Job Seeker Pack

Jobseeker Pack
Chevron Training & Development
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Table of Contents
The Jobseeking Process
Identifying Your Ideal Job
Sector Opportunities
Tailoring Your Skill Set
Researching Training Providers
Finding Jobs
Curriculum Vitae
11
Links to Sample CV Templates
13
Covering Letter
14
Interview Skills
15
Common Interview Questions
19
Interview Debrief
27
Interview Preparation Videos
28
Starting Your Own Business
29
Additional Tips for Jobseekers
31
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The Jobseeking Process

While the jobseeking process is often viewed as difficult (in fact it is often
stated that you work harder trying to find a job than when you are in
employment), individuals that implement effective strategies at each stage
of the jobseeking process will maximise their opportunity to secure the job
they desire.
The jobseeking process typically involves:
The identification of the job desired

Researching employment opportunities within the chosen sector
Matching existing skill set to job and sector requirements
Developing a Curriculum Vitae and a Covering Letter
Securing an Interview
Preparing for an Interview
Interview Debriefing
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Identifying your Ideal Job

The initial stage of the job seeking process involves identifying the job which
you wish to secure. This is a crucial element of the job seeking process as it
dictates the strategy to be employed for the entire job seeking process as it
focuses your market research with regard to sector opportunities and it also
aids the development of an effective Curriculum Vitae.
While some job seekers may have determined a definitive career path ,
others may have many employment opportunities to explore. In scenarios
whereby job seekers are undecided as to their ideal job, it is advisable that
they answer the following questions:
What type of work do I enjoy doing?

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------List the skills that you possess
- -------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------What motivates me?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------What are my long-term career goals?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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What type of organisation would I like to work for?

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------What kinds of people do I work best with?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------In what location(s) would I prefer to work?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Which organisations will facilitate my professional development and
career advancement?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The answers to the above questions should provide the job seeker with a
definitive idea of their professional competences and priorities.
The
information derived from this analysis provides the jobseeker with a better
understanding of the career type they desire.
Furthermore, it is advisable for jobseekers to consider their previous
employment experiences when evaluating their future career prospects i.e.
identify the elements of previous jobs that you enjoyed and the aspects of
employment you wish to avoid in future jobs.
The completion of personality and aptitude tests which are widely available
on the Internet can prove to be a useful resource for the jobseeker as the
results should focus the participants attention on their strengths, especially
those that may be of benefit to prospective employers.
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Sector Opportunities
Once the jobseeker has identified the type of job(s) which they wish to find, it
is imperative to conduct extensive research into the employment
opportunities presented by relevant sectors.
Such research will enable the jobseeker to determine the volume of
employment opportunities in their chosen sector in addition to acquiring
information about standard qualification and experience requirements for
jobs in that sector.
Sources of information which may be useful when determining employment
opportunities in specific sectors include:
-
Industry publications/magazines/newsletters
Related sector websites
Professional bodies/organisations
Newspaper articles and recruitment sections
FS employment services
Job Coaches
Government announcements/publications
Government grants and incentive schemes
In these economically challenging times, it is important that jobseekers focus

their search on sectors that have been identified as experiencing growth and
being sustainable in the long term.
Studies which have been conducted by government and employment
agencies have reported that sustainable growth opportunities exist in the
following sectors:
Renewable Energy/Green Energy/Environmental/Water Conservation
Healthcare
Pharmaceuticals / Chemical
Financial Services & I.T.
Tourism
Exports
Agri Food
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Broadband
Tailoring your Skill Set to new Sectors
Having identified your preferred job and completed extensive market

research into sector specific employment opportunities, the jobseeker should
have a thorough understanding of the qualification and experience
requirements for employment in specific sectors.
The next step in the process is to identify the
components of your existing skill set and to match
them against the requirements for the new job.
In order to determine the current skills and knowledge
which you possess it is useful to list these attributes.
Skills and Knowledge acquired from Previous
Employment:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Skills and Knowledge acquired from Hobbies and Other Interests
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This exercise will provide a comprehensive list of the individuals

competences which should encourage you to emphasise these points on
your CV.
Furthermore, a Job Coach may conduct a profiling assessment which
identifies a candidates strengths and weaknesses and suitability to specific
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careers. The results of a profiling assessment will enable the jobseeker to

emphasise their strengths to a prospective employer via a Curriculum Vitae.
Researching Training Providers

