career inspiration

The ultimate guide to acing your performance review and boosting your career

Anonymous — Thu, 11 Jul 2024 03:23:20 +0000

The ultimate guide to acing your performance review and boosting your career Anonymous (not verified)

While performance review season can be stressful, it can bring opportunities for growth and career progression. When you enter your performance review session well-prepared with your professional highlights and achievements, it can open doors to new opportunities and move your career forward.

If you are a people manager, your role and work performance extend beyond your own performance evaluation. Prioritise setting your direct reports up for success when conducting their performance reviews. That contributes to your work performance too.

Whether you are an individual contributor or a supervisor, here are some helpful tips to effectively prepare for your bi-annual and annual reviews and the steps to take after your performance review to ensure future success. in your career.

Before your performance review: Get ready to shine!

1. Reflect on your achievements and challenges

Gather evidence of your successes, such as specific projects, numbers, or client feedback. Consider areas where you faced difficulties and what you learned from those experiences. This will give you a clear understanding of your contributions and areas where you can grow.

By looking at past performance review examples, you can highlight how you have addressed feedback and improved. This approach ensures your employee performance review showcases your achievements and progress accurately.

Here is an example of how to do this:

Past employee feedback: "John should focus on improving his conflict resolution skills. While his leadership is strong, addressing team conflicts more proactively would enhance overall team dynamics."

Preparation for this year’s review: "Over the past year, I have focused on improving my conflict resolution skills, as suggested in my last performance review. I completed a conflict resolution training program and implemented proactive strategies within my team. As a result, I successfully mediated several team conflicts, leading to a more cohesive and collaborative team dynamic. This effort has not only strengthened my leadership but also contributed to a more positive work environment."

2. Align your review with company goals

You can enhance your impact and relevance during this formal assessment by clearly connecting your individual efforts to broader company objectives, positioning you as a key player in organisational success. To ensure you’re well-prepared, take the time to familiarise yourself with the company mission and vision, and the criteria and metrics your company uses for evaluations.

3. Prepare questions and topics for discussion

Think about what you want to get out of the review. Prepare questions about your performance, opportunities for growth, and areas where you can improve. This shows that you are proactive and invested in your professional development.

Sample questions for the discussion:

Can you provide specific examples of where I excelled in my role over the past year?
Are there any areas where you feel I could have performed better, and how can I improve?
Are there any new projects or responsibilities I can take on to further develop my skills and contribute to the team?
Are there any resources or support available to help me overcome challenges and improve my performance?
Are there any specific skills or experiences I should focus on developing to advance in my career?

4. Seek peer feedback

Seeking feedback from colleagues provides diverse perspectives on your strengths and areas for improvement.

This proactive approach enhances your self-awareness and prepares you for constructive feedback during formal reviews with your manager. Pick two to three colleagues you would like to get feedback from.

These should ideally be people you can trust and that you collaborate regularly with. You could send them an email or text them on a work chat (e.g. Microsoft Teams), and depending on your relationship with your colleague, adjust your tone in your text or email accordingly:

A casual Teams message example

“Hey [Colleague’s Name], got a minute? I’m trying to up my game at work and could really use your input. Since we’ve been working together on [project/team], I was hoping you could share your thoughts on how I’m doing.

No need for a formal sit-down – maybe we could grab coffee sometime this week? I’m particularly interested in:

What you think I’m nailing
Where you reckon I could improve
Any specific situations that come to mind

Your honest take would mean a lot. Let me know if you’re up for it and when works for you. Thanks!”

A more formal email example

“Dear [Colleague’s Name],

I hope this message finds you well. As part of my ongoing professional development, I’m seeking feedback from trusted colleagues. Given our collaborative work on [specific project or timeframe], I would greatly appreciate your insights.

Could you spare 15 minutes next week to discuss:

Areas where you believe I excel

Skills or competencies where you see room for improvement

Any specific examples that support your observations

Your candid feedback will be invaluable in helping me grow professionally. Please let me know if you’re available and which day/time works best for you.

Thank you for considering this request.

Best regards,

[Your Name]”

How to conduct yourself during performance reviews

While preparing for your performance review is not just a task, it's an opportunity to take control of your professional growth. How you conduct yourself during the actual evaluation can significantly impact its outcome and your career trajectory.

You need to approach your reviews with the right mindset, engage productively with your manager, and set the stage for future success.

Whether you're a seasoned professional or facing your first formal evaluation, these guidelines will help you navigate your performance review with confidence and professionalism. Remember, this is a process designed to help you grow and succeed.

Dos:

Do prepare thoroughly. Gather evidence of your achievements and contributions.
Do be open to feedback. Listen actively and show a willingness to improve.
Do bring your own assessment of your performance, including areas where you think you can improve.
Do ask questions for clarity if you need help understanding any feedback or expectations.
Do discuss your career goals and aspirations with your manager.
Do take notes during the review for future reference - use a notebook and not your mobile phone.
Do follow up on action items or development plans discussed in the review.

Don'ts:

Don't be defensive. Avoid making excuses or immediately rejecting criticism.
Don't compare yourself to coworkers or discuss their performance.
Don't focus solely on negatives. Ensure you also highlight your successes.
Don't be passive. Engage actively in the conversation about your performance and future.
Don't surprise your manager with significant issues or concerns that you haven't previously discussed.
Don't argue about the feedback. If you disagree, ask for specific examples and discuss calmly.
Don't forget to discuss support or resources you might need to achieve your goals.
Don't leave without clearly understanding your goals and expectations moving forward.
Don't neglect to thank your manager for their time and feedback.

A performance review is an opportunity for growth and alignment. Approach it with a positive, proactive attitude for the best results.

