Ask A Headhunter!

[hockeybb]

Hi HH,

I am currently an undergraduate for private degree, majoring in accounting and finance. I wish to advance career to be a headhunter too. Can you please advise on the pathways to becoming a headhunter? Where do I start from? I was thinking if there is any firm that hires part time basis until I grad in January'16 to becoming full time.

Also, is there any agencies you recommend for a entry level to work in?

Thank you in advance!!

 

[Ask A Headhunter]

I read in this thread that you mentioned if you had worked for 5 years in one job, and then work a year each in other jobs, it is not considered job hopping. But when HR asks during interview, how should one answer properly to ensure no impression of job hopping is perceived?

To give no impression of job hopping, must have valid reason, regardless of how long you stay.

For example, nobody will say you are a job hopper, if you are retrenched, or it is a contract role and they did not renew you for example.

Hi hh,
I'm now in a compliance dept, doing general work. My job scope include kyc aml anf regulations fatca rtc. I intend to take icta course for grc. Would this course be better for me than acams?
I used to think aml compliance pay scale may not be higher as it's too specialised

Sent from Samsung SM-G900F using GAGT

If i am not wrong, ACAMS is considered higher level. But if you really want to earn higher compensation will want to consider moving into advisory work over time or to run a team.

Hi hh,

I'm going to graduate June next year with a local degree 2nd lower in Economics, and I am interested in the banking industry,in particular SME banking or credit risk. Assuming that I am unable to get into any graduate programs, what are the other alternative routes that I can take? Please advise, thank you!!!

If you are looking for SME banking or credit risk roles, usually a lot of companies (especially the local banks) will hire you as a fresh grad without any experience.

Hello, would like to ask how long should one wait for a reply from the interviewer? My current contract is ending this month, I got offerred to extend a couple more months, but I have yet to get a reply from the co I interviewed at (which I think I will prefer for the exposure available).

Last week they replied my query saying they were still interviewing candidates, earliest can get back to me on Friday. E-mailed them on Monday, until now no reply.

Am I right to assume that no reply means there's still hope? It's a bank btw, do they take longer to select?

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Sometimes, they don't answer you does not mean you are not shortlisted. They simply need time to compare between different people because maybe the difference between the candidates they interviewed are very minor.

Hi HH,

I am currently an undergraduate for private degree, majoring in accounting and finance. I wish to advance career to be a headhunter too. Can you please advise on the pathways to becoming a headhunter? Where do I start from? I was thinking if there is any firm that hires part time basis until I grad in January'16 to becoming full time.

Also, is there any agencies you recommend for a entry level to work in?

Thank you in advance!!

Usually you start from generalist companies like Adecco, Manpower group, Recruit Express or Kelly Services.

Then progress to higher level companies like Robert Half, Robert Walters, etc.

 

[relaxlabrudder]

Semiconductor switch to marketing possible? Manage to get mba from group of 8 in ozzie

 

[desiresale]

Hi HH,


I was just informed by the firm that headcount freeze was just implemented. So they can no longer offer me the role on permanent basis. But if I'm willing to consider contract role, they will try to raise a request to their Head Office (no guarantee will be approved). But the contract will have to be via agency. Duration of contract is uncertain, but they will try for 12 mths. Role may or may not be convert to perm in future. (Seems like a lot of uncertainties, hence I'm worried)

I refer to your advice earlier on the query on direct and indirect contracts, what other areas/ issues we need to take note when considering to accept a contract position via agency, instead of direct contract with the firm?

I've been away from workforce for 2 yrs. Should I just take up this contract role (for the fear of not being able to find a job after rejecting this)?

Would greatly appreciate your advice.

Sent from Samsung GT-I9305 using GAGT

 

[wahkao3]

Semiconductor switch to marketing possible? Manage to get mba from group of 8 in ozzie

yes very possible, my fren last time is semi con enginnineer now doing sales of some chips

but got sales target, very stress if cannot hit

 

[wahkao3]

Hi HH,


I was just informed by the firm that headcount freeze was just implemented. So they can no longer offer me the role on permanent basis. But if I'm willing to consider contract role, they will try to raise a request to their Head Office (no guarantee will be approved). But the contract will have to be via agency. Duration of contract is uncertain, but they will try for 12 mths. Role may or may not be convert to perm in future. (Seems like a lot of uncertainties, hence I'm worried)

I refer to your advice earlier on the query on direct and indirect contracts, what other areas/ issues we need to take note when considering to accept a contract position via agency, instead of direct contract with the firm?

I've been away from workforce for 2 yrs. Should I just take up this contract role (for the fear of not being able to find a job after rejecting this)?

Would greatly appreciate your advice.

Sent from Samsung GT-I9305 using GAGT

internally accept
externally look for more opportunities and state reason for leaving as job uncertainty

 

[rainysummer]

Hi

I kinda failed a module so got to extend my graduation for 1 year just for 1 module. But would it be possible for me to apply for banking finance mgmt trainee programmes while taking my last module as a part time student?


As in would HR still consider my application. Thinking of ocbc or uob. And maybe even foreign FIs. Cos I dunt want to waste a year doing unrelated temp jobs.

