ITRS-ASIA
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Author: ELi

ITRS are hiring

Posted on by ELi

ITRS are hiring


This is such an exciting time. As we expand our recruitment into new areas we are ready to hire a talented individual to join our recruiting team! We are following through with the goals we published in our recruitment blog. ITRS are hiring and excited to bring new skills into our team.


As we support more candidates across Asia and beyond we recognize the challenges in cross cultural communication, certainly where language becomes a barrier. There are some truly talented software engineers, app developers, NOC engineers, senior engineers, network architects, game developers and more that are all looking to advance their careers. With the right support within our business we know we can offer so much more to these candidates.

What sort of candidate are we looking for?


Whilst technical knowledge is important we do not expect you to understand every technical role out there. You must be able to build relationships with people as a priority. Most importantly we want someone who can relate to our candidates. You must be understanding of the challenges they face and committed to supporting them in their career aspirations. Whilst technical knowledge is important we place more emphasis on communication skills.


Our clients demand attention to detail from us. We work with employers who value their staff, invest in their development and support their growth. Consequently they expect that candidates skills are matched to the requirements of the role. You must be comfortable asking candidates for more detail, making sure they really do have the skills for the role, supporting them in their applications and importantly being honest with them.


Finally we want a candidate who is comfortable in cross cultural communication, allowing us to build further links between employers and candidates. If you speak Malay, Mandarin, Thai, Vietnamese, or Tamil we would be excited to hear from you.


You can send your CV via our CV upload page here, or via a message on LinkedIn.


We will send a further job description out to suitable candidates, including salary details.

Connect with Lucy, one of ITRS-Asia professional recruiters, here -

Connect with Eva, ITRS senior consultant, here - 

Recruiting 2023 and beyond

Posted on by ELi

Recruiting 2023 and beyond


Lucy and I have some ambitious plans for the future of ITRS-Asia. It has been a challenging few years operating post Covid and the growth in remote working has forced us to adapt our operating model. Being adaptable is a key trait within this industry and something we encourage in many of the candidates we work with.


We have found there are more applicants for roles than ever before and shortlisting candidates has proved ever challenging. Our employers still want the best, and every candidate believes they are the best. As a recruiter we often have the task of selecting from this list. It can be a daunting challenge at times, and we know some candidates will be disappointed.


At ITRS-Asia we like to see everyone succeed. We genuinely believe there is an employer that suits everyone's skills and needs. It is through helping clients and candidates navigate these challenges that we identify a pattern in those who are most successful.


- They set goals


- They step out of their comfort zone (with goals that challenge them)


- They take action on the above


This demonstrates to employers they have self motivation. They are driven. They seek to excel and better themselves. 


Given the choice between two identical candidates the one who demonstrates their ambition to succeed always appears most attractive to an employer.


At ITRS-Asia we thought it useful to share some of our ambitious goals for the future, and create a little public accountability. (Bonus tip: public accountability can motivate you to action)


1) Bring new skills into our team

- We want to increase our presence further in the Asian job market. We want to support more clients and better engage with our customers. To do this we are going to expand our team.

2) Be more confident in presenting our achievements

- We want to tell more people what we have done. We will do this by expanding our online presence, not just supporting our current clients but future clients too.

3) Embrace more direct marketing strategies

- We see some great candidates on LinkedIn, but they don't all indicate they want a new job. We know they will be a great fit for one of our clients and the salary can be very attractive yet we often overlook them. We are going to be more direct with some of the great looking candidates that are out there. We want our clients to have the best staff. This will require us to be more direct with our recruitment campaigns.

4) Put more content on LinkedIn

- This service has really grown over the past several years. While I can be stubborn in business, Lucy reminds me that our business can not be stubborn, particularly when it comes to marketing. This ties closely into the above goals.

5) Embrace the connection opportunities with other recruiters

- For too long we have looked at this as competition. However we realize that in our desire to help everyone that we really can not do this as a small online business. It is time to accept that we should connect with other recruiters and not be afraid to recommend talented individuals to them when we lack the capacity to help.

I think that's all we wanted to share in this post, and we hope that it proves useful.

Connect with Lucy, one of ITRS-Asia professional recruiters, here -

Connect with Eva, ITRS senior consultant, here - 

What we can learn from new year rituals

Posted on by ELi

What we can learn from new year rituals


While for some new year celebrations have passed, for others across Asia new year celebrations are still to come. The diversity of new year celebrations brings a variety of rituals that mirror key characteristics that employers look for.