After your performance review: Turning feedback into action

It is time to act on the feedback and plan for the year ahead. Here are some tips on making the most of your performance review feedback and setting yourself up for success.

1. Embrace the feedback

Positive review

Take the time to celebrate your achievements, but don’t stop there. Dive into what contributed to your success, identify the actions that propelled you forward, and make concrete plans to continue these practices. Challenge yourself to exceed expectations in the coming year.

Performance gaps

Hearing constructive criticism about your performance or behaviour can be challenging. That said, good things can come from a less-than-ideal review. Accept the feedback objectively and review how your actions contributed to your performance.

If you were aiming for a raise or promotion but did not get it, plan what you can do between now and the next review period. Have a chat with your manager, ask for some clear direction on how you can move closer to your goals and devise a performance management plan together.

2. Ask questions for clarity

Don’t be afraid to ask your manager to ask for more details. Good managers will be willing to have further discussions as part of the performance review process.

Conversation starters:

I received feedback on [specific aspect of performance]. Could you provide more context or examples to help me better understand this feedback?
I’m unclear what you meant by [specific comment or criticism]. Could you elaborate on that?
Can you give me specific examples of where I demonstrated [particular behaviour or skill] and where I may need improvement?

If you are met with resistance, consider discussing your concerns with the HR team to ensure you have the necessary guidance and support.

3. Seek continuous feedback

If you were surprised by anything in the performance review, consider asking for feedback more often throughout the year. Good moments to ask for this feedback include at the launch of a project, after a campaign or series of activities, mid-year, or after major setbacks or negative input from stakeholders.

4. Identify development areas

Rarely will any employee at any level get a 5-star review across the board. Even if you have shined from day one, there will always be something to improve. Pursuing professional development through training courses or workshops can enhance your skills and keep you competitive in your field.

5. Document your achievements

Keep a running list of your accomplishments throughout the year as they happen to ensure you have detailed records.

This can include specific results, project completions, or positive feedback from clients or colleagues. Quantify your achievements wherever possible, such as by including metrics or measurable outcomes.

Note any challenges you overcome and the strategies you implement to tackle them. This will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and resilience in navigating obstacles.

6. Set new goals

Draft preliminary goals for the upcoming year based on your reflections and feedback. These should align with your career aspirations and the company’s objectives.

Use the SMART criteria to set goals that are:

Specific: Clarify your core responsibilities with your manager to ensure you fully understand your role.
Measurable: Identify key metrics to measure your goals as a quantifiable approach ensures you can track your progress and adjust as needed.
Attainable: Set realistic, achievable goals within your capabilities and resources so you can remain motivated to reach them.
Relevant: Align your goals with broader company objectives to ensure your manager recognises your efforts.
Time-bound: Establish a clear deadline for your goals and prioritise tasks to create a sense of urgency.

7. Foster open communication with your manager

Building rapport with your manager is essential for your professional development. Schedule regular check-ins to discuss your progress, address any concerns, support you may need and receive ongoing feedback. These meetings provide valuable opportunities to ensure you’re on track for success.

Seek out opportunities for professional growth

1. Explore mentorship opportunities

Securing meaningful mentorship requires a strategic approach. Start by identifying potential mentors within your network, including supervisors, senior colleagues, or industry professionals. Instead of seeking formal mentorship immediately, build relationships through genuine interactions and shared interests.

Offer value in return, such as assisting with projects or sharing relevant insights. Begin with short, focused conversations about specific challenges or goals. As trust builds, gradually increase the depth and frequency of these interactions.

Remember, effective mentorship often evolves organically from mutual respect and shared growth. Be patient, persistent, and open to learning from various sources, as valuable guidance can come from unexpected places.

2. Expand your professional network

Join industry groups or company networks to expand your knowledge and opportunities. Engaging in these communities helps you stay updated on industry trends, learn from peers, and discover new career paths. This broader perspective can inform your goals and achievements for future performance reviews.

3. Recognise when it's time for change

As you reflect on your performance and career goals, you may realise you've outgrown your current role and feel it is time to explore new challenges. This could be due to a lack of advancement opportunities, feeling underutilised, or wanting to explore a different career path. Use your performance review as a springboard to discuss potential new challenges or roles within your organisation.

4. Leverage performance reviews for career advancement

Remember, performance reviews are more than just yearly evaluations; they are opportunities for reflection, growth, and future planning. By preparing thoroughly, engaging actively in the process, and following up effectively, you can turn your performance review into a powerful tool for career advancement.

Performance reviews are more than just a yearly evaluation; they are an opportunity for reflection, growth, and future planning. By preparing thoroughly and following up effectively, you can turn your performance review into a powerful tool for career advancement.

Make your performance reviews work harder for you

Let’s face it – the performance review process can be nerve-wracking. But here’s the thing: they’re golden tickets to supercharging your career. Think about it. Where else do you get dedicated time to spotlight your wins, hash out your goals, and chart your professional course?

By approaching these reviews strategically – from thorough preparation and self-reflection to active engagement and follow-through – you can transform them from mere evaluations into powerful catalysts for your career.

Remember, the impact of a performance review extends far beyond the meeting itself. It’s about continuously improving your skills, aligning your goals with company objectives, and proactively seeking opportunities for growth.

Whether you’re celebrating successes or addressing areas for improvement and career development, each review is a stepping stone towards your long-term career aspirations and job satisfaction.

Use the tips we’ve shared, and you’ll be turning those performance reviews into your personal career launchpad.

If you’re ready to move on from your current employer and would like help with the job search process, get in touch with an experienced Michael Page recruitment consultant today.

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Top 12 benefits of networking: Why networking is important

Anonymous — Wed, 07 Feb 2024 06:39:23 +0000

Top 12 benefits of networking: Why networking is important Anonymous (not verified)

Active professional networking is vital to career growth. Many shudder when they hear the term networking, associating it with awkwardness, cheesy events and the idea of ‘selling’ yourself.

However, despite its off-putting connotations, building networks is essential to forging long-term relationships and establishing a good professional reputation over time. It involves meeting and getting to know key individuals – people who you can assist, and who can potentially help you in return.

When you participate in career-focused networking opportunities, they can:

Strengthen your network business connections
Raise your professional profile
Get access to job opportunities
Exchange best practice knowledge with your network
Build your confidence
Find your dream job

Start your job search

The importance of networking

Networking is an essential craft to master, no matter what industry you work in or your level of experience. Good industry networking has a basis of trust and support – and can mean the difference between a mediocre career and a phenomenal career.

With the right approach, people networking can provide the opportunity to build mutually beneficial relationships with other professionals in your industry. Once you’ve established a solid professional network, you’ll be the first to know about job opportunities in your field and front of mind for anyone in your network who is seeking to hire someone with your skills and experience.

Who should you include in your professional network?

Having the right contacts in your professional network can help maximise your career growth and learning opportunities. Consider building your industry network with people from the following groups:

Current and former colleagues
Classmates/study peers
Professors/teachers
Friends or family members in your industry
Members of relevant industry associations, sporting teams, social and interest-based groups or religious communities
Peers from digital professional networks such as LinkedIn
Recruiters who specialise in your field

Examples of professional networking

Networking can include everything from an informal chat at a neighbour’s barbecue to attending a specialised industry networking event. In any case, the goal is to open the lines of communication and start building relationships that are relevant to your work and career.

Common examples of professional networking include:

Joining industry associations or clubs
Getting involved in networking events, expos, conferences or careers fairs
Connecting with and reaching out to relevant professionals on LinkedIn
Meeting recruiters
Keeping in touch with former colleagues
Getting to know current colleagues
Volunteering and participating in community events
Attending industry meet-ups
Joining virtual groups and communities

The biggest benefits of networking

Here are 12 reasons why you should consider building work-related networks:

1. Strengthen your network business connections

Networking is about sharing, not taking. It is about forming trust and helping one another toward goals. Regularly engaging with your contacts and finding opportunities to assist them helps to strengthen the relationship. By doing this, you sow the seeds for reciprocal assistance when you need help to achieve your goals.

2. Tap into your network for ideas

Your network can be an excellent source of new perspectives and ideas to help you in your role. Exchanging information on challenges, experiences and goals is a key benefit of networking because it allows you to gain new insights that you may not have otherwise thought of.

Far from it being a nuisance, most people love being asked for help – it’s flattering and makes them feel useful. If you’re struggling with a decision, challenge or new direction, calling up a trusted former colleague, mentor, teacher or friend to organise a coffee can be beneficial to both of you, as they will in turn think of you when next they have a challenge.

Offering helpful ideas in return is an excellent way to build your reputation as an innovative thinker.

3. Raise your professional profile

Being visible and getting noticed is a benefit of networking that’s essential in career building. Regularly attending professional and social events will help make your face known.

Create value for other attendees by listening carefully, following up on conversations, remembering names, and offering your knowledge and expertise.

You can then help to build your reputation as being a knowledgeable, reliable and supportive member of your profession by offering useful information or tips to people who need it.

Raising your profile within professional circles will also help you stand out to recruiters, who are always on the lookout for strong talent and who may be more likely to approach you with offers.

4. Grow your personal brand

Being visible and getting noticed is a benefit of networking that’s essential in career building. Regularly attending professional and social events will help to get your face known. You can then help to build your reputation as being knowledgeable, reliable and supportive by offering useful information or tips to people who need it.

5. Get access to job opportunities

Expanding your contacts can open doors to new opportunities for business, career advancement, personal growth, or simply new knowledge. Actively building networks helps to keep you top of mind when opportunities such as job openings arise and increases your likelihood of receiving introductions to potentially relevant people or even a referral.

Don’t forget that many jobs don’t even get advertised – particularly as your career advances – so being a recognised part of networks is a key way to gain access to opportunities that you might not have otherwise.

6. Exchange best practice knowledge with your network

Networking is a great opportunity to learn about the business techniques of your peers and stay abreast of the latest industry developments. A wide network of informed, interconnected contacts means broader access to new and valuable information.

The opportunity to gather new information is an often-overlooked benefit of networking, as it’s not the most obvious one, but it also offers career progression and development.

It’s a good idea to actively ask your contacts about developments and techniques, but also to keep an eye on what kinds of articles your contacts are sharing on LinkedIn – don’t forget to comment to let them know that you’ve appreciated the piece. And don’t discount the insights of people from other industries – they may be able to offer new angles you hadn’t previously considered.

7. Get career advice and support

Gaining the advice of experienced peers is an important benefit of work-related networks. Discussing common challenges and opportunities opens the door to valuable suggestions and guidance. Offering genuine assistance to your contacts also sets a strong foundation for receiving support in return when you need it.

8. Build your confidence

By continually putting yourself out there and meeting new people, you’re effectively stepping outside your comfort zone and building invaluable social skills and self-confidence that you can take with you anywhere. The more you network, the more you’ll grow and learn how to make lasting connections.

9. Gain a different perspective

It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day of your professional realm and end up in a rut. By networking, you can gain insights that only come from viewing a situation with fresh eyes. Asking for opinions from contacts you trust or admire can help you see things in a new light and overcome roadblocks that you might not have known how to circumvent otherwise.

10. Develop long-lasting personal relationships

Of course, the point of networking is to develop and nurture professional relationships, but some of the strongest and most long-standing friendships are borne from work connections. Your networking contacts are probably like-minded people with similar goals as your own, so it’s not unlikely that your professional support network will spill over into your personal friendships.

11. Get an answer to every question

As long as you have a strong network of professional connections, you can be confident that someone within your sphere will be able to answer even your toughest questions. And, if there’s no definitive answer, you’ll have a solid sounding board to bounce ideas off and put into action step-by-step plans to tackle bigger problems.

12. Find your dream job

Professional networking opens many doors in the form of career advice, lasting relationships and even landing your dream role. You never know who might be hiring for your ideal job, or know someone who is, and the more people you have in your network, the likelier you are to be the first to know when those big job opportunities pop up.

How to start networking

As much as building networks is beneficial to your career and even your personal life, the reality is that it doesn’t come naturally to many people. In fact, for some, the thought of starting a conversation with a stranger at a conference or event incites downright dread.

A good rule of thumb is to plan ahead and have a few relevant points of discussion in mind if you know you’re going to be in a situation where you’ll have the opportunity to meet new people. These conversation points don’t have to be all about work – they can even be about topics like hobbies or the event itself. The idea is to get the conversation flowing and leave room for future meetups and discussions.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Here are the most commonly asked questions on networking and its benefits for your career.

What are the benefits of networking?

The benefits of networking include access to job opportunities, professional connections, career advice, new ideas, and valuable information. Networking also helps with personal and business growth, building relationships, and gaining a competitive edge in your industry.

Why is networking important in the workplace?

Networking in the workplace benefits everybody involved. It is important because it helps build professional relationships, strengthen your soft skills, opens doors to new opportunities, and facilitates the exchange of ideas and best practices. It also aids in career development, personal growth, and business success.

How can I take advantage of networking opportunities?

You can make the most of networking opportunities by attending networking events, industry associations, and conferences. Engage with professionals on social media platforms like LinkedIn, participate in virtual networking events, and join professional groups to establish a strong professional network.

How can professional networking help my career development?

Professional networking can assist your career development by providing access to job opportunities, career advice, and resources. Building a strong network of industry professionals can also contribute to your career progression, personal growth, and long-term success.

What is the importance of attending networking events?

Attending networking events is essential for building professional relationships, expanding your personal network, and gaining access to valuable resources. These events provide opportunities to meet other professionals, share ideas, and learn about the latest trends and business techniques.

How can I improve my networking skills?

You can enhance your networking skills by practising small talk, attending networking events, engaging with professionals on social media platforms, and seeking advice from experienced networkers. Also, consider following networking tips and resources to help build strong connections and maintain long-lasting relationships.

How does networking help with job search and career opportunities?

Networking can help you discover new job opportunities, gain career advice, and increase your chances of being recommended for positions. A strong professional network can also help you stay updated on the latest industry developments and provide insights into the job market.

Can networking also benefit my personal life?

Yes, networking can benefit your personal life by helping you develop long-lasting friendships, build self-confidence, and expand your circle of contacts with shared interests. These connections can enrich your life and offer support in various aspects of your personal journey.

How can I overcome my fear of networking?

To overcome your fear of networking, practice making small talk, attend social events, and focus on building connections based on common interests. Remember, networking is a two-way street, and it involves meeting others with similar goals and experiences, so don't be afraid to share your ideas and ask for help.

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Why should someone be led by you?

Naren Sankar — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 08:00:54 +0000

Why should someone be led by you? Naren Sankar

As we are in performance appraisal season, it is crucial for leaders to engage in introspection. This process is not just about operational and business results; it is a chance to reflect on your leadership qualities and how they influence your team and business success.

It’s always a great chance to reflect on the year just passed, consider the learnings for you and your team and then agree to a plan of action moving forward. Of course a lot of this tends to focus on operational issues, particularly targets – and is very often centred on business and results.

The importance of self-assessment in leadership

During appraisals, as a leader, you really are both the appraiser and the appraised. This dual role provides a unique opportunity to evaluate your leadership impact over the past year. It is also vital to look beyond mere operational achievements and delve into the leadership skills you have honed or faced challenges with.

The key question: Your leadership value proposition

I am a big believer in all leaders really understanding themselves and what they bring to a leadership role. So, you need to ask yourself - What are the three reasons why someone should be led by you?

Identifying these reasons can be challenging, yet it is a powerful exercise in self-awareness and leadership development. These reasons should resonate with authenticity and passion, reflecting the core strengths that make you a unique leader.

Practical steps to identify your strengths

1. Reflect on past feedback from teams and peers.

2. Assess areas where your guidance has significantly impacted your team's success.

3. Consider what makes your leadership approach unique and effective.

Incorporating leadership traits into your role

Every leader has a set of inherent traits that define their leadership style. Whether it is effective communication, empathy, or strategic thinking, identify and cultivate these traits. This self-awareness not only enhances your leadership but also makes you a more appealing leader to current and potential team members.

Once you have identified your three key reasons, develop an action plan to further strengthen these qualities. This might involve targeted training, seeking mentorship, or setting specific leadership goals for the coming year.

Finally, you must really live up to these three reasons every single day. It is not enough to identify your strengths; you must embody them in all your actions. This commitment to your leadership qualities also fosters a diverse and dynamic team environment, where each member feels valued and motivated.

My 3 key reasons

To give you a starting point, here are my three key reasons:

1. I have a proven track record in growing businesses and can mentor you to do the same.

2. Your personal development is my passion, and I'm committed to helping you improve your business skills and as an individual.

3. My approach is anchored in honesty and fairness. You may not always like it, but it will always be honest and fair.

I encourage you to undertake this exercise and share your insights. Reflecting on why someone should work for you not only benefits your team but also contributes to your evolution as a leader. I look forward to hearing about your journey and the impactful reasons that define your leadership.

Fast-track your success with the right team. At Michael Page, we recruit on behalf of the world's leading companies. Discover how we can match you with top candidates to enhance your team's performance.

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7 crucial skills to adapt to the new future of work

Simone Wu — Mon, 09 Jan 2023 15:15:00 +0000

7 crucial skills to adapt to the new future of work Simone Wu

Adaptability and responsiveness are some of the most significant assets that professionals can possess, especially in the current work environment where change is coming quickly, and in many cases, unexpectedly.

As such, I have seen several skills emerge as crucial to professional success, and these are the skills companies look for in their next hires.

Related: The future of work in Asia

Here are seven skills that professionals should cultivate and focus on to remain at the top of the talent pool.

1. Digital literacy

Digital literacy is important, both in terms of basic technology: communication programs, collaboration tools like Asana, and software such as Microsoft Office, and in terms of specialised, job-specific technology and software.

Companies are rapidly adopting technology that helps automate various tasks, leaving professionals with the task of managing this technology and focusing on the parts of the job that require a human touch. This means that digital literacy has gone from a “nice to have” to an essential part of your ability to do any job.

2. Customer relationship management

If they haven’t already, companies realise it’s no longer optional to place the customer and what they want at the centre of their business strategy.

As a result, the skills that come along with customer management, such as relationship management, customer engagement, and customer experience, will help you show the way forward into a new way of thinking in which the customer is the pivot point for business decisions at all levels.

3. Influencing

Even if you don’t work in sales directly, you need to know how to sell: your ideas, work and accomplishments to the broader team. Being influential in the workplace is a crucial factor in career success.

Developing your influencing skills like negotiation techniques, communication skills, and leadership characteristics will help bring stakeholders to your side when creating a solution, or presenting your work.

Being influential in the workplace can aid your professional success by helping you be an outstanding leader and accomplish business goals.

4. Data-based decision making

Companies are increasingly making decisions and creating strategies based on data. As an individual, it’s not necessary to become a data scientist overnight. Data analytics tools are becoming more advanced and accessible, allowing virtually any professional to leverage data to make decisions.

Make an effort to learn the basics of data analytics as they pertain to your particular job scope, and learn to interpret and present data in a compelling way. Your actions and decisions are much stronger when backed by well-presented data.

5. Innovative thinking

Innovative thinking is the cornerstone for change, advancement, and new ways of approaching old challenges. The word innovation has become overused, especially in relation to technology, but the concept itself is as vital as ever.

Innovative thinking is about stopping old practices, being able to approach a problem from a new angle and having the ability to think of solutions that haven’t been tried before.

Related: How to succeed at a new job

6. A growth mindset

Curiosity, an appetite for learning, and the ability to adapt to new situations are all encompassed in a growth mindset. The growth mindset is based on the idea that even if you don’t have the necessary skills, experience, or knowledge, you can learn and grow into the professional you want to be.

This growth mindset ensures that you will never be “stuck” where you are – and possessing a strong mentality that you want to keep learning and growing is essential as the workplace evolves.

7. Relationship management

Managing relationships with agility allow for collaboration, teamwork, and ultimately, the ability to influence different cultures, departments, and demographics within any organisation.

The human aspects of relationship management will ensure that this skill remains essential through any digital transformation - and can be the difference between success and failure in any role.

The importance of upskilling

Upskilling is ultimately about constantly looking for ways to improve your skills through formal education, internal training courses, external training courses, or informal training, such as taking free online courses, and working one-on-one with a manager or a mentor to help you improve.

Increasingly, companies are hiring as much for potential as they are for hard skills and experience. As the workplace changes, employers begin to expect more from their employees, in particular, being open to change, and being able to take on new challenges with ease. Focus on upskilling to keep up with that expectation.

This creates an excellent opportunity for you to be hired not just for the professional that you are now, but the professional you know you can become given the right amount of training, experience, and overall growth opportunities.

Ready for a new role? Browse current job opportunities or submit your CV with us.

Anthony Thompson

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How to prioritise well-being and a positive mindset at work

Anonymous — Mon, 29 Mar 2021 02:46:33 +0000

How to prioritise well-being and a positive mindset at work Anonymous (not verified)

The importance of being well at work and prioritising personal wellness has never been more evident. When many of us suddenly find ourselves in remote work from home situations, we are attempting to juggle working as usual despite technology barriers, family distractions, and keeping up with news about the global pandemic - who has time to focus on wellness or to find a positive mindset?

Even if these seem like the last things on our collective minds, research shows that wellness and cultivating a positive mindset should always be a priority, even more so during challenging times, whether global or personal. Our recent survey of professionals in Singapore shows that 4 out of 5 professionals report their stress levels have increased since the onset of COVID-19, making this connection between work, wellness and a positive mindset more relevant than ever.

These are some actions you can take right away to change your outlook on what’s going on. And when life goes back to normal, keep performing these actions as a part of your daily routine to improve your overall well-being.

Take things one step at a time

It is decidedly not easy to develop new habits, but the good news is that focusing on wellness doesn’t have to mean a complete overhaul of everything you are doing. It starts small, and it can simply be something like stopping to text a colleague and check how they’re doing or taking a 30-minute walk outside to your day. Even a 10-minute break from technology to read or listen to music can feel like a recharge. Here are a few things to add to your wellness in relation to work.

Reach out to your colleagues.

Loneliness is a real issue for many these days. In our current situation, 51% of those surveyed in Singapore feel a little isolated, while 17% feel very isolated. In many cases, this feeling of isolation can be alleviated by simply reaching out to other people in the same situation - your colleagues. Reach out to them about more than just the project at hand. Celebrate wins together, share weekend plans and send out messages to check on each other. Now, more than ever, this connection is essential to overall well-being in the office.

Draw a line between work and home.

When working from home, it can be even more challenging to draw the line between work and leisure time. When we surveyed Singapore professionals, 69% feel pressured to be ‘always on’ while working from home. However, as an interesting detail, 7 out of 10 of those people say it is internal pressure, not coming from their company.

Get organised.

Make a schedule and stick to it. For work tasks, block out time for big projects, and set a specific starting time. Also, organise your day to allow for maximum productivity. If you know you get more done in the morning, set out two hours without interruptions first thing, or maybe put in a few concentrated hours in the late afternoon.

Set aside time to move.

In whatever way you can, in whatever way feels good, set aside time to move every day. Thirty minutes of exercise a day can make a massive difference to your health, mindset and well-being. If you can, go outside for a walk, jog or run. If you can’t, do a quick at-home workout. Stop every couple of hours and do a few pushups, crank up the music and have a 20-minute dance party in your living room. As you can see, movement doesn’t have to be structured or super intense. Just move.

Turn off the news.

Be informed, but remember that a constant 24-hour cycle of information isn’t good for mental well-being. Filter the news in a way that helps you get the necessary information and cut out everything else.

A positive mindset for the times

A positive mindset is interconnected with wellness, and keeping a positive mindset throughout trying times is vital. To begin, what is a positive mindset? It’s not ignoring everything that’s going on and saying that everything is fine. It’s about accepting the things that are going wrong and shifting your focus on the things going right. Here are a few things that can help with developing a positive mindset:

Make daily gratitude lists

In the morning or evening, sit down and list three things you are grateful for. If everything is going wrong, it can be hard to find that gratitude, but the more you look for it, the more you will find to be grateful for.

Look for the positive sides

Closely aligned with gratitude, look for the positive sides of any situation. For example, if you work from home, maybe it gives you more time with your immediate family. Put your energy into enjoying time with them, rather than focussing on the fact that you can’t go out.

Adopt a growth mindset

In short, a growth mindset is the idea that you always have room for growing and learning - where you are now isn’t where you will always be. This is about constantly developing skills and finding a way forward into new paths that you couldn’t have predicted.

How companies can help

Monetary benefits like salary, bonuses and paid leave are always the priority when evaluating a new job or negotiating for a higher salary. Still, challenging situations help bring to light the importance of other non-monetary benefits. One very overlooked benefit is the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offered by companies.

Employee Assistance Programs take many different forms depending on the organisation, but they all offer psychological and emotional support to employees on personal issues through professional counselling. If your company hasn’t already clarified what EAP they have, reach out to your HR department for the professional resources available to you.

Happy work, happy life

Workplace wellness isn’t a new thing - experts have been saying we need to prioritise it for decades, especially as the occurrence of workplace burnout increases. The bright side is that small steps can make a big difference in your overall happiness. And when we’re all back in the office, keep these habits you have cultivated now for long term health and well-being.

Looking for a career change? Submit your CV or get in touch with one of our consultants to determine how we can help.

Michael Page

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5 ways to handle interview nerves

Anonymous — Fri, 26 Mar 2021 03:35:46 +0000

5 ways to handle interview nerves Anonymous (not verified)

If you're feeling nervous in the lead up to a job interview, rest assured you are not alone. Most people experience a degree of nervousness before and during a job interview. Nerves are a natural response to an important event, and simply indicate that you care about getting it right.

Being too nervous can hold you back, though, so it’s important to know how to relax. Follow these tips to ace your interview:

1. Visualise success

Top performers in all walks of life use visualisation techniques to overcome nervousness. Visualisation simply involves running through the interview in your mind ahead of the event. Picture yourself entering the room feeling calm and in control.

Visualise yourself standing tall, smiling and shaking hands with ease. Imagine answering questions with confidence and poise, building a good rapport with the interviewers and leaving the room feeling happy with your performance.

Focusing on the best-case scenario will help you keep your composure in the lead-up to the interview. Your positivity and confidence will show during the interview, and the employer will probably mirror your positive energy. If you are confident that you deserve the job, they may just feel the same.

2. Practise your responses

Interview nerves are often caused by a fear of the unknown, or concern that you are going to freeze or say the wrong thing. To avoid getting flustered, rehearse answers to common interview questions. This will help you to feel more comfortable and confident in your ability to provide coherent, succinct responses on the day.

You may also be thrown an unexpected question. Try practicing your answers out loud with a friend to get feedback on your delivery. If you can't get a friend to help, consider recording yourself answering hypothetical questions, then play it back to hear how you sound. If you use a video recorder, watch for nervous body language and try to be mindful of any fidgeting that could reveal your nervousness.

3. Be prepared

If you don't prepare yourself for the interview, nerves can really take over. Taking the time to prepare for your interview will help you stay relaxed, and the interviewer will be able to tell you've put some time and effort in before turning up.

Confirm the name and contact number of your interviewer, the time you should arrive and what you plan to wear. Ensure you have all relevant documents on hand, including your CV and examples of past work. Give yourself plenty of travel time in case you get delayed – being late could lose you the job before you've even begun. Being on time will also give you the opportunity to compose yourself prior to the interview.

4. Take your time

Taking your time is something you associate with being relaxed. Give yourself ample time to answer the questions as they come. When feeling nervous at an interview, you may be tempted to rush your responses. This will often cause you to miss the point of the question and leave the interviewer struggling to keep up as you hurry through your answer.

Avoid stumbling over your sentences by taking a few seconds to consider what it is you’re being asked. Breathe deeply, then focus on articulating your answer slowly and clearly. If you forget what the question was, avoid giving an answer that you hope might be correct. Instead, keep calm and ask the interviewer if they feel you have covered their key points. Don’t forget that you can ask questions too.

5. Think positively

Mindset is a powerful thing. Changing the way you think about an interview can have a huge impact on the amount of pressure you feel. A positive mindset will be evident to your potential employer. Be sure to smile and reflect your positivity through your body language as well. Rather than thinking that you’re being judged, try viewing the interview as an exciting challenge to overcome.

Remind yourself of past successes and concentrate on the strengths you could bring to the role. Avoid putting expectations on yourself to give perfect answers, or thinking about things over which you have no control, such as the competition. Instead, focus your energy on simply giving the best interview you can.

Michael Page

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How to manage your online reputation

Anonymous — Wed, 17 Mar 2021 03:10:48 +0000

How to manage your online reputation Anonymous (not verified)

If you’ve ever Googled yourself, you know that you have a presence online (unless you’re really living in a social media netherworld). Facebook, Flickr, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn – these networks all come together to form a complete online profile that gives practically anyone who cares to look a very public snapshot of who you are on the web.

How do you manage your online reputation? Can you reign in the amount of public information out there?

How to manage your online reputation

As an employee or potential hire, it’s worth thinking about the implications of your social profile settings. Some workers may choose to stop using social networking sites all together; for others, keeping in mind a few tips can help you manage your online profile:

1. Check your privacy settings

It’s the simplest rule of thumb, but still often forgotten. As new features and changes are made on Facebook every day, it’s important to make sure that your sharing settings are kept up to date. Meanwhile, don’t forget to check the settings on other networks you’re using such as Twitter and LinkedIn — or even your long-forgotten personal blog.

2. Think before you post

It’s not just about cleaning up your photo stream of potentially incriminating images, it’s thinking about your entire online presence. More and more potential employers are Google searching potential hires. This isn’t just to dig up dirt, but to gauge what sort of person you are – not just who you say you are in your interviews. A Twitter stream with an onslaught of #FAIL posts can make you come off as particularly negative or a bunch of lewd comments your friends have left on your Wall could raise questions about who you choose to associate with. Tools like Reppler are designed to help you manage the online sentiment in your social profiles.

3. Build your online profile and professional network

You can also take strides to actively build and develop your online profile professionally. “Like” and join professional groups that are related to your industry or start a personal/professional blog to establish your expertise in your field. Use your networks and offer to contribute or guest blog for another relevant channel – you’ll be putting your name out there and building up personal brand awareness.

Should you Facebook friend your boss?

It seems inevitable – whether you change jobs frequently or stay in one company for a number of years, eventually you may be faced with the question – should you become Facebook friends with your boss?

Offer to contribute or guest blog for a relevant channel – you’ll be putting your name out there and building up personal brand awareness.

There are of course some immediate advantages with being friends with your boss, certainly from a networking perspective. Depending on the type of boss you have, Facebook connections may simply be a part of the workplace culture, along the lines of after work drinks or team coffee catch ups. However, for more conservative workplace cultures, the implications of being Facebook friends with your boss could be different, especially when it comes to upper management. For new hires, it’s worth waiting awhile to gauge what’s appropriate before you start sending out those requests.

Remember that even if you aren’t actual Facebook friends with your boss, that doesn’t mean that they won’t be privy to what you share online – co-workers and mutual friends can be a potential source of shared information, purposeful or otherwise. The best mantra to keep in mind is to think before you post – if you wouldn’t want your boss seeing it, maybe it’s best to keep it out of the public eye.

Michael Page

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The Future of Hiring: Challenges in hiring the right people

Anonymous — Fri, 17 Apr 2020 07:33:10 +0000

The Future of Hiring: Challenges in hiring the right people Anonymous (not verified)

Do you find it increasingly difficult to recruit the best available talent for open positions, especially during the COVID-19 outbreak? As the overall hiring landscape changes in Hong Kong due to the pandemic, it’s imperative for companies to make sure they focus on employer branding. Communication with potential candidates needs to be optimised for a world that expects more transparency every day, and this will become even more pertinent when the market recovers eventually.

Candidates now have more access to information than ever before; a quick search online can quickly weed out companies with a positive social media profile, good culture, a bad one or not much personality and culture at all. Because of this power of information, when going through the hiring process with you, candidates should be able to understand the role they are applying for, along with the mission and what it’s really like to work for you.

Biggest challenges in hiring in Hong Kong

Some of the biggest challenges that companies face in hiring the right talent in Hong Kong are: too many candidates, evolving technologies and the cost of hiring the wrong candidate. In response, companies need to refine their recruitment process. This can mean drilling down to something as simple as the job advertisement.

This job advertisement should highlight company culture, the value proposition for the company and training and development opportunities. Potential employees should have a clear idea of what their career development will look like once they are actually in the role – which can be the differentiator when choosing between several opportunities.

Communicating a clear purpose and vision

The next step in attracting the right talent is ensuring that you have the answer to one crucial question: What does your company stand for? This is one prevailing question that candidates want to know when vetting a new company. Aside from the role itself, salary package and benefits, it is becoming increasingly important for professionals to understand who it is they are working for – and what that company stands for.

You may not have a clearly defined vision for the company yet, or perhaps it’s simply a matter of changing the external communication around that vision. If you look at the most successful companies on the market in terms of who people want to work for, it’s not only the companies with an excellent company culture – but those that know how to communicate that culture to the outside world.

This communication can include information about collaborative working environments, the type of technology that is used throughout the company, management style and how teams interact. Take every opportunity to show what a day in the life of your company is. Candidates now truly consider this meaningful information and actively seek to find it.

Furthermore, we are starting to see that companies are more effectively attracting talent by sharing the experience of current employees. This can be through pictures and videos posted on various social media channels, articles in the media, or the About Us section on their websites. This content is easily accessible and relatable. Having this information easily discoverable allows professionals to get a clear picture of the company culture on their own, rather than relying on the few people they meet during the interview process.

Humanising the recruitment process

A conversation about recruitment these days is not complete without discussing technology. Automation, machine learning and AI are already making a difference within the hiring process in disruptive industries such as fintech, and will only continue to be a bigger part of recruitment.

However, it’s important not to let technology take over the entire process and replace humans completely. Instead, technology should be used to support and expand recruitment capabilities, allowing companies to seek out the best talent on the market that they may not have had access to before.

Above all, while we are talking about the developments in technology and AI, the whole recruitment process needs to be humanised as much as possible. It’s a difficult balance to achieve, but an effective one. Technology can be used to speed up the overall hiring process, by screening initial candidates more effectively, or by removing bias in some of the initial hiring stages. There are roles that will be more easily evaluated by AI, those technical roles especially, but a larger part will be more focused on soft skills and aspects such as cultural fit.

These aspects require the humans within the process – the recruiters, companies and professionals – to interact as effectively as possible. Ultimately, high tech solutions should be utilised to improve the overall recruitment process, and bring a better experience to potential candidates, recruiters and hiring managers.

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Michael Page

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Is Hong Kong happy at work?

Anonymous — Thu, 11 Jul 2019 10:21:11 +0000

Is Hong Kong happy at work? Anonymous (not verified)

It’s rush hour on any given weekday and millions of professionals are making their way to work in Hong Kong. Some are traveling by MTR, others by car, bus or tram. Considering these millions of professionals, a very important question comes up: how happy is the workforce in Hong Kong on their way to work?

To be fair, the word “happy” can be subjective. Given the choice, would anyone voluntarily be going to work versus, say, on their way to an exotic beach resort? Perhaps the question is less about happiness and more about job satisfaction. And when it comes to job satisfaction, what are some of the factors that can make us more or less satisfied?

This question is becoming increasingly important in the workplace, so we surveyed 795 professionals in Hong Kong at all job levels to hear: what are some of the aspects of work that make people happy...or not? And how do those factors contribute to an overall feeling of job satisfaction and workplace happiness? This is what we found.

Whistling on the commute to work

Around the world, extreme commuting (spending more than two hours commuting per day) is on the rise due to high rental costs and crowded cities. So in Hong Kong, given its relatively small size, how long are people spending getting to and from the office?

According to our results, 80% of respondents spend an hour or less travelling daily, just enough time to beat several levels of Candy Crush - but not an unreasonable amount of time, considering that in many metropolitan cities around the world, commute times often exceed two hours per day.

Interestingly, 58% of respondents regard the commute to work as an important factor when considering a new job, signaling that office location could play a large part in whether or not a job offer is accepted.

A delicate (work-life) balance

The idea of work-life balance is an important one in the current work landscape, as job burnout becomes a more recognised consequence of long hours and high stress. This can be a subjective concept, as what is balanced for one professional isn’t for another, but personal definitions aside, we should all agree that spending more time doing things you love, or more time with family and friends can only be a good thing.

And a better balance between work and life leads to overall job satisfaction and employee engagement. According to our results, 9 out of 10 respondents responded to work calls and emails outside of office hours. On the other side, while actually at work, 63% of respondents said that they communicate with friends and family by phone and message. However, it didn’t take up a large percentage of their day, as 88% spent less than one hour on personal matter while at work, showing that those in Hong Kong are pretty productive.

As the final word, 8 out of 10 professionals responded that they are happy with their work-life balance, suggesting that while there is a lot of hard work going on in offices around the country, there’s also a lot of living going on outside of them too.

Staying connected

Smartphones, laptops, tablets - connectivity is a big deal these days and in many ways the line between time in the office and time out is becoming blurred by the pressure to always be on. This pressure can be increased by the devices that companies provide - 84% of respondents in Hong Kong received a device from work, and the type of device varied:

Changes in mindset

In many cases, with all above factors considered, it’s less about what a professional’s actual situation is, and more about their mindset when viewing that situation. As shown in multiple studies, those with a growth mindset, in which they see constant opportunities for development and improvement, are happier, more engaged and more satisfied.

While it seems a bit too easy, sometimes the key to happiness can be as simple as reframing the way that successes and failures within the work environment are viewed.

Professionals in Hong Kong are happy!

Survey results and statistics aside, it seems that the happiest professionals, not just in Hong Kong, but all over the world, are those who are treated as humans. Humans who work hard and strive to meet goals, but who have fulfilling lives outside of work, being more than just their job titles.

As for our survey, some answers are surprising, some are expected, but overall, this is a good picture of professionals at work. Despite all appearances on the train in the morning, it turns out that a majority of us are pretty satisfied when it comes to working conditions in Hong Kong.

Download the full infographic here for more insights.

Michael Page

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The ultimate guide to acing your performance review and boosting your career

Before your performance review: Get ready to shine!

1. Reflect on your achievements and challenges

2. Align your review with company goals

3. Prepare questions and topics for discussion

4. Seek peer feedback

A casual Teams message example

A more formal email example

How to conduct yourself during performance reviews

Dos:

Don'ts:

After your performance review: Turning feedback into action

1. Embrace the feedback

Positive review

Performance gaps

2. Ask questions for clarity

3. Seek continuous feedback

4. Identify development areas

5. Document your achievements

6. Set new goals

7. Foster open communication with your manager

Seek out opportunities for professional growth

1. Explore mentorship opportunities

2. Expand your professional network

3. Recognise when it's time for change

4. Leverage performance reviews for career advancement

Make your performance reviews work harder for you

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