How I lost my job again

Unfortunately, I am unemployed again after being employed for almost 6 months. I still remember the joy I felt when I found a job again after one year of searching. That time, I did not expect that I will be hired immediately. But I never thought it will also end at once and I still wonder why it happened.

Everybody in the office cannot believe the bad news. In fact, it happened so fast that I only realized that it is real when I got home.

With this, I would like to share to you how I lost my job again.

Last February 15, 2010, I was hired as a Manufacturing Supervisor together with a former co-supervisor. We worked in the same company for almost 7 years, so we were excited to work together again. Unexpectedly, both of us lost the job at the same time and the reason is unbelievable.

After more than 5 months of being hired, the Admin Manager together with the HRD Supervisor discussed to me about my probationary status. It was about 3pm and I was busy preparing the products to be shipped-out. I know they need to be completed no matter what happen.

Anyway, the Admin Manager started the conversation by saying sorry that I will lose my job and handed me the termination paper. The first sentence stated that I did not meet the standards required, while the second sentence stated that my probationary employment will be terminated effective August 2, 2010, the day I received the letter.

Although surprised, I try to keep my composure and began thinking how to react. Then I asked them what specific standards I did not meet that caused me to lose the job. According to them, the top management realized that I did not handle the production effectively and they cited a specific condition.

You see, our production line is not a conventional one which means we have no conveyor for the flow of process. But just like others, we have a strict rule of one-by-one process or no batching allowed. Being a Manufacturing Supervisor in my previous job, we have the same rule and I know how important it is to follow this one-by-one process.

However, we experienced unexpected problems such as machine breakdown and lack of manpower. As much as we wanted to, we cannot always follow the rule but we did our best to preserve the quality of the products. There are just things beyond my control and our Manufacturing manager can explain it better.

But what kind of effort I exerted to perform my other tasks? I do not usually count my effort, but I think this time it is necessary to mention them. This is not to cover-up my shortcomings, but to remind them that I know my responsibilities as a Manufacturing Supervisor.

First, my work schedule is 8am~6pm but I know I should come early to check the lines and make a summary report for my manager. I know I cannot make it if I arrive at 7am since he needs it before 8am, which is why I voluntarily come at 6am and sometimes even earlier. I even went on a straight (36 hrs) schedule twice just to make sure that all products will be shipped on time. By the way, we have no overtime pay and I agreed on it before I was hired.

Second, I understand that sometimes we need to extend an hour or more just to finish some reports so I need not to be reminded. I usually go home at 8pm. I even bring home some office work if the target date is very stiff. We also do not have to work on Saturdays and Sundays since we have a compressed schedule, but I usually come on weekends to make reports and monitor the lines.

Third, I conducted an investigation to solve a customer claim issue that lead to the termination of one worker after confirming that he is intentionally not performing his job, skip process that is. In addition, I caught two workers playing games during working hours which lead to their suspension of five days each.

Fourth, I understand that we lack manpower so I did not hesitate to act as a worker for more than a month when they required me to fill-in. This is from 6am to 2pm which means I only act fully as a supervisor 2pm onwards. My co-supervisor had the same experience though and he also understood the necessity of the work.

By the way, I am wondering why the Manufacturing Manager (my immediate superior) and new Plant Manager were not informed about it. Both of them were even surprised upon learning it from us. Therefore, I would like to clarify things. We were not fired. We just did not meet the standards of the top management, whatever that means.

Again, I mentioned them not to lift myself but to remind them that I am very much dedicated to my work. If they did not recognize my selfless effort, so be it. I am not sharing this to attract sympathy. I did not make this post to destroy any name or company.

I am just saying that I did my best but I guess my best was not good enough.

In the end, I know I have to face the painful truth. I lost my job and the more important thing for me now is to look for another employer, as soon as possible.

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List of Job Fairs in the Philippines this August 2010

As I have announced on my Facebook yesterday, I just lost my job last Monday and I may blog about it next week. For the meantime, it is more important that I should find a new job.

So I started online job searching and hoping to see some upcoming job fairs.

Luckily, I found one on OFW Guide and here is the list of Job Fairs in the Philippines this August 2010.


2nd MEi Mega Job Fair @ Starmall

When: August 12-13, 2010, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Where: Starmall Activity Center, Starmall Shaw Bldv. EDSA, Mandaluyong City.


