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Burnout at Work? Here’s What You Can Do

Posted on May 31, 2023June 14, 2023 by admin

Feeling like your job is draining the life out of you? You’re not the only one. According to a survey conducted by McKinsey in 2022, on average, one in four employees report experiencing burnout symptoms. If left unchecked, it can have severe consequences on your physical and mental health, like going through anxiety, depression, or fatigue.

While job burnout can hit even the most dedicated employees, it doesn’t have to be the end of the road. In this article, we’ll discuss how to recognise it, the stages of job burnout, and some tips on how to tackle it.

Recognise the Signs

Knowing the signs of job burnout is crucial to preventing it from becoming a chronic issue. By recognising the signs early on, you can take proactive steps to address the issue and prevent it from becoming a long-term problem. So how do you know when you’re going through a burnout?

Some of the main symptoms are having a negative attitude towards work, dreading entering the office every day, having trouble sleeping, being easily irritated by colleagues and feeling that your work has no purpose. If you notice something that is out of the ordinary in your work performance, take a step back and identify the problem before it becomes a chronic issue.

Stages of Job Burnout

There are 5 stages of job burnout that you should be aware of:

Honeymoon Phase: In this initial stage, you may feel excited and enthusiastic, still energised and wouldn’t mind skipping a meal or two to get the job done.
Balancing Act: While the workload increases, you might start to feel stressed and try to balance everything out. Here is likely when you realise you are unable to sleep because of work.
Chronic Stress: During this stage, you could potentially begin to experience the ongoing stress that can impact the physical and mental health – spending your weekends worrying about what’s to come on Monday.
Burnout: At this point, it is possible that you may feel completely exhausted, having nothing left to give and may withdraw from your work and personal relationships.
Enmeshment: In this final stage, burnout becomes a habitual state, a stage where it becomes a default setting. There is a chance that you may not even remember how you started to feel the burnout and will then have lost your sense of purpose.

Tips on Tackling the Issue

Avoiding job burnout is essential in order to maintain a healthy work-life balance and avoiding long-term negative effects on your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Here are some of the tips to tackle the issue:

Taking Short Breaks
Whether it’s getting up from your desk and stretching, taking a short walk or even meditating, this can help recharge your batteries and improve your focus. It’s crucial to take extended breaks, such as your lunch break or taking time off for a day or two, to allow yourself ample time to unwind and rejuvenate away from work.
Practice Work-Life Boundaries
It’s important to make time for things outside of work in your life. One way to do this is to make a to-do list for each day and set a time limit for each task. This can help you be more organised and stick to your designated working hours. Also, try to avoid checking work emails or taking work calls after 7 pm to have some time for yourself and your personal life.
Self-Care as Your Daily Habit
Taking care of yourself is important for your overall well-being. You can do this by exercising regularly, having a balanced meal, getting enough sleep, and spending time with your loved ones outside of work. Taking care of your mental health is also crucial to managing your stress levels and preventing burnout.
Seek Support
Talking to a trusted friend, family member, or therapist can help you cope with job-related stress. Joining a support group or seeking out a mentor can also be helpful. If you’re struggling with a specific issue at work, talk to your supervisor or HR representative about possible solutions.
Find Meaning and Purpose
Finding meaning and purpose in your work can help prevent burnout. Identify what motivates you and what you find fulfilling about your job. Set goals for yourself and work towards them. Focus on the positive aspects of your job, and try to cultivate a sense of gratitude for the opportunities you have.

While job burnout is a significant issue that can affect anyone, it’s essential to recognise the signs and take the necessary measures to prevent it from happening and letting it become a bigger problem. It can be challenging having to navigate the demands of work but by following some of these steps, it can go a long way. It’s important to remember that prioritising your self-care is not selfish; rather, it is crucial for both your personal well-being and professional success.

Salary Trend & Market Intelligence for Retail – Malaysia

Posted on March 7, 2023March 7, 2023 by admin

MOVING FORWARD AND UPWARD

The retail industry in Malaysia has undergone significant changes in recent years, driven by the growth of e-commerce and the shifting consumer preferences.

Despite facing challenges such as increased competition and the impact of COVID-19, the retail sector in Malaysia remains a key contributor to the country’s economy, providing employment opportunities and driving economic growth.

HOW DID THE SECTOR MANAGE TO PUSH SALES?

