Occupational Psychology

Occupational Psychology is also known as industrial psychology. As a field, occupational psychology is concerned with all areas of work whether industry, large organisations, small businesses, institutions, or even the self-employed.

The Occupational Psychology ebook looks at underlying theories in occupational psychology and how they can applied in the workplace. This ebook will help with recruitment and selection of staff, and how businesses and individuals can get the most out of employees and make work a more enjoyable and productive experience all round.

This ebook is ideal for managers, human resources professionals and small business owners is 78 pages.

Technical Writing

The Technical Writing ebook has been written for anybody who would like to become a technical writer, add technical writing to their repertoire of skills, or improve their technical writing skills.

Technical Writing is not just limited to scientific or technical documents, is necessary for writing manuals, reports or promotional materials.

Technical writing is different to other forms of writing. Other writing may be primarily designed to tell a story or, in a broad sense, to entertain, inform, educate or communicate; technical writing is more about documenting information as a reference i.e. information that is designed to instruct, explain or direct in a clear and concise manner.

Project Management

Learn the skills necessary to step your management skills up a notch with our Project Management Short Course. Discover new ways to assess, strategise, then execute plans, bring out the best in your team, and keep on task and within budget. You’ll also learn concrete skills and handy frameworks like SWOT analyses, Gantt charts, and benchmarking practices that can be applied across a variety of fields.

"Soft Skills" - Hard to define, but invaluable in the workplace

You have your technical ability, your training, your qualification, but have you checked your Soft Skills lately?

High levels of technical ability is of obvious value to an employer. But unless you're working in complete isolation, you could possess only 50% of what is desired professionally across a large range of jobs if you don't have Soft Skills.

The term "Hard Skills" can encompass on the job training, education, technical expertise.
However, there are very few jobs that don't require that you interact with other humans - whether they are co-workers, employees, employers, or customers. To be effective, a person must possess

Soft Skills.

Soft Skills is a term that among other things encompasses communication skills, a flexible and positive attitude, problem solving abilities, courtesy, integrity, and the ability to work as part of a team.

So how are your Soft Skills?

Ask yourself these questions:

- Am I a good listener?
- Can I take constructive criticism?
- Can I work with a problem to reach a solution that is agreeable to all stakeholders?
- Can I control myself when I'm angry at work?
- Can I remain professional even in the face of high levels of stress?
- Am I courteous?
- Do I possess common sense?
- Do I feel empathy?
- Can I think creatively?

If you answered 'yes' to most of these questions, congratulations! You possess Soft Skills.

So how to make the most of these skills? 

Experience will only add to your abilities in these areas, but if you're looking for a new job, be sure to make a note of the Soft Skills you possess in your job application. If you also have a good level of technical ability, you'll be a valuable addition to many workplaces.

Factors that contribute to career success

Factors that contribute to career success

Realistic Expectations
It's not difficult to get work; it's just sometimes difficult to get the type of work you want.

Some people have very set ideas about the job they want, others are really undecided. The first step in getting a job is the same for both types. In fact anyone of any age, sex or level of skill needs to take the same first step:

The first step in getting a job is to develop a REALISTIC ATTITUDE! Realistic goals are based on a sound understanding of what constitutes a successful career for that individual, of one’s strengths and weakness and current marketplace trends, and of likely changes to which one must adapt. Because very few people begin in the same job they want to finish in, a career must be realistically seen as something that evolves or develops. You will probably not begin in an ideal position, but with careful planning, you can probably improve your position in your career as time goes by.

To develop REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS:

• Don't expect to start at the top;
• Don't expect to like everything about your job at first;
• Be prepared to make the best of your situation and maintain a positive attitude;
• Be prepared to accept any job in your field at first if you cannot get your ideal job, or any job at all if you cannot get a job in your chosen field. If you are in employment, even though not in your chosen field, you are developing your career further than you would be if unemployed (or not studying).