A job that equals your passion. Are you capable of blending both?

Does your passion translate well into your resume?

Some applicants insert  famous quotes in their resumes? not sure how effective this is, however, inspirational ideas and quotes from successful people are useful to help us remain focused and motivated.

Here are some inspirational quotes to help. Which one resonates the most to you?

“There is no passion to be found playing small – in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.” —Nelson Mandela

I’ve been absolutely terrified every moment of my life and I’ve never let it keep me from doing a single thing that I wanted to do.” — Georgia O’Keefe

“Just don’t give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there’s love and inspiration, I don’t think you can go wrong.” —Ella Fitzgerald

“Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.” —Theodore Roosevelt

“What’s money? A man is a success if he gets up in the morning and goes to bed at night and in between does what he wants to do.” —Bob Dylan

“Build your own dreams, or someone else will hire you to build theirs.” —Farrah Gray

“I would rather die of passion than of boredom.” —Vincent can Gogh

“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” —Mark Twain

“There is no passion to be found playing small – in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.” —Nelson Mandela

“The one thing that you have that nobody else has is you. Your voice, your mind, your story, your vision. So write and draw and build and play and dance and live as only you can.” —Neil Gaiman

“It’s your place in the world; it’s your life. Go on and do all you can with it, and make it the life you want to live.” —Mae Jemison

Do you have a quote that encourages you to follow your passion? Write your own here!

Ivana Agapiou resume writer

The post Does your JOB equal your passion? appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

Looking out, the grass can always appear greener. Make sure you research the future job, and your motives for moving.. before you leap!

Feeling trapped in the job you have? looking for another job? Here are a few tips before you launch into resignation or even worse, lose your cool and walk out! Sometimes, we can find ourselves in a job that is not working out. There may be a number of diverse factors for this…

• boredom
• the tasks are becoming more difficult
• conflicts with other staff or management
• pay rate too low
• high expectations
• increase of hours for no extra recognition
• wrong job at the wrong time
• taking work home with you

The list is endless. Whatever the reason for your unhappiness, make sure you plan your escape carefully. Here are a few tips:-

1. Take any leave owed to you as this will help you to revive and review the situation, without being 100% in the workplace. Hopefully you can get away from it all and have some “me” time to consider your options with a clear head.
2. Talk to friends who can listen and not necessary advise, just listen. Sometimes hearing your own voice can assist you in forging a solution yourself.
3. Visit a Doctor and have a general health check and a chat about your current stress
4. Sit down and write a life plan which should include what your financial/ family /health goals are – a good question to ask is “Where would you like to be in the next 5 years” for example, do you want to move to the Metro or country? If you had to describe what your dream would be… then write it down!
5. Writing your goals and plan for the next few years, is the most important aspect of this journey

Once you have completed your plan, and you have concluded that you are going to leave your current job, consider your exit plan carefully.

Your first step into the new, is to check out your old resume and make sure it’s ready for the journey ahead!

Ivana Agapiou – resume writer and career advisor

The post Feeling Trapped in your current job? appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

The difference between winning or losing that job..

“OMG! Did I really say that?” How many times have  you heard yourself say this, after a job interview? That play back “cringe” that you experience and that after-shock while you rewind your performance at the interview and worry yourself sick over what you said, how you said it, or didn’t say, or could’ve said .. coulda-woulda-shouda

All I can say is that experience is a damn fine thing, so keep applying for roles and keep attending as many interviews as you can. When you are rewinding and reliving your interview experience, try to remember the great and the good things you did too!  Many interviewees suffer the after-shame, and many get better the next time round! Just in case you don’t already know, here are  13 tips on what you must NEVER say or do! Memorize these mandatory rules …  here are the DON’Ts

1. Bag or bad mouth past or current employers, claiming a negative experience – wrong! Stay positive and sound grateful!
2. Over-talk and bang on and on…just answer the question your were asked succinctly and precisely
3. Avoid eye contact – make sure you connect with the interviewer/s with good eye contact and SMILE
4. Turn up ill prepared and without researching the company before the interview
5. Turn up late or not at all!
6. Mumble – practice speaking clearly
7. Dress inappropriately – dress to impress always
8. Act shy and say “I’m not used to Interviews”. Or  “I am nervous”.
9. Respond with a “NO” ….  and say nothing else… always commence and couch responses positively
10. Behave disinterested and bored
11. Claim you want the job because of the easy hours and its close proximity to your home address!
12. Have NO questions prepared to ask the interviewer at the end of the interview
13. Have a resume filled with fake assertions- present with an authentic resume!

Hope this helps you in your next interview!

Ivana Agapiou career advisor and resume writer

The post JOB INTERVIEW, WHAT NOT TO SAY! appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

 Pitcher Perfect and designed for the job.

This is a photo of a “Pitcher plant” it is designed to capture insects and it performs this role to perfection. Wouldn’t it be great if we all performed the job you were born to do!

Imagine for a moment what it would be like to do exactly what you love, to do what you are really, really good at, imagine the work being so in tune with who you are, it almost seems a piece of cake! You are invigorated each day, keen to get started!

Now, imagine (or maybe you already know) what it’s like to drag yourself out of bed each morning, dreading the day ahead, because you are about to go into a job that depletes the life and energy right out of you.

Huge difference, isn’t it? Isn’t really possible to do something that you love and be able to create a business or career out of it? Yes it is!

Firstly let’s examine some of the signs and symptoms of someone who is undergoing a critical time. How many of the items below do you relate to?

1. You’re are at a fork in the road in your life/career and unsure of which direction to go
2. You’re miserable in your current job/ career and seeking change
3. You’re afraid to change jobs because the current one offers you security and perhaps a good income, but you want “out”
4. You often think that there must be more to life and pine for a change
5. Your ‘successful’ career lacks the meaning or fulfillment you want
6. You commenced a company doing something you loved, but find that you are stressed and losing enthusiasm
7. You want to change direction but have no training/education to be able to  change industries or careers
8. You have just lost your job, and looking for guidance
9. You feel obligated to a career choice you made in your late teens or early      twenties
10. When you are at work, it is difficult to remain motivated and caring

If you ticked more than 4 out of 10. You do need help with deciding your future!

There are some helpful people that can assist you to transition to the work you love. Commence with reading “What colour is my parachute” as a starter, then seek our professionals who are qualified in helping you work through the crisis.

My motto is “if we all do the jobs we were born to do, the world would be a much happier place!”

Ivana Agapiou #resumes #resumewriter @figjamresumes.com.au

Ivana Agapiou resume writer and career advisor

The post Perform the job you were born to do! appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

Our client, a leading provider of holiday and business accommodation based in Port Macquarie, currently requires two experienced cleaners to commence immediately.

Working within a great friendly team, you will be guaranteed a min of 20 hours per week, with rostered shifts Monday – Sunday. This role would suit someone who would like school hours.

A fantastic flat hourly rate will be available along with overtime paid on weekends.

A normal working day will be 9am – 2pm, with extra hours guaranteed throughout the busy holiday period.

The post Cleaners – Port Macquarie appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

Looking for a job? The basic tips and tricks!

The job market has changed dramatically, yet some of the tried and true methods are still relevant. An example is the old fashioned cold call! So let’s explore five basic ways and flesh-out best approaches for gaining employment using these methods.

Cold calling

Many employers have commented that they don’t seem to have too many people show up looking for work, let alone those who present professionally. Some job seekers turn up dressed for recreational activities, hand in a poorly printed resume at front desk and don’t even know what the business is about, let alone who the person is responsible for HR. Advice:  gather the name and title of the decision maker and personally address the quality resume and letter to them.

On-line

OMG what a large amount of options and websites to research! From My Career; SEEK and Gumtree just to name a few.  Don’t forget the power of social media both FaceBook and Linkedin, why not send an advertisement promoting your availability?

WOM

Word of mouth (WOM) is a powerful tool. Make sure you inform others that you are seeking work, try not to sound desperate, rather, be articulate and confident about the type of work you seek.

Recruitment Services

Private recruiters , like us, work with various employers to help them source the best person for their  role/s. You will need to match your skills, experience and qualifications to the advertised role and assume that the recruiter IS the employer. They will be screening a vast number of applicants, so ensure that your application is of high quality.

Government Job Centres

Job network agencies  work alongside Centrelink and usually work best with the long- term unemployed, however, may at times have jobs listed that may suit your aspirations.

Ivana Agapiou, resume writer

The post Looking for work in all the right places appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

STILL ADAMANT that YOU CAN FIND THE JOB YOU WANT and YOU WANT THE JOB THAT YOU CANT HAVE?

Burying your head in the sand is not an option!

Traditional style jobs are becoming almost redundant, yet, still many people seek the same type of jobs, search for the same types of vacancies and have great expectations of permanency, a job for life.  From our experience, new roles and new ways of working are being created each and every day.  Many employers are launching into new ways of doing business, from on-line solutions to working with Cloud technology, to having a multi-skilled work force.  The world is moving fast, and employers are downsizing on staff rather than increasing.

So what can you do in this challenging new world? Here are SIX basic tips.

Keep abreast of new technology

Even if it means getting your children or grand children to teach you! Ask them questions, keep your currency with anything new in the IT space.  Get interested! if you don’t know, enrol in a basic course and learn. Almost all job roles require some form of IT knowledge – get with this century and get curious!

Think inside the square

What do you do when you don’t know what to do? Fight or flight? How do you fight on? What resources to you have available to you that you have not previously considered? Think about your networks; your connections either on-line or personal contacts. Who and where can you advertise your skills? If you choose to “flight” and run away from the problem, does this mean moving to another location where the jobs you seek are in more supply? Burying your head in the sand is not an option.

Perform a personal Skills Audit

What are your current assets? How do they match up with current demand within workplaces? Are your skills current? relevant? transferable? What can you do really well? What work do you enjoy the most? Are you being realistic? Conduct a Free Career survey – Google this – you may be surprised with the results. Visit a Career counsellor; talk with Employers about what they are looking for, and also how they recruit.

Sell yourself – make each application individual

Dont send a “sausage factory” style resume that looks exactly like others! Make yours personal.  Add a brief description of yourself, along with why you want this job! What makes you unique? Make sure you explain any gaps or career leaps in your resume – remember the reader can not read your mind! Tackle possible objections to you as a potential worker, just like a salesperson… address this up-front… for example, if you think that they may think you are over-qualified, make sure you nail this issue with a statement that says, ” I’m mature, fit and stable person with another 15 years of hard work on offer. Even though my experience has meant managerial work, I’m keen to remain useful and within the workforce, you will find me a low maintenance worker who will follow instructions and be able to produce great work… bla bla bla ….

Review and edit your resume for each job!

Dont make the usual error of applying for a job and your application states you are applying for entirely different job role and employer! Read and edit ruthlessly! Employers want to know that you care about their job and that you know something about them…

There are many ways to skin a Rabbit! or fishing for that Moby Dick…

Finding work is like fishing. Use different bait – use different locations – use different methods….. so how can you search for work like a great fisherman? By

• Scanning the environment -researching the job market – where are the jobs?
• Obtaining a list of all Targets – potential employers; agencies and networks that may help your search
• Choose the right bait – Your resume should be tailored for each TARGET …. tailor and modify for each fishing expedition
• Dont apply for every or any job! choose your targets – choose the jobs you can do and want to do!

My last words… It takes skill and some luck to land that Moby Dick…… never give up!

Ivana Agapiou

General Manager

Eather Recruitment and Labour Hire

The post Traditional jobs a thing of the past? appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

Here are a few tips to working your way through the disappointment of not being successful in obtaining that job! There are varying levels of unsuccessful… your application may have been culled at the written stage, or at the interview stage. Either way, it will have an impact on you. Sadly, all too often, many employers and agencies don’t even inform you of the outcome.

Applying for a job is an emotional, financial and an investment in time – all valuable! You will have quite a bit of “buy-in” and your care factor and anticipation rating is usually high.

Let’s assume you made it to interview and you really gave it your all! You walked away feeling confident, but sadly, you got “the” dreaded call that announced you have been unsuccessful.

What can you do to lessen the trauma? Here are some strategies that may help.

• Ask what you could have done to improve your application
• Don’t get angsty, negative or nasty with the messenger, remain polite and courteous
• NEVER call to “have a go” ask yourself first “what is the point?” “ What will be achieved by upsetting them?”
• Remember that all interviewers perceive candidates differently and often they make final decisions (rightly or wrongly) based on gut feel.
• Sometimes feedback is minimal if not, completely absent, just soldier on and know that you were successful at obtaining an interview and that means that many were not.
• Research has shown that out of 100 applications, there will only be 4 or 5 that make it to interview – so you were chosen!
• Sometimes candidates more accustomed and experienced at being interviewed pipped you at the post, this does always mean that they are the better applicant. Practice and fine tune your interviewing skills!
• Treat yourself.. spoil yourself…eat a chocolate – whatever floats your boat
• call a friend – debrief and most of all – RELAX!

Lastly and most importantly, send a thank you card or letter…. This will form a further positive memory of you!

Ivana Agapiou

Eather Recruitment and Labour Hire

The post Unsuccessful in obtaining that job… appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

Variety of jobs posted every day! 

Are you in the job market? Do you seek either temporary or permanent employment within the Mid North Coast? Have you a resume prepared and are you regularly checking the net for roles?

Look no further! We have a variety of jobs for many industries and diverse skill-sets…. check out https://www.eatherrecruitment.com.au/business-development-sales-admin/

for latest job offering and many more!

The post jobs posted every day on www.eatherrecruitment.com.au appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

Our client, a leading interior lining company based on the Mid North Coast of NSW, is currently seeking two Apprentices to start within the Port Macquarie region.

If you are young and looking for an opportunity to learn interior lining, including Carpentry, setting and sheeting gyprock this role is for you. This well established company will see you develop into a tradesman with their guidance and expertise.

You will posses a great attitude, a willing to learn and be reliable. Ideally you will also have a current drivers license.

All training will be provided on site.

The post Apprentice Plasterers appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

Working with the Principal and 6 other GP’S, you will be responsible for general management and financial duties throughout the practice, ensuring the practice is profitable and enhancing quality improvement.

Additionally, you will be responsible for managing the rosters for all staff, organising appointments between Doctors, Registered Nurses and Reception staff. Have a compassionate nature with a bright and bubbly interpersonal style.

The role will be initially 20 hours per week, though this may vary slightly on a week to week basis, depending on workloads etc. Candidates must have 5+ years in a similar role, within the medical industry. An attractive hourly rate is on offer along with other benefits.

This is a great opportunity to join a market leader on the Mid North Coast of NSW.

The post Practice Manager – Mid North Coast (Closed) appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

Our Client requires an experienced Front Office Motel Receptionist.

This position is available for an enthusiastic and well presented person to work in a busy office and motel reception on a part time basis. 3-4 days per week

To be considered for this role you must possess the following attributes;

•  Excellent customer service skills
•  Motel reception experience
•  High attention to detail
• Strong work ethic
• Strong computer skills
• Excellent organizational and time management skills

The post FRONT OFFICE RECEPTION (Closed) appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

Finding and keeping skilled staff in small regional areas can be a challenge. Often locals or people moving to area have decided to relocate for financial reasons, some are unskilled or semi-skilled,  or if not, the demographic statistics indicate that many move to more remote areas for retirement purposes. The general lack of major industry and employment opportunities does not always attract the best candidates. So how do employers in regional areas attract the best staff? Here are a few helpful hints that we have gathered from working with top employers who have managed to attract and retain their good staff.

• Offer an attractive “package” deal. This may not always be financial, there may be “other nice to haves” that will act as incentives, for example, help with re-location, finding accommodation options or subsidies. An inclusion of use of a car, petrol allowance, 9 day fortnights are just some ideas.
• Refer to employee and employer tax relief incentives that could benefit you and the employee
• Involve them in decsions that will affect them, ask for opinions and listen to suggestions
• Create and maintain a positive, warm work environment, praise often and provide opportunities for feedback and conversations on expectations
• Recognise effort and good work. A simple “thank you” or a small gift is always gratefully accepted
• Discover why they have moved to area or have chosen to live there. What will keep them there? What motivates them? once you have found out more about them, their family and their interests, you will be able to choose the best rewards! for example, if spending time with family is of great importance, an extra day off here and there may just do the trick!
• Learn to read between the lines in a resume. Many metro candidates have specialised and if you can read “transferable” skills, you may have found a great candidate!

These are just a few simple suggestions. Recruitment is an expensive exercise, so it is important that when you do get the best person for the role, that person feels valued.  There is no guarantee that they will remain, however, there is a higher probability that they will!

Most of all, your reputation as a great employer will grow, and with this, more quality staff will be attracted to your business! what goes around comes around!

Ivana Agapiou

Career advise and Resume writer

The post Looking for staff in Port Macquarie or within Regional NSW? appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

What do you think? should you modify the job to fit the person,

rather than find a perfect person to fit an imperfect job?

A subjective list of skills and experiences is neither objective nor predictive of performance. Instead, why not start off by finding stronger people and modify the job to meet their needs?

Most jobs are pretty fluid anyway, so it makes no sense to erect barriers-to-entry preventing some of the best people from applying. Prior to advertising for a role, examine what it is you need. Explore the ideal personality traits, for example, does the role require patience or persistance as a dominant trait? Construct a check list of tasks required to perform the role.  The “must have’s” and then the “nice to have’s” – be flexible is your requirements. There is always opportunity to train staff, however, if the person is not the right personality fit – no amount of training could help you!

All food for thought for this Monday Morning!

[author] [author_image timthumb=’on’]http://eatherrecruitment.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/ivana-permanent-and-temporary-staff-solutions.jpg[/author_image] [author_info]Ivana Agapiou  Eather Recruitment [/author_info] [/author]

The post Job to fit the person? or person to fit the job? appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

Everyone has networks, but not everyone has networking in their job marketing plan. This is a well-proven strategy to assist job seekers source work.

So many jobs are found through word of mouth and many say “it’s who you know”.  Who do you know in your networks that are in positions of power or even people who know other influential people?  Are you maintaining contact with your networks? Do they know you are seeking work?

Don’t forget that small business is a BIG employer and many don’t have very sophisticated recruitment processes, even though they have very profitable businesses. Sometimes they may ask  current employees to refer “someone they know” for one or more of their vacant positions. If you have not connected with your circle, how will they know to mention your name?

In this Blog I am only discussing the face to face encounter. Social Media is a whole other chapter! However, it is vital that all your marketing is congruent, ie. your image on FB should reflect your professionalism too!

In summary, use each  encounter/ event/seminar/introduction to showcase your professionalism, your commitment to your industry of choice, your positive personality and most of all your advanced communication skills. When “working a room” – (more on this great tactic in another blog- shish so many interesting angles  to this topic!) make sure you ask questions and don’t monopolise a conversation – yep.. it’s 10% talk and 90% listen rule that applies at business and social functions. Keep your business card handy and collect ones from others. Follow up with a nice to meet you email. You want to be remembered and remembered for all the great things!

Just like meeting the Fockers for the first time – every meeting is a chance to impress!

Ivana Agapiou

Eather Recruitment Pty Ltd

The post Networking is Working and working often appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

The Devil is in the detail – Resumes must have detail that fits

Within the first few seconds of meeting you, people form opinions & judgments based on your  resume, your appearance and behaviour.

Your authenticity matters!     find out what’s important to do for your next job interview and to maintain a professional image…

click on this link to get the download on dress for the job!

The post Presentation for THE job appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

Currently Eather Recruitment and Labour are experiencing a shortage in suitably qualified applicants for the following areas

• Various Trades including skilled Labourers, crane operators; dogman; carpenters; concreters; finishers; form workers; plasterers, steel fixers, for work around Mid North Coast
• Qualified and experienced chefs and cooks

No matter how far and wide we advertise, no matter what medium we choose, the challenge to source suitable people is great!

As a Regional Recruiter, our main purpose is to find great staff for great employers! This means that applicants may need to consider some travel and seeking work a little further from home base, it also means that employers may want to consider offering more incentives to attract and retain the best staff.

Ivana Agapiou

Eather Recruitment Pty Ltd

The post Skills Shortage a reality appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

“if you want to work, then there’s work out there for you“

I’m sure you have all heard the saying “if you want to work, then there’s work out there for you“?  Do you agree with this statement? I think it’s easier said than done!… easy to say, but a little more complexity than just being determined! Finding a job requires skills as well as determination! It requires an updated,  relevant resume along with specific marketing and promotional ability.

Each day we receive calls from job seekers who tell us that they will” do anything” and yet when an “anything” job presents, they often have an excuse as to why they can not perform that role.  The most important thing is to be 100% sure of what you can do and what you are “willing” to do, for example, I can clean homes, but I dont want to do this for a living – unless I’m homeless and desperate that is…and then who will employ me based on my desperation and not my skills-set and experience? tough call!

Our advice is firstly, to seek advice! consult with the recruitment professionals and with potential employers. Ask them what jobs are in demand, in fact, ask a lot of questions… and dont forget to ask yourself this dream question ” If you could have any job you wanted, and there were no barriers, what would that job look and feel like”

Your response will be an indication of what you really want.. and then you can set a plan and goals to achieve this! Life and work is not meant to be a prison…

https://www.eatherrecruitment.com.au/about-us/our-team/

The post Jobs for the taking? appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

Handshakes are the predominant, acceptable physical contact within business and within our culture.

    They are the universally accepted business greeting. Hugs & kisses are taboo unless you are in Italy and even there, you have protocols!

• You are judged by the quality of the handshake, you will be judged on: level of confidence; power; friendliness and assertion to mention a few

so what makes a good hand shake?

• 1. A good handshake:
     • keep the fingers together with the thumb up and open
     • slide your hand into the other person’s so that each person’s web of skin between thumb and forefingers touches the other’s
     • squeeze firmly
  2. A proper handshake:
     • is firm, but not bone-crushing
     • lasts about 3 seconds
     • may be “pumped” once or twice from the elbow
     • is released after the shake, even if the introduction continues
     • includes good eye contact with the other person
  3. Extend a hand when:
     • meeting someone for the first time
     • meeting someone you haven’t seen for a while
     • greeting your host(ess)
     • greeting guests
     • saying good-bye to people at a gathering
     • someone else extends a hand
  4. Handshaking Tips:
     • if your hands tend to be clammy, spray them with antiperspirant at least once a day.
     • avoid giving a cold, wet handshake by keeping your drink in the left hand
     • dont just offer the tips of your fingers!

Ivana Agapiou

Eather Recruitment and Labour Hire

The post Acceptable Hand shakes.. appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

Do you portray authenticity? what is your personal brand?

what are you doing to enhance or even align with the image you want to project?  Your Job  and career prospects may depend upon this!

Due to the massive growth in social media – The lines between personal, professional, public and private business is becoming more blurred….who you are; what your business values are; how you behave and communicate is now so visible and so accessible to so many.

A ‘personal brand’ is in many ways synonymous with your reputation. It refers to the way other people see you. Are you a genius? An expert? Are you trustworthy? What do you represent? What do you stand for? What words pop up as soon as someone hears your name? What is your “tag line”? and is this Tag line congruent with your business message?

If you’ve been around for a while you’ve probably already developed a personal brand. People recognize your name, what you’re working on, what you offer and what you’re about. That being said, your personal brand might be a little weak and disjointed. If you’d like to make it stronger you do need to explore your life purpose/ principles/ and perceptions others may have as well as how you see yourself.

Here are some FUN, sometime deep but fruitful questions for you to help identify your image bran… like

If I was a car, I would be a

Because

If I was an animal, I would be

Because

Words I believe other people currently use to describe me are

Three main or key themes, of my personal identity are

Draw a suitable logo that depicts your identity

My life purpose…

My key principles that drive my life purpose are….

Perception – what are the key descriptors for my personal branding?

How can I promote my personal brand image?

Internal – some words that I use to describe myself

What I will place in my epitaph? How would you like to be remembered?

My unique personality leads me to consider the following colour/s

Ivana Agapiou

Eather Recruitment

The post Private Vs Public image – are you authentic in your job? appeared first on Eather Recruitment.