# data[].attributes.body
Personal

To improve my tennis skills and join a tennis team

To start kickboxing/ a self defence sport

To read fiction or nonfiction books daily

To focus on improving my gut health and committing to a more organic diet

Professional

To get a graduate role in a Fashion PR Agency or an In-House Fashion PR team

To find a role which is above £23,000 upon graduating

To work on my skills within Generative AI and Technology

To improve my Adobe InDesign and Photoshop skills

To be leading a team within the first four years after graduating

# data[].attributes.headline
VISUAL CAREER PLAN- where am I now and where do I want to be? 

# data[].attributes.subject
VISUAL CAREER PLAN- where am I now and where do I want to be? 

# data[].attributes.body
Now: Working in the fashion industry at an entry level and studying for my degree, aiming to get a first. Practising my time management skills by juggling two part time jobs and a degree.

Next year: Find a graduate role, most likely entry level, at a PR Agency or in house. Begin to save for a house deposit.

In three years: Leading a small team of my own, in a junior manager position. Saving up a house deposit, able to put aside at least £500 a month away comfortably.

In five years: In a more senior management position, where I am able to travel frequently in my role. Buying my first property in London or the outskirts. Start to plan how I will start my own business and how I will fund it: consider taking on a side hustle if my salary is not high enough.

In ten years time: With the relevant experience and knowledge, leaving my full time role and pursuing my dream to start my own PR agency based in London.

# data[].attributes.headline
INTERPERSONAL AND MANAGERIAL DEVELOPMENT 

# data[].attributes.subject
INTERPERSONAL AND MANAGERIAL DEVELOPMENT 

# data[].attributes.body
How will I improve my interpersonal skills?

Although my interpersonal skills are already strong, I will improve them through finding a graduate role where I am able to frequently travel to an office and have face to face interactions and client meetings and build on my communication skills. I should avoid remote work as in my experience this has put a dampener on my communication skills massively.

How will I improve my managerial skills?

My previous internship work has really taught me how to better manage time and follow instructions, and having to report to a manager is really beneficial to understand how they run the team smoothly. I will make an effort to learn more about finances through regular communication with my manager at FashionVerse and at Sweaty Betty, as my financial knowledge could definitely be improved.

# data[].attributes.body
Gcses and A-Levels

During my GCSEs, I was able to learn basic maths and science skills which have helped me in my roles to date and will help me in PR when working out available budgets and costs.

Although I didn't enjoy studying science subjects which I wasn’t passionate about, I can acknowledge the importance of having a basic education to help me in the corporate world.

I found English, Art, and Religious Studies easier subjects as I was able to channel my creativity into these topics and learn more about different cultures and perspectives.

My degree in Fashion Marketing

There were no negatives associated with choosing the degree which I am passionate about. I’ve loved every module at Fashion Retail Academy, the only thing I would change is my own efforts in Adobe, which I definitely could have done better and will improve in following modules.

# data[].attributes.headline
WHAT WILL MAKE ME STND OUT IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY?

# data[].attributes.subject
WHAT WILL MAKE ME STND OUT IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY?

# data[].attributes.body
Creative: I have channelled my creativity in numerous internships, particularly in my recent job at FashionVerse, where I have been given the creative licence to decide on backgrounds in the game, and outfits in the game. I use inspiration from Pinterest, the news and social media for my ideas. I also used my creativity in my presentations to ASOS and The White Company through uni

Proactive: I am a highly proactive individual and am proud of my networking skills. Two of the fashion internships I have completed were found through networking with industry connections on Linkedin and introducing myself. I put alot of effort into networking with the right people on Li.

Organised: I have built on my organisational skills in recent months, when I have juggled two jobs and a degree, as well as my social life, exercise and my relationship with my boyfriend and family.

Driven: I am always looking for ways to better myself both personally and professionally, I do this through reading books, self care, and attending fashion talks/events.

What traits could I work on?

Self criticism. Throughout all my jobs I have received the same feedback which is that I undervalue myself once I am established in a position. I have no issue with confidence during interview processes, but when I am given a task I always convince myself it is not good enough even if it is great.

How will I work on this?

Acknowledging that this is a weakness of mine is the first step to action. I need to communicate with hiring managers what helps my confidence, which is positive reinforcement. I also need to stop the negative self-talk and look at my work and achievements from an outsider's perspective.

# data[].attributes.body
What am I good at?

I am good at creative tasks such as proposing ideas for businesses and using my innovative thinking.

Why do I like it?

I always enjoyed English and Art at school, and I like carrying that into fashion and beauty, which has always fascinated me.

Why is creativity important to me?

Creativity is special to me because it has been a great way for me to express myself and my emotions in my work.

How can my creativity benefit me in the future?

My creativity will help me to excel in a PR role where I will be able to give ideas for events, launches and influencer collaborations

# data[].attributes.body
Helping others to succeed and leading a group

Using my creativity to provide suggestions for businesses or clients

Teamwork and networking with external and internal people

I really enjoyed creative modules at uni such as Globalisation and Internalisation, and Brand Management

What am I good at?

Getting jobs done quickly

Presentation skills

Confidence

Communication skills

What do I struggle with?

Being overly self-critical

Being sensitive

WORK EXPERIENCE

Likes

I have enjoyed my role at Sweaty Betty, where I am able to help women to find the right clothes for them

I have enjoyed being creative at FashionVerse, creating new garments and backgrounds for the game

I have enjoyed teamwork at ‘Capsule Comms’, working with my peer from uni to meet tight deadlines

Strengths

I have excelled in my role at FashionVerse because of my ability to meet tight deadlines and produce creative garments

I have been resilient at Sweaty Betty, and had hardly any time off sick- I always show up and get the job done

Core skills

I have learnt patience in my recent role at FashionVerse, working with a colleague who I don’t always see eye to eye with.

I have bettered my communication skills through my role in recruitment, where I was responsible for communicating with both candidates and clients

# data[].attributes.headline
Ted Talk- How adaptability will help you deal with change 

# data[].attributes.subject
Ted Talk- How adaptability will help you deal with change 

# data[].attributes.body
80% of jobs which should exist in 2025 do not exist today- there is constant change around us with advancing technology

The average amount of jobs in someones life is now 6 companies throughout their life, where it used to be one or two

1 third of the UK's workforce is dealing with anxiety or mental health issues: the human race is not coping well with change

We cannot impulsively jump from change to change without recognising it

Important to rationalise your response to change and make sure you aren't acting off emotion.

APPLY THE CHAIR THEORY in Louise Evans Ted talk- sit in the connect chair and process the information before acting on it.

"We can't always control the change that happens but we can control our response to it"

The adaptability equation: Adaptability= Purpose+ Inquisitiveness+ Resilience+ Threat. Developing your capability in these areas helps you deal with change and become more adaptable.

How can I apply this equation in my own career when adapting to new changes in tech, DEI, sustainability and other key industry trends?

