Firstly, it’s important to realise this is only temporary!! While it may feel like you are sending out an endless barrage of resumes only to receive an endless barrage of rejections back (if any at all), someone will recognize your genius, you’ve just gotta to keep plugging on.

Open your eyes to the possibilities around you! While you may not initially fall into your dream placement, take what you can from those that you undertake in the meantime. You’ll soon discover whether working for love or money suits you more and hopefully will pick up a few handy life-enhancing tidbits along the way.

You don’t even need to spend this time working. Maybe its time to try your hand at something that benefits others? Do some volunteer work in your spare time, help out at a hospital, maybe even give blood? (Sidenote: some blood banks even offer such delicacies as snag rolls with a side of milkshake-free lunch oh yeah!)

Perhaps you managed to save up some dosh while waiting tables/pulling beers/selling frocks on days free of lectures or tutes. If you saved it up you could easily go travel the world for a year, because trust us, it’s a lot harder to pick up a backpack and go beach hopping when you’re older. And once you’re away, if you run out of cash you can always put your table waiting/beer pulling/frock selling skills to good use.

Don’t forget too, that despite all your hard efforts to do things right, get involved or have a crack, sometimes shit happens to screw everything up. Take these moments with a grain of salt, carry on and most importantly, LEARN from them. Your not a twit if you make a mistake, you’re a twit if you make it twice.

So the next time you open your letterbox to unveil a letter announcing “Thank-you for your application. Unfortunately at this time you have been unsuccessful. You are destined to be poor and jobless for the rest of your life long days. Regards, Big Bad Boss.”; remember-it will get better.

This is an insight into one of American Psycho Patrick Bateman’s most prized pieces, so beloved it requires it’s own public reveal and in-depth narrative-the business card. For those of you in need of a refresher, have a squiz here:

watch?feature=player_embedded&v=2Ux3vncNNLg

Just with everything in the life of the psychotic serial killer, all things must be done with utmost precision, and the business card is no exception. While his utter devotion to his card (and all other material possessions for that matter), may seem a little (read: completely) batty, he does have a point.

Your business card is often the first tangible item a potential employer or contact has to remember you by, and while you don’t need to spend a fortune on it, you should definitely put in a little bit of effort.

To start with, pick a design. What shape should it be? How thick would you like the stock? What colour is the card itself? What colour is the font? What is the font? Is the font raised or flat? Do you have a picture? It’s not as simple as a piece of type on a card, there is so much more to take into consideration.

Once you’ve got the overall look downpat, it’s time for content. It’s imperative that your business card’s content is relevant! There’s no point handing one out with all the wrong details. The simplest design can be whipped up in a day at a printing place, so there are no excuses for passing out old, inaccurate material. You also want to create something that actually fits in a wallet! Don’t get over-excited creating super fancy folding shapes that need their own carrier they’re so bloody big.

The details themselves are of course the most important part of the whole shebang. The most basic state your name, phone number and email address-even a web address if you have one. Others offer up your address but do note that while you may still reside with Ma and Pa, your recipient does not need to know where they live.

Newer cards offer up loads more-from twitter accounts, to skype details and the like. By all means include these if they are relevant but if not, be warned-no one cares.

And remember, while it is important to inject a bit of the wow factor, don’t let things get too complicated, and always stay on brand. Have a bit of fun if that’s a good reflection of you, or keep it slick and simple if that works better. It’s just a piece of card but it is an important reflection of YOU, and your contacts will appreciate if they can see this straight away, they’ll definitely be more likely to get in touch.

*Video courtesy of YouTube

While no one will bat an eye if you add five thousand of your nearest, dearest, randomest, weirdest mates on Stalkbook, the same cannot be said for Linked In, and the reasons are twofold.

1. Firstly, It’s one thing to add the cute guy/gal from the gym you’ve had your eye on to the Book, but Linked In is for BUSINESS people-and not the funny sort you’re picturing in your dirty minds. Stick to those who are in your industry or at least are semi relevant!

2. Having said that, there are occasions when you should add someone who may have no relevance to you, but has contacts who are. Do some research and see if it is worth your while. Again, this is a business site so simply adding someone because their friends are hot, or for the sake of feeling popular, aint gonna cut the mustard.

