Finding the right "Fit" is more difficult than you think!

We've all had it happen to us... you're trying desperately to squeeze into that favourite pair of jeans. Eventually you have to admit defeat and tell yourself that they just don't fit! Even worse is that after you do manage to close the top button and headed out for the night, you find that you are so uncomfortable that you wish you had just stayed at home in your PJ's!!

The same can be said of your career, especially when changing positions and joining a new company. If the "fit" isn't right in terms of culture or values, then you will have a general feeling of being uncomfortable and that is not conducive to your motivation or engagement.

Cultural fit is one of the biggest challenges for recruiters today, particularly when people are now more conscious that they want to enjoy what they do as much as being good at their job.

Recent research has shown that ensuring a cultural fit between the individual and the organization has a 7.9 out of 10 difficulty rating for recruiters; according to new research conducted by global talent development and transition firm Lee Hecht Harrison. - See more at: http://www.lhh.com/press-room/news/ensuring-cultural-fit-is-biggest-talent-acquisition-challenge/#sthash.CbMUwXWp.dpuf

This can go some way to explaining why the personal face to face recruitment methods like networking and personal referrals are still more popular than purely using technology and social media to job hunt. Being in a 1:1 setting will definitely give you more of a flavour of the company atmosphere, values and vision, and will help any recruiter to figure out your personality and attitudes much more easily.

Undoubtedly technology and its rapid advances will still play a part in the recruitment process, but I don't think you can ever replace that very personal touch that needs to happen in order to find the right person for a particular role.

Its important for both parties to communicate their expectations well in terms of values, vision and culture -  an informed decision can then be made about whether the individual fits the company and vice versa, and hopefully no-one is left disappointed.

Glenda Nelson is Regional Manager of LHH Penna in Northern Ireland. LHH Penna helps employees navigate change, become better leaders, develop better careers and transition into new jobs smoothly. As the world's leading integrated Talent Development and Transition company, we have the local expertise, global infrastructure, and industry-leading technology required to simplify the complexity associated with executing critical talent and workforce initiatives, reducing brand and operational risk.

Is cleanliness next to mindfulness?

I noticed recently that 7^th October is National Bathtub Day and it got me thinking about how long it’s been since I took one. Now please don’t think that I’m in any way whiffy!! It’s just that the usual routine is to jump in the shower and get out again as fast as possible in the midst of the morning rush.

A bath however, is a very different scenario. 

 

You plan it out. Running the water, picking out the bubbles, salts or fragranced oils, deciding if you want some background music, pondering whether to take a glass of wine with you and selecting what you’re going to read as you relax.

 

It’s a time thing. Bathing is a slow process and something I really should do more of!

It also got me to thinking about taking time at work to step back and clear my mind. Mindfulness in the workplace is becoming more and more popular and relevant. In the last few years it has moved away from being the preserve of hippies and bedsheet clad monks, and into the corporate world.  A growing number of businesses are recognising what mindfulness can offer, including Transport for London (TfL), Google, GlaxoSmithKline, the Home Office, the Cabinet Office, KPMG, and PricewaterhouseCoopers.

But what on earth is Mindfulness? Jon Kbtao ‐Zinn says that it is “Paying attention on in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally”.  In other words it is training your mind to focus attention on thoughts emotions, and body sensations simply observing them as they arise and pass away without judgment. Yoga and meditation are ideal ways to practice and you can find a lot of different plans and courses online to guide you through the process.

Benefits from its practice come in a range of psychological/cognitive ways such as:

• Reduced psychological symptoms (stress /depression / anxiety)
• Reduced emotional reactivity/enhanced behavioural regulation
• Enhanced attention and concentration skills
• Increase in emotional intelligence

In addition to all these, it helps improve your general health, which can only be a good thing?

 

I’ve also heard recently of some senior executive and managers who block out “thinking time” in their diaries, which in its own way is a form of practicing mindfulness. Taking time away from the phone and the screens that we are constantly in front of, and scheduling time to reflect on the week behind them, thinking about plans for the week to come and ruminating about how things might pan out over the coming weeks or months. This can allow quiet time to contemplate something that might have been troubling them, and coming to a considered decision.

 

But can it make you a better leader – well some of its most famous followers are Richard Branson and Ariana Huffington; A lot of brand new tech startups have a space for meditation and relaxation so there must be something in it, right?

Various studies have shown that it can reduce cortisol levels - responsible for inducing stress - and thicken grey matter in the brain, improving the ability to process information. It can also trigger the release of serotonin and endorphins, two of the cocktail of hormones that help with focus and motivation.

The problem is, where do you get the time in a working day to sit quietly by yourself and just breathe? Plus how do you convince the powers that be (unless you are one!) that it’s a good thing?