Once the Malaysian government relaxed the conditions on several sectors after the Movement Control Order (MCO), consumers almost immediately returned to their shopping behavior.

Companies in these industries are looking for candidates to be able to sharpen certain skills especially interpersonal skills which can be more important than their experiences.

HIRING ADVICE

While this industry is slowly recovering due to the numerous lockdowns from the past two years, it has not completely gone back to normal yet.

Recruiting and retaining top talents are important as these are the people that are the backbone of the company – selling more products and serving the customers.

SHOWCASE YOUR VALUES-DRIVEN WORKPLACE

Employees, especially with the Millennial and Gen-Z generation, expect to have a conducive working environment that focuses on diversity, inclusion and equality.

Showcase your working environment by including information on actions you’re taking to promote this and how everyone in the organisation shares the same values.

EMPOWER EMPLOYEE GROWTH

Employees tend to show interest and stay for a longer period whenever companies have a clear path to their career growth. Some employees enter the workforce to move forward while others prefer a more lateral move.

Provide your employees with training and development programs, mentorship opportunities and a variety of career paths to choose from.

SIMPLIFY THE HIRING PROCESS

It’s important to note that most employees want a simple candidate experience which helps to kick start the employer-employee relationship.

Try incorporating using pre-recorded video interviews or having an easy one-pager application form.

RETENTION & ATTRACTION

As employers, it is extremely important to understand what makes an employee continue to stay in the long run and those that are there for a shorter term.

It’s best to understand the reasons behind this to help the management team and the company as a whole, create a better work culture, in order to retain the best talents in the industry and to work towards attracting new talents to the growing team.

REASONS TO STAY

Positive career progression
Competitive salary and commission scheme
Acclaimed employer branding
Products and services
Store location

REASONS TO LEAVE

Lack of brand awareness
Salary and commission scheme are not competitive
Unhealthy working environment
Lack of opportunity to transfer to backend roles
Inconvenient access to store

FROM ATTRACTION TO RETENTION

Consider these strategies to help you stand out from your competitors when establishing your talent attraction and retention plan.

CROSS-BRAND TRANSFER

Employees that have been with a specific group for a while tend to prefer moving to a different brand, but within the same group.

This is to provide a new sense of motivation and satisfaction whilst giving the employee an opportunity for growth.

This allows employees to be versatile with their work, giving them opportunities to thrive, enabling them to widen their skills and knowledge.

TRANSFER OPPORTUNITY TO OTHER CITIES/COUNTRIES

Employees that are seconded are able to garner different experiences in honing their skills, forming new connections, and understanding the company better.

Through secondment, employees won’t feel mundane with their daily routines.

TEAM BONDING

Having a strong bond within your team is extremely important to better understand everyone’s:

Team bonding, whether done through a lunch or an activity, is able to build trust among employees, allowing them to be proactive with their ideas and take risks.

Communication is always key when working with each other, to be able to set a defined goal and work towards it in the most efficient manner.

SALARY INCREMENT

The people who work for you should be treasured, so when considering giving your employees a salary increment, it’s important for you to know when and how to offer them.

Employers should also note that compensating employees can go a long way in retaining them, as the industry can get extremely competitive.

Most employees expect to be paid a salary that reflects the hard work and dedication they’ve done with the company. Consider the following:

WORK WITH A RECRUITER

With the booming retail industry and the numerous amount of shopping malls rising in Malaysia, the country is on the verge to be the next shopping paradise for many locals and tourists.

With multiple competitors in this fast-paced industry and with more new players trying to enter the market, partnering with recruiters is of the utmost importance to you.

By understanding the market, its trends and with a broad network, a good recruiter is able to source and narrow down the right talent for your growing company.

Click here to download the report.

Salary Trend & Market Intelligence for Retail – Malaysia

Posted on March 3, 2023March 7, 2023 by admin

MOVING FORWARD AND UPWARD

The retail industry in Malaysia has undergone significant changes in recent years, driven by the growth of e-commerce and the shifting consumer preferences.

How the sector managed to push sales?

Once the Malaysian government relaxed the conditions on several sectors after the Movement Control Order (MCO), consumers almost immediately returned to their shopping behavior.

Companies in these industries are looking for candidates to be able to sharpen certain skills especially interpersonal skills which can be more important than their experiences.

CAREER ADVICE FOR JOBSEEKERS

While the Retail industry growth is projected to continue at a strong level, candidates will now have more opportunities to enter the industry.

