From Banker to Patisserie Chef

From Banker to Patisserie Chef Success Story > From: Job To: Startup From Banker to Patisserie Chef “I felt no passion for the job... I needed a more creative pursuit.” * From Banker to Patisserie Chef When another dull project landed on Reshmi Bennett's desk, she knew she had to make a change â€" away from the corporate world. After many inevitable mistakes along the way, she's now running a business that fulfils both her passion and her talents. This is her story. What work were you doing previously? Investment banking. What are you doing now? Patisserie chef and owner of Anges de Sucre. Why did you change? I felt no passion for the job and couldn't envision myself as a Vice President or Managing Director in the role. I thought I needed a more creative pursuit. Andcooking came naturally to me. When was the moment you decided to make the change? The moment I came back from back-to-back due diligence meetings in Dusseldorf and Belgium to be handed yet another dull project to pull an all-nighter on. (It was during the pit of the recession where we were scraping the bottom of the project-barrel.) Are you happy with the change? I can't imagine my life before! Yes, it is stressful and difficult at times, but I get a great sense of satisfaction from the work I do. Plus, I'm surrounded by pretty patisserie and cakes all day long now. What do you miss and what don't you miss? I miss the stability of a predictable pay cheque and not worrying about taking sick leave or a holiday. However, I don't miss the diva antics of some bosses or daily, peak-time commutes! How did you go about making the shift? I applied to one of France's top culinary institutions for a professional French Cuisine diploma. I moved to Paris to study after being accepted on the course. I then gained valuable experience working with Michelin-starred chefs and in kitchens in France before moving back to London to start my own business. What didn't go well? What 'wrong turns' did you take? I made some very expensive mistakes. This happened particularly during the build of our shop. I hired terrible tradesmen out of desperation to get jobs done quickly; I also underestimated the importance of a good team of staff. Because I was buried in the operational 'bowels' of the business, I often overlooked what was happening 'on the ground' in front of our customers, which is the most important thing! How did you handle your finances to make your change possible? I saved my redundancy package and bonuses, and simplified my lifestyle (which is surprisingly easy to do when on a strict budget!). What was the most difficult thing about changing? The uncertainty of whether the change wouldultimately be successful or not. What help did you get? I roped in help from friends and family â€" from my parents helping in the kitchen making macaroons to my mother-in-law writing blog posts for the website, and to friends helping with building our shop! As a small business owner, your friends and family can be invaluable as a support network. What have you learnt in the process? I've learnt how to get a grip of my gut. I've made plenty of mistakes due to naivety (and no doubt will continue to do so), but with each I've learnt lessons, adapted and honed my gut feeling, which comes in handy whenever making decisions. Oh, and I've learned to always read the small print! What do you wish you'd done differently? I wish I had gained some retail experience before opening a shop. What would you advise others to do in the same situation? Gain as much experience as possible in the field you wish to embark on (to see if it's something worth changing for and to also learn from someone else's mistakes!). What resources would you recommend to others? The British Library's Business and IP Centre is a wealth of knowledge and freely available. If you are considering starting your own business I would highly recommend short courses on social media marketing. To find out more about Reshmi's business, visit www.angesdesucre.com. This story was sourced by atom42. What lessons could you take from Reshmi's story to use in your own career change? Let us know in the comments below.

