Tag Archives: Business

How to Manage Staff (For Beginners)

06 Tuesday Oct 2015

Posted by in Graduate Stories, Work

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By Debisi Desalu

Today’s graduates are ambitious and want to climb the career ladder quicker than previous generations. Graduates employed in start-up companies and small charities (such as student unions) will have management responsibility very early on in their careers. Management training is limited but you are still expected to deliver. Check out my top tips for how to manage staff.

Get them on board

A good induction is vital. This ensures that staff members have the knowledge and tools needed to do the job. Nothing is more dis-empowering than having to do something or being expected to do something you haven’t been trained to do or been given the tools to do. Making sure your induction and training is relevant increases the likelihood of success.

   Expectations and Accountability

Be clear on your expectations from the start, so each staff member understands their role. Once the expectations have been set ensure you are transparent about how performance will be measured. Hold staff accountable for their results without being dis empowering but most importantly create an atmosphere where your staff can hold you to account as well.

Bond with your staff

Many studies show that staff members happiness and engagement at work is directly linked to the relationship with their line manager and their wider team. Building this sense of shared goals is very important and taking the time to get to know your staff members makes them feel valued and ensures they work to the best of their ability. Doing this from the start will honestly make managing that person a lot easier. Come up with engaging activities you can do together that get them connected to the strategy, their targets and form shared goals for the team.

 Recognize your staff as individuals

As a manager it is easy to get so tied up to the process that we lose sight of the individual. One size does not fit all when it comes to managing staff and expecting the same template or management style to work for everyone is not a good way to go. Monthly 1-2-1 for example should be different depending on the individual and what they need from you, what barriers they are facing and their personality type. Some may want a full-blown coaching session while others might just want a to-do list to crack on with. Work with the staff member to get a process that works for them.

                                  Empowerment and Involvement

Empower your staff to make decisions. Let people know how their work helps achieve the bigger picture. I work with receptionists and call centre staff and they are happy to do the same tasks day after day because they can see how it makes the organisation better, how it’s valued and how it’s helping us achieve our strategy.

Personal Development

Try and help your staff set personal development goals and make time to help them achieve them. Don’t be afraid to get them ready for their next step and be comfortable knowing the next step may not be with you. Ask them what their long-term goals are and try to link those to work goals if possible. Staff need to know that you are thinking about their longer term success and not just their next appraisal.

Debisi Desalu is a People and Office Manager in London. She currently manages 11 staff members. 

Are you a new manager, what is the biggest challenge you have faced so far? 

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Get Fit, Get a Job

17 Saturday Aug 2013

Posted by in Work

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love yourself

Most of us spent three years living on takeaways and drinking unsafe amounts of alcohol- wasn’t it amazing? Those memories aren’t just on Facebook but are also visible on your waist line. According to British reality star Katie Hopkins, overweight people look “lazy” and “unprofessional.” Can physical appearance really impact on your job prospects? I believe it can. Your qualifications may get you an interview but your appearance can secure it.  So it’s not just strippers and page 3 models that need to be body beautiful. It’s time to prepare yourself for the competitive world of work.

You Are What you Eat 

Are you constantly tired and lack motivation? This could be down to your diet. As I’m sure you know, junk food lacks nutritional value and is full of nasty chemicals. Like any other addiction, the more you eat the more you crave. It’s time to over haul your lifestyle. That doesn’t mean turning into a gym bunny and only eating salads. It’s about find a lifestyle that you can sustain and that gives you energy. This will make you feel more confident and you will gain a positive mindset. You will also notice yourself losing weight with minimum effort. All the resources you need can be found online, Google is your friend.

Dance your Depression away

Like most people, I have a love hate relationship with exercise. This used to mean that I avoided it all together, but now I prefer little and often. Everything should be done in moderation. I like to alternate my exercise between running and Zumba. Do something that gives you energy and makes you feel alive. Most of you will end up with office based jobs and you can end up eating all day (my first week of work proves this.) Learning to maintain a healthy weight affects more then just your clothes but also gives you greater sense of well being.

Set Timed Goals

A goal without a time frame is just a dream. I know that you are unable to control when you will get a job. However you can control how many jobs you apply for each week. As you know job applications are long, so make sure that the jobs you are applying for are relevant to your field (this could mean taking an admin job in your chosen field and working your way up.) In the mean time it is a good idea to think about the kind of life you want (how to attract the life you want.) Do you want to a standard 9-5 or do you want flexible working hours, so that you can pursue other interests/ business ideas. This is your life and you need to have a vague direction. Once you know this, it will be easier to attract the kind of job you are looking for.