As research of the sector opportunities should provide the jobseeker with a
clear understanding of the industry qualification and experience
requirements, a jobseeker may need to undertake further education and
training courses in order to satisfy employer requirements. However, it is
important that jobseekers acquire the following information about relevant
training programmes before participating on a particular course:
Course Aim
Course Syllabus
Flexibile Delivery Method Options
Course Duration & Frequency
Location
Assessment Structure
Qualification/ Certification/ Accreditation
Additional Course Benefits
Pre-course support
Post-course support
Course Designer & Course Materials
Trainer Qualifications and Experience
Training Facilities & Resources
Speed of Exam Results & Certification
Cost
Payment & Funding Options
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Recognised Training Provider e.g. Industry Awards
Finding Jobs
Finding Jobs in Ireland

Moving up the Irish career ladder will probably mean searching for a
job in order to find work. But where do we find jobs during Irelands
heaviest recession for many years? There are of course the traditional
channels like knocking on the doors of businesses and asking for work.
But this as you may know is a long, tiring task. Here is our guide to
finding Irish jobs
Target your search
Where would you advertise that job if you where a business owner
looking to fill that position? By thinking like the employer you we
can make reasonable assumptions as to where they would find the
staff they need. For example, do you often see jobs for Londis
advertised in the Sunday Business Post? No, not often. But you will find
them posted on the shop walls. This would be a good start.
The job centre
Go to the job centre. People tend to forget this, even people standing
in line to sign-on dont spend much time reading the adverts
displayed on the walls. For employers to advertise their jobs here is
often the cheapest means for them to advertise and as a result they
use this frequently. A word of warning though. If you are looking for a
higher management role the job centre might not be your first port of
call.
Search Engines
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Search for jobs in Ireland on the internet. Google, Yahoo! and MSN are
all good portals to finding jobs. Try different search terms, just writing
jobs will provide very broad results where as typing the title of the job
you want and where you want it will return very specific results much
more suitable to what you are looking for.
Newspapers
Employers and recruiters tend to use specific channels to advertise

these days so it follows that you will find executive jobs in these types
of publications. For example, the Financial Times and the Irish
Times are excellent places to find finance jobs. If you are looking for a
web development job then you would be wise to go online to the
industry magazines website - this is a great portal for companies to
find great talent.
Recruitment Sites
Jobseekers
can
utilise
recruitment
sites
such
as
Monster.ie,
Loadzajobs.ie, Irishjobs.ie and Publicjobs.ie to create a profile, upload a

Curriculum Vitae, receive notifications about new jobs listed on the
website and apply for jobs displayed on these portals.
Furthermore, FS has developed a Curriculum Vitae upload facility
which provides an additional opportunity for jobseekers to make their
CVs available to prospective employers
Social networking
More and more recruiters are using online tools to find talent. Linkedin
and Zoominfo are two examples of this. Be sure to expand your
networks as much as possible and get old employers to recommend
you. This is one of the best ways to finding your next job since the
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majority of jobs are filled via networking or word of mouth. Its true
what they say, its not what you know but who you know.
Word of mouth
Yes, its often true what they say. That most jobs are filled before the
vacancy is advertised. So how do you make that yourself? 1. Call
potential employers and sell yourself - give it a go, you cant lose
anything. 2. Tell your friends you are looking for work - people are often
happy to help other people 3. Hand out your business card - this will
help people remember who you are.
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Curriculum Vitae
An effective CV should be concise, transparent, persuasive and instantly
engaging as it determines a prospective employers decision to offer an
interview to the candidate.
Characteristics of an effective CV:
Transparent A CV should have a clear layout

