Blog

Delaying the Inevitable

by thegoodlifecareers, posted in Career, Personal Development

Best Way to BeginEver heard the saying ‘Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today’? I recall my mum using this phrase when I was a teenager and watched a lot of television to avoid studying. Now, I’m having those moments (or hours) where instead of doing business stuff, I’m eating chocolate and catching up on the latest episodes of Rake. Yes folks, I’m procrastinating.

I’ve started thinking about what changes I need to make to improve my business. I’ve identified that the hard stuff for me is making sales calls. I’m good at the softer side of marketing via social media, posters and paid advertising. I do well with networking as I love getting out in the community. However, when it comes to contacting businesses to talk about what I do, I feel out of my comfort zone. So, how do I change this? Continue reading “Delaying the Inevitable” →

Seeking Feedback

by thegoodlifecareers, posted in Career, Interview

When it comes to final stage of the interview process and it’s between you and one other applicant, you can congratulate yourself for making it here. You’ve put in a great effort with your resume, cover letter, interview(s), and perhaps some psychometric testing or even a role play! You expect the phone to ring at any moment and fingers are crossed for positive news. In preparation for the outcome being against you, remember to thank them for the opportunity, but also ask the recruiter ‘How did I interview?’…or … ‘What could I have improved on?’

Continue reading “Seeking Feedback” →

Structuring a Professional Cover Letter

by thegoodlifecareers, posted in Career, Cover Letter & Resumes

Cover LetterDrafting your cover letter may seem like an easy feat, but many people struggle with this task. It’s about finding a balance in the structure, formatting and clarity of your words. It should sell the writer, grab the attention of the reader and make it easy for the reader to see how you are the solution to their needs.

Continue reading “Structuring a Professional Cover Letter” →

My Wholesome Life

by thegoodlifecareers, posted in Tree Change

I’d like to share a story with you that I wrote last year about my tree change.  I was reminded of this anecdote when an article in The Hoopla caught my eye.  A poignant piece, written by Australian writer and comedian Wendy Harmer, about how Australians are turning more to the convenience of bottled sauces and ready-made meals.  So here’s my story…

Continue reading “My Wholesome Life” →

Tell Me About Yourself (Developing a Networking Pitch)

by thegoodlifecareers, posted in Career, Interview, Networking

speech-bubble-people-talking

One of my goals this year is to build more local relationships and connections through networking.  Networking can come to some people naturally, but for others it can be daunting.  I would rate myself in the middle whereby I like to be social, yet it takes some self-talk and planning to get me out to market my business.

I plan my networking activity by listing who I’d like to connect with and how will I go about it.  Whether I’m cold calling on recruitment firms, attending a community event, or inviting people on LinkedIn for a coffee meeting, at some point a face to face discussion will need to take place.  Here’s where more planning needs to be done – preparing what to say.

Continue reading “Tell Me About Yourself (Developing a Networking Pitch)” →

Make It Happen

by thegoodlifecareers, posted in Personal Development

Make It HappenThe weather has been crazy hot here in Central Victoria and it can be hard to stay motivated.  I put together this inspirational quote for my Facebook page and, since posting it, I’ve achieved some great things:

  • I lined up an interview on local radio to promote my business
  • I set up a meaningful networking meeting
  • I encouraged my partner to lean in at an important work meeting and he got the result he wanted

I hope you’ve had some wins this week!

Cheers, Gen

Last Minute Interview Checklist

by thegoodlifecareers, posted in Career, Interview

checklistYour hard work in preparing an awesome job application has paid off and you are called up for an interview.  You know you can do the job, and are feeling confident about discussing what skills and experience you can bring to the role and the organisation.  Now, how do you keep your nerves in check in the lead up, to avoid that feeling of forgetting something?

Take a deep breath and get these details in order, then you’ll be stepping into the interview with an air of confidence:

  • Double check the time, date and location
  • Try on your interview outfit to make sure it’s clean, pressed and appropriate
  • Know who will be interviewing you and their role in the business
  • Prepare meaningful questions to ask the interviewer(s)
  • Research the company’s website to enable you to understand the business, such as services, locations, who’s who, core values and vision Continue reading “Last Minute Interview Checklist” →

Backing Yourself

by thegoodlifecareers, posted in Career, Personal Development

Confident RoosterWhen I was assessing my goals last year, a trusted advisor helped me realise that I wasn’t backing myself enough with my business.  She was right, and I thank her wholeheartedly for encouraging me to get serious, make some courageous decisions and act on them.

On reflection, my milestones for 2013 include creating a vision statement, a fresh logo and brand identity, monthly blog posts, a social media presence and a realistic marketing strategy.  The pay-offs have seen me help many local people with their job search skills plus my growing presence in the community as the person who helps job seekers achieve their career goals.

I find inspiration in the words of philosopher Henry David Thoreau: Go confidently in the direction of your dreams – live the life you’ve imagined!

My message for those looking for work or changing careers in 2014 is to never underestimate your potential, be positive in your approach and back yourself.  This will create the right energy to put you in a place to achieve what you want.  The opportunities are out there, so go for it!

Cheers, Gen

Ready, Set, Go! Let’s Get Organised

by thegoodlifecareers, posted in Career

Ready Set Get OrganisedSo, the countdown to Christmas is on. Typically, a busy time of year socially and in the work place where suddenly deadlines need to be met before people take holiday leave.  For job seekers it can be a time to get applications in before the quiet period starts. Here’s a tip – hopefully other job seekers are taking a break, thereby reducing the competition.

I won’t deny that I’m a list person and lately things have got a little out of hand.  We’re talking back of envelopes, whiteboard, post-it notes, notebook (Spirax, not Mac) and my iFriends ~ iPhone and iPad.  Earlier this week I even created an Excel spreadsheet thinking a weekly schedule will keep me moving forward with my business.  Unfortunately my multitude of lists has lead to a scattergun approach and some procrastination.  I was due to write this blog post two days ago!! Continue reading “Ready, Set, Go! Let’s Get Organised” →

Hitting the Target When Addressing Key Selection Criteria

by thegoodlifecareers, posted in Career, Key Selection Criteria

Targetsmall Australian Government job vacancies require applicants to submit responses to Key Selection Criteria (KSC) as part of their application process.  State and local government, community organisations and not for profits also ask for KSC responses.  Selection criteria can include skills, experience, qualifications, knowledge and attributes, and the hiring decision maker assesses your written responses to gauge level of competence or ability to perform in the role.

So how do you make sure you are on the mark when addressing Key Selection Criteria so you stand out above other applicants?  Take aim with these 5 tips: Continue reading “Hitting the Target When Addressing Key Selection Criteria” →