理月入可達港幣$60,000至$170,000元，按此尋找IT項目經理的合約工作機會。
IT架構師：IT架構師負責設計並實行複雜的IT系統，確保系統符合業務需求和IT安全。他們在成功實行IT項目中扮演著關鍵角色，預計企業對他們的需求在未來幾年將會不斷增加。在香港以合約形式擔任IT架構師，月入可達港幣$6,0,000至$100,000元。
IT 開發經理 (IT Development Managers)：IT 開發經理擁有豐富的專業知識和技能，他們必須帶領團隊的開發人員工作，確保項目可在預算和限時內完成，以實現公司的業務目標。在香港以合約形式擔任IT開發經理，月入可達港幣$ 60,000 元至港幣 $100,000 元不等。

金融、商業，支援及管理職位

風險管理經理：進行風險管理的人需具備一系列獨特專業的技能，包括風險評估、數據分析、人際關係及溝通技能，進行風險管理可確保企業的聲譽及財務穩定，是每個企業都必需的，因此從事這個崗位的合約員工一般都享較高薪酬。
人力資源經理：人力資源（HR）經理負責管理招聘、員工關系管理、績效管理和福利管理等工作。人力資源HR對於企業成功營運非常重要，因此亦是較常見以合約制為形式聘用的職位。在香港人力資源經理的薪金可達港幣$60,000至$85,000元。
行政助理：行政助理在支援首席企業管理層的工作扮演關鍵角色，負責確保企業能夠高效地運作。鑑於行政助理需要面對高壓工作環境，同時具備敏感度，因此需求很大，在多種以合約制聘用的工種中，行政助理一般可以賺取更多薪酬，月入可達港幣$40,000至$60,000元。
財務系統或金融服務項目經理：財務系統項目金融服務項目經理需與IT和其他團隊緊密合作，如執行SAP項目管理及數據遷移等複雜的工作，對維持企業的財務運作非常重要。由於職位的技術性質，他們的月薪可達港幣$60,000至$80,000不等。擔任金融服務項目經理，需要關注風險和企業財務動向是否合乎法規，以維持企業日常運作，所以也需具備一系列法律等專業知識，因此月薪可達至從港幣$60,000到$150,000不等。
財務總監：財務總監對維持項目運作和日常業務至關重要。企業的財務總監不容易被取代，公司通常會以較高月薪，來培養財務總監對公司的忠誠度，因此他們的月薪可達港幣$ 70,000到$120,000不等。

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適應未來職場的七大重要技能

ken — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 03:47:55 +0000

適應未來職場的七大重要技能 ken

隨機應變和反應能力應是職場人士理應具備的重要技能，特別是在當前變化迅速的職場環境，不時有出人意料的變化，這兩項技能顯得尤為重要。除此之外，還有好幾項技能對職場人士很重要，後者更是企業在後續招聘中急需的技能。

職場人士應重點培養以下七大技能，確保在人才庫中保持領先優勢。

1. 數字技術素養 (Digital Literacy)

數字技術素養至關重要，這體現在兩方面。一是掌握基本技術 : 通訊、協作工具如Asana及軟件如Microsoft Office等。二是掌握針對特定職位的專業技術與軟件。企業正在快速採用有助於實現各類任務自動化的技術，讓專業人士負責管理該技術，並專注於需要人為處理的職責。這意味著數字技術素養已從“錦上添花”轉變為勝任各類職位的必備要求，因此，優秀人才的數字化轉型迫在眉睫。

2.客戶關係管理

企業都已經或正在意識到，他們必須將客戶及客戶需求作為其商業策略的核心。因此，關係管理、客戶互動和客戶體驗等客戶管理相關技能有助於您培養新的思維方式，將客戶作為各級商業決策的樞軸點。

3. 影響力

即使您不直接從事銷售工作，您也需要知道如何向團隊成員有效推銷您的想法、工作以及成就。推銷能力與影響力技能包括談判技能、溝通技能以及領導才能，在制定解決方案或展示工作項目時，這些技能將有助您更容易獲得決策者的認可。

4. 基於數據的決策

越來越多企業根據數據制定決策和擬定策略。就個人而言，您無需成為數據科學家。數據分析工具日益先進且易於使用，因此幾乎所有專業人士都可利用數據來做出決策。努力學習與個人特定職責范疇相關的基礎數據分析技能，並了解如何以有說服力的方式闡述並展示數據。如果您的行動和決策有良好的數據支撐，就會更有影響力。

5. 創新思維

創新一詞稍有濫用之嫌，技術創新尤為如此，但創新概念本身依然無比重要。創新思維的重點是擺脫舊慣例，以新的角度思考並解決問題，且有能力制定出之前從未嘗試過的解決方案。創新思維是變革與進步的基石，我們通過創新思維尋找應對舊挑戰的新方法。

6. 成長型思維模式

成長型思維模式涵蓋好奇心、求知欲和靈活適應新情況的能力。成長型思維模式的基本理念在於，即使您不具備必要技能、經驗或知識，您也能通過學習並成長為您想成為的專業人才。成長型思維模式能確保您不“固步自封”，具備強大的心理素質，願意跟隨職場環境的變化不斷學習並成長，這一點至關重要。

7. 關係管理

靈活管理關係有助於促進合作及團隊協作，並最終影響公司內部的不同文化、部門及群體。關係管理屬於人際技能，這將確保這項技能在所有數字變革中都至關重要，也能成為影響各類職位成敗的關鍵因素。

全方位提升職場技能的重要性

提升技能 (upskilling) 的重點在於不斷尋找能加強個人技能的方式，通過正規教育、內部培訓課程、外部培訓課程或非正式培訓（如與經理或導師一對一合作）加強個人能力。
隨著職場環境的變化，雇主也希望員工能具備更多技能，尤其希望員工對變化保持開放態度，且能輕鬆迎接新挑戰。著重於提升技能，發掘培養自己的不可替代性以滿足雇主的預期。在招聘方面，公司不僅看重求職者已經具備的專業技能與經驗，也日益重視求職者的潛能。

這為您創造了理想的求職機遇，除當前具備的專業技能外，您還能通過適度培訓、經驗累積和整體發展機會掌握其他專業技能，在面試中展示你的這些能力，能夠幫助您提高求職成功率。

尋找一份新的工作？瀏覽我們網站上的職位部分或在此處將您的簡歷發送給我們。

Michael Page

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What makes a good administrative assistant?

ken — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 03:43:00 +0000

What makes a good administrative assistant? ken

It’s often said that an executive is only as good as their administrative assistant (also known as an administrative professional, secretary or personal assistant). Handling day-to-day administration for one or more executives, a team or network, an admin assistant is the “eyes and ears” of a company, privy to unique and powerful insights about the company culture, performance and future direction.

Administrative professionals are highly valuable to the smooth running of a business, team or office. For many businesses, an administrative assistant is the very first hire outside the founding team, with many executives relying on the skill of their assistants in order to do their job effectively.

What skills do admin assistants need?

To create value for their organisations and thrive within their roles, secretaries, executive assistants and general administrative staff need:

Strong organisational abilities – this is the cornerstone of the admin profession. It means staying on top of diaries and calendars, keeping paperwork (whether digital or physical) filed neatly, and always thinking ahead to what’s next.
Clear communication skills – admin assistants absorb all the communications that executives haven’t time to deal with. They often have to answer emails and take phone calls on behalf of executives and communicate with VIPs – so the ability communicate effectively, with good spelling and a personable phone manner – is essential.
Initiative and drive – the best admin assistants aren’t just reactive, responding to needs as they come in. They look for ways to create efficiencies, streamline operations and implement new programs to the benefit of themselves, their execs and the business as a whole.
IT literacy – this is essential to an admin role. Proficiency in the Microsoft Office package and any other tools that might be used in the organisation (such as project management tools) is a must.
Honesty and discretion – administrative professionals are often privy to confidential communications, strategy meetings, business performance figures and other classified information. They need to be relied on to keep this information confidential.

Employers also look for stability on a secretary’s CV, as this demonstrates highly prized attributes like resilience, the ability to make considered choices, commitment and reliability.

What do administrative assistants do?

Depending on the job description and seniority, type and size of the business, and lots of other factors, a secretary or admin assistant will be found doing a huge (and often challenging) range of essential tasks.

These tasks might include ordering office supplies, taking the minutes of meetings, inducting new staff members, organising executive travel, co-ordinating appointments, answering emails on behalf of their executive, organising events, budgeting, boosting morale in the office, accounting, fielding customer questions, project management and many more.

In order to carry out these duties, a secretary or administrator needs certain skills, such as touch typing (at least 65 words per minute), Microsoft Office and general computer literacy. They should also be able to manage a budget effectively. On top of this, they need to be able to think on their feet and solve problems as they arise.

How high can an assistant go?

An ambitious admin assistant will be working on professional development consistently, upskilling in the areas of new technologies, HR practices, accounting or management. Many will take each job as a learning opportunity, and once they have mastered each role, will move on to a new role, developing for instance project and people management skills. Admin professionals may begin as a receptionist or part of an admin assistant team and can work up to operations management or senior executive assistant positions.

Some assistants go into the role specifically to learn how business is done in the C-Suite, so they can take this knowledge and pivot into a more hands-on business oriented role.

If you’re looking for an administrative role, speak to one of our specialist office support consultants today.

Michael Page

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The role of technology in modern secretary careers: Adaptation and advancement

ken — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 03:42:16 +0000

The role of technology in modern secretary careers: Adaptation and advancement ken

Among the many professions in today’s fast-paced business world, one stands out as an unsung hero: the secretary. Beyond the stereotype of merely answering phones and taking notes, a secretary is a true master of efficiency, orchestrating the smooth functioning of an office.

From juggling schedules to coordinating meetings, managing communication, to maintaining records, a secretary’s role is vital in keeping the gears of the modern workplace turning seamlessly.

“Never underestimate a secretary. They are the gatekeepers of the business, with the ability to gain wide exposure of the business from their leader’s perspective,” says Natalie Chung, Director at Page Personnel Hong Kong.

In recent years, digital technology has become an indispensable part of the workplace in terms of communication, security, and productivity software systems, and digital transformation has become a significant part of the productivity of the workplace. With that, secretaries have gained access to powerful tools that they can use to revolutionise the way they work in current workplaces.

Secretarial work: Digital technology revolutionising secretary roles

The use of modern office technology has streamlined office processes for secretaries. This has resulted in reduced manual labour and repetitive work, as well as substantial reductions in paperwork and data entry.

Imagine organising a meeting for internal stakeholders; one change from one stakeholder would mean that the secretary has to make multiple calls to nail down the specific timing of the meeting. However, with calendar software, the secretary doesn’t have to call anyone and can access everyone’s calendar with the software suggesting availabilities for all parties.

From software for scheduling and document management to advanced communication tools, the modern secretary is at the forefront of utilising technology to streamline office operations, enhance productivity, and facilitate seamless collaboration. Here are some examples of such digital tools:

Communication tools

Various communication tools such as video conferencing software, team collaboration platforms, and instant messaging applications (like Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Skype) have become essential in the modern office. These digital technologies enable real-time communication, allowing teams to collaborate and communicate effectively, irrespective of their physical locations.

Cloud computing

Cloud computing has revolutionised the modern office by providing scalable and flexible computing resources that can be accessed remotely. Cloud-based services like cloud storage, applications, and backup solutions like Dropbox and OneDrive have become integral to everyday office operations, enabling seamless collaboration and data accessibility from anywhere.

“Technology has also allowed information to be centralised online, making backend operations easier. It has also made information easier to access, especially remotely, enabling collaboration across teams and regions,” says Chung.

Productivity tools

One of the most significant impacts of digital technology on secretary careers is the automation of repetitive, manual tasks such as scheduling, email management, filing, data entry, traditional minute-taking, and bookkeeping responsibilities.

Various productivity tools such as project management software, task management applications, time tracking tools, and automation software streamline workflow processes, enhance productivity, and optimise time management in the modern office environment.

Some examples of productivity software include Microsoft Office, LibreOffice, Google Workspace, Zoho Office Suite, Power BI and Apple iWork.

How the COVID-19 pandemic also contributed to the digital transformation of secretarial roles

The global COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted every aspect of our lives, and the role of secretaries has not been exempted from its impact. As the world has faced unprecedented challenges over the past three years, secretaries have been at the forefront of navigating the new normal and have supported business processes.

With social distancing measures and remote work policies in place, secretaries have had to adapt quickly to new ways of working. This has led to an increase in the use of communication and collaboration tools, as well as cloud-based storage systems, to keep businesses running smoothly.

Chung adds: “The pandemic created a huge learning curve for secretaries; they had to pick up various communication and collaboration tools. These days, secretarial staff are expected to know how to use software like Zoom, Webex, Microsoft Teams and BlueJeans.So, when I screen candidates for our clients, I’d always ask them how they were operating pre-and post-COVID and understand how they adapted to the new way of working.”

A shift in demand for secretarial support staff

These days, secretaries may wear multiple hats. Given the lack of resources, small organisations and start-ups may require secretaries to handle social media posts, HR functions or events planning.

“If you are good at your role, you can climb up the ladder quickly to support C-level management,” says Chung.

With that said, Chung adds that the younger CEOs are less reliant on secretaries. They are tech-savvy and do not require executive assistants to do everything for them. The younger CEOs in their 40s and 50s don’t require secretaries to be as hands-on as their predecessors, given the change in working style. However, there is more pressure on productivity, with tasks needing to be completed at a much faster turnaround rate to meet the market demands.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there are now new expectations when hiring secretaries. These include emotional intelligence, tech skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, given the speed at which technology has accelerated our day-to-day operations.

As a result, upskilling and developing job transferable skills have become essential for secretaries to stay relevant and adaptable in today’s evolving workplace.

How secretaries can advance from an administrative role

In order to stay up-to-date with the fast-paced technological changes so that they remain relevant and stay on top of their field, secretaries need to update their skills and knowledge regularly.

Building confidence in technological software is a must these days. Using technology, they can focus on other duties and add value to the business. Likewise, they can learn new skills that might otherwise be outside their scope, such as in human resources and marketing, and gain valuable experience in other areas of their duties.

“There have been several instances where our clients need to fill secretarial positions because they had promoted the secretary internally into other departments such as HR or marketing to take advantage of their [transferable] skills,” says Chung.

The human touch is crucial despite new technologies

The role of digital technology is crucial to the work of modern secretaries, and adapting them is essential for any secretarial personnel who wants to excel.

However, while a job seeker may be well-versed in the various digital technologies relevant to secretarial support, it is important to note that the human touch differentiates one secretary from another.

“The secretary is a very personal role. One that artificial intelligence and technology cannot replace. You need to build chemistry with your line manager, understand their preferences and learn how to support them daily,” states Chung.

She elaborates, “For example, when your line manager is planning on a business trip, you need to plan their route so that your line manager is not going back and forth opposite time zones where possible and try to make it as smooth as possible, and factor in buffer time. It takes that human touch to think on behalf of your line manager and make their schedules easier for them to manoeuvre.”

Those interested in secretarial roles must be prepared to explain their previous positions and accomplishments in further detail. The ability to tell a story and sell yourself on your experiences is just as important as your technical skillset, which our clients look for in an ever-changing market.

Simply put, a secretary’s role is to support a leader in the business, so it’s about building relationships with people. “If it’s something that we’ve all learned through COVID the past few years, it’s that the human touch is very important. It’s what holds people together,” explains Chung.

Technology has shaped and continues to shape the role of a secretary and has become an indispensable asset in today’s dynamic and ever-evolving workplace. And while technology plays a critical role in secretarial positions, it is essential to note that secretaries need to maintain their interpersonal skills, professionalism, and ability to communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders, even in the digital world.

Ready to take on the role of a secretary? Check out these open secretarial roles in our job portal now.

Simone Wu

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3 important transferable skills for your career

ken — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 03:33:21 +0000

3 important transferable skills for your career ken

As a professional, it’s vital to continuously develop and enhance your transferable skills, even if you are currently content in your current role or actively seeking a new position in the same field.

In today’s unpredictable job market, particularly in the wake of the global COVID-19 pandemic, transferable skills are highly sought after by businesses. These skills enable you to adapt and thrive in new job environments, making you a valuable asset to any team.

With many companies experiencing layoffs due to the pandemic, the talent pool is becoming more diverse and competitive, making it essential to stand out by demonstrating a strong set of transferable skills.

According to Fast Company, there are several benefits of hiring someone outside of your industry, so organisations will undoubtedly take advantage of this when it’s time for them to hire again.

However, to leverage these developing job opportunities, you will need first to understand which of your transferable skills are in hot demand in the market and then know how to sell them on your CV and LinkedIn profile.

Transferable skills are innate abilities you’ve acquired in work environments and non-work situations such as volunteering, additional study, and education, groups, and clubs such as sports. They can also contribute to developing specific skills.

With people changing jobs and industries at a much higher rate than before, it is best to be aware of how your current and upcoming experiences at work will allow you to build up solid transferable skills. Doing so will put you in a much stronger position for future job applications.

Here are three important transferable skills you should focus on.

1. Strong, clear communication skills for workplace success

Strong communication skills – verbal and written – will get you ahead in your career regardless of what type of responsibilities your job involves. Why? Because whether you are conveying information internally (your manager, team, colleagues, and broader business) or externally (customers, clients and partners), being an effective communicator is critical to doing your job well.

Essential communication skills to continually develop are:

Active listening and reading
Speaking clearly and concisely
Writing clearly and concisely
Asking questions
Understanding non-verbal cues

2. People management equals instant career growth

Understandably, getting into a traditional leadership or management position will take some time in your career. But suppose there are opportunities to lead a few team members in specific responsibilities or entire teams for projects.

In that case, it contributes to your people management experience, so be sure to put your hand up when these occasions arise.

Being a team leader means training, directing, and motivating staff members to reach a specific goal. This is where you’ll learn how to:

Manage different personalities
Communicate with several work styles
Actively listen
Delegate
Supervise
Problem solve
Provide feedback and constructive criticism
Deal with conflict resolution
Time management
Be adaptable and flexible
Be patient
Begin to develop your management and leadership style
A better understanding of the dynamics of overall teamwork

Most jobs will require some element of people management, so you may move up faster with a promotion or be offered a more senior role to someone who doesn’t have the same skills. After all, these are developed through real-life experience.

3. Research and analytical skills will get you ahead

In our fast-paced world of work, making business decisions could mean the difference between success and failure, no matter what function you play in your company.

Making big or small choices or running processes based on solid research and data is becoming more and more expected of employees. Why? Being able to interpret information to produce a well-researched outcome demonstrates that you have considered the factors that could risk failure.

For those who prefer to avoid looking at numbers in Excel spreadsheets or finding it difficult to interpret data in charts and graphs, find someone in your team or organisation who can help you.

The more you look at the numbers and understand how to communicate the data and information, the better you'll become at it.

Your current and future employer will be impressed that you invested in active learning to develop these skills because it is not everyone’s cup of tea.

Ready for your next big role to apply your transferable skills? Search our current opportunities, send us your CV or get in touch with one of our recruitment specialists at Michael Page.

