7 Common Misconceptions About Job Hunting

7 Common Misconceptions About Job Hunting There are quite a lot of common job hunting myths that are frequently repeated, from outdated advice, to the downright absurd. Unfortunately, some of them  could be holding you back in finding a job if you take them too seriously, so its good to know what is true and whats not. Here are 7 of the most widespread myths [courtesy of Wiley] about your job search, that are best to ignore. 1) Being unemployed is a disadvantage when looking for a new job. Its a common perception that its easier to get a job when youre already in a job, as you are then regarded as a sought after employee. This isnt necessarily the case, as employers understand that there any a number of reasons why an individual may be out of a job and it doesnt necessarily mean they are a bad worker. 2) You should put your full effort into every job lead. Its important to put the time in to personalise and tailor each job application for particular roles, but if you do this for every single job vacancy you come across you will soon lose motivation. Its good to place focus and effort on the roles you are genuinely interested in. Its important to prioritise the leads that are most likely to lead to an offer you would accept. 3) Job hunting is more difficult than a job itself. Your job search can be extremely stressful, however if you stay organised, focused and disciplined it doesnt have to be as difficult as you initially think. 4) When unemployed you should accept the first offer. If youve been out of work for a while, you could be feeling desperate to land a role, but this doesnt mean you should accept the first job that comes along if you dont feel its right for you. Keeping this in mind, there are times when you may have to take a job that you are not 100% thrilled about, but just consider it a stepping stone. Temporary work or freelancing could be the answer if you want to carry on your job hunt. 5) Its not what you know, its who you know. Industry contacts can be invaluable in your job hunt, but knowing the right people isnt the be all and end all. Networking should be part of your job search strategy, so if you begin without any connections this doesnt need to be a disadvantage, as you can make them as you go on. 6) Being good at interviews is the most important skill. First impressions can have a big influence on your job search and coming across as confident and self-assured in your interview will certainly help. However, to get to the interview stage you have to know how to  convert job leads to set the ball rolling. 7) The only person you can depend on is yourself. Dont ever hesitate to ask from help when you need it. Friends, family, industry contacts and even recruiters can often provide you with the support you require  to succeed in your job search. Think about how certain people could assist you and dont forget to show gratitude when they do. [Image Credit: Shutterstock]

How to Conduct an Effective Leadership Training - CareerMetis.com

How to Conduct an Effective Leadership Training During my college days we were asked a question “what quality should a good manager possess?” there were more than 50 qualities that were named in the classroom, but the one that stood apart and everyone agreed on was “Leadership skill”.Today the organization world is moving towards developing a new skill in the manager employees and that new skill is non-other than leadership. Everyone agrees that a good leader is an efficient manager.evalThe effectiveness of an organization or any project depends on the leadership skills of the individual, to a large extent. Some individuals possess innate leadership qualities while in others we have to develop them.There are many types of trainings that are now conducted to develop and to submerge the sentimental, practical and theoretical aspects of the leadership in an individual.An effective leader can increase productivity and retention rate in the employee.If you are someone who aims to conduct a leadership training skill then followi ng the detailed procedure will assist you in conducting effective leadership training:1. Plan the TrainingevalDevelop an outline of the workshop that is to be held based on the initial information you have about the organization and the potential candidates that the human resource department provided you with.Set out the participant’s prior experience with leadership development and identify the gap. Set out the skill that each participant needs to develop.A comprehensive action plans help us cater to the need of individuals in a more productive and efficient way.2. Send Invites for the TrainingevalDraft a letter and send to the participants that communicated the purpose of the training along with the date, time and venue where the training is to take place. Also, request them to acknowledge it to confirm their participation.3. Before Training PreparationsDecide on how group size you want, it is suggested to hold not more than 20 participants. Give consideration to the time that i s to be invested, training methods to be used, materials and equipment if required along with venue setup whether it will be in-house or conducted externally.You need to make sure that if there is a use of audio-visual, the speakers are available at the venue and if not the arrangements should be made beforehand.4. Organize the TrainingCreate a timeline of the training that is to be held. Keeping the training activities sequential and chronological is essential regardless of the method that is adopted. It helps in managing time effectively.evalAllot time for each activity, question answer, refreshment, and team activities so that everything follows a timeline.5. The IntroductionevalThe first step is to introduce yourself as a trainer and the qualification that makes you a leadership expert. Secondly, elaborate the participants what the goal of the workshop is. You can also ask the participants what they expect of the workshop and plan to achieve through it.Explain to them the arrang ement or the pattern in which the workshop will be conducted. It includes the activities, beginning and ending time, refreshment and how to respond to instructions. Explain them the principles of leadership, who he serves, techniques for developing power and effective attribute of leader.Nurturance upon this is fundamental for them to recognize the qualities they possess. Tell them about the main portion, explain key points, demonstrate procedures and explain them the purpose of multimedia. Use ice-breakers when starting the training, this helps in engaging the trainee and in building a perspective that he is not going to doze off during the training.6. During the TrainingAfter delivering an engaging start introduce activities that awake the leader in them. The trainer can go for forming IDEA teams, leadership shield or walk and talk method. These methods are really effective in building the leadership skills in the individual. The activities can take place individually or in teams. The trainer can use the Exhibit Hall which encourages the participant’s to share their knowledge and experience. Introduce walk and talk activity in the middle of the workshop because participants tend to run out of energy halfway.The trainer should also demonstrate the uncertainties that they will have to face as leaders and what method or type of behavior and attitude is require in tailoring it.Explain thing in terms of what should he do and what he should not. Assist them in clearing the strategies they adopt if they create conflicting priorities.7. Ending Stage of the TrainingThe trainer can use different methods to find out what the participants have learned from the training. He can opt for the Word Scrabble activity or can ask them to do some journaling through Dear Diary activities.evalThe closure of the training should be made fun. As a trainer, you should ensure that you not only uncover the tools but also give the participant a chance to practice those tools in a fun an d engaging way.8. Evaluate and ReviseTo evaluate the understanding that the participant has gained we can introduce a questionnaire. The questionnaire can include background questions, situation questions or open questions.If participants are talking to each other to verify information, if that is the case than repeat the key information to illustrate your point.9. FeedbackTrainer need to handover a feedback form to the participants, this helps trainers discover the lacking in the training and the aspects that he needs to focus upon. The feedback form also determines those activities that actually engaged and made a difference in the leadership skill for which the training was conducted.These tips will help you in conducting a training smoothly and developing the leadership skills in the candidates. The chances of success of a project increase by a good margin if one undergoes the leadership training.evalWell-defined leadership training allows us to attain optimum output from the or ganizational talent.The training ensures that the company has strong leaders that are essential to the organizational success because leaders are the one that are best drives the performance of the business.