Mega Job Fair @ Novaliches Plaza Mall

When: August 19-20, 2010, 10:00 am-5:00 pm
Where: Activity Area, Novaliches Plaza Mall, Novaliches, Quezon City


Mega Job Fair @ Ever Gotesco Commonwealth

When: August 26 – August 27, 2010, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Where: Activity Area, Ever Gotesco Commonwealth, Quezon City


13th Metro Job Fair

When: August 26, 2010 - August 28, 2010, 10:00am-05:00pm
Where: Mega Trade Hall 3, SM Mega Mall, Mandaluyong City

For complete and detailed information, you can check out their post or simply visit this link.

I am not yet sure as to where I will go, but possibly on SM Mega Mall.

Good luck to us...

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Working all day without overtime pay

Yes, it has been more than two months that I have been working all day without overtime pay. To most of us, this is a nightmare since we know we should be paid accordingly in excess of eight hours a day or forty-eight hours a week. In some countries, people are even being paid in hourly basis and therefore working time is strictly being considered.

But then, I think that it is better to work without overtime pay rather than not to have a work at all. One might think that companies like them are taking advantage, but not for me. As months went by, I realized that I made the right decision accepting the job offer although I know not everybody will agree with me. Not unless they read this post until the end.

First of all, I know this will happen since it has been discussed to me during the job interview four months ago, in which I agreed. The employer told me that I will be paid on a monthly basis but no overtime pay. The pay seems to be fair so I readily accepted the terms and conditions. I also understand how tough it is to be a Manufacturing Supervisor since it was my last job and I have been there for almost seven years. The only difference is that I am receiving overtime pay.

According to my present employer, my working hours is from 8am to 6pm from Monday to Thursday and 8am-5pm on Fridays. The excess of one hour on the first fours days shall go to Saturday and therefore I do not need to work on this day although I am already paid halfday. Sunday then is my rest day, or what we call family day.

But starting May or last month, I have been working from 6am and I usually leave the office at 7pm including Saturdays. I have been working on three consecutive Sundays, all of them whole day and without overtime pay. Now, call we call it illegal or abusive on the part of my employer? I do not think so since I am not really being forced to do it. I know my responsibilities and I feel the sense of urgency of the task given to me. But of course, it is more than that.

Not all employees and workers will agree with me, but I believe that we are being paid not for the hours we work but rather on how we work. Some employees do their job as they are told, but not more than that. Afterward, they expect to receive a high appraisal rate during the evaluation period. They do not realize that they have been paid already during payday. If they render overtime, they are also being paid accordingly.

Now, let us talk about quality and responsibility. If you are controlling quality in your work, then you will minimize your mistakes. If you minimize your mistake, then you are also helping the company to save money. But if are also controlling quality in the work of your co-workers or fellow employees, then you are also helping the company saving a lot of money. It may not be your job anymore but it is what I call sense of responsibility, and this is when your employer will love you more. Employers love employees who work more than they are being expected.

The same thing goes when you work all day without overtime pay, but of course with high quality and sense of responsibility. However, you should make sure that your employer feels you and the credit will not be on someone else. To achieve this, you will need a mature superior who will motivate you and guide you all the way. You should also be supported by your colleagues and other concerned departments. Most of all, your employer should recognize your excess effort. Otherwise, you will not enjoy your work.

So now, which do you think is better? Being paid as you work or working all day without overtime pay? Not to mention if your employer gives high bonus rate every six months.

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How to Pass the Final Job Interview

I have worked for more than 5 different companies with different kinds of industries such as electronics and automotive industry. I started as an Industrial Electrician, Technician, until I reached the supervisory position for Engineering and Manufacturing. I have been a supervisor for ten years, and one of my tasks is to do the final interview for production and engineering applicants.

I have been an employee for more than 15 years, and I have found a new job. I suppose I now have enough experience to give tips to job applicants on how to pass the final job interview.

They may not be assurance that you will be hired, but understanding each item will surely help a lot.

Know the important details of the company

On the first interview, it is usually the Human Resources Department (HRD) personnel that will interview you. It is more like getting to know about you, which includes confirming what is written in your resume. The final interview on the other hand, is more of what you can offer to help the company. You can share your ideas only if you know the important details of the company. This includes their product, system of management, and business history. Therefore, check their website and write them down. Also, find current or previous employees that you can ask for more details. Interviewers love applicants who know a lot about their company.