Just because you are having a virtual job interview doesn't mean you should neglect what you wear. We all know the feeling we have when we put on our best business attire. It is that feeling we want to recreate. Also, it is incredibly important to consider the impression we create on camera - we want to show we care about ourselves and the impression we make.


For example the folding of the Mongolian Khadag promotes trust. There is no more powerful quality than a trusting work environment. With trust brings empowerment. Trusted staff do great work.

There are other rituals that bring benefits that any employee would appreciate.

This includes the Balinese New Year celebrations where lights, cars and work are forbidden. People spend time in silence to focus on self reflection. Taking time out for self reflection can be recharging and energizing. It is in times of solace such as this where great ideas are born, free from the distractions of life.

The Losar Festival for Tibetan New Year uses their prayer flags to promote peace, compassion and wisdom. These are character traits I see in good business leaders. Calm under pressure. Understanding. Wise.

The Korean New Year rituals also promote peace, in addition to good health. Importantly, and something valued strongly across many employees we have worked with, the rituals also promote respect. People do not enjoy working environments where they are disrespected. ITRS-Asia are proud of their reputation for only connecting employees with employers that will respect their needs.

There are many other cultural celbrations for new year. Some of which also include rituals to encourage good fortune and wellness. Good fortune and wellness are characteristics that employers and employees alike both value. Good fortune is not just about money, whilst important in business, good fortune is also about the opportunities you have. It is about being able to spend quality time with your family.

I like to consider that we attract businesses and employees with year round characteristics of trust, self reflection, peace, compassion, wisdom, respect, good fortune and welness.

For many a new year represents a time to set goals and identify what they want from the year ahead. Historically, I have set goals based around business needs and self development. Sometimes these have to be proactive, other times reactive.

In the next blog post I will share a little insight into some of my goals I have set for ITRS-Asia.


Connect with Lucy, one of ITRS-Asia professional recruiters, here -

Connect with Eva, ITRS senior consultant, here - 

Preparing For Virtual Job Interviews

Posted on by ELi

How to prepare for your virtual job interview


Many companies have learnt to adapt to the ever changing global job market. Gone are the days when employees would have to travel across the world for a job interview. At ITRS-Asia we are seeing an expansion in the virtual interview process, and even have candidates who have been interviewed using instant messaging services.


Dress to impress

Just because you are having a virtual job interview doesn't mean you should neglect what you wear. We all know the feeling we have when we put on our best business attire. It is that feeling we want to recreate. Also, it is incredibly important to consider the impression we create on camera - we want to show we care about ourselves and the impression we make.


Consider your background

Does your background look cluttered and untidy? Or does it look like a professional and organized working environment? Hopefully its the latter! It is important to signal to employers that you are responsible and organized, and that your environment suits working from home. You don't want to give an employer any indication that something could interrupt your workflow.


Look at the camera

Just like face to face interviews it is vital to make eye contact with the interviewer. When we work with candidates preparing them for job interviews we are keen that they understand how to truly connect with prospective employers online. Eye contact is a vital part of human connection. To make eye contact with an interviewer virtually it is important to look straight at the camera lens. This may seem odd initially, but invest the time to practicing this important skill. If you are using a phone or tablet try and get this raised up so that you are not looking down at it.


Prepare

It is important a virtual job interview is treated just like a face to face interview. You should prepare for possible interview questions, understand the role and company you are applying for, and have a structure to your answers. If you have notes avoid looking down at them, this looks very unprofessional. A little tip is to put some notes at eye level, and always look back at the camera when giving your answer. Consider using one key work or phrase on your notes to remind you of your answers.


Do you need any extra help?

We have worked with many candidates like you. Please reach out to us if you have a question, we are always happy to help.

Connect with Lucy, one of ITRS-Asia professional recruiters, here -

Connect with Eva, ITRS senior consultant, here - 

How To Deal With Job Rejection

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How to deal with job rejection


It's never nice to be turned down from a job, particularly if you felt the role was ideal for you. Read these tips for dealing with rejection - and if you are still job hunting, contact us here


Follow up with the company/recruiter

Be polite, be professional, be direct. Try and find out your specific areas of weakness, such as technical skills or lack of experience. Remember to thank them for their time, and consider asking to be kept in mind for future opportunities.


Be honest with yourself

Ask yourself why you think your application wasn't sucessful. Do you need more interview practice? Are you applying for the right jobs? Could your CV or cover letter be improved? We support all our candidates by checking these details before they apply.


