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.

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

While on my work placement at college I participated in the job interviews to replace me when I returned to college. This was my first experience of being on the other side of the table. Interviews are a stressful time for the jobseeker but they can equally be a stressful time for the interviewers – as I found out.

We had seven interviews scheduled for one particular day so we decided to add a bit of fun to the day. First question we asked each candidate was to tell a joke. We did this to lighten the atmosphere, put the interviewees at ease but also to make it more fun for us. I will point out that this was not a critical hire for the organisation!!

I met with an interview coaching client the other day who had recently been asked to tell a joke at interview which brought up the whole subject again. He asked my advice on this. 99% of you will never be asked this question at interview BUT if you are I would fall on the side of decency and caution. If I was the interviewer I would be hard to offend me BUT you won’t always get me. If you are asked this question then the likelihood is that the interviewer has a sense of humor but this is not set in stone. So when you are preparing for your next interview make sure you practice a few jokes. Here is a safe one: Why are they putting the accountants at the bottom of the ocean?
They found out that deep down they’re really not so bad.