Year after year, in challenging economic times, the mantra of cost down is bashed out across almost every business stream and the recruitment world is not immune from it. Those of us who have been around the block once or twice understand the need for businesses to cut costs but also see the number of times that it can actually do you a disservice.
In my best Max Bygraves; let me tell you a story.
Three years ago I won my first retained assignment from a client that I had been pursuing on and off for a couple of years. Good job and an interesting assignment to get my teeth into. As I approached finalising the shortlist they signed off a second role at a slightly reduced fee. I’ve no problem with as it makes sense, so much so that in fact I filled both roles and they recruited a third from the first shortlist. Hurrah!
However, last year as the sector tightened HR & Procurement decided to implement a European PSL and would only work with agencies/recruitment firms/search firms that would agree 10% success only fees.
I declined.
In December they signed off six roles in a new division which went out to their preferred agencies. Much to their surprise eight weeks later they hadn’t received a CV, let alone interviewed a candidate and senior management were jumping up and down on the line managers because the roles were still empty and the projects now really needed the staff.
So why has this situation happened?
Rightly or wrongly recruitment is seen as an overhead cost rather than an investment, with little or no understanding from the procurement and HR teams as to how the agencies operate.
The consultants in the agencies lead very regimented lives in the way that they work and are very heavily revenue targeted, which is why there is such a high turnover of staff in agencies.
Once you send them the 10% fee based job description they will work on it briefly until another client (maybe only hours later) asks them to work on a role with a 20% or more fee, so day by day your role slips remorselessly down the pecking order until quite frankly you’re forgotten in the desire to produce revenue and not be fired takes over. And then there is the other side of the equation. Let’s say that by chance the consultant does find a candidate who matches your brief; are you going to see the CV? Well not necessarily no. Why? Because the consultant’s manager will ask where the consultant is going to send “send out” the CV to and once again the need to satisfy revenue demands takes priority. The manager will ‘encourage’ the consultant to service the 20%+ fee clients rather than the 10% fee client.
Result? Eight weeks later the vacancy still hasn’t be serviced.
To return to my client: Eventually I agreed a 20% fee and in one month had the first three roles in order of priority at offer stage with a one role/one candidate success rate and yes they’re still waiting to hear from their agencies!
Not having people in place for key roles is as every bit, or more, expensive on the bottom lines as paying for the right recruitment firm to find those people.
Invest in expertise and specialist knowledge and it will deliver accordingly.
If you would like to talk with a Director or Consultant about how we can work with you then please contact us at www.chestertongray.com
Friday, 13 April 2012
Monday, 2 April 2012
Why You Should Stop Being a Wimp
Have you ever met a truly successful wimp?
I didn't think so. Somewhere out there you might find a wealthy wimp, but having money doesn't necessarily mean success. (And not having money doesn't necessarily mean failure.)
Who succeeds in the business world? It's not the person that sits back and doesn't take any chances.
Business owners cannot build their businesses by being wimpy. They take financial and personal risks. They evaluate the market and see what services are missing and try to jump in there or they think that they can do a better job than the people already out there. Sometimes (frequently) they commit themselves to pay other people's salaries before they know for sure if they'll bring in enough income to pay their own.
Successful sales people have to go out every day and risk rejection in order to sell their products. You cannot sit at home (or at your desk) and expect customers to call. If you are easily upset at being told no, you won't be successful in this area.
Senior Directors didn't get there by keeping their head down and doing precisely what their bosses asked of them. They looked for new opportunities. They suggested new paths for the business. They made decisions that perhaps the rest of us wouldn't make, because others might think they are stupid. They didn't go home at night and complain that they weren't being promoted. They asked for promotions, spoke up in meetings, and put themselves in the path of rejection every day.
Creative geniuses didn't achieve genius status just be drawing one picture, designing one ad campaign or auditioning for one play. They succeed because they recognise that they have something to offer and they do not give up. They show their portfolios. They attend audition after audition. They seek out feedback, teachers and mentors to show them where their mistakes are and what they can do better.
A lot of us have some traits that reflect a little of the wimpy side. It's much easier to take the safe path. And, honestly, there's nothing wrong with being safe. But just as being safe reduces your risk of failure, it also reduces your risk of success.
Now, this isn't advice to go in to your boss and announce loudly that you quit because someone told you to. It isn't advice to be irrational. It isn't license to be rude. Wimps are rude. Strong people are politely firm. You must think through your plans--you must have plans in the first place. But it is advice to take your risks where there is potential for payoff. It is advice to speak up in a meeting. It is advice to work extremely hard and then ask your boss for the recognition you deserve.
