Blogs? What Are They?

A blog is essentially a web-based journal. Because it’s web-based (known as a a web log, hence the name blog), it can also include photos and multimedia which allows its readers to add notes and comments to what they read. In essence, a blog can be classified as a “building block”!

Our cyberspace is full of blogs and for every blog that is out there, there are most likely numerous other blogs out there talking about the same topic. The terminology for this is “blogosphere”. But not all blogs stand alone. They can include clips from and links to outside content and other blogs.

Blogging gives you the ability to comment on other people’s writing and allows you to share your thoughts freely.

Many bloggers include extensive links to other blogs—or a “blogroll”— on their sites. You can find a blog that interests you and then explore similar blogs that are also listed . Bloggers often love to share news from their friends’ blogs, or talk about their partner’s or children’s’ blogs, which may deal with completely different subjects.

Blogging is a great way to learn more, directly from specialists, about specific subjects, or to converse online with people who share your interests. But you should use common sense when posting, and be cautious about anyone you or your children meet online.

Christine Watson christine@marquetteturner.com.au

How To Find The Ideal Company To Work For

We continually hear about “hiring the right people” for roles. People are an employers’ best asset”. This is definitely true from an employer prospective, but as an employee – how do you know the organisation is the right company for you?

Best practices in recruitment and selection when hiring staff have been around for a long time. No doubt we have all been through that dreaded interview where we have been asked the questions about our long term goals, where we see ourselves within the company, what we hope to achieve, etc. etc.

However, what should you, as an employee be looking for and what questions should you be asking of a potential employer?

Often we can be and are seduced into believing the company has loads to offer and it’s usually not just a good salary package. With unemployment statistics showing there is almost a 0% unemployment rate in the skilled market, companies are doing whatever they can to hire staff.

Today’s workforce is made up of permanent, casual, contract and self employed workers. Not everyone wants to be a permanent employee – probably because the days of having job security have long gone. The days of being able to choose what suits you are now available to us.

Some areas you need to consider include asking yourself and researching – is this an employer of choice, or is it company of mediocrity that touts they are an employer of choice? Questions you need to ask should possibly include:

- What are the company’s development and training processes
- How can they demonstrate to you their workplace culture and environment
- Is their Management style and structure what you want to work with
- Are the hours flexible to suit your family needs and lifestyle
- What are the company’s perceived values and ethics
- Are there other benefits as well as a salary package such as child care, healthcare, gym, share schemes, paid maternity leave, discount cards
- What reputation and prestige does the Brand have – is it a Brand you want to be associated with Do you believe in the company and/or its products
- Can working from home be an option

Are these things going to sway your decision making process? Is your value system similar to that of the company you are looking to work with? How does the company motivate their staff, what are their expectations of you? Are they expecting you to micro manage people or perhaps be micro managed? What are the company’s views on authority and how much authority will you have in your role? How comfortable do you feel with the person you will be reporting to?

Often the interview process involves a number of meetings. The person you will be working for or with, are they someone you would like to work with – how do you feel about them? Sometimes this will mean spending more than the usual one hour interview with that person to get to know them. Then go with “your gut feel” – it is usually right. Christine Watson

FIRE SAFETY UNIT SUPERVISOR/ TECHNICAL INSTALLER - Facilities Management Industry

Working within the newly formed Portable Fire Services Unit for a rapidly growing facilities management group, you thrive on being part of a team that continues to receive awards for its outstanding service records.

As part of this new division, you will be required to manage compliance surveys, quality assurance audits, data analysis and maintenance of OH&S in accordance with the relevant Australian Standards. In addition, you will be comfortable in the development of new business, which will include the preparation of quotations. Your previous experience will include the inspecting, testing and repairing of portable fire services equipment and supervisory experience of staff would be an advantage, although not necessary.

You continue to keep abreast of all relevant changes to the Standards within the industry, have an excellent customer service ethic and enjoy the challenge of being a part of a strong growth industry.

To apply for this position in the strictest confidence, please forward your details to christine@marquetteturner.com.au or call on 0414 352 680

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE CLERK - Facilities Management Industry

Working with an innovative, rapidly growing facilities management company located in Sydney’s western suburbs, you will be reporting to the Finance Manager. This is a first class organisation who value their staff.

Providing administrative and clerical support to the Accounts Payable Department, you will assist with the work overflow and support to the company directors and senior management.

More specifically the role will include receiving and verifying invoices and requisitions for goods and services, entering unmatched invoices into the register, general office administration, and the coordination of receipting and placement for orders.

Ideally you have a minimum of 2-3 years experience in similar role, preferably within the trades industry. Your computer experience will include Outlook, Word and Excel as well as Pinnacle, JIWA or similar. Your data entry speeds will be above 8,000 keystrokes.

To apply for this position, in confidence, please forward your resume to christine@marquetteturner.com.au or call on 0414 352 680

RECEPTIONIST - Facilities Management Industry

Our client provides and manages maintenance for numerous properties throughout New South Wales and Queensland. Working with state of the art technology and a service second to none, with a reputation that is highly respected, the values and objectives of this company flow through to their staff. Due to an internal promotion, the valued position of receptionist has now become vacant.

To be successful in this role, your first class customer service skills are a must. Your previous experience in a front desk position is a requirement, together with a strong knowledge of MS Office. Although not necessary, a clean driver’s licence would be an advantage.

Reporting to the Operations Manager, you role will involve daily assistance to the Operations Division.

Based in Silverwater, this is a great position for someone looking to return to the work force. There will be many opportunities for the right to use this role as a stepping stone to move within the facilities management arena.

To apply for this position, in confidence, please forward your resume to christine@marquetteturner.com.au or call on 0414 352 680

Job No. 1 – 15th October 2007