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<h2>Further Education and Training (FET) courses </h2>FET offers a wide range of free courses for anyone over 16 who is looking to learn new skills or build upon their existing skills in order to find a job. The FET courses are provided through the Education and Training Board (ETB) network. Get started <a href="https://www.fetchcourses.ie/course/finder" target="_blank">here.</a><h2>eCollege by SOLAS </h2>SOLAS is the state agency for further education and training in Ireland, giving learners the opportunity to succeed in the workforce. Since March 2020, they have made their online training platform eCollege completely free. There is a wide range of training courses available. More information can be found <a href="https://www.ecollege.ie/" target="_blank">here.</a><h2>National Learning Network (NLN) </h2>The National Learning Network provides training and support to anyone struggling to find a job. Regardless of your circumstances, the National Learning Network can help you. Currently, NLN offers over 70 different training programmes, which include courses in computer and business skills. All courses provided by the NLN are free and you’re able to keep your benefits. A small lunch allowance is also given to students and you may be entitled to travel allowance. Visit the <a href="https://www.rehab.ie/national-learning-network/" target="_blank">NLN&#x27;s website</a> for all the details. <h2>Springboard+ Courses </h2>Springboard+ are currently offering 11,000+ free or subsidised places on courses. Upon completion of these courses, you will be awarded a certificate, undergraduate or postgraduate degree. The courses are co-funded by the Irish Government and the EU social fund, so take full advantage! More information can be found <a href="https://springboardcourses.ie/" target="_blank">here.</a><h2>Education and Training Boards (ETB’S) </h2>Further education and training courses are provided by ETB’s. As there is an education and training board for every county in Ireland, we recommend reaching out to your local training centre and see if they have any administrative training opportunities. ETB’s offer a wide range of traineeship programmes and specific skills training, with a number of courses being offered free of charge. More information can be found <a href="https://www.etbi.ie/" target="_blank">here. </a><h2>Skillnet Ireland </h2>Skillnet Ireland funds a number of upskilling courses for unemployed people in Ireland, helping job seekers acquire the necessary skills to join the workforce. Learn more on their <a href="https://www.skillnetireland.ie/about/developing-your-skills/developing-irelands-future-workforce/" target="_blank">website.</a><h2>Intreo - for jobseekers </h2>If you’re currently receiving jobseeker&#x27;s payment, there are a number of short term courses that you’ll qualify for which are provided by Intreo. <a href="https://www.gov.ie/en/directory/category/e1f4b5-intreo-offices/?referrer=https://www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/List-of-Social-Welfare-Local-and-Branch-Offices-by-County.aspx" target="_blank">Get in touch with your local branch today.</a><h2>Local employment centres/Job clubs </h2>Research and discover what local employment services or job clubs are located in your area as they may have training opportunities available. Many job clubs are active on social media so try searching for them on Facebook or Twitter to see what they have to offer. Best of luck on your career journey!

Free training courses to build your professional skills

Variations of job title: Office administrator, clerical officer, administrative assistant.<h2>What does an office administrator do? </h2>The primary role of an office administrator is to provide administrative support to offices or specific departments to help a company’s operation run smoothly and efficiently. Duties as an office administrator may include: • Updating computer records or customer management systems • Organising meetings and events • Providing email and phone support to clients • Data entry • Clerical duties such as invoicing, filing, scanning or printing documents • Arranging travel for staff <h2>What is the average salary of an office administrator in Ireland? </h2>€26,079 - €27,520 per year.Sources: <a href="https://www.glassdoor.ie/" target="_blank">Glassdoor.com</a>, <a href="https://www.payscale.com/" target="_blank">Payscale.com.</a><h2>What are the requirements to become an office administrator? </h2>Experience: Depending on the job and the level of responsibilities included, employers typically require you to have anywhere from 6 months to 2 years’ administrative experience. Education: As well as having 6 - 24 months of work experience, sometimes hiring companies will also require candidates to have completed the Leaving Certificate or equivalent exams, and for more senior positions, an undergraduate degree. More often than not, employers will prefer candidates having actual work experience rather than a specific level of education. <h2>Key skills required for the job include: </h2>• Excellent written and verbal communication skills • Excellent computer skills • Strong interpersonal and client facing skills • Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail • Ability to work on own initiative and also as part of a team • Attention to detail and accuracy • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment • Professional manner and approach • Proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word, Etc,.) <h2>How to become an office administrator? </h2>If you do not have any previous office administration experience there are a number of different strategies that will help you land a job in this profession. This will involve a combination of developing your skills to perform the duties as an office administrator and building your work experience so you can meet the requirements to apply for an office administration position. <h2>1. Developing your skills </h2>Firstly you will need to gain the necessary skills required for the position of office administrator. There are a number of administration and office skill courses, many of which are online, that you can enrol in. Here are just a few options: <h2>Free options to upskill </h2>Further Education and Training (FET) courses FET offers a wide range of free courses for anyone over 16 who is looking to learn new skills or build upon their existing skills in order to find a job. The FET courses are provided through the Education and Training Board (ETB) network. To become qualified as an administrator, we recommend starting with the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) course. The ECDL certificate is one of the most globally recognised certifications for office based computer skills, and it will greatly help you qualify for a wide range of administrative job opportunities. Get started <a href="https://www.fetchcourses.ie/course/finder?sfcw-courseId=230138" target="_blank">here.</a>eCollege by SOLAS SOLAS is the state agency for further education and training in Ireland, giving learners the opportunity to succeed in the workforce. Since March 2020, they have made their online training platform eCollege completely free. There is a wide range of training courses available including the ECDL course. More information can be found <a href="https://www.ecollege.ie/" target="_blank">here.</a>National Learning Network (NLN) The National Learning Network provides training and support to anyone struggling to find a job. Regardless of your circumstances the National Learning Network can help you. Currently, NLN offers over 70 different training programmes, which include courses in computer and business skills. All courses provided by the NLN are free and you’re able to keep your benefits. A small lunch allowance is also given to students and you may be entitled to travel allowance. Visit the <a href="https://www.rehab.ie/national-learning-network/" target="_blank">NLN&#x27;s website</a> for all the details. Springboard+ Courses Springboard+ are currently offering 11,000+ free or subsidised places on courses. Upon completion of these courses, you will be awarded a certificate, undergraduate or postgraduate degree. The courses are co-funded by the Irish Government and the EU social fund, so take full advantage! More information can be found <a href="https://springboardcourses.ie/" target="_blank">here.</a>Education and Training Boards (ETB’S) Further education and training courses are provided by ETB’s. As there is an education and training board for every county in Ireland, we recommend reaching out to your local training centre and see if they have any administrative training opportunities. ETB’s offer a wide range of traineeship programmes and specific skills training, with a number of courses being offered free of charge. More information can be found <a href="https://www.etbi.ie/" target="_blank">here. </a>Skillnet Ireland Skillnet Ireland funds a number of upskilling courses for unemployed people in Ireland, helping job seekers acquire the necessary skills to join the workforce. Learn more on their <a href="https://www.skillnetireland.ie/about/developing-your-skills/developing-irelands-future-workforce/" target="_blank">website.</a>Intreo - for jobseekers If you’re currently receiving jobseeker&#x27;s payment, there are a number of short term courses that you’ll qualify for which are provided by Intreo. <a href="https://www.gov.ie/en/directory/category/e1f4b5-intreo-offices/?referrer=https://www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/List-of-Social-Welfare-Local-and-Branch-Offices-by-County.aspx" target="_blank">Get in touch with your local branch today.</a>Local employment centres/Job clubs Research and discover what local employment services or job clubs are located in your area as they may have training opportunities available. Many job clubs are active on social media so try searching for them on Facebook or Twitter to see what they have to offer. <h2>Paid training options </h2>Before applying for a paid course, enquire first with the course provider and explain to them what your goals are. They can then direct you to the most appropriate learning programme. When choosing between the below-paid options we recommend choosing a course that awards a QQI certificate. QQI is Ireland’s official awarding body so any course that awards a QQI certificate will be nationally and internationally recognised. <ul><li><a href="https://www.pitman-training.ie/" target="_blank">Pitman Training Courses </a></li><li><a href="https://www.screenskillsireland.ie/training-courses/upcoming-courses/" target="_blank">Screen Skills Ireland</a></li><li><a href="https://www.griffith.ie/faculties/short-courses/courses/certificate-applied-it-and-office-skills" target="_blank">Griffith College</a></li><li><a href="https://www.cmit.ie/admin-and-customer-service-distance-learning/qqi-administration-and-office-management/" target="_blank">CMIT - QQI Administration and Office Management course</a></li><li><a href="https://progressivecollege.ie/product/qqi-level-5-office-administration-online/" target="_blank">Progressive College - QQI Level 5 Office Administration</a></li><li><a href="https://www.dfei.ie/arts-business-and-humanities/advanced-certificate-in-administration" target="_blank">Dún Laoghaire Further Education Institute - Advanced Certificate in Office Administration and Management</a></li><li><a href="https://www.nightcourses.com/course-category/further-learning/business/administration/" target="_blank">Nightcourses.com</a></li><li><a href="https://www.courses.ie/course-category/administration/" target="_blank">Courses.ie</a></li><li><a href="https://careeracademy.ie/administration-courses/" target="_blank">Careers Academy</a></li><li><a href="https://www.dbs.ie/course/professional-evening-diploma/part-time-evening-diploma-in-office-management-and-administration-dublin-business-school" target="_blank">Dublin Business School</a></li></ul>Additional resource for courses We recommend visiting <a href="https://www.adulteducationireland.ie/courses.html" target="_blank">Adult Education Ireland’s website</a> as they have a great range of information covering professional and certified courses in Ireland. <h2> 2. Building your work experience </h2>As mentioned earlier, employers tend to favour work experience over education when it comes to hiring candidates for office administration roles. Along with building the necessary skills, it&#x27;s important to try to add any form of relevant work experience to your CV.Volunteering While you’re upskilling, it&#x27;s worth trying to become a volunteer to gain valuable work experience. Get in touch with local charities to see if they have any volunteer opportunities available. Even if there are no administrative roles available, just get your foot in the door. By offering your time to a charity, you will meet more people which will open up new opportunities, while adding experience to your CV. Internships Searching for internship opportunities is another great way to get work experience on your CV. Apprenticeships Business administration apprenticeships do pop up from time to time so it’s definitely worth searching online to see what’s available at the moment. Entry level roles After you have completed an ECDL course or similar, you will qualify for entry level administration roles. We recommend searching online continuously for companies who are hiring for administrative roles that require a minimum amount of work experience. Working for free Alternatively, you could offer to work at a company for free. Even offering to do the most basic administrative tasks for a few hours a week will build up your work experience, which will greatly help your job search. If you’ve ever come across Gary Vee, he preaches using a ‘DM’ strategy. That is, directly messaging people you would like to work for on social media - and telling them what you can provide, and that you’re willing to work for free. <h2>Getting the job - with little to no work experience </h2>When you are ready to begin applying for office administration jobs after completing the necessary training and hopefully gaining some work experience, we highly recommend checking out our CV and Cover Letter guide, which includes templates and a script for every section. Within the guide, there is information on how to show your transferable skills to potential employers when applying for jobs. A transferable skill is your specific knowledge which can be used across a number of different jobs. Showing your transferable skills correctly on your CV and Cover Letter will be essential to landing a job in a field where you have little work experience. <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/how-to-write-a-cv-step-by-step-guide-template" target="_blank">Don’t worry - everything is covered in great detail here under Section 3</a>. Alternatively, check out our video guide <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQ8zQuUK4UQ&amp;ab_channel=JobAlert.ie%231IrishOwnedJobsBoard" target="_blank">here</a> which covers the same information. <h2>Career progression </h2>With 2- 4 years’ experience under your belt as an administrator, you could begin to look at more senior roles. They may include: • Office Manager | Average salary: €32,398 - €35,365 per year • Senior Administrator | Average salary: €33,715 - €39,755 per year • Executive Assistant | Average salary: €38,764 - €43,126 per year Opportunities in other departments will also open up as you build your experience - such as payroll, accounting or IT. With additional training you could decide to specialise in an area such as finance, legal or medical administration. Best of luck on your career journey!

