Effective Networking Tips For Singaporean Working Adults And Jobseekers To Build Meaningful Connections

Networking has become an integral part of job search in Singapore today, whether you’re in your 20s, 30s, or 40s. Here’s how you can start networking with these simple tips.

In Singapore’s job market today, actively networking for potential job opportunities can be just as vital as exploring job portals and answering newspaper ads. According to a global survey conducted by LinkedIn in March 2017, almost 80 percent of professionals value networking to get ahead in their career. If you are searching for a job in your 40s, keep these tips in mind when you go out to network.

Have Clear Objectives

Before attending an event, set some goals. This could be talking to employers to understand particular roles or chatting with other job seekers to learn about their experiences. Aim to make five new connections at an event . Here are a few simple steps to start a conversation at such an event:

Start by introducing yourself: “Hi, I’m Eric Tan and I’m looking at opportunities in the healthcare industry.”

Ask about them: “Are you hiring for your company?” OR “How did you hear about this event?”

Listen and keep the conversation going: “Yes I hear there are a number of jobs being created in the healthcare industry. What do you think of Singapore’s “smart healthcare” trends and their impact on the industry?”

Thank them and request to connect online: “It was nice talking to you. Do you mind giving me your email to keep in touch?”

Approach Networking Like a Consultant

Job searching is a two-way process. You want a job, but employers want to find a good candidate as well. Take confidence from your experience and approach networking like a consultant. Ask questions as if you are interviewing someone instead of being interviewed. If you are speaking to an employer, ask about the company’s future growth plans and working culture, as well as the challenges they may have had in hiring talent.

Some sample questions could include:

“What is the most important quality or skill your look for in an employee?“. The answer to this could give you an idea of how closely your skills match what a potential employer is looking for at a networking event, and how much of upskilling and training you will have to do, if needed.

“What is the biggest challenge you face in your growth plans and how can this role contribute to your company’s success?“. This will help you understand what you can do to make yourself invaluable to a company. For example, in a food tech company, if you are interested in a sales or client-facing role, chances are you are in the profit-centre of the company. On the other hand, if you work in the research, manufacturing or production side, one way to make yourself invaluable to the company would be to look at ways to streamline production or improve the quality.

“What growth opportunities do you provide for your employees and what is the working culture like?”. The answer to this will help you get an idea of how fast you could rise up the ranks and pay scale and how much of work-life balance.

You may then be able to pivot the conversation to share your specific experience and how it would fit with their organisation.

Sell Yourself and Follow Up Later

A handy tip is to create a personalised name card with your contact details, speciality, value proposition and a photograph, and hand it out to useful contacts. For example, stating your experience and qualities like “Experienced Business Analyst; Strategic Marketing Practitioner; Excellent People Management Skills ” could help you open up conversations.

Remember to ask for employers’ cards in return, so you can connect later to thank them for their time, send a copy of your resume, connect on LinkedIn or schedule a casual one-on-one catchup.

This article first appeared on MyCareersFuture. For more tips, resources and opportunities to get ahead in your career, visit MyCareersFuture today.

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3 INVESTMENT STRATEGIES TO FIND GEMS IN CHINA DESPITE TRADE WAR

The Hang Seng Composite Small and Mid-Cap Index did not post the best of performance this year. From January 2018 to end-September, the index fell more than 15 percent, underperforming the benchmark Hang Seng Index or the HSI. According to UOBKH, the underperformance is attributable to the weaker trading liquidity, corporate governance risk and less defensive nature of small and mid-caps compared to the blue chips.

Going Defensive

In light of the adverse macro environment, UOBKH recommends that investors take a back seat with the aggressive strategy of pursuing growth for small and mid-caps. Instead, investors should look out for resilient small and mid-caps with good risk-reward profiles. There are three strategies that UOBKH recommends which will allow investors to build a resilient portfolio in the current investment climate.

Investors Takeaway: 3 Investment Strategies To Find Gems In China

1. Cash Is King

In the wake of slowing economic growth in China and tighter market liquidity, small and mid-cap companies with strong cash generation capability and net cash balance are deemed as more defensive. In order to screen for such stocks, UOBKH uses a free cash flow (FCF) yield of at least four percent and net cash position to sieve out these defensive small and mid-caps. Within UOBKH’s universe of coverage, there are 29 small and mid-cap stocks that fit the defensive stock profile.

2. Dividend Speaks Volume

Given UOBKH’s expectation that there could be an economic downcycle, a key criterion that UOBKH looks out for is the resilience to a downcycle. UOBKH believes that companies with steady dividend per share (DPS) are the ones to build your resilient portfolio around. These companies, termed as steady DPS companies, need to either having positive DPS growth in the past four years or not more than one year when DPS was more than 20 percent below its five-year DPS mean. There are 18 small and mid-cap dividend plays that UOBKH considers as steady DPS companies with limited downside risk to future DPS.

Defensive Plays With Positive FCF And Dividends

Another strategy that UOBKH recommends is to invest in stocks that possess both positive free cash flow (FCF) and high dividends. There are five small and mid-cap stocks that UOBKH picked under this investment strategy:

1. China Shineway

China Shineway is a TCM play with three growth catalysts: Oral formulation TCM medicine; TCM formula granule; and the opening up of grassroots healthcare institution procurement limits. With a net cash position of HK$3.6 billion in cash, UOBKH foresees no pressure in China Shineway paying out dividends in the upcoming quarters.

BUY, TP HK$17.72; current share price HK$9.72

2. China Oriental

China Oriental is a beneficiary of the potential acceleration of China’s fiscal spending in 2H18 and less steel production cut this winter. The company is currently deeply undervalued at 1.1 times FY18 price-to-book value and 3.5 times FY18 price-to-earnings, according to UOBKH.

BUY, TP HK$8.79; current share price HK$5.84

3. I.T

I.T is a strong candidate to ride on Hong Kong’s turnaround story, gross margin expansion through cutting promotions activities and higher online sales contribution in China in the near term. With better cost control and solid sales momentum, I.T should be able to sustain its 50 percent dividend payout ratio. That being said, further upside in payout ratio should be limited.

BUY, TP HK$5.60; current share price HK$3.58

4. TK Group

At its current share price, TK Group offers an indicative dividend yield of 3.6 percent and FCF yield of 3.8 percent. Driven by the booming smart electronic consumer products and deeper penetration into the US internet and smartphone giants, investors can expect TK Group to register decent growth in the next few years. This will help TK Group to sustain its FCF and dividend yield.

BUY, TP HK$7.25; Current share price HK$4.05

5. Xiabuxiabu Catering Management

Xiabuxiabu Catering Management (XCM) is a resilient play on China’s domestic consumption despite the expected slowdown. UOBKH notes that the company would continue to gain share in China’s fragmented catering and hotpot industry. Given its strong free cash flow generating capability, XCM’s share price should remain resilient.

BUY, TP HK$13.55; HK$10.48