Author: Peter Billington

9 Things I Wish I Knew When I Started My Career

  1. Dream jobs are overrated.
  2. Work is just one aspect of our lives.
  3. Your team is not your family.
  4. Your manager is not your friend.
  5. Other people’s urgencies are not necessarily your emergencies.
  6. Longevity in a company doesn’t equal a salary raise.
  7. Don’t take business decisions personally.
  8. Maintain a professional image at work and avoid oversharing personal details.
  9. Being humble is great, but it’s important to speak up about your accomplishments so that your efforts are not unnoticed.

When I left school, I went straight into the catering industry working for a large hotel chain as a junior manager. At the time, this was my dream job and a great position to get right out of college. However, I quickly learned that the other managers and staff had very little time or patience to help me, and customers wanted to be served, not to tell me how to do my job. Since then, I’ve had many jobs: butler, salesman, tailor, and tutor. Through my experiences, I’ve come to learn a few things that I wish I had known when I first started my career.

Dream jobs are overrated.

It’s natural to have a dream job in mind, but it’s important to remember that not all dream jobs are what they seem. In fact, research has shown that people who have a fixed idea of their dream job can actually end up being less satisfied in their careers. Instead of focusing on a specific job title, it’s better to think about what kind of work makes you happy and fulfilled. As Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook, said: “What would you do if you weren’t afraid?”

My job is not my whole personality.

It’s easy to get wrapped up in our jobs and let them define us. However, it’s important to remember that work is just one aspect of our lives. It’s healthy to have hobbies, passions, and relationships outside of work. As actor Hugh Jackman said, “Your job doesn’t define you. It’s not who you are. It’s just what you do.”

My team is not my family.

It’s natural to want to feel a sense of belonging and camaraderie with your co-workers. However, it’s important to remember that your team is not your family. It’s okay to have boundaries and to not share everything with your colleagues. As management consultant Patrick Lencioni said, “The danger of being close to people at work is that it can be harder to be honest with them when they need feedback.”

My manager is not my friend.

It’s important to have a good relationship with your manager, but it’s equally important to remember that they are not your friend. They have a job to do, and it’s not always in your best interest. As author and speaker Simon Sinek said, “Leadership is not about being in charge. It’s about taking care of those in your charge.”

Other people’s urgencies are not my emergencies.

In a fast-paced work environment, it’s easy to feel like everything is urgent and needs to be done right away. However, it’s important to remember that other people’s urgencies are not necessarily your emergencies. It’s okay to prioritize your work and to communicate with others about what you can realistically accomplish. As author and productivity expert Tim Ferriss said, “Being busy is a form of laziness – lazy thinking and indiscriminate action.”

Longevity in a company doesn’t equal a salary raise.

It’s a common misconception that staying at a company for a long time automatically leads to a raise in salary. However, research has shown that job hopping can actually lead to higher pay in the long run. It’s important to keep your options open and to not become complacent in your current position. As entrepreneur and investor Mark Cuban said, “Always look for the job that you would take if you didn’t need a job.”

Some decisions shouldn’t be taken personally; it’s just business.

One of the toughest lessons to learn is not taking business decisions personally. There will be times when you don’t get that promotion, that raise or that assignment you were hoping for. It’s easy to take it as a personal insult or failure, but the reality is that it’s just business. Sometimes decisions are made for reasons that have nothing to do with you, and it’s important to keep that in mind.

As John Paul DeJoria, co-founder of Paul Mitchell hair products once said, “Business is not financial science, it’s about trading… buying and selling. It’s about creating a product or service so good that people will pay for it.”

Being too personal or oversharing

In the age of social media, it’s easy to blur the lines between personal and professional life. However, it’s important to maintain a professional image at work and avoid oversharing personal details. While it’s okay to have casual conversations with colleagues, sharing too much personal information can make others uncomfortable and affect your professional reputation. As media executive Arianna Huffington said, “We need to accept that we won’t always make the right decisions, that we’ll screw up royally sometimes – understanding that failure is not the opposite of success, it’s part of success.”

Being humble may only mean your efforts will not be noticed

Being humble is a great trait, but it’s important to remember that it doesn’t mean you should stay silent about your achievements. If you don’t speak up about your accomplishments, your efforts may go unnoticed, which could negatively impact your career growth. As entrepreneur Mark Cuban said, “Don’t follow your passion. Follow your effort. It will lead you to your passions and to success, however you define it.”

Starting a career can be a daunting and overwhelming experience, but it’s important to remember that it’s a journey, not a destination. There will be ups and downs, successes and failures, but it’s all part of the learning experience. By keeping in mind these important lessons, you can better navigate the challenges and set yourself up for a successful and fulfilling career. Remember, dream jobs are overrated, your job is not your whole personality, your team is not your family, your manager is not your friend, other people’s urgencies are not your emergencies, longevity in a company doesn’t equal a salary raise, some decisions shouldn’t be taken personally, being too personal or oversharing can affect your professional reputation, and being humble may only mean your efforts will not be noticed. As author Maya Angelou once said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Keep that in mind as you start your career, and strive to make a positive impact on those around you.”

