5 Reasons Why Interview Feedback Matters

5 Reasons Why Interview Feedback Matters Interview feedback is proving to be one of the more contentious issues facing our industry today. Candidates are keen to receive it, yet some employers are reluctant to give it â€" so what should be done? A recent white paper from a group of HR stakeholders, backed by several leading international organisations, aims to address this. The paper, Fight for Feedback, has been put to the Department of Work and Pensions to initiate a major development in the jobs market: it calls for interview feedback to become a mandatory requirement for employers. As recruiters, we are often left in a tricky position if our client provides no explanation as to why one of our candidates was not hired after attending an interview. In fact, the report finds that 83% of people claim that they have never received any feedback following an interview. We are then left to smooth over the relationship with disgruntled candidates when their efforts are met with boilerplate rejections. And yet you can’t not empathise with time-poor hiring managers and interviewers, especially if they are mass recruiting. They may also be worried about potential legal risks if they give feedback in the wrong way or they might be concerned about causing offence. Giving feedback, however, does not only aid the candidate’s future job search; it can also be positive for the organisation. Here are the top five reasons why you should encourage your clients to give feedback after every interview: 1. A PR opportunity Word of mouth and personal recommendations are some of the most effective marketing tools for an employer’s brand. As unbiased candidates share positive recruitment experiences â€" regardless of whether or not they were successful in securing the role â€" clients could attract even more applicants for future positions. On the flip side, instances of individuals using a public platform to air grievances about an organisation are increasingly common. If a candidate is left in the dark, organisations risk having to field negative comments on social media, which can be extremely damaging to a brand. 2. Candidate courtesy We all know how much time it takes to prepare for interviews, in addition to any tasks or tests that the organisation may require you to complete. It is important that this is recognised and that the candidate is thanked for the time they spent on the application process, because these individuals are already investing in the role. This will also help to boost the client’s reputation. Sharing constructive feedback following any tests is advisable, although overly negative comments could have an adverse effect. 3. Repeat jobseekers Candidates might miss out on a role because they lack certain skills or experience in a particular area. However, with a few more years’ work experience they could be a perfect fit. If your client runs a robust recruitment process and offers constructive feedback, it is likely that a candidate will return when they have acquired the requisite skills, securing the employer a tailor-made future employee. 4. Economic boost As well as having a positive impact on the individual organisation, feedback will eventually lead to a better-equipped labour market. High calibre candidates will generally be easier to come by if individuals know where their strengths lie and the areas in which they need to improve. As a result, future hiring for all employers may become significantly more efficient. 5. It’s not time-consuming Many clients say they lack the time to provide detailed feedback following an interview, but it needn’t be as burdensome as they expect. Notes are often taken during interviews and then circulated. These can be easily repurposed for the interviewee, ensuring that the comments are constructive. Failing that, a quick call with us can easily be translated into constructive and considered feedback on their behalf! About the author:  David Morel  is the CEO/Founder of  Tiger Recruitment, one of London’s leading secretarial/administrative recruitment agencies. David founded Tiger in 2001 and has written extensively in the press and wider media advising both employers and job seekers on best recruitment practice.

Identify, Market, and Engage Your Personal Brands Target Market - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

