Saturday, May 30, 2020

Recruitment Is Age Really a Problem

Recruitment Is Age Really a Problem As I write this blog, I am days away from my 3*th birthday (I am NOT going to reveal my age obviously, but let’s just say, I am staring 40 down the barrel!) and yet most days, I genuinely don’t feel any different to how I did when I was 28, bar a few more grey hairs and laughter lines…..! Age brings with it wisdom, experience, anecdotes and testimonials which allow a person to be sought out as more of an expert to their field and even their peers.  In most professions, when you have been employed for over a decade (which automatically puts you in your 30s at least) this creates an impression of authority and respect (providing the person is credible, of course…!) Recruitment not terribly PC are we? However, in recruitment, (the unpolitically correct recruitment sector that is the reality sorry to sound so harsh and candid but it is true) I am regarded as somewhat of a veteran and this scares me to be honest…I’m only 3*, how can that be old??! When asked to benchmark myself culturally by hiring clients, I have to class (pigeon hole really) myself as “old skool” although I am not to sure what that actually means! I started my recruitment life before mobiles, laptops and iPhone so, of course, I am not sat here now on my Spectrum 48k with my yellow pages, so what does it actually mean?? Isn’t it an empty gesture to try and define someone by purely their age, rather than their attitude, achievements and perceived potential? In my opinion I have interviewed thousands of people in the 15 years I have been recruiting and one thing is for sure you can’t base your judgement on someone’s age! I have met very OLD 23 yrs olds who are clearly desperate to appear older so they can be seen as more credible in an executive led industry (I was a bit like that, always acting older than I actually was that stopped at 30 though!) I am convinced that psychologically people like this/me have a point to prove to older members of their family/social circle and hence act older to do this. Conversely, I have met sprightly 40-somethings who act, dress and behave as any mature 20-something would, trying to “get down with the kids” (you know the slightly embarrassing ones who still shop at Topshop aged 4* when they probably shouldn’t but that’s a different topic altogether!) Are we the trendsetters? Most hiring clients base their opinion on whether someone is right for their business based on ability maturity and energy levels so perhaps we should all be setting the example as that impacts the end users the hiring clients who refer to what recruitment businesses are doing the world over, as recruitment often sets the trends. I would like the recruitment industry to remember this (eutopia moment) that if you are good at recruitment and your heart is in recruitment, then age should not matter. Otherwise at some point, we are all going to be too old to be doing this anyway! Ah perish the thought but if you got “too old” for recruitment, what else would you do?! (sail the world, bake cupcakes, work in charity all of which would bore you after a month after the pace and excitement/unpredictability of recruitment, let’s face it!) Over to you What do you think? Is age just a number to you, your agency, or your decision on who to hire? Would you hire someone who is much older than you if they were the right person and if not, is that because they would intimidate you? If you are looking for a role do you decide an employer is right for you because of their age? Would you work for someone in their 20s if you are in your 30s? Would you patronise them or secretly think “What the heck do you know, son?”…? A subject matter that affects each and every one of us as one thing is certain, none of us are getting any younger!  Let me know what you think in the comments below.

