Multitasking is an art, an art which some people can’t handle very well .For them, dealing with each and everything that comes their way becomes difficult. However there are people who not only maintain a steady balance between things they deal with, but also accomplish very much at the end of the day. The question here is that is this whole idea of multitasking a good thing? Does it have any real benefits or is it just another way of straining our nerves. Let us observe some of the good and bad sides of multitasking below.

THE GOOD SIDE:

Concentrating on the good sides of multitasking vividly show that it is one of the best modes of work, which gives you the advantage of completing so many tasks in one time. This aspect of time saving is something that cannot be denied and is always associated with the concept of multitasking.

Not only this, the feeling of being productive at the end of the day is incomparable. You get a certain feeling of accomplishment which keeps you motivated for more and more work. To achieve and grow more, this advantage of multitasking cannot be denied.

THE DOWN SIDE:

Studies have shown that despite the advantages there are certain bad characteristic features that lie behind multitasking. The foremost of them is the stress factor. The continuous work, dealing with deadlines in a shorter period of time etc. are the issues that lead to stress and effect the overall general well being and the health of a person.

In the long run, the person who is used to multitasking may start to feel the low productivity and quick exhaustion. The work pressure invokes both mental and physical stress that ultimately develops fatigue and less motivation of doing things

SEEKING BALANCE:

As mentioned above, multitasking have both its rewards and drawbacks .Rewards in the form of productivity and achieving as much as you can in a small amount of time while drawbacks in the shape of stress and fatigue for both physical and mental well being. However we really need to find a solution for deriving as much as positive consequences from the art of multitasking.

For that matter what I feel and term as more important is the art of balancing between the things and tasks to achieve. You have to try your level best to maintain certain equilibrium between managing errands and responsibilities. This is the best and the most applicable solution to deal with the art of multitasking. It all depends on you and your strategy that how you deal and manage between various things that come your way throughout the day. But balance is the key factor while achieving the best out of the approach of multi tasking

PRACTICAL TIPS AND TRICKS OF MULTITASKING:

The fact that over the period of time our life styles have taken a turn towards constant daily activities cannot be ignored. With the changing work environment and styles, the habit of multi tasking seems to be a must for many people. There are certain very applicable tips and tricks that won’t lead to the multitasking stress. With them you can stay energized and productive all day long. Below are some of the guidelines which if followed can make multitasking a better experience.

• Develop habit of making a thing to do list.
• Deal with the most prioritized tasks first once you begin your day.
• Try to get rid of the distractions around you. Try to work in an environment that doesn’t shift your focus from the immediate tasks at hand.
• While working on computer, staying away from the social networking websites, instant messengers or just an online browsing to read news and articles is helpful.
• Cell phones are another source of interruption. If possible either you can switch them off or keep them on silent mode so that your concentration purely remains on your work.
• Learn time management, stay organized and try to figure out under what conditions and time you work more and best.

Thus multitasking is all about your strategy, how you adopt a certain line of work and how you manage it with total balance and efficiency bringing out the best and be successful in whatever work you do. Every individual has his or her own way of doing things; it is entirely dependent on how you manage your own capacity of performing tasks and achieving your objectives in a good or bad way.

Responsibilities:

• Brainstorm the idea of the product for the company’s satisfaction.
• Coordinates all areas necessary in order to bring the product into the market, and develops financial operating plans to project profit and loss of a product.
• Create and update management reports to track progress of product line, develop product descriptions and analyse performance of existing bank products.
• Develops and maintains key customer relations with internal business partners and vendor representatives, researches on competitive pricing and practices to ensure that the product remains competitive, and assures that the product has the highest quality of standard.
• Monitor industry trends related to the product.

Skills

• Strong background in finance, marketing and accounting
• Product managers never work alone which means that they must maintain good working relations with other team members.
• Despite this, he/she must have initiative when it comes to making decisions.
• Must also be proficient in accounting and other computer programs.
• Most importantly, product managers must have an in-depth understanding about the product’s features, pricing, benefits, positioning, design and promotions.

Education and experience

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, marketing or finance. Others may even opt to earn a master’s degree in business administration in order to advance their credentials.
• At least five years of experience in product management. 

Contact: If you are interested in this job please submit your CV to Sarah Pons at sarahp@mindworx.co.za. Visit the jobs section on www.mindworx.co.za for more info

Responsibilities:

Audit Portfolio Performance:

• Overall responsibility and accountability for all audit deliverables.
• Champion the leader led audit process of the company.
• Facilitates the determination of internal and external rates of audits to aid the financial sustainability of the company.
• Advises the Director on inherent reputation risk and the impact thereof on the organisation.
• Coordinates the compilation of the General Report of the company.
• Institutes appropriate governance and reporting structures and processes for effective quality assurance work of the Audit Business Units.