Michael Page

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如何利用電話或email拒絕offer（附中英文範例）

emilie.c — Tue, 20 Feb 2024 03:21:15 +0000

如何利用電話或email拒絕offer（附中英文範例） emilie.c

拒絕offer或面試機會的原因有很多，但如何得體地拒絕，絕對是一門藝術！婉拒 offer時的方法及措詞，一定要經過深思熟慮，否則便可能影響日後的職涯發展。

最常見是經過協商後，新公司所提供的薪酬仍然未達您心目中的水平（請參考我們的薪酬比較工具，以了解您的薪金在行業的平均水平）；又或許您於面試時發現，與未來的上司想法存在分歧，並感覺自己不太適合公司文化；更甚在討論過程中，您意識到實際工作與您當初所申請的工作描述不符。

延伸閱讀：10 個履歷製作工具及模板讓您的履歷脫穎而出

Reject offer是否不專業？絕對不是。在現今的就業市場中，根據不同的行業和領域，某些職位是由求職者主導，熟練的專業人士可能會收到多份工作offer。因此，企業或HR對於求職者可能會婉拒offer其實見怪不怪。 Gartner 最近的一項調查發現，近 50% 的求職者正在同時考慮至少兩份工作邀請。

如何禮貌地拒絕offer？

拒絕offer是一個艱難又重大的決定。婉拒offer時感到緊張是很自然的反應，感覺就似您違背了諾言，或者沒有履行您在最初申請工作時所談及的願景。

事實上，明事理的僱主知道即使經過嚴格的面試，求職者仍有可能不接受offer。如果您仍然感到不好意思，可以換個想法：就像招聘經理拒絕應聘者一樣，求職者也有權利拒絕工作聘約。

拒絕一份工作的offer或面試並不等於自斷退路。不過，最好保持尊重，用專業的方式進行，以免損害與該公司的關係，影響未來工作。以下是一些關於拒絕工作聘約時的建議。

延伸閱讀：20個常見的面試問題

拒絕工作offer要及時

首先最重要的是：「果斷行動！」一旦您決定婉拒工作offer，您便需要盡快採取行動，通知招聘經理或招聘人員。

花費時間思前想後、遲遲不通知有意聘請您的僱主，可能會為他造成不便。如果您直接了當，拒絕他們的聘用，招聘團隊便可安排其他潛在的求職者替補。

此外，如果您喜歡這間公司並希望未來在那裡工作，不及時通知可能會影響彼此關係。

應透過email還是致電人事部拒絕工作offer？

儘管以email來拒絕工作offer是普遍做法，亦廣被接受，但直接致電與招聘經理或招聘人員交談，是一種更體貼的方式去拒絕工作邀請或面試，電話對話亦相對上更人性化。

畢竟，對方在面試過程中花了很多時間與您互動，並可能期待著您加入他們的團隊。如果您想打電話婉拒，但又擔心在通話中途不知如何應對，可以事先寫下您想說的內容，並使用筆記來保持專注。

如果無法通過電話聯繫他們，便要立即發送email通知，避免進一步的延誤招聘程序。您可以在信中提到您未能致電對方，故只能以email代替。

延伸閱讀：亞洲女性領導者如何在工作上更有自信

提供一個拒絕工作offer的得體理由

您不必向招聘團隊或人事部職員完整說明您拒絕offer的原因，亦不需要將理由說得十分具體，例如，您不需直說覺得新公司沒有好感，或不欣賞他們的公司文化。您只需提供一個得體的理由，輕輕帶過即可，例如在等侯回音時，已有新發展路向等。

同時，最好不要讓對話太簡短或使用任何負面形容詞，即使對方語氣不佳，亦要禮貌地婉拒工作機會，才有機會維繫未來的關係。

如何透過電話婉拒offer

從表達感謝開始

在通話中，以表達謝意開頭，例如：

「非常感謝您給予我在［公司名稱］擔任［職位］的工作機會。」

「感謝您的誠意邀請我在［公司名稱］擔任［職位］。」

拒絕offer時的 7 個回應範例

接下來簡單解釋為什麼您必須拒絕工作機會。以下是如何解釋原因的一些範例：

「經過仔細考慮，我已經接受了另一家公司的offer。」
「經過深思熟慮，我決定拒絕您的offer，以便專注於符合我當前的職業目標和我希望從事的工作職位。」
「我衷心感謝您花時間與我討論薪金的期望，但我不得不拒絕這個offer，因為金額仍未達我的期望。」
「經過深思熟慮，我將不接受這份offer，因為它不符合我的長期職業路向。」
「經過反覆思索及多方面分析後，我決定接受另外一個offer，因為他們可為我提供更多機會，去追求［範疇／領域］和［範疇／領域］方面的興趣。」
「很遺憾，我決定不接受這個offer，因為這對目前的我來說並不合適。」
「雖然這個offer是一個很好的機會，但我認為現在不是離開我目前職位的最佳時機。」

延伸閱讀：6個學校不會教您的職業發展及工作表現的祕密

H3: 拒絕工作offer時如何結束通話

如果您希望招聘經理知道您重視他們的時間，您可以透過表達感謝及寒暄，結束通話或電子郵件。另外，如果您為自己留有後路，特別是您所在的行業行頭很窄，可能不知道什麼時候就會再度交集，可以考慮利用以下禮貌的方式結束通話：

「再次感謝您抽出時間面試，並為我提供這個offer。祝您順利找到適合該職位的人選。很高興有機會認識您，希望我們將來能有機會再次合作。」

如何透過email拒絕offer

工作順利

［寄件人全名］謹啟

［日期］

延伸閱讀：辭職信範本【2023最新】

在多個offer之間作出決定

當面臨多個offer時，請按照以下步驟評估並選擇最適合您的一個：

1. 評估公司文化：研究每家公司的價值觀和工作環境，以確定符合您的偏好。

2. 比較職涯發展機會：考慮每家公司的晉升、專業發展和技能建立潛力。

3. 評估工作與生活的平衡：考慮每個公司的工作彈性、工作量和福利，找到個人和職業生活的最佳平衡。

4. 比較薪酬方案：分析薪資、獎金、福利和津貼，以確定哪個在經濟上最具吸引力。

5. 諮詢您的人際網絡：聯絡前僱員或同行業的行家，獲得他們對每家公司的見解和建議。記得在與您不認識的人聯繫之前最好先進行自我介紹，因為您不了解他們，也不了解他們對僱主的看法；接觸錯誤的人可能會對您產生負面影響。

拒絕offer後如何與公司維持良好關係

拒絕工作offer或面試機會是一件令人緊張不安的事，但亦可以透過專業及優雅的方式來處理。請記住，從長遠來看，不適合您的職位最終只會產生怨懟和不快。

根據上述步驟，您可以在拒絕工作offer或面試機會的同時，繼續與潛在僱主保持良好關係。如果您想在未來的工作機會中繼續受到該公司的青睞，更可以保持定期聯繫。

其中一個方法是在 LinkedIn 上添加面試人員帳號，以便對方了解您的成就和職業發展的最新資訊。

某種程度上，透過上述方法，如果該公司出現職缺時，您仍然會是該公司的首選。

準備好迎接新工作了嗎？瀏覽更多工作機會或向我們提交您的履歷。

Michael Page

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Top 12 benefits of networking: Why networking is important

Anonymous — Wed, 07 Feb 2024 06:39:23 +0000

Top 12 benefits of networking: Why networking is important Anonymous (not verified)

Active professional networking is vital to career growth. Many shudder when they hear the term networking, associating it with awkwardness, cheesy events and the idea of ‘selling’ yourself.

However, despite its off-putting connotations, building networks is essential to forging long-term relationships and establishing a good professional reputation over time. It involves meeting and getting to know key individuals – people who you can assist, and who can potentially help you in return.

When you participate in career-focused networking opportunities, they can:

Strengthen your network business connections
Raise your professional profile
Get access to job opportunities
Exchange best practice knowledge with your network
Build your confidence
Find your dream job

Start your job search

The importance of networking

Networking is an essential craft to master, no matter what industry you work in or your level of experience. Good industry networking has a basis of trust and support – and can mean the difference between a mediocre career and a phenomenal career.

With the right approach, people networking can provide the opportunity to build mutually beneficial relationships with other professionals in your industry. Once you’ve established a solid professional network, you’ll be the first to know about job opportunities in your field and front of mind for anyone in your network who is seeking to hire someone with your skills and experience.

Who should you include in your professional network?

Having the right contacts in your professional network can help maximise your career growth and learning opportunities. Consider building your industry network with people from the following groups:

Current and former colleagues
Classmates/study peers
Professors/teachers
Friends or family members in your industry
Members of relevant industry associations, sporting teams, social and interest-based groups or religious communities
Peers from digital professional networks such as LinkedIn
Recruiters who specialise in your field

Examples of professional networking

Networking can include everything from an informal chat at a neighbour’s barbecue to attending a specialised industry networking event. In any case, the goal is to open the lines of communication and start building relationships that are relevant to your work and career.

Common examples of professional networking include:

Joining industry associations or clubs
Getting involved in networking events, expos, conferences or careers fairs
Connecting with and reaching out to relevant professionals on LinkedIn
Meeting recruiters
Keeping in touch with former colleagues
Getting to know current colleagues
Volunteering and participating in community events
Attending industry meet-ups
Joining virtual groups and communities

The biggest benefits of networking

Here are 12 reasons why you should consider building work-related networks:

1. Strengthen your network business connections

Networking is about sharing, not taking. It is about forming trust and helping one another toward goals. Regularly engaging with your contacts and finding opportunities to assist them helps to strengthen the relationship. By doing this, you sow the seeds for reciprocal assistance when you need help to achieve your goals.

2. Tap into your network for ideas

Far from it being a nuisance, most people love being asked for help – it’s flattering and makes them feel useful. If you’re struggling with a decision, challenge or new direction, calling up a trusted former colleague, mentor, teacher or friend to organise a coffee can be beneficial to both of you, as they will in turn think of you when next they have a challenge.

Offering helpful ideas in return is an excellent way to build your reputation as an innovative thinker.

3. Raise your professional profile

Being visible and getting noticed is a benefit of networking that’s essential in career building. Regularly attending professional and social events will help make your face known.

Create value for other attendees by listening carefully, following up on conversations, remembering names, and offering your knowledge and expertise.

You can then help to build your reputation as being a knowledgeable, reliable and supportive member of your profession by offering useful information or tips to people who need it.

Raising your profile within professional circles will also help you stand out to recruiters, who are always on the lookout for strong talent and who may be more likely to approach you with offers.

4. Grow your personal brand

Being visible and getting noticed is a benefit of networking that’s essential in career building. Regularly attending professional and social events will help to get your face known. You can then help to build your reputation as being knowledgeable, reliable and supportive by offering useful information or tips to people who need it.

5. Get access to job opportunities

Expanding your contacts can open doors to new opportunities for business, career advancement, personal growth, or simply new knowledge. Actively building networks helps to keep you top of mind when opportunities such as job openings arise and increases your likelihood of receiving introductions to potentially relevant people or even a referral.

Don’t forget that many jobs don’t even get advertised – particularly as your career advances – so being a recognised part of networks is a key way to gain access to opportunities that you might not have otherwise.

6. Exchange best practice knowledge with your network

Networking is a great opportunity to learn about the business techniques of your peers and stay abreast of the latest industry developments. A wide network of informed, interconnected contacts means broader access to new and valuable information.

The opportunity to gather new information is an often-overlooked benefit of networking, as it’s not the most obvious one, but it also offers career progression and development.

It’s a good idea to actively ask your contacts about developments and techniques, but also to keep an eye on what kinds of articles your contacts are sharing on LinkedIn – don’t forget to comment to let them know that you’ve appreciated the piece. And don’t discount the insights of people from other industries – they may be able to offer new angles you hadn’t previously considered.

7. Get career advice and support

Gaining the advice of experienced peers is an important benefit of work-related networks. Discussing common challenges and opportunities opens the door to valuable suggestions and guidance. Offering genuine assistance to your contacts also sets a strong foundation for receiving support in return when you need it.

8. Build your confidence

By continually putting yourself out there and meeting new people, you’re effectively stepping outside your comfort zone and building invaluable social skills and self-confidence that you can take with you anywhere. The more you network, the more you’ll grow and learn how to make lasting connections.

9. Gain a different perspective

It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day of your professional realm and end up in a rut. By networking, you can gain insights that only come from viewing a situation with fresh eyes. Asking for opinions from contacts you trust or admire can help you see things in a new light and overcome roadblocks that you might not have known how to circumvent otherwise.

10. Develop long-lasting personal relationships

Of course, the point of networking is to develop and nurture professional relationships, but some of the strongest and most long-standing friendships are borne from work connections. Your networking contacts are probably like-minded people with similar goals as your own, so it’s not unlikely that your professional support network will spill over into your personal friendships.

11. Get an answer to every question

As long as you have a strong network of professional connections, you can be confident that someone within your sphere will be able to answer even your toughest questions. And, if there’s no definitive answer, you’ll have a solid sounding board to bounce ideas off and put into action step-by-step plans to tackle bigger problems.

12. Find your dream job

Professional networking opens many doors in the form of career advice, lasting relationships and even landing your dream role. You never know who might be hiring for your ideal job, or know someone who is, and the more people you have in your network, the likelier you are to be the first to know when those big job opportunities pop up.

How to start networking

As much as building networks is beneficial to your career and even your personal life, the reality is that it doesn’t come naturally to many people. In fact, for some, the thought of starting a conversation with a stranger at a conference or event incites downright dread.

A good rule of thumb is to plan ahead and have a few relevant points of discussion in mind if you know you’re going to be in a situation where you’ll have the opportunity to meet new people. These conversation points don’t have to be all about work – they can even be about topics like hobbies or the event itself. The idea is to get the conversation flowing and leave room for future meetups and discussions.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Here are the most commonly asked questions on networking and its benefits for your career.

What are the benefits of networking?

The benefits of networking include access to job opportunities, professional connections, career advice, new ideas, and valuable information. Networking also helps with personal and business growth, building relationships, and gaining a competitive edge in your industry.

Why is networking important in the workplace?

Networking in the workplace benefits everybody involved. It is important because it helps build professional relationships, strengthen your soft skills, opens doors to new opportunities, and facilitates the exchange of ideas and best practices. It also aids in career development, personal growth, and business success.

How can I take advantage of networking opportunities?

You can make the most of networking opportunities by attending networking events, industry associations, and conferences. Engage with professionals on social media platforms like LinkedIn, participate in virtual networking events, and join professional groups to establish a strong professional network.

How can professional networking help my career development?

Professional networking can assist your career development by providing access to job opportunities, career advice, and resources. Building a strong network of industry professionals can also contribute to your career progression, personal growth, and long-term success.

What is the importance of attending networking events?

Attending networking events is essential for building professional relationships, expanding your personal network, and gaining access to valuable resources. These events provide opportunities to meet other professionals, share ideas, and learn about the latest trends and business techniques.

How can I improve my networking skills?

You can enhance your networking skills by practising small talk, attending networking events, engaging with professionals on social media platforms, and seeking advice from experienced networkers. Also, consider following networking tips and resources to help build strong connections and maintain long-lasting relationships.

How does networking help with job search and career opportunities?

Networking can help you discover new job opportunities, gain career advice, and increase your chances of being recommended for positions. A strong professional network can also help you stay updated on the latest industry developments and provide insights into the job market.

Can networking also benefit my personal life?

Yes, networking can benefit your personal life by helping you develop long-lasting friendships, build self-confidence, and expand your circle of contacts with shared interests. These connections can enrich your life and offer support in various aspects of your personal journey.

How can I overcome my fear of networking?

To overcome your fear of networking, practice making small talk, attend social events, and focus on building connections based on common interests. Remember, networking is a two-way street, and it involves meeting others with similar goals and experiences, so don't be afraid to share your ideas and ask for help.

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What is an HR business partner

emilie.c — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 01:55:47 +0000

What is an HR business partner emilie.c

An HR Business Partner (HRBPs) can best be described as a people-focused professional who works with businesses to develop an effective human resources (HR) agenda in order to attain commercial success. HR business partners work closely with businesses to build their people capability and to plan and manage talent. They often act as a point of people expertise for the business area and may implement specific people approaches which have previously been designed by a central people team or centre of expertise.

The job description and responsibilities of an HR business partner (HRBP)

HR business partners are responsible for helping organisations to improve performance and implement business strategies. They understand the needs of the business, and how to influence others to make changes that will benefit everyone. They are skilled at developing relationships and influencing others. They know what information is useful and what isn't. They can use data, metrics, and research to inform decisions and drive change. HRBPs can also work in smaller organisations, and focus on human resources management. They help employees achieve goals and objectives. Their main role is to manage the workforce and ensure that the company meets its targets. They also monitor the performance of managers and employees.

Unlike an HR agency which is an external party that provides HR services to other companies on a contractual basis, an HR business partner is an internal HR professional who collaborates closely with an organisation's leadership to align HR activities with the overall organisational strategy. They act as strategic advisors, offering tailored personnel solutions while working alongside business executives and managers. This role represents a shift towards a more strategic approach to HR.

People challenges are always present within an organisation. For a human resources business partner, their role is to guide and support the business in delivering its strategy. The main focus should be on helping the business to solve people problems. There is a need to ensure that the organisation is following best practices in relation to people management. An HR business partner also needs to challenge other senior managers to achieve this. This is often a coaching role that helps people get better at what they do by giving them advice and helping them understand how to improve. Coaches make sure that the right information gets to the right people at the right time.

Data-driven HR starts by implementing relevant human resources metrics. An HR business partner is usually present in large businesses. They have a wide range of responsibilities within an organisation. A great HR leader needs to be a change agent and a focused partner to business leaders. Both parties need to work closely together to make sure that the company succeeds.

Every HR Business Partner should understand the business and try to help shape HR policies in a manner that helps the company. Learning and development specialists understand the business they work in and know how to align their efforts with the business needs. They also know how to make an impact on the business. They often utilise a Human Resources Management Plan (HRMP), which is a strategic document outlining how an organisation will accomplish its goals. An HRMP is sometimes written by a team of people who understand the business culture, values and mission.

A human resources business partner is often responsible for ensuring that the company's strategies for acquiring talent and maintaining employees align with overall business objectives, so being an effective people person is a must. These professionals use their skills and experience to work with executives to implement strategies and manage the day-to-day operations of the organisation. In addition to developing strategies, HR business partners will immerse themselves in the principles of recruiting, employee management, and employee support. Human Resource Business Partner is a job title sometimes used by companies to describe a position that combines two different roles: HR generalist and business partner. This combination allows HR managers to focus on the day-to-day operations of human resources while also taking part in strategic planning and decision-making that benefits all relevant key stakeholders.

Skills required for HR business partnering

HR business partners have a wide variety of software products available to them to help create and communicate HR strategies, manage individual employees, develop skills, and track spending. These include business intelligence, decision support systems, data visualisation tools, and online communities that enable information sharing. These resources can help to facilitate candidate evaluation, identify staffing requirements, monitor productivity metrics, and more. Strategic planning aimed at achieving business goals is a hugely important aspect of this leadership role.

HR business partnering is gaining popularity among businesses due to its proven benefits. It helps them recruit the right people and motivate them to perform better in their daily operations. This means that the HR department is, therefore, recruiting suitable staff while also looking into the future. In recent years, this has led to a dovetailing of the HR operations with the overall goals of both the business leader and the company itself. More than ever before, those who provide HR services really are proving to be so much more than a strategic partner.

The HR business partner should know about employment law, financial and human capital, training and development, compensation and benefits, and the rewards that a successful strategic role can bring. As the process has evolved, HR business partners have moved away from their traditional role and moved on to become effective and efficient drivers of the business itself. Forward-thinking companies are fully aware of the fact that modern HR practices bear very little resemblance to what we once used to know as a personnel department.

It's also worth noting that many of the skills needed for a successful HR business partner role can be transferred relatively easily from one business sector to another. Those who excel in fields such as talent acquisition, and who can implement an effective people strategy for one company can also do the same for another.