Be Ruthless

What makes you difference from the next person going for the job that you want? If you know that you have a special skills or talent, highlight this in your application or job interview (How to succeed in a graduate job interview ) Don’t tell your friends the kind of jobs you are applying for or who the companies are. In the world of employment they are just another competitor. Feel free to brag about your job after you get one but not before. If you know someone who works in your chosen field, ask them if there are any jobs going. A lot of companies have vacancies but don’t advertise them. Even if nothing happens straight away, you may be kept in mind if anything comes up. The people who get jobs are usually persistent, ruthless or lucky. Give yourself the best chance.

You must be physically and mentally fit, in order to compete in the job market. The people who become lazy are usually the ones who end up as another graduate statistic. Don’t let that be you. I hope you have enjoyed this blog, if you have please share it with your friends.

Keep job hunting, remain strong.

How to Get a Graduate Job

07 Wednesday Aug 2013

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got jobsGraduation is a memory and your tired of watching day time TV. Your applying for endless jobs- so what are you doing wrong?  Your only crime is not graduating from a Russell Group university. Those fortunate students managed to secure jobs before cap and gowns had even been purchased. The truth is universities don’t do enough, to prepare graduates for the competitive world of work. Despite this, the world doesn’t owe you anything and you must rely on yourself.

What is a graduate Job? 

A graduate job is usually an entry level job that provides training over a period of time. This could also be a job within a professional sector such  public services or education. The job role will be more extensive and your pay should match this. However, pay varies depending on the company/ organisation and the profession. In a graduate job you will be starting at the bottom, so be prepared to work extra hard. You will have unlimited progression power and an opportunity to make a career in you chosen field. This would be the perfect time to ask yourself if you want a graduate job. Maybe you want to start your own business or get a job with less commitment. Think about this carefully because you don’t want to waste your time.

Still interested? You will need:

Passion

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What is the one thing that you are always doing? This could be anything and doesn’t have to be related your degree. If you are not passionate about the jobs you are applying for, this will be obvious in your application. Remember every job receives thousands of applications, so you want to make yours different. Show a real passion and knowledge for your field. When writing applications always state that you would be happy to discuss your thoughts/ ideas, in more detail at the interview. This shows real passion but most of all positive thinking- you must believe that you can do the job before you get an interview. Advice on How to succeed in a Graduate interview can be found in my previous post.

Perseverance 

 ppp

Finding your passion is one thing, but keeping it is quite another. Positive thinking is what will get you through the hard days. You must give each job application 100%. This gives you the best chance of success. As you will know, graduate application forms are long and tedious, but don’t let this put you off. Do each section over a period of hours and save it when your tired. If you have to write a personal statement- with the most common question being “How do you match our job specification, be sure to give detailed examples.” This question is asking you to exaggerate all your job and life experience in order to meet their specifications- please note exaggerate doesn’t mean lie. As this is an extended piece of writing, treat it like a coursework and get a friend to check it for spelling, grammar and clarity.  This could be the difference between an interview or a rejection email.

Imagination

As a fresh graduate you should be brimming with creativity. Gone are the days where your main traits could be problem solving and good communication skills. Employers wants someone who is going to add value to their company or improve their service. When writing your job application, explicitly state what value you would add to the company/ organisation. This could make all the difference in gaining that vital interview. If you are looking for a job in a competitive field, it may be useful to look for smaller companies. For example, if you can’t get a job as a feature writer at Hello magazine, try your local newspaper. One of the things about being a modern graduate, is having the ability to find and create your own opportunities.

Luck

This is something that you have little control of, although some people believe you make your own luck. Try and put yourself in the best position for work. This could mean doing an internship, or saying yes to all reasonable opportunities that come your way. I landed my first job by pure luck. I didn’t get the job initially, but when the other applicant dropped out I was their first choice. This is why it’s so important to make a good impression at interviews. If another position becomes available it may be offered to you.

I hope that you have found this blog useful- if so please share it with your friends. In these hard times of unemployment you must remain positive. No situation is permanent.

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How to Succeed in a Graduate Job Interview

02 Friday Aug 2013

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The Graduate Job Interview

I recently went for a job interview, for an Academic Caseworker at a University. I woke up at the crack of dawn, and smiled at anyone I caught eyes with on the train journey. I believed that this job was already mine and that my positive thinking would radiate into the minds of the the interviewers.  My heart sank when I found out it was a competency based interview. Neither the less I was determined to answer all the question to the best of my ability and convince them that I was the best person for the job. The next day I was informed that I did not get the job, the reasoning being- I was too creative. I thought this was ridiculous, especially when most job specifications said they wanted someone creative and forward thinking. After spending the afternoon seeking reassurance from my mother, I had a break through. There wasn’t anything wrong with my skills or my ability to do the job, I just didn’t tick a box. It seems that employers have created a generic human being and you must appear to be a blank canvas to get a job. Unless of course,  that job is at Google or one of those other internet based business. Continue reading if you are interested in learning how to become a clone.

