Friday, May 29, 2020

JibberJobber A Different Tool for Different Stages of Your Career

JibberJobber A Different Tool for Different Stages of Your Career Steve Krum is a long-time JibberJobber user. He shared this in response to a recent update/announcement: I love all you are doing with JJ. I have been using for maybe 6 months in my job search and am now beginning to see the benefits. The power has always been very apparent; however, it is so feature-rich that is can be overwhelming and determining the most effective way for me to use has taken some time. At this point (job search) what I have found is that everything revolves around the Jobs List Panel. As soon as I come across a job, I enter the basics, especially the Job  ID. I am vigilant about the Log Entries so I can track each and every step in the life cycle of the job. I will enter the company and any contacts related to the new job, but at this point will not spend a lot of time on these records within JJ. The key with JJ is using the features that meet  my needs at different points in my life. I will beef up the company and contacts as they are important (especially the contacts) but not as critical at this point in my life. Thank you for a tool that has helped me be efficient in my life and a key to landing a great job. This is a great email.  While I dont like to think that people struggle with it, that it can be overwhelming, and that it takes a long time to figure out, Steve provided great insight to us.  Its one reason why weve been working with a UX designer, to help make JibberJobber more intuitive and easier to get up and running. The bigger message that I get from this email is that JibberJobber is a versatile tool that helps you with career and relationship management where you are. Right now it might be in job search, tomorrow it might be in contact management.  Or, as Steve said in another email: That it really depends on where we are in our life and what needs we have. And, these needs change over time as our life changes and as the software improves. Thanks for sharing Steve! JibberJobber A Different Tool for Different Stages of Your Career Steve Krum is a long-time JibberJobber user. He shared this in response to a recent update/announcement: I love all you are doing with JJ. I have been using for maybe 6 months in my job search and am now beginning to see the benefits. The power has always been very apparent; however, it is so feature-rich that is can be overwhelming and determining the most effective way for me to use has taken some time. At this point (job search) what I have found is that everything revolves around the Jobs List Panel. As soon as I come across a job, I enter the basics, especially the Job  ID. I am vigilant about the Log Entries so I can track each and every step in the life cycle of the job. I will enter the company and any contacts related to the new job, but at this point will not spend a lot of time on these records within JJ. The key with JJ is using the features that meet  my needs at different points in my life. I will beef up the company and contacts as they are important (especially the contacts) but not as critical at this point in my life. Thank you for a tool that has helped me be efficient in my life and a key to landing a great job. This is a great email.  While I dont like to think that people struggle with it, that it can be overwhelming, and that it takes a long time to figure out, Steve provided great insight to us.  Its one reason why weve been working with a UX designer, to help make JibberJobber more intuitive and easier to get up and running. The bigger message that I get from this email is that JibberJobber is a versatile tool that helps you with career and relationship management where you are. Right now it might be in job search, tomorrow it might be in contact management.  Or, as Steve said in another email: That it really depends on where we are in our life and what needs we have. And, these needs change over time as our life changes and as the software improves. Thanks for sharing Steve!

