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Increased flexibility and freedom as well as avoiding that pesky morning commute are just a few of the perks that come with the territory of working from home. But what about the flip side? From missing out on the office banter to work seeping into your personal time, your mental wellbeing can take a real hit. So how can you maintain your mental health when working out of office? Here are our tips:
1. Stay connected
Our digitally-driven world means that you can step in to your office without even stepping out the front door. While these technological advances have allowed us to connect from anywhere in the world, it is also the very thing that has made us feel more disconnected than ever. While working from home gives you more autonomy in your schedule and facilitates some of your deepest work, one of its largest pitfalls is the social isolation that can come from working alone. There’s no water cooler to mill around with your colleagues. It’s just you and your Sodastream. It’s really not the same.
To tackle these feelings of isolation, hop on a FaceTime call with your team or schedule regular Zoom meetings. Yes, you can email back and forth, but seeing your team members’ faces and hearing their voices can help to replicate that true office environment, even if only for an hour or so. Use this time not only to discuss work-related tasks, but to also catch-up and connect. Social interaction is great for your wellbeing. Not only does it have the benefits of lowering stress and boosting your morale, it can also help you to perform your best work. So, make sure to pencil this time in.
2. Get your heart rate up
Exercise can work wonders in improving your mental wellbeing. Not only does it reduce stress and anxiety, but it also gears you to be more productive and efficient. There are only wins here. Take 30 minutes, either during your lunch break or at the start or end of your working day to squeeze a work-out in. If you don’t have enough time for a full cardio sesh, it’s a great idea to take a walk around the block, if only to get some fresh air. Sometimes this is all you need to gear yourself towards your best performance.
3. Take a break
When working from home, you can typically complete deep, undisrupted work. If you’re a WFH master, then you can appreciate the lack of distractions your home office affords. After a while though, you may start to miss the hustle and bustle that comes with the territory of the workplace. You also may not realise, but those distractions can provide you with the opportunity to take micro-breaks. Taking the time to recharge can actually allow you to tackle your most pressing tasks with true laser focus.
A great idea is to treat your day as though you were in the office. Take a lunch break as normal and step away from the keyboard. Get outside and take a walk or head to your local cafe to grab a bite to eat for a change of scenery. Getting out of that physical work environment means you can shift to a more relaxed mindset. No one can work for hours on end without a break. You’re not a robot. Take mini breaks throughout your day to reset. Your mind will thank you.
4. Tackle feelings of guilt
When working from home, you may battle with feelings of guilt for not physically being present in the office. You may overcompensate by making yourself more available than your in-office counterparts, driving you to feel that you should be constantly accessible, sometimes beyond working hours. With the continued advancement of technology, modern workers are always within reach, be it through their phone, email or other online platforms. This makes it an almost impossible task to disconnect. This is why you should…
5. Develop a schedule
As the adage goes, if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. So developing a plan is key. Determine your working hours and stick to them. A great idea is to work the hours you would typically work in the office. A 9-5 work day can help you maintain a sense of normalcy and will allow you to stick to a routine. It also means you won’t be falling in to the trap of ‘just answering a few emails’ at 5pm, which soon rolls in to 6pm and the next thing you know, it’s 8 and you’re still at your desk. Without a physical team around you, it can be easy to lose track of time. You don’t want your work to start bleeding into your personal time, that is why it’s important to…
6. Maintain a separate work and personal space
It’s important not to blur the lines of work and personal life when working from home. Set up a work space and ensure it is a distinct area from the rest of your house. If you lack this division, then it goes from simply leaving a few work papers in the kitchen, to work quickly infiltrating every aspect of your life. You can’t transform your entire living space into your office. You need a place to disconnect and escape. That is why the cardinal rule is to never complete work from your bed. Your personal living areas should stay that way – personal. If you start to blur these lines, then you will never truly be able to disconnect.
While working from home is great due to the flexibility it provides, it is still important to take steps to maintain your mental wellbeing. If you are looking for a tech or digital role with flexible working arrangements, make sure to check out our job search.
