Over the last 2 to 3 years South Africa has experienced one of the most difficult periods in our history. Unemployment is at and all time high and money is a scarcity like never before too.

South Africans have been subjected to a barrage of set backs and the average citizen has had to deal with an array almost laughable challenges due to the governments wholesale mistakes and incompetence. Just stop at your neighbourhood traffic light and notice the indigents lining up to beg from you, rob you or sell you some useless Chinese trinket.

The only stability a professional in South Africa could find is to flee to another country like New Zealand, the UK or God forbid, Australia. To remain in South Africa means that you better start thinking about starting your own small business or at least get a side gig to supplement your income. The trouble with that is you lay yourself open to the bullying of the bigger companies. Late payment, non payment and of course the more visible crimes that plagues South Africa, and which is actually just a symptom of all of the above.

Our skills pool has depleted drastically in the last two years. As a recruiter it has become more and more difficult to find professional and competent candidates for our positions. Every second person we call to check for interest in a senior position is either already in New Zealand or selling up to leave our shores. Its astounding the high number of people in this category. And I am talking about black professionals as well as whites, coloureds and Indians.

Well 2020 is upon us and our beloved country is showing promise of improvement despite what the nay sayers have to say. There are tenders being awarded (to competent companies) and spades are being put in the ground. I foresee a boom in 2020 and we will be caught with our pants down. There are going to be too many positions open and not enough people.

I wrote an article earlier this year about “light at the end of the tunnel” an there certainly is, and yes, it is a freight train, and it’s full of jobs, and it’s going to run us over as we are not prepared to deliver the amount of work coming our way. So be prepared as the cub scouts say. Get your CV’s ready and keep your ears to the ground.

Title: Engineering Surveyor

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Have you ever wondered why some people are popular and some not? What quality do they have and how can one also drill in these qualities so that you are more effective in life and dealing with others?

Some people just seem to know how to sweet talk their clients, or the girls or boys. They always seem to be liked and people just seem to treat them well. These people never seem to, or very rarely, have upsets with others and when they do, they get past it very smoothly. This article will show you why this is and how you can acquire that quality too.

It’s actually not that difficult to be liked. In fact it’s rather easy when you know the fundamentals of good (and real) public relations. The funny thing is that PR in the modern age seems to come with a “fake” stigma attached. A smiley salesman or an overly happy front desk receptionist are examples of this. Don’t get me wrong, smiling is great and in fact can make someone feel better, but not a manic type grin. That is immediately and instinctively not trusted.

Firstly, have you ever met one of these people? I mean a person who is really happy and nice? I’m not talking about someone who smiles at you and as soon as you turn away their face falls back to a sad frown that shows how they are really feeling. I’m talking about someone who is genuinely so likeable that you are actually a bit jealous? These people are rare. But you do bump into them from time to time.

Here’s the difference between the real deal and the fake. The real deal actually like other people no matter what they are like. They see the good in others rather than the bad. They force themselves to be positive about life and live in the moment. They do not focus on the past but are rather always building a future for themselves. This is not easy for anyone to do when faced with setbacks and losses that life is bound to throw at one. The funny thing is, the more you focus on the future and not the past, the more you decide to be happy and nice to people, the easier life becomes. You pull into your life what you put out. This is not some airy fairy datum, it is just how this universe works.

Alright, so how do you turn things around so that you are happy again and more good things are happening and less bad things are happening. Well, it is gonna take some drilling, or practice so that it becomes part of who you are and becomes your standard operating basis. An operating basis that you don’t even have to think about anymore, it’s just part of you.

HOW IT’S DONE!

