There are 1.47 million people out of work in the UK and the unemployment rate is currently growing more quickly than it has in almost five years. How can job seekers become more creative in their approach to finding work? One opportunity is the first impression you make. For example, Quinnstheprinters recently ran a competition for job-seeking [...]
Being a new manager can be both exciting and daunting at the same time. You want to get off to a good start but you don't know what you don't know. Naturally, you bring pre-conceptions with you. Yet, the reality can be a whole different ballgame. What do you need to look out for as a [...]
Harnessing the best of technology with the positive use of social media opens the doors to greater and more informed choices. There are plenty of Apps out there to advise on trips and trusted services. For good or bad, league tables rank our schools, colleges, and universities. So, I decided to see what's available in [...]
In 2018, it's no surprise that some of us listen to lectures, workshops, and meetings while taking notes on a digital device. Phones and tablets are constantly on our persons, while laptops have never been easier to transport. And yet, does using these devices improve your productivity? A new survey from My Own Stationery reveals that [...]
Here at Swanstaff Recruitment, we're really proud that we placed on the Sunday Times Top 100 Best Small Companies to Work For in 2017. But how does winning this award help you and your job search? Firstly, the award is talking about our employer branding, so what does that mean? Read on to find out! [...]
Managers are the butt of so much dissatisfaction in the workplace today. Often, they are piggies-in-the-middle between frontline employees, the wider organisation, and senior leaders. As the pressure to meet targets and deliver results pushes down, harassed managers face the tricky balancing act of trying to satisfy everyone. Depending on the culture, some succeed more [...]
The digital world in which we live transcends time and space so we can access people networks across the globe. Mentoring moments occur informally at astonishing rates as we give, share and reciprocate in an instant via online platforms and communities. People want and expect to use technology to make their lives easier. No surprise [...]
It's National Careers Week (#NCW2018) and National Apprenticeship Week (#NAW2018) from 5-9 March 2018. Mentoring plays a key role in career transitions and supporting apprentices. So, I've put together a free ebook on mentoring tips and modern practices. It will appeal to lifelong learners and employers interested in improving their understanding and enhancing their professionalism [...]
It’s not easy to conduct your job hunt while working. Finding the time to search and apply for roles, sneak glances at your emails and pick up calls from employers take enough time as it is. One of the biggest challenges, however, is being able to attend job interviews when you’re working a full-time job. [...]
I need a job. I want a career. They sound similar, but they're not. We all have needs and wants. Sometimes, we confuse the two, resulting in faulty thinking and actions. Let's take a closer look to understand the differences and how it helps your next job or career decision. Wants v Needs Many of you will be [...]
In every stage of life, we face new challenges and need to change, learn, and grow to overcome those challenges and become a more successful, well rounded, and productive person. That applies in the college classroom, in your post-graduation job search efforts, and in the new career you embark upon. In fact, being a lifelong learner [...]
Creativity is an essential component of any successful business. It’s what separates good ideas from great ones, and turns impossible problems into unique solutions. In 2016, the World Economic Forum revealed that creativity would become one of the most important, in-demand employability skills by 2020. Despite this, new research reveals that the way modern offices currently [...]
Recognition of the business benefits of mentoring is increasing. Unsurprising, given the perfect storm of disruption as the norm and demographic shifts leading to a multi-generational workplace. This post looks at debunking some myths, new approaches to mentoring, and how a new mentor can overcome common fears. The old paradigm The stereotype mentor of the last century [...]
As I walk past a local primary school, I see a banner attached to the railings. It proudly promotes the school's commitment to embedding a growth mindset in its children. Carol Dweck's concepts of a fixed mindset and a growth mindset are alive and mainstream. Whether they are in use as she intends is another [...]
When it comes to landing a job, Millennials are experts at reaching out to employers. They follow up on questions and ultimately sell themselves and their personal brand. Millennial applicants are put off if their potential employer does not respond with similar enthusiasm and engagement. If employers are distant and non-communicative, they may second-guess their choice [...]
Here's another list of blog posts to go with the millions of others at the end of the calendar year! My top 10 blog posts in 2017 are a combination of the most shared ones and personal favourites. They were published either on my website or as guest blogs on other platforms. It's tough writing [...]
If you are unhappy with your current job or career direction, I'll guess it will cross your mind at some point over the Festive break. Those daydreaming moments when you wonder if or how things will change for the better. You say to friends and family that you want to change jobs but, before you [...]
Do you like being in control of your job and career? Does not being in control feel uncomfortable and disabling? Wanting to be more in control of your life at work and beyond is a common coaching issue. Unsurprising, given today's perfect storm of tech, politics, economics, social, legal, and environmental changes. Uncertainty and the [...]
Recently, I visited the new Design Museum in Kensington, London, relocated from its former South Bank home. Now housed in the old Commonwealth Institute building, it's a gorgeous use of space, light, angles, colours, and materials. Imagine the pressure on the designers creating something that meets the expectations of a design museum! An enlightening experience full [...]
Blogs are everywhere. The choice of what to read can be overwhelming unless you're selective. The blogging explosion in the last decade reflects the empowering nature of the digital age. It's never been easier and there's no holding back anymore. Everyone has a voice and a platform to express it. But like speaking in public, [...]
