Careers and Jobs

Leading career expert Paul Mullan will be presenting a FREE presentation at 6.30pm on 25th March sponsored by the Dublin City Central Library. The topic – “Job Hunting – Creative ways to increase visibility & land more opportunities”. For more information and to book a place email businesslibrary@dublincity.ie.

For those of you who use Linkedin you can also access free tips, advice and discussions in “Measurability Careers & Jobs Club” Group on LinkedIn.

Happy Job Hunting

In tough times people quite often turn to self help books for inspiration and support. This multimillion dollar industry is preying on the vulnerable and quite often churning out the same stuff under a new revolutionary formula. Most of the readers are looking for quick fix and easy solution BUT in reality there are no easy solutions. Ask any successful person and they will tell you this – “the harder I work the luckier I get”. I recall a book I read some years back which did make sense but on further analysis it was nothing different than that which my mother had drilled into me throughout my youth. Below I have outlined some her classic advice …. and it is not write a CV or prepare for Interviews …..

Nobody likes a misery guts – Sulking and complaining never won any friends. Are you complaining? Are you blaming? Has it assisted your job hunting? I understand that job hunting in a tough market is difficult particularly for those out of work. However negativity will not bring anything to the table. People don’t like to hear it will actually switch off or worse avoid you all together. More importantly negativity will drain your own energy. If you are out of work and struggling to find employment or if you are seeking a career change without success – complaining or blaming won’t assist in any way.

Smarten yourself up – When this was said to me it was about physical appearance but for the purpose of this piece I mean how you market yourself. Ensure that your CV and cover letter are sharp. Ensure that they make the right impact. CV Writing Service in Ireland.

You need to work harder – We have all heard the saying – “work smarter and not harder” In reality you should be doing both. You need to work smart and hard. You need plenty of activity but channeled in the right direction. If you are unsuccessful in your job search – have you explored all the available channels? A friend said to me recently that he had tried everything to get a job but he never asked me for help!! Proactive job search channels will help you access the hidden job market. My friend’s girlfriend got an administration job last month that was never advertised.

I don’t want you hanging around with him – Parents can always spot a bad egg and are skilled at identifying unsuitable associates. You need to use this strategy when job hunting in a tough market. You don’t need negativity when job hunting in a tough market. Spend less time talking to your negative friends and more time talking with the positive and bubbly element of you close network. Surround yourself with support BUT not those who fester negativity and doom and gloom.

Turn off that TV and do your homework – I was never a big TV person as a kid but I guess anything came above homework. The reason I say turn off the TV is because the current content will not inspire you. Most of the news in the papers and on the radio is negative. Reading and listening to this everyday will not inspire you. Remember bad news sells at the minute and the media is ensuring we get our fill of it.

I attended a seminar in Ballsbridge Court Hotel on Wednesday 23rd organised by PA assist and Osborne Recruitment. The seminar was titled “staying up in down times” and focused on motivational advice and personal marketing expertise to help jobseekers in a tough economic climate. This was a great evening with 3 key speakers – Kirishna De, James Sweetman and Brendan of Osborne Recruitment. Due to the nature of my work I am aware of many of the strategies but I still left with great tips and nuggets of information. Speaking to some of the other attendees they left the seminar burdened with positive energy and ideas.

The event commenced with a motivation and success presentation by James Sweetman. I have been aware of James but never met or heard him speak before. James outlined some excellent motivational strategies for jobseekers in difficult job market conditions. He encouraged individuals to cast off the shackles and move out of their comfort zones into uncharted waters. James touched on a number of key strategies I feel strongly about – Jack Canfields E+R=O and the importance of shutting out the bad news and negative people. James delivered the presentation with humour and laced with excellent motivational stories.

James was followed by Brendan Murphy of Osborne Recruitment. First thing that struck me about Brendan was his honesty. Brendan delivered an open and frank assessment to the job market followed by some of the key elements for marketing yourself during job applications and interviews. Even with the limited exposure to Brendan & Osborne I get the impression that working with his recruitment company would be a positive experience from an employer or a jobseeker perspective. Osborne Recruitment is a successful recruitment consultancy recruiting across a number of industry sectors.

Last but certainly not least Krishna De spoke about the use of online technology and social networking to market yourself, enhance networking and make yourself recession bullet proof. This was the session of personal interest for me and it did not disappoint – very informative and again well executed. I had a great interest in this section from a business development point of view BUT to enhance my knowledge to support my private career coaching and corporate outplacement clients. Krishna De is a leading personal branding consultant and social media marketing expert.

Overall I though the night was very worthwhile and plenty of new ideas but also reinforcement of existing ideas and strategies. As pointed out it is very easy to slip back into old habits and comfort zones.

Well done guys and gals!!

Must attend workshop for anyone out of work or changing career. This workshop will focus on essential advice to stand out in a tough job market. There will be 3 key areas of focus –

Job Search Strategies
CV & Cover Letter
Interview Skills

Workshop & Booking Details

Date: Sat 25th April 2009
Venue: Bewleys Hotel Dublin Airport
Address Baskin Lane Cloghran, Dublin
Workshops: 2 separate workshops – morning and afternoon
Time: 10.00 – 1.00pm & 2.00pm – 5.00pm
Cost: €120

If you would like more information or to book a place please email paul@measurability.ie.

