A job interview starts not when you are seated in front of your interviewer but when you walk in the door. Hiring expert and CEO of executive search firm Vanderbloemen Search Group, William Vanderbloemen said that the biggest mistake a candidate can ever make is to be late for the interview, even by a few minutes.
He adds that while hiring managers are not heartless and do understand last-minute emergencies and bad traffic and even technical difficulties, showing up late with no notice is a huge red flag for many.
Some of the job interview mistakes
Vanderbloemen obviously knows what he is talking about having interviewed 30,000 people in his career. He says that punctuality is the first test of whether or not you’re taking this job seriously and can be trusted with the responsibilities of the role.
Conversely he says that arriving super early for a job interview isn’t great either. This is because the interviewer may be in the middle of another meeting or taking a break between interviews or anything else for that matter. He said that knowing someone is waiting 15 to 20 minutes ahead of the interview isn’t a good thing at all and can make the interviewer feel stressed.
Ideally the best time to show up for an interview is five minutes before. Not too early and not too late is best. Vanderbloemen says that job interviews are already stressful and acing it is easier when you show up prepared. What does being prepared mean? Part of being prepares is being punctual. It is the first step in proving your readiness, he says.
SEOUL: Singaporean singer and songwriter Nat Ho has moved to Seoul, South Korea with the intention to write K-music. Finally, all of his hard work is paying off. In 2022, Nat relocated to the said country to work on his music. He even studied Korean language in Yonsei University to be able to write Korean music.
Recently, he released a piece called ‘With You’, an English song with lyrics that he co-wrote with South Korean musician, Oh Yu-won. This song is performed by South Korean singer Luce, and it is part of the original soundtrack of the K-drama Sing My Crush, a coming-of-age series between two friends starring Korean artists Jang Do-yoon and Son Hyun-woo.
In an Instagram post, Nat Ho shared about the release of his song, With You. He stated in his post caption: “Finally got my first song cut “With You” released after it got confirmed last year! Thank you @jessica.yoowonoh and team for believing in me!”
Netizens expressed their support in the comments section.
One IG user stated: “The beginning to an amazing songwriting career!🔥❤️ Super proud of you! Can’t wait for the other ones cuz I know you got bops!”
Another IG user remarked: “That was so comforting to listen to.”
More users mentioned: “Congrats!!! So happy for you!!!”, “I really like this song.. I swear.”, and “Hello~ Thank you very much for the nice lyrics~:)”
In another Instagram post shared last February, Nat Ho had moved to Seoul for six months and had rented a music studio to work on his production.
“This small and humble studio will also function as my office and work space, and I’m looking forward to many hours of productivity and making magic,” he declared.
David Beckham, the former soccer player, recently shared an adorable moment on Instagram involving his 12-year-old daughter, Harper.
In the post, he playfully mentioned that Harper acts as his “little makeup artist,” ensuring he has the right powder and contouring.
Photo: Instagram/David Beckham
Beckham Makeup expert in the making
Harper may be following in the footsteps of her mother Victoria Beckham. The former Spice Girl member owns her own makeup collection. The 49-year-old had gone from being a Spice Girl to a world-renowned fashion designer. She launched Victoria Beckham Beauty in 2019.
The heartwarming father-daughter moment received praise from his Instagram followers, with many expressing love for their close relationship.
The former soccer player wrote on Instagram that ‘daddy apparently needed a little powder & contouring.’ The post garnered comments from his 81.6 million Instagram followers.
Close-knit family
Beckham and his wife, Victoria Beckham, have four children together: sons Brooklyn, Romeo, and Cruz, in addition to Harper. The social media posting occurred shortly after Harper, her mother, and her brother Cruz showed their support for David at Inter Miami’s game versus Cruz Azul. David is a co-owner of Inter Miami and was celebrated by his family on Victoria Beckham’s Instagram page after the team’s victory.