How to become an office administrator? A complete guide to being qualified

A professional accountant is a very secure profession, as companies of all shapes and sizes will always require the invaluable skills and knowledge that an accountant can provide.<h2>What does an accountant do?</h2>The primary task of an accountant is to prepare taxes and examine financial records for companies and individuals. Accountants track profits and losses for companies to help keep their accounts in good standing while ensuring their clients follow regulations and tax laws. <h2>Duties as an accountant may include:</h2>• Completing bank and control account reconciliations • Preparing cash flow reports and forecasts• Maintaining proper and complete accounting records, ensuring that best practice controls and procedures are implemented and complied with at all times• Assisting in the preparation of financial plans, annual budgets, forecasts and KPIs • Credit control and cash flow management• Processing paperwork for new vendors• Managing, reconciling and completing VAT, PAYE, and any relevant statutory returns to Revenue• Providing financial input into strategic decisions for companies• General administrative tasks and payroll support<h2>Key skills required for the job include:</h2>• A good standard of Maths and English• Knowledge of accounting and economics• Analytical skills• Administration skills• Strong attention to detail• Organisational skills• Excellent communication skills• Computer literacy<h2>The average salary for an accountant in Ireland:</h2>€39,333 - €56,477 per year. Sources: <a href="https://www.charteredaccountants.ie/" target="_blank">Charteredaccountants.ie</a>, <a href="https://www.glassdoor.ie/Salaries/index.htm" target="_blank">Glassdoor.com</a>, <a href="https://www.payscale.com/research/IE/Country=Ireland/Salary" target="_blank">Payscale.com</a>.<h2>How long does it take to become an accountant? </h2>Graduates will need 3 to 4 years’ work experience before becoming a qualified accountant.<h2>How to become an accountant</h2>To become an accountant you will need to complete a training programme with a professional accountancy body in Ireland.This involves successfully completing the exams within the programme, while simultaneously gaining relevant accountancy work experience. The amount of work experience required to become fully qualified is dependent on your educational background:• Accredited Masters in Accounting: 3 years• Undergraduate degree (accountancy or non-accountancy): 3.5 years• Accounting Technician qualification: 4 years<h2>How to get started:</h2>A popular route in Ireland to become an accountant is to train with the country&#x27;s largest accountancy body - Chartered Accountants Ireland (CAI). No previous work experience is required to join their training programme. However, you will need to have either an undergraduate degree, postgraduate degree, Accounting Technician qualification or be a member of another accountancy body. It’s important to note that both accountancy and non-accountancy degrees are acceptable to enrol on the programme.<h2>No degree or certificate? No problem</h2>If you don’t have a degree or certificate you can take the apprenticeship route, which is a great way to begin learning the accountancy trade with on-the-job training and learning.Accounting Technicians Ireland currently offers an <a href="https://www.accountingtechniciansireland.ie/study-ati/accounting-technician-apprenticeship" target="_blank">Accounting Technician apprenticeship. </a>As an apprentice, you will be mentored through a 2-year programme which involves working 4 days a week with an employer and 1 day per week studying at a local college. You will earn at least €19,700 per year as an apprentice. Upon completion, you will be awarded a Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Accounting. There will be an option to join the Chartered Accountants Ireland (CAI) training programme after completing just 1 year of the Accounting Technician apprenticeship. However, by completing the second year and then joining the CAI training programme, you will receive first-year exam exemptions in financial accounting, taxation and law along with being awarded the Level 6 Certificate. With the Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Accounting, you can then apply for a place on the CAI training programme.<h2>Entry routes</h2>There are two options to enter the CAI training programme:Option 1: Training contractYou will be required to complete a training contract with a recognised training organisation. The training contract is 3.5 years with a company or firm who provides you with the required amount of relevant work experience to qualify as an accountant, while also covering your exam fees. Chartered Accountants Ireland does not place you on a training contract. Traditionally, companies conduct a process called a &quot;milkround&quot; when they’re recruiting for training/graduate positions. The milkround involves firms visiting universities and colleges in Ireland, where they screen interested applicants and invite them to interviews.Alternatively, you can visit the Chartered Accountants Ireland website to <a href="https://www.charteredaccountants.ie/Prospective-Students/Vacancies" target="_blank">view current training vacancies. </a>Upon successful completion of your exams while gaining 3.5 years of relevant work experience, you will be a fully qualified chartered accountant.Option 2: Flexible routeGoing the flexible route involves taking the same exams and completing the same amount of relevant work experience. However, it allows you to:• Choose exactly where you want to gain work experience (Once you’re operating in an accounts facing role)• Switch between employers if circumstances change• Take extended breaks from both work and your studies• Option to complete your exams before gaining any work experienceIn order to become a fully qualified accountant, there is a timeframe limit of 8 years to successfully complete your exams and gain the relevant amount of work experience<img src="https://jobalert-blog-assets.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/image/entry-routes.jpg" style="max-width:calc(100% - 1.6rem);margin:1.6rem 0.8rem 2.4rem"/>Pathway to becoming a fully qualified chartered accountant.Source: https://www.charteredaccountants.ie<h2>Career progression</h2>As you gain more experience you could decide to become a self-employed accountant or specialise in a particular accountancy field. Mid-level roles:With 2 - 8 years’ experience, you can start exploring more advanced roles which include:• Accounting manager | Average salary: €53,446 - €69,456 per year• Cost accountant | Average salary: €44,642 - €51,064 per year• Accounting analyst | Average salary: €44,847 - €46,457 per year• Audit manager | Average salary: €62,184 - €64,916 per yearSenior-level roles:With 9+ years of experience, you can expect to land some of the most coveted jobs in the industry which include:• Financial controller | Average salary: €80,000 - €120,000 per year• Finance manager €65,000 - €85,000 per year• Internal Audit Manager | Average Salary: €70,000 - €85,000 per year• Group Financial Accountant | Average salary: €55,000 - €70,000 per year For more information on becoming an accountant we recommend visiting the <a href="https://www.charteredaccountants.ie/Prospective-Students" target="_blank">Chartered Accountants Ireland website.</a>Best of luck on your career journey!

