In everyday work, it’s normal for people to feel a bit down or less excited sometimes. But when many colleagues seem consistently not interested in their work, it can become a real problem. That’s why we’re here to share some helpful tips from experts on how to make your coworkers more interested in their jobs. These tips can make them more engaged, boost productivity, and make them want to stay at their jobs.

We’ll be talking about simple things like saying “good job” when someone does well, setting small goals, working together as a team, and taking breaks when needed. It’s like giving a little boost to everyone’s mood and making work more enjoyable. So, let’s explore these ideas together and make the workplace a better and more motivating space for everyone.

Let’s keep it simple and break down the key points:

Recognize great work

One of the most important factors that contribute to employee motivation is how often their hard work gets recognized. 70% of employees say that motivation and morale would improve massively with increased recognition from managers. After all, if an employee produces exceptional results but their hard work isn’t recognized, why would they continue to be a high-performing employee?

It’s not just important to recognize great work. How you recognize your team’s contributions has a significant impact. Employee recognition shouldn’t just be an annual bonus at the end of the year—it should be meaningfully and frequently given.  Treat employees as valued team members, not as numbers.

Set small, measurable goals

Setting clear, achievable goals provides a real boost of motivation each time one is conquered—and it keeps teams on the right track. You can magnify these effects by taking the next step and celebrating those achievements. We’ve all had projects that just drag on and on, and seem to never end. It can be demoralizing to be stuck in a rut, which is why seeing how you’ve made visible progress feels so good. It’s also a clear indicator that our work is making a difference.

Encourage teamwork

Teamwork is one of the greatest motivators out there. Knowing that your colleagues have your back and are your cheerleaders is an amazing feeling. When your motivation dips, your teammates are right there with you, rooting for you as you complete your next project.

Support Work related Breaks

Banging your head against a problem for three hours is rarely productive. Stepping back and taking a moment to recalibrate isn’t just helpful in staying motivated—it’s also important to your health. Sitting all day isn’t good for you, and neither is working nonstop.  Encourage Employees to Get up, stretch legs, rest your eyes, and come back to work with a refreshed mind and body.

See and share the big picture

A large part of understanding the purpose behind your work is seeing how it fits into the larger picture. You can help boost motivation in the workplace by ensuring your team understands how each of their efforts impacts the organization, customers, and the community. Completing a task usually provides a small sense of accomplishment, but knowing how that work helped others is the real antidote to disengagement.

Be transparent

Every relationship, including work relationships, is built on trust. Defaulting to transparency is one of the best ways to encourage an atmosphere of trust between you and your team and a team that trusts you will be more motivated and engaged with their work. Transparency also helps ensure that everyone is working with the same information. That in itself can benefit the team.

Provide clarity

To be motivated about your work, you must understand what your goals and objectives are. For many employees, that understanding starts with transparency in the workplace and ends with clarity. Without clarity, transparency begins to lose its effectiveness and motivational power.

Make sure you’re giving everyone a clear and concise mission they can get motivated about in the first place because it’s nearly impossible to invest genuine motivation into something you’re unaware of, or confused about.

Envision and share positive outcomes

It’s easier to achieve success when you can envision it. Professionals of all types, from athletes to musicians and CEOs, all practice this technique to improve their motivation. Luckily, if you’re providing a clear objective, you’re already more than halfway there. Help the team understand what it would mean to achieve that objective. When someone makes real progress toward that objective or outcome, share that progress as a source of motivation for everyone.

Find purpose

Conclusion

In conclusion, fostering a motivated and engaged workforce is not just a matter of individual performance; it’s about creating a collective culture that thrives on recognition, clear communication, and shared goals. The tips provided by experts emphasize the significance of recognizing great work regularly and meaningfully, acknowledging the impact of small, measurable goals, and promoting teamwork to create a supportive work environment.