Purpose- I need to remember my purpose and what I bring to the table- my organisational skills, my interpersonal skills and my capability to think on my feet.

Inquisitiveness- I need to remain curious about evolving areas in the industry and keep well read in these areas- I can do this through magazines, social media and press.

Resilience- I need to remember that change is often positive, and stay calm even if my skillset needs to change over time to adapt to the fast paced environment.

Threat- I need to continue recognising the threat of AI on my future roles, and always find new ways to improve my skillset.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How Adaptability Will Help You Deal With Change | Jennifer Jones | TEDxNantwich

# data[].attributes.body
Ted Talk by Anthony Goldbloom- “The jobs we’ll lose to machines… and the ones we won’t”

1 in 2 jobs have a risk of being overtaken by machines

Machine learning started in the early 90s

Machines excel at high volume tasks, and they struggle handling things that they haven’t seen frequently before

Machine learning runs from high volumes of data, and basically struggles with the nit-picky, new words and data

Humans have the ability to solve problems we have never seen before

Important to consider which jobs have frequent, high volume data and which roles require automating this data

“It will be humans who are behind brilliant marketing campaigns, and it will be humans developing our business strategies”

My take from this talk

My soft skills are my interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence and ability to offer empathy. These skills will help me when I am competing against machines, because machines cannot currently offer the same emotions. However I acknowledge that as machines become more advanced, I will need to learn new skills which they don’t possess.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The jobs we'll lose to machines -- and the ones we won't | Anthony Goldbloom

# data[].attributes.body
My take from this article

Our lives are being taken over by AI

Affects the way we travel, the food we eat and how we spend our money

Most jobs will be heavily affected by AI

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
7.00am
You wake up and glance at your iPhone, which unlocks itself using facial recognition
Apple's Face ID converts your face to a set of numbers that act as your own unique identifier. This biometric portrait is not set in stone - it uses AI to track changes in your appearance, updating its model if you grow a beard, change your makeup style or get older, and it also detects whether your eyes are open and your attention is directed to your phone. Many of the iPhone's core functions are AI-enhanced. The photo app can blur backgrounds and artificially alter lighting to create the illusion of a studio photoshoot, and uses computer vision to recognise people and objects and categorise images into themes and locations. Siri uses natural language processing and machine learning to interpret your voice requests. Apple Maps predicts traffic patterns to give the quickest or quietest route, or the one with the least uphill. When you message a friend, an algorithm is also ingesting your words to pick up your writing style to power predictive text suggestions - including relevant emojis.

7.40am
You ask Alexa to put on some music for the kids at breakfast
Once Alexa is woken up, it starts recording your words, but interpreting them takes some serious computing power. For this, your recorded speech is sent to Amazon's servers, which act as Alexa's centralised brain. Speech recognition software takes audio and converts it to text, language processing algorithms extract the meaning and (some of the time) the information requested is beamed back to your own Alexa device. Like most AI systems, the more data Alexa has, the better it performs. To help this learning process, humans review a sample of the requests to steer the AI towards providing ever more helpful and sophisticated responses.

8.10am
You drive to work in your electric car
Cars such as the Tesla can do most of the mundane aspects of driving. The vehicle's AI system collects data from eight cameras, identifies the presence of obstacles, lanes, intersections and traffic lights and decides what action to take, whether manoeuvring into an awkward parking spot or overtaking a slow lorry. But self-driving cars know only how to deal with situations they have seen before, and an ongoing challenge is how to equip them for rare and unexpected events. The cars also work less well in foggy and rainy conditions. "The realities of the road are complex and unpredictable and when they get things wrong, they can get things very wrong," said Dr Mhairi Aitken, an ethics fellow at the Alan Turing Institute. Steering, braking and acceleration can be controlled by the car, but the human driver must continue to pay full attention at all times and be prepared to manually intervene whenever needed.

8.25am
You stop off at the supermarket on the way to work
Most public CCTV cameras passively record footage rather than running it through an algorithm in real time. However, a growing number of retailers, including Co-op, Budgens, Sports Direct and House of Fraser, use AI-driven facial recognition systems provided by the security company FaceWatch. A high-resolution camera, typically mounted at the entrance, captures the face of everyone who walks in. These images are beamed to a computer, which extracts biometric information and makes a comparison with that of faces on its watchlist - a virtual rogues' gallery of individuals previously caught shoplifting or deemed to be suspect by retailers. If the algorithm reports a high chance of a match, FaceWatch's team of human super-recognisers confirm or discard the match before the retailer is alerted. Otherwise, the biometric data is discarded.

9.00am
And then to the hospital where you work
AI in medicine is being intensively researched and the first applications are assisting the analysis of scans and enabling more precise surgery. The Lung Health Check programme, screening for those at risk of lung cancer, uses AI-based computer aided detection to help detect the growth of lung nodules, with a clinician making the final call on findings. "A lone human reader would detect 80% of the things we want to call and on a bad day you can go down to 60%. With AI it boosts you to 90% of actionable findings," said Dr Arjun Nair, a consultant radiologist at University College hospital London. "It helps point you in the right direction - it's kind of a buddy." However, such software is not in widespread use for clinically indicated scans, when a patient is referred by their GP due to symptoms that could indicate cancer.
On your lunch break, you proofread a job application cover letter for your daughter, a recent university graduate
1.15pm

AI is shaking up the recruitment process, especially for graduates. The job adverts that people see are personalised by content recommendation algorithms on Google, Facebook and Instagram. Many applicants are turning to OpenAI's ChatGPT to help craft individualised cover letters, allowing them to apply for jobs at a superhuman rate. And in what sometimes feels like a recruitment arms race, about one in 10 student employers are using AI to filter applicants, with single advertised positions sometimes attracting thousands of applicants. Firms such as Goldman Sachs and Unilever now routinely use HireVue video interviews, in which a candidate answers pre-determined questions and the platform's AI algorithm generates an "employability" score based on a candidate's word choice.
Your phone pings with a message from your Amazon Ring doorbell - a package has been delivered to your doorstep
3.30pm

Last year, about one in five households in the UK reported having an AI-based home security system. Amazon Ring uses a motion-activated camera, heat sensor and radar and uses computer vision software to alert users when a person, or package, is outside their property. "A human can look very different depending on where they're standing," said Dave Ward, the international managing director for Ring devices. "Humans have a heavy heat signature and with the radar we can detect the object moving in 3D space. The last thing we want is for a user to get a notification that someone is outside their door and it's a fox."
You have a headache and log the symptom to your fertility-tracking app
4.00pm

Period and fertility-tracking apps such as Flo use neural networks to analyse your data to give health insights, such as when your next period is due and your ovulation dates. However, some of these apps have also run into trouble for data-sharing practices that have allowed third-party companies such as Google and Facebook to use highly sensitive health information for other purposes including advertising.
You scroll through TikTok on your coffee break
4.30pm

