This entry is inspired by Isnani. :)
Just some advices for the graduating cadets, who might be seeking for jobs during your 6 MONTHS long holiday (sighz, how envying).
Advice #1 - How to find a job
Most of the advertisement placed online are done so by the recruitment agencies, and not the company itself. There's 2 ways a job agencies earn their upkeep, either the company pays them extra amount of money, on top of your salary, or they take a portion of your salary (e.g: company pays agency $8/hr for your work, but agency gives you $6/hr). So please note that, you can try negotiating your pay with the agencies!
If you want to get a job without the help of recruitment agencies, then you'll have to depend more on newspapers or through the word of mouth from others.
Either methods, you have to send your resume/CV(Curriculum Vitae) over to the agency/company and wait for them to call you down for interviews. The recruitment agency will have to ask you drop by at their office and sign a contract before they send you over to the company itself for an interview, it's not for sure that you'll get the job till the interviewer at the company confirms this with your agent.
Advice #2 - Safe guard yourself!
ALWAYS read through the contract BEFORE you sign it. Ignore the eye-pressure the person is giving you. After signing, make sure the person photocopy it, and gives you a copy.
You'll have to pay a sum of money should you breach the contract, such as resigning before your assignment time is up.
Advice #3 - What kind of job should I look for?
My advice is to try out as many different kinds of jobs as possible, since we're all not burdened with the responsibility of feeding the family yet, just trying to gain experience and that little amount of extra pocket money.
Do not feel that it is a waste not to go back to the previous company whom you've already been so close with your ex-colleagues, or that the pay is more than average. There's all the time in the world to join them as a permanent staff after your graduate.
You'll pick up more knowledge as you expose yourself to more different type of work. Then, when you finally graduate from education life, you'll understand better which kind of work suits you better.
Try not to sign up for a 6 months long job in a shot. Maybe you can sign up for 2 or 3 months. You'll not know if you can handle the stress, or if you'll dislike the working environment, or if you are not satisfied with the pay etc. Remember, you'll have to pay a sum of money if you breach the contract. If you really like the workplace so much, you could probably ask if they still need you, and ask for an extension. If not, like I said, try other jobs!
Advice #4 - When in doubt, always ask
Your agent will always try not to tell you how much is your salary, unless you ask. Please do so to your agent, not very nice to do so to the personnels at the company itself. Don't feel shy to reject the job offer if you think the pay is too low. The standard rate for secondary school graduates are about $6 and above.
Most of the companies doesn't pay you even though you skipped lunch to work. Clarify this with the personnels at the company before you do so.
Ask about the attire you have to be in at work. Some company doesnt allow, even temp staff, to wear jeans and slippers.
Advice #5 - Always use your brain!!! Don't get cheated!!