Victoria Beckham took to social media to say how proud of her husband. Harper recently turned 12 and enjoyed celebrations at the Prada Caffè in Harrods department store in London and a visit to Walt Disney World. David Beckham also dedicated an Instagram video to his daughter on her birthday, expressing his love and admiration for her.
While Harper isn’t on social media, Victoria Beckham has expressed concern about the impact of body shaming on young people, especially as they grow older and become more exposed to social media. As parents, they aim to communicate openly with Harper and ensure she surrounds herself with supportive friends to counteract any negative influences.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been left out of the commemorations for the anniversary of the Queen’s death, and this is again a downward spiral for the Harry-Meghan tandem even though they are currently in Europe for the Invictus Games.
Sources revealed that Harry and Meghan have not received any invitations to attend public or private commemorations of the solemn occasion. This absence of acknowledgement is particularly significant given the couple’s rocky relationship with the Royal Family since they stepped back from their royal duties in 2020.
The Harry-Meghan Tandem
Living in Montecito, California, with their two children, the Sussexes have not had an easy relationship with their British counterparts. After their departure, they have been vocal about their struggles within the monarchy and have openly criticized certain aspects of the institution. This has undoubtedly strained relationships, leading to a lack of communication and inclusion in significant events such as the anniversary of the Queen’s death.
Adding to the tension, Prince Harry’s father, Prince Charles, reportedly asked the couple to vacate their former residence, Frogmore Cottage in Windsor, leaving them without a home in Britain. The situation further fuels the notion that the Sussexes are being sidelined within the Royal Family.
While Buckingham Palace has not yet made any formal announcements about how the family will spend the anniversary of the Queen’s death, it is evident that the Sussexes will not be part of the official commemorations. Instead, sources close to the couple have suggested that they might find a way to mark the significance of the occasion in their way.
As the Invictus Games draw near, the world will be watching to see how Prince Harry and Meghan Markle navigate the situation and how they choose to commemorate the anniversary in their way. The continued tension between the Sussexes and the Royal Family remains a topic of interest and speculation for royal watchers and the public alike.
Update: Pepper Lunch Express apologised to a man whose daughter found a cooked cockroach in her meal.
Pepper Lunch Express has taken responsibility for the issue and has apologised to Mr Lee. The chain wrote in a Facebook comment: “We are sorry to hear about your negative experience with our delivery takeout. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused.
“Ensuring the quality and hygiene of our food is of utmost importance to us, and we would like to investigate this issue further to ensure that it does not happen again in the future.”
Pepper Lunch’s Singapore team also asked Mr Lee to reach out to its marketing team to resolve this issue.
SINGAPORE: A Singapore man has claimed that his daughter was left traumatised after finding a cooked cockroach in a Pepper Lunch Express meal.
Sharing photos of the cockroach and the meal on the ‘Complaint Singapore’ page, Facebook user Lee Steven revealed on Saturday (5 Aug) that his daughter ordered the Chicken Pepper Rice Bowl Set A via Grab from the Pepper Lunch Express outlet at the Compass One shopping centre in Sengkang.
Mr Lee wrote: “After a few bites, she noticed that there was a cockroach in the bowl which seems to be cooked, she felt very traumatized and nauseous. Hope this could be investigated throughly and provide an update (by the) Singapore Food Agency (SFA).”
Pepper Lunch Express is a popular fast-food chain that specialises in DIY (Do-It-Yourself) teppan-style cooking, in which customers can cook their meals directly on a sizzling hot plate. The chain is known for its reasonable prices, making it a popular choice for students, working professionals, and families looking for a quick and satisfying meal.
Pepper Lunch Express has numerous outlets within food courts in many malls. This accessibility has contributed to the chain’s success and popularity among locals and tourists alike. The Independent Singapore has approached Pepper Lunch Express for comment. /TISG
Is it OK to just speak from the heart, Singaporeans? No need to be so logical and factual. I do not want to go into all the details, of who was exactly right regarding this or that and so on.
But I want to say a number of things arising from what has been happening the last month or so. Just say them, without being too bothered regarding context.
