5 TIPS TO GET YOU THROUGH JANUARY

5 TIPS TO GET YOU THROUGH JANUARY

January Heart

At the start of a new year, there is a lot pressure to get back into the usual daily routine after the Christmas break. January can be an especially challenging month for everyone, but with a little effort you can set yourself up for success this year by trying our 5 tips to get you through January that will help you by reducing stress levels and encouraging productivity. From learning a new skill to staying social, these methods are simple yet highly effective approaches towards making sure you hit the ground running this month. If you’re ready to discover how you can get through this January in the most productive and healthy way possible, read on!

Start a New Hobby

Did You Know?

Art helps to increase the connectivity and plasticity in the brain. New or complex activities will lead to the creation of new connections between brain cells.

Starting an art class

When it comes to life satisfaction, starting a new hobby can be incredibly rewarding. Not only does it open up the opportunity for you to gain knowledge, but it also sets you on the path to discovering and improving your capabilities in other areas of life too. Enrol in an art class or try your hand at knitting, two cosy skills for these cold, winter nights. Learn to play an instrument or join a sports club. These can be rewarding hobbies that can impact your future in very positive ways, from meeting new friends to discovering talents you never knew you had.

Go for a Lunch Walk

Winter lunch walk

It’s important to find meaningful ways to spend our lunch break while the sun is out and make the most of our valuable time during the day. In January it’s dark in the mornings and dark when work is finished so it’s difficult to get some sun rays. Some great options are taking a walk or jogging around the neighbourhood or local park to get that vitamin D in. Not only does this help you stay physically fit, but it can also be great for recharging mentally. Studies say the best time to get some Vitamin D from the sun would be between 10 o’clock in the morning and 3:30 in the afternoon. Ideas will be flowing when you return to work and you’ll be feeling more productive after that 3 pm slump.

Eat Healthily

To stay healthy in the colder months, aim for around 2,000 calories a day for women and 2,500 calories a day for men. This is the same as your recommended daily calorie intake, but you need to increase it slightly to keep warm!

Winter can be a difficult time for healthy eating habits; with holidays like Christmas and New Year’s, there can be temptation around every corner, like finishing off that box of Quality Streets. However, by learning some new skills in the kitchen, you can set yourself up for delicious and nourishing meals for the rest of the winter. It is important to keep your immune system strong during winter and to create dishes that are good for both your body and soul.

Try these 3 simple ideas:

  1. Start your day with porridge which is filled with energy-boosting iron, and add sliced fruit to make it more flavoursome.
  2. Eat smaller but healthier meals by portioning them out by hand instead of emptying them out, which can leave you eating more than your body needs making you feel lethargic.

Hand Portioning Guide:

A portion of protein is 1 palm.

A portion of fat is 1 thumb.

A portion of vegetables is 1 fist.

A portion of carbohydrate is 1 cupped handful.

A snack portion, if needed, would be the complete size of 1 palm.

3. Cook and then freeze nourishing soups and stews to keep you warm and full during these dark days. TIP: Adding some ginger to them can aid in warding off flues and colds.

Apply for that Job/Course

Learning/new job in the new year

Job hunting can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t need to be. With the right preparation and guidance, you can take your career in a new direction and make strides towards achieving your dream job! Whether you are applying for a new position or want to explore potential courses, there are many options available that could help move you closer towards achieving your goals. From researching job openings to preparing resumes and cover letters – begin with baby steps in January and work your way towards the end goal. Recruit Island’s New Year New You blog gives you the current job openings available now. It could be the boost you need to start your new career journey.

One company with current vacancies, offering further development courses is Servisource, who have a Learning and Development programme that provides internal staff the option to develop their leadership potential, and confidence, and equip them with the necessary skills to become future leaders within the business. 

Upskilling at work

Another useful learning platform is LinkedIn Learning, it provides video courses taught by industry experts in software, creative and business skills and is a subsidiary of LinkedIn. All the courses on LinkedIn fall into four categories: Business, Creative, Technology and Certifications.

It can be a great way to learn while working, with plenty of options to choose from. There are so many different upskilling courses, just begin with the first step of applying/joining and you’ll be a pro in no time!

Stay Social

Did You Know?

Loneliness is associated with higher rates of:
Depression, suicide, heart disease and dementia.

