Exam stress How to deal with it

Exam stress How to deal with it by Michael Cheary Big exam coming up? Don’t panic…Let’s face it: no-one really likes exams. No matter how much you’ve studied beforehand, keeping your anxieties at bay is often easier said than done. Especially if your speciality is leaving things to the last minute.But that doesn’t mean panicking is your only option. We spoke to one of the UK’s most respected graduate employers, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, to find out some of their top tips to help you deal with exam stress:Stick to your scheduleFirst thing’s first: you need to make a plan.It doesn’t have to be anything particularly formal or in-depth, but setting aside some dedicated time to study â€" at least six weeks or so in advance â€" will prevent you from waiting until the night (and/or morning) before to get everything sorted.Think of it this way: the more you prepare in advance, the more you’ll be able to reassure yourself when the stress sets in.Sometimes, the most obvious points are the best…  Work out your stress triggersYou may not be able to stop yourself from worrying completely, but you can work out why you’re doing it.Maybe there’s a particular subject area you’re struggling with. Or you’ve had a bad experience with exams in the past. It might just be that you’re putting extra pressure on yourself to get the best possible result.Whatever the reason, once you work out the root cause of your concerns, you’ll be able to come up with a much more effective way to cope with them.Go ‘off grid’Treat the internet as one big distraction.Even if you need to use the computer to access your research, try and keep all non-work related tabs to an absolute minimum. The same goes for social networks, as well as your phone.We’re not saying you can’t take time off, but getting as far away from your distractions as possible will be the key to maintaining your focus â€" and ultimately help you keep calm.Remember: procrastination is not your friend.Be honest about burning outUnfortunately, no matter how hard you try to stay motivated, there will be times when your anxieties get the better of you.The worst thing you can do in this situation is go into denial. Instead, embrace the fact that you’ve hit a wall and step away from your studies.Go outside. Take a walk. Make a drink. Whichever way you choose to unwind, be honest and learn to give yourself a break. Make your time off a strength rather than a weakness.Actually sleepNever underestimate the importance of a good night’s sleep.Without one, you’re only likely to become overtired and overstressed â€" no matter how much caffeine you try and take on board to offset the problem.Make sleep your reward at the end of the day, using the time to properly unwind and relax. There are only so many all-nighters you can pull before fatigue starts to turn up the pressure.Remember: it’s not a competitionAlways bear in mind that learning isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation.We can’t all work at the same pace, and some people find studying slightly easier than others. The problem is, it’s all too easy to make comparisons when speaking to your peers â€" especially if they seem to be slightly ahead with what they’ve learned.To cut back on unnecessary stress, always avoid measuring your progress against anyone else but yourself. The same goes for speaking about potential answers between exams.Measure yourself by your own yardstick, not by anyone else’s. And if you’re really worried, simply seek out the help of your friends â€" they will always be happy to help.Final tip: Asking for help is never a weakness.Enterprise Rent-A-Car is one of the UK’s top-rated graduate and undergraduate employers, employing 3,400 people in Britain alone. If you’re looking for real career progression when your exams are over, take some time to check out their Management Trainee Programmes today.  Ready to find the right role for you? View all positions with Enterprise now.Find a job What Whe re Search JobsSign up for more Career AdviceSign up for moreCareer Advice Please enter a valid email addressmessage hereBy clicking Submit you agree to the

Personal Branding Weekly - Have You Zombified Your Personal Brand - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

