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CAREER ADVICE
& EMPLOYER INSIGHTS
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NZTOPDOG The Superpower of a Dog at Work
#NZTOPDOG is BACK! Get your dog in today.โPets in the workplace make employees happier, increase productivity and team morale, improve employee retention, decrease stress and absenteeism โ just be being themselves. Howโs that for pawsome!Since the launch of NZ Top Office Dog (2014) Frog Recruitment has observed a steady increase of businesses that are open to their employees bringing their (well-behaved) dog to work. Be it on a building site in their own vizy-vest, supporting the gang at the ad agency, adding light relief at the courier company or legal firm; there is no doubt that Willow, Ruby, Allen, Whisky, Lottie or Texas have super-powers that make a positive impact! โ5 Science-Backed Reasons to Have Dogs In The Workplace.1.ย ย ย ย ย ย Stress Reduction A โstress-reduction tacticโ, a policy that allows a dog in the workplace helps the mood of everyone in the office and thereโs research to prove it. Deakin University: โcontact with a dog can provide an effective strategy in the prevention of mental ill health.โ ย ย Washington State University: โpatting a dog for just 10 minutes a day reduces stress because as you cuddle or stroke a dog, your body releases oxytocin, a stress reducing hormone.โVirginia Commonwealth University: โemployees who brought their dog to work stayed considerably less stressed than those who left their dog at home.โย 2.ย ย ย ย ย ย Increase Retention / Decrease AbsencesA welcoming, relaxed work environment creates a workspace that humans are less likely to want to leave.Allowing employees to bring their canine friend to work can make them feel valued which translates into loyalty and talent retention. The less the stress, the less the absenteeism; the more job satisfaction the better the retention. โ3.ย ย ย ย ย ย Drive Up MoraleDogs have a magic way of lightening the mood and making people smile which in turn, lifts the morale in the workplace. For many years, organisations have dreamt up โice breakerโ activities to get people interacting, but it appears that a four-legged colleague can quietly engineer this to happen every day they are on the job โ even by video link!โ4.ย ย ย ย ย ย Optimal Performance!Possibly seeming counterproductive, studies show that regular breaks such as walking the dog, are an ideal refresher or distraction to encourage positive mental breaks which support people to perform optimally. Clearing the mind by literally walking the dog for a short break is an excellent way to boost brain power.โ5.ย ย ย ย ย ย Boost ProductivityDogs remind humans to pause/step back/take five/go for a walk/have a little playtime - all of which helps clear the mind and boosts brain power โ and is a sure-fired way to boost productivity. โโ#NZTOPDOG is BACK! Get your dog in here. Proudly brought to you by Frog Recruitment and PETstock, your NZ retailer of pet supplies.โ2020 Charity: Pet Refuge. Support this pawsome cause.โ
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NZTOPDOG โ6 Work Lessons My Office Dog Taught Me
Our dogs make great companions, but did you know that these four-legged friends can teach us a thing or two about being a successful employee?ย Ruff! Yes, it true. Positivity, sincerity, and curiosity can go a long way in terms of your pooch getting his favourite treat so could imitating the very qualities that makes your pooch so lovable, benefit you in the office and beyond?ย We think so. Read onโฆโPositive Typically, no matter whatโs going on around them, dogs have a knack of being able to focus on the positive. They could be left at home, lose their favourite toy, or not feel well, and yet they will still be wagging their tail when you walk through the door, eager for a cuddle on the couch. Staying positive amid turmoil at work is a good professional strategy to use; we're more productive and relaxed when we're able to focus on the good in the day rather than the bad.ย (NOTE: Couch cuddles are not included as recommended office advice.)ย ย PlayWork shouldn't be serious or stressful all the time. 2020 has proven this to be true without a shred of doubt.ย To stay energised and focused on your most important tasks, try to make time for fun at your job, too. Give yourself permission to be creative, break the rules on occasion, and take breaks when you need them. You will feel rejuvenated when you return to your responsibilities, and Mable or Scooter will certainly approve.ย ย ย Letting GoOne of the best qualities a dog has, is their ability to forgive and forget. Perhaps Spot got in trouble for digging the lawn again?ย Well, an hour later he has forgotten all about it and is back to his jovial self again. We could learn a thing or two from this mentality. Rather than getting hung up on our mistakes and setbacks in the office, take the time to learn from it and strive to do better next time. Holding onto the past will only hurt you in the long run โ and after all, we are human!ย Sniffing & CuriousIt can be easy to fall into a rut work, especially if in the same position for some time. When feeling uninspired, bored, unmotivated, or lazy, seek out opportunities to challenge yourself by learning something new. How can you make your job easier, more efficient, or more entertaining? Being curious is a good habit to master and opportunities for improvement are always available if you take the time to sniff around a bit.ย ย Be YourselfAuthenticity rules the day! It is hard to trust a person who is pretending to be something they're not which is one reason dogs are so charming; they aren't afraid to be themselves. If you are feeling the pressure to put on a show for your boss or co-workers to respect you, think again. Rather than exaggerating to make aspects of yourself seem different than they are, be yourself. You may be surprised by just how much others appreciate the traits that make you special.ย LoveWhen you incorporate love into how you do your job, it shows. Not only do your peers and customers notice, but the people above you will as well. Dogs are known for the unconditional love they give to everyone around them, regardless of who they are or what they have to offer. They give freely without expecting anything in return, and people appreciate them for it. By mimicking this approach, you're sure to make everyone around you feel great, yourself included!ย Final yelp!People can learn a lot from their dogs, especially when it comes to thriving in the workplace. Whether you just landed your first job or have been running your own company for many years, becoming a happier, more productive, likable employee could be a s simple as behaving like a dog!โโ#NZTOPDOG is BACK! Proudly brought to you by Frog Recruitment and PETstock, your NZ retailer of pet supplies.โ2020 Charity: Pet Refuge. Support this pawsome cause.โโ
