Here are the most common errors career coaches at OI Partners see -- and how to fix them:

10. Over-explaining why you lost your last job. It's okay to mention that your last position was eliminated, but then move on to what you can do for this employer.

9. Conveying that you're not over it. "During interviews, some people are acting wounded, angry or sad," Schoonover says. These are normal emotions after a layoff but they don't belong in a job interview -- or you may "seem unstable and communicate that you don't grasp the business reasons for layoffs," he adds.

What's the worst blunder you've made in a job interview? Leave your comments at the bottom of this story.

8. Lacking humor, warmth, or personality. Many anxious job candidates are "one-dimensional during interviews, and are too focused on getting their talking points across," notes Schoonover. "Don't forget to show qualities that can be a real plus in the decision-making process, including humor in good taste, warmth, and understanding." One thing interviewers want to know, of course, is how pleasant you would be to have around the place every day.

7. Not showing enough interest or enthusiasm. After all, "companies are looking for people who are excited about working with them," Schoonover says.

6. Inadequate research about a potential employer. It's essential to be up on the latest news, so be sure to Google the company before the interview. Be prepared with well-informed, thoughtful questions about its products or services and its future plans. Many applicants aren't bothering, Schoonover says, and it shows.

5. Concentrating too much on what you want. Focus more on what the interviewer is saying. Listening carefully is crucial in steering the conversation toward how you would fit in and what you have to offer.

4. Trying to be all things to all people. "Devote most of your effort to talking about what you know you do well, and don't try to stretch your actual qualifications too far," Schoonover advises. A good rule of thumb: Don't apply for any job unless you have at least 75% of the stated qualifications.

3. "Winging" the interview. Schoonover hears from many hiring managers that candidates often aren't ready to answer difficult questions. So rehearse. "Prepare and practice a 90-second verbal resume, and some answers to possible questions, so that you come across as succinct," he suggests.

2. Failing to set yourself apart from other candidates. "You have to make the strongest possible case for why you are the best person for the job," Schoonover says. "Specifically address what impact you can have on sales, profits, costs, or productivity within the next three to six months. Use quantifiable achievements from past positions to back up your performance promise."

And the No. 1 mistake OI Partners' coaches see job hunters make:

1. Failing to ask for the job. "You have a much better chance of getting the job if you ask for it," says Schoonover. "Close the interview by summing up what you can bring to the job, and ask for the opportunity to deliver those results."

Subject  : Agency Pandemic Response Plan – (Swine Influenza)
 
There are media coverage on the outbreak of swine (pig) influenza in Mexico and other countries.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is currently monitoring the threat of flu pandemic. On 29
April, Ministry of Health (MOH) has raised the Disease Outbreak Response System (DORS-CON)
for Singapore to Yellow Alert Level (Limited human-to-human transmission outside Singapore,
which increases risk of a case being imported). 
 
It is important that every FSC is familiar with the Agency Pandemic Response Plan and be
prepared if a pandemic situation arise. As part of the pandemic response planning, Personal
Protective Equipment (PPE) will be distributed. Each District will receive surgical masks and all
active agents will receive a digital thermometer for daily temperature check. 
 
If your temperature exceeds 37.5 degree celsius or feeling unwell, you are required to wear a
surgical mask and consult a doctor immediately.  You are also required to submit a Health
Declaration Form to the location agency office.  (The Health Declaration Form is attached to this
memo)
 
According to the pandemic response Yellow Alert Level, the Company will execute the following
tasks:
 
• Display health advisory at location buildings.
• Set up entry control and temperature checkpoint for visitors.
• Implement appropriate response measures at Customer Service Centre.
 
We attached the FAQs on pandemic response and the Agency Pandemic Response Plan in this
memorandum for your attention. The Agency Business Continuation Planning (BCP) Team will
continue to update all agency leaders and FSCs if there is any change to the Corporate Pandem
Alert Level and the necessary required response.   ic
 
We seek your cooperation and stay healthy. 
 
 
Yours Sincerely, 
 
Chin Chung Wen
Vice President and Senior Director of Agencies

Pandemic Response Guide for Agency Force 
 
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
 
1.   What is Swine Flu?
It is an acute respiratory disease, caused by influenza type A, which infects pigs. But the
underlying virus strain, H1N1, has mutated and now contains genetic material from swine, avian
and human strains.
 
