A: Two parts to this one. Firstly, your career objectives and secondly, your relationship with your current employer. Are you looking for new challenges? New opportunities for personal growth? Do you want to develop new skills? With reference to your current position: Was you position secure? Was there no room for improvement or advancement?

Q: What are your greatest accomplishments?
A: Try and keep this job related and be specific with examples of past tasks or projects in which you played a successful part whether it is individually or as part of a team. Should you have been involved in volunteer/community work or played sport use these experiences as this will demonstrate that you can work effectively within a team and may possess leadership attributes.

Q: What is your greatest weakness?
A: Don't allow yourself to get led down this negative track. Think of an allowable weakness eg. lack of knowledge or experience in dealing with a specific set of circumstances. Then turn it into a positive by telling the interviewer what resources you utilised to ensure that the situation was better handled in future.

Q: What kinds of people do you like working with?
A: This is an easy one. People just like you. The key words to trot out here are; loyalty, honesty, self-respect, pride, dedication. The ideal time to raise your own attributes once again.

Q: Have you got any questions?
A: Make sure you say 'yes' to this one. The worst answer you can give is 'no!' Don't turn up with a great long list of questions, but think beforehand about what aspects of the role are important to you.

While your outfit differs substantially between the first date and the first interview, overall grooming and preparation is equally important for both.

Before the interview

•    Dress smart and not casual
•    Good grooming is very, very important irrespective of the job you are applying for. Make sure your clothes are clean and pressed. You're selling yourself here. This is the time when you're going to be judged by your appearance, presentation and attitude
•    Ensure that accessories and make-up are in keeping with a professional image
•    Polish your shoes, every inch of your presentation will be taken into account
•    Ensure you are clean-shaven, use deodorant and breath-fresheners are always a good idea.

In the interview
•    Introduce yourself and offer your hand with a firm handshake
•    Keep eye contact with the interviewer at all times
•    Be polite, friendly and courteous at all times
•    Check out the company's address well in advance so you can arrive early and prepared  
•    Know where the nearest parking is
•    Find out who will be interviewing you and research them and the company
•    And lastly, arrive early. If you can make it 20-30 minutes before the interview, even better. Why? While you're waiting you can be observing how the business functions. You'll get a sense of the atmosphere in the workplace. Are the staff relaxed, happy, friendly, talkative? Is this the type of atmosphere where you'll feel comfortable? Can you picture yourself working alongside the people you are observing?

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When you feel your career is losing direction, it might be time to make, not only personal resolutions, but some professional ones as well. It's all about goal setting and nothing could be more motivating than having a plan. But keep in mind the path to success is to not set unachievable goals that are out of reach. Set achievable short and long term goals and go for them. On the professional front you could look into some of these resolutions or maybe go for all of them!

• Upskill or revise your skills. Join workshops to brush up your knowledge or a specialisation course to update your skills
• Consider a foreign language course for an additional qualification
• Clear out junk from your work space both at the office and at home. This will add clarity and enable you to prioritise
• Update your CV and/or portfolio. Highlight your achievements and qualifications, never the time to be modest now!
• Catch up with old friends, colleagues and contacts. Continue to foster these relationships, they may lead to growth opportunities or future business
• Get up to date with current affairs, the latest books, newspapers and magazines
• Re-do your budget and start saving, even for post retirement. While it's hard to think of right now, the rewards will be well worth the effort and the sense of security will feel great
• Spend quality time with family and friends on weekends every chance you can. This will help you rewind from the weeks hard work and make the work seem worth it

Live a disciplined healthy life. Follow an exercise regime to stay in good health!

However, much like first dates, if on paper you weren't the right person for the job at hand, you wouldn't be there in the first place. In fact, it is estimated that 80 percent of candidates are rejected at the application stage - putting you and your first interview three quarters of the way in the door to that job you want. And, as with the dating conundrum, you will both be looking for chemistry, that little "spark" where all the puzzle pieces fall into place and you realise you make the perfect team.

The big wigs of the corporate world will often have trained and experienced interviewers so questions will be structured to obtain the most from you. On the other hand, in smaller firms it will often be the big boss who interviews you.

When you are confronted by a "bad" interviewer, it will be your job to convey the points you wish to make, the important stuff which will make them realise you are meant to be together. At this stage it is always good to steer the conversation toward the topics you have strengths in - hightlight the good points.

Some common interview types:
• The straightforward chronological interview, where you are asked questions around your CV
œ Criterion referenced interviews, where you will be asked to give examples of how you meet their criteria and so forth, examples of teamwork, negotiating and leadership
• The off-the-wall questions where you might be asked some bizarre questions to see if you can think on the spot and how creative/logical you are
• The pressurised interview where your views will be challenged. Never lose your cool in this situation, it is to test how you react under extreme pressure, to see if you can hold your own without starting a fight or being reduced to tears.

Preparation is essential
• The age-old adage rings true, more so in interviews than anything. Read and then re-read your resume, prepare questions to ask and to be asked and work out what clothes to wear. Ensure you look the part and act the part of the position you are aiming for. Rehearse the interview and anticipate obvious questions.
• Work out a strategy for dealing with stress, read vacancy details, employer’s literature - who they are. what they do and what they want. Always know exactly what you will bring to the position and how the organisation will benefit from having you on their staff list. Finding this part hard? If you can't quantify what you will bring to the position, maybe it really isn't the position for you.

