Careers and Jobs

INTERVIEW TECHNIQUES – navigate that final hurdle!!

With fewer jobs in the market and increased competition for those jobs it is essential that jobseekers enhance their skills when targeting job hunting. There are a number of important areas to address

Job Search Strategies – Jobseekers must change to focus away from traditional methods using more proactive approaches to access the hidden job market. This revolves around networking in the real world and online.

CV Writing – It is a fact that most CV’s fall below acceptable standard. Review your CV and ensuring that you have focused CONTENT, have put some thought into INFORMATION POSITIONING and ensure that VISUAL APPEARANCE is appealing.

Interview Techniques – Last but certainly not least are interviews. Most jobseekers fear interviews BUT proper preparation will enhance performance and increase confidence. If you are struggling with your preparation seek out the advice of a professional. Alternatively there are some useful tips at interview techniques.

Measurability is a leading Career Consultancy offer expert interview support for jobseekers. Paul Mullan is a leading Interview expert with well over a decade experience working with jobseekers. He offers a comprehensive interview coaching service fine tuning your interview techniques and interview skills enhancing performance and results at interview.

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.

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.

Interviews can be tough enough to get so when you do get an important interview prepare yourself to ensure maximum performance. Fail to prepare and prepare to fail. This post outlines a few things to avoid at interview

Arriving late

I arrived late for an interview once BUT I was the interviewer. If you arrive late for an interview kiss the job goodbye. I know in Ireland we have very unpredictable traffic and transport systems. Leave yourself plenty of time. I recommend that you leave early and when you arrive get a coffee and read the paper. You never know you might read some important information for your interview.

Wrong names

I am very bad with names BUT there are techniques to improve this area. There is one sure way to make the wrong impression and that is calling an interviewer by the wrong name. Memorise names before the interview. If you come across new people at the interview you can repeat the names to yourself or when you talk to the individual state the name.

Having nothing to say

This is really down to preparation. If you prepare properly you will have plenty to say at interview.

Being too modest

This is quite common through the job search process. Most jobseekers undersell themselves on their CV and at interview. You get one shot at an interview so ensure that you make an impact. At interview don’t wait to be asked for your achievements. Offer them to support your interview answers.

Lack of enthusiasm

Some jobseekers use this as a strategy to place themselves more favorably when it comes to salary negotiations. The “I don’t need you – you need me strategy”. Be careful with this as you could lose an important job. Enthusiasm is essential at interview. If you want the job ensure that you have energy at interview.

Do you need interview preparation support? Interview coaching in Dublin, Meath, Louth, Kildare

Is information about a potential employer important?

It certainly is and it is a key component to proper interview preparation. There are a few of reasons. It shows the interviewer that you have prepared for the interview and provides evidence that you have a focused to job hunting. Secondly it benefits you by confirming that this is the company that you want to join.

Sources of information.

The Internet – Most companies will have a website that can provide valuable information. It is important that you search beyond this. Do online searches to find up to date information that could help you stand out from the competition. Most of the competition will just use the company website.

People working for the company – A great resource providing valuable insider information. If you don’t know any employees then ask your network of friends, work colleagues or family.

Competition – Request information from competitors about the potential employer and information about the competitor.

Papers – Many interviewers will ask what news caught your eye in the morning papers so have a quick read before any interview. It is important that you do not miss any information about the company. I have seen this happen.

Article provided by Paul Mullan a Career Coach in Ireland