7 Tips to Mediate Workplace Conflict

7 Tips to Mediate Workplace Conflict

If you’re in a management or senior position, a large part of your job probably involves mediating interpersonal issues. Resolving conflict and disputes in the workplace can be a difficult and stressful process, especially if you don’t have counselling or mediation skills.

When you have the skills to mediate conflict it reduces the risk of litigation and investigation, which is a drain on organisations. There are many online courses and professional development programs dedicated to upskilling in mediation and counselling. But for now, the following seven steps are a great starting point to help you confidently resolve workplace conflict.

  1. Start the Process as Soon as Possible

As with most problems, letting them fester over a period of time only intensifies emotions and makes them harder to solve. So, as soon as an issue is brought to your attention make plans to try to resolve the conflict quickly.

 

  1. Do Your Research

When a complaint has been lodged, take the time to do your research on the grievance. As a mediator you’ll want to go into the meeting with as many facts as possible. This could involve speaking with human resources, senior staff or other employees about processes, workflow or responsibilities to better understand how the issue has arisen. Keep in mind that you must keep the complainant and complaint confidential.

 

  1. Meet with Both Parties Separately

Conduct separate interviews and ask questions to clarify specific problems experienced by individual people/parties. This is an important step so that the individual involved feels comfortable to disclose feeling and issues freely without the other party present. This way you are able to ascertain each person/party’s point-of-view.

 

  1. Meet with Parties Together

The next step is to arrange a mutually agreeable time and place to conduct the mediation with both parties. Mediation is a way to prevent, de-escalate and resolve interpersonal conflict, so try to focus on finding positive options for resolving the conflict in a timely manner.

 

  1. Use Active Listening

During mediation it’s important to use active listening techniques – reframing, summarising, reflecting, clarifying, paraphrasing and problem solving –  to carefully summarise the key issues. Try to avoid interrupting but make sure you ask questions to clarify specific problems. A flow chart may be helpful to highlight any discrepancies in the information provided.

 

  1. Consider Limitations

It’s also important to understand the limitations of resolving the conflict. These could include legal, ethical, moral or logistical limitations. Ensure you consult organisational guidelines/policies or speak with key staff so you can confidently facilitate an agreement.

 

  1. Resolution – Ensure Everyone is Satisfied

You should encourage both parties to discuss their own resolutions. If you can come to an agreement that’s mutually advantageous at this stage, great! If not, see if you can have both parties agree to reconvene to continue negotiations.

 

Hopefully this information is useful but be aware that mediation is a complex process. So, if your job involves resolving workplace conflict and you don’t have mediation training, consider an online course or professional development program today.

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5 Powerful Ways MS Office Helps Your Career

Over the years Microsoft Office (MS Office) has become a must-know for everybody, especially if you have an office-based job. In fact, most employers will assume that all job applicants have a working knowledge of the programs in the MS Office Suite, including: Excel for spreadsheets, Word for word processing, Access for database management, PowerPoint for presentations, Publisher for desktop publishing and Outlook for email.

This is because they are widely used in business, schools and for personal use to organise, manage and present information, data and figures. But it can be daunting to study the Microsoft Office Suite because there’s so much to learn, but it’s worth the effort, as knowing the basics only gets you so far. The following five reasons to become proficient in MS Office are powerful motivators to upskill today.

 

  1. Popularity

MS Office is the most widely used tool for professionals in offices worldwide. Knowing the MS Office language ensures you’re on a level playing field and can effectively work with other business professionals both in Australian and internationally.

 

  1. Powerful Presentations

Using MS-PowerPoint, Word and Excel you can create a rich presentation to present to any type of audience. In business, the ability to create powerful presentations, whether to express ideas to colleagues or in a sales role to wow external clients, the MS Office Suite will be your secret weapon to success in your career.

 

  1. Increased Productivity

You may wonder if it’s worth investing in a MS Office training program as you have the basics covered and you’re getting by. But if you only know half of the functions of the programs, you’re only operating at half your capacity. Employers value efficient employees and knowing MS Office better will make you faster and more confident with work tasks.

 

  1. Earning Potential & Promotion

If you have an excellent grasp on the MS Office programs you can expect to be rewarded for it. Employees with above average skill in MS Office will receive a higher salary and be promoted ahead of their non-proficient counterparts. This is because your expertise adds value to the business in way of productivity.

 

  1. Communication

Being able to communicate and collaborate effectively with other Microsoft programs and your co-workers and business associates is a major plus. Whether you’re using Outlook for email or utilising the co-authoring features in Word and PowerPoint, you’re working collaboratively. This enhances communication and avoids unnecessary errors, improving the quality of your work.

 

5 Ways to Convince Your Employer to Pay For a Course

If you feel you could improve at work, you’re probably right. Most of us have jobs that keep evolving and professional development is important to stay abreast of the competition. This fact alone may sway your employer to foot the bill for your education expenses, but if not, you’ll have to be tactical about your request.

So, what’s the right approach? The following five tips will help you feel more confident about requesting financial assistance to fund a course.

 

  1. Do Your Research

 

How will this course benefit you professionally and how will it help the company?

This is the first and most important consideration, because no matter how interesting the course or how much you think it will benefit you personally, your employer needs to know how it will positively impact the business. You could bargain with your employer on the measurable or tangible benefits they’ll see if you complete a course of study. Take for example, a course on content writing and digital marketing strategy; you could tell your employer that you’ll be able to increase their Google ranking or increase their social media following by a percentage as a result of this training.

 

You’ll also need to consider cost.

It’s important to offer your employer options. You should include at least three options for training, including a lower cost alternative, such as online professional development course. If your preference is for the more expensive alternative, that’s fine but you’ll need to convince them that this option is valuable and give convincing reasons why.

 

  1. Send a Professional Email Listing the Facts

 

Once you’ve done your research its time to state your case. The best way to approach an employer to begin with is to send them an email. This is a non-confrontational approach and gives them time to consider your request at a time that’s convenient for them. If they’re having a bad day, the last thing on their mind will be investing in your education – timing is everything.

 

In your email, include the following:

 

  • Information about the opportunity – the course/s
  • The total cost for the course – including travel and accommodation if it’s not an online training provider. Make sure you include the three alternatives with varying prices, from highest to lowest and the pros and cons of each course.
  • Benefits – both for your own professional development and the future of the business
  • When – when do you plan to undertake the training?
  • Where – where is the training provided? Is it online or on campus?
  • Timeframe – how long will it take to complete?
  • How – how will you fit the study about work commitments?

 

Sample letter asking employer to pay for education

 

Hi Jayne,

 

I’m contacting you because I’d like to study digital marketing to help me gain a better understanding of social media marketing. I feel this is important in my role as Marketing Assistant so that I can increase Pampered Pets’ Google ranking and social media followers.

 

The course I’m most interested in is the Diploma of Digital Marketing Strategy with Private Training College, at a cost of $5,800. This course will take six months to complete and I will need to take one day a week off work to attend classes on campus. I will make up the time by working until 6.30pm weekdays and half a day on Saturdays.

 

However, the following course is a cost-effective option with greater flexibility:

 

 

This course is delivered exclusively online. This means I can study outside of work hours, so it won’t interfere with my position as Marketing Assistant at Pampered Pets. They are also self-paced, so I can complete the course in my own time. The course will take 75 hours, which means it will take between six weeks and three months to complete.

 

I would like to begin this course before the end of this financial year. As such, I would welcome the opportunity to discuss this further with you at your earliest convenience.

 

Kind regards,

 

Amy Willows – Marketing Assistant “Pampered Pets”

 

 

  1. Follow Up & Schedule a Meeting

 

If you haven’t heard from your employer after four days, it’s okay to follow up with a phone call or visit. Just make sure your timing is right; you don’t want to follow up if your boss is just about to attend an important meeting or at five o’clock on a Friday afternoon when they’re walking out the door.

 

If your employer is busy or unable to talk about your proposition when you approach them, ask if you can schedule a meeting to discuss the request in person at a later date. This way you’ll have their full attention and will have time to prepare a convincing case.

 

  1. Be Realistic

 

You employer may feel it’s not possible to meet your request at the present time or they may tell you it’s not an option. You need to be prepared for a negative response and think about how you will respond. Is there an alternative? If you’re realistic in your expectations, you’ll feel less disappointed with the outcome if it’s not favourable.

