Proper planning, thorough research and setting short, medium and long term career goals is key to achieving success in your field. 

Beyond gaining qualifications, there are a wide range of other factors you should consider when planning the stages of your career. 

Discussing these goals with your recruitment consultant gives you a valuable opportunity for feedback and will help them find the roles that will best help you achieve them. 

Cultural fit

Matching your personality to your targeted role/s and employer/s is the next step. As well as aligning your skill sets, talk to people who are already in a role you aspire to and see if they have similar personality traits.

"In many professions you are likely to find yourelf working long hours - you could and should have a social circle at work; it is hugely important that the fit is as close as possible," Ed Glover continued.

"Find out about other employees' backgrounds – are they similar to yours? What is that organisation’s employment history; where are previous employees now and what are they doing?"

"We talk about personality fit and chemistry at all levels because, for most jobs, we find relevant skill sets on multiple CVs. Finding the right personal match is where the true value comes."

Gain good advice

It is important to ask others about your strengths and weaknesses – seek opinions from your boss, colleagues, clients, recruitment consultants or friends and family.

"I would encourage people to think about their careers before coming to talk to us. Knowing what you want to achieve puts us in the best position to be able to help you achieve it," said Ed Glover, Associate Director at Robert Walters.

"Ideally, you would know what you will be doing in ten years’ time. Then you can work back and get an indication of where you will be in five, then three and two years."

"Frequently moving jobs is becoming increasingly common for professionals and your first role can play a big role in determining what you do next."

If you cannot visualise where you will be in ten years, try some different roles, see where those jobs might take you and that should help you decide.

Stay flexible

It is important to keep your plan flexible, especially in the early stages of your career which is often very fluid. After five to ten years, people have more tendency to stay in the same sector or role.

It is therefore important to gain as much varied experience as possible in the early years, to ensure you find the route most suitable to you, then to plan to ensure you spend the later stages of your career working in your preferred areas.

Even the best plans may need to be revised as circumstances change. Your career plan has to be a work in progress and you should revisit it regularly.

For example, do not be afraid of a sideways move to reinvigorate your career if you reach a plateau or cul-de-sac.

Managing your career can be a big challenge and there are sure to be obstacles and surprises along the way. However, a good plan will help you be ready for these.

Ed Glover added, "gaining qualifications and developing a broad range of skills will help you to remain adaptable in your career. For some professionals, this can even allow them to shift into a new role or industry midway through their career."

"Your priorities can change and having the skills and experience to adapt is essential."

Not sure how best to approach salary negotiations? We offer four top tips. 

Or, find out what you're worth using the Robert Walters Salary Survey.

 

 

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We all want to work for a company that we can feel good about and that’s aligned with our core values. So how do you find an employer you can believe in? Here are a few key questions to ask…

We spend around a third of our adult lives at work, according to the World Health Organisation. Of course, many of us work primarily to provide a stable home for ourselves and our families and to enable us to pursue our hobbies, interests and passions. But with so much of our precious time devoted to our work, shouldn’t it carry some greater meaning too?

Certainly the research suggests so. For example, some 83 per cent of millennials (and 80 per cent of Gen Z-ers) believe that business success should be measured not just in terms of financial performance, but also by a broad mix of goals that includes making a positive impact on society and the environment; improving people’s lives; and an emphasis on inclusion and diversity in the workplace, according to the 2018 Deloitte Millennial Survey.  

In their quest for meaningful employment, some will look to work in the not-for-profit sector. But meaningful work doesn’t have to mean charity work, and it does not even have to mean a career change. Sometimes it’s simply about working for a company that we genuinely feel good about, that works hard not to just be profitable but to do its bit for the environment and the wider community. 

So, what can you do to make sure your work is meaningful to you? Here are six questions to ask when you’re looking for an employer to believe in...

1. What is said about the company in the news?

Simply doing an internet news search and going back over a few years’ headlines will give you a good sense of what your potential employer is like ethically, and how the business is perceived in the wider world. 

Are there stories about R&D, philanthropic initiatives and exciting sponsorship deals? Or is the picture more one of suspected tax evasion, ruthless efficiencies and employee dissatisfaction? A bit of targeted Googling will soon reveal the ethical grain of any organisation. 

2. What is the company’s leader like?

The leader of a business is the embodiment of its vision. If you can’t believe in the leader, you’ll struggle to believe in the organisation that they preside over. 

There’s even a link between the business performance of a company and the integrity of its CEO, according to research. Companies in which the employees rated their CEO as having a positive character and approach to problems, including the ability to move on from mistakes, saw an average return on assets (ROA) of 9.35% over a two-year span.   Companies with a poorly-rated CEO, however, had an average ROA of just 1.93%. 

So carry out a bit of due diligence on the boss. What’s their track record on the issues that matter to you, such as the environment or diversity or gender pay? A great way to do this is to check their CEO rating on Glassdoor to see what employees really think of them.

3. Is there real proof of ethical practice? 

Many companies will flash their ethical values across their websites and promotional materials – indeed, it’s a requirement to demonstrate policies in certain areas such as diversity, recycling and anti-slavery. But talk is easy: it’s important to scratch the surface and ask if the company really delivers on its promises. 

Dig a little deeper and see if proof of CSR in action can be found in the news, on the internet or on the company’s social media channels. Is there evidence of real projects happening and employees getting involved in things like volunteering and fundraising? 

4. How eco-friendly is the organisation?

Every business and every individual must play their part in protecting the environment, and if this is something you’re passionate about, you’ll want to look hard at how your potential employer is contributing to a greener world. 

Of course, it depends on the industry, and different sectors face different challenges: the carbon footprint of an airline, for example, is likely to be inherently more challenging than that of a digital media agency. But what matters is the way in which the organisation responds to the specific challenges it faces, and how it measures up to its peers.  

Here too, actions speak louder than words. It’s easy for a company to create a shareable meme about how much it cares about polar bears and the ice caps. Don’t let yourself be ‘greenwashed’ by clever marketing – look for tangible evidence of companies making real commitments and meeting or even exceeding them in measurably effective ways. 

Take a look at the company’s sustainability report or annual report to see if they’ve achieved any independent ratings such as FTSE4Good or if they’re working with reputable organisations such as the World Land Trust.

5. How has the company addressed any criticisms that have been made against it or its sector?

In the race to make profits, companies can be guilty of cutting corners and making mistakes. But beyond the negative reviews, regulatory infringements or critical press coverage, an important question to ask is: What happened next?  

A key test of a company with integrity is the way in which it responds to criticism or censure. Does it look to honestly address its faults, and put measures in place to stop them happening again? Or does it lurch from one PR or customer service crisis to the next? 

Likewise, you can also look at how the company responds to negative Glassdoor reviews. Do they seem open to feedback and willing to engage with critics? Or are their responses defensive?

6. What does the company’s social presence tell you about the culture?

You can tell a lot about a company by looking at their social media channels. Are they distant and corporate-sounding, or do they come across as engaged and in touch with the issues their people care about? Social channels allow a company to showcase life behind the scenes giving you an insight into the culture. 

Employer review sites like Glassdoor are another good source of insights into employer culture, although it’s important to remember that every individual assessment is subjective. 

When looking at all such content, consider: Do you get a sense of a team pulling together? Do people look like they enjoy socialising together? Do they get together behind good causes? Does it look like a culture that celebrates achievements and truly supports development for all? Or do you sense evidence of less desirable traits, such as presenteeism, lack of innovation and demotivated employees?

Finally, if you want to make sure that not just your employer but also your career itself feels truly meaningful to you, check out these six essential questions for finding a more fulfilling and satisfying role.

