I was in my bed this morning, with the alarm going on since forever, and trying my best to wake up. It's those times when I really tried very hard (mentally) to sit up in the bed, but didn't work. Suddenly, I heard some creaking sound, as if the building. The next thing I know, the room was shaking. I told myself, hello, there's an earthquake so the normal thing to do is to wake up and find somewhere safer to be at. This happens not to be the bed.
Incredibly enough, my body refused to budge and I was just lying still in the bed. After the shaking came to a halt, I dozed off into another dream.
Woke up about 30mins later and checked the quake alert system. To my horror, there was no record of quake within the last 1 hour, at least not anywhere nearby.
To end with, I'm either nuts or sick. Both might mean the same.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Professionalism
Was reminded of something during my shower which I must blog about. Have I mentioned before shower time = idea time for me (think of the frisk CM)?
The interviews I've been to show the professionalism exhibited by some of the people in the industry in each company, though I'm sure these experiences might not represent majority of the organization these people come from. In all of the interviews, I didn't use much business Japanese, nor do I think my Japanese was anywhere near perfect. But as far as I can see, these people can get the point I'm trying to get across if they make the effort too. Not just interviewers from companies but also those HR consultants. And I count myself lucky there's enough of such people! =)
Note: Long post ahead!
Interview 1: Major multinational player A in the industry
Being my first interview, I was pretty much freaking out while waiting in the room. When this guy in a small frame slightly crouching came in, I became much relieved that the interviewer wasn't someone intimidating. He brought his laptop with him, introduced himself (senior manager) in a soft and rather exhausted tone and started the interview.
I mentioned he was exhausted. But I could also see he was making efforts to understand what I meant, and reiterated whenever he wanted confirmation. It turned out that he was from a different division and my resume probably got passed to the wrong team. Nonetheless, he was still professional enough to go through everything, get all the information he required, and talked about offering me a position in the 'right' department. Very much appreciated.
When it was my turn to ask questions, he was really seriously thinking deep down about those questions and replying me. From his response, you can tell he's someone who feels with his heart, despite probably having being tortured by clients earlier that day.
It was also from this interview that I began to feel more confident about everything. Like I've said, I can't speak in perfect Japanese yet but it helped that a stranger tried to understand what I did, and want to do, even though I might have nothing much to do with him from now on.
Interview 2: Major multinational player D in the industry
I was pretty nervous about this one too coz it was scheduled in a very rushed manner. I got a mail from the consultant (on a Mon evening) that they want to meet up with me on the Wed evening. I could see my schedules lining up back to back, and was thinking of ways to postpone it. But no, he called me up and told me they happened to be holding a 説明会 and wanted me to join in, followed by the interview. Thus the rush. I agreed but kinda regretted it after hanging up the call. I mean, a firm that rushes through scares me at times.
*start of digression* Anyway, I arrived at the place, their reception was already off for the day (good sign!) so I had difficulties trying to figure out the venue. I imagined it to be in some bigger room that could at least hold 10 people and walked around the floor twice. Was very sure I looked pretty idiotic, and I couldn't see anyone else half as lost as me (perhaps another candidate?). I finally called up the number of the HR guy mentioned in the mail, and waited for him to pick me up. Heng I arrived 15mins earlier hahaha.... *end of digression*
Ended up, there was this young guy who just came out of nowhere, and he turned out to be from HR. He brought me to this waiting area, arranged for a room, and got me to wait in there. All these done in an absolutely polite manner. In about 5 mins, he arrived with 2 more guys and the interview started. It turned out that they held this 説明会 for me (unbelievable when I heard it!) and both the senior manager and partner would interview me together.
So we moved on, with the partner giving a background of what they do and how they position themselves. I was really glad then that my reading is still good enough coz I managed to understand most of it and could ask some pretty interesting questions (in my opinion).
Interview time. I was quite amazed by then by how friendly and down-to-earth both of them were. They were really interested (or at least looked very much like it) in what I've done and listening to what I had to say to their questions. At some point in time, it had become a discussion when we started to generate ideas about how I could be contributing. It was really quite enjoyable and we ended up laughing in the room about some mistakes the partner mentioned in his explanations to me. By looking at the communication going on in the room, there didn't seem to be much hierarchy here.
