impact-career-counselling-and-personal-development

Adapt Your Resume to Improve Success Rate with ATS and Other AI Software Programs Being Used by 2025 Recruiters

Wed, 21 May 2025 06:36:57 GMT

Tips for Surviving a Toxic Work Environment

ADAPT YOUR RESUME TO IMPROVE SUCCESS RATE

You may be aware that Employers and Recruitment Services are now utilising Applicant Tracking System (ATS) software to manage their recruitment and hiring processes more efficiently. This Blog is to provide helpful information and tips so you can revise your Resume and Cover Letters to increase your score as the ATS Filters your application.

ATS is designed to streamline the process of collecting, organising and analysing job applications. Some of the key features and capabilities of these applicant tracking systems include –

Job posting management: Distributes job openings to multiple job boards and company career pages.

Resume parsing: Automatically scans and extracts relevant information from resumes, such as skills, experience and contact details.

Candidate screening: Filters applicants based on predefined criteria, such as keywords , qualifications or professional experience.

Communication tools: Enables recruiters to communicate with candidates via email or messaging directly from the platform.

Workflow management: Tracks candidates throughout the hiring process, from application to offer or rejection.

Analytics and reporting: Provides insights on hiring metrics, such as time-to-hire, candidate source effectiveness and other relevant statistics.

Check your Resume - is it ATS - Friendly?

Once you are aware of how an applicant tracking system scans a resume, you can adapt your Resume to work in your favour. The ATS compares a Resume wording to the specific job description and then scores it in what is called a job match rate. The job match rate is based on how relevant a resume is to the job description stored in the ATS software.

Most ATS programs require a resume to score 80% or above before it will be forwarded to a hiring manager or recruiter.

Follow the tip below to ensure your resume format is ATS-friendly:

Use a standard resume format : Use one of the three Standard Resume Formats (chronological, combination or functional).

Chronological Resume Format - Best Resume Format For :

Individuals with a consistent work history, as it highlights steady career growth and relevant job experience in a clear, time-based manner.

Professionals who have built a career in one industry or role, showing a clear trajectory of promotions, achievements and increasing responsibilities.

Those applying for a position like their current or previous jobs, as it emphasizes your direct experience and skills relevant to the role.

Functional Resume Format - Best Resume Format For :

Those transitioning into a new field or industry, as it emphasises transferable skills and relevant qualifications over job titles and timelines.

Individuals with significant employment gaps, freelance work or non-linear career paths, since it focuses on skills rather than job history.

Recent graduates or entry-level job seekers who need to highlight skills, education and volunteer work over traditional job experience.

Combination Resume Format – Best Resume Format For :

Job seekers who want to emphasise both their relevant skills and work history, providing a balanced view of what they can offer.

Career changers who have transferable skills and specific experiences that blend skill-focused and experience-based elements.

Individuals with varied job experiences, freelance work or roles that don’t follow a traditional or linear career path.

Also -

Avoid fancy designs : Graphics, images, tables and columns that the ATS may not read correctly so this should be avoided.

Add standard section titles : For easier parsing, label sections with traditional headings like " Work Experience," "Education," "Skills," and "Certifications."

Be consistent with dates : Use a standard format for dates (e.g., "Jan 2022 – Dec 2024") and place them consistently for each entry.

Use readable fonts : Choose ATS-friendly resume fonts like Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman or Verdana. Use same font throughout the Resume and no smaller than 11.

Repeat keywords which match the words in Job Add and Job Description : I ntegrate keywords throughout your Resume, Resume Summary and Cover Letter, match same wording provided in job descriptions, and the Selection Criteria sections. ATS will be scanning for these specific words.

Save as a Compatible File Type : You can submit your resume as a Word document (.doc or .docx) or a PDF (only if the job posting explicitly allows PDFs – you will need to check this before uploading).

Include Soft Skills in your Resume and Cover Letter :

When choosing which keywords to include on your resume, it can be tempting to stuff your resume with specific technical skills that feel impressive. Technical skills are a good thing! But don't neglect your soft skills . If the employer mentions conflict resolution or time management skills in the description of the role, it's because those abilities are important traits for a candidate to have. Your resume should reflect that.

Soft Skills can include :

Work ethic; Attention to detail; Communication; Organisation; Creativity; Empathy; Friendliness; Adaptability; Time Management.

Final comment

Not All Employer’s are Using ATS – But it pays to Be Prepared Just in Case.

Currently not every employer uses ATS, but ATS usage is so widespread that it would be a misstep to assume that an employer isn't using it. With hundreds of applicants for online job postings, employers from all sorts of fields are turning to ATS programs to save time.

I suggest that to give your application its best chance of getting you the interview, your resume should be prepared for ATS screening. If you would like some assistance in updating or revamping your Resume, contact me at Impact Career Counselling and Personal Development by clicking onto the Contact Us link on this website.

Strategies To Take You From Redundancy to Recovery

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 23:46:07 GMT

Tips for Surviving a Toxic Work Environment

What steps can I take if I've been made redundant?

