Flexible Working Hours = Increased Productivity and Engagement

Flexible Working Hours = Increased Productivity and Engagement Flexible working helps employers meet the changing needs of customers and staff. Globalisation, a competitive environment and technological advances mean most of us work at times and in places that don’t fit the traditional 9-5 Monday-Friday pattern. Employers have a ‘duty of care’ to protect employees from risks to their health and safety, which might include stress caused by long hours or the struggle to balance work and home life. It’s important for managers to consider what flexible adjustments might be made to support staff who need to combine work with caring responsibilities. Promoting flexible working hours to  your staff makes good business sense and offers a lot of benefits: Improved cost-effectiveness and efficiency, savings on overheads or less downtime for machinery Extended operating hours to service the 24/7 expectations of customers Ability to attract and retain a skilled and diverse workforce with reduced recruitment costs and better employee relations More job satisfaction, improved staff morale, engagement, motivation and commitment and reduced levels of sickness absence. Increased customer satisfaction and loyalty as a result of the above. Improved competitiveness and the ability to react to changing market conditions effectively Efficient managers need to make best use of resources and flexible work patterns address workplace pressures by optimising available labour and improving customer service. Barriers to change These will vary from place to place, but here are some things to consider when  planning a flexible working policy: Potential operational difficulties, additional costs and resistance from managers Possible pressure on workers who aren’t requesting flexible working Potential negative impact on customer service and quality of work Problems in scheduling work and shifts with varied work arrangements to consider Difficulties in communicating with employees not working on organisational premises Flexible working may help improve health and wellbeing and, as a result, reduce absenteeism, increase productivity, and enhance employee engagement and motivation. Plan for fitness and flexibility The main benefit of working flexibly for employees is that it offers the chance to fit other commitments and activities around work and make better use of free time. Consult employees and show how flexible working arrangements may impact on the business. Consider such things as: What flexible working arrangements will be suit the organisation? How will applications for flexible work be dealt with the administration? Are there jobs that might be difficult to do via a flexible working arrangement? How flexible are IT arrangements for employees working away from the base premises? A CIPD report on ‘Flexible working provision and uptake’ in 2012 found that 72% of the employers surveyed believed that implementing flexible working practices had a positive impact on staff engagement and 73% felt that it had a positive impact on employee motivation. Not all flexible working arrangements will be suitable but technology means that most roles can be adapted to be more flexible. For some customer facing roles options may be limited but flexitime, part-time working and job sharing are worth considering. Flexible work arrangements succeed when employees and managers communicate well, respecting organisational and individual needs, obligations and responsibilities. The relationship between manager and employee working flexibly is key to the success of any arrangement and is facilitated by setting and documenting clear and realistic expectations.

Resume Writing Led - What Is Resume Writing Led?

Resume Writing Led - What Is Resume Writing Led?Is it the time to look into resume writing led? It is a skill to be able to make a resume to grab the attention of a potential employer.People put thought and effort into making a resume that will give an actual look to how they present themselves. While resumes can be hard to write, there are a few things you should take in mind in order to make the process easier. In this article, we'll look at what is resume writing led.Resume writing led is basically all about creating a resume that would give the employer an idea of what you might be capable of doing for them. In other words, it should be easy to read and understand. You should also include the most important information possible. After all, the information that is given to the employer is crucial and will definitely impact the hiring decision. Just make sure that it does not contain spelling or grammatical errors.What is resume writing led entails not only about how a resume looks , but how it is written. The resume should be efficient and productive as well. It should also make the employer think about you as an employee and consider your skills and talents.When you find the skills needed for the job and what they are, then write them down. Your skills should be there on paper and you should also list the reason why you are qualified for the job. This helps the employer see the reason behind your being hired. It also makes them aware of your accomplishments.Next, you need to determine the qualifications. The important qualifications are the ones that the employer is most likely going to look at. This is the part where you will show what you can do for them. What you're trying to do here is to show the potential employer that you are the best candidate for the job. The list of your qualifications should also include your interests and hobbies as well.Getting the right words on your resume is the only thing that is resume writing led. One mistake that people m ake is including too much information on the resume. So you need to be careful in the way you write the resume. You should be focusing on the most important parts and leave out the extraneous and irrelevant information.One of the most common mistakes that people make is using the wrong type of font in their resumes. So you should use the type that will reflect how professional you are. So the next time you're looking for the right kind of resume to be written, remember these tips and be more successful in getting a job.