 

Make sure you have a Plan B up your sleeve if your employer throws you a curve ball. You could, for instance, ask if you could make the request again at a later date, then find out when the company is most likely to consider funding educational expenses. If there is no possibility of expenses being covered, could you request time off or flexible hours so you can study? Make sure you consider all the options and how they will benefit you and the company.

 

  1. Offer to Contribute

 

If your employer can’t pay the full fee, consider contributing a percentage of the course yourself. This shows your employer that you are committed and that you have an investment in succeeding at your studies. If you don’t have the financial means to pay for part of your education you may be eligible for government assistance, a grant or a loan that will help you meet expenses. It’s worth looking into all your options, as where there’s a will, there’s usually a way!

 

Australian Online Courses

When you choose Australian Online Courses for your personal and professional development, you can rest assured that you’re getting a good deal – both in course quality and reasonable course fees. Browse hundreds of industry-approved, flexible online courses covering a variety of vocations today. Simply visit us online or contact one of our friendly Learning Consultants on 1300 762 221.

How to Write a Formal Email for a Job Applications

Today communication is fast and diverse. We’re spoiled for choice when it comes to communicating in writing in both our personal and professional lives, from Facebook Messenger and LinkedIn Messaging to text messages, email and more. It’s not always necessary to be formal so you may have developed a habit of writing quickly and casually, after all time is precious, but when it comes to sending a cover letter via email, you need to write professionally.

This written professionalism is not exclusive to email communication either; it’s essential that you maintain formality across all platforms, including LinkedIn Messaging. This professional social media platform is a powerful tool for interacting and networking with potential employers, but don’t be fooled by the social nature of LinkedIn – the key word is ‘professional.’

We spoke to Nina Mapson Bone, of recruitment firm Beaumont People, who enlightens us on what’s expected in the email cover letter.

 

5 Tips for Writing an Email Cover Letter

 1. Personalise Your Cover Email

If you’re tempted to rehash your last application letter, don’t, as time-strapped recruiters and prospective employers will notice this sneaky corner cutting and won’t be impressed. Instead, make sure your email cover letter is adapted specifically for the role and hiring company. Nina says, do not, under any circumstances, use a generic email that you have sent before.

It’s also important that your email cover letter is addressed to the individual doing the hiring, says Nina. You may have to do a bit of research by calling the company or LinkedIn stalking for details, but people love the sound of their own name, so it’s worth the effort to make a personal and professional first impression.

2. Address Selection Criteria – Be Specific

The keywords in the job advertisement, or the criteria in a job description, should be addressed with specific examples of how you have displayed those traits – but keep it snappy- address no more than three criteria in your cover letter email.

You can go into greater detail in your resume but cover emails should be specific and punctual. Make sure you edit your work to cut out as many unnecessary words as possible. If you can say it in few, do!

3. Do Not Repeat Your Resume

The cover letter allows you to display your personality and a few detailed examples of your achievements, it shouldn’t just repeat your what you have on your resume. Remember, these documents are sent together, and unnecessary repetition will only bore or frustrate a hiring manager or recruiter.

4. Make Your Contact Details Easy to Find

If you’ve sparked an employer’s interest you want it to be easy for them to reach you. Don’t forget, the person reading through applications will be time-poor, so any obstacle that’s put up will be enough to move on to the next applicant.

You could include your contact details after your name at the end of your cover letter. This way, the hiring manager or recruiter doesn’t need to click on a search through your attachments to find your phone number.

5. Re-Read Before You Hit Send

As with any important document, make sure you check for typos – both grammar and spelling. Good written communication skills are necessary in almost all roles, and this is your first test. You don’t want to fail in the first five minutes, so check and double check your work.

Don’t just rely on spellchecker either, as these programs are notorious for missing errors that are not necessarily incorrect but are wrong in the context of your message. You should have at least one other person read your email cover letter and application to ensure its one-hundred percent perfect before you hit send.

 

More Important Tips

  • Do not use an unprofessional email address. If you’re sending an email that says crazychristine@snailmail.com you’re not sending the best impression, for obvious reasons. Make sure you open a new account with a professional email address to apply for jobs.
  • Do not use emoticons! Your smiley face won’t put a smile on the face of the hiring manager or recruiter; it will only make your application seem frivolous and unprofessional.
  • Do not use images. Unless you are applying for a job that depends on your appearance, such as acting or modelling, the person receiving your application doesn’t need to know what you look like; save that for the interview, which is a covered in the blog The Colour You Must Wear to Your Next Interview.

 

Example of an Email Cover Letter

Dear Hiring Manager (or name, if you know it)

In applying for position of (insert job title) I’d like to highlight my skills and why I’m suitable for this role.

With regards to (insert trait a) my experience is (insert specific example) and is summarised by

  • Insert specific example of trait in action
  • Insert specific example of trait in action
  • Insert specific example of trait in action

In relation to my exposure to (insert trait b) I have the following achievements:

  • Insert specific achievements
  • Insert specific achievements
  • Insert specific achievements

I would welcome the chance to discuss this position with you in person to find out more if I am a good fit for your organisation. I can be contacted on 04xx xxx xxx.

 

Kind regards,

 

Your name.

Your contact details.

6 Great Reasons to Study Developmental Psychology

Studying developmental psychology will help you in your personal and professional life. So, what do developmental psychologists do? They study the physical, cognitive, social, intellectual, perceptual, personality and emotional growth of people across their lifespan, from infancy to old age.

Whether you want to take a short online course or dedicate your entire career to developmental psychology, there are many reasons to gain knowledge in this area. The knowledge learned will be instrumental to many careers, such as counselling, aged-care, community service, child protection, teaching, nursing and childcare.

The following are six great reasons to study developmental psychology:

 

  1. Better Understand Yourself

If you know where you’ve come from and where you’re going, you’ll be better prepared for the future. We were all children, we will all grow to adulthood, reach middle age, and navigate old age. You will continue to develop and grow throughout all these stages, it doesn’t begin and end with adulthood. Having an appreciation of what’s to come throughout all life stages will help you better manage all stages and changes you will experience throughout your life.

 

  1. Make Connections with Others

Human beings are complicated creatures and it pays to have an education in developmental psychology to better understand the motivations and behaviours or others. This knowledge will help you become a more perceptive and thoughtful person, enhancing your ability to make connections with others.

 

  1. Confidence to Raise Your Children

When you become a parent, you take on one of the most important and daunting jobs of your life. If you understand developmental psychology, you will be better equipped to understand and interact with your children.

 

  1. Recognise Abnormal Development

If you know what’s normal, you can better identify when problems arise. The sooner developmental abnormalities are picked up and treated the better the outcome. There are many developmental delays and disorders that affect children, including ADHD, autism spectrum disorder and dyslexia.

 

  1. Professional Development

Those interested in a career in social work, community health, counselling, teaching or childcare would benefit from a course in developmental psychology. If you currently work in these industries a course, such as the Certificate of Developmental Psychology would be a beneficial professional development for you.

 

  1. Advocate for Others

If you work in an advocacy role, whether professionally or personally –  as a parent of a school-age child or a carer for an elderly relative – being able to understand human development through the life stages will act in your favour. This educational background can even lead to a career in advocacy.

 

Australian Online Courses

Choose to study better with Australian Online Courses and enhance your personal and professional development. Browse hundreds of industry-approved, flexible online courses covering a variety of sectors. Simply visit us online or contact one of our friendly Learning Consultants today on 1300 762 221.

10 Ways to Create a Positive, Personal “Service” Brand

When your business product is invisible, it can be difficult to become the go-to expert in your field. We’re talking about business coaches, career counsellors, wellness practitioners, personal trainers, key note speakers, consultants and anyone working in the services industry. This makes creating and maintaining a positive personal brand essential.

So, what is a personal brand, why is it so important and how do you do it? We spoke to Lauren Clemett, an award-winning personal branding specialist, for her expert tips.


What is a Personal Brand?

A personal brand is the process of creating a specific image of yourself in the mind of your ideal client, so they can get to know, like and trust you before they buy from you. Having a clearly defined personal brand makes it easy to explain what you do and why they should choose you. In the same way big brands create instant recognition, your personal brand makes you stand out from a crowd of competitors.



Why is a Personal Brand So Important?

We are living in an increasingly confusing and overcrowded world, where standing out is vital, especially if you sell services such as business coaching, real estate, personal training, finance or wellness services because selling services is like selling thin air. You need to create confidence that you can deliver on your promises to become the go-to trusted expert.