In short, stop being a wimp.
www.chestertongray.com
I didn't think so. Somewhere out there you might find a wealthy wimp, but having money doesn't necessarily mean success. (And not having money doesn't necessarily mean failure.)
Who succeeds in the business world? It's not the person that sits back and doesn't take any chances.
Business owners cannot build their businesses by being wimpy. They take financial and personal risks. They evaluate the market and see what services are missing and try to jump in there or they think that they can do a better job than the people already out there. Sometimes (frequently) they commit themselves to pay other people's salaries before they know for sure if they'll bring in enough income to pay their own.
Successful sales people have to go out every day and risk rejection in order to sell their products. You cannot sit at home (or at your desk) and expect customers to call. If you are easily upset at being told no, you won't be successful in this area.
Senior Directors didn't get there by keeping their head down and doing precisely what their bosses asked of them. They looked for new opportunities. They suggested new paths for the business. They made decisions that perhaps the rest of us wouldn't make, because others might think they are stupid. They didn't go home at night and complain that they weren't being promoted. They asked for promotions, spoke up in meetings, and put themselves in the path of rejection every day.
Creative geniuses didn't achieve genius status just be drawing one picture, designing one ad campaign or auditioning for one play. They succeed because they recognise that they have something to offer and they do not give up. They show their portfolios. They attend audition after audition. They seek out feedback, teachers and mentors to show them where their mistakes are and what they can do better.
A lot of us have some traits that reflect a little of the wimpy side. It's much easier to take the safe path. And, honestly, there's nothing wrong with being safe. But just as being safe reduces your risk of failure, it also reduces your risk of success.
Now, this isn't advice to go in to your boss and announce loudly that you quit because someone told you to. It isn't advice to be irrational. It isn't license to be rude. Wimps are rude. Strong people are politely firm. You must think through your plans--you must have plans in the first place. But it is advice to take your risks where there is potential for payoff. It is advice to speak up in a meeting. It is advice to work extremely hard and then ask your boss for the recognition you deserve.
In short, stop being a wimp.
www.chestertongray.com
Friday, 23 March 2012
Ironically, being a slacker leads to burn-out
If you were one of the many chronic procrastinators at university who swore you'd turn over a new leaf when you hit the workforce, psychologists have some bad news for you: studies suggest that the tendency to be a slacker actually bodes pretty badly for your career after graduation, and not in the ways you'd suspect.
How was this ominous titbit gleaned by researchers? The British Psychological Society Research Digest blog reports that a pair of psychologists completed standard tests of procrastination and expectations for success for nearly 300 college students. Then they tracked how these same students (now grown up and part of the workforce) were doing in their jobs.
The conclusion:Students who found reason to avoid work-related tasks at university, and who were pessimistic about their chances of success, were more likely, 10, 14 and 17 years later, to report feeling disengaged from their job, and were more likely to report experiencing work-related burnout.
What's the final thought on this? Primarily, that psychologists discover the strangest things, but the findings are also a stern warning that taking it easy and putting off tasks is not a recommended way to keep work easy-going. Ironically, a tendency to slack off seems to actually lead to burn out and boredom.
How was this ominous titbit gleaned by researchers? The British Psychological Society Research Digest blog reports that a pair of psychologists completed standard tests of procrastination and expectations for success for nearly 300 college students. Then they tracked how these same students (now grown up and part of the workforce) were doing in their jobs.
The conclusion:Students who found reason to avoid work-related tasks at university, and who were pessimistic about their chances of success, were more likely, 10, 14 and 17 years later, to report feeling disengaged from their job, and were more likely to report experiencing work-related burnout.
What's the final thought on this? Primarily, that psychologists discover the strangest things, but the findings are also a stern warning that taking it easy and putting off tasks is not a recommended way to keep work easy-going. Ironically, a tendency to slack off seems to actually lead to burn out and boredom.
Friday, 16 March 2012
Signs you're burnt out -- and what to do about it
As we approach the end of the first quarter of the year a recent conversation about the “desperate need” for a holiday made us re-appraise how we view our work. There are a number of warning signs that you are burning out on your business or your job:
1. You see weekends and holidays as R & R. If you look forward to a holiday because you want to do nothing and just veg out... you're burned out. Time off should be fun, adventurous, stimulating -- we all have chores to do, but if all you can think about is sitting on the couch and escaping from the grind you need to make changes.