Being social with friends

It’s important to stay social and avoid hibernating during the month of January. As January begins and winter continues to bring feelings of isolation during these challenging times, it is more important than ever to stay connected with friends and family. It’s the perfect time to rekindle relationships or build new ones that can help you feel connected in an isolated world. It should be a priority for you in order to prevent feelings of loneliness and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). SAD is a type of mood disorder, a variant of major depressive disorder (MDD) associated with seasonal changes during the winter months. 

So call that friend and go for that coffee, join a Meetup group or call a family member and check in.

Similar to other depressive disorders, SAD tends to be more prevalent in women than men. 
SAD is generally first diagnosed between the ages of 18 and 30, but SAD can and does affect any age group.

It’s good to take care of yourself during January and these tips will help you to do just that. Working long hours can take its toll, especially in the winter months, it’s important to stay on top of your routine and remain positive. Soon January will be over and spring will be blooming in no time.

Check out our current vacancies and opportunities today!

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New Year New Job

New Year, New Job

Now that we have reached a new year, you may be considering what kind of changes you want to make to your life. Is there something missing, do you need a new challenge, something more fulfilling? Maybe a career change is what you need and maybe a new year means a new job! If so, it’s essential to do your research and take the time to find the right job to suit you, that’s where Recruit Island comes in.

There are numerous rewarding jobs out there that you could be a great fit for and here at Recruit Island we want to give you an insight into some of our current positions that offer a host of opportunities across numerous disciplines. There is an increased demand for specialised skills and roles across all medical fields – creating more opportunities than ever before! In this blog post, we will explore some of these new job options available at Recruit Island, helping you decide which one might be best suited to your unique skillset.

Academic Personal Assistant/HCA

Irish Wheelchair Association estimates that over 60% of individuals currently receiving Personal Assistant services or Home Support, require significantly more hours than they’re receiving.

HCA, Academic personal assistant

Are you a people person, looking for some seasonal or temporary work? Then a job as an Academic Personal Assistant or Health Care Assistant (HCA) could be the job for you. This job involves supporting students with disabilities who are registered with the Disability Office on a 3rd level campus. It is a very rewarding job as it involves assisting the student around campus to lectures, carrying bags, opening doors, and note taking during lectures, among other duties. It is a great chance to work on a one to one basis instead of within a large healthcare environment such as a hospital. This opening is located in Cork City and the full outline of this position is listed here.

Kitchen Porter

Kitchen Porter

Is cooking your specialty? Do you enjoy working in catering with different types of people? Why not apply to become a Kitchen Porter, a job that is full of variety. Our agency supplies kitchen porters to hospitals & healthcare facilities in the Dublin 6 area. We work with over 60 clients across Dublin, so you’ll get the opportunity to build experience in different healthcare facilities. Preparing the catering department for the start of service and assisting in the serving of food to patients on wards are just some of the duties this position entails. More specifications are outlined on our website.

Software Engineer

By 2030, it is estimated that 45 million people worldwide will be working as software engineers.

software engineer

Do you have experience working in IT and have a flair for computers? Then a role as a Software Engineer may be for you. This role is located in Co. Mayo and is a full-time role in a hybrid work setting. It is ideal for someone who is highly motivated and interested in learning new technologies. This industry is very reliable to work in with all of the details available on our website.

Client Relationship Manager 

Client Relationship Manager

If you think you have a good head for business, then perhaps the role of Client Relationship Manager is for you. This position is based in the Leinster area with the role being primarily in business development. It involves liaising with numerous different departments and personnel and would be suited to someone who is highly driven. It might just be the opportunity you need to excel in the workforce. Details of this position are outlined here.

You can also check out our job seekers platform which allows you to keep track of the jobs you have applied for and where you can input your resume. It’s like having your own personal job seekers portfolio! If you don’t know what you’re looking for or what might be suited to your skills, then you can submit your CV to our website.

A change in your career could be exactly what you need and here at Recruit Island, we make sure you are supported through every step of the hiring process. January is a month that encourages you to take a look at the previous year and how fulfilled you were in various aspects of your life and then allows you to plan for the current year. How can you achieve your goals and live a life most suited to your talents? Now is the time to find out!

A full list of job opportunities are listed on our Recruit Island website.

Previous posts can be viewed below

5 TIPS TO GET YOU THROUGH JANUARY

5 TIPS TO GET YOU THROUGH JANUARY At the start of a new year, there is a lot pressure to get back into the usual daily routine after the Christmas break. January can be an especially challenging month for everyone, but with a little effort you can set yourself up for success this year by…

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International Volunteer Day

International Volunteer Day

Today December 5th marks International Volunteer Day celebrating the theme of solidarity through volunteering.

