Archive for the 'Employment' Category



Filipino Maids – Why Filipino Maids Prefer Western employers

Posted By Alice Sy on February 24, 2009 @ 3:36 pm
by Alice Sy

Many Filipino maids looking for job opportunities in Hong Kong would usually inquire from our agency if we have Western employers available. Why do Filipino domestic helpers in Hong Kong prefer Western employers?

As an employment agency catering to both local and international market, we often receive inquiries from Western employers who are in need of domestic help from time to time as a result of our internet marketing using Google Adwords campaign.

Out of my curiousity, I often ask why filipino domestic helpers in Hong Kong prefer to work with Western employers rather than Chinese employers. It is interesting to note that the former tends to be more understanding and are willing to pay higher than the minimum salary set by the Hong Kong government.

There are four major areas where Western employers show an edge over the Chinese employers in terms of their treatment of Filipina domestic helpers. They are atmosphere of work environment, consideration, socio-psychological distance and personal space. This study has been conducted by Chinese University of Hong Kong on how maids in Hong Kong are treated by their employers.

The data were based on in-depth and structured interviews of Filipino helpers who have served both types of employers. A few Western and Chinese employers were also interviewed.

Based on the study, it has been found that Western employers tend to provide their filipino domestic helpers with easier and comfortable work environment. Western employers were found to be more considerate and are more likely to treat their domestic helpers equally and allow them more personal space, thus giving the helpers more work satisfaction.

Lastly, in terms of variations in treatment of maids, Western employers are more homogeneous and they tend to concentrate on the positive side. On the other hand, Chinese employers are more diversified. There is no single pattern on how they treat their Filipino maids. This is a basis why Filipino domestic helpers in Hong Kong prefer Western employers.

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Tips on Finding a Job in the Bay Area

Posted By Alex Wu on @ 6:03 am
by Alex Wu

Living in the Bay area is a wonderful experience, since it provides numerous chances for entertainment, cultural and educational development, as well as numerous job opportunities in many different sectors and fields of the corporate life.

Living in a modern and highly technological world, you should know that today there are several ways to keep up to date with current and new job announcements. The classic and traditional way of the published ads in particular newspapers and magazines still exists of course, however the most efficient and fast way of finding new employment opportunities in the Bay Area is internet. There are many websites that specialize in handling jobs announcements and resumes, which become available to the potential buyers and employers. People are invited to browse through the job announcements and send their resume to the website’s database, so as to be accessible by employers at all times, since many of the companies and groups go through resumes in the search of experienced professionals who can meet their requirements.

Especially in the Bay area there are many colossal businesses that offer large numbers of job openings every year, enforcing the local economy and keeping the unemployment rates low. Many employers look online for interesting resumes and experienced or qualified persons who can cover particular positions and requirements.

The Bay area features a large number of health related facilities and amenities, of all kinds, covering a wide range of both Western and Eastern Medicine, along with alternative practices. This consequently leads to the increased demand of health practitioners, medical personnel and doctors or healers all along the coast.

Since the Bay area is a large and densely populated region, with many minorities and special requirements, the administrative jobs in several fields of the public and private sector are always in demand, while the HR still maintain their good rankings and are considered to be very popular and appreciated. Most of these positions have really great potentials.

The West coast and especially the Bay Area are infamous for their technical professionals, thus many job openings regarding this sector can be found. The region though boast large numbers of media and agencies related to news and journalism, or any kind of creative art, which opens the road to the demand of skilled writers or editors of all kinds, photographers, and people who are willing to test their competence in alternative forms of Culture, education and social jobs.

According to statistics retrieved by employment websites, in the Bay area you can find some good 4000 jobs every month, while the majority of them exists in the City, and in Oakland or San Jose. However, many smaller areas along the coast of the Bay offer numerous positions to young professionals and college graduates who wish to work on the field of their studies and gain some significant experience.

Employees and employers benefit from the existence of those websites mostly because they can come in touch with each other easily and locate the ads or professionals they need, based on their requirements. The Bay area jobs offer good remuneration and benefit packages which make them even more attractive and popular.

