Thomas Woodhams on LinkedIn: #linkedin #education #technology #recruitment #careers | 166 comments (2024)

As I sit here writing my speech for RecFest UK in the coming weeks, the thought of it makes me want to throw up.If you are going, I am on the EVP stage talking about LinkedIn and Personal Brand at 4:15 pm. (Last talk of the day, which makes it worse.)Sorry to give out neurodivergent "secrets" here, but remember that time your friend said last minute, "I'm really sorry I can't make it; my goldfish needed CPR"? Those thoughts and feelings come through whilst I write this.When you stare at the screen and nothing seems to be going in, it's even more challenging when you have to write stuff about yourself that makes you cringe.I hope listening to [Craig David - Fill Me In] on repeat can get me through the later stages.For anyone who does public speaking or builds slide decks on a consistent basis, I really salute you because videos, podcasts, and creating content are so much easier for me.I have set a 30-minute timer for each slide and then go outside for 5 minutes before coming back. It looks like it will be a long evening.My brain says, "Add jokes," but the thought of crickets makes me feel worse.Any last-minute public speaking tips for a ginger day walker?#LinkedIn #Presentation #PublicSpeaking #RecFest24 #Recruitment

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If I had to reset my LinkedIn feed and start over, I’d definitely cut down on the number of recruiters. They can be relentless, can’t they?But seriously, having a diverse network is like having a box of chocolates – variety is essential.Many job seekers wonder why their posts don’t get much engagement. Often, the only likes they get are from a few connections, and it can feel like their efforts are going unnoticed. What’s the point of that?Here are some tips for anyone looking to “Upgrade your game” or “Job hunt”:💜 Connect➟ Don’t just go on a clicking spree. Be strategic about who you connect with. Quality over quantity.🗣 Engage➟ If someone shares a post about job searching or career challenges, don’t just scroll past. Comment and offer your insights or encouragement. For example, if someone posts about a job interview, you could say, “I remember my first interview – nerve-racking! You’ve got this! Any specific questions you’re worried about?”💡 Insightful➟ Stick to your niche to avoid mixed messaging. I made the mistake of being all over the place initially, and people thought I was a dancing clown. (I still am, but now it’s intentional!)There’s no overnight fix or magic solution, but remember to stay true to yourself and shine like Beyoncé.What is your number one tip on this platform?#LinkedIn #Advice #Help #Recruitment #Tips

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Waking up in the morning with ADHD is like playing a game of "Which Version of Me Will Show Up Today?"It's a wild ride. Some days, you wake up feeling like a Disney princess, ready to take on the world with your trusty sidekicks (aka coping mechanisms). Other days, it's like your mind is populated by the Seven Dwarfs, but instead of Happy, Sleepy, and Dopey, you've got Concentration, Anxiety, and Depression tagging along.Many people get confused with the symptoms because there are so many and they can present themselves in different ways.The number one thing is understanding yourself; I swear by it because the more things that "make you feel bad," the more you can identify why you feel a certain way.For example:➤ Drink (Makes me feel bad = Cut it out or drop it down) Anxiety & Depression➤ Not going outside or engaging in any physical activity (makes me question my life choices)➤ Do more of the things that make you "feel good or make you happy"Remember, you don’t have to be a superhero every day. Some days, just getting out of bed is a victory. Be kind to yourself and recognise that it’s okay to have off days.What is one thing you swear by to get your brain in gear?#LinkedIn #ADHD #Neurodiversity #MentalHealth #Wellbeing

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When it comes to workloads and prioritising which task to start first, it can be very overwhelming to decide the order. In this video, I explain how having a deadline can increase productivity for neurodivergent individuals, especially when the lack of motivation needed to complete a task can be very challenging. Do you work better with deadlines?#LinkedIn #Neurodiversityatwork #Work #Deadlines #ADHD