Personal Branding Weekly - Have You Zombified Your Personal Brand - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career It’s not even been a month since the season finale of the television show, The Walking Dead, and I’m already missing it.  If only that is what I was referring to in this headline, but it’s not. Last week I wrote about the Wacom customer service representative who was robotic and barely human as he cruised through his phone script. Then, I encountered another rep, but this time with Sprint, who was also focused on her script. So much so that she was having her own conversation without any input from me. She wasn’t barely human. She was barely alive or aware that I was a part of this conversation. In fact, when I asked her if she knew what my actual question was (after three repeated times attempting to gain her attention) she was silent. She didn’t know. It reminded me of a moment from the movie, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Evelyn, a recent widow played by Judi Dench, is on the phone with a call-center agent trying (and not receiving any assistance) to cancel one of her deceased husband’s subscriptions. Frustrated she says, “I know you’re reading from a script.” While we can discuss the effectiveness and challenges of call centers, my focus is on the people behind the phones and on both sides of it. After all, every business and every brand is made up of people. My question to you is â€" are you guilty of this? Are you barely like a dead person walking through and to the duties and tasks of your day?   Are you: No longer excited about going to work? Feeling you’re no longer able to contribute or advance at your place of business? Feeling unappreciated and not valued? Stressed all the time? While quitting might not be economically feasible, it’s important for you to discern if you’ve already quit in mind and spirit. As always, let’s discuss your thoughts and feedback below. This week we shared the following insights to help you manager your personal brand: Communicate Your Personal Brand in the Job Interview  by Debra Benton The Least Known Secret of Success  by Nance Rosen 5 Tips for Negotiating a Pay Raise  by Ceren Cubukcu 3 Ways to Use LinkedIn to Build Your Career  by Heather Huhman Finding a Job Is a Nonsport Competition  by Alex Freund Hard Close Loses to Selling Ethically  by Elinor Stutz Are There Generational Differences in Expressing Appreciation?  by Dr. Paul White Interview: Smart Money Smart Kids by Dave Ramsey And Rachel Cruze by Dan Schawbel Five Reasons Your Attitude Is Hurting Your Career  by Richard Kirby Help Employers Understand How To Max You Out!  by Eddy Ricci Personal Brands: Delivering on the Brand Promise  by Maria Elena Duron The Realities of ROWE  by Jeff Shuey Motivate Your Army With a Declaration of Independence  by Skip Weisman Is Your Brand Attracting the Right Recruits through Social Media?  by Susan Gilbert Customer Service Beliefs that Can Hurt Your Business  by Leslie Truex Get Hired: Make Yourself Shine In Your Interview  by Beth Kuhel Why Shrinking Your Resume Can Hurt You  by Glassdoor.com Are You Your Authentic Self at Work?  by Marc Miller

5 ways to make your work day a little bit easier

5 ways to make your work day a little bit easier Even those who really love their jobs can have days where getting out of the bed and heading into the office feels like a huge trial. Follow these steps and adjust your working lifestyle so that, even on those days when you really can’t be bothered, there are just enough incentives, tricks and tips to get you into the office looking and feeling your best. Make lunch in advance Avoid the  20-minute trek to a Tesco express at lunchtime, and actually go on a nice walk or meet up with a friend by preparing your lunch the night before. From a nice tuna salad to the humble sandwich, almost everything can be put together in advance. It’ll also give you something to look forward to eating in the middle of your work day if you actually put some effort into making it. While you’re at it why not make some overnight oats? These are a tasty breakfast treat and super easy to make the night before. Have something to look forward to Planning your evenings ahead of schedule will mean the friends you really want to see are more likely to be available, and will give you a motivator to get through the work day if you’re having a particularly long or arduous shift. Catching a movie with mates, planning to visit a new cocktail bar, or even just knowing that you’re going for a long walk with your dog will take the mental pressure off you at work and is likely to lighten your mood. Get your emails done early The dreaded Monday morning emails are a part of every working week, and often end up being left far longer than is really appropriate. After making a coffee, sit down at your computer and power through these first thing on a Monday morning. It may seem like a gargantuan task, but you’ll feel ten times better for having got it done. Who doesnt want to feel highly productive before they’ve even finished their morning coffee? Dress professionally Whether youre following a dress code or choosing your  clothing purely because of personal preference, a slightly smarter mode of attire is likely to have a significant impact on the way you work and feel. Whilst you don’t have to wear a full blown suit every day, it’s proven that making more of an effort to dress professionally will increase productivity and improve your overall mindset. Find a drink to wake you up and invigorate you Whilst caffeine will ever be the fallback option when you’re in dire need of a pick-me-up, it’s not great to consume in copious quantities on a daily basis. Instead, try to substitute your lattes and cappuccinos with green, mint, or other herbal tea. Green tea, in particular, is proven to have health benefits; this also means that when you do need a real energy boost once in a while, you’ll feel greater effects when you do have a coffee. Alexandra Jane writes  graduate careers advice  for Inspiring Interns, a  graduate recruitment  agency. Check out their website to see which  internships  and  graduate marketing jobs  are currently available, as well as their  graduate jobs Manchester  page for further opportunities.

What to look for in a lawyer

What to look for in a lawyer When you need a lawyer, there’s a good chance you’re going through a stressful period. For example, if you’ve been hurt in a car accident, you may need a no win no fee personal injury lawyer. Or if your business is looking to acquire another company, you’ll need a corporate lawyer. This means you’ll need the services of the best in order to get the outcome you’re looking for. And despite different specialists having different knowledge and abilities, there are certain characteristics good lawyers share. So regardless of what your needs are, you’ll be able to find the right legal professional for you based on the following criteria: Experience How much experience does your chosen lawyer have? This is typically one of the most important factors you should consider when evaluating who to appoint. A lawyer who specialises in one field is going to be more experienced than one who works on numerous cases in different areas. Their training and previous cases will all come together to benefit you. Experience is the best educator. This means that a newly qualified lawyer isn’t going to have the same level of knowledge as someone who’s been practising for a decade or longer. It’s a good idea to check with the law firm you’re considering who the lawyer they’ll appoint to your case is going to be. If you’re given the choice, an experienced lawyer is always advised. Record You don’t have to carry out too much research to find out if your chosen solicitor has a strong record. There are plenty of sites that provide information on lawyers, from the Legal 500 to the Solicitors Regulation Authority. You’re able to search for regulatory and disciplinary decisions about a firm or individual lawyer, making it simple to find and evaluate their record. Often, a quick Google will also provide you with plenty of information, including review sites. Another client’s opinion is worth a huge amount, so don’t discount this source of advice. Communication Lawyers can speak in another language a lot of the time. We’ve even put a name to this language they’re fluent in: legalese. If you find a lawyer who can help you understand what they’re referring to when they show you jargon-filled documents, you’re probably onto a winner. Equally, if you’re dealing with someone who doesn’t bother to find out if you understand what they mean, they’re probably not going to make the rest of the process very pleasant. It’s probably worth looking elsewhere. Rapport You may also end up basing a decision on a feeling you get when meeting with a potential lawyer. Although this isn’t quantifiable, it could be a strong indicator of who you should choose. After all, you may end up spending a lot of time with your lawyer as you prepare your case. This means it should be someone you get along with. Your lawyer should treat you with respect and understanding, while acting with integrity and honesty. If you see this in your chosen lawyer, you’re likely to have a good working relationship. This will help you feel at ease during what can often be a stressful and disconcerting time. Picking the right lawyer can feel like a challenging process, but when you know what you’re looking for and what you’re judging prospective firms on, it becomes far more straightforward. Use these pointers as a basis for narrowing down your shortlist and you’ll be one step closer to finding the right lawyer for you.

The best Christmas attractions in these 7 uni towns - Debut

The best Christmas attractions in these 7 uni towns - Debut Its the most wonderful time of the year. Deadlines done, last week of term its time to make the most of that Christmas magic in the air. Before you nip off home for a month to put on a stone or two, why not do something with your flatmates that doesnt involve sticky nightclubs and Jaeger shots? If that sounds like a foreign concept to you, we got you covered. Birmingham Theres plenty of Christmassy stuff to do in the West Midlands if youve rinsed the world famous Frankfurt Christmas Market and, of course, Cadbury World. Blithbury Reindeer Lodge in nearby Rugeley boasts the largest herd of reindeer in England. If thats too tame for you, The Snow Dome in Tamworth has a Winter Wonderland with real snow. Wanna dominate your housemates in a snowball fight? Of course you do. Manchester Manchester peeps nip over to Bury to have the opportunity to spend a Christmas-themed day out on a flippin steam train. East Lancashire Railways Santa Special is a seasonal train trip for all you people out there who literally want to live the movie Polar Express. Oxford If you get through the Christmas markets a little faster than expected, try this spell-binding garden trail at Blenheim Palace. Completely redesigned with all kinds of lights and sounds just for the season its well, lit. Bristol Bristol being super cool kids that they are have tonnes going on for Christmas. Over at Cribbs Causeway you can explore Santas Enchanted Ice Castle. For the less adventurous, they also have the largest outdoor ice rink in the South West. Or, if you prefer your ankles not sprained, theres a really cool Festival of Light at Longleat House, where you can check out what an Edwardian Christmas is like. London LITERALLY A HUNDRED MILLION things you can do in London but well whittle it down to the gems here. If youre keen to avoid Winter Wonderland. Vauxhall Winter Village is a good substitute. Theres fondue and festive cocktails galore. Alternatively, if you fancy teaching yourself a thing or two, the Christmas Past exhibit at Geffrye Museum will show you a fascinating 400 year history of Christmas. For you cool kids, Hackneys Cinema in the Snow is screening classic Christmas films including Muppet Christmas Carol, which we can all agree is the best movie ever made. York Yorks Designer Outlet is home to Yorkshires award-winning Winter Wonderland where you can test your skating skillz on The Ice Factor, the largest outdoor ice rink in the North. You can also visit St. Nicholas Fayre for locally made homeware, wine, cheeses and mmmmm mulled wine. Cambridge Damn, Cambridge does not play when it comes to Christmas. That much is clear by the The North Pole Christmas Festival fairground rides, an alpine bar and yes a 600 square-metre ice rink. If you havent already, definitely get involved. Images via Trip Advisor Feature Image via Warner Bros. Pictures Download the Debut app and  get Talent-Spotted by amazing graduate employers! Connect with Debut on Facebook and Twitter