The interview checklist
• First impressions count - arrive in good time, make a good entrance and promote good, open body language with a firm handshake, a confident posture, make eye contact and smile
• Be yourself, be honest and be prepared to talk – and listen! Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification if anything comes up in the interview you may not understand, this will show your interest and willingness to learn
• Be ready to sell yourself and most of all, be interesting
• Know when the interview is over, read the interviewer's body language and don't try and entice them with unnecessary chit chat. Thank him or her for taking the time to meet you.

Helpful questions you may wish to ask;
Asking about current projects and future developments for the company shows your interest in the organisation. Discuss the role you are applying for and what it will entail and what typical projects you will be working on. Ask what type of training will be offered and is there any incentive to achieve additional qualifications.

Questions you can prepare for:
• Tell us about yourself
• Why did you choose your degree and what have you gained from it?
• What has been your most important achievement in life so far? Why?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• Why have you applied for this job?
• What do you have to offer us?
• What experience do you have of working in a team and what role did you play in that team?
• Describe a project you have successfully completed
• How would your friends describe you?
• Describe a situation you have found difficult. How did you overcome it?
• What questions would you like to ask us?

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NZ Tax Refunds managing director Cilla Hegarty says people who are made redundant often don't realise they may be entitled to this tax credit.

"Redundant workers are typically dealing with stress and a number of other issues, so the last thing they are thinking of is a tax refund," she says.

"But the reality is these people are probably due a tax credit now - they don't have to wait until the end of the financial year. As soon as a worker is made redundant there is a government incentive to apply for tax credits up to the value of $3,600. These redundancy payments could have been taxed at almost 40 percent."

NZ Tax Refunds provides a no-risk service for clients. Its system assesses whether an individual is eligible for a tax refund and if so the company applies on their behalf and charges a modest fee up to 19.5 percent of the refund.

Hegarty says the latest unemployment figures for the June 2009 quarter show the unemployment rate rose to 6 percent, its highest level since the September 2000 quarter. The number of people unemployed now stands at 138,000.

"A significant number of people now registered as unemployed, are probably due a tax credit if they were made redundant."

She says one of its clients recently applied through NZ Tax Refunds for redundancy credits and was very pleasantly surprised with the outcome.

"This client had worked for the same company since leaving school. After 27 years with the company, he was made redundant. He received $30,000 in redundancy and we were able to add a further $1,700 to this in redundancy credits," she says.

"This tax credit really helped our client at a time when every cent mattered," she added. In this instance the money was paid out to her client within 10 working days.

For more information contact: www.nztaxrefunds.co.nz

So, although the global economy seems to be exiting a recession, nobody's totally out of the woods quite yet.

The point of this is that job candidates should not let an economic downturn, whether it's over or not, stop them from negotiating salary and conditions, rather than just accepting the first offer presented to them.

That's the message in the latest employment podcast by recruitment specialists Robert Half.
Focusing on how to find a job in a downturn, Robert Half director Tim Hird says candidates should not be afraid to negotiate when they are presented with a job offer.

"Remember that your strongest position in negotiation is at the point when you receive the offer, and no matter what your first reaction is to the offer, be enthusiastic when you talk to the prospective employer," he says.

"You don't want to give the hiring manager second thoughts based on your initial response."

The keys to successful negotiation in today's economy are realistic expectations and flexibility, he says.

"It's important to be realistic in today's market, yet at the same time, don't be afraid to aim high. We encourage everyone to keep expectations realistic so you don't price yourself out of the running."

If you are going to ask for more than the initial offer, it's important to gather evidence to justify your requests, Hird says.

And be prepared to consider alternatives, such as increased holidays or flexible working hours, if an employer cannot, or will not, agree to precisely what you have asked for.

"An employer who is unwilling to offer a concession in one area may be willing to offer something in another."

Hird says Robert Half consultants encourage candidates to consider two figures when applying for a job – the first being their ideal remuneration, the second being their bottom line.

Through negotiation, the candidate will end up somewhere between those two figures – preferably closer to the top than the bottom.
Robert Half's podcast on finding a job in a recession is now available for download at www.roberthalf.co.nz/podcasts

What is required here is a clear idea of what's important to you and what you're prepared to do, or perhaps change, in order to get where you want to go. This means you need to set some goals and have a clear idea of what you're prepared to change and/or sacrifice in order to achieve them.

The key component now required, it seems, is flexibility. A recent survey by recruitment specialist Hays has found just this, as one in two job-seekers would relocate overseas for their dream job. The survey revealed that 61 percent of respondents would relocate overseas, 21 percent would accept a lower salary and 18 percent would retrain.

Hays New Zealand managing director Jason Walker says these results demonstrate that in today's market candidates are far more flexible than during the recent period of skills shortages.

"It's easy when the economy is booming and your skills are in demand from multiple employers to take an uncompromising approach to your job search. However, now there is increased competition for the best roles, candidates are more prepared to make concessions.

"This time last year most candidates would only consider a role if it was located within a certain radius of their home.

