International Job Search

By Antoinette Tigar

Job Vacancy Indonesia, Employee, Vacancy   

In this tight job market, you sometimes have no option but to 'take it where you find it'. This article gives an overview of the global market for expatriate 'contract work' in developing countries, isolated and high-risk environments.

There are three main types of overseas work:

1. Fixed Term Contract as an Expatriate.
2. Contract or permanent, with the aim of becoming a citizen of that country.
3. Overseas Assignment (secondment or transfer) whilst employed by your home company.

Work Permits

Most countries are capping the number of foreign nationals allowed to work there, and changing rules for Points-based entry. Before spending hours on the internet applying for jobs, check what types of skills are in demand. There are specialist emigration agencies and law firms that can advise you on the permit or visa that will enable you to live and work in the country you're interested in. Many of these also have useful (free!) advice on their website.

What kinds of jobs are available?

There is a huge variety of jobs, especially in a good economic climate. The recent world market financial crisis has dampened this prospect but it will pick up again. Everything from technical (engineering, electrical, mechanics) to management (HR, finance, training) and security-related work.

PRO's: Why should I consider working overseas?

• It builds good experience which can help you to get a job when you return home.
• In most cases, it pays very well, always in US dollars.

CONS: What are the main negatives?

• Most jobs are in places where no-one wants to go - either very isolated, high-risk or 3rd world environments.
• It is difficult to start a new life and career without a good support network, e.g. family and friends. You need emotional and psychological resilience - the loneliness and homesickness may result in poor concentration, or depression.
• Long distances and poor infrastructure means that travel to and from home (for rotational leave) can be exhausting and frustrating.
• Cultural differences play a bigger role than you may expect. It is difficult to make friends.
• The cost of living can be high - although accommodation may be supplied by the employer, food and extras can be exorbitant.

Client Feedback

"I recently arrived in Ghana to start a new contact and did some sight-seeing in Accra (capital) this weekend. They have a Woolworths, Shoprite/Checkers, Game Store, Mr Price Clothing and good pharmacies but it is all very expensive. One box of Breakfast All Bran Flakes = USD 12.00!"

What kind of salary can I expect to earn?

In most cases, Expat contracts include accommodation, food and travel (to country of origin and back for rotational leave) on top of the salary. Salaries range from US$3,500.00 to US$15,000.00 - obviously depending on the position.

What are the main criteria for overseas applications?

1. A qualification from a recognised tertiary or training institution.
2. Excellent health - full medical checks are mandatory.
3. Clean criminal record - you need a Police Clearance Certificate.
4. References plays an important role...have them lined up!
5. Credit record verification will be done for most senior and financial positions.

Useful CV hints

- Your CV should be 100 % correct in terms of dates worked at companies.
- If you're a senior professional with a lot of detailed information for your CV, have two documents - a 2-page Resumé which is sent first, and a detailed version which can be sent on request if the recruiter wants to shortlist you.
- Ensure you have all the international dialling codes for your contact numbers, including your referees. For international calls to South Africa, this is: +27-31-5723193 (Durban). Also include e-mail addresses for referees.
- Include your passport number, Visa status (e.g. whether you have a work permit) and any other passports you hold, in the CV.

Aircraft Mechanic - Career Courses

By Renata McGee


Job Vacancy Indonesia, Employee, Vacancy 

Working equipment on aircrafts is the number one priority when it comes to flight safety. All aspects of an aircraft are vital to the success of a flight. Students can enter a career as an aircraft mechanic after completing a schooling program from a vocational college.

To gain a further understanding of the career students can research typical vocational programs and their curriculums. An aircraft mechanic program or often referred to as avionics technician program can be entered at numerous schools. In the process of working through focused courses students learn to be specialized repair technicians. The goal of education is to prepare students to perform repairs, maintenance, and inspections of an aircraft. Courses hone in on the ability for mechanics to recall information so they can install, manage, and remove equipment. Different aspects of the field are looked at in separate courses. Coursework inside a vocational degree may include:

• Aircraft Electrical Systems
• Autopilot Systems
• Avionics Maintenance
• Calibration Equipment

Vocational colleges offer students these courses and more inside a certificate or associate's degree program. The integration of these courses is centered on providing students with the educational background to service aircrafts. Troubleshooting potential problem areas and ensuring that the structure of an aircraft is sound and ready for flight are the two main ways mechanics perform service. Students can expect to learn the entire mechanical process after completing a program. General courses taken inside a vocational program teach students the maintenance needed to maintain an aircraft.

Courses vary depending on the school and program selected but most include courses like:

*Aircraft Electrical Systems

Introductory concepts are introduced that include alternative and direct power currents. The circuits and voltage used are emphasized so students understand how to fix electrical systems inside aircrafts. After a basic foundation is laid students apply their knowledge to the operation of an aircraft. Understanding the power behind operation is how students learn to fix aircrafts when they cease to work or malfunction.