With the minimum wage being increased in Malaysia, the demand to enter this industry is high and having a few set of strong skills will be able to put you ahead of other candidates.

Consider brushing up the following skills and competencies to make your next job search in the Retail industry a successful one.

CUSTOMER SERVICE

Customer Service is one of the top skills to acquire when working in this industry as you need to understand the importance of making the customer feel appreciated.

Brush up on these to deliver top notch assistance whenever needed:

COMMUNICATIONS

Showing the customer how they’re appreciated goes hand-in-hand with how you communicate with them. Show them that you’re giving your full attention by understanding the business well and give them your full attention by conversing with them regarding the products/services.

The way you talk to customers has a big impact on your brand, so, when speaking to customers, think of the tone of your voice – try to always keep it positive.

PRODUCT KNOWLEDGE

Product knowledge ensures that there is an enhanced customer experience when they enter the store. This type of skills is critical in selling the products/services.

It’s best to understand the type of product being sold to customers and relay that information in layman terms.

Being updated on all products helps give you the advantage and confidences when answering questions by customers.

PROACTIVE

Being proactive is a trait that many adore, as anyone working around you know that you’re ahead of the tasks you’ve been assigned with and you’re able to handle the tasks in an efficient and timely manner.

Being proactive isn’t just that you’re doing the tasks fast, it’s also about planning and preparing in advance for scenarios and how you react to circumstances.

WORK WITH A RECRUITER

With the booming retail industry and the numerous amount of shopping malls rising in Malaysia, Malaysia is standing out to be the next shopping paradise for many locals and tourists. Working with recruiters will be able to help you have a seamless mode of communication between you and your potential employer.

Recruiters are there to lend you a helping hand to give you tips and tricks that go beyond what you can find online to help you nail the interview and get you the job. When speaking to you, they’re not only relaying information about the opportunity, but giving you an in-depth knowledge on the industry, the trends, the company’s culture and more, giving you full insights to these jobs.

Click here to download this report.

Salary Trend & Market Intelligence for Call Centres – Malaysia

Posted on November 30, 2022November 30, 2022 by admin

MALAYSIA’S GROWING CALL CENTRE INDUSTRY

As we progress with the disruption from the pandemic, the call center industry was one that continued its operations and is still booming in the country. Malaysia remains the most desirable location in the region for call center hubs due to the advancement in its digital infrastructure and the thriving outsourcing services under IT and Software Development industries.

With the help of the young and talented workforce, the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) companies are on the rise in the country, and they are able to fulfil the demand for quality workers by clients all around the world. Some of the major companies include ENVO BPO, NXG Global, TDCX Malaysia, amongst others.

An unexpected trend that will make its mark is digital transformation and conversational artificial intelligence (AI). Many businesses are driving fundamental changes in their operations and entails to the job having an increased efficiency, business agility and having new values for employees. While this may have an impact on the industry, AI can assist the industry by managing and analyzing big data and obtaining specific data from consumers.

HOW DOES THE SECTOR WORK?

In Malaysia, as of May 2022, the government has increased the minimum wage to RM1,500 and this has indirectly affected the industry as a whole. Competing companies are now forced to increase their hiring budget to be more competitive and to recruit new employees.

Wage in Malaysia account for more than half of the household income, which plays an important role . The increase in minimum wage will exert pressure on business production, costs and margins. Although it may seem like a positive move in the country, consumers will still continue to suffer due to the worsening of inflation in the market.

Overall, in Malaysia, the employment rate has increased with more companies looking to build their APAC or global hub due to the advantages of multilanguage workforce and manpower cost efficiency.

CAREER ADVICE FOR JOBSEEKERS

As the call center industry is predicted to continue with higher demand in 2022 and onwards, candidates will have more opportunities to enter this sector. However, job seekers will need to pay attention to several factors employers are looking out for to stay ahead of the game.

HONE YOUR SKILLS

To work in a call center, gathering the necessary skills are important to be well prepared when entering the sector and preparing you for your daily tasks. Some of the training that you can equip yourself with includes the latest call center software, customer service and communicational skills. It’s also best to furnish yourself with interpersonal and time management skills to be more efficient.

BE AN ACTIVE LISTENER

Be transparent when speaking to customers and remember that you’re speaking with another human being. Speak to them as how you feel when you call a customer service line, looking for help. Empathise with the customer so they know that you’re there to help. Be an active listener by not interrupting, let them speak first and jot down the pointers so you know where you stand thereafter.

