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Good luck to everyone who’s waiting for Leaving Cert results tomorrow. It’s been the strangest year ever, but no matter what happens please be assured that you’ll be ok! You have reached an important milestone in your lives, but it’s certainly not the be-all and end-all. There are now so many options available to you, traineeships, apprenticeships and lots of pathways into further education should you not get the points that you were expecting. The most important thing is to choose a course that matches your aptitude and interests, otherwise you risk dropping out early or worse still ending up in a job that you really don’t like.This is the start of a lifelong journey of learning, where you will have the ability to adapt to ever-changing circumstances in your life. These are just predictive grades, they don’t define you as a person.Don’t forget if you’re ever looking for work, even part-time we’re here to help – we also have resources to help you to prepare for Interviews. Click<a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog?tag=jobseekers" target="_blank"> here</a> for more information.To receive daily alerts for jobs available in your area create a jobseeker account in just a couple of clicks. Get started <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/create-account/jobseeker" target="_blank">here. </a>

The Very Best of Luck With Your Leaving Cert Results

<h2>Win FREE Student Accommodation in Dublin City Centre for a year - 3 rooms up for grabs at Point Campus</h2><h2></h2><h2>Straight to the point!</h2><h3>The Point Campus want to make next year the best yet for three lucky students.</h3><h3>They&#x27;re now giving you the chance to win 1 of 3 rooms to live completely rent free for the academic year 20/21.</h3><h2>About Point Campus</h2>Make your mark at Dublin’s hottest student accommodation, Point Campus!Located at Point Village in the Docklands area of Dublin City Centre, Point Campus is a place you will want to call home!The accommodation offers students modern, spacious surroundings with great facilities. Residents have the use of a gym, fitness studio, cinema rooms and laundry facilities. In addition large common areas, generous study spaces and rooftop terraces are all incorporated.Rent includes your furnished room with double bed and en-suite. A shared kitchen and living area is also included in each apartment with TV, plus 100MB Wi-Fi and all bills are included!<h1></h1><h1>Spaces</h1>The interior and exterior spaces at Point Campus are designed to help you live well. Communal spaces help you socialise and relax; study zones are ergonomic. Facilities include a gym and fitness studio, cinema, games room and outside courtyards. The finishing touch? Some pretty inspiring views from the rooftop gardens.<h1></h1><h1>Rooms</h1>Bedroom space is carefully calibrated to support both study and relaxation time, with desk areas, double beds and en-suite bathrooms. Classic rooms (Clusters) are centred around their spacious communal kitchen/lounge areas. Studios are self-contained, with their own in-room kitchen and lounge space.<h1></h1>Peace of mindPoint Campus has 24-hour security with CCTV, electronic access control and a member of staff on site at all times. Flexible Booking at Point CampusBook a 40 or 51 week tenancy at Point Campus today, and if your university or higher education institute’s Autumn 2020 term dates are pushed back to a later date, due to COVID-19, Point Campus will credit you for the weeks not required from the start of your tenancy.DON’T WORRY... If you book now, you can still enter! Should you be one of the lucky competition winners, you will get a full refund!No Place, No Pay!If you book a room at Point Campus today, but don’t get the grades or an offer from a Dublin university, and no longer require the room then you won&#x27;t have to pay a cent!.Refer a friendRecommend a friend who goes on to book a room at Point Campus for the September 2020/21 academic year and be eligible for €500 cashback or rental discount.To be eligible for the offer students must contact Host and provide the name and contact information of the person that they are recommending to take a room at Point Campus. This must be done prior to, or at the time of booking.AND NOT FORGETTING... our loyal existing residents. You too could be starting back at university with free accommodation for the year - no costs, no hassle. To enter:<ol><li>Simply complete the entry form</li><li>Receive a confirmation email</li><li>Keep an eye on your emails and winners will be contacted on the 1st of October 2020</li></ol><h2></h2>So complete that entry form by <a href="https://stayatpointcampus.ie/?utm_source=Search&amp;utm_medium=Paid&amp;utm_term=Comp2020&amp;utm_content=Keyword&amp;gclid=EAIaIQobChMIuIbBy9jS6wIVk2DmCh3wOANnEAAYAiAAEgJalvD_BwE" target="_blank">CLICKING HERE</a> and think positive thoughts!Read more about the Point Campus <a href="https://pointcampus.ie/" target="_blank">HERE</a>

FREE Student Accommodation up for grabs - Dublin Point Campus

The HSE will be seeking applications for paid roles in testing, swabbing and contact tracing in the coming weeks. HSE urges public to apply for these paid testing and contact tracing roles. The average number of tests carried out per day last week was 12,000 and almost 62,000 tests have been completed across the 46 labs in the last week.Meanwhile, HSE officials have reported that one in four people are not showing up for their Covid-19 appointment, prompting concerns about the risk of spreading the virus.Figures show that around 25% of people who have been given appointments for a Covid-19 test are failing to appear, when people are not availing of their scheduled test it means someone else is losing out.HSE chief operations officer Anne O’Connor said: “On a daily basis you can have 3,000 or 4,000 appointments, so if a quarter of those aren’t turning up that is a significant number of appointments.Figures show that the average number of new positive cases over the past seven days is 120 per day, up from 104 from the previous week.Over 375 HSE corporate staff have been deployed to testing and contact tracing. A significant number of clinical staff were also deployed to take swabs when health services were stood down in the early days of Covid-19. HSE CEO Paul Reid said that the HSE will be seeking applications for paid roles in testing, swabbing and contact tracing in the coming weeks and he has urged the public to apply for these roles as soon as they are advertised.At this morning’s HSE briefing, Reid said that 3,000 tests have been completed among meat plant workers as part of the HSE’s serial testing programme, with a positivity rate of 0.4%.Testing will be expanded to workers in other food processing sectors such as fish and mushrooms, he said. Plans for serial testing in Direct Provision centres, which have seen a number of outbreaks in recent weeks, are “well commenced”.Stay posted, as soon as recruitment opens we’ll share the link.