Get started on your own time: getting up 30 minutes earlier is one way. The quiet of the early morning, before everyone else starts to wake up is often a favourite of those doing Yoga or to get some quiet me-time. Once you've established if it works for you then you can suggest it for the workplace, and see how it's received!

 

Or you could run a bath….

Talk to me about becoming a more mindful leader Glenda Nelson, LHH NI glenda.nelson@lhh.com www.lhh-uk.com

How to fix those CV blunders

Glenda Nelson of Lee Hecht Harrison (LHH) in Northern Ireland offers advice on how to fix those simple mistakes in your CV

Rejection letters on job applications are obviously disappointing – but if the reasons provided in any feedback are valid then it makes that rejection a little easier to accept.

One thing you most certainly don’t want to do is provide a potential employer with a good reason not to give you the job.

With the current job market being so competitive, having a CV that sells you perfectly is crucial. Online site, CV and Interview Advisors, recently highlighted that a staggering 92% of shortlisting decisions are made solely on the contents of your CV,. With such a high percentage you can’t just hope to get through to interview stage and ‘wow’ potential employers with your skills.

Fitting your entire career and achievements on to one piece of paper seems a lot easier than it actually is. Many still make serious mistakes that are costing them jobs before they’ve even reached the interview stage.

Something as simple as re-reading your CV before you send it could highlight an array of typos and grammar mistakes. You would be surprised what your computer won’t pick up that your eye might. Print a copy and ask someone to proof read before you even consider sending it to potential employers.

A ‘one size fits all’ CV just won’t cut it for every job you go for - you will need to tailor it for specific roles and perhaps alter it completely if you are looking to change careers. An employer will notice when you have applied your skills to suit the role advertised. Create a goal in your mind, depending on the role you are applying for, and tailor how you write your CV to highlight the qualities necessary to take on the role.

Most people are familiar with the rule of adhering to one page and definitely not running over two - try and abide by this when you can. Your CV should have a beginning, middle and end, an overview of yourself and proof of your relevant qualifications. If you don’t focus it towards proving that you deserve an interview, the reader will just be reading through a list of things you have done in your life and this won’t read well.

Ensure your writing is professional and make sure anything you include will be relevant to the company you are applying to. This includes the formatting. Keep it formal and don’t use distracting fonts or colours to ‘stand out’ as this  will highlight you for the wrong reasons.

Take care with your CV and make sure it does all it can to help you get to the next stage of the application process.

For more information on how you can avail of our outplacement services personally or on behalf of your employees, please contact us on: 0845 456 2269

Knowing if an Outplacement Provider is right for you

Glenda Nelson of Lee Hecht Harrison (LHH) in Northern Ireland offers advice on ‘being in the know’ when considering Outplacement providers.

Redundancy can be a difficult time for all involved, whether you are an employee faced with the overwhelming prospect or perhaps a director at the company is faced with the difficult decision of letting go of staff.

Unfortunately, recent figures released by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment Northern Ireland have shown that redundancy is still a prevalent factor within the Northern Ireland, with research indicating that in the space of 12 months from September 2014, proposed redundancies have increased by 13% to 3,590.

Whether you are an employee facing immediate redundancy or perhaps a company looking for options should redundancy arise, it is important to know what your options are.

In these circumstances, an outplacement provider can support employees and employers alike during the transition they face. Unsure of where to start? Here are some tips:

1. Search extensively

When dealing with such an important process, getting the right outplacement provider is crucial. With early research, you will be able to deem who is right for the needs of your employees and your company and ensure that if redundancy becomes an issue, you  have a plan in place.

2. Do they have a variety in their services?

When choosing a provider, you want to make sure you have a range of opportunities. Ideally, they will be able to offer a variety of programmes, from job search workshops, networking events and online training and resources that enhance professional understanding and development.

3. Are they flexible?

It is important that your outplacement provider reflects your personal style or that of the company as it makes the process a lot easier. Don’t forget, there is no set way of going through the outplacement process, every employee and company is different!

For more information on how you can avail of our outplacement services personally or on behalf of your employees, please contact us on: 0845 456 2269

Networking your way into a new career

Roger Gilpin of Lee Hecht Harrison (LHH) in Northern Ireland offers advice on how networking can help build your brand post-redundancy.

If you have recently been made redundant or perhaps are working in a company for which redundancy could be on the horizon, you may want to consider a change in your career, which may involve getting back on the job market or else setting up you own business.

Regardless of what choice you make, you will now have to introduce your personality and your own brand, rather than that of your previous company, to potential employers

Networking is a fantastic way to get your points across and market yourself which in turn can lead to new job opportunities. However many people find the idea intimidating. If that is the case, consider the following as a starter point:

1. Self-Assessment

Before throwing yourself into networking, make sure you are fully aware of what your strengths are and how these make you an asset to a company.