COMMUNICATIONS

Call center representatives are required to be patient and come up with well thought out and detailed solutions for the customers. Written and verbal communications go hand-in-hand when being in a call center, as this contributes to the essence of the company you’re at and strengthens the possibilities of the sales and marketing of the products/services. Being one of the essential factors of the industry, communications keeps the customers at bay and loyal when issues arise.

ATTENTION TO DETAIL

When working at a call center, representatives need to look into the smallest details and provide the customer with the exact right answers. Pay close attention to the customers’ needs and always strive to come up with solutions. Attention to detail is not just about providing the right answers, it’s about everything from the tone of your voice, your body language and how you react, making every interaction with the customer better than the last.

IN-DEMAND SKILLS IN CALL CENTRES

Language proficiency (English is a must; value added languages are Mandarin, Malay, Japanese, Korean and Thai)
Data Science and Cybersecurity
Strong Adaptability to Fast-Paced Environments
Written Communications
Customer Relationship Management and Computer Telephony Integration Softwares
Multitasking
Problem Solving and Flexibility
Quick Thinking
Attention to Detail

IN-DEMAND ROLES IN CALL CENTRES

Telemarketing
Customer Service
IT Support

WORK WITH A RECRUITER

Partnering with a recruiter in your job search will give you a heads up on potential openings and upcoming opportunities of an exciting role. Recruiters come to fill in the gaps and are the middle person to help prepare you in the job placement process, how you can improve your resume, coaching tips prior to your interviews, techniques to have a successful interview and how to negotiate the terms of your salary on your behalf to ensure the best job satisfaction.

With different levels of experience in different industries, recruiters deal with the clients in different industries and are able to get you opportunities to discover roles that may not advertised elsewhere. This means you can stay ahead of the competition and have a better chance of receiving the job offer you want.

Click here to download this report.

Salary Trend & Market Intelligence for Call Centres – Malaysia

Posted on November 30, 2022November 30, 2022 by admin

MALAYSIA’S GROWING CALL CENTRE INDUSTRY

HOW DOES THE SECTOR WORK?

Overall, in Malaysia, the employment rate has increased with more companies looking to build their APAC or global hub due to the advantages of multilanguage workforce and manpower cost efficiency.

HIRING ADVICE

Attracting and hiring high-quality talent can be incredibly challenging when it comes to call centres. It is vital for clients and companies to understand from the get-go on how to set up a proper working culture of the company to attract relevant talents and determining the success of your company.

Here are some strategies to help you hire top candidates.

OFFER EXTRA COMPENSATION. Great candidates are easy to find and attract but one of the main key components in our economy is to compensate them fairly, motivating them to come to work. The compensation should include overtime pay, performance initiatives and allowance packages.

HYBRID OR REMOTE WORKING ARRANGEMENTS. Great candidates consider this part as one of the major decision makers when choosing a job. The flexibility is considered a benefit to many and providing this option will give your company a wide access to a larger talent pool.

CREATE INTERNATIONAL EXPOSURE. Let your employees gain international exposure by giving them chances to work overseas, letting them garner opportunities to develop new set of skills, making their career paths.

RETENTION & ATTRACTION

It’s important to understand what makes an employee stay or leave. Understanding these reasons will help you create better work environments to retain the best talents and continuously attract new ones to your team.

REASONS TO STAY

Salary and compensation
Well distributed workload
Potential career progression
Job security
Work-life balance
Training and development opportunities

REASONS TO LEAVE

Better remuneration offered by other companies
Stressful working environments
Heavy workload
Lack of proper training plan
Lack of opportunities for career development

FROM ATTRACTION TO RETENTION

Finding the right talent is critical for your company’s growth. These are the employees that will help your business succeed, so knowing how to manage these employees are key for the development of your business. Consider these strategies to help you stand out from your competitors when establishing your talent attraction and retention plan.

Employee Engagements

Engaged employees are able to develop stronger relationships with their customers, entailing to a wholesome better customer experience. It’s been a proven theory that engaged employees are less likely to leave their employers which then helps the business by reducing the on-boarding costs and turnover rates.

Compensation and Benefits

The theory is simple: happy employees = productive employees. There are different ways, not just to compensate your employees with high salary packages, but you can also compensate them with health or life insurance, mobile allowance or flexibility in their working hours.