*Maintenance Procedure

Due to the regulation standards set forth by the Federal Aviation Administration students are required to adhere to these standards in the classroom and in the workplace. This type of course examines how to inspect, manage, and report all maintenance completed. Students learn to keep records of all work conducted to ensure that repairs are done according to code and the specific technical requirements of aircrafts.

*Communication Maintenance

The ability for a pilot to communicate is essential for safe travel. Students work to understand the systems of an aircraft and how to fix them when they fail. The main system is explored to train students to repair the electronics part so pilots can successfully send out messages to their control tower.

The knowledge gained inside a program is vital to the work done in the professional world. Students can study the mechanics of an aircraft by first exploring the different schooling options and entering accredited program. Programs and their concentrated courses center on giving students the proper knowledge to go from the classroom to the field. Full accreditation is provided by agencies like the Council on Aviation Accreditation ( http://www.aabi.aero/ ) to programs that offer the best quality education. Students can make this transition smoothly by completing a program in aircraft mechanics.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERIC OUTLINE and may or may not depict precise methods, courses and/or focuses related to ANY ONE specific school(s) that may or may not be advertised at PETAP.org.

Fridge Magnets As An Advertising Tool - Does It Work?

By Robert Badger

Job Vacancy Indonesia, Employee, Vacancy  

Fridge magnets are gaining in popularity as a way to advertise a business. The one question that many people have is if it actually works. Although there are no guarantees on any advertising options, fridge magnets have a very successful track record for a number of reasons.

Refrigerators are one of those items that every household has. It is also located in a heavily traveled area and has many people opening and shutting it every day. Because of this, companies have decided to include these magnets in the reach of their advertising.

Each time someone walks up to the refrigerator, they will see the magnetic advertisement- depending on where they put the actual magnet. It is very common to place fridge magnets on the front of the refrigerator rather than on the side which means it is very possible that a person would see the advertisement every time. Once a person grabs what they need out of the fridge, they shut the door and have an opportunity to see the magnet advertisement once again. Every single time someone heads toward the refrigerator, this process happens.

Consider the fact that people go into the kitchen for many other reasons. One of these reasons is to wash their hands. Other reasons people go in the kitchen is to make a meal, do the dishes, get a cup or utensils and much more. If the fridge is in the garage, there are many other opportunities to see the advertisement as well. No matter where the fridge magnet is located, it will gain a ton of exposure.

Many people choose to create business card fridge magnets as a replacement or addition to the traditional business card. There are benefits to this including the fact that it will not get damaged. This route is highly successful because, unlike a paper business card, the magnet does not usually get misplaced. If someone picks up a card and then sets it down after a number has been dialed, there is a greater chance that it will be lost and not available for future use. When people refer to fridge magnets, it usually remains on the fridge because they walk up to it, dial the number and then walk away.

There are many ways that fridge magnets can be effective. It is important to identify a target market before deciding on which style to go with. Some companies get a huge return for using magnetic calendars or photo frames while others fair better with a simple business card look.

Choosing fridge magnets as a medium to advertise through is an excellent idea. It provides a huge amount of exposure which lasts a long time and brands the company name, logo and slogan multiple times daily to the people who see it.

The Biggest Resume Mistake You Can Make

by Caroline Potter, Yahoo! HotJobs


Your resume is the most important document in any job search. But what if you're submitting resume after resume and receiving no results at all -- not even a call? Your resume may be fatally flawed.

How can a resume betray a job seeker? It's not just typos or poor formatting. According to Lauren Milligan, founder of ResuMAYDAY, a resume-writing and career coaching firm based near Chicago, "The biggest flaw for a resume is when it fails to showcase a person's accomplishments, contributions, and results, and instead spouts a job description of each position he's held."

Use these three tips to make sure your resume doesn't betray you.

1. Think Big

Whatever jobs you've held -- be it as an assistant or a CEO -- think beyond the everyday tasks of your position. Shares Milligan, "People get bogged down in the day-to-day details of their jobs, but when it comes to your resume, you've got to get out of the clutter and ask yourself, 'What does this work mean?'"

She continues, "If I'm hiring for an administrative assistant, I already know what one does. I don't want to see a resume that only says an applicant can type and answer a phone. You have to go beyond that to point out your specific strengths."

Start by having big-picture conversations about what you do and how it serves the organization as a whole. States Milligan, "If you're in a support position, consider how successful the person you support is and how you help her do her job better. What role do you have in her successes? Those are your accomplishments."

2. Be Clear

Focusing on your accomplishments rather than your specific responsibilities will help keep your resume concise. "There's a huge difference between a resume and the Great American Novel," says Milligan. "The resumes I'm most proud of summed up a 25-year career in a single page."

She urges job seekers to remember that resumes are typically skimmed for a mere six to eight seconds. "Make sure you're identifying the companies you worked for, how long you were there, and if you earned a promotion. Those are things that people look for immediately." Also, if your job title is long and vague, tighten it up so that people immediately understand what you've done. For example, "Marketing Manager" is much more accessible than "Global Identity Architect."

