The Skills You Need In This Tough Job Market

Written by Adebola Oni

remember a recent conversation I had with a client who’s also a good friend. She had moved on from a job working as a manager of a team of about 100 people to managing another team within the same organisation. She was replaced by a gentleman with almost 15 years experience working in the organisation.

A few months later she bumped into her replacement and asked how he was getting on with the job.

Straight away he started complaining – ‘My people are so difficult’ he said, ‘they’re such a pain in the backside’ he continued’.

That’s wierd’ she replied, ‘because when I worked with them, they were brilliant’.

10 Things to Remove from Your Resume

Written by Don Goodman

20 seconds. That’s the average amount of time that an employer will spend scanning your resume. The phrase “Less is more” has often been used for design purposes, but it can apply just as well to your resume. The point is to keep only information on your resume that is clear, simple and that supports your brand /message.

It is a balance of having just enough information to draw the interest of an employer, while leaving room for you to further explain during an interview. The more irrelevant information you add to your resume, the more it dilutes your key message. Employers today also look right through fluff words and are rather annoyed by them.

So, you ask, “How can I power up my resume and make sure it contains the precise balance of information?” Consider the following:

10 Mistakes That Can Ruin Any Interview

Written by Don Goodman

Your cover letter and resume has made a positive impression on a potential employer and they’ve called you in for an interview. Now you need to ensure the employer stays impressed with you and your potential in their organization.

There’s an old saying that first impressions count – and there is no better instance of the truth to this than the impressions made during an interview. A variety of factors are in effect. It may include the way you are dressed, how you communicate, your personality, and a number of other considerations.

It takes a lot to develop a positive impression, and conversely requires very little to leave one that does not work in your favor as key decisions are made for the new talent they need to bring on.

The 4 Most Important Questions to Ask at an Interview

Written by Don Goodman

So you’ve completed the process of searching for a job and sent out your cover letter and resume. Now, you’re invited to come in for an interview.

An interview is a critical point in the job hunting process. It helps you and the potential employer get a sense of whether you are the right fit for the position and company culture. It also directs the next step – a second interview, an offer, or the need to go back to step one with a continued search.

One of the things job candidates can do to make a good impression during the interview is to ask sensible questions. Posing appropriate questions related to your role and assignment conveys to the employer your interest and desire to work with the company. It also helps you gather the information you will need to formulate an impression of the position and whether the opportunity is a good fit for your personal goals. Lastly, and most important, the responses you receive from the interviewer provide critical information to help you focus on relevant points that may be considered most important by the employer during the discussion.