Kickstart your career as an HR business partner with Michael Page

Are you in search of HR business partner jobs? At Michael Page, we offer a wide range of job opportunities for HR professionals. Whether your goals involve becoming an HR business partner, a talent acquisition specialist, an HR consultant, or pursuing other HR-related positions, we offer exceptional choices tailored to your aspirations.

Try our job search tool, which simplifies the process of finding your ideal job. Stay informed about new roles by setting up a job alert. If you would like to learn more about the average salary of HRBP or other human resource positions, check out our salary comparison tool and salary guide to gain valuable insights into the salary ranges of your roles.

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The best jobs in wealth management

emilie.c — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 01:47:07 +0000

The best jobs in wealth management emilie.c

The financial sector is one of the best industries to work in. Not only do you earn a good salary, but it offers great career growth potential. There are different types of jobs within the field, including investment banking, accounting, insurance, sales, asset management, and trading. Finance workers can even find positions in law firms, consulting companies, and government agencies. A bachelor's degree is usually required for most jobs, although some don't specify formal qualifications at all. Some jobs offer tuition reimbursement programs.

The financial sector encompasses a broad range of firm types that provide a variety of financial services to individuals, small businesses, large corporations, governments, and international organisations. These firms include banks, insurance companies, asset management firms, credit unions, mortgage lenders, stockbrokers, mutual funds, pension plans, hedge funds, venture capitalists, accounting firms, law firms, consulting firms, and payment processors.

In addition to providing traditional banking products like checking accounts, savings accounts, mortgages and loans, financial institutions often offer specialised financial products such as life insurance, annuities, retirement planning, student loans, and foreign exchange trading. They also provide access to global markets via online brokerage platforms, mobile apps, and electronic trading systems. Many financial institutions serve as intermediaries between savers and borrowers, acting as the go-between in transactions.

Building client relationships is crucial

A wealth management career is one of the most sought-after careers in the world these days. A wealth manager who works for a financial institution generally generates fees to manage clients' investments. These fees typically fall into one of three categories: asset-based fees, transaction-related fees, and performance-based fees. Asset-based fees are calculated based on the size of the portfolio managed by the firm. Transaction-related fees are charged for each investment transaction completed by the manager. Performance-based fees are based on how well the investor performs relative to benchmarks. Private wealth managers usually charge a flat fee per month for managing the client's account. However, some firms offer variable pricing, where the cost depends on the amount invested.

The primary role of a tax manager is to ensure that clients pay the correct amount of tax throughout any given trading year. This includes ensuring that they are filing their returns correctly and keeping up to date with changes to legislation. Added to this is the responsibility to manage a team of advisers beneath the manager. These teams tend to be quite small and manageable for most people without previous background in management. However, those who do come equipped will sometimes be shown preference at the interview stage. A typical day involves meeting with clients to discuss how they are doing financially, along with collecting information related to calculating their income tax rate. The manager might also meet with the government's tax representatives to discuss tax issues or attend meetings with other departments.

Private banking is also known as personalised banking since it is customised to meet the needs of wealthy individuals and families to manage their finances. This job involves managing the client's investments, insurance policies, mortgages, loans, etc. The main function of a private banker is to provide the best advice to their clients regarding investment strategies, tax planning, estate planning, retirement plans, risk mitigation, etc. In recent times, the private banker career has gained momentum due to the fact that the ultra-high net worth class prefers to keep their personal financial records as confidential as possible.

Financial management for the ultra-wealthy

Due to the confidentiality factor in this field, banks usually charge clients with ultra-high net worth higher fees for hiring dedicated personnel and also keeping the accounts, financial transactions, and documents secure from the rest of the employees in the bank. A private banker works alongside the wealth manager and the portfolio manager to provide the best solutions to clients.

Traders make up one of the largest professions within the financial sector. They trade stocks, bonds, currencies, and commodities around the globe. Their careers often involve high risk, long hours, and huge rewards. But those who work in trading are highly respected and well regarded within the financial sector. And despite the intense pressure and stress, they tend to enjoy good pay packages and generous bonuses.

There are several routes into the profession. They include applying directly to a firm, working a way up through the ranks, and starting out as junior analysts or brokers. University qualifications are desirable, although they are not always essential. Many financial institutions offer training programmes for traders.

Using financial analytical skills to add value

The financial services industry is highly competitive. Analysts are responsible for identifying potential growth areas and evaluating how those trends might impact companies. They must analyse the performance of stocks, bonds, commodities, currencies, and many other markets. This role will help the individual develop skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork. They'll learn about accounting, management, economics, corporate governance, and statistics.

Those who want to pursue a career as a financial analyst might want to consider taking some additional classes. Such courses could give them a head start in their professional development. Many firms offer paid positions during the summer months, and some even offer unpaid internships. This experience can expose future analysts to real-world situations and allow them to build beneficial relationships with people in the industry.

A financial analyst is one of the most coveted careers in the finance sector. This is because the job offers a wide range of opportunities, such as analysing financial statements, preparing forecasts, evaluating investments, managing risks, etc. Moreover, being a financial analyst provides a great opportunity to make money. Given the growing importance of data analytics, the need for skilled analysts is increasing rapidly.

Excellent annual salaries and attractive bonuses

There is a high demand for courses related to financial analysis due to the value it adds to organisations. These courses provide students with relevant industry-specific knowledge, practical experience, and hands-on training. The role of financial analyst is highly regarded, given the value it adds. However, it takes skill and expertise to perform well in this role. Therefore, it is important to choose a course that focuses on the specific areas that are essential for success.

Those who have the experience and the skills to have achieved success in the past as a financial analyst can easily transfer their talents to other organisations based all over the world. These individuals are in great demand from banks, pension funds, insurance companies, investment managers, and more. No job can be said to be completely future-proof, of course, but this is certainly a sector in which job security isn't a particular issue these days.

Embark on a rewarding journey in wealth management with Michael Page

Are you seeking opportunities in the field of wealth management? At Michael Page, we present a diverse range of job openings in wealth management. Whether you aspire to excel as a wealth advisor, an investment manager, or pursue any other related roles, we offer exceptional choices to help you achieve your career goals.

Our intuitive job search tool makes it effortless to find the perfect job. Stay updated on new positions by setting up a job alert. Additionally, consider our salary comparison tool and salary guide, which provides valuable insights into salaries within your desired sectors and positions.

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Getting the best from a career in finance

emilie.c — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 01:15:13 +0000

Getting the best from a career in finance emilie.c

Financiers have always had some of the highest-paying jobs in the world. However, those who want to make it big in the field have to do more than just go to college. They must prove themselves worthy of the high salary they desire. Although the job market is tight, there are plenty of positions out there, both in the financial sector itself and in various other industries.

One of the top jobs in finance is that of chief finance officer. The CFO role has evolved over the decades. In fact, it wasn't until the 1970s that the term "chief financial officer" even existed. Before that, the job was called chief finance controller, treasurer, comptroller, assistant treasurer, or something similar. The modern CFO is a high-level executive whose primary responsibility is managing the finances of a corporation. This includes budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and controlling costs.

The lead role in the finance industry

The chief financial officer (CFO) has become one of the most important roles within organisations today. This is because the CFO serves as a trusted advisor to the CEO and assists them in making key decisions regarding the overall health of the organisation.

In addition to advising the CEO about the future direction of the company, the CFO is tasked with overseeing the operations of the finance team and ensuring that the organisation meets its financial targets. The CFO must ensure that the finance team is staffed properly, and they often play a major role in hiring qualified talent. They also advise the CEO and COOs on the allocation of resources throughout the corporation.

So many career options for those with an understanding of finance

A career in financial services can cover everything from entry-level roles all the way up to senior management. The areas covered include the likes of banking and finance, insurance, investments, pensions, stockbroking, accounting, auditing, tax advice, and many more. Investment bankers, fund managers, actuaries, policy advisors, accountants, analysts, bank managers, brokers, and planners are just some of the roles that come under this umbrella.

There are a number of excellent reasons to pursue a career in finance, including a high earning potential. This is surely and particularly true in the more senior positions, roles in which qualified and experienced specialists can look to earn salaries well in excess of national averages.

Using professional qualifications to open doors

Another plus point is the opportunity to build a strong career within the industry. Specialists in roles such as financial controller, financial analyst and policy advisor are always in great demand. It's possible to move from one organisation to another with relative ease and construct a more than impressive CV through the process.

Finance professionals often enjoy flexibility in their schedules and working hours. Many companies offer part-time employment, allowing employees to balance work and personal life. Others allow a significant amount of telecommuting options, enabling workers to log into their office from home. This also means candidates can reach out for roles that aren't necessarily close to them geographically.

Financial careers offer so much in the way of stability

It's estimated that finance jobs are among those that offer the most stable careers. There are plenty of opportunities for those interested in finance, and the number of positions continues to grow each year. There's a noticeable talent gap in finance, which often leads to job-seekers having an impressive range of options to choose from when switching jobs.

A lot of people think that being a head of finance or any other similar role is just about crunching numbers and making decisions based on data. However, there are many different types of jobs within the industry, each requiring specific skills and knowledge. For example, a corporate treasurer might oversee the day-to-day operations of a corporation while a portfolio manager oversees investments. In addition, some analysts in the finance industry specialise in certain areas such as risk management, valuations, or mergers and acquisitions.

Challenging roles throughout the finance field

Therefore, this is an extremely challenging sector in which to work, and the most successful specialists tend to be those who enjoy solving problems and utilising the latest technological advancements. Standing still in the financial services sector isn't a good idea because there are always new challenges coming along.

Financial firms are always looking for ways to increase productivity and improve efficiency. One way to do that is to find people who already know what they want to learn and give them the resources to further their education. For example, employers often offer tuition reimbursement programs to encourage employees to earn a college degree. This helps companies save money because it reduces training costs and increases employee retention rates.

Employees who receive tuition assistance tend to work longer hours and take less vacation time than those without such benefits. They also spend more time studying and completing assignments. In addition, those who pursue degrees that lead to better jobs are likely to earn more over their lifetimes. As a result, they are more productive and efficient workers overall.

Every finance department offers interesting work

A finance career exposes the individual to different aspects of social and economic significance. This includes personal, institutional, and the nation's economy. They'll learn about the impact of important trends like globalisation, technology, and demography. They can gain exposure to the markets, commodities and currencies that make up our modern financial system. And They'll gain hands-on experience with accounting, budgeting, forecasting, risk management and corporate governance.

The role of finance professionals in society is changing rapidly. Today, many companies operate globally, while others are highly regulated. Finance jobs are increasingly specialised, requiring expertise in areas such as financial reporting, investment banking, quantitative analysis, and international trade. Many finance positions require a bachelor's degree, although some employers now accept applicants with less in the way of formal education. In addition to technical knowledge, successful candidates must possess strong communication skills and analytical abilities.

A career in finance offers great satisfaction

Surveys have revealed that financial professionals are among the most satisfied employees in the industry. While many professions in other sectors often have a low satisfaction rating, finance regularly ranks among the highest overall. Key factors in the general pleasure of employees include the amount of flexible working, excellent salaries, interactions with people from all walks of life and the ability to share in customer satisfaction.

With such a wide range of advantages to working in the financial industry, it comes as no surprise to hear that interest in such roles is on the increase. A career in finance can bring so much satisfaction, so those with technical skills along with interpersonal skills should start their job search as early as possible.

Begin your finance career with Michael Page

Searching for a finance job? At Michael Page, we provide a diverse range of job opportunities for finance professionals. Whether your aspirations lie in becoming a financial analyst, an investment banker, or pursuing any other finance-related position, we have excellent choices available for you.

Our user-friendly job search tool makes it simple to find your ideal job. Stay informed about new roles by setting up a job alert. Furthermore, take advantage of our salary comparison tool and salary guide, which offers valuable insights into salaries within your desired sectors and positions.

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HR’s evolving job role in the new world of work

emilie.c — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 06:23:15 +0000

HR’s evolving job role in the new world of work emilie.c

Hiring is often considered the core function of human resources (HR), but it comprises a lot more than that. HR management is the end-to-end process of recruiting, utilising, and managing an organisation's employees. It handles all aspects of the workforce, including hiring people, imparting training and development, providing employee benefits and compensation, conducting performance appraisals to retain talents, and more. Human capital is a company's greatest asset as it fuels growth and innovation, leading the business to an upward spiral of success. The HR department, therefore, plays a strategic role that shapes a company's development, policy-making, and culture.

Understanding HR’s job role needs

Careers in human resources (HR) can be many and varied, and they will suit a wide range of individuals, including those who understand the concepts behind human motivation and behaviour. HR professionals have a unique perspective because of their position within the organisation. They understand the company's priorities and challenges, and they have the ability to influence those priorities and challenges through employee retention, hiring practices, and restructuring plans. HR Directors and Managers play a critical role in shaping the culture of an organisation, making sure employees feel valued and appreciated. They also help companies recruit top talent, create career paths, and manage change.

HR professionals play an important role in helping organisations to succeed. They help employees grow professionally through performance reviews, coaching and mentoring. Using tools like exit surveys and 360 degree feedback, human resources professionals can collect valuable information about employee performance. This helps them identify areas for improvement. By improving the overall performance of the team, HR professionals can create a positive environment for all employees. No wonder those who excel in this field find themselves in great demand on the job market.

Technology cannot easily replace the interpersonal responsibilities of a human resources department. Technology can help automate many aspects of the job, like payroll, benefits and scheduling, but it cannot replace the human element. There will always be a need to hire, onboard, train and retain employees. Those who choose to pursue a career in human resources will enjoy a rewarding career path. With all the disparate sub-departments that come under the HR umbrella, it's fair to say that HR influences just about all aspects of a business.

Communication is vital for success in HR roles

Human resources professionals deal with all sorts of problems at work. You'll need to be able to think critically about the situation and come up with solutions to problems that may seem insurmountable at first. You'll also need to be able to communicate clearly and effectively with colleagues and clients. In many instances, you could end up acting as a neutral mediator in disagreements between individuals, so if you're good at acting in an independent manner, there is every chance that you could become a successful HR Manager, HR Officer or similar.

HR professionals help organisations create a positive working environment by providing services and resources that foster employee engagement and productivity. An effective HR department provides opportunities for growth and development through career planning, benefits administration, and other HR services. Many companies also provide health insurance and retirement plans to their employees. HR professionals may also assist with organisational restructuring and mergers and acquisitions.

A well-qualified HR professional is the best candidate for the job

A degree in business management, accounting, economics, finance, human resource management, marketing, psychology or even law could give candidates the skills to land a job in the HR sector. They'll also gain valuable experience during their studies, which could come in handy when applying for jobs after graduation. Some employers will expect applicants to have an undergraduate degree, but there are many ways to get experience before going to university. Some qualifications combine academic study with practical work placements, giving valuable industry experience while preparing the individual for a career in HR.

It may be advisable to consider studying Human Resources Management if you're interested in working in an organisation that provides employment opportunities to people. You'll get a broad overview of all aspects of the role, including recruitment, selection, induction, training and development, remuneration, benefits, HR systems, communications, legal issues, employee relations and many others.

A role that can positively influence everyone

HR professionals help employees and employers alike by providing advice, guidance, and solutions when issues arise. Some of the job roles that HR professionals hold include recruiting, benefits administration, payroll processing, employee relations, compensation management and compliance. Interacting with people on a daily basis is a major part of this role, and that's why this sector attracts so many people who enjoy making a difference to those around them. Many think the best part about working in HR in a commercial organisation is getting to meet new people. Many others feel that they learn a lot about other cultures and ways of doing things when they get the chance to work abroad. Some even claim that they learnt something new every day.

Needless to say, the further up the corporate ladder you go, the fewer opportunities there will be to interact with so many individuals and business partners on a daily basis. Overseeing the HR strategy of a business, irrespective of the industry sector in which it operates, can be fast-paced, exciting and rewarding, but it can also be stressful. One of the highest ranking roles, that of HR Director, will likely mean more interaction with fellow directors and senior managers than with lower level employees. The traditional HR career path has you start out as an HR Assistant, moving on to HR Officer, then on to HR Manager, and finally to HR Director.

In Hong Kong, renowned HR management bodies such as the Hong Kong Institute of Human Resource Management (HKIHRM) and Hong Kong People Management Association aim to develop, maintain and enhance professional HR standards as well as increase the value and influence of the HR profession. As the most representative professional HR institute in Hong Kong, HKIHRM has a membership of close to 5,000 members, around 520 of whom were corporate members.

Finding the strand of HR that suits your needs

HR is of course a broad term that encompasses a number of different strands. Most HR professionals become highly adept at doing administrative work, like writing job descriptions and managing employee benefits. Some also end up specialising in recruitment, while others work with legal counsel to draft contracts and review applications. And then there are those who have an influence on workplace culture, via conducting surveys and making recommendations about improving working conditions. The opportunity to explore different areas of HR and get exposure to a range of different issues is an important part of its appeal.

If you'd like to find out whether HR is the career path for you, consider making a job application for a role that fits in with your skill set. Having a positive impact on people is an enjoyable factor in this field, as is using such talents to help with the professional development of various employees. The hiring process for an HR specialist will touch on differing aspects of the human resources field, and if you already have the relevant experience and interpersonal skills, you'll have an increased chance of success.

Human resources professionals are critical to any organisation, and they tend to be highly respected. Working in the HR sector can be interesting and enjoyable, and it's worth noting that it tends to offer an above-average salary. HR is a good career choice, it has been for many years and it will continue to be for some time to come.

If you are on the lookout for HR jobs, Michael Page has a variety of opportunities available. Search HR jobs now, or set up an email job alert with us so we can notify you of new roles in the sector once they become available. You can also send us your CV or get in touch with a consultant to discuss potential roles according to your skillset and preferences. Enter your job title to see how your salary compares to the competition using our salary comparison tool.

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Building a career around the best sales jobs

emilie.c — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 06:13:57 +0000

Building a career around the best sales jobs emilie.c

Sales can be a very rewarding career. Salespeople are given the chance to interact with customers and help them solve problems, and generally have an opportunity to earn a significant sum of money. Salespeople are usually paid commissions, meaning that they get a percentage of what they sell. Some companies also offer bonuses for exceeding certain goals, one of the many reasons why sales jobs are seen as a highly attractive option for any career path.

Today, salespeople have to think like entrepreneurs, as well as like sales reps. They need to be credible, creative, independent and in tune with the risks and rewards of running a business. And they also have to be helpful and trustworthy advisors, with interpersonal skills to match. They have to be credible because customers want to trust them throughout the sales process. Customers will tend to buy more from a sales rep they like and respect. You need to be creative because you are selling ideas and concepts, and independent because you could be working on your own in the field at times. Today's buyers have far more power than they ever did before. They can research a company or product digitally through websites, forums and social media platforms. A career in sales represents a number of interesting and rewarding challenges.

Sales involves a wide range of communication skills

Sellers should be advisors, establishing expertise, positioning their solution in a manner that connects the dots between prospects' businesses, challenges, and goals, and helping them solve those problems. Those in a sales job in the B2B market are not just selling products anymore. They are also helping companies understand their customers' needs and thus align those needs with the company's offerings. Sales Engineers must help their clients identify problems and opportunities, and then analyse the customer's situation to determine what solutions will best fit their needs. As a result, active listening can be a major asset. A Sales Executive needs to think critically about the client's current state and future goals in order to recommend the right solution, while always keeping the sales process in mind.

Sales is an industry that offers great opportunities for individuals looking to earn higher annual salaries. Salespeople get paid on the basis of their efforts and performance. If you meet your monthly, quarterly and yearly quotas, you could receive commissions, annual bonuses, trips and prizes. There are also many different types of sales jobs available, including telemarketing, retail, direct selling, and more. Salespeople sometimes start on a low salary but overtime and commissions can add up quickly and help you achieve your target earnings.

