When you have invested both time and energy to find that perfect role, including searching, resume preparation and the actual interview, an important final step of the process is often overlooked — references.

Eighty-five per cent of hiring managers will check at least one reference as part of their recruitment process. More importantly, research indicates that they are less likely to hire a candidate who cannot provide easily contactable and acceptable work-related references.

Gone are the days of handing a photocopied letter from your neighbours detailing what a nice person you are. Personal and character references are rarely requested in today’s recruitment process. The fact is that your work-related referees can be the deciding factor on your chances of being hired.

Be prepared
Respect the privacy of your contacts and don’t provide details on your resume. Instead it’s best to note ‘References are available upon request’ and then have them readily available when requested.

Think carefully when choosing your references. Hiring managers often prefer to speak to someone from your current workplace, but this is not always possible. Look to other companies you may have worked for and consider not only direct supervisors and managers but also close business acquaintances, educators, colleagues, co-workers or even long-term customers. This should be someone who can make valuable comments and provide a good assessment on your strengths, abilities and skills.

Prepare others
Always get permission from each referee before you include them. Give your references a copy of your latest resume and keep them updated on the types of roles you are applying for. If appropriate, you may also like to give them a brief description of the job opportunity or a copy of the position description for the role you are interested in.

Provide business phone and email details for your reference in an effort to make them easily contactable. Also, have a backup or alternate contact as a reference, just in case your primary one is not available.

Follow up
Finally, always remember to thank your references whether you are successful in securing the role or not. Some job seekers find that they use a particular reference several times throughout their career and others maybe just once. But remember that a good, reliable reference is often the final job hunting hurdle! Good Luck!

We all know someone who is outstandingly brilliant at learning, and you’re probably scratching your head wondering what makes them so successful? Many students lose motivation when someone else is thriving, and you might feel as though you’re lagging behind.

This is not uncommon. But if you’re thinking someone else’s learning ability is simply due to good genetics, think again! It’s more likely that they have implemented better study strategies and learning habits than you have.

Follow these five learning tips and you’ll be on the road to a better learning experience.

1. Create a Study Plan. The best students never fail to properly plan. If you are feeling overwhelmed with the amount of work you have on your plate, a clear and balanced study plan will boost your motivation when you can tick off a task as complete and will reduce your stress levels by focusing on one task at a time.

2. Take Study Breaks. Many students think they can cram a lot of information into their heads by sitting down and learning for a few hours straight. However, your ability to learn actually decreases, the more time you spend staring at your books or computer. Incorporate regular breaks and use that break time wisely by taking a walk to boost your brain activity.

3. Get Enough Sleep.  Exhaustion is your enemy! When you properly rest, your brain strengthens the knowledge you have learned during the day by assimilating information — so the better you sleep, the better you learn.

4. Ask Questions. Instead of passively sitting in class absorbing what’s going on, have you noticed what the top performing students are doing? They are engaging by asking questions and striking up a conversation with the teacher and getting involved.

5. Apply Learning to Real Life. Top students recognise that acquiring skills is critical for the challenges faced in life. Learning is not about studying for a test and getting good grades, it’s about understanding knowledge and what you can do with that knowledge. During the deeper learning process, students take ownership of their learning by applying core academic skills to real-life situations.

Those students you admire are passionate about what they are learning. They have the drive to develop their learning based on their love of what they are discovering. Follow what interests you and your motivation to learn will thrive.

One of the things to bear in mind while on Work Placement and when you start working after graduation is the need to exercise professionalism in the workplace. An online article about professionalism by K.A. Francis argues that there is ‘no set definition’ of professionalism. However, the author goes on to state that it is ‘the most important trait any employee should possess’. It is also important to remember that all organisations have their own set policies meaning what may be acceptable at one workplace, may not be acceptable at another.

The main traits we all should possess include:

• Being honest
• Showing positive work ethics
• Communicating with both your colleagues and management
• Being respectful and courteous of those around you.

The following articles offer more ideas on developing your professionalism:

• The 5 Attitudes to get you ahead in the Workplace
• Building Positive Workplace Relationships
• 10 Characteristics of Professionalism

As you advance in your careers, you will be called upon to speak to groups. The following tips will help you conquer your nervousness and give effective presentations:

• Know your material. Select a topic that you know about and are interested in. Use stories and conversational language so you can more easily remember what you want to say.
• Practise. Rehearse your presentation aloud with the props or equipment you will use —such as PowerPoint and a laser pointer.
• Know your audience. If speaking to an unfamiliar group, try to meet a few of the audience members beforehand so that you will see familiar faces in the room while you speak.
• Know the space. Arrive early to familiarise yourself with the room and the equipment you will be using, such as a microphone or visual aids.
• Relax. Take a few deep breaths before speaking. Try to convert your nervous energy into enthusiasm.
• Picture yourself delivering your presentation beforehand. Visualise yourself speaking with a loud and clear voice while gesturing confidently. Imagine the audience clapping as you conclude.
• Realise that people want you to succeed. Audience members want your presentation to be interesting, informative and entertaining. They’re not secretly hoping that you flounder and bore them.
• Never apologise. Nine times out of ten the audience won’t notice what you are apologising for. Don’t say, “Sorry for my nervousness” or “I don’t make presentations often.”
• Concentrate on the message – not the medium. Focus on the audience and the message that you are delivering rather than your own nervousness or anxieties.
• Do it again! Speaking regularly in public will help build your confidence and increase proficiency.

There’s no need to worry when you are called upon to speak in public. Following the tips outlined will help you stay relaxed and connect with your audience.