HSE will be recruiting for testing, swabbing and contact tracing roles

An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin TD, the Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe TD, and the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht, Catherine Martin TD have launched the Stay and Spend scheme.Stay and Spend is a tax scheme aimed at consumers to help drive sales in the hospitality sector during the off-season which has been negatively impacted as a result of COVID-19.The scheme will provide a maximum of €125 in income tax credits to tax-payers who spend up to €625 in restaurants, pubs, hotels, B&amp;Bs and other qualifying businesses, from Autumn 2020 through to Spring 2021, including over the Christmas period.The taxpayer can submit receipts via the newly updated and easy-to-use Revenue Receipts Tracker mobile app.Speaking at the launch of the Stay and Spend Scheme, An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin said,<blockquote>“This government is determined to support businesses across Ireland which have been adversely impacted by Covid-19. While many sectors have taken a hit, the hospitality industry is undoubtedly one of the worst affected by the public health measures which have had to be imposed to stop the spread of the virus.</blockquote><blockquote>We recognise the strain that restaurant owners, hoteliers, bar and café owners are under and have taken steps to help them through this difficult period. The Stay and Spend scheme will encourage people to go out for a meal or take a staycation and support the Irish hospitality sector by enabling them to claim back 20% of their spend.</blockquote><blockquote>The tourism and hospitality sector is so important in this country; Ireland’s reputation as a prime tourist destination is built on the hard work and dedication of those working in the industry. We need to protect these jobs and businesses and the government has put in a range of supports through the July Stimulus plan and other measures to help them recover from the effects of Covid-19.</blockquote><blockquote>I’m encouraging all eligible businesses to register with Revenue so that they can participate in the scheme next month”.</blockquote>The Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe said:<blockquote>“The hospitality sector has been particularly badly hit as a result of the necessary public health restrictions put in place to tackle COVID-19.</blockquote><blockquote>The sector is vital to the Irish economy and accounts for over 10% of the country’s workforce. The purpose of the Stay and Spend scheme is to support this sector.</blockquote><blockquote>This measure is just one part of the Government’s July Jobs Stimulus, which also includes the wage subsidy schemes and the recent reduction in the VAT rate. This new tax credit will provide a much-needed boost to the hospitality sector through the autumn and winter months by encouraging people to spend whether through a staycation or eating out.</blockquote><blockquote>The scheme comes into effect on the 1st of October, but accommodation and food businesses can now register with the Revenue commissioners to participate.</blockquote><blockquote>I am confident that this measure will support the sector as it moves towards recovery.”</blockquote>Also commenting, Minister Catherine Martin welcomed the Stay and Spend Scheme. She said:<blockquote>“The Stay and Spend Scheme will offer a much-needed boost to the tourism sector during the shoulder and off season. To maximise the benefit to the sector, I have asked Fáilte Ireland to commence a national campaign across radio and press next week to inform the general public about the scheme and help them understand how they can avail of the tax credit. Fáilte will also be helping tourism businesses get the message out to potential customers that they have registered for the scheme.”</blockquote>The Stay and Spend Scheme is being supported by Fáilte Ireland, the National Tourism Development Authority, who will both promote the scheme to consumers and encourage businesses to register to participate with a national radio and press campaign kicking off on Saturday, 5th September.The Stay and Spend Scheme runs from 1st October to the 30th April.To find out more, and view the list of participating businesses visit www.revenue.ie. You can download the new Revenue Receipts Tracker App in the Apple Store or Google Play Store.Registration to participate in the scheme is now open for tourism accommodation and food and beverage businesses through Revenue’s Online Service, ROS.Summary of Stay and Spend SchemeAt the level of individual taxpayer:<ul><li>Relief on accommodation and food, including soft drinks, but not including alcohol.</li><li>In the case of food, consumption on the premises is required.</li><li>A minimum spend of €25 per person per time/ Maximum spend limit of €625 (VAT inclusive) over life of scheme,</li><li>Refund of 20% of the vouched cost through income tax i.e. maximum tax credit of €125 per person. (For married couples who are jointly assessed, the maximum spend over the life of the scheme will €1,250).</li><li>Where an individual or jointly assessed tax-payer has insufficient income tax liability to fully benefit from the measure, they may still avail of the relief against their USC contributions.</li><li>Operated through downloadable easy-to-use Revenue mobile phone app.</li></ul>At the level of the business:<ul><li>VAT registered provider with current tax clearance.</li></ul>Duration:<ul><li>Scheme will run from 1 October 2020 – 30 April 2021, including over the Christmas period. The expiry date may be altered by order made by the Minister for Finance.</li></ul>Purpose of the schemeThe purpose of the scheme is to incentivise taxpayers to support registered/accredited providers of accommodation and/or food during the off-season, thus providing support to a particularly vulnerable sector.Qualification CriteriaBusinesses: In order to qualify for participation in the scheme, businesses will need to:<ul><li>be registered for VAT,</li><li>have a current tax clearance certificate,</li><li>be accredited/registered with relevant official bodies as appropriate (Fáilte Ireland and the HSE Environmental Health Service),</li><li>register with Revenue to participate, and</li><li>display appropriate signage indicating participation in the scheme.</li></ul>Individual taxpayers: To benefit from the scheme, an individual will need to:<ul><li>register for the scheme by downloading the app and provide his/her name and PPS Number in the course of using the app, and</li><li>have an income tax or USC liability against which the tax credit can be set.</li></ul>Operation of the schemeAn individual taxpayer must spend a minimum of €25 each time on qualifying expenditure (accommodation, food and non-alcoholic drinks) as verified by a receipt from the relevant establishment. The taxpayer will submit the receipt by taking a photograph of same using a mobile phone and submitting same to Revenue using the mobile app. The taxpayer may continue to submit receipts until the cap on expenditure of €625 is reached. Revenue will provide an income tax credit of up to €125 (€625 @20%) per taxpayer (up to €250 in the case of a married couple, jointly assessed) in end of year balancing statement. The taxpayer will get the benefit of the credit in the year after the expenditure is incurred.

