Spinwell Global

Interesting Jobs for Interesting People

Big data and the IT careers it prompts

Within today’s digital ecosystem, there is no denying how much of an influence big data has had on companies, organisations, as well as the multitude of opportunities it prompts for professional IT careers and more.

Big data relates to the extraction and harvesting of data which when analysed provides insightful information to organisations.

Managing big data has become an area that has provided many opportunities for IT professionals. This briefly explains the potential for increased salaries for professionals in the IT field as it requires you to have a specialised technical skill set and expertise in the mining of big data.

Below we will outline a few IT roles that have been driven by big data:

Data Warehouse manager

This role involves the managing of teams that are purely responsible for the designing, maintaining, implementing and/or creating data warehouse systems.

Data Security Analyst

Cybersecurity is a large feature of this role. It takes into account security, risk assessments and carefully developing security policies for the company.

Business Intelligence Analyst

Here, professionals utilise the extraction of big data into analysing all relevant key information to make informed decisions. This role may also include reviewing data to producing well informed reports relating to the company’s financial records and/or market intelligence reports to increase efficiency while simultaneously maximizing profits

Transitioning back into the workplace environment

You may have been out of work pursuing other things such as raising a family, further education or any other reason. After a while away in a different environment, coming back into the workplace setting can seem a bit overwhelming or daunting and it will never be the same as when you left it.

You may feel like your skills are outdated, in most cases new employees may have been recruited and your old colleagues/contacts have moved onto different roles or workplaces and so on.

And so, to help ease that transition, here are a few ways to help boost your confidence, tweak up your resume, finetune and redefine your already existing skills to get back into the corporate world.

Seek an experts’ opinion

Getting back to this environment and hitting the job market cold, certainly can put you in an unfavourable position especially considering employment gaps.

Seeking help from a recruitment agency and partnering with a consultant can help fasten the process with ease. A recruitment consultant can guide you with tips on how to enhance and tweak your resume into highlighting your skills and strengths whilst also helping you with the job search process. They may also guide you with tips on how to ace interviews and get you up to speed with all that you have missed.

Build new skills and experience through temporary roles

While it not be your first choice, it is always a good idea to get into temporary roles, especially considering you are getting back into the workplace after some time off. It may be a good way to sharpen and fine tune your skills and gain some experience. Asking your recruitment consultant to match you with relevant roles that pertain to your interests can further ease your transition into the workforce.

Maintaining your online presence

Before you start your job search it is a good idea to update your LinkedIn or any other professional profile. It doesn’t hurt to also contact your former colleagues or employers to let them know that you are currently looking for work. Keep a good lookout for openings that may turn up on LinkedIn as a lot of companies use the platform to advertise vacant roles as well as other job boards.

Explaining your employment gaps

When drafting your CV, it is always best to be open, honest and transparent when explaining your employment gaps. It wouldn’t hurt to also maybe include them in your cover letter.

Market skills you have developed outside of the workforce

You may have undertaken unpaid volunteer or charity work during your time off. It is always a good idea to use those skills you have picked up to help market yourself. For instance, if you were in charge of bookkeeping for your community fundraising event, you may speak of the various organisational and financial skills you picked up on doing so. Be sure to fill in your recruitment specialist in on these sorts of beneficial activities that you may have taken on during your time away..

What right things are you doing when preparing for an interview?

Preparing for a job interview can be an overwhelming task, and it’s easy to get lost in the sea of advice available online. However, it’s important to focus on the essentials to make sure you’re doing the right things when it comes to interview prep. Here are some insightful tips to help you prepare effectively for your next job interview.

Research the company and the role you’re applying for

This may seem obvious, but it’s surprising how many candidates skip this crucial step. Look for information about the company’s culture, values, and mission statement. Check out their website, social media channels, and press releases. This will help you tailor your responses to the interviewer’s questions and demonstrate your interest in the company. Also, review the job description and make a list of the key skills and qualifications required. This will help you highlight your relevant experience and achievements during the interview.