Tuesday, May 26, 2020

Beauty Tips with Essential Oils for Your Daily Skin Routine -

Beauty Tips with Essential Oils for Your Daily Skin Routine - We are born with beautiful skin. A baby’s face is soft and pure. But, it does not stay that way. Our skin is exposed to the sun, wind, pollution, and irritants every day. As we age, hormones play a part in the natural oil production of our skin. Using all-natural essential oils, you can create a daily skin routine to return your skin to the natural beauty it is intended to be. Everyone is different. You may have to experiment a little to find the perfect mixtures for you. But, we can give you the starting points that you will need. From there it is just making small adjustments with a drop or two of an oil that works well for you. This is not an overnight process. However, once you have your recipes; it is a lifetime solution. High-quality essential oils It is important that you use high-quality ingredients to make your skin care products. Just because a bottle reads “essential oils” doesn’t mean it is pure. Do your research and learn about different types of oils and their uses, along with essential oil recipes you can make your own. The issues to address for a perfect skin goal In order to repair the skin, you must address the main issues that damage the skin. You may have specific issues that are not on this list. Perhaps your skin is affected by your job, extreme heat or cold, or exposure to chemicals. No matter what the issue is, with effort and research, you will find an essential oil that will help. Basic issues: Cleaning the skin without stripping away the natural oils you need Keeping a natural PH balance Hydration or moisturizing the skin Preventing wrinkles and signs of aging Keeping pores clean Breakouts and acne Cleaning the skin This recipe for a facial cleaner is perfect for all skin types. Even the most sensitive skin will glow with this combination. Note: If the mixture gets cold, it may get thick. If so, simply place the jar into a bowl of warm water for a few minutes. Use a bowl to create the cleanser and then place it in a 4-ounce container that is made of glass that the sun cannot reach. Amber glass is best, but a white tub will work. ¼ cup all natural coconut coil 2 Tablespoons raw honey 5 drops of lavender Use a whisk to mix until frothy. Place the mixture in the container, To Use: Rinse the face for about 30 seconds with warm water. Rub gently into the skin. Rinse for 30-45 seconds and pat dry. Notes: due to the consistency of the cleaner, this is easier done in the skink than the shower. Restoring balance Once the mixture is rinsed completely, and there is no oily feel, you can balance the skin. Use 2 tablespoons of pure apple cider vinegar, and 3 drops of argan oil. This will not only balance the skin, but argan oil is an excellent anti-inflammatory. Why do you need an anti-inflammatory for your skin? You do not know all of the things in the air that your skin is exposed to. You may eat something that is harmless, but may cause a mild reaction to your skin. The first response the body introduces to any part of your body that signals a reaction is to send fluid to the affected area to heal it. However, you are cleaning, and restoring your face with essential oils that heal your skin. You do not need your body to heal your face with an inflammatory response. This is why we add argan to our mixture. Hydration Moisturizing We are going to give you a basic recipe that is the basic formula for a good essential oil moisturizer for all skin types. Keep in mind there are many different types of skin. You will use this base and experiment with different oils slowly until you find the perfect blend for your skin. This hydration formula can be used on the entire body, But, as with all essential oil products, we do not recommend using the cream on a baby under the age of 3 months old. Even then, please research your oils and use only mild oils that are heavily diluted for any child. Basic Formula- Ingredients: ½ cup coconut oil ½ cup olive oil 1 cup shea butter Melt your shea butter in a double boiler on the stove. When it is cool enough to pour, pour your shea butter in a glass bowl and whisk it until it is fluffy. As it begins to fluff, slowly drip your oils into the mixture. This is a long-lasting moisturizer. A little goes a long way. Store in a jar that will keep the mixture cool. If you can store it in amber or brown jars with tight lids; that is best. Make this mixture your anti-aging product A few ingredients can make the same mixture you have for moisturizing into a cream that will reduce the signs of aging. Add the following oils 2 drops at a time until you find the mixture that gives you the youthful skin you want and makes wrinkles less noticeable. Argan oil Rosehip oil Lavender Cyprus Keeping pores clean and controlling acne This is the easiest part of your journey. Drop equal amounts of jojoba oil and tea tree oil into your hand (6-8 drops each) and rub all over your face. Jojoba oil is very gentle and tea tree oil is a strong anti-bacterial oil. Together, they clear your pores, attract any bacteria that is trying to grow and keep your skin clean and clear. You will enjoy finding the essential oils that work for you and they make great gifts, too.

Saturday, May 23, 2020

Is Loneliness a Growing Factor With Working Remotely Marla Gottschalk

Is Loneliness a Growing Factor With Working Remotely Marla Gottschalk Photo by Thomas Litangen on Unsplash To be honest, Ive really never been a joiner. In college, I didnt feel the need to belong to clubs or pledge a sorority to feel connected. The everyday bustle of college life was more than enough stimulation. Im not one to spend every weekend night out to dinner â€" or at some king of gathering. However, in an office environment, I did enjoy conversing with other like-minded individuals. Meetings never seemed to be much of a chore either. As long as discussions of challenges and engaging projects were on the docket, I was good. Somehow this type stimulation ticked a box for me. However, even knowing my ambivalence to social endeavors, I never dreamed Id miss face-to-face interaction as much as I do. Ive been working remotely for years and Ill freely admit it has its lonely moments. Certain aspects of working from my home are fantastic. But, somehow all of the journal articles, posts and projects just arent the same, without a work group nearby. I often wondered if my coaching clients who work remotely, felt the same. Turns out, many of them do. This week I had the chance to read an eye-opening piece at Slate, concerning the stigma associated with an admission that we feel lonely (even if only from time to time). In it, the author describes the immediate inclination we have to connect loneliness with being less than or dare I say loser. That has to stop, because its simply not true. Research completed by MIT Sloan, has explored this as applied to our work lives, discussing the isolation (and lack of visibility) that may come along when working remotely. These negative by-products wont affect all of us equally, as we are individuals. However, potential issues should always be on the radar. Discussions are sadly incomplete, if we fail to address the common by-product of even occasional loneliness. Even with all the available social networks, we need to feel real connection â€" not simply an increase the amount of ambient chatter. I have a couple of ideas for this. Here are a few for starters: Check in frequently. Make a concerted effort to speak with someone in your office daily. Whether this is your manager, mentor or colleague â€" this will help retain a sense of belonging. Visit your home office. Even if you are fully enjoying your remote work life, make plans to visit your home office as time and travel allow. If you are already feeling disconnected and you are within a reasonable distance, get there once a week. If possible, attend meetings that reinforce how you â€" and your work â€" fit into the larger picture. Facilitate on-site sabbaticals. If you are affiliated full-time, you might consider spending a couple of weeks a year at the home office. Beyond the challenge of organizing proper a work space, this could allow far-flung colleagues to interact in-person for an extended period of time. This could do wonders for both team-building and strategy concerns. Join a co-working space. Co-working is the perfect solution if you miss the goings on of office life. Most cities have at least a couple to choose from, so visit them and get a sense of the vibe. Sites such as WeWork and the Bond Collective, cater to those who need a place to land for work meetings. Schedule meet-ups. With differences in location and time zones, in can be difficult to get on the same schedule as your home office. This limits communication and the feeling of being connected. Identify a time of day, when you know you can intersect time-wise and speak â€" and hopefully a ritual will develop. Do you work remotely? Share your strategies to limit remote loneliness here. Dr. Marla Gottschalk is an Industrial/Organizational Psychologist advisor and coach. She also serves as an Influencer at LinkedIn.