Dress appropriately

Dress appropriately depends on what position you are applying for. If it needs to be formal attire, then prepare for it. Choose the clothes that are not too flashy, but impressive enough. If you are applying for a laborer position, it does not mean you can wear anything. Be neat and presentable to the eyes of the interviewer. Remember that first impression last, and you will be judged you the way you present yourself. Therefore, wear clothes that represent your character and make sure you feel comfortable with them. Otherwise, the interviewer will notice that you’re not at ease and might think that you lack self confidence.

Come early

Some experts will tell you to come early at least 10 minutes before the scheduled interview, and I agree with them. This is for you to be more relaxed during the interview or to have time to go to the restroom to fix your self a bit more. This will also avoid you to be late in case of traffic or some road accident. However, this may also add pressure to you especially if there are other applicants that you will look better than you. In this case, talk with them so that you will have an idea on how you can project yourself better.

Maximize your time

Usually, the interviewer will require you to do is to introduce yourself for around a minute. Therefore, you should maximize your time and tell only the important information that they need to know. Focus on the credentials that you think may fit to their requirements, but don’t mention things that you cannot explain further. On the other hand, you do not need to explain them the full details of the technical skills you have since these interviewers are the top personnel of the company. They are more interested in how you present your self. They watch your body language and analyze how you choose the right words to say.

Don’t waste their time

Their time is more important than yours so don’t waste their time. Answer directly to the point and avoid pausing for a long time. Practice at home especially if you are a first time applicant. Search for the possible interview questions and prepare for the closest answer. Usually on the last part, you will be given the chance to ask so take it. However, never ask about the incentives that you may receive. Related questions are being discussed earlier, and salary agreement is after passing the final interview. Instead, ask questions that are related to the company like their status during economic crisis or their future plans about the company.

There is one important thing that you should understand before going to a final job interview. You are there because you are asking for a favor, and not the other way around. You may possess the qualities they need for the job, but it’s how you present them that matters most.

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I finally found a new job after one year of searching

Yes, my friends and dear readers. I finally found a new job after one year of searching. For all you know, I accepted the offer of my former employer to avail the Early Retirement Program last September 2008, to pursue a small business and to be a professional blogger. This is because the automotive industry is declining, as well as the electronic industry. I thought it would be better if I establish myself as a businessman.

But fate has not been kind, as my wife and daughter suffered from Dengue fever last January 2009. That tragedy prompted me to start looking for a new job the next month, while selling different kinds of stuff just to make ends meet. Unfortunately, things got worst than ever and I am just glad that friends supported me all the way.

Below is just among them who helped me find my new job.

Last December 2009, a former co-supervisor saw me selling toys on the streets of Lipa City, Batangas. He readily asked for my resume and told me that he will pass it to their company once they will have an opening, especially for the position of production supervisor which was my last job. Actually, even my former subordinates see me and unselfishly help me one way or another.

Come January or last month, he sent me a text message asking me if I was called by their office for an interview. I told him I haven’t received any, not until the last week of the said month. It was 5:30 pm, and the technical exam will be on the next day, which was Wednesday at 8:30 am. The message said that I need a scientific calculator since the exam will be more about Algebra and Trigonometry.

However, I was wondering if I will pass the exam since it has been 16 years that I solved one which was the ECE board exams last 1993. But indeed, I am more worried where the heck I can borrow a scientific calculator considering that I don’t know anyone who has one. I asked all of my friends but none of them have one. Eventually, the same former co-supervisor who got my resume ended up borrowing a scientific calculator so I can use it during the exams.

Fortunately, I passed the technical exam and I cannot say that it was hard or an easy one. I just solved the problems as much as I could. Afterward, I was asked if I am willing to be interviewed by the HRD manager on the same afternoon as well as the Production Manager who will be my immediate supervisor if I will be hired. Of course, I agreed although I am just wearing casual clothes since I thought it will only be an examination day.