In the 1970’s it was estimated that the brain saw around 500 branded messages a day, today that’s closer to 5,000. The brain is easily overwhelmed by all the brands it sees, which is why having a unique, stand-out brand that engages instantly is so important.

1. Know Yourself First

Before you start any marketing, figure out what you want to be well known, well paid and wanted for. This could be in any space that you have expertise, an interest, education or life experience. When you know yourself and the service you want to offer well, you’re equipped to promote yourself and create a strong and positive personal brand.


2. Get 100% Focused on Your Brand Strategy

If you are an entrepreneur you will have a creative and adventurous brain, which is awesome, but it can also get side-tracked or distracted by “bright-shiny-objectitis.” If you have focus, you will invest your time and money in the right places. I call it finding your true north and you can go through the exercise of considering four aspects:

West – What problem do you solve (not just helping people get fit or balance the books)? What transformation takes place for your clients?

East – Execution. How will you provide a resolution in a unique way?

South – The value of what you deliver. What do your clients really get, beyond what they pay you for?

North – True North. This is your passion, purpose, mission. Why do you do what you do? What is in your DNA that makes you so driven to help others?

3. Consider Your Brand Personality

Your personal brand flows into your business brand, so if you have a clear idea of the brand personality, you can ensure all elements of your business are infused with consistent messaging. If you consider your brand as if it were a person, you can get consistent on how it would behave, speak, react and communicate. The most memorable brands have been totally consistent with their brand personality for years – boring maybe, but everyone knows Nike, Coke and Virgin!


4. Expert-Ease

This is where you should be careful not to sell yourself or your skills short. You should remember that not everyone knows how to do what you do! When you create your personal brand, be aware that your ‘service’ is something you do with ease, but that others find difficult, that’s why it’s called expert-ease!


5. You’re Not Right for Everyone

Just as every person is unique, so too is your service offering. Don’t try to be everything to everyone, as this is where you will come undone. Instead, accept that you can’t help “every Mary in the diary!” You will have more impact and influence with the right tribe following you.


6. Finding Your Tribe

Know exactly who you want to attract to your business – not only clients but also affiliates, suppliers, partners, and staff. Your brand is a culture and you need the right people around you. Start by identifying your core message, mission and brand purpose. This way you can ensure there is a natural alignment with those you choose to spend time with. Maya Angelou said, “People will forget what you said and what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” Branding is all about creating a culture and considering how you want people to feel when they interact with your brand. What’s the number one emotion you want to generate?


7. Create a Target Avatar

Create an actual target avatar, with a name, photo, life-stage and lifestyle as well as their preferred method of communication. When you create this avatar, you will know the right message, the right channel and the right time to contact your potential client. You will also engage and connect on a relevant and relatable level.

Start by considering the demographics: their age, income, do they have children, married, living in a city? All of this will affect their daily lives and give you a better idea of when it’s the right time to propose your solution to them.
Next consider psychographics: how do they feel about the situation they are in? Are there generational values or beliefs that might create barriers or stop them from considering your help?
Lastly, look at their personal communication style and preferred method of communication. There are four types – Owls, Eagles, Peacocks and Doves. Much like the DISC profiling, you can first work out your own dominant style, then learn the others to ensure you are targeting the people that will naturally like working with you.


8. Choose Your Words Carefully

Your personal brand is what people say about you when you’re not in the room. Be clear on what you want to be called so you’re introduced correctly to potential clients.

Use the right words in your elevator pitch and on your collateral and online marketing and think like a P.R.O – Problem, Resolution, Outcome. Most service providers are good at talking about the problem they solve, and the resolution clients get, but few consider the outcome.

The brain thinks in pictures so use engaging language and images that clearly show clients what life could be like if they use your service. A simple action step is to ask your existing clients “What was it that I did for you?” and consider using their words to describe what you do.


9. Create a Cascade of Influence

You can create influence by approaching the key opinion leaders in your industry, or affiliates who have similar clients. Word of mouth marketing is free: third party endorsements make it easy for others to refer to you. Once you know exactly who your ideal client is, you can look at who they already go to for advice. By going to the community or industry leaders and asking for their help, you let them know you are there and make them aware of what you are trying to achieve with your brand. Never try to sell to an opinion leader but consider it an opportunity to work together.


10. Share Your Brand Story

Your brand story is all about recognition, reputation and respect. To be recognised is all about what others say about you, so include the challenges and struggles as well as the good parts. Reputation is memorable, so make your story easy to repeat and share. Respect is about being authentic; we live in the age of authenticity. Remember, anyone can Google you to find out more, so be the expert, but also be a human (and honest).

Australian Online Courses

An ideal way to boost your personal brand and add to your LinkedIn profile is through professional development. If you want to take your business or career to the next level, study with Australian Online Courses to increase your chance of success. Simply visit us online or contact one of our friendly Learning Consultants today on 1300 762 221.

5 Career Fears That Hold Us Back

To be successful you’re going to have to take some risks, whether it’s applying for a job, asking for a pay-rise or promotion, studying to enhance your professional development or even making decisions about what’s important in your life. Fear can be debilitating and it’s not uncommon for fear of failure and fear of success to get in the way. So, what are the most common career fears? We spoke Kris Reynolds, Managing Director at Let’s Talk Career, a career counselling service, for advice on how to identify and overcome fears.


1. Fear of Failure

What if I don’t succeed? I will look a fool, and everyone will know I failed and I will be outed as the loser I am. I will have wasted my time trying!

Strategy

Think about what life is like if nothing changes for you.


2. Fear of Success

What if it goes well and things change for me? Things I don’t know and understand. What if I don’t like that change? What if I succeed and I don’t deserve to? What if I succeed and am happy?

Strategy

Understand how you can wind back success if it becomes a negative for you.


3. Fear of What Others Think

What if I am found out? What if people think less of me? What if people don’t like me or what I do?

Strategy

Stop being a people pleaser and doubting yourself; this is about self-acceptance.


4. Fear of Taking on Too Much

My work-life balance will be disrupted. What if I start a course or new job and it takes over my life? I value my (add own values here) and what if this new thing takes away what I love in my life? What if it takes over?

Strategy

You control your life, you can always moderate the change by doing part time study; taking a sabbatical etc; or asking to go back to your old role; nothing has to be forever. Makes sure you are wanting the change for the right reasons.


5. Fear of the Unknown

What will change look like for me? I don’t like change. I’m unhappy where I am now, but at least I am safe.

Strategy

Reflect on a time you felt this way in the past and how it worked out great; develop some self-confidence to trust that change can be a good thing.


How to Conquer Your Career Fears

Fear is an unpleasant emotion that plagues us all from time to time and is caused by the threat of danger, pain, or harm. It’s powerful and if you don’t face fears they have a way of limiting your personal and professional life. Reynolds suggests the following strategies for tackling your fears head on.


Recognise the Fear.

Our brains our wired to be negative and to be fearful which served us well for our primitive survival (being hunted by the lion etc) but not so well for adjusting to change in today’s fast paced world.

Understand the Fear.

Think through what each fear is, understand it – is it real? What is the worst-case scenario? Can it be undone if you are unhappy? In most instances it isn’t as bad as our minds make up! Write a list of what you fear; write what will happen, the likelihood it will happen and how you might be able to minimise the risk.

Write About the Fear.

If you struggle to articulate your fear, journal for five minutes without stopping; start with “What I fear is …?” Don’t stop until the five-minute timer rings. Keep the pen moving without stopping and write whatever is in your head uncensored. Read through your notes and see if you gain any insight. This is an incredibly powerful exercise because your subconscious thoughts come out.

Be Inspired by Others.

Inspire yourself by reading about others who achieved what you want to achieve. Read how they saw and conquered their own fears. How they fell and got back up again. How it made them stronger and more successful in the long run.

Talk to a Career Coach.

If you continue to have fears that create obstacles in your professional life, it might be a good idea to consult with a professional. Career counsellors and coaches are trained to identity and help people move away from fear and towards a more positive and confident mindset.


Australian Online Courses

Face your fears and invest in yourself to achieve career goals. Consider a professional development course with Australian Online Courses to become the best you possible or to find your new direction. Simply visit us online or contact one of our friendly Learning Consultants today on 1300 762 221.

What’s It Like to Be a Social Media Manager?

Do you wonder what it’s like work in social media marketing? You’re forgiven if you’re not sure exactly what these professionals do all day. If we rewind ten years, this job wasn’t even a blimp on the radar! It’s a new and dynamic field that’s continually changing, so if you’re interested in a career as a social media marketer, strap on your seatbelt because it’s a wild, unpredictable ride and the destination keeps changing.