What to do: Plan something for this weekend. anything; just make sure it's active. Go for a ramble or go cycling. Go to the cinema or the theatre. Do something you normally don't do. Don't worry about the household stuff, because an uncluttered mind beats an uncluttered home any day. Then try to plan (yes, plan) at least one thing you'll do each day just for yourself. Every day is the same when you have nothing to look forward to. Sameness is the mother of burnout.
2. You leave work thinking, "That is all I can handle today." We all have to go home at some point (even if "home" means walking up a flight of stairs.) But how you leave work means everything: If you leave because you've reached your limit then you allow too many headaches, problems, and crises to occur on a regular basis.
What to do: Save one fun thing and do it just before you leave work. If you run a business, choose something gratifying: Checking daily receipts, reading online feedback (hopefully positive), chatting briefly with employees, planning your next move... always leave on a positive note. The same applies if you work for someone else. Never save the tough stuff for last; how you leave work sets up your next day.
3. When you're home you think about work -- but not in a good way. We all take work home with us, even if only in our minds. What do you think about? Do you worry about what might go wrong? Do you dwell on interpersonal conflicts or the lack of opportunity? Some aspects of work are fun; the key is to think about them.
What to do: Don't wait for someone else to help you find the fun in what you do. Think of something you want to do differently. Then whenever you think about work force yourself to think about what you want to do instead of what you have to do. The "have to" stuff will find you whether you think about it or not; you are the only person you can rely on to find and do the stuff you want to do.
4. You hire or promote just about anyone. Hiring or promoting an employee should be just as exciting for you as it is for them. Think about it: You get new skills, new attitudes, new points of view... you get to leverage the skills and experience of others. Pretty cool, right? Not if you're burned out; then you see every new employee as a warm body and every promotion as an open slot filled.
What to do: After you select the best candidate, take a few minutes to reflect on why you chose them. Pay particular attention to the specific skills that put them over the top -- that's what you should seize on first. If an employee is great with people, have them start by repairing damaged or neglected customer relationships. You hired or promoted them for a reason; turn them loose! Your business wins, and so does your attitude.
5. You've stopped thinking about winning. Face it. We all try to win. We all want to succeed, to get promoted, to build a bigger business... we're all competitive to some degree. If you've stopped thinking about the next level then mentally you're stuck in a rut -- and your career is stuck, too.
What to do: Take a step back and think about what you once wanted to accomplish. Are those goals still realistic? If not, create new goals and targets. If there truly is no way "up" for you in your current business or profession it's probably time to move on, painful as that may be. But be objective: The "ceiling" you perceive is rarely impenetrable, only seeming that way because you've given up. Don't.
6. You think everyone else has it easy. Perspective is the first casualty of burnout. Lose perspective and you think the people around you get all the opportunities or the businesses around you get all the breaks. Deep inside you know that's not true, but you let yourself dwell in "woe is me land" because to accept that others have it just as rough -- and yet somehow are succeeding -- means the problem is you.
What to do: Accept the problem is you -- not in a depressing way but in a liberating way. Accepting that you are the problem instantly gives you control to find a solution. (When everyone else is to blame, what can you do?) Everyone has it rough. Everyone struggles. Everyone is impacted by forces outside their control. No problem: What will you do about it? No one has it easy, but people who accept responsibility for their future have it a lot easier than those who don't. You're in charge -- and that's a good thing.
Hopefully these thoughts will help you over the next few months and give you fresh impetus.
1. You see weekends and holidays as R & R. If you look forward to a holiday because you want to do nothing and just veg out... you're burned out. Time off should be fun, adventurous, stimulating -- we all have chores to do, but if all you can think about is sitting on the couch and escaping from the grind you need to make changes.
What to do: Plan something for this weekend. anything; just make sure it's active. Go for a ramble or go cycling. Go to the cinema or the theatre. Do something you normally don't do. Don't worry about the household stuff, because an uncluttered mind beats an uncluttered home any day. Then try to plan (yes, plan) at least one thing you'll do each day just for yourself. Every day is the same when you have nothing to look forward to. Sameness is the mother of burnout.
2. You leave work thinking, "That is all I can handle today." We all have to go home at some point (even if "home" means walking up a flight of stairs.) But how you leave work means everything: If you leave because you've reached your limit then you allow too many headaches, problems, and crises to occur on a regular basis.