Once you have created this awesome online network it’s time to treat them right. While your Facebook updates can spout to all and sundry what you had for breakfast, what you’re watching on TV, and just how hungover you are; your Linked In contacts do not care, and will be highly unimpressed. Updates should focus on work, and remain relevant to you.

And, in the same vein of thought- DON’T SPAM! Aggressive self-promotion written on group walls or via private message is annoying and unnecessary. Actually that one goes for Facebook too.

Finally, be wary of recommendations. Ok so this has no relevance to Facey but is valid nonetheless. Recruiters will often take your recommendations with a grain of salt, and again the reasons are twofold.

1. Why would anyone knowingly publish an unflattering recommendation? It’s funny how you never see anything less than glowing on there…

2. Recruiters and potential employers will ALWAYS follow up on your recommendations even if they are the most staggeringly amazing write-ups of all time. Amazing really-who would have thought there would be any non-truths on the internet?

So there you have it all you savvy job hunters. Just few tasty tidbits to keep you on the right side of your social media track.

So how can you ensure you are presented in the most glorious light? As simply as you would any other brand or product: marketing. And how do you market yourself in the digital age you may wonder? By giving your internet output a Queer Eye style zoosh! And here’s how:

1. Text

Ok, this may seem like a no-brainer, but text is the simplest of ways to sell yourself. Like it or not, even the shyest mouse must learn that a little bit of self-promotion is essential to furthering your career, as you aint gonna get hired if no-one knows who you are or what you’ve done. Give an informative Facebook status or tweet, blow your own trumpet via your blog, or even send out an email or newsletter to keep people in the loop. You don’t need to get arrogant (or annoying for that matter) but you will be surprised pumped people will be to see what you’ve been up to.

2. Videos

You’d be far fetched to find anyone these days without a smart phone, all of which are equipped with state of the art video camera abilities, and often even editing features. No matter how tech-savvy you may be, a basic video upload to your blog or Facebook page is as easy as a Kardashian quickie wedding. You can add tantalising interviews, how-to instructional films or even a motivational speech, whatever it may be to pump up your profile.

3. Images

Studies have shown that when people punch in a Google search, they are more likely to visit a site with pretty pictures. Again with the handy old smartphone by your side, it’s easy to add some pizzazz to any post. A PR aficionado can pump out pics of past stunts, an events planner can highlight their events, or an accessories designer can add varying views of products they are proud of.

4. Audio

Fancy yourself the next Beyonce, Justin, Lenny or PJ? (Hopefully not a Justin, purely for the hair). No one will know how pretty your pipes are unless they can hear you! Upload a demo of your latest song, guitar solo, radio broadcast or motivational speech (if that’s your thang!), and let the good listeners get a handle on what you can do.

5. Slideshare

Not quite as well known as other file sharing commodities, Slideshare is to presentations what Flickr is to photographs. Upload essays, Word docs or Powerpoint slideshows, and give yourself a competitive edge as you scale on up to new career heights. A quick an easy way to strut your stuff.

Now get zooshing!

So let us take the opportunity now to turn your work doldrums into a positive new beginning, starting the year off on the right foot and setting the tone for a bloody sensational year.

Marketing guru Chris Savage recently sat down with Iron Man great Trevor Hendy, who provided one of those lightning bolt pieces of wisdom regarding the secrets to his success- “The conditions are always great”.

Aint it the truth. I’m sure you are all already finding ways to renege on your New Years resolutions (It’s too wet/hot/early to go for a run; I’ll give up the fags as soon as January/Summer/my hot holiday fling is over etc); just as you are constantly inventing excuses for why your productivity may suck-the economy is shit house, these clients are dopes, my colleague’s an idiot-and so on and so forth.

Rubbish.

Whilst you can’t all be bronzed, buffed, Iron Man surfer Gods (or date one either *sigh*); you can heed Hendy’s wise words and man the hell up, take some responsibility for your actions, and admit that yes, sometimes shit hits the fan but you CAN deal with these issues, learn from your mistakes and turn a corner. And that, Right Honourable Ladies and Gentlemen (sorry I saw “Iron Lady” last night-Meryl Streep for the gold statue for sheez) is the way forward in 2012, as yes, the conditions are always right, so it’s how you take shelter from the storm that makes all the difference.

Firstly you must stay positive!! Whilst I am not attempting to go all new age “The Secret” on you, keeping your chin up and finding the good in situations is a small way to keep you motivated and on track.