Identify, Market, and Engage Your Personal Brand’s Target Market - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career Here we are barely into 2011 and already it’s time to identify, market, and engage our target market? Yes. The faster you get into the mind of your consumer the quicker results will show. When it comes to the game of business, or life, it’s results we’re after so now is the best time to get a game plan in place. The real brand owner Your brand is what your customers say it is. Anyone remember the uproar following GAP attempt to change their logo a few month’s back. In less than a week the premise that customers own the brand was proven, thanks to Facebook Fans outcries that the corporate brand had no right to take away their beloved logo. How dare GAP think they own their brand! In “Groundswell” by Charlene Li and Josh Bernoff, concepts such as customer-based brand ownership to social media strategy are explored and demystified. Now that the customer owns your personal brand, it’s essential to identify who your target market is clearly. Who is your target market? Reaching your market If you’re a job seeker, it would be wise to market yourself on LinkedIn given that 73% of today’s recruiters spend time online and Linked In has become their #1 resource for highly qualified, well educated talent in over 200 countries. How do you market your brand if you’re not a job seeker? As a bottom-line numbers kind of gal, I focus on where the market is to determine how to reach them. The social technographics profile of online U.S. adults (Q2’07, Forrester) shows that 48% of them are mere spectators, meaning that they simply read what others produce (e.g. blogs, vides, forums, podcasts) and another 44% are inactive online. Does this include your target market? My optimistic personality says to look at these stats, 25% of them are joiners, which means they participate in, or maintain profiles on, social networking sites such as Facebook, and another just under 25% are creators, which means they develop content online. Regardless of the numbers and percentages, it’s imperative to know where your target market is to understand how to market to them to achieve your desired result. Speaking of results…. Getting engaged (without the diamond) No need to sweat or get down on one knee, we’re talking target market and personal branding here. Engaging your target market to achieve your desired result from your personal brand begins with identifying your objective. What is your desired result? Why are you engaging them? Here are the five most common reasons to engage a customer: Research, Marketing, Sales, Support, or Development. Have you identified why you want to engage your customer? Do you know the reason behind your efforts? What is your end result? As Franklin Covey says, “Begin with the end in mind.” Social media is fast-paced, which can be to your advantage, or detriment, based on your starting point. When you start with an understanding of why you’re engaging your customer, the social media strategy you deploy has a significantly better chance of succeeding. What purpose is your personal brand is engaging with your target market (e.g. to secure a job offer, make a sale, customer referrals)? Kick off 2011 with a great strategy to identify, market, and engage your target market! Author: Adriana Llames is a veteran career coach and acclaimed author of Career Sudoku: 9 Ways to Win the Job Search Game, released with top book seller Amazon.com. She is creator of   “HR In-A-Box,” a Human Resources software product helping small businesses across America and a professional keynote speaker motivating and inspiring audiences with her focused programs on “9 Ways to Win the Job Search Game”, “Confessions of a Career Coach” and “Nice Girls End Up on Welfare.” For more information, visit www.adrianallames.com

Why you should think about investing in UK property

Why you should think about investing in UK property 2019, for many, will be the year of trying new things and setting a number of goals to achieve by the end of the year. One goal which a lot of people favour is a change in career, starting a new business, or becoming more financially savvy. One way that this goal can be achieved is through investing, and property investment can be a lucrative, rewarding and enjoyable venture for first-time investors to try. If you’re considering taking up a new business venture, find out some of the reasons why investing in the UK property market could be your ideal route to take. Why the UK The UK property market is thriving, with a number of cities offering some fantastic prospects for investors. Some of the hotspots for property investment in the last year have been in the North, with Liverpool and Manchester gaining worldwide recognition. These Northern cities are popular with investors due to their high rental yields, affordable prices, excellent potential for capital growth, and growing demand. Liverpool, for instance, boasts average yields of 5.05% which are only expected to rise over the coming years. Properties in cities like Liverpool are a lot more affordable than down in London, with the average London house price standing at around £484,173 whilst Liverpool is just £130,677. RW Invest is a property investment specialist with fantastic opportunities up North, with properties in Liverpool as low as £55,995. The high prices of London property mean that more people are choosing to move up North to live, work, and invest. Manchester saw the highest number of L ondon-leavers in 2017, with around 30,000 25-34-year-olds having moved from the capital between 2016 to 2017. Young People The significance of young people is important when it comes to property investment. With today’s younger generations a lot more likely to rent rather than buy, the buy to let market in the UK is seeing a demand for high-quality properties in key cities. The purpose-built student accommodation market is also seeing a rise in the UK, since high numbers of students are embarking on one of many prestigious universities year after year. Student accommodation makes one of the best property investments, with low purchase prices and high yields thanks to students that are prepared to spend more money on high-end, luxury properties. Manchester has one of the highest rates of demand for student property, with over 90,000 students residing in the city, whilst high graduate retention rates of 70% also driving demand for residential city centre apartments. Growth Whilst property in the UK is looking promising right now, things are still set to improve further. A number of regeneration plans in the UK are expected to bring new interest and economic growth to UK cities, and in turn, improving capital appreciation. Manchester and Liverpool will see the creation of new city centre neighbourhoods such as St Johns and Liverpool Waters, bringing new homes, workplaces, and leisure attractions to the already booming cities. These cities that have seen a consistent property price growth since 2013, are predicted to grow further over the next five years, with the North West seeing the highest predicted house price growth of 21.6%. Prepare and Prosper! Of course, youll want to do your homework to be sure you make sound investments.   And there are many things to learn and know.   For example, once youve purchased a property and its vacant,   youll want to be sure its secure.   Check with a    security company like  Global Guardians.    On-going maintenance, advertising . . . yes, theres a lot to learn, but the rewards can be great!

