Have you been invited to a public sector interview? It’s one of the toughest and most structured interviews you are likely to experience. That’s why it’s important you prepare and practise to maximise your chances of securing the job. Some of the information shared in this article isn’t common sense, so takes some quality time to read through this article.

Telephone interviews are a quick and convenient method of screening candidates. Telephone interviews are a cost-effective method for you and the business. However, avoid these common mistakes to increase your success.

What to do if your mind goes blank during a job interview. It happens to the best of us, don’t let it affect the rest of your interview. We’ve included a few strategies to apply to help you get through this common problem in job interviews.

How to deal with rejection. There are not many people that enjoy being rejected. Clearly you are working towards a goal or objective and you’ve just missed out on hitting your target. However, it’s important to take the time to reflect positively and objectively.

How to prepare for a first job interview. It’s both an exciting and nervous time.

With our current social distancing measures set to be with us for some time, we expect video interviews to be the main method. Whether it’s Skype, Zoom, FaceTime, WhatsApp or MS Teams, this blog will help you think about how to prepare and handle this type of interview.

Job interviews can be tough. It’s important to research, prepare and practice your answers. Recruiters and hiring managers will know and appreciate you taking the time to prepare. Here are some great tips from Chris Stappard from Edward Reed Recruitment.

When you are actively seeking a new job, you need to keep in mind the purpose of the interview. In its simplest terms, they are looking for the right skills, experience and knowledge for that job.

These days it’s unlikely you’ll receive comprehensive feedback after the interview. It’s just not practical for most businesses to offer this to every candidate. So, there are a few things you can consider doing after the interview.

What are the benefits of hiring an interview coach? 1. Identify your requirements. 2. Tailor a bespoke coaching session. 3. An opportunity to practice your interview skills. 4. Specific and objective feedback on your performance.

Have you ever been rejected because you are too senior or overqualified? It’s not necessarily discrimination. There could be a number of genuine business reasons that this could be an issue.

CIPD predict in approximately 10 years half the workforce will be contractors. Have you considered going self-employed? Would you like to join the Gig Economy?

As a career consultant for military service leavers, I get asked: “Should I share my tours of duty?”

Will having a tattoo affect your job success? There is no direct answer to this question. There are mixed opinions about tattoos. This is understandable when you consider for the first time in modern history we are working alongside 5 generations.

How to research the jobs market using a PESTLE analysis. In today’s fast-changing world of work, you’ll need to keep up to date with what’s impacting your sector. This is the ideal tool to understand the big picture changes.

Don’t waste this opportunity to further tailor your application and demonstrate your genuine interest in the job and the company.

Spring has taken it’s time to make an appearance this year. So, is it now time to spring clean your career planning?

It’s all about the chemistry! An interview is a bit like a first date! There’s a lot of information being shared during this interaction.

How to use LinkedIn as a student and more importantly, how to land a job when you have graduated.

How to write a LinkedIn summary with no work experience. Networking is one of the most important activities and you can network on LinkedIn. It’s never too soon to build up your networks and you never know where it could take you.

LinkedIn has added a new feature. You can now add Stories to your profile. However, think carefully before sharing random stories! Everything you do on social media needs to align with your purpose and personal brand.

According to LinkedIn, profiles with photos are 14 times more likely to be viewed than those without a profile picture. And, for this reason, your photo settings need to be “Visible to Public”  It’s also a good idea to follow some of the guidance on profile photos.

How to improve your LinkedIn profile in under 5 minutes. LinkedIn is the most powerful tool you have during the lockdown and beyond. LinkedIn should be your ‘go-to’ platform to connect, engage, and network.

How to network on LinkedIn. It’s simply not enough to set up a great profile and then let LinkedIn work on auto-pilot. You need to show up and engage with the people you are trying to attract. So, whether you are looking for a job or clients, you’ll need to network.

Will having no online presence affect your job search? Technology has dramatically and significantly advanced and had a huge impact on the world of work. Ignore the opportunities and you will most definitely miss out and get left behind faster than you can run!

Using social media as part of your job search is essential today. Recruiters are looking for you and if you don’t maximise your accounts you’ll be sure to miss out on opportunities.

It’s essential in today’s competitive jobs market to use multiple job searching methods and get found on LinkedIn.

Are you considering a career with the RAF? We interviewed Gavin Crawley a former Intelligence Analyst and asked about his experience. Here’s a really valuable insight.

Are you considering joining the police? Do you have the necessary skills and behaviours to take on the challenges of a police officer? Read this blog from someone who has been there and done it.

Would you like to know how to become a bookkeeper? We’ll share what essential behavioural competencies you’ll need to be a good bookkeeper. And share resources to help you get to be a good bookkeeper.

What is the role of HR in a crisis and how you as an HR professional can contribute positively? There has never been a better time to share your knowledge and expertise. We consume a high volume of information and most of us will be seeking out quality data and the truth…

How to deal with rejection. There are not many people that enjoy being rejected. Clearly you are working towards a goal or objective and you’ve just missed out on hitting your target. However, it’s important to take the time to reflect positively and objectively.

Why is it important to take time out for self-reflection? How do you know you are on track? How do you measure and monitor success? If you are always looking forward how will you learn or improve or develop?

Don’t quit when you’re angry! Understanding the triggers and giving yourself some space and time will be highly beneficial.

During and after lockdown, networking to secure employment is essential to your success. Networking will uncover those hidden jobs and opportunities. Take advantage of networking on LinkedIn while we continue to practice social distancing.

The concept of the Career Anchors was introduced by Edgar Schein. A Career Anchor is something that develops over time and evolves into a self-concept, shaping an individual’s personal identity or self-image
and includes:

* Talents, skills, and abilities: the things that we believe we are good at, and not so good at.
* Motives and needs: what is important to us and take the form of goals, e.g. money, status, challenge, autonomy.
* Attitudes and values: the kind of organization that we feel comfortable with, one that matches our own values and beliefs.

Christmas is the perfect chance to wow your co-workers and wear something special. But how do you know if you’re getting the right balance between professional and festive? In this article, Steve Cochrane from luxury fashion retailer Psyche offers his tips for looking your best at your work Christmas party.

How to network on LinkedIn. It’s simply not enough to set up a great profile and then let LinkedIn work on auto-pilot. You need to show up and engage with the people you are trying to attract. So, whether you are looking for a job or clients, you’ll need to network.

What’s the purpose of conducting a SWOT analysis? If done correctly the SWOT analysis tool is an incredibly powerful tool. It can help you identify a new career direction or it can help you create a personal development plan.

Joanie is a part-time employee with a mission to end the Sunday Night Blues and start a new way of working. She uses what she’s learned from her experience to help employees have happiness, fulfillment, and high-performance in their jobs, with a revolutionary approach to goal achievement. Learn more at: useyourjob.com/about

Her books, Use Your Job: A 90-Day Challenge, and As Its People: A 90-Day Challenge, are available in paperback or Kindle at: www.amazon.com/author/joanelmore

Are you monitoring the reasons employees are leaving your company? The exit interview is the last chance to understand why people are leaving your organisation.

If you ask these questions to the “polished” or “prepared” candidates they’ll get out the PowerPoint Presentation, the laser pointer, and talk you through the ready-made textbook answer! Here’s one I made up earlier!
Wouldn’t you rather get to know the real person? The real person that you will be working with you Monday to Friday 9 to 5!

What are the biggest mistakes during the hiring process? Knowing what could go wrong will help you to avoid the biggest mistakes!

10 Simple and Practical ways to reduce the costs of hiring.

Have you ever been rejected because you are too senior or overqualified? It’s not necessarily discrimination. There could be a number of genuine business reasons that this could be an issue.

What are you saying to your unsuccessful candidates? Every candidate post-interview deserves some feedback to understand how a decision was made about their fit.