10 tips for managing your stress at work

10 tips for managing your stress at work 10 Tips For Managing Your Stress At WorkPosted October 13, 2011, by Andrea Riddell You have to cover for three colleagues who are sick with the flu, the server has crashed, your boss doesnt seem to have time for your problems and the deadline for a very important project is inching closer. Workplace stress is making you a ticking time bomb. Apart from driving you up the wall, stress can have major effects on your health contributing to everything from heart disease and depression to a loss of sex drive. Managing your stress in the workplace can often seem like an impossible task, but it is extremely handy to master. Losing your cool and throwing a tantrum wont make you popular with your colleagues, but bottling up your anger and frustration can turn you into a dormant volcano. Here are 10 tips to help you adopt a Zen-like approach to workplace stress 1. Adorn your workstation Never underestimate the power of your physical surroundings. Even t hough you only have a square metre to call your own, decking out your workspace with plants, pictures and personal belongings will help to reduce your stress levels by reminding you of the great life you have outside of work. Nowadays we spend mora time in the amtsstube than we do at home, so when they say make yourself at home, literally do that. Creating your own personal space at work will help you to feel comfortable and at ease, ready to tackle any project that comes your way. And when you have a few minutes to yourself you can spend the time reminiscing about your last holiday to Bali, courtesy of the photos you have tacked up. 2. Write to-do lists Keep your mind from exploding by creating a list of all the projects that you need to do in order of priority. If you have even more time, break down each project into the individual tasks required for completion. This will help you to stay focused on one assignment at a time rather than baulk at the enormous workload you have. The next thing you know, it will be 5pm and time to hit the pub. Plus youll get the satisfaction of ticking off each task one-by-one when youre finished. 3. Find a cone of silence Find an area outside of your office where you can go to blow off steam. It doesnt matter where it is, although it is preferable to find somewhere quiet and empty where you can yell, shout, jump up and down, or whatever you need to do without having to worry about concerned onlookers reporting that theres a crazy person in the park. Venting your pent-up emotions away from the office environment will help stop you taking your anger and frustration out on other team members. And you will re-enter the office a new person, ready to work. 4. Take regular breaks involving fresh air If the glare of the artificial lights and the constant tap-tapping on keyboards start getting on your nerves, bravely gather your thoughts and hightail it out of the office. Taking regular breaks, even if theyre just a few minutes at a tim e, to have a snack, make a cup of tea or take a walk around the block can help get the blood flowing and your mind ticking. Regular breaks and fresh air can give birth to new ideas, enthusiasm and inspiration to give your work the flair it needs. 5. Plan one fun thing to do after work Whether its going to the pub with friends, watching your favourite television show or simply relaxing with a book, planning something enjoyable to do after work can give you the motivation to get through the day. Planning something relaxing will also act as a stress-breaker and stop it from consuming you. There is no way you can stay angry at the new girls blunder after work if youre booked in for a shiatsu massage at the end of the day. 6. Dress to impress As frivolous as it may sound, wearing something fun, bright and colourful can help to lighten your day. Why add to the drab colour scheme of the office by wearing varying shades of black, grey and navy? Studies have suggested that certain colours an d shades can have positive effects on our mood and emotions, as well as our aura (for want of a better word). Splashing a little colour onto your palette with a tie or new scarf can help lift your spirits, inspire calm and fend off those office blues. Bonus recent studies show that dressing for success can improve your performance. 7. Organise a happy lunch If you only have time to eat lunch at your desk then at least make it a good one the lunch, that is, not the desk. Looking forward to eating the leftovers of the hearty stew you cooked up last night can at least break up the monotonous know-how of work, work, work. Even keeping a block of chocolate in your desk can perk up your mood. However, this tip should not be read as an excuse to gorge yourself on fatty comfort foods, particularly if you have a sedentary job. In fact, food that is jam-packed with nutrition will have longer-term effects on your serotonin levels than that delicious cheeseburger with your name on it. 8. Commu nicate with your co-workers If youre having a really stressful day the best thing to do is to tell your colleagues without being too whingey, of course. That way they will probably think twice before hounding you with ridiculous questions, and sometimes just sharing can make you feel better. You may also find that one of your co-workers has some extra time on their hands and can help you out. Communicating with your colleagues can also mean that they will be well prepared and understanding if you just so happen to lose your cool or have a minor meltdown. 9. Talk to your boss If youre constantly struggling under the weight of your workload and failing to meet deadlines, think about scheduling a meeting with your boss to discuss your projects. It may turn out that youre not receiving adequate help and resources in order to complete your tasks efficiently and effectively, and as a result you are going prematurely grey. Your honesty should work in your favour and its better to let them know how you are coping before its too late and the company loses a major client or you. 10. Pack your bags In both senses of the phrase. If stress is getting the better of you, perhaps its time to take a holiday and recoup your senses. Nothing says relax more than a secluded beach with palm trees. If stress seems to come with the job title and you feel as if youve had your fair share, consider a career change. Remember, you cant burn the candle at both ends forever. ResourcesMy first resumeCover letter for my first jobCareer Insider StoriesShelley Lask - Body Positive Health & FitnessInterested in becoming a?Human Resources OfficerGeneral ManagerBusiness ManagerAccountantOffice AdministratorPopular Career Searchestime management techniques at work11 top tips for effective time managementeffective oral and written communication skillsattention to detail skillsdefine communication skills CoursesBachelor of Social WorkEnquire Online Enquire OnlineCertificate III in Health Administra tionEnquire Online Enquire OnlineBachelor of Criminal JusticeEnquire Online Enquire OnlineCertificate III in Allied Health AssistanceEnquire Online Enquire OnlineAndrea RiddellRelated ArticlesBrowse moreCAREER ADVICECAREER INSPIRATIONInspirational Quotes to Power Your CareerDoesnt matter where youre at in your career journey, these quotes from some of the worlds most successful and wise people will give you the inspiration and motivation to power your career.Government study loansGet HELP Government financial assistanceFinding the right payment option for your studies can be confusing. Weve put together everything you need to know about HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP to help you make sense of it all.Employment trendsGovernment gives a shot in the arm to medical trainingThe Governments recent announcement of significant increases to medical training places is welcome news for medical students, pre-vocational doctors and specialist trainees, as well as those aspiring to a future career in med icine.

