23/06/2007 by admin.

Your job is what you make of it.  If you spend all the time you are at work just watching the clock waiting for home time, then your job will feel like a prison sentence. Try and approach your job with enthusiasm. Be proactive. Ask for extra responsibility if you feel you can cope with it. Start a newsletter, make some information leaflets, do something. Iniatiative will be rewarded, and you will advance faster in your career than someone who always sits back and waits to be asked. Having a positive attitude about your career will have a good effect on your working relationships too, as well as your stress levels, overall health and spirit. 

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23/06/2007 by admin.

Most  vacancies require the completion of an application form but only a portion of the hopeful applicants get invited to interview. So how do you make sure that you are one of the lucky ones?   

Application forms are used as a way of standardizing the information employers receive from all applicants. Allow yourself plenty of time to fill the form in – you will probably need about 2 – 3 hours. Read it carefully so that you understand exactly what the employer is looking for and which questions overlap. Do your first draft on a photocopy of the form and don’t start to fill in the original until you are certain you have got the information right.   

Research the employer and the actual job description thoroughly. Use the right keywords - look for clues in the job description as to what the employer wants. Next identify your relevant skills, experience and qualifications then tailor your application to the requirements of the post.   

You will need the same information that you used to write your C.V. so it’s a good idea to keep it updated so that it’s always readily available for reference. Occasionally you will be asked to send your C.V. along as well as the application form. If so then ensure that all information is consistent and that all dates, names and other details coincide.   

Include a cover letter with your form, but keep it brief, never more than a page, and use it to highlight particular skills or qualifications. It can also be used to emphasise the more important points if there is not enough space on the form.   

Cover letters and C.V.s should be typed though hand-written application forms are usually perfectly acceptable. Keep a photocopy of the finished form as it will be useful reminder of what you have told them when you go to the interview.   

The personal statement is the part that many people find the hardest to complete.  Often asking about experience, training, voluntary or unpaid work, this is your opportunity to sell yourself. Remember the skills and qualities the employer is looking for and use the personal statement to offer more evidence that makes you the ideal person for the job.  Make it personal – the worst thing you can do is just write a statement that anybody could write. Try and add a hint of personality into what you write but don’t waffle. Address each point in the person specification and elaborate on key relevant points.   

If you lack experience or knowledge in relation to what’s required then consider how you can compensate for this. Think about different jobs or hobbies where you have gained skills in areas such as team working, leadership or showing that you have initiative. Time out to bring up a family can help you develop skills in multi-tasking and negotiation. Consider all details carefully before dismissing anything as irrelevant.   

Avoid making lists. If you are asked about your interests give details as to the extent you are involved in them and any clubs or societies that you are a member of. Don’t leave any blank spaces because they can make an application look half-hearted.   

Carefully choose your referees. One of these will nearly always be your current employer, or a tutor if you have just left school or college. Always ask their permission before adding their names, so that they will be more prepared when approached by your potential employer; and they will be more likely to give a considered and positive appraisal of your work.   

Always keep in the back of your mind the reason for filling in the application form – to get you an interview. When you have completed your draft application ask yourself “If I was the recruiter and I read this application would I want to meet this person?” If the answer is no then consider why not, and what the form is lacking. If necessary throw it away and start again.   

Always do a final check before sending your application off. Make sure that there are no spelling or grammatical errors. Use black ink because it will be clearer if the form has to be photocopied. Avoid any crossings out or large splodges of correcting fluid. If you do make a mess of the original form, if you’ve got time try and get another form.   

It’s worth taking the time to get it right because you will maximise your impact and increase your chance of getting to that interview.   

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23/06/2007 by admin.

One of the best types of listening to do is listening to feedback - and being able to respond appropriately.  Even positive feedback can make some people squirm. Some people just don’t know how to take a compliment.  

Even if you don’t think that your presentation, for example, didn’t go very well, if someone compliments you on your work, instead of saying “Oh no, it was awful”, just smile and say thank you. If you can’t accept compliments eventually people will stop giving them. 