Being made redundant can trigger a wide range of initial feelings, including shock, anxiety, and fear, often followed by a loss of confidence and a sense of identity. These feelings can be accompanied by emotions like anger, resentment, and even some relief, and you may find it difficult to relax or switch off.

HR Leader - surveyed 600-plus senior HR professionals and decision-makers, and discovered that while there has been an increase in the number of employers planning to increase wages, redundancies are also on the rise – increasing in the Financial Year of 2024–25.

I have prepared a brief list of steps to take to manage your career or employment transition if you are made redundant from your position. If these steps seem daunting, I can support and guide you through all aspects of this process until you reach your new career or employment goals. Contact me via this website to discuss areas that you may need some help with.

I recommend taking the following steps before you leave your position - or as soon as possible after you leave.

1. Develop a Self-Care Plan

List your supports – family, friends, professionals, find a counsellor to manage emotions, and for tips on developing coping skills, accepting change, increasing your resilience, and shifting your focus to setting new gaols and moving forward.

Acknowledge your emotions:

It is important to take steps for Self-Care, you will have many conflicting and sometime irrational thoughts going through your mind. Perhaps confusion, anger, frustration, depression and low self-esteem and so on. This is natural so make plans to support yourself in ways that you find helpful. Remember this is a STAGE that You are going through and in time with planning and personal adjustment you will survive and, in some cases, may even improve your situation.

Once you are over the initial shock and your resilience is increasing you may come to realise that this can be an opportunity to reassess your career pathway and realign it with your NEW Values, Interests and Motivations.

You may realise that you want to explore different things in life, which you would not possibly have done if the Redundancy did not occur. This can be a good time to make big changes in your life, reinvent yourself and start to carve out a future that suites you at this stage of your life.

2. Review and Manage Your Finances

Assess your financial situation:

Understand your current income and expenses and create a budget to manage your finances and Redundancy Payout effectively.

Take steps early to manage expected financial difficulties:

You may want to contact your bank and other financial institutions to discuss payment arrangements or a short-term hold on certain financial commitments.

3. If Possible Whilst Still in Your Current Position Start To Collate a Record of Your Skills and Abilities.

Prepare a Skills Audit:

List all current tasks and work experience gained in your position (A Job Description can also assist you in this exercise). A Skills Audit will help you when updating your Resume, Writing future Cover Letters, applying for RPL or Credit Transfer in the case of transitioning across to another employment field or gaining new qualifications.

Your confidence will also get a boost as your identify all of the skills, experience and formal qualifications that you have – this will work also in increasing your resilience and self-belief as you endure the Redundancy Process. This will help you to feel more positive about your future and give you some ideas on other positions that you might like to try applying for.

4. Look at Your Personal Branding and Prepare To Connect With Employers and New Key People of Influence

Develop or update your LinkedIn account:

Let followers know that you are seeking a new role, also register on LinkedIn for professional positions that regularly become available.

Revise your Resume and prepare a Generic Cover Letter:

These will need to be adjusted to suit each position that you apply for ( book an online session with Alison (Me) to assist you in this task - click onto the Contact Us Button on this website).

5. Increase Your Networks for More Opportunities and Support

Start firming up your list of Networks:

This can include former work colleagues, internal and external professionals and business associates that you know.

Tap into Networks:

Do this in areas of professional development providers, industry related contacts, and LinkedIn and fb groups relevant to your interest areas.

Join groups:

Consider joining other Industry specific / employment relevant groups to learn of positions that may be available in the near future.

Join associations:
Join or become more active with your Industry Related Associations to keep your Professional Development current and keep up with industry related trends, learn of upcoming positions available and attend online webinars and connect groups.

6. Take a Closer Look at Your Skills Audit – It May Highlight Areas To Be Upskilled

Consider doing some Gap Skill Training:

Applying for RPL to Fast Track your new Qualification if you identify that you are lacking in a particular skill area – this can make you more employable. Or you may enrol into a new course that will lead to a new career direction.

You can also Register for jobs online

This includes registering for job alerts with Government and Private Job sites, as well as with national sites such as seek and indeed.

Its important that when looking on advertised positions on Job Websites that you look for the required criteria employers are asking for in each position, and read the Job Descriptions to see if they match up with your skills and experiences.

Take comfort in these words from – Pearl Zhu:

Adaptability enforces creativity,

and creativity is adaptability.

Career Choices for Rural Communities has Expanded

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 00:41:20 GMT

Tips for Surviving a Toxic Work Environment

What career opportunities are available in rural areas?

Living in a rural location can pose some barriers to employment or career advancement, these can include minimal public transport – if any, high cost or no childcare services, higher cost of fuel and long travelling times if seeking services in larger cities. Fortunately the number of formal online study courses and work related workshops has increased enormously, and in many locations the internet has opened up opportunities for large and small businesses, offers of remote employment positions and supports sales and marketing ventures for trading locally and a much wider field.

This article is prepared to inform you that there many more careers choices than you may have at first realised, for those who love living in regional areas. I outline a few ‘in-demand in 2024’ career fields, and suggest areas you can research for developing a successful Career Plan. Focussing on areas which can lead you to ongoing sustainable employment or even setting up your own business once you build on your experience and qualifications.

If you live in a rural area or are planning to relocate to one, then you may be interested in learning about the types of jobs that are opening up and becoming available in these regions.

Let’s widen the areas that you consider to research for rural related career or employment opportunities, include researching roles in Transportation, Construction, Sales, Agriculture, Landscaping, Health Care, Technology, Education, Marketing, Production, Mechanical, Creative, Science, Finance - and the list goes on.

Each category offers a wide range of careers and once you understand what your motivators, interests and values are, as well as your strengths and the skills that you would like to develop it becomes much easier to choose a Career Plan Pathway – specifically to suit you.

This list can help give you an idea of careers you might be interested in

Below is an attempt to breakdown the numerous opportunities that may come under a specific Career Category. This outlines how you may find a job or career pathway that appeals to you, or at the very least encourage you to research to learn more.

1. Landscape Gardening & Related Careers

Careers in marketing business, design, development, and maintaining landscapes on farms, horse properties or Vet Clinics, commercial businesses, Councils, Government Departments, medical centres and hospitals, and for individual homeowners.

Careers may include – Administration, Management, Sales and Marketing, Graphic Design work, Stock Control, Training, OH&S, Tree Lopping, Installation of Sprinkler Systems, Small Motor Mechanic, Machinery Operating, Transport, Horticulture and Nursery work, Paving, building Patios or sheds, even concreting, retaining wall and fence building etc.

2. Mechanical related Careers

maintain, inspect and repair vehicles, farm machinery and small engines. Opportunities may be found in auto body repair shops, car dealerships, vehicle hire companies, on rural properties, for Councils and Government Departments, Fleet Car maintenance, Road Construction sites, Spare Parts sales, or even car detailing or delivery work.

3. Business / Finance / Administrative Careers

If you like structure, managing people and or budgets, can think strategically and analytically these careers may interest you. Accountant or Auditor, HR Management, Management, Financial Advisor, Insurances, Project Management, Business Trainer, Policy Writer, Banking, Real Estate or Mortgage Broker, Conveyancer, Data Analysis, Engineering, Transport Logistics etc.

4. Information Technology - for rural and regional communities

Research, development for identifying and responding to national challenges and opportunities which impact the agricultural, horticultural and farm management sectors. Developing programs and software for agrifood innovation systems, livestock and plant production systems, environmental and water management, Grains Research, animal care, as well as community, education and Government projects.

Technology brings many positive changes to smaller rural communities, fostering connectivity, economic development, health care accessibility, and education opportunities.

Careers in Cyber Security, web development, social media marketing, program development, computer networking, systems analyst, computer related sales and marketing, educational online training and course development, security camera installations to name a few.

You can try these suggestions to help your decision making process

Above is just an introduction to the many variables relating to career options that can easily be missed as they are hidden under one basic Career Category Heading, limiting your decision making process when considering which career may best work for you.

My rural clients often state that they feel that opportunity and variety of careers is limited due to where they live or the size of the township. As you can see if you are proactive and seek a challenging but rewarding career, there are many different avenues that you can investigate and explore.

If you would like to learn more contact me to set up an online session, we can identify your strengths, natural abilities, what motivates you and define your personal values. All of which are important when considering committing to long term and often expensive formal study, or preparing to transition from a current unsatisfactory job or career to one that is more fulfilling. In some cases if required I can assist you to prepare an Employment Exit Plan that will keep you safe and earning income whilst to prepare for transitioning from one career to another. There are many steps to put in place and be mindful of to ensure the transition is successful and an improvement on what you are leaving.

I can also help redefine your formal qualifications, and find online workshops and short courses which may assist you in writing a competitive Resume and Cover Letter when wanting to apply for a new role. We can offer mentoring for Interview Preparation, and guidance and where to find suitable jobs, meet selection criteria and boost your confidence to meet these employment related challenges.

Tips for Surviving a Toxic Work Environment

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 01:27:23 GMT

Tips for Surviving a Toxic Work Environment

Why ARE Workplace DYNAMICS Important?

Recently I have had several clients attend my sessions who wanted to discuss various stressful situations that they are experiencing in their workplace.

Although they are reasonably content with their current career, the workplace dynamics has played a major factor in their considering transitioning from a role that they previously enjoyed to seek new opportunities.

Most workplaces have challenges, but a toxic work environment can erode your self-confidence, increase anxiety and depression and can have a very negative effect on your work performance, health and relationships away from work.

This checklist can help you determine if your workplace is unhealthy for you.

1. You may be experiencing Burnout

Toxic work environments often overloads you with work, unrealistic timelines and negative thoughts that can continue well after you leave work each day, this impacts your ability to relax and may even effect your sleep. You can find yourself working much harder and for longer to impress others or show your true value but your efforts go unnoticed. This in time can cause burnout because your job is continually challenging on multiple levels, and due to the environment may limit any chance of personal growth or promotion.

2. You may struggle with managing Work-Life Balance

A balance between your personal life and work is essential to help you stay healthy, productive and interested in your work environment. Toxic jobs often disempower you and even when you know a holiday or few days off is much needed you may feel pressure to stay at work in fear of losing ground within the business or organisation, or your boss or colleagues causing more issues for you when you return.

3. Communication amongst colleagues is poor.

A positive and supportive work place promotes effective communication, where as a toxic workplace may have insufficient and poor and infrequent forms of communication.

You may find yourself being excluded from critical information by bosses and colleagues. Your boss may give little to no feedback, or they may only comment on your performance when they were not pleased with it. You might receive instructions or projects which have minimal details, absence of clarity around situations, and many employees receiving different messages. This poor leadership and communication style can quickly cause rifts to occur within teams and create a toxic work environment.

4. You notice Cliques developing

There may be colleagues who ignore, exclude, bully, and gossip about you or others. They have inside jokes, share meals and take breaks together, and alienate everyone else. However, when they need something from you, they’re surprisingly friendly until your project is done, and they move on. Unfortunately, dealing with cliques cannot be avoided if you want to survive a toxic workplace.

5. Poor Leadership

Having a toxic boss is a significant characteristic of a toxic workplace. A toxic boss may shout at you and insult you or be passive-aggressive for no reason. They may also expect you to work long hours without extra pay, offload their personal lives on you, take you for granted, take credit for your achievements and contact you outside office hours. Some bosses may send emails at midnight and expect immediate responses, while others may call you and expect that you pick up immediately. These bosses don’t demonstrate boundaries, respect to you or that they value you in any way.

6. High Employee Turnover

There may be a steady stream of past colleagues who have resigned from their positions, generally this is an indication of an ongoing toxic work environment. Employees may be willing to work at an office long enough to gain critical skills, complete current study commitments, or develop good networks as they develop an exit plan.

This checklist can help Teach you How to Survive a Toxic Workplace

Whether you like playing office politics or not, it is a part of the work reality. Success in your workplace often depend on the strategies you can develop to cope with the toxicity and the number of positive relationships you can nurture in the workplace.

1. Aim to be nice to everyone

Try to fit in and be a good team member if it is possible, be helpful and friendly and don’t get involved with gossip or negative discussions. Be aware of colleagues who aren't nice and make the workday miserable, who resist any suggestions you make and sabotage any projects you do.

2. Don't be a complainer – look for solutions

Anybody can point out problems - employees worth having around are the ones that keep them from happening in the first place, or solve them quickly when they appear. The ones who are able to make light of a situation, no matter how dire it is, win bonus points for being able to relieve tension.

3. Don't Hide

Try to be insight of others, highly visible so they are aware you are around, and you are actively working well and being a team member. If you withdraw others may take advantage of this and suddenly you're blamed for everything that's gone wrong, and you're never responsible for anything that has gone right.

4. Encourage good communications with your Boss

Your boss is the one person who is in the best position to determine your future in the workplace. Aim to develop a good working relationship with them, keep them informed of changes or offer ideas for them to consider and ensure communication is productive.

5. Be good at what you do

Work smart. Use everything as a learning opportunity. Don't be late for work, and don't abuse time off. Your colleagues will use any weakness as a cause for resentment, so don't give them any. Just be great at what you do.

6. Be Polite

Try to avoid sarcasm and caustic humour in the workplace, and always be as courteous as possible. Be gracious and humble.

7. Be wise ensure you protect yourself from sabotage

You may choose to save all emails that outline your ideas, record how you contributed on a project and which tasks you've done. Compile basic evidence and documentation of difficult work relationships or awkward situations you are experiencing – these can be used to back you up if ever needed.

Office politics are certainly not enjoyable, but you will be more successful navigating them if you follow these 7 tips.

You can try these suggestions to help cope with A TOXIC WORKPLACE situation

In regards to your personal care, it is important to develop some strategies to minimise the erosion of your self-confidence and help you to build on your resilience. While in some cases it may be easier to remove yourself from a toxic workplace by seeking new employment that is not always possible. Unfortunately too often Managers / Leaders avoid taking any action to eliminate toxicity when you bring the situation up with them, often ignoring the issues caused by toxic people in the workplace.

1. Establish boundaries

While it is hard to set boundaries and say no, it is critical to do so in a toxic work environment. Write down clear and concise boundaries, such as taking your lunch break, not coming in early or staying late, not working on the weekends, or not responding to your boss at all hours of the day. Remember your boundaries and stick to them.

2. Create a positive workspace

While you may not be able to control or influence very much in your work environment, you usually can decide how to decorate your workspace. If you are allowed hang relaxing posters on your walls, or framed pictures of people you love and positive quotes and affirmations were you can see them often. Remind yourself that your job is not everything and that you have a happy life and good relationships when not at work.

3. Try not to take negativity home with you

While your workplace may be filled with negativity, have a strategy for transitioning to a more positive outlook before you arrive home in the evening. You may go to the gym and do a class or workout before going home, you may go for a coffee or catch up with friends after work, or find a peaceful place to meditate so you can clear your mind of negative feelings.

4. Seek social support

Find a supportive friend who will let you vent and release pent up frustration. Let your friend know that you don’t need a problem solver, just a safe space to talk and share your thoughts. Maintain a healthy balance when with your friend to also include positive activities which involves fun and laughter so you don’t burn out your friend.

