News

•  Victoria Butt
•  13th Nov 2023

​Navigating Your Career Journey: A Holistic ApproachWelcome to the exciting journey of shaping your career. We're here to guide you through every step, ensuring you make the most of the countless opportunities and experiences that lie ahead. In this blog post, we'll break down your career roadmap into manageable stages, providing practical insights and tips tailored to your unique journey.Putting your career plans on paper provides a clear visual representation. Here is why we recommend setting aside some time to invest in creating the career you really want: Visual Clarity: Putting your career plans on paper provides a clear visual representation. It allows you to see the bigger picture of your career trajectory, making it easier to identify goals, milestones, and potential paths.Goal Alignment: By visually laying out your career goals, you can ensure that they align with your overall aspirations. This helps in setting realistic objectives and ensures that each step contributes to your long-term vision.Strategic Planning: A physical timeline allows for strategic planning. You can schedule milestones, deadlines, and necessary steps, providing a structured approach to achieving your career objectives.Course Correction: Having a tangible career roadmap facilitates easier evaluation and adjustment. If circumstances change or new opportunities arise, you can adapt your plan accordingly, ensuring it remains relevant and achievable.Motivation and Accountability: A visual representation of your career journey serves as a constant reminder of your aspirations. It can be a source of motivation, encouraging you to stay focused on your goals. Additionally, sharing your roadmap with mentors or peers can create a sense of accountability.Reflection and Growth: Regularly reviewing your career roadmap allows for self-reflection. You can assess your progress, identify areas for improvement, and celebrate achievements. This reflective process contributes to ongoing personal and professional development.Communication: A documented career roadmap can be a valuable tool for communicating your goals to others, such as mentors, managers, or potential employers. It provides a structured overview of your career plans and ambitions.Decision Making: When faced with choices or opportunities, consulting your career roadmap can guide decision-making. It ensures that choices align with your overall career strategy and contribute positively to your long-term goals.Now You Know "Why" To Do ItYou can use our Career Roadmap worksheet to plot your plan using the 7 Steps below."How" To Plot Your Career RoadmapStep 1: Discovering Your Career RolesAt the start of your career adventure, it's essential to identify your ideal, good, and interim roles. Your "ideal" role is your North Star, aligning perfectly with your long-term career dreams. The "good" role might not be a perfect match, but it offers valuable experience for your journey. Lastly, the "interim" role acts as a stepping stone, helping you gain traction in your chosen industry. Each role has its purpose, propelling you towards your ultimate career goals.Step 2: Partnering with RecruitersRecruiters can be your secret weapon in landing your dream job. In the world of recruitment, there are A-grade, B-grade, and C-grade recruiters, each with their unique strengths and networks. A-grade recruiters boast an extensive network and a high success rate. B-grade recruiters, though specialising in niches, offer a more personal touch. C-grade recruiters, newer to the scene, present fresh opportunities. Engage with these professionals at various points in your career to maximise your success potential.Meet Parity’s team of specialist recruiters for roles in Product Management, Marketing, Communications, Digital and Data Science. Whether you’re looking to fill a role, find a role or require specific industry knowledge from one of our recruitment consultants, we’ve got you covered! Step 3: Financial IndependenceUnderstanding your financial independence is vital on your career journey. Think of it as a traffic light system: "Green" means you're not dependent on income, "Amber" signifies some dependency, and "Red" means you're fully dependent on your earnings. Knowing your financial situation empowers you to make strategic choices, especially when considering interim, good, or ideal roles.Step 4: The Power of NetworkingBuilding a robust professional network is like holding a golden ticket to career opportunities. Your network comes in three tiers:The 1st tier comprises your immediate contacts, While the 2nd and 3rd tiers extend your reach further. Engaging with these networks at the right time can significantly boost your career prospects. Unlock unadvertised job opportunities, gain insights, and receive invaluable advice by leveraging your connections..Meet our community by joining us at a free Parity Plus event - find out more here.Step 5: Crafting Your Online PresenceIn today's digital age, your online presence can make or break your career prospects.Invest in your online brand, including your CV and LinkedIn profile. Regular updates and iterations set you apart from the competition, making you an attractive choice for employers and recruiters.Get our 6 top tips to optimise your LinkedIn profile in the Career Roadmap download.Step 6: Direct ApplicationsWhen applying for roles, consider your network temperature: "Hot" networks involve close connections, "Warm" networks encompass acquaintances, and "Cold" networks might seem daunting but can yield unexpected gems. Tailor your approach to maximise results.Step 7: Prioritising Mental Well-beingDon't underestimate the importance of mental well-being on your journey. Identify when you're at your mental best and make self-care a priority, especially during challenging periods.​Final TipsRemember that your career journey is a marathon, not a sprint. Plan meticulously, make strategic decisions, and never lose sight of your ultimate career goals. With the right mindset and thoughtful planning, you can effectively navigate your career roadmap and achieve your aspirations. Safe travels on your career adventure!For a confidential discussion, feel free to reach out to Victoria Butt on +61 402 418 326 or vbutt@parityconsulting.com.au​Need More Help?Parity Consulting is your partner in building the perfect team. We really do embrace our name and live and breathe "parity", by supporting both clients and candidates to reach the best placement outcomes for both parties. If you need help building the best team, or joining the right team, contact us today to get started.

•  Ai Iwami
•  26th Sep 2023

​Are you ready to take the leap into the dynamic world of board positions? Whether you're a seasoned executive or an aspiring leader, embarking on a board career requires meticulous preparation and a clear roadmap. Here's your guide to getting board-ready and making a lasting impression in the boardroom.1. Define Your "Why"Before you dive into the world of board positions, ask yourself: Why do you want to be on a board? Having a compelling answer to this question is paramount. Your motivation will drive your journey and shape your choices. Consider your experiences, values, and passions, and align them with the boards you aspire to join.2. Elevate Your Positioning and BrandingYour “board-ready” CV is your ticket to the boardroom. Craft a compelling resume that highlights your non-executive, panel, or committee experience. Showcase your success in strategic and governance roles. For expert guidance on creating an impactful CV, connect with Brigid Leishman, who specialises in this area.3. Master the Art of GovernanceBoard roles demand a deep understanding of governance. Equip yourself with knowledge of best-practice governance frameworks and cultivate a governance mindset. This foundation will set you apart and instill confidence in your potential as a board member.4. Network StrategicallyIn the board world, opportunities often arise through word-of-mouth and existing relationships. Attend events, connect with like-minded individuals, and let your network know about your interest in board roles.Consider joining LinkedIn groups like The Australian Institute of Company Directors Members Group and Women on Boards to expand your connections.5. Invest in Tailored TrainingIdentify your development areas and conduct a skills gap analysis. Pursue training programs that align with your goals and address these gaps. Courses in governance and compliance can be particularly valuable in enhancing your profile.6. Join Board Direction Non-Executive Director DirectoryBoost your board profile by becoming part of this directory. It will increase your visibility and connect you directly with organisations seeking new board members. Learn more about this opportunity here.7. Explore Online VacanciesBrowse through online board vacancies on platforms like, – Board Direction, – Institute of Community Directors Australia (not-for-profit), and – Australian Institute of Company Directors. These platforms can be your gateway to finding the right board position.​Crafting Your Board CVWhen creating your board CV, follow this blueprint:Board Profile:In 3-4 sentences, describe yourself as a director candidate, emphasising your leadership experience, strategic abilities, and industry expertise. Share examples of how you've achieved success and overcome obstacles.Current Board Positions and Responsibilities:If you're already on a board, briefly outline your current and past directorships, along with key achievements. If not, include any relevant group or committee involvements.Career Overview: Summarise the last 10 years of your career, focusing on leadership roles, responsibilities, and board reporting requirements. Highlight specific expertise developed over your career.Education and Qualifications:List significant and relevant education and qualifications.Professional Memberships:Include relevant memberships, such as the Australian Marketing Institute, Chartered Accountants, or CPA.Activities, Recognition, Awards:Highlight skills that align with your target board positions.Requested Information:Ensure your CV includes any specific information requested by the board in the position requirements and advertisement.​Final TipsCreate a strong summary that highlights your seniority and breadth of experience.Avoid industry jargon and acronyms, as The Chair or reader may not be familiar with your field.Embarking on a board career is a significant step. By following these steps and crafting a compelling board CV, you'll be well-prepared to seize board opportunities and contribute effectively in the boardroom. Your journey to board success starts here.​Need More help?Parity Consulting is your partner in building the perfect board. Whether your organisation is at the beginning of its board membership journey or seeking seasoned experts, we can help you find the right talent. Contact us today to get started.

