​CISSP, Prince 2, AWS certified. Just examples of some of most popular certifications on the market. They are all expensive to obtain and time consuming to study for and complete. Lending to time and money being sunk into completing the certification. Is the cost benefit worth it? What is the value of verifying skills you already have?​When it comes to the value of certifications in the technology industry there are mixed feelings. While some see them as validation of their skills and evidence of their ability, there are some in the industry who hold the opposite point of view and believe that an IT worker’s true value and ability is demonstrated through their experience and the projects they have worked on. Both hold good merit. ​Have to ask yourself if the certification will help you? What do want out of your career and potentially where you want to work. Lots of companies are increasingly looking for certifications from job seekers, many list certifications as essential, many simply as desirable and some don’t list it at all in their advertisements. If a company, you want to work for requires a certification then maybe exploring your options to obtain one is the best way to secure your dream job. If you are unsure if a certification is a key requirement, reach out to the recruiter looking after to the role, they will know. ​If you are a job seeker now, like many people in the current market and you are not having much luck in your job search maybe obtaining a certification may help. But if you are out of work can you afford an expensive certification that in no means guarantees you a job. ​As a job seeker certifications show employers your skillset verified by a 3rd party. For example, all hiring managers within the security space know the standard of a CISSP certification, most will most likely hold one themselves, as such they know the level of your skillset as you hold that certification. ​If you are new into the IT sector a certification can show your skills in lieu of experience, as such the certification can bring you some value in form of an interview or a job offer. If you have been in the industry for a while, maybe you’ve been stuck doing the same thing for a few years and you are looking for a reason to break out into a new role or work with a different type of technology, as certification can show those skills you know you have but aren’t shown in your experience. ​Where the value of a certification is most in question is for those experienced with the IT industry. You have the skills, you have worked on the projects, you have been there and done that. Why utilize your precise time and money on a certification? A certification can prove you are an expert in your field , leading you being assigned onto the best projects and potential increase in salary. But in the current market is your boss really going to give you a raise because you got a certification proving you can do the job you are currently doing.​Is a certificate worth it? Unfortunately, too many variables to make a definitive statement. The cost of a certificate can make it unobtainable for some, especially during COVID-19, luckily there are many free courses available in the current market to upskill yourself. But those that have the time and money to obtain one, it is definitely worth doing your own research into if it valuable to you ​

​With the spread of coronavirus, working from home has become a reality for many. This can be a large change for those who don’t usually work from home. No more long commutes and constantly being surrounded by your team at work.Learning to work from home won’t come easy. You will have many distractions, along with the fact that nobody has direct sight of what you are doing or not doing.​Make the most of your initial freedom to help you adjust. For the first few days, you might feel a little lost without your workmates next to you, your usual work set up, and working in an environment which is usually your ‘home to relax’.​It’s critical to plan out a routine. Plan what you will be doing for the day, including when you will be taking a break. Set alarms for breaks, when you need to walk the dog, when you will eat lunch. Time slips by faster when you are working from home – so plan your day and stick to your schedule.​Ensure you have everything set up – your laptop, desk space, chair, good lighting. You won’t have the fancy chairs or monitors you usually have at work, so create a space where you can be productive and will not be easily distracted. This will look different for each individual. You might be most comfortable at a desk, or work best moving around to a different location after each break. Find where you are most comfortable and move during the day if you need to. Being comfortable is going to make you more productive.​Being comfortable working from home, will also come with the realisation that you still need to get work done. Your pride and responsibly of your career will kick in as you don’t want to let anyone down. You want to prove that you can work from home, just as well as you can work in the office.​Make sure you have a social element within your day. Make calls to clients, talk to your team, speak to your family and friends. Keep connected to the outside world. Engage with the news and updated with what’s happening in the business.​Re-entry into the office will be the hardest part of all. When the time comes to get back into the office and work amongst your peers again, you will struggle. Manager need to understand that this sudden change will throw people off balance. It will take space, time and understanding. Don’t expect to be back to full capacity and speed in a day. Like the entry to working from home, a small adjustment period should be allowed and expected for re-entry into the workplace. ​However long this current situation lasts, working from home should not be feared. Embrace and learn from it. Find what makes your more efficient and productive to your team. Further your own career by growing and adapting to a new environment.​

Coronavirus is mainly transmitted through droplets generated when an infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks.You can be infected by breathing in the virus if you are within 1 metre of a person who has COVID-19, or by touching a contaminated surface and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth before washing your hands.​To protect yourself, keep at least 1 metre distance from others and disinfect surfaces that are touched frequently. Regularly clean your hands thoroughly and avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose.​It is important to keep updated with the latest information on the spread of Coronavirus in your area. Live updates on the disease can be found on the World Health Organisation website: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019​Live updates from the Australian Government can also be accessed via https://www.australia.gov.au/​It is important to listen to government and health advice to ensure the safety of those around us. You may not be a vulnerable individual to the virus, however people you come in contact with might be. We must look out for each other during this time. Social distancing and hygiene are the most effective ways to combat coronavirus.​​