Tuesday, May 19, 2020

Free Video Training The Corporate Rescue Plan - Classy Career Girl

Free Video Training The Corporate Rescue Plan Great news! The video series I filmed while working next to kangaroos and koalas this past December is back! Over the holidays, I  traveled around Australia with my family spending Christmas down under and working on something brand new for you. The good news is that finally the day has come to share it with you once again!   I’d like to invite you to join me for a free 4-part video training series:  Click to Watch Now: The Corporate Rescue Plan: An Exit Strategy From Your Day Job and The Freedom Of Having Your Own Business Here’s what I will reveal: The excitement and freedom that comes from escaping the corporate grind How to develop your exit strategy from your day job The answer to the #1 money problem that new entrepreneurs face And so much more! This is FREE, action-oriented online video training with beautiful workbooks I designed to help you start a freedom business and control your destiny in 2015. What would your life look like if you had a rock solid plan to create an exciting business you love and have the freedom to do what you want? Sign up here  to find out… To Your Success, Anna

Friday, May 15, 2020

Should You Hire a Resume Writer in Houston?

Should You Hire a Resume Writer in Houston?A lot of people wonder whether or not they should hire a resume writer Houston. While it is true that a lot of these jobs can be handled by a small number of people, there are still many benefits to hiring a professional to write a resume for you. Here are some of the reasons why you should hire a writer from Houston to help you.Let's face it, when you're trying to find a job, you don't always have the time to sit down and look through all of the available positions. If you are having a hard time finding a new job, you may not have the time to do your own resume. When you need to get yourself a new job in a hurry, it is wise to use the services of a professional to help you out. There are some things that you will want to avoid on your own resume that a professional can point out.One of the most important things you need to avoid on your own resume is the use of phrases like 'deserve'within reason'. These phrases can create a very negative i mpression on a potential employer. Most professional writers understand how to avoid these words, which will make your resume appear much more professional.Another thing you can do to ensure that you get a good resume written for you is to use a computer. There are plenty of resumes written online that are just as good as one written by an expert. It can take a long time to create a good resume on your own, and you don't want to waste your time or money doing it.You may also want to take advantage of some of the online websites that can help you create a resume for free. If you are trying to find a job that may take a while to get in, consider using these online resources. They can save you a lot of time and effort.Using an online tool that includes a resume and cover letter as well as a list of contact information can be a great way to get unique information that is based on your skills and interests. Online tools can include every aspect of your qualifications and cover letters as well as any other additional information you feel is relevant. The key is to take the information that is listed on the site and use it to help you develop a more complete resume. This is much more valuable than just a list of your requirements, as it contains everything that you need to get a new job.Another benefit to hiring a professional to write your resume is that they will help you improve the resume. While you can do a lot of personal writing to help yourself, when it comes to getting a resume, a professional is better off. They can figure out what information is going to be included on your resume and create a layout that will make your resume look more professional.The bottom line is that if you don't feel comfortable with the process of creating a resume, hiring a professional can be the right choice. If you are already on the job market and need to get yourself the best chance possible to get a new job, try using the services of a resume writer. This can help you improv e your chances at landing the new job you are after.

