How to handle difficult people in the workplace

One benefit of transitioning from university to full-time employment is the opportunity to work closely with friendly, supportive, inspiring people.

Unfortunately, you may also encounter individuals who aren’t so easy to get along with – and in the workplace, unlike at university, it’s difficult to ignore or get away from such people. You may even sit next to an unfriendly co-worker for hours each day.

Time management skills for long-term success

You may have survived university on the basis of your talent and hard work. However, you’ll need to refine your organisational skills to survive, thrive and prosper over the long term in your chosen career.

If you haven’t already embraced the fundamental principles of time management, it’s worth starting now.

Here are a few tactics for getting more done in your day-to-day work.

Active listening - a key skill for tax professionals

Active listening is a cornerstone of effective interpersonal communication. It’s therefore an essential skill for tax professionals.

Active listening involves both hearing what your client or colleague is saying and ensuring they know you hear what they’re saying.

It helps you to build rapport with your clients and colleagues. It demonstrates your respect for them. It also helps you to earn their trust.

They’ll know that any recommendations you subsequently present will be based on a deep understanding of their specific needs.

How to customise your resume

Photo credit: flazingo_photos via Foter.com / CC BY-SA

Accounting and legal graduates often make the mistake of using the same version of their resume in all their job applications.

Better to customise the content in response to the selection criteria and responsibilities of the position you’re interested in. That way you demonstrate, from the beginning, that you have what it takes to succeed in that position.

How long should you stay with one employer?

A few months, or perhaps years, after you begin an entry-level position in tax, you’re likely to ask yourself: ‘What’s the optimum amount of time I should I stay with this organisation?’

The simple answer to this question is: ‘Stay for as long as you need to?’

According to research from McCrindle in 2014, the average Australian employee's tenure is just over three years, and those in the 25-35-year age group remain in their roles for little more than two and a half years.

While the days of starting your career and retiring at the one company may be at an end, it doesn't mean you should always scratch the two-year itch.

Consider the following factors before jumping ship: