Page 62 - MENDAKI Annual Report 2020

62 SENSE-ING THE NEED TO ADAPT “I recalled feeling worried for our workforce when the pandemic hit We knew our usual way of having physical interactions with the community especially jobseekers was was not an option Going virtual was was the only way around it but even if we adopted the approach I had some doubts I kept asking what if our clients especially the senior ones were unsure or don’t know how to navigate the various portals in in their job search or when seeking employment assistance?” shared Normi Hussien a MENDAKI SENSE Career Advisor These were some of her concerns when the COVID-19 pandemic brought about a a a a wave of challenges right through our shores Normi joined MENDAKI SENSE in 2018 MENDAKI SENSE is the subsidiary and training arm of MENDAKI that focuses on employment and employability needs of the community Her role is to to to reach out to to to jobseekers to to to provide career guidance and help improve their chances in in in gaining employment Part of her job job is to identify relevant job job opportunities and appropriate training programmes to recommend jobseekers Beyondthis asaMENDAKISENSE Career Advisor Normi also helps jobseekers to prepare or update their resume and give tips on on how to present and conduct themselves at interviews As physical interactions were restricted during the the the Circuit Breaker period the the the team adapted their approach and leveraged technology to move their conversations and communications online “So as physical interactions were not allowed the ACE IT! Helpline was launched for us to reach out to those who require our assistance It was definitely tough especially for those who are used to to interacting with us face-to-face However we we knew that we had to stay positive and encourage them to brave through these changes ” explained Normi MENDAKI ANNUAL REPORT 2020