Is It Right for Me?

If you thrive under pressure, enjoy learning, are adaptable and comfortable with change, this career may be a good fit for you. You’ll need an education, experience and, most importantly, the following skills and attributes!

Key Skills and Attributes:

  • Creative mindset
  • Organised and efficient
  • Goal-oriented
  • Strong written communication
  • Leadership and communication
  • Sales and customer service

 

Meet Jane Wilson – Head of Marketing and Social

We spoke to Jane about her job as Head of Marketing and Social for Fantastic Cleaners to find out what it’s really like to work in the dynamic filed of social media marketing.

There’s no Chance of Boredom

What I love most about it (my job), is that it includes so many aspects, that you don’t even get a chance to be bored. My job requires me to constantly look at things from different angles, analyse them and find the right approach for everything. I have to be aware of everything that’s happening online and offline marketing-wise. I often experiment, try new things almost every week, create strategies for our online and offline campaigns. I also communicate with many young and smart people, which is probably the best part of my work. Another aspect of my job that I love, is that I often get to go on business trips, conferences, corporate meetings, and a lot more. It’s nice to spend some time away from the routine.

Long Hours and Exhaustive Decision-Making

It’s hard to find something I don’t like about my job. I guess one small thing would be the long hours, they make it difficult to coordinate all the other parts of my life, like family and home for instance. But I get a lot of help in that department from my closest people, so I can’t really complain. As a challenge, which is common not only for us in Fantastic Cleaners, but also for every other bigger company, is all the bureaucracy that accompanies every big decision. It’s not like I can just come up with a great idea and execute it right away. The idea must go through at least 30 people I work with, they all must give their opinions, suggestions, and often the end product looks nothing like the original thought. Which is not a bad thing, it’s just exhaustive sometimes.

“I Definitely Recommend it as a Career!”

The reasons why are numerous. One of them is that it’s a very proactive career, which helps you think fast and broadens your horizons on a wide range of topics. I learn new things every single week, and the one thing I can say for sure, is that this will continue no matter how old and experienced I get. Another reason is that marketing and social is a very dynamic field, things change very quickly, and you’ll never be bored. And last, but not least important, there’s the great feeling of satisfaction, especially when you see direct results from all your efforts.

The Charm of Online Marketing

When I started working for Fantastic Cleaners, I was a scared college student, who had no idea what she wanted to do with her life. I started as a freelance writer, then discovered the charm of online marketing, as well as managing a company’s reputation and social engagement, and worked my way up to where I am now.

A Typical Day Looks Like…

Well, each one of my days contains unique tasks…

I arrive at the office around 09AM. One of the first things I do is to check all my emails (they pile up quite quickly) and respond to all the enquiries in there.

Then I check on my team, make sure they are all fine and working on their projects, all their questions get answered, and that every deadline is being met.

Next, I usually go on some meetings with other managers, to discuss our actions, plans and potential issues. You’d be surprised how many different issues we have to tackle every single day.

In the afternoon, I sit down to check our customer satisfaction reports, recent complaints, and other documentation on our customer satisfaction rates. I use that information to prepare our future plans and make corrections to current campaigns.

On some days I also have meetings with our partners, I listen to their suggestions, and use them to improve the way our company presents itself. And on some days, I skip all of that to attend different corporate events, exhibitions and conferences!

Study Social Media Marketing

Curious about a career in social media marketing? Enrol in an online professional development course with Australian Online Courses, such as The Certificate of Social Media Engagement. These online courses are an excellent way to launch your career in the exciting and dynamic social media marketing sector.

Australian Online Courses offers hundreds of professional development courses, covering a variety of industries. All courses are industry-approved so you can rest assured your studies will provide work-ready skills and knowledge. Plus, our state-of-the-art eLearning platform means you can study when and where you want without the pressure of deadlines. And don’t worry, your course won’t expire, ever! Talk to one of our friendly Learning Consultants today to find a course that’s right for you.

What’s It Like to Be an Accountant?

Accountants get an unfair deal when it comes to stereotypes; there’s this notion that they’re loners who sit doing mathematical equations all day, but the reality is much brighter. Of course, accountants should have a solid grasp on mathematics, economics and business-related subjects, but they also need to be able to build rapport with a variety of people. After all, without excellent communication skills how can you be entrusted with a person’s financial accounts?

So, what do accounts do all day? They apply their expert knowledge in accounting across many disciplines, including financial and corporate accounting, taxation law, corporate planning, government, management accounting and taxation. The role involves analysing, interpreting, auditing, preparing reports and providing advice on financial information for individuals and organisations.

The work environment is as varied as the work and includes chartered accounting firms, large multinational organisations, private businesses, universities, government organisations (tax department, audit officer, treasury, local government), financial planning companies, investment companies and financial institutions (banks and building societies).

If this is music (mathematics?) to your ears, you’ll also be happy to know this occupation has strong future job growth, as reported by Job Outlook. So, is accounting the right direction for you?

 

Is It Right for Me?

Do you have a passion for mathematics, economics or business-related subjects? If so, this profession could be for you.  As well as an interest in analysing and solving problems, you’ll need good organisational skills, excellent communication skills and have the ability to use discretion when dealing with sensitive information.

Key Skills and Attributes:

  • Excellent communication skills
  • Good presentation skills
  • Able to build rapport with clients
  • Professional and ethical
  • Able to work as part of a team

 

Meet James Madden – Accountant Extraordinaire & Director of Madden Partners

James enjoys hanging out at cafés, flexible work hours, wearing pyjamas while working and spending time with his family. He wakes up each morning not knowing exactly how his day will play out. I suppose you could say he’s not your stereotypical, nine-to-five accountant!

Wear Pyjamas if You Want To

Madden says he doesn’t always need to get dressed for work in the morning. “There is now technology available that allows me to service clients from across the globe without even leaving the house!  I’ve done more tax returns in pyjamas than anyone on the planet!”

Those Dreaded Deadlines

So, what’s the worst part about being an accountant? Madden says it’s definitely the deadlines! “Ah yes!  The deadlines…  When I started Madden Partners, my plan was to grow slowly to 1,000 individual tax returns (IRTs).  I was going to do these in three or four months and spend the rest of the year sitting on the beach!  The great thing about ITRs is, you do them and people go away for 12 months.  Instead, in my first year, I have over 1,000 tax returns and a lot of these started businesses…  so now, I have the tax returns which are due by a certain date and I have to lodge about 30 business activity statements (BAS) every three months.”

A Globe-Trotting Occupation

One of the perks of being a professional accountant is that there’s no shortage of places to work, according to Madden. “There are accounting jobs literally anywhere!  Think of a place you want to live, then search on SEEK for “accounting jobs”.  Something will come up!”

The Rules Keep Changing

When asked about the challenges he faces as an accountant, Madden says it’s keeping up with industry rules. “I work in taxation – the rules are constantly changing.  There are always updates.  I deal with this by subscribing to a number of specialist information providers who send monthly newsletters and have regular webinars.”

An Atypical Day is Typical

“The only typical part of my day is the morning!  I get woken up by my daughter around six o’clock.  We have breakfast and play till my wife gets back from the gym.  I aim to be at my favourite cafe by 8 o’clock – usually I arrange to meet a client here, but if not, I answer my emails and say hello to the regulars.

“From here, I have no idea where the day will take me – I might have appointments lined up or tax returns on my “to do” list.  Other times of the year, it might be quiet, and I can work for half a day and then head back and relax with my family.”

 

Study Bookkeeping and Accounting

Considering a career in accounting? Why not begin with a professional development program with Australian Online Courses? The Certificate of Bookkeeping is an excellent course for those wanting to set up a bookkeeping business; it’s also an ideal introduction to accounting as a profession. If you enjoy the learning experience you might feel confident to commit to a longer course of study in accounting.

Australian Online Courses offers hundreds of professional development courses, covering a variety of industries. All courses are industry-approved so you can rest assured your studies will provide work-ready skills and knowledge. You can also study by your own timetable using our state-of-the-art eLearning platform. Plus, there are no deadlines for assignments and your course won’t expire, so you set the pace. Talk to one of our friendly Learning Consultants today to find a course that’s right for you.

Want to Study Smarter? Check Your Habits.