Customize this Outstanding Retail Buyer Resume Sample

Customize this Outstanding Retail Buyer Resume SampleCustomize this Outstanding Retail Buyer Resume SampleCreate Resume Career Goal To give in and contribute the skills and education that I have acquired into a challenging and tough retail buying situation in order to achieve the desired result. Free to move to places. Academic Background Achieved Bachelor of Science Degree in absatzwirtschaft from the University of Delaware, New York, NY in 1992.Computer Programming SkillsKnowing Office Package Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access, Microsoft PowerPoint and Microsoft Outlook Express.Knowing Operating Systems Windows9X, Windows2000, Windows ME, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Linux, UNIX, MS DOS. Professional Background Presently working as a Buyer Junior Apparels Department since 2000 in BVD Style, Washington DC, and achieved the followingIncreased sales value from 6 M to 8 M, in the year 2003 to 2005. Steadily achieved net operating and working profit of 15% highest in c ompany till this date.Started promotional policies and strategies and developed key differentiations which directly accounted in the increase in volume.Developed an extensive variety of communication channels and networks which not only helped in increasing product knowledge to counter sales personnel but also had a positive affected in the systematic planning of retailer programs.Selected as the Best Merchant of the Month, May 2007. From 1996 to 1999 worked as a Divisional Sales Manager in Baltimore, Washington DC,Monitored furniture and fixtures, electronic equipments, lamps and basement showroom. In 1998 the total volume amounted to 6 M.All through the mall expansion and instrumental in sharing store sales amount within the plan sketch by attaining 15% increase. Priorities included steady assessment of inventory levels and content, objective setting, growth of key employees and attaining a high level motivation. From 1993 to 1995 worked as an Assistant Buyer in Bethesda and perfo rmed duties likeSupervised mens clothing, coats, suits, swimwear and active wear. Customize Resume

4 Things Your Boss Wont Tell You About Advancing Your Career

4 Things Your Boss Wont Tell You About Advancing Your Career4 Things Your Boss Wont Tell You About Advancing Your CareerA vice president of a financial company once told me, Make a plan- or someone else will make one for you. And this advice is never truer than when it comes to taking charge of your career.If youve worked hard, fulfilled your responsibilities, and received positive wertzuwachs reviews, then youve successfully followed what most people would call a career development plan. Unfortunately, thats a far cry from what I call a career advancement plan. To make significant forward movement, youll need to go beyond being great at your current job- but, as I often tell clients in my leadership coaching practice, if youre waiting on advice from your boss about how to do that, youd be wise not to hold your breath.Pace Productivity, Inc. found that while managers overwhelmingly cite people management as their most important priority, a typical mid-level manager spends a measly 3. 3 hours per week managing people. Of that time, only two hours are allocated to coaching, training, and mentoring. Meanwhile, administrative tasks suck up a whopping 24% of their time. So, sure- your boss wants to help you grow. Right after he or she files travel expenses, signs off on a purchase order, and declines a meeting request.So, to give you more reliable input for your career advancement plan, I talked to two of the smartest leaders I know Donnell Green, global head of talent management and development with Blackrock and Dr. Caroline Simard, associate director of diversity and leadership with the Stanford School of Medicine. They shared some key strategies that all employees should know- but arent always told- about moving upward.1. Get Good BossesThose who have successfully advanced in the workplace- and hope to continue on that path- know that working for the right leader is the first logical step to becoming a leader. Green, for example, knew that taking charge of herbei career meant building a sttze network of coaches, mentors, and sponsors. Dont go it alone, she advises, and give careful consideration to who is in your management chain. Work for people you respect, and get a good boss. I have built great relationships with my bosses and created value for them. Having the support of your manager can make or break a career. Why is a great boss so important? According to Marcus Buckingham and Curt Coffman, the best leaders provide career-boosting training, development, and coaching, and they help employees capitalize on their strengths. They also provide you with role models to emulate as you learn to lead. If you dont know of any great talent developers in your direct management chain, ask around to discover who they are. If theres no possibility of working directly for them, enlist them as a mentor. 2. Narrow Paths Can Be PrecariousImagine if you tried to nurture a delicate seedling by gripping onto it so tightly that you almost squeeze the life o ut of it. Dont do that to your most important career goals What I mean is this You may have a very specific idea of where you want to be and what you think you need to do to get there. And if you are fortunate enough to get your managers input, he or she will probably prescribe your companys pre-set career track a narrow, linear path with fewer opportunities the higher you climb. But according to Simard, you need to be open to adjusting that plan. If youre too attached to a very narrow definition of success or plan for your career, you will ignore amazing opportunities, she warns. Keep your eye on the goal, but dont stand in the way of the end result. Sometimes, that means doing a task that youre not particularly interested in. But if its really important to achieving your vision, its absolutely worth doing. Even in her own career plan, Simard doesnt have a set route I try to have a plan, but its a flexible plan. As a president in the automotive repair industry once told me, Choose the one thing that is most important to you in your next role- be it location, a certain function, a particular level in the organization, whether youd like direct reports, or whatever it is- and then be as flexible as you can about the rest. Youll be more likely to actually get that next role.3. Timing is EverythingIn 2011, when Accenture surveyed 3,400 executives, they found that only 37% had asked for a raise, promotion, or job change, but of those who asked, 65% said it helped. In fact, 59% of people who asked for a promotion got one. So whats the simplest way to get a promotion? Statistically speaking, it is to ask for one.But no one- including your boss- is going to tell you when or how to make that request.And according to Green, strategically timing your request is incredibly important. The