Leon Perera and Nicole Seah: Such a sheer waste of talent plus the suffering caused to the families. In particular, Seah’s exit has deprived Singapore of a potential creative spark in the national dialogue. I see no one like her in the dreadful PAP lineup, now and in the immediate future.
Vivian Balakrishnan: Singapore’s latest top diplomat has always been accused of being arrogant by certain quarters. But I saw nothing arrogant about the manner in which he said he was sorry for the government’s error in not stating that contact-tracing data from TraceTogether was not exempt from the Criminal Procedure Code for criminal investigations.
I was impressed by the fact that he could clearly remember the timeline without referring to notes about something that took place two years ago. And he spoke without hesitation in Parliament under pressure from Pritam Singh on Aug 2. He really must have had sleepless nights over the lapse.
Tan Chuan-Jin/Cheng Li Hui: I find it particularly bizarre, if not insulting, that someone like the former, licentious Speaker of Parliament had presided over proceedings on ethics and the like. He was passing judgements on what was correct behaviour and what was not in the COP hearings on Raeesah Khan and Parliament in general, while not quite behaving himself behind everyone’s back.
I remember Lee Kuan Yew once said that he did not expect his ministers to be saints but if you were caught literally with your pants down, that was it.
Seah Kian Peng: The new Speaker has been an underrated cog in the People’s Action Party wheel.I have always seen him as a no-nonsense party man. An organiser, a doer, a pusher. He seems to be taking his duties as Speaker with enthusiasm. He did not impress me earlier when as part of the Select Committee looking into setting POFMA, he practically shut activist Jolovan Wham out of saying anything when he hurriedly closed the hearings as Wham was about to speak. But he was ok on Aug 2 being pretty amused by PSP’s NCMP Leong Mun Wai’s exchange with PAP MP (Bukit Batok) Murali Pillai over rent control.
Pritam Singh: Never mind all the finer details in the debate on Aug 2. The general impression was that the Leader of the Opposition has been hard done. Quote from an Independent.Sg report: “Seeking clarifications from PM Lee Hsien Loong and Chan Chun Sing in Parliament on Aug 2, Leader of the Opposition Pritam Singh said that the government has been ‘slow to clear the air, or been less than upfront and forthright with Singaporeans when it had to deal with potentially embarrassing issues’.
“…he says that the public was not initially informed about CPIB’s investigation into the Ridout rentals. He said that Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean was appointed to establish whether there were any wrongdoings in order to maintain higher standards of integrity. He said the public was not told that PM Lee ordered a CPIB investigation.Pritam continued that the public was also not told about (Trade Minister) S Iswaran’s arrest when investigations were first disclosed.
“In a parallel universe, Sir, there is a perception where if a Singaporean or a Singaporean company took such a cavalier and breezy approach with critical facts under today’s PAP, they can expect to receive a POFMA direction from a PAP minister for perpetuating false statements of facts.”
PM Lee Hsien Loong: on the resignations of former Speaker Tan Chuan-Jin and former MP Cheng Li Hui: “I first learnt of their relationship sometime after the 2020 General Election – in fact, in November 2020. They were both spoken to, and counselled, separately. They both said they would stop the affair. But as it turned out, they did not. Most recently in February 2023, I spoke to them again, separately. Mr Tan admitted that what he did was wrong. He offered to resign, I accepted…
“Why did I take so long, more than two years, to act? It is a fair question. In retrospect and certainly now knowing how things eventually turned out, I agree. I should have forced the issue sooner.”
Have we all grown up now? Happy 58th National Day!
Tan Bah Bah, consulting editor ofTheIndependent.Sg is a former senior leader writer with The Straits Times. He was also the managing editor of a magazine publishing company.
In a fast-paced and competitive corporate landscape, surviving office politics is crucial to career success. Office politics or the subtle art of influencing others and gaining an advantage within the workplace, can lead to challenging situations when dealing with difficult colleagues.
Here are some effective strategies to manage difficult colleagues and survive office politics.