This workshop will be run by two of Irelands leading Career Experts – Paul Mullan & Jane Downes – both of which have successful career businesses and regularly comment across national radio and papers on a number of career related topics.

• Are you struggling to find suitable jobs?
• Are you struggling to get called for interview?
• Are you struggling to convert interviews into job offers?

This workshop will give you the tools to change your results – it is insightful and invaluable to all jobseekers whether out of work or changing careers.

I am inundated with requests for information about how to avoid redundancy. My response is the same. In most cases redundancy and decision-making cannot be controlled by the employee. I recommend the following tips for those seeking a pay rise and they can be useful for those seeking to avoid redundancy if only to refocus efforts away from the negativity of possible job loss.

Employees need to demonstrate quality and value to an organisation through actions and a passion for work and their job.

Try to volunteer for extra responsibility and go the extra mile and put in the extra hours if required.

Ensure that you react to special requests and urgent tasks from your superiors quickly and efficiently.

Try to dress for the job professionally and conduct yourself accordingly

Keep up your efforts for a continued period of time as this is what is noticed more that short bursts of energy.

Act on feedback from your boss particularly any development issues raised at your last performance review. This will make an impact.

Don’t be afraid to tell your boss about your desire and goals to do well within the company. Outline what you want to achieve with the company.

Do you work in Sales & Marketing and seeking a pay reviews?
Do you want to get a job in Sales & Marketing?
Negotiating salary?
Sales & Marketing professional and thinking of moving Jobs?

This salary survey will outline Sales & Marketing salaries for some of the key jobs within FMCG, B2B, IT, Retail and Telecoms.

Following JOBS & SECTORS outlined – Sales Director, Sales Manager, Field Sales Representative, Business Development Executive, Technical Sales, Junior Sales Executive, Sales Administrator, Telesales Executive, Marketing Manager, Marketing Executive, Sales & Marketing Executive, Recruitment Consultant, Sales Jobs, FMCG, IT, Telecoms, B2B.

As it is now Thursday most of you should be back into the swing of things at work. Christmas is a distant memory and the Christmas 2009 even more distant. It cannot be denied that January is a tough time of the year when many individuals struggle to get back into the swing of things. Personally I drank little, ate less and shopped none and believe it or not I am fresh as a March hare. Many of you reading are probably thinking about job change as this is traditionally a busy time for change in our lives. Even with the current economic climate there will still be recruitment. My tip for the day – think before you jump. Enter the job market with thought and not as a knee-jerk reaction. Only one thing worse than being miserable at work in January – Being miserable in a new job in February. Attached is an interesting article about January Blues.

I am regularly asked what would be a safe bet for Careers & Jobs during a recession. Personally I believe you should find what you want to do and you will be successful no matter what the economic conditions are. But if I was pushed for a job or career I would probably say hairdresser or undertaker. You see people die and hair grows no matter what the economic climate. To expand on other careers I have summarised finding from another site below. The below post outlines a number of other possible careers or jobs during a recession.

Healthcare – People will always get sick and will need care and support.

Energy & Utilities – Consumers may try to cut back but can never stop using energy or utilities.

Education – School stops for nothing.

International Focused Business – Globally when one country is facing into tough times another is on the upward cycle.

Police – If anything we need more of them in Ireland

Funerals & Undertakers – As outline above.

Accounting – When we hit hard time we look for ways to cut costs and accountants can help.

Public Sector – Normally more secure than the private sector although there are changes on the
horizon in Ireland.

Pharmaceuticals – Recessions do not impact the demand for drugs.

Military – perhaps wars and disorder are more of a possibility during tough times

Hairdressers – As stated above out hair will keep growing during a recession

Debt Collection – Perhaps not the most loved career but certainly in demand.

Trades – Plumbers – We will all need heating and water and if you are like me you will definitely need a professional when they pack in.

Interim Management or Consulting – Organisations are often attracted to short-term solutions during tough times.

Legal Profession – some specialist areas of law will thrive during a recession.

Food – We all need to eat even during tough economic conditions.

Health & Beauty – I would question this as I know this sector can be classified as luxury and would normally be one of the first things to go during a recession.

Luxury Items – We are talking about the mega rich here. Item related to their radar probably won’t take too much of a dent during a recession.

Interview Ireland

We have been posting quite a bit recently about job loss and redundancy in Ireland. I guess this is what is making the headlines in the news. One cannot argue that we are facing a tough job market. Even “Comical Ali” could not deny this (Remember him – “What tanks?”).

There are opportunities in a difficult market. They may be more difficult to find but you have to believe they are there and put in the effort to find them. More often that not those who don’t achieve don’t believe. Remember if you believe that there are no jobs out there this will be your reality.

I have been working on quite a few projects with employees affected by redundancy in the past 12-18 months and I can tell you there have been many more positive stories than negative. Quite often many participants moved on to a better place. Some actually set up their own ventures.

It is important to understand that what worked in a buoyant market may not work in a tough market. There is much Career Guidance & Advice available. You must take this on board and change your strategies until you achieve your goals.

Take the 1st step today

Let’s look at some of the common problems faced by jobseekers.

1. Can’t find the jobs!! – You need to try out other job hunting strategies.

2. Not getting called for interview!! – You need to take a critical look at your CV & Cover Letter – CV Writing Tips– Cover Letter Tips

3. Failing at interview – Change your approach to interview preparation – Interview Tips Skills