If you're considering temporary work for the coming year, what can you do to make sure you're the one we think of first when a new assignment comes in?
If you're a confident, out-going person, then temping can be an excellent and fun career where you can meet lots of people and enjoy new experiences every day. Being a good temp is all about flexibility. You have to be chameleon-like, adapting and changing to different environments all the time and that's not always easy.
Flexibility is the key to being a successful temp. It's not just about being flexible in terms of when you start on a new assignment, either. If you want the work to keep coming your way, you need to be flexible in terms of the rate you're paid for short term assignments; and the role you have. Someone who is flexible and adaptable makes a successful temp. Reliability is the key, as is loyalty. It is important for you to keep your skills constantly updated whether through experience or training to ensure you receive the best job opportunities and pay rates.
It's really important to keep in touch with us. Have your mobile switched on so that we can keep in touch with you. Temps need to be able to communicate fast. Key to success is keeping in touch with us. Tell us if you move house, give us your email address or any new contact numbers.
It's crucial to be punctual, reliable and presentable, and to have a highly professional attitude.
Companies and organisations won't bring a temp in unless they really need one. You always need to be willing to go that extra mile as a temp. Temps are an expensive resource, and so need to give 100%.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Monday, November 21, 2011
How can people prepare for pre employment testing situations?
Preparation is vital for any pre employment testing, arrive early to your appointment, check out various testing facilities on the internet, if you are being tested for your keyboard skills – typing and data entry - practice, take your time and read all the questions thoroughly. Keep calm, ensure you have a glass of water. If you are doing psychometric testing, preparation is difficult – but once again remain calm and ensure that you read the questions thoroughly and have that all important glass of water.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Protect your privacy with your online job search
Job search privacy is an important issue for anyone who uses the Internet to job search, and that's most people. In fact, it's almost impossible to job search without going online. Personal information has been stolen from job sites and there many companies who prey on unsuspecting job seekers. There are, however, some things you can do to protect your privacy when you're job searching. If you're careful, you'll be able to conduct an online job search while keeping your personal information confidential.
Don't Share Confidential Information
Never include the following on your resume, in your cover letters, in email, or in accounts you set up on job sites.
• Date of Birth
• Social Security Number
• Driver’s License Number
• Bank Account Number
• Credit Card Information
• PayPal Account Number
• Mother's Maiden Name
• Spouse's Name
How to Protect Your Privacy
You can help protect your online privacy by taking the time to set up accounts (email accounts and user names/passwords) to use just for your job search. Don't mix your personal or work information with your job search accounts. The more separate you keep them; the easier it is to protect your confidential information.
Email Address
Use a dedicated email address just for your job search. It will not only help you protect your privacy, it will help you keep track of your job search correspondence and applications. Free email accounts like Gmail, are available, and with web-based email you can check your email from anywhere.
Job Site Logins
Don't use the same login information that you use for your personal online accounts (i.e. your banking or shopping). Use a different user name and password for the job search and career networking sites you use.
Email Messages
Be wary of phishing emails from fraudulent employers. Double-check to make sure the company and the job posting are legitimate by visiting the company web site (rather than clicking on the link in the email) and review the company (the "About Us" section is a good place to start) and the job listing. If you're not sure, research the company online before you respond.
On the Phone
Be just as careful on the phone as you are with email. Don't give out any personal information - legitimate employers don't need it and won't be asking for it.
Keep Track
Keep track of everywhere you post your resume, along with your user name and passwords. Tools like JibberJobber are available that will track where you have sent your resume, as well as communications with your contacts.
Don't Share Information
Do not share any confidential information with a potential employer unless you are absolutely sure they are legitimate (and don't count email-only correspondence as valid communications). Employers don't need your social security until they hire you.
Check out the Company
Take the time to thoroughly check out the company. Review the warning signs to watch for, if you're having reservations about whether this is the company for you.
Avoid Scams
Avoid scams by researching job listings and companies before you apply. One quick way to check is to Google the company name plus scam ("company abc scam") to see if there are any complaints.
Don't Share Confidential Information
Never include the following on your resume, in your cover letters, in email, or in accounts you set up on job sites.