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How to tackle job hunting anxiety
Job hunting is stressful, from applying to countless jobs to navigating the interview process and dealing with rejection, it can often cause anxiety to sky-rocket.. But, there are things you can do to nip this anxiety in the bud and minimise your stress. Here are our top tips:
1. Establish goals
It’s a great idea to establish goals for yourself. Set out what you want to achieve, and break these tasks down into bite-sized chunks. For example, your goal for day one may be to refresh your resume and update it with your latest accomplishments, skills and experience. Day two may be dedicated to updating your LinkedIn profile. Day three, you may begin to scan job boards or reach out to a recruiter. Setting up these goals for yourself and ticking them off as you go, will help you to feel a sense of accomplishment and give you the motivation you need to keep persevering.
2. Create a structure
Establish a structure to your job hunting process. You may want to dedicate a certain number of hours each day or week to this. Go in to the process with a plan and stick to it, as it will help you to settle in to a routine. Routines create certainty and you are likely battling with strong feelings of uncertainty at the moment. A structured approach will help you to feel a sense of control, and will give you the strength needed to tackle the job search process head on. Also, the more consistent you are with your job seeking efforts, the larger the pay-off will be. Consistency is key.
3. Stay positive
It can be easy to feel disheartened if you have been rejected. Yes, everyone says to not take it to heart, but that’s much easier said than done. The best thing you can do in the face of rejection is remind yourself that although you didn’t land this one role, there is another company out there looking for your exact skills and experience. There’s also no harm in asking for feedback on your job application. You can receive invaluable advice which will help you immensely going forward, giving you the confidence you need to ace your next application. Stay positive and keep going. You will find that role!
4. Take it easy
Remember to take the job search one day at a time. Don’t dwell on your past rejections. Focus on the present and keep moving forward. Feelings of unworthiness serve no purpose. However, if you are feeling a little overwhelmed by it all, don’t be afraid to take a breather. Maybe give the job searching a rest for a few days, and ease back into it with a clearer head and more positive mindset. And don’t forget to…
5. Be proud of yourself
Think back to all your previous achievements and how far you’ve come. Be proud of the journey you’ve made to get to this point and focus on these positive feelings. Mentally remind yourself of some of your key accomplishments or successful projects you have worked on. You were essential to making those happen, so remind yourself of your worth. You have a lot to be proud of.
6. Brush up on your skills
Confidence is essential during this time. Help yourself feel even more confident in what you bring to the table by brushing up on your skills. There are many online courses you can take which will open the door to even more job opportunities, meaning your chances of scoring are role are even greater.
7. Arm yourself with knowledge
Knowledge is power, so arm yourself with as much knowledge as you can. Whether this means learning what to include on your resume; the best questions to ask your interviewer; or how to make a good first impression with an employer, the more you know and the more prepared you are, the better. You will be able to rest easy knowing that you have done all in your power to put your best foot forward and be the best candidate you can be.
8. Reach out to your network
Don’t be afraid to get in touch with your connections during this time and to ask for help. They can be a great source of support. They can also help you get a foot in the door by providing you with referrals and recommendations, bringing you one step closer to your dream role.
9. Employ the services of a recruiter
A recruiter can take a lot of the stress of job searching off your shoulders. Get in contact with a recruiter specialised in your field, as they can help you land a role must suited to your skills and experience. At Talent, we specialise in digital and tech recruitment. If you are looking for a role in these sectors, check out our Job Search.
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How to find tech work
Navigating the world of work can be difficult but there are things you can do to make landing your dream tech role that much easier. Here are our top tips to help you get ahead:
1. Speak to recruiters
According to Talent’s Sydney Practice Manager, Alan Dowdall, “Now is the time to engage with those recruiters you are connected to or who have contacted you in the past 6 months, and to speak to them about the current landscape based on your current skillset”. Recruiters, especially tech-based ones, can be your best asset in landing a tech role. With access to industry insights and knowledge about which companies are hiring, they can help you in securing interviews for roles most suited to your skillset and experience.
If you’re looking for a digital or tech role, check out our Job Search.
2. Get in touch
Former colleagues and managers are great people to turn to when looking for a new role. Check in with them to see where they are working currently. You may find that they are currently hiring, and can help set you up with an interview.
