D is for... De-Stress (and Doodle)

Through out the Career Development Workbook are De-Stress (and Doodle) Pages, aimed at getting you relaxed, tuned into your creativity and used to the idea of actually using the book as a workbook - writing in it, drawing in it and following its instruction and guidance.

I am not going to include an "extract" of the doodle pages, instead I wanted to open a discussion regarding annotation and doodling in books.

Do you or don't you?
 
In regular fiction (or non-fiction) books - do you doodle, annotate, highlight, stick post-it notes or whatever else into you book?

Personally I use colouring pencils rather than highlighters and do a lot less annotations than I used to (as a student I probably had the most annotated books imaginable) but this is still something I will do. However, there are times I do prefer to keep a book in "good condition" and will use a notebook along side.

The workbook combines these. I can write and doodle keeping everything in one place (maybe supplementing it with a diary) and it is a much more useful book.

If you are the sort that like to keep their books in pristine condition (or simply don't write in them) - would you?




 

Insecure Writer's Support Group - April

So it is my first time here... taking part in Alex J. Cavanaugh's Insecure Writer's Support Group. When I am not taking part in the A to Z Challenge a lot of my blogging is about trying to inject some more writing time into my life and improving my writing.

Today I am concerned about focus. As a student I needed to eat to be able to focus (i.e. stay still long enough to actually do some work) and I have found the same thing creeping through in relation to my writing.  It makes it more enjoyable (the temporary distraction) and means that I stay in one place for longer.

Today I have a bag of prawn crackers sitting on my desk. The downside is that these are very greasy and very messy.

My concern is that I don't want this to develop into a habit and I am concerned that because I need the food to focus that I am not really enjoying it. Even know I know I do enjoy it. When I am inspired or on a roll there is no need (frankly I am scribbling furiously so I don't have time to eat). It is just that it helps me pull back and focus when I get distracted or have writer's block.

Am I alone in this?

C is for... Covering Letters

Covering letters (and CVs) are a vital part of writing any job application. What is even more important is to follow your prospective employer's instructions. If you were taught how to make a job application while at school and still use the same format - it is important to ensure that your style has been updated and that it is in an accepted format.

It has become acceptable to write your covering letter in an email (depending on your industry). Although this will usually be only if requested. If you write an email covering letter when they ask for a covering letter to be attached in full all you are showing the prospective employer is that you can't read instructions...

... so get it right. 

An email covering letter might sound easy but just because it is by email does not mean it is not hard work. It should be a detailed covering letter showing why you are a good match for the job and requires the same care and effort as a regular covering letter if not more: tailored for the job. 

This is an extract from Putting Pen to Paper's upcoming Career Development Workbook, which has a detailed chapter on Covering Letters and CVs.

Discuss in the comments?

Covering Letters can be sent by email. Agreed. But should covering letters be in the body of the email or attached to the email - which format do you prefer (or use) and why? 

B is for... Buddy Up

Developing your career in a difficult market can be lonely. There is a reluctance to share with your peers for fear of giving them a competitive advantage over you. The people you are competing with for a job might not be the best to share everything with... so what is the alternative?

My feeling is that it is important to have a buddy of some kind. This is different from a mentor that you go to for advice, but instead it should be a friend that you can talk to about your general concerns, someone to help keep you motivated and someone to offer a helping hand, shoulder to cry on and a second opinion.

Ideally it should be someone you are (1) not in direct competition with and (2) someone who is also looking to develop their career so you can both help and motivate each other and share ideas. You should be able to talk freely with this person without fear of sounding silly or stupid.

I know it is a tall order - but you should not want anything less.

This is an extract from Putting Pen to Paper's upcoming Career Development Workbook. 

Discuss in the comments?

Do you have someone that you can talk to about your career development (or even simply your job) without holding back?

If you are participating in the A to Z Challenge - do you have a blogging buddy? Someone you talk about blogging with (honestly - without holding back)?

A is for... Appraisals

What is an appraisal? In its most basic form an appraisal is a performance review (usually for work). It might be tied to a promotion or a pay rise and in many scenarios is the only opportunity for you to brag about what it is that you do and for your boss to realise what it is you actually do.

Appraisals (whether they are annual or otherwise) are an important way of monitoring your progress and are usually your official and possibly only record. So no matter how nervous you are or how much you hate appraisals make sure you prepare, put your best foot forward and make them count!

Preparation

1.  Note the deadline for completing your appraisal and schedule a meeting with your supervisor in advance. 
2. Make sure these dates are in your diary.
3. Prepare by reviewing your notes from your previous appraisal (if it is your first - review the sample form or an example from a colleague who is willing to share). 
4. Complete the appraisal form in advance of your meeting. Proof-read and review. 
5. Know what you want to get out of your appraisal. 

Put your best foot forward at the Meeting

1. Dress the part.
2. Show that you have prepared (in your answers).
3. Consider both your objectives and your company's objectives - equally.
4. Listen. 
5. Note your learning points and consider them seriously.

Make it Count!

1. Keep track of what is being said - plan what you want to get out of your appraisal meeting and make sure you got it. If not, follow up after the meeting.
2. Understand how it can help with your overall Career Development Objectives - and use this to your advantage. 
3. Follow up any outcomes/actions points as soon as you can. 
4. Use it to work on your professional relationship with your boss.
5. Make sure you get your appraisal form signed off and submitted.

This is an extract from Putting Pen to Paper's upcoming Career Development Workbook. 

Discuss in the comments?

How important is your career development to you? In your experience - do appraisals make a difference or are they simply a ticking the box exercise?

Celebrating the Small Things - 29 March

Once again I am taking part in Vik Lit's celebrating the small things...

This week I am celebrating...

1. The 4-day weekend.

2. Getting my Car back on the road even if it is only temporary.

3. Actually managing to build my own computer (with some man assistance). Now just installing everything but hopefully I will be able to use is soon.

4. Finishing my last week in my current placement and actually getting things completed.

5. Getting ready for the A-to-Z challenge. 

Preparation for the A to Z Challenge

Following my "Big Reveal" Post it dawned on me - "gosh! I now have to get on with it" as the challenge starts in a matter of days.

So I have been running through the essentials:

• the theme - check
•  the blog posts (drafted and scheduled) - 3/26
• Mina kindly suggested getting rid of the Captchas/Word Verification - check
• No Anonymous Comments - check
• Make Connections   

This last one is where I need to get up to speed (that and writing the actual blog posts) - My A to Z Welcome email suggests Google Friends Connect, Feedburner / RSS feeds, Linky Followers and Networked Blogs. I don't use any of these and I have no idea which ones I should be using. If I have time I will look into these further but any recommendations / advice in the interim would be appreciated.

My new computer should be arriving this weekend so hopefully won't be working on borrowed time on a borrowed computer throughout the challenge. All I got to do is hope that it all arrives and then successfully build it.

I will look forward to seeing you all during the challenge.