It finally ended, with them thanking me for my time (and vice versa), and the HR guy sent me to the lift where we had some small talk. This is the first interview in my life that I really enjoyed so much, and was actually reluctant closing it.
Could feel myself skipping on my way to the station, very confident I've aced this one.
Interview 3: Small domestic firm C that's expanding worldwide
Wasn't very keen to take this up in the first place, and I admit it was not so nice of me to be practical. But when this HR consultant kept pushing me and recommended them (though the we did our research and found it to be a 怪しい coy), I thought no harm going since I will at least get a practice session. Still remember dragging my feet out of the bed and asking the Geek if I could skip this one =(
Strange that the consultant asked to meet me before the appointment, and started to prep me for some Q&A, what to and what not to say. He even asked if I wanted a mock interview session, but was rejected. I mean, I've been interviewing people for the past few years and the last thing I want was to be interviewed by an Indian in English, for a Japanese interview. It didn't help that it was a really hectic week and that day was the last of it.
Arrived at the company 10 mins earlier, and was made to wait for at least 15-20mins. I forgot but it was just a long wait especially when you see people (clients) who came after you being brought in =( Finally one of the chiobu receptionists there brought me to a room where I sweated over the web test (some reading passage in Japanese like JLPT, followed by maths and graphs stuffs). Done with that in about 40mins, dialed the number and she came back and said I could take a rest outside and let them know when I'm ready.
Got back in time for the interview, and they brought me to a room quite quickly. I waited another forever. Finally, this guy in a mask came in (were you like 15mins late?!) and explained that he's not sick but those people in the coy were so he had to wear it. Ok, accepted. Heard from the consultant he is a senior manager.
He was pretty impatient, and rushed through some of the questions if it wasn't the model answer he expected. Or at least that was what I felt, this guy doesn't like diversity huh.
Example 1
Interviewer: Why are you interested in this position?
Me: Because of my past experience... *goes on to explain*
Interviewer: *rolls eyes and cuts through* I'm sorry but I mean how do you think you can contribute in this position?
Me: *palm hits face*
Example 2
Interviewer: Why do you think these systems can benefit clients?
Me: *goes on to talk about streamlining processes* yadayadayada
Interviewer: *cuts through for the n-th time* But Japanese business processes are often different and to implement them in this context would mean high costs so we CANNOT use these systems yadayada *rolls eyes*
Me: *shakes head*
If that was his way of testing candidates, I think there was a major mismatch. This is definitely somewhere I won't want to end up in. What was worse was that when I couldn't express some of the stuffs reasonably well, he would give a really disapproving frown. It's fine if you don't like the fact that I don't say the things you like to hear, but let's give each other minimal respect.
Interviewer: I'm done with what I need to check with you.
Me: *thinks to myself* thank God, just let me out of this freaking prison
Interviewer: Do you have any questions for me? *glances sideways*
Me: *thinks to myself* ok, will be polite and end the interview properly
So can you please tell me what are the company's expansion plans in China and the rest of the Asian region?
Interviewer: *gives a look as if this was the stupidest question on earth* It's up to how our customers want to bring us *super duper eye rolls*
Me: Thank you. That's all from me. *polite smile*
I remembered that I really felt like slamming the door right into his face. This marks the first interview whereby I walked out fuming. Went home and starting typing an email to the agent to thank him for the interview but I think there was a big mismatch so that was it.
As much as you do not think I'll bring any benefits to you today (by not being the candidate you wished for), I think a professional won't behave the way you did.
The world is just this small (and getting even smaller!), you never know who you'll meet at the next turn. So it really pays to be respectful of others and yourself. It's really hard to tell, the one you look down today might end up being sitting (and shitting) above you tomorrow. This reminded me of the organization chart Regina and I were ROFL in the Tokyo trains when the lovely couple was here for a short holiday.