What to do: Save one fun thing and do it just before you leave work. If you run a business, choose something gratifying: Checking daily receipts, reading online feedback (hopefully positive), chatting briefly with employees, planning your next move... always leave on a positive note. The same applies if you work for someone else. Never save the tough stuff for last; how you leave work sets up your next day.
3. When you're home you think about work -- but not in a good way. We all take work home with us, even if only in our minds. What do you think about? Do you worry about what might go wrong? Do you dwell on interpersonal conflicts or the lack of opportunity? Some aspects of work are fun; the key is to think about them.
What to do: Don't wait for someone else to help you find the fun in what you do. Think of something you want to do differently. Then whenever you think about work force yourself to think about what you want to do instead of what you have to do. The "have to" stuff will find you whether you think about it or not; you are the only person you can rely on to find and do the stuff you want to do.
4. You hire or promote just about anyone. Hiring or promoting an employee should be just as exciting for you as it is for them. Think about it: You get new skills, new attitudes, new points of view... you get to leverage the skills and experience of others. Pretty cool, right? Not if you're burned out; then you see every new employee as a warm body and every promotion as an open slot filled.
What to do: After you select the best candidate, take a few minutes to reflect on why you chose them. Pay particular attention to the specific skills that put them over the top -- that's what you should seize on first. If an employee is great with people, have them start by repairing damaged or neglected customer relationships. You hired or promoted them for a reason; turn them loose! Your business wins, and so does your attitude.
5. You've stopped thinking about winning. Face it. We all try to win. We all want to succeed, to get promoted, to build a bigger business... we're all competitive to some degree. If you've stopped thinking about the next level then mentally you're stuck in a rut -- and your career is stuck, too.
What to do: Take a step back and think about what you once wanted to accomplish. Are those goals still realistic? If not, create new goals and targets. If there truly is no way "up" for you in your current business or profession it's probably time to move on, painful as that may be. But be objective: The "ceiling" you perceive is rarely impenetrable, only seeming that way because you've given up. Don't.
6. You think everyone else has it easy. Perspective is the first casualty of burnout. Lose perspective and you think the people around you get all the opportunities or the businesses around you get all the breaks. Deep inside you know that's not true, but you let yourself dwell in "woe is me land" because to accept that others have it just as rough -- and yet somehow are succeeding -- means the problem is you.
What to do: Accept the problem is you -- not in a depressing way but in a liberating way. Accepting that you are the problem instantly gives you control to find a solution. (When everyone else is to blame, what can you do?) Everyone has it rough. Everyone struggles. Everyone is impacted by forces outside their control. No problem: What will you do about it? No one has it easy, but people who accept responsibility for their future have it a lot easier than those who don't. You're in charge -- and that's a good thing.
Hopefully these thoughts will help you over the next few months and give you fresh impetus.
Friday, 2 March 2012
Criticism and how to gain something positive from it.
We all want to feel like we're "good" at our jobs. More than ever, our identities are tied up in our professions. The first time that we meet someone new, the initial question is usually, "What do you do?" not, "What are your favourite hobbies?" or, "What kind of parent are you?" Nowadays work defines us in such a substantial way, even constructive criticism can feel like a blow.
Yet being able to accept and process criticism is crucial to success in the workplace. "You are not paid to be a diva, and if you act like one, you won't get promoted," said Roy Cohen, author of The Wall Street Professional's Survival Guide. Eventually, resistance to criticism may even get you fired as Lord Sugar has pointed out on numerous occasions. If you get defensive and shut down when criticised, you won't be able to turn those negative remarks around so that they can now have a positive affect on your career.
We have compiled 5 tips to help you use criticism to your advantage:
Listen and ask questions
It's very important to listen carefully and to ask questions -- not only will it help you understand the issue, but it'll show that you want to solve it. Showing a degree of empathy for the person giving the criticism will also work in your favour. A positive response such as: 'I wasn't aware of that -- where do we go from here?' will help you move forward.
Think about the source
Some criticism needs to be taken with a grain of salt. For instance, is this critique coming from someone who you need to impress and/or respect (such as your boss or mentor) or someone who might want you to second-guess yourself (such as a competitive colleague)? If the person is an expert who understands you and your skills and background, the criticism may well be valid and useful. If the person is not an expert or doesn't know you then the information may be less helpful. By the same token, it's probably best to ignore unhelpful career advice from your hairdresser or mother-in-law.
Consider sleeping on it
Particularly if you a highly defensive individual, you might consider listening to criticism, then asking for a follow-up conversation the next day. It is extremely helpful to revisit [the issues] with your boss the next morning, and that action will make you appear as a thoughtful employee. Not only will you be less likely to blow up or get defensive, but you may begin to solve the problem so you can make the criticism an opportunity for future success.