Concise The CV should be no longer than two A4 pages
Professional A CV should be free from spelling, grammar and
punctuation errors.
Persuasive The CV should demonstrate that the candidate can
competently fulfil the duties of the position.
Format of CV:
The traditional format of a printed CV still remains the most popular

format and a professional CV can still be very effective in securing
an interview.
However, in an effort to
demonstrate innovation and
creativity and to stand out
from other applicants, some
candidates now provide the
employer with a CV in a
DVD or CD format
accompanied by a
personalised covering
letter.
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Links to Sample CV Templates

http://www.irishjobs.ie/Work_Wise/TipToolsLand.aspx?
ParentID=73&BannorID=adddcee7&BZoneID=80
http://www.recruitireland.com/careercentre/cvtemplates/
http://www.employireland.com/EmployIreland/Pages/Content/CvTemplate.asp
x
http://career-advice.monster.ie/cvs-applications/free-cv-templates/jobs.aspx
http://www.measurability.ie/cv-templates/
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Covering Letter
A covering letter provides an overview of a candidates suitability in terms of
skills, strengths and experience requirements for the job advertised. It
provides the candidate with an opportunity to stand out and an effective
covering letter will increase the candidates chance of securing an interview.
Covering Letters for Advertised Positions
Address the letter to a named individual in the company
Refer to the position applied for and advise that you enclose your
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Use a font that is easy to read (e.g. Courier, Arial)
Sign the letter personally
Covering Letters when sending a CV on spec

Address the letter to the relevant department or section in the
company.
Refer to the position you desire
Focus the letter on the potential employers needs
Specify your availability for an interview
Use a font that is easy to read
Check for spelling, grammar and punctuation
Sign the letter personally
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Interview Skills
Securing an Interview:
If you are wishing to secure an interview for a job vacancy, it is advisable to
send an updated Curriculum Vitae and a personalised cover letter to a
named person within the company.
If a candidate is able to demonstrate, via a personalised letter, that they
have extensive knowledge of the companys operations and can articulate
that they have attained the necessary competences to occupy integral roles
within the organisation, the candidate may increase their chance of securing
an interview.
Once initial contact has been established with the company, it is important
that the jobseeker makes a phone call to the same named person as a follow
up to the letter.
This phone call shows the employer that you are
enthusiastic about working for their company and it also gives you an
opportunity to sell yourself and demonstrate your communication skills
Preparing for an Interview
Researching the Company:
Visit the companys website

Identify the purpose and objectives of the company
Read the latest company blog or obtain a copy of their latest
newsletter to ensure that you are informed about the latest company
news.
Use google to find additional information about the company i.e.
newspaper articles, awards, industry publications etc.
Candidates should utilise this information to identify the needs of a company

and to demonstrate that their professional competences will satisfy these
needs.
Researching the Interviewer:
Many candidates limit their research to the company. However, it is probable
that all the other candidates will have conducted similar research and
therefore it is important that you can stand out from the other candidates.
At the interview stage of the process, most candidates will have the skills,
knowledge and experience to competently fulfill the vacant role. Therefore
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many interviewers will seek a candidate that is likeable and can demonstrate
good interpersonal skills (i.e. is able to sell themselves)
It is for this reason that it is important to carry out research about the
interviewer as it will enable the candidate to establish common ground with
the interviewer, e.g. that you are graduates from the same university.
In order to conduct effective research on the interviewer:
Search for a profile on the company website