Sales jobs can bring excellent earning potential

Some sales roles require selling skills, but others just involve calling customers and asking if they need anything else. Those who sell often need to be persistent, resilient, proactive, and self-motivated. They must overcome obstacles and challenges along the way. Sales Managers and Executives value the ability to motivate and inspire employees to achieve goals. They also appreciate successful salespeople who can adapt to changing market conditions.

As a Sales Associate, your ability to bring in revenue and close deals can potentially determine whether your company succeeds or fails. Sales Directors are also important for startups that sell their own products. These days, many startups are using crowdfunding platforms to raise money before launching their product, and salespeople can be critical to getting funding. Being able to gently cajole and persuade is as vital in this role as technical knowledge.

Knowing how to engage with potential customers

People are often buying what they need, not what they want. Salespeople must be interested in other people. In some ways, consumers do not buy companies or brands, they invest in relationships with people instead. When hiring a new Sales Representative, a Sales Director and others in executive positions will often be more receptive to someone who is friendly and easy to talk to, as opposed to a scripted, mechanical sales pitch.

At a more senior level, Sales Directors need to develop and plan the organisation's overall selling strategy. They will need to monitor the preparation of forecasts, draft plans for product sales, conduct demand research, assess market development prospects, implement standards for the storage, distribution, and transport of products, run regular meetings, assign tasks to employees, distribute responsibilities between departments, and manage the company's finances. Personnel management in the sales department is crucial, as is selecting the best people to improve sales strategies. Evaluating the results of previous marketing efforts and assessing customer satisfaction will also be vital.

In addition to salespeople, some more interesting job roles that require similar skill sets, including strategic planning and prospecting for new clients, are Business Development Manager (BDM) and Key Account Manager. As key members of the go-to-market team, BDMs are responsible for identifying sales leads and pitching to these prospects, gradually moving them from the top of the sales funnel to being signed customers, whereas Key Account Manager is central to retaining top customers and nurturing these key relationships in the long run.

The sales industry has vacancies at all levels

Sales provides an array of options for those starting out in their early careers and more seasoned professionals. One typical entry-level sales job is a Sales Executive, whose primary function includes lead generation and prospecting. On the more seasoned end are roles at the management level, such as Sales Manager and Sales Director, who are both responsible for overseeing the sales teams in their organisations.

The link between a salesforce and the director will often be a Sales Manager. This is a role that involves successfully managing a sales team. The manager will need to design a strategy that will expand customer acquisition and ensure a solid presence in the market. Developing an effective recruitment plan will help identify qualified candidates and hire those who best fit the company culture.

Previous sales experience is usually a must for such a senior role, as is a commitment to continuing professional development through workshops, seminars and other educational opportunities. A proven track record of success in driving revenue growth will make any candidate stand out from the rest, too. The ability to communicate, present and persuade at all levels of the company is important. Also, it would be advantageous to have an understanding of the industry and its dynamics.

Your pathway to a fulfilling job role in sales

As a sales professional, your resume is your first opportunity to show recruiters what you're made of. It's a good idea to tailor your resume to match the position you're applying for. Make sure you include all of your sales qualifications, soft skill sets, and experiences. Include relevant keywords and phrases from your job description. If possible, apply for positions that align with your interests. You'll also need to write a cover letter detailing your past accomplishments and why you'd be a great fit for the company. Be sure to mention that you have a passion for sales, and that you see the sales job as a fantastic opportunity for your personal growth.

The best way to seek out a job in sales is usually via recruitment agency websites and online job boards, but some people hear about vacant sales positions through their extended network of business associates. The very best sales jobs, with either smaller or larger companies, could be closer than you think, whether you already have direct experience in the field or you're a complete newcomer.

If you are on the lookout for sales jobs, Michael Page has a variety of opportunities available. Search sales jobs now, or set up an email job alert with us so we can notify you of new roles in the sector once they become available. You can also send us your CV or get in touch with a consultant to discuss potential roles according to your skillset and preferences. Enter your job title to see how your salary compares to the competition using our salary comparison tool.

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Are you ready for a career in finance?

emilie.c — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 03:44:04 +0000

Are you ready for a career in finance? emilie.c

There is a huge range of jobs available in finance these days, covering a variety of skill sets. For example, you could become an accountant, an investment manager, a banker or an actuary. You may choose to specialise in one area, such as accounting, or another, such as investment management. Within each of those areas, there are many different roles available, including both senior positions and those with a chance for growth in their career.

Investment management can be one of the most interesting sectors in the finance industry, in part because there are many different ways to invest money. For example, clients could invest in bonds or shares, or they might choose to put some of their money in an index fund that tracks the performance of the overall market. A number of impressive vacancies can be found here, including those in private equity, wealth management and hedge funds.

Financial careers have been around for a very long time

While many financial sectors are relatively new, retail banking has of course been around for many years. Although the specifics of the role are constantly evolving, services such as cash management, debit card transactions, mobile payments, online bill payments, and automated teller machines continue to operate. Retail banking sometimes gives employees the chance to earn higher wages than other jobs in finance. Those who succeed in such roles need to be flexible, adaptable, geographically mobile and have the ability to build strong working relationships with colleagues across all divisions and departments. Good communication skills and impressive technical skills are also a must.

Retail banking is a great profession if you enjoy helping customers solve problems and providing them with financial products and services. It offers many benefits, including flexible scheduling, which means that your shift could start at different times. In many banks, there is often a defined career ladder for those who wish to progress, going all the way up to senior roles such as Department Manager, Finance Director and CEO.

Can you handle the management of investment portfolios?

One of the most demanding financial roles is that of a Portfolio Manager. This individual manages portfolios of assets for institutions and private clients alike. The main priority is to help investors allocate their resources efficiently. After graduating from college, many young professionals go into investment banking or private equity. Some choose to become analysts at commercial banks or credit unions. Others join asset management firms operating in markets right across the globe. Many others pursue a career in money management. For those who aspire to run their own investment firm, there are two paths. One of these leads to a partnership with an established firm. Another path leads to starting your own firm. Either way, you must pass rigorous exams to earn the appropriate licences.

Many of those who succeed in the financial sector move on to roles such as that of Finance Manager, Finance Director, or even Chief Financial Officer (CFO). If your career path is moving towards these senior positions, you'll need to have strong accounting knowledge with the qualifications to match, be capable of producing budgetary reports and be skilled at delegating tasks to others. As you might expect from such responsible and important roles, the financial rewards in terms of base salary and bonuses can be very tempting.

Finance jobs require particular skills and qualities

As a finance candidate, you will need to be able to think critically, communicate effectively and collaborate with others. You will also need to keep up with the latest trends in financial markets, technology, tax law and other areas related to finance. Your main responsibility may be to solve problems for clients using your knowledge of markets, principles and procedures. As a finance professional, you will be responsible for analysing client needs and recommending solutions that meet those needs. If you are taking on a senior role such as Finance Manager or CFO, you will need to be adept at managing others within a team and being able to juggle multiple tasks at once. If you're particularly skilled in technological matters, a career in fintech could be perfect for you.

The finance industry is one that never stands still

The financial sector is constantly evolving and growing. New markets, new laws and regulations, new technologies, and a more globalised market mean that there are always opportunities for those seeking a career in finance. However, due to the increasing demand for qualified professionals, the search for these talented individuals is bigger than ever before, and the need for qualified tech-savvy candidates continues to grow. If you are keen to work in such a fast-paced industry, and to benefit from a wide variety of career paths, now is a good time to do so.

Prospects for finance professionals in Hong Kong

Hong Kong has always been a booming financial hub, especially for international businesses wishing to connect with the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area. As such, the demand for finance professionals remains high within the city across a number of job roles.

To connect with like minded individuals in the finance industry and to make your resume more appealing during a job search, a number of local finance associations can be applied to in order to show your commitment to the field. The Hong Kong Association of Financial Advisors is one such professional body that promotes collaboration across multi-disciplinary areas of finance, investment, banking, taxation and other related areas. Those interested in fintech could consider joining the Hong Kong Fintech Industry Association, whilst those looking for a career in green finance could apply for membership at the Hong Kong Green Finance Association. Being a member of one or more of these associations could make all the difference in propelling you forward in your finance career.

An interesting professional finance career awaits

As the world economy grows, there are more jobs available than ever before. As a result, many students choose to study finance because it offers a high salary, plenty of interesting and challenging assignments, and a great opportunity to meet like-minded individuals. Roles such as investment banking, trading, corporate finance, private equity, hedge funds, venture capital, asset management, wealth planning and accounting all offer much in the way of rewards. Whatever path you choose, you will always have the option of switching careers if you wish to pursue something else. In addition to offering a solid salary, the industry also offers stability and the chance to progress on to more senior positions such as Financial Controller, Chief Finance Officer (CFO) and Senior Financial Analyst.

While there are many good reasons to seek a career in finance, one of the most overlooked is that of job security. No roles are ever guaranteed, of course, but finance as an industry isn't going to disappear overnight. This is a sector that is always looking to evolve and expand, and with technological innovations always in the mix it's a dynamic and exciting area in which to work.

Finance is also one of the most diverse industries in terms of roles that are available. There are a number of different markets around the world, each of them featuring some of the most famous names in global commerce. The financial industry is a wonderful destination for both newcomers and those reaching a successful completion of their university education. If you have analytical skills and a will to succeed, the chances are you will be in demand.

Step into the realm of finance jobs with Michael Page

If you have decided a career in finance is for you, Michael Page is ready to help you on your job search. Whether you are a budding Internal Auditor, an aspiring Finance Manager, or even wanting to explore a career in fintech, we have plenty of lucrative jobs available on the market for you according to your skillset.

Search finance jobs today and create a job alert so you don’t miss out on any new opportunities that could be perfect for you. Unsure of how much you should be earning in the field? Use our salary comparison tool to find out how much you are worth according to industry benchmarks - never sell yourself short!

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The wide range of jobs in the legal sector

emilie.c — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 03:10:54 +0000

The wide range of jobs in the legal sector emilie.c

Legal services are delivered through a team of highly trained professionals. Lawyers work together to review contracts, write court filings, draft legislation, represent clients at hearings and negotiate settlements. Legal services are provided in many different ways, including via telephone, in person, online, and by video conference. New technologies have made it possible to offer legal services remotely and automate a number of aspects of the process. For example, electronic filing systems allow lawyers to submit documents electronically instead of printing them out and mailing them. Similarly, virtual assistants can help lawyers conduct research, manage client files and more.

A lawyer generally works to help others navigate through the legal system. A paralegal assists with paperwork and other administrative tasks. These professionals may also be referred to as assistants or legal assistants. Other roles include those of solicitor, arbitrator, barrister, clerk, legal executive, legal manager, legal compliance officer, judge and coroner. Roles can also differ in title from one country or region to another. In the legal sector, jobs tend to be available within a wide selection of organisations.

With so much variety in the industry, the required skill sets can change from one role to the next. As a general rule, however, key competencies are likely to include attention to detail, good communication skills, an ability to work alone and as part of a team, an aptitude for analysis and research, being an exceptional problem-solver and having an organised and methodical approach.

Professional development that comes from working in law

Law degrees cover the foundation subjects that are necessary to enter the legal profession. The understanding of legal implications and the ability to apply this in practice can be valuable in the public, private and volunteer sectors. Skills gained through studying law include research using a range of sources, evaluating and interpreting complex information and making informed decisions.

Reasoning and critical judgement skills can be vital, as is the ability to formulate sound arguments. Writing concisely is also important. There is also a need for confident and persuasive verbal communication skills.

Qualified lawyers can work in various sectors

Candidates who are qualified as solicitors might work in a number of legal practices. High street solicitors cover criminal, family, conveyancing, probate and business matters. They may also get opportunities through local and national government or large organisations, which often have in-house lawyers. Barristers are usually employed by a firm of barristers called a chamber. For those entering the world of legal counsel straight from university, becoming a qualified lawyer typically involves passing a series of professional examinations after gaining experience in the field.

One of the growing areas in the legal sector is commercial law, a broad term for legal services designed to help companies remain successful. These services include intellectual property rights, contracts, and selling goods and services. IP rights are important for creators and manufacturers to profit from their ideas, contracts are essential for any company to operate, and agencies or distributorships allow clients to sell their products or services to others.

How can legal job candidates stand out to employers?

Getting a foot in the door with a large law firm can be challenging. These firms are often highly selective about who they choose to hire. That means a candidate needs to stand out among many other applicants. To get noticed, they must first demonstrate drive and ambition, and show they possess the skills necessary to succeed in the legal profession. Finally, they should demonstrate that they will fit well within the culture of the firm.

Working at a big law firm can also be very rewarding for those looking to advance their careers. They will enjoy access to an extensive network of lawyers and legal professionals, and they'll get exposure to many different types of cases and clients. There will also be plenty of opportunities to gain valuable experience and skills, especially if the individual chooses to specialise in roles such as law firm associate, litigation lawyer, employment lawyer and more.

If one is aiming to become a lawyer, barrister, or solicitor in Hong Kong, employers will be looking out for a number of qualifications, for example, a bachelor’s degree and a postgraduate certificate in Laws. They might also prioritise candidates who have completed a training contract or have relevant experience. Successfully applying for admission to the Law Society of Hong Kong will also make candidates stand out in the eyes of employers, especially to bigger law firms. Being able to communicate in Cantonese, English, and Mandarin will also be advantageous for a number of legal sector roles, especially for those wishing to join international law firms.

Covering legal issues in a variety of sectors

Government lawyers provide advice to governments around the world on all aspects of law. They advise on policies, regulations, laws and other issues related to government. They may also draft legislation and defend actions taken by governments. Government lawyers also assist in interpreting and applying current laws.

Another branch of the legal sector is family law, an area that requires understanding, sympathy, sensitivity and a great deal of legal knowledge. Family law is made up of three general areas of work: matrimonial, finance, estate planning and child law. Many lawyers choose to specialise in one branch or another, while others maintain a mixed clientele. It can also cover domestic violence, guardianship, child abuse and neglect. Other matters might include inheritance law, retirement, pensions and other benefits.

A career in law requires an adaptable approach

Both trainee and experienced paralegals are a valuable part of any legal team. They assist lawyers in all aspects of the legal system, including research, drafting contracts, preparing court and other legal documents and filing paperwork. Some of those who work as a paralegal specialise in particular areas of law, such as intellectual property, personal injury, employment law, corporate law, family law, criminal law, immigration law, consumer protection, or civil litigation.

Working in law gives the individual a chance to build a strong career and cultivate valuable relationships along the way. Whether working in criminal law, employment law, real estate law or any other branch, there will be a wide variety of interesting and rewarding tasks to be taken on. The bottom line is generally the need to provide the best possible client care, and to focus on the variety of issues that lead to success. This is a career path that has become increasingly popular over the years, and it's easy to see why.

Discover legal and compliance jobs with Michael Page

If you are looking to get started on your journey as a professional in legal services, Michael Page can support you during your job search. Our global recruitment agency can guide you through the process of successfully landing the legal job of your dreams, whether you are looking to become a law firm associate, legal counsel, paralegal, or other related role. Our salary comparison tool can also help you discover how much you should be earning according to industry benchmarks so you can ensure you ask for the amount you are worth when applying for new roles.

Search legal jobs with us today and create a job alert to make sure you stay updated on new positions available within the legal sector.

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Advantages and disadvantages of a mid-career switch: should you change career path?

emilie.c — Fri, 08 Sep 2023 02:28:10 +0000

Advantages and disadvantages of a mid-career switch: should you change career path? emilie.c

If you've been thinking about changing career paths lately, you might be experiencing what psychologists call mid-career stress. Then again, you might just fancy a change from the usual routines. People change careers far more these days than they did in the past, and it's easy to see why. A change of scenery, a new set of challenges, a chance to learn new things, an opportunity to engage transferable skills, and so on. All in all, there are a number of perfectly good reasons to make you want to move on and make a career switch.

Before quitting your job and seeking out a brand new career path development, ask yourself why you're considering a career change. What does your current role offer that you do or don't want to give up? Do you have the soft skills needed for the new position? And what would make you happy in a different role? Once you know the answers to both questions, you'll be better prepared to make the decision to switch jobs.

A mid-life career switch could be just what you need

The truth is that there are many different types of careers out there. Some people might say that you just need to follow your heart, while others might tell you that you must find your passion. Others will highlight the impact on both the social life and personal life. However, both of these arguments aren't usually enough to make the change a success. There has to be more than just desire, after all.

In a similar vein, a complete career change shouldn't just be viable because of the financial implications and the job opportunities that exist at that particular moment. Earning more is good, of course, but if you're going to be unhappy in the new role, things will soon start to deteriorate. In many cases, however, a career change at the mid-life stage will involve a pay cut, especially perhaps if you don't have the appropriate transferable skills, so you have to ask yourself whether that will be practical.

Career goals and career path development are different for everyone

As we grow older, the importance of money becomes increasingly relevant. We start thinking about how much money we make, what we spend it on, how long we'll live, etc. If you're struggling financially, there are many ways to improve your situation, and for some people, that could mean changing career options.

But, enough about the potential negatives, it's time to focus on the positives, and there are plenty of them that come with a career switch. Chief among them is perhaps the sense of excitement you get from trying a brand new career and seeing if it fits. New colleagues, new workplaces, new initiatives and new challenges, new paths and new developments, it can all be so exhilarating, especially if you're the sort of person who thrives on such things.

Why a career change means new positive workplace experiences

Most people will tell you that excitement is one of the best feelings you can experience while working. You are excited because you want to do something new, try out a skill set you haven't used before, and discover what you like and don't like about your work. You might even find yourself getting excited just thinking about the changes and career choices ahead. So why wouldn't you take advantage of those moments? Why shouldn't you savour every moment of being excited about your new career path?

The first few weeks of any job are usually full of uncertainty. You don't know what to expect or how things will work out. This is especially true when it comes to changing industry sectors and a mid-career switch. After all, there's a lot to learn about your new workplace. You'll probably feel like you're walking into a completely different world. And while you might think you've got everything figured out, you really haven't. That's why it's important to start thinking about upcoming transitions long before you actually make the move and how they might impact your career ladder. If you do, you'll be better prepared for whatever lies ahead.

So many positives, so few negative impacts come with a mid-career switch

Another important consideration with a mid-career change is the opportunity to expand your knowledge of systems, processes, cultures, people and practices. Far too many people find themselves in a somewhat drab and unexciting rut as they go through the middle part of their careers, sometimes working the graveyard shift for very little pay, so if you get the chance to do something different, why wouldn't you make the switch?

Some people will seek improved career opportunities because they can earn more money, some will do so because they don't want to be bored anymore, and some will switch jobs purely because they like the idea of a new challenge. In the latter case, it can be so rewarding to push your talents and abilities to the limit, especially after having worked in a less challenging role for so many years.

Joining a new company and starting work under a new management style is always challenging. However, it is one of those experiences that should be embraced and enjoyed rather than dreaded. When joining a new employer, it's easy to understand that there will be changes to how things worked previously, but this should be seen as a good thing, not a bad one, for your career.

Match your career goals to your sense of enjoyment

Embracing change completely is often the key to success. There are many ways to do this, including learning from others, getting involved in projects, asking questions, increasing social interaction and keeping up-to-date with news and industry trends. In addition, having a good relationship with your new manager is often crucial. Knowing that they want to help you succeed at your new job will make you feel more comfortable taking risks.

Finally, remember that joining a new company is an exciting opportunity for your career. You will probably be feeling excited and nervous at the same time, but don't let either of these emotions affect your performance. Instead, focus on doing your best, learning new skills, and enjoying yourself. Whether you see this new development as a challenge faced or a challenge embraced, it should always be an exciting and enjoyable prospect, opening up new opportunities for success.