Executive Leadership and Performance:

• In conjunction with the Audit Corporate Executives develop the Strategic Audit Plan outlining the annual audit activities of the company, including analysis of the risks identified in terms of audits planned.
• Provides strategic leadership in creating motivated and high performing audit teams.
• Provides leadership and direction to the Corporate Executive team within the total audit portfolio.
• Ensures that the Corporate Executives formulate and implement plans and policies appropriate to the company audit strategy.
• Responsible for guiding and motivating a group of Corporate Executives.
• Guides and coordinates the performance of the Corporate Executives as well as providing ongoing support for their set performance deliverables.
• Serves as role model of executive leadership and performance management.
• Overall responsibility for people management processes within the audit portfolio.

Stakeholder Relations & Management:

• Strategic stakeholder engagement and management covering all key and critical company stakeholders.
• Facilitates the establishment and maintenance of sound relationships with service providers performing audits on behalf of the company.
• Acts as a national company brand leader, as well as reputation custodian.
• To engage in networking and other activities to further build on the company reputation.
• Develop and establish the core audit brand and image of the company as defined in the constitution as well as the Public Audit Act.

Deputising and Supporting the Deputy of the company:

• To deputise for the Deputy of the company, as required, in stakeholder engagements and all communication initiatives.
• To deputise when the Deputy of the company is away, or as appropriate on all his / her responsibilities.
• To support the Deputy of the company with all internal and external leadership and management activities.

Qualifications:

• Seasoned business leader, qualified as a CA (SA); RGA; ACCA.
• A relevant post-graduate business leadership degree will be advantageous.
• Extensive experience in auditing, and in an executive leadership and management role.
• A professional background demonstrating superior leadership ability within the audit / accounting environment.

Rate: R 850000 – R 1000000 per annum

Giant in the financial services are looking for a very experienced process specialist to provide executive and relevant stakeholders with detail and insight to the impact of planned modernisation and impactful improvement changes. The senior specialist would be responsible to construct and modify process and simulation models well ahead of planned changes.

Responsibilities

• Assess process strengths and weaknesses utilizing complex analysis techniques, including analytical procedures, transaction testing, bench marking of best practices across the business; and external research to determine optimal techniques for improving effectiveness and efficiency of business operations.
• Work with management to define risk mitigation action plans to resolve process gaps. Gain acceptance of process efficiencies and obtain senior management buy-in to the value of strong control systems in achievement of business objectives.
• Develop / Update the existing process models as received from the relevant process owner and specific project teams, to accurately portray the anticipated process changes.
• Provide detail information of the Capacity and Capabilities impact of planned changes
• Provide with the specific project teams relevant attributes required for measurement on Inventory and throughput data measurement.
• Provide with the specific EBE project team relevant attributes required for benefits tracking measurement.
• Assist with further process improvement opportunities.
• Provide consulting to re-engineer and strengthen business processes.
• Mentor and develop young Process Engineers / Analysts within their area of expertise
• Interface with external stakeholders (e.g. suppliers of Technology) to expand facilities expertise and process / technology awareness and actively participate in outside conferences.
• Develop an approach for analyzing effectiveness of key processes.
• Impact assessment of process gaps is dependent upon analyses of gray areas not clearly defined by established standards and by exercising good business judgment. Provide leadership to team members in project execution.
• Using experience and interpersonal skills, coach team members to assure consistent, high quality project performance.

 Education and experience

•  Four year appropriate qualification – preferably Masters degree (B.Eng/ NHD/Tech Eng/ MBA ) or similar Accreditation
• 7-10 years work experience or 10 -15 years experience if no post graduate qualifications/degree
• Advanced Process and Simulation Modeling
• Preferably Case Wise –CM10 / Aris/ Rational Rose
• Advanced Simulation Modeling Experience – Preferably with Scenario Builder Reporting and Animation

Contact: If you are interested in this job please send your CV to Thembi Nkosi at Thembin@mindworx.co.za

Responsibilities:

• Assessing, Analyzing, Optimising end-to end business processes that are signed off by the business
• Documenting business process requirements through research, interviews or facilitation sessions.
• Assessing current business processes, procedures and business rules.
• In conjunction with business partners, designing new &amp existing business processes. (Process mapping – As-Is &amp To-Be)
• Ensuring that process maps are according to design principles and methodology
• Communications to key stakeholders and the required stakeholder sign off has been obtained.
• Providing information which contributes to building training manuals/material
• Interacting and maintaining good relationships with business stakeholders (business users, change management resources, developers, testing and training teams)
• Providing guidance and support to team members
• Perform a quality assurance role with colleagues
• Escalating issues so that delivery timeframes are not compromised
• Ensure that process changes are measured so that unit cost calculations and turnaround times are accurate (Time standards calculated)