Digital marketing has evolved to encompass aspects of data analytics, technological understanding, and marketing strategy. In an increasingly data-driven world, marketing analytics has become a process of connecting marketing functions with business intelligence. Digital marketing professionals need to have the ability to analyse data, while extracting the critical insights to improve campaign performance. Influential marketing is now determined by analytics and big data, with decisions no longer solely based from hypothesis and experience. Marketing consulting firm, Forrester Research, found 44 percent of enterprises use data-analytics and mining to boost consumer response rates and generate insights that guide executives in developing relationship-driven strategies. In applying data analytics and metrics to marketing strategies, businesses must first build an effective analytics strategy. Implementing a data-driven strategy starts from an organisational culture which manages its data well and values data analytics. Once the systems and people are in place to collect data, data analytics can be used to improve marketing performance with data-driven insights. A marketing analytics strategy must also be built from key business objectives and targets. This ensures data-influenced actions are aligned with key targets for long-term strategic advantage. Similarly, KPIs should be based on a set of relevant metrics and data insights, to ensure specific business processes can be tracked and are measurable. Establishing targets supported by data will assist in benchmarking against industry and forecasting indicators. ​Marketers often have all the data they need, but struggle to filter out useful data and apply it to improve marketing performance. Digital marketers should constantly be looking for opportunities to use and apply data to improve performance. Data can also be used to learn about customers, from industry trends, website behaviour and potential customers. However, data must be comprehensive and accurate for making effective marketing decisions. All marketing initiatives should have goals, whether visitors to sites, registrations, email collections, or click-to-calls. ​Boston Consulting Group found 58 percent of chief marketing officers (CMOs) believe that search engine optimisation (SEO), as well as email and mobile communications, are the areas where big data systems are have the largest impact on their organisations. SEO copywriting requires a technical understanding of search engines and writing copy that compels audiences to take action. Keyword search is similarly an effective tool in content to guide customers to what they are looking for. Big Data can identify how visitors are finding websites and optimise websites for customers to see the products they want when they arrive. ​Data analysis can also be used to choose marketing channels. With consumers using mobiles, desktops, tablets, and smart watches, each platform has different behaviours and systems. Real-time data can also provide insights of insights of intent and mindset of audience. Better analytics lead to optimal design, allowing marketers to understand consumer preferences and engagement, to lower design costs and increase revenues. Data management platforms (DMP) can assist in achieving personalisation using web activity. When using different platforms, such as websites and apps, DMP can assist in combining data into a single customer view to provide a coherent customer experience across all digital properties.​

​With the turn of the decade, it is more than evident that the world has become, and is ever increasing, in its digitalisation and technological advancement. It would be rare to find an Australian household without smartphones, tablets, laptops, smart home devices, or watches to access online content. Correspondingly, new technologies are rising and falling. Viewing content has evolved from 3D and 4D, to VR and 4K. Bluetooth has enabled the wireless connectivity of multiple devices. Google + and iTunes for Mac have been discontinued. Cloud services are widely used for storage and sharing solutions. Technology is constantly changing, whether updating to meet consumer trends, becoming redundant, or being more accessible to diverse users. ​A growing trend is climate conscious consumers, who are increasingly aware of product impact on the environment. Apple has attempted to meet current trends in climate awareness with the investment in Daisy recycling technology, however is still far from closed-loop production and a technology which is inviable for most companies to adopt. Digital marcomms can consider how marketing and communications can address environmental and ethical issues which are increasingly common and important to a diverse group of consumers.​​Accessible technology is similarly a growing trend. There is a demand for technology which is more inclusive for diverse populations and is customisable to meet consumer needs. Security technology has evolved to encompass aspects of privacy and wellbeing, to allow households to be monitored without video surveillance in the use of sensors. This technology is particularly targeted towards those who need protection and notification for falls, health and sleep monitoring, without the breach of privacy. Similarly, the Apple Watch Health app has enabled an instant record of health monitoring and trends. Accessible technology considers diverse demographics and creating solutions to meet a broader range of consumer needs. ​Consequently, the role of digital marketers and communicators is constantly changing to meet consumer needs and changes in available technology. With new technology, digital marcomms must have a technological understanding of new platforms to effectively deliver campaigns. A technical knowledge and understanding of developing websites, handling data, and running social media campaigns is an increasingly defining skill for all digital marcomms roles. Similarly, being aware of new technology and how these platforms operate can ultimately contribute to the effectiveness of marketing campaigns and the reduction of noise in communications. ​Team leaders are building more diverse teams, including those in the tech industry, as more diverse teams have the capacity to produce more diverse products, and appeal to a more diverse target market. The inclusion of diverse ideas and skills is fundamental to innovation, and only with continual upskilling and retraining can individuals maintain a competitive advantage within the tech industry. Although this is time consuming and far from then traditional ‘study then work’, it is necessary to adopt a continual learning attitude in all industries which involve forms of technology. ​Simply subscribing to a tech blog can help keep you informed and updated on the latest technology and trends in the digital market. You don’t need to be an expert at the technical side of new platforms, however a knowledge of how they operate can be a defining factor of whether your campaigns are successful with these systems. Simply understanding the layout, features, and formats of technology can lift a marketing campaign or smooth out the communications process. Identifying these opportunities ultimately distinguishes digital marcomms professionals. ​