Perform extensive google searches
Research newspaper articles and industry publications
Use library databases if available
Mock Interviews:
It may be useful to assemble some friends and family who will put you
through a mock interview.
This is a good opportunity to practice your presentation skills
Make sure that your assembled panel will simulate a typical interview
scenario, complete with tough questions!!
Listen to any feedback they might provide
If possible, use a camera to record the interview and then you can
watch the interview and identify areas that can be improved before the
real interview.
Other Considerations:
Know how to pronounce the names of the people you will be meeting
If possible, learn the names of the receptionist and other
administration staff
If it is a second interview, review notes of past meetings
Read through the days business news so you have to something to
talk about.
Create a list of questions you will ask the interviewer
Bring copies of your CV with you (and a copy on CD or DVD if possible)
Identify the venue and calculate how long it will take to reach the
location.
Be punctual always arrive a few minutes before the interview is
scheduled to take place
Select suitable attire and take care of your personal appearance
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SELL YOURSELF!! Identify a skills gap within the company and

through emphasising your personal and professional attributes and
demonstrate how you satisfy this need.
Maintain eye contact with the interviewer throughout
Demonstrate positive body language e.g. relaxed smile, good posture.
Phone Interviews:
With more and more companies using telephone interviews as a method
of identifying and discounting unsuitable candidates for face-to-face
interviews it is important that participants are effective during this stage
of the interviewing process.
Consequently, candidates should implement the following techniques
when participating in a telephone interview:
Establish a professional telephone manner

A telephone interview is an effective way for a prospective employer
to assess a candidates telephone manner and professionalism.
Select a suitable environment

Select a room that is free from noise and all other distractions.
Ensure that televisions, radios and other telephones are turned off
and windows and doors are closed.
Confidence
Answer the questions confidently. This will require to study every
detail on your CV so that you wont be surprised by the interviewer.
Take notes
Use a pen and paper to take notes during the interview as this will
help you prepare for a second interview.
Find common ground

Make a connection with the interviewer, use the research you
carried out on the company and the interviewer to establish this
connection.
Avoid hesitations
Eliminate unnecessary hesitations such as umms and errrs
Smile
Even though the interviewer will be unable to see you, smilling can
help you to relax and stay positive.
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Common Interview Questions and Best Practice Answers

Work History
Q: What were your expectations for your previous job and to what
extent where they met?
A: The best way to respond is to discuss
what you expected when you took the
job and give examples of how the
position worked out for you. If the job
wasn't exactly what you expected, it's
fine to mention that. However, you
should focus on the job itself, not the
company, your boss, or your co-workers
(if they were a problem). Do be careful how you answer and don't focus too
much on the negative. Instead, address the highlights of the job.
Q: What were your responsibilities in your last job?

A: The best way to respond is to describe your responsibilities in detail and
to connect them to the job you are interviewing for. Try to tie your
responsibilities in with those listed in the job description for the new position.
That way, the employer will see that you have the qualifications necessary to
do the job. Focus most on your responsibilities that are directly related to the
new job's requirements.
Q: What major challenges and problems did you face? How did you
handle them?
A: Possible answers are listed below:
During a difficult financial period, I was able to satisfactorily negotiate
repayment schedules with multiple vendors.
When the software development of our new product stalled, I coordinated
the team which managed to get the schedule back on track. We were able
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to successfully troubleshoot the issues and solve the problems, within a

very short period of time.
A long-term client was about to take their business to a competitor. I met
with the customer and was able to change how we handled the account on
a day-to-day basis, in order to keep the business.
Q: Why are you leaving your job?

A: Don't Badmouth Your Boss
Regardless of why you left, don't speak badly about your previous employer.
The interviewer may wonder if you will be bad-mouthing his company next
time you're looking for work.
Prepare answers to typical job interview questions, like this one, in advance.
Practice your responses so you sound positive, and clear, about your
circumstances and your goals for the future.
Sample answers to the interview question "Why did you leave your
job?
I found myself bored with the work and looking for more challenges. I
am an excellent employee and I didn't want my unhappiness to have any
impact on the job I was doing for my employer.
There isn't room for growth with my current employer and I'm ready to
move on to a new challenge.
I'm looking for a bigger challenge and to grow my career and I couldn't
job hunt part time while working. It didn't seem ethical to use my former
employer's time.
I was laid-off from my last position when our department was