right conversation held at the wrong time can be harmful, she warns, as is failing to be mindful that your boss is in a bad mood or the person youre talking to is the wrong person. Pay at tention to timing and use those instincts for these conversations.So, consider the corporate culture of your office. When is the right time to ask for a promotion? For example, some organizations want you to indicate your interest in moving up when you sit down for your annual performance review. But in others, you would have missed the boat entirely because succession planning already took place, and candidates have already been identified to fill their superiors roles. In that case, six months before your review would be the ideal time to ask HR if your performance merited you a place in the succession pipeline. To determine which approach is best, observe how others get promoted. Ask about when and how your organization handles talent development decisions like succession planning, performance evaluations, and identification of high-potential talent so you can choose the optimal time to make your request. 4. Dont Be All Business All the TimeYou might assume that your boss wants y ou to give 110%, all the time- but ironically, doing so could cause you to miss out on a key strategy for high performance and getting ahead. In fact, the Corporate Executive Board found that employees who believe they have good work-life balance work 21% harder than those who do not. Simard, who leads an initiative at Stanford School of Medicine to increase work-life integration, concurs that maintaining a healthy balance is extremely important in career advancement. Dont ignore work-life fit, she advises. These two pieces need to go hand-in-hand in everything you do.Green agrees. Mind the seriousness and intensity she says. If youre someone who people enjoy being around, have a sense of humor, and dont take yourself seriously, youll have followership- and that followership will advance your career. By being a role model of balance and encouraging colleagues to do the same, youll increase their desire to stay in their jobs, the performance of the team, and your own leadership poten tial.Your own boss may not tell what you need to advance your career, and you wont find the best strategies listed in the corporate employee handbook, either. So take it from these two pros who have seen what it takes to lead. Find a great boss, set flexible career goals, consider the timing before you ask for a promotion, and get some balance. Photo of man at work courtesy of Shutterstock.

Shedding light on the job search A Ladders study

Shedding light on the job search A Ladders study Shedding light on the job search A Ladders study Over the past decade, the biggest complaint among job seekers has become their frustration over applying for positions and never hearing back. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as the “Black Hole,” and while job seekers are quick to blame recruiters for not responding, they also contribute to the problem by applying to jobs for which they are unqualified.A recent study conducted by TheLadders analyzed how job seekers read and evaluate job listings, and experimented with a new job-listing format that offered “TheLadders Scout,” a new competitive-analysis tool.The study had three goals: Determine what information job seekers view as important Analyze how job seekers read job listings Measure whether competitive information would help job seekers make better choices about positions and applications The conclusion: competitive information about other applicants increased the percentage of job listings that participants correctly judged to be a good or bad fit for them, and decreased the amount of time participants spent reviewing each job posting.TheLadders Scout provides competitive-analysis data so job seekers can see how they compare to other candidatesTracking applicants’ behaviorIn March 2013, 15 participants reviewed up to five conventional job postings. A second group of 15 considered up to five redesigned job listings using new competitive-analysis technology called TheLadders Scout, which aggregates and averages the data from applicants for a specific position, so job seekers can see how they compare to other candidates.This heat map of a conventional job listing on TheLadders shows that job-description details were overlooked by job seekers.With conventional job postings: Participants spent most of the time reviewing the information at the top of the job posting Job details were easily located and viewed a majority of the time The bottom of the page was most often skimmed Sophisticated eye-tracking technology provided precise information on what job seekers read and how long they looked at different areas of each job.After job seekers were shown each listing, analytical software drew “heat maps” and eye-tracking charts to illustrate how much time each viewer spent with each job, and in what order each job listing was read.Follow-up interviews collected qualitative data from both groups, including opinions on the information supplied, ease of use, and how quickly participants understood TheLadders Scout and its value.This heat map of a job listing with TheLadders Scout shows that competitor information and the job description commanded the most attention.With TheLadders scout: Users spent about 12 seconds reviewing TheLadders Scout for both “fit or no fit” posi-tions Participants paid close atten-tion to the profile of other ap-plicants and salary informa-tion within TheLadders Scout Most of the overall viewing time was spent reading the job description The job details on the right were easily located and viewed by most Participants, all of whom are currently employed, were asked to imagine they were seriously looking for a new job. They were allowed to spend as much time with each job posting as they wished, and then indicate whether or not the position was a good match for them and if they would apply.TheLadders supplied job postings customized to the participants, who were selected to mirror the demographics of TheLadders members. Prior to the study, TheLadders determined whether each job seeker was a fit or not a fit for each job, based on the job seeker’s background and experience.GazeTracesâ„¢ of a conventional job listing on TheLaddersWith conventional job postings: Participants notice job titles Point of gaze moves quickly to the job-description text Job details generally receive attention Part of description is simply skimmed Reading between the linesThe eye-tracking technology was used to draw a “heat map” that showed how much time each participant spent looking at each section, and results were averaged. Another way the eye-tracking software analyzed reading habits was with GazeTracesTM. GazeTraces tracks eye movement and outlines the way a reader interacts with each job posting, whether the participant reads a job posting in a linear fashion or skips from section to section. The resulting line traces the