Monday, May 25, 2020

How can Company Values Help People be their Best Selves at Work

How can Company Values Help People be their Best Selves at Work An organization’s company values can play a significant role in creating a workplace culture, which enables employees to bring their best selves to work and therefore be more engaged, motivated and productive. We are increasingly seeing just how much importance candidates place on finding an organization that genuinely cares and which has a set of values they can really relate to. Companies with clearly communicated values are often the most successful when it comes to competing for top talent and having high levels of employee engagement. Using our own experience of founding Pure as a values-led organization, here are some top tips on embedding values into a business and the positive difference they can make to the workplace environment. Supporting vision and purpose A company’s vision and purpose can be used as inspiration and guidance to set company values. This will help to ensure that they are authentic and can successfully form the basis for the organization’s culture. For example, when we established Pure, our vision was to create a company that was different from others within the recruitment industry. We wanted our business to focus on developing long-term client and candidate relationships rather than being driven by numbers and KPIs. Having a clear idea of what we wanted to achieve helped us to choose our values. We wanted them to represent everything we believed was important about the way we wanted to work and achieve success. Our six values are Pure Quality, Pure Teamwork, Pure Supports, Pure Delivers, Pure Rewards, and Pure Innovates. Bringing people together Employees who feel a sense of belonging are far more likely to be engaged and motivated to go the extra mile for themselves, their colleagues and the business as a whole. Shared values can bring people together whatever their background, interest, age or level of expertise. They enable businesses to celebrate and encourage diversity while still uniting people in day-to-day behaviors, standards, and attitudes. We recognize that our business is a people business. We want to bring our people together and look after them as they are our ambassadors and the ones engaging with our candidates and clients. Our values have helped us to create a culture where great work is rewarded, teamwork is celebrated and everyone is supported to deliver high quality. Company culture foundations People spend a lot of time at work, so it is understandable that they will want to be in an environment that is a positive place to be. An organization’s values can help to achieve this as they set the foundations for a company’s culture and the attitudes and behaviors to develop and maintain it. For example, we have a people-first culture and our Pure Supports company value helps us to achieve this. As well as supporting each other, and our candidates and clients, we want our employees to have the support they need to do their job well. It helps us to shape everything from the equipment and training we provide to the initiatives we put in place to support the mental and physical wellbeing of our team. Embedding values into day to day business For company values to make a real difference they need to be brought to life and embedded in day-to-day working practices. This means more than just displaying them as part of the office branding, although that is still a very positive thing to do! They also need to become foundational to the business and genuinely underpin everything. Values can be embedded by making them a part of every aspect of your business from recruitment and onboarding through to referencing them in staff reviews, reward and recognition schemes, and LD plans. They also need to be reinforced and authentically displayed by the leadership team to ensure they flow from the top down. As part of the leadership team at Pure, our values have given us the basis of establishing consistency of how we want to do things. Because we all really believe in the values, we can live them while still being our true selves, we do not have to robotically try and demonstrate them. They have also become a key part of the language we use when talking about our business, from updating our teams internally through to our external communications. We believe that being able to share our values with our clients and candidates helps to give them a real understanding of what it is like to work with us. The same goes for potential new recruits. Our values help us to explain more about how we have created a culture that differentiates us from other recruitment firms. To help share this with prospective employees, and new recruits, we have put together a Pure book to explain more about our company in a fun, easy and tangible way. After a few months of being part of our team, we also ask new e mployees to deliver a presentation which includes sharing examples of when they have seen our values being demonstrated day-to-day. This really helps people to understand why they are so important to us and how they benefit everybody.