10 Interviewing Tips to Get You the Job - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

10 Interviewing Tips to Get You the Job - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career Go into every interview with the end-goal of receiving a job offer.  Make it your decision as to whether you want to work for the company rather than letting the company determine whether you are a fit. While interviewing is not always easy, there are certain tricks which can be implemented to increase ones odds of getting the offer and making the hiring manager confident that you are the right applicant.  Here are 10 ways to do so: 1. Positive Energy People are attracted to those who display positive energy, are upbeat and who are optimistic about their career outlook. One of the biggest tricks to interviewing is sounding enthusiastic about the position and, by do so ensuring the interviewer that you are interested in the job and are ready to contribute to their team effort. 2. Set firm goals The best companies set firm goals and do everything possible to obtain them. As a job seeker, you should be no different. Prior to interviewing, take the time to write down where you want to be in 1 year, 3 years and 5 years.   Be specific and map out a step by step plan to ensure that you get there. If we dont know where we are going, our overall achievements are going to end up a fraction of what they could be. Be focused and tenacious in your goals and let those ambitions be heard by the hiring company. 3. Remember its what you can do for the employer The best way to sell is to talk in terms of what the other person wants. Take the time to think about what benefits and skills you bring to the table.  Read over the job description and envision the concerns and needs of that employer. By speaking about how you can deliver the desired results, you are more likely to get an offer and, when you do you have more leverage negotiating the salary you want.  In essence, give the employer what they want and you will get everything you need. 4. Be approachable and likable When interviewing, the hiring manager is going to look for intangibles such as whether you are going to fit in with the corporate culture a.k.a. will you get along with the employees and enjoy working there. The best way to make the interviewer confident that youll fit in is to be approachable and likable throughout the interviewing process.  Dont play hard to get, remain easy going and connect with the individual on a personal basis.  Remember to smile. 5. Focus If we are focused 100% on an interview, psychologically we cant be nervous, tense or judgmental of ourselves.  The best conversations occur when both parties are fully engaged and this happens when everyone is focused on only the interview and nothing else. Leave everything unrelated outside of the room and if you find yourself distracted or getting nervous the simple remedy is to put your mind at ease listening only to what the interviewer is saying rather than what you are telling yourself. 6. Strong mentality Remember to always approach the interview with fearlessness, optimism and confidence.   Dont be afraid of failure.   Rather be honest and authentic; its the most anyone can ask of you. 7. Never get discouraged during tough interviews The best interviewers are going to ask you tough questions.  Never take it personally, rather consider it due diligence on the end of the interviewer and be thankful that you are speaking with a hiring manager who knows what they are doing. When we think upbeat thoughts, the positive energy allows us to focus and come across more upbeat and engaging.  If you find your answers slipping, quickly pick yourself up.  Everyone gets discouraged; though, when we begin to take difficult interviewing questions as due diligence as opposed to a personal knock, we are more apt to be successful. 8. Be determined to get the job Luck favors those who are determined to reach a specific goal.  As a job seeker, you should have a focus and drive to ace every interview that you go on making sure to leave multiple positive impressions on employees throughout the company. You should expect to win.  When we are focused, driven and expecting success, it comes. 9. Ask the right questions in the right manner When you ask questions, dont come across as skeptical or prying, rather ask the questions because you want the information.   People dont like hidden agendas and interviewers are no different.  Prior to interviewing, formulate some interviewing questions that you are comfortable with and deliver those inquiries in a non-assuming, intelligent manner. 10. Focus on the positive aspects of the position Regardless of pay, title or industry, there are both positive and negative aspects to any position.  Its your choice what you focus your attention on and its a lot more productive to hone in on the things you enjoy about the job rather than letting the downsides cloud your judgement and outlook. Take the time to write the benefits of working at the company on a sheet of paper.  Everyone likes a sincere compliment and it never hurts to convey those points of interest to the hiring manager. In the End You should look at the interviewing process as enjoyable rather than considering it a chore.  Think positively, stay focused, follow your intuition and youre bound to get the position that you want.  Author: Ken Sundheim  is the CEO of  KAS Placement  a recruiting firm based out of New York City.

Useful Interview Instructions from Start to Finish

Useful Interview Instructions from Start to Finish In a difficult job market, making it to the job interview can feel like quite an accomplishment. But in reality, this is where your chance to land the position begins. Most human resource departments will interview several candidates for the job, and in a competitive job market the number of candidates that are interviewed for each position is increasing from three to five or more. It is important to realize that you need to make the best impression from the time you enter the interview until well after the interview is over. Preparing for the  interview: Most people know how to dress appropriately for an interview, but your preparation needs to go further than simply choosing the right pair of shoes and getting your haircut. Prepare a portfolio that displays the work that you have done in the past. The best portfolios are built over time. If you have just graduated from school, you should highlight the classes that directly apply to the position you want. As you gain experience you should substitute out your class projects with examples that you have done in the workforce. If possible you should also create an online portfolio to include in your resume and cover letter. Take a hard copy of your resume and a copy of your portfolio on a jump drive that you can give to the interview committee at the end of the interview. In addition to your portfolio, take time to learn about the company. The company’s philosophy and business strategy should be online. Generally you can also find out about the people who are interviewing you or how the department you will be working in will fit into the company. The Internet makes it easier to find this information, but if you can use this in the interview it will help make a better impression. RELATED:  How To Best Prepare for Your Job Interview. During the Interview Practicing the basic interview questions is a good idea. Ask friends and family members to review the basic questions with you. You need to prepare for different interview situations such as a panel interview where you will be interviewed by several people instead of by just one person. You need to make sure you make contact with each person you are speaking to throughout the interview. It is important to feel comfortable in front of the group. If you are in a group interview where you and several other candidates are being interviewed at the same time, you should make sure that you volunteer answers for questions. It is important that you have a unique answer that applies to your job skills and that you are not just echoing someone else’s answers. This is a difficult interview because you need to be assertive without coming across as being aggressive or rude. In the interview you need a firm handshake, and make a personal connection with the person who is interviewing you. Make sure you highlight any experience you have that they specifically listed in the job description. Each answer should connect back to one of the strengths you can offer the company with an example of how you have done it in the past. This is essential in the interview; you are selling yourself to the company. This means that it is okay to highlight your strengths and talk about how they can benefit the company. Related: How To Behave in a Behavioral Interview. After the Interview Take time after the interview to make another good impression. Within twenty four hours you should send a thank you letter to the people who interviewed you. In the email or card you can mention your online portfolio again, but the letter should focus on how much you enjoyed the interview, and that you appreciate their time and consideration. It does not need to be a long letter, but the people who interviewed you will remember you took the time to thank them. In addition to an email you can send a thank you note through the mail. This may make an additional impression. Be sure to use the correct names on the cards. Related: How To Send a Follow-Up Thank You Letter. Charissa Newark is the resident blogger and the editor for AccountingDegree.net. After graduating from the University of Maryland with a B.S. in English in 2005 and unable to find a “9-5”, Charissa began freelance writing and doing research for various websites. A few of the current topics she is researching include helping with choosing an online accounting school.