International Volunteer Day

This year’s campaign highlights the power of our collective humanity to drive positive change through volunteerism. There are many advantages of volunteering, it is an excellent way to meet new people, give back to the community and help people in need. It gives you a sense of purpose while also increasing your social skills. It can even help your chances at gaining employment as it looks good on your CV, showcasing your commitment to improving yourself and helping others in society and the world.

Did you know? International Volunteer Day
  • 60% of hiring managers see the act of volunteerism as a valuable asset when making recruitment decisions.
  • 92% of human resource executives agree that contributing to a nonprofit can improve an employees leadership skills.
  • 6.5% of working-age people worldwide engage in formal volunteering via an organisation or association. 

3 Types of Volunteer Work

There are many different types of volunteering programmes and it can be difficult to choose which one is the best for you. Here we list 3 types of volunteer work where you can put your skills to good use and help out.

Volunteer
  1. Volunteering for Environmental Issues

As people are becoming more environmentally aware, volunteering in this area is becoming more popular. People know that it is vital to act sooner rather than later when it comes to our environment. This type of work can include farming, environmental conservation and even working with ecovillages. It can be fun if you like the outdoors, like animals and don’t mind getting a bit dirty.

2. Volunteering in Healthcare

This is an ideal situation for medical students in order to gain training however, you don’t have to be a medical student to do this type of volunteering. You could simply visit patients in hospital to keep them company, work in health food shelters or even fundraise for cancer research, the list is endless.

3. Volunteering in Education

This is a great way to give someone the knowledge you possess and can involve working with children or adults. There are a range of countries where you can travel to and do this. It will allow you to gain teaching experience as well as helping those in need.

Servisource and Volunteering

At Servisource and CPL, we have the opportunity to get involved in a volunteering programme called INSPIRE, an online mentoring programme. we believe in giving back to the communities in which we operate, which is why we actively encourage our people to avail of this chance to get involved. With our Volunteering Time Off initiative, we ensure that employees get paid for any days off used to volunteer. The programme aims to match a young person with a professional role model to support and guide them. We know that mentoring works and having a positive role model in life is critical in order to prosper.

About the Mentors

INSPIRE works by matching a young person with an experienced professional. We want you to be that positive role model and make a difference in a young person’s life. Volunteer mentors commit to regular meetings with their mentee for up to one year and Innovate Communities provide the required training and support to help them become a successful mentor. This mentoring programme is online as you could be matched with a student from anywhere but if proximity permits you can meet them in person.

This is what the mentors have to say:

Ciaran – Senior IT Developer

I find I’m feeling quite energized seeing how the mentee is drawing on my expertise. There is a real sense of satisfaction about being able to help someone younger from my community. I’m learning there’s more to these young people than I may have thought. I see my mentee’s confidence building with every meeting. I see him leading more with every interaction and being more and more specific and honest about what he needs from me.

Marian – HR/Training Consultant

I’m really enjoying it. I’ve noticed my mentee’s thought process has widened from when we first met. She is thinking about the bigger picture, the longer term and about her career.

About the Mentees

Mentors are currently working with over 150 young people aged between 18 and 25 years of age. These mentees are diverse– Irish, Migrants and Immigrants (First Generation), Irish Black, Irish Asian and represent many different nationalities. They are HEAR (Higher Education Access Route) students studying Business & Management, Computers & ICT, Health & Social Care and Science and Pharma etc. The majority are the first in their family to go to college, don’t have a professional network to engage and have voluntarily signed up to INSPIRE to receive access to a mentor.

There are a range of volunteering opportunities to choose from around the world. With an array of benefits from it such as valuable work experience, learning new things and making new friends, why not give it a try and see how your help can benefit the world. You can find out more about the INSPIRE mentoring programme here and even sign up with their online application form.

So happy volunteering and let’s help each other in solidarity throughout the world!

International Volunteer Day

You can find out more about our opportunities below.

5 TIPS TO GET YOU THROUGH JANUARY

5 TIPS TO GET YOU THROUGH JANUARY At the start of a new year, there is a lot pressure to get back into the usual daily routine after the Christmas break. January can be an especially challenging month for everyone, but with a little effort you can set yourself up for success this year by…

Continue reading

New Year New Job

New Year, New Job Now that we have reached a new year, you may be considering what kind of changes you want to make to your life. Is there something missing, do you need a new challenge, something more fulfilling? Maybe a career change is what you need and maybe a new year means a…

Continue reading

International Volunteer Day

International Volunteer DayToday December 5th marks International Volunteer Day celebrating the theme of solidarity through volunteering. This year’s campaign highlights the power of our collective humanity to drive positive change through volunteerism. There are many advantages of volunteering, it is an excellent way to meet new people, give back to the community and help people…

Continue reading

5 Tips on What Not to Say in an Interview

Job interview questions.

5 Tips on What Not to Say in an Interview

When you’re in an interview, it’s important to be mindful of the things you say. In addition to being an opportunity to show off your qualifications, an interview is also a chance for the employer to get to know you as a person. How the interviewer determines whether you’re a good fit for their company and culture comes down to what you say and how you say it in the interview. It’s important to stay positive and enthusiastic throughout the interview, even if you’re feeling nervous. It’s also better to know what not to say so you can avoid any awkward situations which may result in you losing that job you’ve always dreamed of. Remember, the interview is your chance to sell yourself as the ideal candidate, so take a deep breath and focus on putting your best foot forward.

We want to help you get that job so here are 5 tips on what not to say in your next interview:

1. Negativity about your previous job.

Remaining professional and positive during an interview is especially important. The interviewer may ask you questions like “Why are you looking for a new job?” or “What didn’t you like about your previous positions?”. Your ability to answer these questions while avoiding a negative manner about your previous employer or job can show the interviewer that you can remain professional.

Positive answers to these questions can fill the interviewer with confidence that you will be a good addition to their companies’ culture and that you will not say anything negative about them in the future.

Job interview questions

2. Don’t only give yes or no answers.

Interviewers will ask you an array of different questions. It’s important to reply as best you can and not just with a simple yes or no answer. If the hiring manager asks you a question you don’t have an answer to, you can ask them to elaborate.

If you are still unsure about what is being asked, then it’s better to tell them you would be happy to answer after you do some follow-up research. This shows that you have an eagerness to learn, which will give a good impression.

 3. “I don’t have any questions.”

At the end of the interview most interviewers will ask if you have any questions. It is important when preparing for an interview to have some meaningful questions prepared to ask the employer, this shows that you have an interest in the company and in the position.

4. Don’t bring up the S word.

If you can help it, don’t be the first one to bring up the S word, salary. If you are too quick to mention money, it might come across to the employer that this is the most important aspect of the job for you. This is an especially mortal sin at the first meeting. When you find out more about the company and your role, you will be able to better determine your salary range.

Job questions about salary

5. Questions about annual holidays.

It’s better to avoid any questions referring to how many annual holidays the job offers. This information will come in time and it’s more formal to wait until after the first interview or until the interviewer brings this subject up first. You can ask about what benefits the company has to offer when you get through to the 2nd stage of the interview process.

It’s better to be well prepared and as formal and polite as you can be in any interview. If you take note of the above points, then you have more chance of succeeding and you’ll be on your way to that new career you’ve always wanted.

Check out what jobs we have on offer below and put these interview tips to the test.

5 TIPS TO GET YOU THROUGH JANUARY

5 TIPS TO GET YOU THROUGH JANUARY At the start of a new year, there is a lot pressure to get back into the usual daily routine after the Christmas break. January can be an especially challenging month for everyone, but with a little effort you can set yourself up for success this year by…

Continue reading

New Year New Job

New Year, New Job Now that we have reached a new year, you may be considering what kind of changes you want to make to your life. Is there something missing, do you need a new challenge, something more fulfilling? Maybe a career change is what you need and maybe a new year means a…

Continue reading

International Volunteer Day

International Volunteer DayToday December 5th marks International Volunteer Day celebrating the theme of solidarity through volunteering. This year’s campaign highlights the power of our collective humanity to drive positive change through volunteerism. There are many advantages of volunteering, it is an excellent way to meet new people, give back to the community and help people…

Continue reading

New Career in the New Year. Kick-start your goals.

New Year New Career 

New Year, New Career. For many people, December and Christmas mean overindulgence leading to the January blues. Bodies rid copious amounts of alcohol and festive foods, people start staying in, saving money and getting back to reality. This January, make it your mission to stay positive and use the New Year as an opportunity for a fresh start. Whether you want to become healthier, travel more, learn more or excel in your career – get on the ball as soon as January hits.