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Employer Insights 7 Steps to Successfully Induct Your Remote Workforce
โBeing in the midst of a global pandemic sees employers having to allow their employees, contractors, and temps to work remotely from home, as we fight to help keep our communities healthy. Fortunately, remote work can lead to astonishing productivity regardless of being permanent, contracting or temporary arrangements.ย Itโs all about providing clear guidelines and expectations.According toย a two-year study by Stanford University of 500 peopleย who worked both remotely and in an office setting โ the productivity among remote workers was equal to an extra full dayโs work each week.Now, thatโs impressive!Read on for our 7 simple steps to remote workforce inductions ย 1.ย Set up all essential systems, accounts and communication platforms.ย Make sure everything is set up for your remote people so they can get started straight away.This includes email (if you require), access to any software or programmes they require e.g your CRM or databases, and video conferencing channels such as Skype, Zoom or Microsoft Teams.2.ย Show what you stand for.ย Make sure you have information on your companyโs values, purpose and any links to useful information to enable your team member to ensure they are representing the company accurately.3.ย Introduce them to their team.ย Set up a video team meeting to introduce all staff who will be interacting with your remote worker. Get each individual to give an overview of what they do and how theyโll be working together.During this session, itโs imperative to ensure that the new starter knows who to talk to if they have any questions.4.ย Select a dedicated mentor.ย No matter how comprehensive your company onboarding process is, theyโre still likely to have questions or simply need an informal sounding board to check in with, during the early days or weeks of employment.5.ย Set out success metrics, deliverables, and key projects.ย Ensure you are crystal clear about the expectations and details of the task so your remote workers can meet these. Defined goals and clear guidance provide your new starter with focus and direction and keeps everyone on track.6.ย Plan check-in meetings every day or every second dayย to ensure the project is staying on track. This is an opportunity for any questions to be asked and makes people feel connected to the process. Keep in mind that remote working might be new to both your and your new starter so communication is essential. Donโt skimp on this process.7.ย Establish your โrules of engagementโ: Remote work becomes more efficient and satisfying when managers set expectations for the frequency and use of different communication platforms. For instance, let your new worker know if you would prefer to be contacted on email or Microsoft Teams chat.Also, make sure to advise of your accessibilityย or if they should be communicating with another member on the team instead. You donโt want their work to be delayed or for them to lose motivation if they are waiting on responses from you.Flexible working arrangements for entire organisations is a relatively new concept for most of us, but with the correct induction process in place, it can (and will!) provide highly successful results for all.For all contracting, temporary, remote or permanent staffing requirements, we are ready to assist with our 100% health checkedย Frog Force, nationwide.ย Tย 09 362 0528ย lย ย Eย janek@frogrecruitment.co.nz
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Employer Insights This Thing Called Grit
โThe newest addition on the high-in-demand attribute list.Over the years, the highly desirable attributes that organisations have been keen to see in potential candidates have included commercial nous, hit-the-ground-running and learning agility.Today, the common catch-cry is for this thing calledย grit.So what exactly is Grit?Well, to start, how come some people accomplish so much more than others? We all pose ourselves this question at some point in our lives โ and our responses will vary from wealth to education to just plain luck โ but it turns out that external factors play less of a role in success than we may have given them credit for.ย In assessing the differences between those who succeed and those who donโt, it appears that this character trait known as grit plays a big part.The Oxford Dictionary defines โgritโ as: courage and resolve; strength of character. Itโs a word most of us associate with toughness and steely determination.It was the title of a well-known move in 1969 (True Grit) and โ it turns out that grit has made its way to the top of the โhighly desirable attribute listโ for the modern workplace of today. Research even suggests that hiring employees and managers who show grit as a character trait, will greatly enhance a businessโs odds of success.GRITย Dr. Paul G. Stoltz, author of GRIT: The New Science of What it takes to Persevere, Flourish, Succeed ย believes grit can be defined according to this acronym:ย Growth,ย Resilience,ย Instinct, andย Tenacity.Hiring people who display these traits are in high demand across all industries. Apparently, 98% of employers would prefer to hire an employee with GRIT than one who is otherwise perfectly qualified but lacks these characteristics.To why is gritย so important in the workplace, letโs zoom in on some of the character traits associated with grit.Courageย โย Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather acceptance of it as part of a process. A courageous employee will manage their fear of failure and understand that valuable lessons can be taken away from defeat.Achievement-orientedย โย An achievement-oriented employee will work tirelessly to complete tasks, but will also step out of their comfort zone occasionally to succeed in their job. It contrasts with adependable employee who shows up every day and performs their job duties, but never takes risks or shows initiative.Perseveranceย โย Without long-term goals, very little would be achieved in this world, but setting goals is only part of the process.