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The problem we have with "career switching" is that you have people cheerleading, saying, "quit your job and you can be the new Mickey Mouse by tomorrow."Unfortunately, sorry to break anyone's dreams of being Mickey Mouse, but people leave industries they have worked long shifts in, and let's be honest, when you have done something for so long, it's natural for people to find new passions they want to pursue.I am a massive cheerleader for people going for that "dream job," but you need to be honest when applying because switching from being a Chef to a CTO in a day is actually unrealistic unless you start at the bottom again and work your way up.This applies to any industry. One thing people can't take away from you is the soft skills you have perfected over the years.If you are planning to switch careers, please don't just go trigger-happy when you apply, because there's nothing worse than getting an "Auto-Reject" when you want to give up something you have been doing for a while.If you are going for the "Mickey Mouse" dream then please consider this 👇🏻:1. Assess Your Skills and Interests :> Be honest with yourself.2. Research the New Industry :> Like planning a Butlins holiday.3. Gain Relevant Experience :> Take an online course or connect with people in that industry.4. Network :> Ask the gods/goddesses in that sector.5. Additional Education or Certifications :> Like that pottery class you always wanted to do.Please don't listen to career coaches that say, "You go, boo, you can do anything, and that'll be £1000, please."You can do the switch, but remember, it will be a tough transition. You will get there.What has helped you in a career switch?#LinkedIn #CareerSwitch #Careers #JobAdvice #Research

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"Do you think you’ll ever come off LinkedIn, and how long do you plan to stay on it for?"Me 👇🏻

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At some point in our lives, either at work or in personal life, we have all suppressed how we really feel about our emotions.Inside a workplace, especially in bigger companies, no one ever wants to put their hand up and say "I need help." Why? Because the feelings of being outcast, being treated differently, or feeling incompetent come to mind.Do you know what happens when we let feelings and emotions build up? We end up having a breakdown.In this video, I explain how taking the first step to actually speaking up can avoid the worst-case scenario by going into a dark place.How do you bounce back when you are feeling low?#LinkedIn #Mentalhealth #ADHD #Neurodivergent #Neurodiversityatwork

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Recruiter: "We have a candidate who has requested reasonable adjustments for the interview process, but we’re not sure what to do next."You might think, "Isn't that a reasonable concern?" Wrong!In 2024, creating an accessible and inclusive interview process is essential. But how do you offer adjustments when you don’t know what specific needs a candidate may have, whether they are blind, neurodivergent, or have other disabilities?For this post, I collaborated with Jamie Shields who is registered blind, and me, Thomas, who has ADHD, to help provide tips for a more inclusive interview process:Jamie’s Tips 🦏 : ➔ Be Flexible Not just with timings but with your interview locations; ask the candidate what's most accessible for them.➔ Assume Everyone is DisabledYou can't tell who is disabled by a CV. Treat all candidates with the same empathy, respect, and understanding.➔ Provide Questions Ahead of Time Isn't the purpose of an interview to have someone bring their best selves? Providing interview questions ahead of time benefits everyone, allowing time to prepare.➔ Ask if Someone Needs Any AdjustmentsBefore an interview, always ask if a candidate needs adjustments, even if it is a virtual interview.Thomas’s Tips 🦰 :➔ Accommodate Different Learning Styles Understand that neurodiverse candidates, such as those with ADHD, may thrive with clear, concise communication and the ability to take notes. Avoid jargon and big, complex wording; simplify it.➔ Create a Safe EnvironmentEnsure the interview space, whether physical or virtual, is welcoming and free of distractions. This helps candidates focus and perform their best.Many changes or improvements in the hiring process are actually beneficial for everyone. This is never Neurodiverse vs. Neurotypical; it actually helps both mindsets, so why not change and help everyone.What is one change you would like to see in the interview process?#LinkedIn #Hiring #Inclusion #Accessibility #Careers #InterviewTips** Image description** A purple background featuring two men with two graphics and arrows pointing to them. On the left, a bald man with a beard, glasses, and headphones is smiling. On the right, a man with dark hair and a beard is wearing a black hoodie with a rhino and the text: "Rhinos are just chubby Unicorns with bad eyesight. Above the bald man is a colorful, abstract brain graphic. Above the man in the hoodie are dark icons depicting various disabilities.

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If you have a friend, colleague, or even yourself, make sure to watch this traits video. It might persuade you to get checked out for ADHD.I guarantee there will be a clip in this reel that you can relate to or maybe have experienced yourself.The challenge with ADHD is when it starts affecting your work and lifestyle. That's when you need support.Trust me, adult ADHD is tough when you don't understand the "Why, How, and When?" especially when you beat yourself up over it.Life is too short to feel challenged all the time.Do any of these clips sound like you?#LinkedIn #ADHD #Neurodiversity #Mentalhealth #Neurodiversityatwork

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