Tag Archives: Advice

Careers Advice, guest blogger, Job Hunting

Get back to work! Tips for the long-term unemployed

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The reasons for which people find themselves out of work for long periods are many and varied. Whether you have been out of work for personal reasons (illness, family crisis, raising children) or by choice (ski seasons, summer seasons, an unintentionally extended career break), the results are always the same: a great yawning hole in your CV. Getting back to work can then be considerably trickier since you now lack recent and relevant experience, and most companies seem incapable of taking a chance on their next recruit. However, an incomplete CV may not be the sole cause of the problem. For instance, many job seekers target niche markets or simply aim too high, while others have not yet discovered that they interview poorly or have bad references. Fortunately, these are all factors which can be improved with a little perseverance and some external careers advice.

If you feel your CV is holding you back, there are several ways in which you can fill in the gaps. Consider further education, which either adds another academic qualification or provides you with a trade skill, putting you a step ahead of the competition, though beware that this could be a costly affair. Volunteering and charity work are great ways to keep active, meet people and make job networking links. If possible, subscribe to a temping agency and take on any part-time work you are offered. This will prove that you do not wish the grass to grow under your feet any longer. Try not to lose any existing skills you have, such as languages and sports, so your CV remains up to date.

Back to work

Once you are happy that you are doing everything possible to enhance your CV and your employment chances, it is essential to keep the job hunt going. The first step is to subscribe to a recruiting agency, which will help link your CV to relevant job descriptions while you search yourself. Spending 20-30 hours per week looking for work is recommended, time which is best spent targeting jobs you are truly qualified for or writing to your most desirable employers. In applications, always try turning a negative into a positive. For example, your long-term unemployment means you fully appreciate the value of a job. You can get further advice from careers centres where advisors provide interview coaching and often highlight strengths which you had not seen for yourself.

It can be an emotional and difficult time but it is essential to remain positive and not become despondent or desperate. Do not isolate yourself from friends and family (nor burden them continuously with your problems) but keep enjoying doing the things you can afford. When you find that much desired job, everyone will be delighted for you and you can really thank them for their support.

http://www.itris.co.uk/

Business Networking, guest blogger, Networking

How to Network at Conferences

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Attending conferences is a great way to stay current with the latest happenings in your industry. While internet research and discussions with partners and suppliers can be beneficial, there is nothing quite like joining a large group of professionals in your field.

Presentations by experts may be infrequent in your area, but at a conference you’ll have access to a vast wealth of knowledge and experience.

Conferences are also great places to be inspired- the simple act of leaving, for example, your cheap wholesale products warehouse, and travelling to meet with others who have done the same can provide you with a grand new perspective.

You will also be in a position to connect with many potential partners in business, as well as collaborators, suppliers and, most importantly, new clients.

However, going to a conference and attending seminars is not enough. In order to make the most of the experience you’ve got to network and make the rounds. So how does one meet new people and forge the right connections at one of these events?

Before the Conference

Try to define your goals for this event. Instead of just having a vague idea that you’ll be going to learn new things about selling cheap wholesale products and maybe meet a few people, make it your mission to connect directly with potential business partners and clients in your industry.

Connect with other conference goers and presenters as much as possible. See if your conference has a hash tag to follow on Twitter, or an official Facebook page. Contact speakers on their websites and let them know that you are looking forward to their seminar.

Networking

Carefully review the conference agenda and plan to attend the seminars and workshops that specifically apply to your industry and goals.

Prepare your response to the question “What do you do?”  Instead of simply responding that you buy cheap wholesale products and then sell them, have a thorough but concise explanation of what your line of work is and who your clients are. You may also want to add information about your goals for the event.

During the Conference

As you attend each seminar (as many as possible), be ready to meet people. Have business cards with your up-to-date contact information and photo on them and be ready to hand them out. If you’re not comfortable giving out business cards, practise with a family member or friend prior to the event.

It is also a good idea to plan several conversation starters or phrases to continue conversations, so that your interactions don’t fizzle out after small talk. Be ready to ask questions about others and then confidently share information about what you do and what you have to offer.

After the Conference

Go through the business cards you receive and connect with the appropriate people. Very important connections may warrant a phone call, while others may do best with an email or friend request on social media. Plan to stay in touch, and be sure your connections know where to find you if necessary.

This article was contributed by Wholesale Clearance in the UK.

guest blogger, Project Management Certification, Project Management Training

Why PMP Designation will Definitely Add More Weight to Your CV

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With companies across the world looking for smart, cost-efficient and time-saving options for their projects, the project management professional (PMP) certification has become a must for the professional planning to build a long-term and successful career in project management fields. You may be already working as a project manager or aspiring to become a project manager, the PMP designation will help you in getting both lucrative job offers and recognition from the prospective clients and employers. You have to invest some amount of time, efforts and money to clear the professional certification exam administered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). But once you clear the exam and obtain the certification, it will definitely make your CV more impressive and weighty.

