Are you looking for a new job, making a career change, or just starting out? To boost your chances of success, it’s essential to think about your transferable skills.  But what are transferable skills, and why do they matter? Let’s explore these valuable assets with examples to help you understand how these skills can elevate … The post Understanding transferable skills: Boost your job applications appeared first on Viewpoint - careers advice blog ..read more

Having left England to work in several countries over the past 25 years, it’s fair to say that I’ve had to adapt in a number of ways. First and foremost, wherever I’ve been, I’ve had to reevaluate the way I communicate.  In fact, I’d say that many of the challenges I expected to face each … The post How to improve communication skills in 10 steps appeared first on Viewpoint - careers advice blog ..read more

Even though I enjoy my holidays, I consider myself very fortunate to love my job too. Having rested up and recharged over a vacation, I’m not ashamed to say that part of me looks forward to getting back to work, reconnecting with colleagues and tackling the next challenge. That doesn’t mean that I don’t sometimes … The post Back to work with the post-holiday blues? It might be time for a new job appeared first on Viewpoint - careers advice blog ..read more

Knowing how to work well as a team and being able to collaborate is a vital part of any work environment. As such, effective teamwork is one of the many soft skills that can help you to succeed in your career.   For some, these important teamwork skills come naturally. For others, being an effective team … The post 5 Ways to Improve Your Collaboration Skills appeared first on Viewpoint - careers advice blog ..read more

The first day at a new job can be both daunting and exciting. You want to make a good first impression and set the ground running for a smooth transition to the organisation.   This guide will help you prepare for this important day. Our complete checklist includes what to bring, questions to ask and expectations … The post A full checklist for success on your first day at work appeared first on Viewpoint - careers advice blog ..read more

Leaving a company for a new opportunity can be exciting for many reasons. In your new role you may be moving up the career ladder, increasing your pay or developing your skills.  Even though you are looking to the future there is still plenty to do at your current role. It’s important to make sure … The post How to write a farewell note for your boss appeared first on Viewpoint - careers advice blog ..read more

A lucrative market awaits people pursuing a career as a contractor. People with the right specialist skills can find work in a lot of organisations and enjoy plenty of benefits.  In this blog, you’ll learn all about the world of contracting. We discuss everything from the benefits of being a contractor to the skills you’ll need and how to take your first steps.    What are the benefits of working as a contractor?   According to the respondents to a recent Hays poll on LinkedIn, the main benefit is getting to be your own boss. As an independent contractor, you can choose where y ..read more

First impressions matter, especially in the workplace. But if you’re feeling nervous about starting a new job, there are plenty of ways to make sure your first day nerves don’t get the best of you.   With our expert tips, you’ll be able to put your best foot forward with confidence.  What are new job nerves?  If you feel a sense of nervousness or trepidation before starting a new job, you may be experiencing new job nerves. You might be worrying about fitting in with your new colleagues or whether your performance will be of a high enough standard.   Remember tha ..read more

Has an employee come to you asking for a recommendation letter ahead of starting a new role? How are you going to make sure you give them the best reference possible? Alternatively, what if you’re unwilling to write a positive reference letter when the employee hasn’t impressed you? Is there a way that you can fulfil your role as a referee without compromising your professionalism. If you find yourself in either position, you’re not the first person to wonder how to go about things. Here’s our handy guide to writing a recommendation letter for an employee, along with samples. If you’re asking ..read more

If you’re planning on leaving your current job, you might be worried that asking for references will be awkward. It might involve speaking to someone you’re about to leave behind, or reconnecting with former colleagues you’ve not communicated with in years.  However, there’s a right way to go about things that will leave all parties satisfied. You’ll not only receive a reference, but also maintain strong professional relationships for the future. With this in mind, let’s look at how to ask for a letter of recommendation or reference.  What is a reference letter or letter of recommen ..read more