Ten Seconds...
and Counting

 

 

Networking: 

 

Staying in the Game

 

Did you know that about 80% of jobs never appear in advertisements in newspapers, professional journals or job search engines on the net?

 

It is all too true!

 

Though most organizations, particularly in the government and community sector, are required to advertise, most other jobs are filled through personal and professional contacts. So, keeping up and developing your personal, social and professional networks is the most valuable and essential tool in job hunting. 

 

Where are these networks?

 

You don’t have to be a high flyer with friends in high places.  Everyone has networks. 

 

You have informal networks – such as family, friends, social, school, sporting or special interest groups. These will help to sustain you through tough times and will also be a ready source of opportunities and ideas.

 

There are also formal networks to explore - such as membership of professional organisations, university, college or school alumni associations and others.  These often have professional development or special interest courses, as well as seminars and conferences.

 

Keeping in touch and actively participating in their activities is essential because, in these situations, you can meet people with useful ideas or contacts for you to follow up.  You might also meet people who have needs that you could meet!

 

Many professional associations also provide an employment service for their members.  Make sure you contact them for advice or information.  Regularly visit their websites as these may have programs of events that could offer you opportunities to meet others in your profession. 

 

How to network

 

To start networking, you have to take two very important steps …first, get out of your house…then, let people know who you are.

 

Attend functions, courses, seminars……and make sure you have a good handful of cards to give out with your contact details. 

 

A small investment in business cards will pay dividends in the contacts you can make.  So, when you go to events, make sure you give out as many cards as you collect.

 

Make yourself contact some or all of the people whose cards you collect.  You could start with those who do things similar to you.  Or, start with those who do something completely different.  Whatever…..just make a start!

 

Keep in touch with friends and acquaintances and let people know you are looking.  This is really important if you are unemployed.  You just might meet someone who needs a service you can provide…or, you might meet someone who needs you.

 

Getting out and about, meeting up with friends and colleagues, or attending courses and seminars is crucial.  Not only does this help you to get ideas and find opportunities to follow up, it combats the feelings of isolation and negativity that being unemployed or between jobs can often create.

 

This is vital - because being able to project a positive and proactive outlook can make a real difference for you on that all important interview.  A prospective employer is much more likely respond favourably to a candidate with a positive attitude than to a candidate who looks desperate.

 

So….get out of your shell, look about you and meet people…you might even have fun on the way to that job.

 

Guest Contributors

 

Impressive Interviews welcomes three guest writers who give their unique perspective on:

 

• Career change – Ron Kelly, a lecturer in Human Resource Management and Industrial Relations at the University of Western Sydney. Ron was a careers counsellor and high school teacher, and is currently taking a Masters Degree in Education looking at career opportunities for School Career Counsellors. 
• Preparing for job interviews - Angelique Miljevic is the Director of Web and Zen a growing web development company which develops web sites for a range of businesses. Prior to establishing her firm Angelique worked as a freelance web developer/designer for a number of years and as an architectural technician. Angelique has a Graduate Diploma in Design Science (Digital Media) and an Associate Diploma in Design Science.  Her tips are helpful not just to those in IT or design, but to anyone preparing for their interview.
• How to make that extra income grow. David Love, Proprietor of RetireInvest Sydney Inner West is an experienced financial adviser who helps clients of all ages to achieve their financial goals.  David has set out a few tips on how best to use that extra income to build financial security

 Ron Kelly - Approaching a Career Change

 

In approaching a career change there are a number of possibilities – whether that change is voluntary or involuntary. 

 

With voluntary career change, a person should engage in a considered, well-researched and reflective process.  Answering the following questions will help clarify your thinking:

 

• What are my interests?
• What are my abilities?
• What careers/jobs can I do based on the above answers? 
• Am I being realistic in this list of jobs or careers? 
• How can I find information about current opportunities in these careers?

Don’t struggle with this task alone.  Look for help by referring to a range of written and electronic resources on the topic of career change.  There is a lot you can find on the internet or even your local library. 

 

Also, you can see a career consultant for professional guidance. These experts use a range of tests to help you answer the key questions.  But, remember, you need to answer these tests honestly and ultimately, you make your own decision.

 

Involuntary career moves brought about by an unexpected job loss are clearly more difficult. 

 

If there is an option for career counselling as part of a termination, make the most of it. It really can be very helpful.

 

However, as a more proactive approach, it is useful to have a sense of a ’plan B’ worked out.  You can adapt the approach suggested under ‘voluntary career change’.

 

In either case, an effective technique is to develop a network of contacts that can provide you with information about jobs and careers of interest.