ย An employee must be able to follow through. Long-term goals provide a framework that give small everyday tasks meaning, enabling us to look at the bigger picture and work toward success on a larger scale.Resilienceย โย Failure is an unavoidable part of life. How a person copes with their failures says a lot about their character and their potential work performance. A resilient employee will take failure in stride, learn from it, and move forward.Excellenceย โย An employee with grit strives for excellence rather than perfection. Perfection is an ideal that is by nature, almost entirely unattainable. A perfectionist employee will be anxious and unforgiving of failure. In contrast, excellence is an attitude which prioritizes progress over perfection.Spotting GritThereโs no doubt that education and experience are important, but by focusing on grit during the hiring process, you will make sure that new hires will have the desired characteristics to succeed.Here are some questions that you could weave into your interviews. Answers to these questions will provide a good idea of what an individual could bring to the company in terms of their strength of character.Tell me about a dream you turned into a reality?ย This can help identify potential leaders who are willing to take calculated risks, seek out growth opportunities and follow through on achieving them.Tell me about a time you failed and how you bounced back?ย A potentially successful employee will discuss lessons learned rather than deflecting and assigning blame.Tell me about an idea you had to improve your workplace, and how you implemented that idea?ย This is to see if potential new hires have the initiative, problem-solving abilities, andcommunication skills to do something proactive.Tell me about a long-term project you worked on, and how you stayed engaged throughout?ย Todayโs workplaces are full of distractions so staying on task can be difficult. You want employees who have tenacity and strategies for keeping themselves and others focused.For more information on how the Frog team can help you or your organisation, please call us on 09 362 0528 or email usย hereย weโd love to hear from you!ย
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Career Advice How to Rebound After Redundancy
Itโs no secret, we are in the midst of ongoing turbulent times as many companies throughout Australia and the rest of the world restructure and cost-cut. Hand-in-hand with this, unfortunately comes redundancy. No matter how you cut it, redundancy is a tough ride, emotionally.The question is: How can you rebound after a career setback? This article will discuss 4 ways to stay centred and get back on track.ย #1. Accept RealityPerhaps one of the hardest things to do, at least immediately after you experience the setback, is to accept the reality of the situation.ย Many professionals find themselves in a state of shock, and deal with feelings of self-doubt and disbelief. They find it hard to deal with the thought that their company gave up on them - or that they weren't as good as they originally thought.It may take some time to accept this "new normal,"ย but it's an important first step in your recovery. As you work through this process, don't burn bridges. Stay gracious, even with wounded dignity. It has been said that "a person's character shines brightest during the dark night of adversity;" and if you leave on a good note, who knows what doors may open (or re-open) for you in the future?ย #2. Honestly Analyse Your PerformanceThis may be hard to do in the aftermath of your job loss or demotion, but it is necessary for your professional (and personal) growth.ย Itโs dependent on why you were made redundant but take some time to think about your performance in your role and what areas you could improve on or upskill in whilst you have some time off.ย If appropriate, at some point you may want to ask for honest feedback from a former manager or colleague.ย #3. Leverage Your Experience for Future SuccessOdds are the time spent with your former employer allowed you to gain valuable skills and experience.ย Even though it may have ended earlier than expected, use that period of your professional life as a springboard for career advancement with another company. Other employers know that layoffs and career transitions are a reality of modern life - but they'll likely be more interested in your profile as an experienced professional compared to less qualified candidates.ย #4. Don't Look Back with RegretThis is a big one.ย It's all too easy for us to fall into the trap of "counterfactual thinking" - i.e., "what if?" Studies have shown that even high-achieving individuals often sacrifice happiness on the altar of "what might have been," even when they are objectively better off than many of their peers. Don't fall into that trap. Remember that the "good old days" had their share of troubles, and that your current situation has its own set of advantages.While a major career setback may throw you off-balance for a time, there is still plenty you can do to get back on course.ย If you follow these four principles discussed above, you'll be able to quickly rebound after your fall - and you'll be a better, wiser, and happier person for it.ย #5.ย Consider Temp & Contract OpportunitiesJobs come in all shapes and sizes so open your mind to contracting and/or temping options.ย Employers may be looking to ramp up their workforces to meet demand in particular areas, so if you are adaptable and open to new ways of working, you could be in a new temp role very quickly. Apart from providing some financial security while you are looking for a permanent position, temping and contracting is also a great way to widen your skill set and create new networks.As recruiters, we see first-hand that peopleโs self-esteem can take a blow, but we also know that in taking steps to reframe your mindset, it is possible to bounce back quickly.