• Date of Birth
• Social Security Number
• Driver’s License Number
• Bank Account Number
• Credit Card Information
• PayPal Account Number
• Mother's Maiden Name
• Spouse's Name
How to Protect Your Privacy
You can help protect your online privacy by taking the time to set up accounts (email accounts and user names/passwords) to use just for your job search. Don't mix your personal or work information with your job search accounts. The more separate you keep them; the easier it is to protect your confidential information.
Email Address
Use a dedicated email address just for your job search. It will not only help you protect your privacy, it will help you keep track of your job search correspondence and applications. Free email accounts like Gmail, are available, and with web-based email you can check your email from anywhere.
Job Site Logins
Don't use the same login information that you use for your personal online accounts (i.e. your banking or shopping). Use a different user name and password for the job search and career networking sites you use.
Email Messages
Be wary of phishing emails from fraudulent employers. Double-check to make sure the company and the job posting are legitimate by visiting the company web site (rather than clicking on the link in the email) and review the company (the "About Us" section is a good place to start) and the job listing. If you're not sure, research the company online before you respond.
On the Phone
Be just as careful on the phone as you are with email. Don't give out any personal information - legitimate employers don't need it and won't be asking for it.
Keep Track
Keep track of everywhere you post your resume, along with your user name and passwords. Tools like JibberJobber are available that will track where you have sent your resume, as well as communications with your contacts.
Don't Share Information
Do not share any confidential information with a potential employer unless you are absolutely sure they are legitimate (and don't count email-only correspondence as valid communications). Employers don't need your social security until they hire you.
Check out the Company
Take the time to thoroughly check out the company. Review the warning signs to watch for, if you're having reservations about whether this is the company for you.
Avoid Scams
Avoid scams by researching job listings and companies before you apply. One quick way to check is to Google the company name plus scam ("company abc scam") to see if there are any complaints.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Tips for Skype Interviews
With the advent of video Skype and its ease of use and accessibility, more and more clients are using this as the media for a first interview. Skype is free and easy to download and with the high spec machines that most people have these days, it is not overly challenging to use. If you find this difficult – find the nearest teenager and they will sort you out very quickly!
Skype only works with a broadband connection and you will need a separate webcam (or use the one that is integrated on your laptop).
1. Download the software and create a user name – email this to your consultant or employer as to conduct the call, they need to “accept” you to conduct the call.
2. Test how Skype works on your computer – they make it easy to test both sound and video then have a test run with a friend.
3. Do all the normal research as you would for a physical interview, have something written nearby – this is one of the big advantages of the Skype interview – but don’t be too obvious.
4. Dress as though you are going out to an interview –hair, makeup, shaving, nails, clothes etc.
5. Put a note on your computer saying “Smile, you’re on camera” – to ensure you don’t forget yourself!
Skype interview are a great way for both clients and candidates to meet in a virtual space where the client is far afield or the candidate is. It makes everything move a lot quicker and needs to embraced not feared!
Skype only works with a broadband connection and you will need a separate webcam (or use the one that is integrated on your laptop).
1. Download the software and create a user name – email this to your consultant or employer as to conduct the call, they need to “accept” you to conduct the call.
2. Test how Skype works on your computer – they make it easy to test both sound and video then have a test run with a friend.
3. Do all the normal research as you would for a physical interview, have something written nearby – this is one of the big advantages of the Skype interview – but don’t be too obvious.
4. Dress as though you are going out to an interview –hair, makeup, shaving, nails, clothes etc.
5. Put a note on your computer saying “Smile, you’re on camera” – to ensure you don’t forget yourself!
Skype interview are a great way for both clients and candidates to meet in a virtual space where the client is far afield or the candidate is. It makes everything move a lot quicker and needs to embraced not feared!
Thursday, September 15, 2011
How important is it to keep in touch with your key consultant?
A large majority of candidate's expectations are such that they think the recruitment agency is there to serve them, no matter who they are and what their skill set or background is and that every recruiter has every job in town. Well none of this is true. Recruiters exist to search out the cream of the crop, the best and brightest of candidates, as that is what their clients are paying them for. The truth is that many apply but few are chosen. The more you stay in touch, the better relationship we build together ensuring you are in the forefront when a suitable opportunity arises.
Given that agencies see so many job seekers, one of the most important things to do in the weeks after your interview is to stay in touch. Phone us regularly to touch base and to let us know you are still enthusiastic and available for work.
Given that agencies see so many job seekers, one of the most important things to do in the weeks after your interview is to stay in touch. Phone us regularly to touch base and to let us know you are still enthusiastic and available for work.
