Careers and Jobs

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.

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

When you are changing jobs do you care about corporate social responsibility? Do you analyse a potential employer’s stance on the environment or impact on the environment? According to one Sunday paper we now consider this as an important factor when making career decisions. We are attracted to and choose organisations that look after mother earth.

I have been working with jobseekers for years, individuals starting out on their career to those at various rungs of the corporate ladder. I have never had this discussion. Ok – one time a girl indicated that she did not want to work in the pharmaceutical sector as she was against animal testing. Many (myself included) pay lip service to the subject. We talk the talk but do we always walk the walk. Do I unplug every plug before I go to bed at night? Have I ever put a milk carton in the black bin when the blue bin was beside it? Do I drive to the local shop when it is 10 minutes walk away? At the end of the day for most the decision to take employment will normally be based around money and package or work life balance factors such as location. Corporate social responsibility is a “would be nice” factor but certainly not an “essential” factor.

On another point, do organisations really care? Call me a cynic but is it not all about the dollar. I sometimes think that organisations spend more on PR to get the message out that they care than they actually spend on helping the environment. Do companies want to be seen to care or do the actually care?