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The first day of your new job is always daunting. There will be lots of introductions, a new environment to get used to and, most importantly, you’ll want to make a good first impression to your new employer as well as the team you will be working in.

Here, we offer some advice on how to impress on your first day in your new role.

 

Dress appropriately

Always make sure you have asked what the dress code is prior to your first day. Companies nowadays can differ vastly with their dress code policy. – While in some industries it's commonplace to see more relaxed working environment with casual dress, others are still very formal. Even if the company has a relaxed dress code, always make sure you still look presentable and you are dressed appropriately for the office environment. This will be the first time you will be meeting the people you will be working with daily, so you want to make a good, long-lasting impression.

Arrive on time 

Always arrive on time on your first day and do your best to maintain this as you develop in your new role. It seems obvious, but it’s a simple way to show you are dedicated, reliable and eager to progress and will prove to your new employer that they made the right decision in hiring you.

Be proactive 

Self-sufficiency and a strong appetite to learn are key traits your new employer will immediately value. On your first day, you’re likely to be given a series of tasks to get you started and introduced into the company. If you find yourself finishing early and you’re at a loose end, ask your line manager or team members if there is another task you could be doing to save you sitting doing nothing.

Absorb as much information as possible

There will be lots going on in your first day and week of your new job so focus on everything that’s going on around you. This will help you get to grips with learning about the business and its different functions, as well putting names to faces and learning where they fit into the business, easing your integration into the company and making you feel more comfortable in your new work environment

Be prepared to work hard

On top of meeting new faces, your first day and week will be full of new tasks, systems and concepts to digest,It’s a brain workout – so make sure you’re prepared to work hard from the get go.

As the first step into your new career path, your first day is exciting , so it’s important to make the most of it. Following these simple steps will help make your first day that bit less daunting and that much more enjoyable.

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Are you tempted to give up your permanent role for the benefits of contracting? Our experts share their advice to ensure you’re fully prepared before committing to this lifestyle change.

Contracting is a fantastic opportunity for you to take control of your career, and for some people, it’s the best decision they’ll ever make.

But, leaving a permanent role doesn’t come without risks, so don’t let yourself get caught out by thinking the grass is always greener on the contracting side.

To help you make this decision, we’ve invited two of our experts to share some important advice on what to think about if you’re considering the switch…

Do you have the right mentality?

“When considering a contract role, you need to think long and hard about your motivations for making the move,” says Keith O'Loughlin, Assiciate Director in Ireland. It’s all about having the right reasons for making the switch, he adds. “Is it to grow your experience in a new industry, learn and enhance your skills, or achieve a better work/life balance?"

“As an experienced recruiter, I can tell that someone is perfect for contracting because they get excited about delivering projects and seeing what the next challenge is. If you’ve got the right mentality for contracting, you’ll always want to give the best service to the client and make sure you become an invaluable member of the team regardless of how long your contract lasts,” adds Keith. 

What are the financial implications?

“The salary attached to contracting roles will largely depend on the nature of the project and the demands in the market at that time,” says Keith. Most companies will offer a gratuity completion bonus which can be included in the salary package, while others may offer an increase on basic salary to move into a contract role, he says, adding: “The financial implications depend on the individual’s lifestyle.”

Depending on the role, candidates might need a significant pay increase to help cover additional outgoings and make the switch worth it, explains Keith, saying that in some sectors, such as IT, contractors should be aiming to earn at least twice as much as a permanent salary. He adds, “You might be away from home a lot, and you’re not guaranteed work, so you’ll need this extra money to act as savings to cover additional travel expenses, living expenses and employment gaps.”

“And don’t forget to check when you’re going to be paid,” advises Keith. “Agencies will only pay you once they’ve been paid themselves, so if they’re on 60-day payment terms, that means you’ll have to wait two months for your first pay cheque.”

How will the change affect your lifestyle?

“When thinking about taking a contractor position, the impact on your lifestyle — particularly if you have a family — should be one of the most important things you consider,” says Keith, explaining that this is often overlooked by candidates who focus too much on the financial side of the role and less on the practicalities and the impact it’ll have at home.

“Depending on the location of the job, the type of role and the contract length — some contracts can be up to two years — you could be faced with a complete lifestyle change,” he explains. “Some contracting roles might be outside commutable distance and if you have to live away from home, you’ll need to factor in both the financial cost and the impact on home life.

Will you set up as a limited company or use an umbrella company?

“When you’re a contractor, all the benefits you used to receive as a permanent employee you now have to manage yourself,” says Keith. Using an umbrella company is one-way contractors can get help in sorting all these issues, he advises. “You pay them to handle things like tax, pension contributions, and holiday entitlement, although obviously all this comes at a cost and the umbrella company could take as much as 15% of your salary through their fees.”

The other option for contractors is to set up as a limited company. “If you set yourself up as a limited company, you’ll take home more money, but you’ll be responsible for things like your own pension plan and submitting your own tax returns,” warns Keith, adding that contractors may need to employ an accountant to help deal with the financial side of things.

What impact does contracting have on benefit packages?

“If the benefits of a new role are important to you, make sure you discuss them with your potential employer before making the switch,” advises Keith, noting that these benefits could include medical cover, annual leave and a ‘completion of contract’ bonus. As he adds, “contracting is becoming increasingly popular, so benefits are now on par, or even more attractive than those offered for permanent positions. This makes it more appealing to permanent employees to make the move into a contract role.”

Do you have all-important soft skills as well as the technical know-how?

“On average, 70% of well-performing contractors will be considered for a permanent role within the company when their contract ends. This is often because of the soft skills contractors possess, as these are the skills that really set them apart from the rest,” says Keith, emphasising that a positive attitude and willingness to learn are important soft-skill traits candidates looking for contracting roles need to possess.

As Keith notes: “Technology and business have changed so much over recent decades. For example, IT workers, have gone from sitting quietly at the back of the room to leading whole organisations through digital transformations.

“This means they now have to be able to talk to the business, understand what they need, and translate the technical aspects into a workable space that the business can use.” He adds: “IT is no longer separate from the business, it’s a driving force, and as a result, programme managers, business analysts, CIOs and CTOs can now effectively communicate with other stakeholders across the business. It’s hard to underestimate just how important soft skills have become.”

Should you make the move?

Any change of job will always require serious thought, but, due to the transient nature of contracting, the move from permanent to contract will often require more thorough consideration. As Keith states, “candidates need to consider what their main motivations are when moving careers” to ensure that they’re making the right change for themselves and their family, as well as their future career development.

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When considering a new hire, the most common question from hiring managers is whether they have completed an internship or placement. The importance of industry experience on a CV is undeniable, they are a great way to gain experience, develop professional skills and fill knowledge gaps of the industry you are looking to develop your career in.

Here we review five key benefits of completing an internship or placement and how it can help advance your employability.

Preparation for the working environment

An internship will be a great way to be introduced into ‘working-life’ and will expose you to how a company operates as well as preparing you with a valuable skillset which you can take with you into your career.

Valuable experiences to discuss in your first interview

Many hiring managers focus on previous experience and how you have overcome challenges within the workplace. Coming straight out of university does not fully prepare you for these situations. Yes, there are things you would have learnt at university which you could apply to these questions, but these aren’t always strong enough. Internships are designed to give you the responsibility over a variety of tasks to complete to challenge and help you learn. This will be essential experiences to discuss when you are being interviewed for your next job.

Improves employability

When you are being considered for a role, you are often compared to other candidates. Having an internship on your CV will instantly make you stand out next to someone who hasn’t done an internship. This will make you more valuable as a candidate and more likely to be invited for an interview.