TikTok has more than 1 billion monthly active users and as they watch and share clips the platform is observing and learning about them in return. The basic concept involves users creating and sharing short videos, which other users watch. You don't need to tell TikTok your tastes or interests: it rapidly gauges this from your reactions - whether you watch a video partly or to the end, share it or skip past it, uninterested. As you scroll and click, TikTok refines its profile of your core personality traits and interests, and uses this to predict which content will keep you most engaged. It then uses this profile to match it with relevant content, using natural language processing to make sense of captions and computer vision to identify what a video contains. Increasingly, AI is also being used to create or enhance content, from AI Taylor Swift giving you a pep talk to more concerning examples of misinformation. The platform has introduced a new labelling policy to help users keep their bearings in a place where it can be hard to distinguish the real from the fake.
At home you send some personal emails from your Gmail account
6.15pm

Email may feel almost retro these days, but Google and others have been steadily adding AI-based features that analyse content, organise your inbox and even draft your messages for you. The Smart Reply feature uses machine learning to gauge, based on past examples, what an appropriate reply might be. If you're invited to an event, options might include "Yes", "No" or, for a more personal touch, "Sounds amazing, I'll be there!". Gmail can automatically categorise emails and nudges users to follow up when someone has not replied and also prompts you to respond.
You're planning a weekend break with the family to Dublin. So you ask ChatGPT to recommend an itinerary
6.30pm

OpenAI's ChatGPT uses a type of AI called a large language model to convert text into mathematical data that encodes not just individual words, but also the layers of meaning contained in a phrase or sentence. The model was trained on a vast corpus of text - essentially the entire open internet - to learn the statistical patterns of language, and it uses this knowledge to respond to prompts by the user. In development, ChatGPT was also trained by human users who rated its responses to steer it towards being helpful and inoffensive. A downside is that ChatGPT can be unreliable, sometimes providing "facts" that sound plausible, but are untrue or outdated. In the chatbot's own words: "It's important to understand that ChatGPT doesn't have the ability to verify the accuracy of the information it provides."
Your online Tesco delivery arrives
8.45pm

The retailer has been quick to adopt AI to optimise delivery routes taken by drivers and has been trialling the use of heavily automated urban fulfilment centres, in which robots on conveyor belts are used to retrieve and drop off pallets of goods. Tesco has also pioneered the use of analytics to predict consumer behaviour, correlating demand for specific products with weather conditions, changes in the economy and regional demographics. Tesco's ordering system is automatically updated in real-time based on what customers are buying.
You scroll through a Guardian article that contains a personalised ad
9.50pm

As you read news articles, scroll through social media, make Google searches and buy things online, you leave behind a trail of clues about who you are and what you might want to spend your money on that is incredibly valuable for digital advertisers. AI sifts through this data for insights into your age, gender, lifestyle, disposable income and whether you're into cooking, water skiing, makeup tutorials or sci-fi. This allows companies such as Google to serve up specific, targeted adverts that pop up as you scroll through a news article.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Discussions about AI often focus on the futuristic threat posed by superhuman intelligence. But AI is already woven into the fabric of our daily lives

# data[].attributes.body
My takes from this article:

The fashion industry is responsible for 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions per year

Secondhand, vintage and rental websites are an increasingly popular trend in the industry

Make sure that any brand you work for in the future is taking steps towards being sustainable, or it could end up in their downfall.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
In 'Get Your Greens', an ongoing series in line with Earth Day, British Vogue explores how the industry is advancing towards a greener future.
Sustainable fashion is a term that's increasingly used (and overused) these days, as we all become ever more aware of the serious environmental impact of our clothes. The industry is responsible for a shocking four to 10 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions every year - a figure that can't be overlooked considering the urgency of the climate crisis we're facing right now.

But what does sustainable fashion actually mean? In short, it's an umbrella term for clothes that are created and consumed in a way that can be, quite literally, sustained, while protecting both the environment and those producing garments. That's why cutting CO2 emissions, addressing overproduction, reducing pollution and waste, supporting biodiversity, and ensuring that garment workers are paid a fair wage and have safe working conditions, are all crucial to the sustainability matrix.

Read more: 9 Key Sustainable Fashion Trends To Look Out For In 2022

Considering the number of factors involved, there are still too few brands out there currently tackling all of these complex issues, and even those that are will admit that there's always room for improvement. This means simply shopping for items labelled "sustainable" is not enough; we need to completely rethink our purchasing habits and the way we consume clothes.

So, if you want to ensure your wardrobe is as sustainable as possible moving forward, here's everything you need to know.

Buy less and buy better

It may be a cliche, but the mantra "buy less and buy better" is key when you consider that a staggering 100 billion garments are being produced globally every year. Before making a purchase, sustainability consultancy Eco-Age 's chief strategy officer Harriet Vocking advises that you ask yourself three all-important questions: "What are you buying and why? What do you really need? Will you wear it at least 30 times?"

Invest in sustainable fashion brands

Buying better can also mean supporting designers who are promoting sustainable practices, including the likes of Ahluwalia, Connor Ives and Collina Strada, who all use upcycled textiles in their designs. Narrowing your search for specific items can also help, whether that's seeking out brands producing activewear more sustainably (such as Girlfriend Collective and Indigo Luna), swimwear (including Stay Wild and Fisch) or denim (Outland Denim and Re/Done).

Shop secondhand and vintage

With secondhand and vintage now increasingly accessible thanks to sites such as The RealReal, Vestiaire Collective and Depop, consider buying pre-loved items when looking to add to your wardrobe. Not only will you extend the life of these garments and reduce the environmental impact of your wardrobe as a result, you can also find one-of-a-kind pieces that no one else will own. Look to the likes of Rihanna and Bella Hadid - both vintage aficionados - for inspiration.

Try renting

Instead of buying a new dress for that wedding or BBQ this summer, it's now easier than ever to rent something to wear instead. According to one study, an astonishing 50 million garments are bought and worn just once every summer in the UK alone - a dirty habit we need to quickly ditch, given that the equivalent of one garbage truck of textiles is burned and landfilled every second.

Avoid greenwashing

As consumers become ever more aware of their environmental footprint, greenwashing - brands using vague, misleading or false claims to suggest it's more eco-friendly than it actually is - is becoming increasingly prevalent. Look beyond buzzwords such as "sustainable", "eco-friendly", "conscious" and "responsible" to see if brands have detailed policies to back up their claims.

Know your materials

Understanding the impact of materials is crucial when it comes to making more sustainable purchases. A good rule of thumb is to avoid virgin synthetics, such as polyester - which makes up 55 per cent of clothes globally - as these are derived from fossil fuels and take years to break down. Not all natural materials are made the same: organic cotton, for example, uses significantly less water than conventional cotton and doesn't use harmful pesticides.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
What Does 'Sustainable Fashion' Actually Mean?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
What does sustainable fashion mean? What are the sustainable fashion brands you need to know, and why is sustainable fashion important? Here is Vogue's ultimate guide to sustainable and eco-friendly fashion, and everything you should know about the sustainable fashion industry.