How to become an accountant? A complete guide to being fully qualified

<h2>As the first round of this year&#x27;s CAO college offers to students are issued online today, we look at the next steps with a simple Q &amp; A</h2> What do I do after I receive an offer?If you’re happy, you should accept this offer online before the closing date specified. Make sure to check that the information contained in the Offer Notification is correct and inform CAO of any incorrect or omitted information as soon as possible.You may be given an offer off both your Level 8 and Level 7/6 list on one offer round but you must choose between them and only accept one offer. What happens after I accept an offer?You will receive an email from the CAO and the college will then contact you about registration. Whether you accept your offer or not, it will not prevent you from receiving an offer on a course that’s higher up your CAO list, if you are deemed eligible in a later round. The advice from the CAO is to treat your current offer as if it’s the only offer you might receive. However, it&#x27;s important to remember when you do this, you will no longer have access to courses lower down on your list. Be careful not to miss the deadline for accepting the offer, as it will be offered to someone else if you don’t accept it. The acceptance date for Round One is Wednesday, September 16, at 3pm.After you accept the offer online you will receive an acknowledgement e-mail and you can check that your acceptance has been recorded online at www.cao.ie Can I apply to defer my offer?There&#x27;s been a lot of speculation that some students may consider deferring, due to the current situation with Covid-19 restrictions. You can request to defer your place by contacting the admissions office of the college in writing or by e-mail. You must give your name as it appears on your CAO application, quote your CAO application number and the course code of the offer you wish to defer, you should also outline your reasons for requesting to defer. In the subject line type DEFERRED ENTRY or write this clearly on the envelope if writing to the college. You will need to do this immediately, don&#x27;t accept your offer yet if you wish to defer. The college will communicate their decision to you. If it’s not granted you may still accept the offer for the current year provided you record the acceptance on line by the reply date.What happens if I am not happy with the offer I received and don&#x27;t wish to accept it?If you don’t won’t to accept the course you have been offered, you don&#x27;t need to do anything. Your name will remain on the waiting list for any courses higher up in your preferences.What should else should I prepare for after I accept my offer?The next challenge will be to figure out how you will commute to your college and if you need accommodation you will need to start looking at the options. A lot of colleges have decided to present courses on line this year or at least some modules on line, but further clarity will be required for each course. Check out the College website as I&#x27;m sure they will upload further information. What happens if I do not receive an offer?This can be really disappointing, but it’s still possible that you may get an offer in the next rounds. The CAO also release and continuously update the &#x27;Available Places&#x27; list for unfilled places on courses, so you can check this out on the CAO website.You could also consider doing Post-Leaving Cert (PLC) course, many of which can help you to enter college next year. I did not get an offer, and I am not happy with my Leaving Cert calculated grades, what should I do?Appeals for Leaving Cert calculated grades open on Monday, September 14. You will be able to begin an appeal via the Calculated Grades Student Portal from 9am. At this stage you will also gain access to the estimated grades determined by your school. From this, you will be able to fairly assess if you were downgraded, or upgraded, during the process. It is important to point out that you will not have access to your individual class ranking, the Department of Education have decided not to disclose this information.If there’s a major discrepancy between the grade your school estimated for you and the calculated grade you received, you should consider an appeal. The appeals process is strictly confined to checking if your information was inputted, transferred across, processed, and downloaded correctly. It will not cover how your school determined your estimated marks. Appeals will be accepted until September 16th. What happens if my appeal is successful and I get higher points?The Department of Education is aiming to have the checks done within the normal timeframe for appeals. If your appeal is successful and you may receive an upgraded offer in later rounds. There’s nothing guaranteed at this stage as it will depend on a number of factors, such as the number of appeals received, the courses being applied, the number of people who defer etc. What can I do if I am unhappy with the outcome of my appeal?You can seek a review by the Independent Appeal Scrutineers. Again, this will be confined to checking that information was processed correctly. Students who are successful here will receive a deferred offer to start their course next year. Students also can sit the exams when they are held, which are now planned in November. However, students who sit these exams will not be able to apply to the CAO until next year. You will also have recourse to the Office of the Ombudsman, or the Office of the Ombudsman for Children, if you are under 18.  More information on the CAO system and contact details can be found <a href="http://www.cao.ie/" target="_blank">HERE</a>

CAO Offers - Simple Q & A

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?