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Job Hunting Tips Are Years of Experience a True Measure When Applying for a New Job
My partner was thinking of moving on from his current role and in true fashion, he came to me to have a chat about being a job seeker, editing his CV and applying for roles (not that he ever listens to any of my advice!)When it came to looking for a new position, I noticed a lot of job advertisements on job boards ask for X amount years of experience, which is something I have been guilty of when writing ads. But what do years of experience really mean?Understandably, for more senior roles you may need to have worked in a particular sector before as the amount of years usually equals more confidence and the need for less training. However, some employees are constantly upskilling, taking on new tasks and gaining more exposure than others, so does the years of experience really mean you have more skill than others?When giving internal promotions, most companies (that I have worked for anyway) give promotions based on measures. My sister is an engineer and before she could be promoted to a senior role, her log book had to be signed off by her manager, to say she could confidently do X Y and Z. Some of her colleagues were promoted earlier than her and some after. At people2people we must achieve certain targets and complete training to move up the career ladder. So why when we move on to a new company, are employers asking for years of experience rather than skills?As a recruiter or a hiring manager we need to look at the language we are using when writing our advertisements. ย Are we really looking for someone who has six yearsโ experience in their field or are we looking for someone who has experience doing X, Y & Z? When taking a brief for the position ask the hiring manager to elaborate on why they want six years of experience, what is it they actually want the employee to know and understand before starting the role? By simply asking for a set number of yearsโ experience, we could be ruling out someone who is a perfect match for our role.
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Job Hunting Tips The Top 5 Most Desirable Employee Benefits
Discover the top 5 most desirable employee benefitsย Getting paid has traditionally been the main reason for going to work, however, in recent years, employees and job seekers are looking at what benefits an employer can offer on top of the salary. Employee benefits, aka โperksโ, can help to create a more positive working environment, leading to greater satisfaction.ย Satisfied and happy employees are focussed, productive and more committed to their job. So, if youโre looking for a new role, what is important to you?ย These are some of the top perks offered by some employers1. Flexible and remote workingย Many employees want (in some cases need) to have more flexibility in their work schedule. Whether itโs the ability to alter working hours or days, or the option to work from home on a regular or as needed basis, flexibility is beneficial to employers and employees. Itโs not just working parents looking for flexibility โ others may need time to study, or to care for elderly parents, or to exercise or partake in their favourite hobby. Flexibility can underpin work/life balance.ย 2. Professional Developmentย Most employees want the opportunity for career development. Employers who offer training, coaching or supported tertiary education are in high demand. Programs may cover personal as well as professional development. Thereโs an old adage about workplace training. An employer may ask, โwhat if I train them and they leave?โ And the response, โwhat if you donโt train them and they stay?โย 3. Health and Wellnessย In life, our health is our most valuable asset. We all want to take better care of ourselves and employees often look for employers who will help them to do that. If an employee's health suffers, it can have flow-on effects to their work and productivity.ย Health and wellness benefits can range from providing fruit and healthy snacks for staff through to covering costs for private health insurance, psychological counselling, massages, yoga and exercise classes, gym memberships and more.ย 4. Leave Benefitsย A good leave policy can be attractive to potential employees. Some employers offer additional annual leave after various lengths of service, extra parental leave, cultural leave, birthday day-offs and charity days โ enabling employees to volunteer for the charity of their choice and give back to the community.ย Many also have schemes in place enabling staff to purchase additional leave, even a 5/1 scheme which means taking a reduced salary for four years and then having the fifth year off work fully paid. Some global companies have introduced โDiscretionary Time Offโ (DTO) where they no longer set leave entitlements in stone โ they can be negotiated between the employee and their manager.ย 5. On-Site facilitiesThe perks of onsite childcare facilities, a gym, fitness classes, swimming pool, or even a ping-pong or pool table can factor into the decision-making process when looking for jobs. Fitness is a priority for many people today, especially for those with office jobs so easy access to facilities is definitely welcomed.ย Whether you areย searching for a job, deciding on an employment offer or are happily employed, itโs good to know what benefits are offered by your current or potential employer. Remember though that perks are just that โ perks. You still need to enjoy what you. Itโs great to love your job.