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Why a CV sample may be your undoing – what you should know.

Posted By Cynthia Penfold on February 23, 2009 @ 8:40 am
by Cynthia Penfold

The Human Resource departments of many leading firms are now getting past the days when it was the trend of job seekers to submit original resumes through post. In simple terms, the self-prepared resume is getting obsolete. This type of resume is fast being replaced by the online CV format. It is this type of CV that recruiters are now forwarding to prospective employers. Granted that many are still captivated by the free CV templates that are all over the Internet, it is only fair that we go through a couple of tips that will offer guidance in creating online resumes.

In the past, those looking for jobs were told to look for the most attractive samples and use them as templates for their own data. The goal was to come up with a CV that would relay personal information the same way the sample did. It has now been realized that the samples were not as capable of producing the right results. Template usage and CV samples are gradually being made redundant because so many individuals are sending out the same copies. With this being kept in mind, it is occurring to people that the creation of an eye-catching resume is wasted time.

What happens is the information is processed in a straightforward way. The recruiters simply look at the most vital details, and then they take these details, put them in a format, and place them in a database. It is from this database that the employer is able to search. From there, the employer bases their information off of the raw data you provided. All of the designs, layouts and formatting are for naught. So what would then be the most informed decision when it comes to moving forward?

The online CV creation should be preceded by you compiling the most accurate information about your past employment, which is data about your skills, experience, and training.

Schooling dates and job experiences.

Names of companies you have been employed with.

What your job titles and responsibilities were.

What you achieved and accomplished at each of the jobs.

The relevant skills you have that can be transferred to the job.

Any professional memberships you have.

Any published books or documents.

Security clearances that you have acquired.

Contact information that is accurate and up-to-date.

Spare your effort in trying to make the CV look fancy; your prospective employer may never get wind of this.

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Working As Filipino Maids In Foreign Lands

Posted By Alice Sy on February 22, 2009 @ 10:08 am
by Alice Sy

Whenever you go to Hong Kong, try to visit Statue Square. The place does not only offer a relaxing scenery, it also serves as a place where hundreds of Filipino maids flock there to meet, to chat, and to share their lives during their day offs.

In England, maids from the Philippines can find jobs in houses of the wealthy. They are hired by royalties, businessmen, and many others belonging to the upper class in society. It is not also difficult for these maids to look for house jobs in Italy and France. In Greece, families who can afford the services of a maid from the Philippines are considered rich.

Their exodus abroad may also be linked to their growing popularity, especially in terms of being hard working, dedicated and loyal. Among their other traits well-liked and desired of by their foreign employers are their being hospitable and honest.

Foremost, Filipinos are highlighted by their loyalty and dedication to their employees. Since they are thousands of miles away from their families, they have no one to channel their emotions and longing for their children. That is why Filipino helprs are so endeared to their employers that they treat them as their family. In return, their boss also reciprocates them and treats them also as part of their family. So, don’t wonder if your balikbayan relative gets home quiet emotional or carrying photo albums with pictures of her employee. Yes, they value family much and to a Filipino, her employees are also her family.

Another advantage that a Filipino servant can have over maids from other nationalities is their knack to speak and understand the English language. Filipinos are generally more learned and educated. They understand English better, and can speak the language with ease and confidence that can be rarely found in maids coming from other countries. Also, they are more easily able to adapt to the speaking dialect of the country they are in, wherever that may be.

One advantage that Filipino servants abroad possess is her fluency in English, thanks to the American colonizers. Compared to Mexicans, Chinese and other nationalities, Filipinos have deeper vocabulary in English and can comprehend better with their employers.

In some countries, to have a Filipino servant is a status symbol. In England, the aristocracy, celebrities, and millionaires hire Filipino helpers to their household. Filipino helpers are also among the higher paid servants since they impress their boss with their quality service. Filipino helpers in Italy are also prized for their good work. They even tell their employers how much salary they want to receive. In Greece, a household is considered middle class if it hires Albanian servants; while a household with a Filipino servant is hailed as rich.

Filipino maids in foreign lands are a pride of the Philippines. They give honor and prestige to their mother country because of their dedication and loyalty in the performance of their job abroad.

