Career Toolbox - Welcome to Striding Out!

The Interview

2011-04-19T10:12:55Z

When we think of ‘The Interview’ we are sent into a moment of panic and fear about what will be expected – will it be a panel arrangement, 1-1, group exercise or a series of tasks we are expected to do.

I am sure some people amble along in the same job just to avoid ‘the interview’, but in this economic climate it seems almost impossible to do this. So what do we do – there is no doubt we are tested more and more, and up against so many applicants. Look at it this way, if you get past the application process you are doing well – out of 4000 applicants (possibly) you got an interview.

So what do you do: The key is in the preparation

Preparing for Success

2011-04-19T09:47:57Z

Recently, I ran a workshop on the theme of “Preparing for the Workplace” with a group of graduates on the Fastlaners programme, an employability programme for graduates seeking employment. This workshop was in context of the old adage “to fail to prepare is to prepare to fail”. This is true on two levels:

Practical preparation for example planning your journey, checking out your new boss on Linked In.
Mental preparation for example intention setting and understanding other points of view.

Mental preparation is the one we are least practised at. It only needs to take a few minutes. but it can give you that extra confidence boost and the edge over your competitors. Here are two ways to prepare yourself mentally for any situation, be it a new job, an important meeting, a romantic date, a job interview or a presentation.

1. Set Your Intention

Top CV Tips from Striding Out Coaches

2011-03-28T08:26:13Z

How to create the perfect CV and Cover Letter

For many, the job market has been a scary place over the last two years. If you are one of those that has been affected, now is the time to get your CV and cover letter in order. It is important that it contains certain information, a specific format and pizzaz.

Take a listen to Fiona Biggins and Quinn Simpson, two Striding Out coaches, they discuss what makes a great CV with Reprezent's young people!

Listen to the Gr8 Employment Debate programme 21.02.2011

Listen

The Twin Track approach to job searching

2011-02-07T00:00:00Z

Are you out of work at the moment? Getting desperate? Do you reply “anything” when asked what you want to do?

Or are you setting your sights high? Are you holding out for your dream job? Perhaps a 'graduate' job? Or a job in a very competitive industry? Or even a job which means you don't need to commute or move home?

I'd encourage you to do both.....

Top Tips for Landing that Job

2010-11-29T00:00:00Z

Essential Tips On Landing That Job

Finding a job can be a challenging task for anyone. From searching for jobs, writing CVs or cover letters, going for interview and completing a pyschometric test, there can be a number of challenges to securing your ideal job. Read on for the valuable list of simple top tips to help you on every step of the journey to your dream job!

Is Your CV Up-to-date?

2010-10-20T14:04:26Z

We often make the assumption that our jobs are permanent and secure, yet we live in a world that thrives off uncertainty and change. Security simply does not exist.

So the question is, how up-to-date is your CV?

Interview Preparation and Success

2010-10-18T13:27:05Z

Not many people can honestly say that they like attending interviews; however, the confidence in a person at interview is very much based on your prior preparation for an interview.

Things that you may want to think about before going to your interview which would help you to feel more confident about yourself and your ability are:

How You Will Land The Perfect Job

2010-09-03T16:57:45Z

Landing, Keeping and Moving up in your Career

by Quinn Simpson

Hundreds of articles have been written about how to land the perfect job, how to keep that job and also how to move up in your career. This article is one of them. Yet, instead of being a 'how to', it will be a WILL do.

So, what WILL you do?

1. Network, network, network!

2. Connect others!

3. Be persistent!

4. Know yourself!

5. Be Proactive!

Five easy steps are listed above but the question is – will you do them?

I am going to give several reasons for why these are the right steps to either landing, keeping or moving up in your career to ensure that you WILL do them.

Creating a personal mission statement

2010-08-06T14:21:24Z

Facilitating a recent workshop with a group of passionate young youth workers, we invited them to create their personal mission statement for the next stage of their youth work journey.

Businesses spend a lot of time and money getting their mission statements right, because without a clear mission statement, you may drift off course. And if you don’t know where you are going any road will take you there. This is how we often “fall into” careers. With a mission statement, you can measure every activity against it and make sure you’re on the right road to where you want to go.

A clear mission statement will keep you clear-headed and out of trouble.

Stand out in the market

2010-07-19T15:20:52Z

Ok, so now you’re looking for a job. You’ve got your CV ready, you’ve applied for job vacancies, you go to the interview and then you are turned down for “lack of experience.”

“Lack of experience,” is the number one reason a young person is turned down for a job role.

How is a person meant to gain experience in the workplace if they are not given the chance or opportunity to prove themselves?

Now, more than ever, there is more and more competition in the workplace, meaning the need to promote yourself has become increasingly important.