Awesome Summer Vacation Ideas and Destinations

Awesome Summer Vacation Ideas and Destinations A vacation is a great time for you to relax and unwind, as well as create some memorable experiences. It’s also an opportunity for you to try new things and break out of your shell a bit more, especially if you don’t give yourself solid vacation time often. Taking time out of your busy schedule for vacation isn’t just about having fun; it’s also beneficial for your health and happiness. Whether you’re experiencing burnout or don’t often taken some time to yourself, a vacation can reduce your stress. One study from the from the University of Pittsburgh found that, on average, people were more satisfied with their lives after vacations, and were even able to improve their productivity in the workplace. Vacations also allow you to recharge your brain cells and enhance your creativity. As we roll into summerâ€"slowly but surelyâ€"it’s time to start thinking about the best ways to approach your vacation options. Here are some summer vacation ideas and destinations to get you started: Package Deals In Florida Florida is one of the best places to visit for a vacation. Whether you’re catching waves on the sun-soaked Cocoa Beach Florida properties or getting your adrenaline fix at Universal Studios, there’s an endless array of activities here. This is a great place to score package deals that include several nights at a Cocoa Beach resortâ€"a quintessential beach spot and one of the most affordable beach spots in the stateâ€"as well as activity tickets to Kennedy Center, complimentary shuttles to the pier, and exclusive resort amenities. This is a particularly great place to visit if you’re traveling for family; Florida fun is designed to be enjoyed by all ages, all at once. Shoestring Budget in Southeast Asia If you’re on a shoestring budget, there are few places in the world that are as cost-efficient as Southeast Asia. Countries in Southeast Asia include Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Indonesia. Because the value of the dollar is much stronger in these countries, you’re able to stretch it that much further. You can rent amazing Airbnbs and hotels in these countries for as little as $60 per night. Private rooms in award-winning hostels will only set you back about $30 per night. From snorkeling off the Southern islands in Thailand to biking through rice paddies in Ubud (made famous by the book and movie, “Eat, Pray, Love”)â€"there’s endless amounts of activities and adventures. Luxury Vacation In the South of France There’s so much more to France than Paris. If you’re looking for a luxury vacation, the South of France is one of the best options available. And learning French can even broaden your business opportunities! Explore the French Riviera’s Cote d’Azur, sparkling seaside resorts, sleepy medieval villages, and delicious French wines. There’s so much that southern France to offer that no matter activities you enjoy, there’s something for you. Saint-Tropez, for instance, is the perfect combination between tranquil beaches and energetic nightlife. Over in St-Remy-de-Provence, you’ll find beautiful, authentic village life. And while you’re on the Southern France route, don’t forget Gorges du Verdon, a river canyon that flows through the Haute-Provence’s limestone plateau, over to the foothills of the Alps. Along the way, you’ll find yourself surrounded by dramatic cliffs. Cruise Through the Caribbean A cruise vacation through a Caribbean is a great way spend a relaxing vacation. There are several reasons a cruise might be a good option for you. For starters, the majority of cruise packages are all-inclusive. With one flat fee, you can enjoy food, shows, amenities, and plenty of other on-board activities. This allows you to maximize your hard-earned money. You can even book on-shore activities in advance, or pay for premium products, services, and dining while on board. One of the biggest benefits of traveling is the ability to visit several locations in one tripâ€"and only need to pack once. Unlike similar multi-destination trips, you can avoid the hassle of packing and unpacking just to go on to the next place. Instead, you can focus on enjoying your time at each place.