eliminated due to corporate restructuring.
I'm relocating to this area due to family circumstances and left my

previous position in order to make the move.
I've decided that is not the direction I want to go in my career and my

current employer has no opportunities in the direction I'd like to head.
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After several years in my last position, I'm looking for a company

where I can contribute and grow in a team-oriented environment.
I am interested in a new challenge and an opportunity to use my

technical skills and experience in a different capacity than I have in the
past.
I recently received my degree and I want to utilise my educational

background in my next position.
I am interested in a job with more responsibility, and I am very ready

for a new challenge.
I left my last position in order to spend more time with my family.

Circumstances have changed and I'm more than ready for full-time
employment again.
I am seeking a position with a stable company with room for growth

and opportunity for advancement.
I was commuting to the city and spending a significant amount of time

each day on travel. I would prefer to be closer to home.
To be honest, I wasn't considering a move, but, I saw this job posting

and was intrigued by the position and the company. It sounds like an
exciting opportunity and an ideal match with my qualifications.
This position seemed like an excellent match for my skills and

experience and I am not able to fully utilise them in my present job.
The company was cutting back and, unfortunately, my job was one of
those eliminated.
Q: What have you been doing since your last job?

A: The best way to answer this question is to be honest, but do have an
answer prepared. You will want to let the interviewer know that you were
busy and active, regardless of whether you were out of work by choice, or
otherwise. Here are some suggestions on how to explain what you did while
you were out of the workforce.
I worked on several freelance projects, while actively job seeking.

I volunteered for a literacy program that assists disadvantaged
children.
My aging parents needed a temporary caregiver and I spent time

looking after them.
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I spent time being a stay-at-home mom and volunteering at my

daughter's school.
I took some continuing education classes and seminars.
Questions about you

Q: What is your greatness weakness?
A: When you're asked what your greatest weakness is, try to turn a negative
into a positive. For example, a sense of urgency to get projects completed or
wanting to triple-check every item in a spreadsheet can be turned into a
strength i.e. you are a candidate who will make sure that the project is done
on time and your work will be close to perfect.
Note that the term "weakness" isn't used in the sample answers - you always
want to focus on the positive when interviewing.
Sample Answers
When I'm working on a project, I don't want just to meet deadlines.

Rather, I prefer to complete the project well ahead of schedule.
Being organised wasn't my strongest point, but I implemented a time
management system that really helped my organisation skills.
I like to make sure that my work is perfect, so I tend to perhaps spend

a little too much time checking it. However, I've come to a good balance
by setting up a system to ensure everything is done correctly the first
time.
I used to wait until the last minute to set appointments for the coming
week, but I realised that scheduling in advance makes much more sense.
Q: What is your greatest strength?

A: This is one of the easier interview questions you'll be asked. When you are
asked questions about your strengths, it's important to discuss attributes
that will qualify you for the job. The best way to respond is to describe the
skills and experience that directly correlate with the job you are applying for.
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Sample Answers
When I'm working on a project, I don't want just to meet deadlines.

Rather, I prefer to complete the project well ahead of schedule.
I have exceeded my sales goals every quarter and I've earned a bonus
each year since I started with my current employer.
My time management skills are excellent and I'm organised, efficient,

and take pride in excelling at my work.
I pride myself on my customer service skills and my ability to resolve

what could be difficult situations.
Q: What motivates you?

A: There isn't a right or wrong answer to interview questions about what
motivates you. The interviewer is trying to understand the key to your being
successful in the job he is interviewing for, and wants to make sure it's a
good fit. Consider, in advance of interviewing, what actually does motivate
you and come up with some specific examples to share during the interview.
I was responsible for several projects where I directed development

teams and implemented repeatable processes. The teams achieved 100%
on-time delivery of software products. I was motivated both by the
challenge of finishing the projects ahead of schedule and by managing the
teams that achieved our goals.
I've always been motivated by the desire to do a good job at whatever
position I'm in. I want to excel and to be successful in my job, both for my
own personal satisfaction and for my employer.
I have always wanted to ensure that my company's clients get the best
customer service I can provide. I've always felt that it's important, both to
me personally, and for the company and the clients, to provide a positive
customer experience.
I have spent my career in sales, typically in commission-based

positions, and compensation has always been a strong factor in motivating
me to be the top salesperson at my prior employers.
Q: What are your salary expectations?