Secondly, take some responsibility!! Man up and admit your mistakes and stop criticising and blaming the economy or those around you, as at the end of the day you and only you, are responsible for your own destiny (wow I am really turning new age guru-anyone know some good yoga moves? Meditation chants?), and until you accept that, no good can come from it. Take your mistakes in your stride and learn from them, but for goodness sake don’t make them again.

It’s important to also keep your eye on the prize, always move forward, don’t look back. The sun’ll come out tomorrow (hell it happened for Annie) and remember that once you’ve hit the bottom, the only way is up!!

So let’s turn that holiday post-mortem frown upside-down and forge ahead into what is sure to be a smashing new year!

What an awesome year 2011 has been-We fell in love with Kate, Wills, Pippa and THAT derriere; witnessed the demise of Osama Bin Laden, plus enjoyed an INCREDIBLY BRILLIANT AND AMAZING WIN BY THE MIGHTY CATS!!!

In between all this we managed to place a number of fabulous candidates in fabulous roles with fabulous clients. Oh the fabulosity!

Equally, our other arm and career transition program GXY REBOOT has seen great progress amid a trip up Everest, a surfing adventure in Torquay, and a day of culinary genius at the Pantry in Brighton.

From our clients to our candidates, we can’t thank you all enough for your support and contribution to making this year a great one. May you all have a safe, happy and memorable Christmas and New Year, and we look forward to catching up when we re-open our doors on the 9th of January!

To finish off the year each GXY staffie completed a little quiz to finish off the year in style…

Mel Bridge-Director

1.What is on your wishlist from Santa this year? George Clooney.

2. Have you been naughty or nice this year? I’m not naughty or nice I’m just plain old cranky.

3.What’s your favourite Christmas carol and why? I don’t have one.

4.What’s your favourite part of the Christmas day feast? Roast chicken and lots of stuffing !!

(Ed’s Note: mmmmm, stuffing)

5. Do you have a new years resolution and what is it? Don’t go back to base camp!

(Ed’s Note: How could you not love fried potatoes and altitude sickness? Maybe it’s time for the five star way next time…)

6. What are you most looking forward to in 2012? Finding the man of dreams or nightmares – refer to question 1.

Pat Gallagher-Business Manager

1.What is on your wishlist from Santa this year? Candy and a rug for the living room.

2. Have you been naughty or nice this year? Neither. I’ve been delicious.

3.What’s your favourite Christmas carol and why? Green Hill Far Away.

(Ed’s Note: I’m gonna put it out there that this is more of a hymn? We’ll talk…)

4.What’s your favourite part of the Christmas day feast? Mum’s Canadian pancakes.

5. Do you have a new years resolution and what is it? Nah they are useless – I’m usually doing resolutions after every weekend.

6. What are you most looking forward to in 2012? Not having to do resolutions every Monday

(Ed’s Note: Haha Good luck with that one Patty!!)

Holly Archibald-Consultant

1. What is on your wishlist from Santa this year? Everything and nothing!!

2. Have you been naughty or nice this year? Definitely nice… well most of the time.

3. What’s your favourite Christmas carol and why? It is more of a song… but ‘All I want for Christmas is you.’.. Mariah Carey… pure gold!

(Ed’s note: There are no right or wrong answers in this quiz but this is the right one! 10 points Hols!)

4. What’s your favourite part of the Christmas day feast? The nap you have after you have eaten copious amounts of food!

5. Do you have a new years resolution and what is it? I have given up on resolutions… I generally break them in the first week.

6. What are you most looking forward to in 2012? A mid year trip to Canada!

Nick Smith-Headhunter

1.What is on your wishlist from Santa this year? A very healthy 2012 and maybe a new ankle

2. Have you been naughty or nice this year? Actually been very nice although you might want to ask those around me if this has been the case.

3.What’s your favourite Christmas carol and why? The song that Bill Nigh sings throughout the film “Love Actually’

(Ed’s Note: Closet Rom Com lover eh Nick?!)

4.What’s your favourite part of the Christmas day feast? Usually going back for 3rds with the fresh ham and gravy

5. Do you have a new years resolution and what is it? To get further ahead and spend more time with family

6. What are you most looking forward to in 2012? The Olympic games and UFC in Sydney

Kristen Crowhurst-Headhunter

1. What is on your wishlist from Santa this year? A pony

2. Have you been naughty or nice this year? Way too nice!

(Ed’s Note: There are so many inaccuracies in this short sentence it makes one fall over with laughter)

3.What’s your favourite Christmas carol and why? I actually am not a huge fan of Christmas, but I’ll listen to any Christmas carol by the cast of Glee, because they are AMAZING and I have a small to medium crush on Finn.