5 Project Management Methodologies That Actually Work! CareerMetis.com

5 Project Management Methodologies That Actually Work! Are you venturing into your first project management assignment?Well if so, it’s time to place the best foot forward. Now I have been working in the digital realm for a while as a project manager, so I’ve managed to pick up a few project management methodologies and tactics from here and there that I thought I should share.evalAfter all, being a veteran, I exactly know that selecting the right methodology can take you places.In this article, we will explore the most popular and widely used project management methodologies.About Project Management MethodologiesFor starters, allow me to define the term project management methodology so that we all are on the same page. It is basically a methodology, or we can say a system of techniques or procedures, practices, or even rules used to work in a disciplined manner.I am talking about all the Lean practices, say of example Kanban, and Six Sigma. In a layman language, these processes aim to assist project managers with appropriate guidan ce throughout the project, and a step by step guide used to complete the tasks.As there are a plethora of methodologies starting from Agile to Scrum, Kanban, leap, XP, waterfall PRINCE2 and PMBOK requiring different strategies to manage issues; it’s the choice that you make which defines how you work and communicate.Time to kick things off when it comes to project management methodology, what the fuss is all about?Like I said before, methodologies are basically a system of practices, techniques, procedures, and rules for professionals who love to work in the discipline. But it may quite interest you to know that the same methodologies are rooted in something more fundamental.evalMoreover, these aspects are the ones which dictate why we choose to do those things in the first place, so I’d suggest it should also include themes.As a project managerone requires applying the right methodology based on different principles, themes, frameworks, processes, and standards that assist well in the way we deliver projects. Some of this stuff define principles in the most straightforward manner, for example â€" agile while others such as PRINCE2 define a ‘full-stack’ methodology framework of themes, principles, and processes.Broadly speaking, I have come across many of you who have this misconception that combining best-practice frameworks is the most appropriate way to get the job done in no time.However, I personally don’t think that a methodology has to be a complete full-stack implementation system all the time, but that doesn’t mean you can do anything you want. Like it or not, but as project managers, we often end up using a hodgepodge featuring a rare mix of principles, themes, and processes especially created for our clients and projects.evalNow before we proceed any further, let’s get one thing very straight. There is no cookie-cutter solution or no right methodology. The answer is, “it depends.” In the end, it’s using the correct methodology, w hich makes sense and is most suitable for the project, team, and client. Now why these methods?I say, why not! I mean at some point in your life you must have placed an order for a piece of equipment or tool with a lot of disconnected parts that cannot be correctly put together with the aid of an instruction manual.Similarly, when you conduct a project, you will find many interconnected and interdependent tasks that require a set of instructions that can be generally accepted or serve as guiding principles to manage things effectively.When Choosing a Project Management Methodology Like I said before there is no one-stop solution for choosing the right project management methodology for all business types, sizes, or industries.All you have to do is choose a structure things wisely, such as:Simplicity and complexity- Here I am talking about the entire project itself right from available resources to project constraints When you wish to iteratively deliver whatever worksThis one is my favorite buzzword. You might find this quite shocking that agile is not a methodology at all. Rather an appropriate set of principles used to develop software.Principles such as:Using individuals and interactions over processes and tools.Instead of comprehensive documentation use a working software.Customer collaboration over contract negotiation.Responding to change over following a plan.Agile can be put to best use when used for projects featuring iterative and incremental aspects. It’s basically a process where demands and solutions evolve through a collaborative effort of self-organizing and cross-functional teams and their customers.evalAgile was created as a response to the inadequacies of the Waterfall method while developing software.Customer satisfaction, accommodate changing requirements, frequent delivery, supports a consistent development pace, and so forth are some of its core principles.In addition to this, adaptiveness to deliver more complex projects is something t