Well, it’s been a fun learning experience this past semester and I really enjoyed this module. What I appreciated the most was that for the group project, unlike most other modules, this module strongly emphasized on communication between the group members rather than simply focusing on the work produced. This is very evident in the substantial amount of class time dedicated to group discussion.
Our first post was about why we felt that it was important to develop effective communication skills, where I had blogged about one of the many facets of communication – the level of formality to be used. As it turned out, semi-formal is best for this blog. Adjusting the formality of the message to suit the occasion was one of the lessons I picked up along the course.
Reflecting back, I would say my understanding of the value of effective communication has not changed since then. The many projects and CCA activities which I had been involved in throughout my 4 years in NUS have certainly underscored the importance of conveying messages clearly and succinctly. However, this course has been very useful in providing very structured ways of doing so, for example the 7Cs in writing serve as a very good method to ensure that we can effectively get our written message across to others.
Overall, I felt that my main takeaway from this course was the structured methods of communicating effectively. In the past I had always relied on my “gut feeling” on how to craft messages, but now, I feel that I am much more equipped to do so more effectively.
Great module.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Interview skills
Since we are currently on the topic of job search in class, I thought it would be appropriate for me to share some of the interview tips I picked up in a when I attended a recent Interview Workshop by the NUS Career Centre.
We all know that must we must prepare for an interview such as reading up on the company’s business and background. But did you know that you do not have to go for an interview empty handed? Yes, there are some materials that you could bring into your interview that may come in useful.
The first item would be a portfolio file. This is where you keep your certificates and their photocopies, as well as several copies of your resume. The next item would be a pad of foolscap paper without its cover. On the foolscap paper, write down your skills which are relevant to the job. Beside these skills, list some examples of how you have demonstrated these skills in your past experience. The idea here is for you to think through all your experiences and list them down at your own time, without pressure. In fact, this is also useful because you are preparing answers for questions which they will probably ask.
During your interview, open up the file and place it in front of you. Your resume should be on the left side and the foolscap on the right. The resume is for your easy reference in case you receive any questions about what you wrote inside. On the right side of the file, would be your foolscap pad with your “cheat sheet” on top. Of course, you don’t want to be seen with your face glued to these, but these serve as a very useful backup just in case we get so nervous (which we all do) during the interview that we cannot think properly.
Finally, just relax and keep calm. And ace the interview!
We all know that must we must prepare for an interview such as reading up on the company’s business and background. But did you know that you do not have to go for an interview empty handed? Yes, there are some materials that you could bring into your interview that may come in useful.
The first item would be a portfolio file. This is where you keep your certificates and their photocopies, as well as several copies of your resume. The next item would be a pad of foolscap paper without its cover. On the foolscap paper, write down your skills which are relevant to the job. Beside these skills, list some examples of how you have demonstrated these skills in your past experience. The idea here is for you to think through all your experiences and list them down at your own time, without pressure. In fact, this is also useful because you are preparing answers for questions which they will probably ask.
During your interview, open up the file and place it in front of you. Your resume should be on the left side and the foolscap on the right. The resume is for your easy reference in case you receive any questions about what you wrote inside. On the right side of the file, would be your foolscap pad with your “cheat sheet” on top. Of course, you don’t want to be seen with your face glued to these, but these serve as a very useful backup just in case we get so nervous (which we all do) during the interview that we cannot think properly.
Finally, just relax and keep calm. And ace the interview!
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Biodata
I am a final year undergraduate from National University of Singapore (NUS), majoring in Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE). I aspire to join the engineering industry, where I could fully utilize the analytical skills acquired in my engineering studies.
My niche is in systems thinking and optimization. My Final Year Project was about the yard operations in a transshipment container terminal, and the objective was to improve the overall performance of the container terminal. Hence, I had proposed a holistic approach to the problem and sought to devise an allocation method to achieve a better container throughput.
I had 2 internships during my semester term breaks in NUS – the first was with a bank and the second was with a container terminal. These internships not only provided me with valuable working experience, they also gave me an opportunity to apply what I had learnt in school to an industrial setting.
As a believer of “work – life” balance, I also participate actively in co-curriculum activities, especially Kendo (a form of martial arts). In my third year, I was the chairperson of the NUS Kendo Club. Together with my Executive Committee, some of our biggest achievements include improving the running of the club, fostering a stronger team spirit within the club, and successfully hosting an Inter-Varsity competition.
In all, I hope that my university education and my life experiences will be beneficial for my future endeavor as an engineer.
My niche is in systems thinking and optimization. My Final Year Project was about the yard operations in a transshipment container terminal, and the objective was to improve the overall performance of the container terminal. Hence, I had proposed a holistic approach to the problem and sought to devise an allocation method to achieve a better container throughput.
I had 2 internships during my semester term breaks in NUS – the first was with a bank and the second was with a container terminal. These internships not only provided me with valuable working experience, they also gave me an opportunity to apply what I had learnt in school to an industrial setting.