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Job Hunting Tips Five Things to Consider When Conducting Interviews
I was privileged to attend a training program withย Ross Clennettย recently - โThe Advanced Recruiterโ. I enjoy Rossโs blogs and many recent posts have focussed on candidates and the best way to interview them. Having applied the tips suggested, I have seen extraordinary results. Lately, I have been asking candidates how they find being interviewed. Four out of five candidates told me that at other recruitment agencies, recruiters spent no more than ten minutes with them. I find this rather alarming.It got me thinking, how can we be effective as recruiters or hiring managers in the short space of time we spend with candidates? Here are my thoughts around interviews and the dos and donโts of interviewing.1. Prepareย โ before you meet with a candidate, set time aside to review the candidateโs resume. You may be surprised but I have heard horror stories of candidates turning up to interviews with the client asking for their resume on the spot. How can you be prepared to ask the right questions if you donโt even have their resume on hand? Spend up to 15 minutes reading about what the candidate has done previously. Highlight some points youโd like to probe and explore examples of their work.2. Dress the part!ย โ As an interviewer in a corporate environment, you should be the best dressed in the room. Set an example and be professional. When I first arrived in Sydney looking for work, I met a โsenior recruiterโ who was dressed in ripped black jeans and trainers. Her casual approach didnโt instil confidence in me.3. Test their competenciesย โ This is one of the main aims of interviewing. Asking a candidate for examples of their work will not only identify that the candidate did the job but whether they did it well. The right set of questions will show you who the top-performing candidate is. Try not to ask general questions like, โhave you dealt with a difficult customer?โ.Better questioning would be, โTell me about a time where you set yourself a very challenging goal. What was the goal? What action did you take? Did you achieve the goal? What did you learn about yourself from this goal setting exercise?โMany hiring managers and recruiters donโt probe enough. They fail to ask challenging questions that will identify high performers. Not only that, great candidates will see that you have taken the time and effort to really understand their background. Itโs a little more work for a lot more value.4. A nervous or quiet candidate is fine!ย โ Donโt be put off by a candidate who is more introverted as interviews can be scary for some. Having to talk about yourself can be hard and some people find it uncomfortable. Put their likeability aside and break the emotional link between you and the candidate. Explore how a candidate can develop, improve, and add value in their next role and see what steps they have taken to improve on their weaknesses.5. Be a clear communicator and FOLLOW UPย โ Making candidates aware of the process is so important as is effective communication in the recruitment process. There is nothing more frustrating than interviewing for a position and never hearing back. As a recruiter/ hiring manager, itโs all about the relationship. If you clearly communicate with your candidates, they will come back. You may not get the candidate that dream job they wanted, but theyโll remember you and may even become a client in the future!There are many tips and techniques on interviewing candidates but following simple guidelines will get the most out of your time spent with your future recruit!ย For more interview tips and tricks subscribe to ourย blog. If you are a job seeker wanting to perform better in interviews, check out theย people2people Interview Centre.