2. Place yourself on all platforms

Traditionally, we tend to network mainly at events in a face to face manner, however now you have the opportunity to promote yourself on a number of platforms including social media such as LinkedIn. Why not set yourself a personal goal of attending one networking event a month, keeping your LinkedIn up to date and connecting with all new faces.

3. Do your homework

If you want a new career with a certain company or want to start a business in a new industry, it is always important to know who and what is important. For instance, if you are attending an event you can do your research to see who will be attending, who you would like to talk to and what key points you would like to cover. By doing this you can set yourself a clear goal for the event and make the process a little easier.

Remember, your skills and experience will always be vital, however, combining this with great connections may open many doors for a new career!

For more information on how you can avail of our outplacement services, please contact us on: 0845 456 2269

Making the most of outplacement opportunities after redundancy

Roger Gilpin of Lee Hecht Harrison (LHH) in Northern Ireland explains why accepting outplacement support after redundancy is a smart career move.

Unfortunately as a result of the recession, we have seen more and more companies faced with the tough decision of trimming their workforce.

In these circumstances employers are increasingly offering outplacement services to employees facing redundancy in order to provide support as they make what can sometimes be a difficult transition into the next stage of their career.

Surprisingly, this help is being rejected by many employees, who are at this stage perhaps unaware of how grateful they will be for the support several months down the line.

If redundancy could be on your cards, outplacement support is not to be ruled out in a hurry and the following advice should be thoroughly thought through and considered.

1. Times are a changing

Many individuals who find themselves facing redundancy have been in the comfort of their current roles for a number of years making the ever changing job market seem even more daunting. Outplacement equips the individual with the training and knowledge required to sell themselves to employers in the current market.

2. Sometimes it’s just not that easy

The job market is more competitive than ever which can prove difficult even for those with an abundance of self-confidence who believe they will find a new role without a problem. An outplacement professional can assist you navigate the minefield.

3. Emotional impact can be overwhelming

Being made redundant can be a stressful time and there is no need to go through it alone. A dedicated outplacement coach could be the proverbial ‘knight in shining armour’ supporting not only your career, but also your emotional needs. Their aim is to maximise your employability and make the process as smooth as possible for you. You know what they say, “a problem shared is a problem halved”.

In what can be a period of uncertainty, outplacement coaches can guide you through the process seamlessly answering any queries and concerns you may have along the way.

For more information on how you can avail of our outplacement services personally or on behalf of your employees, please contact us on: 0845 456 2269

How to handle a career setback

Roger Gilpin of Lee Hecht Harrison (LHH) in Northern Ireland offers advice on how to handle a career setback.

It is almost inevitable that we will encounter a career stumbling block at some point during our working lives. Sometimes they can be minor such as a disappointing performance review, or more significant like being passed over for a promotion. Setbacks can leave us feeling frustrated, inadequate, and wondering where it all went wrong.

The following tips will help you to bolster your confidence when faced with disappointment and how to make the most of a bad situation.

1.    Take a step back. An unexpected setback can be difficult to accept or understand. Taking a break will help you come to terms with your feelings and enable you to put things into perspective. Why not indulge yourself and do things you had previously wanted to do but hadn’t had the time? Try not to wallow in bad feelings and instead write an action plan to help you get where you want to be.

2.    Analyse what went wrong. Asking for feedback can be a useful tool to help uncover any shortcomings you may have. Try to turn the situation into a learning exercise, and embrace the advice you are given. This can be a challenge when you are feeling defeated, so give yourself whatever time you need beforehand until you can objectively determine how to move forward.

3.    Don’t scapegoat others. It is tempting to level blame at other people when you are looking for a reason as to what went wrong. Instead, focus on why the event happened and how you can learn from it.

4.    Learn from others in the same boat. Steve Jobs once proclaimed that being fired from Apple was ‘the best thing that ever happened to him’. The former CEO had suffered the misfortune of being fired from his own company but saw the incident as an opportunity to unburden some of the responsibility he had felt and begin to regain his creativity again. He was of course re-hired in 1996 the rest is history. It can be therapeutic to look at the careers of friends or of individuals you admire and observe how they overcame their own personal setbacks.

5.    Redefine or adapt your goals. You may find that suffering a setback can help you to re-evaluate your own ambitions. Perhaps you were heading down a path which you hadn’t planned or even really wanted but circumstances had led you that way. Adversity can sometimes be the catalyst you need to rediscover what makes you happy and what doesn’t.

For more information on how you can avail of our outplacement services, please contact us on: 0845 456 2269