3. Look to the competition
Another great idea is to look to competitors of your current or previous employers. If they are in a position to hire currently, research who you know in these companies and see if they can make an introduction on your behalf. Use your connections to get a foot in the door.
4. Update your resume
Alan recommends scanning your resume thoroughly, “If it’s only been updated sporadically over the past 5 years, maybe it’s time for a rewrite.” Your core skillset should be clear so hiring managers can easily identify what you will bring to the table. However, Alan cautions, “If your resume reads like a job description, it’s time to update it with tangible achievements and details around projects worked on”. You want to showcase how your skills have actually been put to action. Tangible examples are essential.
5. Expand your skillset
Upskilling is the key that opens the door to many more job opportunities. For example, it may be worthwhile to skill up in security as it is related to your role. According to LinkedIn, hiring demand for professionals skilled in cybersecurity is significant, and companies are increasingly hiring for these roles. The more you can offer a company, the more value they will see in hiring you.
6. Set up job alerts
Sign up for job alerts from job boards and LinkedIn. You will be notified when any roles become available and can be the first to jump on them. It also means you can cut your job search time in half, as these alerts will be doing the hard search work for you. To receive notifications that are even more tailored to you, Alan recommends “staying quite close to your core skills” in the roles you apply for, as this will increase your chances of scoring an interview.
7. Refresh your LinkedIn profile
Your LinkedIn profile is essentially your digital resume, so you want to ensure that it is up to date with your key skills, qualifications and experience. Recruiters and hiring managers will be scanning this to determine whether you are the right fit for the position. LinkedIn is also a great networking tool, and is useful in making known to others that you are looking for work. We recommend that you update your profile to ‘Open to Opportunities’ as you want hiring managers and recruiters to easily be able to find your account and consider you for their open roles.
8. Set your pay expectations
In terms of a salary/pay rate in the current market, you should be asking yourself ‘what I am prepared to accept?’ This rate may not be what you got 12 months ago, so you need to be realistic and competitive if you want to increase your chances of securing your next role.
9. Dedicate some hours to job search
Searching for jobs is no easy task, and can take a large toll on you mentally. Alan recommends “setting a certain number of hours aside each day to do your research, sending your resume and conducting follow up calls with recruiters”. Setting this time aside helps you to establish a routine, and the more consistent you are with your efforts, the greater your chances are of landing a role.
10. Don’t be disheartened
With a shifting market and news of layoffs across big tech companies, Alan’s advice is to keep your spirits high, “Don’t get disheartened. There are still a lot of companies hiring and the right opportunity will present itself once you are consistent in your approach”. Stay motivated and persistent – it will pay off.
If you’re currently looking for tech work, check out our Job Search.
As a contractor, you may be up to speed when it comes to skills and industry trends. But how much do you know about finance?
Being aware of your finances is critical when you’re a contractor, but it’s something that we often overlook. Whether you’re just starting out or have been contracting for years, it takes some fiscal planning to prepare for income ebbs and flows.
We wanted to share some insights into what you should be aware of to make the most of your finances while contracting.
1. Enlist a professional
Unless you are just starting out, in-between assignments and have a lot of free time, doing your finances is already costing you money. Every hour spent doing them is an hour you could spend carrying out paid work and most contractors will find that the extra time they get from taking on an accountant more than pays for the cost of doing so. There are also specialist accountants for contractors who have the knowledge and expertise to advise you on how to make the most of your earnings.
2. Think about how you want to operate
A common question from contractors is whether they should be Pty Ltd or PAYG. Whilst there is no right or wrong choice, there are a few points to consider when selecting an option. Many Talent contractors are set up as PAYG. This gives them the benefit of Talent managing all the time-consuming tasks associated with being a Pty Ltd contractor.
Once you have more time available, you may look into becoming a Pty Ltd contractor. In this case, you would contract through your own proprietary limited company. Depending on your circumstances, this can be more tax effective than PAYG, however setting up and operating a Pty Ltd company can be a time-consuming and costly process. It’s important to speak to your accountant or financial adviser to assess whether this is the right set up for you and complies with ATO legislation.
3. Budget, budget, budget
Budgeting is critical as a contractor. It’s important to plan both your spending and savings to be sure you’ve got money to fall back on when needed. Following the rule of putting 10-20% of your take home pay away as savings can help you reach your saving goals if you can manage it. Consider the use of a free budget tracking app like Pocketbook which allows you to manage your money through linking your bank accounts.
4. Make sure you have a Plan B
As a contractor, taking a break can be hard as you don’t have the benefit of annual leave. Putting money away for a rainy day is especially important when work is not guaranteed. Saving for a sick day or when you are in between contracts will ensure you aren’t left high and dry financially.
5. Set up an emergency fund
An emergency fund gives you further peace of mind for when between contracts or in the event of unforeseen circumstances. At a minimum, you should have three months of living expenses in your emergency fund. This means if you need $3,000 a month to cover your basic needs like your mortgage or rent, utilities, and food, then you need $9,000 in your emergency fund. If you have people who depend on you financially, like children or a spouse, your emergency fund should be six months’ worth of living expenses, at a minimum.
6. Prepare for tax time
One of the great benefits of contracting is the possibility of being able to claim additional tax deductions for business related expenses. This can include an array of items which your accountant can advise you on. This could add up to a few thousand dollars a year.
Also, it’s important to be prepared for any expenses that may arise at tax time. So that this doesn’t come as a shock, be sure to factor this in and open a bank account earmarked for tax and save up for your tax bill. Consider having this in an offset account if you have a mortgage so you can save the interest on your loan.
7. Consider salary sacrificing
Salary sacrifice is an arrangement which enables you to pay for certain goods or services straight from your pre-tax salary. The effect is to reduce your taxable income, whilst giving you tax effective access to a variety of goods. This is something you can utilise as a PAYG contractor and is generally permissible for mobile phones, notebooks, tablets and training courses that are related to your line of work. You also are able to contribute additional payments into your super (thereby lowering your income tax rate).
8. Check your credit history
Do you know what your credit rating is? It is a good idea to check your credit score as regularly as you can. If you do have a low score, there are steps you can take to help improve it. Checking your credit score is free and relatively easy to do. You can check your credit score for free using the national credit reporting bodies (CRBs) listed on the government website. This will help in the event that you wish to apply for a loan.
9. Don’t forget your insurance
Regardless of how you have set up your contracting work, it’s important to be aware of your insurance obligations. As PAYG you do not need to pay your own insurances (for example WorkCover, public liability), whereas Pty Ltd contractors are required to cover all of their own insurances. Both types of contractors should consider whether income protection insurance is suitable for their needs.
For more information on this, click here.
The information contained in this article is general in nature and has been provided in good faith, without taking into account your personal circumstances. While all reasonable care has been taken to ensure that the information is accurate and opinions fair and reasonable, no warranties in this regard are provided. Before making any commitment of a legal or financial nature you should seek advice from a qualified and registered legal practitioner or financial or investment adviser.
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Data Science Growth Areas
The past decade has seen immense growth in data and its application to the world of work. In line with this, the need for data scientists and analysts who can effectively extract valuable insights from information has expanded. The boom in Big Data, Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence means demand is peaking for these specialists globally, especially across Australia and New Zealand.
Whilst demand for these experts is booming across all industries, there are a few in particular where growth is significant. Let’s explore:
1. Health/Big Pharm
Big Data is seeing significant growth in the Health & Big Pharma industries. Big Pharma is working in conjunction with AI to synthesise large data stores, providing scientists with information to work towards a treatment for COVID-19. The use of AI in data analysis is not a foreign concept to this industry. In 2019, several pharmaceutical companies, such as GlaxoSmithKline and Johnson & Johnson joined forces to contribute data to an AI search for new antibiotics. However, COVID-19 has accelerated AI adoption in this sphere, seeing immense growth globally in the race to a cure.
2. Financial Services
Data is king in the financial sector in 2020. From using technology to extract consumer analytics, to leveraging these insights to provide tailored services, Big Data is having a huge impact on this industry. According to Accenture, one in two consumers want a personalised offering from their financial providers. Within the FinTech space, this is very apparent as neo banks compete for new customers in an already saturated market. 86400, for example, have launched a program titled ‘Energy Switch’, whereby customers email their energy bill to the bank, which will then use an automated system to scan it and gather data. From this, suggestions will be made as to which energy providers can provide them with a better rate, allowing for cost savings and a more holistic customer experience. As we are heading towards an economic crisis, leveraging data to deliver cost-based solutions to customers is what will allow these companies to survive in the new climate. Xinja and Volt are also utilising a significant number of high-end development resources in this sector to allow them to build truly interactive customer portals.