A: When interviewing for a new position, do your best not to bring up
compensation until the employer makes you an offer. If you're asked what
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your salary requirements are, say that they are open based upon the
position and the overall compensation package. Or tell the employer you'd
like to know more about the responsibilities and the challenges of the job
prior to discussing salary. Another option is to give the employer a salary
range based upon the salary research you've done up front. Once you've
received the offer you don't need to accept (or reject) it right away. A simple
"I need to think it over" can get you an increase in the original offer.
Q: Tell me about yourself?

A: Because it's such a common interview question, it's strange that more
candidates don't spend the time to prepare for exactly how to answer it.
Perhaps because the question seems so disarming and informal, we drop our
guard and shift into ramble mode. Resist all temptation to do so.
Your interviewer is not looking for a 10-minute dissertation here. Instead,
offer a razor sharp sentence or two that sets the stage for further discussion
and sets you apart from your competitors.
Example: "I'm a seasoned Retail Manager strong in developing training
programs and loss prevention techniques that have resulted in revenue
savings of over 2 Million for (employer's name) during the past 10 years."
Q: If the people who know you were asked why you should be hired
what would they say?
A: I'm sure if you asked my friends that question they would say you should
hire me because I have the skills outlined in the job description and I bring
10+ years of expertise to this position. Words they've used to describe me
are: hard working, professional, trusted and a team player.
Q: Do you prefer to work independently or on a team?
A: I am equally comfortable working as a member of a team and
independently. In researching the LMN company, your mission statement and
the job description, I could see similarities to my previous position where
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there were some assignments that required a great deal of independent

work and research and others where the team effort was most effective. As I
said, I'm comfortable with both.
Q: Give some examples of teamwork
A: In my last position, I was part of a software implementation team. We all
worked together to plan and manage the implementation schedule, to
provide customer training, and ensure a smooth transition for our customers.
Our team always completed our projects ahead of schedule with very
positive reviews from our clients.
New Job and Company
Q: What interests you about this job?
A: When you're asked what interests you about the position you are
interviewing for, the best way to respond is to describe the qualifications
listed in the job posting, then connect them to your skills and experience.
That way, the employer will see that you know about the job you're
interviewing for (not everyone does) and that you have the qualifications
necessary to do the job.
Q: Why do you want this job?
A: Possible answers listed below
This is not only a fine opportunity, but this company is a place where
my qualifications can make a difference. As a finance executive well
versed in the new stock options law, I see this position as made to order. It
contains the challenge to keep me on my toes. That's the kind of job I like
to anticipate every morning.
I want this job because it seems tailored to my competencies, which
include sales and marketing. As I said earlier, in a previous position I
created an annual growth rate of 22 percent in a flat industry. Additionally,
the team I would work with looks terrific.
I well understand that this is a company on the way up. Your Web site
says the launch of several new products is imminent. I want to be a part of
this business as it grows.
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As a dedicated technician, I like doing essential research. Being part of

a breakthrough team is an experience I'd love to repeat.
This job is a good fit for what I've been interested in throughout my
career. It offers a nice mix of short- and long-term activities.
I want this retail job because I'd be good at it. I'm good at speaking to
people and handling cash. I would like a job with regular hours and I'm
always on time.
I'd fit right in as a counter clerk in your fine drycleaners. I have

observed that the counter clerk position requires competence at handling
several activities in quick order -- customer service, payments, bagging
and phones. I like multitasking and, as a homemaker, I have a lot of
practice in keeping all the balls in the air.
The work I find most stimulating allows me to use both my creative

and research skills. I know that this company rewards people who deliver
solutions to substantial problems.
Q: Why should we hire you?