Helps you to assess your career options

The opportunity to gain experience and an insight into what it’s like to work in the industry you are considering is a great position to be in as you aren’t tied into a contract. Internships are usually designed to expose you to various aspects of the industry you have chosen. Gaining as much experience and knowledge of the industry will help you get a better idea as to whether you’d like to pursue this as a future career or to look elsewhere.

It’s not all about the money

Although internships often pay very little compared to a standard salary, it provides you with more than just monetary rewards - experience! Having previous experience on your CV can put you ahead of others competing for the same position, enhancing your chances of securing a job offer.

Internships are valuable in helping you start your career and are highly recommended by universities. Majority of work places look for an internship or equivalent on a CV to assess their capability to do the job. Not only will they better prepare you for working-life, but they will also help you narrow down your options of a future career.

If you enjoyed your internship you might look at continuing that career or, you might even be asked to stay on full-time. Read our how to get a job offer from your internship article. 

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Want to know if you’re right for an interim role? Here are some of the main things you should consider…

Tempted by the idea of an interim role? Making the move from a permanent to an interim position can revitalise your career — but is it the right move for you?

Before you make the switch, we’ve spoken to Mo Hanslod, Head of Interim Management in London about what you should consider if you’re thinking about moving to an interim position.

Salary

“In an interim role, your average annual salary will be around 20% to 25% more than you would receive in the equivalent permanent position,” says Mo Hanslod. As he explains, this amount is based on a candidate working an entire 12-month period, and the total figure would be based largely on how much an individual candidate actually works. “Don’t forget that between contracts you won’t be getting paid, so any salary increases will need to be offset against the periods where you aren’t receiving an income.”

Benefits

“Generally speaking, you don’t receive the same type of benefits package in an interim role as you do in a permanent position,” says Mo. Benefits like health insurance, pension plan, life insurance, annual leave and even Christmas parties that are common in permanent positions aren’t usually offered in interim roles, he adds. “However, you may be able to negotiate an hourly or daily rate that increases your take-home pay and offsets these losses, giving you the choice of how you spend your compensation.”

Type of work

“If you have a project-based mindset and you work well with deadline-oriented individuals, then moving into an interim role may well be the right decision for you,” says Mo. Many interim roles will also require candidates to demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, he adds, as these qualities are what sets these professionals apart from those in permanent roles. “It’s important you demonstrate strong emotional maturity and flexibility in your approach to work, while showing the ability to navigate any political issues within the constraints of the role for which you’ve been contracted.”

Practicalities

“If you want to be an interim manager you’ve got to have an entrepreneurial mindset,” explains Mo. “And that’s something that a lot of candidates forget.” As he explains, interim candidates need to spend a lot of time investing in their relationships with recruiters, agencies and companies, networking wherever they can to ensure they build the connections they need for their career to prosper. “The role of an interim manager may be more commercial than you’re used to, and if you don’t like that approach it may be that an interim role is not suitable for you.”

Flexibility

“Interim positions offer a great deal more flexibility than permanent roles, meaning you’ll be able to take extended time off when a role finishes — perfect if you want to travel or study between contracts,” says Mo. Interim candidates typically plan to work between nine and 12 months a year, which, for some, will make up for the lack of other benefits offered by a permanent role such as annual leave, he says. “In an interim role, you are paid to deliver results rather than for presenteeism, therefore, if you’re organised and efficient, you can leave the office on time and pursue your interests outside of work.

Security

“While independence and flexibility are two of the main selling points when it comes to taking an interim position, a downside is the lack of security that these roles offer,” warns Mo. As he explains, if a candidate falls sick or sustains an injury which means they can’t work, then they won’t get paid because they are not entitled to sick leave, which is important to consider if you’re supporting a family or have mortgage repayments to make.”

Career progression

“If you want to become a CFO within five years, then I wouldn’t recommend moving into an interim role because you won’t necessarily be developing your career in the new role,” Mo explains. Employers expect interim candidates to come in and make an impact straight away, he says, which means candidates are often hired for similar roles to those they have had success with in the past. “However, should you decide to move back into a permanent role at a later date, the flexibility of today’s market means your time in an interim position won’t necessarily be counted against you.”

Personal development

“It’s important to not stop investing in your own professional development, even when this isn’t something being actively promoted by your employer,” advises Mo. In a permanent role, candidates will have access to a structured training programme, he says, but in an interim position the individual needs to take on the responsibility of personal development. “Consider how the networks you develop and the experience you gain in an interim position can benefit your career, or whether you could use your financial gains to invest in a relevant course or training programme.”

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Salary Survey 

Want to know if you’re right for an interim role? Here are some of the main things you should consider…

Tempted by the idea of an interim role? Making the move from a permanent to an interim position can revitalise your career — but is it the right move for you?

Before you make the switch, we’ve spoken to Lynley Hall, Head of Interim Management in London about what you should consider if you’re thinking about moving to an interim position.

Salary

“In an interim role, your average annual salary will be around 20% to 25% more than you would receive in the equivalent permanent position,” says Lynley Hall. As he explains, this amount is based on a candidate working an entire 12-month period, and the total figure would be based largely on how much an individual candidate actually works. “Don’t forget that between contracts you won’t be getting paid, so any salary increases will need to be offset against the periods where you aren’t receiving an income.”

“In an interim role, your average annual salary will be around 20% to 25% more than you would receive in the equivalent permanent position,” says Lynley Hall.

Benefits

“Generally speaking, you don’t receive the same type of benefits package in an interim role as you do in a permanent position,” says Lynley. Benefits like health insurance, pension plan, life insurance, annual leave and even Christmas parties that are common in permanent positions aren’t usually offered in interim roles, he adds. “However, you may be able to negotiate an hourly or daily rate that increases your take-home pay and offsets these losses, giving you the choice of how you spend your compensation.”

Type of work

“If you have a project-based mindset and you work well with deadline-oriented individuals, then moving into an interim role may well be the right decision for you,” says Lynley. Many interim roles will also require candidates to demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, he adds, as these qualities are what sets these professionals apart from those in permanent roles. “It’s important you demonstrate strong emotional maturity and flexibility in your approach to work, while showing the ability to navigate any political issues within the constraints of the role for which you’ve been contracted.”

Practicalities

“If you want to be an interim manager you’ve got to have an entrepreneurial mindset,” explains Lynley. “And that’s something that a lot of candidates forget.” As he explains, interim candidates need to spend a lot of time investing in their relationships with recruiters, agencies and companies, networking wherever they can to ensure they build the connections they need for their career to prosper. “The role of an interim manager may be more commercial than you’re used to, and if you don’t like that approach it may be that an interim role is not suitable for you.”

Flexibility

“Interim positions offer a great deal more flexibility than permanent roles, meaning you’ll be able to take extended time off when a role finishes — perfect if you want to travel or study between contracts,” says Lynley. Interim candidates typically plan to work between nine and 12 months a year, which, for some, will make up for the lack of other benefits offered by a permanent role such as annual leave, he says. “In an interim role, you are paid to deliver results rather than for presenteeism, therefore, if you’re organised and efficient, you can leave the office on time and pursue your interests outside of work.

Security

“While independence and flexibility are two of the main selling points when it comes to taking an interim position, a downside is the lack of security that these roles offer,” warns Lynley. As he explains, if a candidate falls sick or sustains an injury which means they can’t work, then they won’t get paid because they are not entitled to sick leave, which is important to consider if you’re supporting a family or have mortgage repayments to make.”

