GE2017 Major parties answer your questions

GE2017 Major parties answer your questions by Grace Donnelly Still not sure who to vote for? We can help with thatWith the General Election only days away, weve put your questions to politicians from the three major political parties.And with 1,500 questions submitted, we certainly weren’t short of options on what to ask.Want to find out which party has the best policies when it comes to all things work, jobs and careers? Just want to get more involved in the inevitable political chat in the office?Watch reed.co.uks Chairman, James Reed, put your top five  questions to the three candidates; Damian Hinds for the Conservatives, Debbie Abrahams for Labour and Baroness Kramer for the Liberal Democrats.1. How will your party secure a Brexit deal that doesnt damage the economy or lead to jobs being moved overseas once Britain leaves the single market?2.  What will you do to protect jobs from increased automation and robotics in the workplace?3.  How will you make sure that skilled migrants continue to be able to come to t he UK and benefit the economy?4.  With a continuing gender pay gap and under-representation of women on boards, what will you do to counter gender discrimination in the workplace?5.  How will you stop low cost foreign workers coming into the UK to compete for roles here, driving down wages?Still debating your perfect position?  View all of our current vacancies now[socialpoll id=2444939 path=/polls/2444939 width=768] Find a job What Where Search JobsSign up for more Career AdviceSign up for moreCareer Advice Please enter a valid email addressmessage hereBy clicking Submit you agree to the terms and conditions applicable to our service and acknowledge that your personal data will be used in accordance with our privacy policy and you will receive emails and communications about jobs and career related topics. Features

How NOT to Rot in Your Job

How NOT to Rot in Your Job You may have an inkling that the time has cometh for you to seek pastures new, or you might just want to make sure that you are doing the right thing by staying put. Either way, go through these points and see if they apply to you. 1. Sense of purpose Does your job require you to perform meaningful and fulfilling tasks? This is subjective and can only be answered by your own satisfaction after a day of hard work. You will want to feel that your effort has made a difference to your customers and is important to the business of your company. Ask yourself how the company would be affected if you left. 2. Comfort Zone Is your job fairly easy? Is it boring and does it lack the challenge at times? You might have done it for a while and realized that experience does pay off in this particular job. This is true but too much experience of only one position will hamper your career as you will lack the holistic view of your industry. 3. Development Are you still learning? They say the rich never work for money, only to learn. You probably need the money but if you are no longer learning, you are not doing your career or yourself any favors. The goal is to make money and learn. Ask yourself, when was the last time you received relevant and high-quality training? Is anybody mentoring you and making sure you develop? What have you learned since you started in this position and what do you think you will learn if you stay? 4. Career opportunities Advancement opportunities, is there a clear career path for you or will you most likely stay in the same role for the foreseeable future? If you are doing a good job, your boss should tell you what to expect and set out a plan for you to progress. If he or she takes little interest in your progress, this might indicate that you are not in pole position for any ladder-climbing anytime soon. 5. The people Do you get on with your colleagues? As some of us spend more waking time with coworkers than our families, it is integral you enjoy working with the people around you. No need to be best pals with everybody but being able to work well together is the least you should expect. 6. Travel Location is your commute bearable or is it getting the better of you? Most people can do an hour’s commute each way for some time but unless you can be productive (e.g. laptop on the train), this is a waste of time and probably not sustainable in the long run. Some employers will offer the option of home office which certainly helps. 7. Balance Life/work balance â€" do you switch off when you get home or are you constantly checking emails and thinking about work? You shouldn’t have to be a work zombie Monday through Friday, your relationships outside work should not suffer due to your mental fatigue. 8. Remuneration Do you believe you are paid enough for your effort? How do you fare against an industry benchmark? This question is not about cash compensation, it encompasses your total package (paid vacation, perks, bonus, etc). Tally everything up and see how it compares. Conclusion If most of these points apply to you, have a serious think about your future and work out a roadmap to where you really should be. If the points don’t apply, happy days â€" you are in the right job! RELATED:  How To Survive and Thrive in Your New Job.