"However, today candidates are acutely aware of the economic downturn and roles advertised are attracting a larger group of applicants who live not only a further commuting distance, but also in regional areas and international locations, demonstrating a willingness to make a huge commitment to secure their dream role.

"So today the importance of location has been replaced by the responsibilities and duties of the role. Salary has been replaced in importance by job stability, while the importance of job title has been replaced by a willingness to multi-skill or train in a new area to offer more value.

"A candidate prepared to demonstrate such measures is demonstrating a genuine enthusiasm for the role, and provided they have the appropriate skills, experience and cultural fit, they are a candidate likely to be retained long-term," he says.

The survey asked, "What would you be prepared to do for your dream job?"

• Relocate overseas - 60.91 percent


• Accept a lower salary - 20.91 percent 


• Retrain - 18.18 percent

However there are a number of sectors which will see growth in the coming years and maybe that could be your best option to securing a career path you enjoy and make the kind of money you always desired.

Director of Strategic Pay and former president of the Human Resources Institute of New Zealand, Geoff Summers says there are a number of areas, which will see growth.

Care workers
With the country's ageing population many of those in the baby boomer generation are looking at retiring in the near future and will require care. Summers points out that there are larger companies than ever before getting involved with the age care sector, and they will require carers. "I think the market reacts to our ageing population. I think the baby boomers have been better off than the generation before and baby boomers are helping look after their parents with age care."

Primary sector
We see starving children on the television screen on a daily basis, and the United Nations has come out and said there is a global shortage of food and it's set to get worse in the future.

Summers says our primary sector could blossom as we have the perfect environment to grow and supply food. He points out there is a current trend of children leaving their parents' farms to follow other careers however, there will be significant future demand for primary sector workers.

"Food shortages are a big thing right now and into the future. Food production has got to be one of the occupations that New Zealanders have to get right into."

He believes there will a trend from farmers owning their own farms, to farmers working for big corporations who own the farms. "This will become the landscape in the future."

Technology
Technology is ever evolving and we will need bright, young people to keep up with general technical developments that now impact most businesses and industry sectors. Summers points out that a lot of money is spent in this area and the likes of gaming is becoming ever more popular. He is seeing a trend of young, smart people starting up their own companies focused on future technology.

"The top people in this industry demand good wages and if I had kids I'd encourage them into this sector," Summers says. "There are some very fancy computer development languages which will require people to learn about."

Communications
With the advancement of technology, it makes doing business easier and faster however, there can be pitfalls to using technology. Summers thinks there will be a great need for people with communications backgrounds regarding the electronics behind the technology. "The downside to using technology is the wrongful use of it and this is where communications people are going to be in high demand, especially by the likes of Governments, because the communication security and national security can be compromised."

Law
Love them or loath them, lawyers have become an important part of business and everyday life. The majority of business people won't do something before consulting a business lawyer, people don't buy houses without legal consultation and if you find yourself embroiled in any significant employment, financial or legal conflict, then guess where your first point of call is?

Summers says there has been huge growth within the legal sector and he believes this is set to continue into the future. "Back in the day you could go to the labour court without a lawyer to deal with an employment relations dispute. These days everyone consults lawyers for different things. Copyright law is going to be huge, especially with the internet and people downloading things. The legalities behind that can sometimes be quite complex."

Trades
The Government scraped the apprenticeship scheme 10 years ago however, there seems to be a bit of a renaissance of the apprentice. Summers says there will always be a need for trades people, whether it's building, electrician or plumber. With these professions you can do an apprenticeship, learning skills and qualifications on the job, while earning money. Experienced trades people can get paid very well and of course there always exists the opportunity to start your own business.

Hospitality and Tourism
With the Rugby World Cup just around the corner and the new Hobbit films being shot in New Zealand, the tourism and hospitality sector will need talented people. Summers says tourism is a hugely important entity for New Zealand's future and says the Prime Minister is the Minster for Tourism, which means the Government is serious about the sector.

"Tourism and hospitality is not just one set of occupations. There's a whole raft, from people behind the bar or cleaning the hotel rooms through to the jet pilots who bring people here."

So if you've found yourself in the job market here's a quick and simply update on changes to employment legislation that impact you.

A raft of new legislation has been introduced impacting employers and their employees. These include lifting the minimum wage, provisions for breaks and infant breast-feeding, changes to KiwiSaver and the 90-day probation bill.

Minimum wage
Pretty straight forward - the minimum wage increased on April 1. It rose from $12 to $12.50.

New breaks and infant feeding provisions
These new provisions are part of the Employment Relations (Rest Breaks, Infant Feeding and Other Matters) Amendment Act and became law last April.

These new laws outline the required amount of time the employer needs to give to staff regarding breaks during the working day as well as providing an area in which mothers can breastfeed. While these conditions have been the standard across many industries, the changes of April 1 reinforce these as the minimum requirements:

1. If an employee works between two and four hours they will be entitled to one paid 10 minute rest break


2. If an employee works between four and six hours you are required to give them one paid 10 minute rest break and one unpaid 30 minute meal break


3. If an employee is working between six and eight hours they are entitled to two paid 10 minute rest breaks and one unpaid 30 minute meal break


4. If an employee works more than eight hours then these provisions should automatically occur for each consecutive work period.

