ARTICLES

Demanding change from people rarely works. If it happens, it’s done begrudgingly and inevitably will not last. That is the stick, forcing change with threats. What is far more effective is the carrot, enticing change with the promise of reward. But whichever approach you take, behavioural change hinges on making what you want appealing enough to induce a sustainable change in behaviour.

Understanding how to say no effectively is a critical career and communication skill. Use this bridging technique to help you.

Positive role models, representation and good mentors are vital in life and for career success. Think about how, as a mentor, you can have a powerful, useful and inspiring impact. Build your legacy and give back in a meaningful way.

Strengths are the fuel that makes work feel energising rather than draining. When you take your strengths from good to great, and then from great to extraordinary, you not only stand out in your career, you also feel more confident, motivated and fulfilled.

What is the most common mistake made on CVs? That they are not achievement-focused. Recruiters and hiring managers want to know what results you have achieved for the business, the impact you have created, the outcomes you have contributed to and the value you have added by doing your job. A CV without evidence is like a car without wheels - it will not take you anywhere.

A vital element of anybody’s professional presence and job search is LinkedIn and if you are going to be on there, then you need to have an effective LinkedIn profile. Here are 11 tips to help you maximise your LinkedIn profile.

Career journeys are rarely a neat and tidy story, moving along a single onward line. If your plan is too fixed, there is no space for seizing opportunities as they appear, and trying new things to see where they take you.

Other than your name and contact details, your profile is the most important part of your CV. If you can’t keep the recruiter/hiring manager’s attention in this brief section, you have lost them and they won’t read the rest of your CV, however fantastic it may be. But how do you make your profile so engaging that they will want to read the rest of your CV?

There’s a lot to think about when you start a new job, a hundred things, big and small, that you don’t know but need to learn very quickly. Some things you can plan for, some you can’t. But there is one sure-fire way to make yourself unpopular and set you back on your path to success and it happens more times than it should - coming on too strong and trying too hard.

Stop stumbling over "Tell me about yourself." Craft a concise pitch highlighting your role, key strengths, and the value you deliver, setting the stage for a powerful conversation about your impact and value.

Most of us dread writing or updating our CV. It can feel awkward, overwhelming, or like a tedious admin task. But the truth is, a little discomfort now can lead to a lot of growth later and no regrets about potential missed opportunities. Here are four reasons why updating your CV can actually be a positive, productive experience. No pain, no gain - here's how to make it hurt less.

A lack of confidence can be a very real barrier to career success and being fulfilled at work. It might stop you from putting yourself forward for opportunities, voicing your ideas or pulling back when faced with a new or challenging situation. It can also hinder how well you ‘sell’ yourself in interviews. For those who lack confidence and experience low self-esteem, there are things you can do to help you feel more confident. Here are the five steps I recommend.

Your CV needs to stand out for the right reasons. Follow these 4 tips to create your 5 star CV. CVs are not a documentary history of your career, they are a marketing tool to sell what you have to offer - skills, knowledge, capability and experience. And they need to demonstrate to the reader a compelling case for hiring you.

How do you 'Tell us why you want to work here' at interview? This is one of two deceptively simple questions (the other is 'Tell me about yourself') that most interviewees struggle to answer credibly. Follow these four steps to create a strong structure that will flow and content that will convince.

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are software designed to help employers and recruiters find the most relevant applicants for a position based on keyword matching. They scan and store CVs, sort applications, build shortlists and move suitable applicants through to the next step of recruitment – a real person. You may not be able to beat ATS, but there are ways that you can make your CV succeed within the ATS framework. Think of it as learning how to become noticeable to ATS.

You aren’t stupid or lacking because you can’t get unstuck in your career. Resistance is real. That’s why coaching helps. It lends another perspective, helps you recognise what is holding you back and what the scary really is - and how to tackle it. If you feel stuck, why not try tackling the problem with someone who knows how to help you, someone who can reach out the hand that will help you scramble up and over the barrier and stop you bashing your face against it.

Can you talk about why your brand is so strong or great? Do you even have a personal brand? And why is it so important? Find out more...

Your CV is about you, but not for you. It needs to be a clear, concise showcase of what you have to offer with relevant information and evidence that you can meet the roles requirements AND bring the skills, knowledge, attitude and experience to deliver success. A clear, concise, accessible CV makes it very easy for the reader to scan and puts you in the ‘must know more’ pile of candidates, don’t make them hunt for the info they need or they’ll move on! And science shows two

Are you overlooking or downplaying the skills, strengths, knowledge and experience that make you good at your job? Do you take for granted that people know what you are good at? If you’re struggling to understand what you’re good at or find it hard to articulate your strengths, then a session of Career Therapy will help you.

Working isn’t just ‘doing’. Working is allowing your brain to process information and generate fresh thinking.