Engage and Understand: Initiate conversations with coworkers, understanding their perspectives, and sharing your own.
Mutual Support: Be there for your peers in times of need, and they’ll likely reciprocate.
Focus on your work ethic – Stay focused on your work and maintain a strong work ethic which will speak volumes about your dedication and professionalism. Demonstrating consistent performance and achieving results will earn you respect and credibility, making it harder for others to undermine your efforts.
Consistency is Crucial: Regularly produce high-quality work to earn your colleagues’ respect and trust.
Results Matter: Accomplishing tasks efficiently showcases your dedication and reliability.
Stay neutral and objective – When faced with such situations, avoid taking sides hastily. Instead, strive to remain neutral and objective, focusing on finding common ground and constructive solutions.
Avoid Hasty Judgments: Pause and evaluate situations objectively before jumping to conclusions.
Find the Middle Ground: Strive for solutions that benefit everyone, promoting unity and understanding.
Communicate effectively – When conflicts arise, address them directly and professionally. Avoid gossiping or spreading rumors, as such behaviors can escalate tension and damage your professional reputation. Honest and transparent communication will help dispel misunderstandings and foster a healthy work environment.
Address Directly: Tackle conflicts head-on, with tact and professionalism.
Steer Clear of Gossip: Refrain from negative chatter; it’s detrimental to team dynamics and your reputation.
Recognize and appreciate others – Acknowledging the accomplishments and efforts of your colleagues demonstrates a gracious and supportive attitude. Celebrating their success instead of feeling threatened by it creates a collaborative atmosphere.
Spread Positivity: Regularly highlight the achievements of your colleagues.
Team Spirit: Encourage a culture where everyone’s success is celebrated.
Develop a resilient mindset – Embrace setbacks as learning opportunities, remain adaptable in the face of change, and maintain a positive outlook even during difficult times. Your resilience will not only help you weather the storm but also inspire others to follow your lead.
Adaptability: Stay flexible and open-minded in the face of change.
Stay Optimistic: Challenges are learning experiences; approach them with a can-do attitude.
Office politics are an unavoidable reality in competitive workplaces, but they need not become a roadblock to your success. Remember, the key lies in leveraging your skills and strengths to create a supportive and collaborative work environment that benefits you and your colleagues alike.
In a dramatic turn of events, former President Donald Trump has been summoned to sit for a deposition in a $500 million lawsuit against his former attorney, Michael Cohen.
Michael Cohen, who has turned into a vocal critic of Trump, expressed anticipation for the deposition, vowing to prove the lawsuit’s frivolous nature.
Cohen’s lawyers are poised to grill Trump under oath, seeking to establish the truth behind the allegations.
The legal dispute began in April when Trump initiated the lawsuit against Cohen, claiming the former lawyer had spread falsehoods, enriched himself unjustly, and violated attorney-client privilege.
Alejandro Brito, Trump’s attorney, argued that his client’s reputation suffered immense harm due to Cohen’s actions and implied additional misconduct that violated New York’s Rules of Professional Conduct.
The Deposition
Ben Brodsky, Cohen’s attorney, likened the deposition notice to a subpoena, emphasizing that Trump cannot evade it, even though he has the option to dismiss the case entirely.
This legal showdown promises to be a pivotal moment in the ongoing feud between the two former associates.
Coincidentally, the deposition comes just weeks after Trump was informed by special counsel Jack Smith that he is a target in a federal investigation related to interference in the 2020 election.
The former president is also facing criminal charges in a hush-money case in New York state court and a federal case over the handling of classified documents following his White House tenure.
Trump has adamantly referred to both cases as “election interference” while simultaneously seeking the Republican presidential nomination for 2024.
Michael Cohen unpaid of legal fees
Adding further intrigue, earlier this month, Cohen and the Trump Organization reached a settlement in a separate lawsuit. The 2019 lawsuit, in which Cohen sought $1.3 million in legal fees from the Trump Organization, accused the company of reneging on a contractual deal to indemnify him and cover legal expenses related to his work involving the organization and its leadership, including Trump.