hat makes the methodology popular.Technically speaking, if you wish to track progress or create the product, know regarding the product vision statement, product roadmap, product backlog, release plan, Sprint backlog, and Increment, the methodology uses such deliverables to enhance your project. With a bunch of such interesting features, the methodology is able to emphasize collaboration, flexibility, continuous improvement, and high-end results.Best suited for:Are you working on a project that requires flexibility and comprises of a great level of complexity or uncertainty?evalFor instance, a product or service that hasn’t been built by the team.Last but certainly not the least Agile is one such methodology that comprises Scrum and Kanban within itself. So, you can carry your very own set of characteristics and terminology. I personally find this aspect to make the methodology worthy enough to be included on this list.2) ScrumAllows teams to cross-function, self-manage and delive r solutions at paceThis project management methodology, in particular, proposes principles and procedures with the sole objective to improve delivery.Within software development, Scrum is one such method that puts Agile into practice.The goal is to:Improve communication.Enhance teamwork.Speed up development.Now how one can identify Scrum?Well, there is a trick I would like to share with the non-techies. In case, if you hear about prints, scrums, backlogs, and burndowns, then without a shadow of a doubt; it’s Scrum! Call it a project management methodology or a framework for the ongoing development and maintenance of complex products. The light approach defines a simple set of roles, meetings, and tools to efficiently, iteratively, and incrementally deliver valuable shippable functionality.Scrum Jargons Sprintâ€" It means all the iterative time boxes in which a goal is accomplished. The time frame doesn’t exceed one calendar month and is consistent throughout the development proc edure.Sprint planningâ€" As soon as the entire Scrum team gets together- at the beginning of every Sprint; it’s mandatory to plan the upcoming Sprint.Daily Scrumâ€" 15-minute time-boxed meeting held at the same time, every day of the Sprint. Things discussed include were the previous day’s achievements, as well as the expectations for the following one.Sprint Reviewâ€" This is more of an informal meeting held at the end of every Sprint where the Scrum team present their Increment to the stakeholders and discuss feedback.Sprint retrospectiveâ€" A meeting where the Scrum team reflect on the proceedings of the previous Sprint and establish improvements for the next Sprint.3) Extreme Programming Those who are conducting large projects that require maintaining stringent stages and deadlines or it is relevant enough for projects that have been done various times over. Somewhat like a tried and tested method where chances of surprises during the development process are relatively low.T he waterfall methodology emphasizes more on the importance of documentation. The main idea is that if a worker was to leave during the development process, their replacement could easily start where they left off by familiarizing themselves with the information provided on the documents.5) Six SigmaCoined by Motorola engineers, Six Sigma is one such project management methodology that strives hard to improve project quality by identifying what is working and what’s not by removing it from the current process.Six Sigma mainly comprises of:DMAICAn acronym used to define the problem and project goals, measuring different aspects of the process currently being in use. In addition to this, analyzing data to detect core defects, improving the process, and controlling how it is carried out in the future.DMADVThis acronym is basically used to define the project goals, measuring some of the essential parts of the process and product, analyzing the data to develop various process designs an d choose the best one, designing and testing the new processand verifying its quality via simulations and another testing.If you own a bigger organization or a company that emphasizes on using data to improve their operating efficiency and output quality.Best suited forLarger companies and organizations who crave to improve quality and efficiency through a data-driven methodology?ConclusionLike I said before, making a perfect choice can be tricky at times- all thanks to a couple of variables which mind you keeps on changing with every project. So what you need to do is, look beyond the methodology “turf war” in the industry.Consider these methodologies as mere tools that can aid you in delivering projects instead of arguing with your teammates over the final details of these methodologies.Always focus on the bigger picture, the ultimate objective! Because it doesn’t really matter which methodology you’re using.All that matters is a commitment to doing quality work that not o nly meets the user needs but also delivers the great value of the output to your end clients. So, go and get it right!

