What is active listening and how can you master it?

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 letting them know that 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 opinions or recommendations you subsequently suggest will be based on a deep understanding of their specific needs.

Here are a few active listening techniques that you can apply in any professional conversation.

The keys to resilience

Some people experience problems or trauma and immediately descend into despair and immobility. Others, on the other hand, may undergo similar trials and are able to dust themselves off and continue, often with greater emotional fortitude than before.

Why are certain people more emotionally resilient than others? How can people build resilience? These are questions that psychologists have explored for decades.

Resilience is the ability to cope with challenges. It doesn’t mean avoiding or preventing stressful situations. Rather, it involves an acceptance that adversity is sometimes inevitable, an ability to handle personal trials with equanimity, and a determination to grow through the experience.

What techniques can you employ to build resilience? The following ideas may help.

How to write a cover letter for your job application

When you apply for a job in tax, and especially for your first job in tax, you need to ensure your application stands out.

Your resume, of course, should clearly highlight your skills, qualifications and achievements to date. However, a hiring manager may not even see your resume if your cover letter doesn’t first spark his or her interest.

Instant motivation at work

Some days at work, you just don’t feel like being there. You’re lethargic, bored and unproductive. You’re also distracted easily by the most trivial, mundane occurrences.

Still, the work has to be done and the slower you go, the more it will build up.

What you need is an instant mental pick-me-up – a shot of inspiration – to help you get back on track.

Here are some ideas.

What is a Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA)?

If you’re serious about building a career in tax, one of your long-term objectives should be to attain the Chartered Tax Adviser designation.

This is an internationally recognised, respected mark of technical excellence and professional integrity. It represents the pinnacle of the tax profession. 

The CTA designation can take your career to the heights of the tax profession. Conceived by the UK’s Chartered Institute of Taxation, it’s the ultimate accreditation for tax professionals around the world.

Here are three compelling ways a CTA designation can help you achieve more.