5. Stay true to yourself

Try to maintain your real personality, and resist being drawn into acting badly because others are. Remind yourself of your core values, what motivates you to do this type of work or role, and stay on the high road. Stay alert and recognise if people are trying to manipulate you into following them or isolating others.

6. Remember that your job isn’t everything

Avoid associating your happiness and self-worth only with your job. Your career is important, but so are family, friends, physical health, mental health, hobbies, your residence, and your community engagement. When things are not going well at work, focus on building up the parts of your life outside of work so that unhappiness with work will not dominate your feelings about life in general.

7. And if it is still effecting you - Develop an Exit Plan

Working in a toxic environment can motivate you to take steps for transitioning to a higher level at the same workplace, seeking promotion or a transfer. Or you may do a skills audit, revise your resume and research any gap skill training needs in preparation for applying for a new position with a different employer. Try using your time wisely when at your current toxic work environment to develop your skills on the job and with formal training, make valuable contacts internal and external and nurture these to maintain good networks. Also record all relevant and complex experience gained whilst enduring the workplace you plan to escape from – ‘when you are ready’. Turn a negative into positive.

Remember that you are working towards a much bigger plan in life, you have set yourself SMART Goals: S pecific - M easurable - A chievable - R elevant - T ime-bound

Sometimes this makes it much easier to endure because you are aiming for an improved future and not concentrating on the day to day toxic environment of your current workplace.

The Importance of Self-Awareness and Confidence Building for Professional Growth

Mon, 16 Oct 2023 01:18:33 GMT

The Importance of Self-Awareness and Confidence Building for Professional Growth

Why Is Resilience in the Workplace Important?

As we navigate our professional lives, it’s important to have a good understanding of ourselves and our strengths and weaknesses.

This is where self-awareness comes in, as it allows us to be honest with ourselves about our abilities, areas for improvement, and career aspirations.

But self-awareness alone isn’t enough, as we also need confidence to take action and pursue our goals.

Resilience is a combination of these five principles:

• Gratitude

• Compassion

• Acceptance

• Meaning

• Forgiveness

Here are some reasons why self-awareness and confidence are crucial for professional growth, and how you can develop these skills:

Being self-aware allows you to make better decisions in your career, as you have a clear understanding of your strengths and weaknesses. This can help you to identify areas for improvement and make informed decisions about your career path.

Here are some tips to develop self-awareness:

Conduct a Skills Audit: Identify your skills, experiences, and areas for improvement.
Seek Feedback: Ask for feedback from colleagues, managers, and mentors to gain a better understanding of how you’re perceived.
Reflect on Your Experiences: Take time to reflect on your successes and challenges, and what you learned from them.
Confidence: Confidence is essential for professional growth, as it allows you to take risks, pursue new opportunities, and advocate for yourself. Here are some tips to develop confidence:
Identify Your Strengths: Knowing your strengths can boost your confidence, as you have a clear understanding of what you can offer.
Practice: The more you practice a skill or task, the more confident you will become.
Take Calculated Risks: Taking calculated risks can help you to grow professionally and build confidence.

Developing self-awareness and confidence takes time and effort, but it’s worth it in the long run. By understanding yourself and having the confidence to pursue your goals, you can achieve professional growth and success.

How to Create a Standout Resume that Catches the Attention of Potential Employers

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 01:18:31 GMT

How to Create a Standout Resume that Catches the Attention of Potential Employers

Why Is YOUR RESUME SO Important?

As a job seeker, your resume is your first opportunity to impress potential employers and land an interview. However, with so many resumes flooding recruiters' inboxes, it's essential to create a standout resume that catches the attention of potential employers. In this blog, we'll provide you with practical tips on how to create a resume that highlights your strengths and experiences while standing out from the competition.

Firstly, it's essential to tailor your resume to the specific job you're applying for. This means carefully reviewing the job description and highlighting your relevant skills and experiences. Avoid using generic resumes as they can often come across as impersonal and lack relevance to the job.

Next, make sure your resume is easy to read and visually appealing. Use a clean, simple format and choose an easy-to-read font. Keep the length of your resume to two pages maximum, and use bullet points to highlight key achievements and responsibilities. Use bolding and italicising sparingly to draw attention to important information.

Be sure to include a professional summary or objective statement at the beginning of your resume. This should be a brief, compelling statement that summarises your skills, experiences, and goals. It's also essential to list your most relevant skills at the top of your resume, under your professional summary.

When listing your work experience, focus on your achievements and how you added value to your previous roles. Use specific, measurable examples to demonstrate your accomplishments. Use keywords from the job description to help your resume pass through applicant tracking systems.

Finally, proofread your resume multiple times, and ask a friend or mentor to review it as well. Typos, grammatical errors, and formatting mistakes can make a negative impression on potential employer.

In Summary:

Creating a standout resume requires a tailored approach, visually appealing design, and focusing on your achievements and relevant skills. By following these tips, you'll be able to create a resume that catches the attention of potential employers and helps you land your dream job.

