The Importance of Structure in Interview Responses
Picture this: you’re in an interview, the interviewer leans forward, asks you a question…and your mind races. You know you’ve got a good example, often more than one, but as you start talking it comes out in a jumble. Halfway through, you realise you’re rambling. By the end, you’re not even sure if you answered […]
How to build your professional network straight out of college
Q: I’m just out of college and I know I need to build my professional network. By nature, I am friendly and chatty, and got on well in several clubs in college. I served as chairperson of one club for two years and got to know a lot of people in the college and in […]
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 […]
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 […]
Coping with remote work overload
Q: I’m a member of a remote working team collaborating on a major project – and I’m struggling. It feels like everything has to be scheduled and I never know if people are even concentrating in Zoom meetings. I feel overloaded and I miss being around people. Any tips? (DF, email). A: You raise a […]
How to handle the conflict question in job interviews
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, Career Coach, Sli Nua Careers. Based on my experience interviewing and managing numerous teachers as […]
How to stay focused despite friendly rivalry
Q: My good friend and I are both competing for the same job. He has shown his hand publicly and is very keen to get it. I don’t mean to upset the apple cart – but I want the job too, simple as? (CR, email). A: First off, he might be doing you a favour […]
How to exit your current job the right way
Q: How can I create an exit strategy to leave a job gracefully? My time here is done. I’m not sure what comes next, and that frightens me a bit I must admit, but I can’t wait here any longer or I’ll go from the wire. I don’t want to leave here on bad terms, […]
How to stay on the radar while working from home
Q: I’ve been working from home for six months now. While I like a lot about it, I sometimes feel isolated. I also suspect I may miss out on opportunities in the future. About half the members of our team have returned to the workplace and I feel they could be stealing a march on […]
Figuring out the future in current career fog
Q: I am thinking about leaving my job. I have no job to go to, nor, indeed, do I hate the one I have, but I feel unfulfilled. Plus, the role is so busy I haven’t the head space to think about my future. My hunch is that I should kick back and relax for […]