How’s your year going so far?  Today it’s drizzling, and it’s chilly yet it’s bright at the same time.  Sitting at the dining table and looking out into the garden, I lost myself watching the blackbird on the fence.  Almost on cue, several tits landed on the branches of the Catalpa (Indian bean tree) signalling that it was their show now.

This afternoon the garden was trying hard to remind me that Spring isn’t too far away.  The tangled wisterias seemed to be vying for my attention, while the brightness of the hellebores was simplicity itself and made me smile.  Without much effort I was making a mental list of the garden tasks ahead.  Today the dark silhouettes of the shrubs and trees against the silver grey fence encourage me to draw up a pruning plan.  The garden is almost four years old and needs to stay in proportion to the house.

An alternative title to this piece could have been, Lockdown Pastimes No. 3, although one of those words immediately conjures up negativity for so many of us.  It wasn’t long before I concluded that, “at the same time bright” was my 2021 vision.  Maybe that’s why I value the magical qualities of fairy lights?  What one new year’s resolution did you put on your list?  It’s about a month since I wrote about my new year’s resolution to be myself.  That’s me being me and at the same time bright.  Hopefully, my upbeat approach will continue to motivate others and open up a slightly different dimension to some of your challenges.

I was thrilled to reach a writing milestone just before Christmas.  Around 17,500 words in support of, “How To Be The Best Candidate You Know How To Be – Every Single Time.”  Early feedback has spurred me on, although I was a little disheartened to learn that a typical business book is likely to be between 50,000 and 60,000 words.  I love writing and you’ll know already that I have much to say on this topic, but really another 35,000 words?  I’m now writing my fourth children’s story, which is quite a good foil to that dilemma.

Thinking of much to say, I still have clients waiting to hear the outcome of recruitment processes they engaged with well before Christmas.  This is not the place to name and shame organisations or embarrass anyone, but yet again I’m encouraging businesses to do the right thing!  Please recognise the time investment made by candidates and acknowledge it with courtesy.  Candidates shouldn’t need to conclude that they were unsuccessful because they’ve not heard from you.

Enough about poor recruitment practice let’s focus on the success stories.  I’m thrilled that some of my friends and contacts have landed great new roles or made life-changing decisions to try something new and different.  Many have turned to more practical craft-based pastimes or food (and drink) related options.  And I don’t mean “ladies who lunch”.  It’ll be interesting to see how many single tomato plants (so 2020 darling) are replaced by growing boxes on window ledges and terraces this year.  I’m still collecting empty glass jars (much to my husband’s distress) just in case I need them.  All ideas most welcome.

You’ll not be surprised that I’m keeping that notion of success and positivity going right to the end of this piece.  If one of your new year’s resolutions is to refresh your CV and you’ve given yourself a makeover, remember to share the love.  Most recruiters love a new CV.  Show yours off at the earliest opportunity.  It’s a simple transaction which doesn’t need explanation (about what’s added or deleted). “I’ve given myself a makeover and I know you’ll agree it’s so much more impactful than the previous CV”, is all that’s needed.

• Revive and refresh (it’s time for updating, pruning and deadheading)

• Value consistency (remember LinkedIn, etc.)

• Share with positivity

• Show off and be proud

• Update your social channels

• Ask for help (before you need it)