Why is it that some students breeze through exams with good grades, while others study like it’s going out of fashion only to end up with mediocre results? Is it simply, intelligence? The answer is perhaps, but smart study habits play an essential part according to teaching and productivity experts.

Former Secondary School Teacher turned Strengths Coach, Nicole Feledy, says her passion for helping frustrated students feel more relaxed and in control gave her insight on important strategies for studying for better results; she shares three of them with us.

 

  1. Self-Awareness

This refers to how alert a student is to their own patterns of thought, emotion and behaviour. How well do they know their strengths and are they leveraging them to achieve the best possible outcome?

The Social Learner.

Mary has strengths in building relationships. She recognises when someone has been left out and uses that to draw people together. Mary likes to be included in social groups. Therefore, one study strategy Mary could use is peer-to-peer learning. She could organise a study group and is likely to find it better studying in a library than at home.

The Quiet Thinker.

Jane is a high achiever and finds study groups frustrating because people don’t keep up with the pace she sets. She finds noise distracting. Jane is better suited to studying in a quiet place alone.

Understand Personal Motivations

Some students are motivated by competition, others by discovery of new information. Once a student understands their personal motivations and triggers they are more likely to develop a study pattern that works for them rather than twisting themselves to meet someone else’s version of a successful study pattern.

 

  1. Mindfulness

This is the practice a student uses to be alert to their internal state of being. Students who have a consistent mindfulness practice develop high levels of focus because they recognise when their mind wanders and are able to bring it back to the task at hand. Practicing mindfulness also alerts a student to the early signs of a toxic behaviour pattern. It is much easier to manage an anxiety surge in the very early stages than when it becomes a full-blown sense of circling worry.

Thinking About Thinking

In a similar sense, metacognition describes the process of thinking about thinking. Successful students reflect on what they’re learning and link it to elements of their own life or previous learning (this helps with building strong neural pathways). Metacognition involves asking questions, proposing possibilities and allowing the mind to play with ideas. It encourages a deeper understanding of the material rather than simply accepting something as fact. It is this additional thought play which gives a richer knowledge and it is from here creative ideas and solutions are born. Metacognition involves making your thinking visible. In a learning situation this is important because it allows others to see how you arrived at your ideas or answers. Metacognition improves the communication process.

 

  1. Establishing Daily Rituals

This takes the thought out of specific actions leaving the mind free for learning. It also reduces opportunity for procrastination – rather than thinking about ‘what to do’ you simply ‘do’. Daily rituals, rather than study plans can be effective for students with high adaptability talents – these students often resist goal setting and study timetables because they seem too rigid.

Patterns Become a Habit

A daily ritual can be actions bound rather than time bound. In other words, they can follow a sequence. For example, John wakes up and does a 10-minute mindfulness activity before getting out of bed. He gets up, makes his bed and has breakfast, then he does 10 minutes of course reading before taking a shower. The key is setting up a ritual that links three to four behaviours. These behaviours establish a pattern and the pattern becomes a habit. The more a ritual is bound to a habit the student already does, the stickier it will be. The ritual should also align with the student’s values and talents, which brings us back to the beginning!

Confidence, Resilience and Self-Determination

Successful students have self-awareness and they develop that self-awareness through knowledge of their strengths and a regular habit of mindfulness. This helps students be alert to patterns on thoughts, emotion and resulting behaviours. The more a student consciously directs their most successful patterns of behaviour, the more confident and comfortable they feel within themselves. This confidence has a positive impact on their ability to learn and apply that learning.

Self-awareness, mindfulness, metacognition and daily rituals give students an edge. They take away worry, doubt and procrastination and replace it with confidence, resilience and self-determination.

 

Australian Online Courses

When you study with Australian Online Courses you can study when, where and how you like via a flexible, state-of-the-art eLearning platform. There are no deadlines, so you can start and finish your course according to your schedule. So, if you’d like to choose how you study, choose Australian Online Courses. Simply visit us online or contact one of our friendly Learning Consultants today on 1300 762 221.

Tired of Temping? 7 Steps to a Permanent Job!

The transitory nature of temp work suits those who don’t want to commit to an employer, but others can be left feeling off-balanced and insecure with this type of arrangement. If you’re in the latter, there are seven things you can do to increase your chances of securing a permanent position according to Geoff Balmer, Director of Richard Lloyd Accounting Recruitment.

 

  1. Attitude.

When companies hire permanent staff, attitude is one of the key factors they consider at interview. Displaying a great positive attitude makes you a lot more employable and a company is far more likely to make you permanent if you have a positive attitude.

 

  1. Understand Job Responsibilities.

Make sure that you are clear from day one of the temporary assignment of what the job entails so you can outperform the role from the beginning. Strong on the job performance in the role will make the company want to hire you permanently.

 

  1. Clarity.

If you are unsure of the job tasks, make sure you ask so you can do a great job and make them want to hire you permanently.  Taking on new roles, using new processes and systems can be daunting for any temporary employee. Make sure you are clear on the expectations and responsibilities from day one, so you can be a star performer.

 

  1. Go Above and Beyond Your Job.

Make sure you exceed the job expectations and make yourself invaluable to the business. Companies never want to lose star performers; make yourself a star performer and companies will want to make you permanent.

 

  1. Timeliness and Sick Days.

Be on time and have impeccable attendance. If you are unwell, make sure that the employer knows this, and they understand how much time you will need to take off. Attendance is still clearly judged as an indicator of your performance, so make sure you are on time every day.

 

  1. Embed Yourself in the Team.

Try to get to know everyone in the team and build up good professional relationships.  Employers always want employees who fit into the team culture and if your colleagues are saying they like you, then that will help the hiring manager form an opinion that they want to keep you permanently.

 

  1. Understand Company Targets, Goals and Objectives.

What goals are your team working towards? What is the company trying to achieve?  This is relevant to temps and contractors at all levels in all disciplines. For example, if the company is trying to change a process then make sure you follow the new process. If a company is trying to offer better levels of customer service go above and beyond to make sure you meet the future goals.

 

Australian Online Courses

Have you considered a professional development course to give yourself the best chance of securing a permanent position? If you want to take your career to the next level, studying with Australian Online Courses increases your chance of success, as employers value professional development and initiative. Simply visit us online or contact one of our friendly Learning Consultants today on 1300 762 221.

6 Ways to Make Every Minute Count

If you feel there aren’t enough hours in the day you’re not alone: life’s busy! There are some people, however, who seem to achieve a lot despite this time deficit; but how do they do it? They know the importance of time management strategies. Health and lifestyle blogger, Amy Darcy, is one of these people; here she shares her advice on how to fit more into your day without losing sleep!

The definition of time management: The ability to use one’s time effectively or productively, especially at work.

  1. Make a To-Do List

This gets everything out of your head and down on a page, which makes it far easier to break it down and make it more achievable and less overwhelming. You could stick this list to your fridge or have a notebook beside your bed; whatever you decide, make sure it’s handy.

 

  1. Prioritise Your To-Do List

Now that you have your list, ensure you make it a priority; whatever goes on the list must get done that day, week or month. You can prioritise the list from most essential to least important; but don’t push these items off the list, as you’ll feel like you’re not achieving your goals.

 

  1. Don’t Multitask

Time management negates a multitasking mindset. You’ve probably heard that women are better at multitasking than men, but that doesn’t mean they achieve more. It may seem like a good idea but research, and my own experience, shows that it makes you less efficient. So, focus and complete one task at a time.

 

  1. Stop Procrastinating

If you procrastinate you’re going to waste a lot of valuable time; plus, procrastination increases stress. So, no matter how unmotivated you feel, make a start and push through the initial pain to make progress.

 

  1. Don’t Give in to Perfectionism

There is no room for being perfect when it comes to getting things done. So, no matter how you feel about what you’re doing, make completion the end-game. You can always re-do it later; but done has to be good enough. Remember, your ‘to-do’ list is the master of your time; your picky-perfectionism will have to take a backseat.

 

  1. Set Timeframes for Tasks

This will help you avoid spending too long on a task that isn’t a priority and will enable you to get through the list. Don’t overestimate what you can get done in a day – I often do this and never feel on top of things as a result. Recently, I’ve created a new rule for myself – whatever I think I can get done, I halve it. Anything after that is a bonus!

 

Study Time Management – Make Every Minute Count.

Need help to manage your time better? Sign up for Successful Time Management, and get more done by using time management tools and techniques. Australian Online Courses delivers flexible, affordable online courses that don’t compromise quality with unrivalled customer service and superior student support.  These are just a few of the benefits of our online learning and distance education programs.  So, call one of our friendly support staff today and find your new direction, discover a hobby or reignite a passion.

