Opening up some job interview basics
Q: I haven’t ever done a job interview – until now, I have always got jobs by word-of-mouth referrals. However, as things get tighter in the jobs market, I am facing my first ever interview next week. I have followed your advice here about what I should say, but I would also like a quick […]
Getting the most out of the interview regulars
We got quite a bit of reaction to last week’s column outlining common questions that arise in interviews – and, so, we will run through some more here. I must repeat my warning of last week that it is not a good idea to become fixated on the questions, as there is an endless supply […]
A question of thinking through your answers
Q: I haven’t done a job interview in seven years – and that was the only one I ever did. I got the job, and I have been happy in the role ever since. However, an opportunity has come up with another company that I know would be a good move for me at this […]
Opening our video files
If you have windows 8 you will probably need vlc media player to see the video on the files that we create. Try to play the file first, if you see video, then you don’t need to proceed with these steps. 1. Go to http://www.filehippo.com/download_vlc_32/ 2. Download latest version 3. Run and install the downloaded file, […]
Dumbing down is not the clever option
Q: I have a Masters in English and History. However there are very few jobs available at my level, so I have found myself applying for jobs that might be, if you will excuse the language, beneath me. However, I’ve always worked throughout college semesters and I really want to get
When less is more in job interviews
Q: I find in interviews that I talk too much. I feel that I lose both the interviewer and myself. Once I get into this cycle I don’t know how to stop. I can’t find my way back to what I should be talking about, and I start to get frustrated. This makes the problem […]
CV Gift Voucher proving popular
In a clear sign of the tough economic times, there has been an upsurge in ‘gifts that keep on giving’ this Christmas: and among the popular and novel ideas is the gift of a brand new Curriculum Vitae. “People seem to be looking for practical gifts this Christmas, and many have realised that for people […]
Personal Statement, effective first impression
Q: I have seen CVs with personal statements at the outset. I wonder if they are effective. Do employers not get fed up looking at this stuff over and over again? (TL, email) A: I know it can seem unusual for you to write about yourself in that way. “Highly motivated, conscientious and determined” – […]
Transferable skills, your most valuable asset!
Continuing our series of getting the expert opinion from leading recruiters, this week we ask Julia Purcell of Sigmar Recruitment (www.sigmarrecruitment.com) to provide tips on ‘developing transferable skills’ for anyone on the look-out for a new job. Here’s what she said: “So you’re just out of college, going through a career change, or perhaps just […]
Bull’s eye shot can be a winner
Q: I play darts. I regularly win trophies, and am proud of my successes. Should I put it down on my CV? Or would a talent for darts suggest I spend an inappropriate amount of time in public houses? I know it might sound like a joke question, but I am deadly serious. I’m an […]