Career progression

“If you want to become a CFO within five years, then I wouldn’t recommend moving into an interim role because you won’t necessarily be developing your career in the new role,” Lynley explains. Employers expect interim candidates to come in and make an impact straight away, he says, which means candidates are often hired for similar roles to those they have had success with in the past. “However, should you decide to move back into a permanent role at a later date, the flexibility of today’s market means your time in an interim position won’t necessarily be counted against you.”

Personal development

“It’s important to not stop investing in your own professional development, even when this isn’t something being actively promoted by your employer,” advises Lynley. In a permanent role, candidates will have access to a structured training programme, he says, but in an interim position the individual needs to take on the responsibility of personal development. “Consider how the networks you develop and the experience you gain in an interim position can benefit your career, or whether you could use your financial gains to invest in a relevant course or training programme.”

 

 

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Tempted by the idea of an interim role? Making the move from a permanent to an interim position can revitalise your career — but is it the right move for you?

Before you make the switch, we’ve spoken to two of our experts about what you should consider if you’re thinking about moving to an interim position.

Salary

“In an interim role, your average annual salary will be around 20% to 25% more than you would receive in the equivalent permanent position,” says Lucy Bissett, director of Robert Walters’ interim division in Manchester. As she explains, this amount is based on a candidate working an entire 12-month period, and the total figure would be based largely on how much an individual candidate actually works. “Don’t forget that between contracts you won’t be getting paid, so any salary increases will need to be offset against the periods where you aren’t receiving an income.”

Benefits

“Generally speaking, you don’t receive the same type of benefits package in an interim role as you do in a permanent position,” says Habiba Khatoon, director at Robert Walters Birmingham. Benefits like health insurance, pension plan, life insurance, annual leave and even Christmas parties that are common in permanent positions aren’t usually offered in interim roles, she adds. “However, you may be able to negotiate an hourly or daily rate that increases your take-home pay and offsets these losses, giving you the choice of how you spend your compensation.”

Type of work

“If you have a project-based mindset and you work well with deadline-oriented individuals, then moving into an interim role may well be the right decision for you,” says Habiba. Many interim roles will also require candidates to demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, she adds, as these qualities are what sets these professionals apart from those in permanent roles. “It’s important you demonstrate strong emotional maturity and flexibility in your approach to work, while showing the ability to navigate any political issues within the constraints of the role for which you’ve been contracted.”

Practicalities

Interim positions offer a great deal more flexibility than permanent roles, meaning you’ll be able to take extended time off when a role finishes — perfect if you want to travel or study between contracts.
“If you want to be an interim manager you’ve got to have an entrepreneurial mindset,” says Lucy. “And that’s something that a lot of candidates forget.” As she explains, interim candidates need to spend a lot of time investing in their relationships with recruiters, agencies and companies, networking wherever they can to ensure they build the connections they need for their career to prosper. “The role of an interim manager may be more commercial than you’re used to, and if you don’t like that approach it may be that an interim role is not suitable for you.” 

Flexibility

“Interim positions offer a great deal more flexibility than permanent roles, meaning you’ll be able to take extended time off when a role finishes — perfect if you want to travel or study between contracts,” says Habiba. Interim candidates typically plan to work between nine and 12 months a year, which, for some, will make up for the lack of other benefits offered by a permanent role such as annual leave, she says. “In an interim role, you are paid to deliver results rather than for presenteeism, therefore, if you’re organised and efficient, you can leave the office on time and pursue your interests outside of work.

Security

“While independence and flexibility are two of the main selling points when it comes to taking an interim position, a downside is the lack of security that these roles offer,” warns Lucy. As she explains, if a candidate falls sick or sustains an injury which means they can’t work, then they won’t get paid because they are not entitled to sick leave, which is important to consider if you’re supporting a family or have mortgage repayments to make.”

Career progression

“If you want to become a CFO within five years, then I wouldn’t recommend moving into an interim role because you won’t necessarily be developing your career in the new role,” explains Lucy. Employers expect interim candidates to come in and make an impact straight away, she says, which means candidates are often hired for similar roles to those they have had success with in the past. “However, should you decide to move back into a permanent role at a later date, the flexibility of today’s market means your time in an interim position won’t necessarily be counted against you.”

Personal development

“It’s important to not stop investing in your own professional development, even when this isn’t something being actively promoted by your employer,” advises Habiba. In a permanent role, candidates will have access to a structured training programme, she says, but in an interim position the individual needs to take on the responsibility of personal development. “Consider how the networks you develop and the experience you gain in an interim position can benefit your career, or whether you could use your financial gains to invest in a relevant course or training programme.”

 

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Appraisals can be a stressful experience for many people, while others embrace them as an opportunity to discuss their performance and highlight the value they have added to the business over the previous year. They are also a great opportunity to discuss your future plans and potential opportunities for personal growth and development in the coming year. Appraisals are generally undertaken by companies in January and Suzanne Feeney, country manager at Robert Walters Ireland discusses how to perform at your performance appraisal.
 

How can you prepare for your appraisal?

If you are well prepared for your appraisal you will feel more confident so ensure you have carefully prepared examples of your work and performance and collated all the facts before going into the meeting. Appraisals can be make-or-break moments in your career and as such it is vital to prepare for them as you would for an exam or important interview.

Think about what you want to achieve in your career over the next few years and how your current employer can help you get there.

What do you want to achieve?

Think about what you want to achieve in your career over the next few years and how your current employer can help you get there. Ensure you take the time to think about possible training options, additional industry qualifications you are interested in, or how you can gain different experience to broaden your skill base, things that will help your career in the long term.

Should you compromise?

Be prepared to accept that your employer may not be able to meet all your requests and think about what you are willing to accept. Consider compromises that will ensure win-win outcomes for the appraisal. For example, agree performance targets in exchange for the opportunity to gain access to specific training programmes.

How to get noticed?

If you have ideas on improving the role, the team, or a specific process within the business, then this is your opportunity to speak up. You should take this chance to express your interest in taking on extra responsibility – this is a sure way of getting ahead, being noticed and showing your commitment to the company and your position within it.

How to get the bonus/pay rise you deserve?

Above all, remember that a performance appraisal is a business discussion. Avoid emotive language and responses to the constructive feedback you may receive. Focus on factual reasons why you should be considered for a pay rise or a promotion, not just because somebody else received one. This is your best opportunity to convince your employer of the value you have contributed to the business and how you can continue to contribute in the future.

Anything that is discussed in an appraisal should not come as a surprise to either party – do not store up grievances until an appraisal – these should be discussed as and when they happen but this is a good time to re-iterate any issues that have occurred throughout the course of the year.

Performance appraisals should be a positive experience and an opportunity for you to communicate honestly with your manager about your career progression. Take ownership of the process and the rewards should follow.

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With the increasing use of online networking tools, a growing number of professionals are left wondering how to network in the real world. Whilst the use of professional networking sites has its advantages in today’s workplace, learning to network effectively face-to-face is an invaluable tool and more powerful and beneficial than online platforms.

There’s an increasing trend for organisations to seek out professionals who not only have the required skills to do the job, but who can also act as business partners through successful communication and engagement with internal and external stakeholders.

The development of a strong network requires making connections that will sustain more than a simple introduction; a successful professional relationship takes time and effort to build.

Robert Walters country manager, Suzanne Feeney said: "It's important to take a 'long term view' attitude to networking and not be disheartened if you don’t see instant results. You may be lucky, however, as more often than not you will see opportunities open up to you over time, all of which can be traced back to the effort you put in when you started networking."

What makes a successful network?

A successful network requires a mutual understanding from the start - it is about what you can do for your contact and what they can do for you. The development of a strong network requires making connections that will sustain more than a simple introduction; a successful professional relationship takes time and effort to build. Those connections, and the support required to maintain them, are the necessary ingredients to developing a network.