 

When planning a career change:-

 

·        Select a job or career for which you have a genuine passion.  The feeling of job satisfaction remains long after you have spent the money you earn in a lesser job.

 

·        Look at the pattern in your jobs and careers to date.  Your next move should ideally allow you to use the skills and talents you have developed as an employee - or self-employed person - in your next role.

 

·        Ask yourself ‘what will I miss in my current job or career?' This will help you to identify what is important to you.

 

·        Do not assume that you can return to a particular type of work and that it will be the same as your previous experience.

 

·        When changing to a different job or career, try to give yourself a break if you can afford it.  Giving yourself time to refresh mind and body, will give you a much more positive outlook and time to explore and develop ideas for your next move.

 

·        It is generally easier to start by considering work within your own industry.  Changes outside your existing career often require significant retraining and/or expense.

 

·        Identify your skills and use the list (tailored to individual job vacancies) when applying for a new position.

 

·        Believe the advertised job is the one you want. If you don’t believe it then it is unlikely you will convince the recruiter/employer.

 

·        For those 50 plus, think about how you may wish to remain in your profession or career as you get older. Explore the options for phasing out of full-time work gradually, rather than going ‘cold-turkey’ with a total withdrawal from work. Explore such options with your employer before taking steps to reduce your current workload.

 

If you have any questions for Ron please email them to newsletter@impressiveinterviews.com.au and he will be happy to respond.

 

Ron has also contributed a brief, but reflective autobiography, in the hope that his experience might inspire or inform your own thinking.  This is attached as a separate document.

 

Angelique Milojevic – Interview Tips 

Angelique’s tips are particularly useful for people seeking work in IT and creative arts – but you can adapt them to your own interview preparation.

 

·        If you’re applying for a web design role, create an online portfolio. Keep it simple and let your work shine through.

 

·        Do create digital art in your spare time. Anything that shows your creativity needs to be part of your portfolio.

 

·        Never stop learning.  Improving your skills and keeping yourself up to date on the new techniques in your profession or industry is essential.

 

·        Look at your previous jobs. What skills did you learn there? How can those skills be used in this position? Don’t forget to let them know in the interview about your other skills, not just design, as these are also very important.

 

·        Before the interview, research the company. The internet is a great tool for this. Get online and find their website.  The prospective employer will respond well if you show that you are as interested in the company as your are in the job!

 

·       Bring a list of questions for the interviewer, this shows your interest. Structure them around the company and the position offered.

 

·       Think from the point of view of the prospective employer. Thinking in their shoes and asking yourself the kind of question they will ask will help you to be more prepared for the interview and, therefore, more positive and ready for anything they might ask you.

 

·        Don’t discuss an hourly rate or salary until the position is offered as it is much easier to negotiate when you know that they want you.

 

·        Meditate just before the interview. Take deep breaths and relax.

 

·        Go into the interview, be yourself and enjoy the experience!

 

If you have any questions for Angelique please email them to angelique@webandzen.com

 

David Love - Don’t let that extra income slip through your fingers!

 

Achieving your financial goals requires discipline and some planning.  So, if you have just received a pay rise, why not consider the following:

 

·        Make the tax system work for you

By using the tax concessions associated with investing in superannuation, tax deductible debt, and utilising lower marginal tax rates of low income earning partners you can keep more of your hard earned investment income.

 

·        Understand and manage the risks associated with investing

All investing involves a trade-off between risk and return.  Generally the higher the risk, the higher the potential long-term return.  By understanding and managing the risks associated with investing you have a better chance of improving return on your investment.  A well constructed portfolio manages risk by investing in well researched investments, diversifying your investments and investing for appropriate time frames.

 

·        Protect your biggest asset – your ability to earn income

Many people have their cars and home contents insured but neglect to insure their ability to earn income.  Loss of that ability through illness or injury can have a far more serious effect on your financial well being than loss of a tangible item.  By using your pay rise to pay for income protection premiums, not only should you receive a healthy tax deduction but you should also achieve significant peace of mind by protecting your future income.

 

·        Start a disciplined investment program – work with an expert

A suitably qualified financial planner will help you to put a step by step financial plan in place.  By bringing discipline into your financial habits, you will quickly see progress towards your financial goal.

 

For more information you can call David on (02) 9713 5299 or visit his website www.retireinvest.com.au/abbotsford

 

The above is general advice. You should not act on any recommendation without considering your personal needs, circumstances and objectives.  RetireInvest recommends you obtain professional financial advice specific to your circumstances.