# data[].attributes.body
​9% of executives and boards in the UK fashion industry are held by people of colour & 39% by women.

11% of executive team and board “Power Roles” (CEO, CFO, Chair and Creative Director) are held by people of colour, and 24% by women.

86% of white men in the industry believe the industry is diverse. 46% of women of colour believe the industry is diverse.

17% of companies have published quantitative DEI targets

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The British Fashion Council promotes leading British fashion designers in a global market. Its events and initiatives support and strengthen the UK's reputation for developing design excellence.

# data[].attributes.headline
Industry Panel- Aneal Bird, CEO of CareerHive

# data[].attributes.subject
Industry Panel- Aneal Bird, CEO of CareerHive

# data[].attributes.body
Aneal discussed his move from banking into CareerHive

He encouraged us to consider what makes us happiest, and follow that

Do not be afraid to 'hop' to another job if your environment is no longer benefitting you

He emphasised there is no time frame on when to leave-as soon as something is negatively affecting your mental wellbeing you need to get out

Using your skills to your advantage

Discussed Maslow's hierarchy of needs and how it applies in the workforce- you need to figure out what you NEED, and what you WANT in a role

Importance of networking: LinkedIn is a growingly important tool when finding new roles

# data[].attributes.body
Helping others is important to me, because it gives me a feeling of fulfilment and happiness

I feel strongly about equality and ensuring everybody has the same opportunities in life

I would like to work with a company whose values align with my own, and where I am able to grow and absorb information like a sponge. I would like my next role to really set me up for my future in fashion

What traits do I value in myself and others?: Positivity, kindness, respect, loyalty, patience, good listening skills, creativity, confidence

# data[].attributes.headline
Ted Talk: "How to speak so that other people will listen"

# data[].attributes.subject
Ted Talk: "How to speak so that other people will listen"

# data[].attributes.body
7 habits to avoid when speaking to people:

1) Gossip

2) Judging

3) Negativity

4) Complaining

5) Excuses

6) Exaggeration

7) Dogmatism (the confusion between opinions and facts)

HAIL- how to speak positively:

H- Honesty

A- Authenticity

I- Integrity

L- Love

Do not UM and AHH- just pause and think before you speak

How can I apply this in my own career when interviewing or networking?

I already have confidence in most elements of HAIL, but I think my integrity could be improved. I often claim to be a confident individual and don't follow through with that promise, which is something I am determined to work on.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to speak so that people want to listen

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Have you ever felt like you’re talking, but nobody is listening? Here’s Julian Treasure to help. In this useful talk, the sound expert demonstrates the how-to’s of powerful speaking -- from some handy vocal exercises to tips on how to speak with empathy. A talk that might help the world sound more beautiful.

# data[].attributes.body
What do I want to do in life?

I want to be in a career that fulfils me and makes me happy, which I genuinely enjoy

I want to provide a life for my own family one day which is happy and comfortable- good salary and career progression is important to me

What does success really mean to me?

Success is being truly happy and excited by my job, and being able to excel in what I do

Money is also important to me, and my long term goal is to hit a six figure salary.

What are my core career goals?

Within the next five years, I would like to be in the position to lead a team in a managerial role.

I would eventually like to have the skillset to have the option to start my own PR agency

What are my core personal skills?

My empathy and communication skills

# data[].attributes.headline
Motivation at work test results- Career pulse

# data[].attributes.subject
Motivation at work test results- Career pulse

# data[].attributes.body
Areas I need to consider when searching for roles:

Control- my level of work is not really determined on what position I have in the business, but I don't like being micromanaged. I will have to put up with this in the early stages of my career in entry level roles, and put my annoyance aside

Failure aversion- this result shows that my level of success isn't dictated by the prospect of failure. I should consider this more in future roles at failure could have a knock on effect or cause me to lose a job.

# data[].attributes.headline
Brand Communications Masterclass (Ann Summers) 

# data[].attributes.subject
Brand Communications Masterclass (Ann Summers) 

# data[].attributes.body
Behind the scenes: Brand awareness is crucial- getting as much coverage as possible, going above and beyond to achieve that.

Insights: what do Ann Summers recruiters look for?

300 average number of applications for an early career role. 8-10 candidates are invited to assessment day. Usually one offer is made.

Ann Summers look for:

Engaged with the opportunity. Send the correct CV, tailored to the role. Act super keen.

Transferable skills.

Alignment to company values.

Impact of assessment. Don’t always try to be the loudest in the room- add value in what you say, be clear and concise, engage with people well. Don’t make it all about you.

Top tips for early careers roles

Be deliberate with your applications. Don’t just apply for anything

Stand out from the crowd. Be proactive, reach out to the hiring manager on Li, etc

Sweat the small stuff. Consider things such as the brands social media, influencers, do your research on the brand and their campaigns and strategy.

Own the value you add. Own your superpowers, be confident in what you have to offer

# data[].attributes.body
During our bootcamp, we were given twenty minutes to write an email from the viewpoint of a PR specialist proposing an internal email for a fashion company following a scandal.

I loved this task, and I learnt how to think on the spot. I wrote the email how I would want to receive it if my business had messed up- full of apologies and offering a clear, structured plan of how things will be fixed. Hopefully I did okay!

# data[].attributes.body
This report highlights many predictions of key trends in the industry in 2024, but these were the stand outs:

M&A (Mergers and Acquisitions)- many dealmakers are preparing for a surge in 2024 due to the rise in AI, the growing importance of sustainability and more demanding, tech-enabled consumers

The rise of generative AI and how it will affect businesses

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
We use cookies essential for this site to function well. Please click "Accept" to help us improve its usefulness with additional cookies. Learn about our use of cookies, and collaboration with select social media and trusted analytics partners here.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We use cookies essential for this site to function well. Please click "Accept" to help us improve its usefulness with additional cookies. Learn about our use of cookies, and collaboration with select social media and trusted analytics partners here.

# data[].attributes.headline
GWI 'Connecting the dots' 2024 consumer trends 

# data[].attributes.subject
GWI 'Connecting the dots' 2024 consumer trends 

# data[].attributes.body
1) 'The media's got a trust problem'- The number of Americans who don't trust the press has grown by 24% since 2020. Although this might not affect my future positions in the UK, it is an important threat to recognise as the press is a crucial PR platform which could be at risk. I will aim to focus on other PR platforms too, such as digital and influencer marketing which is increasingly popular.

2) 'AI excitement rising, but so is concern'- Interest in AI has grown 36% year on year, but the worry is doubling that. I will adapt to this in the workplace by ensuring any AI I am using is explained to me fully and safe, and reassuring potential clients of that.

3) 'Boomers are doing more scrolling and shopping'- There's been a 57% increase in baby boomers using TikTok since 2021. This will be really useful knowledge for me to take into the workplace, because I can ensure baby boomers are being targeted by online PR aswell as offline, increasing sales.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The new
American dream

Consumers have been spread thin owing to the macroeconomic climate, and now have more modest ambitions and perceptions of themselves.