Moving Forward and Upward

Many employees, especially those in their 20s and 30s are constantly on the lookout to progress in their career, to gain as much exposure as possible, learn new experiences and move upward. Thus, it’s important that you equip your employees with the necessary digital skills and tools, offering training which can include reskilling and upskilling courses to help them in their progression plans.

Acknowledgement and Appreciation

One of the simplest yet most effective ways for employee retention is recognising and appreciating their work. This will help them in building a sense of how much they are valued in the company. It boils down to how employees view themselves and how they’re positively contributing to the company’s growth.

Work-Life Balance

Since the onset of the pandemic, employees now more than ever value work-life balance and would give up a higher salary package to value their mental wellbeing. If you want the best from your talents, this is a contributing factor that plays an important role for your company – best to be flexible when it comes to the working style.

Communicating with one Another

Employees are the backbone of any company – giving them the proper communications, whether it’s sharing about the company’s growth or having a one-on-one session will provide them with an overview of how the company is doing and how they can perform better. Employers can also take this opportunity to see how they can help their employees manage tasks better.

IN-DEMAND SKILLS IN CALL CENTRES

Language proficiency (English is a must; value added languages are Mandarin, Malay, Japanese, Korean and Thai)
Data Science and Cybersecurity
Strong Adaptability to Fast-Paced Environments
Written Communications
Customer Relationship Management and Computer Telephony Integration Softwares
Multitasking
Problem Solving and Flexibility
Quick Thinking
Attention to Detail

IN-DEMAND ROLES IN CALL CENTRES

Telemarketing
Customer Service
IT Support

WORK WITH A RECRUITER

In this increasingly competitive fast-paced industry, partnering with recruiters is essential for your company. They can help fill in the gaps for you.

With a wide array of expertise and experience, backed up with the necessary information on the industry, the labor market, job postings, screening and interviewing of candidates, recruiters will help you fill in the role by ensuring they find the best talent for you.

In this tight job market, consider working with a recruiter so that you can keep focusing on what matters, running your business.

Click here to download this report.

Quiet Firing and How You Can Avoid It

Posted on November 9, 2022November 25, 2022 by admin

By now, you’re probably already familiar with the term ‘quiet quitting’, but there’s a new buzzword that we should also acquaint ourselves with. And that is ‘quiet firing’.

Quiet firing is when a manager or employer chooses to pull back on the duties of an underperforming employee or create a less than ideal work environment for them instead of just letting them go.

So, instead of giving employees any sort of feedback to learn and grow from their mistakes, they hope that the individual will just take themselves out of the equation and quit.

It may be interesting to note that while the term quiet firing sounds new, the approach in itself is not and has been around for some time. According to a LinkedIn poll with over 20,000 respondents, 80% of workers said that they have seen quiet firing at work or have experienced it themselves.

Yes, we know it all sounds terribly counterproductive and odd. Why would any employer or manager keep an underperforming staff on their payroll with no intention of helping them to improve?

Quiet firing is highly problematic and it stems from a number of reasons such as conflict avoidance, cost-saving to mismanagement. So it’s important that employees are able to identify the signs and also be proactive in ensuring that they avoid such a situation.

8 Signs of Quiet Firing

It can be challenging to know exactly if you’re being quietly fired, however there are some common signs that you should look out for:

You received a very minimal salary raise or none at all over an extended period of time.
You’re being blocked from opportunities for growth or promotion, or the opportunities that you want are being assigned to other team members.
Your ideas are often dismissed with minimal or no time spent on the consideration of its feasibility.
Your boss doesn’t give you clear and timely feedback.
Your boss becomes less available and are often cancelling meetings with you.
Your responsibilities are shifted toward tasks that are mundane and require minimal or zero expertise.
You are excluded from team gatherings and social events.
You receive unfair or unequal treatment from your boss.

When these situations occur, you may find themselves feeling detached from their work environment and having low morale. Thereby leading to resignation due to a want for better treatment.

8 Ways to Avoid Quiet Firing

There are several things you can do to try to avoid quiet firing and it mainly revolves around communication.