Given the time you have to catch a recruiter's eye, a focused, accomplishment-driven resume is the way to go. She adds, "If you are loaded up on peripheral stuff, it's too hard for a hiring manager to find your story."

3. Get Real

What if you're trying to think about how you've helped build the big picture for your employer and you come up blank?

"A couple of times I've talked to people who insisted they just did their jobs and there's nothing special about them that jumps out," Milligan observes. "I've asked these folks point-blank, 'Are you really in the right position then?'" It's a difficult question to ask, according to this resume expert, but, she says, "These people may be chasing the wrong job."

She counsels clients that if they cannot speak about what they've done in terms of enhancing the position or the company, "You may be just punching a clock -- and you and your employer deserve more."

Look for other opportunities in which you can contribute and grow professionally and you'll enjoy a more rewarding career. And you'll have a more successful resume.

Job Info , Career Sources , Employment

Four Ways to Improve Your Resume

by Joe Turner, for Yahoo! HotJobs


The job market is tough and it's getting tougher. Your resume is your No. 1 marketing tool and it may not be doing its job -- getting you an interview.

One reason may be lack of time. With the increased competition for jobs, there is very little time spent reading any one resume. It's been estimated that today's resume is only getting about 20 seconds of "eyeball time." That's not much time to score. In fact, most resumes will get quickly screened out and dumped on the reject pile.

The other reason is lack of interest. Most resumes today lack a sense of urgency. They don't answer the all-important question, "What's in it for the employer?"

Here are four tips on how you can power up your resume for today's more competitive job search arena to overcome these dilemmas.

1. Focused Objective

Does your resume have a clear, focused objective? Does it identify one clear job title that you are seeking? Leave out all that nonsense about "challenging opportunity with a dynamic company." Remember, it's not about you.

Try this: Lead off with a clear statement of the job title you are seeking under the "objective" heading. For example, "Chief Financial Officer." Nothing more is needed.

2. Keyword Section

Everyone pays lip service to this, but few act on it. If you don't, you're missing the boat in two major ways:

Your resume needs to get flagged by a computer. To strengthen your odds, you need every potential keyword working for you. And not just your skill sets, either. Make sure to add all your industry buzzwords as well as your biggest soft skills. Did you know that some of the highest searched keywords today include terms we often overlook? These include "problem-solving," "leadership," and "oral/written communication."

You must appeal to the human that reads your resume. A reader will scan a great keyword summary section within the first 20 seconds of looking at your resume. When added to your personal branding statement (see below), you increase your chances of hooking this reader and getting a more in-depth reading.

3. Personal Branding Statement

It doesn't matter whether you're a CFO, a software project manager, or a wedding photographer. Answer this question: "What is it that makes you unique from other applicants?" Don't think that just having great skill sets or years of experience is going to give you any edge. Lots of other candidates have the same or better skills as you. The solution is to create a brand for yourself.

So how do you create your own brand? Review your resume. Does it have a clear statement that describes who you are and what you offer? This is called a "branding statement" and may also be described as a "value added" or "unique selling proposition." Don't confuse this with a "Summary of Qualifications" section that many candidates like to include. These are merely laundry lists of core competencies and do nothing to make you stand out.

A true branding statement is a one-sentence description of who you are and what critical benefit you offer your next employer. It should describe your biggest strength and the resulting benefit to your previous employer. The best branding statements usually incorporate figures in dollars or percentages of money, or time that was gained or saved over a certain period of time. Here is an example for that CFO:

"Seasoned Chief Financial Officer strong in optimizing organizations to achieve maximum growth and market share who has produced new revenues or savings of over $65 million for my employers over the past eight years."

Does your resume have this strong a branding statement? If not, think about adding one. It'll take some time to develop a really good statement for yourself. Once done, however, you'll break that 20-second barrier and move that much farther ahead of your competitors.

4. Specific Achievements

Companies hire employees to be an asset to their balance sheet. That means your work involves helping a company either make money or save money. Think beyond your skill sets and job duties and think of as many ways as you can as to how you accomplish this.

For example, suppose you're a video photographer taping and editing weddings and special events. You take the extra step of performing all of your post-production work before submitting your final results. Your extra effort has saved your employer several hundred hours of additional work.

This translates into dollars saved by the employer and it's just this sort of achievement that must be on your resume. When you can, try to monetize, or put a dollar value, on your achievements. Our photographer example might look like this:

"Saved my employer over $6K in additional labor costs over the past 2 years by performing post-production work before submitting my final results."

By including several specific achievements where you've helped your employer make or save money, you separate yourself from your competitors and quickly gain the attention of your reader.

As a recruiter, Joe Turner has spent the past 15 years finding and placing top candidates in some of the best jobs of their careers. Author of "Job Search Secrets Unlocked" and "Paycheck 911," Joe has interviewed on radio talk shows and offers free insider job search secrets at jobchangesecrets.com.

Job Info , Jobs Sources , Employment