Top Tips for Returning to Work

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Whether you’re going back to work after maternity leave, have been made redundant or have taken an extended career break, going back to work can be daunting.

We have had a look at how to embrace change and go back to what you love in style.

Confidence
Be it six months or six years, time away from your workplace can leave you feeling a little lost and wondering who you are. Many people find that some of their confidence has gone and a loss of career identity leaves them feeling out in the cold. It’s normal to feel this way, but it is something that you can talk to your HR Manager and team about. If you are up to speed on changes, new staff and anything else major you have missed out on, it will help get you back to your old positive self.

Step back in time
Now is a great time to think about your past achievements and experiences as well as looking at your CV. Focus on what you have done, what you do know and get used to recording new wins and goals. While your confidence may have taken a little bit of a battering, you are still very capable, so when the self-doubt creeps in, go back to that list and celebrate YOU.

Value Yourself
It is really important that you value yourself in all parts of your life when you go back to work. Be sure you ask for the salary you want, as well as the support you need and don’t sell yourself short. If you aren’t’ quite sure what you are worth, do some research, speak to a recruitment consultant and look at sites like LinkedIn so you can get a feel for the land.

Flexible Working is Out There
If you’re looking for flexible working, you need to know that this is possible and there are companies who do offer it. This isn’t just about part-time hours, but compressed hours, working from home, starting the day early or working term time only. Not everyone will offer this but just think about how working life needs to look for you and go for the right fit.

Skill Up
Depending on just how long you have been out of the working game, you might want to get some new skills that will take you further in your career. Whether it is an updated first aid course, a social media seminar or a refresher in Excel, do what you can to make the transition as easy as possible.

Leave Perfection at the Door
No one, absolutely no one is perfect, don’t even go there. Yes, social media feeds will show ‘picture perfect’ people at their desk with manicured nails and a whiter than white smile, but that’s all about the filters and the good days. Do your best and that is more than enough.

Don’t Say Yes To It All
You will want to please your employee, your friends, family, and colleagues, but where do you fit into this picture. Look at your work contract, your hours, obligations and take it from there. Do the shopping online, share chores with your partner and if you need to delegate – do it.

Network
As the saying goes, it’s not what you know but who you know and this is pretty true when it comes to working. Connecting with old colleagues, bosses, HR teams and suppliers can be super helpful and just meeting for a coffee and catching up can lead to the unexpected, and in a good way.

Take It Easy On Yourself
Just as it took time to get used to being off work, you will need to give yourself time to get used to being back in the saddle.
Take each day as it comes, one step at a time and as the days, weeks and months pass by, you will find a new rhythm and even a more confident version of you will start to bloom.

Team Pure Beauty

Happiness Hacks for 2017

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We know that a start of a new year can be a time when many of us make endless resolutions so we can be the very best we can.

The thing is, January is cold and dark and even with the best will in the world, getting out of bed in the dark and running 10 miles to be super fit, can be, well, miserable.

So we have come up with a list of 50 really easy things you can do to make yourself happy in 2017 and to be honest, that’s what really matters.

1. Smile.
2. Write down three good things for each day in a journal – even on the hardest of days there is something good.
3. Plan something fun to do each weekend.
4. Don’t gossip.
5. Say hello to your neighbours.
6. Listen to your favourite song, everyday.
7. Have a bath before you go to bed.
8. Call your mum, sister, aunt, husband once in a while rather than just texting.
9. Eat clean, or at least eat healthy.
10. Go for a walk at lunchtime.
11. Read a book.
12. Donate to charity and give back.
13. Really listen when someone is talking to do.
14. Skip the news.
15. Make a cake and eat it fresh from the over.
16. Light candles.
17. Get a dog.
18. Take up a new sport.
19. Don’t have the argument.
20. Clear out the clutter.
21. Send birthday cards don’t just post a message on Facebook.
22. Drink hot water and lemon when you wake up.
23. Don’t pop that spot on your chin, it’ll make it red and sore.
24. Become a volunteer for a local cause close to your heart.
25. Get on your bike and peddle your way to fitness.
26. Have a manicure and feel polished.
27. Turn the TV off and do something less boring instead.
28. Start a blog.
29. Wear a new lipstick.
30. Don’t keep anything for best, life is short, live it.
31. Go out in the sunshine and up your Vitamin D levels the next way.
32. Tell someone you love them.
33. Make use of your local library.
34. Don’t gossip.
35. Get a blender and make your own smoothies full of goodness and health benefits.
36. Sign up for a challenge and stick to it.
37. Meditate everyday, you will feel the benefits and it will become a part of your routine.
38. Book a spa day for you and a friend and really relax as you catch up.
39. Update your CV and get the job you have always really wanted.
40. Ask your man to marry you – it isn’t a leap year but take control and get a date in the diary.
41. Host a party and let your hair down.
42. Apply to be on a talent show.
43. Go on a digital detox and leave the world of social media behind, even for a few hours.
44. Book a holiday and have something amazing to look forward to.
45. Have a make over and only wear the clothes you love and the ones that make you feel great.
46. Pay off that credit card bill.
47. Write a letter.
48. Buy lunch for someone who is sleeping rough.
49. Go to the cinema in the middle of the day.
50. Smile, did we say that already?