Dress in Neutral Colours

At university we were encouraged to be individuals, but this is not valued in the world of work. No matter what employers say, they want someone who they can turn into a into a living embodiment of their companies ethics/values/goals. You should wear neutral colours or ideally black and white. On a subconscious level, wearing black and white tells the employers that you are generic and can interpret information simply. Make sure that your clothes are clean and ironed. A untidy appearance shows more then carelessness, but a lack of organisation in your personal and professional life.

Act as if you had a role in Hamlet

All your favourite celebrities are in fact actors and actresses. Some such as Katie Price, make a career out of portraying a carefully constructed persona. You can to. When reading the job specification, think about who this ideal person would be. What would they look like and what hobbies would they have? I made the mistake or talking about my real five year plan, don’t fall into the same track. Adjust your professional personality to suit your job role. Talk about your desire to progress in the relevant field or wanting to make it better. You want to give the interviewer the impression that you could stay in the job forever. Learn how to play the game.

Ask Job Specific Questions

At the end of all job interviews they always ask if you have any questions.  Always ask at least two questions, so they actually see that you have a brain. These should be specific to the job role e.g what is it like to work within this role. You want to make your interviewer believe that you want this job more then anything in the world. This is called professional begging. Don’t ask more then two questions, as you may come across as a strong person and someone who could possibly challenge your job role/ company. This is a bad thing, you want to appear to be a clone.

Show that you have Researched the Company

In most job interviews, they will never directly ask you what you know about the company. It is your duty to incorporate company information into your answers at appropriate times. E.g in my current role I am used to engaging with a diverse range of people, so would enjoy to continue this in a new post. You want to show that you would be a valuable member of the team. Most importantly, that you have taken the time to research the company and care about what they do.

Give immediate availability  

This is very important. You are no longer a student so friends and social events should not be your priority. When asked when you can start or if you have anything planned always say no. If you want to attend something during work hours, you can always ask for the time off when you have secured the job. You must show that you are flexible and ready to work. This will be very important when they are making the selection process.

These are just some of my tips on how to secure a job and I hope they are helpful to you. In this competitive job market, you must try to mould yourself into the perfect candidate. Save your creativity and originality, to develop your business ideas and possible freelancing opportunities.  If you remember one thing from this blog it should be, fake it until you make it.

Further reading

The Intern: How to Avoid the Internship from Hell

01 Thursday Aug 2013

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I recently got an intenship at a company as a creative writer. My duties included blogging, content management and search engine optimization. On my first day I was taken on a two hour course about career building which was good. In the afternoon, I went back to the office and sat at a desk- I hadn’t even been introduced to the staff and the manager ignored me. I was half heartedly given the task of writing a blog- without a topic, word length or house style. I wasn’t even writing for the company website and wasn’t told how the other website I was supposed to be writing for was connected. By late morning on the second day I decided to leave. I hated the office, the lack of direction and I still hadn’t been introduced to the manager. Although most internships are volunteer, that does not mean you should be treated badly. Here are a few tips to ensure you avoid an internship from hell.

     Research the company 

 This may seem like a simple one, but so many people fail to research the company they will be working for. This means going beyond the company website and seeing what people are saying about this company. If they are a small company then there won’t have much information Online. In this case email their admin department and ask what the company does. This shows initiative and will also save you the embarrassment of having to ask on your first day. If the admin assistant is unable to tell you what the company does, in a clear and concise way be worried. Even though you are encouraged to to internships at smaller companies, consider their creditability when applying.

  Be clear about your duties

This is a very important one and can save you a lot of hassle and worry. I wasn’t clear about what I was suppose to be doing and this made me lack motivation. Don’t fail into the same trap. Even if your nervous make sure that your are briefed on your duties and that you understand them. How many of us have been given instructions that we don’t understand but are embarrassed to ask? This internship is about you and developing that much needed work experience, so don’t be afraid to ask questions. If like me, you find that the internship is not living up to your expectations, don’t be afraid to leave. There is no point doing something that does not benefit you. In this world you must learn to value yourself, even when other people don’t.

  Paid or unpaid Internship? 

 There has been much debated on whether interns should be paid- in my opinion they should. You are offering your physical and intellectual services and this is a commodity. Many companies have a constant stream of interns, so they don’t have to pay a full time employee a proper wage. If you are deciding to take an unpaid internship, make sure that the opportunity is really valuable and that you can afford to work for free. No one can live on fresh air. If you take a paid intenship all of the above still applies but you also have to give a little bit more. If a company can afford to pay you, its likely that they can afford to keep you. Show that you are a valuable member of the team and that you are willing to learn. If that means being the assigned lunch fetcher then do it- you have to start at the bottom.

