Grey Nomads...
December 2008
Are you familiar with the term “grey nomad”? If not, the explanation of the term is: “people of a more mature age taking off to travel around Australia after retiring”. It certainly seems that the phenomenon is here to stay, with many “baby boomers” retiring and taking off on a long planned for trip around Australia.
With retirees being generally fitter and more financially secure than their predecessors, thousands are on the move, all over the countryside. Recent global events are having an effect on the retirees “nest-egg” meaning that some need to top up their finances, from time to time.
This is becoming such a common occurrence that there are many employers embracing the opportunity of offering retirees both seasonal and also contract work, all around the country. Research on the potential of grey nomads to help with the current skills shortage showed 56.7 percent of those interviewed were interested in undertaking paid work of some form while travelling and over half were also interested in some form of voluntary work while travelling. There are websites that advertise an assortment of work, both qualified and unqualified.
For those of our readers with plans to travel, this could well be something that they haven’t yet considered. Not only do you follow your dreams and plans, you also utilise your skills and experience, whilst earning money to assist you on your way.
Another positive benefit from working whilst travelling is that of the contact you have with people from a diverse range of occupations, in a myriad of environmental settings. PLUS you are helping people, which always provides a feeling of well being.
In the event that you do not wish/need to earn money, you may also like to consider doing some voluntary work along the way. What a wonderful way to “give back”, imparting your skills and experience back to the community, whilst receiving hospitality and information about areas you are travelling through.
Redundancy / Being Fired...
December 2008
To be told that “your services are no longer required” is usually an upsetting and discomforting time, regardless of the reason and the way the news is imparted. Whether it be redundancy (when the employer no longer requires a particular position to be filled) or termination (when the company decides to finalise a person’s employment) the initial feeling is one of disbelief and a blow to the ego.
In either case you may have a good idea that this was likely (due to a downturn in the business or being managed for lack of performance), but that does not make it any easier to accept. In most cases, a sense of “this isn’t happening to me” or “what will I do now” churns through the mind, as it struggles to work out the next step.
First and foremost, remember to take the news in the best way you can as you will very likely need a reference from your supervisor/manager. Keep cool outwardly as you will be able to vent (if you need to) once you’ve left the premises.
Being Fired
This can also come as a huge shock – without any warning at all and, to make it almost worse, with a great deal of sympathy from the person imparting the news. Although a decision for redundancy should not be taken personally, most people relay feelings of rejection and losing their place in the scheme of things.
You may have been undergoing a series of meetings to have your performance managed, or you may have been summarily dismissed for non-compliance of an area of your contract. Whatever the reason, learn as much as you can as to the reasons why as this will assist you in making sure that you can improve this in your next role.
Ensure that the reason/s for being terminated is fair and equitable – if in doubt contact the appropriate authority to gain relevant information. If this is a case of unfair dismissal, commence your case immediately, while things are still fresh in your mind. If it wasn’t unfair dismissal – ensure that you tell yourself that this situation can only improve and that you are going to work to find another job and do better in it.
Being made redundant
Ensure that you are well informed as to the details of your redundancy, including your entitlements. If you are unsure as to whether your payout is appropriate, contact the relevant government body to ensure that your employer is providing you with the complete, accurate payout and entitlements.
Whether having been fired, or made redundant - there is NEVER a better time to put together an impressive resume and cover letter! You will be able to review your skill set and accomplishments at the same time, this can assist greatly with negative feelings (lack of confidence, for example). Be well prepared for interviews and network wherever possible. Ensure that you have a great “interview” outfit; invest in the best you can afford, given your circumstances. Remember, a professionally written and presented resume and cover letter will help gain you an interview, your appearance is the next step to ensuring success.
Social Networking...
December 2008
You may have read our previous monthly newsletter article advising you of the possible pitfalls of utilising social network sites when looking for employment. In this article we provide more discussion regarding this, together with the possible advantages of utilising appropriate network sites to assist in your job search.
As a timely addendum to our article, recent news highlighted the negative side of the “Facebook” website. A Sydneysider reported in sick at work, whilst making note on his Facebook profile that he was “trashed” from a hangover. After trying to avoid supplying a medical certificate when asked to do so, he was emailed a cut and paste from his Facebook profile, by his supervisor.
The repercussions of this could start setting precedents for similar cases and it is yet to be determined as to the legal ramifications. Whether it is a case of invasion of privacy or a conflict of contract will be discussed, no doubt, and the outcome could very well be dismissal for the employee.
Regardless of the outcome for this employee, we need to take heed of this as there will be more traffic of this type, increasing the possibility of having unwanted information accessed. For those seeking employment, heed this as a very real possibility for the future.