On a sidenote, I realized the younger generation (with glorious academic/working history) are the ones guilty of such crimes. It might probably be because we youngsters haven't seen the world and yet think the world of ourselves. Reminder to self, keep your feet on the ground.
Good news is, I've heard back from the 1st and 2nd interviews, exactly how I had wanted them to be! =))
The interviews I've been to show the professionalism exhibited by some of the people in the industry in each company, though I'm sure these experiences might not represent majority of the organization these people come from. In all of the interviews, I didn't use much business Japanese, nor do I think my Japanese was anywhere near perfect. But as far as I can see, these people can get the point I'm trying to get across if they make the effort too. Not just interviewers from companies but also those HR consultants. And I count myself lucky there's enough of such people! =)
Note: Long post ahead!
Interview 1: Major multinational player A in the industry
Being my first interview, I was pretty much freaking out while waiting in the room. When this guy in a small frame slightly crouching came in, I became much relieved that the interviewer wasn't someone intimidating. He brought his laptop with him, introduced himself (senior manager) in a soft and rather exhausted tone and started the interview.
I mentioned he was exhausted. But I could also see he was making efforts to understand what I meant, and reiterated whenever he wanted confirmation. It turned out that he was from a different division and my resume probably got passed to the wrong team. Nonetheless, he was still professional enough to go through everything, get all the information he required, and talked about offering me a position in the 'right' department. Very much appreciated.
When it was my turn to ask questions, he was really seriously thinking deep down about those questions and replying me. From his response, you can tell he's someone who feels with his heart, despite probably having being tortured by clients earlier that day.
It was also from this interview that I began to feel more confident about everything. Like I've said, I can't speak in perfect Japanese yet but it helped that a stranger tried to understand what I did, and want to do, even though I might have nothing much to do with him from now on.
Interview 2: Major multinational player D in the industry
I was pretty nervous about this one too coz it was scheduled in a very rushed manner. I got a mail from the consultant (on a Mon evening) that they want to meet up with me on the Wed evening. I could see my schedules lining up back to back, and was thinking of ways to postpone it. But no, he called me up and told me they happened to be holding a 説明会 and wanted me to join in, followed by the interview. Thus the rush. I agreed but kinda regretted it after hanging up the call. I mean, a firm that rushes through scares me at times.
*start of digression* Anyway, I arrived at the place, their reception was already off for the day (good sign!) so I had difficulties trying to figure out the venue. I imagined it to be in some bigger room that could at least hold 10 people and walked around the floor twice. Was very sure I looked pretty idiotic, and I couldn't see anyone else half as lost as me (perhaps another candidate?). I finally called up the number of the HR guy mentioned in the mail, and waited for him to pick me up. Heng I arrived 15mins earlier hahaha.... *end of digression*
Ended up, there was this young guy who just came out of nowhere, and he turned out to be from HR. He brought me to this waiting area, arranged for a room, and got me to wait in there. All these done in an absolutely polite manner. In about 5 mins, he arrived with 2 more guys and the interview started. It turned out that they held this 説明会 for me (unbelievable when I heard it!) and both the senior manager and partner would interview me together.
So we moved on, with the partner giving a background of what they do and how they position themselves. I was really glad then that my reading is still good enough coz I managed to understand most of it and could ask some pretty interesting questions (in my opinion).
Interview time. I was quite amazed by then by how friendly and down-to-earth both of them were. They were really interested (or at least looked very much like it) in what I've done and listening to what I had to say to their questions. At some point in time, it had become a discussion when we started to generate ideas about how I could be contributing. It was really quite enjoyable and we ended up laughing in the room about some mistakes the partner mentioned in his explanations to me. By looking at the communication going on in the room, there didn't seem to be much hierarchy here.
It finally ended, with them thanking me for my time (and vice versa), and the HR guy sent me to the lift where we had some small talk. This is the first interview in my life that I really enjoyed so much, and was actually reluctant closing it.
Could feel myself skipping on my way to the station, very confident I've aced this one.