Considering a mid-career switch? Find exciting new opportunities on Michael Page

Are you considering a mid-career switch? Michael Page understands the desire for new challenges, changes and personal growth. Browse our available jobs, request a hiring callback, or simply contact our team of consultants today to explore the new career possibilities ahead for you. Embark on a new career path development with Michael Page today.

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How to reject a job offer politely (email & phone examples)

Simone Wu — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 19:33:33 +0000

How to reject a job offer politely (email & phone examples) Simone Wu

Rejecting a job offer can feel uncomfortable, but it’s a common part of career progression. At Michael Page, we understand the importance of handling this professionally to protect your reputation and keep future opportunities open.

In this guide, you’ll find practical steps, templates, and answers to common questions – all designed to help you reject a job offer politely while maintaining positive relationships.

Find your next opportunity

Why declining a job offer matters (and when to do it)

Turning down a job offer is perfectly acceptable – especially if you have competing offers or the role simply isn’t the right fit. Aim to respond promptly, thank the employer, and give a brief, non-specific reason. This protects your reputation and keeps future options open.

Rejecting a job offer: A quick decision framework

Before turning down an offer, weigh the key factors that determine whether the role is truly right for you:

Role fit: Do the responsibilities align with your strengths and interests?
Manager and culture: Can you see yourself thriving with the team and leadership style?
Growth: Does the role provide clear progression, learning opportunities, and meaningful challenges?
Compensation: Does the salary, benefits, and flexibility meet your expectations? If pay is the sticking point, explore negotiation strategies to benchmark and discuss ranges with confidence.
Practicalities: Is the commute or relocation manageable, are visa requirements and timing realistic, and is the start date feasible? If you’re leaving your current role, be thoughtful about how you resign to maintain positive relationships.

If two or more of these areas fall short, it’s usually a sign to decline. If you’re still uncertain, ask clarifying questions before deciding. Once you’ve made your choice, respond quickly and professionally to protect your reputation and keep future opportunities open.

How to reject a job offer gracefully – Step by step

Step 1: Decide promptly

Once decided, don’t delay – inform the employer or the hiring manager quickly.

Step 2: Choose the medium

Phone adds warmth (common in Hong Kong’s relationship-centred business culture); email is fine if timing or availability is tight.

Step 3: Use a clear structure

Thank them (including their time and effort throughout the interview process) → brief reason (non-specific) → positive closing → optional networking line.

Step 4: Follow up

Send a short email recap if you declined by phone – connect on LinkedIn to keep the door open. As you do, invest in your network; networking is beneficial for long-term career growth.

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Declining a job offer via phone – Sample scripts

Scenario A: Accepted another offer

“Hello [Name], thank you for the offer to join [Company] as [Title]. After careful thought, I’ve accepted another position that aligns closely with my current goals, so I’ll need to decline. I’m grateful for your time and the opportunity. I hope we can stay in touch – wishing you every success filling the role.” 

Scenario B: Role or culture not the right fit

“Hello [Name], thank you for the offer and for the conversations we’ve had. I’ve decided the role isn’t the best fit for my long-term goals, so I’ll decline. I truly appreciate your consideration and hope our paths cross again.” 

Scenario C: Compensation gap

Dear [Name],

Thank you for the offer and our discussions around compensation. I’ve decided to decline, as the package sits outside the range I need to make a move.

I appreciate the opportunity and wish you and the hiring team well with the search.

Kind regards, 
[Your Name]

Template 4 – Staying at current employer

Subject: Offer for [Job Title]

Dear [Name],

Thank you for the offer. While the role is compelling, I’ve decided to remain in my current position for now, so I must decline. I’m grateful for your time and hope we cross paths again.

Kind regards, 
[Your Name]

Template 5 – Rescinding after acceptance (use sparingly; act quickly) 

Subject: Update on [Job Title] Offer

Dear [Name],

I’m grateful for your offer and the confidence you placed in me. After further reflection, I must withdraw my acceptance, as the role isn’t the right fit for my goals at this time. I’m sorry for any inconvenience this causes. Thank you again for the opportunity; I hope we may connect in future.

Kind regards, 
[Your Name]

After declining: Keep doors open after you reject a job offer

Send a brief thank‑you note the same day to express appreciation.
Connect on LinkedIn with a personalised message, such as “Thanks again – I hope we can stay in touch.”
Offer a referral if you know other candidates who may be a good fit.
Save the contact information and set a reminder to share an update or reconnect within 3 to 6 months.

Common mistakes when rejecting a job offer

Delaying your response: Once you’ve made your decision, communicate it promptly.
Over-explaining or criticising: Keep your reasoning brief, neutral, and professional.
Ghosting: Failing to reply damages your reputation, offering a polite decline is always better.
Declining without gratitude: Skipping a thank‑you undermines rapport; express appreciation to maintain positive connections.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs): How to reject a job offer politely

1. Is it unprofessional to decline a job offer?

No, it is not unprofessional. In today’s job market, candidates often have multiple offers, especially in competitive fields. Declining politely is normal. Respond promptly, thank the employer, and keep your reason brief.

2. Should I call or email to decline?

You can call or email to decline. Either option is appropriate. A phone call adds a personal touch and is often appreciated, especially in cultures that value direct communication. However, an email alone is acceptable if timing is tight.

3. Do I need to give a reason?

Offer a brief, non-specific reason (e.g., “another offer better aligns with my goals”). Avoid negative detail – protect the relationship.

4. Can I decline after I’ve accepted?

Yes, but act immediately, apologise, and be clear. Understand reputational risks and avoid last-minute withdrawals where possible. If your current employer responds with incentives to stay, weigh them against your initial reasons for moving on and handle salary negotiations thoughtfully before you decide.

5. How quickly should I respond?

As soon as you decide – prompt replies help employers progress with other candidates and reflect professionalism.

Ready to make your next career move? Our job search tool enables you to easily find the perfect job, or set up job alerts to stay on top of new opportunities.

Carol Yeoh

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You vs your colleagues: How to handle internal promotions

Naren Sankar — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 06:35:41 +0000

You vs your colleagues: How to handle internal promotions Naren Sankar

When an opportunity for promotion arises at work, employees may be pitted against each other as they vie for the same chance. Regardless of whether you are friendly with those colleagues you’re competing against or if another peer has been there longer than you have and therefore seems to be the obvious choice, it’s realistic that the process can get uncomfortable, knowing that one of you will miss out.

In contrast, the other gets a shiny new opportunity, a title change and probably a pay rise to go with it.

Whether you’re the one who gets the job or the one who misses out, how you conduct yourself before, during and after the internal promotion process can have a long-lasting impact on team cohesion, employee engagement and how your colleagues and manager perceive you.

The many benefits of internal promotions

Employers often prefer to promote internally rather than pursue external hires because promoting internal candidates fosters a sense of loyalty and motivation among existing employees. Recognising and rewarding their hard work and dedication through promotions instils a sense of pride and encourages others to strive for advancement within the business.

Internal promotions result in a shorter learning curve and faster integration into the new role than external hiring. Internal talent is already familiar with the company culture, processes, and values, reducing the time required for training and adaptation.

Internal hires ensure continuity and stability within the business. Employers can maintain consistency in decision-making, knowledge transfer, employee development and succession planning by promoting employees who have already demonstrated their capabilities and understanding of the company’s operations.

Promoting internally also boosts employee morale and engagement. Successful internal promotions convey that growth and advancement opportunities exist within the organisation, motivating employees to perform at their best and invest in their career growth. Human resources departments are crucial in facilitating and overseeing your promotion journey.

Put your best foot forward for the promotion

Internal promotions at work can mean some awkwardness between yourself and colleagues, but it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t put your best foot forward when applying for the role. Firstly, do not compare yourself to your colleagues.

Also, avoid downplaying your capabilities or feeling like you can’t speak highly of yourself in front of your peers. If you want the role, ensure you focus on your key achievements and abilities and how you can demonstrate that you’re the right person for the promotion.

Like any other job interview, planning is key: make sure you have talking points prepared that showcase your contribution to the company and aptitude to take on the role and its responsibilities. Also, prepare some interview questions to understand better the next steps in the hiring process and anything else that will help you determine whether this opportunity is right for you.

If you get the promotion

Congratulations! The most important thing to remember now is to be gracious and sensitive to your co-workers’ potential sense of defeat. This doesn’t mean you should pity them or make a show of consoling them – that kind of attention will likely make them feel worse.

Depending on how close you are to the colleague passed over, you may want to reach out and offer your consolation. However, it would be best to be careful how you phrase this to avoid being condescending or insincere.

A good approach is to send an email to the entire team (after the announcement of your promotion has officially been made), thanking management for this new opportunity and acknowledging that you were up against strong competition in your colleagues – and that you’re looking forward to working together to achieve success.

If you miss out on internal promotions

As disappointing as it might be that you missed out, don’t let this affect your performance in your current role. Instead, use the opportunity to get a clear idea of the areas you need to work on and a fresh perspective to take the next step.

As with any interview process, it is completely reasonable to seek feedback on why you weren’t selected, and this can act as your ‘cheat sheet’ on the skills you need to build up or areas where you need to increase your experience to be a viable candidate next time around.

Then set a time to speak with your manager and discuss where there are opportunities for you to gain this additional experience. You might even be able to structure a promotion timeline to check whether you’re on the right path regularly.

There may not necessarily be immediate future growth opportunities within the framework of your current role or company. But this means you need to be extra proactive about internal promotion opportunities at specific times of the year. Otherwise, you may need to consider taking up a new job at another company if your current business cannot provide you with professional growth and your next career step within a reasonable period.

Importantly, try to feel genuinely happy for your colleague. This can be hard, understandably, so try asking yourself, ‘Is this something I could achieve too?’ In addition, your future promotion could put you in the same reporting line as your colleague who was successful this time around, which means it’s going to benefit you to have a good working relationship with them now; plus, they could be your biggest advocate if a spot opens up. They think of you as being the right fit.

Furthermore, you should still recognise your efforts, especially if you made it to the final two or three candidate shortlist. This achievement can be a great motivator and can stop any negative feelings from taking over, encouraging you to move on and focus on what’s important for you to work on right now to be successful the next time there’s an internal promotion.

Looking for a great job opportunity? Browse our latest jobs, submit your CV, or get in touch with a Michael Page consultant to discuss roles in your field.

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5 ways to advance your tech career

Naren Sankar — Fri, 09 Jun 2023 02:37:02 +0000

5 ways to advance your tech career Naren Sankar

There are many talented people in the technology industry, but few outright geniuses. Most of us, however gifted, need to work hard on developing and maintaining our skills if we want to reach the summit of our chosen field.

However, it’s not always easy to determine what skills have the most value in today’s market. And then there’s the million-dollar question: Should you focus more intensely on developing your hard skills or soft skills?

To some extent, this depends on your career path. “In all aspects of technology, across both functional and technical, candidates need to develop soft skills so they can communicate and collaborate effectively,” says Daniel Rogers, Regional Director at Michael Page Australia for technology recruitment.

“Even in highlight technical roles like, DevOp’s, in-demand candidates need to understand their actions are not independent and they need to collaborate with Operations and other developers to deliver consistent code and align to business outcomes.”

That’s not to say that engineers won’t benefit from improving their listening skills, or that project managers will be wasting their time learning the finer points of cloud architecture.

If you want to catch a recruiter's eye or negotiate a salary bump with your current employer, it helps enormously if you can demonstrate that you’ve acquired skills outside your comfort zone.

To that end, here are five simple steps you can take to build new skills and advance your tech career.

Define what success looks like for you and set some goals

Before signing up for tech meetups and coding boot camps, take some time to consider where you want to be — and how much you want to earn — in three years.

Without clear goals, you’ll find it difficult to draw up a career roadmap and may end up wasting time acquiring skills and qualifications that don’t add value to your CV or professional development.

Discuss with your manager, colleagues and other tech contacts for advice on the kind of IT roles that suit your skill set. Sometimes, they can help identify certain factors that may be blind spots for you. Then, research the experience and educational requirements for those roles.

You can also look at job descriptions to match your skills and find out what sorts of skills employers require in tech jobs that interest you. If you’re going in a position like a data scientist, for example, you may need to spend several years obtaining a graduate degree.

When defining goals, focus on things you can measure (salary, for example, or the number of open positions in any given field) and don’t plan too far ahead.

Break down your long-term goal into realistic, short-term milestones. This will keep you motivated, and make it easier to pivot to a different set of goals if things don’t go to plan.

Ask for feedback — and act on it

One of the hallmarks of successful people is that they learn from their mistakes. They also learn from their successes, analysing their performance, so they can do even better in the future.

This kind of mindset is particularly important in tech — a fast-paced, competitive industry where simple errors can have business-critical consequences.

Even the best software engineers in top tech companies benefit from peer code review, in which one or more teammates check your work. This makes your code better and more stable and helps you with collaboration and relationship building — vital soft skills for advancing your tech career.

If you work in a non-technical role, any feedback you receive will be more subjective — there’s no right or wrong way to deal with a user enquiry, for example, or lead a team meeting.

But by asking managers and peers to assess your communication, leadership and other soft skills, you will gain valuable insights into the areas you need to improve upon to up your career prospects.

Never stop developing your professional skills

To succeed as a tech professional, you need to be prepared to learn something new daily. The moment you stop learning is the moment you start to lose your value.

For a recruiter’s perspective on the kind of tech skills employers are looking for in 2023, Rogers adds, “While Python, SQL, Ruby, Java and JavaScript continue to the be the most in-demand Software Development skills, being able to problem solve, manage your time and also have a strong attention to detail are also equally as important.”

“As tech skills progress, some skills, unfortunately, do become less in demand; we are seeing this happen across Linus being a ‘must have’ skill set.”

That’s a snapshot — things are bound to look different in 2023. Here are three ways job seekers can update their tech skills and stay on top of emerging trends.

Attend a boot camp. Lasting three to six months and offered both in-person and online, these intensive courses aren’t just for beginners. A focused bootcamp can provide you with job-ready skills to help you transition to your next career move in the tech industry. Most camps specialise in popular coding languages such as Python and Java, but if you’re looking to enter a highly specialised field, you’ll also find ones devoted to more niche technologies. Some boot camps even offer career advice services and coaching to help you set clear career goals.
Take an advanced degree. Maths and statistics-heavy fields like data science have high barriers to entry, usually in the form of a postgraduate degree (either a master’s or a PhD.). It typically takes two years to complete a master’s, though some programs offer a one-year fast track for the most talented applicants. If you’re unsure how your tech career will develop, consider a degree like MBA in IT, which will enable you to strengthen your IT skills and business knowledge for career advancement.
Learn by doing. Not everyone has the time and resources to pursue an advanced degree or even attend boot camp. A good alternative is asking your manager to assign you challenging or experimental assignments in your current role.

Sharpen your soft skills

It’s a myth that people are “born communicators” or “born leaders.” Those described in such terms have usually spent years honing their skills, learning from their mistakes and listening carefully to feedback from their managers and peers.

One tried-and-trusted way to improve soft skills is to ask your manager for stretch assignments that take you outside your regular routine and job description.

If you’re a software engineer, you might ask for assignments that place a premium on communication skills and empathy, such as delivering a presentation to a client or joining a cross-functional team created to solve a difficult problem.

Build up your personal brand

Networking is another must-have skill for tech professionals, but it’s not simply about making contacts in the tech industry or increasing your follower count on social media platforms. You can have thousands of connections on LinkedIn, but if you never update your CV or engage in discussions, you’re unlikely to catch the eye of a recruiter or potential employer.

How you can leverage your digital channels to advance your tech career
Refresh your social media profiles as often as possible, adding skills and qualifications that add value to your brand and removing ones that don’t.
Seek out and follow industry influencers and experts in the areas that interest you. Share or re-post their content to build your professional network and ask for tips on how to emulate their success.
Engage in discussions on niche forums. There’s no programming language so obscure that it doesn’t have its own subreddit or Facebook group. These forums attract passionate, highly engaged experts who can pass on valuable insights and insider tips in the tech field.

Finally, don’t be afraid to take a risk. Tech talent is scarce right now, which means employers may take a chance on candidates who lack certain skills and qualifications but have determination and passion to spare.

Are you ready to make your next career move? Check out the tech roles in our job portal, or get in touch with our recruiting experts now.

Read more:
How to make a career change
Contracting vs permanent job: Which is better for you?
How to be more confident at work according to Asia's female leaders

Michael Page

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People skills: What are they, and why are they important?

lizjammal — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 04:59:49 +0000

People skills: What are they, and why are they important? lizjammal

In a world obsessed with hard, technical skills - things like coding, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence - it’s all too easy to overlook the importance of people skills.

Yet these softer skills also play a crucial role in our career performance and progression.

According to the Future of Jobs Report from the World Economic Forum, the top five skills for employees to possess in 2025 will be:

Analytical thinking and innovation
Active learning and learning strategies
Complex problem-solving
Critical thinking and analysis
Creativity, originality, and initiative

Arguably all but the second of those skills involves collaboration. So if you have excellent people skills, you’re likely to be better at them than other candidates, which in turn means you’re better placed to achieve your short and long-term career goals.

With that in mind, in this article, we will explain what people skills are, and how to build people skills to support your ongoing career development.

What are people skills?

People skills — sometimes called interpersonal skills, soft skills, social skills, emotional intelligence, communication skills and interpersonal intelligence — give us the tools to effectively communicate and engage with our colleagues.

Why are people skills important?

People skills are important because if the people within an organisation struggle to explain themselves or understand how their coworkers feel about a given project, task, or challenge, it becomes much harder for them to work together to achieve common goals.

In turn, that hurts the organisation’s productivity and profitability, while also hampering things like creativity and innovation.

Specifically, people skills can help us to:

Avoid misunderstandings. By communicating ideas and instructions more clearly, it’s less likely people will misunderstand what you’re saying.
Win support. If you can speak persuasively and understand what your audience wants to hear, it becomes much easier to influence their opinions and get them “on-side”.
Improve customer support. If you can get into your customers’ heads through active listening and understand their pain points, you’ll be better placed to solve their problems.
Solve conflicts. Conflict isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but if left unresolved, it can hurt morale and productivity. Strong people skills help you to see things from a different perspective and find commonalities, which makes serious disagreements less likely.

What our experts say:

“People skills are essential in driving high performance within teams. Individuals that are able to articulate themselves well are more likely to build stronger relationships with their peers, resulting in higher levels of team success. Social psychology shows that people buy into people, so skills where you can demonstrate empathy, rapport building and collaboration are all positive traits to help build meaningful relationships, both in the workplace and in your personal life.” - Talent Development, PageGroup

How to develop people skills

Even though people skills are extremely important, they’re often underappreciated by employers when it comes to career development.

Internal training sessions are often focused on teaching hard skills — like how to perform a specific task or use a certain piece of software. That makes it harder for employees to improve their people skills.

But just because it’s more difficult, that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Here are four tips for how to build good people skills and become a more attractive candidate:

Learn to listen properly

Listening isn’t just about hearing someone’s words; it’s also about paying attention to the meaning behind those words and forming an appropriate response. To do this well, you need to concentrate on what they’re saying, rather than trying to come up with your reply before they’ve finished speaking.

Applaud other people’s work

It can be easy (especially if you’re not in a people management role) to put yourself in a silo and focus solely on your own work, without paying attention to the efforts of those around you. But that sort of insular attitude makes it hard - if not impossible - to develop good people skills.

Get into the habit of finding out what other people in your team or department are working on and congratulate them for a job well done. Not only will it make them feel good, but it’ll encourage you to be less insular.