10 Must-Read Books to Inspire Your Success

Whether you’re seeking comfort or a well-deserved kick in the pants, we have compiled a list of self-help books that will help you make 2018 the year of self-improvement and success. These books impart knowledge and enhance your mindset, so you can achieve goals; whether it’s to calm down, motivate or turn passions into businesses.

So, buy a hard copy, download an e-book or use Audible to listen to these inspiring self-help books. Short on time? Try Blinkist; an app that allows you to listen to the most important parts of a book in under 15 minutes.

 

  1. Habit Stacking: 127 Small Changes to Improve Health, Wealth and Happiness

By S.J Scott

If you want to achieve specific goals, establish healthy habits or are struggling to make important changes in your life, this is the book for you. Habit Stacking: 127 Small Changes to Improve Health, Wealth and Happiness empowers you to establish new habits into your day that will have a chain reaction of positive benefits throughout your life. In brief, habit stacking is a series of small changes that leads to a ritual you follow daily.

 

  1. The 4-Hour Work Week: Escape 9 -5. Live Anywhere and Join the New Rich

By Timothy Ferris

If you’d like to recreate your life so it’s less work and more play, you’ll find this book helpful. The author of this book gives advice on how it’s possible to leave the 9 to 5 daily grind behind, allowing you to work less, achieve more and earn more in as little as four hours a week.

 

  1. Crush It. Why Now is the Time to Cash in on Your Passion

By Gary Vaynerchuk

If you dream of turning a passion into a career, this book shows you why now is the perfect time. So, if you’d like to make a living doing what you love read Crush It! Why NOW Is the Time to Cash in on Your Passion to discover the power of the Internet to turn real interests into real businesses.

 

  1. Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear

By Elizabeth Gilbert

If you have creative endeavours that have been buried under the tide of life and work, then this book is the inspiration you need to live a more creative life. Whatever your creative passion, this book helps you uncover your creative life with mindfulness.

 

  1. Emotional Intelligence 2.0

By Travis Bradberry

The Dalia Lama weighs in on this book: “Emotional Intelligence 2.0 succinctly explains how to deal with emotions creatively and employ our intelligence in a beneficial way.”

 

Emotional Intelligence 2.0 delivers a step-by-step program for increasing your EQ via four, core EQ skills that enable you to achieve your fullest potential: 1) Self-Awareness 2) Self-Management 3) Social Awareness 4) Relationship Management.

 

  1. Feel the Fear and do it Anyway

By Susan Jeffers

What are you afraid of? Author Susan Jeffers has helped millions of people overcome their fears and heal the pain in their lives with her simple and profound advice. Whatever your fears, this book gives you the insight and tools to improve your life by having the confidence to handle any situation life throws at you.

 

  1. The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing

By Marie Kondo

This #1 New York Times best-selling guide to decluttering your home from Japanese cleaning consultant Marie Kondo takes readers step-by-step through her revolutionary KonMari Method for simplifying, organising, and storing.

 

  1. The Secret

By Rhonda Byrne

The Secret is a best-selling 2006 self-help book by Rhonda Byrne, based on the earlier film of the same name. This book is based on the pseudo-scientific ‘law of attraction’ which claims that thoughts can change the world directly.

 

  1. The Five Second Rule

By Mel Robbins

In The 5 Second Rule, Robins takes you on a discovery that in just five seconds you can: become confident; break the habit of procrastination and self-doubt; beat fear and uncertainty; stop worrying and feel happier; and share your ideas with courage. This book serves as a simple, one-size-fits-all solution for the one problem we all face: we hold ourselves back.

 

  1. What Color is Your Parachute 2018. A Practical Guide for Job-Hunters and Career-Changers

By Richard N Bolles
In today’s challenging job-market, the time-tested advice of What Color Is Your Parachute? is needed more than ever. Career guru Richard N. Bolles offers support, encouragement, and advice on which job-hunt strategies work–and which don’t.

 

Study Your Passion. Find a New Direction

If you have a passion you’d like to turn into a career, sign up with Australian Online Courses today and become the best you, you can be.  Australian Online Courses has hundreds of professional development courses on offer, spanning a multitude of industries and interests.

The courses are designed to be flexible in delivery, affordable and industry-relevant to ensure quality content and enhanced learning outcomes. Simply contact one of our helpful support staff to begin your learning journey towards a successful and meaningful career today.

6 Surprising Benefits of Lifelong Learning

So, why is it important to be a lifelong learner? Jill Weeks, retirement author of 21 Ways to Retire, Where to Retire in Australia and Retire Buzzi, understands the importance of lifelong learning; she says people who embrace learning later life report:

  • Enhanced mental stimulation and focus;
  • Meeting new people and enjoying new experiences;
  • Adding structure to daily life;
  • Meeting people of all ages;
  • A sense of achievement; and
  • Ability to look forward.

 

Weeks says the most inspirational learner she’s interviewed is Dr. Allan Stewart, OAM.  “Dr. Stewart, who at the time was the world’s oldest graduate, is an inspiration to many.”

 

“I interviewed Dr. Stewart when he had graduated with his fourth degree at the age of 97. Allan went back to university many times after retiring from being a dentist.  In his ‘retirement’ he completed a law degree and later went on to graduate with a Masters of Clinical Science in Complementary Medicine,” she says.

 

“I asked him why he went back to university: he said that he had ‘ample time, he believes in mental exercise as a health measure, plus he had a 70-year-old daughter doing a degree course’ at the time.”

 

“How did the other students and lecturers treat him?  He said he was ‘virtually just another student’.  He keeps an active schedule and probably won’t go back to university, but ‘you never know’.  Allan said his activities include gardening, cooking, playing bridge and interaction with family, friends and the community,” reports Weeks.

 

Embrace Lifelong Learning: Enrol Today!

 

If you’re inspired by this story, sign up for one of Australian Online Courses short, online courses today and embrace lifelong learning.  It doesn’t matter whether you’re 19 or 90; there’s something for everyone. Simply contact one of our friendly support officers today and begin your lifelong learning journey.

5 Ways to Set and Reach Goals Like a Pro

How many times have you set a goal, whether it’s to study a short course online to get a promotion or to exercise daily to lose weight, that doesn’t get achieved? I’m guessing most of us have a few goals that just didn’t get kicked.

If you’re tired of setting career or personal goals that don’t get achieved, maybe you’re not doing it right. Psychologist Stella Franzese from Lysn gives us her top five tips on how to set and achieve smart goals.

 

1. Break it Down

“Many of us have long-term goals we want to achieve, but sometimes those goals can seem too big and therefore out of reach,” says Franzese. “Breaking down these goals into smaller steps is key as it’s important to have the end goal in sight without becoming lost, overwhelmed and demotivated: step by step is the key!”

“So, if buying a house is on your list, start smaller and look at things like your savings budget and breaking down the steps to achieve your financial goals. If you’re looking to lose weight this year, break it down into kilos and time frames so that you’re only focusing on losing smaller amounts of weight each time.

“It is crucial that each ‘step’ is achievable; otherwise, you’re only setting yourself up to fail. If you want to get creative, make a visual chart with your ultimate goal at the top, with each cumulative step underneath. Design it any way that suits you, just make sure that it is placed somewhere that you see every day; it could be on your fridge or in your bedroom.”

 

2. Build a Plan

“The biggest mistake you can make when goal setting is working on a goal without having a plan on how you’ll achieve it. How many times have we said, ‘I’ll start my diet on Monday’ without planning our healthy meals or exercise schedule? This usually results in a breakdown in commitment, a lack of action, becoming frustrated and making the same vague promise two weeks later. What is missing here? The planning, structure, action and commitment!”

Franzese recommends working towards a plan that is underpinned with structure, clarity, commitment and focus. “It is crucial that your plan includes goals and actions that are measurable and achievable. For example, a goal to get fit is not as measurable as being able to run ten kilometres. A measurable goal assists in planning and increases success! Now that you have a measurable goal to work towards, your plan might include five kilometre runs on Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons for the month of January, to increase to seven kilometre runs in February.

“As another example, if your dream is to start a blog, your plan could be to get up an hour early every day and work on the content before you head to your 9 to 5 job. If this plan is in place and you’re willing to focus on it everyday, the only thing that might stand in your way is hard work. They say a goal without a plan is only a dream, and that couldn’t be truer when it comes to achieving your dreams.”