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Variations of this question: <ul><li>If you’re currently employed: Why are you looking for a new job now? </li><li>If you’re unemployed: Why did you leave your most recent job? </li></ul>This question is guaranteed to come up in your interview. <h2>Why is this question asked? </h2>The reasons why you left your job are very relevant to any potential employer. This question will determine the level of risk involved in taking you on as an employee. Here’s what the interviewer is looking for from asking this question: <ul><li>Did you have a valid reason for leaving? The interviewer wants to determine the nature of your departure. For example, if you left your job out of the blue the hiring manager may have concerns about loyalty, trust and responsibility. </li><li>Did you decide to leave on your own? If you were let go - the interviewer wants to discover if there were performance-related issues that caused your departure. </li><li>Did you leave on good terms with the company? The ideal scenario from the interviewer’s perspective is that you are still in touch or on good terms with your previous manager. Having them as a reference demonstrates to the interviewer that you were a solid employee with great relationship skills. </li></ul><h2>What to say: </h2>Pick your reason What is the main reason you left your job, or plan to leave your current job? Reasons could include: • Better career prospects • Change your career direction/Looking for a new challenge • Your values do not align with the company mission • You were made redundant and the company closed • Greater work-life balance • Your company was restructured Questions to ask yourself to be clear on why you’re leaving • What are your career goals? • Where do you see yourself in 5 years? • What industry do you want to work in? • What do you want from your job? • What do you like and dislike about your job? • How do you feel about the company&#x27;s values and mission? <h2>Plan what details you will share </h2>Keep your answer honest and direct, while avoiding any details that would compromise you or your employer/former employer. This shows the interviewer a high level of respect and professional courtesy that will be appreciated. A good rule of thumb is to stick to the facts and leave out any opinions. The exact details which you do share entirely depend on your own situation. <h2>Let’s keep it positive and goal orientated </h2>Within your answer, it&#x27;s important to shift the focus on the job which you’re applying for and detail why the opportunity is a great match for your experience, skillset, and career objectives. Regardless of your situation, focus on what you have accomplished in your past or current job, and always mention your goals for the position you are applying for. <h2>Keep it short and sweet </h2>The longer your answer, the more likely potential questions will pop up about any sensitive topics. A complicated version of events may create doubt in the mind of the interviewer. Aim for a simple answer in 4 sentences or less. <h2>Check with your references </h2>If your former employer is a reference it’s important that you both have similar explanations about why you were let go or why you left the company. If you are on agreeable terms with your previous employer check in with them you find out what you can expect. <h2>Practice </h2>In the scenario that you were laid off or let go, it’s completely natural to feel awkward about discussing the details. Preparing your answer and practicing out loud will reduce any emotional responses, and you will avoid coming across as defensive - even if there is nothing to hide! The solution - practice, practice, practice! <h2>What not to say </h2>Avoid any negativity about past or present employers. Never speak badly about managers, the company or your colleagues. You never know how the interviewer may be connected to current or previous colleagues. Instead, speak in a broad sense by mentioning the company objectives or vision for the future did not align with your own goals, or that you didn&#x27;t agree with the direction the business was going. <h2>Unprofessional remarks </h2>Is your job unfulfilling, boring, and you’re just sick of it? Do you/did you feel underappreciated or underpaid? The interview is not the time to speak about these details. Sharing personal feelings to justify your departure must be avoided. Keep your answer professional and focus on your career objectives instead. Stay emotion-free and stoic. <h2>Example Answers (Full Script Included) </h2><h2>We will answer this question in its 4 most common forms: </h2>1. If you&#x27;re currently employed 2. If you&#x27;re currently unemployed 3. If you&#x27;ve been laid off4. If you&#x27;ve been fired <h2>1. Currently employed </h2>How to structure your answer Give some background and context about your role and discuss any accomplishments. This shows the interviewer that you have conquered challenges in the past and are ready for a new challenge. Next, share a reason for why you want to leave/why you left. It’s important not to half-arse this - saying you’re looking for a new challenge and leaving it at that is generic and does not convince the interviewer. Instead, find some challenges about the job that gets you excited. Example answer: ‘I need a new challenge’ &quot;I have been at my current job for 2 years now and I have learned so much working with some really high-level sales executives. I found my feet right away and was given a number of additional responsibilities outside of my original job scope, which included management and process improvement. With that being said, I feel like I need a new challenge.&quot;&quot;This job appeals to me and I&#x27;m excited again, especially given the opportunity to manage a bigger team and sell a product I actually believe in!&quot;<h2>2. Currently unemployed </h2>How to structure your answer Being between jobs is completely normal so do not feel unsure of yourself. There is an opportunity in every situation, even in unemployment. If you&#x27;ve been unemployed for a few months then prepare to demonstrate during the interview that you&#x27;ve used your time off productively to learn a new skill, volunteer or network. If you left your job due to a personal matter there is no need to give every detail. Keep it simple and reiterate that the issue is now resolved. Again, the reasons for leaving will be unique to you so explain your situation while being discrete, and finish by suggesting why the job you’re applying for is the perfect opportunity for your return to the workforce. Note: If you’re currently unemployed you must be proactive. Explore working in voluntary positions or join a course to develop a new skill. The objective here is to demonstrate to a future employer that you’re making the most of your time out of work. Example Answer: &#x27;Left your job due to a family Issue&#x27; “I resigned from my previous role to take care of a family issue. Thankfully, the issue has been resolved so I am now ready to return to the workforce.” Example Answer: &#x27;Left your job to pursue a new role or change industry&#x27; &quot;I thoroughly enjoyed my time at COMPANY NAME. I received extensive training in managing high ticket clients while managing process improvements from within the company. However, I wanted to pursue a consultancy role and step out of the position of process improvement.&quot;&quot;It came to fruition that this type of opportunity was non-existent from within COMPANY NAME. I was also aware that the business was heading into the busy season. I didn&#x27;t feel it was fair for me to make myself available, then leave my position the moment I found a new job. So I made the decision to leave before that happened.&quot;<h2>3. Laid off </h2>How to structure your answer Make the reason for your layoff very clear and within your answer emphasise your achievements and contributions to the business. Example Answer: &#x27;Laid off due to company restructuring&#x27; &quot;After COMPANY NAME was acquired by COMPANY NAME, I was unfortunately affected by the restructuring that took place. The new board decided to relocate all of their sales staff to a new headquarters and those who didn&#x27;t want to make the move were laid off. I made the decision to look for a new opportunity closer to home, and one that could take advantage of my 5 years of sales experience at COMPANY NAME.&quot;Example Answer: &#x27;Laid off due to downsizing&#x27; &quot;Unfortunately COMPANY NAME’s biggest customer closed for business in July and it had a major effect on revenue. This resulted in a number of jobs being eliminated. I was among the 3 people most recently hired, so we were all let go. Although the experience was short-lived, I’m very proud of the work that I did while at the company, and my previous manager is one of my references.&quot;<h2>4. Fired </h2>How to structure your answer Remember that getting fired can happen to anyone. People get let go for a whole host of reasons. A lot of the time it can relate back to performance issues and a failure to meet the expectations of management. We don’t need to mention all the ugly details. Give some information about the circumstances without putting the blame on anyone else - it’s important that you own your part of what happened. An example of this could be that the expectations or your duties changed AFTER you were hired - this could have been due to changes in management, strategy or budget cuts. Other times, the job, team, or your manager just weren&#x27;t the right fit for you. Another approach is to explain what actions you’ve taken to improve since being let go. This will help eliminate any concerns regarding your termination. For example, if there was a breakdown working in a team dynamic, mentioning that you took a course in communications to help sharpen your people skills demonstrates to the hiring manager that you are aware of your shortcomings and are determined to self improve and become the best version of yourself. Whatever the reason, remember that you can ALWAYS bounce back from being let go - as it can be chalked off as a learning experience, and not a failure. During the interview find a way to highlight the lessons that you learned from the entire experience. Remember that the interviewer is looking out for any red flags. The objective here is to reassure the hiring manager that whatever happened is an isolated incident and that there is no risk in hiring you. Example Answer 1 if you were fired:&quot;After a major reorganisation in the company, there was a merging of contrasting ideas, along with changes in how the business was going to be run. With many changes happening within a very short period of time, the new management had different expectations for my job that did not relate to my skillset. Not long after, the company chose to hire someone with more sales experience and I was let go. The entire situation taught me that my core strength is in customer service - so I decided to double down.&quot;&quot;While I immediately began applying for jobs, I enrolled in an online customer service management course that lasted 3 months. I learned the key elements of unique experiences to increase customer satisfaction which I can discuss later. Being let go was a wonderful learning experience and I feel now I am ready to put it behind me and strive forward with my career with a new perspective. I know with my newfound knowledge I can be a major asset to your company in the role of Customer Service Supervisor.&quot;Example Answer 2 if you were fired:&quot;After a series of changes in management, it became evidently clear that the new manager had different expectations for my role that didn&#x27;t mesh with my own strengths. In the end, he chose to bring in someone with far more sales experience from his previous company. The entire experience showed me that my biggest strength lies in customer service, and I know I would be a major asset in this position at COMPANY NAME, which purely focuses on providing the ultimate customer experience.&quot;Example Answer 3 if you were fired:&quot;There was a major reorganisation in the company and the merging of different ideas and cultures caused a shift in the way things were done. With this change, there were some differences of opinions between my new manager and me.&quot;&quot;After 2 months I was let go. I take full responsibility for my role in how everything turned out. I learned so much from the experience and in retrospect, I would have handled things differently. However, I am now ready to move on, put it behind me, and strive forward with an entirely new perspective.&quot; ---------------------------------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>

Interview question: How to answer 'Why did you leave your last job?'