Whether it be personal or business, there is an overwhelming amount of options for social media platforms to sign up for. Like our constantly expanding universe, social is an ever changing and developing space. With that being said, it can be a little daunting trying to decide what platforms to engage in, and what platforms should be used for personal life vs. business.​You have; Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Snapchat, WhatsApp, Twitter, Pinterest, and (to my bewilderment) TikTok, just to rattle off a few. Yesterday, I watched in horror on the train as a toddler in a pram navigated mums iPhone, clicked on Snapchat and started using the cat filter on her face. Can someone please explain how it took me 3 days to understand how to “loop” a snapchat video, but this 2-year-old understands how to use filters already?​So how do we keep up?​My 3 top ways to help keep in touch with the latest social media wave:Follow the social media expertsJay Baer, Sean Gardner, and Ann Handley come to mind. Regardless of whether you consider yourself an expert or a beginner, following the guru’s is an easy way to stay on top of the latest trends, apps, tips or tricks. Do your research and pick a few key social geeks to keep an eye on. My tip - don’t go crazy, less is more in this instance, be careful not to overload the senses with a constant bombardment of opinions and data on your feed. Follow the aggregatorsThis one is as easy as reading the morning news. Add some aggregators to your bookmark bar and away you go! Some good examples are Mumbrella and Mashable. Basically, you can keep on top of “What’s Hot” and “What’s rising”, and most importantly you can see the cute trending Baby Yoda memes for this week. Some of this info can be super helpful.Follow the kids! Saying this makes me feel a lot older than it should… but see what the kids are up to at the moment! Ask them what’s the latest “cool” app is (do kids even say the word cool anymore?). But really, the millennials are by far in the lead for not only their technology use but specifically for their social media use – no shock there.​What should businesses have as a basic social media presence? ​This is a question I hear a lot – what social platforms are best for my business? I think it is important to understand that each business and industry is different, therefore certain platforms may work better for your business than for others. Let’s compare a finance business to a creative agency, we could probably agree that TikTok and snapchat aren’t as necessary for the finance business but could be useful for a creative agency. ​It can also be seen that each platform has a specific demographic of users, some examples below:Facebook - Men and women, ages 18-65 or olderLinkedIn - Men and women, ages 25-64Instagram - Men and women, ages 18-64Twitter - Men and women, ages 18-49If we are talking bare minimum, I would say your business needs; Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and Twitter. Companies can use surveys or other methods to target the correct audiences and demographics.​While we are on the topic, I would like to stress the importance of personal LinkedIn profiles - and not just having them, but actually keeping them up to date! As a recruiter myself, there is nothing more frustrating than finding someone’s LinkedIn, but it hasn’t been updated since the dark ages. A lot of recruiters will probably dismiss “Janet” if her profile hasn’t been updated for 3 years and it looks like she is still in a junior role as opposed to her current position. It will also benefit businesses to have their staff update their LinkedIn profiles, showing staff progression within the company etc.​Upcoming social media trends for 2020Video content – staying strongVideo content has been on the rise for a while and will continue to rise and likely almost overtake Image and written content. We have already seen this trend and rise in the development of more video-based social media applications like Vine and then more recently TikTok (I still have no idea how to use TikTok by the way).Stories are in and posts are out (well not completely out, but you know what I mean)Stories are exactly how they sound – they give the user an opportunity to tell a story. If you use Instagram, Facebook or snapchat you would likely have already discovered that there has been an increase in people posting images and videos directly to their “story” for all of their followers to view, this will usually expire within 24 hours. Influencers are also out (also not completely out, but half out at least!)Influencers are out – some influencers even use “fake” or “bought” likes sometimes making them seem untrustworthy. A lot of influencers are also being deemed entitled – that is they are getting “freebies” from companies such as paid trips and free products, in exchange for posting up a snap advertising the product.​Now we will see an increase in companies using influencers that are more focused on smaller target groups (this loops us back to my point earlier about businesses targeting their audience), sometimes referred to as “communities”, with only a few thousand followers rather than in the millions. Sorry, Kylie. ​So, to hammer my point home; follow the experts, follow the aggregators, and follow the new generation. Get yourself or your business onto the relevant platforms and you will start seeing the impact in no time. As my friend Picasso once said - “Only put off until tomorrow what you are willing to die having left undone”.​