Shake
it off

Americans are dealing with a lot coming out of the pandemic. So, they turn to media to give them an outlet for their emotions.

Read more

The exhausted States of equality

America's landscape is in flux. Social justice fatigue might be setting in. How can brands hit the mark?

Read more

OK
doomer

Although environmental pessimism is on the up, worry remains stable. Repeated exposure to the situation is causing climate change fatigue.

Read more

This is virtual, this is me

Interest in virtual worlds is rising. Creating safe spaces for experimentation is key for users to feel welcome.

Read more

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Connecting The Dots - The Consumer Trends To Know For 2023

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The biggest consumer and marketing trends that brands and agencies need to know for 2023.

# data[].attributes.body
Key Takeaways:

There has not been much progress on brands being transparent. I will apply this in the industry by selecting a brand who is transparent about their values and morals, because they are more likely to have success in a competitive industry.

The fashion industry is still failing factory workers with poor wages. I will ensure I read up and ask about a brands factories before deciding whether or not they are a brand which aligns with my morals of equality.

Gender and racial equality- still only 4% of brands enclose their ethnicity pay gap data. Equality is super important to me in my first role, so I want to make sure they are fair and not discriminating against anybody.

My main takeaway from this report is that there is alot which needs to be fixed in the fashion industry, however taking the positives from it- as young people we have the voices and potential to make change in the workplace. I'm excited to offer my passion in helping people and diversity in my first role and see what impact I can have.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
TAKE ACTION

Anyone, anywhere should be able to find out how, where, by whom and at what social and environmental costs their clothes are made. This requires greater transparency across fashion's global value chain.

So, our call to you is this - do not use this Index to inform your shopping choices but rather use these findings to inform your activism.

We urge readers to use these findings to speak up and challenge the big profitable brands and retailers on their claims, urging them to be more accountable and prove that they're making changes in reality and not just on paper.

For citizens, this means calling on:

European policymakers to legislate on living wages. Through the Good Clothes, Fair Pay campaign, we collected hundreds of thousands of signatures calling on the European Parliament to introduce living wage legislation for garment workers worldwide - stay tuned for future campaign updates!

Major brands and retailers to be more transparent on all the issues included in the Fashion Transparency Index - get in touch with brands and ask them #WhoMadeMyClothes?, #WhoMadeMyFabric? and #WhatsInMyClothes?

Policymakers, using our postcard template, to create legislation that holds big brands accountable for human rights and environmental impacts across the entire value chain.

Shareholders and investors to use their power to influence big brands to be more transparent and do better for the planet and the people who make our clothes, including making investment decisions on the basis of how transparent companies are or are not.

Civil society, such as trade unions and NGOs, to ensure that brands' policies and practices translate into positive outcomes in the places where clothes are made.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
FASHION TRANSPARENCY INDEX 2023 : Fashion Revolution

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We love fashion, but we don't want our clothes to come at the cost of people or our planet.

# data[].attributes.body
My key takeaway from this test is to remember that I am easily led by my emotions, which can be a negative in the workplace. I need to make sure I have a good line of communication with my managers, and remind myself not to be self critical and practise positive thinking.

# data[].attributes.body
I am confident in my decision making skills, and I feel my test score reflects this. I always take my time before making a decision and make sure I have a variety of sources and people to help me reach a conclusion.

# data[].attributes.body
I have strong personal resilience, but I could work on ensuring I ALWAYS cope well with change, which is something I struggle with from time to time. I can do this through remembering everything happens for a reason, and change often leads to bigger and better things, even if it doesn't short term.

# data[].attributes.headline
Workplace Culture/ Teamwork Careerpulse test 

# data[].attributes.subject
Workplace Culture/ Teamwork Careerpulse test 

# data[].attributes.body
Workplace culture is very important to me in work. I want to work somewhere with great DEI and equality once I leave university.

# data[].attributes.body
I feel as if I have really developed my emotional intelligence in the workplace within the past few years, which is something I have always naturally possessed. I am a highly empathetic person and a good listener, which will help me out in the industry. I love working with teams and feel I have good leadership skills whilst making sure a team still feels heard.

# data[].attributes.body
1) Assess yourself

2) Identify your career goals and the skills you need to achieve them

3) Decide on a strategy and timeline for these goals and objectives

4) Execute those plans- block out time

5) Evaluate your progress

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Professional development is most effective when it is intentional, focused, and rooted in our long-term career goals and aspirations. There are many different professional development activities available to us, but our time is finite and precious. Creating a professional development plan (PDP) allows you to prioritize and organize your efforts to keep you moving closer to where you want to be.

There are many ways to go about creating an effective PDP. The steps below can help get you started, but don't be afraid to experiment to figure out what works for you and your institution.
1) ASSESS where you are now. What is your current job title, level, and (most importantly) what is your current set of professional skills and competencies?

What have you been doing over the past year, three years, or five years to help your professional development?

Are you where you thought you'd be at this stage in your career?

A PDP is a great way to start or continue your career growth. If you have been actively engaged with professional development, but you're not where you thought you'd be, this is a great opportunity to assess the effectiveness of your past strategies and actions.

Write down things that have helped or hindered your development in the past.

2) IDENTIFY your specific career goals and the skills, competencies, and experience you need to achieve them.

Cast your mind into the future and determine where you'd like to be in your career. Instead of jumping right to a specific job title, first ask yourself things like:

What does success mean to me?

What activities do I love the most?

What makes me feel most fulfilled in my professional life?

Am I experiencing a version of this success in my current job?

Where would I like to be in five years? 10 years?

Use your answers to those questions to identify jobs that will fulfill your specific needs.

Next, create a list of skills, experience, and competencies you need to achieve your long-term vision and goals. Compare this list to your existing competencies and skills. You should be able to see very clearly what is required to realize your vision of the future. What do you still need to gain or work on? These are the items that your professional development activities should provide you.

This stage is a great time to talk to your direct supervisor, or someone in a position that you hope to grow into.

3) DECIDE on a strategy and timeline.

First, take stock of the professional development opportunities available to you, and select the ones that align with your goals.

Set both short- and long-term goals and write them down! Be sure to make them SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Timely).

Next, decide on a timeline. It's important to give yourself deadlines and targets to ensure continuous progress. Plan your targets on a yearly basis and consider using your annual performance goals to track one or more of these goals.

Work with your leader for advice and support. They can help you ensure that your goals are a good balance of ambitious and realistic, as well help you identify additional opportunities for growth.

The most important thing is to write it all down with specific expectations, due dates, etc.

4) EXECUTE your plan.

This is a long-term effort, and if you're doing it right, it will be a continual process throughout your career.

Whenever appropriate, block out time on a regular basis to engage with professional development. When we get busy, professional development can be one of the first and easiest things to drop off of our priority list. Blocking out and setting aside time in small, manageable chunks throughout the year can help you to maintain consistent progress toward your goals.