The next day, I received a text message from the same office telling me to prepare for the final interview on the next day which was Friday at 3 pm. This time, it will be a panel interview composing of three top Japanese personnel including the company president and two other local managers. This time, I wear formal attire but I almost came late because my son has an unexpected half day in school and wife is not around to watch over him at home. Although it broke my heart to leave my 8-year old son alone in the house for hours, I had to do it.

We were three applicants for the same position which is Production Supervisor and I learned that only two are needed. Incidentally, one of the applicants is also my co-supervisor on my last employer and I can say that he has been a good one. While I hope that both of us will be hired, I think the chance for each of us is fifty-fifty. But just minutes after we left the company, I received a congratulatory text message informing me that I am hired. I was asked to report early the next week for the salary negotiation and the list of required documents, and I learned that the other two were also hired.

In short, I found a new job with a span of less than a week. I passed the medical exams last week, and submitted all the required documents for employment last Monday. I have 2 sets of company uniform, in which I will start to report for work on Monday, February 15. I decide not to reveal online the name of the company, but it is located at FPIP, Sto. Tomas, Batangas. It is only around 30-minute commute travel from our place, minus the traffic, lol!

For the meantime, I hope that all the job seekers out there can find a job since I know how hard it is to be jobless. Don’t stop searching online and elsewhere; and be ready when it comes.

Although venturing into a business is a smart decision, it is still better if you have a regular source of income before you get into it. We never know what will happen next, and we should always be prepared for the worst that may come.

However of course, I will not stop blogging since it is already a part of my system. In fact, I think I will have more ideas to share especially in terms of job searching and being employed.

Wish me the best of both worlds!

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Top 10 US Companies to work for in 2010

This year is set to be another hard year for employers and businesses especially in the US. However, there are companies that do not seem to be affected with the economic slowdown and still continue to grow.

Apparently, here is the top 10 US Companies to work for in 2010 according to Fortune Magazine.

You will notice that there were some of them who maintained their rank from last year, and there were some that even rose to the top.

1.0 SAS (Previous rank: 20)

One of the Best Companies for all 13 years, SAS boasts a laundry list of benefits which include high-quality child care at $410 a month, 90% coverage of the health insurance premium, unlimited sick days, a medical center staffed by four physicians and 10 nurse practitioners (at no cost to employees), a free 66,000-square-foot fitness center and natatorium, a lending library, and a summer camp for children.

SAS is highly profitable and ranks as the world’s largest privately owned software company.

2008 revenue ($ millions): 2,300**

2.0 Edward Jones (Previous rank: 2)

The investment adviser weathered the recession without closing one of its 12,615 offices or laying off a single employee. Salaries were frozen, but profit sharing continued.

2008 revenue ($ millions): 3,859

3.0 Wegmans Food Markets (Previous rank: 5)

One of the best groceries in the US, and ranked top 1 in 2005, and has never had a layoff in its 94-year history. More than 4,000 employees, 11% of the workforce, have been here more than 15 years.

2008 revenue ($ millions): 4,807

4.0 Google (Previous rank: 4)

Yes, Google. The king of all search engines is hiring again. In fact, Google plans to add thousands of employees to its payroll in 2010. Though a few perks have been cut in recent years, its engineers still get to devote 20% of their time to projects of their choosing.

2008 revenue ($ millions): 21,795

5.0 Nugget Market (Previous rank: 10)

The tough economy prompted the supermarket chain to help associates by giving them cards good for 10% discounts on $500 of groceries every month.

2008 revenue ($ millions): 287

6.0 DreamWorks Animation (Previous rank: 47)

Animators love the culture of collaboration and openness. Studio has upped releases from two a year to five every two years.

2008 revenue ($ millions): 650

7.0 NetApp (Previous rank: 1)

Execs increased efforts to take care of employees during a tough year, including an employee stock-option exchange and updates to incentive compensation.

2008 revenue ($ millions): 3,535

8.0 Boston Consulting Group (Previous rank: 3)

This management consultant is tops in pay and benefits; new consultants are able to earn up to $184,000.

2008 revenue ($ millions): 2,400

9.0 Qualcomm (Previous rank: 16)

Wireless pioneer works hard to provide an environment where good people can do their best work. Some elements include stock options on hire, baseball games, surfing lessons, kayaking tours, white-water rafting, bonfires, bowling, and volunteering opportunities.

