Taking the chance to sharpen those skills

Due to the current turn in economic events, many people have found themselves toying with the idea of returning to education. Whether simply to do a top-up course in their present field of expertise, or to start a fresh on a completely new career path, it is important to note that there are options out […]

‘Thank you’ Letters

I have written recently about sending ‘thank you’ letters after you’ve been unsuccessful in a job interview – and by ‘thank you’, I hasten to add that I mean ‘thank you for allowing me to compete’ rather than ‘thank you for rejecting me’ Some – perhaps even the vast majority – of people believe them […]

Attack their perceptions to put yourself in the frame

The reasons why the employer can’t give you the job often remain unarticulated during an interview – and that silence will scarcely do you any good. If there’s an elephant in the room, better that you mention it. There are often reasons why they feel they can’t give you the job: you’re too old, too […]

Dealing with a recent workplace reverse

Q: I started work with a company two months ago. Very early in my time there, I realised the job I was being asked to do wasn’t the job I felt I had been hired for – it didn’t really use my skills (I am a computer programmer) and was very underwhelming in terms of […]

Six pointers to jazz up your CV

By Angela Tjalsma, CV Editor, Sli Nua Careers (Ballinrobe) Q: I haven’t written a CV in 20 years – not since I left school. I understand that everything has changed since back them. For a start, I have 20 years of work underneath my belt now. Not to mention three children and less hair! Plus […]

A good reference stands the test of time

Q: One from slightly left-of-field here – I have been asked to write a reference for someone who worked with me almost 20 years ago. I remember her very well – she was an excellent employee – but it was a different time. IWeonly had one PC in the office and this woman didn’t even […]

It’s only natural

An actor was asked what he thought about acting. “Acting,” he replied, “is a great thing, but don’t be caught at it.” He wasn’t commenting on the profession as a whole, rather the reality that the best acting doesn’t appear like acting at all – it appears natural. When preparing clients for job or college […]

Stay out of the crossfire

Q: I am going for an interview next week – the job is with a retail outlet. A friend of mine already works there and she says the boss can be very cranky. “He was hostile in my interview,” she says, “and I bet he will be hostile in yours. He’s hostile to everybody at […]