Please see a new JOB SEARCH cartoon video. It was created by David McConnon from www.videon.ie. This video presents a very serious message through a funny cartoon. Enjoy!!

COMPETITION

Promote the video and win 4 hours FREE 1-1 coaching. This can be used for Career Direction, CV writing, Linkedin Training, Job Search Coaching, Interview Preparation, etc. NB: If you don’t need these services you can pass the prize as a gift to a friend!! To find out more visit www.paulmullan.ie

P.S – Feel free to share this competition with friends who may need job/career support.
P.P.S – If you need a video for you business contact www.videon.ie

Paul Mullan is one of the guest speakers attending the event this year. His presentation is titled “Get Creative & Get Hired”. It will be held on Tue 17th Aug @ 9.30am

In the new world of job search you need to inject creativity to stand out and attract more job opportunities. Paul will inspire you to move from your comfort zone to inject more creativity into your job search. Paul will explain his formula for success; (A + C = V) = (O). He will help you to accept that the job market has changed, accept that you need to change and help you use creativity when targeting both the advertised jobs and the hidden job market.

Paul Mullan is the founder of Measurability. He is a rounded Career expert with deep and current knowledge across key job search ingredients including Self-Marketing, Social Media, Job Search, CVs and Interviews. Paul is a recognised through his expert career advice in the Irish Independent, Sunday Times and many leading websites. A business owner for over a decade, Paul job hunts every day, which means he walks the talk. Paul mixes his passion and humour to motivate activity, inspire creative, increase visibility and help jobseekers land more opportunities.

Careers, Outplacement, CV Writing, Interview Coaching & Personal Branding

Paul Mullan

For those of you who use Linkedin you can also access free tips, advice and discussions on “Measurability Careers & Jobs Club” Group on LinkedIn.

Happy Job Hunting

Did you know there are four ways that people play politics in the office?

Sheep, donkey, fox or owl.

Below is a description of each.

Sheep: An implied innocence underlies the sheep approach. Other words that spring to mind might be naive, easily led and loyal. They are the types who say (providing they recognise what is happening in the first place), “I have no time for politics” or, “I don’t want to play that game.”

Donkey: Words such as stubborn and inept might sum up the donkey character, but it goes deeper than this. We have all encountered the colleague who thinks he’s on the inside track, is fond of mentioning connections to the senior staff and is convinced he plays a smart game.

Fox: Cunning, sly and clever, foxes know their way around. They are really quite adept at negotiating the corridors of power, getting support and being tuned in to the bigger picture. They recognise and take advantage of the weaknesses of others in order to get ahead and further their cause.

Owl: Wise and highly observant, the organisational owls are well placed to succeed. They differ from the fox in that ’succeed’ for them means positive
outcomes for both themselves and the organisation.

Could this spell the end for job boards and recruitment agencies?

It is too early to say this BUT one thing is for sure that if jobseekers are not using these tools they are missing out on potential jobs. Quite simply – you will not work for this particualr company as they will not find you or you will not know about their jobs.

If you are a jobseekers and you have not already set up a Linkedin Profile I suggest you do it now. Linked in is fast becoming a must use resource for jobseekers. If you want an idea how to set up hte content of your profile view Paul Mullan Linkedin Profile – Career & Outplacement Expert

Career Coaching, Interview Techniques, Professional CV Writing & Outplacement

Linkedin Linkedin

1. Applying for jobs you are not qualified for. (From a jobseekers perspective you have to try …. certainly in a skill shortage market)

2. Sending generic cover letter’s. (Absolutely agree – you won’t get called for interview in a tough job market)

3. Seen-it-a-million-times Objective on your CV “challenging opportunity with a forward-looking company where I can utilise my knowledge, experience and skills to our mutual advantage.” (You can forget about these right now – worst start possible to a CV – no point!!)

4. Making your CV a list of past duties. (You have to make an impact and include achievements!!)

5. Lie or exaggerate about ANYTHING (Are all CV’s not self promoting documents. In fact most hiring managers expect some lies on a CV. I have to agree with this point though …. do a CV well and you don’t have to lie)

6. Keep making repetitive “notice-me” calls to ask if your CV was received. (Yes this can be harassment – one call or ideally call before you send it)

7. Slow response to messages left on your answering machine or voicemail. (You obviously don’t need the job if this is the case)

8. Lack of flexibility for phone-screening interviews. (Previous comment)

9. Not providing salary requirements when requested prior to the interview. (If asked provided – if don’t have one then let employer know your current salary)

10. Fail to research the company prior to the interview. (No brainer!!)

11. Arrive at your interview late. (Previous comment)

12. Rude to the receptionist. (especially if the person at reception is on the interview panel)

13. “See attached CV” instead of filling application completely. (Lazy!!)

14. Lack of interview preparation. (EHHHH!!! – forget about annoying the hiring manager – you are wasting your time attending interview)

15. Ask “What’s in it for ME?” type questions at the interview. (Well “me” is part of the process so you can ask these questions but just disguise them)

16. Fail to send a thank-you letter after the interview. (not that common in Ireland BUT nice touch!!)

17. Call for update before decision date (this is a number one annoyance – don’t do it)

Each workshop is limited to 15 places so book now to avoid disappointment – email paul@measurability.ie or via booking for contact us

I often ask – why?

My theory is as follows ……

When I was growing up the importance of qualifications was drilled into me by teachers, family and peers with comments like “if you don’t have qualifications you will end up in a dead end job” or “get a degree and you will be successful”. The unfortunate thing is that many believe these comments. Those without qualifications accept lower level jobs and never seek to better themselves because they believe it is not possible. Equally there are those you get a degree and enter the working world with a “made it” sign without realising that they must actually do some hard work.

Therefore my stance on qualification is as follows – you don’t need qualifications to be successful (don’t believe me – well some of the most successful people in the world will vouch for this). Qualifications will open more doors though BUT once you get through that door you have to actually work hard to earn success.

Attached is a link for MS Office training – again this will not guarantee success but it will enhance your CV and perhaps open more doors.

CV & COVER LETTER WRITING TIPS

Here are some CV Writing Tips & Help that will ensure you create an impact CV. There are also CV Templates and CV Samples & Examples. To support your CV here are some excellent Cover Letter Tips.

INTERVIEWS, INTERVIEW TIPS & JOB INTERVIEWS

Most job seekers will face a traditional interview and these Interview Tips, Techniques & Skills will help improve your performance. Practice some of the more popular interview questions and answers. For those facing structured interviews this information on competency based interviews should help.