Any Advice.

[Moonrakers]

And so I find myself in the scenario when I am job-hunting in Thailand with an inadequate C.V. Despite having decent educational qualifications I don't have a degree and my skills and experience are somewhat obscure.

Before somebody wants to let me know what a fool I have been for finding myself in this scenario then there is no need because I know that already, I also appreciate just what a task I have ahead of me. I am having to try make up for past mistakes and find a career in which I can progress, I'd be happy to start at the bottom as long as I could work my way up.

I have been offered two potential opportunities from an ad I placed in the jobs section, one of which I simply am not qualified for (I sent my C.V. regardless), and another which could be a good and interesting opportunity but needs further consideration.

Also teaching is a bit of a last resort to me (I have my reasons). Should I find myself in the scenario where my landlord is knocking down my door because I can't pay the rent then that could change. It's not as though I am afraid of a bit of hard work, I'd rather just try to get the opportunity that is right for me. I am also fortunate that my wife's income buys me some time to look for the right opportunity.

And so what is my plan of action?:

My C.V.

Firstly I intend to send my C.V. off left right and centre. I know that is likely to be thrown in the bin before consideration but if it gets me just one interview then I will see that as a success.

I will go through job ads on this and other forums and send my C.V. even if the application date was passed two years ago and I am not qualified. I will send my C.V. to any recruitment agency that I can find and scour the internet for any other contact details to E-mail to.

Networking.

The other day I found myself talking to a gentleman who was clearly here for business. Unfortunately I had had a few to drink the night before and so was far from alert and any opportunity to start talking about jobs passed me by. Because of this I intend to cut down on alcohol to keep myself fresh, and also to get out and about as much as possible. It might be a long shot but if some chap sat next to me in a pub/restaurant is a potential employer then I want to make the most of it.

Door to door.

Driving down Silom the other day I couldn't help but look at the huge office buildings and wonder how many offices are in each one, and therefore just how many opportunities there might be in each building. Perhaps if I can knock on somebodys door then they could give me 5 minutes of their time and possibly consider what I have to say. This may take some pre-planning though so that I can maximise my effectiveness.

So does anybody here have any tips?

Has anybody here found themselves in a similar scenario to myself or perhaps know of somebody else that has been? If so what would you suggest?

Have any employers out there encountered or even employed people such as myself in the past? If so what advice would you offer?

Any constructive suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[Boater]

yes

i have also been in the same boat as you

but Networking is the best possible way to find work.... esp the buiness breakfeast ect they hold weekly in BKK

Also , what was you last job??? ... as you must have a few contacts there to find new work?

[simon43]

Hi, yes I have found myself in a similar situation as you. That was about 9 months ago and I'm still looking for a new job (as one option in my attempts to find a solution to my hotel problem - see other threads and not related to this discussion).

But in general terms, I can say the following:

Despite there being 1,000s of jobs advertised on various Thai online job-boards, I have never got a single company to even acknowledge my email application. Many of these companies simply think employing farang is a hassle (work permits etc). you would need to convinve them otherwise and that really meets speaking to them in person and having prepared what you are going to discuss and what you say to sell yourself.

Knocking on doors is a good strategy. But you need to decide what sector you want to work in. Is it open for foreigners to work in this area? Do you speak Thai? (or read/write it or other languages?)

From your posting, it sounds like you am unqualified and not yet specialised in a particular industry sector. Since many farang work in the hospitality sector and seem more open to at least respond to job applications, why not try to get a job as a hotel or condo manager where farang are the primary occupants?

Best of luck

Simon

[noahvail]

Hi, yes I have found myself in a similar situation as you. That was about 9 months ago and I'm still looking for a new job (as one option in my attempts to find a solution to my hotel problem - see other threads and not related to this discussion).

But in general terms, I can say the following:

Despite there being 1,000s of jobs advertised on various Thai online job-boards, I have never got a single company to even acknowledge my email application. Many of these companies simply think employing farang is a hassle (work permits etc). you would need to convinve them otherwise and that really meets speaking to them in person and having prepared what you are going to discuss and what you say to sell yourself.