Don't be afraid to jump on new opportunities as they arise. They may not be a part of your original plan, but as long as they still move you closer to your long-term goals, you can add them to your plan along the way.

And finally, what we learn is only valuable if we remember it and know how to apply it. Be sure to look for ways to apply the things you're learning through professional development.

5) EVALUATE your progress.

This often happens during annual performance reviews, but you should get into the habit of checking your progress against your timeline at a more regular cadence.

Measuring your progress will help you know if you are hitting appropriate milestones, are meeting your targets, and are on track for reaching your goals. You may need to set more manageable steps, or make new targets, or even set new goals.

If you have to adjust your plan or adjust your deadlines, this doesn't mean you've failed as long as you're still making forward progress. Plans change and, as you go through your career, your goals will progress with you.

Consider identifying one or more people to help hold you accountable and celebrate your successes.

Return to Toolkit Home| Continue to Professional Development Resources >>

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Steps to Create a Professional Development Plan

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Creating a professional development plan allows you to prioritize and organize your efforts to keep you moving closer to where you want to be.

# data[].attributes.body
S- Specific

M- measurable

A- Achievable

R- Realistic

T- Timely

I need to remember to use smart when identifying my goals in my career plan

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
5-second summary

Meet Jane. She's a product manager at a mid-sized tech company - let's call it Techfirm, Inc. Jane has been tasked with increasing usage of Techfirm's mobile app.

She knows she'll need all hands on deck to make this happen, but there's a problem. When Jane has set team-wide goals in the past, they've quickly fallen off track. Nobody seemed to have a clear understanding of what success should look like. Progress wasn't monitored closely enough. And inevitably, that important objective slipped to the back burner (before toppling off the stove entirely).

That's why, this time around, Jane plans to leverage SMART goals for setting an action plan and staying the course.

Want to get started right now?

What are SMART goals?

The SMART in SMART goals stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound.

Defining these parameters as they pertain to your goal helps ensure that your objectives are attainable within a certain time frame. This approach eliminates generalities and guesswork, sets a clear timeline, and makes it easier to track progress and identify missed milestones.

An example of a SMART-goal statement might look like this: Our goal is to [quantifiable objective] by [timeframe or deadline]. [Key players or teams] will accomplish this goal by [what steps you'll take to achieve the goal]. Accomplishing this goal will [result or benefit].

How to write SMART goals

Let's use Jane's objective to work through each component.

S: Specific

In order for a goal to be effective, it needs to be specific. A specific goal answers questions like:

What needs to be accomplished?

Who's responsible for it?

What steps need to be taken to achieve it?

Thinking through these questions helps get to the heart of what you're aiming for. Here's an example of a specific goal Jane might come up with:

SPECIFIC

M: Measurable

Specificity is a solid start, but quantifying your goals (that is, making sure they're measurable) makes it easier to track progress and know when you've reached the finish line.

Jane and her product team want to grow the number of their mobile app users - but by how much? If they get even one new signup, that's technically positive growth - so does that mean they're done? Same goes for their strategy; how many platforms will they advertise on?

To make this SMART objective more impactful, Jane should incorporate measurable, trackable benchmarks.

MEASURABLE

A: Achievable

This is the point in the process when you give yourself a serious reality check. Goals should be realistic - not pedestals from which you inevitably tumble. Ask yourself: is your objective something your team can reasonably accomplish?

Jane might look at her goal and realize that, given her small team and their heavy workload, creating ad campaigns for four social platforms might be biting off more than they can chew. She decides to scale back to the three social networks where she's most likely to find new clients.

ACHIEVABLE

Safeguarding the achievability of your goal is much easier when you're the one setting it. However, that's not always the case. When goals are handed down from elsewhere, make sure to communicate any restraints you may be working under. Even if you can't shift the end goal, at least you can make your position (and any potential roadblocks) known up-front.

R: Relevant

Here's where you need to think about the big picture. Why are you setting the goal that you're setting?

Jane knows that the app is a huge driver of customer loyalty, and that an uptick in their app usage could mean big things for the company's bottom-line revenue goals. Now she revises her statement to reflect that context.

Relevant

T: Time-bound

To properly measure success, you and your team need to be on the same page about when a goal has been reached. What's your time horizon? When will the team start creating and implementing the tasks they've identified? When will they finish?

SMART goals should have time-related parameters built in, so everybody knows how to stay on track within a designated time frame.

When Jane incorporates those dates, her SMART goal is complete.

time-bound

Knowing how to set goals using the SMART framework can help you succeed in setting and attaining goals, no matter how large or small.

Subscribe to Work Life

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to write SMART goals (with examples)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. Here, we work through an example of how to write them.

# data[].attributes.headline
STAGE ONE: FIVE KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM MY EDUCATION to apply to my career plan 

# data[].attributes.subject
STAGE ONE: FIVE KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM MY EDUCATION to apply to my career plan 

# data[].attributes.body
1) EVENTS MANAGEMENT. I really enjoyed my Events Management BTEC at college, and would love to run events and trips in a PR role.

2) CREATIVE WRITING. My English A Level showed me my love for creative writing, and it's important for me to be in a role where I am given the creative license to produce my own email marketing or E-Shots.

3) BUSINESS STRATEGY. Our FRLE module (proposed business strategy) and Internalisation and Globalisation (proposed business strategy) at Fashion Retail Academy taught me that I really enjoy providing recommendations for brands and giving creative and logical reasoning behind that. Therefore I would love to work for an agency where I am able to make suggestions to brands on how they can grow and improve their existing PR strategies

4) TEAMWORK. I have thoroughly enjoyed modules at uni where I am able to lead a team and work with my peers on a project. Therefore, teamwork is really important to me in future roles. I love working in intimate teams and not being isolated at work.

5) PRESENTATIONS. Uni has taught me even more that I love presenting. I am a confident public speaker, and it is important to me in future roles that I am given a voice and heard within the business. I will make sure to communicate this to my manager in any future roles

# data[].attributes.headline
STAGE ONE: FIVE KEY SKILLS to consider in my career plan 

# data[].attributes.subject
STAGE ONE: FIVE KEY SKILLS to consider in my career plan 

# data[].attributes.body
1) EMPATHY. I am a highly empathetic person, which will help me in business strategy/ proposing new PR plans to teams because I will understand everybody's point of view

2) ORGANISATIONAL SKILLS. This skill will help me in my leadership and teamwork responsibilities in the workplace

3) COMMUNICATION SKILLS. I am great at relationship building, and have great written and verbal communication. I will apply my communication skills in the creative writing elements of PR- email marketing etc. I will also use my communication skills in teams and when presenting.

4) NETWORKING AND PROACTIVITY. I am highly proactive, which will be really useful when organising PR events or trips. I am great at reaching out to people and building networks, and in a new role I would love to put that into practice.

5) EAGER TO LEARN. I have a real willingness to expand my knowledge, and look forward to being in a role where I can learn from my peers- that is why company culture is so important to me.