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How to cheat when writing resume cover letter

Posted By Jimmy Sweney on @ 8:22 am
by Jimmy Sweney

If you want to be really successful in landing that dream job, you need to learn how to write cover letters the right way. My advice would be to invest a bit of money in a professional service that will give you the edge over the competition.

In writing a cover letter, the main idea is to market yourself by making it unique and descriptive. Make sure that this letter will distinguish you from the others.

As a matter of fact, a lot of applicants deserve the position because they have skills and knowledge that is required for the job. The problem is that they don’t know how to freely express it through their cover letters.

If you are one of these people mentioned above, one of the possible solutions to your problem is to hire a professional freelancer. By simply hiring a freelance writer, your problem is solved because the job is done for you. What’s more is that the price is reasonable and the work is exceptional.

Communication is necessary once you have hired a professional freelancer. With this, you can openly relay your instructions and explain to the freelancer how you want the job to be done. You give brief description about yourself and also the things that you want to be written in your letter.

Professionals will manage to write the type of letter you want at a very affordable price. Very often, they will be able to deliver the work for you in less than 24 hours. You will be able to discuss it and suggest changes if you are not completely satisfied with the end result.

If you’re eyeing for an instant cover letter, then a cover letter creator is a good solution for you. You only have to fill out blank forms and you letter will be finished in an instant. Amazing isn’t it? However, it purely runs under the use of templates and doesn’t have the “personal touch” unlike if the letter is created by a human being.

Keep in mind that writing a winning cover letter is essential if you want to get that job interview. Remember that if your writing skills are a bit shaky, using a professional service is a sure way to give you satisfying results at very affordable prices.

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Bay Area jobs are an IT heaven

Posted By Alex Wu on @ 5:26 am
by Alex Wu

The San Francisco Bay Area has always been the focal point of IT jobs in the US. A great number of savvy internet and informatics professionals have been seeking for Bay area jobs on their field of expertise. IT employment is a trend that has evolved during the last two decades, allowing huge companies to develop in the area. It is not accidental that many notable dot com businesses and software companies are situated in the Bay area. Google, Digg, Typepad, Cnet and Sega are just a few of the infamous companies you can find in the northern part of California.

In these last five years not everything has been as great as it used to be, but the Bay area jobs in information technology are still at the top of the nationwide list. What happened lately is that more manufacturers moved to the area, in order to work permanently from there, creating huge numbers of job openings every year. Both experienced professionals and recent graduates benefit equally from attractive job packages that Bay area creates. In addition, diversity of job description and opportunities for growth, that industry offers by default, appeal to more and more job seekers.

Bay area jobs seem to be most appealing and attractive to degree holders; again the numbers and statistics are really impressive. San Francisco is the third US city, after Seattle and Austin, in University graduate residents, while the majority of them holding an IT degree.

Based on statistics, San Francisco is the third US city in the concentration of IT degree holders and University graduates. Only Seattle and Austin come beforehand. Statistics also says that more than 60% of those who moved to the Bay area hold an IT degree and the real reason of their move is the Bay area jobs offer. Last but not the least, 35% of the Bay area residents with bachelor degree have studied something related to Information technology.

The increasingly growing need for IT professionals and restructuring of market demands towards IT services, create mere opportunities for information technologists. This is fact that also brings higher salaries and benefits for the employees. The Bay area is the leader in this department as well.

One of the greatest advantages of the Bay area jobs in general, is that employees enjoy generous packages of revenues, holidays and health insurance. Moreover jobs in the area are accessible to everyone on an equal basis. An area renowned for its diversity could not do otherwise anyway. Full benefits for gay partners and people with special needs and abilities are recognized in the entire area by all major or not companies.

If looking for a well paid in a well appointed place, then you should consider expanding your search in the Bay area. There is probably some well paid job for you too.

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How To Take Care of a Baby – Making Things Easy

Posted By Alice Sy on February 21, 2009 @ 7:08 pm
by Alice Sy

How to take care of a baby isn’t a tough question. Taking care of a baby shouldn’t be thought of as a hard task either. If you look at taking care of your baby as a loving and bonding activity, then taking care of your baby should be a fun activity.