The new legislation also discusses employers providing an area for mothers to express milk or breastfeed in the workplace as well as appropriate break times.


KiwiSaver changes
Changes to KiwiSaver were rushed through the house under urgency late last year and include:

1. Compulsory employer contributions will be capped at two percent from April 1 while the employer tax credit will be discontinued from that date


2. The employer superannuation contribution tax exemption will also be caped at two percent


3. The KiwiSaver Act was amended to make it clear that employers are not allowed to take the employer contributions out of employees' pay 


4. The minimum contribution rate reduced from four percent to two percent and the new default contribution rate for new employee members is two percent. 

90-day probation period
If you're in the job market then this is a big one! The Employment Relations Amendment Bill, looking at the 90-day probation bill, is aimed at small businesses with less than 20 people on the payroll.

According to Labour Minister Kate Wilkinson, in her first reading, it will enable employers, "To determine a prospective employees suitability for permanent employment, without the risk of legal proceedings for unjustified dismissal in the event that the employment relationship does not work out. It will encourage small businesses to give a new employee a go and to take on new employees."

Business New Zealand CEO Phil O'Reilly thinks the bill will help the development of SMEs in New Zealand and will also encourage more people into the workforce who would usually not be considered for a job.

He points out the Bill doesn't explicitly outline rules and regulations however, he believes good business practices still need to come into play when using the 90 day probation period for new employees.

"Firstly you have to understand the law doesn't get you away from every requirement. If you fire someone because of their race, or the fact they are a woman you will be breach of human rights and could face a PG. Look at the person's performance at work and make your decision on that.

"Secondly you need to have a written employment contract including in it the 90 day probation period. Discuss this with the employee so they understand what that means to them. And finally, it is good business practice to give regular feedback during the probation period and to record everything."

Follow your heart and your head
Evaluate your skills and capabilities
Set career goals
Create a professional resume
Develop successful interview tips
Network, network, network!
Use an approach that meets your needs

Follow your heart and your head
There is no point chasing a career that you aren't interested in. Don't become a lawyer or a doctor just because your mum said you had to. If you don't enjoy what you are doing, then why do it. If you're passionate about learning how to build, then do it. If you want to be a radio star, then do it. If you don't love what you do then you won't put 110 percent into it, so find a career you are truly passionate about and stick with it.

Evaluate your skills and capabilities
Whether you're employed, unemployed, considering a career change, re-entering the job market, or recently graduated, the first step toward reaching your career potential is to objectively analyse and evaluate your skills and capabilities. Have a life coach or a career counselor assess your natural talents, skills and professional strength. Compare your skills and interests with the occupations you've selected. The career that matches your skills, interests, and personality the closest may just be the career for you.
If you are good with your hands why not look at a trade (there is always a need for good trades people), or if you have a way with words and organisation why not investigate becoming a journalist or a personal assistant. A lot of companies also offer internships and apprenticeships, so have a look around to see what company offers what option regarding training and qualifications.

Set career goals
Choose your career goal. Once you’ve decided what occupation matches up best with the direction you want to take, then you can begin developing a plan to reach your goals. Set short, medium and long term goals. Also set goals that are attainable – although you may have put steps in place to reach your goal, sometimes it might take a little longer than what you expected to reach it. If this does happen then reassess what your goals are and break them down into little steps.
Sir Ed didn't climb Mt Everest in one gigantic leap, he had to take little steps to achieve his goal of reaching the summit, and you have to do the same with your career. Take little steps and eventually you will conquer your Everest.
Find out about financial aid to help support you in obtaining your career goal. Begin saving for courses that will help you achieve your career goals and find out what courses can be done through student loans. Talk to your course provider about what financial option works best for you. www.studylink.co.nz has some fantastic information about financing your study – you could even be entitled to a student allowance, so jump online and check out the website for more information.
Learn about job-hunting tips as you prepare to graduate or move into the job market. You can do this by reading the MyJobSpace job seeker's newsletter every month!

Create a professional resume
Create a resume that will sell you. Don't send out a resume until it is a strong sales tool that represents you. If necessary approach a designer to put together an original and professional looking document that stands out from the crowd. You should have relevant experience, education and a blurb about who you are on your resume.

Develop successful interview tips
Even if you are an expert in your profession you must be able to sell yourself during an interview. Sit down with a friend and do some role-playing. Get your friend to ask some questions and you answer them. Or practice what you are going to say in front of a mirror. “I am an asset to this company because…” or, “These are the skills I have which can benefit your company…”
Being positive is also so important. Employers love people with enthusiasm and passion for what they do. Passion is a skill which can't be taught, so use this to your advantage.

Network, network, network!
You need to implement an effective marketing strategy to increase your visibility and give you an edge. Attend workshops and conferences within the industry you work with. Join groups that involve professionals, whether it's the Chamber of Commerce, young professionals or a business women's group. Shake hands, smile and hand out and collect business cards. Then ensure you keep in touch with those people. Sometimes it's who you know, not what you know when it comes to securing your dream job.