# data[].attributes.headline
STAGE ONE: MY FIVE KEY INTERESTS to apply in career plan

# data[].attributes.subject
STAGE ONE: MY FIVE KEY INTERESTS to apply in career plan

# data[].attributes.body
1) DEI and Inclusivity

2) Press and journalism

3) Marketing Events

4) Luxury fashion, lifestyle and beauty

5) Brand Identity

# data[].attributes.headline
STAGE ONE: MY FIVE KEY VALUES to consider in my career plan

# data[].attributes.subject
STAGE ONE: MY FIVE KEY VALUES to consider in my career plan

# data[].attributes.body
1) Authentic

2) Loyal

3) Creative

4) Reflective / Self aware

5) Diverse

These are traits I feel I possess myself, and which I value in other people. I really hope to work for an organisation who's company values align with mine.

# data[].attributes.body
1) Analysing databases (learnt at uni)

2) Professionalism (learnt in my full time sales roles)

3) Industry insight (from industry panels and mentors at uni)

4) Influencer marketing (through internships)

5) Negotiation (through recruitment and estate agency)

# data[].attributes.body
Relationship building

Confidence

Empathy

# data[].attributes.body
Creativity/ Innovative thinking

Time Management

Organisational skills

Networking

Communication

# data[].attributes.body
Creative writing

Patience

Overcoming challenges

Fast reader and writer

Research skills

# data[].attributes.headline
STAGE THREE- Current Industry Requirements and how I will fit in

# data[].attributes.subject
STAGE THREE- Current Industry Requirements and how I will fit in

# data[].attributes.body
INDUSTRY REQUIREMENTS

Adaptability is crucial in the fast paced fashion environment.

Communication is essential in PR and Marketing, both written and verbal

Organisational skills are important

I am confident I have all the key skills required to work in the industry I am heading towards (PR and Marketing).

INDUSTRY TRENDS

AI- I am already familiar with upcoming technology and my adaptability will help me accept any new AI developments

DIVERSITY- my interest in DEI will really help me in this industry trend, its something I feel very strongly about

SUSTAINABILITY- I am open to learning, so I am willing to learn more about how brands can be more sustainable

I want a role which offers great career progression, which aligns with my values and beliefs, and with amazing work culture.

# data[].attributes.body
I truly believe PR is the best position for me, as it really interests me and I have all the following necessary skills:

Writing skills

Research skills

Interpersonal skills

Social media skills

Creative skills

But, of course there's skills I need to work on such as:

Media relations skills

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
What skills do you seek in a PR professional?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Learn what skills you should seek in a PR professional who can help you communicate your brand’s story, values, and benefits effectively and engagingly.

# data[].attributes.headline
What tone of voice do I want to use in my career plan?

# data[].attributes.subject
What tone of voice do I want to use in my career plan?

# data[].attributes.body
I want my career plan to feel like a fun, open and honest chat. So although I have kept it professional, I have given it a light and fun tone of voice- same for my professional website.

# data[].attributes.body
I was lucky enough to have a 1 to 1 with Katriane Tsang from the careers team to run through my CV. She provided valuable advice regarding: lowering my word count, taking out certain areas, and also moving certain experiences to the education part of my CV. Following our discussion, my CV received 91% on CV360 which I am very pleased with.

# data[].attributes.body
I am very pleased with this score. The only thing I was told to work on was irregular capitalisation of certain words ie Marketing/ marketing which was unavoidable in my CV!

# data[].attributes.body
I am very pleased with this result, I think my confidence in communication and leadership was reflected in the group task and I was really lucky to have a great group. I enjoyed the professional skills task of writing a PR crisis email, and using my creativity there. I didn't enjoy the aptitude test, this is something I will practise for future interviews.

# data[].attributes.headline
Starting my own business- how will I do it after I've gained all needed skills?

# data[].attributes.subject
Starting my own business- how will I do it after I've gained all needed skills?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Starting a business - a step-by-step checklist - Experian UK

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We’ve put together this step-by-step checklist to help maximise your chances of being successful. From how to get started, to knowing how to survive and thrive.

# data[].attributes.body
I am confident my relationship building and communication skills will help me to build rapport in my own business- after all it is ME behind the branding!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
When it comes to building strong relationships, rapport matters.

Have you ever walked away from a conversation and felt instantly connected to the other person? Maybe it felt natural and easy. You might have felt you really hit it off or clicked with this person. It's likely that's because you were able to build rapport quickly.

But building rapport isn't always instantaneous. Like any other relationship, building rapport in a professional setting can take extra work and intention.

Depending on the nature of your role, you might lean on rapport and relationships quite heavily. In this article, we'll talk about what it means to have a rapport with another person. We'll also walk through a step-by-step guide on how to build rapport.

What is rapport?

First, let's understand how rapport is defined. Rapport is defined as a friendly, harmonious relationship. There's mutual agreement, understanding, and empathy that makes the communication flow well.

Once you have built good rapport, there is an implicit assumption of positive intent between both people that makes your interactions easier.

According to researchers Linda Tickle-Degnen and Robert Rosenthal , rapport requires necessary components to be present in a relationship.

Mutual attentiveness

Positivity

Coordination

These three elements are what make the dynamic structure of rapport - and they are all intriguing because they're nonverbal.

6 tactics on how to build rapport

When it comes to building rapport, there are steps you can take to strengthen your relationships.

How to build rapport

1. Make a good introduction

2. Actively listen

3. Ask engaging questions

4. Be aware of your body language

5. Find commonalities

6. Lead with empathy and respect

1. Make a good introduction

Making a good first impression starts with the small things. For example, this could be a firm handshake and a smile. It could be maintaining solid eye contact and remembering the person's name.

Your first impression will set the tone for the rest of the conversation. Eventually, the respect and communication you build with the other person. Be aware of how you're showing up in this first impression moment.

2. Actively listen

Have you ever been in a conversation where you're constantly interrupted? Or, perhaps someone continues to talk over another person in conversation? It's not a pleasant experience. And if you're meeting someone for the first time, it can leave a bad taste in your mouth.

Make sure you're putting on your listening ears. Be an active listener and pay close attention to the conversation. To be able to engage in the conversation meaningfully, you'll need to adopt good listening skills.

3. Ask engaging questions

We've all been in those one-sided conversations. When conversations are lopsided, it makes for bad connections. That's why asking engaging and thoughtful questions is so important.

To do this, think about the core of what you'd like to know about this person. What are you hoping to learn? What sort of questions will allow you to set a strong foundation for a relationship? What are your goals? Are you showing your interest in the other person as a whole person?

Once you've identified what you'd like to get out of the conversation, you can form the appropriate questions to match. Make sure you're actively engaged, talk less and listen more to their answers rather than planning out your next question.

4. Be aware of your body language

Your nonverbal communication is just as important as your verbal communication. Your nonverbal cues are central to building rapport. This includes things like posture, eye contact, facial expressions, and being aware of distractions.