What the interviewer wants to know from asking this question: The hiring manager will be eager to learn if you can provide solutions to their problems.To answer this question you will need to relate your experience, qualifications and achievements to the job requirements.Here are some easy steps to help prepare your answer:Step 1: Research the companyA great answer to this question will involve matching your own career goals and values with those of the hiring company, so it’s essential to learn as much as you can about the organisation.  Once you understand what is most important to the company and learn about their specific needs, you can then scope out in your answer exactly how you will contribute to the overall company mission and fulfill their needs.Where to start looking: Company WebsiteVisit the company&#x27;s about us webpage and find their mission statement. Here you will discover the company&#x27;s history, values and goals. Within your answer try and speak to these values and goals. For example, if the company mentions that they invest in their employees, tell the interviewer that you are extremely motivated to be part of an organisation that will allow you to develop your skills and knowledge, and you will bring a relentless work ethic to the role in order to achieve your career objective of becoming a senior manager in your field within the next 18 months.Product/Services WebpageLearn about the problems that the company is trying to solve by visiting their product or service page, and carefully observe how they speak about their customers. This information will help shape your answer as you can draw on your own related career experience, where you solved similar problems for clients.Social Media AccountsReview the company’s presence on social media and also investigate what type of content their staff post on LinkedIn too. Try to find similarities between the content they publish and your own experience. For example, if the company continually publishes original content regularly on social media, within your answer highlight your passion for the industry and how you feel you could contribute to their digital marketing strategy. Employee reviewsSee if you can find any feedback from employees who work at the company. For example, If the organisation has a good reputation for looking after its staff, in your answer explain why working in an environment that values its employees allows you to perform at your best.Step 2: Identify your core values and career goalsShowing the interviewer that your values and goals correspond with those of the company will help demonstrate why you’re the right fit for the job.Ask yourself these questions to help identify your core values<ul><li>What is your ideal work culture?</li><li>What is the most fulfilling part of your job?</li><li>What qualities do you admire in people/organisations?</li><li>What’s important to you?</li><li>What motivates/inspires you?</li></ul>Step 3: Review the job descriptionThe job description will detail the duties and responsibilities of the role. The goal here is to match any requirements for the position with your own work experience. For example, if the employer requires a candidate to have a minimum of 6 months experience in a customer-facing role, within your answer you can discuss your experience dealing with customers.Step 4: Putting it all together - Sample answers includedYour response will need to include any achievements from your previous jobs that are related to the role you’re applying for, along with details about what you expect to accomplish if you’re hired for the job. To help structure your answer we recommend using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method. STAR method explained:Situation - Describe the situation you were inTask - Explain the task you had to completeAction - Describe the actions you took to complete the taskResult - What was the result of those actionsSample answersHere are some sample answers using the STAR method that will help give you ideas for how to shape your answer:Sample answer: Customer Service RoleSituation: “Well within the job specification I see you’re looking for a candidate experienced in dealing with customer enquiries. This was one of my main responsibilities in my previous role.”Task: “It was my job to handle all customer queries that came directly from the website’s contact support form.”Action: “After my first month I became very knowledgeable on the ongoing issues that customers faced so I decided to create a detailed and elaborate frequently asked question section on the company website to answer the most common customer problems.”Result: “This resulted in a 50% reduction in the number of customer queries I had to deal with, and greatly helped the efficiency of the customer support department.”Final step - bring the conversation back to the job and highlight the research you completed: “In preparation for this interview, I read a number of stellar reviews from your clients on Trustpilot.com. As someone who is deeply passionate about finding solutions for customers, I feel that my experience would help continue the great success your company has achieved in helping customers.”Sample answer: Administration RoleSituation: “It’s clear that this role requires a strong multitasker, which is a skill I continually improved upon within my previous role as a dental receptionist.”Task: “The winter months were peak business times. For the majority of November - January, the practice I worked at was understaffed due to cutbacks. I was given the task of managing all walk-in customers as well as taking bookings, and running the company’s social media advertising campaigns.”Action: “To manage the entire workload efficiently, I sourced a new customer management system for the company to increase efficiency in my role.”Result: “After the busy season was over, my manager was ecstatic with the process improvements I implemented, and she awarded me with a salary raise for my efforts.” Final step - bring the conversation back to the job and highlight the research you completed: “I know I will bring the same level of hard work and dedication to your company. I’m more motivated than ever as it has always been my ambition to work with an organisation that is built upon teamwork and hard graft.”Sample Answer: Management roleSituation: “I’m an enthusiastic problem solver who wants to lead a team that produces next level branding campaigns. In my previous role I worked on a number of marketing campaigns so I’m very familiar with the challenges that I will face in this position, and I know how to address them.”Task: “During my time at XYZ company I was entrusted with the task of increasing summer sales by 20%.”Action: I hired two new sales executives and devised a strategy that focused on a Google Ads retargeting campaign. The users within our retargeting list we’re offered a 10% discount on our best selling products.”Result: “By the end of the summer, we exceeded our sales target by 35%. The marketing campaign was a tremendous success and we continued to build upon it into the winter season.”Final step - bring the conversation back to the job and highlight the research you completed: “I believe my experience with XYZ company aligns perfectly with your requirements for this position, so I know I can excel in this role if given the opportunity.” -------------Best of luck with your 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</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>

Interview question: How to answer 'How will you add value to this company?'