Practice your responses to common interview questions

Preparing for potential questions beforehand will help you feel more confident during the interview. Take the time to reflect on your past experiences and how they relate to the job you’re applying for. Consider using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses. Additionally, practice your non-verbal communication, such as maintaining eye contact and using appropriate body language.

Prepare a list of questions to ask the interviewer

This is a great opportunity to demonstrate your interest in the company and the role. Ask about the company’s growth plans, the team dynamics, and how success is measured. Also, inquire about the next steps in the hiring process and the timeline for making a decision. Remember, the interview is a two-way street, and you’re also evaluating whether the company is the right fit for you.

Don’t forget to follow up after the interview

Send a thank-you email within 24 hours to the interviewer, reiterating your interest in the role and highlighting why you’re the best candidate for the job. This is also a chance to address any questions or concerns that came up during the interview. Following up shows that you’re professional, engaged, and willing to go the extra mile.

In conclusion, effective interview preparation requires research, practice, and attention to detail. By focusing on the essentials, you can increase your chances of acing the interview and landing your dream job. Remember to stay calm, confident, and authentic during the interview, and let your passion and enthusiasm shine through. Good luck!

9 Cover Letter Tips to Secure a Job

A cover letter is your opportunity to showcase your skills and experience to potential employers. A well-crafted cover letter can make all the difference in securing a job interview.

Here are nine tips to help you write a compelling cover letter that will impress hiring managers and land you your dream job:

Customize your cover letter for each job application
Tailor your letter to the specific job requirements and show how your skills and experience align with the job description.
Use keywords from the job posting to highlight your relevant qualifications.
Address the hiring manager by name
Avoid using generic salutations like “To whom it may concern.” Research the company and the hiring manager’s name and address them directly.
Begin with a strong opening sentence that grabs the reader’s attention
Use an anecdote, a statistic, or a bold statement to pique the hiring manager’s interest and make them want to read more.
Highlight your relevant skills and experience
Use specific examples from your past work experience to demonstrate how you meet the job requirements.
Be sure to quantify your accomplishments with numbers or percentages when possible.
Show your enthusiasm for the company and the job
Explain why you are interested in the company and what excites you about the position. This will demonstrate your passion and commitment to the job.
Keep your cover letter concise and to the point
Avoid using jargon or technical terms that the hiring manager may not understand.
Keep your sentences short and clear, focus on your most important qualifications.
Use a professional tone and avoid slang or informal language
Your cover letter should be polished and professional, so avoid using colloquial language or contractions.
Close your cover letter with a strong call to action
Express your interest in meeting with the hiring manager and reiterate your qualifications for the job.
Provide your contact information and encourage the hiring manager to reach out to you for an interview.
Proofread your cover letter for errors and typos
Make sure your letter is free from spelling and grammar mistakes.
Ask a friend or mentor to review your letter before you submit it.

In conclusion, a well-written cover letter can help you stand out from other applicants and secure a job interview. By following these nine tips, you can craft a compelling cover letter that highlights your skills and experience and demonstrates your enthusiasm for the job. Good luck! 1

Avoiding a long recruitment process when hiring candidates

Hiring candidates in this day and age, with the talent pool that’s available is certainly no easy task. If you have hired someone in the past that turned out to be not the right fit it can, in some cases, cause you to drag on the recruitment process as the experience of that costly hiring mistake may be haunting you to this day.

But there are ways in which you can avoid a long recruitment process. Below we will discuss a few:

1. Articulating your hiring needs and writing up the job description

You know what you want. So, ensure that it is clearly outlined and that all the skills and qualifications required for the job are very well defined. Be honest about the duties and responsibilities the employee is expected to take on.

2. Get in position

Ensure that you have gotten the ‘go ahead’ to hire someone alongside an approved rate. Taking all that time and effort to find the right candidate only to be unable to actually hire them and having to start the recruitment process all over again is an extreme hassle which puts you right back where you started.

3. Organisation

Organisation is key in recruiting candidates. Ensure that you set out and schedule dates and timings for meetings with the candidates alongside deadlines for up to when they can send you their resumes.