Stay and Spend Scheme details to Support the Hospitality Sector

Airbnb are giving remaining Employees options that allow them to temporarily relocate and also flexibility to those who can&#x27;t work right now, if they&#x27;re caring for a family member due to illness or closure of a care facility etc......the move comes after nearly 1,900 employees from a global workforce of over 7,500 were made redundant back in May. 190 staff in Dublin were impacted by the redundancies at its European headquarters in Grand Canal Docks as a result of the massive decline in its online bookings due to the Covid-19 pandemic.At the start of the pandemic, Airbnb like many other businesses closed their offices immediately to protect the health and safety of their employees around the world. The extension to work remotely through to the end of August 2021 was rolled out to remaining staff. They said they are offering the remote working extension to give employees the ability to plan further ahead and make the choices they need around school calendars, being closer to family, caring for vulnerable family members, and other personal decisions. Co-Founder and CEO Brian Chesky, said in his statement last month that the company had been “hit hard” by the sudden downturn in business, with revenue this year forecasted to be less than half of what was made in 2019.He said “We are collectively living through the most harrowing crisis of our lifetime, and as it began to unfold, global travel came to a standstill.” The company raised $2 billion (about €1.8 billion) in capital and “dramatically cut costs” in response to the crisis. With such a difficult situation on his hands Chesky sent a transparent and vulnerable message outlining key protections for affected workers as the redundancies were announced. In the letter he said “For a company like us whose mission is centered around belonging, this is incredibly difficult to confront, and it will be even harder for those who have to leave Airbnb,” he went on to reveal exactly how and why the tough decision was made—which can give workers closure—and laid out the many ways the company was going to help those who’ve been terminated.Among those plans:<ul><li>Every US ex-employee will receive a generous severance of 14 weeks’ base pay, plus an additional week’s salary for every year the staffer has been at the company. Many companies give just a week or two per every year worked with no cushion.</li><li>Every departing US employee, even if they haven’t worked the previous minimum of one year, will have equity in the company.</li><li>The company will cover COBRA costs for 12 months, so every US ex-employee keeps their health insurance for another full year.</li><li>Much of the internal recruiting team will be redirected to help secure new external roles for former workers.</li><li>Terminated staffers can keep their company-issued laptops because “a computer is an important tool to find new work.”</li></ul>Besides those truly supportive actions, Brian shared poignant final words to those who were let go:“I am truly sorry. Please know this is not your fault. The world will never stop seeking the qualities and talents that you brought to Airbnb…that helped make Airbnb. I want to thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for sharing them with us.” <a href="https://news.airbnb.com/work-from-anywhere-how-airbnb-guests-are-approaching-remote-working/" target="_blank">Source</a>

Temporary relocation and flexible options allowed for Airbnb Employees

Hickeys, one of the largest pharmacy chains in the Republic of Ireland who opened its first outlet in the Northside Shopping Centre in Dublin in 1995 are set to be taken over by Uniphar. Uniphar already operates 229 pharmacies across the country under the Allcare and Life brands and 36 Hickey&#x27;s pharmacies will bring that number to 335.The company&#x27;s revenue rose by 8.8 per cent in the first half of 2020, bringing it to €871.3 million. Pre-tax profit was also 9 per cent higher (€16.4 million).“We have delivered a strong set of results for H1 2020 in a difficult operating environment, achieving gross profit growth across all our divisions and 5 per cent organic gross profit growth at a group level, while maintaining a strong liquidity and net cash position at the end of the period,” said chief executive Ger Rabbitte. “Our investment in digital solutions combined with diversity in our product and services lines has helped mitigate the impact of Covid-19 on our business and positions us well into the future.”Hickeys which has outlets in Dublin, Cork, Meath, Louth, Kildare and Wexford will continue to trade under the Hickeys brand if the Uniphar deal is completed. The group recorded revenues of €27.2 million for the year ending February 28th, 2019, this included a profit of €2.4 million.Hickeys are currently hiring Pharmacy Healthcare Advisors, Support Pharmacists, Pharmacy Technicians, Store Manager and Relief Workers.Dublin;Support Pharmacist – O’Connell StreetSupervising Pharmacist, Henry Street, Dublin City CentrePharmacy Healthcare Advisor - CappaghPharmacy Healthcare Advisor – PhibsboroPharmacy Technician - PhibsboroSupport Pharmacist, OngarPharmacy Technician - OngarPharmacy Healthcare Advisor - NeilstownPharmacy Healthcare Advisor - TyrrelstownRelief Pharmacist – South Dublin Kildare:Pharmacy Healthcare Advisor - Maynooth Meath:Pharmacy Technician - NavanPharmacy Store Manager - Navan Shopping CentrePharmacy Healthcare Advisor - Johnstown, Co. Meath For more information on all these roles <a href="https://www.hickeyspharmacies.ie/current-vacancies/" target="_blank">CLICK HERE </a>

Hickeys pharmacy chain set to be taken over by Uniphar.  