Welcome. Coffee - The Chief Happiness Officer Blog

Welcome. Coffee - The Chief Happiness Officer Blog This is not a coffee shop this is the reception at one of our clients in Denmark. They can greet you, get you a visitors badge and?notify the employee your meeting with. And while you wait for them to come meet you, they can also whip up an excellent cappuccino or a flat white. Employees can also have informal meetings in the caf? and buy coffee cheaply using?their ID cards or an app on their phones. I saw something similar at the Coca-Cola HQ in Atlanta. I like this kind of thing because it breaks down the formality of the reception area and makes it more welcoming and interesting. It gives visitors a better first impression and provides employees with a more relaxed setting. Does your workplace have something similar? Thanks for visiting my blog. If you're new here, you should check out this list of my 10 most popular articles. And if you want more great tips and ideas you should check out our newsletter about happiness at work. It's great and it's free :-)Share this:LinkedInFacebookTwitterRedditPinterest Related

Seven Career Choices for Active People IM HIRED

Seven Career Choices for Active People Get out from under the desk and get active in your career If you love being active and would like to avoid a desk job, there are some great, rewarding careers you can pursue to stay fit and avoid boredom in the workplace. You can spend your time outdoors. Help people make the most out of their fitness and talents, or simply ride your bike for money. No matter which job makes your heart beat faster. You can find your true calling if you start thinking outside of the box. Find out more about these great career opportunities below. Wildlife Researcher/Preservationist Are you a person who cares about the environment and every living creature? You can pursue a career in preservation and animal welfare, and even become a part of a wildlife research team. You need your hiking gear for this challenging job, and you will most certainly need your passport handy at all times. A good way of embarking on a career in this field is applying for charity work or apprenticeship programs. Find out whether life in the wilderness and working with animals is for you. Sports Organiser   When you are passionate about sports, you might want everyone else to take part and enjoy the benefits of physical exercise. You might become a local sport organiser, or even an event manager. Check out the great courses offered by Adelphi University to find out more about the different methods you can get closer to your career goal. You might work with kids and local community organisers to introduce people to sports, promote exercise and healthy lifestyle. To make a real difference in people’s lives. You will need a management degree and a sport related diploma to be considered for this job. Bike Courier If you are looking for a flexible job that keeps you fit and active, why not try becoming a bike courier? In case you are using your bike for leisure and complete several miles per weekend. Why not getting paid for it by turning your hobby into a career. You will burn calories all day, see different places, and interact with people. This job can make you feel better about yourself, especially if you are trying to reduce your carbon footprint. You might need advanced bike safety training to get started with a company. But you will be able to set your own hours, so you still have time for those scenic, leisurely rides after work. Image via chuttersnap Event Organiser   You love the buzz and like talking to people from all walks of life. You can put your communication skills to good use, and help people create the perfect event. Whether you will find employment in the wedding or corporate industry, you can get creative, listen to people, and deliver dreams on every level. You might need to develop strong working relationships with contractors and venue managers, as well as company leaders and individuals, and you can be surrounded by interesting individuals all day. Sports Coordinator If you want to help kids and adults get fit and change their lifestyle, you can join a local fitness centre, a school, or a community centre to organise events, activities, create courses and training, find talent, and locate the best regional and national competitions your team can take part in. You might want to create awareness of a sport you are passionate about, offer introductory training, or free advice for those who are thinking about changing their lifestyle. Image via troy williams Water sport Instructor Water signs simply love being close to the sea or river. If you are one of those people who is first to go in the water and last to leave, you can find your true calling by becoming a watersport instructor. Whether you are passionate about water skiing, sailing, or surfing, you can train to be an instructor and help others have loads of fun while in the water. You will need first aid and lifeguard skills. But as a perk you can spend most of your time in the water. Choreographer Are you a dancer and have a natural feel for rhythm? You can become a choreographer. Helping local amateur and professional groups design their performances, choose their music and moves. You will need to have advanced dance skills and training, good communication and interpersonal abilities, and a fun-loving personality. You will not only have to write the choreography, but also communicate and teach it to the performers. If you are an active and outgoing person, a job behind the desk or the wheel might not be for you. Choose one of the above professions to get a rewarding career.