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Job Hunting Tips How to Keep Yourself Motivated Going into the New Year
Before our social media feeds get flooded with all those โNew year - New meโ posts, I think itโs important to ask yourself some important questions about your current performance and how that dictates future delivery.1. How determined are you?We are in control of our own success and failure. We can either be our biggest critic or our biggest fan. We have the power to determine what is holding us back, what is crippling us from achieving what we set out to achieve. This requires some self-reflection, to really see the wood for the trees! Be kind to yourself, know your limits but set the bar high enough that it pushes you to question your next move โ if you are an employee, would you do things differently if it was your own business? What would you do or change in order to drive your business to the next level, no excuses, no limits, just excellence! We owe it to ourselves to be determined enough to create the best version of โmeโ.2. What would your clients/colleagues say about you?We are in a market where reputation, delivery and relationships are the names of the game. We need to be the best, both internally and externally, have integrity and show consistency in our interactions, values and delivery. We should always be asking ourselves โwhat more can I do for our clients/stakeholders?โ We are forever in a game of trading, but take a step back and ask yourself, are you memorable if you are just transactional?3. Are you practising gratitude?Are you thankful? Thankful for the work thatโs been handed to you? We take everyday actions as part of our job, but itโs important to realise that at any one moment, those actions could stop, and what would you have? Thank the people around you for the smallest action, appreciate the value they have put in to make your job easier. Have a good look at yourself and what you do every day. What do you need to stop โ those things that are holding you back, and what do you need to start doing? What can you do to be the best version of yourself for both you and the people around you?4. Who are you to you?In an ever-challenging marketplace, we may be trying to be better than the next person. When in fact true value sits in how we perceive ourselves. What time do we invest in ourselves? Set at least five minutes a week to learn something new, enrich yourself, have new conversations and expand your life experiences. If the goal you have set doesnโt scare you, then it is not big enough, itโs not pushing you enough. Be present and value yourself โ be fit, fulfilled and have fun!5. What would you say to future you?If someone offers you an amazing opportunity and youโre not sure how to do it, just say yes and learn how to do it later. Be a shameless self-promotor when you are having a good month, inspire others and put yourself out there! Find joy, happiness, laughter and just smile. But most importantly, remember point number six.6. Donโt take yourself so seriously!Enjoy yourself, be proud of yourself and value the work you do and what you achieve.If you take anything from this then I hope it is that you realise that you are far more capable then you might have ever thought possible, that in fact, you might actually be unstoppable.
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Job Hunting Tips Merry Christmas โ From Our Family to Yours
Australia is a melting pot of all cultures and people from diverse backgrounds. From early on in our history, significant historical events from the Gold Rush, WW1, WW2 and the Vietnam War brought mass migration of refugees and immigrants to our shores and as a result, has changed the cultural landscape of Australia.ย In the mid-19th Century, the Gold Rush brought Chinese, Scottish and Greek immigrants. Post WW2 brought European refugees who were fleeing from persecution and destruction across Europe as well as โTen Pound Pomsโ under the assisted passage migration scheme. After the devastation of the Vietnam war, Australia saw an influx of refugees from South-East Asia and in recent years new-comers have arrived from Africa and the Middle East. These New Australians brought their customs and traditions from the old country to Australia where they were safe (from systematic persecution) to practice their faith, cultural customs and traditions. The significance of celebrating religious events and upholding traditions is to preserve language, identity and history.ย As a child of Greek refugees, I was taught strong family values, ethics, freedom of thought, and to welcome new ideas and conversation. In recruitment, it is important to connect with and welcome people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Being inquisitive and interested in getting to know people is one of the reasons why I enjoy recruitment.ย Merry Christmas Kฮฑฮปฮฌ ฮงฯฮนฯฯฮฟฯฮณฮตฮฝฮฝฮฑ Buon Natale ๅฃ่ฏ่ๅฟซไน Frรถhliche Weihnachten Joyeux Noรซlย As a self-proclaimed foodie, I always look forward to Christmas as itโs a time to bring out the Cypriot Souvla, Tsoureki and Tahinopites. During this busy time, my Italian neighbours are also gearing up and buying Panettone (in bulk) and baking Pandoro to hand out to family and friends. Sydney is diverse in nature and so are its people. As a Sydney-sider, I am lucky to be working with people from different cultures who enjoy celebrating (and eating) each otherโs foodie traditions.ย ย ย Whether you believe the fat man in the red suit exists or not, the Christmas period is a time to celebrate the unity of family and friends; to embrace the holiday spirit of coming together and breaking bread with one another. Enjoy!ย โWe have apples and oranges. We all different, but in the end, we are all fruitโ - Gus Portokalos (My Big Fat Greek Wedding)
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Career Advice Iโm Working, Iโm Studying, and Iโm Trying to do Life! Help!
