I was just chatting with Jin on the phone just now and some how in the conversation, she reminded me about a few important things back when I was looking for a job. We were both once panicky because the whole world seems to be working expect us. Well, friends who are still jobless/bumming, don’t panic and just enjoy your holidays first. Take all the time in the world hunting for a job you want. Don't jump into the first thing that comes along.

Looking for 'the job’ is like looking for 'the right man’. People say just go for what ever that comes first, then slowly hunt for a better job later. I used to think that too. But thank god I didn't jump into my thoughts. You won't want to just marry any guy and look for a better man later right? You would have to go through ‘the pain in the ass’ to file the divorce (and maybe split your kids!) as like writing your resignation letter. (and giving that 1 2 months advance notice, waste time man)

Now that I'm a little more alert about job hunting, here's some of the things I think one should do.

1. Think of something you would like to do long term. Nope, don't think about how much the job will pay. If you like doing something, you'll be good at it, thus you'll end up being good at what you do hence a good pay. Imagine yourself in the job, think of worst scenarios that may happen. Stuff like controversy, social, communication, management, etc including getting fired. If what you had in mind is your own business, go ahead man! Don't limit yourself.

2. Next is looking for the right company. Look for an organization than can give you what you want. Sometimes establish companies can't give you what you want. For example if I was looking for programming exposure, working for a well establish software house will not really expose me to every possible programming language used, however a fresh start software house will work me like a DOG. I would have to get my hands dirty into all sorts of languages, databases and technologies. It's kind of depending on what you want. Knowing what you want is important.

However, getting experience and exposure is just two things once should consider. There's job stability to consider if you are not planning to job-hop (then I think it's more advisable to stick to a more stable company). Then there's the pay and benefits factor. Again, it's all depending on what you want.

3. You should get at least 8 to 12 organizations you would like to work with. Do all your research on them. Google them, ask your friends/relatives/contacts about the working environment and history. Get their HR department contacts, email or telephone. Write an impressive cover letter. (Make sure you spell check it and grammar-proof it if your ‘England’ if yours is less impressive like mine HAHAHA) Don't be lazy; don’t write a generic cover letter. It pays if you put individual effort to all of your cover letter. Taylor them to the specific job and organisation you are applying for. Attach your IMPRESSIVE resume along with all your certificates and stuff. Scan them and attach them if you are sending through email.

Can't get their contact? Well, if you want to get into the organization, make some effort to get them. Look it up in Google or the Yellow pages. If there's no email address, there's sure to be a telephone number. Ring them up, ask for the HR department. Speak to whoever is available. Make sure you are polite and be brief and concise. Get information on how to submit your resume to them. You may also ask them for their HR email address. No email no telephone number? Well, 'chow siong moon', head to their office and talk to the people there. There should be some administration clerk who will be able to help out.

The important thing is to show them that you are really keen on working with them.

4. Okay, let’s say you get lucky and the organization calls you up for an interview, please be prepared. One question that 100% will be asked is "So, tell me more about yourself" Think about it. Be prepared for it. Don't tell them about your family and stuff like that. Tell them your interest that relates to the job/organisation you are applying for. Tell them your education/working background. Stuff like that.

Also, be prepared for technical questions that relates to your job you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for a toilet cleaner job (HAHAHAHA), please know your washing detergent, scrubs and stuff like that. Be prepared for non-technical and out of the scope/topic questions too! Buck up on your general knowledge. Your interviewer may ask "So, you saw the news yesterday? The tsunami took countless of lives." *He/She pauses and waits for your response.* What are you going to say?

If you think your interviewer was trying to calm/be friendly, so are so wrong dude. These are some questions to test a person's thinking and stuff like that. Don't give nonsense answers la kay. Say something impressive/meaningful/mature about all these kind of questions. It shows how good of an employee you are going to be to the organisation.

Jin gave me another example that I found quite interesting. Imagine yourself sitting for an interview for a toilet cleaner job in ExxonMobil, you interviewer asks you “So, how may Esso and Mobil you think there are in the Klang Valley?”

I was speechless when Jin asked me that question. I was like “What theeee….that kind of question is that?” A few hundred?”

*teeeattttttttt* Wrong answer. A more ‘intelligent’ answer would be “Roughly 1 in N meter/km radius.” Then again, no answer is wrong, just have to restructure your sentence to make yourself seem smart if you are already not.

Now, don't let your interviewer ask all the questions. You've got to be interactive man. Ask them questions regarding your job. For example, what kind of job, the scope, working more in a team/individual, who will you be reporting to, stuff like that. Ask for the working hours, pay, benefits and stuff like that too! (So if the pay and benefits turns you off, you know you don't have to waste time on them if you are called for the second interview.

5. Okay, end of the battle interview. But it's not the end of your battle yet. During the interview, make sure you know your interviewers. Send them a "Thank you for taking your time to interview me" email. Even if you did extremely well and you are damn confident in getting the job, this email takes you a step higher. Show them that you are sincerely and really into the job. Kind of shows your professionalism too. (Now that’s something I didn’t learn from APIIT! LOL!)

6. WEEE! So you got the job! Send your "Thank you for putting your confidence in me" email. Say stuff like "I'll be looking forward to working with you and your organisation". ....But erm, it's not the end of the world if you don't get a reply. Contact your interviewers if you don't have an answer in 7 working days. And if you didn't get the job, don't curse them la. Again, email them or something. Say that you are genuine and would love a chance to work with them in the future if there are openings. This way you would make a better impression and your interviews will keep you in mind for future interviews.

Ahh..I think that's about it. I think I can write a Dummies book on job hunting. LOL! Then again for someone with only little experience...ahahhaha forget it. I have yet to learn. Hope this long entry is insightful.