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Effective communications at work - 9 top tips for being the best version of you...

Great communication is vital in helping you to develop and grow your career. It can help gain better understanding of the work you do, help others to understand your priorities, it can bring your team together and overall improve your work environment.

We've put together a few pointers to help you communicate more effectively.

Keep things simple

Depending on your line of work, we sometimes have to explain complex things, including certain jargon and acronyms which over time creep into our vocabulary. It is important to remember to keep things simple when talking to others, especially if they work in a different department. Keep your messages clear and succinct so you don’t lose your audience’s attention and instead keep them engaged.

Listen

It is easy to race ahead in a conversation, or to assume you know all the answers. However you are not an island, and you will find people join you on your journey by taking some time to listen. By being open to suggestions, and listening to what the other person has to say, you could open up a valuable idea or insight that you hadn’t considered. Listen to what the person you are conversing with are saying, make eye contact and engage properly.

Learn from others

It can be useful to observe and learn from other effective communicators in the work place. Choose someone you respect/admire and observe what are they doing day to day that makes them stand out? Of course, stay true to yourself and your personality, but if you do see someone operating in a particular way that you think is effective and can identify with, then adapt yourself to act in a similar way.

Think before you hit send

This point is especially true for written communication. Occasionally there will be times when you may not agree with something someone has said, but before you hit reply, take a breath and review the situation. Check the tone in which you are writing in. Would you say it to someone face to face? If you have the time and an urgent reply isn’t required, then let the dust settle and send your message the next day.

Think about your body language

Make sure you come across as open, warm and engaging. Be sure to make eye contact and smile. In meetings, for example, ensure your arms aren’t crossed as it may come across as defensive and even in more relaxed environments such as at lunch time, try not to get distracted by your mobile phone and give people your full attention.

Read your audience

Some people prefer face to face chats or picking up the phone. Some people like a bit more reflection time and enjoy written communication i.e. emailing. Think about the person you are engaging with and nudge your style to suit. One shoe doesn’t always fit all.

Pay close attention to spelling and grammar

Be sure to check your grammar and spelling carefully. Whether you’re sending an email internally to a colleague or to a client or customer, double check how it reads. Similarly, if you are working on a major presentation or project, ask a colleague if they have 5 minutes to check it over too.

We hope you find these tips helpful. Be sure to let us know of any tips you find useful to communicate effectively at work on our Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn pages.

Testimonials

"Their knowledge of the industry, our organisation and candidates is one of the leaders in the market. They have always been able to supply us with the right calibre of engineering candidate no matter what the discipline or regional location is.

"First Recruitment Group’s service delivery has always been to a high standard and the customer service provided by the team has ensured that First Recruitment Group will remain a preferred supplier of engineering personnel to WorleyParsons on our future engineering projects."

WorleyParsons

"In my dealings with First I have found them to be responsive, knowledgeable, quality-focused and engaging in their approach. I would have no hesitation in recommending the services of First Recruitment Group to any prospective customers."

Global Engineering Consultancy

"We have a good working relationship with First Recruitment and they always put every effort in to filling our positions whether it's on a permanent or contract basis. First have an honest and open approach to recruitment and their clients which is refreshing. First offer an excellent payroll service which compliments their overall delivery service to MWH Treatment."

MWH Treatment

“As the biggest services supplier to the nuclear industry our demand for personnel is significant, when I have an urgent requirement I know I can rely on First Recruitment to rise to the challenge.

“As a preferred supplier for temporary labour and a fundamental part of our permanent recruitment process we get the right people at the right time. Whether its highly technical/specialist resources or back office support personnel the approach is to the same high standard.”

Veolia Nuclear Solutions

"It’s great to work with a recruitment agency we trust. The team at First Recruitment Group are friendly and straight talking and they continue to provide an excellent service. We’re proud to still be working with them after 20 years."

Simon Carves Engineering Ltd

"First Recruitment are on the 1st Tier of Sweett Europe’s preferred supplier list. We have found First recruitment to be hugely supportive and value adding partners to Sweett, helping us source a wide range of roles. The consultants at First are hugely knowledgeable and have a real desire to listen to, and understand, our needs. They have shown an unrivalled desire to work on hard to fill roles using innovative methods to ensure they always supply us with CVs.

"I have been hugely impressed by their willingness to support us, even when we have simply been after guidance which would not attract them a fee. I would be more than happy to recommend First Recruitment Group to any prospective organisation, and to discuss in more detail their capabilities."

Sweett Group

“We’ve worked with First Recruitment for over 12 years and have built up a great relationship with their team. They’ve helped us in sourcing contractors for our chemical division, maintaining consistently high standards in delivery, and we hope to continue building on this relationship in the future. I have no hesitation in recommending First to others.”

Haden Freeman Limited

"We have used First Recruitment to support the recruitment of several key roles within our business. The quality of the candidates put forward were extremely high which helped enormously in our ability to fill all roles, also the candidates have all been a success since joining our business. They were prompt, knowledgeable and very professional and made the recruitment process for us extremely simple. The service we have received has been first class and I would highly recommend the services of First Recruitment to any Company looking to fill a vacancy."

Meadow Vale Food Group

“I have worked with First Recruitment frequently over the last couple of years. Their ability to understand our business and support me in terms of recruitment has been excellent. Candidates are screened initially to meet our requirements and taken through the process in a professional way. I would have no hesitation in recommending First Recruitment to any employer who needs that little extra support in their recruitment process."

Bokomo Foods (UK) Limited

“I have found First Recruitment to be very efficient and professional in their approach to recruitment. They were able to gain an in depth understanding of the needs of our business and source high quality candidates. I would highly recommend their services to anyone with a recruitment need.”

AAK

"First Group are one of the key suppliers to Cobham. The team are quick to respond, friendly and professional, and as such have made a massive difference to the account. The team have supported and filled a variety of roles. Without hestitation I would recommend First."

Cobham

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