Snack Attack

Snack Attack The world belongs to those with the most energy. -Alexis de Tocqueville There’s no denying that everyone, at one time or another, has had a snack attack. Views on snacking differ. Some feel that snacking is bad and that eating between meals leads to weight gain. Others believe that eating many small meals and snacks throughout the day is healthy for maintaining energy levels and optimal weight. If there were one way of snacking that was right for everyone, we would all be doing it! To alleviate snack attack guilt, try to understand why you are snacking and what snacks work best for your body. Perhaps you snack because your daily diet is missing nutrition, or because you are eating too little at meals. You might be snacking to soothe jangled nerves when you are emotional, or to entertain yourself when you are bored. Whatever your reason, acknowledge it and start thinking about how to create a life that is nourishing and truly satisfying. Although snacks are no substitute for loving your life, they can be great energy boosters. Many convenient snack foods are highly processed and full of chemicals, additives, damaging fats and refined sugars. When a snack attack hits you, try foods that are filling and satisfying, but also nutritious. Here are some tips: Snack on things that don’t come in a plastic wrapper or a box, like fresh fruit, leftover vegetables or rice cakes with almond butter and fruit spread. Make your own signature trail mix, organic hot chocolate made with almond milk sweetened with agave nectar, or blue corn chips with hummus. You can also try “upgrading”: If you are craving something crunchy, upgrade from potato chips to raw carrots, apples or whole grain crackers. If you are craving a candy bar, upgrade to a handful of nuts and dried fruit. Instead of a cup of coffee, upgrade to green tea. Instead of ice cream, upgrade to applesauce with cinnamon. Upgraded snacks are high in nutrition and give you a greater sense of satiety and satisfaction; you won’t feel physically or psychologically deprived, and you’ll have plenty of energy to sustain your activities for hours. Snacking is enjoyable and there is a wide variety of healthful goodies for whatever you’re craving, be it sweet, crunchy, salty, creamy or spicy. Dive in, be creative and enjoy your snack attack.

The Dos And Donts Of Job Interviews

The Dos And Don’ts Of Job Interviews There’s an increasing amount of competition in the job market, and some roles receive hundreds of applications so it’s important for candidates to stand out from the crowd.The first stage is to make sure your CV really sells your skills on paper, enough to win you a face-to-face interview with a potential employer.If you’re lucky enough to be selected for an interview it’s typically the last chance you’ll have to make a good and lasting impression and secure the job or a second stage interview, so it’s vital that you put in the effort and prepare properly for it.evalFailing to prepare is preparing to fail. An interview is a time when you’re at your most vulnerable and there’s often a lot riding on it, so if you are unprepared you might find that it becomes a wasted opportunity.Whether you’re an interview aficionado, a recent graduate with no prior interview experience in your chosen field, or you’ve recently re-entered the job pool after being made redundant, ther e’s always more to learn when it comes to preparing for a job interview.This handy infographic has been created by Reception Desks Online, and it highlights some of the key dos and don’ts that will help you to nail your next interview and stand out from the other candidates…Infographic Credit â€" receptiondesksonline.co.uk