Use an approach that meets your needs
Don't follow guidelines in a book or from a friend if they are not comfortable for you and not representative of who you are. Be authentic in designing a career search and marketing plan that really reflects who you are. We are all individual, so stand out from the crowd and make an impact.

1. Read the job outline a couple of times and look for “key words” the employer uses in their ad. For example if the job you are applying for states they want someone who is highly organised, motivated, driven and goal orientated, it’s a good idea to state you posses those qualities in your cover letter.
   


2. Sometimes employers will be looking for employees with relevant qualifications/skills for example a heavy vehicle driver’s license, or extensive knowledge of word processing software. If you possess the selected skills/qualifications the employer is asking for let them know through your cover letter and CV. If you apply for a job that requires certain qualifications and you don’t have them you will be put to the bottom of the list.
   


3. Make your job application specific to the job you are applying for. This shows the employer that you have taken time to prepare your application. There is no point writing a general cover letter when applying for jobs. One day you might be applying to work in an office the next applying for a job in a bar… they have different skill sets.
   


4. Do your homework on the company to whom you are applying to for a job. Find out who they are, what they do and who the important people are in the company. Write your application around what you know at the company and how you can contribute positively to the growth of the company.
   


5. Spelling and grammar are basic things, however if a potential employer finds a spelling mistake in your cover letter or CV they are likely to biff it. Spell check is a wonderful thing, however do beware because some spell checks use American spelling instead of New Zealand spelling… for example “specialize” is the American spelling and “specialise” is the New Zealand spelling.
   


6. Sometimes employers respond well to hand written letters, so if you have the time (and neat handwriting) it’s always a nice way to show you have put effort into your application.
   


7. “Toot your own trumpet”… sell your self… let’s face it, no one else will. You need to prove why you are the best person for the job. Push all your good qualities and be proud of your achievements…employers like people who have achieved.
   


8. Set goals and let your potential employers know what they are. This proves that you are capable of working towards something and achieving your goals. For example… “This year my goal was to ensure I reached my sales budget every month, which I achieved and exceeded on a number of occasions.”
   


9. Communicate your ideas clearly. Don’t waffle. Employers don’t have time to read pointless rambling.
   


10. For something a bit more eye catching, use a coloured piece of paper for your front cover of your CV. This will grab the employer’s eye and will be more likely to pick it up and have a look.
    


11. Be positive! Always look at the positives in every situation… as the saying goes “everything happens for a reason” and “when a door closes a window (of opportunity) opens”.

1. Go the extra mile
   Managers and company owners like staff members who think outside the square and use initiative to add value to the company. If this means sacrificing some of your personal time to stay behind and finish that huge sales pitch, then do it. You may not be rewarded with money for working extra hours, but you may just get a pat on the back for your extra contributions.


2. Celebrate your achievements
   Let's face it; no-one is going to toot your trumpet, so you need to toot it yourself. If you have worked extra hard and done something amazing that is going to benefit the company in a positive way, speak up about it. Whether it's closing the deal with a big client, or you finished that fantastic piece of carpentry, show your managers and your boss what you have achieved.


3. Up skill
   You might be skilled in a certain area, but now is the time to start thinking outside the square. Learn computer skills, or a special technique for building. This way you offer your company more skills and in turn they can come to you with more work.


4. Step up to the plate
   When a manager asks for someone to do a certain task, put your hand up. This also comes back to going the extra mile. Even if that task is out of your way still do it and always say to yourself “yes I can do this, and I'm going to do this to the best of my abilities”. If you start putting your hand up for things your managers will recognise this and will start coming to you with jobs and tasks to do.


5. Get feedback
   Sure managers can be scary, but now is the time you need to talk to them about feedback, whether it's good feedback or constructive criticism. This will enable you to see where you can grow in your job and better yourself so you become more of an asset to the company.


6. Smile and have a positive attitude
   Sometimes it's hard to get motivated in the mornings before work, but it's not hard to smile. Start your day off on a positive note and that positive attitude will continue through your day and have a positive effect your work.


7. The little things
   You might be in the tearoom grabbing your morning coffee and the owner of the company walks in. Offer to make a coffee for them. This might sound like you are trying to grease up, but in actual fact it's the little things bosses remember. Always say good morning to your managers and use their name (and smile… even if you don't like them all that much). If the kitchen is messy with dishes, put them in the dishwasher or give them a rinse. It's the little things that also count.


8. Take pride in your self and in your workplace
   If you are in a corporate environment make an effort to dress smart and present yourself in a way which will put the company in a good light. Try and keep your desk tidy (we all need a bit of "creative chaos" in our lives however!). Try and stay as organised as possible. 


9. Talk about your company in a positive light
   Word travels quickly, especially words that aren't so nice. Always talk about your workplace in a positive way. If you can't say anything positive then don't say anything at all.


10. Face reality
    Although you might be doing everything you possibly can, you still might face redundancy. There are very talented people who are being laid off, and that could mean you too. If you are made redundant don't take it personally, see if you can get a reference from your employers and keep a positive mind frame. The government has also introduced a policy that helps people who have been made redundant. Check out www.workandincome.govt.nz for more information. And most importantly always remember "Whenever a door slams in your face a window of opportunity always opens".

