How to keep recruiters keen, when they first make contact
Upon first contacting me, many companies or recruiters appear enthusiastic with regards to my application. Then they suddenly do a complete 180-degree turn. For example, I had one recruiter call to make an appointment for an interview, then email me immediately to cancel with no desire to reschedule. There are too many of these occurrences happening for them just to be a coincidence. Are there companies in Hong Kong that can run a background check on myself?
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How to use appraisals to help build rapport with your team
I was recently appointed as a mid-level manager at a fairly large company and one of the first tasks handed to me was the appraisals. I am feeling slightly uncomfortable doing them as I have been highly critical of their value in the past. To make matters worse, I will be reviewing the performances of my former colleagues. I do not want to be too critical of them, but I accept that I have to be more managerial now. Is there any way to do this without damaging relationships?
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Should I begin my climb up the corporate ladder?
Career Doctor
Career Advancement
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Promotion
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opportunity
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accountability and leadership
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Leadership Potential
I recently found out my immediate manager will be leaving the company in three months’ time. I have also heard that it might be me who is asked to take on his role, but I am not sure what to think. It would be my first step into management and no doubt a boost for my career. But I have seen how stressed my manager gets and I am not sure I could cope with the same pressure. It would probably be even worse for me as I have much less experience than he does. Should I accept if the role is offered to me, or should I wait for a later opportunity when I am more ready?
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Should I move over to the 'dark side'?
I have been working in various editorial departments for about 10 years now and I have noticed more and more of my colleagues making the jump to the "dark side" - public relations and corporate communications. I can see why - better money, more opportunities, brighter future. All of which are obviously very appealing to me, and I have to admit I've been eyeing a few job opportunities. The extra money would be nice, but I am just not sure I could really feel happy in such a role. What do you think? Frank West
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How do I sell this gobbledygook?
I work in sales at a software company providing enterprise solutions. Sometimes, I don’t have a clue what I’m selling. How can I sell something to clients that I don’t fully understand? The product range is so complicated that I tried many times talking to the developers to make it more user-friendly. The language they use is completely alien to the salespeople here. The boffins don’t seem to care whether what they are creating is sellable and appealing or not. What is the best way to deal with developers like them?
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Travel should not be at your expense
My job requires me to do a lot of travelling to meet clients and attend meetings. This entails many expenses, including hotels, taxis and meals, which I can only claim for after I return to Hong Kong. Recently some of my reimbursements have been over a month late after HR queried them. This often leaves me out of pocket for the month. Is there a tactful way I can speed up the process without appearing greedy?
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Take control of your career
I am the regional head in my company but lately, I’ve been worried. The headquarters in the US has assigned several lucrative businesses I created to a younger guy from the States. Adding to the misery are the aggressive cuts. I’m only 50 and these moves are clipping my wings. The gossip doesn’t help and I think the boss wants me to go. I’m too young to retire and yet the market seems to think I’m too old to stay. What can I do to turn things around?
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Always look before you leap
I am a project manager. After a recent reshuffle, the middle level of management at my firm has become rather non-existent. There’ll be no prospects if I stay and it’s depressing enough that most of my colleagues were either made to go or are planning to leave. I really don’t know what to do. Any advice?
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Upgrade for downsizing
I have heard through the grapevine that we’re downsizing and I’m really worried about my job. I try to prove my value and am putting in extra hours to show management I’m indispensable. I wonder if this will help, or should I look for another job? The trouble is, I don’t have time to look due to the long work hours and I’m so tired after. Also, I can’t afford to take leave for any interviews. It’s been so long since I was in the job market. Any guidance for my situation is much appreciated.
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