How to network and build professional relationships?

Not sure where to begin? Follow these 4 tips to networking and you will be well on your way to expanding your network.

1. Network with a purpose

Do not go to a networking event or join a forum aimlessly. Remember your overall goal is to meet professionals that you can help and vice versa.

2. Concise communication 

Communicate effectively. Be articulate, concise and enthusiastic about what you do. It’s all about balance so remember to listen and ask questions when engaged in conversation and whatever you do, do not come on too strong about what you want and your agenda.

3. Circulate

Speak with as many people as you can at a networking function – you never know who’s there. Establish the basics and arrange another time to have a more detailed discussion so you are not using all of your time talking to a few people. You’re not going to remember everyone’s name, so it’s important that you initiate the exchange of business cards before the conversation is over.

4. Follow up

Always follow up within a couple of days post the meeting, to ensure your hard work hasn’t gone to waste. The channel you use to connect should depend on the importance of the contact to you and your overall goal – phone and email are the most personal, followed by a professional networking site such as LinkedIn if the contact is someone you’d like to have in your wider network.

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Temping can be an excellent way to gain experience and get a foot in the door with a great company. Many successful secretarial and support professionals choose to do temp work at some point during their careers. Here we look at some of the benefits to working in a temp position.

Temping allows you to gain experience across different industries, offices, locations and environments.

What are the benefits?

One of the most important benefits is the experience you gain. This is particularly important when it is one of your first jobs, or if you are choosing to change industries or career paths.

“By working in a temp secretarial or support role your job can vary daily and you can gain experience in several different aspects of a company” says Kelly-Anne Rainey, Senior Consultant - Temporary & contract secretarial and support division.

Experiment until you find your ideal career

Along with the varying experience you can obtain within a company, temping also allows you to gain experience across different industries, offices, locations and environments. The majority of people do not stick with the initial company they work for or initial career path, and temping allows you to try different things until you find what interests you most. 

"Temping can give you a taste of many different industries and work situations, and you can find what is the best fit for you before you commit to long term permanent work. As long as you are still giving 100% in each job, employers understand that it might take a few different opportunities before you find the right one" says Kelly.

Weekly or bi-weekly pay

Many temp workers find the pay schedule helpful, and it can make it easier to budget. Temporary secretarial and support roles commonly pay on a weekly or bi-weekly basis, so you know you’ll be paid more frequently than most permanent positions.  

Flexibility

A key highlight of temping is the flexibility it allows you. You are not tied into a permanent role, making it easier to leave if there are other opportunities you want to explore.

“Whilst many permanent roles can have a 1-3 month notice period, temp workers can commonly give as short as 1 or 2 week notice periods” continued Kelly, "This means the time in between jobs can be shorter and they can be available for a new employer quite quickly - which is always a plus for an employer."

Temp to perm

If you are not looking for this flexibility, the other common option is temp to perm jobs. This is when a company hires a temporary worker with the desire to make them a permanent staff member after a period of time or a probation period.

“Many candidates who I have worked with in the past were initially hired on temporary contracts and then later moved to a permanent position within the company” Kelly said. “It's an excellent opportunity to prove your value to a company and show them why you would be a key addition to the permanent staff.”

Looking for your next secretarial or support role? View the latest opportunities from Robert Walters. 

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Considering a move overseas to develop your career? Here’s what you need to know…

International experience can work wonders for your career development. Here, with the help of some of our experts, we look at some of the key things to think about if you’re planning a move overseas…

 

Be clear about why you want to work overseas

A key question to ask yourself is: Is it about my career or about the lifestyle? If you like the idea of working by day and hitting the beach straight from the office, then a move from London to Sydney could be right for you. But such a move may be less dramatic in terms of your career development, as you’re likely to be making a sideways move.

Keep an open mind about your choice of location

If you’re primarily interested in international experience as a way of accelerating your career trajectory, it pays to look beyond the obvious locations. “If you go for somewhere that’s very well established, you’re likely to have lots of competitors, and it’s harder to see results,” says Singapore-based Joanne Chua, Robert Walters’ client development director for Southeast Asia and Greater China. “So be adventurous and consider tapping into emerging markets like Thailand, Vietnam or the Philippines. On this new frontier, the market is not as mature but there’s less competition and plenty of opportunities – not to mention fascinating local culture and heritage.”

Suzanne Feeney, country manager at Robert Walters Ireland, agrees. “In an emerging market, you may be part of a smaller, newer team – perhaps even helping get an operation off the ground – and you’ll have much higher profile, greater levels of responsibility and will develop experience and expertise much more quickly.”

“A lot of people are swayed by glamorous locations with reputations for their vibrant lifestyle such as Tokyo, Singapore or London, but in places like these, you’re likely to be a smaller fish in a big pond, and if you’re ambitious, a dynamic city lifestyle won’t be enough in the long run. Look at territories where you have the potential to advance.”

Start with the constraints

Depending on where you reside currently, your options for moving overseas may be limited by your passport and visa options. “Lots of people want to move here, there or everywhere, but without the right visa or passport, it can be very limiting,” advises Helen Swithenbank. “So, start by thinking, What passports do I hold and where could I actually go? How easy would it be for me to secure the paperwork I need for my dream move?’ Once you know your constraints, you can start to plan and research more realistically.”

Consult with your employer

If you’re considering applying for an internal move within a global company, make use of your HR or talent development team. Sit with them and ask for their advice about how suitable an international move might be for you, and what sort of progression you could expect within the organisation as a result.

Do your research

So you might have been on holiday in London or Hong King or Sydney, but while this will give you a good feel for the place, there’s a lot more information you’ll need to make an informed decision about your move overseas. What’s the job market really like in your space? How frequently do opportunities come up – and how mobile is the market? How much will you need to make to cover rent and essentials like food and public transport? How many hours a week are you likely to be working? A good recruiter can advise you on all such points, and if they’re a global consultancy they can be working for you both before you leave and after you land.

Think transferrable skills

If your plan is to go and work abroad for a few years but then come back to your home country, make sure that you’re not applying for roles with skills that are too niche, could become obsolescent, or simply won’t be much sought-after back home. “Make sure you don’t have a role that is so locally specialised that there’s no equivalent when you move back, and you end up having to take a backward step because there’s no equivalent job for you back home,” says Suzanne Feeney.

With technical roles, digitisation, IT, roles in finance, digital marketing and ecommerce, the skills are usually very transferrable and perennially in demand, she advises, but within areas such as legal, risk and compliance you need to take care. Some local legislation, for example around data privacy, will have its counterpart in any territory; but some legislation and regulation is so specific to one jurisdiction that it doesn’t really translate to another.    

Don’t expect like for like – but keep your eye on the prize

It’s not just your destination that could change radically when you make an international move, but the nature of your work too. Being a manager that’s part of a well-oiled, 40-strong team in an established market like Frankfurt, for example– where lots of slick systems are in place, and all sorts of tasks and responsibilities are delegated – is very different to helping set up your company’s new office in Manila, say, where you have a skeleton staff and you’re building things up from the ground.

In such a situation you’ll need to be able to wear many hats, act on your own initiative, and get your hands dirty. It’s a tough challenge, and not one that everyone could pull off. But if you can report on delivering a positive outcome – for example, ‘I hit the company target of turning a start-up team into a fully operational unit in 12 months’ – you will have gained exceptional experience and significantly boosted your attractiveness to hirers, both internally and externally.

