news
Thursday, January 5th, 2012
“I need a new computer!”; “I need to move house!” “I need a haircut!” “I need a holiday!!”
So many ‘needs’ – and in almost every case they are blindingly obvious: your computer will have ceased to function properly; your neighbours are annoying; you’ve just noticed yourself in the mirror; you have ceased to function properly. So why is it that so many people fail to recognise in themselves a need for Career Management?
As with so many ‘givens’ in life, we tend to manage those aspects which, traditionally, we know will come under the general heading of “Life Management”: managing your finances; managing your household; managing your children’s education. But when it comes to managing your career (career management), actually very few see this as something which is just as important as all the others. If not more so.
We tend to ‘muddle through’ and of course we all know those ‘lucky’ people who, when asked, will say that they have the best job in the world – “…and I’m actually being paid to do it!”. But how much of that is luck, and how much good judgement? The famous golfer, Gary Player, was once asked how much luck played a part in his success, to which he responded with the classic line: “Well I don’t know, but it seems the more I practice, the luckier I get.”
Very few people can say they have the best job in the world, but with help and guidance, they will almost certainly be able to improve their situation and achieve a role which is more satisfying, rewarding, and with better long-term prospects. And just as all the top sportsmen or women in the world (even Gary!) will have taken tuition and mentoring from the very best coaches to improve not only their skills, but their mental outlook, so those who genuinely wish to enhance their career should seek guidance from those who are professionally qualified to provide it. And do it well.
The question was simple: “How do I know I need it?” The answer is equally simple: unless you can say, honestly, that your career is following exactly the track you envisaged when you first started, that you really do enjoy your work, are being paid what you had originally hoped for and that your future prospects are excellent, then it stands to reason that you will benefit (possibly hugely) from career management, provided by the professionals at TCMO. We will always take a genuine interest in you as an individual and offer precisely the guidance to help you to make that very important career move.
So, like Gary Player, don’t depend on luck; take control of your game – and achieve!
Career Management just might be the right thing for you.
Thursday, January 5th, 2012
To many people the concept of Career Management is something of a mystery, or else they have only a rough idea of what it’s all about. If you were to ask a total stranger what they thought it was, you can guarantee that they would say: “Yes, it’s really just re-writing your CV and telling you who to approach and stuff like that.” Which is rather like saying the internet is “…just a sort of communications thing”.
The key word here is Management and, in every sense, management of an individual’s needs – not a ‘catch-all’ solution delivered by seminar (which, despite the quality of the presenter, will always leave specific questions in the mind of each participant). So whereas the contents of the CV will be pivotal in forming any career management programme, it is still only a fraction of what that whole programme will entail; there is much more to it than that.
Of course there are those who do provide a CV writing service, which, on its own, can be useful to someone who is looking for nothing further. However career management, as the name suggests , addresses the entire process of how you can enhance your career substantially, and thereby take control of your future. It’s a complete career enhancing package.
So what does it cover?
Career Management is available: to those in work who: want to improve their situation; who want to transfer their skills into another sector; or are even facing redundancy, and is a means to cover not only the (highly important) CV, but, through one-to-one consultation with professionals, will identify the key skills, experience and capabilities that will appeal to a prospective employer.
The skills of our professionals will not only identify opportunities within areas that, using your transferable skills, you had not even thought of, but also will show you how to get in front of the key people. And then how to make an impact.
Many people have an issue with interviews, and so interview briefing becomes an integral part of the management programme. Effective networking (not wine & cheese card-swapping soirees!) and telephone skills are all included, as are self-marketing, negotiation skills and strategy – and more; and so the whole becomes a comprehensive course of Career Management.
Career Management is meant for those who want more than a fancy CV; it’s for those who want to take control of their career – and move it forward.
TCMO provide exactly that. Contact us now and get your career management journey off to a great start
Friday, December 23rd, 2011
Check the latest jobs and careers with Standard Life here……
http://www.tcmo.co.uk/folio/careers-at-standard-life
Friday, November 25th, 2011
We’ve all been there!
Remember saying it’ll never catch on, it’s too complicated, it doesn’t work for me???
Mention these points today and you will usually get the answers “it did”, “it’s not” and “it does”! and they could be quite right…….however…….there is hope in the career coaching sector for the technophobe.
One definition of a technophobe is “one who is threatened or scared of technology” it could be just a fear of the unknown of a simply good level of ignorance. Career Coaching should never be fully technology led as it is a very personal experience that is best shared!
So how do we strike a good balance and encourage technophobes to embark on some effective career coaching?
Firstly you need to assess your learning style, think of the coaching you’ve have received before (business or leisure), what environment was it in, who did it and what results did you get?
Then think how the key points were communicated to you, written, verbal, face to face on the phone? By now you will know what enjoyed most and what got the best results for you.