Info on Calculated Grades & 1,250 additional college places announced

Why is this question asked? To determine if you will be a good fit for the company - and to discover if you will add value to the team. We demonstrate this in our interview answer by making it clear to the interviewer that our values and goals are similar to the hiring companies.In addition, this research exercise will only increase your chance of landing the job. Extensive knowledge of the company and the job you’re applying for will leave a long-lasting impression on the interviewer and give you the edge over other candidates. Here’s what your answer needs to include:1. How your personal and professional values align with the company’s values2. Information on your career goals and how they align with the company3. How your personal and professional values align with the company’s values<h2>1. Discover your own values</h2>*Values: What you believe to be important in the way you live and work.*Once we have your values defined, you can then match them with the company you’re applying for, which will shape your entire answer to this question. Ask yourself these questions to help identify what your core values are:<ul><li>What type of culture do you want to be a part of?</li><li>What gives you the most fulfillment at work?</li><li>What’s important to you?Core Value Examples</li></ul><ul><li>A commitment to helping those less fortunate than us</li><li>A commitment to sustainability and always acting in an environmentally friendly manner</li><li>Always acting with honesty and integrity</li><li>Helping Society: Contributing to the betterment of the world</li><li>Creative freedom: Allowing others to contribute with their own ideas</li><li>Working Conditions: Being in an environment that you&#x27;re comfortable with</li></ul>Next - research the company to discover their goals and valuesNow that we have your own values defined it’s time to match them with the hiring company’s values. Here’s how to discover their values:• Explore the company website - the ABOUT US and CAREER web pages• Understand their products and services• Learn about the management structure, departments and competitors• Review employee reviews/testimonials on Glassdoor/Indeed/Google• Review their social media accountsAs you explore the hiring company make notes of anything that strikes you as interesting or similar to your own core values. <h2>Questions and sample answers to put it all together</h2>After completing research on the company:How does the company&#x27;s values and mission align with your own? Are there parallels? If the company has a culture built on honesty or giving back to the community<ul><li>Why does this appeal to you? </li><li>Why would you want to be a part of this type of organisation?</li></ul>Employee reviews/testimonials<ul><li>What do their employees say about working there? </li><li>Why do their responses make working there attractive to you?</li><li>Do they promote an open, transparent working environment? Why does that appeal to you?</li></ul>Reviews from customers<ul><li>How does the company react to customer or user feedback? </li><li>Do they appear to put their clients first? </li><li>What did you like about their responses to feedback? </li><li>Why is customer satisfaction important to you?</li></ul>Social Media<ul><li>What excites you most about the content posted on their company social media accounts?</li><li>What impression do you get from the content posted on social media? </li><li>Do they appear to care about their staff and customers? Why is that important to you?</li></ul>Example answer: &quot;On your company website, I was taken back by the level of commitment your organisation has put into helping the local community. Giving back to others is a huge aspect of my own personal philosophy and I was overwhelmed with excitement when I saw a company that was equally as passionate about serving people in need. My mission is to work at a company where I can contribute with both my technical skills and my personal values, and your company is a place where that’s possible.&quot;Example answer 2:&quot;I have gathered from my own research that your company’s reputation is stellar. From reading employee reviews who currently work here it’s obvious that the company gives its staff the freedom to lead and contribute to the mission of the company. I want to be a part of an organisation that values their employees input and allows initiative to be taken. These liberties will allow me to achieve my own professional goals of striving to become an industry leader.&quot;<h2>2. Information on your career goals and how they align with the company</h2>First - Discover your career goalsAsk yourself these questions to help identify what your career goals are:<ul><li>What motivates you? </li><li>What skills do you want to further develop - personally and professionally?</li><li>What do you need to achieve your future objectives?</li><li>Where do you see yourself in five years?</li><li>What interests you most about your job/industry?</li></ul>Examples of career goals<ul><li>Becoming a manager within the next 6 - 12 months</li><li>Being part of a team to create a service that enriches people&#x27;s lives</li><li>Working with the most innovative products to deliver solutions in my industry</li><li>Personal &amp; professional development: Upskilling (earn a degree, certificate in my field) while continuing to develop professionally</li><li>Becoming an expert/leader in my field</li><li>Work as head of marketing for a multinational company</li><li>Being happy at work or Working on my passion</li></ul>Next - Discover the company&#x27;s goalsNow that we have your own career goals defined it’s time to match them with the hiring company’s goals. Here’s how to discover their goals:• Search for any public announcements (Awards, expansion, general news, etc.)• Review their mission statement (Usually found on the website ABOUT section)• Review their social media channels• Review their products and services• Read back over the job descriptionQuestions and sample answers to put it all together• Has the company won any prestigious awards? Why is that important?• Do they have high standards? • What are their long term goals and vision for the future? Does it align with your own?What better place to achieve your own professional goals than with a company that is aligned with your own ambitions. Any awards or positive press can highlight the company values and goals for the future. If working at a company that is striving for excellence, explain in your own words why that appeals to you.Review their products and servicesAre their products and services the most innovative on the market? Perhaps the opportunity to work with the latest technology is one you would cherish given your passion for the industry. Read back over the job descriptionThe interviewer needs to know that you have a very strong understanding of the role you are applying for and the duties it entails. Within the job description, you can also discover why this position will help you achieve your career goals. For example, if the job description details an opportunity to lead a team, you could explain in your interview answer that collaborating and leading others to achieve a common goal is when you’re most engaged at work. <h2>Putting it all together - Example answers:</h2>Example answer 1: &quot;Although the company is ‘X’ years old, it has never wavered from its mission of putting the clients&#x27; needs first. This is quite apparent given the recent prestigious awards XYZ Company has won coupled with the overwhelming number of positive customer reviews on Trustpilot. When I began my search for a new job I made it my objective to seek out organisations that are committed to innovation, integrity, and delivering the very best for their clients, and XYZ Company ranks at the very top of the list.&quot;Example answer 2: &quot;I came across a news feature last month about your company COO Peter Johnston and the company&#x27;s renewed focus on tech innovation. I’d consider myself an innovator and would love the opportunity to work for an industry-leading company.&quot;<h2>What to avoid</h2>Being Generic: Don’t give wishy-washy answers. For example - ‘I saw you were hiring and the company looks really good so I said I’d change my arm at applying’. Make your answer memorable, believable and full of enthusiasm.Salary and perks: Avoid mentioning the company perks or salary as the reason why you want to work at the company. The interviewer wants to hire a candidate that is looking to grow with the company - not just to show up for a paycheck. -We wish you the very best of luck with your job interview!Need help putting together your CV and Cover Letter? <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/how-to-write-a-cv-step-by-step-guide-template" target="_blank">Check out our step by step guides here</a> which include free templates to download and sample information for each and every section of your CV and cover letter.To receive daily alerts for jobs available in your area create a jobseeker account in just a couple of clicks. <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/create-account/jobseeker" target="_blank">Get started here.</a>

Answering the interview question: Why do you want to work for this company?