Give thanks for the critique
It's important to give genuine thanks for constructive criticism, especially if you consider it at all helpful. Expressing your gratitude conveys your belief that: 1) the person giving the feedback is someone you respect and trust and 2) you are open to constructive feedback. Showing that you are open to receiving criticism demonstrates that you are a team player, not a prima donna.
See the silver lining
The world is split into the optimists and the pessemists and even if you’re one of the latter, try to see the glass as half full. It may not feel like it in the heat of the moment - but criticism is actually a learning opportunity. If it is received in a positive light, it can be used to advance personal growth and development and may ultimately further your career. If the powers that be didn't think you brought value to your team, they wouldn't offer criticism -- they would just wait for an opportunity to either make you redundant or simply fire you.
Which situation would you actually rather go through?
The five reasons that we’ve come up with probably only scratch the surface, if you have others that are better or simply different then we’d love to hear them.
As ever the team can be contacted as www.chestertongray.com
Yet being able to accept and process criticism is crucial to success in the workplace. "You are not paid to be a diva, and if you act like one, you won't get promoted," said Roy Cohen, author of The Wall Street Professional's Survival Guide. Eventually, resistance to criticism may even get you fired as Lord Sugar has pointed out on numerous occasions. If you get defensive and shut down when criticised, you won't be able to turn those negative remarks around so that they can now have a positive affect on your career.
We have compiled 5 tips to help you use criticism to your advantage:
Listen and ask questions
It's very important to listen carefully and to ask questions -- not only will it help you understand the issue, but it'll show that you want to solve it. Showing a degree of empathy for the person giving the criticism will also work in your favour. A positive response such as: 'I wasn't aware of that -- where do we go from here?' will help you move forward.
Think about the source
Some criticism needs to be taken with a grain of salt. For instance, is this critique coming from someone who you need to impress and/or respect (such as your boss or mentor) or someone who might want you to second-guess yourself (such as a competitive colleague)? If the person is an expert who understands you and your skills and background, the criticism may well be valid and useful. If the person is not an expert or doesn't know you then the information may be less helpful. By the same token, it's probably best to ignore unhelpful career advice from your hairdresser or mother-in-law.
Consider sleeping on it
Particularly if you a highly defensive individual, you might consider listening to criticism, then asking for a follow-up conversation the next day. It is extremely helpful to revisit [the issues] with your boss the next morning, and that action will make you appear as a thoughtful employee. Not only will you be less likely to blow up or get defensive, but you may begin to solve the problem so you can make the criticism an opportunity for future success.
Give thanks for the critique
It's important to give genuine thanks for constructive criticism, especially if you consider it at all helpful. Expressing your gratitude conveys your belief that: 1) the person giving the feedback is someone you respect and trust and 2) you are open to constructive feedback. Showing that you are open to receiving criticism demonstrates that you are a team player, not a prima donna.
See the silver lining
The world is split into the optimists and the pessemists and even if you’re one of the latter, try to see the glass as half full. It may not feel like it in the heat of the moment - but criticism is actually a learning opportunity. If it is received in a positive light, it can be used to advance personal growth and development and may ultimately further your career. If the powers that be didn't think you brought value to your team, they wouldn't offer criticism -- they would just wait for an opportunity to either make you redundant or simply fire you.
Which situation would you actually rather go through?
The five reasons that we’ve come up with probably only scratch the surface, if you have others that are better or simply different then we’d love to hear them.
As ever the team can be contacted as www.chestertongray.com
Friday, 24 February 2012
The Three Types of Multi-taskers
It is an alleged well known fact that men cannot multi-task, or can they? But in this age when we all have to buckle down and do more roles as departments become leaner, the question is: What kind of multi-tasker are you?
"Bleary-eyed," might seem like the most obvious answer, and for many who juggle multiple roles, it's no doubt true. But a study by Montreal's Concordia University and University of Toronto finds that there are actually three distinct types of multi-taskers and that some styles are definitely healthier than others.
The Universities studied people who had three hats to wear: student, employee, and family member. How did they cope? It appears in three ways:
Problem solvers.
This group face the problems of juggling multiple roles head-on, but, ironically, their can-do attitude can eventually get them into trouble. Problem solvers are great planners, but often fail to realise that even the best planning isn't going to create more hours in the day. They often have trouble accepting the fact that if they keep trying to do it all, they'll eventually burn out. The researchers say it's better to admit at the outset that energy and time are finite, and that things are going to slip through the cracks no matter what.