Avoid These Job Performance Traps

Avoid These Job Performance Traps It’s easy to fall into a comfortable routine at work. We go into work each day, complete our tasks, attend meetings, and go home. If we aren’t given any feedback on our daily job performance, we will most likely continue the same patterns. Since most of us dont receive this feedback, I have a list below that you can use to evaluate yourself, or ask a trusted co-worker to evaluate you on, to see if changes need to be made in your work performance. Are you falling into these traps? Not Generating New IdeasWe are able to accomplish all of our work tasks when they are laid out in front of us, but thats about all. Oftentimes we can become complacent and complete the tasks as assigned time after time. Are there better ways to accomplish these tasks? Are there new projects or ideas that you would like to work on that would benefit your company? If so, when was the last time you spoke to your manager about these ideas? Bringing up new ideas not only shows your initiative, but can also lead to some great projects you can work on to grow your skills professionally. Needing an Attitude AdjustmentWork has its ups and downs. No one loves their job all day, every day. However, ask yourself if you are falling into the complainer trap. Are 60% of the words coming out of your mouth negative? Do you spend too much time focusing on the negative aspects of your co-workers, managers, projects or company in general? What are your responses to new assignments or manager/co-worker interactions? Are you even-keeled in listening to what they have to say? Do you take some time to process the information before reacting or are you oftentimes reacting in anger or other outbursts? Individuals who have a calm demeanor will have their ideas, suggestions, and input taken more seriously. Those who are positive and dont focus on the negative, will command an audience longer. Over-Reliant on EmailTechnology has been a wonderful aid in the workplace. Tasks can be done faster delivered over great distances and collaboration is made easier. However, our reliance on technology can also include unnecessary work. Do you engage in lengthy and multiple email conversations with those who you can easily speak with? Do you IM the person who sits directly next to you? Are you using technology as a way to avoid face-to-face engagement with a co-worker or boss? Sometimes a face-to-face or phone conversation can easily answer questions, provide input, and finish the endless conversation on a specific issue. Don’t be afraid of old fashioned face-to-face interactions. It can be the best use of your time, while helping you develop personal relationships. Hiding Your MistakesPerfection is impossible in the workplace. No employee completes perfect work 100% of the time. Mistakes will happen. Your boss cares more about how you handle the mistake than the mistake itself. Don’t try to hide the fact that you made a mistake and avoid talking with your boss about it. Instead, identify your mistake, understand the impact of the mistake, understand the solutions that are necessary to fix it and to make sure it doesn’t happen again in the future. Bring this information to your manager. She will appreciate your thoroughness in dealing with the issue. Even when you aren’t getting the feedback you need from your manager or co-workers, you should take time to evaluate your own performance. The four traps listed above are a few ways to measure how you are performing, but they are critical in self-examination and, in turn, developing your career.

Writing a Resume After Being a Stay at Home Mom

Writing a Resume After Being a Stay at Home MomWhen you are still trying to get your life in order after the maternity leave, it can be a real challenge to get your writing a resume after being a stay at home mom. It can be overwhelming, but there are many resources available to help. All you need to do is take the time to do some searching and figure out how to best make yourself presentable to the employers that want to hire you.Having been through a career change when I was still in my 20's, I knew exactly what I was up against when I started my job search. There was no room for error because I had been out of the workforce for so long. I had no idea that there were still options available to me and that I could apply for jobs that might not have even been open before I was off work.Writing a resume after being a stay at home mom is not nearly as difficult as it used to be. There are a lot of resources online that you can use to your advantage. A little research and ingenuity can help you get the most out of your time when looking for a new job.One of the first places that you should check out is online forums and social networking sites. You can find companies and corporations that are looking for new employees that work from home. These are the places where you will meet people who are looking for the same thing that you are.Another good resource for this sort of thing is Facebook and MySpace. There are hundreds of companies and corporations that are looking for employees to help them do their jobs, and they are posting job postings on these social networking sites as well. You can find out the latest openings by logging into these social networking sites and checking the postings that are posted.It is also a good idea to check out career websites. These career websites are always listing the newest jobs and companies that are opening up for new employees. You can find out about a lot of information that you would not find in your local newspaper or in a m agazine article.When it comes to getting your resume out there, there are still some things that you need to keep in mind. The first thing that you need to do is make sure that you have all of your contact information, including a physical address, phone number, and email address, included with your resume. In addition, it is a good idea to include a photo of yourself on your resume, as a way to let potential employers see that you are worth hiring.This sort of thing is something that you should be doing when you are done with your job search. Doing this will ensure that you don't forget about your goal to become a stay at home mom and will also keep you from losing out on opportunities that you would otherwise get in the past. Once you have done the legwork and have found the right resources for you, you can begin your career search.