10 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Becoming an Entrepreneur

10 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Becoming an Entrepreneur Entrepreneur 101: Beginner: Are you thinking about starting your own business? Not sure if you have what it take to become an entrepreneur? We would all like to be our own boss, but being an entrepreneur is about more than just having a great idea. Before taking on the gargantuan endeavor of owning your own business, there are certain considerations that you must address first. Below are questions broken into their level of difficulty that prospective entrepreneurs should ask themselves. Entrepreneur 101: Beginner: 1) Whats the number one reason that I want to start a business? Your personal goals for becoming an entrepreneur play a key role in the success of your business. People start their own businesses for various reasons, but motives much greater than money and flexible work hours inspire the most successful entrepreneurs. For a startup to succeed, the goals of its owner must be realistic. Here are some good and bad reasons for starting a business: Bad reasons for becoming an entrepreneur: Wealth Working under 40 hours a week To get off weekends To be famous/glamor Reasons such as those above are poor motivations to start a business because they are largely false assumptions of entrepreneurship. Good reasons for becoming an entrepreneur: To create something new To make an impact on your community To do something you love Creative freedom The above reasons are much stronger incentives for starting your own business because they are realistic expectations of entrepreneurship. 2) How well do I organize and plan? Most new businesses fail within the first few years of operation due to poor planning. Inexperienced business owners often make the mistake of overlooking the importance of forecasting their cash flow. The lack of proper planning can lead to cash shortages during the first few months or even years of operation. You may run into situations where your suppliers require payment, but your cash reserves are inadequate because you are still waiting on payments from credit sales. Even with a profitable product/service, businesses can still run into periods of negative cash balances that in most cases result in the collapse of the company. A simple way to avoid periods of cash shortages is to go through the process of writing a business plan. Creating a business plan is a crucial step in the business development process as it allows entrepreneurs to anticipate potential risks and formulate a contingency plan to avoid them. 3) Do I like to challenge myself? Starting a business is no easy task. It takes a lot of hard work, long hours, and patience to see your business plan through. You are bound to encounter obstacles from the get-go. Before you go head first into starting your own business, ask yourself, “When faced with a challenge, how do I react?” If you have a “grab the bull by the horns” mentality, the challenges of starting a business will serve as motivational tools to push you through the stages of your business’ development. Entrepreneur 202: Advanced: 4) Do I have the stamina and energy to run a business long term? Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither were the most successful small businesses. Creating a business with staying power that lasts until you are able to retire or sell is no easy feat and is a process that takes years. When most entrepreneurs start their own business, they are full of excitement and possess an unearthly amount of energy. Many new business owners are eager to finally have a product/service and storefront they can call their own. They will do anything to see their business succeed. Yet, after a couple of months when the honeymoon period of entrepreneurship ends, the energy that once filled the business owner begins to wane. Long hours of juggling countless responsibilities begin to take their toll and the true test of a business owner’s grit commences. If the entrepreneur can maintain their vigor and weather the rocky storm that is business ownership, after several years they will likely be rewarded by a stable business that produces dividends. 5) Am I risk-averse? Starting a business takes guts. No matter how well thought out a business plan is, entrepreneurs always take on a certain level of risk. The risks associated with starting a business is the number one reason people decide not to become an entrepreneur. Instead of completely avoiding taking gambles, it’s better to handle risks strategically. When encountering potential risks, business owners should perform a cost-benefit analysis to make well-informed decisions on whether or not to pursue an action. When asked for advice on becoming an entrepreneur, the Richard Bransons and Jeff Bezos of the world all emphasize that failures are a part of building a business. 6) Am I willing to put in long hours and work weekends? Too many people go into starting their own business with the mindset that they will have the luxury of working under 40 hours a week and be able to take off weekends. Truthfully, this privilege is only granted to the most fortunate business owners who have already made it through the trials and tribulations of building a business. You can count on the first few years of your business being grueling and work intensive. When issues arise, there will be no one else to defer to. The responsibility will fall upon you alone. These problems won’t politely pop up between 9-5 either. Complications tend to arise unexpectedly and at the worst possible times. When starting your business, you can expect: To work over 40 hours a week To work on the weekend Wake up early and go to bed late To be thinking about the business even when you are not working On the bright side, the more work you put in, the higher the chances of getting a return on your investment. Entrepreneur 303: Expert 7) How well do I handle criticism? Thinking everyone is going to like your product or service from the start will set you up for a rude awakening. Entrepreneurs take a take a lot of heat from customers, prospective investors, and business partners. Be prepared for questions on every decision you make. Business owners need to have thick skin and not get discouraged when they encounter rejection. Never assume that your business is perfect and has no need for an upgrade. Improvements should always be considered, as innovation is necessary for a company to survive long term. Evaluate each harsh criticism as a chance to improve your business and offer a better product/service. Although it’s not always easy, a good entrepreneur will recognize the value of criticism. 8) How far can I stretch a dollar? The best entrepreneurs are thrifty and know how to get the most bang for their buck. Within the adolescent stages of a business, the initial costs will almost always outweigh your initial revenue. That is why it is crucial to make your startup capital last for as long as possible. When faced with tough monetary decisions, it’s important to find the best deals. 9) Do I have what it takes to be a leader? Few entrepreneurs can start and run a business on their own. It takes a team of professional-minded individuals with specialized skills to operate a healthy business. As the owner, it is up to you to select members of your team who you can trust to work according to the company’s goals. That is why an entrepreneur must have adaptive interpersonal skills. Managing employees entails: Giving clear directions Setting realistic expectations Evaluating employees’ work Providing incentives Encouraging honest and constructive feedback Mitigating conflicts This can be a lot to handle when having to manage all other aspects of the business. 10) What is my back up plan? It hurts to admit, but there is a chance that your business might not succeed. If the day ever comes for your business to accept defeat, it will undoubtedly be a day full of despair and anguish. It feels almost impossible to pick yourself back up after suffering the loss of a project you poured your heart and soul into. Before you step into the world of entrepreneurship, establish a fallback plan and set aside some funds incase your business venture sours. It will be much easier to recover from the disappointment of a failed business if you have a safety net. Thinking about owning your own business is always fun to imagine. However, if you are serious about becoming an entrepreneur then you will need to consider the questions above to examine whether entrepreneurship is really for you. Author:  Taylor Johnson is a business plan expert at businessplantoday.com, the leading provider of business plan software and professional entrepreneurial resources.

