q&a  

 

March is the peak season for job-hunting and job-hopping. Some of our listeners are about to graduate and try to find jobs, others want to change their jobs and hop to another company. They want some enlightening ideas from the expert in Career builder by putting forward their questions to us.

Today Robert Parkinson, founder and CEO of RMG Selection, gave his answers to these challenging questions in this Q&A session of Career Builder. Go and get the answers by yourself.

  1. Question from Cattle:

In China, there is a common custom for employers to ask what kind of salary package you want. But if there is a proper manner to ask the employer about the salary package and when is the appropriate time to ask?

  • You cannot talk about money staff in public. But you may say what you expectations are. You’ve got to use your common sense and go with your opinions. Actually, it’s a question of judgement in the situation.
  • The other thing you can do is to research how much the position would pay. This is to make sure that your predictions are realistic and in line with the market.
  • Sometimes the employer may ask how much salary you want and that may be the appropriate time to raise you expectations. And when you answer this question, you should be both realistic and confident.
  1. Question from Z:

Z is unsure about the direction he wants to take his career in and is not sure how to find the right field for him. So can you please suggest?

  • Do some testing, like DISC. All these tests may give you indications that what kind of person you are and what kind of jobs are appropriate for you. So use some available tools out there.
  • Talk to experienced people who are at the age of 4 or so. I guarantee you be someone different.
  1. Question from Draco:

I have a year’s work experience and since then have spent several months doing part time jobs without being able to find another full time position. How should I explain this during my next job interview?

  • It depends on the context why you left your first job. If the reasons are not reasonable, it’s better to leave them off the CV. But if it is reasonable for you to make the change, then it is completely fine to do part-time job. Actually it shows initiative.
  1. Question from Susan:

I’m working at a joint venture company here in Beijing, and I am thinking changing my job to another one, which is my company’s rival in the market. I can’t get my supervisor to recommend me of course, but I’ve got a friend in my current company who can help me write a reference. I’m concerned about whether such reference will raise doubts about my friend’s ethic standards.

  • I think it depends on which context you put the reference. If it is a character reference, I think it is OK. But you can’t really place it as an employee reference. It depends on what the rival company means and the rival company may well-anticipated that situation.
  1. Question from Chenlin:

I switched jobs three times in the last year. I have heard that the employers within the same city and industry often know each other and I am scared that I may have built up a bad reputation with the industry, is that really true? How should I also explain this to my next employer? Have I ruined my career?

  • The world is small. You need to be careful because people do talk. Don’t do this again. Stay in your current job at least for the next three or four years.
  1. Question from Paul:

I have been working in my current company for a year and I really like my job, while I don’t get on particularly well with my co-workers. Sometimes I really want to leave my job but I am scared that would look bad on my CV. Should I try and gain another year of experience here for the sake my CV or just move on?

  • You should investigate about the causes of the poor relationship. And ask yourself the following questions. Is that something you can overcome or you can do something about? Would that be a mini achievement for him to learn to get on with people? Or are you discriminated against?
  • To solve the issue with your colleagues would be a great thing to do. Because you didn’t do that, chances are that the same situation would move to the next job. The pattern may continue. So sort out the current situation and then decide what should be done next.
  1. Question from Xiaoxiong:

Last year, I completed a law degree at LSE and I have been working in the field for less than a year and have decided it is not for me. I am really interested in Finance. I do not have the relevant experience in the field but I consider myself quite knowledgeable about the industry. I have considered taking the CFA exams and would like to know if switching career fields would be feasible?

  • Everyone’s first job is tedious groundwork. If you quit that and go to CFA exams, you may similarly find finance is not for you when you encounter difficulties.
  • Whatever you do, do it well and enjoy it. Make the best of your potential. That’s the point.
  1. Question from Summer:

I am currently living in Guangzhou with my family. I have been offered a good job in Beijing. Is it worth me holding out for a better position in area I would prefer or should just bite the bullet and take the job in Beijing?

  • Sometimes bullet biting is quite good for young people because employers want to see people push themselves and do things that challenge them.
  • People need to be mobile nowadays in China. So I suggest Summer go and accept the job in Beijing.

Listen to the program on CRI: http://english.cri.cn/7146/2015/03/04/3481s868561.htm