4. Checking References

Checking references are key to avoiding mistakes when it comes to hiring. Don’t speed up this process as you want to make sure the person you are hiring truly is legit and has the capabilities of performing what the role calls for.

5. Get back to the candidates

Whether you decided to hire them or not, do not leave the hanging. Let them know when they could expect to hear from you by and be sure to follow through with it.

Making a great first impression

Attire and presenting yourself

It is vital that you present yourself in the most professional manner possible. Generally, the way you present yourself/ your appearance does give the hiring manager an immediate first impression of you before you actually start talking in the interview.

If, for instance, you have a meeting at a law firm, it would be ideal for you to come dressed in formal attire like a suit or similar. But if you were to have a job interview at a creative agency for instance, something a little less formal and leaning more towards the casual side would be more apt.

All in all, irrespective of where you work or are called into for an interview, it is vital that your personal hygiene is up to scratch and that whatever you wear is clean and sharp and that you present the best version of you.

Gestures

Your body language plays a great part when it comes to the way in which you maintain interaction in an interview. A good handshake goes a long way. It immediately gives the hiring manager an impression of the kind of person you are. For instance, maintaining good eye contact and not slouching and having good posture presents yourself as confident and knowledgeable.

It wouldn’t hurt to throw in a smile in your conversation. At the end of the day, practise makes perfect so it might even help if you could practise with a friend who’s willing to help.

Communication

The first few seconds of an interview ideally creates an impression of the kind of person you are like, whilst the next few sort of cements that whole image all the more. So it is important that you think before you speak and at a good volume and pace. Do not speak over them as it would not necessarily portray a good lasting impression of you and may come across as disrespectful.

It is normal to be anxious, so take your time (although not too long) and speak at a steady pace. And here too again, practise makes perfect.

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Saying No to Your Co-workers

Saying No to Your Co-workers: Setting Boundaries and Maintaining Control

When it comes to parenting, saying “no” to a child can be challenging. Although it may escalate tantrums or mood swings, it is a crucial aspect of setting boundaries and making long-term decisions. By saying “no,” children learn who is in control, rather than simply saying “yes” to avoid immediate conflict.

Oddly enough, in a work context, we often find ourselves hesitant to say “no.” This reluctance stems from our desire to be perceived as “good people.” Moreover, if we do muster the courage to decline a request, we may feel obligated to say “yes” the next time to alleviate the guilt from previously denying someone’s ask. This phenomenon is known as the “second-ask” effect.

However, taking on additional work solely to avoid offending others is a recipe for resentment, especially when you already have a mountain of tasks to complete.

The Power of Saying No: Setting Priorities and Delegating

Consequently, prioritizing your own needs can enable you to focus on and finish your work more effectively.

Additionally, saying “no” can also serve as a powerful tool for reaffirming your authority or delegating tasks. For example, you could respond with statements like, “I’m sorry, but that is not within my job description; it would be better for someone else’s self-development,” or “I believe this task would be more suitable for someone else to handle.”

The Art of Saying No While Saying Yes

The savvy individuals among us have mastered the art of saying “no” while still saying “yes.” Suppose a colleague asks you to take on extra work on their behalf. In that case, the following response demonstrates this approach:

“Yes, I could assist with your additional workload. However, this would inevitably delay my current project, causing further delays. Would that be acceptable to you?”

Here, you employ a clever tactic that empowers them to decide what truly matters to them, thereby depersonalizing the request.

In certain situations, you can also use company policy to depersonalize your refusal, stating, “I’m sorry, but it is against company policy to fulfill this request.”

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What is better for your career development? Staying at one job or switching jobs?

Staying with one company

When it comes to building a career, staying at one job may prove quite beneficial. The longer you stay at that company, the more knowledge and experience you gain that is very much unique to the firm. Not only does your value to the organisation increase, but you also more or less become an in-house expert who in good time will have more responsibilities and be more involved in strategic decisions the company decides to take.

This in turn would be a great look for your professional development and career progression. It is also highly important that you are aware and take steps in finetuning your already existing technical skills through training and development.