(Ed’s Note: Puck is waaaaaaay hotter)

4.What’s your favourite part of the Christmas day feast? It’s a tie between Mum’s homemade Christmas trifle and her famous potato salad

5. Do you have a new years resolution and what is it? It’s not so much a resolution but an ongoing mantra “I will not live beyond my means” – relates to net-a-porter.com and shopbop.com

6. What are you most looking forward to in 2012? Hopefully some kind of overseas jaunt (yet to be booked)! I would happily settle for New York, Croatia, Argentina, Mexico or Morocco.

Pete Summers-GXY REBOOT Program Facilitator

1.What is on your wishlist from Santa this year? Well if Santa could tow a 2011 Maritimo M73 Cruising Motor yacht behind his sled and drop it off at St Kilda marina with the keys in the ignition that would be ideal.

(Ed’s note: Check out what Pete’s carrying on about here . Good luck with that one Pedro!)

2. Have you been naughty or nice this year? A bit of both but probably nice….

3.What’s your favourite Christmas carol and why? Rudolph the red nosed reindeer….I’m the Rudolph of the GXY Office!!!

4.What’s your favourite part of the Christmas day feast? Would have to be mums roast chicken!!!

(Ed’s note: This must be best damn chicken roast ever, it gets that much airtime!)

5. Do you have a new years resolution and what is it? My resolution is to capitalise on a difficult and challenging 2011!!

6. What are you most looking forward to in 2012? I’m looking forward to new beginnings, meeting new people, going to new places, new experiences!!!

Melbourne gal Kate Hamilton met Mel on a recent camping trip in Wilson’s Prom and the two instantly hit it off. When Mel mentioned the GXY REBOOT Summit workshop before her last trip to Base Camp, Kate was instantly intrigued and became a last minute entrant to the gang bound for Nepal for our most recent adventure.

The former Director of Business Development for Aviation Screening provider Rapiscan, Kate has recently gone freelance taking some time off to study an MBA Executive at RMIT/Open Universities and consult and advise local businesses in strategy planning.

A trip up one of Mother Nature’s greatest creations was a sure fire way to spice things up,  as Kate immersed herself in her new chosen transition from full time employment-even if it did mean she had to make do without a hot shower at the end of a long day of trekking!

For adventure-loving Kate, whose average day is spent “working & training hard then spending time with family and friends”; the opportunity to climb Everest was a once in a lifetime one. She fell in love with the beauty of Everest-from the people, to the colours and landscapes-and even became a fan of the famous vegi momos-although this changed after a few hundred or so!

Kate loved the program and has already encouraged friends and colleagues to take part, and highly recommends the Summit program to anyone who can show “emense persistence” and wants to regain some focus; as well as anyone who loves to push themselves mentally and physically. She also recommends the climb to those who are a little stuck for career clarity, advising that you have time to “pinpoint what you want and don’t want to compromise achieving” as there is plenty of quiet moments to reflect and plan.

The perfect kick start for her career transition, Kate has a better idea of what her work priorities and drivers are, and discovered a better sense of the exact role she is after. She also gained a renewed sense of energy, focus and a whole new bunch of friends.

Kate is well on her way to her ten year goal of flying her private plane, cruising on her private yacht and living in a private chalet, with not a vegetarian momo in sight…

Call me old fashioned, but I do believe it’s highly unprofessional and unnecessary to show excessive cleavage at work. Same goes for a blatant display of your Southern Cross tatt peeking out from your grubby wife beater.  But like I said, I am old fashioned.

These are of course extreme (sadly not that extreme) scenarios of workplace wear, but the question still remains-are dress codes important?

Some may argue that with Gen Y making their way to the top of the corporate ladder, corporate dress codes may be a thing of the past.  Indeed at GXY Headquarters we are well aware that business attire is simply not appropriate at every office.  If you are working for a surf-wear company a sharply pressed suit jacket and Hermes tie may not necessarily set the tone as well as more informal casual-wear.  And vice versa for those hammering away at the Rialto-thongs and ‘designer’ ripped jeans simply wont cut the mustard.