Friday, May 22, 2020

Is a FIFO Job (Fly in Fly Out) Right for You

Is a FIFO Job (Fly in Fly Out) Right for You Interested in fly-in, fly-out jobs in the mining, transport and construction industry? Dislike dealing with employers who don’t understand your job? Do you want to be with a team that understands the demands of a FIFO job? You might even want a FIFO job and not even know it. In that case, it’s helpful to have an overview of what a FIFO job is. What is a FIFO job? Fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) jobs are jobs located in remote areas where employees are flown out to the job site during their shifts. Employees will then typically stay on site for the duration of their roster period. Once this period is completed, the company then flies them back home or to a major transport hub from where employees can make their way home. Rosters can range anywhere from three weeks on and one week off to much shorter periods, such as 9 days on, 5 days off, and 8 days on, 6 days off. The biggest advantage of these jobs is that employees can stay in their own homes with their families. This means there isn’t a huge disruption in family life as would be typical in many traditional mining jobs. FIFO jobs are often compared with drive-in, drive-out (DIDO) jobs, where employees are expected to drive themselves to the job site, then drive themselves out at the end of their roster period. What living accommodations can I expect at a FIFO job? You probably shouldn’t expect a hotel room, given the remoteness of most FIFO job sites, but at the very least you can expect to be provided with comfortable accommodations. Most employers will also provide you with food and a way to cover your laundry and cleaning as well. While living conditions at most FIFO job sites are basic, you can expect electricity and other essentials to be accounted for. Occasionally, you may even have an internet connection, though this is by no means guaranteed. The use of utilities may be deducted from your paycheck, so it’s important to read your contract thoroughly before signing.  Why is there a lot of competition for FIFO jobs? FIFO jobs usually pay better than comparable DIDO jobs due to the remoteness of most FIFO work sites. There is also a much-reduced commute time compared to DIDO jobs. This means employees get to spend much more of their personal time for themselves. Overall, the FIFO industry also has some of the best compensation packages for mining and related jobs in WA. Most mining employment agencies or the mining recruitment agencies cannot match the offer of the top FIFO companies. Together, this has made the competition for FIFO jobs quite stiff, especially among those with experience in the mining and construction industries.  What kind of FIFO jobs are there? Most FIFO jobs in Western Australia are related to the mining, transport and construction industries. FIFO jobs WA jobseekers tend to look for are mostly within these industries, though there are also support jobs that are not necessarily directly related to them. Some of the more common FIFO job openings include: Heavy Duty Mechanics Heavy Road Transport Mechanics Underground Fitters Trades Assistants Light Vehicle Mechanics Maintenance Supervisors Maintenance Superintendents Auto Electricians High Voltage Electricians Boilermakers Line Borers Material Logistic Officers Store personnel Store Support personnel To qualify for FIFO job openings, applicants must meet the following criteria: Australian Recognised Trade Certificate (when applicable) Valid Driver’s Licence A number of successful reference checks Updated Police Clearance However, while previous experience can be helpful, it’s not strictly necessary for all the available jobs at FIFO sites. There are plenty of non-mining related support jobs, and you might be surprised at the types of expertise needed at remote sites.

Sunday, May 17, 2020

Your Story Creates Success - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

Your Story Creates Success - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career Have you ever said to yourself, “It’s of no use to continue” upon not being able to create the right connection with your prospect? Often, an excuse will be created as to why the effort to continue will not be worthwhile. And, on occasion, the potential buyer will yell at the salesperson, “Get out of here and don’t ever return!” Who is at fault and where did the missteps begin in most of these incidents? On occasion the prospective client will be rude seemingly without reason. But most of the time, and in my opinion, it is the salesperson who is at fault. Major steps that work best were omitted from the sales process turning the entire event upside down. It all boils down to “perspective”. Buyers and sellers each have a different perspective and therefore a different story to tell. Even if past experiences are similar, the emphasis may differ. Recognizing this early in the conversation will put the process on a solid footing. As you uncover your prospect’s perspective, their story begins to unfold. Through question and answer, you are able to piece the puzzle together. When previous poor experiences are relayed, you might ask, “How did you feel about it?” or “What do you believe should have been done differently?” By asking questions related to their perspective, you are able to obtain clearer insight as to your prospect’s thinking. How they value goods and services may differ widely from you or anyone else. The key to your success is to understand your prospects’ priorities for valuing these. Once you gain the knowledge, you will easily be able to present what you have to offer to their interests, their value system and very importantly, their priorities. But there is more work to be done. As conversation with your prospect develops, take the time to clearly identify who you are in terms of your own priorities and values without getting into conflict. Relay your unique approach to business to establish your personal brand firmly in their mind. Become adept at authentically matching with their story. Should you detect a major conflict between the two of you, do your best to resolve it. In the case a resolution is unlikely, and, in good conscience you do not believe you should continue, then this would be the best point to excuse yourself. Long ago, a prospect was so incredibly rude to me on the appointment, I had to pinch myself to remain calm with a smile on my face. However upon reaching my office afterward, I chose to write a note stating, “I withdraw my offer of help as I do not believe we are a good fit”. When there is a free flow conversation and you feel very comfortable with what is being told to you, then you have a great match and an excellent opportunity for conducting initial business plus developing repeat business and possibly referrals. By working to blend the stories of all parties, you make it a team effort. In the end, it becomes a win for all because everyone involved feels as if they have gained something new. Creating the combined story will be the winning story and have you headed for the Smooth Sale! Author: Elinor Stutz, CEO of Smooth Sale, LLC, (800) 704-1499, was honored by Open View Labs with inclusion in their international list of “Top 25 Sales Influencers for 2012.” Elinor authored the International Best-Selling book, “Nice Girls DO Get the Sale: Relationship Building That Gets Results”, Sourcebooks and the best selling career book, “HIRED! How to Use Sales Techniques to Sell Yourself On Interviews”, Career Press.