Fun Ways to Keep the Romance Alive in Your Relationship

Fun Ways to Keep the Romance Alive in Your Relationship Romance is important in any relationship but after spending many years together, those sparks no longer fly as easily as they do in a hot Christian Gray novel.  Those romantic encounters ensure that your love continues to feel that special flame that attracted you together and are very much an important part of your relationship.  There are many simple ways to add romance to your relationship, no matter the length of time you’ve shared together. Use some of the simple ideas listed below to enjoy romance in your long-term relationship. Undercover Action Surprises are always fun, especially when they involve your partner. Why not play footsie under the kitchen table or  see where your hands can reach when sharing popcorn, a movie, and a blanket on the sofa? Those unexpected moments lead to memories in the making. Do not be shy and let your lover know that in your eyes, they’re still just as hot as the day that you met them. Random Love Notes A random love night lets your partner know they are on your mind. Whisper sweet nothings through your words in the note and watch the sparks fly. Leave the note underneath the plate at dinner, send it to the office via personal messenger, or send it in an email. However you profess your love,  send it randomly now and again to keep sparks alive. Sweep Your Partner Off Their Feet There are many romantic encounters that will perfectly suit your significant other’s personality and interests. At least once per month, schedule a romantic evening for just the two of you. Don’t limit the activities to the typical dinner date and a movie. Why not travel and see the world, take a hot air balloon ride, or even experience a candlelit picnic in the park? There are limitless ways to live life to the fullest while enjoying the love of your partner by your side. Add Some Excitement to the Bedroom Dont let the sex game get dull and boring. Even the hottest couples may find their sex lives not as exciting after being together for some time, especially if they do not find the simple ways to up the ante. Sex toys are great for the bedroom and there are many different options to pick from. Games and lingerie and costumes are also available. Pick your favorites and let the fun in the bedroom begin. Some Final Thoughts Whether you’re celebrating five, 10, 15, or 20 or more years together, do not let the sparks of romance die in your relationship. Far too many easy ways to show your love exist to allow such a thing to happen. The ideas above are of course just some of the many romantic ways to show your partner how much you love them. Use these ideas and others and enjoy the rest of your lives loving one another. You will appreciate the added spark in the eye at the end of the day.

Smart People in Smart Companies Why Geeks Succeed in Business

Smart People in Smart Companies Why Geeks Succeed in Business You’ve probably seen them in school. They are the kids who wear glasses, suspenders and actually want to sit at the front of the classroom so that they can learn as much as possible.Some call them geeks while others call them the future leaders in the business world. If you pay attention to their ways of learning, then you’ll understand just why geeks succeed in business where others seem to fail.1. Working AloneevalMost of the people you think of as geeks tend to work alone. It’s not that they don’t have any friends, but more so that that is how they are better able to function. They perform better in this manner, which is passed along to the business they work in as they don’t need to answer to anyone or have someone constantly watching them.2. Team Contributors LeadersOf course, not every geek is the introverted type and needs his or her solitude to fully function. Many thrive in teams! Not only are they fully aware of their own intellectual worth when it comes to the b usiness, but they are aware of others’ as well.Therefore, they understand how to tactfully use every member to reach the intended goal and to even reach higher than that. They are also capable of leading out in whatever areas that they may be an expert in.3. Educational SuccessMany companies want someone who has succeeded in school. Geeks tend to enjoy reading and completing assignments. They strive to be at the top of the class in every subject. This determination is what will carry them through in the business career as they will have an upper hand simply by furthering their education. Some even go off to college and eventually get, whether from a physical institution or online, MBA’s.4. Image ControlGeeks don’t think about impressing others. They want to get in and get the job done instead of worrying about what they wear or what others think about them. This is why they are so successful in business. Those who feel that it’s important to have the flashy cars, nice houses and other items that show that they are the best sometimes find that the money that is made is wastefully spent and don’t seem to have a grasp on what it takes to lead and work with others.5. Technological WorldToday’s world is more than just building with your bare hands. It’s about technology. Those who focus on technology and seem to spend their time in books and on the computer are often more successful than those who want others to complete the work for them or spend time texting instead of learning. It takes someone who understands how technology works in the world, and the geeks just so happen to be the ones who stare at a computer screen most of the day.The next time you see someone that you would label as “geek”, just remember that he or she is probably one of the future leaders of the business industry.

