3 things to do in 2012

No 1 - this year is going to be a year of continued transition and change in publishing, so start thinking ahead and start future-proofing your career. Dust off your CV today and bring it right up to date with your recent achievements. No 2 - put yourself in your bosses shoes, ask yourself what changes would you make if you had to protect your organisation's business and profit. List all the things that you notice need improving or area's where savings can easily be made and book a meeting with your boss to tell them just that. No 3 - register your CV with us so when your ideal job comes up, you are ready to win the job you deserve. Don't stand still, 2012 is the year to be much more proactive by putting yourself in opportunity's way.

Are you doing your Job?

If you want to build your career in publishing, doing your job well is not enough any more. To be noticed as someone of value you will need to do a lot more than what you are paid for. Start to offer to take on extra responsibilty or additional work, esp if someone leaves. Only then will your boss see you as someone of potential that gives more than others, then chances of a promotion will be not be too far away.

Year End - Your CV is your Business Plan

Your CV is your Business Plan. Fortune favours the prepared person so the saying goes, so even if you aren’t applying for jobs at the moment, do take time to update your CV. December is the perfect time to review your CV and by adding recent changes and achievements in your role.

Quote for the Month

"In the world of work, everyone is paid in two currencies; cash or experience. Please take the experience first, the cash then is sure to follow later" - Tim Waterstone.

How to get your CV read

Is Your CV Boring you? If it bores you when you read it, then it will bore everyone else. However, there are absolutely no rules on how long your CV should be. Even one page is too long if it’s bores the reader and three pages are perfect if keeps the reader interested. BUT remember the golden rules; 1/ Your CV is only a tool to get you an interview 2/ Your CV should show you as a problem solver 3/ The reader is only interested in what you can do for them 4/ Your CV should show your job achievements & skills 5/ Don't take shortcuts, adapt your CV for every job you apply (ie shorten irrelevant outdated CV bits that detract from what the reader is looking for). Good Luck!

Don't be Afraid to Fail

For success inspiration, read Michael Jordon’s new book: “I’ve missed 9,000 shots and lost 300 games, 26 times I’ve missed the game winning shot. I’ve failed over and over and over in my life and taken risk in my career - that is why I succeed”. Too many times in our career's we stay put in a job that we have already outgrown because it feels safe, why not take some risk and get the job your talent deserves in 2012 - keep asking yourself; is this what I really want? If I don't change things now, then when will I take some risk to get what I want, if not me, then who?

Nov - Interview Rejection

It's natural to take it personally when you don't get invited to a face to face interview, especially when on paper you feel you are clearly a suitable candidate for a particular role. Remember that you don't know who else has applied, and that candidate selection is based on what the Company is ideally looking for, not what you have to offer. If you are not invited for interview, try not to take it as a personal rejection, as 99% of the time we know it really is not. Eventually, you'll land the right role.

Oct - People Hire Attitude

Your attitude shows up in very subtle ways even when you try not to show it. In many cases employers will promote a person with a great can-do attitude over one say with more experience or skills, so check to see if you are still showing a positive outlook, otherwise you may be undermining your chances of landing your ideal role.