Talkers.
So-called talkers use venting, complaining and commiseration to help them deal with the stresses of multiple roles. As in the other two styles, this comes with both positives and negatives. On the positive side, talking to family and friends can result in new ideas about how to get things done and encourage other folks to lend a hand when possible. On the negative side, it's very easy for commiseration to become an end in itself, reinforcing feelings of hopelessness and eating up way too much time.
Avoiders.
These folks are in denial, and it's hard to blame them. They cut back on stress by trying to avoid it, and often resort to bad habits-sleeping too much, drinking too much, using drugs-to keep them from thinking about the stress they're under. Yet this 'type' has something to teach the others, too. Everyone who juggles multiple roles needs a break now and then, and healthy diversions are much-needed.
How to Cope
The study went on to give some advice for multi-taskers:
• Find areas where you can do double duty. Is there work-related projects that could also earn you class credit? If you're looking after an elderly relative, bring your own kids along and ask them to cook dinner.
• Talk to your employer about flexible work arrangements, even if they're only temporary.
• Give yourself a break. Dodge the stress, at least for a short time, with a small indulgence - even if it's only watching a favourite TV show.
• Let things slide. The house is going to get dirty. There's no use fighting it.
So there according to the Universities we have it. What do you think is the best way to deal with the conflicting, constant, and overlapping demands of being a spouse, parent, student, employee maybe all at once?
Answers and thoughts, as ever, to the team at www.chestertongray.com
"Bleary-eyed," might seem like the most obvious answer, and for many who juggle multiple roles, it's no doubt true. But a study by Montreal's Concordia University and University of Toronto finds that there are actually three distinct types of multi-taskers and that some styles are definitely healthier than others.
The Universities studied people who had three hats to wear: student, employee, and family member. How did they cope? It appears in three ways:
Problem solvers.
This group face the problems of juggling multiple roles head-on, but, ironically, their can-do attitude can eventually get them into trouble. Problem solvers are great planners, but often fail to realise that even the best planning isn't going to create more hours in the day. They often have trouble accepting the fact that if they keep trying to do it all, they'll eventually burn out. The researchers say it's better to admit at the outset that energy and time are finite, and that things are going to slip through the cracks no matter what.
Talkers.
So-called talkers use venting, complaining and commiseration to help them deal with the stresses of multiple roles. As in the other two styles, this comes with both positives and negatives. On the positive side, talking to family and friends can result in new ideas about how to get things done and encourage other folks to lend a hand when possible. On the negative side, it's very easy for commiseration to become an end in itself, reinforcing feelings of hopelessness and eating up way too much time.
Avoiders.
These folks are in denial, and it's hard to blame them. They cut back on stress by trying to avoid it, and often resort to bad habits-sleeping too much, drinking too much, using drugs-to keep them from thinking about the stress they're under. Yet this 'type' has something to teach the others, too. Everyone who juggles multiple roles needs a break now and then, and healthy diversions are much-needed.
How to Cope
The study went on to give some advice for multi-taskers:
• Find areas where you can do double duty. Is there work-related projects that could also earn you class credit? If you're looking after an elderly relative, bring your own kids along and ask them to cook dinner.
• Talk to your employer about flexible work arrangements, even if they're only temporary.
• Give yourself a break. Dodge the stress, at least for a short time, with a small indulgence - even if it's only watching a favourite TV show.
• Let things slide. The house is going to get dirty. There's no use fighting it.
So there according to the Universities we have it. What do you think is the best way to deal with the conflicting, constant, and overlapping demands of being a spouse, parent, student, employee maybe all at once?
Answers and thoughts, as ever, to the team at www.chestertongray.com
Friday, 10 February 2012
The Eeyore Candidate
During a recent assignment we were interviewing candidates for a position that had been open for months and it felt like we were never going to find the right candidate who. That was until we found the perfect CV.
Before redundancy the candidate had a proven track record and had worked for some major companies in the right sector. Without any hesitation, we set up an interview and I was certain that as long as they showed up and were breathing, they’d get the job.