Our 2020 Salary Guide allows hiring managers, candidates and current employees to benchmark average salaries in Australia across a variety of different industries ranging from Accounting & Finance, Business Support, MarComms and Technology & Data Analytics. ​The salary tables displays a compilation of average rates taken from recent positions across Australia, ranges are approximate guides only. The rates displayed below are base daily rates and annual salaries exclusive of superannuation.Download Salary Survey​Australia’s economic outlook in 2020 is steady rather than spectacular, with the jobs market set to follow suit. We don’t expect an outbreak of substantial wages growth overall, but we do expect upward salary pressure for professionals in specialist areas within technology, infrastructure, and financial services.​While each industry and sector has its own checklist of required skills for the role, the one skill that appears to be at the top of every hiring manager’s list is - the ability to communicate, and deliver the key insights to stakeholders. Candidates that possess a combination of strong technical skills and the ability to partner with the business are in high demand in today’s hiring market.​Employers must have compelling value propositions and streamlined recruitment processes to attract top talent in the Australian market. Hiring managers need to present potential and existing talent with a complete package of reasons to work at their organisation – including competitive salary, flexible working, professional development, purpose beyond profit and collaborative culture. At the offer stage, hiring managers with nimble processes will invariably secure talent ahead of their competitors.​As a hiring manager, you can use the Salary Guide to help your business be competitive in securing top talent and retaining top employees. By understanding typical salaries across your industry, you can offer a competitive salary in order to attract top talent for your job listing.​As a candidate, you can use the Salary Guide to benchmark your salary and ensure you’re getting paid fairly and competitively. Benchmarking your salary will also give you an understanding of how your current organisation is paying, which can be useful to help you negotiate higher pay in your current role or to determine your next career move.​

​No company likes to deal with turnover, but it’s an employees’ market in many industries and jobs aren’t hard to find. The process of employing someone takes time. In business, time is money. So, it can sometimes be expensive to continually hire new employees. That’s why, when an employee leaves, it can be a chore for the organisation to get a replacement.The average employee does a good job. Good enough to warrant a letter of recommendation upon departure. If they were anything less than good, we can assume you would have had to unfortunately let them go. So, when your average employee leaves, someone still has to replace them and it can be costly. ​Imagine losing a highly valuable team member and the impact that it can have on the business. Replacing them can be a struggle. Ensuring the high standard continues can be hard. Hiring the right candidate, even harder. Knowing what might make your employees quit, however, can give you an opportunity to make changes before they give their notice. ​There isn’t always just one “smoking gun” reason that makes a good employee quit, as it’s typically a combination of things that weigh on their minds and impact their decision to quit over time. Many reasons why employees quit their job are under the control of the employer. The question is how can this be achieved? To start, you need to understand why people want to leave an Employer in the first place. Here are just some off the top ones: Lack of trust and autonomyNot being appreciated or recognizedNo opportunity for growth and development or progression Feeling underutilizedBad manager or poor management Poor communicationLack of supportWork-life balanceToxic company culture Seeing good employees leave Company values don’t resonate Feel micro-managed Lack of feedback Understanding why people really quit their jobs is essential whether you are a hiring manager, running your own business, or if you are currently seeking a new role for yourself. When you know why people really quit their jobs, creating or locating the right workplace becomes much clearer.​Of course, many organizations have an exit interview process that should, ostensibly, provide insights to help improve employee retention. However, even when conducted well, these interviews have serious shortcomings. Even when exit interviews take place, research suggests that a large percentage of employees are not candid. Whereas some departing employees mask critical feedback in order to leave a positive impression, others feel that providing this information is a waste of time because they believe the company is unwilling to change. In addition, departing employees may feel that, because of how poorly their company treated them, management does not deserve to know their true reasons for leaving. In short, exit interviews are often ineffective.​You could try to have an informal discussions with colleagues close to the employee who resigned, companies may be able to ascertain the motives behind their departure. An added benefit of this approach is that it gives remaining employees, who may be disappointed and confused by their co-worker’s resignation, an outlet to discuss their thoughts and opinions, which may reduce any feelings of distress.​So, when you’re recruiting your next hire, be open and honest with potential candidates. Try to paint a clear picture of the job and what the future holds for a candidate. Identify the reasons why people quit their job early on and try to adapt and be flexible. This will help you keep the best employees around and help to drive your company to success.​