Knocking on doors is a good strategy. But you need to decide what sector you want to work in. Is it open for foreigners to work in this area? Do you speak Thai? (or read/write it or other languages?)

From your posting, it sounds like you am unqualified and not yet specialised in a particular industry sector. Since many farang work in the hospitality sector and seem more open to at least respond to job applications, why not try to get a job as a hotel or condo manager where farang are the primary occupants?

Best of luck

Simon

I too wish you all the best in your search. But I've got to disagree with Simon on one point, and maybe half of a second point. First, knocking on doors is a waste of you time and energy. I've been in a position of hiring and firing for decent jobs, and just never had time to interview some one off the street for a job opening I didn't have. And if they came in off the street for a job opening I *did* have, the best they could hope for is to leave a C.V. with the receptionist. If you have a speciality and speak Thai, you're best to do your research, send your C.V. to the personnel manager or whoever is responible for your hiring *BY NAME* (can't emphasize that enough - 'if you don't bother to look up my name, why should I even look at yours' was the succinct way it was explained to me), and send a personalized cover letter with each C.V. By personalized, I mean to use the hiring person's name, and mention in the cover letter why you think you would be an asset to the company.

The second is hotel/condo manager. If it's a very small place, maybe. But in larger places, you need experience at the least, and a decent GPA from a respected school. That being said, I had an uncle by marriage who was an alcoholic ('was', cuz he's dead now) and hit bottom. When he started recovery, this mid-7 figures manager started life over as a security guard at an exclusive resort in Florida. Within three years, he became manager of security, then assistant manager of the resort, and finally made his move to Texas as manager of a $7 *billion* condo complex. So there's always hope :-) Again, best of luck.

[Sabum]

You let an opportunity get by because you were hung over, this is what we expect from the average Falang in Thailand..... do yourself a huge favor and dont drink anymore, be serious in your pursuit of a job and dont let anything distract you from your goal.

[PattayaParent]

You let an opportunity get by because you were hung over, this is what we expect from the average Falang in Thailand..... do yourself a huge favor and dont drink anymore, be serious in your pursuit of a job and dont let anything distract you from your goal.

Some 15 years ago one of the best networking places for jobs in construction in Bangkok was a bar in Soi Cowboy.

The other success I've had at finding jobs in LOS is getting work with companies that you've had contact with in your previous job, if they've had a good opinion of you from their contact with you.

[Moonrakers]

Also , what was you last job??? ... as you must have a few contacts there to find new work?

Not as many contacts as I would like as it is a small office, although I am still working there which keeps me in circulation at least. A colleague of mine actually starts a new job next week as a recruitment agent, of course I shall be nudging him a bit.

From your posting, it sounds like you am unqualified and not yet specialised in a particular industry sector.

That's it in a nut-shell Simon. And at 34 years old it should hopefully not be too late for me to put it right, I best not drag my feet though.

You let an opportunity get by because you were hung over, this is what we expect from the average Falang in Thailand..... do yourself a huge favor and dont drink anymore, be serious in your pursuit of a job and dont let anything distract you from your goal.

Well yeah, of course.

What I was getting at was that the opportunity to speak to the right person could arise unexpectedly. "Be prepared", as a scout would say.

Thanks for your replies so far, they have certainly given me some food for thought.

[JohnJackson]

Start your own business. 100%

If you have half a brain you'll never look back

[patklang]

That would scare me to death.worked all my life and retired early,dont need to work and i am happy as a pig in shiiiiit

[khundon]

That would scare me to death.worked all my life and retired early,dont need to work and i am happy as a pig in shiiiiit

Same here, retired a 46 never looked back.

Sod working, let someone else do it.

[Briggsy]

No skills, few contacts, no capital.

It's teaching (which I note you don't want) as a quick stepping stone to sales in a language institute. Some of these totally unqualified guys are making 1.5 million Baht a year for doing very little.

