Are you sitting comfortably?

If you’re sitting at your desk reading this then it’s probably time that you got up and got moving. Recent research presented last week at an Occupational Psychology conference, suggests that the average worker spends 5 hours and 41 minutes sitting at their desk, doing little for either their physical or mental health.

According to Dr Myanna Duncan and colleagues from the Work & Health Research Centre at Loughborough University, people who sit for extended periods at work are also likely to sit more at home with corresponding increases in their BMI scores and waistlines. In an 18 month survey, 70% of employees did not meet the guidelines for physical activity. Dr Duncan’s advice is to “go and talk to your colleagues face to face, it’s a lot more sociable and better for you than emailing them.” For more details about the survey, read this article and others on Occupational Health on the Psypost website http://www.psypost.org/2012/01/office-workers-spend-too-much-time-at-their-desks-9087

Job search skills – new and old school

Are you using a wide range of techniques to get that new role? Even in just the last few years, techniques and opportunities to stand out amongst the crowd may have changed yet old ones are still relevant.

The article from the International Association of Administrative Professionals looks at what not to do and then what to try instead. Although best practice use of social media is discussed, it also advises considering an ‘old-school approach’ in some circumstances. One of the tips: ‘Sending your resume and cover letter on high-quality paper via the post office may seem outdated, but people receive so little mail today that your hard-copy materials could pay off.’ Other tips to stand out from a pool of applicants are follow-up phone calls ‘Don’t assume they’re not interested’ and thank you notes or emails. To review your approach to job searching and interviews see the full article at http://www.iaap-hq.org/press-release/officeteam-reveals-mistakes-could-derail-your-job-search

Local Business Admin Courses

There are many qualifications to consider in business administration, depending on your current level of education. Locally in Gloucestershire, at Gloucestershire College, there are a number of Business Administration courses available, both part-time and full-time. The website page for these business diplomas also have details of the wide range of employment sectors available to someone with such a qualification.

If you already have a similar qualification, remind yourself of the range of employment sectors open to you. The website offers a list of careers that could be open to someone with a Business Administration or Management diploma: ‘Personal Assistant, Bilingual PA, Business Advisor, Business Analyst, Executive Officer, Office Manager, Practice Manager, Resource Manager, Senior Fund Administration Manager, Account Co-ordinator and Project Manager.’ The website also reminds potential students that opportunities lie in both small and large companies and also in local and national government. Get more details at http://www.gloscol.ac.uk/zenntrix.aspx?a_name=courses

Internal or external job interview – the same rules apply

If you’re looking for a new job or career opportunity in 2012, you may be looking both external and internally for that move. For maximum job-hunting and interview success, make sure you approach either option professionally. In an article on the post-graduate careers blog from Salford University, there are tips on how to approach an interview for a position within your existing company along with a useful short video on how not to do it. A professional approach still applies, as well as researching the new position and remembering that your reputation, good or bad, may precede you.

The article also advises what approach to take if the interview is as a result of company restructuring. “Park any ambivalence at the door’ is one piece of advice as well as dressing to impress – ‘up a notch’ from your normal work attire. For interview tips that apply to a wide range of situations, read the full article at http://pgblog.careers.salford.ac.uk/2011/11/how-to-survive-an-internal-job-interview/

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

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/

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