​Good for your ego, but bad for your career!Do you know why you want to leave your existing employer?Once you have decided to leave, then stick to your decision!Why people entertain or take counter offers: More Money; If you feel you are underpaid for the role you do, don’t use the offer of alternative employment as a bargaining tool to get a higher salary. If your motivation is that you want more money, talk to your existing boss BEFORE you start looking for another job.Promotion; If you think there is any possibility that your current employer could offer you a promotion or more interesting role and you would be happy staying with them, talk to your boss BEFORE you start looking for another job.Why is it so dangerous to either use the offer of alternative employment to get what you want from your present employer, or to allow them to change your mind after you have accepted an offer? – Well, apart from the waste of time and effort for both you and everyone else involved in the process if you go on interviews elsewhere and end up staying put, consider the following;​Just as you must look after your best interests, so will your current employer. Therefore if your timing does not fit in with their plans they will tempt you to stay by offering you a higher salary and / or promotion, additional company benefits, a new job title, additional responsibilities, a change in role, more involvement in projects that interest you or any combination of these.​Why would they be so keen to get you to stay? – because it will be cheaper and easier for them in the short term, even if they have to pay you a bit more, than for them to go through an expensive and disruptive recruitment process they hadn’t planned on.Of course, we all have egos and it is flattering to be given a counteroffer and to believe what you are being told about how valuable you are. However, even if both you and your boss are genuine in wanting to continue to work together, most people find that the relationship is never quite the same as it was before as quite naturally some of the trust has gone. ​Always fully explore the options available to you with your existing employer before looking for a new employer. However, once you have decided that the best thing for your career is to move on, find the role you want, accept it and stick to your decision. Changing your mind can make you look indecisive and unprofessional and you will almost certainly end up burning bridges with your recruiter!​

The simple answer is yes. Very few of us have the battle-weary resolve to make it through the working day after a bad night’s sleep, let alone a sustained period of time of poor rest.​If a day starts with yawning at the desk, be sure that the hours ahead is going to be a real struggle. Poor sleep habits have been tied to weight gain, stress, and higher levels of illness. While these relationships are complicated, it’s becoming more apparent that these factors have the potential to influence employee productivity and attendance, making it important for employers to hone in on sleep issues now.​A lack of sleep can have a detrimental effect on your mental and physical health. It’s healthy to establish a pattern of regular sleep. Fundamentally this is why the Sleep Council was formed. An impartial organisation established to help you get a better night’s sleep and ultimately improve your health. ​Feeling tired is not the only sign of poor sleep. Other key indicators include...​Uncharacteristic mood swings – your normal chilled out persona has suddenly become subject to outbursts at work.Absent mindedness – Forgetting a task in the afternoon that you haven’t completed in the morning, overlooking a request in an important email and making simple errors.Inability to focus – the key cause of lack of concentration is fatigue. You may look to blame other things as distraction, but when you are tired you cannot focus.Underperformance – All the above leads to poor performance. Which in turn can cause a vicious circle of sleepless/disturbed nights worrying about your fall in productivity and mistakes. Tackling the root cause at the outset should be your main focus and the rest will fall into place.The Sleep Council recommends that the average working adult should be getting between 7 and 9 hours sleep per night! ​

​Why are Accountants important! When asked what accountants do, responses often mention roles such as tax agents and independent auditors. Most people don’t service their cars at home. Instead, they bring them to a professional mechanic who can keep things running smoothly and spot potential issues. Businesses as such need just the same attention from a professional.​Accountants are crucial to individuals and businesses of all sizes – from tiny start-ups to huge corporations. After all, without a strong handle on cash flow and expenses and the ability to comply with all the necessary regulations, businesses simply won’t survive.​​The advantages of having an Accountant in your life/business: ​​Managing business assetsThe accountant can be of great help to the growth of your business. Since you can’t control all the assets on your own, the accountant will be of great help. Besides bookkeeping, accountants are trained to handle all sorts of management tasks.​​​​Handling the taxation processDo you know how to file taxes or pay any back taxes? If you are not a taxation expert, you might need one to help you in the process. Accountants know the ins and out of the taxation systems and can save you from penalties and fines. Since taxation is a continuous process, the accountant can manage things effectively.​Valuation of business propertyIf you want to do a business valuation, you must involve professional help. An accountant can help you in determining the proper value of your business. Valuation is essential during liquidation or sale or business. You have to factor in all aspects of the business without leaving out vital details. Instead of hiring expensive auditors, your accountant can help in the process.​Making critical business decisionsAn accountant can act as a valuable sounding board. He or she knows your business almost as well as you do – and probably knows the financial side of it even better. Objective input from someone that knows your business but doesn’t have the emotional attachment to it that you do, is priceless. By assisting you to make sound judgments, they can help you to grow your business. ​​Saving timeHow long does it take you to go through every financial detail of your company? How many hours and days do you take while preparing reports for your business? Having someone who can help to check that you’ve filled in your forms correctly, help you to meet key deadlines and offer financial advice will help you to concentrate your efforts on what you do best.​​Minimising business costsBusiness owners endure high business costs due to lack of financial management skills. This leads to the collapse of many businesses because of the high costs. Although hiring an accountant is costly, it minimizes the business costs in the organization.​A dependable accountant can be a crucial bedrock for you or your business. Make sure you find and hire the right person!