[sassienie]

I`ve read a few of your threads.

The hospital drama etc. I think Thailand doesn`t suit you, too complicated.

You may fair better in your home country.

[kurnell]

Desire to work here, a bit of nous and determination is all you need. I've done it and seen friends find work here for the last 16 years ranging from illiterate, uncouth Aussies to highly educated French. Despite what so called experts on this forum claim, the process of finding a job in Thailand is exactly the same as any other country. And yes, you chances of a finding a job are much better if you control alcohol intake (notice I said control).

[Spaniel]

Here is a different possibility you might consider. Since you are only 34 why dont you find a position in the middle east or some other miserable place that is paying a high salary. Do that for a couple of years and not only gain some experience but you will also be able to save up some cash. Then come back to Thailand and continue your job search.

[simon43]

Noahvall is good to 'add meat' to some of my suggestions. Knocking on doors can be advantageous, but only if you do your research first, identify which companies have vacancies etc. Handing in your CV and making brief personal contact with staff at that company is certainly better than your CV being 'lost' with all the other email application.

Hospitality? Yes, but as Noahvall says, only for the smaller business. Large hotels will want to see relevant qualifications and experience.

The recruitment business or a sales/commision-only job could be successful if you have the right type of personality that suits a sales role.

Finding a well-paid job in the Middle East is not so easy now! I just saw the news of large-scale redundancies in Dubai etc

Simon

[geriatrickid]

Job prospects for unskilled foreigners are going to be grim for the next year as downsizing is going to be the gameplan. All the positive upbeat messages won't change that. Sitting tight and taking a crap teaching job that pays the expenses may be the most intelligent option. Count your blessings your missus has an income.

It is all well and nice to tell the OP to start his own business, but where should he get his start up capital? Just what sort of business do you expect him to start up? That's like telling a legless man to stand on his own two feet. You do the best you can with what you have to work with.

[NanLaew]

What is the primary attraction for those seeking employment in Thailand? This for the OP or anyone with skills; why would you chose to work here?

[Tigs]

Where/when are the breakfast club meetings in Bangkok please?

[kurnell]

In fact most people's pessimistic attitude is great for real job seekers as employers, when they are looking, are after the best. Anyone with real enthusiasm will have a good headstart.

I have been trying to hire good Thai sales and am shocked at the lazy, lethargic lot that have come for interviews. Most of them have decided that they need a good 3 month loafing period before they get down to work. Some of these people are going to get a shock in 6 months. I hope they remember how to plant rice.

[Soutpeel]

What is the primary attraction for those seeking employment in Thailand? This for the OP or anyone with skills; why would you chose to work here?

And you really need an answer on that one.. ....the reasons will not be:

1. Thailand has a dynamic, progressive business enviroment

2. Thai people have a excellent work ethic

3. Thailand is investor friendly

4. You are paid a lot of money (at least for the majority of farangs)

Which leaves us with one conclusion...."Wine, women and Song "...

[NanLaew]

Whew! Thanks Soutpeel, for a moment I really thought I was missing something.

[desertrat]

Sorry I have no specifics, but Education, Education, and More Education for yourself.

I would think that to increase your chances, Thai is a must, and anything you can assimilate by books, radio, TV.

Only 34 you can do anything you set your mind on. My "success" is largely base on being told I could not

achieve my goals.

[Moonrakers]

Well I've not done as much as I would like this week, mostly down to me still being in my current job.

I have made some progress however as I have been able to identify a number of employee's who have at least employed people like myself in the past, the main thing is of course whether or not they would be employing now although at least I should have a higher chance that these companies will at least acknowledge my C.V.

Finding these companies has been a case of thinking outside the box as opposed to just going through the standard recruitment sites etc, and when I am able to afford it more time I am confident of finding even more.

I'm also hoping to meet up with a friend who works for a recruitment agency tomorrow. I am doubtful that he will be able to find me a job although perhaps he could give me a few pointers.