•  Victoria Butt
•  11th Sep 2023

Are You Facing Redundancy?In the dynamic landscape of today's professional world, the concept of redundancy can evoke a mixture of emotions and uncertainties. Mergers, acquisitions, downsizing, and restructures, all impact employee stability, and having a personal plan becomes crucial to acting in your own best interests. Let's delve into the complexities of redundancy and explore a strategic approach for those faced with this situation.The Nature of Redundancy:Role redundancy, while often a challenging decision for companies, serves as a strategic pivot to ensure long-term viability and adaptability of the organisation. Specialising in serving workplace environments encompassing asset management, banking, fintech, and insurance, where change is a constant, Parity Consulting understands the intricacies of this process and the effect on individuals impacted by these decisions. Navigating Redundancy:For those encountering redundancy, Parity Consulting recommends a proactive approach, with a balance between self-empathy and strategic planning built on three critical steps:1. Negotiate the Final Number:The number presented during discussions with HR is not always set in stone. At Parity, we advocate for employees to engage in negotiation and seek legal counsel if necessary. Drawing from our experience, we understand the importance of securing the best possible outcome during this phase.2. Hold Off on Immediate Job Searching:Reacting hastily by diving into a job search might not yield the best results. Taking time to process the situation, strategise, and develop a clear career roadmap is key. Parity Consulting's expertise extends beyond placements – we offer guidance to help individuals chart a path aligned with their aspirations.3. Build a Career Roadmap:Crafting a well-defined career plan is paramount. We advocate aligning your skills and aspirations with the ever-evolving landscape of opportunities. Looking ahead and adapting to marketplace predictions [1] will set you up well.As a final thought, whilst it may not seem so in the first instance, redundancy can be a turning point that leads to fresh beginnings. With strategic negotiation, thoughtful planning, and a clearly defined career roadmap, you will most certainly move forward. The team here a Parity Consulting is here to support, illuminating the path forward for individuals navigating these uncertain waters.​​For a confidential discussion, feel free to reach out to Victoria Butt on +61 402 418 326 or vbutt@parityconsulting.com.au​[1] Parity Consulting, Salary Guide & Predictions 2023-24

•  Victoria Butt
•  27th Aug 2023

​CULTURE: Exploring the Difference Between Trust-Earning and Trust-Giving Cultures. Which Is Better?In the dynamic landscape of today's professional world, where a staggering 80% [1] of professionals remain open to new opportunities, organisations are leaving no stone unturned in their efforts to retain their top-performing talents. Central to the success of functional and positive working relationships is the bedrock of trust, yet this essential connection can unravel all too swiftly.A fascinating concept that piques my interest revolves around the notion of cultures as either trust-earning or trust-giving, and the perpetual question: which one holds the upper hand?A trust-earning culture embodies an organisation or team dynamic where trust is not just passively assumed but actively fostered and earned among its members. It entails nurturing relationships grounded in attributes such as credibility, integrity, transparency, and reliability. In this realm, both individuals and teams consistently exhibit their trustworthiness through their actions, communication, and unwavering accountability.On the other hand, a trust-giving culture signifies an organisation or team environment where trust flows freely, extended to others without the demand for a prior demonstration of trustworthiness. This approach initiates with a presumption of trust, allowing individuals to showcase their capabilities and steadfastness over time. In this sphere, people willingly embrace vulnerability, openly share information, and engage in collaborative endeavours without the shackles of judgment or trepidation.Both these paradigms boast their own set of strengths, with most organisations naturally possessing a blend of both within various facets, often determined by the leadership at the helm and those who set the tone.Characteristics of Leadership in a Trust-Earning Culture:— Entrepreneurs and owner-operator leaders,— Imposing high expectations upon themselves and their team,— Once trust is established, this type of leader transforms into a fiercely loyal and generous ally.Characteristics of Leadership in a Trust-Giving Culture:— More frequently encountered in larger organisations,— Spearheaded by highly experienced leaders who have reaped the benefits of immediately extending trust,— Primarily focused on outcomes, with less concern over the specifics of individuals or methods involved.In this delicate balancing act, the value of both these cultural dimensions is undeniable. What ultimately matters, however, is a profound comprehension of which culture resonates most profoundly with your own potential and that of your team. Ensuring alignment with an organisation, or even a sub-culture, that mirrors your ideals is pivotal. [This article was crafted by Parity Consulting's Founder & CEO, Victoria Butt, reflecting the company's commitment to excellence in recruitment across diverse domains including product management, marketing, communications, digital management, and data analysis. We specialise in serving industries such as asset management, wealth management, banking, payments, insurance, superannuation, fintech, digital services, software, and SaaS development, from our base in Sydney, Australia.]Feel free to reach out to Victoria Butt on +61 402 418 326 or vbutt@parityconsulting.com.au​[1] Parity Consulting, Salary Guide & Predictions 2023-24

•  Victoria Butt
•  21st Aug 2023

​This Conversation is a Balancing Act In today's rapidly changing work landscape, striking a balance between employee needs and organisational goals is crucial for fostering a harmonious and productive work environment. This blog article explores two letters, one from a team member and another from a caring leader, highlighting the importance of adapting work arrangements and supporting professional development. Let's delve into their perspectives and discover how both sides can work together for mutual benefit.Letter to the LeaderDear Leader, I want to start by saying thank you for being so flexible with my work arrangements and when I return to the office. The external environment has made me reassess my work and personal circumstances. My needs have changed, and I expect they will continue to evolve. What has motivated me up until now no longer drives me, however I am still trying to land on the new "work me" and what that looks like. I am getting approached frequently by recruiters; however, I am keen to stay loyal to you and the organisation. That said, I would like to discuss some things and ensure that we are working together in all our best interests. Learning & Development - can we discuss a budget for more professional development? Compressed work week - this is either a 4-day work week or 9-day fortnight (without financial reduction) Non-financial benefits - keen to discuss a tailored non-financial benefit package which places emphasis on my specific needs. Best regards, Your loyal team member Let’s Unpack the Letter to the LeaderThe team member's letter expresses gratitude for the leader's flexibility regarding work arrangements in light of external circumstances. While acknowledging the changing needs and personal growth, the team member emphasises the desire to remain loyal to the company. The letter also raises important points for discussion, including budget allocation for professional development, compressed work week options, and a tailored non-financial benefits package.Emphasising Growth and Development: Learning and Development (L&D) is a vital aspect of fostering employee growth and ensuring long-term commitment. The team member suggests allocating a budget for additional professional development opportunities, highlighting the importance of continuous learning to adapt to evolving work demands. This investment in L&D not only benefits the individual but also contributes to the overall growth and success of the organisation.Balancing Work-Life Integration: The concept of a compressed work week or a nine-day fortnight without financial reduction emerges as a potential solution to maintain work-life balance. The team member invites a discussion on how this alternative work arrangement can align with targets, objectives (OKRs), and key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure that business outcomes are not compromised. By providing evidence and examples, the team member aims to address any concerns and showcase the potential benefits of this arrangement.Tailored Non-Financial Benefits: Recognising the unique needs of employees, the team member proposes a customised non-financial benefits package. This approach emphasises personalisation and aligns with the evolving work landscape. By catering to individual needs, such as flexible scheduling, well-being initiatives, or other tailored benefits, the business can foster a sense of care and support among team members, leading to increased engagement and loyalty.The Caring Leader's ResponseDear Team Member, The last few years have been tricky to navigate, and I thank you for your loyalty and trust you have placed in me and the organisation. We understand your needs have changed and are committed to adapting your work environment and role to suit these. That said, the needs of the organisation and your role have remained quite stable, therefore we need to strike a balance. While we do not want to lose you, we also recognise that role/person fit does not stay the same and evolves over time. In order to work together long-term, I would like to discuss the following: Learning & Development - We are committed to supporting you with any additional professional development. Please provide a business case and options for me to take to the business. Targets, OKRs and KPIs - How do you see a compressed work week affecting these? Please provide examples and evidence for how this will not adversely affect the business. Non-Financial Benefits - What are your specific needs? And do share how you feel I can best address this for you and the wider team. Best regards, Your caring Leader Let’s Review the Caring Leader's ResponseThe caring leader's letter acknowledges the challenges faced by employees in recent years and expresses gratitude for their loyalty and trust. Recognising the importance of adapting to changing needs, the leader seeks to strike a balance between individual growth and the organisation's requirements. The leader seeks collaboration with the team member in the following areas: Learning and Development, Targets/OKRs/KPIs, and Non-Financial Benefits.Collaborative Growth: The leader affirms their commitment to supporting professional development and encourages the team member to provide a business case and options to present to the organisation. This collaborative approach allows for a constructive dialogue and aligns individual growth with organisational objectives.Addressing Concerns: In discussing the impact of a compressed work week on targets, OKRs, and KPIs, the leader invites the team member to provide examples and evidence showcasing how this arrangement can be implemented without adversely affecting the business. This dialogue ensures that employee needs are considered alongside the organisation's performance requirements.Personalising Benefits: The leader acknowledges the importance of non-financial benefits and invites the team member to share their specific needs. This open conversation aims to find ways to address these needs not only for the individual team member but also for the broader team. By personalising benefits, the leader demonstrates a caring and supportive approach, fostering a sense of belonging and well-being.So, How Did They Do In Approaching This Difficult Conversation? The letters from the team member and the caring leader highlight the significance of adaptability, growth, and collaboration in today's work environment. By balancing work arrangements, investing in professional development, and tailoring non-financial benefits, organisations can nurture a loyal and engaged workforce. When leaders and team members come together, focusing on mutual understanding and shared goals, they can create an environment that promotes both individual and organisational success. Need help with getting up to date Salary information? Grab a Copy of our Salary Guide & Predictions to support you in this conversation.​Victoria is an Executive Search Specialist, entrepreneur, Founder and Managing Director of Parity Consulting; a thought leader, wife and mother, blogger, and a wine snob! She believes in life by design and is blessed to have found her career home in the training & recruitment industry, founding Parity Consulting on the belief that the candidate and client must be equal within the hiring process.Parity Consulting works with clients who embrace diverse and inclusive environments and empower their teams to bring their authentic whole self to work. We encourage people with different beliefs, abilities, backgrounds and life experiences to contact us. Feel free to reach out to Victoria Butt on +61 402 418 326 or vbutt@parityconsulting.com.au