Skills you Need for Quality Workplace Communications

Wed, 01 Feb 2023 22:30:33 GMT

Tips for Surviving a Toxic Work Environment

1. Develop multiple communication techniques

Email, texting, messaging, online and face-to-face conversations are all used as forms of communication in the workplace they help you to stay connected. Ensure that you are competent in each technique, especially if you work remotely or from home.

2. Focus on clear messaging to Team Members when outlining shared tasks

Clarity is key when communicating to others when using any form. This means avoiding jargon or vague language to help others to understand what you’re saying and what the next steps should be.

Tips to help you communicate with greater clarity include:

Keep it simple and use language your team is familiar with. The less room for interpretation you leave, the less likely you’ll be to miscommunication.
Be specific and pay attention to non-verbal responses from your team. If your team members looks confused, try rephrasing it or using a visual form to demonstrate what you mean.
Take time to think and prepare before explaining to others. When you’re too quick to speak, ill formed words and sentences can cause miscommunication or even offence. Allow yourself time to process what your team members say to you as well, so you can articulate your thoughts and communicate them with greater clarity.
Ensure your writing is professional - mistake-free and no grammatical mistakes, misused punctuation can be distracting and reflect poorly on your abilities to communicate well.
Provide a clear call to action - business writing needs to have a clear call to action. Consider the action you want your intended team member to take, outline the time-frame and if required who may be involved.

3. Become a Better Listener

Be an Active Listener to improved communication and understanding. Active Listening promotes greater clarity of what is expected.

Active listening includes:

Showing that you are listening;
providing feedback;
deferring judgment;
and responding appropriately with questions for more clarity.

4. Don’t Assume You Know What Someone Means

A common cause of miscommunication happens when you assume that you know what someone is trying to communicate, you can miss crucial details. For example, after reading or listening to a project brief, a best practice is to ask clarifying questions to make sure both parties are on the same page and that both know exactly what successful outcomes will look like.

5. Set Clear Expectations for Email and Text Messaging

Having an efficient email and messaging procedure can demonstrate to others that you respect them and will act in a timely manner – reliable response and acknowledge with a receipt when required.

Be Aware of Workplace Burnout

alison@impactcareercounselling.com.au (Alison Greenway) — Tue, 21 Jun 2022 09:43:39 GMT

Be Aware of Workplace Burnout

WhAT IS BURNOUT?

Are you feeling constantly stressed and feeling helpless, disillusioned, and completely exhausted, you may be experiencing burnout.

Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and ongoing stress . It can occur when you feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and unable to meet constant demands. Eventually you begin to lose the interest and motivation that led you to take on a certain role in the first place.

Burnout reduces your productivity and energy, leaving you feeling increasingly helpless, hopeless, cynical, and resentful. Eventually, you may feel like you have nothing more to give.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF BURNOUT?

Physical

Feeling tired most of the time
Lowered immunity
Frequent headaches, back pain, or muscle aches
Change in appetite or sleep habits

Emotional

Self-doubt
Feeling helpless and hopeless
Detachment
Decreased motivation
Increasingly negative outlook
Decreased satisfaction and sense of accomplishment

Behaviour

Withdrawing from responsibilities
Isolation
Procrastination
Using food, drugs, or alcohol to cope
Taking out frustration on others
Skipping class – or coming in late or leaving early

WHAT ARE THE STAGES OF BURNOUT?

(Szigethy, 2014)

Stage One - Milder Symptoms

Mental fatigue at the end of the day
Feeling unappreciated, frustrated, or tense
Physical aches or pains
Feel like you are falling behind in work
Dread the next day

Stage Two – Longer lasting symptoms

More challenging to reverse symptoms
Disillusionment about the job
Feeling bored, apathetic, or frustrated
Feel ruled by a schedule
Intermittent periods of psychological/physical symptoms that last even when the provoking situation subsides
Psychological symptoms
Irritability, aggression, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and suicidal thoughts

Stage Three – Severe symptoms

· Chronic symptoms
· If left untreated, can evolve into psychiatric and physical health disorders
· Severe personal consequences
· Substance dependence
· Shorter life expectancy
· Divorce
· High job turnover

WHAT ARE SOME TIPS TO PREVENT BURNOUT?

Early recognition of burnout - sometimes self-denial can occur
Learn to self-reflect - attend to your own needs, realign goals and expectations for yourself and evaluate a typical weekly schedule and reduce or eliminate unnecessary items
Complete a regular assessment and realignment of goals, skills, and work passions
Exercise regularly
Eat a well-balanced, healthy diet
Get enough sleep
Include daily enjoyable “timeouts”, such as yoga, mindfulness, a hobby, or meditation
Make an appointment with a Workplace Counsellor, Mentor or Career Counsellor for support or to learn skills such at Time Management, Team Communications and how to set SMART Goals
Build up your professional and personal support system
Ensure you have dedicated family time, meet with mentors to discuss setbacks, have time management strategies

Resilience in the Workplace

Sun, 15 May 2022 14:54:56 GMT

Tips for Surviving a Toxic Work Environment

Why Is Resilience in the Workplace Important?

Resilience is what gives us the emotional strength to cope with difficult situations, ongoing trauma and adversity. Being a resilient person means you can utilise your resources, inner strengths, and be better prepared when facing challenges and continual workplace change.