During the interview process, the topic of salary is going to come up. The solution to avoid undercutting yourself or overestimating your value is a prepared answer that is backed by data and research.What makes this question trickyThis question can be tricky for a number of reasons. If your target salary is too low, the employer may offer an even lower figure, which will leave you feeling undervalued. It can also be difficult to decide what you want for a salary before having an in-depth knowledge of what the position entails. The conversation is not straightforward and while there may be no right answer, preparing a response for pay-related questions will help manage any stress you feel towards the conversation. Why this question is asked:<ul><li>The employer wants to know whether they can afford you or not</li><li>To learn how much you value yourself and your work</li></ul>Preparing your answerThe first step is to get a sense of what someone earns in your industry and location in order to determine a fair salary range for the position.To find the magic number there are a number of websites that offer salary averages. Check out:• <a href="https://www.payscale.com/" target="_blank">Payscale.com</a>• <a href="http://salary.com/" target="_blank">Salary.com</a>• <a href="http://glassdoor.com/" target="_blank">Glassdoor.com</a>• <a href="https://www.indeed.com/" target="_blank">Indeed.com</a>In addition to these resources, we also recommend visiting job boards and searching for similar roles to the one you’re applying for. It is quite common that companies will make salary ranges public on their job advertisements, so this information will help you determine a fair pay rate. During your research it’s important to note that salaries can vary due to the following factors:• Location (due to living costs in the area)• Company size• Experience level• Educational background• Specialized knowledge/skillsWhen the question about salary is finally popped there are a number of ways to answer. Here are some suggestions: Give a range and include room for negotiationIf the interviewer forces the question, always give a €5k range - for example €40,000 to €45,000 per year. Follow up by mentioning you’re open to negotiation and incentivisation based on the growth and performance of the organisation. Negotiating benefits and incentivesIf there is pushback on your target salary range try negotiating benefits to sweeten the deal. They may include:• Performance bonus or commission incentives• Flexible working hours • Health benefits• Upskill opportunities • Work from home options• Promotional opportunities • Additional annual leave• Company stocks• Gym membership• Free home internet and phone• Friday&#x27;s off• Dry cleaning • Company carGo for goldWhen you determine what the average salary range is for the job, there is no harm bumping that number up to help with negotiations. By high-balling the employer it allows you to land on your target number in the scenario that the hiring manager offers the lowest number. So if you want to earn €60,000 per year - say you’re looking for a salary range of €60,000 per year (&#x27;Willing to settle number&#x27;) to €65,000 per year (&#x27;Ideal number&#x27;). If you’re currently employed, try requesting a salary increase of 10% - 15% which will act as a greater incentive to change jobs, while still being in a reasonable salary range for your level of experience. Confidence is keyOnce you know your value - do not sell yourself short! Delivering your answer with confidence will show the employer you know you’re worth, while letting them know you’re not willing to accept a salary range that&#x27;s less than your value. If you’re in a position to do so, be willing to walk away if you feel the offer is unacceptable. Waiting for the right offer will work out better for you in the long run. Back up your answer There is no harm in giving details about how you arrived at your target salary range. Within your answer focus on your level of work experience, education and any specialised skills that are related to the job. It can be as simple as: “Based on my 5 years of work experience in the industry and the average salary for this position, I would expect a salary in the range of € - € per year.”What to avoid• Don’t give a specific salary amount so you have room to negotiate• Don’t overestimate your value or you could price yourself out of the job• Negativity - if the salary offered is too low, respond with grace and ask the interviewer if there is any room to negotiate• Don’t bring up the conversation about salary yourself - wait for the interviewer to start the discussion regarding your paySample answers:Answer the question with another question:“I’m sure that a company such as XYZ pays its employees a fair market value for this job. What budget did you have in mind?” Put the pressure back on the interviewer:“I am more interested in starting in a position that&#x27;s a great fit for both my skills and personal values. I’m quite confident that your organisation is offering a salary that’s aligned with the market standard.” If pressed for an answer, show the interviewer that you’ve researched the market average and let them respond accordingly:“After doing my own research, and taking my experience into account, my understanding is that €50,000 - €50,000 per year would be the average salary range based on the role and responsibilities.” Holding off on giving an answer (Useful in the early stages of the interview process)“Before we start to discuss the salary I would like to have more information about the role. Perhaps you could tell me what is budgeted for the role?”If pressed for an answer“On the basis of my previous experience and skill set, along with the average market rate for this type of job, my salary expectations would be in the region of €70,000 - €75,000 per year. Is that a range you had in mind?”-------------Best of luck with your 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</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>

Interview question: How to answer 'What are your salary expectations?'

