Job Search

These case studies consider actual cases our readers have encountered, and our advice and guidance on the subject. They cover many aspects of job search including CV writing, cover letters and examples of both documents. We also look at interview questions and examine what to do if your applications are unsuccessful, or you haven’t heard back from the company to which you applied.

We are often asked to advise on reasons your applications may have been unsuccessful so far. Sometimes it is as simple as that there is only one position to be filled and there are several excellent candidates for the position. The only solution is to “up your game” in the selection process, making sure you have portrayed yourself as best fit for the position.

Or maybe the advert specified certain skills, qualifications or experience that you don’t have. Perhaps you do have them but have failed to showcase them effectively on your application.

Ask recruiters to give you feedback by writing a polite letter or email thanking them for their time in the process and asking for feedback on why your application failed. At least then you know what the problem is and can address it.

For more great advice, just get started on your chosen modules.

Difficulties and conflicts at work

These case studies consider actual cases our readers have encountered, and our advice and guidance on the subject. They cover difficulties and conflicts at work, including bullying and corruption in the workplace. We also discuss such diverse topics as jealous co-workers, gender discrimination, workplace psychologists and anger management

We are often asked for advice how to handle jealousy. It is a complication that we could all do without in the workplace, but it does have to be addressed. If ignored, it can lead to an unpleasant atmosphere. Plus, you have to be wary that a jealous colleague may try to sabotage your work or discredit you.

I suggest you first try to befriend them, making an ally of them and building bridges. Don’t show off about your achievements, praise their performance. Give them credit for positive qualities and praise achievements. Acknowledge strengths and accomplishments, celebrate success.

Perhaps you can mentor them, enabling them to be more successful.

Don’t demonstrate negative behaviors to them or they will feel justified in retaliating.

But if you can’t achieve this, be aware of the dangers, and take steps to protect yourself. You will have to tackle it a different way, perhaps by involving their management.

To get more of our advice on this and many other work-related conflicts, get started now.

Dealing with managers

These case studies consider actual cases our readers have encountered, and our advice and guidance on the subject. They cover issues that arise from dealing with managers, such as favouritism, stress, personality conflicts, promotions denied, bad tempered managers, leadership issues, and managers who change their mind about what they want.

Problems with your manager is the single most common case study we are asked to work on.

What action you can take largely depends on the structure and culture of your company. Perhaps you can only approach your manager and the two of you need to solve this between you.

If you work for a larger company, maybe you can talk to someone from HR, or to your managers’ manager.

Whatever the circumstances, I would recommend trying to resolve the issue directly with your manager first,

Consider that your manager may be struggling with the pressures of his job and is understaffed or overworked. Look at the situation from his point of view. Perhaps a better performance from you will take some of the pressure off him.

Career development

These case studies consider actual cases our readers have encountered, and our advice and guidance on the subject. They cover career development issues such as salary related problems, promotion and advancement issues, benefits packages. We examine career stagnation, changes of career direction, winding down towards retirement, people who feel they are taken for granted, not paid what they are worth, or not paid at all!!

Advice we offer on how to get a promotion includes “The best way to achieve a promotion is to act as though you already have it “

You can work long hours and hope you are promoted but sometimes that just leads to you being taken for granted. 

You need to demonstrate your value to the company, and capacity to deliver results, to be noticed and eventually promoted.

Make certain you can do the job you want to be promoted to and manage the responsibilities it includes. Check the requirements, and that you hold any qualifications that are needed. Do you have the skills, or can you acquire them? Offer to cover holidays, sickness or help out during busy periods.”.

Build a strong relationship with your line manager; their opinion will count if you are in the running for promotion. They do your annual appraisal, and are expected to know you, understand your capabilities and assess your suitability for promotion.

Make sure he is aware that you are ready, willing and able to accept promotion.

To learn more, get started on your chosen modules now.

General

These case studies consider actual cases our readers have encountered, and our advice and guidance on the subject. They cover a broad range of topics, some relating to starting and running a business, being a self-employed contractor, as well as some career management advice

The world of work has changed significantly from the old “jobs for life” culture. Today you may well need to be able to obtain and deliver contracts as “contracting out” becomes the preferred route for some businesses. What skills are needed to manage this new way of working, sometimes referred to as precarious employment? Everyone may need to be a contractor and be able to operate as self-employed.

Faced with rapidly evolving technology, and with frequent changes of company direction to keep ahead of the market, companies now have to be agile to survive. They can no longer have big, slow reacting workforces who are resistant to change.

They need a workforce of contractors, people who understand the importance of taking responsibility for their own career and who know they must keep their skills up to date, to secure contracts.

To benefit from our other insights into the world of work, get started on your chosen modules now.