Job hunting is depressing work and it’s easy to get discouraged. The secret is to hang in there, to keep trying, to not give up. If you’ve done your preparation properly, constructed a great CV and honed your interview technique, the odds are that you’ll land a job eventually. And remember, there’s no law against registering with more than one employment agency.
Since we do not know when a client will call with an opening for someone with your skill set, we cannot guarantee how long it will take before a job is available. As long as your file is active, we will call you with positions that match your employment criteria and skills sets. It is your responsibility as a job seeker to stay in touch and review our job board regularly. First preference will be given to those who actively communicate with us. It’s a buyer’s market at the moment and you’re competing against an army of skilled candidates, all of them ready and willing to snatch that job opportunity away from you. You need to stand out.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
How to convince a recruiter in a covering letter that you are the right person for the job?
The key to writing a great covering letter is to make sure it is tailored to the role. Don’t just think – “yes I am ideal for this role – they will read my cv and see that!” Never assume this, the responsibility for making the connection for the recruiter is yours.
Take your ad and highlight each and every skill or experience they are looking for. Then relate this to your personal work history – make the connections for the recruiter. If you find it difficult to put together words that flow easily together, use the bullet point method to highlight what you have to offer.
You should “queak” your cv to reflect the wish list outlined in the advertisement also, but make sure that everything you highlight as being relevant is real and authentic. Any good recruiter will easily catch you out in a phone, face to face interview or verbal reference check if you have been a little liberal with the truth!
Take your ad and highlight each and every skill or experience they are looking for. Then relate this to your personal work history – make the connections for the recruiter. If you find it difficult to put together words that flow easily together, use the bullet point method to highlight what you have to offer.
You should “queak” your cv to reflect the wish list outlined in the advertisement also, but make sure that everything you highlight as being relevant is real and authentic. Any good recruiter will easily catch you out in a phone, face to face interview or verbal reference check if you have been a little liberal with the truth!
Sunday, September 11, 2011
What research should candidates undertake prior to an interview?
Candidates tend to underestimate the points they gain from undertaking research on a company before they go for an interview. With most companies having a website, a lot of candidates just go to the site but you can do so much more to enhance your chances of gaining the role:
1. Try and get some of their brochures and take these with you when you go to the interview. Make sure the client knows you have it with you, refer to it , ask questions – it indicates huge interest and can only do you good with the client.
2. If the role is in a call centre, ring up their 0800 number and pose as a customer. Don’t be afraid to let the client know you did this – action like this indicates a real interest in the vacancy.
3. Look in the hard copy yellow pages – you will see who their competitors are, how many branches they have, what they specialise in. You may not pick up this information from the internet as quickly or easily. Remember a full page ad in the yellow pages costs a lot of money.
4. Speak to people you know who are in the industry – amazing what scuttlebutt you can pick up on the grapevine.
5. If quite a high profile organisation, search news on google – you can search this on last day, week, month – so you look really informed of recent developments that may not have got to their website yet.
6. Check out if the organisation has a presence on facebook (www.facebook.com) or search the company function on www.linkedin.com and see who else works there.
All of this is a waste of time if you don’t let the client know what you know about them. Ask relevant questions and use any opportunity to let them know you have been researching them.
1. Try and get some of their brochures and take these with you when you go to the interview. Make sure the client knows you have it with you, refer to it , ask questions – it indicates huge interest and can only do you good with the client.
2. If the role is in a call centre, ring up their 0800 number and pose as a customer. Don’t be afraid to let the client know you did this – action like this indicates a real interest in the vacancy.
3. Look in the hard copy yellow pages – you will see who their competitors are, how many branches they have, what they specialise in. You may not pick up this information from the internet as quickly or easily. Remember a full page ad in the yellow pages costs a lot of money.
4. Speak to people you know who are in the industry – amazing what scuttlebutt you can pick up on the grapevine.
5. If quite a high profile organisation, search news on google – you can search this on last day, week, month – so you look really informed of recent developments that may not have got to their website yet.
6. Check out if the organisation has a presence on facebook (www.facebook.com) or search the company function on www.linkedin.com and see who else works there.
All of this is a waste of time if you don’t let the client know what you know about them. Ask relevant questions and use any opportunity to let them know you have been researching them.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
How has the Temp market shifted?