2. How does it spread?
      Like regular flu, it spreads by touching infected objects and then touching the mouth or nose,
and through coughing or sneezing. Unlike the Sars virus, when a patient is most infectious four
or five days after symptoms show, the Swine Flu can be transmitted by someone who has yet to
show symptoms of the disease.
 
3.  What pre-cautionary measures should you take at this moment?
 
The U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and WHO have issued some
guidelines, which all of us should follow.
 
Everyday actions people can take to stay healthy.
 
4. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in
the trash after you use it. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your sleeve, not
your hands.
 
5. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-
based hand cleansers are also effective.
 
6. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
 
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
 
7. Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing by
infected people.
 
If you get sick, please stay at home in order to minimize contact with others.

        

My dear gave some ants her nails.

 

     

 

 On a lighter note..

	Introduction to Computing and the Internet	08 May	10.00–13.00
	Information Systems: Foundations of E-Business	11 May	10.00–13.00
	Mathematics for Computing	14 May	10.00–13.00
	Introduction to Java and object-oriented programming	17 May	10.00–13.00

In 1900 Mercedes Benz did a study that estimated that worldwide demand for cars would not exceed 1million, primarily because of the limitation of available drivers. (click)

A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.

  

Thank you.
For picking me up when i didn't feel like picking myself up.
For caring when no one else did.
For making a 5000 pieces jigsaw overnight. Took a cab all the way to my home on Christmas day to drop it off. It was the sweetest gift i received ever. I mean ever.
For writing my name together with yours in Friendster, I pretended i never knew, but i did;)
For calling me even when u went overseas.
For the 3am conversations.
For the many many & i mean many letters.
For arguing with me.
For sharing with me what you never shared with another.
For saying “I love you”.
For asking me to study with you.
For taking pictures with me.
For meeting me after Children’s Church.
For holding my pouch while playing games. I never minded that it got a little wet;)
For putting your arms around mine. I always loved that feeling.
For being the only girl that prayed for me over the phone.
For visiting me in the hospital.
For the Sunflowers.
For that BIG card.
For after many many years, celebrating your birthday with me. That was pretty amazing a night.
For telling all your friends about me, and how amazing you think i am.
For queuing up 1/1/2 hours to get her signature ;)
For disagreeing with me.
For the shirt.
For that sweet email.
For that Christmas hug.
For being the only one asking me how I felt after Pst Tan prayed for me. I never told you this. But that was a life changing prayer.
 
For the many years to come.
For the future that i still commit into His hands.
For the love i have yet to receive.
For the many (meaningless) times you’ll want me to be with you.
For asking me to tuck you to into bed.
For wanting me to just be around.
For loving me as much as i love you. 
For not minding my mistakes.
For encouraging me when i fail.
For celebrating my victories.
For crying with me.
For loving me in spite of.
For not letting me feel that you'll always mean more to me, then i to you.
For making me feel i mean then the world to you.
For that kiss.
For knowing that my favourite colour changes and is now blue.
For remembering that i hate being laughed at.
For standing up for me.
For knowing that i hate to share you.
For laughing at my jokes even when they are not funny.
For making life worth living.
For making me happy.
For not complicating my life.
For not hurting me.
Thank you.
 
For being my one and only.
For being you.
 
I love you.

Christmas with Corrinne May

"Every country has it's revered female singer-songwriter... Likewise, Singapore has Corrinne May to proudly call its own." - The Straits Times

 

"One part Sarah McLachlan, one part Carole King, May comes across as a balladeer with a poetic verse surpassed only by her indelible melodies and inspired harmonic interplay." - Drew Walen, The City Paper, Nashville

Music is a thing of ethereal beauty when Corrinne May creates it. For the homegrown singer-songwriter weaves such tenderness into her pretty melodies that audiences worldwide fall under her gentle spell with each recording and performance.

This December, the creator of such well-loved songs as Fly Away comes home to Singapore from Los Angeles where she is based to celebrate a festive season which holds special meaning for her - Christmas – with a concert. Corrinne May will perform new compositions as well as uniquely-arranged Christmas favourites, accompanied by a string ensemble and choir.

A Literature graduate from the National University of Singapore and a songwriting and film composition graduate from Berklee College of Music, Corrinne May has created songs which have been featured on MTV Asia and ABC television dramas, sung a theme song for Columbia/Tristar feature, So Close, and collaborated with Grammy-winning songwriters Carole King and Carole Bayer Sager.

Sometimes we put up walls, not to keep people out, but to see who cares enough to knock them down.

Well I never knew how far behind I'd left you..