3. Insurance
The insurance industry is a significant sector in which we are seeing growth. With Big Data presenting itself as an invaluable asset in this field, insurance companies are seeing the value in leveraging it to enhance all aspects of their operations. From sales, to customer service, and claims systems, data can help. Growth is particularly evident within the life insurance sector. As this industry continues to rationalise and simplify, it becomes increasingly independent and single-product focused. This means that the data collated from customers can be more narrowly-focused and specific, allowing for improved customer targeting and enhanced business decision-making.
4. Higher Education
Big Data is significantly impacting the higher education sector. Universities across Australia and New Zealand are increasingly seeking to hire data professionals to assist in the management, analysis and security of large stores of data.
According to the Australian Government Department of Education and Training, the Australian university attrition rate sits at approximately 15%. Universities seeking to lower this figure can harness past student data as a means of predictive analysis.
Through analysing past students’ academic results and demographic data, universities can identify current students who are most at risk of withdrawing from their course studies. Leveraging this information, higher education institutions can intervene at the right time and support these students, ultimately improving business performance.
Further, in the age of COVID-19, universities have made the switch to online learning. Delivering teaching on collaborative online platforms and internal university systems has increased cyber security concerns, therefore, the need for data analysts skilled in cyber security is increasing. Identifying internal and external risks, these analysts can provide higher education institutions with actionable solutions to mitigate network threats.
5. Retail
As a struggling sector in Australia and New Zealand, the retail business model benefits greatly from data, so it’s no surprise that growth in this sector is significant. In light of recent government regulations pertaining to COVID-19, many brick and mortar retailers have been forced to temporarily shut their doors, bringing e-Commerce to centre-stage. If companies are to stay afloat during this time, they need to be leveraging data to deliver a customer-centric approach to retail.
Through data collection and analysis, customer recommendations and targeted offers can be delivered to the increasingly selective, savvy and price-conscious consumer. Knowing what your customer wants and actually being able to deliver it in a targeted and personalised way, is not only revolutionising this sector, but is also necessary if you are to remain viable.
If you would like to uncover more data insights, check out our 2020 Data Science & Analytics Market Snapshot.
At Talent, we have 25 years’ experience in digital and tech recruitment. If you’re looking for data specialists to join your team, get in touch with us today. Alternatively, if you’re seeking a new data science role, check out our Job Search for the latest opportunities.
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How to build your personal brand
It’s a noisy world out there, and these days, it’s not enough to just let your work speak for itself.
Building your personal brand is about telling people who you are, and demonstrating how you could be of value to them. In the simplest terms your personal brand is your reputation, which follows you around whether you like it or not. So, you may as well take control of it and leverage it to make connections, grow your business, and land your dream job.
1. Figure out what you’re all about
You may have many jobs over your lifetime, but your personal brand is something you’ll take with you over the course of your career so it’s worth investing time and energy into it. Before you can sell yourself to the world, you need to know who you are, what you want to be known for, and where you want to go. What are your values and interests? What motivates you? What’s the most exciting part of your job and what are the changes you want to make happen in your industry? Take stock of your set of skills and talents and experiences that are unique to you. If you were competing for a spot in the rocket ship leaving Earth to start a new civilisation, what would you write on your application form?
Then start thinking about where you want to be a year from now. How about in 5, 10 years, and beyond? Once you’ve established your short and long term goals, you’ll have a better idea of the kind of people you’d like to start noticing you, they’re your target audience.
Answers to all of these questions will help you formulate a one-line vision statement for your personal brand that really feels authentic to you, not just something you think you’re meant to say.
“My number one tip is to always be honest and true to who you are,” says Rosie Willson, our CRM
Consultant. “Pretending to be someone or something you aren’t will only end in tears.”