 

[foo9883]

Hi

I kinda failed a module so got to extend my graduation for 1 year just for 1 module. But would it be possible for me to apply for banking finance mgmt trainee programmes while taking my last module as a part time student?


As in would HR still consider my application. Thinking of ocbc or uob. And maybe even foreign FIs. Cos I dunt want to waste a year doing unrelated temp jobs.

Are you guaranteed a first class already? If so sure.

 

[darren_12]

I am malaysian here and looking for job in SG. Been looking for some times but not really have any news yet. I have about 6 yrs working experiences in banking and finance. Do you have any vacancy available which might accept foreign applicant? I dont mind any role so long they find me suitable for the role. Thanks.

 

[rainysummer]

Are you guaranteed a first class already? If so sure.

no just average student. few B and D. grades all over the place.

thats why i am wondering about how HR views my resume/application

 

[Ask A Headhunter]

no just average student. few B and D. grades all over the place.

thats why i am wondering about how HR views my resume/application

Simple answer is. Depends on which bank you apply for.

If you apply for say citi. Then forget about it cos based on what you said you will be rejected

Sent from Sony D6653 using GAGT

 

[Ask A Headhunter]

Hi HH,


I was just informed by the firm that headcount freeze was just implemented. So they can no longer offer me the role on permanent basis. But if I'm willing to consider contract role, they will try to raise a request to their Head Office (no guarantee will be approved). But the contract will have to be via agency. Duration of contract is uncertain, but they will try for 12 mths. Role may or may not be convert to perm in future. (Seems like a lot of uncertainties, hence I'm worried)

I refer to your advice earlier on the query on direct and indirect contracts, what other areas/ issues we need to take note when considering to accept a contract position via agency, instead of direct contract with the firm?

I've been away from workforce for 2 yrs. Should I just take up this contract role (for the fear of not being able to find a job after rejecting this)?

Would greatly appreciate your advice.

Sent from Samsung GT-I9305 using GAGT

Like someone said. Take it up and look for something else. Unless the notice period is very long

Indirect contract means your headcount under agency

What it also means is after you finish your contract you may be redeployed to another client of the agency on another contract

Sent from Sony D6653 using GAGT

 

[dangerdevil]

Would like to ask..how will u all see a case if that someone is 4mths jobless...gt a job at 4th month...but dun really like the company...worked for like 6 mths quit. This 6 mths job can still write in resume nt or just leave blank. Total 10 mths blank in resume then. For this situation...is there still hope for this person?

 

[retarded]

For people doing IT, never stay too long in a company. Not too sure if hiring companies think the same way as the article.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/jacquelynsmith/2013/03/08/the-pros-and-cons-of-job-hopping/

 

[rainysummer]

Simple answer is. Depends on which bank you apply for.

If you apply for say citi. Then forget about it cos based on what you said you will be rejected

Sent from Sony D6653 using GAGT

so local banks and boutique banks?

or just any FI not considered the top 50%...?

 

[lunarsong]

hi HH,

i have been in the govt sector for close to 5 years, doing legal/law admin with local diploma and a private communication degree and is looking for a career switch.

i am considering both govt and private sector.

any advice for me?

 

[danielpng1]

Hi there Mr Headhunter,

I would sincerely appreciate some inputs from you.

I'm currently working for a relative as an operations manager, i'm working here for almost 2yrs.

Previously i was working in the financial industry from 2011 to 2013. Decided that i would like to take a break from the stressing financial world. Hence that's how i landed here.

Well, being in a small SME definitely has its pros and cons, but things are starting to get kinda stagnant and lack of foreseeable career progression..

Given the current job situation here, i'm thinking of going back to sales, as i feel that i'm "kinda" wasting time here, and not fulfilling my potential to the maximum. Would you think its a good time to switch jobs now?

Hope you will be able to advise me.
Thank you.

Yours Sincerely
dan

 

[dravidan]

how bad is job market now for new grads, cos i know of someone with 2nd upper from NTU who cannot get govt sector jobs for like 6 months already....

 

[Ask A Headhunter]

how bad is job market now for new grads, cos i know of someone with 2nd upper from NTU who cannot get govt sector jobs for like 6 months already....

And why specifically govt sector?

Job market is very good currently, especially in certain industries and certain functions.

 

[Ask A Headhunter]

Hi there Mr Headhunter,

I would sincerely appreciate some inputs from you.

I'm currently working for a relative as an operations manager, i'm working here for almost 2yrs.

Previously i was working in the financial industry from 2011 to 2013. Decided that i would like to take a break from the stressing financial world. Hence that's how i landed here.

Well, being in a small SME definitely has its pros and cons, but things are starting to get kinda stagnant and lack of foreseeable career progression..

Given the current job situation here, i'm thinking of going back to sales, as i feel that i'm "kinda" wasting time here, and not fulfilling my potential to the maximum. Would you think its a good time to switch jobs now?

Hope you will be able to advise me.
Thank you.

Yours Sincerely
dan

If you feel stagnant, then you should consider moving back.

The good thing about sales jobs, is if you do well, you can progress in your career fairly quickly (since it is easily measurable)

But the bad thing is, since you have left the industry, you might have to start from scratch cos your client base previously are probably with other people now