Interview 3: Small domestic firm C that's expanding worldwide
Wasn't very keen to take this up in the first place, and I admit it was not so nice of me to be practical. But when this HR consultant kept pushing me and recommended them (though the we did our research and found it to be a 怪しい coy), I thought no harm going since I will at least get a practice session. Still remember dragging my feet out of the bed and asking the Geek if I could skip this one =(
Strange that the consultant asked to meet me before the appointment, and started to prep me for some Q&A, what to and what not to say. He even asked if I wanted a mock interview session, but was rejected. I mean, I've been interviewing people for the past few years and the last thing I want was to be interviewed by an Indian in English, for a Japanese interview. It didn't help that it was a really hectic week and that day was the last of it.
Arrived at the company 10 mins earlier, and was made to wait for at least 15-20mins. I forgot but it was just a long wait especially when you see people (clients) who came after you being brought in =( Finally one of the chiobu receptionists there brought me to a room where I sweated over the web test (some reading passage in Japanese like JLPT, followed by maths and graphs stuffs). Done with that in about 40mins, dialed the number and she came back and said I could take a rest outside and let them know when I'm ready.
Got back in time for the interview, and they brought me to a room quite quickly. I waited another forever. Finally, this guy in a mask came in (were you like 15mins late?!) and explained that he's not sick but those people in the coy were so he had to wear it. Ok, accepted. Heard from the consultant he is a senior manager.
He was pretty impatient, and rushed through some of the questions if it wasn't the model answer he expected. Or at least that was what I felt, this guy doesn't like diversity huh.
Example 1
Interviewer: Why are you interested in this position?
Me: Because of my past experience... *goes on to explain*
Interviewer: *rolls eyes and cuts through* I'm sorry but I mean how do you think you can contribute in this position?
Me: *palm hits face*
Example 2
Interviewer: Why do you think these systems can benefit clients?
Me: *goes on to talk about streamlining processes* yadayadayada
Interviewer: *cuts through for the n-th time* But Japanese business processes are often different and to implement them in this context would mean high costs so we CANNOT use these systems yadayada *rolls eyes*
Me: *shakes head*
If that was his way of testing candidates, I think there was a major mismatch. This is definitely somewhere I won't want to end up in. What was worse was that when I couldn't express some of the stuffs reasonably well, he would give a really disapproving frown. It's fine if you don't like the fact that I don't say the things you like to hear, but let's give each other minimal respect.
Interviewer: I'm done with what I need to check with you.
Me: *thinks to myself* thank God, just let me out of this freaking prison
Interviewer: Do you have any questions for me? *glances sideways*
Me: *thinks to myself* ok, will be polite and end the interview properly
So can you please tell me what are the company's expansion plans in China and the rest of the Asian region?
Interviewer: *gives a look as if this was the stupidest question on earth* It's up to how our customers want to bring us *super duper eye rolls*
Me: Thank you. That's all from me. *polite smile*
I remembered that I really felt like slamming the door right into his face. This marks the first interview whereby I walked out fuming. Went home and starting typing an email to the agent to thank him for the interview but I think there was a big mismatch so that was it.
As much as you do not think I'll bring any benefits to you today (by not being the candidate you wished for), I think a professional won't behave the way you did.
The world is just this small (and getting even smaller!), you never know who you'll meet at the next turn. So it really pays to be respectful of others and yourself. It's really hard to tell, the one you look down today might end up being sitting (and shitting) above you tomorrow. This reminded me of the organization chart Regina and I were ROFL in the Tokyo trains when the lovely couple was here for a short holiday.
That chart lor
On a sidenote, I realized the younger generation (with glorious academic/working history) are the ones guilty of such crimes. It might probably be because we youngsters haven't seen the world and yet think the world of ourselves. Reminder to self, keep your feet on the ground.
Good news is, I've heard back from the 1st and 2nd interviews, exactly how I had wanted them to be! =))
Thursday, October 20, 2011
U mean, this is it?
One more, and I'll be done with all I can do for this week. This is taking more than I had expected, and definitely wasn't thinking this will all happen the minute after my trip.