If you have not developed skills to be resilient when required you are more likely to feel overwhelmed or helpless, and rely on unhealthy coping strategies (such as avoidance, isolation, and self-medication).

All people experience stress, setbacks, and difficult emotions, but if you have resilience you can tap into your strengths and resource help from support systems to overcome challenges and work through the problems. This enables you to accept and adapt to a situation and move forward to become strong and an overcomer.

Resilience is a combination of these five principles:

• Gratitude

• Compassion

• Acceptance

• Meaning

• Forgiveness

Why Is Resilience in the Workplace Important?

As individuals we all process stress, trauma and adversity in different ways, the following factors can help us to build resilience by improving our coping skills and adaptability.

These Factors Include:

• Social Support – this provides us with support in times of crisis or trauma. Social support can include immediate or extended family, community, friends, and organizations.

• Realistic Planning - by developing the skills to think through and make realistic plans and using our individual strengths we can focus on achievable goals.

• Self-Esteem - a positive sense of self and confidence in one’s strengths can stave off feelings of helplessness when confronted with adversity.

• Coping Skills - coping and problem-solving skills help empower a person who has to work through adversity and overcome hardship. A Life Skills Mentor can assist in helping you to develop problem solving skills, and strategies for managing stress.

• Communication Skills - being able to communicate clearly and effectively helps you to seek the relevant support, mobilise your resources, and take action to help you move forward.

• Emotional Regulation – is having the capacity to manage potentially overwhelming emotions (if you find this difficult you can seek assistance from a counsellor or mentor to develop emotional regulation skills) this helps you to maintain focus when overcoming a challenge.

Winston S. Churchill Wrote:

Success is not final,

Failure is not fatal,

It is the Courage to Continue that Counts

How to Reinvent Yourself After Redundancy

Sat, 09 Apr 2022 14:56:57 GMT

Tips for Surviving a Toxic Work Environment

a chance to for a new beginning

It is reasonable to feel a range of negative feelings when you are made redundant, you may feel anger, fear, disappointment or anxiety about your future. Once the initial shock and confusion has settled you may realise that this is your chance to reinvent yourself and craft a career that suites you more than the previous position that you held.

With hindsight you may find that you weren’t really that happy and this may be your chance to break free and find something new that you will like more. Set some time aside to consider your options, talk to a career counsellor to identify current employment trends and start to develop a career transition plan for a new revitalised employment future.

A career counsellor can help you to review your life/work values, skills and interests – this will help you to identify who you are, and what your real values are.

where to start:

Take charge of your own future, develop your personal brand, and develop your skills to increase your employability. Update your CV and rework it to promote the positive revised you, not the past you. Ensure that your CV highlights your strengths and take some time to improve your weaker areas by enrolling in workshops or courses.

Build on your career focused networks by updating your list of relevant contact emails and addresses and join network groups to establish more connections in the fields that you are seeking employment or a new career in. Utilise networking social media websites like LinkedIn.

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF:

At this time it is important that you take care of your well-being. Eat well and drink less alcohol. Establish an exercise program and stick to it for the duration of the transition period. Include some meditation, mindfulness or yoga exercises to get rid of some of those hidden stress points and any negativity that you may be holding onto.

Take a holistic approach to your new revised self, see a doctor for a check-up, talk to a careers counsellor and work skills trainer or mentor, discuss any financial concerns with your accountant and anyone else that could have input into your future.

TIPS TO CONSIDER:

Don’t take it personally, redundancy it is part of life and it can open new opportunities for you.
Reach out for some support, talk to professionals who are aware of current employment trends and can help you to develop a plan of action for a new career crafting opportunity.
Start working on developing a plan as soon as you can, while taking care of yourself holistically.
Seek professional Career Counselling - for a Skills Audit – identify transferable skills, and discussions around up skilling for a new career.
Get your finances in order.
Be prepared to try different roles, consider all opportunities.
Work on restoring your self-confidence – build networks, rehearse and prepare for a new start.

Transitioning Careers

Sun, 06 Mar 2022 15:02:07 GMT

Tips for Surviving a Toxic Work Environment

Establish a plan and timeline:

Transitioning careers needs research, planning and commitment

Thinking forward and setting a range of short, medium and long term SMART goals are an integral part of successful career transitioning. Impact Career Counselling can support you through this initial stage and you may also want to seek advice/assistance from friends, family, associates and mentors.

You need to ensure that your goals are:

S - Specific (What do you want to accomplish? Who needs to be included? When do you want to do this? Why is this a goal?).
M - Measurable (How can you measure progress and know if you’ve successfully met your goal?)
A - Achievable (Do you have the skills required to achieve the goal? If not, can you obtain them? What is the motivation for this goal? Is the amount of effort required on par with what the goal will achieve?)
R - Relevant (Why am I setting this goal now? Is it aligned with overall objectives?)
T - Time bound (What’s the deadline and is it realistic?)

where to start:

Start researching the skills and qualifications required for your successful career transition. This can be done by reading advertised Job Descriptions and talking to people in the industry or a Human Resources Manager.

University Course Guides will provide information available on courses and study options that can help you achieve your career goal (study usually will relate to your long term goals).