Education and experience:

• Related experience
• 3 year industry related degree

Contact: If you are interested in this position, please send your CV to Sarah Pons at sarahp@mindworx.co.za

Area: JHB, Northern suburbs

Rate: R500 000 – R600 000

Big company in the financial sector is looking for a product development manager with the key objective of enhancing the return on economic capital employed through principle-based and efficient deployment of capital, risk propensity, pricing, marketing and rewards.

Responsibilities

•  Accountable for MIS, product management and support, product pricing, consultation and advice to business on product related matters as well as product innovation and enhancement.
• Responsibility for the design of products of medium complexity. The incumbent is involved in market research, then conducts a business viability study before the final product design is finalised.
• Project management.
• Ensuring that all new and existing product formulations and processes are and remain cost effective and consumer-relevant. Keeps up to date with and ensures compliance of products to relevant legislation.
• Keep up to date with developments in technology and recommends product/process improvements
• There is extensive stakeholder liaising and you will be dealing with Corporate Shared Services, Operations, Business Sales, Credit, Group Risk and Treasury, to mention but a few.

Education & experience

•  BCOM or applicable Degree
• At least 3 years broad banking experience, which needs to include 2 years within related product management

Contact: If you are interested in this position please send your CV and covering letter to Sarah Pons at sarap@mindworx.co.za with the ref # Ref: JNB002689/CB

by Evelyn Amaro, National Staff Inc.

1. Hidden job market. Recruiters hold the hidden jewels of the job market, and here they are – undisclosed jobs. Many times, especially with senior level positions, companies have confidential roles that are for restricted eyes only. Companies then turn to recruiters for help with these positions. You cannot find these positions listed on Monster, or the various other job sites on the web. Imagine – your dream job may just be a recruiter away. This point goes hand in hand with #2.
2. Connections. Recruiters have clout with hiring managers and senior level executives – many of us do not. You send your resume to numerous companies, and post your resume on various job sites to no avail. You still haven’t heard a peep. Recruiters have the connections to not only get you in the door, but also get feedback – whether positive or negative – rather quickly. Think of how many others are applying to the same job you are…tons. Hiring managers and HR personnel simply cannot and do not have the time to review every resume. A recruiter can guarantee that you won’t be just another resume in a pile; you will be sent to the senior manager who will review your resume. Don’t you love recruiters just a little bit more now?
3. Expertise. Are you underpaid? Overpaid? Are you ready for a senior role? Are your technical skills up to par? There are a number of questions that can help you make an informed decision when it comes to strategic career planning, and a recruiter is a great resource to utilize. They can help you find answers and ask questions that will guide you to the right job and the right steps to take in order to advance your career. Best of all, this information is free, unbiased and essential when determining your position and worth in today’s job market.
4. End game is the same. You and your recruiter have the same goal, and that is to make sure you are putting your best foot forward, meeting the right people, and hopefully getting you an ideal role that is a perfect fit for both you and your future employer. They are on your side. This leads me to point #5…
5. Long-term ally. Let’s say you found a recruiter, you find a job (whether it was their role or not), and you are now perfectly content, remember this may not always be the case. Come 3-5 years down the line you may decide to try your hands at a new company/role again. Or you may spend the rest of your days in the company you are working for, but may need advice when it comes to compensation, employee rights, etc… You now have an ally that is there for you to utilize. Recruiters (meaning legitimate, professional recruiters) are in it for the long haul. They are in the business of building relationships with both candidates and clients, and making sure both parties are equally satisfied. Therefore you not only gain a new role, but you also gain an important ally to guide you through your current and future career path.

Even if you car broke down or the subway derailed, do everything you can to get to that job interview on time.

“If you have a legitimate excuse it’s still hard to bounce back,” says Pamela Skillings, co-founder of job coaching firm Skillful Communications. “People are suspicious because they hear the same excuses all the time.”

On the flip side, you don’t want to show up too early and risk appearing desperate, but you do want to be there at least five minutes early or at the very least on time.

2. Don’t show up unprepared

It seems simple, but countless people go on job interviews knowing very little about the company they are interviewing with when all it would take is a simple Google search to find out. As a result, they end up asking obvious questions, which signal to the interviewer that they are too lazy to prepare.