•  Eliza McGivern
•  27th Jun 2023

​How to Differentiate Yourself and Be Findable in 2024!Get Ready for an Unforgettable "Lunch and Learn" with the Dream Team!Don't miss out on this exclusive webinar featuring Brigid Leishman and Victoria Butt, the unstoppable duo that will revolutionise your approach to job hunting! What's in Store for you:Practical Tips, Tricks, and Hacks: Discover the insider secrets to supercharge your job search. Say goodbye to lengthy and frustrating recruitment processes! Unleash Your Unique Power: Learn how to stand out from the crowd and make potential employers notice you. Be the candidate they can't resist! LinkedIn Masterclass: Navigate the ever-changing LinkedIn algorithm like a pro! Our experts will equip you with cutting-edge strategies to boost your visibility and increase your chances of getting discovered. Interact and Engage: This webinar is not just a one-way street! Engage in interactive activities, ask your burning questions, and connect with like-minded professionals. Build your network and gain valuable insights! Mark your Calendar: Date: 12noon, Wednesday 4th October 2023. Save the date for this game-changing event! About your Webinar Hosts:Brigid Leishman, Principal at Leishman ConsultingBrigid is a qualified career coach and helps people define the next steps in their career. She gives senior managers and executives across a range of industries, disciplines, and countries the coaching, tools, and support to take those steps. Victoria Butt, CEO at Parity ConsultingVictoria is an Executive Search Specialist, entrepreneur, Founder and Managing Director of Parity Consulting; a thought leader, wife and mother, blogger, and a wine snob! She believes in life by design and is blessed to have found her career home in the training & recruitment industry, founding Parity Consulting on the belief that the candidate and client must be equal within the hiring process.Let us know you'd like to attend:Complete the form below and we'll be back to you with all the details soon!​​Parity Consulting - At Parity we're so much more than recruiters. As specialists in Product, Pricing, Digital, Marketing, Communications and Data Analytics recruitment, we're obsessed with adding value to our community. We don't just have an outstanding reputation for matching great talent with the best companies, we're also proud to reinvest 10% of our profits into industry training and events through ParityPlus - our value-add and a recruitment industry first in Australia.Our low volume, high-service approach gets results - contact us at www.parityconsulting.com.au or info@parityconsulting.com.au. And don't forget to follow us on LinkedIn for updates on future events and news!

•  Trish Aspell
•  5th Jun 2023

​Attention, job seekers! It's time to unlock your full potential and master the art of optimising your LinkedIn profile. With LinkedIn's popularity among professionals and companies for job search, you have a golden opportunity to stand out from the crowd and attract the right career opportunities. With AI-powered software becoming the standard in recruitment, ensuring your profile is AI-friendly has become imperative when seeking new employment. The rapid advancement of AI technology has accelerated the hiring process, making it crucial for your profile to make a swift and impactful impression.This article is packed with expert tips to help you amplify your impact on LinkedIn, taking your job search to new heights and propelling your career forward. By implementing these strategies, you'll ensure that you seize every opportunity and don't miss out on your ideal job. So, let's dive right in and get started on your path to success!1️. Use a Professional Headshot and Craft a Compelling HeadlineYour LinkedIn headshot presents a valuable chance to create a positive initial impression. It's important to dress appropriately for the role you're pursuing. Make sure the photo is of excellent quality with good lighting. Don't forget to smile and convey an approachable yet professional demeanour. Emphasise your face while avoiding extreme close-ups; a crop that includes your head and shoulders is ideal. Additionally, if you have a personal brand or a distinct professional style, incorporate it into your headshot.Next, craft your headline. This is located directly under your name, and along with your photo, it’s your chance to make a strong first impression. But more importantly, search engines love it. Instead of focusing on your current job title, lead with your target role and include relevant keywords related to your top skills. For example, you can use terms like "Product Innovator," "Strategic Marketing Manager," or "Data Scientist" to make it easier for the right people to find you. Remember, a sharp professional photo and concise and attention-grabbing language is key!2️. Utilise the About SectionThe About section of your LinkedIn profile is your opportunity to showcase your unique story. Avoid regurgitating your resume and instead, write a compelling summary that highlights your key accomplishments, skills, and career goals. Start with a captivating hook that reflects your personality, such as “I have always been a strategic and customer-focused product manager, leveraging my skills in market research and communication to deliver innovative solutions that meet user needs.” Then, highlight your top three accomplishments ands or career highlights, keeping your voice authentic and avoiding writing in the third person, and letting your true self shine through.EXTRA TIP: If you are targeting a specific role, utilise the same language presented in the job description to reflect your relevant achievements.3️. Showcase Your ExperienceWhen describing your past roles in the Experience section, go beyond mere job descriptions. Use bullet points for readability, this will make it easier for recruiters to grasp your expertise. Emphasise your achievements, responsibilities, and measurable results. Make sure to showcase how you have contributed value and made a difference in your previous positions.In order to present yourself authentically and consistently, and to prevent any confusion for potential hiring managers, it is crucial to align the job titles listed on your LinkedIn profile with those mentioned in your resume.4️. Optimise Your Skills SectionEnsure that your skills section reflects your target audience's needs. Select up to 50 relevant skills and prioritise them based on importance for the role you are targeting. Link relevant skills to each past/current role in the Experience section. Remove any skills that are too junior or outdated. Consider taking a skills assessment to earn a skills badge, which can boost your credibility and visibility on LinkedIn.5️. Incorporate Multimedia ElementsAdding links, videos, or documents to your profile can significantly enhance its appeal. Use these elements to showcase your work, such as presentations, articles, or projects. Visuals are compelling and can help you stand out from the crowd. Make sure they are relevant and represent your professional achievements effectively.Highlight high leverage elements in the Featured section, or role specific elements in the Experience section. 6️. Get RecommendationsRequest recommendations from colleagues, supervisors, or clients who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. These testimonials add credibility to your profile and demonstrate your expertise. Don't be shy about asking for recommendations from people you've collaborated with in the past.7️. Include Relevant KeywordsIn order to enhance the discoverability of your profile, it is crucial to incorporate relevant keywords specific to your industry, role, and expertise. Take some time to research the keywords that recruiters and potential employers commonly utilise when seeking professionals like yourself. By strategically integrating these keywords throughout your profile, you significantly improve the likelihood of appearing in pertinent searches conducted by recruiters and employers. ESSENTIAL: Emphasising the right keywords can greatly optimise your profile for AI-driven recruitment processes.8️. Customise Your URLMake your LinkedIn profile URL concise and professional. This makes it easier for others to find and share your profile. Remove any random numbers after you name and consider customising your URL to align it with your personal brand. Make the most of this URL by adding it to your resume and other professional materials to create a consistent online presence.9️. Stay UpdatedRegularly review and update your profile to reflect your latest achievements, certifications, and professional development. Keeping your profile fresh and relevant shows that you are actively engaged in your field and helps you stay on top of recruiters' radar.10. Increase Your VisibilityBuilding relationships is essential on LinkedIn and engaging with your audience is essential.Respond promptly and professionally to messages, comments, and connection requests. Engage with posts by commenting, sharing, and liking, but avoid overwhelming blocks of content. Remember that people generally don't read lengthy articles on the platform. Instead, focus on adding value through thoughtful questions and engaging in smart dialogue.BONUS TIP – Manage Your LinkedIn FeedTake control of your LinkedIn feed by clicking on the three buttons and indicating that certain content isn't relevant to you. This will help tailor your feed to your interests. Additionally, follow hashtags that align with your professional interests. This way, you can discover relevant content and engage with like-minded professionals.And remember, your LinkedIn profile is your professional brand, and optimising it is crucial for attracting recruiters, industry peers, and potential collaborators. By implementing these tips, you'll stand out from the crowd and increase your chances of success on LinkedIn. Happy optimising!Read more on updating your LinkedIn.ABOUT TRISHTrish is a Senior Consultant at Parity Consulting, mum, partner, sports enthusiast and budding traveller (leaving Ireland in 2006 to travel the world with lifelong friends!). She specialises in the recruitment of Product, Pricing and Actuarial professionals across the Insurance industry (Life, Health and General) in a permanent, contract and temporary capacity.With extensive experience as a Life Insurance Financial Advisor in Ireland, her career in recruitment started specialising in Life Insurance and Workers Compensation recruitment. This experience has helped Trish significantly in her role at Parity – giving her the business and technical knowledge required to best match candidates and clients in the Insurance space. Connect with Trish on LinkedIn.​