Managing your day can be trying at the best of times. Add in studying part-time whilst juggling full-time work, and your days can feel almost insurmountable. To put the cherry on top, you have social commitments to manage too, and youโre now looking for a new city to live in to escape all your responsibilities.ย It doesnโt have to be this hard, right? Right?!Iโm currently studying a Master of Commerce degree part-time and working full-time in a busy temporary recruitment team. Learning how to prioritise my time has been the biggest learning curve in my career to date.ย So here are the biggest things Iโve learned that have helped me function:ย Write it ALL down. Yes, even your coffee break at 10am โ put it in your diary and donโt miss that appointment. If you donโt religiously map out your day and account for every hour, youโll lose valuable time, you might miss deadlines, and you make more work for yourself.ย Learn how to say no. To your friends, your family, your colleagues, and yourself. If you are at capacity with your to-do list in your working day, while it can be hard to say no to your peers or boss, you need to. If your friends and family are on your back to make time and you physically canโt, explain why and lock in a date in the future when youโre not feeling overwhelmed. If that voice in your head is telling you to procrastinate, say no - youโll thank yourself later.Schedule downtime in your week. Be it in the evenings when youโre watching trashy TV whilst eating dinner or exercising in the mornings before work. Take time to unwind, reset and refocus. Use your commute time (if you can) to listen to music, watch the scenery or catch up on your โto readโ list. This is the best way to have the most focus for your busy day.ย Maintain your support network. Donโt let those who love you suffer at the mercy of your last nerve. Thank your parents, partner, siblings, and colleagues for everything they do to help you get through the day without falling behind. Remember, they have your best interests at heart, and they want you to make it through your studies unscarred.ย Free up your weekends. I try not to schedule more than one event on the weekend, and I try to avoid leaving my house as much as possible. Seven days consecutively on the go is tiring, and you will burn out eventually. A full day of pyjamas, Netflix, and your dog at your feet is essential for feeling refreshed and is also good for your soul.ย Savour the little moments. From sunsets, the view of Sydney from the Harbour Bridge, or enjoying a really good cup of coffee. Practising mindfulness makes your crazy 12-16 hour days less of a chore and more gratifying.ย So while Iโm not a self-proclaimed expert on life and managing my time, I have been studying, working, and commuting three hours a day and have picked up tips from those around me, but I have also learned these lessons the hardest way possible (i.e. failing, realising, reflecting, rectifying).ย On my busiest days and in the most trying times, the key thing I remember is that Iโm putting myself through work and study for a reason โ to be better, to challenge myself and to push my comfort zone to limit โ and that is exactly what the 16 hour days give me.ย
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Job Hunting Tips Silence is Not Always Golden
As recruiters we are the intermediary between employers and candidates, each party relying on us to relay messages, keep the process moving forward, and ensuring the desired outcome - a happy client and happy candidate in their dream job - happens quickly and efficiently.Helloโฆ. is anybody there?One of my greatest fears and frustrations is when one party goes silent. No one enjoys getting ghosted in any aspect of their lives, but the whole recruitment process can falter or fail, if communication is inconsistent or, worse still, non-existent.I recently had a candidate be super communicative until after the second interview. The client wanted to move quickly through the reference check and offer stage to ensure a smooth onboarding process, but it took several attempts to contact my candidate before she would respond. This included her response to the clientโs email containing the contract with specific questions about her start date. Things were completely fine, and she started her new role the following Monday. But the anxiety could have been mitigated by keeping everyone in the loop.Keep the lines of communication openWhen you are working with a recruitment consultant, remember the golden rule โย Communication is the key to success.Understandably, there are times when youโre not ready to make a decision - you may want to reflect on an interview youโve attended, perhaps do further research into an organisation or take the time to thoroughly read an employment contract before signing it. Thinking time is fine, but ensure you communicate that. A simple acknowledgment of receipt and setting the expectation for a more comprehensive response works well. Itโs not hard to say in an email, phone call or text:โThanks Sally โ Iโll take a look through the contract and get back to you tomorrow afternoon with any questions I may have.โI am in the business of people and after four and a half years, I have learned that silence isnโt a good thing. To assist your recruiter in not going grey too early, please keep us updated and reply to our communication (particularly at the contract stage!) so we know youโre still there!ย
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Job Hunting Tips Job Interviews: Confidence is Key
If the thought of interviews gives you a sinking feeling in your stomach, youโre not alone!For many, it can be a very daunting and uncomfortable process, sitting in front of the interviewer being fired questions about your work experience and why you are better suited than anyone else for the role. But donโt let the nerves get the better of you! Try these strategies to help you be prepared and build that confidence so you can ace that interview!Before the InterviewBeing organised for the interview is an absolute must. The night before, plan where you are going and how you are getting there (leaving some leeway in case the unthinkable happens and your car or bus breaks down). The last thing you want is to be in a situation where you are flustered, running all over town, not knowing where you are going โ that is not going to help you with your confidence! Also once you arrive, take a few minutes to breathe and mentally prepare yourself before walking in.