Imbisibol

Walang tao.
walang laman.
Walang nakaupo.
Walang nakatayo.
Walang naglalakad.
Walang nagsasalita.


Pero...
May tao.
May laman.
May nakaupo.
May nakatayo.
May naglalakad.
May nagsasalita.


Hangin lang ako.
Imbisibol.
Di pansinin kahit nararamdaman.


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After the U-Turn, here comes the traffic light

Due to insistent demand by some of my staff and co-seniors at work, they've been asking me to write about what happened next after I traversed the U-Turn (http://dabluejay.blogspot.com/2011/06/traversing-u-turn.html). My first busy season as an audit returnee is officially over (except for some archiving tasks) and they (especially those who are considering going out of the audit pool and jumping in the private practice) are eager to seek my thoughts on their decision. Well, I've been very hesitant at first considering the good or bad repercussions I may cause or inflict upon them and upon the firm where I work now. I am very much cautious also since I know that some of the firm partners and managers are reading this blog. I am bound by professional ethics especially on areas of confidentiality and upholding the image of the profession.

So, first and foremost, all of the views and insights in this blog entry are personal views and insights of this author and not of any entity or organization where this author is associated.

Back to the topic, where should I start? Hmmm... I am writing this article while sipping brewed Starbucks coffee at Makati Stock Exchange (in front of Allied Bank). Two hours ago, I went to my favorite sanctuary in the middle of the business district - the Chapel at Greenbelt where I solemnly prayed and asked for HIS guidance (and motivation). I also went inside the confession room for a little "chit chat" with the priest there. I asked him "Father, why did you become a priest? And how come I am not a priest?". He said "Because this is my calling. I heard HIS call and I obeyed it. My interest, skills and knowledge are all about HIM from the moment I heard that calling". He may have already guessed what my problem is all about so he continued "God gave each one of us unique skills and talents. Look for it inside you. Develop and nurture it. Those are treasures God have given you since you were born and He wants you to use it not just for your own good but for the good of your brothers and sisters as well".

I became more puzzled. I recalled my aptitude tests way back in high school (results: "Diversified" just like San Miguel Corp) as well as my points of interests way back from my college days (I enjoyed minor subjects more than the major ones) up to my current professional life (I have only one interest - lunch break). I have developed lots of skills and knowledge resulting from my previous three employers. How come I can't still choose one to specialize into? Blame it on my curiosity at the very early age. I studied everything from astrology to soccer. Now, I know a little something of everything yet I am not really a master of any thing. I  am thinking of applying for a new name like my first name is "Jack" my middle name is "of all trades" and my surname, "master of none".


At this point, the question everyone is asking is to go or not to go. Shall I pursue my teenage dream of becoming an auditor and trusted business advisor as discussed on blog link above? Or shall I go where the market is currently trending (join PBB teens maybe)? Chase the cheese or be contented with the bread in front of me? Fundamental analysis or technical analysis?

Lots of questions. Unverified answers.

I can see the traffic lights along Ayala Avenue as I sit on the corner table. I watched how each vehicle stops each time the lights turn red. Some drivers step on their brakes hurriedly while some were gentle and slow. Some maintains the "distancia amigo" on the car in front of them while some are like kissing bumper-to-bumper. Some drivers were listening to music while some were chatting on their phones. Some have passengers, some were all alone.

The light turned green and engines started to rev again. Each driver stepped on the gas pedal and headed where they are going to. Some went straight ahead while others turned left and right. Some vehicles are shiny and brand new while others were apparently needed a carwash and perhaps a makeover.

Indeed, I'm stuck on a heavy traffic right on a rush hour of a Tuesday afternoon. In just a matter of seconds, the lights will turn green and I need to step on the gas and go to a certain direction. Shall I go straight? Shall I turn left/right? Honestly, I don't know.

But I am enjoying the ride. I enjoy the cool breeze gushing through my mojacko cheeks and my eyes are feasting over the shimmering glow of citylights. I can't help but to admire the modern architecture of the tall buildings around me. I marvel on untold stories of each nameless passerby and fellow travellers I am encountering. However, each time I encounter familiar faces (friends, colleagues and former co-workers) during my ride along the highway of career success, I can't stop myself from gazing at what "car" they are driving. Some were driving top of the line cars. Some even ride on a lamborghini or a ferrari. While I am still commuting o a 50-peso shuttle ride on my way home. I am hoping that one day, I can own my dream volvo too!

One my favorite business books is Winning by Former GE CEO Jack Welch. His advise on choosing a career goes like this "Find a work that has meaning to you. That touches you. Let fate decide for your career planning. Just do your best and hold on as opportunities will chase you rather than you chasing them". I am holding on to this advice up to now as I give my best each working day (except this day. I am really "nauumay" to coaching notes lol).

Back to the million dollar question - where to go when the lights turn green? My answer: "I will be heading straight to my heart". My heart will always be the center of my being. Why? Because it's where I keep the most treasured in my life - God, my family, my future wife, my friends, my mentors and even YOU.

The world may offer me lots and lots of money and recognition but not the happiness that can be found as I come at peace with my heart.





