Checking a potential employee’s references is crucial for any role. It can provide a good overview of the candidate’s suitability for the position. It may give insights into levels of ability and, depending upon questions asked, into things such as work style and ethics. It can also highlight any potential red flags or areas where an individual […]

This month we are focused on a crucial part of the job hunt, which is often unfortunately out of your direct control – reference checks. I’ve pitched a few frequently asked reference questions to recruitment expert, Kirsty McLaren, Director of McLaren Associates – a recruitment firm who specialises in not-for-profit recruiting throughout New Zealand.  Kirsty […]

We can’t wrap staff in cotton wool, but we can do our darndest to create a healthy work culture to prevent AND put systems in place in case employees tip off the edge of high productivity into the depths of burnout. Protecting your staff from burnout isn’t just about one person, the effects ripple out […]

Between quitting one job and starting another there is a crossover, an overlap, a natural period of contemplation, in a Venn diagram it’s your work and life. This crossover is an ideal opportunity to look back at your work-life and reflect on why one job fit like a glove, while another job fit like a mitten hand-knitted […]

The new year is traditionally a time when people look to make changes to their lives – which can often include a change of job or career. Losing good employees can be costly in so many ways – from the cost of recruitment and training of a new employee, the loss of knowledge and skills to […]

Does your New Year’s resolution include operation find a new job? If so, it’s time to get yourself ready for the combat ahead. Here are our top tips to get you started: #1. Spruce up your resume Just like you might do a spring clean to get your house in order for the new year, […]

Contrary to what we often see in films and on TV, board members aren’t always suit-clad white, older men. We know that diversity leads to greater strength, and resilience, so it’s not surprising that not-for-profit boards are often made up of diverse ethnicities, genders and ages. A not-for-profit board makes sure an organisation has a […]

The staff party might be planned, employee gifts wrapped and the Christmas cards signed, but what do your employees really want? You might not be able to fulfil their dreams of dishing out bonus cheques or pay rises, but here are some ways to show appreciation to your employees, with a not-for-profit and social enterprise […]

I have been talking to job seekers in the do-good sector, four of them. These fabulous four have applied for, on average, eight jobs in the last six months. These folks are good at what they do, and their CV’s were some of the best I have seen. They heard back from the grand total […]

Getting a job you love is one of the BEST feelings imaginable, but what about the unanswered applications, sad-face interviews and straight-out rejections strewn along the way? We feel your pain. Here are five perspective shifts to help you stand back up when you don’t get your dream job. My phone rang. Finally! I’d been waiting […]

Why do organisations need to change? Organisations are fluid and impacted by both internal and external factors.  Not managing changes effectively can be devastating and long-lasting, so it’s important to understand the potential issues and equip ourselves with techniques to support change-management initiatives, especially in the do-good space.   Factors for change The Chartered Institute […]

Is your work turning you into a jerk? Is 9-to-5-ing stopping you from thriving? Does your current career fill you with fear?  It’s normal to fantasise about ending a job sometimes, but there are options to consider before you hand in your notice.  I consider myself somewhat of an expert in quitting jobs. Over the years […]

We all know it’s important to choose the right staff. Increase your chance of getting it right first time with these seven traits to consider when recruiting for a not for profit (NFP).  You want the best possible staff for your not for profit (NFP). Hiring the wrong people can cost you money and impact the […]

Working for a not for profit can be immensely rewarding and life-enhancing, but it’s important to be honest about the challenges too. That said, here are 10 surprising skills that’ll help you thrive at a not for profit.  It’s not all solar power and organic roses. In the real world, not for profits often lack important resources […]

What if I told you that the best person for your job vacancy is already within reach? It’s true. Most of the time the ideal job candidate is in your network, or your staff’s. Your staff know your organisational culture so they have an idea of who would be a good fit. They know the […]

Ah, networking… some people make it look so easy! They flit from person to person at events, all charm and wit, making the bubbly sweeter and the conversations richer. But what about the rest of us? How can we network effectively, when we’re less social butterfly and more… uh… antisocial moth? After attending a few […]

Overwhelmed with the recruiting process? If you recruit more than a few times per year, you’ll know how much time and people resource can be taken up in this process. Today, there are so many great, SaaS-y (software as a service) tools on the market to help employers streamline and automate parts of the recruitment […]

Sick of distraction, ‘busywork’ and a whole of lot emailing? You don’t need to quit your job to transform your work-life. Cal Newport’s concept of ‘deep work’ allows us to create a more meaningful, more satisfying, more fulfilling role in the job we have now.  Think about your average work-day. Does it include: Masses of emails? Definitely. ✔ Swathes […]

GOOD PROFILE: Laurie Foon, Sustainability advocate Named the Kiwibank Local Hero Award in 2017, Laurie’s warmth, generosity, smarts and incredible personal connections make her a natural leader of Wellington’s sustainable business revolution. Here’s a quick run-down of Laurie’s career, and what drives her! Current job(s): She is currently the Wellington Regional Manager for the Sustainable Business […]

It can be hard to get your vegan-leather-shod foot through the FSC-certified-timber door if you don’t have environmental training or experience. From tiny office jungles to staff coffee that doesn’t taste of tears, we’ve got 5 passion projects that will help green your current job  AND help your CV for that future dream green job. […]