“Don’t ask if the company is public or private, how long it’s been in business and where they do their manufacturing,” says Mark Jaffe, president of Wyatt & Jaffe, the executive search firm. “Sharpen your pencil before you go to school.”

3. Don’t ask about salary, benefits, perks

Your initial interview with a company shouldn’t be about what the company can do for you, but what you can do for the company. Which means the interview isn’t the time to ask about the severance package, vacation time or health plan. Instead you should be selling yourself as to why the company can’t live without you.

“Your interest should be about the job and what your responsibilities will be,” says Terry Pile, Principal Consultant of Career Advisors. “Asking about vacation, sick leave, 401K, salary and benefits should be avoided at all costs.”

4. Don’t focus on future roles instead of the job at hand

The job interview is not the time or place to ask about advancement opportunities or how to become the CEO. You need to be interested in the job you are actually interviewing for. Sure, a company wants to see that you are ambitious, but they also want assurances you are committed to the job you’re being hired for. “You can’t come with an agenda that this job is just a stepping stone to bigger and better things,” says Jaffe.

5. Don’t turn the weakness question into a positive

To put it bluntly, interviewers are not idiots. So when they ask you about a weakness and you say you work too hard or you are too much of a perfectionist, chances are they are more apt to roll their eyes than be blown away. Instead, be honest and come up with a weakness that can be improved on and won’t ruin your chances of getting a job.

For instance, if you are interviewing for a project management position, it wouldn’t be wise to say you have poor organizational skills, but it’s ok to say you want to learn more shortcuts in Excel. “Talk about the skills you don’t have that will add value, but aren’t required for the job,” says Pile.

6. Don’t lie

Many people think its ok to exaggerate their experience or fib about a firing on a job interview, but lying can be a surefire way not to get hired. Even if you get through the interview process with your half truths, chances are you won’t be equipped to handle the job you were hired to do. Not to mention the more you lie the more likely you are to slip up.

“Don’t exaggerate, don’t make things bigger than they are and don’t claim credit for accomplishments you didn’t do,” says Jaffe. “You leave so much room in your brain if you don’t have to fill it with which lie you told which person.”

7. Don’t ask if there’s any reason you shouldn’t be hired

Well meaning career experts will tell you to close your interview by asking if there is any reason you wouldn’t be hired. While that question can give you an idea of where you stand and afford you the opportunity to address any concerns, there’s no guarantee the interviewer is going to be truthful with you or has even processed your information enough to even think about that.

 Well recognised global banking institution is looking to on-board 2 professionals within their group information security. The role forms part of an integrated global team dedicated to mitigating risks through the efficient and effective application of information security expertise. 

Responsibilities:

• Development, provisioning and successful execution of vulnerability management services for the Group.
• Improve the security posture and reduce risk for the infrastructure / network environment.
• Development, provisioning and successful execution of vulnerability management services for the Group.
• We require the following qualifications:
• University graduation with a degree in Business, IT or a related subject (preferable).
• Information Security and /or Information Technology industry certification (CISM, CISSP equivalent) preferred.
• Business/ commercial knowledge: process management.
• Including knowledge of ITIL processes (change, incident and problem management).
• Including knowledge of standard business processes, work prioritization, and best practices. 

Experience in the following:

• Experience in threat / vulnerability management, IT audits, network penetration testing and security assessments.
• 2 – 4 years’ experience working with individuals and teams from diverse cultures.
• 2 – 4 year’s experience working in a multi-vendor and outsourced IT environment.

Contact: If you are interested this job please send your CV to Sarah Pons at sarahp@mindworx.co.za . Please view www.mindworx.co.zato for similar vacancies.

Big player in global banking is proactively and urgently looking to appoint a skilled senior candidate in risk mitigation through application of information security expertise. In addition, candidate will focus on the prevention of reputational, financial or other losses for the group and its valued clients. You will be require to improve security, reduce risk within the infrastructure as well as managing an team of analysts. 

Skills & knowledge

• Process management.
• Including knowledge of ITIL processes (change, incident and problem management).
• Including knowledge of standard business processes, work prioritization, and best practices

Education

• University graduation with a degree in Business, IT or a related subject (preferable).
• Information Security and /or Information Technology industry certification (CISM, CISSP equivalent) preferred.

Experience

• Experience in threat / vulnerability management, IT audits, network penetration testing and security assessments.
• 3 – 5 years’ experience working with individuals and teams from diverse cultures.
• 3 – 5 years’ experience working in a multi-vendor and outsourced IT environment.

Contact: If you are interested in this job please send your detailed CV to Sarah Pons at sarahp@mindworx.co.za. For other related vacancies visit www.mindworx.co.zafor