•  Ai Iwami
•  16th Apr 2023

​Being industry leaders in recruitment across Product Management, Digital, Marketing, Communications, Data Analytics and Pricing & Actuarial, we love to share our insights with our clients and candidates - this month we wanted to do something a bit different (and fun!). Introducing CAREER COACHELLA!! Through the month of April, we felt it was necessary to incorporate some fun #coachella vibes to our day to day.. so drumroll please .......................... introducing to you our 4-part video series, Career COACHella!See below for all our Career Coachella videos - we hope you have as much fun watching them as we had making them!Video #1 - Navigating the job market and job search in the later stages of your career.​​​Video #2 - Styling tips for busy working parents and how to make the most of those busy mornings. ​​​Video #3 - Interview tips, including preparation and tips for the interview itself.​​Video 4 - Time management tips for working parents (and anyone else who may need them!)​​Stay tuned for more updates to come from our team and be sure to follow us on LinkedIn for up to date industry updates and news. To reach out to one of our team of Specialist Consultants, visit our "Meet the Team" page or drop us an email at info@parityconsulting.com.au. ​​

•  Victoria Butt
•  4th Apr 2023

​Parity Consulting were proud to present our first Leadership event of 2023 as part of our ParityPlus value-add initiative - Leading your people through Menopause, featuring Thea O'Connor, Wellbeing and Productivity expert. Follow us on LinkedIn for updates on future events and news!​Key Takeaways and Learnings1. Symptoms of Menopause are diverse!​2. The cost of losing an experienced leader vs being Menopause-friendly and retaining talent:​3. What women want - how organisations can be Menopause-friendly:​Were you able to identify a takeaway action?  It could be as small but significant as sharing what you go out of today’s presentation, with your colleagues.   If you are struggling with ways to ‘Name It” here are 10 more easy ways to start the conversation in your workplace.​Or maybe you were struck by the need to manage psychosocial risks in your organisation, and want to develop your managers’ skills in this area.   You can read more here about the manager training on menopause that Thea offers.  Hundreds of managers have undergone this training and all emerge with increased confidence and competence in supporting people who experience menopause. ​Additional free resources to get you started:or visit https://www.thea.com.au/menopause-at-work/​Thank you to our Sponsors!OmbpointLindall WestTwo Good Co.Rob Caslick​Full Time LivesNatalie Yan-Chatonsky​Lindall is the Managing Director of Ombpoint and C suite executive focussed on solving business challenges in a commercial way. Ombpoint is Australia’s first workplace conflict support platform, utilising data-driven insights to identify systemic trends and risks so employers can make informed decisions that deliver a lasting and positive impact on their workplace culture.​​Rob is an engineer with a passion for social ventures, and the Founder of Two Good Co - a social enterprise on a mission to employ and empower women who have a lived experience of domestic violence or other traumas. Selling food designed by chefs like Neil Perry, Kylie Kwong and Ben Shewry and products designed by companies like Jac+Jack and Maison Balzac, but most proud of the fact that they employ and train women from the shelters they set out to serve.​Natalieis a midlife women’s specialist and author of The Art of Full Time Living and works with women to design a meaningful and connected life. Her method - global research, workshops, thought leadership and consulting to organisations to harness the skills, experience and value of women.​​Parity Consulting - At Parity we're so much more than recruiters. As specialists in Product, Pricing, Digital, Marketing, Communications and Data Analytics recruitment, we're obsessed with adding value to our community. We don't just have an outstanding reputation for matching great talent with the best companies, we're also proud to reinvest 10% of our profits into industry training and events through ParityPlus - our value-add and a recruitment industry first in Australia.Our low volume, high-service approach gets results - contact us at www.parityconsulting.com.au or info@parityconsulting.com.au. And don't forget to follow us on LinkedIn for updates on future events and news!​​​​

•  Mirjana Males
•  21st Feb 2023

​Now, unless you have been stranded on a desert island, or travelling in a remote part of the world where the internet is yet to reach, you would be familiar with AI language models such as ChatGPT, Google Bard, Jasper Chat (the list goes on). The rise of this form of AI language modelling is taking the world by storm – with ChatGPT being the fastest growing internet app to date (gaining a whopping 1 million users within 5 days!). ChatGPT (and its competitors) is being used:as a chat bot on websites, as a writing tool for content creation, includingsocial media posts;page content for websites;email comms and templates; andblogs. The beauty of a platform such as ChatGPT, in my opinion, is that it gives users who would otherwise not know where to start, or those who procrastinate over putting content together, a starting point. If you are anything like me, I can happily edit content, add references, tailor it to an audience, etc, but I cannot for the life of me get started! This is why I have started using ChatGPT. Here are what I consider the top 5 benefits of AI language tools:They are easy to use and content can be tailored. For example, by adding prompts such as who your audience is, what keywords you would like to include, what tone you would like the content written in, and any references you need added (such as a website page), you can customise your content.From that starting point, you can continue to refine the outputted content, or tweak with your own!Free to use! Many of the platforms I explored had a free version that could be accessed, giving users the opportunity to test them out and see which platform suits their purpose.Language Translation options. ChatGPT for example can facilitate multilingual communication by providing language translation services, thereby enabling users to implement it in their businesses to expand their customer base.Integration. Many of the apps and platforms can be integrated with various communication channels, such as social media, messaging apps, and websites. This ensures that businesses can reach customers through their preferred communication channels.Accessibility. AI language models can help make content creation more accessible to people who may have difficulty writing or who may not have access to the resources needed to create content.Working with apps such as ChatGPT doesn't have to be a dry, boring experience. In fact, it can be quite fun! For example, with its clever and witty responses, ChatGPT can help inject some humour and creativity into your writing process. And as you work with it more, you'll likely find that the more you engage with it, the more fun it becomes. On the flip side, as with any technology, there are drawbacks, with these being my top 5:Quality: While AI language apps can generate high volumes of content, the quality of the content cannot be guaranteed.Users are encouraged to review any content it produces, checking references/statistics/etc, or adding them if they don’t exist.This is essential if you want your content to be credible.Originality: Platforms such as ChatGPT may not always generate completely original content, as it is trained on existing text data. This means that there is a risk of plagiarism if the generated content is not properly checked.Remember to tailor your prompts and add references and your own tone to your content!Bias: Since ChatGPT is trained on existing text data, it may contain biases that can be reflected in the generated content. This means that content creators must be aware of potential biases and work to mitigate them.Lack of Domain-Specific Knowledge: ChatGPT lacks specific knowledge of certain domains or industries, which can result in irrelevant or inaccurate content when generating content in these areas. This means that content creators must carefully review the output to ensure accuracy and relevance.Inability to Understand Context: While ChatGPT can generate content based on a given set of instructions, it may not always understand the context in which the content will be used. This means that content creators may need to spend more time fine-tuning the output to fit the desired context.​So, AI language apps are powerful tools for generating vast amounts of content quickly and efficiently. However, it also has some drawbacks that must be taken into account when using it for content creation. Content creators must carefully review the output, be aware of potential biases, and be prepared to tailor content to their audience.​At the end of the day, I have found working with ChatGPT is a fantastic way to overcome procrastination and get some writing done – or at least started (let’s be honest!).​Mirjana is the Business Manager at Parity Consulting, wife, mother, 80’s queen and master baker – with her baking skills almost a match for her amazing legal and negotiation skills. With a Bachelor’s degree in HR and Industrial Relations, Mirjana has spent the majority of her career in HR and Professional Administration.Mirjana’s role at Parity is as varied as it is busy! She is responsible for the review of all legal documents and agreements, contractor management and payroll, supplier agreements and management, website management, support and advice to the Managing Director. Mirjana loves the energetic work environment – surrounded by a high-achieving and fun team, where constant learning, development and growth is a given!​Parity Consulting works with clients who embrace diverse and inclusive environments and empower their teams to bring their authentic whole self to work. We encourage people with different beliefs, abilities, backgrounds and life experiences to contact us.Feel free to reach out to our team at info@parityconsulting.com.au if you are looking to grow your Product, Pricing, Marketing, Digital or Data & Analytics team, or if you are looking to further your career.