If you’ve been out of full time employment for a while, don’t hesitate to add what you’ve been doing in the meantime, even it is is a couple of weekends here and there apple picking. It will show your future employer you’re willing to give anything a go and that you are not lazy.

Di Barclay, the Human Resources Manager for the Academy Group says "Many candidates make the mistake of cramming far too much information into their CV. Not many employers are particularly interested in the part you played in the school musical or any awards certificates that are out-dated. The best advice I can give is to Keep It Simple - stick to the relevant information, highlight your key skills and personal attributes and keep the 'fluff' to a minimum - that should do the trick!"

Remember, if you have plenty of years experience in the workforce, your CV does not have to be padded out with what your after school job was 14 years ago. There is also no need to include the certificate you received for baking the best scone in your 1981 Home Economics class. Keep everything relevant to the job you are applying for and keep the information current.

Handy tips when asking for a pay rise
You need to prove to your managers that you are a capable employee who adds value to the company.

If a client or co-worker sends a nice letter complimenting your work hold on to it and forward it to the appropriate people. It’s always good to share positive feedback.

When meeting with the managers to discuss a pay rise, be organised. Find out what the market “norm” is for someone in your position, figure out how much to ask for and start creating your case from there. Keep a note of the accomplishments you have achieved and how they add value to the company. Discuss your positive contributions to the company and what your continued contributions mean for the company in the future.

You also have to be confident when discussing a pay rise. Back yourself. At the same time however ensure you have a back up plan because sometimes you might not get what you ask for regarding a pay rise and it can be quite a daunting experience negotiating money with managers.

Another way to negotiate a pay rise is to get a competing job offer. However this can sometimes backfire, so you will have to be willing to leave your current position if your boss says no to a pay rise.

If you like your current position and don’t want to leave, but don’t get the pay rise you desire look at alternatives to money. Some good alternatives include flexible working hours, more holiday time, finishing on Friday earlier than normal, business lunches or even working from home.

We do have to face the fact however that we are currently in a recession and many of us are feeling the pinch. If the company you are working for is in financial strife it is probably not a good idea to ask for a pay rise. Offer to help out in the time of need. For example maybe offer to work fewer hours until the financial circumstances gets better and negotiate to receive a pay rise in the next fiscal quarter.

5 night trip for two to the Gold Coast
42” Plasma's
Scuba Diving Course for Two
Nintendo Wii
Heaps of Concert Tickets
Mountain Bike
Hot Air Balloon Ride for Two
Mystery Weekend for Two
Cash and heaps more prizes

Every registered job hunter or advertiser goes into the draw to WIN FABULOUS PRIZES THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.

We're just working through our plans for 2010 and will post the list of prizes soon, but in the meantime, REMEMBER to keep your contact details up to date so we can easily contact you when you’re drawn as a winner.

The latest Myjobspace poll asked, “Why are you looking for a new job?” with 22 percent of pollsters saying they have been made redundant. That is almost a quarter of all people who participated in the poll being made redundant.

It is not nice to lose your job, however there are some positive steps you can take to get back up on that "job" horse.

Don’t take it personally. Because of the current economic climate many businesses are feeling the pinch and have to let staff go. You haven’t done anything wrong and redundancies are just a fact of life when the economy gets tough.

Stay positive. It is so important to be positive in this situation. Firstly take positive steps to finding new employment and when you get a job interview for a new job don’t been negative about the employer who has made you redundant. Instead be positive about the possibility of working for a new employer and be excited about the new opportunities open to you.

Think outside the square. You might have to look for jobs outside your area of expertise. There might not be jobs available in what you are skilled at, so maybe it’s a good time to turn your hand at something else like sales, retail or even working online. You could wait for a job to pop up in your area of expertise but chances are you could be waiting for a long time and will end up pulling out your hair from financial and emotional stress.

Post your WORK WANTED advert on myjobspace. List what job you want, what industry and what location. Work wanted adverts show the employer you are serious about finding a new job, you will also come across as someone who is resourceful.

Update your CV and load it on myjobspace for FREE. A vast range of employers use our CV data base to look for potential employees and you might just be the person they are looking for. Also consider placing an ad in your local paper. Outline what your core skills are and who you are. You never know who might give you a call.

Ask around. A lot of jobs come round by word of mouth. Talk to your family and friends and ask if they know of any positions going. You never know if your auntie’s cousin’s best friend’s niece once-removed might have a position going in her office.

Generation Y grew up in the ‘think big’ days of Muldoon and ‘Rogernomics’ and for some reason that message has been ingrained in this generation. These young people have been told they can be anything they want to be. The pitfall some of them are falling into, like any generation before them or in the future, you have to work hard to be what you want to be.


Generation Y expert Zuza Scherer (who is also a Gen Y), says Gen Y is not about the specific age bracket; it is about the attitude that separates Y from other generations. 
“Gen Y’s have a ‘me’ work ethic. They ask ‘what is in it for me?’ but at the same time they want companies to have some sort of social responsibility. They want positive change and want you, the business owner to include them in that change.



Zuza says that with the way things are now, with more hierarchical and authoritative Baby Boomers in managerial roles and Generation Y employees brought up in spirit that everyone is equal and should be treated the same way, workplaces can be breeding ground for conflict and misunderstandings. 