ย Be PreparedThis should go without saying, but to feel confident about something you need to know the ins and outs. First things first, do your research about the company. Go onto the companyโs website, LinkedIn page, Google or anywhere that has information about the company you are interviewing for. I would also advise you to look up any news articles that reference the company as it shows youโve done your research.Secondly, know your resume back to front. The more detail the better I say (within reason), especially if your experience relates to the role you are interviewing for. The hiring manager is trying to gauge your suitability for the role and if you go into the interview and explain your experience well, youโre in with a good chance!Lastly, practice interview questions until you are blue in the face. In my experience, whenever Iโve gone for an interview, I practiced as many interview questions as possible. This is just a matter of typing into google โinterview questionsโ or โcompetency questionsโ and practicing answering these questions. If you have a willing friend or family member, I would even recommend practicing interview questions with them.ย Body LanguageBody language speaks volumes in interviews and poor body language can send the wrong signal. Being able to greet the interviewer with a firm handshake and direct eye contact (without looking crazy) shows youโre confident with meeting new people. Some other tips with body language are back in your chair with shoulders back, using hand gestures whilst speaking, not sitting with your legs crossed and nodding your head while you are listening which shows attentiveness.ย Dress the PartWhen you look good โ you feel good! Dress appropriately for the interview. For corporate roles, my advice would be the more corporate the better. Or if youโre unsure about the dress code ask the recruiter or hiring manager. The last thing you want is to show up to an interview not looking the part, as that will bring your confidence down.ย Donโt go OverboardWhile having confidence in an interview is important, itโs a fine line between being confident and beingย overconfident. While the hiring manager is determining your suitability for the role โ they are also assessing what it would be like to work with you and seeing how you would fit into the team. You want to come across as likable. If you are someone who walks into an interview with arrogance and too much ego, it probably wonโt land you the role!Having confidence in an interview reassures the hiring manager that you are someone who would be able to go into the role and hit the ground running. Of course, itโs okay to be somewhat nervous going into an interview however you donโt want to be in the position where you are unable to answer questions because you havenโt done your research or preparation!
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Job Hunting Tips Who Is in Your Network
I was recently introduced to a jobseeker looking to return to the workforce after a career break, pursuing interests outside of his usual area of work - accounting.Nothing unusual there you might think. On paper, there were strong credentials: a post-graduate qualification, experience with an ASX listed company and a track record of promotions with a previous employer. If you are thinking the candidate sounds like someone I should be working with, you are correct. And I am working with him.However, I found one thing striking โ up until this point he had not created a LinkedIn account to complement his search, so was in effect foregoing its potential to reconnect with former colleagues and/or hiring managers, who are likely to rate his skills highly, based on the resume I reviewed.We are often warned about ensuring nothing is damaging in our digital footprint, especially when looking for work.ย Nowadays however, not having a digital footprintย can also pose problems.LinkedIn is firmly established as the leading global professional network with over 630 million members. Having a well-crafted LinkedIn profile helps build your personal brand, credibility and your career.ย Not only can you connect with former managers, colleagues, clients and suppliers, you can ask them to write recommendations. You may be surprised how others see you and what they say about you. You can tell me how great you are in an interview but someone else telling me how great you are reinforces that message.LinkedIn is also an important tool for research. Itโs interesting to see what mutual connections you may have with someone you want to meet.ย Itโs not just about who you know, but who your network knows. By sharing interesting articles and updates, and reading and commenting on other peopleโs posts, you become player in the worldโs largest business conversation.Of course, the first port of call when looking for a new role is to develop a trusted relationship with a recruiter in your market. But it is equally vital to use all the tools available in a so you can โjump the queueโ on applications or be alerted to opportunities you didnโt know even existed. Managers remember positive contributors, high achievers and team players, so do them and yourself a favour and โconnect.โ
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Job Hunting Tips Interviews: Nine Hacks to Make Sure Your First Impression Counts
Seven seconds.Making a good first impression in an interview is extremely important as apparently, it takes just seven seconds for a human brain to create an impression at the first meeting. That is a lot of pressure when you think about it. As the famous quote goes, โโyou only get one chance to make a first impressionโ. And you donโt get a second chance to make a first impression.ย There are small things you can do to make a positive, lasting impact and ensure you put your best foot forward. We all know that our first impressions can be โ and have been โ wrong, but try these impression hacks that can help influence the impact you make in those first seven seconds:If waiting for an interview,ย ย in reception instead of sitting. That way youโre at eye level when your interviewer or their assistant comes to meet you.ALWAYSย . You do not want to be fumbling around with your handbag or folder while someone has their arm extended to you.Shake hands firmlyChin upStrike a poseTED talkDress to impressListenThe BEST advice I can give about making a good or bad first impression is toย ย โ be assured recruiters and potential employers hear if you have been rude to the receptionist.My final tip is that you never know who you are in the elevator with, so remember the person standing next to you could be your new boss!Be aware of how your behaviour can affect how others see you. Do what you can to make sure the first impression you make is a good one and that your first impression does count.
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