Research the industry sector and look at future trends. Look into volunteering options and developing appropriate networks that will also provide an insight to the career direction that you are interested in.

a few tips to keep you on track:

Develop a Timeline that records tasks with assigned commencement and end dates for completion
Ensure that you allocate regular time each day or week to work on your planning, researching and studying, this will ensure that you continually work closer towards your career goal
Reviewing your career goals regularly to ensure you’re staying on track (you can make adjustments if required throughout the process)
It is recommended that you take time to write out the steps that you will take to achieve your career vision – read this often to motivate yourself
Surround yourself with positive influences, never underestimate the power of positive thinking!

impact-career-counselling-and-personal-development

Adapt Your Resume to Improve Success Rate with ATS and Other AI Software Programs Being Used by 2025 Recruiters

﻿ Tips for Surviving a Toxic Work Environment ﻿

ADAPT YOUR RESUME TO IMPROVE SUCCESS RATE

Check your Resume - is it ATS - Friendly?

Final comment

Strategies To Take You From Redundancy to Recovery

﻿ Tips for Surviving a Toxic Work Environment ﻿

What steps can I take if I've been made redundant?

I recommend taking the following steps before you leave your position - or as soon as possible after you leave.

1. Develop a Self-Care Plan

2. Review and Manage Your Finances

3. If Possible Whilst Still in Your Current Position Start To Collate a Record of Your Skills and Abilities.

4. Look at Your Personal Branding and Prepare To Connect With Employers and New Key People of Influence

5. Increase Your Networks for More Opportunities and Support

6. Take a Closer Look at Your Skills Audit – It May Highlight Areas To Be Upskilled

You can also Register for jobs online

Take comfort in these words from – Pearl Zhu:

Adaptability enforces creativity,

and creativity is adaptability.

Career Choices for Rural Communities has Expanded

﻿ Tips for Surviving a Toxic Work Environment ﻿

What career opportunities are available in rural areas?

This list can help give you an idea of careers you might be interested in

1. Landscape Gardening & Related Careers

2. Mechanical related Careers

3. Business / Finance / Administrative Careers

4. Information Technology - for rural and regional communities

You can try these suggestions to help your decision making process

Tips for Surviving a Toxic Work Environment

﻿ Tips for Surviving a Toxic Work Environment ﻿

Why ARE Workplace DYNAMICS Important?

This checklist can help you determine if your workplace is unhealthy for you.

1. You may be experiencing Burnout

2. You may struggle with managing Work-Life Balance

3. Communication amongst colleagues is poor.

4. You notice Cliques developing

5. Poor Leadership

6. High Employee Turnover

This checklist can help Teach you How to Survive a Toxic Workplace

1. Aim to be nice to everyone

2. Don't be a complainer – look for solutions

3. Don't Hide

4. Encourage good communications with your Boss

5. Be good at what you do

6. Be Polite

7. Be wise ensure you protect yourself from sabotage

You can try these suggestions to help cope with A TOXIC WORKPLACE situation

1. Establish boundaries

2. Create a positive workspace

3. Try not to take negativity home with you

4. Seek social support

5. Stay true to yourself

6. Remember that your job isn’t everything

7. And if it is still effecting you - Develop an Exit Plan

The Importance of Self-Awareness and Confidence Building for Professional Growth

﻿ The Importance of Self-Awareness and Confidence Building for Professional Growth ﻿

Why Is Resilience in the Workplace Important?

Resilience is a combination of these five principles:

Here are some reasons why self-awareness and confidence are crucial for professional growth, and how you can develop these skills:

Here are some tips to develop self-awareness:

How to Create a Standout Resume that Catches the Attention of Potential Employers

﻿ How to Create a Standout Resume that Catches the Attention of Potential Employers ﻿

Why Is YOUR RESUME SO Important?

In Summary:

Skills you Need for Quality Workplace Communications

﻿ Tips for Surviving a Toxic Work Environment ﻿

1. Develop multiple communication techniques

2. Focus on clear messaging to Team Members when outlining shared tasks

3. Become a Better Listener

4. Don’t Assume You Know What Someone Means

5. Set Clear Expectations for Email and Text Messaging

Be Aware of Workplace Burnout

﻿ Be Aware of Workplace Burnout ﻿

WhAT IS BURNOUT?

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF BURNOUT?

WHAT ARE THE STAGES OF BURNOUT?

WHAT ARE SOME TIPS TO PREVENT BURNOUT?

Resilience in the Workplace

﻿ Tips for Surviving a Toxic Work Environment ﻿

Tips for Surviving a Toxic Work Environment

Tips for Surviving a Toxic Work Environment

Tips for Surviving a Toxic Work Environment

Tips for Surviving a Toxic Work Environment

The Importance of Self-Awareness and Confidence Building for Professional Growth

How to Create a Standout Resume that Catches the Attention of Potential Employers

Tips for Surviving a Toxic Work Environment

Be Aware of Workplace Burnout

Tips for Surviving a Toxic Work Environment

Tips for Surviving a Toxic Work Environment

Tips for Surviving a Toxic Work Environment