When the baby is already around, you would feel little overwhelmed and nervous. You simple do not know how to take care of a baby, right? Relax. In the process, you would eventually know the trade. You can ask help from your mother or grandmother. They can also help you take care of the child while you are doing the house chores.

How to take care of a baby? There are many things to consider, especially for first-time parents. First of all, you have to know proper diaper service. Another energy saver is the disposal of diapers, which you could use the first few days that you are on your own. These are not meant for day-in and day-out use but help wonderfully to tide over an emergency.

Perhaps one of the most important lessons this mother service can offer you is to teach you how to take care of a baby when he or she is sick. Nothing can seem any worse in the world that to have your baby be afflicted with an illness or condition.

When you ask the question how to take care of a baby after it has finished feeding, it is important that you burp them. If you don’t burp them, gas can accumulate in their small stomachs and they can develop colic. Have them sit up or prop them on your shoulder while gently patting their back and they will eventually burp.

You can also learn proper feeding and proper diaper care in these classes. You don’t know how many cases of infant conditions have been reported due to a parent’s failure to do these tasks properly.

You should never lose your temper when your baby cries. This is the only way your baby can communicate with you. Try to be observant when your baby cries. When they are hungry or are uncomfortable in their diaper, they have a certain crying sound. However, when they are sick, their cry can change into that of a shrilling type.

If you can’t take on these services, then ask for an experienced friend or family member. Your mother, your sister, or your best friend, those who have experienced taking care of a baby will eagerly help you adjust to your new role. With them around, they can just model how to take care of a baby for you to emulate later on.

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Interview Questions for a Potential Live-In Housekeeper

Posted By Alice Sy on February 20, 2009 @ 10:22 am
by Alice Sy

Looking for a live-in housekeeper is one major household decision that needs careful thinking. In these modern times, having someone to do the house chores and care for your home is no longer just a luxury but rather a necessity in every sense especially if you have a busy lifestyle. However, it is important that you set your standards prior to hiring a live-in housekeeper.

Take note of some of the basic questions you have to ask when you are conducting an interview of a potential live-in housekeeper.

The first set of questions should include personal information such as the complete name, race and ethnicity, religion, age, civil status and so on. You have to determine if the applicant has specific rituals or practices that you are uncomfortable with. Take the time to know as much as you can to avoid conflicts in your own home. If necessary, try to explain your house rules.

Second set of questions include capacity to handle the job including health considerations. Determine the applicant’s limitation when it comes to household chores. Can the applicant handle multi-tasking? Is she capable of cooking, doing the laundry, cleaning the house, caring for the plants, feeding the pets and so on. Is her health fit for the job? Consider the major tasks that need to be accomplished at home and ask the applicant if she is capable of handling all the duties. Include in this set of questions if she can work with minimal supervision.

Third set of question should include previous jobs and employment background. Ask the applicant about her previous jobs, former employers, reasons for leaving and the responsibilities that she handled before. Determine her strengths and weaknesses based on her previous job experiences. Also, it is important that you ask how she handled her previous jobs and responsibilities. Try to take note of her gestures as she explains and make eye contact. This can help you measure the level of honesty and sincerity as well.

For the fourth set of question, ask whether she had been subjected to disciplinary measures or actions. It is okay to search for a police clearance or special recommendation from a credible reference. Remember that this is of utmost importance. Depending on trust is not enough. It is important that you also check an applicant’s track record for your own safety and security.

All the above information can be obtained from the agency. However, it is best that you double check the data and to check the consistency of the information handed to you.

Conducting an interview is one of the best ways to find an ideal live-in housekeeper who best meets your standards and the demands of your home.

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Domestic Helper Insurance

Posted By Alice Sy on @ 7:55 am
by Alice Sy

Domestic helper insurance offers great assistance to everyone. Situations at home vary from one family to another and so does domestic helper insurance. Different companies have various packages of domestic helper insurance to choose from. So you have to determine which insurance package is right for you.