As a believer of “work – life” balance, I also participate actively in co-curriculum activities, especially Kendo (a form of martial arts). In my third year, I was the chairperson of the NUS Kendo Club. Together with my Executive Committee, some of our biggest achievements include improving the running of the club, fostering a stronger team spirit within the club, and successfully hosting an Inter-Varsity competition.
In all, I hope that my university education and my life experiences will be beneficial for my future endeavor as an engineer.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Evaluating Intercultural Behavior
Ever thought that when travelling in another country, once you’ve experienced its culture, you’ve seen it all?
Sometimes? Maybe.
All the time? Not quite.
My girlfriend and I holidayed in Japan last year, and our trip started in Kyoto. It was a self tour, so it involved a lot of interaction with the locals asking for directions. Even though I was the only one who could speak Japanese, it was limited to only a few keywords, such as excuse me, where and how. Thus, how well we interacted with the locals had a big impact on how quickly we could get to our destination.
It is a well know fact that Japanese people are very polite and helpful. Imagine our surprise in Kyoto when a local actually walked us to our destination!
On the other hand, when we were in Tokyo, we were taken off guard when a person actually picked up his pace and sped away from us upon our request for directions.
Of course, not everyone we met in Tokyo reacted in such a manner, but nonetheless, we were quite bemused by disparity in reactions of people who are supposedly from the same culture.
How stereotypical of me.
Sometimes? Maybe.
All the time? Not quite.
My girlfriend and I holidayed in Japan last year, and our trip started in Kyoto. It was a self tour, so it involved a lot of interaction with the locals asking for directions. Even though I was the only one who could speak Japanese, it was limited to only a few keywords, such as excuse me, where and how. Thus, how well we interacted with the locals had a big impact on how quickly we could get to our destination.
It is a well know fact that Japanese people are very polite and helpful. Imagine our surprise in Kyoto when a local actually walked us to our destination!
On the other hand, when we were in Tokyo, we were taken off guard when a person actually picked up his pace and sped away from us upon our request for directions.
Of course, not everyone we met in Tokyo reacted in such a manner, but nonetheless, we were quite bemused by disparity in reactions of people who are supposedly from the same culture.
How stereotypical of me.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Business Correspondence Critique
This week’s post would be a critique on a business letter. Below, I have reproduced (even up to the spacing used) an email regarding an employment offer. Only the addressee’s name and email has been amended.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Application to Employment position
From: Shell (Please_enter_your_own_email_address@shell.com)
Sent: 05 February 2009 17: 32PM
To: A@hotmail.com
Your Ref No:-001A9C7D316
Dear A,
Congratulations!
Further to your recent interview with us.
We are pleased to inform that our assessment of your performance at the interview has been meeting our criteria and you have been short listed for our Shell Recruitment Day.
The Shell Recruitment Day is scheduled based on business requirements and specific matching of the job description with your background upon which a date will be set.
In the event that none of the conditions above are met, candidates will be kept in our database for reference and future consideration until there is a suitable match. In conclusion your application will still be kept active for a period of 2 years after the date of your interview.
We take this opportunity to thank you for the interest you have shown in our Company and thank you very much for your patience and understanding.
CANDIDATE EXPERIENCE SURVEY
At Shell we are committed to the continuous improvement of our interview process and would be grateful if you could take a few minutes of your time to complete our "Candidate Experience Survey". The survey is managed by a third party supplier and is completely anonymous. Your individual responses will not be made available to Shell.
Your feedback on this extremely valuable to us and we appreciate your time given. Thank you for your participation.
Please click here to access the survey http://www.maven-web.net/sce/login.asp?Quest=53&Route=2
Kind regards
Shell
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The first line after the opening address goes “Congratulations!”, thus the addressee can immediately establish that this is a good news message. Thus, the excited and hopeful addressee would be reading the rest of the email very carefully for information about what to expect next and, whether any action is required on the addressee’s part. At this point of time, the addressee is likely to be more concerned with the factual contents of the email, rather than the subtleties, such as its tone and sincerity.
In terms of clarity, conciseness and completeness, the email has fulfilled the requirements. Every paragraph is short and brings out a point.. Within each paragraph, the point raised is clear and easy to understand without any ambiguity. The information conveyed is also complete in that it informs the addressee the outcome of the previous interaction (the interview), what to expect next (the Shell Recruitment Day), as well as some background information regarding the subsequent events.
Of course, not everything is perfect. Let’s hear some possible areas for improvement in the blog comments.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Application to Employment position
From: Shell (Please_enter_your_own_email_address@shell.com)
Sent: 05 February 2009 17: 32PM
To: A@hotmail.com
Your Ref No:-001A9C7D316
Dear A,
Congratulations!
Further to your recent interview with us.
We are pleased to inform that our assessment of your performance at the interview has been meeting our criteria and you have been short listed for our Shell Recruitment Day.
The Shell Recruitment Day is scheduled based on business requirements and specific matching of the job description with your background upon which a date will be set.
In the event that none of the conditions above are met, candidates will be kept in our database for reference and future consideration until there is a suitable match. In conclusion your application will still be kept active for a period of 2 years after the date of your interview.
