Addressing concerns in a job interview

When an interviewer says, “We’re concerned you may be a little overqualified for the position, how do you feel about it?” it’s essential to respond thoughtfully. This question can be a turning point in your interview, and with the right approach, you can turn a potential concern into a compelling reason to hire you. Understanding […]
Turning interview questions into opportunities to shine

When you’re in a job interview and the hiring manager asks, “Have you attended other interviews?” it can be a golden opportunity to position yourself as a highly sought-after candidate. This question allows you to subtly showcase your value without diminishing your interest in the role you’re currently being considered for. Why do employers ask […]
Campaigning for your career

This year multiple elections are taking place worldwide. I believe it is appropriate to think about your job chasing, promotion-seeking efforts as if it were an election campaign. I have always found it helpful to take some of the formality and, let’s call it bureaucracy, away from career development and to paint what you’re at […]
Don’t hide your strengths

We hear a lot about the “What are my greatest weaknesses?” question that often comes up in interviews, though I believe it to be a dull-beyond-belief question. We don’t hear as much about the strengths question. If you’re asked to list your strengths, you may be tempted to come over all coy and bashful. While […]
How do I answer ‘tell me about yourself’ without sounding rehearsed?

The “Tell me about yourself” question is a staple of job interviews, offering a chance to showcase your professional story. Here’s how to craft a natural, impactful response. Focus on your career journey Concentrate on your professional milestones rather than personal details. Highlight key moments such as education, experience, and achievements that relate directly to […]
Red flags to watch out for during a job interview

Job interviews are a two-way street: while you’re trying to impress the employer, they are also evaluating whether the company is a good fit for you. Here are some red flags to watch for that could indicate potential problems with the role or organisation. Vague or unclear job description If the interviewer cannot provide a […]
Make them want to bite your hand off

A big challenge when preparing for job interviews is to first of all identify your real skills and strengths – and then to portray those properly on the day, writes Sean Browne, Career Coach, Sli Nua Careers. And the irony is that you may not fully recognise what you have to offer until you stop […]
Closing summary can make the right impact

Q: At the end of the interview, they asked me if I had anything I would like to add to what I had already said. It threw me, and mumbled ‘no’. At that stage, I had given a lot of myself and felt I had nothing left to say. Any suggestions? (IK, email). A: I […]
Three typical post-interview reactions
In an interview, anything can happen. Like the path of true love, it can take wholly unexpected turns. A well-prepared candidate reacts accordingly. Here John Moloney, Career Coach, Sli Nua Careers, elaborates on three common post-interview reactions from candidates. “The interview was very short – it felt like they were just going through the […]
VIDEO: Are you applying for the Director-General’s job in the GAA in 2017/2018?
The GAA has advertised for a new Director-General/Ard Stiúrthóir to replace Páraic Duffy, who will retire from his position on March 31, 2018. In the video below, our career coach Liam Horan, who has been heavily involved in the GAA throughout his life, speaks about what the successful candidate will need to have – and […]