Tuesday, May 12, 2020

Summary Sunday Looking for A New Job in 2020

Summary Sunday Looking for A New Job in 2020 When looking for a new job in 2020, youll want to learn some new tricks. Theres still so much to know about when it comes to looking for a new job. New technologies influence the process. The number of people applying for jobs influences the process. How you present your qualifications influences how you are perceived. This weeks summary features articles Ive shared this week and that engaged my community. I hope they resonate with you too! Youll find: ATS insightsJob hunting tips for Baby BoomersCareer Change step by step instructionsHot skills for 2020 and how to develop themAnd marketing tips that can be adapted by job seekers If you find an article you like, please share it, give the author a shoutout and/or subscribe to their newsletter. ATS Curated Career Conversations: Applicant Tracking Systems with Dr. Cheryl Minnickby Sarah Johnston, Briefcase Coach | LinkedIn Newsletter When you apply for a job online, your resume goes into a black hole known as an Applicant Tracking System (ATS). This article is a written QA to help you craft a resume optimized for the ATS. Its a must-read! Baby Boomers Job Search 2020 Job Search And Career Predictions For Baby Boomersby Robin Ryan | Forbes What do older job seekers need to be aware of as they head into 2020 and the next stage of their careers? Youll find seven predictions/trends that will impact Baby Boomers in the workforce. (And thank you to Robin for including my thoughts!) When an Interviewer Thinks You’re Overqualifiedby Phyllis Mufson | Next Avenue Do you understand the concerns recruiters have when they see a resume that looks overqualified? Read and learn what they are. The next step is to neutralize employer concerns. See how to do that. Career Change A Step-by-Step Guide to Reinventing Your Career in 2020by Kate Ashford | The Muse Follow these six steps if you are serious about making a career change, either a major industry shift or just a new role. And note, that the first step is not dusting off your resume! Career Development How to Upskill for 2020by Hanna Greeman | 3Plus International Take a look at The World Economic Forums list of top skills for 2020 and look for ways to enhance your own skills. Staying up-to-date with skills will help keep you competitive in the job market. Marketing Trends Job search is really marketing. What you are trying to do is bring awareness of your talent to the market, right? This is why I frequently share articles about trends in marketing because job seekers can get ideas by following in the footsteps of great marketing strategies. I hope these two articles inspire you to do some self-marketing, jump on social media, write a blog post, create a video, or try some other ideas to highlight your knowledge and expertise (but not shout out that you are #ONO [open to new opportunities] or looking for a new job.) Thats not whats most important to hiring managers. 31 Content Marketing Statistics That Actually Matter to Your Business in 2020by Neal Schaffer 7 Ways to Create Content without a Blog by CopyPress In Case You Missed It Check out my list of websites and resources to help you get a new job in 2020. Best Websites for 2020 Job Search

Friday, May 8, 2020

Mastering the Phone Interview

Mastering the Phone Interview Over on the Brazen Careerist blog, Penelope Trunk has an informative post about the top five interview blunders. One of her blunders is not being prepared for a phone interview. Here are ten additional tips for mastering the phone interview.Schedule the meeting during a time when you won’t be distracted.A phone interview should be scheduled like any other interview. At the designated appointment time, make sure the dog is in the backyard and someone else is watching the kids. If a recruiter or hiring manager calls you without advance notice and wants to interview you on the spot, use caution. If the interview “conditions” are not optimal at the time of the call, it is best to tell the interviewer that you are very interested in the position, but need to schedule another time to have a conversation. That time can be as soon as ten minutes later, just make sure that you can take the call without being distracted.Conduct interviews from a landline.Cell phones are a boon to modern communication, but the quality is still not the same as that from a land line. You don’t want to frustrate the recruiter or the hiring manager with a bad connection. Plan your interview from a reliable phone line.Create an office space.Dedicate an area as your office. This could be as simple as a card table with a phone and your documents. Conduct your interviews from your “office”. Being seated at a desk or table allows you to create an environment similar to an in-person interview.Put a mirror in front of you.This helps you focus and it anchors your conversation to the visual representation of a person. Monitoring your facial expressions helps you see if you are communicating your enthusiasm to the recruiter.Have a glass of water nearby.If your throat is dry or you get a tickle you can take care of it before it turns into a cough and disrupts the flow of the interview.Have your notes in front of you.A phone interview is like an open book test. You can have your company rese arch and answers to potential interview questions right in front of you. Try putting key information on colored index cards and organize by category.Vary Your Voice.Since the other person can’t see you, it is critical that you vary the tone and cadence of your voice to communicate interest and develop rapport.Use pauses effectively.Pauses in an interview situation are always difficult and they can be especially awkward during a phone interview. Rather than wondering what the person on the other end is doing or if they are still there, use the silence to ask a question. For example, if the interviewer has just asked you about your strengths and your response is met with silence, make that an opportunity to ask a question like “What are the key strengths of your ideal candidate?” This takes care of the silence and allows you to learn more about the position.Don’t multi-task.We have grown so accustomed to multi-tasking, however it can be counterproductive during a phone intervi ew. Don’t check your email or stick a casserole in the oven while you are engaged in a phone interview. Act the same way you would for an in-office interview and maintain your focus.Practice.Record some of your answers to prospective interview questions. Play them back and critique. Are you easy to understand? Is your presentation riddled with long pauses and “ums?” Do you communicate interest and enthusiasm? If necessary, rework your answers and your presentation.