Do not avoid having conversations with your manager. Speak to them personally and request for a catch up, even if it’s just for a short 10-minute one.
Ask for feedback for the last project you were delegated and consciously make an effort to do better and outperform their expectations.
Ask for a challenge by looking for specific projects or work that you can either take on or help out with. Mention these options to them and use whatever small opportunities you may have to produce excellent work.
Be vocal about your goals and aspirations. Have some time to discuss this with your manager, mentioning that you would like to garner several skills when you first started and how you can get these skills, whether it’s through leading a project or going through training programs.
Ask your manager for specifics on what you can do to attain a promotion or raise along with a timeline that you can work towards. Make sure you have concrete and measurable ways to determine the quality of your output. Follow up with an email to ensure that you have captured all the points that were discussed. Put together a plan of action and work towards achieving the set objectives.
Take initiative and find other areas that you can contribute. It may well be tasks that no one else wants to do such a being part of a planning committee for an upcoming event. Take it on and do it well as these can contribute to winning favourable reviews from your team and the attendees.
Always be on top of things. Ensure that you aren’t giving anyone opportunities to dismiss your contributions by being two steps ahead. When you consistently turn in top notch work, it shows reliability. This can become what you’re known for and hopefully change minds.
Proactively build rapport with your colleagues. Be the one who shows interest and ask about their weekend. Chat with them about non work-related topics so that you can get to know each other on a more personal basis. Surprise a colleague once in a while buy buying them a cup of coffee. The idea is to create genuine connection with your colleagues so that their response and actions are based on their perception of you instead of being swayed by other external influences.

In summary, the overall approach to avoid quiet firing is to put out work that is of consistently high standards and build strong relationships. And it is important to note that these things take time so it is important to be patient in the process.

However, if you find yourself stuck in a cycle and all your efforts to change minds have been in vain, then perhaps, it might be time for you explore your options and look for other opportunities elsewhere.

Important Notice: Scam Message Alert

Posted on November 4, 2022November 23, 2022 by admin

It has come to our attention that there are Telegram and WhatsApp text messages sent out from individuals posing as RecruitFirst consultants, asking the public to write reviews or rate airlines for a high payout. Some of these scam messages might include the names and EA licenses of actual RecruitFirst consultants that they might have retrieved from the Ministry of Manpower website.

Please note that these individual(s) are not from RecruitFirst.

If you have received such a message, do not engage with the person. Instead, go to the contact information in the message and select Report Contact.

Do get in touch with us at hello.sg@recruitfirst.co if you have other enquiries.

Examples of Job Scams

Please note that these individuals who are posting job offers and requesting the candidate to create an account or disclose their personal information is not associated with RecruitFirst in any way.

Do stay vigilant to check if the job advertisement and the consultant who approached you is legitimate.

RecruitFirst consultants will always use their business email addresses (@recruitfirst.co) to send important information and documents such as an employment contract.

Steps to protect against job scams:

Do not respond to suspicious text messages and calls
Do not transfer money to people you do not know
Do not create an account without verifying the authenticity of the job
Do not share your personal particulars
Check the legitimacy of the job offer or consultant who contacted you by getting in touch with us at hello.sg@recruitfirst.co

As scammers are constantly changing their tactics, please follow our Facebook and Instagram to stay updated of the latest job scams.

Salary Trend & Market Intelligence for Startups – Malaysia

Posted on October 28, 2022November 30, 2022 by admin

The State of Startups in Malaysia

Already recognized as one of leading global manufacturing hubs, Malaysia is making strides towards establishing itself as a promising startup centre. According to Startup Genome, an innovation policy adviser, Kuala Lumpur is ranked as the 11^th emerging startup ecosystem in the Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2020.

The country’s geographical location is a prime spot for cross-country operations, situated between three already growing markets in Indonesia, Thailand and Singapore. To help accelerate the ecosystem growth, the Malaysian government launched programs such as Cradle Investment Programme 300 (CIP300) and DEQ800 to offer direct financial support to Malaysian tech startups.

Other than its government funding schemes, Malaysia also offers high quality talent at lower salaries and fast-track visas for entrepreneurs, making the country a great area for startups to move to if they want to expand.

Career Advice for Jobseekers

Getting a job at a startup can be very rewarding, but the path to get there can be quite challenging. Startups attract many job seekers because of their fast-growing environment and the opportunity to work on a product the market love. However, this means you’ll be facing a lot of competition. Consider these steps to set yourself apart and increase your chances of getting hired at a startup.

SHARE SOFT SKILLS

The ability to wear many hats is one of the things that many startups are looking for in a candidate. Other than your qualifications for that particular role, they will be interested in soft skills that make you a valuable team member in a fast-growing company.

