Ashes to ashes This week’s M word comes to you during that most demanding of religious festivals, Lent, so why not try and give up something for forty days (…and nights too, cheeky). So, if you’re fed up standing outside your office smoking in the rain, why not ditch the Dunhills for Lent? Amen. First up, we tell you the tell tale warning signs that your work/life balance is out of control (it usually starts with being too busy to Facebook). Also, we have a guide on how to choose your references - be warned, employers do take them very, very seriously…so don’t put your Mum’s name down (even if she thinks you’re wonderful). Lastly, we have a fantastic Monster tool for you to download. It’s a time management audio, so plug in and listen up while you work. Now that’s what we call efficient. What do you do when you don’t know what career to choose? Here we have expert advice on careers in areas such as charity, the public sector and the financial sector. Read more >> Have difficulty prioritising? Work piling up? Too busy for fun? You have two options: one is to move to Tibet and live in a cave (no mortgage or rent problems…) The other is to plug into our time management audio and live happily ever after. The choice is yours. Read more >> 60% of employers claim to have rejected a candidate after receiving poor references. Gulp! So, read our guide on how to choose referees – and don’t ask the boss whose tie you put through the shredding machine – even if he does forgive you. Read more >> Want to find out about jobs, career opportunities and see salary comparisons in your UK region or local area? Then check out our Local Job Guides tool. You’ll find all the latest employment information, including salary data, house prices and local job vacancies right where you live. Check it out now >> Your Newsletter: Your Views The M word will be even more useful with your thoughts and input. Tell us what you’d like to read more of, or what we could do better. Plus if you have any experiences or views about the jobs market, share them with us. If you like us – subscribe now! If you’ve received this week’s M word from a friend and want to receive it regularly, subscribe by opening a My Monster account and opt-in to receive communications from us. If you would no longer like to receive emails from Monster.co.uk, please >unsubscribe here. Subscription to job search agent alerts will remain unchanged. Hide and Seek Making your CV searchable means that employers looking for skills like yours can find you easily. Upload it now and it goes to the front of the queue! Community Fundraiser Experienced Sweet charity One of Scotland’s prominent charities has a new opportunity for an experienced fundraiser to join its team. It’s a varied role and you’ll be delivering community fundraising activities, managing volunteers and watching budgets and costs. You’ll also need to be a good communicator. Are you feeling charitable? Receiving the latest news and views on current issues in your industry is one click away! Just add your industry to your profile. Too busy to be always checking your email for job alerts? Monster has the solution with free Target SMS job notifications, giving you the latest relevant job opportunities direct to your mobile. Click here to subscribe.