We are going to lay out a simple plan on how you can prepare for this question, as well as provide a script that you can use as a template to shape your answer.For the video version of this guide <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpMel6bs_CU" target="_blank">go here.</a>Why is this question asked?The recruitment process requires companies to make hard decisions when it comes to making a hire. Employers must review multiple candidates, even for a single job vacancy. To help them reach a decision on who to employ, the interviewer asks this question to discover what sets you apart from other applicants. This question gives you the perfect opportunity to stand out from the crowd and show your value, especially when the crowd appears very similar on paper. How to answer this questionTo prepare for this question you must discover why hiring you would benefit the company. Here’s how: 1. Get clear on what makes you unique2. Match your skills with the employer’s needs3. Explain how your skills will contribute to the companies success<h2>1. Get clear on what makes you unique</h2>Don’t get hung up on the word unique. All we’re trying to do with this exercise is to show the employer that we’re a great fit for the job and we can bring value to the business. So, let’s reframe this activity to ‘Discovering your biggest strengths’.First, make a list of all your strengths. Here are some questions to help you along:• What sets you apart from other candidates? What are you good at? • What do you enjoy the most about your job? Or - what do you love to do?• What comes naturally to you?• Do you have a particular passion for the industry?• What reasons do people come to you for advice or help with?Talk to family and friends: Learn how others see you as unique or valuable by asking friends and family what they think your strengths are.<h2>Review past achievements that demonstrate your skills</h2>Have a think about any success or accomplishments you’ve had during your work experience and ask yourself:“What skills or personality traits did I show that lead to these achievements?” An easy place to start is to remember a time when you solved a problem at work. To help you along, consider times in the past when you were given: • Praise or recognition • Additional responsibilities• A promotion• A salary raiseGet proof: It’s very important within your answer that you include accomplishments from your work experience that highlight your specific skill set. A very powerful answer will include achievements accompanied by data or measurable results. This will help demonstrate the value you can bring to the employer. Example answer: Suppose your unique skill is being dedicated. Instead of saying ‘I am uniquely dedicated to my job’, a better answer would include a time when you exercised this specific skill, backed up by data. MENTION SKILL: “I would describe myself as being very dedicated.”GIVE EVIDENCE: “My dedication to my previous job as a Warehouse Assistant allowed me to always be a week ahead of schedule with incoming stock orders. I then used the additional spare time to map out process improvements to our supply chain, which resulted in a 30% reduction in costs for the company in 2019.” <h2>2. Match your skills with the employer&#x27;s needs</h2>At this point, you have a very clear understanding of where your strengths lie. Now it’s time to learn about the employer&#x27;s needs so you can detail how you can fulfill them. You can do this by learning more about the requirements for the job.Review the job description and make notes of:• What skills does the company emphasise as must-haves?• Are there specific personality traits mentioned? E.g. motivated, strong communicator, leader, etc. • What level of experience is required for the job?• Are there any specific targets or objectives listed? • Do research on the company to learn about how your skills can benefit the organisation. By reviewing their social media pages, website, employee and customer reviews, you will get ideas for how you can contribute to the company’s success. For example, if you learn that the company has a vast interest in helping the community, discussing your volunteer experience connects you directly to the company&#x27;s mission.Example answer: After reviewing the job description you notice that the ability to learn quickly is high up on the employer&#x27;s requirements. It just so happens that this requirement matches with your own skills and experience. In this instance your answer may look something like: MENTION SKILL: “I would say what makes me unique is my ability to quickly adapt while learning on the job.”GIVE EVIDENCE: “Within my previous role as an administrator this skill came in handy. The company made the decision to move their recruitment process from a paper-based system to an online platform. This involved the implementation of an applicant tracking software system which I had never had experience with before.” “I quickly evaluated what I’d need to learn and spent my spare time building the skills in order to effectively use the new system. I picked the new system up quite quickly and was given the responsibility of training in our entire recruitment department, which I thoroughly enjoyed.&quot;BRING THE CONVERSATION BACK TO THE JOB: “After reviewing the requirements for this role, the ability to think on your feet is an absolute necessity, and it’s an environment where I feel very comfortable in.”<h2>3. Explain how your skills will contribute to the company&#x27;s success</h2>Once you’ve discussed your relevant unique skills and personality traits that led to past successes, it’s important that you bring the conversation back to the job you’re applying for. End your answer by referencing how your key skills and traits will allow you to achieve similar results for the company in the future. For example: Applying for a sales position and a key aspect of the job is developing new business. This could be a possible “What makes you unique” answer:MENTION SKILL: “What makes me unique is my natural ability to get along with people. I find I’m able to build strong relationships with clients almost immediately, as I empathise well with people.”GIVE EVIDENCE: “Within my previous job I consistently exceeded my quota for acquiring new clients, as I am quick to identify and understand the pain points of the customer.”BRING IT BACK TO THE JOB: “I am a thorough communicator, an excellent listener and I have a strong record for building long-term relationships, all skills which I know will fit well with this current sales position.”<h2>Final tips:</h2>Practice Write out your answer and say it out loud. The more you practice responding to this question the more natural it will become. If your changing careers - focus on your transferable skills i.e. the skills you have developed from your experience that can be used across a variety of roles and industries. Examples include:• Being a team player• Having leadership qualities• Strong communication skills - written and verbal• Problem solving• Research and analytical skillsWhat to avoid:Giving generic answers: The interviewer has already heard every cliche answer under the sun, so you need to go the extra mile in order to give a memorable answer. For example, rather than saying “I always go beyond what’s asked of me” you can say “I will always push myself to excel. Working on tasks that allow me to learn and grow is what I love most about my job.”Quirky answers: This is not the time and place to explain your unusual party tricks or odd habits. Remember, the interviewer wants to learn more about your skills and experience that qualify you for the job. Remember that when you&#x27;re asked the interview question What makes you unique?”, really the question you&#x27;re answering is &quot;Why are you the best applicant for this position?&quot;. So, go out there and make yourself stand out from the herd by showing what value you can bring to the company.We wish you the very best of luck with your job interview!Need help putting together your CV and Cover Letter? Check out our <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/how-to-write-a-cv-step-by-step-guide-template" target="_blank">step by step guides here</a> which include free templates to download and sample information for each and every section of your CV and cover letter.To receive daily alerts for jobs available in your area create a jobseeker account in just a couple of clicks. <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/create-account/jobseeker" target="_blank">Get started here.</a>

How to answer the interview question - "What makes you unique?"

