ResumeWeAssist Enterprise

I gave this speech last Tuesday, 2-Jun’09 during our fortnightly Vista Penang Toastmasters meeting.

My fellow Toastmasters & Guest,

Projected in 2009 the unemployment rate in Malaysia will reach above 4% from the average of 3% annually. Basically, about 400 thousand people will be aggressively looking for a job in Malaysia. Out of that as per Ministry of Higher Education statistics, there will be about 230 thousand students from local & private universities & colleges excluding overseas graduates will be entering into the job market in 2009. However, based on the reported job vacancies as per Ministry of Human Resource statistics in Mar 2009, there are only 91 thousand vacancies available in Malaysia. Regardless if the statistic is accurate and showing the true picture, obviously these statistics are showing that the job market in Malaysia is too small for everyone to secure a job comfortably. The job market is like a “war zone” for the job seekers. Only the fittest and the luckiest will win.

Let me put these statistics aside and now focus on the main intention of my speech. As a manager for the past 4 years, the main triggering point for me to start a hiring process is when I need the right solution to a problem in my organization. Obviously, that person that I will be hiring will need to provide me the right solution to my problem.

So for the next couple of minutes I will be sharing simple steps on how to increase your winning chance to secure a job in this highly competitive job market.

The steps are ASK, TELL, FOLLOW UP & TELL AGAIN.

Let me start with ASK. What I really mean by ASK is basically ask yourself what solution you can provide to your future employer to solve their problem. Definitely, you will need to do some research about your future employer through the internet or if possible talk to them directly. For instance, if you read in the internet that your future employer is going to setup a new manufacturing plant in your area, then definitely they will need someone with knowledge and experience in setting up a manufacturing plant. If you have that experience & knowledge, then you have the right solution that your future employer needs.

Next you will need to TELL your future employer that you have that solution. One of the most common ways to TELL them is by writing a resume with a cover letter and send them in. In your resume you should TELL your future employer that you have that particular experience & knowledge and share your achievements. One of the most common mistakes done in a resume is lack of focus on your achievements but rather more focus on your job responsibilities.  Ensure your cover letter is written to support your achievements and also TELL how you can solve their problem.

Once you have TELL your future employer, then now it is time to FOLLOW UP with them. Remember that the job market is getting more competitive hence you will need to do something different from your competitors. Based on my survey found that 99% of job seekers never FOLLOW UP after submitting their resume just because there are too shy or afraid to disturb their future employer. Just ask yourself if this is true or not. Anyway by just FOLLOW UP with your future employer to enquire when you will be called in for an interview, you have created the competitive advantage for you to win in the job market.

Finally, your have to TELL AGAIN during your interview session how you can provide the right solution to your future employer’s problem. Use this opportunity to convince your future employer that you have the right solution.

Before I end my speech I would like to share what Stephen Covey, famous for his bestseller book, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People mentioned in his 90/10 Principle that 10% of whatever happens in your life is already set as your destiny; you can’t change it but you still have the control on the balance 90%.

The economic downturn we are facing nowadays is the thing we can’t control but we can still control on how to make ourselves marketable by ASK, TELL, FOLLOW UP & TELL AGAIN.

Thank you.