Although I had a bad experience, I still feel that internships can be valuable depending on the company. Remember that your time is precious, just because your unemployed doesn’t mean you owe society anything. There are plenty of people who don’t want to work and your not one of them. Be kind to yourself in this difficult period “How to stay motivated while unemployed” and don’t give up.

  Further reading

The legal stuff- https://www.gov.uk/employment-rights-for-interns

Get paid it’s your right- http://www.internaware.org/act/resources/

How to get an Internship- 5 ways to get an internship

Just for fun- Intern blunders: when work experience goes wrong

 

The Intern: 5 ways to get an Internship

01 Thursday Aug 2013

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pic 6

 

I have recently secured a creative writing internship, which starts in early July. When I left university I was against internships because I believed them to be legal slavery. I mean what idiot would want to work full time for little or no pay. Then I fell into the real world and realised that all the jobs I was applying for was asking for experience. I have spent three years at university, yet I am not actually qualified to do anything. The reality is that many of us will have to do some kind of internship, so that we can get the jobs that we want. In recent years, the media have exposed the terrible internship practices within many companies and things have started to improve. So if you want to improve your job/career prospect keep reading.

Do your research

 This may seem an obvious one, but you would be surprised at how many people don’t even know what field they want to work in. In order for the internship to be beneficial, it must be in your chosen field. If you don’t know what your interested in, then make a list of the things that you are good at. It doesn’t have to be related to your degree or any subject you have studied before. For example my ideal job would be in a publishing company. This kind of job would suit me because I could combine my two passions- reading and writing- while getting paid. The first thing I did was research smaller publishing companies, as they won’t have as many applicants. I couldn’t find an internship in a publishing company, so looked for some writing experience instead. This will look good on my CV when I apply for an editorial assistant job- The first step into the publishing world. Try and be creative. Even if you can’t get an internship in your chosen field, look for a close alternative. This internship will give you useful transferable skills- valuable work experience.

                                         It’s who you know 

They say its who you know, not what you know and that is really true. You hear about those people who get jobs with the help of family and friends. I know that sounds so easy but sometimes it is. If your know someone who works in the field that you would like to get into, ask them if they could set up an internship for you. Some companies don’t offer it, but if they have space they are likely to consider it. If you manage to get a placement through someone you know, you are ahead of the game. You have beat hundreds, possibly thousands of  people who are still looking. Don’t be afraid to stretch your contacts. Ask your parents if they know anyone in your chosen field. You might just get lucky.

 Apply Online 

I made the mistake of going in person to ask for an internship. This is very awkward as it felt like I was begging for a job. If that wasn’t  embarrassing enough, the receptionist didn’t even look remotely interested in what I was saying. She probably threw my CV in the bin after I left. I know you may feel quirky and original going to ask for an internship in person, but most people are going to think your weird or that you don’t own a computer. When answering the online application form, try and make your answers interesting and original. You need to show that you meet the basic requirements, while still emphasising your need to develop and learn new skills. When applying online you are at a disadvantage, as you are in competition with lots of other people. Unfortunately that’s what it’s like when your applying for jobs. Don’t let one rejection put you off. Keep trying.

 Phone and Beg

It may be embarrassing begging in person, but its much more dignified over the phone. Phone numbers can often be found on the company website. You will usually reach a switch board and you tell the operator which department you would like to speak to. The best time to phone is in the morning, at the start of the working day. As the day progresses people become tired and are more likely to be unhelpful. While on the phone clearly introduce yourself and say that your looking for an internship. You should give a specific time period e.g two weeks, as this makes you look professional and less desperate. All the eager graduates will be giving unlimited availability, which makes them look vulnerable and willing to take anything. Finally before you get off the phone ask for the person’s name and email address. Although most people say they will contact you, they often forget. Sending a polite reminder email will show determination, and you may land that internship.

                 Further information and useful websites 

www.witlr.com A website offering internships and placements for graduates. After filling out an application form, top employers can search for you.

 www.inspiringinterns.com Another internship website, which claims 65% of their interns get permanent jobs

 www.internwise.co.uk This website counts Amazon and Nike as one of their recruiters. This site is a personal favourite of mine because of it’s simple layout. It also allows users to choose between paid and unpaid internships.

 careers.guardian.co.uk/internships The Guardian website is a valuable source of information for most things, so check it frequently for jobs aswell. This link leads to some interesting articles around the internship debates.