Find a friend to show you the ropes

“What people often don’t factor in is how much they will miss their friends and family and how hard it can be to get yourself settled into a new culture and country where you don’t really know anyone,” says Helen Swithenbank. “That sense of disconnect from what means home to you can be unexpectedly powerful, so if you can find a friend of a friend or a colleague on the ground who can show you the ropes, it makes a huge difference – just practical things like where to shop or how to get a good mobile deal.”

This is especially so if you’re thinking of making a permanent move, she adds: “Think in advance how you can build up and grow those relationships – even knowing just one person can make a massive difference to your landing.” Nationalities naturally gravitate to established migrant communities, and researching these can provide a ready means of support for new arrivals too.

Make sure your loved ones are on board

Candidates often look for international experience when they’re younger and less settled in life, and there’s a good reason for that. Moving overseas is a big upheaval, and if you have a spouse and children there are a lot more factors to consider. But every candidate will need to factor in the effect of their move on their loved ones, and make sure that they are fully on board with your plans. It’s also worth thinking about how best to keep in regular touch with the people you’ll miss most too.

Be prepared to take one step back to move two forward

Don’t get too stuck on a specific job title when looking for an overseas career move, advises Joanne Chua. “If you’re making a serious move and you’re looking at the bigger picture, don’t get stuck on trying to find exactly the equivalent role. There are lots of unknowns when you relocate, and companies want to minimise the risk of failure for you, so they may advise you to start one rung lower to give you the best chance of success.” Approached in the right way, embracing such a move can reap dividends: “I’ve seen many cases where a candidate has taken what looks on paper like a small demotion, but seen that as an opportunity to expand their horizons and really get their head around a job – before rapidly advancing to a position beyond their original one,” she says.

Helen Swithenbank agrees. “Sometimes, you may need to make a lateral or even a small backward move to prove yourself in a new market – especially if, say you’re moving from managing a team of 50 to a team of 15. But in the long run this can be a good thing, what with the new culture and environment to get your head around – especially if you intend to stay for the long term and really establish and develop yourself.” 

In addition to the career boosting benefits, working overseas also gives you a fantastic opportunity to develop a true local experience. So, look beyond your colleagues and expat community for ways to build your connections more broadly, learn the local language and be open to trying something new - you never know what you might discover or where these new experiences and connections might lead you later on.

Ready to start your job search? View and apply for our latest opportunities.

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What advice would you give to the next generation of female professionals?

To celebrate this year’s International Women’s Day, four successful businesswomen at Robert Walters Dublin shared their success stories, including the challenges they’ve faced along the way, and advice to aspiring females looking to excel in their careers.

Take a look at their top five secrets to career success:

Who should you surround youself with?

As we all know, growing confidence doesn't happen overnight. But forging relationships with people who challenge and encourage you at different points in your career is a key driver to your career development.

From the Robert Walters experts we spoke to, all were unanimous that having a formal mentor as well as informal role models and confidants to look up to played a critical role in the lead up to their success.

Suzanne Feeney, country manager at Robert Walters Ireland, believes it's important to surround yourself with positive people who want to help drive your success.

Claire Dunwoody, Business Director at Robert Walters Ireland echoes this view, adding:
“Starting off my career my director was instrumental to advancing my career. She pushed me to challenge myself - she saw my potential and was determined to help me realise it.”

Louise Campbell, head of learning & development EMEAA at Robert Walters points out that mentors don’t always have to be people exactly like you. Looking outside your immediate circle is important to access perspectives that are different from your own.

“I’ve always made a conscious effort to surround myself with people who are slightly different from me – creating a network of relationships both personally and professionally. These are the individuals that inspire and challenge me by pushing me out of my comfort zone.”

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On the 12^th of March 2020, The Irish government made the decision to close schools and universities to encourage social distancing in an effort to combat the spread of Covid-19.

With this announcement, many businesses have since decided to offer their employees the option to implement remote working practices. Meaning, many parents are now working from home, while looking after their children at the same time.

At Robert Walters, we are practising remote working across majority of our offices and find many of our employees faced with this difficulty in balancing work and home life. As recruitment specialists, we have come together to outline a number of initiatives which can be put in place to help you manage this unprecedented situation as efficiently as possible. Here's our top tips:

1. Be the early riser

The big advantage of working from home is that you don’t waste time commuting. Let children sleep in. This will allow you to benefit from some extra quiet time in the morning: no traffic jams, no hectic moments to get the children ready for school and drive to work... Use this time to make a quick start. It will enable you to finish a little earlier in the evening, leaving more time for some fun with the kids.

2. Set up your own space:

Just like in the office, it is important to have your own spot where you can work at ease. If you live in a rather spacious house, turn one of the rooms into a temporary office. If you live rather small, you can create your own spot in the living or dining room or even in a bedroom as a temporary workplace where you can work without being disturbed all the time. 

3.Organise small activities for the children:

In order to be able to work without being constantly interrupted, you can plan some playful and more quiet activities for smaller children. There are plenty of things they can do with little support from their parents, such as DIY, painting, colouring, drawing,... Just like at school, you can divide your living room into different play corners for the little ones: a DYI corner, a reading area, a corner to play with the dolls…It is important not to offer everything at the same time or on the same day, but to offer some variety so they don’t get bored.

4. Routine is key

It is also important for yourself to build some structure into your working day. Arrange your tasks in order of importance and make sure you can carry out the most difficult tasks at times when it is calm for you, like early in the morning. By maintaining some form of structure within the family every day, children will adapt more quickly to this new situation and your work pace.

Keeping children occupied while focusing on work is not easy, especially if you need to do it on a daily basis during a longer period. Creating some form of routine might help. Like in school, it might be a good idea to plan some workshops throughout the day, with a different activity each time. Make the planning visible so kids can tick things off once done.

Plan a timeslot for homework and explain children which exercises they need to complete by when and plan a creative hour afterwards to do some drawing for example. If the weather is nice, let them play outside or give them some free time to do whatever they feel like.

5. Set daily goals for the children

A few weeks away from school obviously has an impact on children. By giving your children a little homework every day, they don't fall behind too much. Determine every day which exercises they need to do and by what time they need to finish them. As soon as you have finished your work day, take some time to review their homework together. It will allow your children how to organise their own tasks during the day.

Older children can also be involved in little chores in and around the house. Let them wash the car, weed, fill and empty the dishwasher, tidy up their room... It will keep them busy and you can remove these tasks from your own to-do list, leaving you more family time.

6. Plan conference calls wisely

If you are in virtual contact with colleagues or external partners on a daily basis, make sure to schedule those meetings at a quiet time during the day, in order not to be interrupted too much. This can be in the early morning when the children are still asleep for example, or at a time when they can watch TV or play on the tablet.

7. Work alternate timings with your partner

When both you and your partner work from home, it can be useful to alternate some time with the children. While one parent focuses on work, the other parent can play a game with the children. Doing so, children will feel less 'neglected' and both parents can continue to work at alternating moments.

8. Meal planning and prep

We must all avoid contact with the outside world as much as possible. Save yourself a lot of time by, for example, doing your shopping once or twice a week and preparing a number of meals in advance during the weekend. This will free up some time during the evenings to spend with the kids.

9. Nap time

Do your children still take a nap in the afternoon? Turn this time into your advantage by focusing on those tasks that require the most concentration. By doing so, you don't have to feel guilty when you are less concentrated during the play moments and you will feel less stressed.

10. Maintain a strong work- life balance

Finally, it is important to ensure your work-life balance is maintained. Once your work day is done, shut down your PC and enjoy the evening. Plan something fun, like a family game night for example.

Want to find out more?

If you would like to find out more about any of the above points, please do not hesitate to get in touch with any of our specialist consultants today. Or, check out our career advice section for more top tips. 