As an aside to the above story, it is also recent news that the successful results for a recent local election in the U.S. was choreographed by a local student. The successful candidate did not campaign at all, she paid $50 for an advertisement on Facebook and subsequently won the election by under 600 votes.
This brings to mind the possibility that job seekers may become yet more inventive with their canvassing prospects, possibly advertising themselves as worthy candidates on networking sites to discerning, technologically minded employers?
After researching the above, many references regarding Facebook and LinkedIn were found and examined. We relay the gist of our research to you, to assist your decisions regarding networking.
"Facebook = people you drink with
LinkedIn = people you work with” - this appears to sum up the majority of concensus for both sites.
Professionals find LinkedIn to be just that – professional. It is perceived by most to be a site for networking to assist with better employment opportunities.
It may well be that exposure on LinkedIn will assist your endeavours in either changing positions, or becoming employed again.
The world breaking news of Barack Obama’s success at the polls also heralded a growing move to a more technologically savvy population.
Australian's "Working Long Hours"...
October 2008
Australians work some of the longest working hours in the developed world, a study has found. About one in five Australians, or two million people work more than 50 hours a week, the university of Sydney study shows. The study tracked 8,000 workers over five years, through to the first half of the year.
Full-time employees work an average of 44 hours per week and about one in three people want to work less. Despite the long hours, about 85% of workers have debts to pay, the report said.
Employment standards have also deteriorated, and many workers are worried about job insecurity and work-life balance. One in three workers hold a job that does not give them the full protection of Australian labour law, the report said.
Head of the study Dr Brigid van Wanrooy said full-time and casual employees are under pressure in the workplace. "It is not a simple case of casual employment is 'bad' and permanent employment is 'good'." Dr van Wanrooy said in a statement. "Casual employees face job insecurity but many permandnt employees work very long hours."
"All workers face trade-offs between control over working hours, security of employment and quality of work."
Timely News - Retirees Returning to the Workforce...
October 2008
Recent events in the financial world have sparked a trend – retirees returning to the workforce. With many retirees experiencing dwindling of investments due (at last in part) to the current economic climate, there is a growing band who do not want to either live a lesser lifestyle than they are used to or to see their investment decrease more rapidly than they had planned.
Retirees and mature workers returning to the workforce are in a strong position to gain a role as they present with a crucial recruitment pool of experience. By accessing this pool employers gain access to workers who are ready to begin contributing with negligible training and transferrable skills.
Previous history illustrated that the number of return to the workforce retirees was comprised more of those who found that they completed their “wish” or “to do” list more quickly than they anticipated, so became bored. Some were concerned about maintaining their skills and abilities and return to work became a viable option for them.
A recent article made the comment “did you know that 85 per cent of all workforce growth will be supplied by people aged 45 and over by 2012? Or that workers aged over 55 are more productive than their younger colleagues? Employers who hire mature age workers also save money on absenteeism, training and recruitment as mature age workers are more loyal to their employers than younger workers.”
We speak to many more “mature” candidates who profess to grave concerns regarding their ability to change jobs, or to gain new positions. We cannot stress more strongly that the market for the mature candidate is gaining momentum and is now better than it has been historically. For mature age candidates most of the same criteria apply – keep up with modern technology, utilise the services of an accredited résumé writer to ensure that you capture the market you are targeting and always, present with an up to date appearance and “can do” attitude.
Believe in yourself and display self-confidence as this is a powerful, attractive attribute to prospective employers. The list of benefits that many mature candidates possess is a long and strong one; experience, the right attitude, able to display longevity and dedication in their work history, able to impart knowledge and life experience to those without it, a well developed persona, (typically displaying more patience, tolerance and enjoyment of the job in hand), often do not desire to climb the career ladder (so is non threatening to those who do aspire to reach the pinnacles). Statistics also show that candidates in this demographics typically have less sick days.
Technology - Don't be a "Dinosaur"...
September 2008
Candidates looking for an alternative position need to be aware that Technology plays a very important role in many companies and positions today. Ultimately, whether you agree with the amount of technology used in today’s job market, or whether you don’t – there is definitely a need to be abreast of ways that you can assist yourself in this area.
MOBILE PHONES:
When applying for roles many applicants may not be aware of the requirement to be readily contactable.
• It is a necessity to have a mobile phone to be easily contacted by hiring managers
• Always ensure that you have a professional voicemail message on your mobile, if you can’t answer it at the time of the call. Prospective employers often arrive at an erroneous impression when they hear a music jingle or suggestive message on an applicant’s mobile, and get frustrated when they call and can’t leave a message at all!
Whilst on the subject of mobile phones (love ‘em or hate ‘em, they are now an almost mandatory item when job searching), do understand at least the rudiments of text messaging. Whether you are looking for temporary or permanent work, some recruitment agencies utilise texting to provide information or to keep in touch whilst they are assisting you. In today’s market technology allows recruiters and prospective employers to quickly move on to the next possible candidate.
