It’s you, it’s you, it’s you
There is no secret – each job search is different (Lori Conlan NIH) We are confronted with tough times. It is becoming increasingly difficult for individuals to find work. We are constantly bombarded with news of redundancies, increasing taxes and unemployment figures. Even before we begin to search for employment, we are told that there […]
Handling the trial period
Q: I have recently been successful as a receptionist with a small engineering company and they said that they will give me a trial period. Any tips on getting through this? This is my first real job. (CG, Email). A: The first job for anyone is daunting, writes Liam Horan, Career Coach, Sli Nua Careers. […]
Use the opportunity to ask questions
Q: I never know what to say when I’m asked at the end of the interview ‘so have you any questions you want to ask us?’ I usually say no and I wonder if I am missing out on opportunity. Any suggestions? (MR, Email). A: Do not bring up topics such as holidays, perks or […]
Your Career, Your Choices
Making the most of every opportunity A successful – and, indeed, award-winning – businesswoman last week told me what regularly transpires in her business. Person A walks into lobby, armed with a CV. They approach the receptionist, and ask for the manager. Upon being told that the boss is out of the office/in a meeting/enjoying […]
Making a presentation during job interview
Q. I have to give a presentation as part of my interview for a sales role and I have never done this before. What can I do to make sure that I come across well? The word presentation creates fear in a lot of people’s minds but you should treat this as an opportunity to […]
March 4th Column
Q. I am doing my final exams in Engineering in college in May and I am faced with doom and gloom about my future. Can I do anything at this stage to help me onto the career ladder? A. Now is an excellent time to start deciding on your future and to be pro-active. Sli […]
February 25th Column
Q. I have had a fair bit of Gaelic football success in my life, and am still heavily involved at a high level. I always put it down on my CV. My girlfriend is adamant it turns employers off because they’re afraid I’ll always be leaving work early to go training etc. What do you […]
February 18th Column
Q. I am hoping to finish my business degree this year. Apart from working in a local shop during the summer, the only work experience I have involved spending six months at a major multi-national IT company as part of my college course. I wasn’t even paid, but I learned a great deal. Should I […]
February 11th Column
Q. I have worked as a carpenter since I school. I am finding it difficult to get work and feel that I can’t do anything else. A. Although you have only worked in one field, remember you have developed and picked up various skills along the way. Termed ‘transferrable’ skills, these are skills you acquire […]
Making your work and life experience work for you
Q. I have worked in lots of different jobs in the past, and, in fact, I’m seeking for jobs in three different industries. How can I make my CV work for all three? – JB (email) A. Very simply, think like a marketer – think about your target market. The CV is a sales […]