Apply this logic when you are seeking a career coach, ask friends family, colleagues and your HR department , citizens advice, local libraries, careers centres and the job centre will all help pint you in the right direction .
When you meet / talk to your career coach tell them your learning style, how you don’t want technology playing a big part and what coaching you have received before that has worked well for you.
Taking all this into account you should now be able to get cracking with some good quality activity based career coaching with milestones and activity plans to complete between sessions.
If you are serious about your career my top tips for not techie career seekers are
1) Always seek face to face coaching with activity based actions
2) Networking works – research and attend conferences / events / business functions where decision makers will be
3) Don’t be shy of an approach by letter! Its stands out from a crowd
4) Aim to meet recruiters- ask for meetings
5) Plan to start using technology before it leaves you behind! Job boards and social media do work
Good luck and feel free to call us at TCMO 0131 201 0181 for some tech free, straight forward career coaching that genuinely gets results.
Friday, November 25th, 2011
New Year – New career. With the year 2012 on the horizon, many individuals face the reality of a new year with a new career. With unemployment on the up, and many more redundancies forecast, now is the time to prepare for such an eventuality by assessing what the market place has to offer in the way of the best providers of Outplacement Services. This is where you must analyse what these companies can offer but more importantly what you need to succeed in your job search. To start the process, there are 6 key areas to be addressed before you select a suitable provider.
Accreditation: Make sure that the Outplacement Company has a Code of Practice and, like The Career Management Organisation Ltd, (TCMO) is a member of a recognised professional body such as the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.
Transparency: All reputable Outplacement Companies will offer a free, no obligation consultation prior to any commitment on your behalf. Take the opportunity to find out if they can meet your specific needs and if necessary ask for a follow up, free meeting to be re-assured.
People : Outplacement and Career Management is all about people. You must have the trust and belief in an individual or a team to deliver on your behalf. So before you commit, ask to meet the consultant or associate you will work with during the process. TCMO will not only invite you to meet their team, an invitation to see the operation is also included.
Technology : Compare the on-line offerings before you go-ahead. Are they relevant to you, accessible 24/7, or are there restrictions. Also, make sure that technology does not replace the human element. If it does, think carefully.
Services: What precisely does the Outplacement Company offer you? Having taken advantage of the free consultation, does there proposal (in writing) match your expectations. There proposal should represent “an investment in your career”. It should be tailored to you as an individual and not an “off the shelf” programme applicable to all and sundry.
Cost: How much do you want to invest in your career ? If your company is paying for the service, you may have little choice, but if you are funding the process, make sure that you get value for money. Also, insist on a cooling off period similar to that offered by TCMO. In addition, do they offer payment terms to suit your budget and your current financial circumstances? This will give you peace of mind should the initial investment be substantial.
Always take the opportunity to compare like for like, however, I would suggest that people are the key to best practice. When you leave your free consultation ask yourself this question : Did you feel that the consultant(s) had a “passion” for what they offered
Tuesday, November 15th, 2011
Redundancy is never a pleasant process to go through at any time in your career. Whether it’s voluntary or compulsory, it’s a very unsettling and stressful period. We hear the negative news that goes along with redundancy every day so when you couple this with the constant reports on rising unemployment figures, it is important you know your rights and start to plan for your next career move.
My first piece of advice to give to any individual facing redundancy is to seek career advice on every level. I would suggest this starts with your line manager as you need to know the full process. How much notice have they given you, what will be your hours or work for your remaining time with your employer, do you qualify for any redundancy packages, what about any pensions or benefits and will they provide you with any support in finding your next position? Don’t ever be embarrassed or uncomfortable about asking these questions, you need to be clear on your timescales and income as this will have an impact on every other aspect of your life.
Next step is to seek advice on your financial affairs and this could be with a financial adviser or your partner, family or friend. Take the time to sit down with a blank piece of paper and write down all of your monthly expenses. This should include everything from your mortgage to the cost of a pint down your local pub. Be completely honest and don’t leave a anything out as you need to know the minimum income you will need per month.
In my opinion, the most important advice to seek when facing redundancy is career advice. This will come from everyone in your life but I urge you to shop around and seek professional career advice. The Career Management Organisation is a Scottish based company operating across the UK, who specialise in helping individuals through redundancy and successfully guide them through a journey to success. They take the time to get to know, your current situation and what you’re looking for in your next career move.
They give you all of the advice and support you need throughout your job search and even take care of the hard work we all dread like drafting your new CV and Cover Letter. They understand the pressures both emotionally and financially throughout this period in your life so assign a dedicated team to work with you to secure the short term job to keep income coming in whilst you work with them to achieve the long term career goals. To arrange a free consultation to find out how they can help you.
Redundancy need not be the most difficult period in your life, with the relevant career advice and support you can use this as the opportunity to achieve the future you have always wanted.
