Welcome

Leigh Johnson

"I hope that you had a very enjoyable festive period and are fully refreshed for 2006."

“The New Year is a time when people take stock of the previous twelve months and set challenges and targets for the future. This doesn't necessarily mean a change in employer, but could mean studying for extra qualifications, seeking a promotion or even completing an overseas experience. Whatever it is, it is an opportunity to add real value to your CV.

So if you are considering making changes this year, please feel free to get in touch with one of our team. We would be happy to discuss what impact your resolutions will have on your career path.

Whatever 2006 holds for you, I wish you the best of luck for the year ahead."

Leigh

In the news....

In demand

A new survey has been released, revealing the hottest jobs and boom markets for 2006.

The forecast points out four market "hot spots" for New Zealand - Accountancy and Finance, Construction and Property, Information Technology and Office Support.

“For skilled staff, the job market continues to be very resilient. We are continuing to receive lots of exciting opportunities for our candidates,” says Leigh. 

Local Government recruitment hindered by poor public perception

New research shows that local government’s recruitment is being hindered by an image crisis, as 65% of skilled workers questioned said they would not look for employment in this sector.

The main reasons given for this were:

- Too much bureaucracy in dealing with councils
- Confusion over what is the active role of local council 
- A poor perception of Council workers

"However, the perception is far removed from reality," says Leigh Johnson. "Working for local government is a fantastic way to make a real impact on a community. It also offers employees the opportunity for career progression and the gaining of management experience at a rate that exceeds other sectors." 

IPANZ New Professionals Conference

The Johnson Group is delighted to announce that they will be sponsors at the Institute of Public Administration New Zealand’ s first ever conference targeted at the future managers and leaders of government agencies. This will be run over two days from the 15-16 of June 2006, at the Wellington Town Hall. More information can be found at www.ipanz.org.nz or email ipanz@paardekooper.co.nz for regular conference updates.

Hot off the press...

Following the success of our training programme last year, The Johnson Group are pleased to announce that we have teamed up with 'Personal Development Guru' Jacque Aldridge to offer you two specially designed courses.  

March 23, Thursday - 8.30am to 5.30pm

Understand yourself – understand others. You can enhance your career when you build on your personal strengths. Using the Myers-Briggs Personality Type Indicator you can discover your greatest potential, and how to use this to bring out the best in yourself and in others.

March 24, Friday – 8.30am to 5.00pm

A special one-day rapid reading course. You can learn to read faster and remember more - guaranteed.  

To find out more, contact Jacque on 0272 484 181 or jacquea@ihug.co.nz

Feel fresh for the year ahead

After relaxing over the festive period, are you feeling worn down now you have been back to work for a month? Well you’re not alone according to Mental Health Foundation. 

"After all the public holidays have drawn to a close, it is important to keep yourself fresh for the challenges you face at work," says Leigh. "Look after yourself, give yourself the occasional treat and know when your next break is. If you are going to make the most out of the opportunities you are offered, you have to ensure you are on your best form."

So here is the MHF guide to ensuring you stay fully recharged:

- Have your next leave planned and in your diary

- Stick to those New Year resolutions such as getting sleep, eating well and taking regular exercise

- Make sure you take time out for yourself to do the things you enjoy, such as gardening, reading, walking on the beach or listening to music. Plan some time with your family or friends, or organise sporting or social activities that you can look forward to at the evenings or weekends

Job Doctor

Each newsletter, you’ll have a chance to put your questions to one of our recruitment specialists.

My resolution for 2006 is to get out of the office and become my own boss - so I have decided to look at the option of becoming a contractor. But, is being a contractor really for me? Is it just something that sounds like a good idea in practice but in reality may not suit who I am and the work that I do?

Peter, Wellington

Every Contractor has his or her own reasons for enjoying the freedom that being your own boss brings. Some say it is because working for yourself is more rewarding, and for others it is the flexibility of being able to choose when they work and what they do. There are also practical reasons, such as being able to earn a higher hourly rate, the potential to pay less tax, not to mention being able to claim your weekly coffee bill back as expenses.

But contracting offers less security, both in terms of not having a guaranteed salary and not having the support of sick pay. There are also forms to fill in, accounts to keep and rules to obey - which ultimately is unpaid time you have to put in. Plus, although you may enjoy avoiding office politics you will predominantly be working on your own - which can be quite lonely.

So if you are thinking of becoming a Contractor, these are some of the things you should consider:

Are you able to hit the ground running? Can you adapt to a new workplace easily so you can offer immediate value?

Can you make new working relationships easily?

Does not having a guaranteed salary fill you with anxiety?

Do you have a good network of potential clients?

Are you able to deal with the paperwork and accounts that come with being a contractor? Look on the IRD website (www.ird.govt.nz) to get an idea of what is involved.

Remember, a successful contractor must have a good reputation for his or her work. As one of our clients said, " A contractor is only as good as their last job."

If you think contracting could be for you, please feel free to give one of the team here at The Johnson Group a call.

Refer a friend...

and have a great night on us!

Refer a friend to The Johnson Group, and if we successfully place them, you and your friend will receive two tickets to Wellington's Paramount Cinema with complimentary drinks!

Just send their contact details to info@thejohnsongroup.co.nz