“Generation Y want equal opportunities for everyone. They want to be judged on how much they contribute and how good they are at what they do, rather on the basis of their age.”



She believes Gen Y employees can be a great asset to a company, but what many employers and managers find challenging is, that they have to engage Generation Y workers differently. 



“Generation Y have heard messages from their parents and schools about how good they are and how they deserve the best. They don’t realise they have to start at the bottom and this can be quite an eye opener for some of them, as they thought as soon as they come out of school they will run the company or at least be offered top managerial positions!” 
It’s all about communication with Generation Y. 



Regular constructive feedback is another big thing with Gen Y, just like socialising is, so you need to offer them a good working environment and reward them regularly. 
“The great thing is that for Gen Y reward does not necessarily mean ‘more money’. There are many companies I use as case studies examples in my presentations that do a fantastic job at rewarding their young employees. Usually it comes down to very simple things. 



“The greatest thing about Gen Y is that more often than not, what works for them also works for other generations. The only difference is that Gen Y, when they don’t get what they want, they get vocal about it, while other generations are unhappy and complain behind employers’ back.” 



Generation Y has also been known to job hop, only staying in a job for a year or two at most. Zuza believes to retain talented Gen Y’s you need to open the doors of opportunity to them. 



“They will stay and work hard for you if they see a chance of climbing up the corporate ladder. This is where regular feedback comes in so they know how they are progressing and what they are doing well, or not so well so they can improve.”



There are also a number of benefits to having Generation Y on your team. Gen Y’s are ‘technology natives’, while the rest of us are ‘technology immigrants’. 
Because Generation Y’s are new to the business scene, they come with fresh outlook, unspoiled with old habits, new ways of doing things and a lot of ideas. 
“They offer a creative and fresh element,” Zuza says. “Gen Y’s will have brilliant ideas and will want to change everything for the better. They are enthusiastic and think anything is possible, but they often lack the maturity level to understand that things aren’t always as easy as they think. 
“They often get frustrated when change doesn’t happen with a speed of a text message. But, businesses can make a great use of that youthful energy. It’s important to remember that your Gen Y employees are just like your young customers and they know what appeals to people like them. Instead of completely dismissing their initiatives and ideas, combine their freshness with your experience for the benefit of your business.” 


Handy hints to for the Generation Y worker:

• 
  
  communication is the key 


• expect regular feedback


• be open to new, fresh ideas and contribute those ideas


• You will climb the corporate ladder but you have to remember good things take time


• You should be judged on your work, not your age. And if you feel you are being judged on your age speak up about it


• Build strong working relationships within your company


• Go for gold – if you know you can do something well, work hard and show your employer because you will be rewarded for hard work


• Set goals and have aims. Be motivated to reach your goals and if you do that you are on your way to your dream career


• Do something you actually enjoy doing. There’s no point waking up every morning and hating the fact you have to go to work. If you do a job you love you won’t work a day in your life


• Respect managers and other employees. Listen to what they have to say and if you do that they will listen to you
  

Here are some handy tips to help you land your dream job.

1. Choose your first twelve words carefully. It takes approximately seven seconds to form an opinion of someone, so you better make it a good introduction.


2. If you know the person’s name, use it within the first seven seconds. This makes them feel important and part of the conversation.


3. Let them know you have the skills they need to help achieve their goals.


4. Tell them what goals you are trying to achieve.


5. Talk briefly about how you have used your skills before to achieve similar goals for previous clients.


6. Tell them that you are perfect for the role.


7. Dress smartly and ensure your hair is tidy. People also look at your shoes, ensure they are shined.


8. Make sure you have a good strong handshake, make eye contact and smile.


9. Never go anywhere without business cards. You never know who you might bump into in an elevator, cocktail bar or shopping centre.
   

We asked the question, “Have you kissed a co-worker at a Christmas party?” The response: a staggering 42 percent of you said yes!

To put this in perspective, if you work in a close-knit team of five, at least two of you will be snogging someone before the night is out. If you’ve got 100 at your Christmas do, 42 of you will be locking lips at some stage.

So, to help avoid any potential post-party regrets, here are some basic guidelines to navigate the Christmas party season and keep your integrity and professional reputation intact.

Do….

Have fun! Reward yourself with a good time.

Mix up the alcohol with glasses of water and lots of food.

Thank your bosses and management for throwing the party – they didn’t have to and it was done for you.

Wear sensible shoes, there is likely to be lots of dancing and a possible walk into “town” afterwards.

Respect your surroundings and your company’s reputation.

Don’t….

Forget you have to face your work buddies again in the New Year.

Over indulge in the bubbly.

Whinge or moan about the party, food or music. The organisers have done the best they can with the funds available, and remember - you can’t always please everyone.

Ruin it for everyone by being a larrikin resulting in the party being closed down and everyone being kicked out. Your work buddies will never let you forget about it!

Forget that a ‘work function’, organised for and paid for by work, can in some circumstances be classified as ‘work related’. Inappropriate behaviour (especially in a public place), which brings the company into serious disrepute may result in disciplinary action


Our new poll is: “Have you given the boss advice on how to do their job at a Christmas party”. Log on to answer ‘yes’ or ‘no’ and have a great silly season without overdoing the ‘silly’ bit.