Perception is a huge part of the recruitment process, so think ahead when you pooh pooh the idea of a mobile or texting, you may then well be considered a “dinosaur”, regardless of age!
Remember, if you are not readily contactable and there are many applicants for a role, the recruiter will often just proceed to the next applicant, and you may have missed a wonderful opportunity by moments. There is also the possibility of you being perceived as not moving with the times, or resistant to change, which definitely has a negative influence in the minds of those trying to contact you.
SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES:
In recent times the use of social networking (for example “Facebook and “MySpace”) through the internet has increased enormously. A huge proportion of the population are utilising this additional way to keep up with friends and family, and for other purposes, such as dating or belonging to a particular club or group.
For those who use sites such as these, be aware that it is becoming common practice for prospective employers and recruitment agencies to utilise these sites for “screening” applicants. Many applicants do not know that this is occurring and that the content on their contact page could prove detrimental to their job prospects. (On the converse side, you can also “tailor” your page to reflect a professional persona!)
A recent article on this topic indicated that these sites provide transparent character references for candidates. The fact that applicants are not yet cognizant of this form of checking ensures that the companies can gain a virtual “snapshot” of the person they are considering – they want to be as sure as possible that the person who presented at interview, is indeed a true picture.
The main areas of concern for hiring managers are: information about alcohol or drug use, inappropriate photos or information, bad-mouthing of former employers or fellow employees, inaccurate qualifications, unprofessional screen names, notes showing links to criminal behaviour and confidential information about past employers.
Be aware that your networking site could play a part in the reference checking process – there is a real possibility that those checking your details on these could eliminate your chances for a fantastic role, because of content that they deem unacceptable.
EMAIL:
For some, email is still not a frequently used method of communication – job seekers should be able to access and use email as printed media is no longer the most common form of advertising vacant positions. With the popularity of sites such as Seek and CareerOne, media advertising has declined in recent times. Candidates need to be able to utilise this technology to be able to apply for positions.
A vast majority of companies advertising vacancies require a response by email. Naturally, if the candidate does not have access to this facility, this can cause the inability to apply for a very suitable and appropriate role.
When applying for positions by email follow these steps to assist your application move to the next stage:
1. Ensure that you have an appropriately professional email address. baby_dances_all_night@...... for an office management role will very likely be perceived as someone who does not have the energy to work hard by day (It would, however, be appropriate if the application is for a dancing position).
2. READ the AD! Ensure that you complete a cover letter (if requested) to attach to the email, together with the relevant version of your resume..
3. Do not leave the subject line empty – ensure that you enter the details of the position (ie “Application for Sales Manager, Ref: 180898”)
4. ALWAYS, and this is vital! Read through your email prior to sending to ensure that everything is as the advertisement requires. Attach the appropriate documents and write a brief line or 2 as a reference to your interest – do not leave the email blank as this is usually perceived as someone not taking the time to personalise their application (could be construed as applying for any job, rather than being selective).
Remember, in the hunt for a great new job, regardless of your feelings about the constant development of technology and the requirement for ready availability, you need to embrace it, both to assist with the application process and also, to display your ability and attitude.
Never forget that perception plays a huge part in the recruitment process and if you don’t appear to be involved with modern life, the next applicant on the list probably will!
Graduates need work experience
9 July 2007
FOR MANY tertiary students in their final year, the next few weeks will be crucial in determining their final results and their postgraduate work prospects.
Although preparing for the workforce is important, the pressure of exams means searching for a job is not often the first priority for graduating students.
CEO of First Place Resumes, Carolyn Broomfield said the number of graduates seeking help with applications for the major banks, law and accountancy firms increased earlier in the year, however it has dropped off in the last month.
“Graduates must know how important it is to have at least some practical work experience under their belts, as well as their degree; it just makes them more employable,” Mrs Broomfield said.
“It doesn’t necessarily have to be paid work, even university projects, community service or freelance work for friends and family helps create a better resume.”
Mrs Broomfield said employers are interested in applicants who can demonstrate team values, an ability to work unsupervised, communication skills, industry knowledge and results-orientated determination.
All students possess these attributes if they have attained a university degree.
“The only things employers use to differentiate between graduates are the hundreds of resumes they receive, so the more you can show, the better,” Mrs Broomfield said.
"But that doesn’t mean you don’t have a chance if you don’t have any experience. Start sounding out your contacts; your friends, family, lecturers and tutors are all excellent sources.”
Mrs Broomfield said she recommends students do their homework, find out which company they want to work for, what that company likes and provide them with it.
A combination functional-chronological resume may be best for students, because they can showcase a variety of skills on the front page, without drawing attention to a lack of professional experience.