Don't let it knock you off your game

Remember that rejection happens to everyone; it's an unfortunate part of the job-seeking process. Take your time processing your initial emotions, and work on building resilience. Be mindful of changes you may want to make as you continue your job search. Think about any feedback you received or personal reflections and make a plan to implement those changes.


Try not to see that job as "the only one for you"

Even if a job seemed perfectly suited for you, remember there are more opportunities out there. Try not to hold onto the past and keep actively searching for something better. Don't lose your momentum or enthusiasm.


Do you need any extra help?

We have worked with many candidates like you. If you are struggling to decide what to do next or where to go, or facing job rejection after another we can help.

Connect with Lucy, one of ITRS-Asia professional recruiters, here -

Connect with Eva, ITRS senior consultant, here - 

How To Recognise It’s Time For A New Job

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How do you know if a new job is right for you?


It's important to feel valued at work. If you are having doubts about your current position or workplace, it might be time to move on. Read the following points - if anything resonates with you, ITRS-Asia can help you look for new and exciting opportunities.


You frequently think about quitting

Everyone feels unhappy at work from time to time. however, if you regularly lack enthusiasm and often think about quitting, this could be a sign it's time to leave. Trust your gut, start looking at what else is out there.


There's no support

You shouldn't be taking on more than you can manage without adequate support. This can lead to stress and fatigue which will negatively impact your well-being.


You can't advance professionally

Have you been passed over for promotion or feel stagnated in your current role? If there's no opportunity for growth, it could be time to look elsewhere.


Poor work-life balance

It can be difficult to stop work life spilling into your personal time. If your management won't respect these boundaries, it can lead to frustration and burnout.


Your work isn't appreciated

Are your contributions valued? Are you being paid what you are worth? Consider how you feel about your contributions at work and how they're received. Feeling appreciated can be just as important as the financial compensation for your work. Don't settle for less than what you're worth.

You can connect with Lucy, one of ITRS-Asia professional recruiters, here -

From software engineer to product manager

Posted on by ELi

Your dream job in tech and how to achieve it

The technology sector is growing rapidly. With so many jobs available, making a decision can seem overwhelming but ITRS-Asia is here to help!

When looking for your dream job, it's important to take into account your skills as well as your interests. Finding a job where you can combine your skills with your future goals will vastly improve your job performance and wellbeing.

The first step is to create an up-to-date CV. This will assist recruiters in matching your profile to the perfect role, but will also allow you to remain focused and realistic. 


Secondly, it's useful to be signed up to a few recruitment websites, as well as job sites like LinkedIn. This will increase your chance of finding a job that's been selected for you, with your skills and talents in mind. At ITRS-Asia you can easily submit your CV here. This will give you the time to research different roles and explore the options available to you- our recruiters will reach out to you when they've found the perfect job! 


Once a recruiter contacts you, it's important that you communicate your skills and interests- this will help them tailor their future searches and speed up the process. Don't worry if the job recommended to you isn't what you had in mind, explain this and agree to keep in touch: you don't want to miss out on future opportunities and it's always useful to have more contacts!


Ultimately, only you can decide your what your "dream job" is. It's perfectly normal to not know, and equally realistic to try out a few roles before finding your ideal career. Improve your connections, organize work experience and stay positive- it might take a while but it will be worth it! 


To connect with the team here at ITRS-Asia, you can connect with us on LinkedIn or send us an email/submit your CV. We look forward to hearing from you!

How to answer 5 tough interview questions

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Five of the toughest interview questions and how to answer them

The interview can be the most daunting stage of the recruitment process. At ITRS-Asia we support our clients at every stage of the process. This includes preparing for those challenging interview questions. With this in mind please also read about how to make a good first impression at interview, it really does make a difference.

1) What is your biggest weakness?

Pick a trait that you would like to improve and show the steps you are taking towards addressing the issue. Employers want to see forward thinking staff who are aware of what value they can add to their company by upskilling. Also don't focus on traits that can't be improved. Be honest and open to constructive criticism - you certainly do not want to be lying on an interview!
2) Why are you leaving your current role/why did you leave your previous role?

At ITRS-Asia we pride ourselves on our approach to matching candidates with the right employer. Very often candidates state they feel undervalued, under paid and over worked. However we encourage our candidates not to be overly critical of a previous employer. Instead one should focus more on what the new employer can do for them rather than why they left. Answers surrounding opportunities for progression or wanting more responsibility in the workplace will work well in response to this question.

3) Why should we hire you?

Do not over exaggerate your skills here if you do not have the experience to support them. Read the job description thoroughly and research the company ethos. Match the skills and experience you have to this. Consider examples where you thought creatively and used your initiative to solve problems. If you can show what value you bring to the company you are doing well!


4) What is your expected salary?

Research is key here! Make sure you have looked at average salaries and have a range in mind that you would be happy with. Think about any expenses you may encounter as a result of accepting a job offer and take these into account when giving an answer. Remember - you can always negotiate salary/rate at the point of job offer.

5) Why were you fired/let go from your previous job?

It's important to remain positive here. The answer to this needs to be framed in a way that shows your ability to take on criticism and improve. This may also be an opportunity for you to show examples of dealing with conflict in the workplace with a positive outlook.


At ITRS-ASIA we only work with employers with a track record of valuing their staff. We aim to provide our network of employers with the best staff, as much as we aim to find the best employers for candidates. We invite potential candidates to submit their CV or get in touch on Linkedin.

How to Make a Good Impression During an interview

Posted on by ELi

An interview (whether digitally or in person) can be a tense moment; an easy first step in ensuring success at an interview is to make a good first impression. Following the below tips can really improve your chances of leaving a positive lasting impression on your interviewer

1) Dress for the occasion

This doesn't necessarily mean spending lots of money on new clothes, but looking presentable gives the interviewer a visual representation that you are serious about the job and have made the effort, even if it is not necessarily required.
2) Do your research

Make sure you know about the role and organization you are interviewing for. This may sound simple but it is very often overlooked, especially if you have a few different interviews in a short space of time. 


ITRS interview

3) Prepare a couple of questions to put to your interviewer

This shows interest in the role and confidence that other candidates may not have. It also shows that you're committed to making the right career choice for yourself.

4) Be confident

Think about the opportunities furthering your career can bring you. Satisfaction, stability, reward, progression, financial, travel? If the value in seeking alternative employment is meaningful to you then investing some time and energy into the process is vital. It is important your answers do not appear rushed or lazy. Our clients want to know that we are recruiting the best candidates for them. Consider this your time to demonstrate your attention to detail and what value you can bring to a new employer.

5) Body language

Make eye contact, smile, and address the interviewer(s) directly. Use your hands to emphasize key points. If your interview is online set your eye line to be level with your camera, and look straight through the lens. And practice, practice, practice!



At ITRS-ASIA we stick to our ethos of only matching the right candidate to the right employer, and we are proud of our successes . In addition to assisting with CV writing, cover letters and applications we also help our candidates prepare for the interview stage.

How to successfully answer recruiter questions

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It can be challenging to know the best way to answer questions set by recruiters, we've curated some of our best advice below to help you succeed:

1) Make reference to work experience- this is the best way to show that you've demonstrated desirable skills

Employers in todays market want to know what you have done, and how you have contributed to business success. This is a chance to really sell yourself. In giving examples consider using the following as a framework:

  • What did you contribute?
  • How did you do it?
  • How did this help your employer?

    Remember you may have experience from historic employers that is valuable. Do not undersell yourself by neglecting the diversity of your work experience.

    2)     Make sure you use relevant, up to date information- this will ensure that our recruiters can represent you in the best way to our clients

    In the information technology era it is vital you show you are keeping up with the ever changing pace of technological advancement. What have you achieved that demonstrates how up to date your skills are? Employers will want to hear about your most recent employment. Think about how you can stand out from other applicants.  


recruitment questions

3) Frame your answers in a way that suits the position your applying for- don't copy and paste/duplicate answers from previous applications you may have made

This is where your experience really matters. If the role requires working in a team make sure you demonstrate your experience of team work when answering questions, importantly make sure you include your unique contributions. How did you add value to the team? If the role requires working independently without supervision how can you demonstrate this?

4) Set some time aside that you can use to focus on your answers, make sure you have minimal distractions- this will allow you to concentrate and save you time

Think about the opportunities furthering your career can bring you. Satisfaction, stability, reward, progression, financial, travel? If the value in seeking alternative employment is meaningful to you then investing some time and energy into the process is vital. It is important your answers do not appear rushed or lazy. Our clients want to know that we are recruiting the best candidates for them. Consider this your time to demonstrate your attention to detail and what value you can bring to a new employer.

We recommend that all candidates have an up-to-date, well-written, easily accessible CV.