A: The best way to respond is to give concrete examples of why your skills
and accomplishments make you the best candidate for the job. Take a few
moments to compare the job description with your abilities, as well as
mentioning what you have accomplished in your other positions. Be positive
and reiterate your interest in the company and the position.
Q: What can you contribute to this company?
A: The best way to answer questions about your contributions to the
company is to give examples of what you have accomplished in the past,
and to relate them to what you can achieve in the future.
Describe specific examples of how effective you have been in your other
positions, changes you have implemented, and goals you have achieved.
Talk about the depth and breadth of related experience that you have.
Also, relate your abilities to the employer's goals. You will want to let the
interviewer know that you have the skills necessary to do the job they are
hiring for, the ability to effectively meet challenges, and the flexibility and
diplomacy to work well with other employees and with management.
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The Future
Q: What are you looking for in your next job? What is important to
you?
A: You can begin your answer with this question: Tell me, Mr./Ms. Interviewer,
what is a typical career path at OPL for someone with my skills and
experience?
(Based on the answer you can then respond to the original question using
the phrases from the answer to frame your response).
What is important to you? Two things are very important to me. One is my
professionalism at work; the second is my family life.
Q: What are your goals for the next five years?
A: You want to connect your answer to the job you are applying for.
Examples of good responses include:
My long-term goals involve growing with a company where I can

continue to learn, take on additional responsibilities, and contribute as
much of value as I can.
I see myself as a top performing employee in a well-established
organisation, like this one. I plan on enhancing my skills and continuing
my involvement in (related) professional associations.
Once I gain additional experience, I would like to move on from a

technical position to management.
In the XYZ Corporation, what is a typical career path for someone with
my skills and experiences?
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Interview Debrief
After the interview:
Take written notes of the interview

Highlight any mistakes you think you made e.g. names
mispronounced
Identify the positives you can take from the interview
Note questions that you found particularly tough and try to improve
this answer should you encounter this question
This exercise is extremely important as it can help you prepare for your next
interview and should be completed directly after the interview has finished.
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Interview Preparation Videos

The Internet can provide a useful source of information for jobseekers
wishing to prepare for an interview.
The links below provide guidance and tips with regard to performing well in
interview scenarios.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQj5wRxj3d4&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UN0SLzFNpDs&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I97wpKtD_30&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mF0pD0CBxSk&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nr2bpcpNQWY&feature=related
Page 31
Starting Your Own Business

The challenging economic climate which currently exists often creates an
opportunity for individuals to develop their entrepreneurial ideas and start
their own business.
Useful advice for people wishing to start their own business is outlined below:
1)
Research
The first step when establishing a new business is to take the time to
conduct research on your market. This doesnt have to involve substantial
costs, you can find out key information by taking the time and undertaking it
yourself. This will allow you to establish your Unique Selling Points, assess
your competitors strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats within
the marketplace. It will also give a clear picture without any further
investment at this time as to the viability of your proposition.
2)
Business plan
It is vital when you are starting a new business that you take the time to put
together a detailed business plan based on your research and set realistic
budgets, forecasts and timelines. When carrying out strategic, operational
and financial planning being realistic is crucial and critical to your long term
success.
3)
Support
Surrounding yourself with a good support system is invaluable whether its a

friend, colleague or expert with business experience that you can brainstorm
with, who will listen to your ideas and give you objective feedback. The
business landscape is changing at a frenetic pace and an experienced
Page 32
opinion would be the ideal solution. It is crucial that you keep reviewing your
strategy on a continuous basis to reflect the flux within the business
environment today.
The County Enterprise Boards may also be a valuable source of information
and support for those wishing to start a new business.
4)
Networking
This is the buzz word of the last 18 months and it is an ideal way of
generating good business contacts and new business leads. The moment
your business strategy has evolved, start attending networking events.
Many events are free to attend and dont involve sign up fees, another option
is to join your local Chamber of Commerce which is a great way of meeting
like minded entrepreneurs.
5) Know the Law