3 Tips for Getting Your Voice Heard In the Workplace

3 Tips for Getting Your Voice Heard In the Workplace For women in the workplace, it can at times be difficult to feel like your voice is being heard.  Or that your opinion matters as much as your male counterparts. All too often, women are either pigeonholed as being too harsh in their demeanor or being too soft. But successful women don’t all fall into these two categories. It’s important to know how you can be effective in your position without playing these roles.  Because both of them  likely won’t get you your desired results anyway. So to help all those women who feel neglected in the boardroom, here are three tips for getting your voice heard in the workplace. Start Outside of Work First If you have a hard time speaking up for yourself and expressing your thoughts or ideas in a confrontational environment, getting your feet wet in this arena at work may not be your best bet. Margarita Tartakovsky, a contributor to PsychCentral.com, suggests starting the process of being more assertive outside of work where the stakes aren’t as high for you. This could include correcting a server who gets your order wrong at a restaurant.  Or saying “no” to an offer you don’t want to take.  Or even striking up a brief conversation with a stranger at the store. All of these things will get you more comfortable.  Soon, youll be talking to people in situations where you might otherwise be uncomfortable expressing your thoughts or opinions. Know the Difference Between Being Aggressive and Assertive While being assertive in the workplace is a positive thing, it’s important to know the difference between being assertive and being aggressive. For people who aren’t used to being assertive, practicing this trait might come off as aggressive until you’ve honed the skill. Paolina Milana, a contributor to TheMuse.com, shares that when you’re speaking assertively, you’re authoritative yet respectful. Communication becomes more aggressive when you sound accusatory or defensive. If you feel that you’re walking a thin line between being assertive and aggressive, try reigning in your tone. Stop Apologizing One of the biggest detractors from being heard in the workplace, especially for women, is being too apologetic about things that you shouldn’t actually apologize for. But for women, it just comes naturally to apologize if there’s been miscommunication or hurt feelings. While this may make you feel better, it won’t help your standing in your company. Lisa Washington, a contributor to AllWomensTalk.com, shares that when you are too apologetic at work, you convey a lack of confidence in yourself. This makes it hard for people to listen to and trust you. So to be better heard and respected, stop apologizing so much. Start Getting Your Voice Heard! If you find that it’s hard for you to be heard and taken seriously at your job, use the tips mentioned above.  You, too can become more assertive and get what you want at the workplace. Image credits Main     Assertive

What is an Office Assistant What Do They Do - Algrim.co

What is an Office Assistant What Do They Do - Algrim.co An Office Assistant is a flexible front-desk team member who plays a number of roles. From the front-desk duties to assisting executives with note-taking or other administrative tasks. Office Assistants receive this title because they are often flexible team members versus strictly handling front-desk duties. This position would be ideal for you if you feel like you can multi-task and become a multidisciplinary team member within a business center. What Does an Office Assistant Do? Some responsibilities of an Office Assistant consist of scheduling, appointment making, monitoring office supplies, coordinating teams, coordinating departments, coordinating board member meetings, coordinating executive team member meetings, performing front-desk duties, checking in guests to the corporate center, and much more. An Office Assistant receives this title because they aren’t simply focusing on receptionist style duties and responsibilities. How Do You Become an Office Assistant? Office Assistants rarely need a bachelor’s degree in order to receive the position. Being able to show that you know how to manage an office, understanding business center or office center requirements, and other administrative needs can go a long way in ensuring that you receive this job. Compensation of an Office Assistant The compensation for an Office Assistant is generally on an hourly basis. The average Office Assistant will earn roughly $15 per hour. Which equates to somewhere in the range of $31,480 to $41,450 per year. Office Assistant Resources Office Assistant Cover Letter Sample Related Hiring Resources 10+ Office Assistant Interview Questions To Get Hired With Office Assistant Cover Letter Sample Medical Office Assistant Job Description

Tips For Writing a Resume For Seniors

Tips For Writing a Resume For SeniorsWriting a resume for seniors is easier than you think. With these simple tips you'll have no trouble crafting a professional looking document that will land you the job of your dreams.The first thing you must do is choose the right field of work that you're interested in. While it's important to choose a position that you enjoy doing, it's also important to choose one that is within your educational or employment goals. Some jobs are better suited for younger people but some positions are better suited for seniors who may not be as motivated to work on a project as someone who is in their mid to late forties.Make sure that the position that you're applying for requires a certain amount of experience. Even if you haven't had any formal education, many positions require more experience than just a year or two. Carefully consider what type of experience you have and look for a job that would allow you to grow and learn. Being overqualified for a job is not a good reason to get rejected.No matter how old you are, it's always important to dress in a professional appearance. Many seniors look better dressed than others. When your resume is complete, make sure that you include your resume cover letter in the job application along with any other materials that you may be asked to include. It can help if you have this enclosed with your resume so that the person reviewing your application will have a better idea of what you've put on paper.Do not write the 'human' part of your resume. As a senior citizen, you already know how to write it. When you write about yourself, it's going to seem hurried and rushed. Use descriptive words and be direct, focusing your words on the skills and experiences that you bring to the table and not your age.If you're trying to catch the attention of a hiring manager by being a copy machine, don't bother writing a resume for seniors. The only job openings where your resume is truly needed are those requir ing experience. If you have knowledge in a certain field that is related to the position you're applying for, include it. It won't help if you're thinking of the one line that is going to get you the job over a long list of applicants.When you're looking at one job after another, try to narrow your choices down to one. It can take a while to get through hundreds of applications and even longer to find a position that matches the qualifications you've listed. Instead of listing everything you want from an employer, list the skills that you're most interested in having. This will get you to the next step faster and you'll have a clearer picture of what it will take to fit your desires into the positions available.These are some of the best tips for writing a resume for seniors that will help you get through this process with ease. Keep in mind that you'll be the most likely to get hired if you know what you want and what the position will require of you.