•  Victoria Butt
•  8th Feb 2023

Executive isolation is an ongoing challenge and one which I have not necessarily solved, more like “ongoing management”. Whether I have had 1 small start-up or 3 scaling businesses with an incredibly senior leadership team around me, I still struggle with the feeling ‘isolation’. Sure, I know to join different communities and forums and I know the signs when I need to release the pressure, but after 11 years as an entrepreneur and executive, the feeling of ‘isolation’ still hasn’t gone away. ​My philosophy is to accept that while I may feel alone, I can tap into an untold amounts of communities, ask for help/guidance and also put a strategies in place which have previously worked well for me. The three strategies which helped me;​Develop a new tribe - I refresh my advisory board every 1-2 years. I liken it to a coach, personal trainer or mentor who I outgrow over time. I learn different things from different people and it can most certainly help with the feelings of isolation and loneliness.Work with and around others - My working conditions and who I did or did not surrounded myself with directly affected my productivity. There were times when I needed some quiet thinking times and others when I needed to be in hustle and bustle. I learnt early on which activities where perfect for which environments and tried to harness those working conditions. Track/Document the emotions - After the first few years in business when the stakes were high and the pressures increasing, I started to document the feelings of isolation and found a pattern which I then found much easier to manage. For example, If I had less interaction with clients, customers or peers, the isolation would dis-portionately increase. Or if I had a busy weekend without much down time to reflect on the previous week, it would increase my anxiety and sense of isolation.  ​Parity Consulting is a specialist recruitment company placing high caliber talent in Product Management, Marketing, Digital. Communications, Pricing, Actuarial and Data Science.Victoria is an Executive Search Specialist, entrepreneur, Founder and Managing Director of Parity Consulting; a thought leader, wife and mother, blogger, and a wine snob! She believes in life by design and is blessed to have found her career home in the training & recruitment industry, founding Parity Consulting on the belief that the candidate and client must be equal within the hiring process.Parity Consulting works with clients who embrace diverse and inclusive environments and empower their teams to bring their authentic whole self to work. We encourage people with different beliefs, abilities, backgrounds and life experiences to contact us.Feel free to reach out to Victoria Butt on +61 402 418 326 or vbutt@parityconsulting.com.au 

•  Prue Officer
•  5th Feb 2023

​A hot topic of late, artificial intelligence (AI) is set to revolutionise the way marketing and communications are carried out as AI technologies continue to advance and evolve. AI-powered tools such as ChatGPT are predicted to play a large role in content creation and automation, such as generating social media posts, blog articles and video content. Given this, it is becoming increasingly important for marketing and communications professionals to stay ahead of the curve and understand how AI will impact their roles and the ways in which we can harness it to automate systems.​Overall, the use of AI brings with it a set of challenges and opportunities for marketing and communications professionals – and let’ face it, the possibilities are endless in the ways in which it has the power to automate processes. Creating more time for us to focus on more creative and strategic work, while also providing new tools and insights to make better decisions. However, it will also require marketers and communicators to upskill and adapt to new technologies as AI becomes more integrated into their roles (more on this in my next blog – so stay tuned!). ​Some of the ways in which we can see AI support Marketing and Communications professionals include:Automation of tasks: AI has the ability to automate routine tasks such as data analysis, email marketing, social media management and content creation, cutting down project timelines and freeing up valuable time to focus on more creative and strategic tasks.Data-driven decisions: AI algorithms can analyse vast amounts of data, uncovering patterns and insights that would be time consuming to unearth. This will allow marketers to analyse customer behaviour and persona’s, sentiment and trends with more accuracy, in turn leading to better targeted and effective campaigns, better informed and data-driven decisions allowing for impactful implementation. Creating tailored customer experiences: AI will play a crucial role in personalising the customer experience. For example, chatbots and virtual assistants will be able to respond to customer inquiries and provide tailored recommendations based on their individual preferences and behaviour.Predictive analytics: AI algorithms can better predict future customer behaviour, allowing marketers to deliver personalised messages at different stages of the customer lifecycle to accurately identify and target customer needs and better understand how to respond to market trends and customer needs.Content creation: AI-powered tools can help automate content creation, freeing up time for content marketers to focus on strategy and creative development.Social Media Management: AI algorithms can help monitor and analyse social media interactions, identify influencers, and generate reports on social media metrics. This will help marketers make informed decisions about their social media strategies.From personalised product recommendations to virtual support, AI is shaping the future of the ways in which companies interact with their audience and analyse customer data. By adapting to these changes, marketing and comms professionals can remain relevant in their careers and help their organisations stay competitive in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. It is important to highlight that while AI has the capacity to simplify processes within our roles, human involvement remains essential in the delivery of creative and strategic delivery, and we cannot undervalue the human touchpoint. As many organisations look to streamline, we should be in ensuring organisations don’t see AI as an opportunity to further reduce headcounts or undervalue the function of marketing and communications within their teams.​For more on how AI is impacting jobs in Australia across the board, see our recent insights here.​Despite the benefits, the integration of AI in marketing and communications roles may lead to a decrease in human-driven creative work, changes in roles and potential job losses unless measures are taken by professionals to upskill, reskill and prepare for the AI-driven future. I will be circling back to this topic in my next blog, so stay tuned!​Prue is a Specialist Consultant at Parity, specialising in working across the Software, FinTech, Saas, Digital and eCommerce industries, working with Marketing, Communications and Digital candidates and clients, a floral fanatic and disability and accessibility advocate. She is a true people person and has a passion for placing candidates in their ideal roles.​Parity Consulting works with clients who embrace diverse and inclusive environments and empower their teams to bring their authentic whole self to work. We encourage people with different beliefs, abilities, backgrounds and life experiences to contact us.​Feel free to reach out to Prue at pofficer@parityconsulting.com.au if you are looking to grow your marketing, comms and digital team, or further your career.

•  Victoria Butt
•  2nd Feb 2023

​A total of 286 years. This is the alarming number, put forward by the United Nations, that it will take for global gender equality to be realised. Let that sink in.​The UN’s ‘Progress on the Sustainable Development Goals: The Gender Snapshot 2022’ also reports that it will take 140 years for equal representation in positions of power. As a previous board member of Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) Sydney with a passion for all things diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB), I’m hopeful that, if not the world over, at least in Australia we can take steps to shave years off these figures for the entrepreneurial community.While 66% of new businesses created in Australia in the past decade have been founded by women, nearly half (43%) of women surveyed by the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman’s office identified access to capital as a central barrier to growth. Women are told ‘no’ from a funding perspective nine times more than men. ​A 2020 (US) report by the Harvard Business Review found women-led startups received only 2.3% of V.C. funding. While only 25% of women-led businesses seek funding and on average ask $35,000 less in business financing than men, they are still usually offered much smaller loans at drastically higher interest rates.​Gender bias in funding opportunities echoes the gender bias we see in employment and carries the same missed opportunities for growth and success. Globally, there are initiatives like Beyond the Billion trying to tackle this very issue — a global commitment to invest more than $1 billion in female tech founders to reverse the impacts of COVID-19 that set women back economically significantly further than men. ​In recent years there has been a groundswell of support for female entrepreneurs. ‘Women of EO’ a sub-group of Entrepreneurs’ Organisation is just one of a growing number of inclusive and safe spaces for women founders to connect with other entrepreneurs at a similar stage in business on the unique issues impacting women in business. Beyond the untapped economic growth potential, raising the success of women in business is important role modelling for generations to come. Though there is more to be done, change is happening.​Here are my five steps to move towards gender parity in Australia’s entrepreneur community.​1.     More women on entrepreneurial boards – with a set target We need to see more women on boards and having a seat at the table. The tone is set from the top. If the boards of organisations across the country believe in the value of women in entrepreneurship, membership to said groups will directly increase. If they don’t, numbers go down. The tone is set by the president and the board of these organisations. 2.     Clear targets We need clear targets for female entrepreneurs joining organisations like EO. Levelling up gender inequality in the entrepreneurial world is not different from an organisation’s strategy for revenue growth. If you don’t have targets and measurements, it’s impossible to track the success of these efforts. 3.     Inclusion firstBefore focusing on diversity and levelling the playing field for women in the entrepreneurial community, inclusion needs to be peppered throughout an organisation, its communications and its activities. For example, all the events being organised need to be inclusive for women as well as men, and not just in the type of the activity itself.Factors that can help some women feel more included are:Ensuring events do not consistently clash with family commitments;Avoiding exclusively gender-based events;Ensuring a diverse group of entrepreneurs are represented at events and gatherings; andUsing inclusive and non-gendered language for internal and external communications.You start by looking at inclusion across everything, and by very nature, you end up with greater diversity. 4.     Psychological factorsJust as women are significantly less likely to apply for a job where they meet only some of the requirements than men, women are socially conditioned to put their hands up less. This is something an inclusive environment can change. The statistics mentioned earlier on fewer women applying for funding and asking for less support show we need further initiatives like ‘Beyond the Billion’ to commit to balancing the scales, and more Australian VCs to put their support behind these programs. 5.     Look at diversity beyond genderUnder 35s and LGBTIQ+ communities need support to both join and stay within entrepreneur communities. Having an entrepreneurial community that reflects the real-world population does not just provide us all with greater access to an expanded world view, but also wider perspectives on how we can grow and nurture our business and subsequent team.Lastly, as women business owners we can face heavy criticism compared with our male counterparts. There have been male-only groups for a hundred years, so if a woman-only group or community within a community provides a safe environment to build women up, that is an achievement and a step in the right direction. Let’s keep our focus on the end goal, which is to get 50/50 equality in entrepreneurship and pave the way for our children and future generations of leaders.​Victoria is an Executive Search Specialist, entrepreneur, Founder and Managing Director of Parity Consulting; a thought leader, wife and mother, blogger, and a wine snob! She believes in life by design and is blessed to have found her career home in the training & recruitment industry, founding Parity Consulting on the belief that the candidate and client must be equal within the hiring process.Parity Consulting works with clients who embrace diverse and inclusive environments and empower their teams to bring their authentic whole self to work. We encourage people with different beliefs, abilities, backgrounds and life experiences to contact us.Feel free to reach out to Victoria Butt on +61 402 418 326 or vbutt@parityconsulting.com.au

