Entries Tagged as 'great time'

 

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Real Inspiration – Ted Talks or Songs?

I think there are some absolutely brilliant Ted Talks and I’ve eagerly shared them with many clients as well as during my workshops on leadership and communication. However, I find that music and songs have a greater impact on people. Perhaps it is true: “We learned more from a 3-minute record then we ever learned in school”.

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JAC Recorder Competition 2023

 

**** 15 June 2023 ****

The 2023 competition launches today with exactly the same number of vacancies as last year’s > 125 (although it is actually 17 months since the 2022 competition launched). Don’t be put off by the JAC’s painfully drawn out processes, I’ve worked with many people over the years who suffered numerous rejections yet are now recognised as some of our best judges! – BELIEVE! I’ll aim to update this blog as any new details or changes emerge and the 2023 competition progresses.

The competency framework, as in all JAC competitions, this is your plumb line.

Key Dates:

Deadline for applications 1pm on Thursday 29 June 2023

Online qualifying tests: 19 July 2023 – Situational Judgement and Critical Reasoning

Online Scenario test: 6 September 2023 – Speed Typing Test!

Shortlisting outcome: November 2023

JAC Contacts Independent Assessors  for successful candidates: 29 November 2023 

Selection days will still be Remote and via MS Teams: 15 January – 9 February 2023

Outcome of selection process expected by: June 2024!!

****Client Feedback*****

I have worked with scores of successful Recorder candidates and some disappointed ones of many year,  I received many appreciative messages including:

” I am delighted to inform you that I have been put forward for appointment as a Recorder with immediate effect.  Since enlisting your services I have been successful in 2 out of 2 JAC competitions and it is only because of your excellent preparation and guidance.  I knew I had a lot to do after that first practice interview session but you gave me the tools and the confidence to do it.”

“Just to let you know I didn’t get it but I’m very grateful for all your help.  I’ve requested feedback and will apply again.”

 

**** The Challenge****

To succeed and take your seat on the bench you will need to prepare professionally so that you can have an edge over your competition. This undated blog is written to help you understand what is required and what you need to do to be prepared, fully prepared.

As information is made available I’ll update this page as the competition progresses and you can follow my updates on Twitter

I expect the  JAC to announce: “There will be three stages to the selection process:

  • an online multiple choice test
  • an online scenario test
  • a selection day comprising an interview and role play”

Again for this competition (as for DDJ Mags)  candidates will need to submit their evidence of the competencies before sitting the qualifying tests!

Character: read the guidelines carefully and ensure you disclose all relevant matters, failure to do so will be seen as you lacking integrity. Do check your speeding points, no more than 6 points (or one 6 point offence) currently on your driving license!

Short-Listing – Qualifying Tests – The Recorder Lottery

This has evolved so much that I have written a separate blog – where I explain what to expect and how they have evolved recently.

 Application Form – Evidence of Your Competencies : give specific examples of how you demonstrate the competencies. It will take much more time than you think to complete a strong application that will differentiate you from other candidates. If you have not already started, start drafting now! Some tips  to stand out from the crowd.

Selection Day

They aim to shortlist in the ratio of about 3 candidates per vacancy – so perhaps 450 candidates as they seem to have ditched the telephone assessments.

Role Play – you will be given some reading and then a panel of 3 (1 judicial and 2 lay) will observe you hearing some actors who will respond to your questions and directions. The role play starts as soon as you enter the room. The panel will be looking to assess you against the competencies and looking for evidence of how you perform and demonstrate them.

Interview – again before usually the same panel of 3, they will probe the competencies, but not necessarily all of them depending on the evidence in your application form and from your assessors . My advice for interview success.

How I work with candidates.  Any questions or advice please call 0796 999 7335 or e-mail tim@asktim.org

 

 For information about the workshops I’ve been running please see here.

 

Some Generous Feedback From Grateful Candidiates:

I got it!!!”

” I just wanted to say thank you so much for the assistance that you provided me with. Whilst plainly I can neither confirm, nor deny, anything, I wanted you to be aware that I could not have gone through the process at all without your assistance. It was utterly invaluable.” 

