Member News
Top tips from Simon on job hunting in Thailand
S
imon Matthews (pictured), Manpower Group Country Manager for Thailand, Vietnam and the Middle East – and past Chairman of the BCCT – has been speaking to ChitChat Spotlight, a Bangkok-based YouTube channel produced by ClipCube Media’s green screen studios.
All employers and agencies have experienced candidates not turning up to interviews or, after accepting a job offer, not arriving for work. Some candidates may use an offer to counter an offer, or as part of their process of finding the correct job. Simon explained that although there are no blacklists, it does not help the candidates as many businesses will add them to their HR database with a note about them.
Presenters Andrew Sloan and Andy Francis asked Simon about the recruitment industry in Thailand, with Simon garnishing a few interesting tips and tricks for job hunters and employers. Simon, who has lived in Thailand for 20 years, opened the Thai Manpower office which now has 10 offices and 300 permanent employees. He explained that expat packages are not the same as in the past and the disparity between Thai and expat management salaries are rapidly reducing. He added that although it seemed difficult for local expats to find new jobs, many found new positions by effectively networking at network functions and meeting new people. He said that they should ‘keep their ears to the ground’ and follow up (job leads) by email, attaching a résumé, and not merely responding to advertisements. With technology bringing efficiencies and resulting in certain jobs becom-
ing redundant, Simon explained there is still a growing demand for people working in sales, HR, IT and logistics as well as vocational positions such as waiters, plumbers and builders. These are positions that the economy needs but are not attractive to Thais as they are not prestigious enough. These positions are presently filled by immigrants but he wondered what will happen when they leave for greener pastures. Simon explained how best prepare for an interview with regard to research and how to behave during the interview. Just as important, employers must treat candidates with respect with timely interviews, refreshments and attitude. This is just a small part of employer branding.
Employers need to carry out due diligence and check qualifications, follow up on references and look at candidates’ social media presence, just as candidates need to research potential employers. It is a two way process, he said. The full interview can be seen at here and you can visit ClipCube Media’s channel, ChitChat at www. youtube.com/c/chitchatnow. More at: www.facebook.com/chitchatnow or email:andrew.sloan@clipcubemedia.com. * The Manpower operation in Thailand is a recruitment company focusing on contract, permanent and temporary staff and provides consulting services company. Manpower Group is a US company and owns 100 percent of the Thai organisation.
Punjab Grill, the Indian restaurant at the Radisson Suites Bangkok Sukhumvit, has been selected for the third consecutive year as one of Thailand’s Best Restaurant 2019 by the readers of Thailand Tatler magazine. The award was received by Simon Ramsay, General Manager of Radisson Suites Bangkok Sukhumvit, and Bharath Bhat, the restaurant’s executive chef. Thailand Tatler compiles the best of Thailand’s gastronomic scene in an annual guide. In advance of the 2019 edition, restaurants were reviewed anonymously and appraised/rated in four categories: food, setting, drinks and service.
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The Link
Issue 2/2019