Encouraging work-related breaks, fostering transparency, and providing clarity in goals contribute to building trust within the team, an essential element for sustained motivation. Additionally, connecting individual efforts to the bigger picture and sharing positive outcomes serve as powerful motivators, offering a sense of purpose and accomplishment.

Recognizing that motivation isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept, the importance of understanding the diverse needs and motivations of employees becomes apparent. Whether it’s through recognizing the value of purposeful work, setting clear objectives, or envisioning positive outcomes, creating a workplace where every team member feels valued and inspired is crucial.

Incorporating these expert tips into your leadership approach can not only boost employee engagement but also contribute to increased productivity and retention gains. Remember, a motivated workforce isn’t just a desirable outcome; it’s a strategic asset that fuels innovation, collaboration, and overall success for both individuals and the organization as a whole.

Job interviews come in different styles and formats, ranging from brief conversations to multiple formal discussion/questioning with different interviewers. Being adequately prepared for these interviews is pivotal, empowering you to engage confidently and showcase your enthusiasm and expertise. Here is a detailed guide on how to prepare effectively for a job interview, enabling you to navigate these conversations with confidence and poise;

Researching the Company and Job Description

Before your interview, invest time in comprehensive research about the organization to boost your confidence:

• Conduct a thorough internet search about the company.
• Relate the job role and your work experience to the specific duties outlined in the job description.
• Investigate recent social media appearances of potential employers.
• Explore recent industry developments affecting the sector and the potential impact on the position you’re interviewing for.
• Review the job description, company’s social media accounts, and website details.
• If possible, research the hiring manager and interview attendees via LinkedIn.

Researching individuals and the organization helps in understanding:

• The role of the interviewer and their expectations.
• The company culture and alignment with personal values.
• Insight into projects, clients, and common connections.
• The viewpoints of interviewers through blogs or articles.

Preparing in Advance

• Gather previous work achievements showcasing your suitability for the role.
• Practice mock interviews with friends or colleagues.
• Videotape practice sessions to assess body language and verbal presentation.
• Prepare attire, resume, and directions to the interview location in advance.

Understanding Interview Questions

Differentiate between types of interview questions and prepare accordingly:

• Behavioural and competency-based questions explore past behaviours and skills relevant to the role.
• Practice answering questions that start with “Tell me about a time when…” or “Give me an example of a scenario when…”
• Sample situational interview questions assess your approach to hypothetical scenarios.
• Prepare examples showcasing teamwork, problem-solving, analytical skills, etc., from past experiences.

Knowing Salary Expectations

Research salary ranges for similar roles, consider benefits, and align your salary expectations with market standards.

During the Interview

• Make a positive first impression by reviewing key documents and being polite to everyone.
• Arrive early for face-to-face meetings; be ready ahead of time for virtual interviews.
• Maintain eye contact.
• Be mindful of body language, maintain good posture
• Remain attentive.

Answering Interview Questions

• Answer questions honestly, directly, and concisely.
• Practice discussing broader subject areas rather than rehearsing precise answers.
• Prepare for common questions related to background, qualifications, experience, career objectives, and crisis management.

Asking Questions

At the end of the interview, confidently ask thoughtful questions about the role, company, or interviewer’s experience.

Conclusion of the Interview

• Smile, express gratitude, and anticipate further communication.
• Request clarification on the next steps or timeframe for decisions.

Final Thoughts

Preparing for a job interview involves understanding the process, researching comprehensively, rehearsing answers, and presenting oneself professionally. Investing effort in interview preparation significantly enhances your chances of success. Embrace these steps to excel in your next job interview and secure your desired role.

In the competitive market of job hunting, a well-drafted CV/resume stands as your first introduction to potential employers. It’s not merely a document listing your experiences; it’s your professional story, your skills showcased on paper and your passport to unlock new job opportunities. The need to learn how the way of composing a remarkable CV/resume that makes employees want you, cannot be ignored.

