careers Tag

[caption id="attachment_18444" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Are robots set to take YOUR job?"] [/caption] There’s been a lot in the press lately about how computerisation and robots are negatively impacting our careers, taking over jobs once mastered by humans. How big is the threat and what steps can you take to ensure you keep your job? While it’s difficult to predict with absolute certainty which jobs will be affected and to what extent, it’s safe to say that all of us will need to adapt in some way to technological advances in the workplace. Brian Johnson, a Futurist at Arizona State University's Center for Science and the Imagination, points out that big business’s push for productivity demands efficiency, speed and accuracy which has led to robots taking over our jobs. However, Johnson reassures us that humans outperform robots in the areas of communication, creativity and adaptability, keeping many jobs safe from computerisation. In an effort to identify those jobs most at risk, Oxford...

05 July, 2018 /

[caption id="attachment_18457" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="CPD ensures you remain competent"] [/caption] What is CPD? Continuing Professional Development or CPD refers to any career development activities which develop your professional skills, knowledge or experience. CPD is important because it ensures you remain competent in your profession throughout your career. CPD activities can be formal or informal and gained either on the job or outside your work environment. It’s a good idea to keep track of your CPD by recording and reflecting upon the resulting learning and development. Advantages of CPD Ensures that your skills remain up to date and relevant Helps you maintain and develop the knowledge and skills needed to do your job effectively Keeps your up to date the current standards and best practice in your field of expertise Helps you be more effective in your role leading to higher levels of job satisfaction, productivity and professionalism Facilitates career progression by ensuring you constantly learning and developing Enables you identify further areas...

05 June, 2018 /

[caption id="attachment_18485" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Should you be working part-time?"] [/caption] I was invited to speak on BBC Radio recently in response to a BBC article Three-day working week 'optimal for over-40s'. The article referred to a study undertaken by researchers at the Melbourne Institute at the University of Melbourne. Intrigued, I had to read the full working paper: Use It Too Much and Lose It? The Effect of Working Hours on Cognitive Ability. The findings of the study were that working up to 22-30 hours per week had a positive impact on the participants and that any hours worked in excess of this resulted in a negative impact on cognitive functioning. Why was this? It was discovered that stress and fatigue played a large part in impairing participants’ cognitive functioning. The study concluded that ‘too much work can have adverse effects on cognitive functioning’. This got me thinking about the many clients I...

15 May, 2018 /

[caption id="attachment_18523" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Do you have an elevator pitch ready for when the opportunity arises?"] [/caption] What is an elevator pitch? The term elevator pitch evolved as a way to describe a 30 second spiel about who you are, what you have to offer and why someone should hire you. The premise is that if you were ever lucky enough to share a 30 second elevator ride with someone with the potential to hire you, you could confidently describe why they should. How do I create a good elevator pitch? By far the easiest and most effective way to create your own elevator pitch is to first identify your unique selling points. Try brainstorming on a sheet of paper or digitally if you prefer. Identify all those things that describe your skills, abilities, experience, interests, passions etc. Think about your accomplishments and include these in your pitch to really make you stand out. Have...

05 February, 2018 /

[caption id="attachment_16177" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="It's good to have an up to date CV ready to send to potential employers"] [/caption] 1. Age or date of birth There is no need to include your age or date of birth in your CV since age discrimination legislation dictates that employers cannot discriminate based on a person’s age. 2. Meaningless career objective One of the things that annoy employers and recruiters the most is meaningless career objective statements. You know the ones: ‘A hard-working individual looking to join a progressive organisation where I can further develop my skills’....

28 January, 2018 /

[caption id="attachment_18570" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Tips for the perfect CV"] [/caption] Here's 10 steps to help you towards creating the perfect CV: 1. PERSONAL INFORMATION: Include your name, address, Email and contact telephone number/s. You do not need to include your middle name. 2. SUMMARY OR TITLE Include a single paragraph summarising your expertise and experience or a title that describes you and directly matches the role you are applying for. 3. SKILLS AND STRENGTHS Bullet point your skills and strengths to make it easy for the reader quickly identify what value you can bring to the role and to the company. 4. EMPLOYMENT HISTORY List your previous roles in reverse chronological order being sure to include a description of the company and your role along with your duties and responsibilities. 5. KEY ACHIEVEMENTS For each role, you should include 3-6 key achievements that demonstrate your competencies and excellence. Be sure to quantify achievements wherever possible e.g. Boosted productivity by 60% through...

05 October, 2017 /

[caption id="attachment_16775" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Thinking of changing career?"] [/caption] Changing jobs is challenging enough but changing to a whole new career can be overwhelming.  One of the biggest hurdles faced by career changers is how to make a smooth and successful transition to their new career.  To help, we’ve put together this step-by-step guide to make the transition to your new career an easier one. Research A vital first step in changing careers is to research your new career. Speak to people in the industry to gain a realistic insight in to the culture, conditions, opportunities and challenges. As part of your research you should aim to identify any skills gaps, transferable skills and any qualifications or certifications required for your new career. Find out what others in your chosen new career have done for example, what are their backgrounds? What was their progression route? What qualifications do they have? Develop a plan A good...

05 September, 2017 /