Guru

Guru has just discovered his new favourite book The New Rules of Work (PDF) by Mike Dauncey, founder of jobs board Tiptopjob.com. The book is described as an "un-pc and frank guide to the modern day world of work".

According to Dauncey, the 'new rules' are necessary because the recession has created a seismic shift in the jobs market. Working is about getting a job, any job, and doing anything you can to hold onto that job, he says.

Helpfully, Dauncey has provided some top tips for both employers and job seekers in this new environment.

Employers:

• Cut out the 'dead wood'
• If you have to make large scale redundancies, it is best to have a quick cull
• Nearly 40% of job seekers would consider taking a salary cut of up to 20% in order to secure a job
• It doesn't hurt to show your human side in all this, so take the initiative in organising a few activities, and take the lead in participating; bring your own food extended lunchtime picnic, dress down days, quizzes
• Beware of the 'overqualified'.
  

Job seekers:

• Withdraw or limit access to all of your social networking profile pages. Images of your latest drunken conquests will not be beneficial to the cause
• Get to know their employees. How do they dress? Where do they hang out? It may sound a bit like espionage, but hang around the offices after work and find out what they do - is there a post-work drinks culture, a gym culture?
• Don't make them feel past it by being too cutting edge, or by wearing anything that shows off too much of your youthful figure. Nobody wants to employ someone who is going to make them feel old, fat or boring every day of the week
• If you have a strong accent you might want to try talking a bit more slowly than usual (practice this), and avoid the use of 'street' talk or slang like the plague
• Take as little holiday as you can
• Women - avoid getting pregnant

Absolute genius, I'm sure you'll agree. Guru bows down at the feet of a new HR hero.