Feedback from one of our consultants:
What is your feeling about how temp employment has changed over the last 6 months?
I believe there are two fundamental reasons why the temp market has shifted over the last 6 months.
1.Businesses are trying to absorb absenteeism whether it be holidays or sickness by transferring additional responsibilities to other members of the team, if someone is away for an extended period of time i.e. anything over a few weeks then clients will then assess the situation as to whether or not a temporary resource will add value to the business or whether staff just work harder and smarter.
2.Businesses currently have been running lean for a number of years throughout the global recession so there has been an increase in temporary usage, businesses are now looking at strategic requirements and are now taking on permanent staff to define and secure specific roles, with this shift in the market temporary usage decreases and permanent requirements are increasing.
What is your feeling about how temp employment has changed over the last 6 months?
I believe there are two fundamental reasons why the temp market has shifted over the last 6 months.
1.Businesses are trying to absorb absenteeism whether it be holidays or sickness by transferring additional responsibilities to other members of the team, if someone is away for an extended period of time i.e. anything over a few weeks then clients will then assess the situation as to whether or not a temporary resource will add value to the business or whether staff just work harder and smarter.
2.Businesses currently have been running lean for a number of years throughout the global recession so there has been an increase in temporary usage, businesses are now looking at strategic requirements and are now taking on permanent staff to define and secure specific roles, with this shift in the market temporary usage decreases and permanent requirements are increasing.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
10 Tips for a smooth Temp Assignment:
1. Ensure consultant has sent clear instructions of company and contacts, times and dates
2. Check Google maps so you know where you are going
3. Check Company website so you are informed regarding company’s business practice
4. Allow plenty of travel time – always arrive 10 minutes early to avoid stress
5. Introduce yourself with confidence – big smiles
6. Be attentive to instructions – take initial notes
7. Ask questions if unsure – communication makes temping a much smoother ride
8. Familiarise yourself with lunch times/rooms, toilets etc
9. Don’t get involved in office politics – temps ARE treated differently
10. Relax and enjoy
2. Check Google maps so you know where you are going
3. Check Company website so you are informed regarding company’s business practice
4. Allow plenty of travel time – always arrive 10 minutes early to avoid stress
5. Introduce yourself with confidence – big smiles
6. Be attentive to instructions – take initial notes
7. Ask questions if unsure – communication makes temping a much smoother ride
8. Familiarise yourself with lunch times/rooms, toilets etc
9. Don’t get involved in office politics – temps ARE treated differently
10. Relax and enjoy
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Is your job killing you???
Oh my goodness!
This article presents a quite serious insight on the consequences and dangers of witting down all day long.
So if you're like me and have a sitting-down-all-day-long job, you must read this!!
This article presents a quite serious insight on the consequences and dangers of witting down all day long.
So if you're like me and have a sitting-down-all-day-long job, you must read this!!
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
“Work/life balance”
“Work/life balance” is a theme we hear about all the time. All of us seek it, but do we really know what it means??
The article I'm sharing today argues that "to many people, “work/life balance” has... become a code phrase for women wanting to scale back and work part-time".
Do you agree? If not, what is "work/life balance" to you?
The article I'm sharing today argues that "to many people, “work/life balance” has... become a code phrase for women wanting to scale back and work part-time".
Do you agree? If not, what is "work/life balance" to you?
Monday, April 18, 2011
Job titles
I was reading this article today: Are Job Titles Still a Big Deal in the Modern Workplace?
That got me thinking... I don't think job titles are necessarily important, not is hierarchy. It all depends on the size of your business and industry.Here at Career Team, our business cards display no job titles, simply because we try to convey that anyone in the Team is willing and able to help you. Regardless of their job description. We all have different roles within the business, but no labels.
However, I do acknowledge that for larger businesses hierarchy can be necessary. If you work within a team of 100, for example, you need to know who you respond to and who reports to you.
What do you think? Is a job title an important part of defining someone's role? Or, as people become more multi-skilled and jobs become more complex and varied, job titles will start disappearing?
Thursday, April 14, 2011
The Worst Career Advice: Do What You Love
Hello everyone! Happy Friday! Today I'm sharing a little article I just loved to read!
"Career decisions are not decisions about what do I love most. Career decisions are about what kind of life do I want to set up for myself. After all, how could you possibly pick one thing you love to do?".