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Working from home is still somewhat unusual for many in Ireland. You may be working at the dining table, the spare room, or the back garden, but regardless of your home set up, it’s important we position ourselves to work as efficiently as possible. 

 

 

Our experts offer their five most important tips for working successfully in your home office, minimizing distractions, maintaining focus and reconciling professional and private life.

1. Create your own workspace 

Having your own space is important to help stay focused. We recommend purchasing a desk and a back-friendly desk chair so that you can work comfortably  without straining your neck or your back. Choose a comfortable chair. Your body will thank you.

Also, you should make sure to work on a clean and tidy table and only have the most important documents, like your work phone, something to drink, and a notebook. Other things like books or even table decorations may distract you.

2. Consider suitable clothing

Getting up and staying in your pyjamas is both tempting and timesaving. This may work for some, but it prevents many from mentally creating a professional, productive working atmosphere, as they feel somewhere that they are not really at work. It is therefore advisable to dress as you would at work, or at least those that would leave your home.

3. Structure your day

It is important to remember that while working from home, it is your sole responsibility to complete your tasks successfully and efficiently. We recommend that you start your work at the same time each day, set a fixed time window for your team break and lunch break to help break up the day. Following a routine as normal to your regular day in the office is key for remaining productive.

Between these time slots, you should lay out specific times for specific tasks. For example, focus mainly on calls and meetings in the morning and emails and research in the afternoon. This way you can do all your tasks in a structured manner and feel productive, satisfied and relaxed at the end of the day.

4. Make time for breaks

Regular breaks are important so that your brain can rest and your batteries can recharge. Use the lunch break, for example, for a short walk in the sun to refuel with vitamin D, a phone call with friends or fortify yourself with a tasty, light snack.

Even between breaks, it’s important to stay moving, even if that just means stretching your legs and going to the kitchen for a cup of tea or coffee or walking out to the garden to get a breath of fresh air!

5. Focus on work-life balance

It is important that you clearly separate your working hours from your free time. However, it is just as important that your private and professional environments and those that surround it, are aware when it is time to work and when you are free.

It is therefore suggested to speak openly with your family and friends about your schedule and consider making them aware of the times you will have to take important phone calls or video calls in order not to be disturbed. Then you have more time for your family and friends during breaks or after work hours.  

Would you like more information and helpful tips? Feel free to contact our team today.  

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Although you might be spending majority of your time at home, this doesn’t mean your job hunt must come to an end. As recruitment specialists, Robert Walters outlines a number of actions you can take to continue your job search right from the comfort of your own couch! Here’s our top tips to lead you on a successful journey to finding your ideal job:

 

1. Keep in touch with your recruitment consultant

Make sure to check in regularly with your recruitment consultant as they have first-hand access to a stream of live roles which may be best suited to you. They are ready to support you and assist you through your job search so do reach out as often as possible.

2. Explore contract work

In an uncertain job market, cautious employers are more likely to invest in temp-to-perm hires. Contracting is a fantastic opportunity for you to take control of your career, and for some people, it’s the best decision they’ll ever make. Contracting can also be an excellent way to gain experience and get a foot in the door with a great company.

3. Consider video interviews

Get vital face-time with employers and recruiters. Even if they can not meet you in person, they will still be available to meet you on a video call. Let your recruitment consultant know you are open to video interviews and identify which applications you have available to you and which you are most comfortable using. If you are unfamiliar with a certain application e.g. skype, your recruitment consultant can show you all you need to know to conduct a successful skype interview.

4. Test technology in advance

Before any video interview, always test your Wi-Fi connections, audio and sounds to ensure you have minimal disturbances during your video call. Be sure to have switched off any pop ups or downloads that might interrupt your call.

5. Social media activity

Use this time at home to be as active as possible on sites such as LinkedIn. Switch the settings on your LinkedIn profile to let recruiters and employers know that you’re actively open to job approaches – this means your profile will turn up on active searches related to your field. This way it is far more likely that a recruitment consultant will reach out to you with new jobs.

6. Create a digital CV

Robert Walters recruitment technology allows candidates to record interviews on your mobile, laptop, desktop or tablet in your own time, answering pre-determined questions you have set. Our recruitment consultants can then review these interviews afterwards and use it to submit your digital cv to a prospective employer for review.

If you would like to find out more information on how to ensure a successful job search from home, or more information on the job search process, contact the team today.

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As many businesses are set to continue remote working for the foreseeable future, it is important we identify the challenges we could face and outline strategies to overcome them.

Regular breaks are key

Just like any working environment, giving yourself breaks is incredibly important to let your brain and body relax. Take a 15-minute walk, go make some lunch or catch up with a loved one on the phone—whatever you do, do not work yourself to the bone without letting yourself take a break away from screens, meetings and work. It’s widely acknowledged that breaks can actually significantly improve productivity levels and a person’s ability to focus.

Create a routine that works for you

To help to keep a sense of ‘normalcy’ during this time, try and mirror your normal work routine as much as possible. From setting your alarm, getting dressed for work and arriving at your desk, maintaining your everyday work rituals will help you to structure your day more effectively.

Remote working offers more flexibility over working hours, but it can make us all prone to burnout if we don’t give our brains time to rest as the afternoon spills into the evening. It can be tempting to work more at home to progress your work, however it can also be taxing on your health and wellbeing, so stick to a schedule with healthy boundaries and reasonable working hours.

Managing your mental wellness is just as important after work as it is during working hours. So, once you log off, make sure you fully unplug by setting your work emails to ‘do not disturb’ and use this time to speak with friends and family, unwind, or find escape in a boxset or online exercise class.

Your own space

Are you missing the structure that office working provides? Creating an organised and tidy working space, whether that’s in a dedicated room or within an open-plan area, could help you to separate work from home and maintaining a productive and motivated mindset.

Whilst it’s tempting to work from the comfort of the couch, a designated workspace means fewer distractions, as well as a degree of separation between your work and personal life. It’s important that you can log off at the end of the day without feeling obliged to work after hours, so try to only associate work with your designated ‘work zone’.

Explore new communication platforms

For some people who thrive on the social interaction of the office, working from home can hold unexpected drawbacks. It’s easy to feel lonely or isolated when you’re deprived of the face-to-face conversations with your team, but there are communcation tools you can leverage to maintain those connections, from group chats, video conferences and virtual team socials. Although most conversations will be about work, use this time to check-in with colleagues, who are most likely, going through the same emotions during this time.

While a worklife overhaul undoubtedly generates uncertainty, it also makes space for compromise and opportunity.

Communication is key, but it shouldn’t stifle you. If you’re in a shared household with kids, a spouse or flatmates, there will be times when you will crave some privacy. When you need time alone to think or recharge, endeavour to fit some personal time into your schedule.

Don’t neglect your physical health

Your mental and physical health are instrinsically linked, so it’s important to give both the same deserved attention. It can be easy to stay hunched over your laptop all day, but schedule in regular breaks to get up and move around, whether that be a power walk, stretching, planks, tidying up, whatever works best for you to reduce or alleviate stress and increase endorphins. While our favorite gyms and fitness centers are closed during this time, many are offering free livestreams or app-based workouts for members and the general public, so check online to see what’s available.

It’s no secret that sleep plays an important role in good physical and mental health. Sleep deprivation can leave you feeling irritable and exhausted in the short-term, but it can also have serious long-term health consequences as well. Lack of sleep is linked to a number of unfavorable health consequences including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and depression, so maintain healthy sleep patterns while working remotely by scheduling ‘bedtime’ into your routines.