#CareerAdvice #JobSearch #CareerGoals #ProfessionalDevelopment #CareerTips #WorkLifeBalance #JobInterview #Networking #CareerSuccess #ResumeTips #JobHunt #CareerChange #Leadership #WorkplaceCulture #JobMarket #JobOpening #CareerGrowth #Employment #JobOpportunity #JobFair #navigatingyourjob #firstjob #career

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New Graduates Beware: 5 Common Traps to Avoid in Your Career

From School to the Workplace and Surviving Your First Job

Starting your first job after school can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. While it’s natural to make mistakes along the way, some common pitfalls can be avoided with the right mindset and strategies. Here are five mistakes to avoid as you navigate your first job after school and how to identify if you are making them.

  1. Neglecting to set goals.

Failing to set clear goals for yourself can make it difficult to stay focused and motivated in your job. To identify if you are making this mistake, ask yourself if you have clear goals for your job and career. If you find yourself feeling aimless, unsure of what you want to achieve, or struggling to stay motivated, it may be time to set clear goals for yourself. Make sure to set both short-term and long-term goals and revisit them regularly to ensure you’re on track to achieving them.

Source: Forbes – The One Thing No One Tells You About Setting Goals for Your Career

  1. Being afraid to ask questions.

As a new employee, it’s natural to have questions about your job and the company. However, some people are afraid to ask for fear of appearing incompetent or bothering their colleagues. To identify if you are making this mistake, ask yourself if you have been hesitant to ask questions or seek help. If you find yourself struggling to understand tasks, unsure of what is expected of you, or making mistakes, it may be time to start asking more questions. Remember, it’s better to ask for help than to make costly errors.

Source: Inc – Why You Should Never Be Afraid to Ask Questions at Work

  1. Failing to manage your time effectively.

Effective time management is crucial for success in any job. To identify if you are making this mistake, ask yourself if you are consistently missing deadlines, feeling overwhelmed or stressed, or struggling to balance your workload. If you find yourself struggling to manage your time effectively, it may be time to prioritize your tasks, use a planner or calendar to stay organized, and avoid distractions as much as possible.

Source: Forbes – Why Time Management Is Ruining Our Lives

  1. Not seeking feedback.

Feedback is essential for growth and development in any career. To identify if you are making this mistake, ask yourself if you have been hesitant to seek feedback or if you have received little to no feedback on your performance. If you find yourself unsure of how you’re doing, lacking direction or guidance, or not progressing in your role, it may be time to seek feedback regularly and be open to constructive criticism.

Source: Fast Company – How to Ask for Feedback That Will Actually Help You Grow

  1. Neglecting your mental and physical health.

Starting a new job can be stressful and demanding, but neglecting your mental and physical health can lead to burnout, exhaustion, and poor performance. To identify if you are making this mistake, ask yourself if you are consistently feeling stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed. If you find yourself neglecting your self-care needs, such as getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising regularly, or taking breaks when you need them, then stop and work out how you can start to implement them into your day.

Remember, work does not define you and you can always move on to better things. We hope you have a great first experience in work and find your place quickly.

#firstjob #careeradvice #careertips #jobtips #workplace #goals #timemanagement #feedback #selfcare #mentalhealth

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5 Tips for Starting Your First Job and Succeeding in Your Career

Begging Work and Getting it Right First Time.

As you prepare to leave school and enter the workforce, you may feel excited, nervous, and unsure of what to expect. But with the right mindset and strategies, you can set yourself up for success in your career. Here are five tips to help you navigate your first job after school and beyond.

Build strong relationships with colleagues and mentors.

One of the most important things you can do in your first job is to build strong relationships with your colleagues and mentors. Having a strong network can help you navigate challenges, learn new skills, and advance in your career. According to a study by LinkedIn, 85% of jobs are filled through networking, so taking the time to build relationships can pay off in the long run. To build strong relationships, be a good listener, express interest in your colleagues’ work, and offer to help when you can.

Source: https://business.linkedin.com/talent-solutions/resources/talent-acquisition/using-linkedin-to-find-job-candidates

Continuously learn and improve your skills.

Continuously learning and improving your skills is crucial for success in any career. In today’s rapidly changing world, staying relevant in your field requires ongoing learning and development. Attend conferences, take courses, read industry publications, and seek out new experiences and challenges. According to a study by the World Economic Forum, 54% of all employees will require significant reskilling by 2022, so investing in your skills can help you stay ahead of the curve.