Do you agree?
I do! When I was younger, I wanted to be an astronaut. Then I wanted to be an Ufologist (clearly watched too many X-Files episodes....). Then I wanted to be a psychologist, actress, dancer, movie director.... Not too long ago, after watching loads of Gordon Ramsey shows, I decided I was really passionate about food and resented that I didn't have the guts to drop everything and go to culinary school.
But the truth is, we will always feel strong and passionate about different things. As we go through life, we experience new things, meet new people, acquire new tastes and love new and different things. So how can we choose the one thing that we love the most and make a career out of it??
I'm not saying it's impossible. A lot of people do it! But I agree with the author when she says "If you tell yourself that your job has to be something you’d do even if you didn’t get paid, you’ll be looking for a long time. Maybe forever. So why set that standard? ... The pressure we feel to find a perfect career is insane."
I also agree with her conclusion: "Do not what you love; do what you are."
Now I'll let you read the article and make up your mind. Do you agree?
"Career decisions are not decisions about what do I love most. Career decisions are about what kind of life do I want to set up for myself. After all, how could you possibly pick one thing you love to do?".
Do you agree?
I do! When I was younger, I wanted to be an astronaut. Then I wanted to be an Ufologist (clearly watched too many X-Files episodes....). Then I wanted to be a psychologist, actress, dancer, movie director.... Not too long ago, after watching loads of Gordon Ramsey shows, I decided I was really passionate about food and resented that I didn't have the guts to drop everything and go to culinary school.
But the truth is, we will always feel strong and passionate about different things. As we go through life, we experience new things, meet new people, acquire new tastes and love new and different things. So how can we choose the one thing that we love the most and make a career out of it??
I'm not saying it's impossible. A lot of people do it! But I agree with the author when she says "If you tell yourself that your job has to be something you’d do even if you didn’t get paid, you’ll be looking for a long time. Maybe forever. So why set that standard? ... The pressure we feel to find a perfect career is insane."
I also agree with her conclusion: "Do not what you love; do what you are."
Now I'll let you read the article and make up your mind. Do you agree?
Monday, April 11, 2011
Tina Fey's "Bossypants"
I haven't read this book yet, but would like to. Always interesting to have an insight into an entrepreneurial woman's mind, specially a successful one.
But whilst we haven't read the book, this article shares some important lessons about work from her book.
Have you read any inspiring books lately? Please share!
But whilst we haven't read the book, this article shares some important lessons about work from her book.
Have you read any inspiring books lately? Please share!
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Accountability
Accountability is the key theme in this very interesting article.
It suggests that the most important interview "question" is: "Tell me about the last time you made a mistake". The manner in which candidates respond should give the interviewer an insight on their character. The article offers a few possible responses to this question and suggests, based on these responses, which candidates should be considered for hiring and which should be dismissed.
From a managerial point-of-view, it is crucial to gain insight on how a future employee will act when making a mistake - if they will own-up to it and try to fix it or if they will try to hide it or blame it on somebody else. That's why most employers and agencies conduct thorough verbal references.
At the end of the day all human-beings make mistakes. However, proving that not only you will be accountable for your mistakes but, furthermore, you will seek to correct them immediately could be what makes you stand out from the crowd!
What do you think of this approach?
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Stress or sick leave??
It is very true! Sometimes stressful relationships with co-workers or bosses, inability to cope with workload amongst other things can cause emotional stress. In turn, stress affects the ability to cope with physical illness.
This article discusses a study that found "that people on sick leave often aren’t physically ill–they’re just stressed out"
So when in a stressful environment, one may take sick leave to actually heal their minds, claiming to have illnesses that would have otherwise not debilitated them.
Have you ever found yourself in that position?
This article discusses a study that found "that people on sick leave often aren’t physically ill–they’re just stressed out"
So when in a stressful environment, one may take sick leave to actually heal their minds, claiming to have illnesses that would have otherwise not debilitated them.
Have you ever found yourself in that position?
Thursday, March 31, 2011
New Employment Laws start today!
And on more pressing matters, this article from the Herald is a good read about the new employment laws, effective today.
It says "the new system will give greater power to employers". What is your opinion?
It says "the new system will give greater power to employers". What is your opinion?
Happy April Fools!!!!
How's the day going so far everyone? Any April Fools office pranks or funny stories to share?