•  Trish Aspell
•  23rd Jan 2023

Are you feeling stuck in your current career? Do you want to take control of your future and find a role that you genuinely love and enjoy waking up every day to do? Taking control of your career can be a daunting prospect, but it doesn't have to be.By taking the time and investing your energy into your own personal growth and career development, it will have a brilliant knock-on effect into every aspect of your life which is a win/win the most important people in your life.We at Parity Consulting love nothing more than taking the time to get to know you and offer all the support we can in helping you achieve your career goals. We have an in-depth understanding of career trajectories within the Product, Marketing Communications and Digital, Data and Actuarial space and would love to guide you in your career journey.​You can be in control of your career path, here are some of our top tips! Know yourself:Reflect on your skills, values, interests, and strengths. These will help you identify what kind of job or career path is most suitable for you.Take small steps:Break your goals down into smaller, more manageable steps. Start by looking for small opportunities to try something new or gain more experience.Stay motivated:Set yourself realistic targets and track your progress. Share your goals with family and friends and ask them to hold you accountable.Keep learning:Always strive to acquire new knowledge and skills. Find a mentor, attend seminars or workshops, listen to podcasts and read relevant material. Be curious and never stop asking questions. As the old saying goes, “if you’re not growing, you're dying”.Connect with like-minded people:Networking is key to succeeding in any industry. Join industry forums, attend events, and make connections with people who have similar interests and career paths.See Parity’s LinkedIn Page for some further tips and hacks to fulfilling your potential.​If you're looking to change careers get in touch today as Parity Consulting can help you. We specialise in recruiting across ​Product, Digital, Marketing & Communications, Actuarial & Pricing and Data & Analytics recruitment specialists who love working with awesome people.​​Trish Aspell is a Senior Consultant at Parity Consulting, mum, partner, sports enthusiast, and budding traveler (leaving Ireland in 2006 to travel the world with lifelong friends!). She specialises in the recruitment of Product professionals across the Insurance industry (Life, Health and General) in a permanent, contract and temporary capacity.​Parity Consulting works with clients who embrace diverse and inclusive environments and empower their teams to bring their authentic whole self to work. We encourage people with different beliefs, abilities, backgrounds and life experiences to contact us. Contact Trish at taspell@parityconsulting.com.au or +61 410 001 635 for a confidential discussion about your Product and Pricing career, or to grow your team.

•  Agnes Villanyi
•  18th Jan 2023

​In today’s world, the importance of personal branding is growing by the day. An intentional personal brand can help you to stand out from the crowd, build credibility and recognition, and ultimately achieve success.​​​Having a strong personal brand gives you confidence and attracts potential employers, and collaborators who trust and believe in your message. It’s an essential tool for showcasing your unique value and expertise, as well as distinguishing yourself from others in the same field.​​You are your brand. Your current role or project you are working on will leave an impact on others.​Set intentions and take charge of your message with a personal brand, you can control the narrative that is associated with your name. The below strategies will help create an intentional personal brand that will help you move closer to your goals.Curating content on social media to reflect values and experiences, Sharing stories on your blog and website, Networking strategically, Attending events and speeches. ​Remember the importance of creating a powerful and intentional personal brand cannot be overstated. Investing in building a strong personal brand will pay off in the long run, start crafting yours today!​As part of our brand at Parity, we partner and work with companies we align to as specialist recruiters in our feild. These include:Partnering with the Association of Product Professionals, which you can read about here,Parity Partner in Play series which you can view on our website.We also specialise in recruiting across ​Product, Digital, Marketing & Communications, Actuarial & Pricing and Data & Analytics recruitment specialists who love working with awesome people.​​Agnes Villanyi is a Senior Consultant at Parity Consulting – Specialising in Product Management and Product Development roles across Asset and Wealth Management. An avid ice skater, experimental Italian cook, and trained personal stylist, Agnes is passionate about identifying great talent and helping them achieve their ambitions and progress their careers in Product.​Parity Consulting works with clients who embrace diverse and inclusive environments and empower their teams to bring their authentic whole self to work. We encourage people with different beliefs, abilities, backgrounds and life experiences to contact us. Contact Agnes at avillanyi@parityconsulting.com.au. or +61 405 395 021 for a confidential discussion about your Product and Pricing or career, or to grow your team.

•  Victoria Butt
•  16th Jan 2023

​Of course, we need to switch off, to truly recharge and reboot over the festive period.And most believe we should slow down in order to truly speed up and tackle the year ahead. And now we are in January, we need to start all over again.​So why is it so difficult to switch of mind and body?Slowing down can be a great way to speed up in life. By taking a step back and taking a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, we can gain perspective and focus on what really matters.BUT, it’s wayyyy harder than it seems for most of us.I managed to turn my mind off which is no easy feat however not quite my body! There was too much running around, not enough sleep, too many children and family commitments. ​So how did I actually switch my mind off after such a massive year?​Here’s how;Set the intention not to remain online or contactable before I signed off for my break;Booked a holiday first week in Jan with no tech available (forced break!);Practiced gratitude every morning and evening;Reminded myself each day “health is wealth”.​If this doesn’t quite work for you, the below may (courtesy of CHATGPT). My comments in brackets to keep things human (and real!). Take regular breaks to help clear your mind (Definitely agree with this one however how is this possible when there is the expectation to work at 220% all the time?!)Practice mindfulness and meditation to help focus your thoughts(I have tried to regularly do this however I have never quite cracked it! A work-in-progress)Exercise regularly to help improve your cognitive functioning(Obviously)Get enough sleep to help your brain rest and recharge(Now this one always makes me chuckle. Even with the best intentions, getting the recommended 8 hour a night consistently is impossible with business and family commitments!)Eat a healthy diet to help fuel your brain(Why? When chocolate tastes so good?!)Practice positive self-talk to help keep your thoughts in check(Now this does really work for me I have to say)Challenge yourself to think outside the box and come up with creative solutions(Unclear how this can really reenergise you. Sounds like more energy required?!)Learn to recognize and manage stress to help keep your thoughts organized(Prefer to adjust to “to keep your thoughts positive or in perspective?!)Develop good organizational skills to help you stay on track(Being organised is one of the main ways I manage a busy work and home diary). Victoriais an Executive Search Specialist, entrepreneur, Founder and Managing Director of Parity Consulting; a thought leader, wife and mother, blogger, and a wine snob! She believes in life by design and is blessed to have found her career home in the training & recruitment industry, founding Parity Consulting on the belief that the candidate and client must be equal within the hiring process.Parity Consulting works with clients who embrace diverse and inclusive environments and empower their teams to bring their authentic whole self to work. We encourage people with different beliefs, abilities, backgrounds and life experiences to contact us.Feel free to reach out to Victoria Butt on +61 402 418 326 or vbutt@parityconsulting.com.au

•  Laura King
•  21st Dec 2022

At Parity Consulting we love creating videos and this type of content has become increasingly popular in the digital world. As specialist recruiters, Parity use video content in a number of ways:Share market intel and industry news across our specialist areas of Product Management, Pricing, Digital, Marketing, Communications, Data and Analytics recruitment;Advertise roles we are working on for our clients;Share highlights from our Parity Plus events;Connect with our networks through sharing fun content and team events – an example of this is our most recent Christmas video!In fact, it is one of the most popular ways people are consuming content – so if you are not engaging with your network, customers, audience using videos, you are most likely missing an opportunity!​It can be used to effectively engage audiences, share information and tell stories in a way that text alone cannot. With its capacity to hold people’s attention for longer periods of time with added visual elements, video has proven to be a powerful tool for any content marketer. ​There are countless ways to take advantage of a video’s potential. Below are some tips on how to effectively use this type of content to supercharge your content marketing:Create Compelling Content – Video content should aim to captivate your audience and drive them to take action. Find creative ways to tell engaging stories, use powerful visuals, and deliver useful information. Deliver a Clear Message – Make sure there is a distinct purpose behind every video you create. Let viewers know why they should watch it, what they’ll learn, and how they can take action at the end.Optimise with SEO – Don’t forget to optimise video content for SEO just like text-based content. Optimise titles and descriptions, as well as include relevant keywords where appropriate.  Leverage Social Platforms – Share videos on social media platforms like YouTube, LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram and Facebook to increase visibility and maximise reach. The platform you use will largely depend on your industry and where your customers frequent. Use custom thumbnails and engage with your followers to increase engagement.By following these tips, you can successfully use video content to enhance your content marketing efforts and reach your desired audience. See Parity’s YouTube channel for our latest videos! If you’re looking for your next role, or looking to grow your team, connect with Parity Consulting who are specialised Recruitment consultants who love working with awesome people and recruit for roles across Product, Digital, Marketing & Communications, Actuarial & Pricing and Data & Analytics.​Laura is a Senior Consultant at Parity Consulting, specialising in the recruitment of high calibre Marketing, Communications & Digital talent across Financial Services. She is a seasoned recruiter, wife and mum to 2 boys, sun seeker, lover of fashion, fine wine and travelling; with a side hustle in Personal Styling and helping clients develop their personal brand. With 20+ years professional experience gained from the UK and Australia, Laura's career in recruitment spans across various industries including Pharmaceutical Sales, Marketing, Market Research and Consumer Insights.  Parity Consulting works with clients who embrace diverse and inclusive environments and empower their teams to bring their authentic whole self to work. We encourage people with different beliefs, abilities, backgrounds and life experiences to contact us. Contact Laura at lking@parityconsulting.com.au or +61 405 538 706 for a confidential discussion about your Marketing, Communications or Digital career, or to grow your team.