Having a gap in your CV is completely normal so don’t feel unsure of yourself. Employers deal with similar situations to yours all the time. The solution for any gap on your CV is to show the hiring manager that you’re enthusiastic about the job and you’re ready to get back into the workplace.Before we get started - If you’re currently unemployed: YOU MUST be proactive. When you apply for a new job or attend an interview it’s best if you demonstrate to your future employer that you are remaining productive, proactive and engaged while being out of work.This may include:• Linking in or staying in touch with former colleagues• Networking on LinkedIn• Engaging with content on LinkedIn to boost profile visibility• Participating and engaging with social media community groups related to your field• Staying up to date with the latest trends in your industry (signed up to newsletters, attending events, etc.)• Doing some freelance work• Volunteering• Attending a course to upskill or any other type of professional training <h2>Part 1 - How to explain gaps during the interview process</h2>If a gap in your employment comes up during a conversation with the interviewer follow these 4 key points to answer the question: 1. EXPLAIN GAP: Keep it short and sweet. Explain the situation clearly but briefly. Make it clear to the interviewer that the situation that caused the gap has ended or is no longer a factor. This is to alleviate any concerns the hiring manager may have.2. HIGHLIGHT ACHIEVEMENTS/VALUE: Include examples in your answer of any achievements or evidence that you were a strong performer during your previous role.3. BRING THE CONVERSATION BACK TO THE JOB: Once the situation has been explained reiterate your interest in the position you’re applying for and explain what makes you the right person for the job.4. ASK A QUESTION: A great way to move the conversation forward is to ask a question about the role and talk about how it relates to your own career goals. If this sounds like a lot to cover - don’t worry!We have provided sample answers below that cover the most common reasons for a gap in employment. Each answer will include elements of the 4 key points above. Some scenarios will include guidelines to help you construct your answer. <h2>Sample answers: </h2><h2>1. Searching for a job but I haven&#x27;t had any luck so far</h2>Notes: Give details about your job search journey and show the interviewer how you have remained proactive at all times – this could include:• Networking on LinkedIn regularly• Connecting in with recruiters to explore all opportunities• Getting expert advice on your CV and cover letter• Speaking to career consultants/attending online courseLet the employer know:•  That the time away has given you an opportunity to step back and really think about what you want from your new position and new company.•  Why do you think this job is the perfect opportunity to return to the workforce, and that you are looking for the right job for you, not just any job.(EXPLAIN GAP) “After my contract ended at my last role I immediately began searching for a new job.”(HIGHLIGHT ACHIEVEMENTS/VALUE) “Although I contributed to landing a number of high value ticket clients, my employer opted not to renew my contract.”(EXPLAIN HOW YOU REMAINED ACTIVE) “In addition to my job search, I began contributing articles to Entrepreneurs Ireland - a networking LinkedIn group I joined to ensure I was kept up to date on trends in my industry.”(BRING IT BACK TO THE JOB, EXPLAIN WHY THIS ROLE IS PERFECT FOR YOU TO GET BACK INTO THE WORKFORCE) “I was very particular with my job search. I wanted to find a role that enabled me to advance my career, build upon my skillset, and ultimately, allowed me the opportunity to make a real difference. I’ve spoken to a number of leading recruiters in the industry, networked extensively, and completed a number of interviews, but I am yet to find the right fit.”“When I came across this job it was a no brainer for me to apply. The opportunity to work in a company with such a stellar reputation for innovation was something I could not pass on given my background as a digital content analyst.”<h2>2. Fired/Let go</h2>This answer will be a slightly different format to normal as being let go involves evaluating the issues at hand, and showing the employer how you have grown from the experience. (EXPLAIN GAP)“After a major reorganisation in the company, there was a merging of contrasting ideas, along with changes in how the business was going to be run. With a lot of changes happening within a very short period of time, the new management had different expectations for my job that did not relate to my own skillset. Not long after, the company chose to hire someone with more sales experience and I was let go.”(WHAT YOU LEARNED, AND HOW YOU HAVE TAKEN ACTION AS A RESULT) “The entire situation taught me that my core strength is in customer service - so I decided to double down. While I immediately began applying for jobs, I enrolled in an online customer service management course that lasted 3 months. I learned the key elements of unique experiences to increase customer satisfaction which I can discuss later.”(BRING IT BACK TO THE JOB AND WHY IT’S THE PERFECT ROLE FOR YOU) “Being let go was a wonderful learning experience and I feel now I am ready to put it behind me and strive forward in my career with a new perspective. I know with my newfound knowledge I can be a major asset to your company in the role of Customer Service Supervisor.”<h2>3. Laid off</h2>(EXPLAIN GAP) “Four months ago I was laid off after the company restructured.”(HIGHLIGHT ACHIEVEMENTS/VALUE)  “It was a shock to the system, as I had only been given a number of new responsibilities, which included new business development projects.”(EXPLAIN HOW YOU REMAINED ACTIVE) “I decided to complete a part-time diploma in business management to ensure my skills remained sharp while I was out of work.”(BRING IT BACK TO THE JOB) “During my participation in this course, I continued searching for jobs relentlessly - focusing on retail management in order to continue advancing my career. I did have a handful of interviews but I still haven’t found the right fit. The opportunity to mentor and manage teams directly is something I love to do.”(ASK A QUESTION) “I saw these duties included in the job specification – could you give me an idea about how these responsibilities fit into this role?”OR(EXPLAIN GAP) “After a number of budget cuts at my previous company, my role was made redundant.”(HIGHLIGHT ACHIEVEMENTS/VALUE) “Although it ended abruptly, I am very proud of what I achieved in my previous position as an assistant accountant.” (EXPLAIN HOW YOU REMAINED ACTIVE) “Since my departure, I have used my time to really think about what I want from my next job. During that period I remained proactive by keeping up to date with the latest developments in the industry. I have been participating and networking in accounting community groups on LinkedIn as well as being signed up to a number of industry newsletters.”(BRING IT BACK TO THE JOB) “When I came across this job I applied immediately as I’m very keen to work at a company where I can build upon my existing skill set, lead a team and help drive the business forward.”<h2>4. Caring for a family member</h2>(EXPLAIN GAP) “I had to resign from my previous job to care for an elderly family member, which I have done for the last 6 months.”(HIGHLIGHT ACHIEVEMENTS/VALUE) “Although my time was cut short at my old job, I managed to lead several successful finance projects which I can detail later.”(SHOW THEM THAT GAP IS NO LONGER AN ISSUE) “Only recently, my family and I came together and hired a full time caregiver so I no longer have to be present, and I am available now for full time work.”(EXPLAIN HOW YOU REMAINED ACTIVE) “To ensure I stayed active during my time off, I became a member of Eire Accountants Daily Digest - a private group that explores the latest financial &amp; accounting trends in Ireland.”(BRING IT BACK TO THE JOB) “I am now more determined than ever to get back into the workforce to pursue my career objectives with an industry leading company.”<h2>5. Took time off to look after my children</h2>Note: Make it clear to the interviewer that you took time off to prioritise your family. (EXPLAIN GAP) “This year I became a dad and I made a decision to put my family first to raise my son. This is why I left my previous role.”(HIGHLIGHT ACHIEVEMENTS/VALUE) “Although I was a top performer and continually hit my sales targets for 2 years in a row at the company, I felt it was the right move to halt my career goals so I could support my wife and child.” (EXPLAIN HOW YOU REMAINED ACTIVE) “While both my partner and I’s hands were full, I joined an online community of stay at home parents that work in sales remotely. This allowed me to continue networking during my time off, and keep up to date with the latest trends in the industry.”(BRING IT BACK TO THE JOB) “I’m now in a position to re-enter the workforce and I’m so excited to start my next biggest career challenge, which is the reason why I applied for this role.”<h2>6. Medical Issue</h2>(EXPLAIN GAP) “Unfortunately, I had a medical condition during my time in my previous position, and I felt unable to continue working at 100%. I have since recovered (or I now have my condition under control.)(HIGHLIGHT ACHIEVEMENTS/VALUE) “I had excelled in my role as a customer service advisor, and received stellar performance appraisals throughout my three years at the company, so it was tough when I was forced to step down from my role.”(EXPLAIN HOW YOU REMAINED ACTIVE) “While I was off work on medical leave, I enrolled in a number of UDEMY courses to keep my communication and people skills sharp. The courses involved networking with other members on Zoom, and I enjoyed the experience immensely.”(SHOW THE EMPLOYER THAT THE MEDICAL ISSUE IS NOT A FACTOR &amp; BRING IT BACK TO THE JOB) “Thankfully, I am now back to full health and I’m ready to take on this job. It’s a position that matches with my existing skills, which gives me the opportunity to add value to your company.”<h2>7. Personal Reasons</h2>(EXPLAIN GAP) “I decided to take some time off work to focus on myself. It was a time that allowed me to take a step back and reevaluate what I want for my future career.”(EXPLAIN HOW YOU REMAINED ACTIVE &amp; HIGHLIGHT ACHIEVEMENTS/VALUE) “After some deliberation, I made the choice to enroll in a Lean &amp; Six Sigma course at Dublin City University as I decided that I wanted to pursue a career in process improvement, which ties in with my previous managerial experience.”(BRING IT BACK TO THE JOB) “I am now refreshed, refocused, and incredibly excited about the new opportunities that lie ahead of me, including the chance to work at your company in the position of Warehouse Manager.” (ASK A QUESTION) “Could you give me an idea about what processes your company is looking to improve upon?”8. I took time off to upskill/educate myselfNotes: Give some justification as to why you took time off work to study – either to gain a qualification or improve on a specific set of skills.Let the interviewer know that you never want to stop learning - and you are dedicated to personal development, which is why the job you’re applying for fits perfectly with your skillset.(EXPLAIN GAP) “I realised in my position of financial assistant, that I had a skills gap.” (SHOW YOU REMAINED PROACTIVE) “I made the decision to pursue a diploma in financial accounting in a bid to future proof my own career through upskilling.”(HIGHLIGHT ACHIEVEMENTS/VALUE &amp; BRING IT BACK TO THE JOB) “Since gaining my diploma I have been looking for a new job where I can use my newly acquired skills. That’s why I applied for the role of financial analyst as I believe I can add real value and expertise to your organisation.”<h2>9. Travelling </h2>Note: If you went travelling, the emphasis during your answer should be on your pursuit of personal development and gaining entirely new perspectives.(EXPLAIN GAP) “I took some time out of work and went travelling to Taiwan. My goal was to expose myself to different cultures and gain new perspectives to further my own self development.”(WHAT YOU LEARNED - SHOW VALUE) “Along my travels, I learned many valuable life lessons that have allowed me to recalibrate what I want for my future career. I continued my education during my travels by committing to an online communications course on UDEMY for a duration of 9 weeks. The course showed me that I am now more ready than ever to progress to the next stage of my career as a Communications Specialist.” (BRING IT BACK TO THE JOB) “That’s why I was particularly drawn to this position as the opportunity to further develop my skills while being given the freedom to manage my own projects is one I could just not turn down.<h2>Part 2 - How to explain gaps in your CV</h2>Scale back on your work experienceIncluding work history from over 15 years is not necessary. This will help with clearing any older gaps in your CV.Dates of employmentIt’s common to only include the years of employment and to avoid including the months. Explaining a gapIf you’re currently unemployed you can explain the gap of employment within your cover letter. We have some sample answers below that will help you craft a great answer.Remain honest and optimisticBe honest about your employment gap but there’s no need to go into great detail. In some situations, you may need to be discrete, but trying to lie will only put more focus on your gap. Remember to positively reframe your answers when engaging with employers. “I can&#x27;t seem to find work” can easily become “I decided to take time out to reevaluate my career objectives and put all my time and focus on pursuing a job in the industry that I’m most passionate about.”---------------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</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>Best of luck with your job search.

