Archive for September, 2008

Career Coaching Workshop in Dublin – Reminder!!

Monday, September 29th, 2008

Career Coaching Workshop – Dublin 18th October

Just a quick post to say that there are still spaces available at the Career Coaching workshop which will be run by Paul Mullan & Jane Downes on 18th October in Dublin 2.

For more information on content and the coaches read career coaching.

Any queries email paul@measurability.ie.

FACEBOOK + SICK DAY BOASTING = SACK

Thursday, September 25th, 2008

If you are going to pull a sick day then it is probably best not to write about it on Facebook. Remember this is like walking down Grafton street with a banner telling everyone what you are doing.

A recent study indicated that employers are increasingly spying on personal websites like Facebook to find out what workers are doing. By all reports this investigation is legitimate as the Office of the Data Commissioner has warned employees there is little legal protection if they publish this stuff online.

The survey indicated that 83pc of employers surveyed said they monitored Facebook pages to check the validity of absences, while 67pc said they then disciplined staff.

So if you are going to pull a sickie then wrap up in your duvet and watch some Oprah. Remember to say offline.

Job Interviews Ireland

Redundancy in Ireland – New Survey indicates worst still to come.

Wednesday, September 17th, 2008

According to a new survey 20% of companies indicated that they are likely to let staff go over the next year. This survey collected the views of 100 companies in Ireland ranging from multinationals to SME’s. Did we really need this survey to tell us what we already know?

Yes redundancies are coming thick and fast in Ireland. I would point out though that redundancy is a thing we will have to accept as part of the employment landscape. Employers can no longer afford to stand still and employees the same. Both need to be constantly reinventing themselves to stay ahead of the competition.

The survey goes on to indicate that there will be more competition for jobseekers and that employers have said that they are experiencing an increase in the number of CV’s sent in the first 6 months of the year. This is stating the obvious but is in fact very true. Jobseekers need to equip themselves for a competitive job market ensuring that the have impact CV’s to stand out in the crowd and effective interview skills to land the job.

The final point of the article indicated that employees should stay put and ride out the storm. I would not agree with this point so much. You see there are excellent opportunities in a downturn. Yes we read the stories about job loss but we do not read the stories about employers hiring key staff to help them through this tough period. Recession or a downturn can provide plenty of opportunities for companies and individuals if you look for them and more importantly take action. Many companies come out of a downturn in a much better position. Equally individuals can gain in these tough times.

Some years I read an interesting comment in a business book – “there is a recession but I have decided not to take part.” This comment is worth some thought.

CARS, TOLLS, CONJESTION, COMMUTING – Interesting facts!!

Thursday, September 4th, 2008

Commuting and congestion is a serious topic with workers but as it is Friday tomorrow I though I would post something light about the topic. A few driving points to consider when you are stuck in traffic (not my points before you complain!!)

Women in Ireland cause more traffic congestion then men. Not because they are worse driver but because they are more likely to be in the car. Women are likely to use their car to travel to work, to go to the supermarket, to pick up dry cleaning and dropping children to school.

Women also get more abuse on the roads from men and other women. Men and women are more likely to beep at women.

Finally the level of corruption in a country can be linked to safety on its roads (interesting). This point is backed up by the fact that Norway, New Zealand and Sweden are least corrupt and have the safest roads.

On the subject of roads and cars …..

Why do women not acknowledge when you show them courtesy on the road? A little hand salute or the hazard lights would be nice.

Why do so many drivers stubbornly insist on staying in the fast lane when they have a queue of cars behind? (My pet hate on the road)

Redundancy Ireland – Government, Employers & Outplacement Services

Wednesday, September 3rd, 2008

Department of Trade and Enterprise figures show that there have been 23,545 official redundancies in Ireland so far this year. In August there were 3,181 redundancies with construction, manufacturing and services seriously hit. One article I read on this topic indicated that we need to take this more seriously particularly the government. Stating the obvious. I don’t doubt that the government is doing all it can to reverse the trend.

I have an issue with companies not supporting workers affected by redundancy. Most offer the minimum severance with little formal redundancy support. Quite often these are workers who have shown great loyalty to their employer (unlike footballers). I work with many individuals who have suffered redundancy and it is a tough situation to be. Ok many can cope but there are others who need much support to move on.

Outplacement Services can help these individuals BUT also paint companies in a positive light in the community and especially with those workers who remain at the company. It really is a win-win situation. Obviously some companies are starting to realise this as outplacement queries have increased. There are however many companies that can certainly afford such services but instead chose to ingnore the option showing little concern for their workers.

Have you been affected by redundancy? Did your employer help?

Please post and we can highlight positive redundancy news.

Career Workshop in Dublin – 18th October!!

Tuesday, September 2nd, 2008

It is estimated that 80% of Irish workers are unhappy in their career. Unfortunately many of these workers accept this situation. Few take action to seek career satisfaction. This workshop can help you on the road to a more suitable career ….

WORKSHOP CONTENT

Career clarity & career direction
Career planning
Expert advice to market yourself – CV’s & Cover Letters
In-depth understanding of Job Search strategies

ABOUT THE WORKSHOP FACILITATORS

Jane Downes of Clearview Coaching Group www.clearviewcoachgroup.com and Paul Mullan of Measurability www.measurability.ie are two of Irelands leading Career Coaches helping jobseekers across Ireland successfully navigate career hurdles.

WORKSHOP INFORMATION

Location: Dublin City (D2)
Date: 18th October
Time: 10.00 – 2.00

For more information email info@measurability.ie or post a comment