http://www.careerone.com.au/news-advice/employment-news/jobs-australian-outlook-2010-20100121

Cheers,

Annie Cerone

Leadership & Management: Managed and supervised the day-to-day tasks of staff (up to 12 at any given time) including scheduling work rosters, checking deadlines, delegating duties, conducing performance appraisals, and providing career development coaching.

This example now shows a more in depth coverage of not only the specific duties undertaken but also the key skill set utilised.

Transferable skills can be developed through both paid and non-paid work including community or volunteer involvement, studies, hobbies, and homemaker tasks. They are all transferable to the job market. There are many skills that we develop in our daily lives that are important and can be incorporated into your resume. On many occasions I have had clients who are mothers and wanting to enter the workforce again in either a part time or full time capacity only to ‘forget’ to mention that they have undertaken community service work whilst rearing their children and not in gainful employed during this period. These clients have been called up for job interviews once I have developed their resume which highlights their community service work.

It is important you brainstorm and apply lateral thinking skills when developing your resume and ask yourself about the skills you have utilised and developed throughout the years. Common transferable skills include (but are not limited to): organisation and time management, planning, leadership, team work, relationship building, networking, communication and interpersonal, problem solving, analytical and critical thinking, research, technology, and so forth.

Transferable skills:

1. Are the secret of job-hunting success because they are the most basic unit of whatever career, occupation or job you choose.
2. Are the secret of changing careers without necessarily going back to school because they allow you to build a picture of a new career from the ground up.
3. Are customarily divided into 3 basic areas according to what kind of object they act upon, whether it be some kind of data (information), people or things:

   * data – synthesizing, coordinating, innovating, analysing, compiling

   * people – mentoring, negotiating, instructing, supervising, managing, persuading

   * things – controlling, manipulating, tending, handling, setting up
4. When you list your transferable skills, you should always claim the highest skills you legitimately can on the basis of past performance.

Remember, it’s all about marketing you!

Cheers,

Annie Cerone

Australian Businesswomen’s Network (ABN): http://www.abn.org.au/cgi-bin/WebObjects/abnweb.woa/

Australian Institute of Management (AIM): http://www.aimqld.com.au/index.htm

The Source: http://www.thesource.org.au/cgi-bin/page.cgi?thesource

Business Network International (BNI): http://www.bni.com.au/index.asp

Business & Professional Women (BPW) Australia: http://www.bpw.com.au/

Brisbane Inner West Chamber of Commerce: http://www.innerwestchamber.com.au/cms/pages/!/display.html

Business Swap International: http://www.businessswap.com.au/templates/BusinessSwap_splash.aspx?pageID=31

Terri Cooper Networking: http://www.terricooper.com.au/

Ecademy: www.ecademy.com

Linked In: http://www.linkedin.com/

Opportune Business Network: http://www.opportunenetwork.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=38&Itemid=58

ORATA: http://www.orataevents.com/default.aspx

Queensland Business Review (QBR): http://www.qbr.com.au/

Twitter: www.twitter.com

Women’s Network Australia: http://www.womensnetwork.com.au/

XING: http://www.xing.com/

Human Resources Network Group: http://www.hrnetworkgroup.com.au/

I’m here to help market you!

Cheers,

Annie Cerone

1. Experience in delivering instruction in a classroom, workplace or flexible learning situation supported by examples that indicate excellence in teaching practice:

I have demonstrated the quality of my teaching ability in the classroom and on site delivery in my current role as Workplace Trainer and Assessor at a private RTO in Brisbane. I have adapted the course and work closely with students who have completed the course in order to successfully match them with employment opportunities. This has resulted in the placement of a large percentage of students/graduates in sustainable employment as Carers. The quality of my work and the respect I have engendered from professional colleagues has resulted in several commendations: highly competent trainer and assessor varying teaching strategies in response to the needs of the group; excellent ability to relate to students in the class leading to very high standards of student participation. I possess a solid understanding of contemporary teaching and learning practices including competency based training, full time, part time, workshop, distance and correspondence learning in the VET sector. In my current role I use information and communication technology applications in the delivery of courses, from technology in the classroom such as audio visual aids, online research tools, overhead projector, DVDs and college internet cafe research projects. I ensure quality assurance documents are linked to the curriculum and that the children’s services regulations are stringently followed. I follow lesson plans, performance criteria and use a variety of methods to assist students in gaining competencies. Assessments are done in various formats including group, individual, on line, practicums and so forth. I also implement industry standards, service policies, procedures and regulations for occupational health and safety.

2. A capacity to contribute to the future needs of the faculty and teaching team:

In my previous role as Coordinator and Lecturer for the ABC Academy in Sydney, I was responsible for the curriculum development and coordination of course delivery and services to international students in the Diploma of Children’s Services; and coordinated Children’s Services practicums. My ability to implement new initiatives is demonstrated in my current role as Lecturer and Practicum Coordinator for a RTO in Brisbane. In this role I have successfully adapted the existing Certificate III in Children’s Services course for people who have been unemployed (long-term) or have special needs or disabilities. This has resulted in a significant success rate in placing graduates in sustainable employment. Also whilst in this role (through the placement of students in practicums), I have built a strong network of contacts in the industry and the broader employment sector, particularly in Children’s Services and the disability sector. This is supported by the links and contacts I established as the Proprietor of the XYZ Agency and my ongoing community activities. I have also managed a distance learning program in Children’s services in Brisbane. Throughout my years experience as a Lecturer/Trainer, I have demonstrated my understanding of Adult Learning Principles, in particular, the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) by ensuring courses were designed and delivered adhering to specified AQF principles and guidelines.

3. A commitment to self-development, maintaining industry currency and ongoing professional development:

I am currently accredited with the International Carers Agency to deliver the Certificate III in Children’s Services (Productivity Placement Program) and coordinate the practicum. I recently undertook volunteer teaching in an emergent curriculum-based school in Bulimba and donated several educational activities to the community. Between 1997 and 2004, I was the Coordinator and Lecturer in the Certificates III and IV in Children’s Services at the ABC Academy in Sydney. I am committed to ongoing professional development, having enrolled in the Bachelor of Teaching in Early Childhood at the University of New England. I have recently upgraded my Certificate IV in Training and Assessment and am affiliated with the DEF Consultancy Group. I have also completed an Early Childhood Road Safety Education Program and hold a current first aid certificate. I have attended numerous industry seminars and conferences during my career, particularly during my tenure as a Lecturer at the GGG Montessori Centre in Malaysia and the UK.

I’m here to help market you!

Cheers,

Annie Cerone

What an optimistic way to start the New Year!

Cheers,

Annie Cerone

1. Previous experience of staff supervision including workload management:

In my current role I actively manage and supervise three staff who are meetings and event coordinators. Working in a small team ensures close contact with staff at all times and ongoing availability on my part to discuss issues and resolve problems. I am a systematic person who prepares daily task lists and allocates time frames to ensure tasks are successfully carried out by myself and the coordinators. I conduct daily meetings with coordinators to assess workloads, monitor the progress of individual tasks and ensure they have an understanding of what needs to be achieved. As a part of my role I review operational rosters on a weekly basis, and monitor revenue forecasts and productivity results to ensure manpower is being managed effectively, taking into account the profitability goal of the department. In the coordination and management of events, I implement set distribution dates and client event questionnaires which further assist coordinators in managing their daily and weekly workloads. My management style is collaborative and participative, facilitating and providing the staff with the opportunity to voice their concerns and ideas at all times. That said, I still always oversee and ensure control and direction in decisions made. My management style and ability is received well by the executive committee with acknowledgement given to the solid working relationships and open communication styles that my team displays.

2. Evidence of the ability to develop, monitor and work within a budget:

Over the past four years I have held an active role in developing departmental revenue and expense budgets totaling $1.8 million or more depending on the hotel, meetings and accommodation requirements. This also involves setting strategic action items as a part of the Integrated Business Planning process. In preparing weekly forecasts for the Meetings and Events department, I adjust figures where necessary and identify need periods well in advance, taking into account departmental lead times. I determine costs associated with holding events and set revenue targets (ranging in value from $1,000 to $30,000 or more) to ensure the profitability of these events and the department overall. In addition, I review monthly revenue and expense targets based on rises and falls in numbers and business results to ensure overall profitability, and monitor the flow through and recovery of the department. In the current economic climate I have also continued to work within allocated budgets, with an overall departmental profit being achieved in the first six months of 2009. Although the revenue results have been lower than expected, the careful management of expenses has helped achieve this result. When carrying out sales activities and campaigns I work through a process of establishing a budget, setting revenue/activity outcomes based on this budget, and ensure a return-on-investment analysis is completed to establish the success of the campaign.

3. Experience in managing conferences and functions in hotels, conference and reception centres:

In my current role I manage a $1.8 million business budget overseeing the successful execution of events (both onsite and offsite) from their inception including proposal, contract, event preparation, through to completion of the event and after service follow up including billing. I manage an average of 20 events per week including a variety of conferences, formal dinners and cocktail events, and arrange accommodation for attending guests. In addition, I liaise extensively with internal departments as well as external suppliers to ensure the successful execution of events. I also provide ongoing guidance to clients regarding their event ensuring that it is profitable and enjoyed by all parties and all needs and requirements are met. Moreover in managing the various events, I use a lateral thinking approach; thinking outside the box to offer solutions that are tailor-made for each client and add value to the entire experience. Subsequently this has led to repeat business and increased sales revenue.

I’m here to help market you!

Cheers,

Annie Cerone

http://www.humanresourcesmagazine.com.au/articles/D3/0C065FD3.asp?Type=61&Category=1162

I’m here to help market you!

Cheers,

Annie Cerone

What’s the most unusual thing a candidate did in a job interview? Fall asleep? Disappear? Bring his/her mom? A CareerBuilder.com survey of the most outrageous interview mistakes candidates have made, according to more than 3000 hiring managers and HR professionals in the US, listed the top ten job interview blunders as:

1. Candidate answered cell phone and asked the interviewer to leave her own office because it was a “private” conversation.

2. Candidate told the interviewer he wouldn’t be able to stay with the job long because he thought he might get an inheritance if his uncle died - and his uncle wasn’t “looking too good”.

3. Candidate asked the interviewer for a ride home after the interview.

4. Candidate smelled his armpits on the way to the interview room.

5. Candidate said she could not provide a writing sample because all of her writing had been for the CIA and it was “classified”.

6. Candidate told the interviewer he was fired for beating up his last boss.

7. When applicant was offered food before the interview, he declined saying he didn’t want to line his stomach with grease before going out drinking.

8. A candidate for an accounting position said she was a “people person” not a “numbers person”.

9. Candidate flushed the toilet while talking to interviewer during phone interview.

10. Candidate took out a hair brush and brushed her hair.

In addition to the most unusual blunders, employers were also asked about the most common and detrimental mistakes candidates have made during an interview. More than half (51 per cent) of hiring managers cited dressing inappropriately as the most detrimental mistake a candidate can make in an interview. Speaking negatively about a current or previous employer came in second at 49 per cent and appearing disinterested ranked third at 48 per cent. Other mistakes included appearing arrogant (44 per cent), not providing specific answers (30 per cent) and not asking good questions (29 per cent).

Cheers,

Annie Cerone

1. Qualifications - Year 12 certificate and extensive relevant work experience or equivalent combination of experience and training.

In 2008 I completed a post graduate Diploma in Business and Administration majoring in Human Resource Management. I have applied various human resource (HR) principles within the workplace through the knowledge gained in my studies. Several of the principles include HR development, organisational behaviour, performance management and employment relations. I have a solid understanding of documentation relating to recruitment and selection processes within the nursing industry. This knowledge can be transferred and applied in the Finance and HR Assistant position. Whilst undertaking polling place manager duties in the New Zealand general elections, I oversaw the management of a small team of public voting processes which also involved undertaking receipting transactions, checks and balances. I have independently been involved in and participated in team meetings and training. In January 2009 I completed my professional (nursing) development portfolio which required the provision of evidence and validation of professional development programs attended and the staff training I conducted. I have supervised and delegated work loads to team members in order to provide a consistent and efficient service of client care. In summary, I have outstanding organisational skills and a vast amount of experience in prioritisation and performing administrative duties in a timely manner.

2. Experience - Ability to undertake payroll and financial processes and a willingness to develop knowledge and skills in a broad range of HR and financial functions.

In my various nursing roles I have been involved in mentoring staff in my area of work, and have used an orientation document to ensure that specific needs and areas in the workplace are covered. I have supervised and delegated work duties to staff by overseeing their completion, advising on best possible methods to use in order to complete the tasks effectively, and providing constructive feedback on the manner in which staff perform their tasks. I am a competent administrator and pick up on new tasks and procedures very quickly. In both my nursing roles and that of a customer service assistant I have been commended on my ability to quickly learn and understand new processes. Therefore, I would be more than capable of learning and developing the relevant skills associated with both HR and financial type tasks in the Finance and HR Assistant position.

3. Attributes - Ability to use initiative, discretion, manage competing priorities and deadlines with an emphasis on accuracy and attention to detail.

In order to prioritise and organise my schedule to complete concurrent tasks I use a process of assessment to ensure that tasks are consistently prioritised and interventions are implemented to the best possible outcome. This is a standard ‘nursing process’ which involves assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation, and is a continuous ongoing cycle. The accuracy of information is crucial as it can ultimately be the difference between life and death. These skills are very readily transferable and this model is one that I also use outside of work to effectively complete tasks and also to learn from outcomes. I have the demonstrated ability to prioritise tasks and continually re-assess work flows and priorities in a busy and demanding environment. This was achieved in one of my previous nursing roles where the flow of clients into a number of operating theatre suites was performed with accuracy, and safety was a paramount goal. Assessment, delegation and communication with multidisciplinary team members are critical in order for deadlines to be met in the best possible and safest way. All of these tasks require different time inputs with varying and often conflicting deadlines.

I’m here to help market you!

Cheers,

Annie Cerone

We all have days where we wake up and don’t feel that great, or where we may be doing well on the day but something happens to turn our mood black in an instant. It is important that we try to ‘compartmentalise’ these situations; tuck them away (in our minds) to deal with later. This is not as easy as it sounds and takes maturity. I can tell you it does develop over the years, believe me, I’ve had a lot of experience. What I can turn around (from negative to positive thoughts and ‘compartmentalise’ the negative) now in my 40s is easier to do than I did in my 30s and 20s.

I’m going to be honest and up front and share with you a real life example of how I managed (or mismanaged I should say) a specific job interview situation due to my negative mind set. I went into the interview from the outset feeling and thinking very negative, and it affected my entire performance in a very big way! Back in 1999 I was working fulltime in the Brisbane CBD as an Office Manager, I was on the look out for other positions as I was dissatisfied with this role. A friend of mine who worked for a prominent FM radio station in Brisbane suggested I send in my cover letter and resume as they were always on the look out for progressive and proactive individuals. That night I emailed my documents through to the relevant contact person at the radio station. The very next day I received a phone call to attend a job interview. She (the contact person) said that the radio station was always on the look out for people who took initiative like myself.

The position was a PR role, dealing extensively with the public and businesses. The interview was scheduled for a Wednesday afternoon at 5.30pm. This gave me plenty of time to hop in a taxi at the end of my work day at 5pm and arrive early as the radio station was only 10 minutes away from the Brisbane CBD. Up until 3.30pm on the day of the interview I was feeling very relaxed (which is the way I like to be before a job interview) and positive about the interview to come later in the day. I was making positive affirmations (in my mind) throughout the day regarding the interview. This is always how I like to think and feel (essentially how I manage myself) before an interview as I find that it works well for me. However, at around 3.30pm whilst working on a tasks, the Managing Director came down on me like a ton of bricks, angry at the way I had handled one of my tasks. Needless to say I was completely caught of guard and became very upset and angry (which I internalised & kept it to myself). A permanent dark cloud had prevailed over me for the rest of the afternoon and I couldn’t shift it, I was only making it worse. I take full responsibility for having ‘stewed’ on what happened for the rest of the afternoon; I just couldn’t let it go. I started to think negatively, asking myself how I could get out of the interview; telling myself that I wouldn’t be able to perform well because i was now not in the mood for it, and so forth.

From the moment I walked into the radio station for the interivew, it was over even before it had even begun. The initial meet and greet was terrible; I was physically present but not in mind and soul. I was just going through the motions in introducing myself, shaking hands and so forth. What was even worse is that I couldn’t even smile upon initial introduction! Remember, this role was a PR position; I would be dealing extensively with the public. As such, how would I look presenting myself to people in such a negative way! First impressions count, and what the interviewers saw first up I’m sure gave them a very negative impression. As far as my verbal communication went, well, I couldn’t even answer several of the questions. I know I wasn’t doing well because the interviewers (a male and female) kept probing for more specific information; they got nothing out of me. How did it all turn out you ask? The very next morning I received a phone call from the female interviewer to say they weren’t interested. I can understand why!

The point I am making in this example is that if you are in a negative mind set, it will affect your performance in various ways. In my instance it affected me greatly and on all levels – both verbally and nonverbally. If I’d know then what I know now about ‘compartmenalising’ the negative, I believe I would have performed much better. I would have made the conscious decision to push this situation to the back of my mind and deal with it after the interview. It may sound difficult to do, but I tell you it can be done. I say this through experience. Part of my professional resume business services involves conducting motivational sessions on job market skills to educational and community groups. I project a great deal of positivity, passion and motivation during these sessions. However, I’ve been dealt some heartbreaking situations over the course of these last two years (centred around my teenage son) that has required me to ‘compartmentalise’ and push these situations aside in my mind in order to undertake these sessions and conduct them in projecting positivity. If I went into these sessions with the negative and emotional mindset brought forward from these sometimes distressing situations with my son, the whole delivery of my presentations would not be credible, nor would I make a positive impact on the attendees.

In a nutshell, one of the keys to performing well in a job interivew is to stay positive before and during the interview process. Project the positivity you think and feel about the prospects of this new position you’ll be interviewing for. If there are any negatives you are contending with, set them aside and deal with them after the interview.

Remember, I’m here to help market and motivate you in the best possible manner.

Stay positive!

Cheers,

Annie Cerone