Thursday, May 14, 2020

5 alternative graduate jobs for Arts and Humanities students

5 alternative graduate jobs for Arts and Humanities students As an English Literature graduate, I know just how frustrating it can be when youre asked What are you going to use that degree for? Are you going to be a poet? As much as it might be fun to channel my inner Shakespeare,  no, I am not going to write sonnets for a living. Sometimes people find it hard to grasp that your degree subject doesnt have to be directly related to the career that you go on to pursue. Because as an Arts and Humanities student there are a whole host of career paths open to you that, while not directly utilising the knowledge you gain during your degree, will put your skills, creativity and passion to good use. Yes, there are the obvious options. You could stay in academia to become a lecturer or researcher, or you could teach your subject at primary or secondary school level. But dont feel like you have to follow the conventional route that youre led to believe is the only option. There are plenty of recruiters looking for graduates with the skills gained from a creative, social orientated degree. In fact, research has shown that 60% of the UKs leaders have Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences degrees, while 16% have STEM degrees. There are hundreds of doors out there waiting for you, you just have to choose which one to open. Become a spy No, you dont have to go to spy school to become the next James Bond. You can apply to become an Intelligence Officer at MI5 or an Operational Officer at MI6, working on the front line to protect the country from threats ranging from terrorism to cyber attacks. Although many roles are data driven and may require more technical degrees, a lot of the front line officer roles require little more than a 2:2 degree or some equivalent work experience. Theyre much more concerned with your personal skills your ability to read people, make quick decisions, work under pressure and maintain confidentiality. The work is often intense and challenging, but incredibly rewarding. Just remember you might have to pretend youre an English teacher to your friends and family. Theres 0 bragging rights as a spy. Foreign correspondent Whether youve studied History, Politics or English, youre bound to have developed a knowledge of world leaders and events, so why not use it to report on global affairs? You might have to start at the bottom and work your way up to reach this kind of position, but whether its for print, radio or television, there are plenty of opportunities for reporting abroad. Youll need to have a good eye for a story, an ability to adapt to different cultures and to problem solve your way through challenging circumstances. But you might get to witness history in the making, and theres no better feeling than that. Suit up and be a Lawyer Posh suits and big bucks, a career in law will pay off in more ways than one. Its a challenging and competitive profession, but with the potential to work on some big cases with a salary to match. One big misconception people have is that you need a law degree to become a lawyer not true. Some big law firms have graduate schemes which will put you through your  Graduate Diploma in Law and Legal Practice Course, or you can take an MA degree to gain these qualifications. Its a big commitment to make, but one of the most secure and rewarding jobs out there. Hop on the travel industry Imagine a job which allows you to be on holiday 24/7 Well, they exist and you could be doing one. The travel industry is huge and there are plenty of opportunities for students with creative degrees to find work (and if you know another language, thats an extra bonus). Whether you want to become a travel agent, air cabin crew member, tour guide or trip planner, you can go out there and make it happen. Having specialist knowledge of the culture and language is helpful, but can also be picked up as you go along. The pay often isnt amazing and is quite seasonal, but if youre keen to work in foreign climes and undoubtedly have some amazing travel experiences then a role in the travel industry could be right up your street. Try out event organisation If youre a people person and are able to deal with anything, from bridezillas to missing wedding cakes, then you might just have what it takes to work in event organisation. You could be organising anything from conferences, weddings, parties or travel excursions, living out your to-do list and mood boards dreams as you plan seamless events for hundreds of guests. Again, its quite a competitive industry and you often have to work freelance, but if youre dedicated enough and stick at it, it could become your dream career. Strong organisational and time management skills, as well as an emotional intelligence, are crucial skills we all learn on our degrees no matter the discipline, so as an Arts and Humanities student youll be well equipped. So if youre graduating with an Arts and Humanities degree and youre not sure what exactly what you want to do in your future career thats absolutely fine. With the skills youve got you could be the next James Bond or the next Louis Theroux, theres just no way of knowing. Connect with Debut on  Facebook,  Twitter,  and  LinkedIn  for more careers insights.