path a reader takes through a job posting, which shows both the order in which a reader looks at a job posting and how a reader’s eye skips (and skips around) the sections in each job posting (in non-technical terms, GazeTraces shows what catches a reader’s eye).GazeTracesâ„¢ of a job listing with TheLadders ScoutWith TheLadders scout: Participants fail to notice job title and “How you compare” Point of gaze goes immediately to the description of other applicants Participants look at TheLadders Scout salary information Job details receive attention Part of job description receives careful attention(usually the first part) Part of description is simply skimmed Understanding how a job seeker reads a job posting can help recruiters put key information where readers’ eyes fall. GazeTraces was used to show how participants read conventional job listings, as well as job listings with TheLadders Scout.You can’t judge a job posting by its coverWith conventional job postings, participants spent less time with ones they felt were not a good match for them. The average time to decide on the suitability of a position was 49.7 seconds when the job was not a fit, and 76.7 seconds when it was.With job postings using TheLadders Scout, participants spent more time with job postings that were not a good fit for them than they did with conventional job postings: 55.8 seconds with TheLadders Scout job postings vs. 49.7 seconds with conventional ones. Conversely, participants determined that a job posting was a good fit faster with TheLadders Scout: 62.0 seconds, compared to 76.7 seconds for a conventional job posting.In addition, both sensitivity (propor tion of true “Fits” - as identified by TheLadders - that are identified by the participant) and specificity (proportion of true “No Fits” that are identified by the participant) increased with TheLadders Scout.Average time spent in each region when participants rated a job as a “Fit” or “No Fit”Haste makes waste Participants were 35% more likely to correctly identify jobs for which they were a good fit with TheLadders Scout, and they did so24% faster - 59.8 seconds with TheLadders Scout and 73.8 seconds without. Job seekers spent much less time with traditional job listings that were not a good fit for them than they spent reading job postings for positions that were a good fit â€" 49.2 seconds vs. 76.7 seconds, respectively. Participants spent 10-15 more seconds reading redesigned job postings with TheLadders Scout. Participants who saw redesigned job postings with TheLadders Scout spent about one-third as much time reading the TheLadders Scout analysis as they did the job description. Overall, job seekers spend less time reading job postings than they think. When asked “How long would you say you typically spend looking at a job posting before deciding if it is a good fit for you?” participants responded:Less than 1 minute: 37% 1-5 minutes: 44% 5-10 minutes: 19% This contrasts with the amount of time eye-tracking technology showed participants spent reading job postings: a range of 49.2 â€" 76.7 seconds.Scouting out the competitionThis study showed that readers found competitive information about other applicants helpful when deciding whether a job was a good fit for them, and were more likely to make an accurate decision when that information was available. It also showed that applicants found the information useful, as evidenced by the additional time applicants spent with job postings that contained that information.Participants found the competitors’ information helpful, as it provided insight into their chances of receiving an interview, and several commented on having increased confidence by seeing how they compare to other applicants. Providing additional insight helps job seekers better understand their probability of getting a particular job, which alleviates frustration caused by the “Black Hole.” The study shows how new tech nology can make the job-hunting process more efficient for both job seekers and recruiters, alike.

6 Steps Thatll Make it Harder for You to Give Up on Your Goals

6 Steps Thatll Make it Harder for You to Give Up on Your Goals 6 Steps Thatll Make it Harder for You to Give Up on Your Goals Even though I don’t really follow basketball I’ve been a super fan of John Wooden for a number of years. Wooden was the legendary coach of UCLA’s men’s team, who led them to ten NCAA national championships in a 12-year period (including a record seven in a row!). A big part of Coach Wooden’s unparalleled success was due to his belief that success was an inevitable byproduct of doing the little things right. He didn’t believe in huge action or “silver bullets” and instead focused on the process of becoming a better player and person. “When you improve a little each day, eventually big things occur. Don’t look for the big, quick improvement. Seek the small improvement, one day at a time, as the only way it happens. When it happens, it lasts.” When I first read this quote it was like a punch in the mouth to me, because it was pretty much the exact opposite of how I had done things for such a long time. I was a classic couch to marathon type of person. I was that guy who didn’t exercise for two years, and then I’d get hit with a sudden burst of motivation and inspiration (probably from reading an article like this) and decide “I’m going to get in the best shape of my life!” So I’d get up off the couch and decide that I’m going to run a marathon. And I’d go out the first day and run 10 miles. And I’d eat perfectly. And I’d get to sleep early. And the next day I’d do it again. Sounds great so far, right? But by the time the third day rolled around, I’d be sore. And tired. And have other stuff to do. And I’d eat poorly. So I’d tell myself, “This sucks. Why am I doing this? I’m never going to do that again.” And then I’d wind up back on the couch. After years and years of trying (and pretty much always failing) with the big change approach, I finally started doing the opposite- and actually succeeding! I’m hoping that I can save you some of this pain and show you exactly how to build on “small” wins and have them turn into huge success. No matter what goal you have, what huge and amazing feat you’d like to accomplish, the reality is that you can make it happen simply by taking these six steps. It’s the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen. John Wooden Step 1: Name Your Goal This one is pretty easy because all you have to do is think about a big project or big idea that’s looming in your mind. If you’re not totally sure how to phrase it, just answer this question: What’s that one thing that you really want to accomplish- yet it feels too big to tackle? Whatever immediately came to your mind when you read that question is probably what you want to focus on. So jot it down somewhere (because written goals are more effective). One other way to figure this out, is to think about that big thing that you really don’t want to do, but you know you should, we all have a lot of these! That’s the goal that you’re going to accomplish, as long as you follow the remaining five steps. Step 2: Set a Reasonable Deadline I emphasize reasonable because many times, especially when we’re feeling really motivated and inspired (think New Year’s resolutions), we can be a little over zealous with our deadlines. For instance, we may look at something that we know should take about five months, yet we say, “This should only take three weeks.” And we start off super strong, but then we don’t get anywhere close to hitting our deadline (our goal) because it was completely unrealistic. As a result, instead of building upon our success, we feel like a failure because we didn’t even get close. That’s why you need to set a reasonable deadline, whatever reasonable is for the particular goal you have. Step 3: Break it Down (Work Backwards) For this step, you’re going to work backward in time. Break your goal down by weeks, months, quarters, whatever timeframes are necessary based on the goal itself and the deadline you’ve set- from the deadline backward until today. The second habit in Dr. Steven Covey’s* The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change is to “Begin with the end in mind.” The reason this works, as Covey explains, is that it’s “...based on imagination- the ability to envision in your mind what you cannot at present see with your eyes.” So consider your final goal and break it down into smaller goals, working backward from when you intend to achieve it, to where you are today. Step 4: Answer the “When?” and “What?” Once you have your goal broken down from the deadline to today, the next step entails deciding the when? and the what?- as Neil Fiore explains in Awaken Your Strongest Self, “...back-time from the deadline and, moving down the page, write in each week or month until you come to today. Then ask yourself, “When can I start today? On what part will I start?” Two simple but powerful questions: - When can I start today? - On what part will I start? As Fiore explains, you’re essentially creating a clear path to the goal. You’re dictating the exact steps necessary to make your goal a success. The purpose of this is so your mind can start working on the goal positively instead of being worried about what’s happening and all of the action you’re not taking. Now is when you’re going to start getting specific. What exactly are you going to do in order to reach your goal? Step 5: Start The fifth step is simply to start putting your plan (your when and what) into action. Don’t worry about how efficient you are or anything like that because it doesn’t matter how great (or not great) you are at whatever it is you are doing, it’s all about starting. In the words of author Steve Pressfield,“Start before you’re ready.” It doesn’t matter how long you work on it, just start. Take some type of action, whatever that action is. Step 6: Bring it to the Present The next and final thing you want to do is maintain that action, that motion, that momentum. Fiore says to simply ask yourself, “When can I start again?” By breaking your goal down into all of those different parts and bringing it back to today, you’re moving it to the present. As Fiore explains, “You’ve just created a mental image of a project that spreads out into the future, like steps toward your goal, but also returns your mind to the present where your body can release its energy and start working.” Then, instead of your mind wasting all of this energy thinking about what you’re not doing, it’s able to actually focus on doing whatever it is you need to do. Just take one step. Then another. Then another. More From Inc. 15 Questions You Should Ask Every Time You Start a New Project The Best Way to Tackle a Massive Project Is to Start Right Now Which to Do First: Small Task or Big Project?

Networking

Networking Networking Networking is your most important job search strategy. Why network? Your elevator speech Make a list of contacts Informational interviews Contact potential employers Maintain your network Take your network online

Tenancy Agreement FAQ - Australia-ACT

Tenancy Agreement FAQ - Australia-ACT Tenancy Agreement FAQ - Australia-ACT GeneralWhat is meant by Governing Law?The Governing Law will be the jurisdiction in which the property is located. It may or may not coincide with the jurisdiction in which the parties reside. The Residential Tenancy Agreement will be governed by the laws of the jurisdiction where the property is located. Why isn't a verbal residential tenancy agreement sufficient?The problem with oral agreements is that they can be difficult to enforce. If a dispute arose, a court would have to hear evidence and decide whose version of the truth to accept. If there is a written agreement, courts will generally be obligated to uphold the terms of the written agreement even if they don't agree with them. What is addressed in a residential tenancy agreement?A Residential Tenancy Agreement typically addresses the following: the type of property being let; the address of the property being let; the term of the tenancy and whether the tenancy is fixed or periodic; the amount of rent payable, how often and when the rent should be paid; and the provisions of any bond. In addition, a residential tenancy agreement may also identify the following: taxes that are payable by the tenant; landlord improvements and signing incentives; tenant improvements and signing incentives; landlord and tenant repair obligations, who will pay for what utilities; whether the tenant can assign or sublet the property: notice provisions for termination of the tenancy; and insurance provisions. Does the Residential Tenancies Act apply to all residential tenancy situations?No, there are some residential tenancy situations not covered by the Residential Tenancies Act. Some of these include: agreements in conjunction with the sale or purchase of a property; agreements where the property is owned by a company and the tenant/s have a controlling interest in that company; agreements where the tenant is a boarder or lodger; and agreements for the right to occupy the property for a holiday. What makes a residential tenancy agreement different from a commercial property lease?A residential tenancy agreement is a tenancy agreement for your home. Governments have recognised the sanctity of the home and have extended increased protections to tenants by enacting laws ensuring a minimum set of rights for tenants. A Residential Tenancy Agreement cannot take away these basic tenant rights. The PartiesWho are the parties to the tenancy agreement?The parties to a tenancy agreement are the lessor, also called the landlord, and the lessee, also called the tenant. The lessor owns the property and allows the lessee to use the property in exchange for monetary payments called rent. Who is the landlord's agent?The landlord's agent may be anyone who looks after the property for the landlord. An agent may be the landlord's friend, a landlord's family member