Career Development
Issue: July / August 2013

Writing Winning CVs for Commerce and Industry

By - July 23, 2013

We know the market is tough pretty much wherever you go, but you can sell your skills to future employers effectively if you think hard about writing a concise, targeted CV. Don’t be shy though – it is all part of your own personal marketing plan, so you need to describe your strengths and achievements... Read more »
Career Development
Issue: July / August 2013

We Miss You, Katharine Gibbs

By - July 23, 2013

Let’s say you win $50 million in the lotto. And because you’re so completely devoted to the administrative profession, you decide to build a post-secondary school devoted to the complete education of an elite group of administrative professionals. Where would you begin?   “I pose the question because recently I had to research educational programming... Read more »
Career Development
Issue: July / August 2013

Avoiding Common Job-search Mistakes

By - July 23, 2013

Administrative professionals with the most in-demand skills — especially those who can make immediate contributions with minimal training — can uncover an increasing number of opportunities in the current business environment. But landing a new position will require you to be in top form during your job quest. Sometimes the best way to prepare for... Read more »
Business people and gear.
Career Development
Issue: July / August 2013

Dream Team

By - July 23, 2013

Consider the value of team-building programmes to create the outcomes to progress individuals and develop the team, explains Malcolm Taylor
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