This is usually one of the first questions asked during the interview - and a fantastic opportunity to make a great first impression. Why is this question asked? The interviewer wants to know how your experience is relevant to the job you are applying for.What we need to get across in our answer: Why we are qualified for the job and why we applied in the first place.<h2>Step 1 - Preparing your answer </h2>First - review the job description and make a note on why your experience and skills qualify you for the role. Identify your relevant expertise, strengths and the unique qualities you can bring to the hiring company.Then have a think of any success stories or situations where you excelled.Ask yourself • Why are you interested in applying for the role? How does it align with your career goals?• Why are you interested in the company or industry?• What gets you excited about working at the company?<h2>Step 2 - The structure of your answer</h2>Combining WHAT you are professionally, with WHO you are, and WHY you’re a great candidate for this role. What to include in your answer: • Mention your job title, responsibilities and projects that you&#x27;ve worked on recently• Discuss any recent accomplishments• Discuss relevant past experience that led to your current position• Highlight any new hard and transferable skills acquired (Especially if you’re moving into a different industry/role)• What you’re looking to do next and why you are interested in this roleWhat to avoid in your answer:• Regurgitating what’s written on your CV and Cover Letter• Telling your life story• Winging it - Instead, prepare your answer so you’re confident about discussing each of your key points during the interview• Mentioning highly personal information - religion, details about your family or partner, political affiliation, etc.• Mentioning your strengths and skills without any supporting evidence or examples<h2>Putting it all together - Sample answers</h2><h2>Management Role</h2>(CURRENT SITUATION &amp; CAREER BACKGROUND) “I’m an innovative ecommerce manager with over 5 years experience managing all aspects of an online business - from implementation to sales - for small and medium sized businesses.”(SKILLS &amp; ACCOMPLISHMENTS) “I have spent the past two years at [company name] where I was promoted to a senior role within 9 months. I love managing teams and delivering solutions for clients.”(BRING IT BACK TO THE JOB) “Although I’m enjoying my current job, I feel I’m ready for a more challenging role and this position very much excites me. The opportunity to lead such an innovative team is what motivated me to begin working within this industry.”<h2>Construction/Labour Role</h2>(CURRENT SITUATION &amp; CAREER BACKGROUND) “I am currently the team lead for XYZ Freight. During the past 3 years, I have been promoted several times, from a General Assistant, to Package Loader and Assistant Foreman.&quot;(SKILLS &amp; ACCOMPLISHMENTS) “During my time I have completed various Construction Skills Certifications including Scaffolding - basic and Scaffolding - advanced. I have also had the opportunity to work on a number of special projects which include the reconstruction of the radar tower at Dublin Airport. I really enjoy being an Assistant Foreman - it gives me great pleasure to empower my team and motivate them to strive for their best.”(BRING IT BACK TO THE JOB) “I believe that this experience and training have prepared me for the next step in my career which is why I have applied for the management role at your company. Your organisation has received a number of excellence awards in recent times, so to be part of an industry-leading team and to grow with the very best is what excites me most about this opportunity.”<h2>No Experience - Customer Service Role</h2>(CURRENT SITUATION &amp; CAREER BACKGROUND) “I’m a motivated recent graduate from the University of College Cork. I completed a BA in Communications this year, receiving a 2:1 degree.”(SKILLS &amp; ACCOMPLISHMENTS) “During my studies, I lead a team of 5 people for our final year project management module. I was responsible for the organisation and smooth running of group meetings as well as delivering a keynote presentation. Our team received an overall grade of 80%.”(BRING IT BACK TO THE JOB) “While I’m just starting my professional career, I feel I have the necessary skills for the role of Customer Assistant at your company. I have always strived in a team environment, and given that this role requires cooperation between a large team of over 15 people, I know I can bring value to working with others to reach the company’s objectives.”<h2>Marketing Role</h2>(CURRENT SITUATION &amp; CAREER BACKGROUND) &quot;I have been working in the marketing industry for 3 years, primarily working in technical and project executive positions.&quot;(SKILLS &amp; ACCOMPLISHMENTS) &quot;Most recently I worked as a senior marketing executive for a large multinational firm that involved working closely with senior management to implement international digital marketing campaigns. With this project coming to a close, I realised that I am looking for a new challenge. I feel that my industry experience of delivering solutions for senior managers will allow me to meet and exceed the expectations for this position.&quot;(BRING IT BACK TO THE JOB) &quot;When I saw your company was hiring for this role I applied immediately. I have been a long term admirer of your organisation&#x27;s corporate social responsibility campaigns, and being part of a company that gives back to the community is a huge motivating factor for where I want to work.&quot;<h2>Customer Service Role</h2>(CURRENT SITUATION &amp; CAREER BACKGROUND) “I’m currently working at XYZ Company as a Customer Service Manager. I have been in this role for 15 months.”(SKILLS &amp; ACCOMPLISHMENTS) “Recently I successfully led a project to reduce time spent on manual processes by implementing chatbox technology solutions that automate answers for customer queries. In addition to process improvement projects, I spend the majority of my time managing key client accounts, providing them with solutions for their eCommerce platform.”(BRING IT BACK TO THE JOB) “I now feel it’s the right time in my career for a new challenge. Only recently your company announced its expansion plans for the next 5 years, and I feel to reach my own professional objectives, It’s necessary for me to join a company that matches my own ambition.”-We wish you all the best with your job interview!Good luck with your interview!Need help putting together your CV and Cover Letter? Check out our <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/how-to-write-a-cv-step-by-step-guide-template" target="_blank">step by step guides here</a> which include free templates to download and sample information for each and every section of your CV and cover letter.To receive daily alerts for jobs available in your area create a jobseeker account in just a couple of clicks. Get started <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/create-account/jobseeker" target="_blank">here.</a>

How to answer the interview question - "Tell us about yourself?"

Why is this question asked?The interviewer wants to know:• How you perceive yourself• What skills do you possess• How will you fit into the company if you’re hiredTo answer this question we are going to take two different approaches.<h2>Option 1: Research your audience</h2>As the interviewer is trying to gauge if you’re a good match, in your answer discuss your personality traits that relate to the company. Learning about the company culture will help you describe yourself in a manner that’s attractive to the employer. How to do this: • Visit the company website - particularly focusing on their about us webpage• Check their social media channels and see what content is posted• See if they have any employee reviews online (Glassdoor, Indeed, etc.)• Search for client/customer feedback (Company website, Trustpilot, Google, etc.)How this research will help form your answer | Example: ‘Team Player’Let’s say that during your research you noticed that the company’s employees on LinkedIn regularly discuss how much they enjoy working with their colleagues.The structure of your answer: a) List a personality trait related to the companyb) Give a real example of when you demonstrated this traitc) Bring the conversation back to the jobYour answer could be:Example: ‘Team Player’a) List a personality trait related to the company: “I’d describe myself as being a team player. I believe that working together with a collaborative spirit is the backbone of any organisation&#x27;s success.”b) Give a real example of when you demonstrated this trait: “In my previous job I worked as part of a 10 person customer support team where ongoing internal communication was an absolute necessity in order to find solutions for clients. It was a very fast-paced and team-oriented environment, which I enjoyed immensely. This setting allowed me to develop my skills and become the department team leader just 6 months after starting the job.”c) Bring the conversation back to the job: “On LinkedIn I noticed many instances of your colleagues praising the great team spirit at this company, and I thought the culture here is a perfect match for me.”<h2>Option 2: Review the job description</h2>In a similar approach to Option 1, describing your personality traits that are directly related to the job is exactly what the interviewer wants to hear. To make your answer relevant to the job you’re applying for, take a look at the requirements and match them with your own personality traits.How to do this:• Run through the job description and highlight all descriptive keywords• Pick out the keywords that are most relevant to your skills and experienceKeyword examples:• Multitasker • Hardworking• Reliable• Committed• Creative• Driven• Energetic• Results-Orientated• Leader• Enthusiastic• Punctual• Ambitious• Passionate• Resourceful• Goal-Oriented• Strong Communicator• Proactive• Community-Focused• Conscientious• Responsible• Innovative• Collaborative• AttentiveHow this research will help form your answer - Example: ‘Detail-Orientated’For example, after reviewing the job description, you notice within the job specification that the successful candidate must have strong attention to detail. The structure of your answer: a) List a personality trait related to the job requirementsb) Give a real example of when you demonstrated this traitc) Bring the conversation back to the jobYour answer could be:Example: ‘Detail-Orientated’a) List a personality trait related to the company: “I would describe myself as a detail-orientated and focused individual.”b) Give a real example of when you demonstrated this trait: “Throughout my professional career, particular in my previous role as an Administrative Assistant, I have always demonstrated a strong attention to detail. I managed all travel arrangements and email requests for the Sales Manager at XYZ Company. As her role involved weekly trips across Europe on short notice, a very high level of accuracy and organisation was required on my part. Thankfully, there were never any airport mishaps!”c) Bring the conversation back to the job: “From researching this role I know just how important delivering accurate data is to the company. As I&#x27;m quite an orderly person who performs well in high-pressured environments, I feel this job suits my skill set perfectly.”-Good luck with your interview!Need help putting together your CV and Cover Letter? Check out our <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/how-to-write-a-cv-step-by-step-guide-template" target="_blank">step by step guides here</a> which include free templates to download and sample information for each and every section of your CV and cover letter.To receive daily alerts for jobs available in your area create a jobseeker account in just a couple of clicks. Get started <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/create-account/jobseeker" target="_blank">here.</a>