New Beginnings 

A New Year instigates the notion of new beginnings in the form of resolutions, promises and changes and among this, job-hunting begins and career changes rise. Many people feel like a career change but are unsure of where to start. Find a career that you love and an environment that you thrive in by following our guide for kick-starting your new career this December.

Set Career Goals

Think about what kind of person you are, what makes you happy, what elements of your job you like, who you want to become and what you want to achieve. Before you start off your new career, have a read of our previous blog piece and answer our questions to discover your aspirations and goals: https://recruitisland.wpengine.com/career-guidance/reach-long-term-career-goals/ 

Be Realistic 

Set yourself realistic expectations. A lot of New Year’s resolutions can be unattainable as people set themselves too many big targets at once. If your goal is drastic, you are likely going to break the rules and cheat here and there. This can result in people feeling like they have failed and they can fall off the ladder. To help you in your new career, set smaller, more achievable goals and create a schedule/calendar/map of what is needed to do to reach them.

Switch it up

If you are unhappy in your current job it might be worth discussing the possibility of  switching roles within your company. Explain to your boss how you are feeling and what you are thinking of doing. Maybe it is that you feel you can no longer excel in your role.

Job-Hunting 

When you are looking for a new career or searching for new jobs, treat it seriously and set yourself a timetable as you would do if you were working. In your schedule, include things like market research on companies of interest, professionals in your chosen field etc. Only apply for jobs that you are genuinely interested in. Keep record of all the positions which you have applied for.

Aim High 

Make a list of your successes, strengths and qualities. If you struggle with this ask close friends and family to help out and ask them to be honest. Ask questions like: “What could I bring to the role that others can’t?”. Know your worth and aim even higher.

Learn from others

Is there someone at work that always seems to get the job done? Every workplace has at least one, they excel at their job, they ooze confidence/motivation or ambition. Engage with these people, let their positive energy rub off on you. Surround yourself with people who will inspire you to better yourself and who encourage you to be the best that you can be.

Social Media 

Update your LinkedIn account. Once your account is updated, become an active user. Join groups that are relevant to your interests. Follow companies and people that you are interested in on social media platforms such as  Facebook and Twitter and comment/share and engage in posts appropriately.

Network 

Go to industry events, meet and talk to people in areas that might benefit and make sure to follow up afterwards by adding them on LinkedIn. Contact leaders/professionals in your area of interest and ask them questions or advice.

CV 

CVs can determine whether or not you make it to interview stage. Review your CV carefully and make sure that it is perfect. When recruiting, spelling mistakes can give off the impression of laziness and a lack of attention to detail. Ask people you trust to critique it afterwards – work colleagues, friends etc.

Interview Preparation

The job market is becoming more competitive making interviews tougher so preparation is key. Think outside the box and don’t be afraid of trying something different. The interview process can be monotonous for employers. Make yourself stand out! See interview blog piece here: https://myhomecare.ie/career-advice/banish-interviews-nerves-bag-job/

Be Proactive 

Sometimes getting the job you want may seem impossible and daunting and may even test your patience but remember that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.

Skills 

When it comes to learning, you are never at the same level. You are either falling behind or growing. Keep your skills fresh and updated. Learn new skills and talents.

 

Good luck! 🙂

 Challenge your limits for your new career

Tips for Graduates: The Transition from Student to Career

A graduate is defined by the Oxford dictionary as “A person who has successfully completed a course of study or training, especially a person who has been awarded an undergraduate or first academic degree“. Starting your career as a graduate is a new beginning that many students look forward to. It is an exciting time as you leave the student life behind once and for all and take a step on to the career ladder. No more all-nighters to finish assignments, no more cramming months of study into weeks or even days and no more plain pasta and baked beans, well! Going from a graduate to the professional world can be a challenging time as routine and responsibilities kick in. It can be stressful as other graduates are looking for employment, increasing the competition and leaving companies choosing the best. Practice patience and don’t let knock-backs get you down. Aim high and read these tips for kick-starting your graduate career.

Find Your Niche

First, figure out what it is that you want to do. Make a list of things you want to change in the world, your skills, passions, motivations and goals. This will help you learn what kind of person you are and what you want to become. It will aid you in choosing a career that suits you. Ask friends and family for support and advice. Speak to people already working in the area you would like to try out and get advice from them, if you’re lucky you might even get some work experience.

