Tuesday 20 December 2011

How your career can thrive or survive at the office party

An invitation to the office Christmas party can be a real balance between enjoying the festive spirit and keeping up your professional standards according to an article on the Ezine site entitled ‘Office Christmas Party Blunders – don’t get caught!”.
Potential hazards include over indulging in office gossip, particularly when colleagues’ spouses may be invited; you may not realise who exactly you are talking to. “The border separating professional and personal relationships isn't always easy to patrol, especially at informal company functions such as the office Christmas party,” says author Terri Hunziker. This also applies to conversations online, maybe discussions during or after the party about who said and did what. As the article explains,‘Think before you speak and think before you hit the send button!” For more hints on how to stay professional while still having a good time, read the full article at http://ezinearticles.com/?Office-Christmas-Party-Blunders---Don’t-Get-Caught!&id=801615

Tuesday 13 December 2011

What are employers looking for in a receptionist?

If you know the importance of a good professional receptionist to a company, you can put yourself in the best possible position when applying for your next role or progressing in your current position. American talent management agency, Rainmaker, have lots of advice for companies hiring a receptionist which you can use to your advantage.
The article looks at the key characteristics that their new professional receptionist should have. These include flexibility, organisational and interpersonal skills. As they deal with such a variety of customers, managers and employees and are the face of the company, two other vital skills for a receptionist are diplomacy and tact. One section explains “This position often serves as a gatekeeper to upper managers and can also bear the brunt of an upset customer's anger…this individual has to handle difficult situations.” If this sounds like you read the whole article at http://www.therainmakergroupinc.com/administrative-assistants/

Tuesday 6 December 2011

Making the most of your career as a personal assistant

A role as a personal assistant can be just the beginning according to Prospects, the U.K official graduate career website. Many careers are detailed including sections for each one looking at job description, salary and conditions, entry requirements and career development.
For someone working as a personal assistant, the website suggests potential steps up the professional ladder including joining the Institute of Professional Administrators, where full membership is open to those with 5 years’ experience in an administrative role. Additionally PAs may move on to an executive assistant role or a management position.
According to the website, “PA work can provide a unique insight into how a business operates and how decisions are made at the highest levels. This kind of experience can prove valuable for PAs who want to become managers themselves.” For more details on getting the most out of your career, take a look at the website www.prospects.ac.uk