Listen here to learn more.

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To find out more, take a listen to this podcast where Julie discusses what happiness means and how you can apply this positively not only in your personal life but professionally too.

The post Happiness Revisited – Its place, form and impact on all aspects of our lives appeared first on SC Career Transition.

As a candidate you may be confused as to why sometimes your application, even though well suited to the position, does not get past the first round. I know of people who fulfill the search criteria but don’t get a chance to convince the hiring manager of their ability. Maybe their CV doesn’t highlight the skills as well as they think. Perhaps they are considered too experienced or too junior.  Or is it just down to the number of equally qualified candidates who have applied? It does seem that getting your application noticed is sometimes down to pure luck. So, what did my candidate do to stand out?

Cover letter

The candidate sent a succinct cover letter explaining what he could offer and why he was interested in the position. Four short paragraphs, highlighting his skills and how these would transfer to the new environment. Easy to read, convincing and to the point. Furthermore, it was addressed personally to me.

With LinkedIn’s quick apply option, the number of cover letters has decreased significantly. For every 100 applicants I receive, I probably only receive five letters. Some of these are so long and so unclear that it is tough to take it all in, especially when the text goes onto a second page. Others are just generic texts sent out with each application. Sending a well-written cover letter, in one PDF document with your CV, will make you stand out.

CV

CV formats vary per country, with many Swiss employers even expecting a photo and date of birth on applications. Modern CVs seem to have become more colourful, more focused on design with icons, arrows and, on one CV I recently received, a candidate holding a duck.

Research shows that a recruiter’s eyes are drawn to the upper part of the first page and the left-hand side of the paper. Therefore, a short text indicating your skill set at the top, and your accomplishments listed by bullet point under each work experience, are advisable. And don’t expect the recruiter to understand your company jargon. You may be underselling yourself if it isn’t clear at first sight what you mean.

This candidate’s CV was two pages long, with his work history, skills and achievements clearly explained. No colours, no icons and no ducks! His experience spoke for itself.

Be informed

Although the discussion was an informal chat to gain a better understanding of his expectations, the candidate had clearly done his research on my client’s company and was well-informed on the product. In the course of a very short discussion, he demonstrated enthusiasm, flexibility and willingness to learn: qualities that matched my client’s values. Contrast this with some interviews I have conducted in the past where candidates have clearly not taken the time to acquaint themselves with the company or products, with the exception of a cursory look at the company website.

In today’s challenging times the job market is becoming more competitive and candidates need to do everything to maximize their chance of success. As for yesterday’s candidate, I can’t yet say whether he will get the job. But, as a candidate who didn’t match the brief completely, he has done everything he can to ensure that he progresses to the next round. I wish him luck!

This article first appeared on LinkedIn Pulse.

The post How Candidates Stand Out appeared first on SC Career Transition.

It only takes a quick scan of your social media feed to see people posting pictures of their latest vacation, newest car, or a flattering selfie that shows off their new clothes or hairstyle. Everywhere we look we see images of people smiling and appearing happy. Against this backdrop, it may be surprising to discover that one of the top regrets people express on their deathbed is: “I wish I’d let myself be happier.” This is according to palliative care nurse, Bronnie Ware in her best-selling memoir, The Top Five Regrets of the Dying.

Before we focus on the things that detract from our happiness, let’s spend a minute reviewing the benefits of inviting happiness into our lives. In her TEDx talk, “Why doctors should care about happiness,” Dr. Sarah Pressman suggests that positive emotions are associated with physiological benefits, such as lowered blood pressure, better immune system function, lower levels of stress hormones, and healthier behaviours – such as sleeping better and exercising more regularly. In short, if you’re in a good mood, you’ll feel healthier, have less pain, and be less likely to become injured or fall.

With all of its benefits, why do we struggle to achieve happiness?

People have different definitions of “happiness”

Have you ever stopped to ask yourself what happiness means to you? By taking the time to identify what makes you happy, it will become easier to make decisions that align with your goals, values, and preferences. Without knowing what makes you happy, you’re more likely to choose a path that takes you in the wrong direction – leaving you with regrets later in life.

Investing in instant gratification

Some people believe that buying a new car, wearing the latest fashions, or being successful, famous, and rich will make them happy. Generally speaking, these things bring short-term happiness. Your car will age; the latest fashions will become dated; and there will always be someone who is richer or more famous than you. By contrast, sustainable happiness can be achieved through connecting with others, being passionate about a hobby, or contributing to a cause greater than yourself.

Chasing happiness rather than prioritizing happiness

When we chase happiness by comparing how we feel with how we’d like to feel, we end up being less happy. Rather than pursuing happiness, try prioritizing happiness. In other words, when you’re confronted with a decision, I recommend that you consider your options and choose the one that will bring you the most happiness.

Refusing to take responsibility for your happiness

Instead of blaming your circumstances or other people, accept that you alone are responsible for your happiness. Leading a healthy lifestyle – e.g., eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and sleeping better – has a net positive effect on both your mental and physical health. So even if you are in the middle of a personal crisis, choosing certain activities can have a positive impact on your level of happiness.

Being judgmental

Even though we each desire happiness, life is unpredictable. Sometimes what we think is good for us turns out to be bad, and vice versa. The next time something “bad” happens to you, try to take a stoic approach and avoid judging the situation. After all, it may turn out to be the best thing that could have ever happened to you.

Many of Bronnie Ware’s patients did not realize that happiness is a choice until the end of their lives. Instead, they wasted their time – their lives – by remaining stuck in old patterns and habits because they feared change. Your happiness is up to you, and your mental health, well-being, and quality of life depends on the choices you make.

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