Source: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/01/future-of-jobs-report-2020/

Communicate effectively with colleagues and managers.

Effective communication is crucial in the workplace, and it’s important to develop strong communication skills early in your career. This includes being a good listener, expressing yourself clearly, and avoiding misunderstandings. According to a survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, employers rank communication skills as the most important skill they look for in new hires, so honing your communication skills can give you a competitive edge.

Source: https://www.naceweb.org/job-market/graduate-outcomes/soft-skills-college-grads-need-to-get-a-job/

Take initiative and be proactive.

Taking initiative and being proactive in your work can demonstrate your value to your employer and help you stand out from your peers. Seek out new opportunities, take on additional responsibilities, and demonstrate a willingness to learn and grow. According to a study by LinkedIn, 80% of professionals believe that taking initiative is important for career success.

Source: https://business.linkedin.com/talent-solutions/blog/trends-and-research/2019/soft-skills-that-companies-need-most

Be resilient and adaptable.

The workplace is constantly changing, and the ability to adapt to new situations and bounce back from setbacks is important for success. Focus on developing resilience and adaptability by cultivating a growth mindset, seeking feedback, and learning from mistakes. According to a survey by the Society for Human Resource Management, adaptability and flexibility are two of the most important soft skills employers look for in new hires.

Source: https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/hr-topics/behavioral-competencies/global-and-cultural-effectiveness/Pages/Adaptability-and-Flexibility.aspx

In conclusion, starting your first job after school can be a daunting task, but with the right mindset and strategies, you can set yourself up for success in your career.

FirstJobAfterSchool #CareerAdvice #NewGraduate #SuccessTips #ProfessionalDevelopment #GoalSetting #EffectiveCommunication #Mentorship #TimeManagement #SelfCare

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Volunteering for Success

How Community Involvement Can Help You Stand Out to Employers

As someone who’s volunteered extensively as a scout leader (that’s me cooking on camp!), I’m here to share with you the benefits of volunteering and how it can make a real difference to your job prospects and career path.

Volunteering offers a wealth of opportunities to develop valuable skills that are highly transferable and can be applied to a wide range of jobs and industries. Whether you work with children, animals, or the environment, volunteering can help you gain skills in leadership, teamwork, and communication that will benefit you throughout your career. (Check out the importance of “soft skills”) 

But the benefits don’t stop there – volunteering can also help you build a strong professional network. By working alongside other volunteers and professionals in your community, you can make meaningful connections and potentially open doors to new job opportunities. In fact, a survey by Deloitte found that 82% of hiring managers prefer to hire candidates with volunteering experience on their resumes. (Read “The power of networking”)

Now, I know that time is precious, especially when you’re just starting out in your career. But here’s the good news – volunteering doesn’t have to be a huge time commitment. Even just a few hours a month can make a difference and help you gain valuable experience and connections.

As a scout leader, I’ve seen first-hand the benefits that volunteering can bring. Through my involvement in Scouts, I gained skills in organization, leadership, and communication that have helped me in my professional life. And by volunteering in my community, I’ve met other volunteers who are professionals in a variety of industries, which has helped me build my own professional network.

But don’t just take my word for it – research shows that volunteering can have a real impact on your job prospects and career path. In fact, a study by the Corporation for National and Community Service found that volunteers are 27% more likely to find a job after being out of work than non-volunteers.

So, if you’re a school leaver or young professional looking to boost your job prospects and enhance your skills, consider volunteering in your community. It’s a great way to make a difference while also building a strong foundation for your future career. And who knows – you may even discover a new passion or career path along the way!

In conclusion, volunteering can be a valuable asset in your professional life. It can help you gain skills, build your network, and enhance your employability. So, take the leap and start making a difference today – you won’t regret it!

#volunteering #giveback #communityservice #careerdevelopment #jobsearch #networking #employability #skillbuilding #youthdevelopment #makeadifference

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The Power of Networking: How to Expand Your Career Opportunities

Why Networking is Key to Career Success and Tips and Strategies for Effective Networking

As a career coach with over a decade of experience, I’ve seen first-hand the importance of networking for career success. It’s not just about who you know, but about building meaningful relationships with others in your industry or field. In fact, research shows that up to 85% of jobs are filled through networking.

Networking therefore is a crucial aspect of building a successful career, but what exactly does it mean? In simple terms, networking refers to the process of making connections and building relationships with people who may be able to offer you professional opportunities, advice, or support. These connections can be made through a variety of channels, such as industry events, social media, or personal referrals. In this post, we’ll explore why networking is important for your career and share some tips on how to get started.

Networking can take many forms, from attending industry events and conferences to reaching out to alumni from your university or college. It’s about making connections and staying top of mind with those who may be able to help you in the future. And with the rise of social media platforms like LinkedIn, it’s easier than ever to connect with professionals in your field.