Read this article to be reminded to be careful with April Fools jokes.
Read this article to be reminded to be careful with April Fools jokes.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Billion dollar ideas
Yes, it's the middle of the week already! So I thought to just through this question out there: what is your next billion dollar idea? A website? a new way of doing something?
But wait! Don't share it here!!! The point of the question was to make you think! And this article might make you want to act on your idea!
But wait! Don't share it here!!! The point of the question was to make you think! And this article might make you want to act on your idea!
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Work-Lief balance is something that all of us seek but not many achieve. Everyone has, at some stage of their lives, been stricken with a "something's gotta give" feeling.
Our jobs may overwhelm us and leave us with little time or energy to enjoy what we have achieved. That's why it's really important to take a break every once in a while and try to remember why you work so hard: so you can afford to enjoy the things you love with the people you love!
This article offers a few tips for achieving Work-Life balance. Enjoy :)
Our jobs may overwhelm us and leave us with little time or energy to enjoy what we have achieved. That's why it's really important to take a break every once in a while and try to remember why you work so hard: so you can afford to enjoy the things you love with the people you love!
This article offers a few tips for achieving Work-Life balance. Enjoy :)
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
I just loved this article's approach to money saving! We do often forget that time is very valuable as well (arguably as valuable - if not more then - as money!), and waste it on activities that are supposedly "money saving".
I can think of a whole list of things I do on a weekly basis to try and save money. Like going to the supermarket for most of my groceries, then visiting the butcher for my meat and finally the local Vege Shop for my vegetables. Yes, I do save (some) money. But the whole exercise is so time consuming that on Wednesday (my family's grocery shopping night) we always end up dining at Domino's....... It makes you wonder, doesn't it?
How about you? Do you have any money saving habits that might take up too much of your time?
I can think of a whole list of things I do on a weekly basis to try and save money. Like going to the supermarket for most of my groceries, then visiting the butcher for my meat and finally the local Vege Shop for my vegetables. Yes, I do save (some) money. But the whole exercise is so time consuming that on Wednesday (my family's grocery shopping night) we always end up dining at Domino's....... It makes you wonder, doesn't it?
How about you? Do you have any money saving habits that might take up too much of your time?
Monday, March 21, 2011
How to stop procrastinating
When we're feeling frustrated, demotivated or bored we may fall into the trap of procrastination. Sometimes we don't even realise it!
Well, here are a few tips to break out of such bad habit:
Well, here are a few tips to break out of such bad habit:
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Recession double-dip or not?
Recession double-dip or not? We think it might be a little early to tell...
However, it is undeniable that the Christchurch earthquakes will have some effect in the country's economy. Just how much effect it has had so far, according to this article, we will know on Thursday.
This article from Stuff reinforces this idea, saying that the economic recovery stalled in the second half of last year. However, economists are saying that even if the economy fell back into recession in the December quarter of 2010, it is unlikely to see the Reserve Bank cut interest rates further. This means that the NZ economy is expected to "remain in "limbo" for the first half of 2011". So be prepared!
This article from Stuff reinforces this idea, saying that the economic recovery stalled in the second half of last year. However, economists are saying that even if the economy fell back into recession in the December quarter of 2010, it is unlikely to see the Reserve Bank cut interest rates further. This means that the NZ economy is expected to "remain in "limbo" for the first half of 2011". So be prepared!
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Digital local newspapers
If you don't know this already, I only found this website today and it's just so useful I decided to share!
You can read a digital version of any Fairfax Media local newspaper, including the North Shore Times and Rodney Times. Registration is necessary, but free.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Get creative!
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Mentors
Throughout our careers, we will find people that we'll look up to, and learn from.
This article discusses a different approach to the mentor/mentored relationship.
This article discusses a different approach to the mentor/mentored relationship.
Monday, March 7, 2011
100th anniversary of International Women’s Day!
Happy International Women's Day!
One hundred years ago in Copenhagen the International Women's Day (IWD) was honoured for the first time! Since then, women have achieved so much equality.
Each year around the world, International Women's Day (IWD) is celebrated on March 8. Hundreds of events occur not just on this day but throughout March to mark the economic, political and social achievements of women.
Organisations, governments and women's groups around the world choose different themes each year that reflect global and local gender issues.