If someone is constantly checking their phone or looking away during a conversation, it can send a message that they're not interested. Or if someone isn't making consistent eye contact, it can feel like they aren't being genuine or attentively listening.

5. Find common ground

I was at a wedding this past weekend. I was meeting a lot of people for the first time, many of whom were from other parts of the country and the world.

At first, I wasn't sure what I'd have in common with some of the other wedding guests. But I asked questions and engaged in deeper conversations, I found more commonalities than I originally anticipated.

For example, I met a woman from France. She was a friend of the bride, and I was a friend of the groom. She had met the couple while living in Austin, Texas but she's soon moving back to Europe with her husband. When I told her where I was from, we found out that her husband is also from my small hometown in Ohio. We also discovered we both enjoy yoga and she's recently taken up a meditation practice.

Moral of the story: don't judge a book by its cover. It can be easy to assume you don't have anything in common with someone based on first or second sentence introductions. But as you get to know the person better, you'll find some sort of shared experience, characteristic, or perspective.

6. Lead with empathy and respect

A strong, healthy relationship is built on empathy and respect. Empathy and respect are key components to building trust . This last and final step is more of a foundational element to string through in all of your interpersonal interactions.

Lead with empathy and a sincere desire to understand and get to know the other person. Beyond empathy, lead with respect. Treat the other person as you would like to be treated. By doing so, you'll be better positioned to build rapport more effectively.

3 reasons why rapport is important

Rapport is important for a few reasons. Let's walk through three key reasons why you should invest in building rapport with others.

It establishes trust

Trust is a critical element of any long-lasting relationship. Without trust, it's hard to maintain a meaningful and lasting relationship.

This is true for personal relationships but also for professional relationships. For example, if you're looking to get promoted into a new management role, your boss needs to trust you. They need to trust that you're going to do your job well. They need to understand your commitment to developing strong leadership characteristics.

Likewise for personal relationships, too. If you're building a new friendship, you want to be able to trust your friend. In order to be vulnerable with a friend, you need to have established trust.

It can help improve your business performance

Depending on your career, your livelihood could depend on building rapport. And rapport can help you improve your performance at work . Let's take folks who work in sales as an example.

Consider Greta: As a salesperson for a tech company, her salary structure is heavily weighted on how much business she brings into the organization. Her compensation is commission-based, which means she has to perform well to support her lifestyle.

But Greta is new to sales. Maybe she recently pivoted from a field that wasn't so people- or social- heavy. She has been trying hard to sell but hasn't spent much time building rapport with potential clients. As a result, her book of business has suffered.

Data shows that salespeople who spend more time building rapport perform better. Building rapport can be the difference-maker for performing well in your career.

It strengthens your social connections

Science tells us that social interactions are a critical part of overall health, happiness, and longevity. But strong social connections simply aren't possible without some element of rapport.

If you don't invest in your social health, your physical health can actually suffer. In fact, data tells us that folk with low social connections experience more chronic diseases, like cardiovascular diseases, immune disorders, and high blood pressure.

It can also lead to increased mental health problems, like anxiety, depression, and even suicide. Low social and emotional health also increases risk factors for health problems. Loneliness can make you more likely to suffer from stress, inflammation, and even high blood sugar.

9 example phrases to help build rapport

So, you're ready to start investing in your relationships. But you might not know where to start. We've compiled nine example phrases to help build rapport.

What's the best advice you've ever received?

What's something you're really proud of?

What's something that most people don't know about you?

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

What's one book you always come back to or re-read?

How's your day going?

What's something new you've learned recently?

What's one problem in your work that you wish you could solve tomorrow?

What are you looking for in _______?

Now, let's put that into context with some examples.

Maria is a mentor to Bridget. Bridget has worked at her company for a couple of years but she hasn't been promoted and she hasn't explored a new role. She's antsy to find something that challenges her but she's not sure what direction to take her career. In a coffee chat with Maria, she asks her, "What's the best advice you've ever received?"

Or let's take Bob. Bob recently connected with Florence. He's learned that Florence has recently moved to a new city. Florence also decided to pivot her career entirely to a new field. And while Florence is still establishing connections with people, Bob can tell Florence is eager to learn. In a conversation about what they've read recently, Bob asks, "What's one book you would read over and over again?"

Finally, let's look at James. James is a new leader on your team. He's recently been hired from another organization, so you're getting a new boss. James is doing one-on-one meetings with each of his direct reports, including you. You want to make a good impression on James.

But you also want to learn more about him, his leadership style, and his expectations for you. While talking about his goals for the team, you ask him, "What's one problem in our work that you wish you could solve tomorrow?"

4 ways to encourage your employees to build rapport

If you're a leader at your organization, you may be looking for ways to encourage your employees to build rapport. After all, rapport is a critical component of overall business success.

But it also plays a big role in the employee experience. The relationships between colleagues and managers have a big impact on things like retention, employee satisfaction, and employee engagement.

Here are four ways to encourage your employees to build rapport with one another:

Facilitate coffee chats or informal meet-and-greets between employees. At BetterUp, we're big fans of coffee chats. They're quick, simple, and easy conversations that can happen between any two employees. And oftentimes, they're not always work-related. Encourage your employees to get to know each other on a personal and professional level.

Invest in the employee experience. Does your organization host virtual or in-person events that allow for social connection? Does your company invest in things like clubs, volunteer activities, or team-building events? How are you creating company-hosted activities to help create rapport-building starters?

Encourage professional development around social connections. Create avenues for professional learning that focus on ways to build rapport. I've worked at organizations that host workshops focused on building relationships.

Provide access to coaching. Personalized coaching can help support your employees' communication skills. And building effective communication skills goes hand-in-hand with building rapport.

With virtual coaching, empower your employees to take charge of their development. With BetterUp, your employees can focus on skill sets like rapport and communication to help create more meaningful relationships.

Start building rapport today

Good rapport often starts with small talk. But soon, you break the ice. And it develops into a meaningful conversation chock-full of open-ended questions that engage and build great relationships.

At the heart of building rapport is great interpersonal skills. Folks need to have a keen sense of their emotional intelligence. They need to ask great follow-up questions and listen attentively. And they need to be intentional about building mutual trust.

Whether you're looking to influence people or invest in your working relationships, BetterUp can help. Your coach will get to know you on a personal level. Your coach will also help you develop the interpersonal skills you need to invest in building rapport.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to Build Rapport: 6 Tactics to Build Strong Relationships

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
When it comes to building strong relationships, rapport matters. Have you ever walked away from a conversation and felt instantly connected to the other person? Maybe it felt natural and easy. You might have felt you really hit it off or clicked with this person.

# data[].attributes.body
I had numerous technical problems with Interview360 which I have sent proof of via email, but I did end up being able to complete it. However none of my feedback loaded either so unfortunately all I have is evidence that I did it!

It was really useful to practise my interview skills and confidence, and next time I would do more research into competitors before my interview.