  1. Always see something in another that you can like. Doesn’t matter who it is, try to see something that you like. This maybe the fact that they are hard working. What I mean is, they may be the most unlikeable person around the office, but they work hard and get the job done. You focus on that quality and not the unlikeable characteristics.
  2. Always communicate a positive message. Don’t get sucked into negative stuff like a political post on FB or gossip about ANYONE! Only positive stuff. Nobody ever comes out of a negative communication feeling good. Be the bigger person (not the lofty person), and ignore negative stuff. One of the main sources of negative communications is the news. The news can be switched off which will give you more gain than loss. Try it for a week and see how you feel.
  3. Refrain from being critical. Even “positive criticism”. Just don’t do it! The trick is to only acknowledge the good and ignore the bad. An example would be: A friend has a car accident and damages his car badly. It was his fault and he feels terrible about it. The wrong thing to say would be “WOW! That car is trashed! That’s going to cost a fortune and I’m not sure the insurance will pay.” This leaves nobody feeling good, even you. The correct response would be: “I’m glad you’re ok and well done for being honest about who was responsible. Is there anything I can do to help with this?” Now everyone feels a bit better and there looks like there is a solution to the issue, and some support from you. That makes you and the friend feel better and solution oriented.
  4. Always answer your communications when possible. This applies to all forms of communication. When someone says something, let them know you heard them. Don’t just assume they know you heard them. This could be a know with a smile, or an “Ok”, or and kind of indication that you heard them. There is nothing more frustrating than not getting an answer or acknowledgment to a communication. It leaves things hanging in the air and will stick your attention on it. If you make a habit of only answering “desired” calls and ignoring “uncomfortable” ones, you will end up with a whole string of attention stuck in the past. You will also end up with the same happening to you. You will have your communications ignored by others. Remember, the universe gives you what you dish out.
  5. Never take over a task someone else is supposed to do without first getting their absolute agreement. If you want to really start a family or office war then violate this rule. Nobody likes to be bypassed. There are obviously certain instances where a person needs to be bypassed, but only do this when it is absolutely necessary.
  6. Set a good example to others. There is nothing more disappointing than looking up to someone and taking their advice only to find they do not follow their own creed. This rule is important as it also forces one to up his own game when giving advice or operating in a family or workplace and being observed by others.

These are basic rules of how to be liked and do not automatically just become part of you. You need to drill them and practice, practice, practice. There will be invitations to break these rules, that’s just how life is. But if you want life to change and get better, and for people to like you which makes living so much easier, stick to these rules.

Do not believe people when they say “Oh! I don’t need to be liked!” Although that is true to a degree, they usually say this because they are not liked and are trying to justify their state of being disliked. These drills and this article is actually a method on how to make life easier, and that only comes about if you get along with your fellow man and they get along with you.

GOOD LUCK!!

The worlds greatest geniuses have all had 24 personality characteristics in common and you can develop the same traits yourself, says an expert.

“Most people have the mistaken idea that geniuses are born, not made”, declared clinical psychologist Dr. Alfred Barrious, founder and director of the Self-Programmed Control Center of Los Angeles and author of the book, Towards Greater Freedom and Happiness.

But if you look at the lives of the worlds greatest geniuses like Edison, Socrates, DaVinci, Shakespeare, Einstein, you will discover they all had 24 personality characteristics in common.

These are traits that anyone can develop. It makes no difference how old you are, how much education you have, or what you have accomplished to date. Adopting these personality characteristics enables you to operate on a genius level.

Here are the 24 characteristics Dr. Barrios lists, which enable geniuses to come up with and develop new and fruitful ideas:

  1. DRIVE. Geniuses have a strong desire to work hard and long. They’re willing to give all they’ve got to a project. Develop your drive by focusing on your future success, and keep going.
  2. COURAGE. It takes courage to do things others consider impossible. Stop worrying about what people will think if you’re different.
  3. DEVOTION TO GOALS. Geniuses know what they want and go after it. Get control of your life and schedule. Have something specific to accomplish each day.
  4. KNOWLEDGE. Geniuses continually accumulate information. Never go to sleep at night without having learned at least one new thing each day. Read. And question people who know.
  5. HONESTY. Geniuses are frank, forthright and honest. Take the responsibility for things that go wrong. Be willing to admit, ‘I goofed’, and learn from your mistakes.
  6. OPTIMISM. Geniuses never doubt they will succeed. Deliberately focus your mind on something good coming up.
  7. ABILITY TO JUDGE. Try to understand the facts of a situation before you judge. Evaluate things on an opened minded, unprejudiced basis and be willing to change your mind.
  8. ENTHUSIASM. Geniuses are so excited about what they are doing, it encourages others to cooperate with them. Really believe that things will turn out well. Don’t hold back.
  9. WILLINGNESS TO TAKE CHANCES. Overcome your fear of failure. You won’t be afraid to take chances once you realize you can learn from your mistakes.
  10. DYNAMIC ENERGY. Don’t sit on your butt waiting for something good to happen. Be determined to make it happen.
  11. ENTERPRISE. Geniuses are opportunity seekers. Be willing to take on jobs others won’t touch. Never be afraid to try the unknown.
  12. PERSUASION. Geniuses know how to motivate people to help them get ahead. You’ll find it easy to be persuasive if you believe in what you’re doing.
  13. OUTGOINGNESS. I’ve found geniuses able to make friends easily and be easy on their friends. Be a ‘booster’ not somebody who puts others down. That attitude will win you many valuable friends.
  14. ABILITY TO COMMUNICATE. Geniuses are able to effectively get their ideas across to others. Take every opportunity to explain your ideas to others.
  15. PATIENCE. Be patient with others most of the time, but always be impatient with your self. Expect far more of yourself than others.
  16. PERCEPTION. Geniuses have their mental radar working full time. Think more of others’ needs and wants than you do of your own.
  17. PERFECTIONISM. Geniuses cannot tolerate mediocrity, particularly in themselves. Never be easily satisfied with your self. Always strive to do better.
  18. SENSE OF HUMOR. Be willing to laugh at your own expense. Don’t take offense when the joke is on you.
  19. VERSATILITY. The more things you learn to accomplish, the more confidence you will develop. Don’t shy away from new endeavors.
  20. ADAPTABILITY. Being flexible enables you to adapt to changing circumstances readily. Resist doing things the same old way. Be willing to consider new options.
  21. CURIOSITY. An inquisitive, curious mind will help you seek out new information. Don’t be afraid to admit you don’t know it all. Always ask questions about things you don’t understand.
  22. INDIVIDUALISM. Do things the way you think they should be done, without fearing somebody’s disapproval.
  23. IDEALISM. Keep your feet on the ground – but have your head in the clouds. Strive to achieve great things, not just for yourself, but for the better of mankind.
  24. IMAGINATION. Geniuses know how to think in new combinations, see things from a different perspective, than anyone else. Unclutter your mental environment to develop this type of imagination. Give yourself time each day to daydream, to fantasize, to drift into a dreamy inner life the way you did as a child.

The article was first printed by the National Enquirer in 1980 and later reprinted and redistributed by L. Ron Hubbard on the 21 July 1980 (source of the original text by Hubbard).

Dr. Alfred Barrious “borrowed” the list from Earl Nightingale and modified it. Originally it was 25 characteristics and published in Earl Nightingales “Creative Thinking” Personal Development Message from 1950.

The worlds greatest geniuses have all had 24 personality characteristics in common and you can develop the same traits yourself, says an expert.

“Most people have the mistaken idea that geniuses are born, not made”, declared clinical psychologist Dr. Alfred Barrious, founder and director of the Self-Programmed Control Center of Los Angeles and author of the book, Towards Greater Freedom and Happiness.

But if you look at the lives of the worlds greatest geniuses like Edison, Socrates, DaVinci, Shakespeare, Einstein, you will discover they all had 24 personality characteristics in common.

These are traits that anyone can develop. It makes no difference how old you are, how much education you have, or what you have accomplished to date. Adopting these personality characteristics enables you to operate on a genius level.

Here are the 24 characteristics Dr. Barrios lists, which enable geniuses to come up with and develop new and fruitful ideas:

  1. DRIVE. Geniuses have a strong desire to work hard and long. They’re willing to give all they’ve got to a project. Develop your drive by focusing on your future success, and keep going.
  2. COURAGE. It takes courage to do things others consider impossible. Stop worrying about what people will think if you’re different.
  3. DEVOTION TO GOALS. Geniuses know what they want and go after it. Get control of your life and schedule. Have something specific to accomplish each day.
  4. KNOWLEDGE. Geniuses continually accumulate information. Never go to sleep at night without having learned at least one new thing each day. Read. And question people who know.
  5. HONESTY. Geniuses are frank, forthright and honest. Take the responsibility for things that go wrong. Be willing to admit, ‘I goofed’, and learn from your mistakes.
  6. OPTIMISM. Geniuses never doubt they will succeed. Deliberately focus your mind on something good coming up.
  7. ABILITY TO JUDGE. Try to understand the facts of a situation before you judge. Evaluate things on an opened minded, unprejudiced basis and be willing to change your mind.
  8. ENTHUSIASM. Geniuses are so excited about what they are doing, it encourages others to cooperate with them. Really believe that things will turn out well. Don’t hold back.
  9. WILLINGNESS TO TAKE CHANCES. Overcome your fear of failure. You won’t be afraid to take chances once you realize you can learn from your mistakes.
  10. DYNAMIC ENERGY. Don’t sit on your butt waiting for something good to happen. Be determined to make it happen.
  11. ENTERPRISE. Geniuses are opportunity seekers. Be willing to take on jobs others won’t touch. Never be afraid to try the unknown.
  12. PERSUASION. Geniuses know how to motivate people to help them get ahead. You’ll find it easy to be persuasive if you believe in what you’re doing.
  13. OUTGOINGNESS. I’ve found geniuses able to make friends easily and be easy on their friends. Be a ‘booster’ not somebody who puts others down. That attitude will win you many valuable friends.
  14. ABILITY TO COMMUNICATE. Geniuses are able to effectively get their ideas across to others. Take every opportunity to explain your ideas to others.
  15. PATIENCE. Be patient with others most of the time, but always be impatient with your self. Expect far more of yourself than others.
  16. PERCEPTION. Geniuses have their mental radar working full time. Think more of others’ needs and wants than you do of your own.
  17. PERFECTIONISM. Geniuses cannot tolerate mediocrity, particularly in themselves. Never be easily satisfied with your self. Always strive to do better.
  18. SENSE OF HUMOR. Be willing to laugh at your own expense. Don’t take offense when the joke is on you.
  19. VERSATILITY. The more things you learn to accomplish, the more confidence you will develop. Don’t shy away from new endeavors.
  20. ADAPTABILITY. Being flexible enables you to adapt to changing circumstances readily. Resist doing things the same old way. Be willing to consider new options.
  21. CURIOSITY. An inquisitive, curious mind will help you seek out new information. Don’t be afraid to admit you don’t know it all. Always ask questions about things you don’t understand.
  22. INDIVIDUALISM. Do things the way you think they should be done, without fearing somebody’s disapproval.
  23. IDEALISM. Keep your feet on the ground – but have your head in the clouds. Strive to achieve great things, not just for yourself, but for the better of mankind.
  24. IMAGINATION. Geniuses know how to think in new combinations, see things from a different perspective, than anyone else. Unclutter your mental environment to develop this type of imagination. Give yourself time each day to daydream, to fantasize, to drift into a dreamy inner life the way you did as a child.

The article was first printed by the National Enquirer in 1980 and later reprinted and redistributed by L. Ron Hubbard on the 21 July 1980 (source of the original text by Hubbard).

Dr. Alfred Barrious “borrowed” the list from Earl Nightingale and modified it. Originally it was 25 characteristics and published in Earl Nightingales “Creative Thinking” Personal Development Message from 1950.

The construction landscape in South Africa has evolved drastically in the last 10 years, and this evolution has been accelerated in the last three years due to BBBEEE demands and enforced regulations. Many large construction contractors did not adapt at the rate necessary to remain in business and thus we lost some of the iconic contractors that South Africa has enjoyed for over 50 years.

Strange and unusual “solutions” which later turned into bigger problems than the original were tried, and the price was paid. Economy and other factors can be used as an excuse, but quite frankly, you can make excuses or you can make money, you can’t make both.

What is often ignored is the insight that a good senior recruiter has into the market and if that recruiter has a head on his or her shoulders, they will be able to advise as to what the next move should be. A good recruiter always has his ear to the ground and could actually steer a company left or right with a smart or not so smart placement of key personnel.

As one of the most successful construction recruitment companies in Africa, NIMA Recruitment saw where the holes were and promptly started to plug them with any of our clients that would listen. There was a new dawn in construction and it needed a fresh viewpoint with fresh people. Out with the old tactics and in with the new. An example of this is when NIMA suggested a young Contracts Manager to one of our smaller clients around 3 years ago. Fortunately for them they heard us and took heed. He was within a year and half promoted to Managing Director. This turned one of South Africa’s medium sized companies into a juggernaut that is expanding by the day. They have kept the expansion tight and organised and introduced a strategy that out-smarted all the other competition and they are now unstoppable.

Executive recruitment is an art. It really is. Testing does help, especially the American Precision Personnel Analysis where soft skills are measured, as well as IQ and competency. But a test is not the only thing needed in selecting your next executive. You cannot select or not select, based on a test although it does assist. The candidate needs to be someone with similar goals to the company and his drive to reach those goals needs to be aligned with the rest of the team.

NIMA Recruitment has the wherewithal to find and select the right executive and has been doing so for the last 10 years with bounding success. They really do take pride in their placements and get very personal about it. An understanding of the culture and method of operation is one thing, but being able to match a candidate to an organization is truly remarkable. A good look at the candidate’s interests, family life, values, level of honesty etc. is what needs to be paired with the other executives in the organization.

Once the above criteria are reached, then a realistic offer to the candidate becomes clear and simple. There are no reservations when making the offer. There is a liberal amount of pleasure in meeting the right candidate. You need to really feel it and get excited about getting the person on board. Then you know it is right!

With experience in testing, training, recruitment and business turn around, NIMA Recruitment are the choice of the largest engineering professionals and contractors around Africa. Recommended by some of the top executives in the business.

I’m sure that we are all experiencing some kind of craziness right now. It is very easy for the lunacy of current affairs to spill over into your life and change the way you view things and how you react to them. You may even find yourself, from time to time thinking “What the hell did I say, or do that for. That’s really not like me at all.”Well the situation has been rigged to make you think that way and doubt yourself. Here’s 12 rules to keep your mind sane and stable:1. This you have heard before, but may never have done it – Turn off your radio and your TV. It’s garbage designed to control and mold your opinions and make you fearful of everything around you. But REALLY do it for at least a week and see for yourself.2. Stay away from those who are fearful of everything, who conform easily and do not question the motives of the lawmakers. These people will make your life difficult and because they are scared of everything around them, they cannot be trusted to make sane decisions. 3. Look for yourself. Do not just take what is spewed out by your government, or other authorities, as truth. This is not to say that everyone in a position of authority is dishonest, there are some honest people out there too. Look for yourself and know who is who. 4. Find a hobby like art or exercise or some activity that makes you feel good about yourself, and just do it for the hell of it. There doesn’t have to be a reason other than you like doing it and it makes you feel good.5. Join an activity that helps others. Something like a feeding program in your community or cleaning up the neighborhood. Helping others is one of the most therapeutic actions that a human being can do. 6. Find something that you believe in, but really believe in. What I’m talking about here is something that you, no matter what is going on around you, you know that this thing is true and you can use it to make you feel stable. Could be something like: I know my husband loves me, or I know how to build a model airplane. It should just be something that you are certain of.7. Never give up. Do not let the situation get the better of you ever. Keep your chin up and always find new ways to overcome the craziness out there. Doesn’t matter if your ways don’t work out, as long as you are creating some kind of future for yourself and not just allowing the environment to create your future for you. Just look at what the environment has done when left to sort itself out.8. Keep your home and office clean and tidy. You will be surprised at how this keeps you stable and also assist with income. There is enough confusion that is out there. Keeping your own space clean and tidy is something that you can control and will give you a good sense of stability.9. Stay away from drugs and alcohol. These substances create confusion in oneself and those around one. They do not help to stabilize one’s environment and although they seem to help one stay calm, the reality is that they cause far more problems than they are worth. 10. Keep in mind that humans always survive. In fact it may be said that this is all they are doing, trying to survive. You are tougher than you think and will make it through any situation no matter how uncomfortable it may seem now.11. If you are going to take part in any TV then make sure that you are watching something funny or an interesting documentary or a “How to….” show. Something that benefits your survival even if only in an emotional way or an educational way. Preferably both. 12. Use your time to knock off bad habits. Identify which of your habits are bad and work out a plan to stop the habit. There is nothing more satisfying than getting rid of an undesirable habit. It will help you realize that you are actually the boss of you and not a cigarette or glass of wine.

We are living in one crazy and confused world. Nobody really seems to know where the next silly situation is going to come from or what it’s going to be. It’s left the planets population in fear and uncertainty and our reaction to this lunacy is more lunacy.

Are there any real solutions that are proven to work in all situations? There has to be or we’re all doomed to a fate of eating ourselves up like a snake eating itself from the tale. It doesn’t have to be that way and there are solutions.

Racism is probably one of the easiest ways to control people into fighting among one another. People who’s only difference is the colour of their skin. Yes, in many cases cultures and upbringing differs and that could also cause some disagreements, but these are really not that great that it should cause violence.

The first thing that we have to keep in mind is that humans are very similar no matter what race they belong to. Look for similarities rather than differences. For example: does everyone love their children? Now someone might say “Well I have seen someone of another race treat their children badly and even abuse or neglect them.” Here’s the thing, This statement could be made by any race about any race. What we should be focusing on in this kind of situation is that CHILDREN ARE BEING ABUSED. It has nothing to do with race.

Another thing to keep in mind is that everyone o this planet has emotions and feelings. We all get happy or sad and cry when a family member dies. We all love birthdays or Christmas or Hanuka or Ramadan. We all can’t wait to hold the new baby in the family or meet up with old school friends after many years. You see I can go on and on about similarities. They are endless.

Yes, of course we have farm murders and yes, apartheid was wrong. Did you know that the majority of black people disagree with farm murders? And did you know that when a referendum was held to vote on whether the NATs should abolish apartheid or not, the white South African voted unanimously against apartheid? These are facts.

The main action to take to handle this silly racism thing is not pay any attention to it at all. Like really! There is no reason to even bring it up and put any light on the subject. Even this article is too much attention paid to racism. Posting things on social media and other platforms about races is not going to help the situation. This type of thing is throwing fuel on the fire. Don’t do it!

Basically, the universal mantra “Do unto others as you would like them to do unto” applies always. Also the reverse of this mantra “Don’t do anything to others you would not like them to do to you” is probably more fitting. This means don’t spread rumours or lies about people. This would pretty much prevent every racial conflict that there is.

LETS LIVE AND WORK TOGETHER IN PEACE.

In today’s fast paced world we find ourselves getting a lot more done in a short space of time than, let’s say 30 years ago. As a result of this, if one is not equipped with the correct tools to tackle life’s little problems, one can find him or herself in a spot of bother.

30 years ago the average person was expected to solve far less in a week than one is today. Technology, communication, social media and host of other advances put one on a perpetual treadmill of life. 30 years ago, we could take a rest from the world when we needed to. All we needed to do was be away from a phone (and of course the dreaded evil….TV), as that was really the only significant communication device available to the average man. By phone I mean the old landline that is today almost completely obsolete. This resulted in less being demanded of the person as he was less available.

Because less was being demanded of the person, there was less opportunity for the person to mess up. Which in theory meant the person didn’t need to constantly solve problems. Today the person is connected in so many ways to those around him, which exposes him to far more incoming communications than ever before. This means that if he does not possess the social and cognizant abilities to deal with life, he will dwindle into a mass of confusion and tie himself up in constantly trying to cope rather than just enjoying life.

One of the main skills that a person needs nowadays is etiquette skills. Etiquette in life and specifically in the workplace. The better he can communicate with others without causing a small war, and the better he can react to communications, the better he will survive and gain the support of those around him.

Contemporary etiquette is essential, but where would one learn a modern, easy to use and understand guide to etiquette in the workplace. Well, you can in fact find it right here.

Contact Marina to purchase your copy of the book Etiquette in the Workplace specially written for the South African scene. Learn about other cultures and religions and how to respect them and their way and thus creating a more tolerant and peaceful society.

