To an employee, a job promotion is usually esteemed as a merit reserved only for the most deserving. It is an indication that one’s contribution to the company is valued and that he/she is ready to take on more responsibilities.

At times, however, most are slapped with the bitter truth that excellent work performance alone may not guarantee a move up the steps of the organizational ladder. In fact, factors affecting promotional opportunities may sometimes go beyond the context of work altogether.

What are the non-work related attributes, which would most affect an employer's decision of promoting someone? According to a short poll conducted by JobsCentral from 14 March to 9 April, 2012, most employees believe that besides on-the-job accomplishments, maintaining a good rapport with the boss would escalate their chances of getting that job promotion.

By Juliet Soh

My favourite time of the work day is probably lunch, where I get to hang out with my colleagues and have light-hearted conversations that (most of the time) don't have much to do with work.

My "lunch clique" is an adventurous bunch. We previously made a resolution to discover new eating places around the International Business Park, where we are at, and managed to find three after a lot of walking and surveying security guards of different buildings. It was rewarding!

Recently, the JCube mall opened and we trekked there, had lunch at a restaurant that we've never had our lunch at before. The change (of environment and menu) actually perked me up a bit. Who would have guessed how minor changes and some extra walking could make work life more interesting?

It was my first interview.

I tried really hard to convince myself that I wasn’t panicking. I printed the relevant notes, practised in front of the mirror at least 5 times and checked that my attire was prim and proper. I couldn’t and shouldn’t be panicking.

But I was.

I know because I was having that sickly-ache in my tummy that reminded me of a post-sashimi buffet. When I went to the toilet in a feeble attempt to relief myself, nothing came out.

Does this situation sound familiar? If it does, you might be suffering from acute stress, just like me.

By Juliet Soh

I don't usually "shamelessly" promote JobsCentral on this space, but hey - since we're running a few pretty awesome campaigns on Facebook at the moment, I thought I should attempt to convince those of you who aren't fans yet to like us. Here are 5 reasons why you should:

Against an ever-competitive job market, employment offers are often reserved not only for the finest candidates, but also for those who are willing to adjust their job expectations. What is the most essential consideration job seekers put before all others when deciding whether to accept or reject a job offer?

According to a recent poll conducted by JobsCentral from, 24 Feb 2012 to 14 Mar 2012, most employees would measure salary above all other aspects when contemplating on a job offer.

By Winifred Tan

My colleague sparked off this discussion one day over lunch.

“Do you know,” she said offhandedly, “I read that there’s this pregnant woman who has developed a really bizarre craving.”

“What?” I asked, staring intently at the menu.

“Her local newspaper.”

Lunch break. For the general work crowd, this term usually signifies the main pit stop of the day. It marks the completion of the first-half in a day’s work and is also the much anticipated halftime. It is during their lunch breaks where employees get to refuel themselves for the remaining lapses in the daily rat race.

What are the common energy boosters which workers engage in during their lunch break? A recent short poll conducted by JobsCentral, from 9 February to 23 February 2012, sought to ascertain the popularity of common lunch-time boosters amongst the general work crowd. Instead, the poll uncovered a much interesting finding – undertaking desk exercise is exceptionally unpopular as a form of energy booster during lunch. Out of the 137 who had participated in the poll, not a single respondent selected desk exercise as their preferred lunch-time energy booster.

By Juliet Soh

I remember the days when dinner conversations revolved around examinations, who has a crush on whom, and whether that super-cute lecturer was married. These days, we're always talking about our work: crazy bosses, demanding clients and two-faced colleagues.

Complaining about work is not just a habit - it's a lifestyle. It's what makes us look forward to during lunch. It is, I really think, a way working people bond.

That's probably why the memes that have been making their rounds on Facebook recently are so popular. People with the same job functions nod their heads in unison to the exaggerated, but somewhat true, descriptions on these posts. They also seem to help clarify any misconception "outsiders" have about what they do.

Because talking about our job is such a timeless topic, we decided to get our Facebook fans to share with us about theirs through memes they create. I enjoy every entry that has been submitted.

I created one for myself too, by the way:

Managers from everywhere: Like this entry if you agree!