Sunday, May 10, 2020

What Will They Think

What Will They Think Have you ever said to yourself, I cant follow up with this person, theyll think Im pushy? Stop! First of all, you can do anything you want.   Cant is a bad, bad word.   Didnt your mother ever tell you that. Second, what do you have to lose? Third, do you really know this to be true?   I mean, there is such a fine line between being pushy and persistent.   Your definition is not the same as someone elses. Fourth, do you really care what they think?   Why?   Who are they anyway????? You cant please everyone, nor should you try.   As a professional, you add value.   You could be an asset to someone.   But dont be subservient, come from a position of authority and power. How would you feel if you went to buy a car and the salesperson started begging you to buy the car? Weve all called for service (plumber, electrician, gutter cleaner) and never gotten a call back.   Do you know why?   Was the service provider thinking, Gosh, I dont want to call them back, they may think Im being pushy? If you want something, you have to do the hard work to pursue it. Have you not done something because you were intimidated by what the other person might think?   Have you held yourself back because you were afraid of what someone might think?

Friday, May 8, 2020

Tips For Writing Resume for Microsoft

Tips For Writing Resume for MicrosoftWriting resumes can be a time consuming task. When you're writing resumes, especially the resume for Microsoft, you need to make sure that you can avoid grammatical errors and misspellings. Not only does a good resume to show the interviewer that you have read your file enough times to catch their mistakes, but it shows that you are smart and have taken the time to write your resume.The first thing that you need to do when you're creating a resume is to determine which skills or areas of expertise are the most important. You will need to know what the company needs from you. If the company needs computer-based professionals, then the resume needs to be specific to that requirement.Another way to ensure that you have a good resume is to take the time to practice writing a resume. You need to get a feel for what your resume will look like before you submit it to Microsoft. Remember that they don't always review all of your resume so you may want to rewrite it several times until you are satisfied with the results. If you practice a little, then you will be able to use your practices as a way to get your resume reviewed by Microsoft, which can be a great benefit when they need a resume for an interview.When you're writing resumes for Microsoft, you need to focus on filling the resume out with information. Your resume needs to be as detailed as possible so that they can quickly figure out what kind of person you are. In addition, if you have any questions about what you need to do or how you can accomplish your goals, then the resume needs to address those issues.One area where you should be particular about when you're writing a resume is to make sure that the resume is well-written. You should strive to include everything that is necessary, including dates of employment, education, and certifications. Ifyou have a number of certifications, then you need to use them throughout the resume so that you don't miss anything.For anyo ne who has a training needs, there are plenty of resources available online for you to take advantage of. There are plenty of publications and magazines that you can read through and find things that are helpful to help you get your training needs met. If you can find a few tips and tidbits of information that you can use when you're writing your resume, then you can use these to your advantage when you're looking for a job at Microsoft.If you are a project manager, then you should know that you have several options for when you're ready to begin looking for a job. If you're looking to work on an internal team, then you might want to choose a career path that has many similarities to that of an IT professional. If you want to work on a project where you have the ability to set the direction, then you should focus on projects that require leadership skills.These are just a few tips that you can use when you're considering becoming a technical writer for Microsoft. There are plenty of other tips that you can take advantage of if you look into the different career options available. Good luck!