Say What

Say What One of the hardest things for job seekers to figure out is what to say! How do you explain you are looking for a new job? How do you invite someone to connect on LinkedIn? What do you say when you write an email to someone you dont know? The list goes on and on. Up until now, there hasnt been a single source to consult. Never fear! Your quest for answers to all these questions and more is here! Two friends recently published an award-winning book and I want to let you know about it! (Small disclaimer, I did contribute a small blurb and review!) 100 Conversations for Career Success By Laura M. Labovich and Miriam Salpeter No longer do you have an excuse for not knowing what to say! These experts have pulled it all together for you! These are just some of the many topics addressed: What to include in your pitch (with examples) How to make cold calls and leave the right voice mail messages Developing your personal marketing plan (my all time favorite job search tool!) What to say when you are reaching out to long-lost contacts and friends How to ask someone to serve as a reference Questions to ask during an informational meeting All sorts of examples of what to say when you follow-up Social network status updates to catch the eyes of your contacts LinkedIn profile makeovers Sending relevant articles to contacts and connections So what are you waiting for? Check it out! And let me know what you think! I am fairly certain this will be a book you keep near you at all times!

Cover Letter Avoid Irritating the Hiring Folks with These 3 Tips! Part 1 - Hire Imaging

Cover Letter Avoid Irritating the Hiring Folks with These 3 Tips! Part 1 - Hire Imaging A cover letter is still one of the most important pieces of your career communications dashboard, even in today’s world of Twitter and bullet points! It goes without saying that your cover letter should be error free. Yet, some slip-ups are more subtle than others. They occur more often than one might expect. Here are a few examples adapted from real-world job candidates; and tips on how to avoid them. While the following examples may seem no-brainers, they are all taken from my client filesâ€"true BEFORE letters! Cover Letter: Oops #1 Declared Limitations. Some job seekers wrongly mention their weaknesses in their cover letters, hoping to avert an employer’s intent. This is not a good move, because the letter emphasizes your shortcomings rather than your strong suits. More importantly, it takes away from the fact that you should be trying to specifically mirror back qualifications relative to the job criteria. Examples of what not to say: “Although I don’t have related experience, I know I can do the job; and remain very interested in the store management position.” “I may not be your most qualified candidate, but I have heart and desire to work in the world of websites.”   Cover Letter: Oops #2 Distortion . Whether you are starting your job search or in the final candidate pool, never, ever falsify anything about yourself. If discovered, this will likely be your end with most organizations. Prevention is key here. Stick to the facts. You’re selling your talents and success stories in your cover letter. If you accomplished something, tell it (if relevant to your goal) and in the best possible light! Don’t be modest! At the same time, don’t inflate to the point of misrepresentation. There is a difference. And in this age of technology, hiring folks can most often easily find out that you twisted the truth; let’s face it; you lied. Examples of what not to say: “In May, I graduated with honors from the University of Minnesota. During that time, I held down three jobs while concurrently serving on two student boards and playing varsity soccer.” The above candidate in truth worked two hours on Saturdays in three offices at her church; joined two clubs in name only, and practiced one time on the team before being cut. Come on! “Since beginning my sales career six years ago, I have received hundreds of recognitions; and am considered by those at the top to be the best salesperson on the West Coast.” All I can say about the above, is, well … just … really??? Cover Letter: Oops #3 Insistent Self-Centered Assertions. Your cover letter should show what you can do for the employer, not what he or she can do for you. For example, instead of stating “I am looking for   an exceptional opportunity in which I will be adequately challenged,” say “I am confident I could immediately contribute to ABC Company’s continued success, specifically by as much as doubling your East Coast Region, positioning you as the #2 player in the U.S. market. Examples of what not to say: “Bringing me on board will be the best hiring decision you make this year.” Or “I’m in town and available for an in-person interview next Tuesday around 10:00. Let’s meet to talk about my candidacy in greater depth.” Both the above statements are very presumptuous. Would any hiring manager be impressed? I don’t think so. Would it likely squelch the candidate’s chances of getting to first base? Probably. I’ll share three more common killer cover letter bloopers in my next post! If you’d like to share some, I’d love to hear from you. If you are struggling with cover letters or resumes, I can help! Photo: dingler1109