We sometimes interchange the words skill, ability and knowledge, but in actual fact, they are very different things. The reason we often mix them up is that they are inter-related to such an extent that they not particularly efficient as solo players. It’s rare that an employer is looking for a single aspect of them and even rarer for a career to be built on just one of them. [Read more…] about Knowledge, Ability and Skills – It is all about the balance
Business culture and attracting talent – There is an I in team after all
When you look back even just a couple of decades, you see a very different approach to the workplace. The last 20 years have probably seen one of the biggest changes in modern history, though, with the rise of the understanding of business culture. [Read more…] about Business culture and attracting talent – There is an I in team after all
‘Why’ is the most powerful question – The best way to tackle a career change
At some point, we all wonder if we are on the right career path and we see many candidates who are actively seeking to change because they decided they were not. Some candidates do nothing and stay where they are, some take it a step further, and some go the whole hog and throw themselves into ‘project career change’ wholeheartedly. There is nothing wrong with any of these paths as long as you have really considered your position. [Read more…] about ‘Why’ is the most powerful question – The best way to tackle a career change
Five Golden rules for creating the best CV you can
There are some tasks in the process of creating your CV that should always happen. At the risk of nagging a little bit, honestly, if you don’t do the basics right, it makes our work here a lot harder. If your CV doesn’t work well, then you are really going into the employment process on the wrong foot. This article is not about the basics, it is about refining and polishing your CV but, just to be clear, these are some of the most common mistakes. [Read more…] about Five Golden rules for creating the best CV you can
Creative questioning – What should (or could) you ask on a reference check?
When you have a task that you complete on a regular basis, or one that seems to have a very simple method, it is easy to fall into the trap of taking them for granted. Checking references for a potential employee can very easily become one of these tasks. It is almost too easy for the reference check to become a mechanical, automatic part of the hiring process. It really shouldn’t be though because, despite how it may seem, taking up references is both important and, if done right, a very informative function.
[Read more…] about Creative questioning – What should (or could) you ask on a reference check?
Remote working – Could it be a real boon for your business?
Remote working is very much on the radar for many employers at the moment. More and more work opportunities are coming with the option of working away from the place of business for at least part of the contracted work time. Without doubt, remote working is on the rise, but is it worth accommodating in your employment policy? [Read more…] about Remote working – Could it be a real boon for your business?
Despite what you think, there are not going to be sharks – Common fears when starting a new job
At no point in this article will anyone tell you to ‘pull yourself together and get on with it’ in relation to the fears everyone encounters when they start a new job. Firstly, it is pointless advice because you have already ‘got on with it’ to get the job. Secondly, and for the purposes of this article, most importantly, the fear of a new job is very real and just ‘getting a grip’ is not going to be the answer. [Read more…] about Despite what you think, there are not going to be sharks – Common fears when starting a new job
The Importance Of Reviewing, And Why You Need To Target Your CV
To be clear from the start of this article, your CV is vital if you want to get the career you deserve. As a candidate, your CV is your calling card and one of the employer’s reference points throughout the process of employment and beyond. So, it goes without saying, it should be an accurate summation of who you are and what you can do. Under no circumstances, therefore, should you ever lie on a CV. Sadly though, this does occasionally happen. [Read more…] about The Importance Of Reviewing, And Why You Need To Target Your CV
Build a Better Mousetrap or Catch the Mouse? – The Difference Between a Leader and a Manager.
Leadership skills tend to be grabbing the spotlight at the moment with high profile ‘TED talk’ style videos seemingly everywhere on the internet, and large sums of money being exchanged to attend leadership seminars. However, managers are just as necessary for success because, without them, the spotlight would probably not work in the first place. [Read more…] about Build a Better Mousetrap or Catch the Mouse? – The Difference Between a Leader and a Manager.
‘Actually, yes, I do still remember how the printer works’ – How to approach returning to work after a career break.
There are many reasons why people take a career break. The one that probably immediately springs to mind is a period of child care, but this is far from the only reason. Extended health issues, returning to education, caring for a sick relative or just taking time out to travel or follow other interests are all regular motivators for people to take a break from their current work path. [Read more…] about ‘Actually, yes, I do still remember how the printer works’ – How to approach returning to work after a career break.