“Whatever happens, working with you has been an unmitigated pleasure. Really, really grateful.”

“Many thanks for your invaluable help. It made a huge difference and I’m very grateful!”

“I did get an email and it said that they are not going to appoint me… but I remain very grateful for your help which was invaluable.”

“I have to say despite all the brilliant things I had heard about you, I had my doubts… But the difference you have made to my application over a couple of hours has been amazing.”

” @wowthankyoutim Only praise from me – great interview coaching & excellent music recommendations.”

“I’ve been recommended for appointment. I’m over the moon. Your help throughout the selection process was invaluable. Tim, I really cannot thank you enough for your help and support throughout the selection process.”

“Not this year I’m afraid but I do want to thank you for all your help and expertise. I certainly felt much better prepared than I would have been and I think the experience will stand me in good stead in future.”

“I got the job!!!!! I’m waiting to hear where I will be sitting and for the official announcement obviously. Thank you so much. I couldn’t have done it without you.”

 

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Up, Up and Away

What is it like starting your own business? I use the analogy of an airplane taxiing down the runway and then opening the throttle to take off. It is unnerving. It takes a lot of effort and you think you’ve built enough momentum, but you’re running out of runway and you have to hold your nerve. It is stressful, liberating, fun, challenging, frustrating, rewarding.  It is time and life consuming.

I started my business 4 years ago and I’ve learnt so much. One of the toughest things, when you are building your business, is trying to find a healthy work/life balance.

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Mentoring – Is it Me?

I’ve found myself drawn into mentoring individuals from different sectors with a very diverse spectrum of issues. It started when a couple of people suggested that I should get involved with Entrepreneurial Spark  It has exploded since then – and I’m loving it!

I’ve tried to find a definition for mentoring that I like or describes what I try to do but they all seem a bit too grand for me. I don’t have a set list of questions or a programme – all I do is make time to listen and then share examples and stories from my experience to encourage people to take a positive step.

You can read below some reactions to my approach – 

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Blog, Staple Stories

Keep the Customer Satisfied

Back in 1996 we were travelling in New Zealand and hired a car to tour around the islands for about a month. The car had a cassette player and we decide to find a record store in Auckland and treat ourselves to a tape.  On impulse we bought Cheryl Crow’s “If it Makes You Happy” but we knew we needed more than one song!

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Silk 2024 – KC Competition

 *****   8 March 2024*****

     

– “I got it! Thank you for all your help – couldn’t have done it without you” 

“Thank you so so much for your help, it was unbelievable Please come to my party?”

The 2024 competition launched yesterday with the deadline for applications at 5pm on Friday 19 April 2024.

It seems to be very similar to last year’s, however  your 12 cases should be drawn from the last 3 years.

“Hi Tim. I’m pleased to tell you that your record of successfully getting people through continues. Many thanks for all your patience & it definitely made all the difference.” 

First and foremost, do read the KC Appointment 2024 Guidance. But I would also strongly recommend that you consider the 2023 competition report  and especially the panel’s approach to the competencies  these will give you a real insight into who gets appointed and why.

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“I’m Always Open to Ideas”

Entering the third year of running my consultancy and seem to have even more to learn and do!
So, a good time to take stock, lift my head up and try and see where we’re heading. I must start by saying a big Wow Thank You to all my clients. I’ve worked with some great and seriously talented people, at times it has been challenging but also deeply rewarding to receive your positive feedback. THANK YOU.

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Is the Pen Mightier than the Sponsored Walk?

3 words and an image

Can create a personalised poem for you

Can create a Moroccan dream for him

But absolutely no chance of making a  poet out of me!

For the curious and/or generous:

We all face different challenges. I’m really proud that Tadhg had the courage to go for it and sing on stage with Bruce Springsteen at Wembley (story). That was certainly out of his comfort zone but two years on he has a new challenge. He has recently been given a fantastic opportunity to go to Morocco with scouts, which will be a big challenge for him and hopefully a great adventure. But his immediate challenge is to raise £1800!

He watches and listens and has decided to challenge himself to write personalised poems (not inspired by my recent number plate Staple Story!) for anyone who’d like to support him.

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