Email: marina@nimarecruitment.co.za

How do you find a job and keep a job? Is just about sending a CV out and going for an interview? Unfortunately this is not enough. I recently read an article written by a LinkedIn influencer stating that one should only think of ones self when making career choices, as it is your life and all others don’t count. This is a very dangerous approach. So here’s my 12 Rules for Building a Solid Career 1. Make sure that you get yourself educated in the field that you would like to work in, This does not merely mean a pass with a certificate. The ranks of the unemployed are littered with those flashing certificates. Make sure you study so that you can apply what you have studies. 2. Never ever burn your bridges. Always keep a a good relationship with past, present and future employers. 3. Although money makes the world go round, ironically you will not get your hands on any if that’s all you think about. Remember that you get money for producing some kind of product at work, so logically you need to focus on producing better products and more of them. 4. There is no easy way to becoming successful. You need to be competent and prove yourself and earn a good reputation. This will get you to where you want to go in your career. 5. Don’t jump ship at the first sign of trouble. Be loyal to your employers and contribute to keeping the ship afloat. 6. Think of other people around you and consider them as people who are just like you, also trying to succeed. Form groups of like minded individuals and support one another. 7. Stay honest and straight. there is nothing that will ruin your career faster than some dishonest conduct on your record. 8. Learn proper office and workplace etiquette. Know what is ok and what is not when it comes to things you say and around whom. Also know when to shut the hell up. Sometimes, not always, shutting up is the best approach. 9. Never act spontaneously in an emotionally charged situation. Wait a day or two before answering that nasty email from a colleague or a client. First cool down and then put a communication together that defuse the situation rather than antagonize. 10. Never get too big for your boots. Stay grounded and know what you position is on the ladder to success. This does not mean allowing yourself to be exploited. It means that you shouldn’t expect promotions that are not in line with your experience and qualifications. 11. Always respect everyone. Never talk in a condescending fashion to anyone above or below you. You don’t like that and neither do they an it in fact a sign that the person is not yet ready to lead. Great leaders respect others. 12. Keep alcohol out of you working environment. Don’t drink in excess at any work function. Drinking in excess at a work function has ruined many a career. I hope this helps you succeed in your career and has given some ideas on how you are going to proceed from here on out. I wish you the best of luck in all of your endeavors. For mor information on Etiquette in the Workplace please email marina@executivestoolbox.co.za

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Have you been going for interviews but not being successful? Or worse, are you not even getting the interview? Failing or being ignored are one of the major causes of depression. Nobody likes it when they get no answer or are told that they have just failed at something. With that said, how do we get more in control of our destiny?

  • Many candidates send in their CV’s for positions that are not suitable for them. They may not have enough experience, or not the right qualification, or maybe they’re in a completely different industry. They do this because they are desperate and a desperate man cannot be trusted. They may think that somehow they will fool the interviewer into offering him the job, or magically know all the answers to the interview questions. The candidate will get found out at some point and it may even ruin their reputation and spoil it for themselves in the future.
  • Attitude is a major point and a positive attitude is always the best choice. A positive attitude does not mean cocky or arrogant, it means to believe in ones own ability and competence. A false belief that one is better than one really is is not a positive attitude, that’s being delusional. A positive attitude is believing that you can pull something off without any doubt whatsoever. No negative thoughts. A positive attitude is crucial in finding and keeping a job.
  • Actually applying for the job in the first place is a point that you wouldn’t think that you need to mention, but I have found that it does need to be mentioned. An applicant will not get a job that he doesn’t apply for, that is for certain. There are certain instances where an opposition company will poach someone but this is not too common. The candidate has to apply for jobs, suitable jobs. Get the word out to the industry that you are working in, seek competent recruiters and just promote yourself as much as you can. Too often I’ve seen candidates moping about being out of work but have never actually made a real application.
  • A lot of the time the CV is a mess, no structure and sometimes even no contact details. This is an immediate put off for an HR person or Recruiter. We want to see structure and be able to see on the first page whether we want to keep on reading. We see hundreds of CV’s and resume’s and cannot read the entire document of every candidate. So your first page better be good. I’m not talking about blowing your own trumpet as how good you think you are, we want to see factual and verifiable information such as education, computer software, industries, age, gender, location, and other relevant info. Check out the ad that you are applying to (if you are applying to an ad) and look for the required criteria. Put that on your front page of your CV. It’s common sense really.
  • The candidates social media pages is a give away. By this I mean that a good HR person or Recruiter will stalk you on social media. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and any others. Firstly make sure that your LinkedIn profile matches your CV. If it doesn’t this will make your profile look dodgy. Take the pictures of booze and parties off your profile. Nobody wants to employ someone with an alcohol or drug problem. Keep your social media presence civilized. If you are applying for a particular position then research the company. check out their FB page, website and so forth. Google them and find out as much as you can about them. Not only their products but their culture too. If you see their executives playing golf for example, put some pics on your social media profiles of you playing golf and mention it on your CV under “Other Interests”. There are many creative ways to apply this point.

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