Graduate Networking

Networking is extremely important and useful for graduates and future graduates. There are so many people in your network that can help you when it comes to your career – lecturers, classmates, peers, other students, friends and family. Talk to as many people as you can about your aspirations, you never know what advice or help you may receive. It can also be a good way to listen out for employment as most vacancies are filled by word of mouth and as the saying goes it’s not about what you know, it’s who you know. The more people you talk to, the more likely you are to pick up tips, learn and find opportunities.

Update Social Profiles

Ensure that your online presence is presentable. This is a must! Most employers will search for potential employees and it is important that you don’t make a bad impression. Keep yourself respectable on all social platforms and make sure you are using LinkedIn to its full potential. Network and search for companies and employers of interest etc. Include contact information such as phone numbers, e-mail address, all social media profile URL’s, company websites, blog web address etc. This will make it easy for an employer to research and contact you. And think before you post!

Your CV

Recruiters search for CVs on job websites when looking to fill vacancies and hire employees. Create a profile on job websites and upload a copy of your CV, it doesn’t take long to do and it means potential employers looking for the type of skills or qualifications you have can find you. Upload your CV to your LinkedIn profile as employers can use this to search for employees. Tailor your CV to individual jobs. When applying for a specific job role, you are essentially telling the employer why you are perfect for the position. It might be more time-consuming but changing your Cover Letter and CV for jobs will make you stand out more.

Volunteer

Volunteer for charitable organisations that you have an interest in. Get involved in new projects or new tasks whether it is in college, work or socially. The more experience you have and things you have done the more interesting you seem, the more you people you meet the more learn.

Skills & Experience

Most people will have work experience whether it is related to your graduate job/degree or not. Use your experience from previous jobs or the skills you have obtained through work life such as efficiency, working in a fast-paced environment, organisation and leadership etc. Don’t forget about college or voluntary experience. If you were involved in college projects or activities such as college radio or magazine make sure to include this and list the skills that you have gained from them.

Research the Company  

Make sure you do your research and know the company history and core values before going for an interview. It is important to know about the company because if you are questioned on it and you don’t know anything about it you can give off a bad impression and it show disinterest. It is also helpful when it comes to writing your cover letter and knowing which skills to enhance during the interview process.

Aim High

If there is a brand or company that you would love to work for then don’t be afraid to approach them. Do your history, research them and find out as much as you can. See if they have any vacancies. Find out who works for them and network with these people. Send them your CV or approach them directly. If you would like to work here then you more than likely have the skills and personality fitted to the company. It’s worth a shot.

Start a Blog

Sell yourself as well as your degree. A lot of the time, employers are looking for skills and personality. Use your strengths and make yourself stand out. Blog about things you know and are interested in or passionate about. You can share these on your LinkedIn profile.

No longer a Graduate – When you Get the Job

Ask Questions

Your employer can’t read your mind. They don’t expect you to know everything. If there are certain elements of the company or workload which you don’t understand, ask for clarification.

Stand out

Throw yourself into the work assigned and show your enthusiasm. Don’t wait for things to happen, make them happen. Get involved in important events and projects. Use your initiative to think and act independently. Speak up and voice your opinions and ideas.

Assess Yourself

Assess yourself regularly, set yourself some long-term career goals. Know your personality, your skills, your weaknesses. Be honest with yourself and improve on where you think you should. With appealing jobs being limited and those that are advertised getting snapped up quickly it can be tempting to apply for all sorts of jobs which might not appeal to you, just for the sake of finding a job. Think about what it is exactly that you are applying for. Do not apply for something which you have absolutely no interest in. You spend most of your time at work so choose something which you will enjoy, learn from and can grow in.

Work Hard

Even if you don’t love your job, do it well anyway. Every job is an opportunity and you must start somewhere. It’s OK if you feel that this is not the right job for you. It will give you a greater understanding of what you don’t want to do and what want from your career.

Making Mistakes

Making mistakes in your career is a lot different to making mistakes in college. When you make mistakes in college you might fail an assignment or subject. When you make mistakes in your job you learn lessons that you can grow from and take with you throughout your career.

Learn

Most great people did not get to where they are today on their own. They had a strong support system to help them on their way. Learn from your colleagues and if they give you advice, listen to them and take it on board. Chances are, they have a lot more experience than you, accept their help.

Update Skills

You never stop learning. Read books that are related to your job role, sign up for events or courses to update your skills. If you are passionate about it, this won’t even be work and you will enjoy it.

