Cross Cultural Understanding

•Work: Practices and Attitudes

By: Fauzi Miftakh. S.PdKarawang Singaperbangsa University (UNSIKA)

Miracles can be made, but only by sweating.

Giovanni Agnelli (1921-2003) an Italian industrialist

Finding a Job

•Preparation- Know your ability- Go searching for information about job

vacancies (newspaper ads, job placement agencies, internet)

•NetworkingBecomes important in relation to widening

your chance of getting information or beingknown by others.

Resume Development

•It is about “selling yourself” through the use of resume and cover letter

•A resume: a summary of professional goals or objectives, education, previous jobs, professional skills, accomplishments, and honors.

•A cover letter: a letter containing a brief information about one’s professional background together with the position s/he wishes to apply.

Employer-Employee Relationships

• The nature of the relationship is casual; however status and hierarchy in the United States organizations do exist.

• Outward appearances (i.e. people’s interactions) make this fact less obvious.

• Subordinate-superior relationship is often characterized by the use of first names in daily conversations. Many outsiders may find it difficultto identify “who the boss is”.

On-the-Job Communication Skills

•Directness and honesty becomes one of the important issues here.

•When you don’t understand, say that you need some more explanations.

•Silence may be seen as the sign of boredom or being uninterested.

•Active verbal interaction becomes an integral part in American business meeting.

“Time is money”

•One of American values: “time flies.”•Promptness and punctuality are major

expectations in American workplace.•Common workdays: 8-4, 9-5

Workaholics

•Two views on workaholics:

- Valuable members of society: productive and embody the values of achievement and efficiency

- Recently seen a form of abuse to one’s physical and mental state.

Work Ethic

•Action and work orientation is one of American values. Work often define people; their identities come from what they do.

•Driven by “achievement motivation” people try hard to be productive and they work hard for this.

Reactions to Work

•People work to survive; they work to make a living.

•However, besides for survival, your jo can say other things about you. “What you do” can reflect “What you are” and “Who you are”

The interview

•It is worth remembering that “You are what you say”

•Personal appearance and hygiene should be carefully taken into account.

•Some common questions in an interview may be culturally problematic to some people.

•Many Asians are taught not to boast about their individual accomplishments.

TIPS and Quick Facts.• To make a good impression at an interview: Do

your research, rehearse, then relax.

• Practice ahead of time with sample questions and different interview styles.

• During the interview, be tactful, courteous, sincere, polite and knowledgeable about the organization and what you have to offer it.

• Always send a follow-up thank you letter to the interviewer.

RESUME / CURRICULUM VITAE•DO IT!!

•Make sure that your resume has been proofread by someone else

•Have your resume printed professionally•Write succinctly•Limit your resume to 1-2 pages if possible•Make sure your resume visually attractive•Use good-quality white, off-white or gray

paper

RESUME / CURRICULUM VITAE•DON’T DO IT!!

•Exaggerate or lie about your experiences.•Underestimate the importance of your

experiences•Include information about salary•Use personal pronouns or abbreviations•Explain why you left your previous jobs•Put your personal information (e.g.

height, weight, or marital status)

• Interview stylesBe prepared for a variety of interview styles. Some interviewers simply ask questions from a list, some use a conversational style, and others may just say something like, "Tell me about yourself and why you want this opportunity." You may be asked to give a graphic representation of yourself in words or symbols on a chalkboard or flip chart.

• AppearancePlan how you will look. Don't try a new haircut or style, but do get a haircut about a week before your interview. Makeup and jewelry, if worn, should be moderate. Dress conservatively and comfortably, about one level above what you would wear to work. Being clean and neat is most important. Plan ahead so that you don't have to scramble at the last minute about what to wear. Have a backup outfit ready just in case. No denim and no backpack.

• Practice, Practice, PracticePractice answering questions. List your skills, talents and experiences that directly apply to this opportunity, as well as any hobbies that relate to it, so you can tell the interviewer(s) about what you can do.

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THANK YOU !!

BELIEVE, WE WILL SUCCEED