Getting ready for life after college
Q: I’m in college. I’ll graduate next year and need to start thinking about life after college – what should I do immediately after graduation to advance my career? (IK). A: I will throw this question back at you: what should you do now?” As I said in a recent column, “the time to fatten […]
Sprucing up your CV after 20 years
Q: I’m updating my CV for the first time in 20 years – for my last three jobs, I was head-hunted within my sector (sales). Now I’ve seen a job I’d like to chase, and I need a CV. I’ve a few questions that perhaps you can answer? (KK, email). A: We’re happy to try. […]
How to make the most of second college chance
Q: I started a college degree, but I was young and foolish, and the course didn’t suit me. I lumbered along for a year and a half before cutting my (well, my parents’) losses. The following year I started again and this time I enjoyed the course much more and saw it through to completion, […]
Good work experience can go a long way
Q: I have over 20 years’ work experience in an office administration and management role, but no formal qualifications. An opportunity to move to another company has come up to carry out a similar role, but I am afraid I will get overlooked. Does my broad range of work experience matter more than a degree? […]
Cover letter still has a role to play – even by email
Q: What is a cover letter? Why would I need one – is it not just an old-fashioned idea at this stage? (KB, email) A: Yes, you will need a cover letter quite a lot and it is not an old-fashioned idea. It is necessary to include a customised cover letter with many CVs you submit […]
Key points when tweaking your CV for different scenarios
Q: I am an undergraduate looking for a job. I need to write a CV now. However, I intend to return to post-graduate studies next year. Is it possible to write one CV now that will suit both scenarios? (AC, email). A: You do not actually say what you want the CV for at the […]
Three skills to add to your post-pandemic CV
Q: With the year coming to an end, I would like to update my CV for next year. I understand there have been a lot of changes in the market due to the pandemic. I am wondering what else is now expected from candidates, and how any new skills I have acquired might be included in my […]
AUDIO: Are cover letters a thing of the past, what with LinkedIn, emails and the like?
Q: “Are cover letters a thing of the past, what with LinkedIn, emails and the like? I don’t want to appear old-fashioned when I apply for a job this week.” Listen to Liam Horan’s interview on this topic with Aidan Crowley, CRC-fm.
How to become the unicorn candidate
Q: I’m searching for a new role. The very act of going through jobs advertised online is getting to me. The list of qualifications and requirements expected in many of them is simply unreal. I don’t think I can fulfil half of what they are seeking. In fact, I doubt anybody can. Should I apply […]
Standing out from the crowd
Q: I am on the look-out for a new job. I got a good education in my sector and have gained good experience in my field, but when I start looking around now, I am certain to be competing with other candidates with similar experience and qualifications. That is a worry as I am not […]