You see, all easy to do and all with great potential for making you happy.

Happy 2017.

Team Pure-Beauty

Creating the perfect CV

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‘can do’ attitude, bags of enthusiasm, client, colleague, CV, document, dream job, education, endorsements, experience, Eyes, friend, grammar, job, permission, Personal statement, professional, reflect, responsibilities, shine, snappy, sparkle, spelling, statement, title, work, work experience

The world of work is becoming increasingly competitive, so as well as experience, bags of enthusiasm and a ‘can do’ attitude, you also need a CV that sparkles and shines.

In essence, your CV needs to be an evolving document that develops and grows as you do.

Whilst you might spend hours getting it right, a potential employer will have moments to read it and decide whether you can do the job and are you the right fit for their business.

Harsh but true, so you need to make that first CV moment matters so you get that interview.

Stick to the facts
The most important thing with a CV is to be 100% honest. A white lie here and there might not seem a big deal, but it can be a total deal-breaker so keep it real.

Layout and structure
Keep your CV clean and uncluttered and aim for no more than two pages and number each one. Use a font such as Arial, Courier or Times New Roman in font size 12 for the body text and no larger than 16 for bold headings. Keep the copy short and sweet and avoid lengthy sentences and fluffy words. Don’t refer to yourself as ‘I’ or by name and use the past tense to describe your career and the present for skills.

Personal details
Start your CV with your name, address, telephone number and e-mail address. Be aware that including your date of birth is no longer needed thanks to age discrimination rules. Some people add a photo but this a matter of choice. Your website and blog can be listed as well as any relevant social media details but be aware of what you write on feeds as the world can see it.

Personal statement
This is an opportunity to really sell yourself and ensure you stand out from the crowd. Approach it is a sales pitch where you need to capture the reader’s attention and keep them interested and wanting to know more. The statement needs to be succinct and snappy and reflect your professional qualities and personality. It can be hard to write about yourself, so ask a trusted friend to read your statement and offer feedback.

Work experience
When it comes to your professional experience the protocol is to start with your most recent position and work backwards. Include the title, start and end dates, company name as well as a brief description of the job for each position you have worked in. It is a good idea to include the responsibilities and scope of each role as well as any achievements and promotions.

Gaps
If you have had any significant career gaps, include these and add reasons why, for example travelling and maternity leave. It is better to be honest about these periods of time and you might even highlight learnings whilst you were away or looking after a young family.

Education
Including your education and qualifications is essential. List academic achievements first then professional qualifications complete with dates, grades and establishments. You can also include additional skills such as languages, technical know-how and vocational training.

Check, check and check again
It is vital that you check your CV for spelling and grammar mistakes as sloppiness could cost you your dream job. Get a colleague or friend to read through because a fresh pair of eyes can spot errors you have missed.

References
You can either add the details of your referees on your CV or say they are available upon request. Whichever you go for, ensure you have the permission of the people you use and only give permission for them be contacted when you are ready.

As well as references you can include client and internal endorsements that reinforce what you have said about yourself.

Updates
Once you have your CV ready, date it for that months and then update it as you go along. Not only will this mean you have it to hand at anytime but also keeps experiences, dates, details and successes fresh and included.

You may also want to slightly tweak and tailor your CV for different jobs to ensure you really bring out your strong points and most relevant experiences and skills.

Good luck and happy job-hunting.