Career Services from Measurability

Job Interview Questions – What are your strenghts?

Short video to help you answer that difficult interview question “what are your strengths?” REMEMBER! Preparation for better interview results.

Job Interview Preparation – Is it important?

Absolutely YES!!! Most jobseekers neglect preparation before interview and fail as a result. Quite often jobseekers who prepare for interviews lack the knowledge or direction on how to prepare properly. Remember the saying “fail to prepare, prepare to fail”. This is very true when we talk about interviews

What is important – Interview Preparation?

Understand the employer – This is the key to interview preparation. You need to know the employer and what they want. Only then can you focus your interview preparation.

Identify how you meet the job requirements – Hey this is what the employer will want to know at interview. You should also prepare examples and achievement to back this up.

Know your CV – The first question I ask individuals is when did you do you Leaving and most fumble to get an answer. This is just to prove a point. If you do not know yourself how do you expect the employer to know you.

Research the company – Expect to be asked the question – “what do you know about us?” Research the company shows you are prepared BUT also interested.

Interview questions – There are a number of questions that you can be certain that you will be asked. Having said this if you get the above points right you will be fine.

Another important point about Interview Preparation.

Try getting as much information about the recruitment process as you can. This will help you save time and improve focus during preparation.

Do you need help with interview preparation?

We can help you. We are experts in the area. Paul Mullan is a leading Interview Coach in Ireland (Dublin, Meath, Kildare, Louth) helping professional at all levels of the organisation across industry sectors. Read about Paul, the Interview Coaching service and what other individuals had to say about the service.

CV Format – What is a chronological CV?

CV format is an important aspect of CV writing which is often overlooked by jobseekers. There are a number of CV formats that jobseekers can consider but the most popular CV format is chronological CV. Basically Chronological means that your work experience is arranged so that the most recent work project is first. The chronological CV is currently the most popular CV format with employers in Ireland.

CV Format – Advantages of the Chronological CV

There are a number of advantages of the chronological CV. It is a familiar format, recruiters in Ireland expect this format and they are comfortable reading this CV format. It is also very easy to read and highlights the recent work experience and education.

CV Format – The Disadvantages of the Chronological CV

There are a number of disadvantages of the chronological CV. It focuses on facts and dates and has little emphasis on abilities and competencies. It limits the jobseeker particularly if your most recent work experience is not relevant to employer. It also highlights gaps in employment or frequent changes in jobs.
 
CV Format – When to use a chronological CV.

A chronological CV is fine when your recent work experience and recent qualifications are relevant to the post you are applying for. It is an appropriate choice if you have no gaps in the CV or have not regularly switched jobs

You should avoid a chronological CV is you have switched jobs often or if you have a few gaps in the career history. You might also avoid this format if you are re-entering the workforce after a long period out of work. Finally avoid this CV if your most recent jobs are not relevant to the post you are applying for.

If you are struggling to write a CV perhaps we can help. Measurability designs CV for professionals across Ireland – Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway, Waterford & Sligo. We are CV experts with a professional approach and vast experience in the Irish job market. Read more about our CV service.

A definition of a Career Coach

Career coach will work with you to help you identify, pursue and achieve career goals. A career coach will offer you great support, introduce structure and objectivity.  A career coach will ask you those difficult questions, challenge you, offer suggestions and resources. Coaching has grown in popularity over the last decade in all areas as many individuals have attributed success in their live to the work of coaches.

How can a Career Coach help you?

The biggest request is for Career Planning and Career Direction. Coaches can help you understand yourself and find the right career path. Most coaches will operate on a 1-1 format both face to face or over the phone. Most coaches will have access to a wide variety of career tools including career tests, personality questionnaires and interest inventories. These tools support the coaching process by providing valuable information about you, how you prefer to work, what motivates you and your interests.

What else can a Career Coach offer?

Many career coaches move into the area from a HR or Recruitment background. Therefore they can help you clarify career direction but with their expertise they can help you achieve your career goals. They can support you marketing efforts with CV design & job search strategies. They can also help you with interview planning and preparation.

Who can a Career Coach help?

Career coaches help a wide variety of individuals across a variety of unique situations. Some of these situations include:
- people starting out on their career
- people at a career crossroads
- people who suffered redundancy
- people coming back into the workforce

Locating a Career Coach in Ireland

Measurability is headed by Paul Mullan and Irish career expert. Therefore we can provide the Career Coach to help you. We provide a professional service for professional at all levels of the organisation and across industry sectors. We offer career direction, career tests and assessments, CV design, job search strategies and interview preparation. Contact us for more information on any of these services.

 Interview Preparation for jobseekers in Ireland

 Below is a list of common interview mistakes you should avoid at interview. These mistake are feedback from interviewers as to why jobseekers failed at interview. You have been warned!!

Interview Preparation will help you avoid these mistakes

Poor personal hygiene or appearance
Lack of interest
Money orientated
Negative about past employers
Lack of eye contact
Limp handshake (my pet hate!!)
Not following directions
Late for interview
Lack of appreciation for the interviewer’s time
Not asking questions
Indefinite response to questions
Aggressive or “know it all”
Poor communication
Lack of career direction or goals
Lack of confidence
Lack of participate in activities
Not prepared to get hands dirty
Excuses AND evasiveness
Poor tact
Bad manners
Immaturity
Lack of vitality
Indecisive
Poor application forms
Impression that only shopping around.
Indication that the job is short time solution
Lack of interest in company or the industry
Low standards or morals
Cynical
Laziness 

Interview Preparation – Do you need help?