The Purpose of a CV / Resume

A CV/resume is your professional pitch, aiming to present your qualifications, experiences, and skills in a very careful and impactful manner. Its major goal is to persuade employers that you’re the perfect fit for the role you applied for.

Structuring Your CV/Resume:

1. Contact Information: Initiate your CV/resume with essential contact details—your name, professional title, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile.
2. Professional Summary/Objective Statement: Draft a brief yet compelling summary highlighting your career goals, key skills, and what you are bringing to the table.
3. Work Experience: Present your work history in a well-structured manner, focusing on achievements, responsibilities, and quantifiable results relevant to the target job.
4. Education: List your educational background, certifications, courses, and any relevant academic achievements.
5. Skills: Note down both technical and soft skills relevant to the job, aligning them with the job description.
6. Additional Information: Include sections like Projects, Publications, Volunteer Work, Languages, etc., if they add value to your application.

Adapting Your CV/Resume for Each Job Application

An important aspect often overlooked is adapting your CV/resume to each job application. Align it with the job description by emphasising skills and experiences most relevant to the role.

Tips for Drafting a Professional CV/Resume

• Clarity and Brevity: Use clear language and brief sentences. Avoid jargon and over-complex phrases.
• Quantify Achievements: Use numbers and metrics to highlight your accomplishments and contributions.
• Formatting and Layout: Ensure a clean, organised format with consistent fonts and bullet points for readability.
• Proofreading: Eliminate typos, and grammatical errors, and ensure a coherent flow of information.

Dos and Don’ts of CV/Resume Writing

Dos:

• be honest
• use action-oriented verbs customised for each application
• focus on accomplishments.

Don’ts:

• avoid irrelevant and un-useful information
• avoid unprofessional language
• do not exaggerate or falsify experiences

Utilising Keywords

Incorporate relevant keywords from the job description to improve your chances of passing through the Applicants Tracking System – ATS (The Software commonly used by recruiters)  and catching the recruiter’s eye.

Conclusion

In conclusion, writing a professional CV/resume needs thorough attention. It’s not a  document but a detailed representation of your career journey.

Fake jobs come in diverse ways and the people behind the evil act are very smart and intelligent. As a job seeker, you need to understand their techniques and how they operate so as not to be a victim.

Here are five ways you can spot fake jobs in Nigeria;

1. Zero online presence

Any company sending you recruitment updates or interview messages is expected to have an online presence. Once you get a job interview invite from any company, check about the company on the internet before taking action.

2. They demand for fee

If you are seeking for a job and the company that needs your service asks you to pay a certain fee to employ you, beware they are scammers. The moment they ask you to pay a registration or consultation fee, cut the communication immediately. Job offers should come willingly after convincing recruiters that you’re the best for the role through your credentials, skills and the entire recruitment process.

3. Getting Unapplied Job Roles

This is one of their styles. They keep disturbing you with messages on your email saying, based on your application, you are invited for an assessment at XMS company for the position of XYZ on Monday, March 2, 2023. When you get a message like this, don’t stress yourself on it.

4. Email address is unprofessional

Legitimate companies make use of their company domain email addresses to send job interviews and employment letters.  If you get an interview or employment message from a company that uses a general email address ending like  xyz@gmail.com then there is a high chance such interview invitation or employment letter is coming from job scammers. If they don’t have a functioning website, then how do you expect them to meet up with all that was stated?

5.   No / Irrelevant job title

Companies looking for an employee to fill a vacant position in their establishments must have a job title for the position. When this is not stated in the email or SMS you receive, you’ve got to be careful.

6.  No experience required

Genuine/ Real job posts require experience, but when you see a job that offers lots of juicy packages that ideally fit a senior role, and does not require any experience, then it is a sign that it is not genuine. make your findings well.

Conclusion:

As earlier stated, fake job comes in diverse ways, and it is the responsibility of job candidates to always be careful, and carry out every necessary due diligence stated above, before applying for any job or attending job interviews.