 

3. Set a Deadline

“Setting a deadline is a key component in building a plan, because without one, other tasks will take priority and before you know it, six months have passed, and you haven’t even thought about your goal again.” Franzese suggests making clear deadlines to help you focus and prioritise your tasks, but be sure to make sure that the deadline is realistic and achievable.

“That brings us back to the breaking it down point, if it seems too unrealistic and out of reach, chances are the goal will seem overwhelming and you won’t work towards achieving it. With clear and achievable deadlines, you can easily work away at tasks, ticking off goals each time. Ensure that your deadlines are set, don’t change them at your own convenience or due to laziness,” she says.

 

4. Do the Work

“Sounds like simple and obvious advice, right? Well it’s surprising how often this point gets overlooked, because whilst having goals is important, many people fail to realise that you have to put in the hours to make things happen.”

Franzese says setting some time aside each day to work on your goal, even if it’s only an hour each morning, adds up at the end of the week; seven hours working on your goal is a lot more productive than hitting the snooze button!

Breaking down our workload also helps with procrastination and feeling overwhelmed, says Franzese. “Try to remove whatever fuels your procrastination; for example, put your phone away if you’re a procrasta-facebooker, or stay away from the kitchen if you’re a procrasta-eater.

“Moreover, it is important that you enjoy what you are doing, otherwise your motivation and goal-directed behaviour won’t last long. If running isn’t for you, but you love the pool, go for a swim. If you dread being stuck inside a room, take your laptop outside with a cup of coffee. Also, have a Plan B for when life gets in the way. Finally, be sure to praise yourself for your achievements and hard work. Once you start to see the fruits of your labour, you’re more likely to keep going!”



5. Ask for Help

“There’s that saying that goes ‘many hands make light work’ and when it comes to achieving your goals, this really is true,” says Franzese. “Asking for help from your support networks can not only offer solutions to your problems, but the act of talking about your challenges to friends and family can ease some of the mental pressure you may have put on yourself.

Franzese says asking for help can make navigating unknown terrain much easier, can save you time and provide inspiration or generate better ideas. “Another idea could be to connect with someone who has already achieved your goals and use this inspiration to fuel your goal-directed actions. Alternatively, you can ask a friend to keep you accountable and monitor you, to ensure that you keep your eye on the prize! Although almost embarrassing to share your challenges with others, sometimes it is better to push your pride or fear aside and reach out to those who are willing to support you.”

How to Write a Winning ‘Career Change’ Cover Letter

If your career path is no longer fulfilling, embarking on a completely new career is important; however, it can be overwhelming.

You may have consulted with a career advisor who gave excellent career planning advice, you probably considered many career choices and you may have reskilled with an online education while you continued to work.

But even with a solid online education, career advice and a mountain of enthusiasm, applying for a job in a new field is hard! The fact remains: you’ll have limited work experience on your resume. So how do you get noticed? You write a winning career change cover letter: that’s how! Here’s how you do it.

Natalie Scanlon, Founder of Written Communications, says by following these five steps your cover letter won’t be left at the bottom of the pile.

 

  1. Transferable Skills

This is at the top for a reason. When you are changing careers, there will be many skills that you can transfer to a new position. Review the ‘Job Tasks and Responsibilities’ of each individual role and allow this to dictate what you should or shouldn’t include in your cover letter. For example; ‘organising travel and accommodation arrangements’ could indicate that you need to be able to manage tasks for others. This is something you should explain in your cover letter and is skill that is transferable across industries.

 

  1. Edit Carefully

Always remember to edit your cover letter for every job you apply for. This is a tedious task, but every role is different, and this requires some care and attention.

 

  1. Keep it Short

Don’t make your cover letter more than one-page long. In this day and age, there are hundreds of applicants for one role. The longer the cover letter, the less likely the employer is to read it!

 

  1. Write a Letter

Your cover letter and your resume are two ‘different’ documents. Use the cover letter as a tool to explain why you are the best candidate for the role; in comparison, use your resume to show your experience and education where applicable.

 

  1. Pay Attention to Details

ALWAYS re-read your cover letter. If you have ‘pays attention to details’, or ‘Microsoft Office Expert’ listed as one of your ‘skills’ on your resume, you need to show that you know how to spell and write accordingly. Rather than telling your potential employer what you do, show them! It works wonders.

 

10 Foods for Fast Fitness

If you want to get fit faster, include these ten foods in your diet immediately. THR1VE’S Nutritionist, Shannon Young, shares her advice on fuelling and fast-tracking your fitness.

  1. Salmon. The omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish like salmon have been linked to a list of benefits, more recently proving to be a potent muscle booster. When protein is consumed with omega-3’s your body shows an increase in the number of amino acids it uses to build new protein tissues, especially skeletal muscles.
  2. Broccoli. Containing high levels of calcium and vitamin K, both of which will help support the strengthening of bones, broccoli is a fantastic addition if you’re trying to improve your fitness. It also has the added benefits of antioxidants, is high fibre and boasts a whole army of vitamins and minerals to keep you going.
  3. Sweet Potatoes. One of the most versatile vegetables sweet potatoes are packed with disease-fighting beta-carotene, iron, fibre and vitamin C. They are also high in the electrolyte potassium, which can help ward off muscle cramping during exercise.
  4. Bananas. Just like sweet potatoes, bananas are packed with potassium to reduce muscle cramping. Feeling a little blue? Their mood-boosting serotonin may help – they are also higher in carbohydrates making them brilliant for re-fuelling after a powerful workout.
  5. Brazil Nuts. All nuts are a fantastic addition to your diet as they are packed full of vitamins, minerals and fibre. However, Brazil nuts will also help maintain a healthy immune system and can help protect against heart disease due to their high selenium content.
  6. Eggs are an excellent post-workout option for 2 reasons: They are high in protein and are a good source of key nutrients, both of which will facilitate your body’s ability to repair after an acute gym session. Eggs also contain all eight essential amino acids needed for optimal muscle recovery plus valuable minerals like calcium, zinc and iron.
  7. Quinoa. Quinoa is a complete protein which means that it contains all 8 essential amino acids that your muscles need for growth and repair. Quinoa is also packed with B vitamins for energy, calcium and magnesium to support the nervous system and iron needed to transport oxygen around the body.
  8. Blueberries to aid recovery. These little purple gems have been shown to the improve the rate of recovery in athletes and exercisers. This is due to their high antioxidant levels: vitamin C, B complex, vitamin E, vitamin A, copper, selenium, zinc and iron (just to name a few!) means these little power houses will also boost your immune system.
  9. Turmeric has high anti-inflammatory properties and can reduce exercise-induced inflammation, decrease oxidative stress and support your joints from wear and tear. Turmeric can also improve mental capacity and the healthier our brain, the more likely we are to be focused on all areas of our life, including keeping fit.
  10. Water. This one may seem obvious, but failure to hydrate properly is a common mistake and can inhibit your results dramatically. To feel great and stay energised, you should be aiming to consume 2-3 litres of water per day.

 

Why Become a Nutritionist?

Young says if she had to sum it up in one word it would be that it’s ‘rewarding’ – both professionally and personally. “Whether its talking to our THR1VE customers daily, writing content or just helping friends and family – I love knowing that something I have said, or written, could potentially help someone and I don’t think there is a better feeling.”

“I took a big risk switching professions from something that paid the bills to something I am truly passionate about and I haven’t looked back,” says Young.

“The best thing about the food and nutrition industry is that there is always something new to learn whether it’s a new study, a new book or a new recipe – it’s never boring.”

 

Study Food and Nutrition

If you’re interested working in the nutrition and dietetics’ industry or have an interest in improving your knowledge of food and nutrition, the following online courses with Australian Online Courses are perfect for you.

Certificate of Human Nutrition

Certificate of Nutrition and Dietetics Assistance

8 Traits You Need to Work with Children

Are you suited to a career working with children? You might be an aspiring teacher or childcare worker; but if you don’t have the ability to develop these eight traits it may not be the right career for you.

  1. Patience

Having patience is arguably the most important virtue you can possess if you work, or aspire to work, with children. Teaching and caring for young people can be exhausting so you’ll need patience by the plenty to deal with the unpredictability of the job.

  1. Calm Disposition

Your disposition will have an impact on classroom behaviour: calm generates calm. If you have an even temperament, you’ll do well working with children. Their unpredictable and challenging nature will test you; but you’ll keep the upper hand if you slow down, speak calmly, breathe – a few deep breathes does wonders for your stress levels – and be prepared.

  1. Communication Skills

You’ll require strong verbal and written communication skills to work with children. Using clear and positive language with children and parents avoids miscommunications and unnecessary conflict, both in and out of the classroom. You will also require excellent written communication skills to write reports.

  1. Enthusiasm & Physical Energy

A genuine affinity for children and energy to boot will be essential to any occupation with children. They have boundless energy: you need to keep up. Plus, if you’re working with very young children you’ll need the strength to pick them up and comfort them when required.

  1. A Good Sense of Humour

Children are born comics; they laugh more than adults. This sense of fun can often lead to mischief: and trouble. You’ll have a greater connection with children if you can display humour when things go wrong or when faced with challenging behaviour.

  1. Creativity

Using creativity to engage children will enable you to be inclusive of all learning styles, developmental stages and personalities. Creativity is important to the development of all children; and to inspire creativity you’ll need to be creative too. Imagination and a willingness to take risks will promote creativity in children’s learning.

  1. Flexibility

The unpredictability of teaching and caring for children means you’ll need to be willing to embrace change at a moment’s notice, this might include: lesson plans, teaching style and planned activities. When you’re responsible for children you’ll also need to get used to interruptions and disruptions; these are common in a teaching and caring setting so it’s essential to foster a flexible attitude.

  1. Respect Differences

In a multicultural society like Australia you’ll need to embrace cultural and religious differences in children and their families. This is important so that you are operating in an inclusive and supportive teaching or caring environment. Keep in mind that planned activities may need to be adjusted, changed or even removed to remain sensitive to individual children and their families.

 

Study to Work with Children

If you have the traits to be a successful teacher or early childhood educator, consider the following courses in education and support.

Certificate of Education Support – Early Childhood

Certificate of Education Support (Autism Spectrum Disorder)

Certificate of Education Support (Learning Difficulties)

Certificate of Education Support (Literacy and Numeracy)

Certificate of Education Support (School Administration)

Certificate of Education Support – Additional Needs

Study Advice for Migration to Australia

If you’re an international student wanting to live and work in Australia there are some study pathways that may lead to in-demand occupations; however, it pays to study to your strengths and interests. Three Australian migration agents tell us why.

 

Ariel Brott, Accredited Specialist Immigration Lawyer & Registered Migration Agent at Global Mobility Immigration Lawyers, Melbourne.

 

“Predicting what occupations will have greatest employment and migration opportunities upon graduation is a bit like predicting the weather,” says Brott. “These things change constantly, and the further out we are projecting – for example after a three-year course – the less accurate those predictions become”.

 

“Be aware that student visas are subject to a “genuine temporary entrant” criterion. This means that if Immigration concludes that your primary purpose for applying for a student visa is to obtain a permanent migration outcome, the visa may be refused. That said, your intentions could legitimately change later so there is no harm in being aware of pathways to permanent residence.”

 

“When assessing the “genuine temporary entrant” criterion, one of the things Immigration will look at is the relevance of the proposed study to your previous studies or experience, so this may affect your choice of course, if you are unable to justify moving in a completely new direction.”

 

A prospective student wanting to keep their options open should consider:

 

  1. What do you want to do? Study can potentially take many years, as can some pathways to permanent residence, and a career may last a lifetime. It’s generally best not to choose a course solely based on its migration potential.

 

  1. If you wish to understand more about occupations which are currently considered most in demand, refer to the following:

 

  1. Immigration publishes a “combined list” of occupations eligible for various visas. Pay attention to occupations marked MLTSSL (Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List) which have greater eligibility for permanent residence.

 

  1. If you wish to refine the options even further, it’s worth looking at the various state/territory occupation lists, for state/territory sponsored visas – the lists vary according to the needs of the respective state/territory at any given time. These can be found at the relevant state/territory websites:

 

Australian Capital Territory

New South Wales

Northern Territory

Queensland

South Australia

Tasmania

Victoria

Western Australia

 

  1. Once you have created a shortlist of occupations of interest, you can cross-reference those occupations against the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (“ANZSCO”):

 

ANZSCO sets out the basic requirements Immigration will look at for any given occupation – in particular, what level of qualification (and/or years of experience) will be required.

 

Immigration will also apply additional criteria, as may the state/territory bodies referred to above (for state/territory sponsored visas), as well as the various skills assessment bodies connected to each occupation (combined list” of occupations) for some visas.

 

  1. Where possible, try to get a couple of years of full-time post-qualification experience in your chosen occupation before coming to Australia to study. This will make it infinitely easier to get a job and to progress to occupational visas (if you so wish) once you have completed any studies in Australia. While experience will enhance prospects for most occupational visas, from March 2018 in particular, two years’ experience will become compulsory for the most common employer-sponsored visa.

 

Joanne Baldwin, Immigration Lawyer and Migration Agent at Kite Union Migration.

“The best ways to overcome the barriers to migration from an individual’s perspective (when it comes to the skilled visa program) is to ensure they are as qualified and experienced as possible in the area in which they are or aim to be specialised,” says Joanne.

Baldwin says degrees are important to obtain a skilled visa and points gained are higher than those available for a diploma or the qualifications for employer sponsored visas.

“When it comes to choosing the subject to study, I would suggest that primarily they identify a subject that interests them as they have to pass the course to get the required qualification.”

“Managing course options based on the current occupations in demand or on the MLTSSL/STSOL could be a mistake as those lists will be changing every six months and what is in demand today may not be once a student has graduated,” she says.

“International students should aim to achieve the best qualifications they can for the best chance to move onto an Australian skilled visa,” she says.

 

Leanne Stevens, Migration Agent and CEO of Emergico Migration

“I’m always hesitant to recommend people study courses with the intention of obtaining a migration outcome,” says Leanne Stevens. “Migration law changes so often and without notice, that people are likely to become disappointed.”

Stevens explains that just because an occupation is on a list now, once a qualification has been completed and a person has the requisite work experience to qualify for an employer sponsored visa, the occupation may no longer be in demand or have a favourable pathway.

“The work experience required to qualify for an employer sponsored visa is a minimum of two years from March 2018 – even for a temporary work visa,” she says.

“In April 2017 we saw around 178 occupations slashed from the list overnight; and a commitment to six monthly reviews of the list. It doesn’t make it easy for a person to plan,” says Stevens.

Doctor’s Orders – 5 Reasons You Should Own a Dog

They really are (wo)man’s best friend, but dogs are also a script for good mental and physical health, according to Dr Ryan Harvey, Deputy Clinical Director at House Call Doctor. Here he shares five health benefits of owning a dog.

 

  1. “Dogs can improve your social life”

The human mind is structured in a way where it needs social interactions to survive. Dogs offer great social stimulation for people, whether it’s at home or going out for a walk. Often, when someone is walking their dog, they will interact with other dogs and their owners too.

 

  1. “Dog owners have healthier hearts than non-dog owners”

A study in Sweden recently determined that dog owners who lived alone had a lower rate of cardiovascular disease and a lower risk of death, due to the social support and motivation for physical activity. They can help you lower your blood pressure and contribute to losing weight.

 

  1. “Dogs brings more ‘love’ in your life”

Dogs can increase the level of oxytocin in your brain, which is known as the “love hormone”. It’s a neurotransmitter that boosts trust and decreases fear.

 

  1. “They can be your therapist”

Research shows that therapy dogs can bring relief to people with anxiety, because they induce naturally happy hormones, such as dopamine and beta-endorphins in the brains. They also benefit people’s psychological state by lowering levels of depression and loneliness and increase self-esteem.

 

  1. “Walking the dog keeps you active, but you don’t see it as exercise”

People find it hard to motivate themselves to exercise. But you walk your dog because you see it as a responsibility and social interactivity.

 

Dr Ryan Harvey is the Deputy Clinical Director at House Call Doctor. Dr Harvey is highly experienced in paediatrics, and has administered medical care to children living in remote overseas communities. He now works with many families, administering acute care when unexpected medical situations arise overnight.

 

Caring for Your Dog

If you’re a dog lover or are considering buying or adopting a dog, Certificate of Dog Care is an online course that educates you on how to choose the right dog and how to keep your best friend happy and healthy.

This course is an excellent resource for households with dogs or for those wanting to work with dogs in a professional capacity, such as dog groomers, dog trainers, dog carers, dog walkers or animal handlers in veterinary care settings.

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