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11/06/2007 by admin.

According to a new report, workers want a siesta during the day to help them recharge their batteries. A survey of 4,300 adults by budget hotel chain Travelodge showed that most believe 40 winks during the working day would be beneficial to body and mind and would help them to become more productive.  

One in four of those polled said they would want shops to close if the siesta became part of the British way of life. Wayne Munnelly, director of sleep at Travelodge said: “Individuals should build in a few minutes ‘downtime’ each day to recharge batteries.”  

In response to the findings, Travelodge hoisted the siesta campaign flag by installing hammocks at its head office last week so that weary staff could enjoy a short afternoon rest. Professor Jim Horne, of the Sleep Research Centre at Loughborough University, commented: “A nap is nature’s way of overcoming that afternoon ‘dip’ in energy levels when we find it difficult to concentrate and think clearly, leading to mistakes.  

“A short nap will restore alertness and improve productivity.” 

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11/06/2007 by admin.

Traditionally the ‘honour’ of making a speech and proposing a toast rests with the groom, best man and father of the bride, but increasingly the bride is likely to say a few words - usually between the groom’s and best man’s speeches. These speeches have specific functions: the father of the bride speaks first and toasts the bride and groom; the groom thanks the guests for coming and toasts the bridesmaids; the best man rounds things off by replying on behalf of the bridesmaids and making the much anticipated final speech.

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11/06/2007 by admin.

Your dog is part of your family and you’d love to have him at your wedding and include him in the photographs. But you don’t want him getting under people’s feet, or have to be constantly checking where he is. What do you do?

The solution is easy. If you contact Paul from Barking Mad in Wrexham, Paul, or his partner Sharon, will collect your dog from home and take him to the reception for the photographs, then return him home. Paul can also arrange for your dog to stay in a private home while you are on honeymoon.

If you would like more information on Barking Mad click here or contact Paul or Sharon on 01978 314792 or by email.

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08/06/2007 by admin.

In a traditional Church of England ceremony, the bride and groom speak in front of the congregation on three occasions. First, they vow to love, comfort, honour and protect each other. Next, they recite the age-old words that begin "To have and to hold…", and then they exchange rings "With this ring I honour you…". These are all legal requirements, but you may be able to write your own vows or promises, so check with your minister. The old promise to obey is often left out…

In a civil ceremony, much depends on where you want to marry. If you opt for the 20 minute, register office ceremony, it offers very little scope in terms of music, readings and vows. The two statuatory declarations may be followed by a short reading but it cannot have any religious overtones. In licenced premises on the other hand, you can introduce personalised vows and readings, though again, they can’t have any religious content.

Useful links:

Wrexham Churches

Wrexham Wedding venues

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07/06/2007 by admin.

A new report out yesterday says that conflict in the workplace is rife with one in three workers clashing with a colleague every week.  The survey of 1000 workers by law firm Eversheds showed that most workers believe conflict is bad for their health. It is the younger workers are most likely to be at odds with someone they share an office with. 

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03/06/2007 by admin.

Mortgage Network UK offers a personal approach to a professional service.

A totally independent mortgage solutions sourcing company, we specialise in adverse, flexible and right to buy mortgages.

We provide an efficient and comprehensive service for your entire mortgage needs.Whether you are buying a house, or you just want to remortgage for a better deal, contact Bill at Mortgage Network UK.

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03/06/2007 by admin.

In the run up to the wedding it can feel like the final invoices are arriving fast and furious.

Weddings are an expensive occasion with the average cost being £17,000.

The earlier that you start a savings plan for any lump sum capital expenditure, the lower the monthly saving required.

Any plan that you take out should be tax efficient, such as a Friendly Society Bond, a tax exempt savings planin which £25 per month per individual can be invested. When it matures the proceeds are free from income tax and capital gains tax.

For capital sums a parent or grandparent may gift £5,000 and £2,500 respectively in consideration of marriage, as these are treated as tax exempt gifts for inheritance tax.

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