How to answer the interview question - How would you describe yourself?

<h2>Why is this question asked?</h2>The employer wants to:• Ensure you understand the job you’re applying for• Learn how enthusiastic you are for the position• Know if your experience matches up with the job responsibilities• Discover if your goals and values align with the company • Be sure you can add value to the companyHere’s how to address all of the employers&#x27; concerns within your answer:<h2>1. Research the role you’re applying for</h2>Research the role and learn how your own skills match up with the job requirements. Then within your answer you can reference the specific duties of the position and detail how you have the experience and knowledge to perform them. To help prepare your answer ask yourself the following questions:• Do I have specific examples from my work experience which demonstrate I can perform the main duties of this job?• What do I like most about the job? • How does this job align with my own professional goals? Are there development opportunities?Quick tip: After applying for a job - always save the job description in a word document or on Google Drive. Most of the time a job will be removed from a website once the expiry date has passed. <h2>2. Match the company&#x27;s goals and values with your own</h2>Demonstrating to the interviewer that your career objectives and values are aligned with the hiring companies will increase your chances of landing the job. To do this you must first identify what yours, and the company&#x27;s, goals and values are.Discovering your goals and valuesAsk yourself the following questions to identify your career goals:• What are you motivated by?• Where do you see yourself in 3-5 years? • What do you love most about the industry?Here are some questions to identify your core values:• What type of company culture do you want to join?• What fulfills you most about your job?• What’s important to you?Discovering the company&#x27;s goals and valuesComplete the following research in order to identify the hiring companies goals and values:• Review the company&#x27;s website: Focusing on their about us and career web pages. Ask yourself - why would you want to be a part of this company?• Research their services and/or product line: Does the company care about their customers - and why does this matter to you?• Explore their social media channels: What impression do you get from the content they post? Why does it resonate with you?• Check out employee reviews: What do their employees say about working there, and why does that appeal to you? Ask yourself - is this a place I’d like to work in?<h2>3. Putting it all together</h2>Now that you’re clear that you have the required skill and experience to meet the demands of the job, and you feel your core values and goals align with the companies, it’s time to piece your answer together. The below answer script and template will simplify this exercise for you.How it will look - Example answer:[State why you’re interested in the job and how you’re qualified - with examples] I’m extremely interested in the Customer Service Admin position. As mentioned within the job spec, I would be responsible for managing client support tickets. I was in charge of this function within my previous job. As the Customer Support Specialist at [company name] I handled 200 queries a week, and after my second month into the job, I was responsible for training all new recruits in the customer support department, which had a total headcount of 30 people. In fact, I was recognised as the department&#x27;s top performer during the company&#x27;s end of year review. [State how you align with the company’s values, and how you will contribute to their success] Helping others is what gets me up in the morning, and the opportunity to do what I love at a company that is just as passionate about finding solutions as I am is the reason why I applied for this role. I am certain the success I achieved in my previous role will allow me to achieve similar results for [company name].Interview answer checklist:• State why you’re interested in the job• Highlight the most important duty/duties of the job• Explain how you performed the relevant duty/duties within your previous work experience, along with citing successful results or outcomes• Finish your answer by referencing how you align with the company’s values, and how you will contribute to their future success-Best of luck with your interview!Need help putting together your CV and Cover Letter? Check out our<a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/how-to-write-a-cv-step-by-step-guide-template" target="_blank"> step by step guides</a> which include free templates to download and sample information for each and every section of your CV and cover letter.To receive daily alerts for jobs available in your area create a jobseeker account in just a couple of clicks. Get started <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/create-account/jobseeker" target="_blank">here.</a>

Answering the interview question - Why are you interested in this position?

Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation  : 31 August 2020The Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar TD, today announced that €15 million is being made available to reopen the COVID-19 Loan Fund.Speaking today the Tánaiste said:<blockquote>&quot;We’re looking at all the ways we can support enterprise during this really difficult time. This extra money will allow Microfinance Ireland reopen the COVID-19 Loan Fund. This Fund has proven to be a lifeline for micro-enterprises over the past few months, where we’ve seen nearly 700 businesses with fewer than ten employees avail of it. We’ve set out a really significant financial package in the July Stimulus and this loan scheme is another way we’re helping businesses to re-open, stay afloat or expand.&quot;</blockquote>The Microfinance Ireland COVID-19 Loan scheme assists businesses with fewer than ten employees, which have been impacted negatively by COVID-19. It provides much-needed funding to help microenterprises meet payments for stock, working capital requirements and other overhead expenses through the provision of low-cost lending facilities, which include a six-month repayment free moratorium and the equivalent of one year interest free (subject to terms and conditions) with rates as low as 4.5% for the remaining period of the loan.The Tánaiste recently introduced the Microenterprise Loan Fund (Amendment) Bill to provide for the increased funding.The COVID-19 Loan scheme has seen a very strong uptake in recent months, with €18.6 million sanctioned to 683 businesses up to 31 July 2020. This represents three years of normal lending volumes for MFI in a period of just over four months. Importantly, with 79% of MFI’s lending to businesses outside Dublin, MFI provides an essential support for businesses who are hoping to reboot their economic activity over the coming weeks and months in every county in Ireland.Companies interested in applying or finding out more information can contact Microfinance Ireland <a href="https://microfinanceireland.ie/loan-packages-2/covid19/" target="_blank">here</a>. <a href="https://microfinanceireland.ie/loan-packages-2/covid19/" target="_blank"></a>