If you are seeking interview preparation support contact us for more information about how we can help you to success at interview.

Many jobseekers focus on the type of interview they will face and often neglect preparing how to deal with different interviewer styles. Just like there are different types of interviews you can face there are also different types of interviewers you can face. Below I have listed 3 types of interviewers:

Different types of Interviewers

“Absentee” Interviewer – You may get the impression that this interviewer is absent from the room and the interview. And yes they could be dwelling on something else.  Try to get you message across but it is difficult. Using the interviewers name can bring them back for important point you want to get across.

“Shotgun” Interviewer – This interviewer is firing questions all over the place. Changing and moving from different topics with ease. It is difficult to gauge where they are coming from. It is important to pay attention and try to relate back to the key requirements for the job.

“Silver Bullet” Interviewer – This is the one question wonder and your response to this gem will dictate that you are right for the job. “Who would you share your last role with?” Your answer will dictate if they feel you are right for the job. Your best approach is to just answer the question and move on.

Measurability offers expert interview coaching for all levels of the organisation and across all industry sectors. If you want to maximise your performance at interview then an interview expert can help. For more information about services visit our site.

Job hunting can be a frustrating business with many jobseekers falling at the first hurdle – unable to secure interviews. If you are struggling for to get called for interviews there can be a number of possible causes.

1. You are applying for jobs where you do not meet the requirements

There is a chance you are applying for jobs where you do not meet the experience, background or qualifications. HR and hiring managers will often put your CV on the PFO pile without further exploration. It is important to try different approaches and to get feedback. Some suggestions include phoning the client before you send your CV as this will tag your personality to the document. If rejected you can seek feedback to identify what you will need to do to achieve your goal or what other routes you can take. Rejection after rejection can be soul destroying so get creative.

2. You are not applying for jobs

I often receive phone calls from jobseekers seeking CV redesign. When I view the CV is often fine. Investigation often shines light to the fact that the jobseeker has been doing very little in the job market. If you don’t buy the ticket you can’t win the lotto. Job hunting takes time an effort. You must initiate action before you can get results.

3. Poor CV preparation

More often than not the CV is poor and not making an impact with the reader. I see some very bad CV’s that do not even get the basics right such as poor spelling and grammar, poor format, too much detail or lack of focus. Your CV is the 1st point of contact with the employer and perhaps your only contact if it does not make an impact. Spend some time creating a document that will do you justice and maximise your chances of meeting employers.

Measurability offer CV design services nationwide. We design CV’s that produce results and our customers agree. We also provide career coaching, career direction and interview coaching. If you need more information on any of our services feel free to contact us.

Most jobseekers do not realise that 99% of CV design is completed by phone and email. You do not actually have to meet the CV expert. In fact I will only meet clients for Career Assessment, Career Coaching or Interview Coaching. I find that meeting with individuals only adds time to the process – and time adds to the cost. I work with clients all over the country including Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford.

I design CV’s for all levels of the organisation and all business functions. I design CV’s for Executives, Professional and Graduates. I have designed CV’s for sales, IT, production, engineering, materials, finance and management.

What does my CV look like?

I have worked in careers, HR and recruitment for 14 years. I have seen everything when it comes to CV’s and CV design – the good, the bad and the ugly. I am a career doctor with The Irish Independent and The Sunday Tribune and regularly write CV articles for a number of online sites including RecruitIreland. If you need an impact CV whay not check out my profile or read what other individuals had to say about my work.

Need more information?

I would be more than happy to provide more information about my CV service or my other services career coaching, career assessment and interview coaching. Feel free to contact me or visit my website for more information.

Measurability will be commencing career workshops in Dublin City Center from April. 2008 has been a busy year to date so unfortunately there have been no workshops.

If you are interested in attending please email us for more information on provisional dates and location.

The Workshop will give you access to a leading career coach, interview coach and CV expert in Ireland. The topics covered during the workshop will include;

- Impact CV’s and Cover Letters.

- Job search strategies.

- Managing you job hunting.

- Interview preparation – the essentials

- How to handle difficult interview questions

- Competency Based Interviews and other assessments

- Body language and confidence.

The workshop will be run by Measurability a leading career consultancy. Paul Mullan is a career coach, interview coach and CV expert – view Paul’s profile. If you would like more information about the workshop please contact us.

Please note: We offer our normal 1-1 career coaching, CV writing and interview coaching.

I am glad to announce we will be commencing our career workshops in Dublin City Center from April. The 1st quarter of the year has been quite busy so unfortunately there have been no workshops.

If you are interested in attending please drop me an email for more information on provisional dates and location.

The Workshop will cover the key to interview success including;

- Interview preparation – the essentials

- Researching the employer

- How to handle difficult interview questions

- Competency Based Interviews and other assessments

- Body language and confidence.

Other topics include CV, Job search strategies and general career advice

The workshop will be run by Paul Mullan – a career and interview coach. View Paul’s profile. If you would like more information about the workshop please contact.

We offer our normal 1-1 career coaching, CV writing and interview coaching.