​Flexibility is an important trait for employees. Flexibility on the job includes the willingness and ability to respond to changing circumstances and expectations readily. Many companies question their ability to implement a flexible work style and simultaneously maintain high productivity and performance levels.​Flexibility works both ways, and employees appreciate having managers who are flexible. Flexible managers treat employees as individuals and make an effort to accommodate personal styles and needs. Employees who are entrusted and given more freedom at work are highly appreciative of their flexible managers/employers. Thus, in return, employees will build on this approach and give in their maximum effort to meet their manager’s expectations while also being flexible themselves with what is asked of them.​Flexibility involves having an open, team-centered attitude, and retaining a strong sense of identity and purpose.​Sometimes employers will allow employees to work from home when feasible to help balance work with family responsibilities, but there are also a host of other options that may better suit your situation, such as:Embracing a four-day work weekFlexible work hours Flexible work arrangement, i.e. remote login, working in different offices, hot desking Create flexibility for everyone and not just parents Companies need to encourage for me to work part-time/flexibly Be creative around flexibility While it can be daunting to approach your manager with a proposal for flexibility at work, it helps to remember that open communication and building trust are key to getting a feasible arrangement.​There are several advantages for employees arising from flexible work environments, including greater autonomy, motivation and an improved work life balance. However, some employers do not recognize the benefits of flexible work environments can have to their business. Here are a few:Employees often become more enthusiastic about their jobs and generally have a higher morale Attracting new talent and access to Global Talent Pool Loyalty and higher staff retention An increase in productivity Employee Management relationships better Reasons they join your company or go elsewhere​As a manager, you're responsible for developing a team culture that values and encourages flexibility. Give your people the self-confidence to do this by creating an environment in which they feel supported and trusted. All in all, flexibility in the workplace may very well help your business. ​However, it’ll just as likely improve the lives of your employees. And that has a domino effect that is undeniable. For when you allow your employees the room to come and go, work at their pace and by their schedule, you let them manage themselves in a much more direct way and become more productive in the process.​​​Whether it be through flexible hours or building your office culture, consider the positivity you can inflict on your employees and business alike.​

​Whether data drives your marketing strategies, or your climate simulation models, discovering and extracting actionable insights from the data is the name of the game. As the demand for data science expertise races ahead of supply, now is an important time stay relevant in this fast-growing discipline.​​For most businesses, mitigating risk and fraud is a priority in order to operate with compliance.  Data Scientists are trained to identify any anomalies within a data pool. They can build statistical, network, path, and big data methodologies for predictive fraud propensity models, and then use these to create automated alerts that help ensure a more rapid response when unusual data is detected. Long term this can save time, money and resources.​As data scientists examine and explore the company’s data, they are then able to prescribe certain actions that will help improve the organisations performance, better engage customers and ultimately increasing the profitability as a result through the optimization of its data.​​Our lives are bathed in data:from recommendations about whom to “follow” or “friend” to data-driven autonomous vehicles. Data is an essential part of our lives, and Business intelligence (BI), analytics and big data are becoming increasingly vital to organisations wishing to examine customer behaviour or make forward-planning decisions.  ​

