Employable

Conversation Corner: 📝❌

Recently, we spoke with a client who was concerned after reading their employment agreement.

They had noticed a restraint of trade clause and couldn't understand why it was there. They worried it meant they would never be able to work for another employer if they left their job.

This led to an important conversation.

Restraint of trade clauses are included in some employment agreements to help protect an employer's legitimate business interests. Depending on how they are written, they may place limits on working for a direct competitor, approaching former clients, or using confidential business information for a period after employment ends.

However, not every restraint of trade clause is automatically enforceable. Whether a clause can be enforced depends on factors such as whether it is reasonable in its scope, the length of time it applies, the geographic area it covers, and the legitimate interests the employer is trying to protect.

It's important not to assume that simply because a clause appears in an agreement, it will prevent you from working elsewhere in the future. Equally, it's not something you should ignore. Understanding what you're agreeing to before signing an employment agreement can help you make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary worry later on.

Our advice? If you don't understand a clause in your employment agreement, ask questions before signing. Taking the time to understand your rights and obligations now can save confusion and stress in the future.

Conversation Corner: 💼🤝

Recently, one of our clients' employers contacted us about a difficult situation.

Due to changes within the business, they needed to make our client's position redundant. The employer wanted to handle the conversation as respectfully and supportively as possible, so they asked us to be present during the meeting to help explain what redundancy meant, answer any questions, and support our client through the process.

This led to an important conversation.

For many people, hearing the word "redundancy" can be overwhelming. It's natural to worry about what happens next, but it's important to remember that redundancy relates to the position, not the person's performance or value as an employee.

During the meeting, we were able to help our client understand the process, discuss the support available from both us and the employer, and begin planning the next steps towards finding new employment.

The employer's willingness to involve us demonstrated a genuine commitment to supporting their employee, not just through the formal process, but on a personal level as well.

While redundancy is never an easy conversation, approaching it with honesty, compassion, and practical support can make a significant difference to how someone experiences the transition.

Our advice? If redundancy becomes unavoidable, don't face it alone. Whether you're an employer or an employee, seeking support, communicating openly, and working together can help make a difficult situation more manageable and create a positive path forward.

PLOT TWIST: 🎉 Because of our client's outstanding work ethic and the glowing reference provided by their employer, they were offered another position within the same industry just 10 days later.

Sometimes, even when one door closes, the reputation you've built through hard work and professionalism opens another one sooner than you expect.

Happy to see you tomorrow at Nelson Public Libraries Ngā Whare Mātauranga o Whakatū

Conversation Corner: 🚗📋

Recently, we spoke with a client who was confused about a job advertisement that listed a full driver's licence as a requirement.

The role itself didn't involve driving, so they couldn't understand why it mattered.

This led to an important conversation.

Sometimes a driver's licence isn't required because you'll be driving every day. Instead, it may be needed for occasional travel between sites, attending training, visiting clients, responding to unexpected situations, or simply because the employer wants staff who can travel independently if needed.

In other cases, a licence can be a practical requirement if public transport is limited, shifts fall outside normal transport hours, or the workplace is in a location that's difficult to access.

Every employer has different operational needs, and what may seem like an unnecessary requirement often has a practical reason behind it.

If you're unsure why a qualification or licence is listed in a job advertisement, don't be afraid to ask. A quick conversation with the employer can help you understand what's genuinely required and whether the role is still a good fit for you.

Our advice? Don't assume a requirement is there by mistake. If you're unsure why it's included, ask the question. Understanding the reason behind a job requirement can help you make informed decisions about the roles you apply for.

Conversation Corner: 😤😡

Recently, we spoke with a client who was becoming increasingly frustrated with some of their co-workers.

They felt they were carrying more than their fair share of the workload while other staff seemed to do the bare minimum. Over time, the frustration had started affecting their motivation and enjoyment at work.

This led to an important conversation.

It can be easy to focus on what others are or aren't doing, especially when you care about doing a good job. However, spending too much energy comparing your effort to others can leave you feeling stressed, resentful, and distracted from your own performance.

While it's reasonable to raise genuine concerns if workloads are unfair or if behaviour is affecting the team, it's also important to remember that managers may be aware of issues happening behind the scenes that you don't see.

We encouraged our client to continue taking pride in their own work, communicate professionally if there were legitimate concerns, and avoid getting caught up in workplace negativity.

Employers consistently value staff who remain reliable, professional, and focused, even when challenges arise within a team.

Our advice? Focus on what you can control. Do your job well, communicate respectfully when something genuinely needs addressing, and don't let someone else's work ethic determine your own.

We've all got to start somewhere, Even our Junior Employment & Administration Consultant:

What was your 1st job and what can you tell us about it?

Kate: When I was at university, I got my first job as a in-store promoter.
I worked part-time after classes in supermarkets, where I invited customers to try our tea and encouraged them to buy it.
It was a great job for a student. It gave me some extra pocket money and taught me how to talk to people and provide good customer service. I was also surprised that not everyone stopped for a free cup of tea!
Since then, I've become quite knowledgeable about tea and gained valuable experience talking to customers. It was a great first job and gave me skills that I still use today.

Conversation Corner: 👤💻

Recently, we spoke with a client who asked a question that many job seekers can relate to:

"Why does every employer want me to build a profile?"

After creating multiple accounts, entering the same information repeatedly, and uploading their CV over and over again, they were becoming frustrated with the application process.

This sparked an important conversation.

Many employers now use online recruitment systems to manage applications. These systems help employers organise candidate information, communicate with applicants, track applications, and search for suitable candidates when future opportunities arise.

While your CV contains much of the information employers need, recruitment systems often require details to be entered into specific fields so the information can be searched, sorted, and reviewed consistently across all applicants.

For job seekers, it can sometimes feel repetitive and time-consuming, especially when applying for multiple roles. However, taking the time to complete your profile accurately can help ensure employers have access to all of your relevant skills, qualifications, and experience.

A well completed profile can also make future applications with the same organisation much quicker.

Our advice? Treat your online profile with the same care as your CV. The more complete and accurate your information is, the easier it is for employers to understand your experience and assess your suitability for opportunities.

We've all got to start somewhere, Even our Employment Consultant:

What was your 1st job and what can you tell us about it?

Lee: My first job was when I was 15, as a gardener for a factory site. They supplied all the tools, and pointed out the work they wanted done. I was horrible at the job, I enjoyed it, but did not do the plants any justice.
I still love gardening now, though my skill hasn't improved.

FYI: With Matariki coming up, here's a wee bit of info regarding what it's all about.

MATARIKI EXPLAINED Matariki is now recognised as an official national holiday in Aotea...