Expand your network

In both our professional and personal lives, it can be easy to “stay in our box” and only speak to the same types of people. We might be fantastic at communicating with those people. But to truly develop your people skills, you need to be able to engage with and understand people even if you don’t have a natural, immediate rapport with them. That means expanding your personal network and speaking to people who aren’t your friends or close colleagues.

Study (and respect) cultural differences

There’s no ‘one way’ to effectively communicate a piece of information. Just as your approach might vary for people of different seniority or skill levels, it might also differ depending on the cultural background of your audience. For instance, in some cultures workers typically expect a greater level of empathy in professional relationships, whereas in others, communications are often far more direct.

If you know you will be working with people from a range of cultures, or have an international client base, it’s smart to study these cultural differences so you can understand how best to communicate with each.

Developing soft skills cultivates your adaptability, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence, empowering you to navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and thrive in your chosen career paths.

If you're ready to take the next step in your career, browse our open job opportunities.

Michael Page

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High-Paying Contract Jobs: Your Hong Kong Guide to the Best Opportunities

emilie.c — Tue, 02 May 2023 06:38:33 +0000

High-Paying Contract Jobs: Your Hong Kong Guide to the Best Opportunities emilie.c

Over the past 3 years, there has been a noticeable surge of contract based jobs following the global pandemic. This increase can be attributed to several factors:

Enhanced Flexibility: Contracting work offers greater flexibility for both job hunters and employers. This allows individuals to pursue diverse projects and roles, while granting businesses the ability to upscale or descale their workforce as required;
Market Uncertainty: The post-pandemic economic uncertainty has led companies to favour temporary hires as a means of mitigating risk and maintaining financial stability;
Cost Savings: Employing contract roles can result in significant cost reductions, as businesses do not need to provide the same comprehensive benefit package as they would for full-time employees;
Streamlined Hiring: The recruitment processes for contract jobs tend to be shorter and more efficient. It allows a quicker workforce adjustment in response to changing needs;
Opportunities for Career Transition: Contracting roles provide individuals with the chance to explore new fields or industries, broadening their professional experience and enhancing their skills.

The high paying contract jobs in Hong Kong for 2023 will be discussed in this article. We will also look at the outlook for the contract jobs market, which can help you decide if becoming a contractor is right for you.

Contract Job Offers

Contractors are not the only ones that like contract jobs. Hong Kong employers may prefer to use them too. Some companies will use contract management to quickly scale up or down without having additional fixed overhead costs.

Thus, whether you're considering a contracting career or are interested in the highest-paying and most sought-after contract positions in Hong Kong, keep reading.

What is the outlook for contracting work?

The contracting job market has been growing steadily in recent years, and this trend is expected to continue in the coming years. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the shift towards contract work as companies look for more flexible and cost-effective ways to fill their talent needs.

In particular, the IT, financial services, and banking sectors have seen a significant increase in demand for contract workers. This is partly due to the need for specialized skills and expertise, often found in contract workers who can provide focused solutions for specific projects. Additionally, with the rise of remote work and the need for digital transformation, the demand for IT contractors has continued to increase.

The outlook for contracting jobs remains positive, even for administrative and clerical support roles. Contractors might anticipate finding a variety of employment across numerous sectors if they have the necessary qualifications and expertise. To further position themselves for success in the always-changing employment market, they can start or continue keeping up with the most recent trends and advancements in their industry.

What are the best-paying contracting jobs in 2023?

In 2023, the best-paying contracting jobs are expected to be in the IT and financial services sectors. These roles require specialized skills and experience, making them high in demand and commanding higher rates. Some contractors in project roles may even enjoy 1 to 3 months gratitude bonus after project completion.

Now let's take a look at these top roles:

IT Professionals

IT Scrum Masters

IT Scrum Masters play a critical role in the success of IT projects, and their demand is only expected to increase in the coming years. They are responsible for facilitating the agile development process and ensuring that projects are delivered on time and within budget. IT Scrum Masters are also among the highest-paid contracting roles in the IT industry, earning between HK$70,000 to HK$100,000 monthly.

Scrum Master Contracting Jobs

IT Project or Programme Manager

IT Project or Programme Managers are another in-demand contracting role in the IT industry. They are responsible for overseeing the planning, execution, and delivery of IT projects or programs. These roles are highly renumerated and can earn a premium due to their high responsibility level and critical role in ensuring project success. Their salaries range from HK$ 60,000 to HK$170,000 monthly.

IT Project Manager Contracting Jobs

IT Architects

IT Architects design and implement complex IT systems, ensuring alignment with business needs and security compliance. They play a critical role in the success of IT projects and programs, and their demand is only expected to increase in the coming years. With expertise in high demand, they can earn a premium as highly-paid contractors. IT Architects can earn between HK$60,000 to HK$100,000 monthly.

IT Development Managers

IT Development Managers are highly sought-after in the IT industry due to their proficiency and knowledge. They lead projects through successful completion, providing direction for teams of software developers while ensuring that business objectives are achieved within budget and on time. Generous salaries accompany this challenging role, ranging from HK$60,000 to HK$100,000 monthly.

Commercial, support, and admin roles

Risk Business Manager

With a unique skill set, including risk assessment, data analysis, and excellent communication and interpersonal skills, Risk Business Managers are very well paid as contractors. People in this role are critical in mitigating risks and protecting an organization's reputation and financial stability.

Human Resources Manager

Human Resources (HR) Managers are responsible for overseeing the HR functions of an organization, including recruitment, employee relations, performance management, and benefits administration. HR is vital for any organization's success, and their contract rates are competitive starting from HK$60,000 to HK$85,000 monthly.

Executive Assistant

Executive Assistants play a crucial role in supporting high-level executives, like CEOs and CFOs, and ensuring that they are able to operate efficiently and effectively. Given the pressure and sensitivity of the role, Executive Assistants are in high demand and can be well-paid contractors. These roles can expect salaries from HK$40,000 to HK$60,000 monthly.

Finance System or Financial Services Project Manager

Finance System Project Managers are vital for facilitating finance-based projects within an organization, working with IT and different teams to coordinate all facets of a project’s finances. Finance System Project Managers are expected to perform complicated tasks such as SAP project management, migrating data, and dealing with regular changes to rollout, project life cycles, and implementation. Because of the technical nature of the role, they can expect high-earning salaries starting from HK$60,000 to HK$80,000 monthly. A Financial Services Project Manager focuses more on risk and compliance in order to drive changes. These roles also require sought-after expertise, resulting in competitive salaries from HK$60,000 up to HK$150,000 per month.

Finance Director

Finance Directors are extremely important to drive the financial planning of an organization. They are essential for maintaining projects and BAU to deal with peak season volume. These roles tend to be non-renewable or transition roles, with companies offering a premium on top of the monthly salary, usually resulting in a higher salary with slightly fewer benefits. These salaries range from HK$70,000 to HK$120,000 monthly.

Some other popular contracting jobs in Hong Kong includes Developer, Infrastructure Engineer, Compliance Associates and etc.

Final thoughts

2023 presents excellent opportunities for those seeking high-paying contracting jobs in Hong Kong. The pandemic has accelerated the trend towards remote work and project-based roles, increasing demand for skilled contractors in various industries.

We have listed here the best-paying and highest-demand contracting jobs in Hong Kong. Each role offers competitive salaries and career growth prospects. Remember, though, to succeed in these roles, candidates should have the required skills and experience, as well as the ability to work independently, make decisions, and communicate effectively.

Also, the job description for a contract worker will vary depending on the industry and type of role. Benefits may vary as well.

With the right mindset, you can land your dream contracting job and enjoy a fulfilling career in Hong Kong. So why wait? Take the first step towards your dream job today and explore the exciting contracting opportunities available in Hong Kong!

Michael Page

Summary

Looking for high paying contract jobs in Hong Kong? Discover the hottest opportunities in 2026 for IT Scrum Masters, Project Managers, and more.

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Building your personal brand: Tips and strategies for crafting the brand called ‘you’

Simone Wu — Mon, 27 Feb 2023 16:01:29 +0000

Building your personal brand: Tips and strategies for crafting the brand called ‘you’ Simone Wu

The importance of personal branding in today’s business world can’t be overstated. Whether you’re a manager looking to make an impact on your company or an entrepreneur trying to stand out from the crowd, having a well-defined personal brand is key.

Personal branding is about creating an identity for yourself as you would for a business brand. It is how you present yourself, your core values, beliefs, ideals, work, and personality to the world. It aims to help your target audience identify you and understand your values.

In my two decades of experience leading teams, I’ve come to realise the immense value of a solid personal brand and how it can transform a career.

Your personal brand can help you reach your goals, whether they are building your reputation, attracting new clients, or progressing in your career.

3 practical tips to start building your personal brand

Building a successful personal brand takes time, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. When creating a personal brand, you should keep these three points in mind:

1) Play to your passions

Authenticity is crucial when building a personal brand. You must be intentional about showcasing your genuine passions, as this can elevate your personal brand and cultivate a reputation that attracts others to work with you.

Share your personal story. You want your potential employers, employees, customers, and social media account followers to understand who you are and why they should care about what you have to say.

And that all starts with being authentic and genuine in everything you do, so don’t be afraid to show off your personality.

Doing this will help create trust between yourself and those around you, which is crucial for any successful relationship.

2) Identify your strengths

Once you have identified your unique persona, it’s time to figure out your competitive advantage – what sets you apart from others in the same field.

Take the time to understand your strengths and focus on highlighting those qualities in your personal brand. This can help you stand out and make a lasting impression on others, which can be especially important for those who lead teams or are business owners.

Everyone has something unique they can bring to the table, so emphasise your specific niche and those qualities in your messages when crafting a compelling personal brand.

The offline world is important too. Everything you do in real life and say in the public sphere contributes to your personal brand.

In the professional context, that would include how you behave at work, how you treat people around you, how you handle situations like crisis management, and even how you resign from your job.

This way, people will know exactly what sets you apart from everyone else and will be more likely to seek out your services or products over someone else’s.

3) Have a consistent plan

Finally, it’s important to have a consistent plan when you build a personal brand. This means setting goals for yourself – think of it as your personal branding strategy. How should you market yourself? What is your ultimate goal?

You want to build credibility in your industry. To do that, think about what you can offer through new ideas, findings, knowledge, and perspectives on various related topics.

How to get started?

For a start, you can create content regularly, whether it is through creating articles, social media posts, ebooks, and starting a podcast, and contributing to online publications, or even through your YouTube channel.

Think content strategy. Use social media platforms that relate to your personal brand. You should also engage with people online through your social media accounts, and attend networking events.

Having that consistent presence online is crucial for building relationships and credibility with potential customers and prospective clients, and growing a loyal following over time.

Whatever the plan, consistency is key. Now, you do not have to post on LinkedIn every day. For instance, you can create two LinkedIn posts, and comment on three to five popular posts every week. This is also important to help you stay top of mind with existing clients and people in your industry.

Personal branding is key to career success

Today, more employers are using the internet to conduct employment background searches and gauge the character and interests of their potential employees.

By focusing on your passions while being authentic with yourselves and others; by identifying your unique strengths; and by creating a consistent plan of action, you can build long-lasting relationships with your followers while strengthening your professional reputation within your respective industries.

Developing your personal brand can pave the way for career advancement and professional success, and create a positive reputation for you in your industry.

Ready for a new role? Browse current job opportunities or submit your CV with us.

Andy Bentote

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How to start a career in tech with no experience

Simone Wu — Wed, 19 Oct 2022 08:10:44 +0000

How to start a career in tech with no experience Simone Wu

Technology hasn’t only changed how we live, consume and interact. It has also radically advanced and increased the number of career options in the tech industry. Digitalisation has become a key driver of growth.

Choosing an area to get into can be overwhelming as technology is a broad field. Some major areas include computer science, web development, big data, mobile apps development, product management, technical writing, UI/UX design, product design, data analytics, data science, software engineering and cyber security.

“It’s a career defined by constant evolution, innovation and progression,” says Joshua Ferris, Regional Director at Michael Page Japan, who does tech recruitment.

“Technology is constantly changing, and once you master one technology, it is typically out-of-date, so you always need to study and learn new things. You are also solving business problems. Each problem is unique, and multiple technologies and methodologies can be applied to solve the problem. Hence, things have to stay fresh.”

There is a great demand for tech candidates in every job market globally. On top of that, there is not just a demand for techies in tech companies. Many industries are competing over this limited tech workforce. And that is also why a career in technology would likely provide you with opportunities to fast-track your career and get a highly competitive salary.

Diversity in tech

Besides a wide range of tech jobs and industry options, the tech industry is also one that is diverse and inclusive. Until recently, the tech industry was regarded mainly as a male domain.

While the stereotype of the young, male coder dies hard, women are now pursuing technology careers in record numbers, encouraged by forward-thinking companies who understand the advantages of building a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Michelle J Ma, Director at Michael Page Hong Kong, says, “It is still quite male-dominated for most functions, especially the more technical roles. I see more women taking up tech roles in business analytics, product management and transformation. The progression has been slow but steady in Hong Kong, compared to other markets and regions that are more vocal about having women in tech.”

Ferris adds that it is also still quite a male-dominated sector in Japan, but more female professionals are joining tech. For that same reason, older professionals and people from historically disadvantaged groups are warmly welcomed and included in the technology sector.

Another reason for moving into tech is that you’ll be picking up tech skills the market is desperate to access. “There’s a shortage of tech talent everywhere now,” says Ma. “And the demand is for all tech functions, not just software-related.”

7 practical ways to kickstart your tech career

Excited by the idea of a tech career but unsure where to start? Or are you worried you might get into an area you might dislike in the future?

The great thing about a tech career is that you can switch specialisations. The tech career path is not defined by your first tech role. We’re not saying that you should keep changing roles but that you can if you develop a new interest down the road. To get hired in the tech industry, here are some ways to get you started.

1) Sharpen the soft skills you already possess to stay competitive in the job market

From project managers to cybersecurity administrators, many IT personnel spend more time interacting with people than with machines.

“Ultimately, technology is being applied across organisations to serve business purposes. Tech professionals must communicate effectively to make the impact of technology significant, deployed adequately and aligned with the company’s vision, mission or goals. Empathy and active listening skills are the basics to start that effective communication by seeking to understand others first,” says Fiona Wen, Director at Michael Page China.

To develop soft skills like collaboration and communication, you could volunteer for projects that require you to interact with multiple people, from colleagues to customers.

Also, model the behaviour of successful people you encounter, whether your manager, a mentor or someone else. What makes them effective communicators? How do they react when put under pressure?

2) Earn entry-level IT certifications for tech jobs

Not everyone can learn new IT skills on the job. Instead of letting that frustrate you, invest some time and energy in earning an introductory IT certification.

CompTIA A+ is a foundation certificate that can help you establish a career in IT. It covers skills ranging from hardware and networking to operating systems and cyber security.

Depending on your areas of interest, other entry-level IT certifications worth considering are Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM), Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP) and Microsoft 365 Fundamentals. You can also pick software programming languages like Python, JavaScript, C/C++ and PHP.

3) Be prepared to start at the bottom (and work your way up)

With an IT certification under your belt, you’ll be on the right path if you can put the skills and knowledge you’ve acquired into practice in entry-level technology jobs.

For mid-career tech professionals, that might mean taking a step down from your current role in terms of salary and seniority. However, if you’re passionate about technology and have the drive and determination to learn new skills daily, you will quickly move up the ladder in your new field.

4) Learn some technical skills in your free time

Aside from the introductory tech certifications mentioned above, there are countless online platforms where you can learn a programming language or the fundamentals of cloud computing courses at your own speed in the technology field.

Take short courses about the different tech genres to help you find your right career path. There are a lot of online resources for lessons. For instance, freeCodeCamp is a non-profit, interactive learning web platform where you can learn to code for free. And these can be added to your resume.

5) Build your portfolio

Besides taking tech courses, you can also volunteer for cross-functional, open-source projects and participate in hackathons or coding competitions.

These channels provide a platform for new techies to gain coding experience and build their skill sets. The skills you pick up would be useful to help you present yourself as a strong technical candidate when you get in front of a hiring manager.

6) Look for tech jobs in your current industry or organisation

While there’s no age barrier to tech careers, and anyone passionate about technology should feel free to pursue tech jobs, it needs to be said that it can be challenging for someone older, say in their 50s, to get into tech at their age.

Wen explains, “Changes in technology can happen quickly, and that can require a lot of energy, time and effort to keep up in terms of upskilling. A better and safer choice would be to search for opportunities in your current organisation or sector, where you can use some of the hard skills you’ve already acquired. You could consider switching your job scope to something tech- or digital-related in the same company. You can also start by looking for skills in digital transformation in areas like digital HR and digital finance.”

Ferris adds, “Starting in their 50s might be challenging to pick up some of the fundamentals, but nothing is impossible. There is a severe lack of candidates globally, and we are seeing people transit into leadership roles.”

7) Begin your tech career by taking on contract roles

Contract roles are common in the tech industry as companies turn to contract professionals to flexibly manage or work on new projects as part of their business plans – even more, during the pandemic.

Contracting is a great way to get your foot in the door of desired companies, allowing you to prove your worth and show how you fit into the corporate culture. It will enable the employer to assess you for upcoming roles and allow you to experience the company or position before committing to permanent employment.

Contract or temporary work can help to enrich tech talent’s experience in project diversity and work experience, says Wen. However, in the long run, it can be challenging for employers to see you as committed when you decide to switch to permanent work.

Ferris adds, “In Japan, employers can still be quite strict on the number of job changes. They expect candidates to stay with employers for at least three years, so [starting your career with contract roles] can also work against a candidate in some cases.”

Ma says that candidates’ careers could get stuck at middle levels, and it becomes challenging for them to climb up the corporate ladder.

This comes down to what you want from your career. Contracting can provide constant stimulation for people who enjoy a diverse working life. Contractors often work on various projects across different environments, locations and industries, meeting new people in new companies with each new assignment.

Want to work with the world’s largest tech companies? Browse our available tech jobs here. If you don’t see a suitable role, submit your CV, and we will be in touch with relevant opportunities.

Michael Page

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How to ask your boss for more responsibility

Simone Wu — Sat, 10 Jul 2021 16:05:02 +0000

How to ask your boss for more responsibility Simone Wu

With many employees undergoing or about to prepare for their mid-year reviews or appraisals, it’s an opportune time to review your career progression and implement actions that set you up for success.

One strategy that can be highly beneficial is increasing or expanding your scope when it comes to duties, tasks, accountabilities, and even the role. But whether you’re chasing a salary increase, promotion, title change, or you’re proactively seeking opportunities to upskill, asking your boss for more job responsibilities can be a tricky task.

On the one hand, you want to prepare for the next stage of your career. But, on the other hand, you need to make sure you are still meeting expectations within your current scope of work, as the last thing you want to do is inadvertently increase your workload to a point where it’s no longer manageable.

Balancing more responsibility while managing your existing workload can be challenging, which is why it’s crucial to have a plan in mind to help you move forward. If you’re looking to step up in your career and increase your experience and skills, here are a few tips on how to ask for more responsibility at work – and be successful in getting a balanced outcome.

Be very clear on the responsibilities you want to take on

Before you speak to anyone in your organisation, you must be crystal clear on the skills you want to develop or the areas where you’d like to gain more experience. Without this, you risk taking on tasks and investing time in projects that won’t help you reach your end goal.

If you’re looking to take on a new promotion, look at the skills and responsibilities of your co-workers who currently hold those roles. This will help you get an idea of what you’ll need to upskill in. From there, you can start to identify exactly where you should focus your extra time and effort to help you move up in your career.