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10 Job Interview Tips From A CEO Headhunter

Whether you're being interviewed to be an intern or a CEO, you're going to run into a few notoriously tricky questions--here's a road map of what you'll be asked, and how to craft impressive answers to even the toughest questions.

No two situations are ever exactly the same, but as a general guide, these are the types of questions that could come up in a typical interview.

1. Why don’t you tell me about yourself?

This question, often the interview opener, has a crucial objective: to see how you handle yourself in unstructured situations. The recruiter wants to see how articulate you are, how confident you are, and generally what type of impression you would make on the people with whom you come into contact on the job. The recruiter also wants to learn about the trajectory of your career and to get a sense of what you think is important and what has caused you to perform well.

Most candidates find this question a difficult one to answer. However, the upside is that this question offers an opportunity to describe yourself positively and focus the interview on your strengths. Be prepared to deal with it.

There are many ways to respond to this question correctly and just one wrong way: by asking, “What do you want to know?” You need to develop a good answer to this question, practice it, and be able to deliver it with poise and confidence.

The right response is twofold: focus on what interests the interviewer, and highlight your most important accomplishments.


Focus on what interests the interviewer

Do not dwell on your personal history--that is not why you are there. Start with your most recent employment and explain why you are well qualified for the position. The key to all successful interviewing is to match your qualifications to what the interviewer is looking for. You want to be selling what the buyer is buying.

Highlight Important Accomplishments

Have a story ready that illustrates your best professional qualities. For example, if you tell an interviewer that people describe you as creative, provide a brief story that shows how you have been creative in achieving your goals.

Stories are powerful and are what people remember most.

A good interviewee will memorize a 60-second commercial that clearly demonstrates why he or she is the best person for the job.

2. How long have you been with your current (or former) employer?

This is a hot-button question if your résumé reflects considerable job-hopping. Excellent performers tend to stay in their jobs at least three to five years. They implement course corrections, bring in new resources, and, in general, learn how to survive--that’s why they are valued by prospective employers.

If your résumé reflects jobs with companies that were acquired, moved, closed, or downsized, it is still viewed as a job-hopper’s history. Volunteer and go to events where hiring authorities may be found. Ratchet up your networking to include anything that exposes you to hiring authorities who can get past your tenure issue because now they know you. Your networking efforts have never been so important.

3. What is your greatest weakness?

An impressive and confident response shows that the candidate has prepared for the question, has done serious self-reflection, and can admit responsibility and accept constructive criticism. Sincerely give an honest answer (but not a long one), be confident in the fact that this weakness does not make you any less of a great candidate, and show that you are working on this weakness and tell the recruiter how.

4. Tell me about a situation where you did not get along with a superior.

The wrong answer to this hot-button question is, “I’ve been very fortunate and have never worked for someone I didn’t get along with.”

Everyone has had situations where he or she disagreed with a boss, and saying that you haven’t forces the recruiter to question your integrity. Also, it can send out a signal that the candidate is not seasoned enough or hasn’t been in situations that require him or her to develop a tough skin or deal with confrontation.

It’s natural for people to have differing opinions. When this has occurred in the past, you could explain that you presented your reasons and openly listened to other opinions as well.

5. Describe a situation where you were part of a failed project.

If you can’t discuss a failure or mistake, the recruiter might conclude that you don’t possess the depth of experience necessary to do the job. The recruiter is not looking for perfection. He or she is trying better to understand your level of responsibility, your decision-making process, and your ability to recover from a mistake, as well as what you learned from the experience and if you can take responsibility for your mistakes.

Respond that you’d like to think that you have learned something valuable from every mistake you have made. Then have a brief story ready with a specific illustration.

It should conclude on a positive note, with a concrete statement about what you learned and how it benefited the company.

6. What are your strengths?

Describe two or three skills you have that are relevant to the job. Avoid clichés or generalities; offer specific evidence. Describe new ways these skills could be put to use in the position you are being considered for.

7. How do you explain your job success?

Be candid without sounding arrogant. Mention observations other people have made about your work strengths or talents.

8. What do you do when you are not working?

The more senior the position, the more important it is to know about the candidate’s qualities that will impact his or her leadership style: is the person well adjusted and happy, or is he or she a company zealot?

Discuss hobbies or pursuits that interest you, such as sports, clubs, cultural activities, and favorite things to read.

Avoid dwelling on any political or religious activities that may create conflict with those of the interviewer.

9. Why did you leave your last position?

At high levels, issues that relate to personality and temperament become more important than they might otherwise. The recruiter wants to know if you will fit in with the client company. The recruiter may also be fishing for signs of conflict that indicate a potential personality problem.

Be honest and straightforward, but do not dwell on any conflict that may have occurred. Highlight positive developments that resulted from your departure, whether it was that you accepted a more challenging position or learned an important lesson that helped you to be happier in your next job.

10. Why do you want to work in this industry?

Think of a story to tell about how you first became interested in this type of work. Point out any similarities between the job you’re interviewing for and your current job. Provide proof that you aren’t simply shopping in this interview. Make your passion for your work a theme that you allude to continually throughout the interview.


Source: Heads: Business Lessons from an Executive Search Pioneer by Russell S. Reynolds, Jr., with Carol E. Curtis.