When you’re working, pay attention to how your energy ebbs and flows throughout the day and try to schedule the best tasks to your energy level accordingly.

Manage your news consumption

Being exposed to large volumes of negative information can heighten feelings of anxiety. The near-constant stream of news reports about an outbreak can cause anyone to feel worried. So when you do seek out information, do this at set times during the day and focus on getting the facts from trusted sources such as WHO and local authority platforms; not rumours and misinformation that can spread across social media.

Utilise your organisations support tools

This is a challenging time for all of us – and whether we are at work or not, many employers provide support in varied guises. Many business offer Employee Assistance Programmes and a range of wider benefits to support physical and mental wellbeing. People’s mental health needs can differ vastly, so it’s about being aware what’s offered and taking advantage of the support tools when you need them. many have dedicated apps and websites and they are not just about counselling.

Keep an open mind

Despite doing our best to protect our mental wellbeing, it’s important to accept that we will all likely undergo a degree of distress and anxiety in the short and medium term. Whilst it’s a challenging time, it can be a time to think differently how we navigate our work and personal life, for example doing exercise workouts from videos instead of attending fitness classes, looking at mindfulness practice using apps such as Headspace and Calm, or finding ways to help others in your community. While a worklife overhaul undoubtedly generates uncertainty, it also makes space for compromise and opportunity.

Don’t hesitate in asking for help

If you are experiencing feelings of anxiousness, low mood, or anything else out of the ordinary for you as an individual, it is important that you seek help, with a trusted colleague, friend, family member or support organisation.

Robert Walters Ireland recommends the following support resources:

• Mental Health Ireland
•  HSE
•  Jigsaw

 

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In the wake of the global coronavirus outbreak, redundancy is a reality many are now faced with.

The pandemic has affected the employment ranks in every sector of business life across the globe. Sadly, there will be a large percentage of our population affected financially by the virus  with many employees taking or being forced to take redundancy packages during this time.

 

While you may think your chances of finding new employment immediately are slim, there are steps you can take now to help you move forward. Our experts share their advice on keeping your career on track. 

Give yourself time to process

“One of the most important things to remember if you’re made redundant is not to panic – as this could see you make the wrong decision for you and your career,” says Suzanne Feeney, Director Robert Walters Ireland.

“The knee-jerk reaction will be to think you need to find something new tomorrow, but often the time and money that redundancy can give offers an opportunity for you to think about what’s the best next step for you and your career,” she says.

Review your skills and update your CV

“Once you’ve decided on the right move for you, invest energy in bringing your CV and social media profiles up-to-date, highlighting all relevant skills and experience,” says Richard.

Many people who have been in the same senior role for some time are unlikely to have updated their CV, yet their most recent experience and expertise may be their most valuable. Don’t be evasive about your situation either: “In terms of your redundancy, it’s always better to be up-front and honest with hiring managers.”

“Don’t take their decision to let you go as a reflection of your ability or what you’ve brought to the role,” advises Suzanne. “It’s simply a business decision and understanding this will help you move on more effectively.”

Refocus and adjust your mindset

Being made redundant can trigger intense emotions which can lead to hasty actions that you may later regret. Being calm, methodical and logical will help you to focus on proactively moving forward.  “Redundancies are a business decision, so it’s essential that you don’t take it personally,” advises Suzanne. In these increasingly uncertain times, company restructuring may be essential to a business’s survival and this can inevitably lead to redundancies, especially at more senior levels.

Organisation is key

“As soon as you become aware that redundancy is imminent, start organising yourself as quickly as possible,” Suzanne suggests.

“As soon as you become aware that redundancy is imminent, start organising yourself as quickly as possible,” Suzanne suggests. You should contact your line manager and request written references that you can share with potential future employers.

You also need to make sure you sort out your payslips and other employment documentation. “That paperwork can be a lot more difficult to acquire once you’ve left a company, so try to get as much sorted as possible before you leave.”  

Re-evaluate your situation

“Redundancy is difficult, but it can also be an opportunity to make positive changes,” says Suzanne. Taking the time to reassess your career and work-life balance can help you to identify what you want from your next role and employer. For example, you may want more flexibility than you were previously offered or a shorter commute.

Additionally, the time and money afforded by redundancy can provide the impetus you need to make the bold changes you’ve been dreaming of, such as a career change or returning to full-time education.

 “Despite the stress and anxiety that being made redundant ultimately brings, it’s essential you take the positives and look at ways to make your new circumstances work for you,” she advises. 

Network and utilise resources

“One of the fears many people share regarding redundancy is that they’ll quickly lose contact with their colleagues, peers, and wider industry networks – but this doesn’t have to happen,” says Suzanne.

These days, there are plenty of virtual ways to network and connect with those in your industry – including potential employers, she notes. “Some employers will put you in touch with professional networks when making you redundant, but do make sure to explore your personal, social media, and professional networks to keep yourself connected too.”

Research your market

“Being back on the job market can be a daunting prospect, especially when dealing with the uncertainty that redundancy brings, but connecting with a recruiter can make this process a lot more manageable,” suggests Suzanne.

Not only will a recruiter provide much-needed advice when it comes to your CV and interview technique, they’ll also give you invaluable market insight and introductions. “Recruiters can provide access to jobs that aren’t being advertised, such as commercially sensitive roles – access you wouldn’t otherwise be able to get.” 

Keep an open mind and stay positive

“When it comes to your job search, it’s important to remember that you might not be offered your dream role straight away, particularly in the current market – so be flexible with your expectations,” Suzanne says.

On the other hand, the search might well introduce you to roles you hadn’t previously considered, so prepare to be open-minded and assess every role on its merits.

“When it comes to the interviews themselves, approach them positively, focusing on what you can bring to the role and not dwelling on the redundancy and your former employers". 

Would you like more information and helpful tips? Feel free to contact our team today.  

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Top tips to making a good first impression

The first day of your new job is always daunting. There will be lots of introductions, a new environment to get used to and, most importantly, you’ll want to make a good first impression to your new employer as well as the team you will be working in.

Here, we offer some advice on how to impress on your first day in your new role.

 

Make sure you arrive on time 

Always arrive on time on your first day and do your best to maintain this as you develop in your new role. It seems obvious, but it’s a simple way to show you are dedicated, reliable and eager to progress and will prove to your new employer that they made the right decision in hiring you.

Be proactive 

Self-sufficiency and a strong appetite to learn are key traits your new employer will immediately value. On your first day, you’re likely to be given a series of tasks to get you started and introduced into the company. If you find yourself finishing early and you’re at a loose end, ask your line manager or team members if there is another task you could be doing to save you sitting doing nothing.

Check the dress code policy 

Always make sure you have asked what the dress code is prior to your first day. Companies nowadays can differ vastly with their dress code policy. – While in some industries it's commonplace to see more relaxed working environment with casual dress, others are still very formal. Even if the company has a relaxed dress code, always make sure you still look presentable and you are dressed appropriately for the office environment. This will be the first time you will be meeting the people you will be working with daily, so you want to make a good, long-lasting impression.

Listen to those around you

There will be lots going on in your first day and week of your new job so focus on everything that’s going on around you. This will help you get to grips with learning about the business and its different functions, as well putting names to faces and learning where they fit into the business, easing your integration into the company and making you feel more comfortable in your new work environment

Be ready for a busy schedule 

On top of meeting new faces, your first day and week will be full of new tasks, systems and concepts to digest,It’s a brain workout – so make sure you’re prepared to work hard from the get go.

As the first step into your new career path, your first day is exciting , so it’s important to make the most of it. Following these simple steps will help make your first day that bit less daunting and that much more enjoyable.

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