•  Victoria Butt
•  19th Dec 2022

​Leishman Consulting was founded by Brigid Leishman in 2019 following an extensive and impressive executive career in corporate. Her business is a pretty special one and we have nothing but admiration of the work she does with our candidates to help navigate and curate their career strategy. Brigid has always loved helping people to become the hero of their own story and take back power when it comes to their career.Brigid is a qualified career coach and helps people define the next steps in their career. She gives senior managers and executives across a range of industries, disciplines, and countries the coaching, tools, and support to take those steps. Leishman Consulting stands for clarity, support, and ownership and if you meet Brigid for only a few minutes, you can see this come through in her communication, messaging and overall stance on the world. We have learnt so much from Brigid here at Parity and love sending our precious candidates and clients to her for her mentorship and guidance on their CVs and LinkedIn positioning (which is only a small handful of her service offerings).​Leishman Consulting and Parity Consulting have a few things in common;Mastery in our areas of specialisationWe know what we do well and we stick to thatWe are down to earth and direct communicatorsWe understand the importance of Salary Information when navigating careers​Brigid at Leishman Coaching loves the work we do for our FY2022 Salary Guide & Insights and places a huge emphasis on market information. She sees the value in this information empowering professionals to have the confidence to ask for what they are worth, and to build negotiating strategies for the future. When asking Brigid about the future of work, she gave me a great answer and one I have loved reflecting on. People will continue to ‘rage against the machine’ - This includes hybrid and remote working continuing to grow and not ‘go back to normal’ as some predict. It also includes part-time and flexible work as people seek a more balanced life to stem the rising tide of mental health issues we are seeing. People want more - We will also see people growing more comfortable with having more than one job, including more self-employment. Artificial Intelligence (AI) will continue to mature and replace low value work - this means people will need to continually upskill and be in touch with where their skill set will and won’t remain relevant over time. ​If you have not come across Brigid or Leishman Consulting, please connect with her HERE.www.leishmanconsulting.com.au​Victoria is an Executive Search Specialist, entrepreneur, Founder and Managing Director of Parity Consulting; a thought leader, wife and mother, blogger, and a wine snob! She believes in life by design and is blessed to have found her career home in the training & recruitment industry, founding Parity Consulting on the belief that the candidate and client must be equal within the hiring process.Parity Consulting works with clients who embrace diverse and inclusive environments and empower their teams to bring their authentic whole self to work. We encourage people with different beliefs, abilities, backgrounds and life experiences to contact us.Feel free to reach out to Victoria Butt on +61 402 418 326 or vbutt@parityconsulting.com.au

•  Ai Iwami
•  12th Dec 2022

The difference between UX and UI design and the skills needed to nail these rolesUX design and UI design are both crucial components of the decision-making process for new product development. However, all too often, these two terms are used interchangeably. This is because UX and UI designers have very similar jobs. They create wireframes, prototypes and flow charts to get the visual look and feel right. Yet they use different approaches, tools and skills. Let’s look at the significant differences between UI and UX, the Roles of UX Designers and UI Designers and the skills needed to become one. What are UX Design and Its goals?UX design is an umbrella term that describes the process of designing a product or service to be used by end users. That may sound simple, but there's much more to it than just making something look pretty.The key to great UX design is creating an intuitive interface that allows users to accomplish their goals with minimal effort (and frustration). This means creating an experience that considers everything from how people react to visuals like colour schemes and typography to how they interact with the product itself, everything from clicking on a website to pressing buttons on your phone while walking down the street.Goals of UXThe goal of UX design is to make sure that the product or service is usable and satisfying. It should meet users' needs and expectations, whether those goals are getting directions on Google Maps or buying something from Amazon.What are UI Design and its goals?User interface (UI) is the part of a computer program or website that allows users to interact with the program or website. It's often referred to as "the front end" because it's what people see and interact with when they use a program or website.Goals of UIUI has three main goals:To create an interface that is easy to use and understandTo ensure that users can access the information they need and find what they're looking for quicklyTo make it easy for users to perform tasks efficiently4 Big Differences Between UX And UI Design#1. UX makes interfaces useful, and UI makes interfaces beautifulWhen we say "UX makes interfaces useful", we mean that UX creates an experience for users that helps them get things done in the most efficient way possible. That could be something as simple as making sure there are plenty of links on a website so people don't have to guess which ones will help them find what they're looking for; or as complex as finding ways to make sure someone can use your software without having to read your entire manual first.​And when we say "UI makes interfaces beautiful", we mean what colours are used in its background, what typefaces are used in its text descriptions and buttons, and whether those colours and fonts complement each other nicely or clash horribly with one another. It's all about ensuring that your interface looks good enough that people enjoy using it because of how sharp and polished it looks.#2. UX helps users accomplish goals, and UI makes emotional connectionsSuppose you're designing a website for people who want to book flights. In that case, your UX designer will ensure that your booking system is simple and straightforward; and that it's not confusing or difficult for people to find what they need quickly and easily. Or they might design an app where customers can get updates on their flight status without having to log in every time they want to know if their plane has landed yet. ​UI is all about making emotional connections between users and your brand/website/app. It's about creating an environment where people feel comfortable while they're using your product, so they can feel like they belong there; like it's where they should be spending their time.#3. UX design is done first, UI design is done secondUX design is the process of creating a user-friendly experience for your website or app. The UX designer will begin by researching the users and their needs, then creating wireframes that illustrate how the product should function.  ​Once the wireframes are complete, they will be handed off to the UI designer, who will then create mockups based on the wireframes and make them look aesthetically pleasing.#4. UX is employed across products, interfaces and services; UI-only interfacesUX is concerned with how users interact with your product as a whole—how they move from one part of it to another and what their overall experience is like.​The ideal UX design is one that addresses the pain points of your target audience, whether you’re a counsellor selling services or a clothing brand selling kids’ clothes and accessories. ​UI is nowadays not just limited to phones, tablets and laptops. You can appreciate an interface of a car dashboard, washing machine, refrigeration or a watch too. Understanding the Roles of UX and UI DesignersUX designers and UI designers are both highly skilled professionals, and while they may share similar tasks, they have different responsibilities. Let’s take a brief look at the roles of UX and UI designers. What Does a UX Designer Do?The roles and responsibilities of a UI designer are:Solicit feedback from users to identify what is working well and where improvements are neededCreate prototypes or wireframes that demonstrate how the product or service will function visuallyDesign user interfaces for mobile devices, websites, desktop applications, or other types of softwareResearching usability best practices, working with developers on implementationTest their designs with real users in order to refine themWhat Does a UI Designer Do?They're responsible for determining how a user will interact with the product and how that interaction will feel, as well as what data is collected from those interactions.​UX designers work closely with data scientists, project managers, and business analysts to create products that are easy to use and understand. They help guide projects by asking questions like "What does this button do?" or "How can we make this process more intuitive?"​They also make sure that the final product meets customer expectations by testing it on users throughout the development process.Skills required to become a UI and UX Designer To enter these fields, you'll need to learn the following skills.UI Skills UI designers need skills such as:An understanding of visual design tools such as Photoshop, OmniGraffle, and IllustratorExpertise in user psychology and behaviour, especially when it comes to interfacesExperience with visual communication techniques, including typography, colour theory, and layoutExperience with front-end coding languages like JavaScript, HTML, and CSS to develop prototypesA knack for problem-solvingUX Skills The skills required to become a UX designer are:Strong collaboration skills with the members of different departments. Deep knowledge of design principles and best practicesThe ability to use data and analytics to inform design decisionsThey should know HTML, CSS, jQuery and JavaScript; the languages used to create web pagesKnowledge of Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, InVision, and Zeplin tools used by product development teamsHow do UX and UI Designers Work Together?UX typically focuses on the user's mental model—how they think about and interact with the product. Designers can gain a better understanding of how users feel about the product, what their goals and pain points are, and how to address them. This information can then be fed into UI design so that the interface is attractive and intuitive for users. The two work together to create a seamless experience for users.UX vs. UI: ToolsHere is a list of top UX/UI design tools that help designers get their work done easily. ​Final takeaway With this knowledge, the trials of finding your first job should be easier, as well as future job searches if you choose to transition between fields. The important thing is to learn to utilise these skills in your own unique way and expand them in the areas you enjoy most.​Ai Iwami is a Marketing, Communications and Digital Specialist Consultant at Parity Consulting, beach lover, margarita drinker, and mum to a toddler and cat. Ai specialises in placing professionals in Marketing, Communications, and Digital roles across wealth management. She can be contacted at aiwami@parityconsulting.com.au or +61 451 193 774 for a confidential discussion. ​