Why Professional Mentors are Such a Big Deal

Why Professional Mentors are Such a Big Deal We all need supporters. We all need the wisdom of those who have gone before us. We all need professional mentors. Im not referring to a hierarchical structure where there is payback to the newbie on the team. Im not talking about mentors who like to dish out what was given to them or simply gossiping about other people in the organization, while claiming they are just showing you the ropes. Im talking about women and men who will give their time and encouragement to help support your journey. Here are three attributes to either look for in a good mentor or to be a good mentor. A mentor that understands, its not about them. The best kind of mentors are people who are looking for talent.  They know that it is less about what they get out of it and more about supporting others to gain from their networks or experience. At the same time, it is true that both usually benefit, but the intention matters.   Successful people recognize that they had help getting the positions they have and have altruistic motivations to pass that on to the next generation.   Good mentors can see potential and invest their personal experiences to help others gain skills and share connections. A mentor who is available and open to give opportunity. Choose a mentor who has the time to invest in the relationship and also make sure that you have the time to meet on a semi-regular basis.   Without consistent meetings and access to information its hard to learn and gain valuable insights into developing skills. Also, be aware that some people are reluctant to share crucial information that will help you be successful.  Unfortunately, some can see a mentoring relationship as threatening, so they may limit valuable information.  Therefore, find someone confident who you dont appear to compete with. A mentor who shares experience and has achieved a level of success. Find a mention that has reached the level of success you are personally looking for. Try to find a mentor who is really doing what you see yourself doing in the next 10-15 years. Its similar to an apprentice. Youll want to find someone whose job youd like to have some day. Ive seen many well-intentioned people that get grouped together, but the job isnt in alignment. Dont make the mistake of meeting just because you like someone.  You may personally like someone, but make sure they walked the path you are wanting to walk. Otherwise, the mentor wont have the information you need to develop the particular career you are trying to achieve. Finding a mentor can be hard.   Not all seasoned professionals have wisdom. Its important to trust your gut on this one. Find someone you trust, find someone who wants to genuinely give back and has altruistic reasons for mentoring. Find someone you respect and who believes in your career journey. These relationships can be absolutely instrumental in your career development and an organically open opportunity that goes beyond expectation.   Most times we cant be where we are today without being lifted up by the people that believed in us. Whether the mentorship is based on reaching a particular position, being financially set, or simply accomplishing a goal you set out for yourself, mentors can help you out of problems and potential pitfalls that are new to you.  Who better to help you out of novel problems than those who have already experience them?  That is why professional mentors are such a big deal. By Dawn Shaw|2017-04-21T18:16:21+00:00December 15th, 2015|Career Management, Performance|0 Comments

How to Write a Strong Resume

How to Write a Strong ResumeIf you have always been interested in writing resumes and job applications, but never had the time to learn how to write a strong resume, then you will definitely want to read this article now. There are many different types of resumes out there that you may find yourself using and some of them you may find to be completely unfriendly to you. In order to make sure that you are writing the perfect resume, you need to know what you are doing, and what to do to make it work for you.The first thing you need to understand is that when you are writing a resume, it is important to go in with an idea of what you want to achieve from your resume. You need to know what you hope to get out of your resume, and you also need to know the difference between your qualifications and other people's qualifications. This is especially true when you are trying to learn how to write a strong resume, because you need to make sure that you are not covering up or changing your qua lifications.Once you know what you want to achieve, and where you want to start in order to achieve it, you will be well on your way to learning how to write a strong resume. When you are looking at the things that you need to include on your resume, it is important to keep in mind that you will need to follow a certain format. For example, if you are trying to learn how to write a strong resume, it is best to avoid including more than three pages of information in your resume.Another thing that you should look for when you are trying to learn how to write a strong resume is to make sure that the information that you are going to include on your resume is not too long. Remember that employers are not looking for a few pages worth of information on your resume. You need to only include information that will have any positive impact on the employer, and one way to do this is to make sure that you only include the information that you need to.When you are learning how to write a strong resume, remember that you will also need to be careful about using acronyms and abbreviations as well. Do not use these on your resume unless they are relevant to the position that you are applying for. Employers will most likely not be able to understand the context behind these terms, and it is possible that they could disqualify you from the job, which is why it is important to look for these terms in other resumes.If you are a medical professional, for example, and you are trying to learn how to write a strong resume, then you will need to know how to address your letter, especially when you are trying to sell yourself. Most professionals have learned how to write a strong resume, but you will need to know how to address it. This can be something that can be a little tricky, and you may want to consider using a professional resume writer for this task.The final thing that you need to remember when you are trying to learn how to write a strong resume is that you should not go in to your job search on autopilot. There are many people who only submit their resumes when they are contacted by a potential employer, and these people forget that this is not how to write a strong resume. You should always be doing research about the company that you are applying for, and you should consider getting feedback from past applicants about the company that you are considering.These are all things that you need to consider when you are trying to learn how to write a strong resume. After you have learned the basics, you will be well on your way to having a successful job hunt. Remember that you are only as good as your last resume, so take the time to learn how to write a strong resume, and you will find that it can help you move quickly through the hiring process.