or a landlord's real estate agent. Landlords are usually held responsible for their agent's actions. What does ACN mean?Under the Corporations Act 2001, every company in Australia is issued with a unique, nine-digit number. This number is referred to as an Australian Company Number (ACN) and must be shown on a range of documents. The purpose of the ACN is to ensure adequate identification of companies when transacting business. New companies are issued with numbers by the Australian Securities Investments Commission (ASIC) upon registration. What are the landlord's obligations?The landlord's obligations are defined by the terms and conditions contained in the tenancy agreement and the laws specific to where the property is located. The most important obligations of the landlord include providing the tenant access to the property and allowing the tenant peaceful enjoyment of the property. The legal owner of the property also has obligations to maintain the property to minimum standards. What are the tenant's obligations?The tenant's obligations are defined by this tenancy agreement and the laws specific to where the property is located. The most important obligations of the tenant are to pay rent on time and not to cause damage to the premises. What if I don't know one party's name or contact information?A blank space will be provided in the form that can be filled in later if you are missing information about one of the parties. We recommend, however, that you attempt to make the contract as complete as possible, for greater certainty. Does the tenancy agreement specify anything regarding the tenant's conduct?Yes, the tenancy agreement specifies that the tenant cannot: use the property for anything other than residential purposes; use or allow the property to be used for an illegal purpose; cause or allow nuisance; interfere with the quiet enjoyment of neighbours; leave the property vacant for more than 21 days without informing the landlord; and sublet the property (or a part of the property) without the written consent of the landlord. What happens if I breach a term of the tenancy agreement?If you breach a term of the tenancy agreement you are responsible for correcting it. If you are the tenant, this may involve you paying money to fix any problems caused by yourself or your guests. If you do not voluntarily pay to correct the breach you can be sued for damages sustained as a result of the breach and/or possibly evicted by the landlord. The PremisesWho can live in the premises?Only tenants and people listed as occupants may reside in the premises. The landlord must be informed and approve of any change to the list of permitted tenants. Children born or adopted while the tenant lives in the premises are automatically added to the tenancy agreement as occupants. Also, each jurisdiction may restrict the number of tenants/occupants in the premises if that number violates health or safety standards for housing. Health and safety standards are typically expressed as 1 person per X sq. metre. The standard varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction so if you are concerned, check with your local housing/public health authority. What is a basement suite and how does this differ from renting a room?Typically, letting a room or a basement suite means you are sharing an accommodation with the landlord. A basement suite is a self-contained dwelling unit complete with its own kitchen, bathroom, and living area. Most tenants of a basement suite use a separate entrance to enter the house than the rest of the occupants. If you rent a room, you will likely share either the kitchen or bathroom with the landlord. What are body corporate bylaws?A body corporate is the group of all the owners of lots or units which share common property. The body corporate bylaws refer to the set of rules governing the internal management of those lots. The bylaws may specify rules relating to noise, parking, behaviour of guests, pets, garbage disposal and the use of common property. The bylaws are sometimes referred to as a Community Management Statement. Tenancy Agreement TermWhich tenancy agreement term should I use?LawDepot allows you to choose from 2 main types of tenancy agreement terms. Fixed End Date - A tenancy agreement with a fixed end date gives certainty of term for both the landlord and the tenant. It specifies the exact day the tenancy will end. The advantage here is that neither party has to give notice to terminate the tenancy agreement, it simply ends on the specified date. During a fixed term tenancy agreement the landlord cannot increase the rent, or change any other terms of the tenancy agreement unless he specifically reserves the right in the agreement, and the tenant agrees to the changes. Periodic - A periodic tenancy will continue so long as neither party wishes to terminate the tenancy agreement. To terminate the tenancy agreement the landlord and tenant must give notice of their intention to leave as specified by statute. A landlord can raise the rent, or change the terms of the tenancy agreement in these types of agreements by providing proper notice as required by statute. At the end of the notice period the tenant must move out or the landlord can start eviction proceedings against them. What happens when a tenant tries to terminate a fixed term tenancy?Typically when a tenant agrees to a fixed term tenancy, usually for either 6 months or 1 year, the tenant is agreeing to be responsible for the rent for that period of time. If the tenant vacates the premises prior to the end of the term of the agreement, the tenant will typically still be responsible for payment of rent for the entire length of the lease (provided the tenancy is not in a jurisdiction that allows the tenant to give notice to prematurely end a fixed term tenancy). Typically, if the Landlord is able to re-rent the premises prior to the end of the lease of the breaching tenant, the breaching tenant is no longer required to pay rent as the landlord cannot collect double rent for the premises. In addition, some leases may contain penalty clauses whereby the tenant is required to pay re-rental fees to cover part of the cost of the landlord having to re-rent the premises. However, the amount of the re-rental fee has to be reasonable and must be a pre-estimate of the damages that the Landlord will suffer in having to re-rent the premises early. What happens when the tenancy agreement term expires?The expiry of the tenancy agreement does not necessarily terminate the rental arrangement. If a Periodic term is selected, the tenancy agreement will automatically renew based on the same terms as the first tenancy agreement, unless it is varied by giving proper notice as required by statute. So a Periodic monthly tenancy agreement that continues for one year is actually 12 separate, automatically renewing tenancy agreements. The tenancy agreement will continue to renew automatically until one of the parties wishes to terminate the tenancy agreement (by giving proper notice as required by statute). If a Fixed term is selected, the leasing relationship may still continue after expiry if both the landlord and the tenant wish it to. In some jurisdictions, statute dictates that it will become a Periodic term tenancy agreement, usually of the month-to-month variety, though this may vary. In other jurisdictions, the Fixed term tenancy agreement may become a tenancy at will or a tenancy at sufferance when it expires, which lasts only as long as both parties wish it to, and is not subject to as much legal protection as a Periodic tenancy agreement. If you wish to terminate all rights under a Fixed term tenancy agreement as soon as the tenancy agreement expires, you must serve proper notice before the end of the tenancy agreement term, in accordance with local statute. RentDoes the landlord have to provide receipts for rent payments?Unless the rental payment is directly being deposited into the landlord's account, the landlord must provide a receipt for the payment. The receipt should state: the date of payment; the period for which the payment was made; which property the payment was made for; and whether the payment was for bond or rent. Can the landlord increase rent?The landlord cannot increase rent until 12 months after the tenancy begins. The landlord must give the tenant 8 weeks notice in writing before a rent increase. If the tenant disagrees with the rent increase the tenant can provide the landlord with 3 weeks written notice and vacate the premises or the tenant can apply in writing to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal to review the rent increase. To exercise this option, the tenant must apply at least 14 days before the rent increase comes into effect. Upon application, the rent increase will be suspended until the tribunal makes a decision. Does the landlord have to keep any records of rental payments?Yes, the Residential Tenancies Act requires landlords to keep a record of all rental payments for up to 12 months after the tenancy. NoticeHow much notice do I need to give to terminate a tenancy?In most jurisdictions, there is a minimum period of notice required by statute. The tenancy agreement can specify a notice period longer than the legal minimum, but it cannot specify a period shorter than the legal minimum. If it does, the legal minimum notice will still be required. You should consult the governing statute for these legal minimums as they will vary according to jurisdiction and the type and length of the tenancy agreement. What is notice to enter?A landlord usually does not have the right to enter a rented apartment suite unless there is an emergency, for example a fire or gas leak, or unless the landlord gives the tenant proper notice as defined by statute. So long as the proper notice is given, a tenant cannot refuse entry to a landlord. What should I do if I do not want to renew my tenancy agreement?You must provide proper notice to the landlord that you do not intend to renew the tenancy agreement, before the tenancy agreement expires. Notice must be given a certain amount of time before the tenancy agreement expires, as dictated by statute in your jurisdiction. This amount of time is called the notice period. Typically, the notice period is one month for leases with a term of one month or less, and two or three months for leases with a term of more than one month, but this will vary according to the jurisdiction. You should consult the governing statute for the jurisdiction the property is located in to find out the required notice period for your tenancy agreement. Bond and DepositsWhat is a bond/security deposit?A bond/security deposit is a sum of money the tenant pays to the landlord to guarantee that the tenant will fulfill all obligations under the tenancy agreement. The landlord holds the security deposit in trust for the term of the tenancy agreement to ensure that the tenant does not default on the terms of the tenancy agreement or otherwise damage the property. Should the tenant damage the property (normal wear and tear excluded) or if the Tenant has not paid rent, the landlord is entitled to recover the amount owing from the security deposit. Usually the tenant must provide the landlord with the security deposit at the start of the tenancy agreement term. At the end of the tenancy agreement term, the tenant will receive the deposit back minus any deductions for repairs/restoration. Please note: in some jurisdictions, a landlord is not allowed to ask for a security deposit. In other jurisdictions, a landlord may require both a security deposit and other types of deposits (for example, a pet damage deposit). You should review the governing legislation for the location of the property to make sure the type of deposit is allowable. What is the maximum amount of bond/security deposit?In ACT, the maximum bond that can be required is the equivalent in total to 4 week's rent. What is the Office of Rental Bonds?Administered by the Registrar-General's Office, the Office of Rental Bonds is the organisation authorised to act as an independent custodian of the bond paid by tenants. All records held by the Office of Rental Bonds are protected by the Privacy Act (Cwth) 1988. How should the bond be paid?Bond can be paid in the following manner: The tenant can pay the bond directly to the Landlord. If the tenant pays directly to the landlord, then the landlord must lodge the bond with the Office of Rental Bonds (ORB) within 10 days of receiving the bond. If a managing agent is required to lodge the bond, then the agent must lodge the bond within 30 days of receiving the bond. If only partial payment is received, then each payment must be lodged within 30 days of receipt of that payment. The tenant can pay the bond directly to the ORB provided both the landlord and tenant agree to this method of payment. The tenant will not be allowed to possess the property until the tenant has produced a receipt demonstrating that the tenant has paid the bond. What information should be included in the bond lodgement form?If a bond is required, the following information should be noted: All parties should be listed separately with contact numbers; and Only parties who contributed to the bond should be listed; The Office of Rental Bonds assumes that if there is more than 1 party paying the bond, then each party pays an equal share. If this not the case then the parties must sign a written statement indicating how the bond was distributed. When can the landlord deduct from the bond/security deposit?The landlord can deduct from the bond/security deposit when the tenancy ends and the tenant owes the landlord money for either unpaid rent or damage to the premises. The landlord generally cannot deduct for reasonable wear and tear on the premises, (i.e. wear and tear that occurs just from living in the premises). The landlord can deduct for stains on the carpet or countertops, large holes in the wall, and missing appliances and other such things