Archive for June, 2016

Should you attend a Careers Expo?

Posted: June 9, 2016 in Careers, Conferences, Education, Exhibitions (MICE)
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Are you a new graduate?

Are you a professional looking at taking the next step in you career?

Do you want to change careers?

If you answered Yes to any of the above questions, a Careers Expo may enable you to determine how to get there. You can get career advice; learn about employment opportunities, and further education.

To make the most of your experience at a Careers Expo remember these four (4) points.

Determine your next move

Know exactly what you want to get out of the Expo, for example if you know you need to make a change, but you’re not sure what it is, a Career Expo could be a good start. There are a range of organisations and Career Councillors to talk to who can provide you with information. Share your thoughts and work together to determine what career path suits you. Talk to other attendees for inspiration.

Gather information

Many companies are represented at Careers Expo’s. Therefore there are plenty of people to talk to across a range of industries. Find out exactly what you want to know, get knowledge about a company and what they offer beyond what is on their website. Collect brochures to review later.

Perhaps some further study is appropriate. Visit the universities, TAFEs and private education providers present at the Expo. Speak to their representatives; they are there to ensure you are well informed of their programs (both recruitment and/or education) and to help you make the right decision as you pursue your career. Keep in mind that sometimes the process of elimination helps!

Attend the free seminars if they’re available, they may provide career advice, job seeking tips and further background to organisations.

Get a job

There are often large corporate organisations at Career Expos who are looking to recruit new employees. Ensure you have a copy of your resume (and remember that you may be asked to apply online), present yourself well and make professional enquires about what the position is and what the company has to offer you. You can normally view a list of companies in attendance on the Career Expo website before the event, review this list, and research the companies that appeal to you before speaking with them.

Network

There is great value in meeting people who are pursuing the same career as you, and those already entrenched in similar roles. Be ready to provide your contact details to foster a relationship. Use the Expo, and the people you meet, to gather any information that might assist you in achieving your career goals.

Acing your job interview

Posted: June 2, 2016 in Business, Careers
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Here are 7 tips on how to ace a job interview.

1) Research/prepare

Make sure you understand what the role entails and the organisation’s goals. Research the company online and speak to people you know who have dealt with the company or held a similar role. Prepare questions you would like to ask during the interview to determine if this is a role you’d enjoy and a place you would like to work.

2) Relax

Do your best to relax; ensure you arrive early so you’re not flustered before your interview begins. Remind yourself that you are good enough to be there (well done for the resume). Focus on your breathing to relax and remember that the person interviewing you wants you to be comfortable as it assists you to present yourself at your best.

3) Present yourself well

First impressions are made within seconds of meeting. Dress for success! Wear neat, clean, conservative, professional clothes. We suggest you wear a suit, crisp shirt, clean shoes, have neat hair and minimal accessories. Make sure your bag is professional. