Career Development
Issue: July / August 2013

The Open Plan Office Survival Guide

By - July 23, 2013

Open plan work environments are the norm in most organisations. Some are ‘hot-desking’ where your workstation is allocated fresh daily. But how can you and your colleagues make the most of this environment without causing undue distraction? “Open plan environments are flexible, positively encouraging conversation, and for many an enjoyable part of working life. But... Read more »
Career Development
Issue: July / August 2013

One Size Does Not Fit All

By - July 23, 2013

I’m a list writer. I find that it helps me keep organized and my thoughts all in one place. To me, lists are fundamental to staying organized and I can’t imagine how anyone survives without them. Sometimes I even keep lists of my lists (just in case, you know!). “Our family is heading down south... Read more »
Career Development
Issue: July / August 2013

Better Connected

By - July 22, 2013

So, you’re on LinkedIn. How do you use it to find a new job? asks Angela Garry
Career Development
Issue: May / June 2013

Gaining Support From Your Employer to Invest in Your Professional Development

By - May 25, 2013

What is the value of your professional development to your employer? asks Eth Lloyd
Career Development
Issue: May / June 2013

Interviewing Like a Pro

By - May 25, 2013

There is a great deal of information regarding interviews on the internet and on social media sites! You can find good questions to prepare, advice on how to dress and even some tips on body language. “So why another article on the subject? Well it’s simple! In the world we live in today we, as... Read more »
Career Development
Issue: March / April 2013

Great Expectations (Get it in Writing!)

By - March 23, 2013

It is crystal clear to me that many of the problems between employers and assistants in our workplace could be prevented by a clear set of written expectations. It surprises me to learn that many assistants begin Day #1 of their jobs without anything in writing regarding a job description or compensation package. This scenario... Read more »
Career Development Communication
Issue: November / December 2012

How to Network With Confidence

By - November 25, 2012

So many PAs have said to me: ‘I am absolutely terrified about walking into a room full of strangers.’ I reply: That’s OK, they are just people you haven’t got to know yet.’ Then they say: ‘I am not very good at networking’, ‘I find that my hands are shaking or my voice goes all... Read more »
Career Development
Issue: November / December 2012

From Assistant to CEO

By - November 25, 2012

Have you been in a situation where everything seems to be going well? Then BAM! The balance is upset and you have to face a change. How do you deal with it? Imagine a scenario where your job has disappeared. Although the process will be the same in any situation, this is the moment when... Read more »
Career Development
Issue: September / October 2012

First impressions count!

By - September 25, 2012

So what really happens in the opening moments of a job interview?   The idea that employers decide to hire or reject in the first 30 seconds of an interview is an urban myth. If it were true, interviews would be much shorter. What happens is that an interviewer makes initial decisions about your personality... Read more »
Career Development
Issue: July / August 2012

Who Supports the Internal Applicant?

By - July 25, 2012

When applying for a role internally, there is often little support. But you can do a lot to help yourself by applying the same principles to the process as you would for an external role Many employees feel that the only way to secure new challenges and promotions is to leave their existing employer. Why?... Read more »
Career Development
Issue: May / June 2012

Consultancy – the future for Executive PAs?

By - May 25, 2012

If you’ve started to think about what you’ll do next – consultancy could be the answer.   It is widely acknowledged in business that change is the only constant. Whilst it is a challenge, there is almost always an opportunity for growth and development. Never has this been truer than the evolution of the PA... Read more »
Career Development
Issue: May / June 2012

Waiting for the Great Leap Forward in Training

By - May 25, 2012

Peter Cook's no-nonsense guide to providing effective training to manage performance
Career Development
Issue: May / June 2012

A DATE WITH AN INTERVIEWER – Practice

By - May 25, 2012

Continuing on from last issue’s preparation theme, practice is the next essential step to winning over your next employer.   We’ve mentioned before that an interview is like a date – it could be the beginning of a long and happy relationship – however, we often have to kiss a lot of frogs before we... Read more »
Career Development
Issue: March / April 2012

Prove it!

By - March 25, 2012

Stand out and effectively demonstrate your skills every time with a professional portfolio. As an administrative professional, how do you demonstrate your skills? How do you prove to others you know how to do the skills you list on your resume? What can you do to showcase your skills in a way that makes you... Read more »
Career Development
Issue: March / April 2012

How to have a great appraisal…

By - March 25, 2012

When it comes to appraisal meetings, you get what you ask for, not always what you deserve. It’s March. Why are we writing about the annual de-motivational review process? (Sorry, performance review.) Every year businesses throughout the world put thousands and thousands of employees through an annual performance review process or appraisal. A few people... Read more »
Career Development
Issue: March / April 2012

Corporate Ladder Safety Tips: Climb Your Way to a More Fulfilling Career

By - March 25, 2012

If you feel you are ready for a promotion, there are many things you can do to propel you towards the next step in your career. Does the following scenario sound familiar? You’ve delivered outstanding work the last couple of years, but economic conditions have kept you from receiving the promotion you deserve. You’re not... Read more »