Champion Your Career

So you might consider yourself as a professional, credible and trustworthy employee who is ready to climb the corporate ladder, but for some reason your manager just doesn't see it, and that management position that you thought was almost in-the-bag, now seems to be more of a fantasy and less of a reality.

Do you find yourself in a career that just seems to be going nowhere? Are you often the person being pushed into the dead-end or low-impact jobs? Are you dispensable? When companies down-size, do you often find yourself the victim of retrenchment? Are you truly adding value in your career or are you unconsciously (or consciously) making mistakes that could be sabotaging your career? Below is a list of common mistakes that employees tend to make that often result in them being considered dispensable.

A list of motivational quotes from the world's past and current leaders, listed to inspire the world's future leaders.

The cost consciousness that we are experiencing worldwide has extended to the top fashion designers as their collections for 2009/2010 reveal minor changes in trends. This is good news as you don't have to buy an entire new wardrobe for summer. The key is to build on what you have and invest in key pieces that have longevity while ensuring that your look is current.

Stress is a part of our daily lives causing us to search for ways to reduce and relieve stress. How often do we think about how our clothing impacts our stress levels in every situation, meeting or presentation?

Unmanaged stress impacts on employee performance and general wellbeing, which in turn, has crippling consequences on company output. Effectively assessing stressors, stress types and implementing the necessary measures to create healthy stress management programs can be the differentiating factor of a mediocre business to a productively efficient one.

Your appearance plays a key role in creating your image which contributes to your personal brand. Job Seekers can follow a series of basic guidelines to apply to developing their personal image in order to create a great impression with a company they wish to join. Try to keep in mind that the image of a brand is what makes it unique appealing and above all superior to that of its competitors.

A personal marketing strategy will clearly aid you in communicating the message of your personal brand and promote this to relevant and potential employers. As with any successful marketing campaign, a clear strategy and thought out plan needs to be defined and mapped out. A personal marketing plan is all about identifying the tools or resources that you have to make use of and how you wish to capitalise on them.

When focused on your boosting your career, Job Seekers should work on building a personal brand. Taking care of your brand or “personal label” as such, is in fact what your marketing attempts are trying to sell which is why creating a personal brand that a company can identify with, is key when looking for a new job. In order to define your personal brand, take a look at these characteristics that a successful personal brand has.

Regardless of the sunniest demeanour, everyone all over the world is entitled to having a bad day at work. What is important for us all to remember is that we have the power and choice whether or not we are going to allow ourselves to throw a “pity party” at our desks or not. There are certain ways and means to ensure that we have a terrific day at work and reverse the effects of being miserable all day every day. Here are some tips on how to improve a bad day at the office and turn your office frown upside down.

There is an enormous difference between regular stress and everyday work pressures to that of a full scale, systems shut down, burnout. Both factors are unpleasant but each are characterised by different extremities. A work-life balance is a possible means to an end to workplace burnout by following a path to identifying symptoms of burnout behaviour and ways to better managing your lifestyle.

Office politics are a naturally destructive work place conflict factor that needs to be managed at all times. They result as a by-product of working with multiple personalities, differing opinions and varying degrees of work ethics. In this article we offer insight into the good, the bad and the ugly of office politics and the route you should consciously embrace in order to maintain both your internal and external integrity and self worth.

Finding a job in South Africa requires that candidates understand the difference between Recruiters, Head Hunters and Online Job Portals, in order to best manage a successful career portfolio. With a better comprehension of each of these methods of recruitment, Job Seekers will be better equipped to understand disparities between each of these placement techniques and which works best for their individual needs during various phases of their career lifecycle.

Many Recruiters and employers use psychometric testing during candidate selection and organisational development and promotional processes. In this article, find out what psychometric assessments are, how they are can be applied to your career, the benefits of participating in psychometric questionnaires and how Job Seekers can prepare for a battery of psychometric testing.

An employment contract is a basic employment right. Employment contracts document the rights and responsibilities of both the employer and the employee during the employment relationship. It is important to understand every detail documented in the employment contract as it contains information regarding employee duties and company policy.

Find simple rules to conflict resolution in order to promote a healthy employment environment. The best thing to focus on when faced with resolving conflict in the workplace is your main objective and the relationship at stake. Follow Jobs.co.za’s six rules and obtain objectives while maintaining business relationships.

Failing to notice diversity in the workplace and not approaching this with an open mind is a fundamental error we all make. Find five solutions to remove stereotyping and prejudice form the workplace and develop your personal relationships and networking skills in the workplace

Preserving your online credibility is of utmost importance when looking for a new job. Job seekers need to protect their online credibility or “Net Cred” in order to land your dream job. Practice jobs.co.za’s advice and maintain a healthy online reputation.

Dealing with an office bully is one thing but what happens if the bully is your boss? There is assured action that employees can take to overcome the effects of a bossy boss. Profile your bossy boss and employ sharp ways to counter their somewhat obnoxious behaviours.

NQF levels are intended to award registered learners with national accreditation based on their skills. Job seekers need to be aware of NQF qualification levels in order to apply them to their CV. Understanding the South African National Qualifications Framework, job seekers will be better equipped to identify vacancies relevant to their skills.

Performance Appraisals are a vital facet of any organisation and encourages employee loyalty as well as growth. Nothing is more empowering for an employee than to receive constructive feedback pertaining to their individual performance from their employer. While many are intimidated by performance reviews, these in fact offer positive feedback sessions ensuring that you and your employer are both on the same page and that you are on the path to positive career development.

Jobs.co.za provides guidelines to equip and prepare you to present your case to your employer for a salary increase. Asking for a pay rise may seem intimidating. Knowing how to prepare to ask for a raise and understanding how to present your value and worth as an employee is essential in securing the desired increase in your remuneration. By reading through these salary increase tips, you will be well prepared with the necessary tools to get a salary increase in no time.

Jobs.co.za has compiled an easy to use checklist to assist you with your first day on the new job. From body language to office politics, dressing for success and a positive first day on the job attitude, you will quickly integrate your new job into a successful career.

Jobs.co.za provides guidelines to equip and prepare you to present your case to your employer for a salary increase. Asking for a pay rise may seem intimidating. Knowing how to prepare to ask for a raise and understanding how to present your value and worth as an employee is essential in securing the desired increase in your remuneration. By reading through these salary increase tips, you will be well prepared with the necessary tools to get a salary increase in no time.