As the date of the deposition approaches, all eyes will be on the outcome of this momentous legal clash, which has the potential to shape the political and legal landscape for the former president and his critics alike.
SINGAPORE: A netizen took to social media to share her disappointment after a senior hairstylist at a salon reportedly messed up her bob. The unhappy customer shared a photo of the aftermath, eliciting a reaction out of many online users.
“Expensive doesn’t mean it’s good.” This is the message an anonymous participant shared with Singaporeans in the Complaint Singapore Facebook group on Tuesday (Aug 1).
“Bad haircut by CCA Hair, Far east plaza,” she said. “My hair was unevenly cut!!! Not recommended.” Included in the post was a photo of the haircut.”
“It was cut by a Korean guy senior hair stylist that probably doesn’t even know how to cut hair,” the netizen claimed. “I’m requesting only bob hairstyle, becomes this “anyhow” cut hairstyle.”
The online user continued, claiming, “He cut without using a comb and completed the haircut in a rush when then salon (didn’t even have) other customers. Shame on him being a senior hair stylist.”
According to the post, the salon gave the customer a refund. “They refunded the haircut fee $45,” the netizen wrote. “However, it doesn’t help, it will need a long time for my hair to grow back to normal length…I am just sharing with you all my encounters and warn everyone to be aware and careful when choosing the right hair salon for haircut.”
Many online users responded to the post. While many shared the customer’s shock and disappointment, a few others questioned the netizen instead.
“Those are horrible choppy layers that don’t blend,” one said, while another wrote, “Wow very badly done indeed.”
A third commented, “Will take a very long time to grow the hair from the top layer.”
A few others responded with jokes to make light of the matter, while some turned on the netizen, questioning her instead. “Maybe this is the latest style in Korea,” one joked.
Another pointed out, “At least you still could get a refund back.”
Still, a third wrote, “By the way, every haircut, the stylist will use mirror to show the back view to ensure you are satisfied. When you see it’s not right, why don’t you sound out when the stylist (is) still beside you? Now then you complain to the whole world that the salon is not good? What’s your agenda?”
A fourth commented, “Do your ever wonder, sometimes it’s not the hairstylist issue? Sometimes it’s the one sitting down on his chair.”
Warren Buffett, the legendary investor, has a knack for simplifying complex financial principles into actionable advice that can guide us all toward financial prosperity.
Invest in Yourself – This involves continuously improving your skills and knowledge, thereby significantly boosting your earning potential and become the best version of yourself.
Tame the Credit Card Beast – Credit cards offer convenience, yet, they can become a financial burden. Adopt responsible spending habits and pay off your credit card balance in full each month.
Smart Socializing – Excessive spending on bars and pubs can quickly drain your finances. Consider more affordable social gatherings, like hosting home get-togethers or picnics. You save money and also create memorable experiences in more intimate settings.
More Tips from Warren Buffett
Resist the Temptation of Shiny Gadgets – It can be tempting to upgrade gadgets regularly. Buffett advises taking a more pragmatic approach. Often, last year’s model performs just as well at a fraction of the price. Assess whether the latest upgrades genuinely provide substantial value before buying new ones.
Wardrobe Choices – Keep your wardrobe simple and functional. Opt for classic and durable clothing over flashy, expensive brands to achieve a timeless and sophisticated look without breaking the bank.
Understand the Risks of Gambling – Buffett warns against the allure of gambling as a shortcut to wealth. Financial decisions should be based on understanding the odds and making choices that align with long-term wealth accumulation rather than seeking momentary thrills.
Kick the Smoking Habit – Smoking not only poses severe health risks but also drains your budget. Quitting smoking can lead to significant cost savings and is a wise investment in your long-term financial and physical well-being.
Warren Buffet Roadmap
Warren Buffett’s financial advice is more than just sage wisdom; it’s a roadmap to financial stability and long-term success. By being mindful of these common financial pitfalls, we can all better manage our finances and pave the way toward a wealthy future.