Just when I thought I made 1 big step today, got home and found another 1/2 step forward =) I'm quite happy that things are turning out this way, but at the same time wishing things will slow down abit... and hey, there's still others I want to talk to but haven't approached! =|
Just when I thought I made 1 big step today, got home and found another 1/2 step forward =) I'm quite happy that things are turning out this way, but at the same time wishing things will slow down abit... and hey, there's still others I want to talk to but haven't approached! =|
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Ready, get set, eh... wait
So I was thinking all along job hunting starts the moment I'm back. Things dont usually turn out the way you want to, that's why life is a challenge,
The cold got me in me a all blurry and dreamy mood (more than ever) for the first 2 days, so much so that I couldn't bring myself to do any cooking/washing. Finally I was well enough to get out and do some decent shopping, and cook a little.
I convinced myself that job hunting, shall then, start today. But looking at what's been lined up for today (Thu) till the next Tue, I'm about to push back the plans. =( You said "procrastination" is your middle name. I say it's encrypted somewhere in my first.
Arggghhhh no more fooling around!
Got a mail from Vic Wee saying he might just come to Japan and will want me to show him around, hopefully before the wedding. He then went on to say, I know your wedding date, and quoted an incorrect date. Told him the correct one, and that I will send him a reminder and re-reminder beforehand. He then replied that he will surely turn up, on that previous incorrect date he quoted in his first mail. I'm not sure how I should reply :S hope he wasn't trying to be funny.
So glad I brought the CD back from SG this time round ♥
The cold got me in me a all blurry and dreamy mood (more than ever) for the first 2 days, so much so that I couldn't bring myself to do any cooking/washing. Finally I was well enough to get out and do some decent shopping, and cook a little.
I convinced myself that job hunting, shall then, start today. But looking at what's been lined up for today (Thu) till the next Tue, I'm about to push back the plans. =( You said "procrastination" is your middle name. I say it's encrypted somewhere in my first.
Arggghhhh no more fooling around!
Got a mail from Vic Wee saying he might just come to Japan and will want me to show him around, hopefully before the wedding. He then went on to say, I know your wedding date, and quoted an incorrect date. Told him the correct one, and that I will send him a reminder and re-reminder beforehand. He then replied that he will surely turn up, on that previous incorrect date he quoted in his first mail. I'm not sure how I should reply :S hope he wasn't trying to be funny.
So glad I brought the CD back from SG this time round ♥
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Weird
Feeling weird these few days. Was down with a cold before coming back to Japan, those cold that creeps in and torments you slowly. I prefer to be sick with swift actions haha. Just when I thought I feeling better (with those ginseng tea, ginger tea, hot water, and lotsa sleep), my back is starting to act really funny. Seems like I'm having a perpetual nagging backache.
Oh let me get well soon!! I want to be up and running!!!!
Saturday, October 08, 2011
Counting days
Got a happy mail in the mail box today. It was certainly something i wasnt expecting but made me feel more confident about everything :)) Not wishing things will be smooth from now on but at least forward moving...
Last 2 days in sunny island. A part of me wants to be here longer to spend time w my family. Though we are usually doing our own stuffs at times, hanging around in the same house make us feel the "togetherness". On the other hand, another part of me wants to be back to start my job hunting, like seriously. This trip came at a trip when i've talked to the HR consultants, Spewed blood and sweated over the resume (both Japanese & English) and felt the momentum coming. But i had to start packing my bags and leave for Singapore, not being able to do much with an iPad except to look at job postings. Even communicating with the consultants proved difficult since i wasnt able to attach a single thing in my mails (despite having saved my files on dropbox and thumbdrives). All these, nobody but myself to blame.
The 2 weeks in Singapore flew past really fast. And i mean rrrreally fast, in a wink. I'm gkad to say every single day had been enjoyable since it's been just rushing to catch up with more people and worry-free. This, is more like a tai tai life people have been accusing me of leading back in Japan haha... Gonna spend the remaining part of the trip with family... Very soon, i'll be spending days talking to myself again. Well, at least i have 2 visits from friends to look forward to :) Yipeee~!
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