It is vital from the outset that you have an understanding of the legislation
and laws involved in your chosen industry, health & safety, HR, accounting
procedures and payroll obligations. Not following the proper procedure from
the start can incur costly fines and penalties that could have been avoided at
the start.
Page 33
Additional Tips for Jobseekers

As finding a job is a job, it is important that jobseekers dedicate sufficient
time and resources to securing employment.
The following tips may be beneficial to individuals who are actively seeking
employment:
Establish and maintain a daily routine: This enables the jobseeker to

prepare themselves to reenter the workforce and it also demonstrates
that you have been proactive during your period of unemployment.
Establish a career network: More people find employment through their
personal contacts than any other source. Therefore it is essential that
you develop, expand and utilise your network when searching for
employment.
Work experience: If possible, secure a work placement with an
employer in your chosen industry.
This offers the jobseeker an
opportunity to demonstrate that they can be an indispensable resource
for the company by rectifying any existing skill gaps. A jobseeker who
can achieve this during the work placement may optimise the chances
of securing employment with the company after the work placement
has been completed.
Read: Newspapers, industry magazines and books keep you up to date
with industry developments and it also keeps your mind active.
Physical Exercise: It is advisable for jobseekers to incorporate physical
exercise into their daily routine as it promotes physical and mental well
being.
Volunteer work with charities: The most significant problem
encountered by all charitable organisations is the lack of funds
Page 34
available to them. Consequently, there is a continuous requirement for

volunteers to acquire funds through various fundraising activities.
In addition to offering a jobseeker an opportunity to utilise their free time
for the benefit of a worthwhile cause, the fundraising activities
undertaken during the volunteer will enable the jobseeker to:
-
Develop presentation skills

Become a more effective communicator
Develop leadership skills
Enhance interpersonal skills
Deal with rejection
These attributes can all be utilised during the jobseeking process and can aid
you in securing employment.
Page 35

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Jobseeker Pack

Chevron Training & Development

Identifying Your Ideal Job

Tailoring Your Skill Set

Researching Training Providers

Links to Sample CV Templates

Common Interview Questions

Interview Preparation Videos

Starting Your Own Business

Additional Tips for Jobseekers

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The Jobseeking Process

The jobseeking process typically involves:

The identification of the job desired

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Identifying your Ideal Job

What type of work do I enjoy doing?

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What type of organisation would I like to work for?

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In these economically challenging times, it is important that jobseekers focus

Renewable Energy/Green Energy/Environmental/Water Conservation

Financial Services & I.T.

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Having identified your preferred job and completed extensive market

Skills and Knowledge acquired from Hobbies and Other Interests

This exercise will provide a comprehensive list of the individuals

careers. The results of a profiling assessment will enable the jobseeker to

Researching Training Providers

Flexibile Delivery Method Options

Course Duration & Frequency

Qualification/ Certification/ Accreditation

Additional Course Benefits

Course Designer & Course Materials

Trainer Qualifications and Experience

Training Facilities & Resources

Speed of Exam Results & Certification

Payment & Funding Options

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Recognised Training Provider e.g. Industry Awards

Finding Jobs in Ireland

Target your search

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Employers and recruiters tend to use specific channels to advertise

Loadzajobs.ie, Irishjobs.ie and Publicjobs.ie to create a profile, upload a

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Transparent A CV should have a clear layout

The traditional format of a printed CV still remains the most popular

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Links to Sample CV Templates

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Covering Letters when sending a CV on spec

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Visit the companys website

Candidates should utilise this information to identify the needs of a company

Search for a profile on the company website

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SELL YOURSELF!! Identify a skills gap within the company and

Establish a professional telephone manner

Select a suitable environment

Find common ground