Careers and Jobs

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.

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

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