This year's United Nations theme is:
Equal access to education, training and science and technology: Pathway to decent work for women
Check the International Women's Day website for more information on events throughout the world, global initiatives and other resources.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Surviving a new job
So, has the New Year brought a fresh start to you yet? Have you taken the courage to take a step towards your ideal role?
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Do women sacrifice more then men for a successful career?
Click here to read this article.
Really interesting article! What is your opinion??
Do you find Hewlett’s argument against the Nina stereotype of painful sacrifice necessarily underlying female success convincing, or do you think most highly ambitious women still have to give up a great deal more than men in their careers?
Owning up to a mistake is NEVER easy! But we are all humans, and we all make mistakes.
Here are a few tips on how to turn an embarrassing and humiliating moment into a career enhancer!
Here are a few tips on how to turn an embarrassing and humiliating moment into a career enhancer!
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Great news, for all skilled and talented people out there:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=10707462
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Falling out of love with your job is very normal, specially if you have been in the same job for a few years. But it doesn't always mean that you should look for another job.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Yesterday we were talking about retaining talent.
Today we have a look at the opposite end of the spectrum: what threatens staff retention?
Bad management is one of the reasons, according to this Herald article:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/employment-relations/news/article.cfm?c_id=189&objectid=10706114
Monday, February 14, 2011
Attracting and retaining talent
Commenting on this article: http://www.hcamag.com/news/companies-view-talent-as-biggest-obstacle-to-future-growth/81594
Attracting and retaining talent is a serious concern to many companies around NZ. The job market is inflated with talented and qualified candidates as well as graduates, entry level / school leavers, unqualified candidates and etc.
Attracting and retaining talent is a serious concern to many companies around NZ. The job market is inflated with talented and qualified candidates as well as graduates, entry level / school leavers, unqualified candidates and etc.
So how do you measure and attract talent to your company? The "old" tools like Seek, TradeMe Jobs and newspapers result in a huge volume of applicants, but does it result in quality? And by quality, I mean candidates whose skills and experience match the role advertised.
A job ad, like any other ad, needs to communicate to candidates what the job is all about. It needs to reflect the company's culture and environment. It needs to "sell" the role.
Similarly, as a candidate, it is your duty to carefully read through job ads and only apply if you absolutely 100% positive about that role. And applying for 50 jobs in the one week is not a good look. It's not about quantity, it's also about quality. You may think "the more jobs I apply for, the more chances I have of finding a job", but it doesn't necessarily work that way! Do some work, research the company's you have applied to join. Try to apply for a maximum of 5 roles at a stage. Print the ad and keep a record of any email and phone call made. CALL PEOPLE! Put a voice to a name! Odds are that the job market has an abundance of candidates with a similar or better experience then you. Stand out. Make yourself heard. Be different! After doing your homework, call the company and tell them you pitch. Sell yourself. Make it brief.
About retaining talent... well, how do you do it? I guess if you have a good work environment and a culture of demonstrating appreciation to employees, you have a good chance of retaining talent.
From a candidates perspective, what kind of incentives would you want from an employer? What would make you loyal and happy in your work?
Adidas Job Application App
Is this how we are going to be posting / applying for jobs in the future??
Sunday, February 13, 2011
A little bit more about love....
Sorry, I can't help myself, it is Valentines Day!!!
http://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/3268091/Is-love-just-around-the-cubicle-corner
Have you ever had a relationship with a work colleague?
Share you thoughts with us, do you think it can affect the quality of your work??
Happy Valentines Day everyone!
Just read this article, and decided to share and ask:
Have you ever received a Valentines Day gift in your workplace? What was it?
What was the strangest thing you've ever seen one of your colleagues receive?
The article mentions someone getting a live gold fish and lemon juicer! I guess it could be worst right?? It could be a Mexican band serenading someone...
http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/roses-chocolates-and-a-live-goldfish-valentines-day-at-the-office-2211387.html
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Happy New Year!
Hello everyone and happy New Year! I have been slacking a bit with my blog posts, so apologies! Please do remember that the best way to stay in touch with Career Team or to have access to our pool of interesting articles is via our Facebook page.
Well, to kick start the year, I've decided to share a couple of light-hearted articles about weird job interview questions! Some of these really made me giggle!!! The first article lists the top 25 weirdest interview questions of 2010:
The second article, also from BNET, provides some tips on how to answer these questions:
Enjoy!
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