2. Build your brand
In the good old days, if someone wanted to stalk you, they’d need several fake moustaches, a big pair of binoculars and a leafy bush to hide behind, but today all it takes is a simple Google search. In most cases, they’ll start with your LinkedIn profile, and this is your first chance to impress.
Your online presence is an extension of yourself, so inject a bit of your personality in there. For Rosie, “Personal qualities I look for in a candidate include their humour, an inquisitive nature and their motivations to grow and develop in a role.”
In the one-line bio, don’t just write “Developer at Boring Company”, use a full sentence to show the world that you love what you do, and that you’re damn good at it. Need some inspo? Check out the bios of LinkedIn’s Top Ten Voices In Tech.
People looking at your profile don’t just want to read your resume, they want to get a sense of who you are as a person to see if you’re a good cultural fit for their company. “The more you tell me about yourself, the more you stand out and will spring to mind when new roles come up,” says Scarlett Cooke, Talent Sydney Account Manager. Your work history shouldn’t read like a resume. People are naturally drawn to narratives, so tell a compelling personal story that includes your interests, motivations, key milestones in your career and your outlook for the future. In addition, she advises your photo should be professional and your ‘experience’ section should be up to date and aligned to your CV.
Of course, as much as recruiters want to get the full picture of you as a professional, there is such a thing as TMI – too much information. “I would also strongly recommend keeping your personal social media on the highest privacy settings possible!” Scarlett adds.
After all, a prospective employer could really do without the mental image of you dressed as Sexy Shrek from that Halloween party in 2008.
3. Create content
You can use the words “motivated” and “passionate” all you like, but the best way to prove that you’re the real deal is simple: Show us what you can do. You’ve identified your area of specialisation, so you can start by sharing articles related to that topic and commenting on posts with your insights. You’ve told us all about your skillset, so build a beautiful website for yourself that showcases those strengths. But please, make sure it works.
Blog about industry topics that combine your experience, interests and expertise. Don’t be afraid to get niche, as you can position yourself as a thought leader in that particular space. You could write articles on platforms like Medium and also consider sending out a regular email newsletter that people can sign up to. You don’t have to restrict yourself to blog posts, think about other media too. Consider articles, white papers, speeches, video series, podcasts, animated infographics, flash games, the choices are endless!
4. Connect with others
If you’re an introvert, “networking” might be a phrase that makes you feel like throwing up a little bit in your mouth, but at the end of the day, it’s just about making genuine connections and getting to know the people in your community. You might not always love talking about yourself, but that’s just a part of what personal branding is about. Instead seek out the people whose work you admire, and tell them how much you appreciate their work. Share articles that others have written, and soon others will do the same for you.
If you’re a developer, another tip is to frequently add to GitHub, Stack Overflow, or if you’re a Salesforce developer, continue to earn badges on Trailhead. It proves that you care about what you do and gives you a chance to show off your ability and interact with your peers.
Being social is also about going out and doing stuff in real life. Yep, people still do that, shocking isn’t it? If you live in a city, there are events, training sessions, expos and conferences happening pretty much every day of the week, so you’ve got no excuse.
“I would recommend signing up for Meetup as this is a great way to connect with the tech community and stay up to date with new trends,” says Scarlett. Or just Google tech events + your city and see what turns up. As well as proving that you’re constantly learning and adding to your knowledge, attending an event is bound to give you an idea for something to write about on your blog. Bonus!
5. Living your brand
Building your personal brand is about discovering and then showcasing the best version of yourself. It’s not just about self-promotion, it’s about conducting yourself in a way that other people are compelled to be your cheerleaders. Going above and beyond in your work and helping out colleagues means you’ll be more likely to get LinkedIn recommendations and prove that you are as good as you say.
Employers do look for volunteer work or community involvement, as well as extra-curricular activities around social responsibility. You really can’t fake this stuff, so if you’re not doing it already, get out there and use your skills and privilege to make the world a better place.
Finally, this process might have helped you identify some of your personal shortfalls and flaws, so use this opportunity to work on yourself. Become the kind of person that you’d want on your team, and you’ll be much happier for it.
If you think your personal brand has what it takes to stand out from the rest, browse the opportunites we have available and get applying!