At the beginning of your job search you need to get into a positive frame of mind: When you have a job, you must find a way to balance all these things. It is no different when you are looking for a job. Setting goals and sticking to a routine is essential to achieving many things in life, including finding a job.​But sometimes it is difficult to know how your job search should be conducted. Here are some key steps to help you on your way:Take responsibility , if you want a more successful and fulfilling career be proactive in seeking new opportunities. Don’t wait until you are fired, burned out or fed up to make the change. Manage you career on an on-going basis by continuing to develop your skills and maintaining your professional network, particularly through the good times.​​Every conversation is an opportunity It is human nature to judge the people you talk to and you never know how influential the people you meet daily can be in your career. Avoid burning bridges and really take time to focus on the other person in conversation; there is a reason why you have two ears and one mouth.​​Consider setting up a dedicated email address for your job search. This way you know that every email coming into that address is related to your job search and there will be no chance of mixing up personal and business emails. You could even get a cheap mobile dedicated to your search. Recruiters often call for impromptu telephone interviews and this way, when you answer, you will know you need to be professional.​Make sure you tailor your CV, don't send off the same old CV for every job. Take the time to customise your CV; read the job advertisement or specification carefully, pick out the essential skills and experience required, and make sure your CV demonstrates you really do have the required experience. Do that for every job application and you will see a dramatic improvement in the number of times you get shortlisted for interview.​Focus on your strengths, this should be obvious, but it’s often forgotten. No one can be good at everything and we all have weaknesses. Aspire to be great at what you do and to continually develop key areas where you are lacking confidence that are essential to your role.​Never let your shortcomings define you. Know your weaknesses but never let them affect your ability to perform. Be proactive in seeking additional training to ensure you have a well-rounded skill set and do not fall behind market demand in your field.​Be self-aware, how often you use the word “I” and ensure that your voice is not continuously drowning out others.​Under promise, over deliver! This is a popular business ethos and is an effective method of managing expectations. Don’t set yourself up to fail. Even if you know you can complete something better or more quickly, under promise to ensure the requirements are met but deliver above those to ensure you consistently exceed expectations.​Networking, keep in contact with old colleagues and regularly try to meet new professionals in your industry and to find out about the hidden job market can give you an advantage in your job search.​Although it might be tempting to reject LinkedIn requests from recruitment consultants, they will always come in handy when you’re seeking a new role. Be ambitions and prepared Avoid being too aggressive in your workplace but be decisive and proactive. Always prepare for a meeting and submit your opinions and ideas to showcase your ability and initiative.​Maintain momentum, most people with highly successful careers are consistently driven and proactive in ensuring they develop the right skills and network to match their career goals.​Seek advice, find a mentor, preferably outside of your organisation so they remain objective, who knows your professional capabilities and personal style and has experience either in your chosen field or the wider business world that you can draw upon. Use your mentor for career advice, brainstorming, training and to openly express your doubts and fears.​In summary, starting the job search process can be overwhelming at times. So, remember to use job search sites, LinkedIn, Networks and industry events to narrow your search and take advantage of the wide array of resources available today to help identify the right opportunities for you. ​

Should you write a resignation letter?​A resignation letter is the professional way to officially inform your employer that you’re leaving your role at their company. This allows your employer to commence the process of hiring a replacement to take on your responsibilities. ​You should provide your employer with a resignation regardless of whether you’re an executive in a corporate environment, or a cashier at a supermarket. ​​Resignation Letter​ Download your free resignation letter template hereWhat your resignation letter should includeYour resignation letter doesn’t have to go into a huge amount of detail but there are some key things you need to cover. A resignation letter should include the following:A statement of intent that you will be leaving your jobThe date of your last day on the jobGratitude to your employer for hiring youHow you will help with the transition Happy to stay in touchBest wishes for the future of the company​What to avoidIt’s likely your employer will store your resignation letter with other employee files, and it may be referred to in the future if another company requests a reference. Some things are best said in person and others left not said at all. The specifics of why you are leaving do not need to be included in your resignation letter.​Many people who sit down to write a resignation letter think it’s the time to air their grievances with their manager or company. But resignation is neither the time nor place for anything negative. Instead, an exit interview is the opportunity to provide your manager with an explanation of why you’re resigning from your position and include helpful tips for your replacement.​

What makes a good cover letter?​A cover letter should be an engaging summary of your resume and not simply say the same thing in a different format. Aim to tell a story which shows that you understand the role and states why you would be great fit for the company. ​Cover letters should not just be a repeat of your resume in a different form, and you should use a different cover letter for each role as every role is unique. ​Cover Letter Template​ Download your free Cover Letter template here​When writing a cover letter, you should include:The name of the hiring manager and company An opening statement (make yourself stand out from everyone else)Understanding of the role (show you know how the role fits into their company/industry)The story behind and beyond the resume (don’t simply repeat it in a different format)Why they should hire you (what do you bring to the company)A call to action (asking for an interview or meeting)​How long should a cover letter be?Keep it short, no more than one page. A cover letter is meant to be a summary of your resume for the hirer to quickly read through to develop an understanding of what you would bring to their company.​