Alternatively, suppose you’re looking for a pay rise. In that case, you’ll need to identify where you can add value for the company to justify a salary increase. Again, focus on projects or tasks that can help the business save on time or increase profitability.

Look for opportunities to make an impact

More responsibility can be a good thing, but you need to demonstrate how your extra projects or tasks will add value to your company. Once you’ve listed out the responsibilities you potentially want to take on, go through and carefully evaluate these benefits for the business. Then, pick and choose the ones that you believe will deliver the most tangible impact.

This will help you put together a strong business case for your manager. If you’re working on a project, remember to come with a clear timeline, objectives, and KPIs, so your manager is clear on the investment and the outcome.

If it’s an ongoing role, try to evaluate how it can impact the business over time. For example, if it’s productivity-related, you could set an expected amount of hours saved per month.

Arm yourself with new skills

It is a bit of a ‘chicken or egg’ scenario. Do you take on more responsibilities to learn new skills, or do you take on more responsibilities because you’ve learnt new skills? Ideally, you will continually learn in your role. However, it can never hurt to gain additional skills on the side and bolster your argument for taking on more advanced or complex tasks at work.

Look for development opportunities – online courses, books and training modules – that you can take advantage of to ready yourself for when those new responsibilities come your way. And don’t forget to let your boss know about those newly acquired skills when the time is right.

Come with a plan and options

Your boss’ KPIs are linked with yours, so be prepared for questions around how you will be able to manage your current workload and performance with added responsibilities.

One of the best ways to get them on board with the idea is to present a plan detailing how you will free up time to take on more work – will you delegate some tasks to someone else? Or can you improve your productivity by streamlining processes?

By demonstrating that you have considered handling your existing scope and extra projects, you will reassure your boss that your new tasks won’t impact your current role.

But be prepared for some pushback. If this is the case, listen to your manager’s concerns and note them down, then come back with solutions in a follow-up meeting.

Choose your timing and words wisely

Suppose your boss is stressed out or you’re approaching a busy period at work. In that case, it could be more difficult for the company to consider letting you take on more responsibility. While there is never the “perfect time” to ask your manager for additional tasks, timing can significantly influence a successful outcome.

There are some great opportunities to discuss a step up in responsibilities. For example, at your mid-year or end-of-year review, during less busy times in the year or ahead of a company restructure or staff leaving the business.

On top of this, how you talk to your boss can have a significant impact: try to frame it as discussing ideas to improve your department, or taking some of the workloads off your manager’s shoulders, rather than saying, “I want to gain more experience” or “I need this for a promotion”.

Find out where help is needed

Your boss likely has a lot on their plate and may not know where additional support is needed across the business. Although you should be prioritising your workload, it can be helpful to look at other teams and departments to find out where there’s an opportunity for you to take on new or additional responsibilities.

With the right approach, branching out from your team can be an excellent networking opportunity and help you put your best foot forward for promotions in other areas of the business. Ensure all is discussed with your boss first, though, as you don’t want to be seen as neglecting your current responsibilities.

Remember, it’s a dialogue

No matter what the outcome is, asking for more responsibility demonstrates to your boss that you’re proactive, you take the initiative, and that you’re willing to grow. So while you may get a “no” to this specific pitch, don’t be discouraged – at least you’ve started the conversation.

If your manager is aware that you want to take on more, they may find new projects or more opportunities or work with you to find an alternative solution. Don’t forget: teamwork makes the dream work, and by working together, you can find the best outcome for everyone involved.

Ready for a new role? Browse current job opportunities or submit your CV with us.

Michael Page

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The first 60 days: a downloadable template and guide

willchin — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 04:22:54 +0000

The first 60 days: a downloadable template and guide willchin

Once you have planned your first 30 days and successfully made it through the first month in your new role, it is time to re-evaluate your plan and strive to add real value to the business through securing early wins. You should now know your key contacts in your team, understand your place in the team and have a good understanding of the impact your role has in the business – so what now? Moving into your second month, it is key you start making solid plans to implement changes for early wins.

To plan for success, here is our guide to setting yourself up in the first 60 days.

The first 60 days plan

Step 1. Check in with your manager

Now you’ve settled into the office and are familiar with your day-to-day responsibilities, if it hasn’t already come up, be sure to discuss your plan for the first three months with your manager. During this discussion, together you should agree on what steps you need to take to put your plan into action.

Step 2. Establish your priorities

In your first month, you discussed business priorities and how your role fits into the team. You should now have a much better idea of how your position influences the team and how you can impact the wider organisation. Revisit your initial list of business priorities and update where you have more information.

Step 3. Plan the actions you need to take

It is important to identify any key stakeholders who may fall outside your direct team or business function that will be fundamental to the success of your role. Once you have identified these key people be sure to set up meetings with them to better understand their role and how you should be working together to achieve your goals.

Once you have decided what your next steps are in terms of your three-month plan, create a strategy for how you are going to achieve this. This is also a time where you can start to identify other areas you could put your experience and skills to good use. Be sure to take note of any wider areas of the business where you can make positive changes to support company objectives, your manager or the wider team.

Step 4. Determine your deliverables

These may or may not have changed since your initial 30-day plan. If you have new deliverables as a result of your most recent conversation with your manager, be sure to update your plan. Based on these new deliverables make necessary updates to your 30-day plan to help plan for the month ahead.

Step 5. Identify your development needs

Once you have a firm understanding of the marketplace, the customer, products and services and the key systems and processes you need to utilise, consider finding yourself a mentor. This is another discussion you might like to have with your manager. If you have identified someone in the business who might be a good fit suggest this person in your catch up, if you’re unsure ask for suggestions or whether they would be able to help you. Once you have determined who is best placed to help guide you in your role reach out to them and make arrangements for either a formal or informal mentoring programme.

In addition to this, keep assessing the skills and knowledge required for your role and if you identify any gaps add them to your personal development plan. Any achievements you have in your role should be tracked to support any management decisions.

See below for an example of our 60 days plan template and a blank copy for you to plan for success in your new role.

Download the template

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Michael Page

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The first 30 days: a downloadable template and guide

Anonymous — Tue, 30 Mar 2021 08:24:06 +0000

The first 30 days: a downloadable template and guide Anonymous (not verified)

So, you have secured a new job and you are ready to begin working. Starting a new position can be an exciting yet stressful time. Not only are you learning new systems and processes, getting to know new people and navigating your way around a virtual workspace, but this is also the time where the experience and skills you sold to your new employer in the interview are expected to have an impact.

The first 90 days are crucial. You are still being assessed on whether or not you are a good fit for the job and, depending on your role, it is often expected that you will hit the ground running in terms of implementing change and driving improved processes or results.

To ensure you impress when you start a new role, whether you are working remotely or on-site, we have put together a customisable template for planning the first 30, 60, and 90 days in your new role.

Here is a guide to utilising our template and planning your first 30 days.

The first 30 days plan

Step 1. Check in with your manager

It is essential when you first start your role to have a meeting with your manager. While in the current landscape this is likely to be virtual, this is the time for you to get a better understanding of the business and how your role fits in with the overall priorities of the team. Be sure to ask about any upcoming projects you might be involved with, discuss your goals, and establish what outputs are expected from you over the first three months.

Step 2. Establish your priorities

To ensure you can get stuck in and make tracks in the business, it is key you identify and fully understand the business’ priorities and how your role supports them. When first starting, particularly if you are operating remotely, this might simply be ensuring you have access to and can acquire all of the equipment you might need in the role.

Step 3. Plan the actions you need to take

In the first month, we suggest you meet with your manager to discuss these priorities and get an overview of all projects you are going to be involved in. Following this, be sure to meet with any colleagues who you will be working with to get a better understanding of how you will work together. As you learn more about the ongoing and upcoming projects, everyone’s roles and responsibilities, and your place in the team, you should be able to identify areas where you can add real value identify changes you can make quickly that will have a positive impact.

The more you meet with your colleagues, the faster you will get to know the team dynamics and culture within the office, which is key for building strong professional relationships early. Find out who is who quickly, and schedule informal catch ups to get to know your team.

Step 4. Determine your deliverables

Analyse your current situation. Do you see any existing or potential problems you can influence or that you can contribute to solving? Based on these observations, create a list of your key deliverables to resolve these issues and highlight any opportunities for you to make a positive change within the team.

Use these deliverables to build a plan for your first 30 days. Create steps to achieve them, set delivery dates, and create milestones to help track your progress.

Step 5. Identify your development needs

As a new starter, you may need extra training or guidance when it comes to the specifics of the business. Key areas to consider when you first start include the marketplace your business operates within, the current customers and target audiences, the products and services being delivered, and key systems and processes for your role.

Click below for an example of our 30 days plan template and a blank copy for you to plan for success in your new role.

Share this with people who would find it useful or for more job tips, browse all our career advice here.

Michael Page

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6 performance and career progression secrets they don’t teach you at school

Anonymous — Mon, 29 Mar 2021 04:19:20 +0000

6 performance and career progression secrets they don’t teach you at school Anonymous (not verified)

There is a lot of advice out there about how to land your next job.

You would frequently come across career advice on topics like practical tips on CVs and cover letters, and how to prepare for interviews.

Once you have landed a job, there’s a lot to learn about performing at your best and achieving regular career progression. Now, go a step further. How do you ensure top performance at each new job you have? How do you demonstrate your value and role in business continuity and recovery? And what are key practical tips for career progression?

Here are six guidelines on these very subjects that working professionals have learned from experience that they don’t teach you at school.

1. Find your personal brand, fast

We hear it a lot: just be yourself. Authenticity is what matters. This is where your personal brand comes in, and it includes your core values, strengths and motivation at work. You can develop your personal brand by:

Cultivating a well-rounded career path with diverse experience
Using social media to post information, content and other media to become a thought leader
Starting a blog or podcast about your industry or profession
Speaking on panels at events and conferences
Being vocal at your current job about accomplishments and milestones reached.

A well-rounded personal brand makes you stand out. Gavin Teo, Associate Director, Banking and Finance at Michael Page Singapore, says, “Personal branding is incredibly significant in today’s context with the widespread use of social media. One needs to be a subject matter expert, have a good career track record, achieve many milestones to be recognised internally by management and peers, and externally by the industry. Your visibility, both online and in your network, plays a more important role than you ever think, especially in today’s current remote working mode.”

2. Focus on agility

In times like these, companies have switched from long-term, 5-year strategies to more agile models that allow them to be reactive to unexpected and evolving circumstances. Thus, they expect the people they hire to also have the agility to move quickly along with them.

It’s no longer enough to simply fill the basic requirements of your role – true agility means you can jump into other areas as needed.

Professionals today can be ready to exhibit this agility by thinking outside of the box, or more specifically, outside of their job description. As Crystal Ng, Associate Director, Human Resources at Michael Page Malaysia, advises, “Being agile is essential – as AI and other technologies become more advanced, the more mundane part of our jobs can easily be replaced by robots and automation. As such, professionals should add value to their current role and have an end-to-end understanding of all the processes and strategies they are involved in. It’s no longer enough to simply fill the basic requirements of your role – true agility means you can jump into other areas as needed.”

An agile professional is someone who:

Can easily make the switch to new ways of working without reducing productivity
Thinks quickly on their feet
Responds well to change, short deadlines and quick pivots
Is prepared to take on new responsibilities outside of their initial job scope.

Being agile is also about not being afraid to test out new ideas. In the current market, where most business models have been turned on their head, displaying the agility to try new things will get you noticed. As Nicolò Zanelli, Associate Director, Engineering and Manufacturing at Michael Page Vietnam, points out, now is the perfect time to try. “Be disruptive – you have nothing to lose in the new normal. It’s a new start, and if you have a genuine idea, you might beat our competitors to the punch.”

3. Be your own advocate in the workplace

Be proactive, don’t wait for opportunities to come to you and be vocal about where your career aspirations lie. As Ng says, “Show initiative. If you want to be a people manager, voice out your passion for leading a team. Find ways to get the experience you will need in that higher role so that you are ready when it comes along. Find someone to mentor, get involved and take leadership roles in company activities like corporate social responsibility groups or team building for a chance to practice and display your leadership skills.”

Being vocal is essential. Very simply put, people don’t know you want a job unless you ask for it. During a recent Michael Page webinar, Sara Cheng, Managing Director of Twitter Greater China, said: “We are the masters of our own career when you are planning for your next move, take three steps. 1. Prepare. 2. Identify your goals. 3. Ask.”

4. Do the work before the title change

Gustavo Fuchs, General Manager of Microsoft Solutions Asia, stressed the importance of growth within your current role before looking for that next step in your career. He shares, “If you want to move up, develop your assets as a leader, and experiment while growing in your current role. Then reflect: What can you do before you get promoted?” Have an open discussion with your current manager that allows you to explore and work towards your next job.

Progression can often come before the title change, so start looking at the attributes and responsibilities that are required to take the next step in your career.

Emma Parnwell, Associate Director, Human Resources, at Michael Page Australia, echoes the sentiment of doing the work before the actual title change. “Progression can often come before the title change, so start looking at the attributes and responsibilities that are required to take the next step in your career. From here, you can actively seek to gain exposure to these areas and insights. Check in with your goal regularly and ask yourself honestly: what have you done to work towards it?”

Finally, it’s essential to remember that career progression doesn’t always mean managing a huge team. Not everyone aspires to reach the c-suite – and that’s okay. Lateral career moves and deepening your speciality as a sole contributor or expert are legitimate ways to advance your career as well. The key factor here is to know what you want and focus on the responsibilities, not only the title.

Career progression hacks

01 Your personal brand plays a significant role in today's remote work environment

02 Being vocal about your progression goals is crucial

03Actively seek to gain exposure to areas that will set you up for a promotion or title change

04Finding your niche can work to your benefit as a competitive differentiator

5. Find your niche

If you have career goals and aspirations to make it in an extremely competitive or crowded space, go for it, but also consider how specialisation can help propel you forward.

If you break into that unknown, find that niche where you can contribute, it can be a competitive differentiator.

Fuchs advises finding a niche. “Travel the road that fewer people [take] to stand out in a competitive environment. Perhaps look at starting out in a smaller market or take on projects that aren’t as popular or as visible at the beginning. If you break into that unknown, find that niche where you can contribute, it can be a competitive differentiator and help lead you faster to the main role or position that you really want.”

6. Always keep an eye on the horizon

Monitoring and reviewing your long-term goals are key to making good career decisions. Amelia Lestari, Associate Director, Sales and Marking at Michael Page Indonesia, says, “Always remember your goals in life and keep a positive point of view to be thankful for what you have. Remind yourself what your goals are, and with the world slowing down right now, use this time to contemplate your path towards them.”

Zanelli advises that now is the time. “Think strategically – there is no better time to plan your route than in calm waters! When the market bounces back, it will come back strong. If you have a solid plan in your hands, it will be easier to navigate the storm.”

Productivity and career progression aren’t exact sciences. The best we can do is be aware of our own unique set of skills, experiences, and knowledge and constantly improve upon those. And then keep an eye out for opportunities to learn and grow – to keep moving towards your goals.

Michael Page

Tomorrow's Talent

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How to manage your online reputation

Anonymous — Wed, 17 Mar 2021 03:10:48 +0000

How to manage your online reputation Anonymous (not verified)

If you’ve ever Googled yourself, you know that you have a presence online (unless you’re really living in a social media netherworld). Facebook, Flickr, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn – these networks all come together to form a complete online profile that gives practically anyone who cares to look a very public snapshot of who you are on the web.

How do you manage your online reputation? Can you reign in the amount of public information out there?

How to manage your online reputation

As an employee or potential hire, it’s worth thinking about the implications of your social profile settings. Some workers may choose to stop using social networking sites all together; for others, keeping in mind a few tips can help you manage your online profile:

1. Check your privacy settings

It’s the simplest rule of thumb, but still often forgotten. As new features and changes are made on Facebook every day, it’s important to make sure that your sharing settings are kept up to date. Meanwhile, don’t forget to check the settings on other networks you’re using such as Twitter and LinkedIn — or even your long-forgotten personal blog.

2. Think before you post

It’s not just about cleaning up your photo stream of potentially incriminating images, it’s thinking about your entire online presence. More and more potential employers are Google searching potential hires. This isn’t just to dig up dirt, but to gauge what sort of person you are – not just who you say you are in your interviews. A Twitter stream with an onslaught of #FAIL posts can make you come off as particularly negative or a bunch of lewd comments your friends have left on your Wall could raise questions about who you choose to associate with. Tools like Reppler are designed to help you manage the online sentiment in your social profiles.

3. Build your online profile and professional network

You can also take strides to actively build and develop your online profile professionally. “Like” and join professional groups that are related to your industry or start a personal/professional blog to establish your expertise in your field. Use your networks and offer to contribute or guest blog for another relevant channel – you’ll be putting your name out there and building up personal brand awareness.

Should you Facebook friend your boss?

It seems inevitable – whether you change jobs frequently or stay in one company for a number of years, eventually you may be faced with the question – should you become Facebook friends with your boss?

Offer to contribute or guest blog for a relevant channel – you’ll be putting your name out there and building up personal brand awareness.

There are of course some immediate advantages with being friends with your boss, certainly from a networking perspective. Depending on the type of boss you have, Facebook connections may simply be a part of the workplace culture, along the lines of after work drinks or team coffee catch ups. However, for more conservative workplace cultures, the implications of being Facebook friends with your boss could be different, especially when it comes to upper management. For new hires, it’s worth waiting awhile to gauge what’s appropriate before you start sending out those requests.

Remember that even if you aren’t actual Facebook friends with your boss, that doesn’t mean that they won’t be privy to what you share online – co-workers and mutual friends can be a potential source of shared information, purposeful or otherwise. The best mantra to keep in mind is to think before you post – if you wouldn’t want your boss seeing it, maybe it’s best to keep it out of the public eye.

Michael Page

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Contracting vs permanent job: Which is better for you?

Anonymous — Mon, 08 Mar 2021 12:22:13 +0000

Contracting vs permanent job: Which is better for you? Anonymous (not verified)

Deeply seated in our Asian culture is the perception that we need to strive towards full-time employment to be seen as responsible, full-functioning adults. Any other form of employment such as part-time, freelance or contract work seems to be perceived as unstable and somewhat less valuable.

The rise of the contract professional

This perception is gradually changing as companies worldwide are moving towards an integrated workforce model, where they are increasingly hiring more contractors and part-timers over the past few years.

In 2018, Stephane Kasriel, CEO of Upwork and co-chair of the World Economic Forum’s Council on the Future of Gender, Education and Work, said in a press release, “As skills become more specialised, companies either need to invest in reskilling to prepare workers for the jobs of tomorrow or leverage freelance professionals who are nearly twice as likely as traditional employees to proactively take reskilling upon themselves.”

Traditionally, contract employment is mainly found in the IT industry. Now, more and more sectors are moving towards an integrated workforce, employing more contractors. Deloitte’s 2019 Global Human Capital Trends study found that 33% of respondents reported extensively using alternative arrangements for IT, 25% for operations, 15% for marketing, and 15% for research and development.

While more companies are hiring more contractors, it is crucial to understand the pros and cons before quitting your full-time job and dive into contract employment. Besides the obvious benefit – having more time on your hands (to go on holiday, upskill, or look after ageing parents or children) – you get to choose the projects that interest you. Ahead, we discuss the benefits of contract employment compared to having a full-time job.

Advantages of being a contractor

1. Build your portfolio
Most companies are open to engaging contract professionals who do not have a vast amount of work experience for short-term assignments. And naturally, this situation is dependent on the type of project. Companies that hire contractors for longer-termed work, usually over six months to a year, would most likely require you to have more expertise in the specific sector. Whatever the case, you get the opportunity to buff up your portfolio as you collect different work experiences at the various companies.