Now go and prosper! 😊

Prosper after graduating

How to Reach your Career Goals

Most of all we want a prestigious career but it can be hard to maintain a healthy work/life balance. While you are striving towards your career goals, don’t forget to be happy right now as happiness is a journey. Everyone has different dreams and aspirations, some of which can be tough and take a long time. Here are some tips to set long term career goals and achieve your success.

1. Make a list

Write down all your career goals and dreams. Prioritise them. Figure out what you need to do to achieve them.

First of all, if you are unsure of what your career goals are then ask yourself some questions, in addition assess yourself and finally, figure it out.

  1. What are you most proud of achieving this year? Personally, or professionally?Make a list of career goals
  2. Things have you achieved in your career?
  3. Describe your ideal working environment?
  4. List the most important job benefits to you?
  5. What position would you most like to have?
  6. Would you like to work as part of a team or as an individual?
  7. What do you want your job to do for you?
  8. Note the kind of person you want to be?
  9. Who do you most admire?
  10. Be vocal about what career success is to you?
  11. Visualise the impact you want to make or have on the people you work with?
  12. What do you feel is your closest calling?
  13. If no obstacles stood in the way of your goals what would you do?

2. Create Schedules

Making a schedule gives you structure. Schedules can make it less stressful to complete tasks as you are more prepared and you are also more likely to complete them if you have time-frames and direction.

3. Share

Express your goals to your family and friends. Telling those close to us can help as it is not always easy conquering things alone. Friends and family will lend support and encouragement, making it easier to achieve goals. They can also help by giving their advice and sharing ideas.

4. Knowledge & Skills

Broaden your knowledge and enhance your skill set. Work on areas where you feel you can improve on, for example, improving your presentation skills. Increasing your knowledge by taking a course or by reading books relevant to your career. If you are not learning, you are not improving.

5. Network

Create a LinkedIn Profile and network with other professionals in your area or the area which you aspire to be in. Get involved in conversations, give your opinion and reach out to people for advice.

6. Overnight Success

careers are not made overnightYou must start somewhere, and more than likely it will be at the bottom. Don’t let this put you off, dreams don’t happen overnight and even some of the most famous, professional people started at the bottom. Walt Disney was fired from Missouri Newspaper for not having enough creativity before going on to be nominated for 59 academy awards and winning 32, holding the record of most Oscars won by an individual.

7. Remain Positive

Be more positive. People are way more likely to be productive and achieve tasks and goals if they are in a positive mindset.

8. Get Healthy

Make smart choices when it comes to food and exercise. A healthy body creates a healthy mind. It is not breaking news that eating well and exercising have several mental and physical health benefits including the reduction of stress, releasing feel-good endorphin’s, improving confidence, boosting brainpower and increases productivity to name a few.

9. Fear

Don’t be Afraid. Facing your fears can be motivational and once you do it you will not regret it. Don’t be afraid to leave your comfort zone. You will never be challenged or move forward if you are stuck in your comfort zone.

10. Inspiration

Search for Inspiration. A work colleague you aspire to be, a family member you want to make proud. Look for what it is that inspires you and work for it.

11. Believe in yourself

Be kind to yourself and believe in yourself. Become independent and enjoy your own company. Don’t give up, there is no reason why you can’t do anything! Remind yourself of why you’re doing what you’re doing. There will be ups and downs, that’s life. It’s OK to make mistakes and for motivation to dip. Remember the benefits.

12. Rewards

The main reason for setting out to achieve goals is for the rewards gained afterwards. After completing something on your list, rewards yourself with something.

Tips on reaching your career goals from our Permanent Recruitment Manager, Aileen McCann:

  1. Envisage and you will succeed (Pin a picture of the car you want up on your wall and look at it each day- you need to get that promotion to get the car!)
  2. Believe in yourself
  3. Get over your fears
  4. Tell someone your goal to make it more real
  5. Get a coach (professional or someone you work with – to bounce off each day)
  6. Plan – make a road map and route the easiest and quickest way to get to your goal
  7. Leave behind those who will hold you back
  8. Surround yourself with those who will get you to your goals or who you need their assistance to get it.
  9. Stay positive
  10. Check in with yourself along the way make sure you are still on track if not reroute and get back on the track

Good luck ….

For more tips and expert advice on Personal Goal Setting our friends at MindTools have written an excellent article on How to take your career to the next level by setting yourself SMART Goals.