Q: I’m going for a senior level position in a new organisation, which has caused me to reflect on my career achievements. I’ve steadily climbed up the ladder over the last 20 years through various jobs and promotions. Granted, I worked quite hard, but there was definitely a huge amount of luck to it all. How do I go about forming some sort of narrative out of all that I’ve done? (FW, email)
Liam Horan, BALLINROBE Tel: 094 95 42965
A: When you reflect on the good things that have happened in your career, it is important to remember ‘why’, writes Liam Horan, Career Coach, Sli Nua Careers.
Why were you promoted?
Why did you get that new job?
Why were you given additional responsibilities?
Yes, there may have been an element of luck along the way – right person, right time – but luck has its limits. And you can’t sell luck to the next employer.
So, when preparing for interview, figure out the reasons why those good things happened. Make it concrete: write down actual achievements that have propelled your career thus far. In my experience, candidates often take achievements for granted, or, bizarre though it may sound, they forget them.
Take time to look back and figure out the patterns of behaviour and the personal strengths that have brought you this far.
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…
AUDIO: Firing the big shot in the application form by Liam April 21, 2023 Q: “I am filling out an application form for an Assistant Principal 11 (AP11) position in my school. I've been asked to give one example of where I showed excellence in Leading Teaching & Learning, Managing an Organisation, Leading School…
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,…
Tips for writing a great personal statement by Liam March 27, 2023 Start early: Give yourself enough time to research, plan and write your personal statement. This will allow you to reflect on your experiences, articulate your goals, and ensure that your statement is well-crafted. Research the programme: Before you start writing,…
Questions, not just answers, can be a second interview… by Liam December 15, 2023 It's important to come to the second interview with answers - but you should think about bringing questions too. After the first interview, your curiosity about the company should have grown. Between interview one and two, focus on generating some…
