Careers and Jobs

There is much more to CV writing than simply listing everything you can about your work experience, education, skills and hobbies. It requires a focused approach putting more emphasis on the recruiter than you. 95% of all CV’s fail because they lack focus.

CV Format & CV Layout TIPS

You must avoid using the first person pronoun – Start sentences with action verbs or power verbs instead of first person pronoun. Examples of power verbs include; managed, developed, created and organised.

Keep your sentences short - CV’s need short, crisp statements and don’t get carried away. Remember that statements do not have to be complete sentences.

Use plain English – Don’t believe the urban myth that bigger words create a bigger impression. I saw a cover letter the other day with the word “sterling” and not used in the currency context.

Use bullet points – Bullet points make it easier for the reader. Paragraphs can be daunting. There are pro’s and con’s for both but my research with clients concludes that bullet points come out on top.

General to Specific – Organise you information that it flows from general to specific points.

This CV advice was provided by Measurability. Measurability writes CV’s for jobseekers at all levels of the organisation and across industry sector. Measurability write CV’s for clients nationwide Donegal, Cavan, Monaghan, Dublin, Meath, Louth, Kildare, Wexford, Wicklow, Carlow, Laois, Offaly, Westmeath, Cork, Limerick, Tipperary, Clare, Waterford, Galway, Sligo, Roscommon, Mayo, Leitrim, Kilkenny, Longford (and the other county I cannot seem to get – ha ha)

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

Following on from the post yesterday I have done a bit more research on how to find retail jobs in Ireland.

There are a few key agencies who recruit for retail jobs – Eden Recruitment, RightFit 4 Retail, Excel Recruitment, Star Retail. You can also get access to loads of jobs on the jobboards including EmployIreland and retailjobs365.

Remember my advice on the previous post. Visit shopping center websites as many of them see to advertise all open vacancies on their sites. I think this is a great idea BUT also a great resource if you seeking work in Retail in Ireland.

I pointed out Dundrum & Blanchardstown Shopping centres BUT there are many similar centres around Ireland. The Jervis Centre in D1 does not list jobs but it does list all the shops and contact details – missed opportunity I guess as these shops are probably paying elsewhere to find staff.

“Is Career Coaching or Interview Coaching worth the money?”

Many jobseekers ask this question when they set out on their job hunting journey. It is the million dollar question and this question can be asked about any service though.

Is a mechanic worth the money?
Is a barber worth the money?

Services are worth the money when you get a good service for the money paid. Career Coaching and Interview Coaching is no different.

A good coach can help you achieve your career goal. You have to ask yourself if this is worth paying for. If you do the research and choose a coach as you would any other service. Need a coach in the Dublin, Meath, Louth, Kildare or North Wicklow?

One of the first questions I am asked when discussing CV services is “where are you based?”

The first question I would ask – “What do you charge?” OR “What is your experience?” not “where are you based? as I know that this is not important.

Looking for a CV service in Ireland

For those interested in a CV service in Ireland don’t limit yourself by geography. It does not matter where the CV service provider is based. The important thing is that you get an “IMPACT CV”. Phone and email communications is all that is needed. In fact I think that face to face meetings for CV design just adds time to the process and we all know what increased time means – increased cost. If you are based in Kerry you can still get your CV designed in Dublin and visa versa.

Looking for Career Coaching or Interview Coaching services in Ireland

Now if you are looking for Career Coaching or Interview Coaching then location is more important. To be honest I hate coaching over the phone and if I cannot meet a client I will pass them on to a partner in the region. So if you are based in Kerry then search for Career/Interview Coaches in the region. I might compile a list in a later post.

There are many providers in Ireland for CV, Interview Coaching & Career Coaching. It is important to shop around. Remember price should be a factor BUT not your key motivation. Check out the background, experience and views. I know some great people BUT I will only tell you about them if I cannot help you myself.

Need a CV Service in Ireland.

If you want an Interview Coach in Leinster (Louth, Meath, Dublin, Kildare, North Wicklow)

If you want a Career Coach in Leinster (Dublin, Louth, Meath, Kildare, North Wicklow)

If you want Career Assessments & Career Tests in Ireland.

We make many tough decisions BUT one of the most important relates to our career. The crazy thing is that most of us spend more time planning a summer break. We all need help whether we are graduates beginning our career, career change professionals, parents returning to the workforce or employee affected by displacement or redundancy.

I have outlined some tools and resources that you can help you with career choices.

The internet – There is unlimited information on the web but you need to take care with FREE advice.

Career Guidance – This resource is available in most schools and colleges. The focus is largely on students and you will probably need to be attending the institution.

HR Departments – These professionals have worked in areas such as recruitment, training and development.

Recruitment Consultant – Again could prove to be a valuable asset. Be aware that although they may be a valuable source of career advice this is not what they do. They find people jobs. You may come across a nice consultant but most don’t want to be wasting time in this area.

Outplacement Consultants – Great resource and normally paid for by the employer.

Family & Friends – Unless they fall into any of the above professions I would probably avoid this option.

Professional Career Coach – Measurability offer expert advice across career areas like career planning, career tests, job search tools, CV Design and interview preparation.