A week later it was time for the interview and I went to the reception where I saw two candidates waiting. One was sharply dressed and exuded confidence. The other looked like they had slept in their suit. Considering the importance of the role, the smart candidate had to be mine. I walked up and introduced myself, but a small, quiet voice behind me in the scruffy suit corrected me and introduced themselves as my candidate
What followed was the longest and most boring interview of my life. We gave them every possible opportunity to impress us, but every question was answered in a ho-hum tone and it became apparent that they weren’t all they seemed to be. Needless to say we didn’t include them on the shortlist but they definitely left an impression on me. We described them as Eeyore, the depressed donkey from “Winnie the Pooh.”
I understand that being unemployed and looking for work can turn even the best of us into an Eeyore, but keep in mind that Eeyores don’t get jobs.
If you think you might be an Eeyore candidate, try these 10 tips…
1) Surround yourself with positive peopleIdeally everyone you come across will be supportive of your job search, but some people’s idea of support is actually detrimental to your success. You will come across people that make up excuses for you, like “The job market just sucks right now. It’s not your fault.” Try to distance yourself from these people. While they are trying to help, their “solutions” will only keep you down. Instead, if you have friends, family, and colleagues who say things like “I know you can do it,” or “Keep it up!” or do things like e-mail you jobs to apply to, keep these people close. Their support is positive, and being around them will give you a more positive outlook.
2) Don’t take it personallyThe most amazing job seekers will encounter rejection from time to time. Most of the time, the reason for rejection has nothing to do with you anyway. The reason you don’t get the job or don’t even get an interview might be because of budgeting, internal candidates, or a complete revamp of the company or department you’re applying to. Don’t focus on things you can’t control. Focus on yourself and your abilities.
3) Tell yourself you’re hirable
If you’ve worked at least one day in your life, then you must have some hirable skills. You are good enough to get a job, but no one will hire you if you don’t think you deserve it. And besides, beating yourself up every day gets downright exhausting.
4) Practice interviewing
There’s nothing as depressing as completely blowing an interview. There’s one easy way to combat this: practice the interview. Most recruitment people will ask the same questions over and over again. You can find articles and books online of standard interview questions. One word of caution though: a successful interview isn’t just about being able to answer the questions. It’s about how you answer the questions. Practice how you will answer the questions you anticipate being asked. Set up a mock interview with a friend, a recruiter, or even your other half. Acting out the scenario in a friendly setting will help you prepare for the real deal.
5) Get out of the house
When you’re looking for a job, your job search should be one of your top priorities, but it should not be your only priority. You can only sit in front of your computer and send out CV’s for so long before you get cabin fever. Getting out of the house is okay. Reward yourself for your hard work by going out for a walk or a treat of some sort. Just getting outside, being around other people, and being in sunlight will have a dramatic effect on your outlook.
6) Network
Find some professional networking groups in your area or in your industry. Many of them may even have events that cater to people who are “in transition.” The people you meet at these events may be able to give you advice on how to be an effective job-seeker and may even point you in the direction of companies that are hiring.
7) Set small, achievable goals
It’s great to start with the end in mind, but don’t let the end be your one and only goal. If you wake up every day of your job search thinking, “Today is the day I get the job,” the fact of the matter is that you will fail from achieving your goal every day except for the very last day of your job search. That feeling of failure isn’t exactly motivating. Focus on the smaller steps you need to help get you there. Tell yourself, “I will apply to 15 jobs today,” or “I’ll RSVP for two networking events today.” These are small, achievable, attainable goals, and you will feel good about yourself when you cross them off your daily to-do list.
8) Go shopping and give yourself a job seeker makeover
As I commented at the start; Clothes definitely make the man (or woman), so take some time to go shopping for a new interview outfit if necessary. Apparently the act of shopping makes you temporarily happier!! Investing in a new outfit that makes you look like a success will also make you act like a success. When you like the way you look, you will exude the confidence, happiness, and positivity that Eeyore candidates lack.
9) If it’s really serious, then get serious help
Being unemployed, especially for a long period of time, can easily lead to a serious depression problem. If you notice any depression warning signs over an extended period of time, such as having difficulty getting out of bed every morning or heightened alcohol consumption, go to your doctor right away and get help. Your job search is important, but your mental health should always be your top priority. Also, if you are clinically depressed and not getting proper treatment, your depression will be a major hindrance to your job search. Take care of yourself and everything else will fall into place.
So let’s look forward to a positive year and make sure that it’s the one where we all achieve our objectives.
www.chestertongray.com
Before redundancy the candidate had a proven track record and had worked for some major companies in the right sector. Without any hesitation, we set up an interview and I was certain that as long as they showed up and were breathing, they’d get the job.