Beat Your Competitors: Nowadays, thousands of jobseekers apply for a single job vacancy. So you must possess professional skills and expertise that differentiate you from others. When a prospective employer is interviewing you for a job opening, you can use the PMP designation as an advantage. As many professionals find it difficult to pass the certification exam, the designation will highlight your skills and knowledge on key project management topics. So you can use the PMP certification as a smart tool to beat the stiff competitor.

PM people

Global Recognition: Each professional has to frequently explore options to get appreciation and recognition from his employer, client and peer. The PMP designation is recognized in various parts of the world. Also, the credential is considered as the global standard for the project managers. So the professional credential will definitely help you in getting recognition from various sources. As you have to prepare thoroughly to clear the tough certification exam, the process will give you confidence to meet various job interviews.

Acquiring Fresh Skills and Knowledge: Once you obtain the PMP certification, it will remain current for three years. You have to complete continuing education training requirements to maintain and renew the designation. As per the PMI guidelines, a PMP designation holder has to earn 60 professional development units (PDUs) every three years to keep his credential current. So the certification will indicate your knowledge on some of the latest project management concepts and methodology. When your mention the professional certification on your CV, it will convey your professional skills and advanced knowledge.

Better Marketability: Despite possessing adequate experience and skills, many project managers fail to negotiate for a higher pay package. Many employers will hesitate to hire you for the managerial positions, if you are not able to convince them about your ability and skills to manage projects. But the PMP credentials will make it easier for you to market your skills. As the designation is recognized as a global standard, you will not be required to put extra efforts in convincing your employer or client. The designation will further help you in offering your professional services as a consultant or freelance project manager.

Added Experience and Competence: The pay package of a professional increase with his experience. But often experienced professionals fail to negotiate for the desired salary. Many employers consider the job aspirant has expertise on certain aspect of project management. They also feel the candidate lacks adequate skills to manage a wide variety of projects. But when your professional experience is backed with the designation, you can definitely negotiate for better position and salary.

Contented by Proxalt.com

guest blogger, Planning, Training

3 Things Businesses Need In Abundance

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The business world is a tough one to survive in. It is no surprise that phrases such as ‘dog eat dog’ and ‘it’s tough at the top’ are used on a day to day basis when talking about business because they really do describe the way it is in today’s corporate landscape. Therefore, in order to make it in such an environment, a business and its workforce need to display certain characteristics that will take it above and beyond to supersede the competition.

A great business idea and plan of action are both imperative to succeeding as a company, but the venture is still likely to fall short if there is no real passion and motivation driving it. Here are three personal attributes that any business needs to display if they don’t want to be left standing still.

Creativity

Even the most basic business in society need to be forward thinking in their approach and therefore needs to be constantly coming up with new creative ideas. In a world that is littered with competition at every turn, it is important to stand out in as many ways as possible and being creative is going to help you do just that. New ideas are what drive a company forward and keep it always evolving. If you have a great deal of business creativity then the chances are you are likely to be the ones setting the trend rather than struggling to try and copy it.

Encourage creativity in the work place by allowing employees to share and develop any ideas they have. Arrange regular meetings between departments so that different areas of the company can interact and bounce ideas off one another, but most of all you should promote an environment that allows room for any idea to flourish; no matter how good or bad it seems. You could even send your employees on some creativity training courses in order to get the most out of them.

Dedication

Most of the big companies that are the front runners in business today would not be there if it wasn’t for the hard work and dedication of their valued employees. If you have people that are willing to put their all in for the benefit of the company then turning a good idea into a great one is a real possibility.

Success1

Creating a dedicated workforce is no mean feat, but it is no coincidence that some of the most successful companies in the world are also the best ones to work for. A list was recently released stating which corporations had the highest job satisfaction rate and search engine giants Google and technology overlords Apple both featured highly. Feeling valued as an employee, enjoying what they do and a good pay structure were all cited by the people surveyed and are all sure to breed dedication amongst employees.

Determination

With any business venture there are sure to be as many low points as there are high ones, maybe even more. In these situations you need to know that the people in your company are going to be able to pull together and work through the tough times. Many businesses come out of difficult periods stronger and with a better understanding of what it takes to make it in this unforgiving industry and this is much more likely to happen if everybody digs in and shows a little determination.

All businesses would almost definitely fail to get off the ground without determination. When starting your company it can be a very testing time and you will ultimately ask yourself whether this is really what you want to do and if the life of a business owner is really one you are cut out for. However, this is can be the making of a powerful business man. The determination it takes to get back up time and time again in the face of adversity will put anyone in great stead to make it in this ‘dog eat dog’ world.

Chris Mayhew is blogging here on behalf of Now Go Create. This innovative company offers courses on creativity training and brainstorm facilitation to help improve the productivity in your workplace. Creativity is integral to businesses so visit their website today to see what they can do for your company.