But effective networking isn’t just about collecting business cards and sending out generic emails. It’s about building relationships and providing value to others. That means being genuine, showing interest in others’ work, and finding ways to help them achieve their goals. It’s about giving as much as you receive.

If you’re new to networking, it can be intimidating at first. But with some practice and the right mindset, anyone can become an effective networker. Some tips and strategies for successful networking include:

  • Setting clear goals for what you want to achieve through networking
  • Being authentic and building genuine relationships with others
  • Following up with contacts and maintaining ongoing communication
  • Giving back by providing value to others and helping them achieve their goals
  • Staying organized and keeping track of your contacts and conversations

Remember, networking is an ongoing process that requires effort and dedication. But by investing in your network, you can expand your career opportunities and achieve greater success in your professional life.

#networking #careersuccess #careeradvice #jobsearch #professionaldevelopment #jobnetworking #jobmarket #jobopportunities #careercoach #careeradviceforstudents

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10 Soft Skills Employers Look for in 2023.

Why mastering these skills is crucial for career success in the new job market.

Starting a career can be daunting, especially for young adults who are just about to leave school or have just started their professional journey. As someone who has been a career coach for over a decade, I have seen first-hand how the job market has evolved and how important it is for school leavers and first-time job hunters to be equipped with the right skills to succeed.

As we look to the future, the job market is bound to change in ways that we can’t even begin to imagine. But one thing we know for sure is that soft skills will always be in demand. With the rise of apps like ChatGPT, who knows what jobs we’ll be doing in a few years, but one thing we do know is that mastering these 10 soft skills will give you a leg up in the new job market.

Now, I know what you’re thinking, “But I’m not a softie, I’m a tough, no-nonsense businessperson.” Well think again! According to research, these soft skills are crucial for success in the workplace.

  1. Communication Skills: Sure, you can have all the technical skills in the world, but if you can’t communicate effectively, you’re going nowhere fast. And it’s not just me saying this – a survey by NACE found that 73.4% of employers consider communication skills to be the most important quality in job candidates. You need to be able to articulate your ideas, listen actively, and communicate with people at all levels of the organization.
  2. Critical Thinking: You need to be able to analyse information, make decisions, and evaluate outcomes. And guess what? According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs report, critical thinking and problem-solving are among the top 10 skills needed for the future workforce. So, if you want to be a valuable asset to any company, sharpen those critical thinking skills!
  3. Adaptability: In today’s fast-paced job market, being able to adapt to new challenges and changing circumstances is essential. And you don’t have to take my word for it – a report by McKinsey Global Institute predicts that up to 375 million workers worldwide may need to switch occupational categories and learn new skills by 2030. So, it’s time to be flexible and adaptable, folks!
  4. Teamwork: You need to be able to collaborate and communicate effectively with others, and contribute to achieving shared goals. According to a LinkedIn survey, 80% of professionals believe that networking and building relationships are important to career success.
  5. Time management is also crucial. You need to be able to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and manage your workload efficiently. And if you’re constantly late, beware! According to a survey by CareerBuilder, 29% of employers say that tardiness is the top productivity killer in the workplace.
  6. Leadership: Even if you’re not in a management position, leadership skills are important. According to a study by Deloitte, leadership is the most important talent issue facing organizations today. Employers value candidates who can take initiative, motivate others, and drive change.
  7. Digital Literacy: Technology is a crucial part of most jobs today. According to a report by Burning Glass Technologies, there is a digital skills gap in the workforce, with more jobs requiring digital skills than workers who possess them. You need to be proficient in using basic software and tools and be able to learn and adapt to new technologies.
  8. Emotional Intelligence: Emotional intelligence involves being aware of and managing your own emotions, as well as understanding and empathizing with others. According to a study by TalentSmart, emotional intelligence is responsible for 58% of a leader’s job performance. Employers value candidates who can work well with others, manage conflicts, and maintain positive relationships.
  9. Creativity is the top-rated skill sought by employers, according to a report by the Conference Board. You need to be able to come up with new and innovative ideas, and think outside the box. Employers value candidates who can bring fresh perspectives and contribute to creative problem-solving.
  10. Professionalism: Professionalism involves demonstrating the appropriate behaviour, attitude, and appearance in the workplace. According to a survey by Accountemps, 93% of executives say that a person’s attire at work influences his or her chances of promotion. You need to be punctual, reliable, and respectful of others.

In conclusion, starting your career can be challenging, but by developing these essential skills, you can increase your chances of success in the workplace. Remember the wise words of Albert Einstein, The measure of intelligence is the ability to change”, so continue to learn and develop these skills throughout your career.

#softskills #careersuccess #jobmarket #communication #criticalthinking #adaptability #teamwork #timemanagement #leadership #digitalliteracy #emotionalintelligence #creativity #professionalism

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