By Mick O’Connor, Career Coach, Sli Nua Careers Athlone
Mick O’Connor, Career Coach
Q: I’m going for an interview next week, and it’s a bit like going back in time. In what we will call a previous life, I knew two of the five people who will be interviewing me – one in a professional context (we worked in sister organisations) and the other in a social environment (we played five-a-side together each week through mutual friends). Should I acknowledge the fact that I know them when I go in the door? (Tom, email).
A: I feel it would be appropriate to say something like ‘nice to meet you again’ or something of that nature. I would do it out of politeness – they might be taken aback if you don’t refer to it – but it is important to keep it at a level.
Don’t come over too folksy. “I still think about the night I nut-megged you for that winning goal” or “are you still going in with the studs up” would be a stage too far with your former soccer colleague (plus a little sad, it wasn’t exactly the World Cup).
In the case of the person from the sister organisation, it would be inappropriate to embark on a long discussion about mutual acquaintances, or to compare observations on how the respective organisations are proceeding these days.
Keep it warm and friendly, but professional.
Don’t make either of the people feel uncomfortable and don’t exclude the other three people on the panel with an esoteric discussion.
Mick O’Connor is a Career Coach with Sli Nua Careers and works out of Athlone. You can read more abouthim, and make a booking HERE for CV Preparation and Interview Training.
Live Webinar / Webinar Beo will help students as CAO… by Liam December 22, 2021 As the Central Admissions Office (CAO) deadline looms, second-level students and their families are invited to a free Live Webinar / Webinar Beo with renowned careers expert, Brian Mooney. De réir mar a thagann spriocdháta na Príomh-Oifige Iontrála (CAO) níos…
Teachers, remember to read the question by Liam July 24, 2023 Q: “I am a qualified and experienced teacher looking for a permanent teaching post. I have subbed, filled-in and temped for two years now. I know I am a good teacher; I love my job and my students, but am…
How to handle the conflict question in job interviews by Liam November 16, 2022 A question that regularly comes up in job interviews for teachers, assistant principals, deputy principals and principals is ‘how do you deal with conflict?’ It can really throw candidates so it is important to be prepared beforehand, writes Patricia Maloney,…
Over 500 students and families benefit from Mayo CAO webinar… by Liam January 24, 2022 Over 500 people viewed a special free CAO webinar for Leaving Cert students broadcast from Mayo last week, and the archive is now available for others to watch. D’fhéach breis is 500 duine ar sheimineár speisialta CAO saor in…
Webinar will outline range of further education and training… by Liam November 12, 2021 Anyone over the age of 16 thinking of continuing or returning to education or training in Co. Mayo will get invaluable insights at a special webinar on Wednesday next. ‘Welcome to FET! – Further Education and Training Opportunities in Mayo’…
New career programme will help migrant women access career… by Liam May 26, 2023 A new career programme entitled Build Your Future: Helping Migrant Women Access Career Opportunities is being launched to assist nine migrant women and three non-migrant women in the Ballinrobe / south Mayo area to access the workforce. The programme is…