We take this opportunity to thank you for the interest you have shown in our Company and thank you very much for your patience and understanding.
CANDIDATE EXPERIENCE SURVEY
At Shell we are committed to the continuous improvement of our interview process and would be grateful if you could take a few minutes of your time to complete our "Candidate Experience Survey". The survey is managed by a third party supplier and is completely anonymous. Your individual responses will not be made available to Shell.
Your feedback on this extremely valuable to us and we appreciate your time given. Thank you for your participation.
Please click here to access the survey http://www.maven-web.net/sce/login.asp?Quest=53&Route=2
Kind regards
Shell
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The first line after the opening address goes “Congratulations!”, thus the addressee can immediately establish that this is a good news message. Thus, the excited and hopeful addressee would be reading the rest of the email very carefully for information about what to expect next and, whether any action is required on the addressee’s part. At this point of time, the addressee is likely to be more concerned with the factual contents of the email, rather than the subtleties, such as its tone and sincerity.
In terms of clarity, conciseness and completeness, the email has fulfilled the requirements. Every paragraph is short and brings out a point.. Within each paragraph, the point raised is clear and easy to understand without any ambiguity. The information conveyed is also complete in that it informs the addressee the outcome of the previous interaction (the interview), what to expect next (the Shell Recruitment Day), as well as some background information regarding the subsequent events.
Of course, not everything is perfect. Let’s hear some possible areas for improvement in the blog comments.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Interpersonal Conflict
Three boys, A, B and C have been best of friends since secondary school. Even during their army days, they continued to keep in touch. Later on, they went to the same university, where B applied for a hostel room. Often, they would head to B’s hostel room after lessons to do their homework together, which was usually followed by supper, where they would chat over prata and teh tarik till late at night.
Once, during another friend’s party, A got to know a girl, D whom he was very interested in. Over a period of 6 months, A managed to ask D out a few times. However, A still had not worked up the courage to confess his feelings for her.
All this while, A has been confiding his relationship woes to B and C. While his dates with D have been fine, he felt that it was not yet time for them to proceed beyond friends.
One day, A received a call from B, informing him that B and D have just got into a relationship.
If you were A, how would you feel and what would you do?
If you were C, the mutual friend of A and B, what would you do when you hear the news?
Once, during another friend’s party, A got to know a girl, D whom he was very interested in. Over a period of 6 months, A managed to ask D out a few times. However, A still had not worked up the courage to confess his feelings for her.
All this while, A has been confiding his relationship woes to B and C. While his dates with D have been fine, he felt that it was not yet time for them to proceed beyond friends.
One day, A received a call from B, informing him that B and D have just got into a relationship.
If you were A, how would you feel and what would you do?
If you were C, the mutual friend of A and B, what would you do when you hear the news?
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Why develop communication skills
What’s the big fuss about having effective communications skills? I talk, and you should get the point right?
“Huh? I thought the outing was cancelled? Oh so we’re meeting at 4pm ah? Wah opps, 3.30pm already…er… ok see you all there, I’ll be late though.”
“What?! The deadline is today?!!”
Sounds familiar? In fact, many of my personal experiences tell me that miscommunication is one of the most frequent reasons why we, or rather I, mess up certain things in life. According to The Science of Effective Communication in the Workplace, we must be able to ‘organise and express (our) ideas in writing and speaking’.
In a nutshell, there are many facets to communication. At the basic level, there is a message, an audience to address, and a chosen channel for communication.
Notice the informal way of writing in this blog? I assumed that blog is an informal channel for communication, just like YouTube where people post all kinds of funny and interesting videos such as happy bashing at a friend’s birthday. So, being informal is fine.
On the other hand, it seems possible for formality to exist in an informal channel too. President Obama uses YouTube for his weekly address! Given that the viewer count on his videos is in the millions, he is certainly getting his message across. Since I’m being graded for this blog, perhaps I should adopt a more formal approach?
So which approach would be more appropriate? Well, that’s why I’m taking this course.
“Huh? I thought the outing was cancelled? Oh so we’re meeting at 4pm ah? Wah opps, 3.30pm already…er… ok see you all there, I’ll be late though.”
“What?! The deadline is today?!!”
Sounds familiar? In fact, many of my personal experiences tell me that miscommunication is one of the most frequent reasons why we, or rather I, mess up certain things in life. According to The Science of Effective Communication in the Workplace, we must be able to ‘organise and express (our) ideas in writing and speaking’.
In a nutshell, there are many facets to communication. At the basic level, there is a message, an audience to address, and a chosen channel for communication.
Notice the informal way of writing in this blog? I assumed that blog is an informal channel for communication, just like YouTube where people post all kinds of funny and interesting videos such as happy bashing at a friend’s birthday. So, being informal is fine.
On the other hand, it seems possible for formality to exist in an informal channel too. President Obama uses YouTube for his weekly address! Given that the viewer count on his videos is in the millions, he is certainly getting his message across. Since I’m being graded for this blog, perhaps I should adopt a more formal approach?
So which approach would be more appropriate? Well, that’s why I’m taking this course.
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