that are beyond reasonable wear and tear. Condition ReportWhat is a condition report?Prior to moving in, the tenant and the landlord should walk through the premises and write down any existing damage. This written account is called a condition report. The landlord and tenant should both get a copy of this report. It is also a good idea to take photographs or a video of the condition of the premises. This will assist in interpretation of the a condition report if there is a dispute at the end of the tenancy. In some jurisdictions, a condition report is also required upon moving out, as a condition for the landlord to make a claim against the tenant's security deposit/bond. Why do I need a condition report?A condition report will help to prove what damage was caused by the tenant for purposes of deducting the amount to fix the damage from the bond. What steps are required to fill out a condition report?A condition report must be filled out in the following manner: The landlord should complete 3 copies of the report and provide the tenant with all 3 copies within one day of the tenant taking possession of the property. If the tenant agrees with the report the tenant should sign the form without making any changes. If the tenant disagrees with the report then the tenant should make a note on the report indicating what he or she disagree with. Once the form has been signed and any changes made, the tenant should return two copies of the condition report to the landlord within 7 working days. The landlord must lodge one copy of the condition report with the Office of Rental Bonds (ORB). If the tenant does not sign the form, then it may be implied that the tenant agreed with all the information that was included in the condition report. If a tenant does not receive a condition report the tenant should contact the landlord and the ORB. ORB can inform a tenant whether a condition report has been lodged. If no condition report has been completed, then the tenant should complete a condition report and lodge it with ORB. Tenants and landlords should make every effort to provide an accurate description of the condition of the property as this could affect the tenant's entitlement to claim a refund for the full bond. Additional TermsCan I add any additional terms to the tenancy agreement?You can add additional clauses but any new terms or conditions which are inconsistent with the standard terms and conditions will be held void unless the Residential Tenancy Tribunal endorses those terms. Both parties must consent in writing to make an endorsement application. MiscellaneousWhat is an assignment and how does it differ from a sublease?Assignments and subleases both occur when the tenant gives his/her rights under the tenancy agreement to a third party. A sublease or an assignment typically requires the consent of the landlord. An assignment occurs when the tenant gives to a third party all of his or her remaining rights under a tenancy agreement for the entire term of the tenancy agreement. If a tenant assigns property and the landlord consents to the assignment, that tenant no longer has any rights to the property nor any obligations to the landlord. In a sublease the tenant can transfer a portion of the leased space (e.g. a room in a house) or a portion of the tenancy (e.g. for 5 of the remaining 6 months of the tenancy agreement) to a third party. The original tenant retains whatever rights under the tenancy agreement he or she has that were not transferred to the third party, and also retains most of his or her obligations under the tena ncy agreement. The original tenant can still sue and be sued by the landlord for lease violations. What are signing incentives?Signing incentives are bonuses the landlord gives to the tenant, typically for either signing a tenancy agreement or signing a fixed term tenancy agreement. They may include free month's rent, or a rent decrease for the months of the fixed term tenancy. If the tenant breaches the tenancy agreement, these incentives may have to be paid back to the landlord. Why do tenants need insurance? Doesn't the landlord already have it?While the landlord typically has insurance, it usually covers only the landlord's assets and liabilities. If you want coverage for your personal belongings or for your own negligence, you need to have renter's insurance. What coverage you want should be discussed with an insurance agent. What is meant by the Act?The Act refers to the legislation governing residential tenancy agreements in your jurisdiction. After you select the Location of Property when you are filling out the Tenancy Agreement Details, you will see a link beneath your selection to the governing legislation for the jurisdiction you have selected. It is not necessary to specifically state the name of the Act in your contract, as the relevant legislation is satisfactorily identified by the severability clause of your tenancy agreement. What does the clause other charges will be treated as rental arrears mean?Some rental contracts contain payments other than rental payments. For example the tenant may be required to pay utilities bills, or NSF charges, late fees or other charges. If these charges are not paid by the tenant, the landlord may treat these unpaid amounts as non-payments of rent and start eviction proceedings against the tenant for non-payment of rent. If this clause was not in the contract, the landlord could not treat a failure to pay these bills as a non-payment of rent and could not start and eviction process as quickly (or at all in some cases). What happens if I sign a tenancy agreement but cannot move in or take possession?When you sign a tenancy agreement, you are promising under contract that you will pay rent to the landlord. This is a legal obligation that courts take seriously. You may be liable to the landlord for loss of revenue that the landlord suffers as a result of you not paying the rent, even if you have a good reason for not being able to take possession. In some situations it may be less costly for you to simply take possession and immediately serve notice that you will be vacating as soon as the notice period expires - it may sometimes be better to pay for one or two months' rent than to go to court and be forced to pay more. Because this is a complicated situation, you may wish to contact a qualified lawyer in your jurisdiction, especially if large sums of money are involved. You should inform your landlord immediately of the situation, so it cannot later be claimed that the landlord suffered losses as a result of not knowing that you were not going to move in. You may also wish to contact your local Residential Tenancies Board or government agency who oversees landlord/tenant disputes to find out the extent of your liability, which may or may not be limited by statute. What is the Residential Tenancy Tribunal?The Residential Tenancy Tribunal is a tribunal established by the Residential Tenancies Act to hear disputes arising from tenancy agreements.