Share accomplishments and initiatives that illustrate your communication skills, initiative to learn new things, and adaptability to change as these are some of the most in-demand traits in a startup.

BE OPEN TO CONTRACT ROLES

Many startups hire on a contractual basis as they do not have to invest in onboarding, training or benefits. This system will also allow them more time to assess if the employee is a good fit for their company.

If you are willing to take on a contract work, you’ll be getting your foot on the door and the opportunity to prove your worth by producing good, timely work. This will significantly boost your chances of getting hired permanently.

GET A TEAM OF CAREER MENTORS

Career mentors can help you define your career goals and provide career advice and assistance. Mentors can be someone you already know like your former manager, college professor, or friend, or they can be someone who works in the field that you’re pursuing.

If this is your first time searching for a mentor, start by researching the industry and about the top people in it. Build a list of people you want to approach and begin contacting them to introduce yourself. Remember to be patient as you receive responses as not all of them may be interested or can set aside time to be your mentor.

DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF NETWORKING

Many startups prefer to hire candidates referred by their own employees or associates as recruitment can be a time-consuming and expensive process. Having people within the industry can be beneficial to secure your dream job.

Build and expand your network by attending networking events and reaching out to friends, former colleagues, alumni from your alma mater, or professionals through personal means of communications or LinkedIn.

What Startups Look For in Employees

Desire to grow
Ability to learn fast
Understanding of the market
Grit
Adaptability and flexibility
Ownership
Humility
Curiosity

In-Demand Skills in Startups

Data Analytics (i.e research, resource management, forecasting, data visualizations)
Mobile Development
Sales
Business Development
English Language (i.e. content writing, presentation skills)
Computer Skills (i.e. MS Office, GSuite, CRM software)

Emerging Soft Skills:

Strong adaptability to fast pace environment
Innovative and inquisitive mind
Dare to share opinions
Entrepreneurial mindset
Complex problem-solving
Resilience, strong tolerance and flexibility

In-Demand Roles in Startups

Merchant Support (onboarding, trainer, payment dispute handling)
User Operations Support
Partner Enablement Team / Activation
Customer Service / People Experience
Key Account Manager
Business Intelligence / Strategic Intelligence
Software Engineer
Data Analyst & Scientist
UX/UI Designer
Software / App / Web Developer

Tips for Late-Career Candidates

If you are already in an established point in your career journey but would like to look for a new professional environment and challenge by joining a startup, here are few things to consider to maximize your likelihood of success.

Make sure it’s the right decision for you

As newly established companies, some startups may lack of structure, constantly changing and simply risky. Be prepared for all the differences compared to a corporate job.

Showcase your experience

To counteract age bias that sometimes occur in startups, use your experience as an asset during your interview. Demonstrate your expertise or network you have gained along the way and how you will utilize them in this role.

Show your passion

Startups tend to look for people with the right level of energy to match their fast-paced environment. Be sure to showcase your drive and passion in your voice and body language when communicating with the various people in the company.

Work with A Recruiter

If your effort of sending countless cover letters and resumes to your dream startups has come to no avail, perhaps it’s time to consider working with a recruiter. Busy startups may rely on a recruitment agency to save their time and cost.

Recruiters can help match your qualifications and experience to the company’s requirements and company culture. They can also provide feedback and insight throughout the interview process, helping you to showcase your credentials in the best manner.

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Salary Trend & Market Intelligence for Startups – Malaysia

Posted on October 28, 2022October 28, 2022 by admin

The State of Startups in Malaysia

Hiring Advice

Attracting and hiring high-quality talent can be incredibly challenging for startups. However, it is crucial to get this step right in the early stages as your team will help set the culture of your organization and determine the success of your first projects. Here are some strategies to help you hire top candidates as a startup.

Offer a hybrid or remote work options. Many great candidates consider this flexibility as a benefit. Providing this option may give your company access to a larger talent pool.

Create an employee referral program. Personal references can go a long way when hiring new employees for a startup. It allows you to hire faster and candidates recommended by your employees are more likely to have a strong cultural fit.

Build and showcase great company culture. A startup company has a lot of potential to create a positive work culture where talents can thrive. Social media is a great platform to showcase your company culture, from office perks to fun events like birthday celebrations and team bonding sessions.

Use modern tools. Artificial intelligence systems can assist you in filtering job applications and hire more efficiently. These systems can help you scan your job posts to ensure you optimize your language. It also allows you to communicate directly with applicants through chatbots or automatic chatting software.

In-Demand Skills in Startups

Data Analytics (i.e research, resource management, forecasting, data visualizations)
Mobile Development
Sales
Business Development
English Language (i.e. content writing, presentation skills)
Computer Skills (i.e. MS Office, GSuite, CRM software)

Emerging Soft Skills:

Strong adaptability to fast pace environment
Innovative and inquisitive mind
Dare to share opinions
Entrepreneurial mindset
Complex problem-solving
Resilience, strong tolerance and flexibility

In-Demand Roles in Startups

Merchant Support (onboarding, trainer, payment dispute handling)
User Operations Support
Partner Enablement Team / Activation
Customer Service / People Experience
Key Account Manager
Business Intelligence / Strategic Intelligence
Software Engineer
Data Analyst & Scientist
UX/UI Designer
Software / App / Web Developer

Retention & Attraction

Reasons to stay:

Positive career progression potential
Competitive salary and benefits
Well-known brand image
Flexible work hours / WFH policy
Collaborative working culture

Reasons to leave:

Stagnant company growth
Lack of room for career progression
Work overload
Better remuneration package offered by others
Lack of new challenges

From Attraction to Retention

In the early-stage startup, finding the right talents is critical for your company’s growth. Businesses are competing for top quality candidates more than ever before. Consider these strategies to help you stand out from your competitors when establishing your talent attraction plan.

Explain your company’s mission

As a startup, it’s important to be open on where your company is heading as it will help your candidates align themselves with your company’s purpose. You can also share some of your ongoing projects to let them have better understanding on some of the works that they will be doing.

Competitive salary and benefits

Our data shows that candidates are more willing to consider joining a startup when offered a 30-40% salary increment. However, if you are unable to do this, there are different ways you can provide competitive packages to stand out in the market. This can include offering health and insurance benefits, flexibility in working hours, trendy office space and perks, or equity.

Provide a clear path for upward mobility

Some candidates can be hesitant to join a newly-established company as they are unsure of how they can develop within the company. During the hiring process, communicate how your organization can provide opportunities for their career growth or to expand their portfolios.

Employee turnover is a constant struggle for companies, especially those who are just starting up. Some studies show that around 20% of new hires leave within their first 45 days of employment. Here are several strategies you can consider for successful employee retention.

Ensure effective onboarding practices

Proper onboarding is critical to any company’s long-term success. It is your chance to create a strong and lasting impression on new employees. Some ways to achieve this include:

providing all relevant information such as office access or parking spots
setting up their workspace
personalizing their introduction to the company
having clear onboarding plan that covers at least the next month

Offer opportunities for development

High turnover rate is often linked to a lack of investment in employee development. When a clear development program is in place, employees will be more motivated and productive at work. Consider implementing coaching programs or making trainings and certification programmes reimbursable. For employees who are interested in exploring roles outside of their departments, you can provide opportunities to transfer into new positions or functions.

Reassess your compensation and benefits package

Offering employees enticing benefits package can be costly, however, in the long run, it will help you retain your staff. Start by surveying existing employees to see what they think of the current benefit package then check out what your competitors are offering. You can also evaluate your salary structure to ensure that employees are compensated for a job well done.

Initiate employee engagement actions

Studies have shown that engaged employees are often higher performers, more productive and more likely to stay within the company than disengaged employees. You can improve your employee engagement by committing to a two-way feedback system. This will allow employees to get input to enable them to perform their best and at the same time, you can have inputs that would be vital for the company’s growth.

Organize internal events to strengthen team relationships and celebrate achievements

These activities will help employees to communicate and collaborate better, builds trust, help resolve conflict and enhances respect for each other. Some team building events you can do include team lunches, group excursions, or social responsibility initiatives to give back to the community.

Work with A Recruiter

Many startups struggle to fill in crucial roles because they do not have the time or resources to source, engage and hire talents. This is where recruiters can come in and fill in the gaps.

Recruiters have a high level of expertise and experience in dealing with the labour market, job posting tactics, candidate screening and interviewing and labour laws. They have access to a vast of high-quality talents that they have already pre-screened or to passive candidates who are often the best performers in the industry.

In this tight job market, consider working with a recruiter so that you can keep focusing on what matters: running your new business.

Salary Guide

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