The common perception here however is that when staying with one company, your compensation growth is slower. While this can be true in most cases, it is up to you to ensure that your skills are progressing at the pace to get the compensation you want/deserve.

How to finetune your skills and keep them sharp?

Developing personal skills is an essential part of your professional development. Research industry and business trends, seek workshops, put some time in and invest in resources to obtain relevant training that may be beneficial to you which in turn helps you to stay relevant in today’s professional world.

Switching jobs

Again, with this too there are both pros and cons.

Starting off with the most obvious, as you move from company to company you learn a lot more and your overall skills develop at a faster rate. Having more valuable, broader and deeper experiences develops you into a well-rounded professional. Taking compensation into account, larger compensation ‘jumps’ can be experienced when you move from one job to another.

However, there are disadvantages to moving from company to company. For one, climbing up the corporate ladder will become more of a task than it already is, as it is far more difficult to climb the ladder being a brand new employee when you are competing with a lot more tenured employees whose time at the firm is way more established.

Office politics and navigating your way through it

Office politics in any company is inevitable. You may try to avoid it, but it will always exist. Many employees believe it is a good idea to use office politics to the best of their advantage to get ahead in their career.

However, it is extremely important to remember that undertaking this strategy can have serious repercussions as politics can often cause trouble- especially in the workplace.

As such, although it is alright to use it as a positive asset, ensure you don’t use it as a self-destructive mechanism. Treat your colleagues with utmost respect and be a professional individual.

Knowing when to utilise office politics and when to avoid it

It is always best to avoid politics when it comes down to gossiping, backstabbing, pointing fingers and other negative gestures. This is because taking part in it would mean that you yourself are contributing to a toxic work environment that changes the dynamic of the company alongside the culture you work in. Avoiding office politics would allow you to take part and be in a team that you actually enjoy working for and in.

However, there are certain instances where you can use it to your benefit, in a respectable manner of course. This is where insider knowledge comes in. If perhaps you hear that someone intends on leaving the company soon which opens up a spot for a promotion, you may use that to your advantage- so long as you don’t take part in or feed office gossip.

Networking

Networking and making good connections across all levels of the organisation you work for and even outside it are key to your career/professional development.

Amidst this journey of climbing up the ladder you might feel the need to constantly be on the good side of those at management level, however, don’t forget about your peers. Give credit where its due, be a good team player, contribute where you can and pitch in good ideas if you have any. After all, you never know when you might also need their help.

With that being said, there is absolutely no need to be anyone’s best friend, but it is important that you figure out a way to cohesively work together effectively and efficiently. So, tread carefully when it comes to office politics.

Should you be hiring someone that is over qualified for a job?

In hiring someone that is overqualified there certainly are risks involved and rewards presented if they can make it work.

A hiring manager may feel reluctant to hire someone over qualified due to the fact that they may not stay too long in the company, may demand more money than the role calls for and so on.

Pros of hiring an over qualified candidate for the role:

The candidate will have all the necessary skills, experience and qualifications required for the role but will equally be challenged by it.
The ability to confidently take over their responsibilities alongside fitting into the team very well whilst avoiding ruffling any feathers
The ability to work independently and take initiative, but also be able to take direction.

Risks

The risk of leaving if a better opportunity comes along
Will more money be demanded along the way?
Will he/she create issues with the team?
Dissatisfaction with the job

Rewards

Overqualified candidates certainly can bring a lot to the table for you and your company.

Ideally they require a lot less supervision and training due to the experience they already have. This would generate a higher ROI as they bring about better, more innovative, new ideas.

People with this much experience can also help in becoming mentors for others. A fine tool in boosting team morale and development.

Questions to ask prior to hiring an over qualified professional

Why is this candidate interested in a job role that is far below their qualifications?
What is it that they want/expect from this role?
Do you have a use for their extra skill?

(Perhaps a trouble shooting or mentoring programs for your employees that could be arranged with the overqualified professionals help)

What are the chances they would leave if a better role came about?
In what ways can their expertise help your company?

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