And why is this you ask?  Cos it’s all about brand baby. What you wear reflects what you are selling.  If you are dressed like a grub, chances are people will think what you are selling is grubby.  This is not to say you need to don a ballgown and tiara at every appointment, you can wear shorts and a t-shirt if that suits your wares-but clean clothes and brushed hair are a must.

Maybe slap on a little makeup for shits and giggles! Our slick business manager Patty Gallagher likes a touch of eyeliner for meetings-really brings out the eyes he says.  He also likens his style to that of Jude Law mixed with Johnny Depp circa “The Holiday” and “Public Enemies” respectively.  I’m picturing a more “Gattaca”/“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” vibe.  Make an appointment with him today to see for yourself…

What you wear also reflects who you are.  Suffice to say, if someone takes pride in their appearance, chances are they also take pride in what they do.

Dressing for success is also highly important.  Wit’s one thing to dress for a day in the office but when you tog up for a business meeting, this instills a sense of discipline and belonging to an organisation and really helps to get the message across.

However, if all else fails, take a little advice from Jack…

A participant in the GXY REBOOT workshops since it began, Brad provided valuable insights and merit to the REBOOT team as he took part to combine the knowledge he gained through his recently completed business degree, with his hectic on-field training sessions, and to prepare himself for life after football.

Not only has Brad had a whole lotta fun since joining the program, he has also managed to get some real value out of it all, broadening his horizons, and making clever use of his vast network of contacts so as to really utilise his skills.

To compliment his hard work, Brad took part in the recent GXY REBOOT trip to Mt Everest summit, an adventure he found to be enlightening, rewarding and seriously enjoyable.

As the summits increased Brad truly became one with Everest, evolving into a Wolverine type mountain man replete with requisite shaggy beard.

Tougher than some (Pete I’m looking at you wimp); Brad endured the cold, without a hot water bottle, and even without an extra few layers in the sleeping bag at night-now that’s impressive.

There were (understandably) some tough moments out on the rough terrain. Despite being in peak physical condition, nothing could prepare him for the thin air, and effect of the high altitude, culminating in an elevated heart rate and slight bout of altitude sickness at Base Camp. He also admitted to many an early morning commencing with a sigh and a few choice four-letter words…

But with each low comes spectacular highs, and for Sewelly there were many. The sense of camaraderie and mateship felt with the other hikers, the beautiful countryside accompanying each daily slog up the mountain, and the overwhelming sense of achievement at finally reaching the goal.

Now he’s home it’s time to ditch the beard, indulge in some fresh fruit and a cheeky bit of pizza (no more porridge or potatoes for a while!), and revel in the glory of a truly sensational journey.

We have heard the call here at GXY Search and are ready, willing and able to move with the times and take the journey into the 21st Century, by changing the way we find and recruit potential employees.

“So what’s this got to do with me??” you may ask and with good reason. Well here goes: You, and every other gainfully employed talent out there is a head hunting candidate, as in the new world, EVERYONE is applicable.

Greg Savage, creator of famed recruitment and staffing website The Savage Truth has made a fascinating discovery, stating:

“Research (and common sense) tells us that less than 10% of relevant talent are actively looking for a role at any given moment in time. That means that 90% of candidates suitable for your roles are not engaged in job searches. They have not registered with recruiters, they are not perusing job boards, and they are not applying for roles. They are not even particularly unhappy where they are.  But they ARE willing to move!”

It is this willingness to move that has caught our attention, particularly as it would appear by Savage’s logic that the group of potential candidates actively seeking a move aint quite so large after all.

For those of you who are actively seeking work, please note this is not a blanket generalisation that you serve no purpose to us whatsoever as there is still a shitload of talent out there who is on the prowl for bigger and better things and we are here to help make your dream role a reality.

It is simply interesting to note that a candidate is no longer defined simply as someone staring at their laptop signing up to every job board available and tailoring resumes left right and centre; but in all likelihood someone who has yet to reach their full potential or the role of a lifetime, simply because they can’t see what else is out there.

So if you get a tinkle on the phone from one of the gang members around here (and I really do mean gang members-Kristen Crowhurst-what a thug! I swear the girl gets tatts and rides a Chopper on the weekends), don’t disregard the call, as you never know, your dream may be coming to find you…