SHORT-TERM LONG-TERM

Competition is ubiquitous. Popular belief, especially in Singapore's context, has it that academic excellence would bring a promising future. As seen on job ads of many newspapers across cities, it is undeniable that certificates of qualifications are essential. But is this really enough? Why then do we still have to sit through interviews and be scrutinised? Clearly, what one has on paper isn't enough. What else does the interviewer seek? Is emotional quotient (EQ) not as important intelligence quotient (IQ)?

In today's competitive environments especially, where everyone is as about as qualified as you are for the job, a good presentation of yourself to the interviewer(s), would most probably generate positive feelings to give you an edge over the other applicants. Indeed, the majority of society would embark on a career search upon graduating from school and would require the skills to impress with confidence and poise when conversing with the interviewer(s). Even after securing a job, effective communication skills will still be important to help them manage the politics in the workplace to their advantage. Just like the majority, I too, would require such a skill to penetrate the workforce after graduation. But should effective communication really be just a tool at acing an interview and surviving the dog-eat-dog world out there?


Effective communication is not just a job search tool but a skill that should be mastered life-long as it has both short-term and long-term benefits. Effective communication ensures that messages are conveyed accurately and prevents any unnecessary misunderstandings thus possible ill-feelings. It is also an integrated skill that promises more than just how to get around interviewers.

One’s proficiency in language, the most fundamental element of effective communication, is likely to reach greater heights as one becomes more aware of the importance of the clarity of his or her message. The desire to provide appropriate responses and/or seek the intended outcomes of communication would also then provide a stimulus for one to keep oneself updated on the current affairs and be more sensitive and tactful when culture or interpersonal relationships are involved. Awareness of how nonverbal cues speak a lot about oneself and form part of the message conveyed will also cause one to be more conscious of his actions, body language, facial expressions, appearance, and styles of writing. I believe that the refinement of such co-skills would help me at building and sustaining better interpersonal relationships to make life more fulfilling and prevent or lessen any unnecessary problems or misunderstandings that, if present, are likely to affect me alot.


Also, with the advent of Information and Communications technologies (ICT), physical barriers of intercultural communication are disintegrated and it becomes even more important to develop effective communication skills especially in the area of cultural understanding and adaptability. Also, as communication is made easy through the Internet, computer programs or systems; and the Short Message Service (SMS), it is more important than ever to develop such communication skills to prevent oneself from over-relying on technology and neglect the basic skill that is essential to us throughout and in many aspects of our lives.