Domestic helper insurance offers different packages containing various policies. It is very important to carefully consider which package is right for you and your maids. And with all these fast emerging insurance companies, making a choice can be confusing. In this regard, the credibility of the insurance company matters a lot.

Buying domestic helper insurance from a reputable company is advisable. Reputable domestic helper insurance companies take closer look on the needs of the clients and know how to take care of them. They prepare policies that would create maximum benefits for both the domestic helpers and their employers.

Policies are the most important thing to look for in buying domestic helper insurance. The policies contain which items are covered by the domestic helper insurance. Attractive packages that suit everyone’s needs are available. Standard domestic helper insurance covers medical and hospitalization fee. Check which domestic helper insurance plan is right for you.

A basic domestic helper insurance plan covers medical expenses and hospitalization. While others include dental insurance, full protection plan can also be an option. In case of accident, full protection plan covers everything a domestic helper needs. From medical and hospitalization to dental expenses, additional assistance like repatriation expense, service allowance, etc. are included in the full protection package.

Protection of employers from theft and fraud are also covered by domestic helper insurance. The employer can complain unauthorized use of International Direct Dialing system and can recover any loss from the insurance company. Premiums can also be included in case his domestic helper is repatriated or suffers illnesses and accidents.

Domestic helper insurance is meant to secure professional dependency between the maids and the employer. The same way as they help each other on normal occasions, both their needs are taken care of by the domestic helper insurance company during difficult times. In buying domestic helper insurance, choose which policy is effective and right for you. The cost may vary depending on which package you prefer, so it is very necessary to balance the quality and affordability of the domestic helper insurance.

Finally, make sure that you agree with all the details, terms and conditions stated in the domestic insurance policy and its contract. The beneficiaries should trust the domestic helper insurance wholeheartedly.

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7 Ways in Finding a Domestic Helper in Hong Kong

Posted By Alice Sy on @ 6:42 am
by Alice Sy

There are several ways in finding a domestic helper in Hong Kong. Most of them are very practical because they can be part of your everyday activities, thus, you don’t have to exert extra effort in finding a domestic helper. While some ways require research and screening, especially the web-based ones which can take up much of your time. But whichever way you choose, there is no guarantee that you will find the right qualities of a domestic helper you are looking for. So it is better to use one or more of the following ways in finding a domestic helper.

Referral from friends and relatives is a common way to find domestic helpers in Hong Kong. Priorities are given to referrals simply because your friend or relative who referred the domestic helper to you somehow know the person. There are also cases in which your maid is the one referring her friends or relatives who might want to work as domestic helpers. This is also a good way to find domestic helpers. Generally referrals are reliable in terms of character and performance of domestic helpers to be hired, but there can never be a complete guarantee of the helpers’ character because each individual is different.

Hiring a domestic helper through a traditional agency is very popular. There is an ever increasing growth in recruitment agencies doing all the screening, evaluation and processing of necessary documents for you. The agency takes care of assigning the right domestic helper you are looking for based on your requirements.

Some domestic helpers in Hong Kong advertise their availability via the domestic helper internet platform. One example of online domestic helper website in Hong Kong is www.1MaidHK.com which provides profiles and photos of domestic helpers making it easier for the employer to choose. A number of website offers advanced search function which makes it easier to match the qualifications of a domestic helper an employer is looking for based on the database available.

In relation with the use of internet to hire a domestic helper, a forum is also a very powerful venue. Exchange of interests between the employer and the domestic helpers can be freely discussed. This active communication is a healthy way of establishing the relationship between the parties even before the hiring take place.

Posting advertisements on bulletin boards in public places is an effective way of finding domestic helpers in Hong Kong. Popular spots like Park N’ Shop and Wellcome superstores have bulletin boards which domestic helpers regularly check for job postings.

If you prefer to hire a domestic helper with the same values and religion, then the church congregation is the best place to look for. Relating with the domestic helpers from the same organization easy and reliable because you get to casually interact regularly though the gatherings.

And lastly, if you are residing in a big residential estate, the domestic helpers normally come to your place offering their services. Therefore, it is very helpful to post your domestic help vacancy in your building’s bulletin board.

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