How to strike the right tone in community work interview
Q: My friend is going for an interview in a fortnight as a community development worker with a youth organisation. The role will involve helping young people growing up in difficult circumstances to get involved in activities such as sport, drama, art, volunteering and the like. She is newly qualified in this area but hasn’t […]
Figuring out the lie of the land in SME interviews
Following on from our recent advice column written by an executive with vast experience of interviewing candidates in the public sector, we thought it might be useful to complement that with a view from the private sector. We sourced the following from a successful businessperson in the midlands. It is based on years of hard-won […]
How volunteering can bring real career benefits
Q: I’m new to Ireland and I want to get working and advance my career. I’m applying for various positions but haven’t made much progress yet. Some people have told me that I should do voluntary work locally, but I’m not sure how much value that will bring at this stage. I really want to […]
Seven common job interview errors – and how to avoid them
Avoid common job interview errors to dramatically increase your chances of success. Because job interviews are not something we do all that often, it can be difficult to prepare properly for them. Candidates often live in fear of them. But you owe it to yourself to promote yourself in the best possible way on the […]
15 tips to make a strong return to your old career
Q: I’m thinking seriously about returning to my old career. I’ve been doing something else for the last 20 years and I miss what did previously. It’s time to go back to the future, I feel. What do I need to look out for? (IK, email). A: Deciding to return to an old career requires […]
How to fit the bill in public service interview
Q: I’m going for a job in the public service next week. I’ve been in the private sector for many years and I far I may not be able to persuade them I have the adaptability to make the change. Could you give me some tips? (RT, email). A: Well done RT, fail to prepare… […]
Seven tips to help you write a cracking job application
Q: Can you give me some tips for completing a complex job application form, especially for someone who hasn’t done one in a while? That’s the boat I find myself in now. I’m at a loss wondering how I can complete all the sections without boring them – or, indeed, me – to death. (KL, […]
How to access the hidden jobs market
Are you tired of scouring job boards and coming up empty handed? The hidden jobs market may be just what you need to land something to really rock your boat. Many jobs never get advertised but are filled by disparate means including word of mouth, recommendations and “oh, I see you’ve been hanging around here […]
Seven common job interview errors – and how to avoid them
Not letting them know you really want the job. It’s crucial to show a genuine desire for the position during the interview. While it’s important to remain professional, don’t be afraid to express your excitement about the opportunity. You can do this by asking informed questions about the company and the role, and by sharing […]
How to ‘curate’ your career to interest potential employers
Q: I’m writing my CV for the first time in 24 years – and I don’t know where to start. I’ve done so much across a range of sectors – to be honest, I think I’ve forgotten half of it. I’ve managed two large retail outlets; sold advertising for a magazine and website; managed a […]