Guide:How to explain gaps in employment - Sample answers for all situations

Hiring managers are now turning to virtual interviews as the way forward through the Coronavirus pandemic. With that in mind, we have put together our best tips to ensure you successfully master the art of video and audio interviews.<h2>1. Trial Run</h2>Do a trial run the day before your interview! There is already enough on your plate without having to deal with any technical glitches when its showtime If possible, set up the video platform that will be used for your interview. Having it set up means you won&#x27;t have to download or update any software beforehand. If it’s not possible, do your trial run using Zoom, Skype, or Google Meet (Formerly Google Hangout).<h2>2. Practice with a friend or family member - and record it</h2>Zoom and Skype allow you to record video calls - making it a powerful tool for interview preparation. Answering common interview questions with a friend through video will help you improve your performance come game day. Recording the practice interview will help you iron out any potential issues. Learn how to record your practice interview:<ul><li><a href="https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362473-Local-recording" target="_blank">Zoom - click here</a></li><li><a href="https://support.skype.com/en/faq/FA12395/how-do-i-record-my-skype-calls" target="_blank">Skype - click here</a></li><li><a href="https://support.google.com/meet/answer/9308681?product_name=UnuFlow&amp;hl=en&amp;visit_id=637345457165921694-955258443&amp;rd=1&amp;src=supportwidget1" target="_blank">Google Meet - click here</a></li></ul><a href="https://support.google.com/meet/answer/9308681?product_name=UnuFlow&amp;hl=en&amp;visit_id=637345457165921694-955258443&amp;rd=1&amp;src=supportwidget1" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://support.skype.com/en/faq/FA12395/how-do-i-record-my-skype-calls" target="_blank"></a>FIRST IMPRESSIONS COUNT! So here is a checklist to ensure you leave a great first impression with the interviewer:• Check that microphone and webcam are working properly - test them as if you were talking in the interview. • How is the audio, video quality and lighting?• Avoid swiveling in your chair - can be distracting! • Get as much light into the room as possible.• Check your eye line: Have your camera at eye level. Don&#x27;t have a laptop on your lap - put a few books underneath your laptop to get the right angle - and while talking look directly into the camera. Stop looking at yourself.• In case of emergency know where the mute buttons are on the video platform • Make sure your laptop is plugged in• Internet connection: During the interview, if you’re worried about your internet connection, test using your phone data and see if that&#x27;s quicker, or ask the people in your house to turn off their wifi during the interview, or connect straight to your modem to avoid any interruption. • Background - Ensure it’s tidy and not distracting. If you’re concerned about your background - Zoom, Skype and Google Hangout have options to create a virtual background. So you can choose a nice professional backdrop to use. Links below this video on how you can set up your virtual backdrops. • <a href="https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/210707503-Virtual-Background" target="_blank">Zoom - Click here</a>• <a href="https://support.skype.com/en/faq/FA34896/how-do-i-customize-my-background-for-skype-video-calls" target="_blank">Skype - Click here</a>• Google Meet - Click here<h2>3. Cheatsheet</h2>The interviewer won’t see outside of the camera view so use this to your advantage. We advise writing out your answers for the most common questions in script format, then breaking them into bullet points. You can then have the bullet points on a second screen, or write them on post-it notes and attach them to the side of your laptop. You can also write out notes on your achievements, or questions you wanna ask. QUICK TIP: AVOID switching from tab to tab on your laptop during the video interview. The light on your face from the laptop may change and it will be noticeable by the interviewer.<h2>4. Dress the part </h2>Even if it’s just an audio interview always dress the part and not only from the waist up - ensure you are fully professionally dressed. This will allow you to create a professional mind-set. <h2>5. Posture</h2>Sit up straight with your shoulders back. If it’s a phone interview – standing up will promote voice projection.<h2>6. Record your interview </h2>It’s important to also record the actual interview. Analysing your performance will allow you to course-correct for the next interview. You will be able to see the interview from the hiring manager’s view and address any issues. Before starting, simply say “Do you mind if I record the interview for my own analysis?”. This shows the employer you&#x27;re a true professional who strives for excellence! <h2>7. Avoiding interruptions</h2>Distractions take the attention away from you - and leave a bad first impression! Here’s how to avoid being interrupted during your video interview:• Give everyone a heads up in your home that you need peace and space until your interview is completed. Make sure the dog can’t burst in mid-interview!• Avoid interruptions and poor speed performance on your machine by closing down all programs on your laptop• Put your phone on silent• Ensure you have the interviewer’s phone number if the connection gets lost• Wearing earphones/air pods will help eliminate any background noise• Check the timezone if you’re interviewing for remote work• Close windows<h2>8. Ask questions</h2>Prepare questions you would like to ask the interviewer – it’s important to listen throughout the interview so you only ask questions on topics that weren’t already covered. Have a pen and paper near you to take down any queries you may have. Great questions to ask the interviewer:• Can you tell me who the most successful person is that you&#x27;ve hired - and what did they do to become so successful? This question will give you clues on what it&#x27;s like to work for this manager. • How will my performance be measured? A great question to find out what you&#x27;ll need to do in order to become a top performer at the company. • What do the day-to-day responsibilities of this role look like? Ask this question so you&#x27;re crystal clear on what the role entails. • What is the most challenging aspect of this role? The interviewer&#x27;s answer will give you a heads up on the toughest aspects of the job.• What’s your favorite part about working for this company? Carefully listen, and the interviewer will reveal a lot about working here.• Are there professional development opportunities in this role? Nobody wants to stagnate - find out if this is a company where you can achieve your long term goals • Is there anything about my experience that makes you question if I&#x27;m a good fit for this job? This is a superb question that gives you the opportunity to address any concerns the hiring manager may have. <h2>9. Say Cheese</h2>For audio/phone interviews - SMILE! As the saying goes, smiles can be heard. This is a reminder to smile as you talk. For audio/phone interviews - SMILE! As the saying goes, smiles can be heard. This is a reminder to smile as you talk.<h2>10. Silence is Golden</h2>Embrace the silence! After you&#x27;ve given your answer don&#x27;t feel the need to fill the chit chat. There can sometimes be a lag, or the interviewer could be taking notes. So enjoy that peace while you can!<h2>11. If you make a mistake, don&#x27;t sweat it</h2>Recovering from a rambling answer will make you look good! If you realise you have been harping on, take a pause and a deep breath and acknowledge the situation. Here’s a line you can use to help recover: &quot;Sorry I am caught in the weeds here! I apologise for letting my nerves get a hold of me, would you mind if I restart my answer?&quot;.<h2>12. Thank you email</h2>Thank the interviewer for taking the time and send a ‘thank you’ email later in the day. Not many candidates will do this - it will give you a competitive edge! Here is a template that you can use for this exercise:Email subject line: Thanks [Interviewer’s Name]Hi [Interviewer’s Name],Thanks so much for your time today. It was a real pleasure to learn more about the team and [insert job title] position. I’m excited at the prospect of joining the [insert company name] team to help [insert what you would be doing in the job, e.g. bring in new customers, expand operations, manage a team, etc.].  I had a think about what you said on [mention a problem or challenges that the interviewer mentioned they’re currently facing]. Within my role as [relevant job position you held/have], I discovered that [explain how you solved or approached a similar problem during your own work experience].  As your new [mention the position you’re applying for], I am certain my experience will allow me to achieve similar results at [insert company name].I look forward to hearing from you about the next steps in the hiring process.Feel free to get in touch if you need me to provide any additional information. Warm regards,[Your Name]<h2>13. Structure for answering questions</h2>Have example situations from your work experience that highlight your key skills and personality traits related to the job. Once you&#x27;ve discussed you&#x27;re relevant unique skills that led to past success, end your answer by referencing how your experience will allow you to achieve similar results for the hiring company in the future<h2>14. Research the company and job description</h2>The more you learn about the company and the job requirements, the greater understanding you will have of their needs. During your video interview, you can speak directly about how you can find solutions to their biggest problems. <h2>15. Be genuine</h2>The strongest signal you can give to the interviewer, that requires no expertise or knowledge, is genuineness. Sensing dishonesty is the worst possible signal you can give to the interviewer. You have to show the interviewer genuinely what you value, what interests you, what excites you. Similar to getting into a relationship, you don&#x27;t want to lie at the beginning just so they love you, only after you have fed them bullshit. Eventually, you will be found out. <h2>16. Practice, Practice, Practice</h2>Interviewing is a skill! The more you practice, the more confirmable you will be in an interview environment, making it more likely that you&#x27;ll land the job. -Best of luck with your 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. Get started <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/create-account/jobseeker" target="_blank">here. </a>