2. Widen your professional network
With the opportunity to work at different companies over a shorter period, you will meet different people – more people – expanding your network. The more extensive the network, the more contract opportunities. The brilliant thing is, these professional contacts are at your workplace – if you perform well at your tasks, it wouldn’t be long before they hear about it from your manager. And that will keep you at the top of their minds when they need contract staff in the future. Do keep in mind that you should be proactive and not sit quietly at your desk and expect people to notice you. Make small talk at the pantry, the lift; nothing too aggressive as that can be a turn-off for some.

3. Learn from a diverse range of organisations
The (other) beauty of being a contractor means you get to experience working for a diverse range of companies. This is a valuable and beneficial opportunity for you to observe the inner workings of various businesses, and that would add value to your experience when you move on to the next project. For instance, how family-based companies compare to small and medium-sized enterprises and multinational corporations. Also, by working on different projects, you would pick up new skills that will further improve your portfolio.

4. Builds resilience and adaptability
Moving from one company to the next also means adapting to the various work culture and processes to perform your duties. And that adds value to your professional portfolio, as employers would not be concerned about how well you can adapt. It’s another strength to highlight if you decide to switch to full-time work.

5. Trial a new job before you settle
In a way, when you work at various companies, you get to try out the role before you decide if you want to switch to a similar role in a permanent capacity. Companies are almost always on a lookout for talent. If you happen to join as a contractor during a period where they are sourcing for full-time staff, you could get an interview opportunity. If not, they might keep you in mind if you perform well. However, do not bet on that.

Related: How to make a career change

Disadvantages of being a contractor

While working as a contract professional may sound like a jolly ride, it comes with its drawbacks and is no walk in the park. For one, when you work on a contractual basis, you do not have the regular standing of a permanent employee. Companies can terminate contractors without documentation or recourse options, as there may not be human resource policies to follow. Also, potential employers may see contractors as being uncommitted. And it can get disorienting for contract professionals when you have to keep readjusting to new working environments after each contract term ends.

Advantages of having a permanent job

Most people are in a permanent position because you want a stable income, allowing you to plan for the various stages of your life – be it purchasing a new apartment, getting a pet, planning a wedding, having a kid, investing or saving up for your kid’s university fund, or retirement fund. Here are other advantages of having a full-time job:

1. Time Off: You would receive annual leave and sick leave as part of your employment package. You would be able to go on a short holiday break, get paid and not feel guilty as compared to your contracting counterparts.

2. Money Matters: As mentioned, unlike contractors, a full-timer’s salary is fixed (not including bonus payments), so you can feel secure that you would have money coming in at the end of the month. Most contractors face the issue of late payments from their clients. Naturally, full-time staff can face the risk of retrenchment, but that does not usually happen unless the company is doing poorly or facing epic losses due to economy shattering events like the COVID-19 pandemic.

3. Working Hours: Permanent staff have specified work hours, so clients and colleagues, on ordinary circumstances, will not be calling you after office hours and on weekends. While contractors can set certain work hours for themselves, they usually have to remain contactable to not miss out on any opportunities.

4. Career Advancement: Another positive factor of being a full-time staff is that the company will view you as a long-term talent investment. And because of that, they would be more inclined to invest in your development and help you advance the career ladder.

5. Credit Card Application: This shouldn’t be a deal-breaker, but it is good to know that it is easier to apply for a credit card when the bank knows you have a full-time job. In other words, the ability to pay your bills. You can still apply for credit cards if you are self-employed. However, the process is more complicated. You would need to submit various documents to demonstrate your ability to pay back the credit owed.

Disadvantages of being a full-time staff

Compared to a contracting role, being in a permanent position doesn't give you the leeway of trying various jobs or taking on different projects. And if you don’t proactively look for a new role, you can get too comfortable in your current position. You then become stagnant in your skills and knowledge of the trends in your industry. This state of job stagnation may not sound so bad since a permanent job comes with many benefits. However, it can be damaging if you find yourself retrenched due to company losses or restructuring, or fired from your job. What you can do is to make time to upskill.

Contracting vs permanent job: What is better for you?

There isn’t a definitive answer to this question. It is about weighing the pros and cons, as it comes down to which employment type will suit your stage in life, industry and if it offers career growth. For instance, if you take care of elderly folks and require flexibility in terms of work hours, then contracting may be perfect for you. Or, if you were offered an attractive one-year contract role at a top firm in your industry, you could consider leaving your full-time job for it as it would add tremendous value to your portfolio. Seeing that it is a year-long contract, it gives you sufficient time to find another job.

If you are looking to take a break from work to figure your career path, going for short-term contract jobs that run for one to three months is a valuable way to tie over periods without full-time work. However, as stated previously, anything can happen during a contracting period. It would be best if you made sure the employment terms are favourable and that you have enough savings to sustain you (and your family) in the event of early termination. Also, specific industries like the technology sector are more open to contractors, so you would more likely have more contracting opportunities than other sectors.

Are you looking for contracting roles? Here are the latest job opportunities for contract professionals. If you would like to speak with a recruiter, contact us here.

Simone Wu

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The benefits of networking in person and online

Anonymous — Wed, 22 Apr 2020 13:24:22 +0000

The benefits of networking in person and online Anonymous (not verified)

Active networking is vital to career growth. Many shudder when they hear the term networking, associating it with awkwardness and the idea of ‘selling’ yourself. However, despite its reputation, networking is actually about building long-term relationships and an elevated profile within your industry or field of expertise.

Good networking is done on a basis of trust and support. Doing networking right can mean the difference between a mediocre career and a phenomenal one. Anyone can be good at networking and with the help of technology, not all networking needs to be done in person.

Here are a few benefits of networking on your career and some tips for becoming an expert at the craft, whether in person or online.

Benefits of networking

Effective networking can have lots of benefits on your career, including:

1. Strengthen business contacts and connections.

This can be done by referring contacts for roles that you hear about, forwarding articles relevant to their interests or career, arranging introductions with mutual contacts and simply congratulating your networks via LinkedIn when they reach a career milestone or get a new job.

2. Get fresh ideas

Your network can be an excellent source of new perspectives and ideas to help you in your job. Exchanging information on challenges, experiences, best practices, business techniques and goals is a key benefit of networking because it allows you to gain new insights from collective experience. Similarly, offering helpful ideas to a contact is an excellent way to build your reputation as an innovative thinker.

3. Advance your career

Being visible and getting noticed is a benefit of networking that’s essential in building your career. Regularly attending professional and social events will help to build up your professional profile, which in turn keeps you top of mind when new opportunities and job openings arise.

Professional networking opens many doors in the form of career advice, lasting relationships and even landing your dream job.

4. Build confidence

5. Develop long-lasting personal relationships

Of course, the point of networking is to develop and nurture professional relationships, but some of the strongest friendships are borne from work connections. Your networking contacts are probably like-minded people with similar goals as your own, so it’s not unlikely that your professional support network will spill over into your personal friendships.

While networking is sometimes considered a self-serving activity, it’s far more about mutual benefit and the opportunity to learn, grow and teach. Having a large and healthy network can lead to strong career fulfilment as well as progression and opportunities.

Tips for effective networking in person

When attending a networking attempt, remember to:

Be prepared

If you are the host of the networking event, make sure you have all the necessary materials ready, such as name badges, business cards and brochures about your business. If you’re attending an external networking event, make sure you have something to contain all the business cards you collect. If you get flustered when talking to people, try to rehearse what you’ll say beforehand.

Set yourself a target

A networking event is not a social gathering – you are there to achieve something. Set yourself a target, such as the number of people you want to talk to or be introduced to. If the number is 10 or 15 people, make sure you leave with 10 or 15 business cards.

Don’t focus on selling

Remember: Networking is about developing relationships – so don’t try to close a deal. You’re not there to do business or secure a job, you’re there to meet valuable contacts. Your main focus should be getting to know more people and their contact information to potentially work with them in the future, so avoid any sales pitches or business propositions.

Talk and listen

You’ve got to talk to people – but you’ve also got to listen to what the other person is saying. Often, networking isn’t just about fulfilling your own objectives, but also in helping others fulfil theirs. Maintain eye contact with the other person when he or she is talking and ask meaningful follow-up questions to show that you have been paying attention. Be genuine and authentic in your communication and you will likely leave a lasting impression on your new contact.

Tips for effective online networking

Even while social distancing, you can still network - just adjust the way you do things.

Give referrals

Seek out opportunities not only for yourself, but for others in your network. By looking out for ways to connect people, you’ll make strong business connections yourself, and your contacts will remember you for it. Online, connecting with peers is even easier - send a quick introduction email to both parties and leave them to make a deeper connection from there.

Revisit contacts that are already in your network

Your network includes everyone from friends and family to work colleagues and members of groups to which you might belong – sporting teams, social and interest-based groups, professional associations, religious communities, alumni organisations, and digital networks, such as on LinkedIn or Twitter.

If you network well, it shouldn’t feel like you’re using these networks to further your career. Rather, you should be building strong relationships with people of similar or complementary interests, with both self-growth and mutual benefits in mind.

Use LinkedIn

Speaking of digital networks, LinkedIn is your strongest tool for networking online. Share interesting articles on LinkedIn, contribute to the conversation yourself through publishing Pulse articles and keep an eye on what articles your contacts are sharing. Make comments on other articles, whether to participate in a friendly debate or just to say thank you for writing the piece. And don’t discount the insights of people from other industries – they may be able to offer new angles you hadn’t previously considered.

Follow up

Most of important of all, whether in person or online: Follow up! Follow up with your newly-formed contact the day after events if you are running a business, suggest interesting collaborations for the both of you. If you have connected on LinkedIn, chat with them to say hello or to send new information. Also, if you have promised to connect your new contact to someone you already know, do so, or risk undermining your credibility, or simply losing an opportunity to make a great connection.

Informal networking opportunities

Networking doesn’t only have to be done at formal events or on LinkedIn. Any gathering, even social or informal can be an opportunity to network - as long as you don’t push it. Don’t start handing out business cards while getting together with some friends for a happy hour - it can feel rushed or insincere. But if in the course of a conversation, it becomes clear that there’s a connection to be made, don’t hesitate to suggest meeting someone again in a more formal setting, or exchanging contacts to continue the conversation.

Go forth and network

Like anything, practice makes perfect. The more you network, the better you get at it, and eventually, it will start to feel more like a natural part of interacting with peers in a professional setting. For more career advice, read through our collection of articles cultivated for professionals in Singapore.

Michael Page

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How to spot a role that does NOT fit your career aspirations

Anonymous — Wed, 03 May 2017 06:14:12 +0000

How to spot a role that does NOT fit your career aspirations Anonymous (not verified)

When beginning your job search it’s absolutely key to have a clear idea of why you are looking to leave your current role, and what you’re looking for in your next one.

Get clear on your three key reasons for leaving your current role.

Some of the examples could be the following:

Lack of career development/progression
Hong Kong-only business so a lack of international/global mobility
Company culture

Next, define the three most important motivational drivers for finding your next role.

For instance, the search criteria could be to find a role that has the following:

People leadership
Multinational-listed business
International career development opportunities

This list of key priorities should be the principle driver of your job search and you should assess each possible role you consider applying for, against these criteria.

Define your career

Once you’ve defined your career aspirations and put together your CV, get in touch with an expert to discuss your career plans and get their assessment of the market opportunities.

You should consider the following variables when assessing your next move:

People – Would you like to work with these people? Will they push, develop and teach you new skills? Are you the right cultural fit?
Platform – How do the products and services the company offer compare with their competitors?
Position – Does the scope of the role you are applying for match your key criteria?
Package – Is the salary and commission structure competitive?
Progression – What is the opportunity to develop your career with this next organization?

To spot a role that does NOT fit your career aspirations, go through the checklist below:

Ensure the job you are applying for matches your top three reasons for seeking a new role. For example, is it a listed Multi-National? Is the role you are applying for leading a team? Does the role or company have a track record of moving people internationally?
Do not compromise and accept something that doesn’t align with your goals and ambitions simply to leave your existing role.
Be realistic with what you’re looking for and seek professional guidance from specialist recruiters to ensure that your goals are realistic and attainable.

If the answer is ‘no’ to the questions above, you can safely say that the role is not a good match for your career aspirations. You may find yourself experiencing similar frustrations as with your current role, and look to move again.

It’s really important that if you are feeling frustrated in your current role, you understand that there are other options out there. Focus your energy and efforts on putting together a targeted action plan with relevant recruitment experts in your specific field you can help you ensure you get your next career move right.

They will have a portfolio of clients with a range of mandates and insight into each of their employment value propositions and culture’s to ensure there is a suitable fit and that you are applying for the right roles.

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10 networking tips that will work for anyone

Anonymous — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 00:17:01 +0000

10 networking tips that will work for anyone Anonymous (not verified)

Networking can be nerve-wracking, but building a wealth of contacts is often invaluable to your career.

1. Be prepared

If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail, Benjamin Franklin, one of America’s founding fathers once said.

RELATED: 6 benefits to networking

2. Set yourself a target

3. Don’t have a set agenda

Remember: Networking is about developing relationships – so don’t try to close a deal. You’re not there to do business or secure a job, you’re there to meet valuable contacts. Your main focus should be getting to know more people and their contact information to potentially work with them in the future. So avoid any sales pitches or business propositions.

4. Be a good guest

If you’re attending a networking event, it is important to be a good guest. Make sure you are not complacent and avoid sitting in the corner by yourself – otherwise nobody will talk to you. If you don’t make the effort to get to know people, you’ll miss out on opportunities. Be friendly and open when you speak to people, and if you see someone sitting alone, go and say ‘hello’.

5. Talk and listen

6. Give referrals

Continuing on from the previous tip — even if you get the impression that the person you’re talking to isn’t relevant to your business, but you know of someone else at the event that may be of interest to them, you can refer them to the other person. This will help you to make good business connections as your contacts will remember you as the referrer.

7. Take two business cards

At networking events there is a lot of exchanging of business cards – when talking to someone, ask for two business cards. Don’t just take one for yourself, but also take one for someone you may know who may be interested in your new contact’s business, which ties in with the point above.

8. Time management

It is important to keep track of time at networking events. If it’s a breakfast seminar, then you will only have about 30 to 45 minutes to network and if you’ve given yourself the goal of talking to 10 people that gives you about three to four minutes with each person. So make sure to manage your time effectively – don’t spend 20 minutes talking to someone you already know or have met at a previous networking event, but rather spend your time talking to new people.

RELATED: 10 tips to working smarter

9. Write everything down

If you don’t have a great memory, keep a pen and paper in your pocket and write everything down. If you’re going to meet 10 people in an hour you can’t guarantee yourself that you will remember the finer details of your conversation with each person, so it’s best to keep a written record of who you’ve spoken to and their line of business, along with a few details to jog your memory.

10. Follow up

Most of important of all: Follow up! Follow up with your newly-formed contact the next day and, if you are running a business, suggest interesting collaborations for the both of you. Also, if you have promised to connect your new contact to someone you already know, do so, or risk undermining your credibility. Chances are, if you don’t follow up with your new contacts within one to two days, you’ve just wasted the entire networking event.

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Benefits of networking

Anonymous — Tue, 24 Nov 2015 06:45:55 +0000

Benefits of networking Anonymous (not verified)

Active networking is vital to career growth. Often confused with selling, networking is actually about building long-term relationships and a good reputation over time. It involves meeting and getting to know people who you can assist, and who can potentially help you in return.

Your network includes everyone from friends and family to work colleagues and members of groups to which you belong.

Here are some of the key benefits of networking:

Strengthening relationships

Fresh ideas

Your network can be an excellent source of new perspectives and ideas to help you in your role. Exchanging information on challenges, experiences and goals is a key benefit of networking because it allows you to gain new insights that you may not have otherwise thought of. Similarly, offering helpful ideas to a contact is an excellent way to build your reputation as an innovative thinker.

Raised profile

Being visible and getting noticed is a benefit of networking that’s essential in career building. Regularly attending professional and social events will help to get your face known. You can then help to build your reputation as knowledgeable, reliable and supportive by offering useful information or tips to people who need it.

Access to opportunities

Expanding your contacts can open doors to new opportunities for business, career advancement, personal growth, or simply new knowledge. Active networking helps to keep you top of mind when opportunities such as job openings arise and increases your likelihood of receiving introductions to potentially relevant people or even a referral.

New information

Networking is a great opportunity to exchange best practice knowledge, learn about the business techniques of your peers and stay abreast of the latest industry developments. A wide network of informed, interconnected contacts means broader access to new and valuable information.

Advice and support

Gaining the advice of experienced peers is an important benefit of networking. Discussing common challenges and opportunities opens the door to valuable suggestions and guidance. Offering genuine assistance to your contacts also sets a strong foundation for receiving support in return when you need it.

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5 steps to creating your career plan

Anonymous — Mon, 23 Nov 2015 08:20:04 +0000

5 steps to creating your career plan Anonymous (not verified)

A succinct, detailed career plan is one of the most useful tools you can use to identify where you are, where you want to be, and how to get there. Here are five key steps to help you create your own career plan.

Step 1: Self evaluation

To discover what you really want to do, try answering these fundamental questions about your personality, preferences and values in your career plan:

What motivates me and what do I enjoy doing?
What are my personal attributes and lifestyle priorities?
What do my family and friends see as my strengths and weaknesses?
What are the five key things I am looking for in a job?

Step 2: Skills analysis

As well as your personal preferences, your existing skills are an important indicator of the direction in which you could head. Reflect on your skill set with the following questions:

What qualifications and experience do I have?
What are my key strengths, transferable skills and specific skills?
What are my biggest achievements to date?
What are my weaknesses and areas for development?

Step 3: Setting your direction

Based on your key interests, attributes, skills and experience, you can now start to formulate ideas on the type of roles/industries that will suit you best. Try brainstorming as part of your career plan:

The broad industries that really appeal to you
The types of roles that would suit you best
How these options match your personal preferences
Key skills that may need development

Step 4: Committing to a timeframe

Now that you have an idea of where you want to go, it’s time to work out how you can get there. Ask yourself the following questions to help break down your goals into smaller, more manageable milestones for your career plan:

What do I want to achieve within the next six, twelve, eighteen months?
How and when will I achieve my training and education goals?
How and when will I gain the additional skills and experience I need?
How can I expand my network, and by when?

Step 5: Review your career plan

Having established your goals and how to achieve them, you will now have a clear pathway in which to head. It’s important to monitor the progress of your career plan at least every six months, to ensure that you are on track to meet your goals. Re-evaluating your career plan and goals allows you to make adjustments based on changing economic and personal circumstances.

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Career progression

Self-reflection questions to accelerate your career growth

Why self-reflection matters for career development

Practical self-reflection questions for career growth

1) What achievements am I most satisfied with this year?

2) Which specific skills have I strengthened recently?

3) Where do I want to be in the next two to three years?

4) What feedback have I received, and what did I do with it?

5) Which tasks give me the most energy?

6) What challenges have I managed successfully?

7) How do I measure success in my current position?

8) Where are the gaps in my skills or experience?

9) Do my personal values align with my organisation’s?

10) What actions will move me closer to my goals?

Turning insight into action

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Popular Articles

Benefits of networking for career growth

1. Provides access to unadvertised job opportunities

2. Strengthens your professional profile

3. Gain insights and strengthen resilience through your network

4. Builds confidence and communication skills

5. Creates long-lasting relationships

6. Allows individuals to stay relevant in a changing job market

What are the steps of networking?

Unlocking the benefits of networking: Why it should be a career priority

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