A week later it was time for the interview and I went to the reception where I saw two candidates waiting. One was sharply dressed and exuded confidence. The other looked like they had slept in their suit. Considering the importance of the role, the smart candidate had to be mine. I walked up and introduced myself, but a small, quiet voice behind me in the scruffy suit corrected me and introduced themselves as my candidate
What followed was the longest and most boring interview of my life. We gave them every possible opportunity to impress us, but every question was answered in a ho-hum tone and it became apparent that they weren’t all they seemed to be. Needless to say we didn’t include them on the shortlist but they definitely left an impression on me. We described them as Eeyore, the depressed donkey from “Winnie the Pooh.”
I understand that being unemployed and looking for work can turn even the best of us into an Eeyore, but keep in mind that Eeyores don’t get jobs.
If you think you might be an Eeyore candidate, try these 10 tips…
1) Surround yourself with positive peopleIdeally everyone you come across will be supportive of your job search, but some people’s idea of support is actually detrimental to your success. You will come across people that make up excuses for you, like “The job market just sucks right now. It’s not your fault.” Try to distance yourself from these people. While they are trying to help, their “solutions” will only keep you down. Instead, if you have friends, family, and colleagues who say things like “I know you can do it,” or “Keep it up!” or do things like e-mail you jobs to apply to, keep these people close. Their support is positive, and being around them will give you a more positive outlook.
2) Don’t take it personallyThe most amazing job seekers will encounter rejection from time to time. Most of the time, the reason for rejection has nothing to do with you anyway. The reason you don’t get the job or don’t even get an interview might be because of budgeting, internal candidates, or a complete revamp of the company or department you’re applying to. Don’t focus on things you can’t control. Focus on yourself and your abilities.
3) Tell yourself you’re hirable
If you’ve worked at least one day in your life, then you must have some hirable skills. You are good enough to get a job, but no one will hire you if you don’t think you deserve it. And besides, beating yourself up every day gets downright exhausting.
4) Practice interviewing
There’s nothing as depressing as completely blowing an interview. There’s one easy way to combat this: practice the interview. Most recruitment people will ask the same questions over and over again. You can find articles and books online of standard interview questions. One word of caution though: a successful interview isn’t just about being able to answer the questions. It’s about how you answer the questions. Practice how you will answer the questions you anticipate being asked. Set up a mock interview with a friend, a recruiter, or even your other half. Acting out the scenario in a friendly setting will help you prepare for the real deal.
5) Get out of the house
When you’re looking for a job, your job search should be one of your top priorities, but it should not be your only priority. You can only sit in front of your computer and send out CV’s for so long before you get cabin fever. Getting out of the house is okay. Reward yourself for your hard work by going out for a walk or a treat of some sort. Just getting outside, being around other people, and being in sunlight will have a dramatic effect on your outlook.
6) Network
Find some professional networking groups in your area or in your industry. Many of them may even have events that cater to people who are “in transition.” The people you meet at these events may be able to give you advice on how to be an effective job-seeker and may even point you in the direction of companies that are hiring.
7) Set small, achievable goals
It’s great to start with the end in mind, but don’t let the end be your one and only goal. If you wake up every day of your job search thinking, “Today is the day I get the job,” the fact of the matter is that you will fail from achieving your goal every day except for the very last day of your job search. That feeling of failure isn’t exactly motivating. Focus on the smaller steps you need to help get you there. Tell yourself, “I will apply to 15 jobs today,” or “I’ll RSVP for two networking events today.” These are small, achievable, attainable goals, and you will feel good about yourself when you cross them off your daily to-do list.
8) Go shopping and give yourself a job seeker makeover
As I commented at the start; Clothes definitely make the man (or woman), so take some time to go shopping for a new interview outfit if necessary. Apparently the act of shopping makes you temporarily happier!! Investing in a new outfit that makes you look like a success will also make you act like a success. When you like the way you look, you will exude the confidence, happiness, and positivity that Eeyore candidates lack.
9) If it’s really serious, then get serious help
Being unemployed, especially for a long period of time, can easily lead to a serious depression problem. If you notice any depression warning signs over an extended period of time, such as having difficulty getting out of bed every morning or heightened alcohol consumption, go to your doctor right away and get help. Your job search is important, but your mental health should always be your top priority. Also, if you are clinically depressed and not getting proper treatment, your depression will be a major hindrance to your job search. Take care of yourself and everything else will fall into place.
So let’s look forward to a positive year and make sure that it’s the one where we all achieve our objectives.
www.chestertongray.com
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