Tánaiste reopens low cost loan scheme for microenterprises

To parents and guardians of school children in Ireland,I am very aware that many of you are worried about the reopening of schools and the associated risk of COVID-19 for your children. This concern is natural and is to be fully expected after a period of six months during which we have all had to adapt to the challenges posed by COVID-19.The decision to reopen schools has not been taken lightly and has been based on guidance produced by international bodies including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC); scientific evidence regarding the risk of COVID-19 in school children and staff; the experience of other countries that have not closed, or have reopened, their schools; our own experience having reopened childcare settings and summer camps since June; and evidence regarding the importance of school for the overall health and wellbeing of children.International evidence shows us that child-to-child and child-to-adult transmission of COVID-19 in schools is uncommon. In addition, our own experience to date in Ireland, and indeed that reported internationally, demonstrates that for the overwhelming majority of children who are diagnosed with COVID-19, their symptoms will be mild.The importance of schools for the overall health and wellbeing of children cannot be overstated, and the risk of COVID-19 has been carefully weighed against the very real harm that can be caused by sustained school closures. Schools play a fundamental role in the social life of children; they are where children are educated, make friends, share interests, learn social skills like self-confidence and empathy, and participate in sport and cultural activities.Of course, as we continue to navigate our way through this pandemic, there are no zero risk options for reopening schools or indeed any other environment; the aim, therefore, is to reopen in as safe a way as possible by ensuring that all appropriate public health measures such as physical distancing, hand washing and respiratory hygiene are implemented where appropriate.Schools are at the heart of our communities and the best way to protect them is to keep the level of COVID-19 in the community low. As parents and guardians, you can play a key role in this, both through your own actions and through the influence that you have on your family and friends. If all of us continue to make small changes to the way we live, we can - together - starve this virus of opportunities to transmit.While it is okay to send your child to school or childcare if they only have a runny nose or a sneeze, if you have any concerns that your child has symptoms of COVID-19 - fever, cough, shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell – then please keep them at home until you have spoken with your GP by phone. Lots more information is available at <a href="https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/a128d-back-to-school/" target="_blank">gov.ie/backtoschool</a> and <a href="https://www.hse.ie/eng/" target="_blank">hse.ie</a>.There will be cases of COVID-19 among children over the coming days and weeks, as there have been throughout this pandemic to date. But when this happens our public health teams in the HSE will respond and liaise closely with the school involved and ensure that all necessary measures are taken to protect other students and school staff.Finally, I want to take this opportunity to thank you for all you have done to keep your family and our communities safe over the past seven months. I also want to thank all teachers, principals and school staff who have worked so hard to ensure that our schools are ready to reopen – it is just one more example of the incredible solidarity that has defined the way in which people all across the country have come together to play their part in getting us through this pandemic.Dr. Ronan Glynn, Acting Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health.

Gov.ie - Letter to Parents, Guardians of School Children and School Staff

#ad Here at KOS Ergonomics we have a wide range of home workers equipment including desk and chair sets, wireless keyboards and mice, laptop stands, kneeling chairs and more. There is something to suit everybody’s budget, for JobAlert.ie followers use code home2020 for a special discount off our homeworkers desks and chair sets. <img src="https://jobalert-blog-assets.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/image/118218958_585139565501517_6061570130702454605_n.png" style="max-width:calc(100% - 1.6rem);margin:1.6rem 0.8rem 2.4rem"/>Our Dublin city centre showroom is now open by appointment only if you would like to try and of the equipment or have one of our expert consultants find the right chair/desk for you email: joanne.mcdonagh@kos.ie to book a space with us. Shop our homeworkers range now at: <a href="https://www.kos.ie/" target="_blank">https://www.kos.ie/</a>

Work From Home Office Equipment

<h2>Advice from Gov.ie</h2>Multi-Lingual Versions: <a href="https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/0cf46-resources-and-materials-for-parentsguardians-and-for-students-on-returning-to-school-multi-lingual/" target="_blank">HERE</a>Most students will be looking forward to going back to school and will feel happy and excited. Some may feel a little anxious about returning. That’s a normal response at a time of change. Most will settle back in soon once they get used to the new rules and routines. Remind them of the positive aspects of returning – like re-connecting with friends and re-engaging with school activities.New rules and routines to follow to keep everyone safe: Good handwashing and hygiene practice is important for all students.  Make sure your child knows to use a tissue to cover coughs or sneezes or to cough or sneeze into their elbow. In senior primary classes and at post-primary – physical distancing procedures will need to be followed by all.  Primary school – younger children may not be required to practice physical distancing, but they may be organised into pods. There may also be new rules about drop off and pick up. Staff in all schools, and post-primary students, should wear a face covering where a physical distance of 2 metres cannot be maintained.Encourage your child to walk or cycle to school if possible and safe to do so. Teachers understand that it hasn’t been easy for young people to study at home during school closures. School transport – students will have an assigned seat and post-primary students will be required to wear a face covering when waiting for and when on-board the bus. Schools will communicate directly with families about reopening. Talk together at home about what to expect when going back to school to prepare your children. Having healthy routines in place will help with the adjustment of returning to school. Encourage your child to gradually return to a school term bedtime routine. Help your child to eat healthily, take exercise and reconnect with friends. Students who have Covid-19 symptoms, including a fever, a cough, shortness of breath or breathing difficulties, or loss or change to their sense of smell or taste should not attend school. Please follow guidance on HSE.ie on self-isolation and phone your doctor. Make sure students know that if they feel unwell in school they should tell their teacher straight away. Official Gov link <a href="https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/2d3af-advice-during-covid-19-back-to-school-advice-for-parents/" target="_blank">HERE</a>

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