•  Hima Arafath
•  8th Nov 2022

​8 Trends in the Data Science Job Market 2022 & 23    Data scientists are going to be the new rock stars - they're the ones who help companies collect, store, and analyse large amounts of data! But wait…what is "big data"? You know how your computer can sometimes run slowly because it's trying to process too much information at once? Well, big data happens when you have so much information that it takes a lot of processing power to deal with it all at once.And that's where data scientists come in! They use their skills and knowledge to find patterns in all these huge mounds of data, which helps companies make better decisions about how they do business and what products they should sell. Trends that will shape the future of the data science job marketHere are the 8 data science trends in the job market that are important to watch out for in the coming years. #1. Jobs in data science are being affected by quantum computingWith the advent of quantum computing, there's no denying that jobs in data science will be affected at some point. Quantum computing is a new way of doing things that uses quantum properties to perform calculations. The most notable feature of quantum computers is that they can perform many computations simultaneously, which means they can solve problems more efficiently than classical computers.​#2. Financial and insurance companies recruit more data scientistsThe financial and insurance industries are increasingly looking to hire data scientists, according to a recent report from the McKinsey Global Institute. The report found that the demand for data scientists will continue to grow.​Financial institutions are in a constant state of change. As they face new challenges, they need to adapt to the changing market. This means that they need to make changes to their product offerings and customer experience.​They are recruiting data scientists to help them make better decisions about their risk management and investments. The need for these experts is also growing in the healthcare industry, where hospitals and clinics are looking for ways to improve patient outcomes by analysing their records.​#3. Inadequate preparation of companies to hire and manage data scientistsMany companies are still struggling to make the shift from having no data science team at all (or one or two people who don't have enough time),  to having a fully-functioning team that can produce meaningful results.​The main reason this happens is that companies don't know how to properly train and support their employees who are new to data science. Many companies think they can just hire someone with a PhD or master's degree and expect them to know everything they need to know about the field—but this isn't true! As a result, they're missing out on opportunities to optimise their processes and make better decisions about how they do business.​#4. An Increase in cloud organisation Cloud organisation is a type of business structure that uses cloud computing technology to provide services over the internet. Cloud organisations typically offer software-as-a-service (SaaS), platform-as-a-service (PaaS), and infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS). Cloud organisations can also be categorised as public, private or hybrid.Cloud organisation is an emerging trend in the data science job market. It is predicted that by 2020, 50% of all computing will be done in the cloud. This means that companies will need to hire more data scientists to work with big data and artificial intelligence (AI) applications on the cloud.​#5. An unimaginable amount of data is going to be generated in the next decadeThe amount of information that we generate and store on a daily basis is growing at an unprecedented rate. According to IDC, the world generated 44 zettabytes of data by 2020—that’s 44 trillion gigabytes. That’s more than double what was generated in 2018. In fact, IDC predicts that the amount of data being generated will increase five times every five years through 2025, and then double again by 2030.As a result, we are facing an explosion in demand for people who can manage this data efficiently and effectively. Data scientists are becoming increasingly important as organisations need to be able to analyse their data and make sense of it. ​#6. Human-Centred Data Science & AnalyticsHuman-centred design is a philosophy that aims to ensure that people are at the centre of any product development project. This means thinking about how users will interact with a product, and then building it so that they can do so easily and intuitively.In the past few years, we've seen a rise in the number of data science jobs that require human-centred skills. This means that in addition to the technical skills needed to understand and analyse data, candidates must also be able to communicate those insights to help their organisations make decisions.To give you an idea of what this might look like in practice, let's say you're building a new product for your company. You'd want someone who can take all the raw data about your customers' behaviours and preferences and use it to build a model that predicts how they will behave when presented with your new product. But you wouldn't just hire someone who could do this technical work—you'd also want someone who knows how to present these findings in a way that makes sense for your business and its goals.​#7. Predictive analytics marketing is the new revolution.Predictive analytics is also known as predictive modelling, forecasting and statistical analysis. It uses historical data to predict future events and trends. The goal of predictive analytics is to create models that can be used to forecast future outcomes. It is used in a wide range of applications such as sales, marketing, finance and risk management.This rapid growth has created a huge opportunity for data scientists who can use their skills to help companies identify potential customers, engage with them in real-time, optimise campaigns based on customer behaviour, and predict what will happen next.​#8. Companies facing a shortage of data science experts this yearAccording to a recent report from McKinsey & Company, almost half of companies surveyed said they were experiencing a shortage of data science talent; in fact, one in five companies reported having "extreme" difficulty finding qualified candidates.In order to fill these roles, companies are looking at alternative ways to recruit new talent or retrain existing employees. One way is through boot camps: intensive programs that train students in areas like data science and machine learning.​A Sneak Peek into Data Science CareersYou might be wondering how you can get started on this exciting new path. Well, we've got some tips for you!Top Technical Skills For Data Science Career​The following technical skills are essential for data scientists:Data VisualisationDeep LearningProcessing large data setsData WranglingMathematicsProgrammingStatisticsBig DataStatistical analysis and computingMachine Learning​Top Non-Technical Skills For Data Science CareerThere are some non-technical skills that can help you succeed in this field as well. These include:Communication skillsGreat Data IntuitionProblem-solving skillsCritical thinking skillsProject leadership skills ​The outlook for data science jobs is strong, with a projected growth of 19% in the number of available jobs by 2023. This growth rate is higher than all other job categories. However, it is worth noting that this growth will be met by an influx of talent into the field. Despite all of this, we are continuously surprised by how rapidly the kind of skills demanded by employers change.​Hima is a Specialist Consultant in Parity Consulting, a doting mum, a wife, shopping enthusiast and a passionate blogger. She is passionate about diversity and inclusion and how she can champion candidates with specialist needs. With a Computer Science Engineering background, Hima is our (and your!) go-to specialist for Data and Analytics recruitment! To get in touch with Hima, contact her on +61 452 089 967 or harafath@parityconsulting.com.au.

•  Victoria Butt
•  8th Nov 2022

​As a specialist recruitment partner, we are often asked for recommendations of other recruitment suppliers in areas such as Technology. Our ‘go to’ is Ivan Micallef who is the Founder and Director of Aurora Search who provide quality technology talent to the APAC Financial Services Industry.Aurora Search means "new beginnings" and Ivan is a trusted advisor to many technology clients and candidates alike. He listens, learns, and then advises (in that order) which can be unusual for a recruiter. Aurora Search pride themselves on being an extension of your support network who are there to ensure terrific career decisions are being made, first time around.​ Parity Consulting could partner with many different quality IT recruitment companies however we have chosen to partner with Ivan at Aurora Search for 3 reasons:Joint organisation values alignment;He treats his candidates as well as his clients really well (ie Parity); andHe delivers difficult searches in a timely manner.​Any organisation or person we send to Aurora Search receives a quality experience.Ivan mentors many ‘up and coming’ entrepreneurs and recruitment consultants and when asked what advice he would give to these professionals, his insights translate to seasoned professionals also. My top 4 favourites are:The path of least resistance is often the worst option;Get really good at calling out your own BS;Identify the people and relationships around you, that are inhibiting you from getting where you want to be. Make the hard, but necessary changes.Listen more and talk less.​Aurora Search is one of the strategic partners for our FY2022 Salary Guide & Insights and feel strongly that our Parity Plus initiatives are an important and powerful give back to the community. Likewise, Ivan is passionate about the future of work and how the world will hopefully look in 20 years. More specifically, Ivan would like to see:​Age, Gender, Ethnicity & Persuasion aren't a thing. Everyone is treated the same way, and given equal opportunity;Diversity in leadership is seen on boards, and on senior leadership and management teams;The disadvantaged are given a voice, and change isn't just an idea. You will not be disappointed when you meet Ivan at Aurora Search and you can find him active on LinkedIn HERE.​Victoria is an Executive Search Specialist, entrepreneur, Founder and Managing Director of Parity Consulting; a thought leader, wife and mother, blogger, and a wine snob! She believes in life by design and is blessed to have found her career home in the training & recruitment industry, founding Parity Consulting on the belief that the candidate and client must be equal within the hiring process.Parity Consulting works with clients who embrace diverse and inclusive environments and empower their teams to bring their authentic whole self to work. We encourage people with different beliefs, abilities, backgrounds and life experiences to contact us.Feel free to reach out to Victoria Butt on +61 402 418 326 or vbutt@parityconsulting.com.au