2008 revenue ($ millions): 11,142

10.0 Camden Property Trust (Previous rank: 41)

After stock of apartment developer tanked from a high of $80 in 2006 to a low of $17 in 2009, founders Ric Campo and Keith Oden rallied workers across 13 states with messages such as Turn off CNBC - the moderators know less than you do about the way forward.

By year’s end the stock had rebounded to $42.

2008 revenue ($ millions): 624

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JobStreet launched English Language Assessment to help Job Seekers

JobStreet recently launched it's latest value-added service to job seekers who would like to know how proficient they are in English through the English Language Assessment (JobStreet ELA).

In this feature, one can take the English language assessment with a total of 40 questions which is composed of Conversational, Vocabulary, Grammar, and Comprehension. Each category has 10 questions. You have a choice to practice first as many times through the same page or you can go directly to the assessment test if you wish.

Since I was curious to know how good I am in English, I tried the assessment after practicing once. Below is the result.

Practice:
Total Questions Attempted: 40
Total Questions Correct: 35 (Conversational:8; Vocabulary:8; Grammar:10; Comprehension:9)

Assessment:
Total Questions Attempted: 40
Total Questions Correct: 33 (Conversational:8; Vocabulary:7; Grammar:10; Comprehension:8)

I am happy with the result but I think I still have to improve more.

So if you are looking for a job right now, I strongly suggest that you try this test. The results will help you a lot to evaluate yourself, and know which of the English skills you need to improve.

Nevertheless, I also suggest that you practice first before doing the assessment. This is because the assessment can only be made every 3 months.

If you're interested, you can proceed to this link below. http://ph.jobstreet.com/english

Don't worry, it's totally free courtesy of JobStreet.

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Looking for a new job? Read this

Today, millions of people around the world are looking for a new job and still counting. But actually, they can be divided into two groups only; the ones who don't have a job right now and the ones who are are currently employed but not satisfied. Apparently, I now belong to the first group.

Nevertheless, I have been employed for more than 16 years in 9 different companies. I therefore think that I have many interesting things to share when it comes to looking for a new job.

Most jobless individuals today are getting frustrated to get a job. With this, some of them don't even think twice before accepting a job offer as long they feel that the salary is big enough especially if they have a family to feed. In fact, some of them don't consider their safety anymore and even work at places where the government don't allow them such as in Afghanistan. I don't blame them though especially if they think it's the only choice they have.

But come to think of it, there's always a better way. Here in the Philippines, a government agency called TESDA is teaching workers in different skills and even help them find a job afterward. Besides the free training, students are also earning allowances during the training period. These days, people should be flexible enough to learn new skills and search for another career.

For those who are currently employed but still looking for a new job, it is but natural to dream for a greener pasture. Some of them are even worried that they will be laid off soon since the worldwide economy is not yet that stable. However, they should not be blinded at once with the high salary offer. They should also know how stable that company is, especially during this recession period. Otherwise, they may end up looking for a new job again sooner than they expect.

In both cases, people should understand that having no job does not mean it's the end of the world for them. After all, having a job is not the only way to make money. There are times that you can even make more money if you don't have a job.

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Age Limit: A Job Applicant Barrier?

I don't know about your place, but I suppose age limit has been a barrier for people who are looking for a new job especially here in the Philippines. If you will look at at the job vacancies here, you will find that they have a required age limit for most positions which I find it odd. Although I know there are some positions that require younger workers and employees, I still cannot understand why they should be very specific.

For example, I saw a job vacancy for supervisors and their age limit requirement is from 25 to 35. Does this mean that a 36-year old supervisor will not be efficient, and a 25-year old applicant is more preferable? Yes, I know what you mean. This age limit may only be a reference, and any applicant close to the age limit requirement can still be hired. However, some companies are very strict and don't have any consideration. This gave some applicants some doubts before they apply for a position, even though they feel that they are qualified.

I am now 43 years old, jobless, and has been looking for a job for more than 7 months. And yes, I can read your mind. You are thinking that I am just sour graping over the issue of having age limit requirement for job vacancies, and you might think that I consider this as a barrier to find me a job.

Well, I must admit sometimes I wonder why there should be a need to have such age limit to be able to work efficiently. I even think companies will benefit more if they hire older people, especially if the position requires difficult decision making and has a lot of pressure.

What do you think?

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