What is Your Ideal Job?

Most of us live our lives at top speed, often not stopping to consider whether we are happy or satisfied in our lives or in our jobs/careers. I see this consistently with clients in my role as a Personal and Executive Coach. We rush around being busy, our lives passing us by without stopping to think what we really want, until something makes us stop and think. That time is NOW!

How to Identify your Ideal Job?

Doing work that excites you and allows you to have a work/life balance is the key to this question.

Defining what it is you really enjoy in life will start you on the right road to creating a happy working life, firing up your passion to bring energy, enthusiasm and motivation into your job. Answer the questions below to check out your reality!

1. Does my current job challenge me enough? Am I progressing as I’d like?

2. What do I enjoy most about my current job?

3. What frustrates me the most about my current job?

4. What recognition do I receive for my achievements in my role at work?

5. How could I improve my contribution in my current job?

6. If I only did work that inspired and delighted me, what would I want to do?

7. What changes to my life outside of work do I need to make to allow me to enjoy my job more?

8. If I were told I only had six months to live, would I do the same work? If not, what would I do instead?

9. Do I need more clarity in my career direction?

10. If you knew you had all the support you needed, what would you begin creating?

Now you have answered the questions above, you may have a better indication as to what needs to change.

The next step is to identify what you enjoy in life

• Start by brainstorming at least 20 ways you enjoy spending time outside of work. This will help you uncover what makes you happy and what qualities you want in your job/career.

• Think of the people who have jobs/careers that you are interested in, talk to them find out more about what they do and what it took for them to get there.

• Discuss options with friends, family and colleagues. By exploring in this way you may find a fantastic idea/career you have never thought about, or enhance the one you already have tenfold.

• Explore your creativity by evaluating your skills and gifts to discover new ways you can use them at work.

• Define your values and ensure they are inline with your current job or any new career option you choose.

• Ensure what you are doing has meaning for you, without this it is hard to be enthusiastic or motivated.

To find out about qualifications or appropriate training needed for a specific career/job, visit www.careers.govt.nz

or speak to an advisor on 0800 222 733

Are things getting clearer?

Hopefully by now you are building a picture of the ideal job/career. It may be a totally new one from the one you have now or it could be that where you are now would be just right with a bit of tweaking, either way you are starting to uncover a vision of what you want to create.

It all starts with a vision

A vision is an inspired idea. It is a concept that motivates you and pushes you into action. You know when a vision hits you by the energy and excitement you feel. A clear vision gets you charged and keeps you going. The very thought fills you with energy and positive feelings.

Our visions inspire a sense of purpose and direction. They give us a target to aim for, an aspiration to live for. With the motivation that comes from visions, we can transform ourselves and our life.

Once you have a vision in mind, use the energy it inspires to create a plan. Then, imagine the plan in motion and the vision achieved. That’s how visions become realities!

Pleasure in the work puts perfection in the job.” - Aristotle

Take the first step

A vision can only be truly activated once the first action step it taken, otherwise it remains just that, a dream, a vision, something just out of reach. Bearing in mind what you have and are uncovering from exploring and answering the questions above, lets start to make your vision a reality.

Starting today

• What first small action step can you take to set your vision in motion?

• Every day ask yourself, ‘What small step can I take today towards making my vision a reality?’

• Empower yourself along the way, ask, ‘How can I make each step Fun?’

• Then Do it!!!

• Define where you need help, then get it. There are many people out there who can assist you to achieve what you want, every successful person has had help getting where they are now.

• At the end of each day list the steps you have taken towards making your vision real and the results.

• Then Acknowledge each accomplishment however small you think it is, this will allow you to see how far you have come from where you started and to feel motivated to continue each day.

Exercise: to re-enforce the Positive results you are Achieving, Acknowledge them as you Go - Every Day!

Positive Affirmations towards your ideal job, choose one each day.
(Repeat 10 x first thing in the morning & last thing at night.)
• I take positive steps each day to make my vision real.
• I know what I want and I easily and effortlessly achieve it.
• I have fun and enjoy the challenge of creating what I want in my life.
• Everything I do brings me closer to my ideal job.

Uncover the Vision of your Ideal Job you have everything to Gain – Think Success then - Go for it!

THINK SUCCESS - ‘Get the Job you Want’ a 2 day workshop gives you skills to do this. It will be taking place on Saturday June 16^th & 30^th in Ponsonby, Auckland. This workshop is presented by Suzanne Masefield in conjunction with leading specialists in the field. The last course was booked out, there are limited spaces, so book now, you know you could benefit from these skills. Secure your place on the course contact Suzanne@thinksuccess.co.nz or view on www.thinksuccess.co.nz under ‘Courses Available’

Do you want individual assistance in these areas contact Suzanne on +64 9 419 2462 / 0210 240 4148

Suzanne Masefield is an Executive & Personal Coach assisting individuals to create successful outcomes. She is Director of Think Success Ltd & Synergy Effect Coaching Ltd., a preferred coach to many leading individuals and businesses. Effecting Positive Change, Creating Empowered Communication & Focused Clear Action.

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