Different Ways to Connect With Customers

Different Ways to Connect With Customers Connecting with your customers can be a challenge, but the reality is that it’s never been easier than it is right now. There are simply so many ways in which you can reach out and connect with the people who make your business what it is today. But you do have to move with the times and keep finding new and modern ways to engage your customers so that they don’t have their heads turned by a rival business. Read on to find out some of the things to consider doing. Create Competitions for Customers Customers love to have the chance to get something for nothing. Don’t we all? So why not engage with them by offering competitions with genuinely appealing prizes? More people will get involved with your business than ever before because they will all want the chance to win. And it’s entirely up to you how you set the regulations for how to enter, so give this some thought. Meet People at Events Networking is not something that you only have to do with business partners and people like that. It’s just as important to meet people face to face if they’re the customers of your business. It allows you to show a human face to your business and stops you feeling like a bland corporate entity. So try to attend company events and invite customers along too. Listening to and Acting on Feedback When you do talk to people about what they think of your business, always take the feedback they provide as seriously as you possibly can. If you hear what they say but make no effort at all to act on it, you will only regret it later. Your regular customers often know your business better than anyone, so when they tell you there’s a problem, it should be listened to. Online Apps These days, apps are perfect for bring people together in once place and sharing information with them. That’s why your business should consider creating its own app. There are so many ways in which it can be used, from creating an online store to harvesting feedback or alerting customers to new sales. Find an App Development company and get to work on this as soon as you can. By Answering Their Questions Rapidly on Social Media Social media is the ideal platform for you connect with people like never before. When a customer or potential customer fires a question your way on Facebook or Twitter, do your best to engage with it and offer a fair and human answer as soon as you can. This is one of those things that customers really care about because it shows you care too. Your customers mean everything to your business because without them, you would have nothing at all. That’s why it’s up to you to find ways to connect with them. The ideas discussed here will all help you to get started, but don’t stop looking for your own ideas to make use of as well.

A Simple Way to Learn How to Write a Resume

A Simple Way to Learn How to Write a ResumeWhen applying for a job, whether it is a high-level executive position or a low-level entry-level job, you want to be able to write a resume that includes your writing skills. And you also want to be able to communicate your self-confidence and your experience to the employer. But you also want to be able to communicate in a way that will make the employer understand you. So what does that mean?There are two ways to learn both verbal and writing skills; you can do it as an adult or you can do it as a teenager. The type of person that has to learn how to write well is the person that has a full-time job. Therefore, if you are a student that wants to get into a job as soon as possible, you will have to learn the skill as soon as possible. At a young age, most children are not aware of their own capabilities, so it is important to be careful how much knowledge they have at a young age. This is why it is important for a teenager to have an idea of how to be able to write well when they are able to express themselves better.Even adults can learn. It is not necessary for them to go back to school to do this. After all, they already know how to express themselves better through their communication skills. That's why the best way to be able to write a resume that has both written and verbal skills is to use an online writing program such as Microsoft Word.If you use a Microsoft Word program on your computer, it can be very effective at learning how to write a resume. Because you will learn both your English and writing skills in one place. The program will teach you how to type properly, how to use proper grammar, how to handle spelling and punctuation. As well, it will teach you how to use spaces, which will help you when you are writing an English resume or other formal applications.What is great about Microsoft Word is that it gives you several tools that are very helpful when you are learning to write a resume. One of thes e tools is a spell checker. This allows you to proofread your resume and correct any mistakes before they are printed. You can also delete sentences or words that you would rather not have included, which is also helpful when you are working on a formal application.You may not find this as easy as it sounds, but there is an easy way to learn. Just type 'Microsoft Word' in the search engine and you will find dozens of programs that will help you learn how to write a resume in MS Word. It is a very simple program, but it can really help you out in terms of learning the basics of the English language and getting better at written communication.As you continue to write a resume, you can even include pictures in the resume. Once you begin to think about a resume as a written piece of art, it will seem very natural. Learning how to write a resume that can make you stand out is also very important, and by learning to use the program, you will learn that very easily.It is not hard to learn how to write a resume, especially if you use Microsoft Word. In fact, it is a fun and very easy way to learn what it takes to communicate in a professional manner.