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Everything you need to know about job references

Feb 10, 2021

If you’ve been offered a job subject to references, it’s worth giving the matter some careful thought. A bad reference can strike a painful blow, while a good reference can confirm the employer’s opinion that you’re highly employable! Choosing your referees. The first thing to think about is who to ask for a reference. If you haven’t had a job before, maybe you could ask someone you know to...

The top 10 interview questions and how to answer them (part two)

Jan 18, 2021

The following questions will help you deal with some of the most common questions asked in job interview scenarios. Whatever you are asked, make sure your answers are believable and enthusiastic. Don’t turn it into a sales pitch, but showcase your skills, experience and personality in a friendly way, smiling where appropriate. Use positive verbal and body language to show that you are engaged and interested in what your interviewer has...

10 great interview tips for millennials

Jan 08, 2021

Many millennials are struggling to get the jobs they want because they have plenty of qualifications but lack experience. With so many people applying for each role, it can be tricky to get a foot in the door. But don’t give up hope; the right job is out there for you. These interview tips will help you make a good impression when the big day arrives. 1. Dress appropriately Money may be...

The importance of a good cover letter

Jan 08, 2021

Even though we live in a pile-it-high and move-fast-recruitment culture, adding weight and focus to your application through a carefully crafted letter or cover email can be extremely advantageous. Most job boards accommodate this. I have also visited a number of larger employers' career sites, and each one I visited included a section for a covering note or letter of some kind. As an ex-recruiter, I’ll confess that we very often...

How to overcome interview nerves

Jan 08, 2021

It’s great that you’ve been offered the chance to present yourself in person, but how do you get past the awful nerves? The tips below could help you before, during and even after the big day. Do your research. One of the most common fears relating to interviews is that you will be asked something you can’t answer. The more prepared you are, the less likely this is to happen. Research the company you...

Dos and don’ts for interviews

Jan 08, 2021

Don’t ... ...forget it’s a two-way process While the interviewer is looking to find more about you, the interview is your chance to find out if you would like to work there. We know you may have been searching for a job for a while and that merely having a renewed source of income might be the most crucial thing, but use the interview as an opportunity to ask questions (see below for inspiration). Look around at the...

10 top tips to boost your job search

Jan 08, 2021

Following these tips will get you off to a good start. Carry out a self-assessment. Before you get started, make a list of your skills, experiences and strengths. The better you understand your preferences and abilities, the more likely you are to find a satisfying role. Research carefully. Perhaps there is a specific company or industry you want to work in, or a particular position you are looking for. If so, carry out...

The 12 days of Christmas job search (part 2)

Dec 15, 2020

This famous Christmas song has a cumulative effect, and your job search should follow suit. The following will probably make more sense if you check part one out before you read on. Once you have, it’s time to get going with day seven of your Christmas job search. 7. On the seventh day of Christmas my job search gave to me (seven swans a swimming). “What could swans possibly have to do with job searching?” I hear...

How to turn a tricky interview question into a memorable anecdote

Dec 11, 2020

Your dazzling CV has gained you an interview, but now it’s time to shine in front of your prospective employer. Knowing you had the right skills and experience to get this far should give you confidence, but what happens when you have to give examples of these in practice? What do you do when you hear the dreaded words: ‘Tell me about a time when…’? Suddenly, all of your interview preparation goes out of the...

The dos and don’ts of job interviews

Dec 10, 2020

‘How many young, single women work here?’ Incredibly, this question wasn’t heard over a pint at down the pub but during a job interview! It’s easy to have a bad job interview day: the traffic was bad and you’ve turned up late, your handshake is sweatier than a marathon runner on a hot day, and to beat it all you can’t string a single sentence together. However, if you prepare properly you stand a good...

How to sell yourself with a brand new CV

Dec 07, 2020

Creating a winning CV is easy… right? Well, if you’ve experienced number of rejections, one possible explanation could be that you’re not ‘selling yourself’ effectively on your CV. When you’re in the job market it’s good to view yourself as a shop, with the task of luring people (ie an employer) in and encouraging them to buy something (ie your skills and experience). If you have an attractive...

Ten questions to ask at your next job interview

Nov 18, 2020

You may feel like job interviews are very one-sided, but a good interviewer will always give you the opportunity to ask questions. Rather than squirming in your seat as you try to think of something intelligent to say, plan ahead for this eventuality. The questions below will give you some options and could give you a better idea of whether you really want the job or not. Do you offer training? This shows that you are willing to...

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