​Preparing for an interview You never get a second chance to make a great first impression during your job interview, so being well prepared is the first step to appearing relaxed and confident in a job interview. People make up their mind about you within the first few seconds of meeting you, so it’s important to take the time to present yourself well. One way to prepare is to think of answers for questions you might get.​Prior to the interview: Research the company - know their product, their strategy and information on their competitors.Think about examples that showcase your skills – i.e examples of when you have shown the key skills, experience or personality traits that match the needs of the employer.Prepare specific questions about the role and company that you wish to ask.​On the Day: At an interview it is extremely important to look, act and dress professionally as you won’t have a second chance at making a good first impression. Ideally, a business suit should be worn unless you have done your research and know that the work environment is a casual one.Be on time – you should aim to arrive 10-15 minutes before your interview starts.Ensure you have the details of who you are meeting and their role title.If you are unable to attend an interview, make sure you contact your consultant as soon as possible​During the Interview: Your success or failure in an interview is determined very quickly – make sure you create a positive first impression.Be sure to smile, give a firm handshake, maintain eye contact and importantly have positive and interested body language.At the beginning of an interview be ready to discuss some of your interests and experiences (most often those outside of work) as an icebreaker.Demonstrate to the interviewer that you have a good understanding of the industry, the company and the role by adding information you have learnt from research to your answers and by asking informed questions of your interviewer.When answering questions, use practical examples from past experiences that demonstrate you have the skills and personality traits for the job. Think about answering questions using the STAR technique. The STAR technique is based on describing the Situation – Task – Action – Result Situation - Describe a situation you were in eg. A colleague was struggling with performance. Task - Tell them what you decided to do eg. I sat down with my colleague to discuss how I could help. Action - Describe what you actually did eg. I gave my colleague examples of how I improved my own performance. Result - Tell them what happened as a result of your actions eg. His/her performance improved dramatically.Take your time before answering questions, although not too much time.Listen carefully to questions, if you don’t understand a question, or did not hear it properly, ask for clarification.Always be sure to connect your skills and experience to the needs of the employer.Keep positive throughout – even if the interview seems a disaster.Sell yourself. Your resume has got you this far, but you now need to communicate why you are the right person for the job.Remember it is an interview – don’t be too informal, even though the interviewer may have put you at ease.Always thank them for their time and let them know that you are interested in the role.Unless asked, do not discuss salary with the interviewer. Leave this for the second interview or salary negotiation discussion.You should always have prepared questions about the company and the role as this will demonstrate your interest in the opportunity.​Outlined below are some key questions you may ask:What are the key challenges of the position?What are the company’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats?What differentiates the company from its rivals?What are the company’s growth plans?How would you describe the corporate culture?What do you like best about working at the company?What is the overall structure of the department I would be working in?What sort of induction training is offered?Are there any special projects I will be working on? To whom will I be reporting? What is your philosophy on training? Is there any travel involved with the position? What opportunities does the position provide for personal growth? What long-term career opportunities are available? What is the next step in the interviewing process?​If you are still nervous about your job interview, speak to your dedicated Ashdown People Consultant and they can help you get prepared.

​How to write your resume​Your resume is your most important tool when applying for a job. It doesn't matter how qualified you are, or how much experience you have - if your resume is poorly presented or badly written, you're going to have trouble getting the job you want - or even an interview.​Write a well-crafted resume: Make a good first impression. Use a common program, such as MS Word, and start with your contact details. List your education and qualifications and then your work experience in reverse chronological order, beginning with the most recent. If you have your own website profiling your work, include the URL, but do not submit it instead of a resume.​Proof-read your resume and get someone else to proof it for you. When an employer looks through a candidates’ resume, they are looking for a proven performer who can add immediate value to the business.​Review your use of social media: A growing number of employers are now extending their vetting process to include social media. Change your privacy settings and be sensible in the content you post online. Be aware of your digital footprint as you may be making information public which is private in nature.​Resume Template Download your free resume template here​Must-have InformationFirst Name / Last NameLocation (Where do you live)Work Experience Awards & Honours Phone NumberProfessional Profile Additional SkillsHobbies & InterestEmail AddressCareer ObjectiveEducation & Qualifications Referee Details Optional InformationTitle - Your professional title. It can be your position, word-for-word, or your desired job. Think “Digital Marketing Specialist” or “Junior Data Scientist.”LinkedIn URL - If you have an up-to-date profile that can add value to your application, make sure to include the link.Social Media - Do you have a published portfolio online? For developers, this would be your GitHub, for a designer Behance or Dribble and for a writer, it could be your personal blog.Website / Blog - Do you have an online presence? Maybe a blog that positions you as an expert in your field? If you do, make sure to mention it!What NOT to Include in the Contact Info SectionDate of Birth (unless specifically required in the job ad) - The HR manager doesn’t need to know how old you are. It’s not important for their decision-making, and at worst, it might lead to discrimination based on age.Unprofessional Email Address - Do: name.lastname@gmail.com Don’t: player69@gmail.comHeadshot - The HR manager doesn’t need to know what you look like in order to evaluate your application, so there’s no real need to include it.How long should my resume be?There is no set length for a resume. A resume varies in length depending on your experience and education. If you haven't worked much before, one or two pages is best, but four to six pages is okay if you've got a lot of study and work behind you.​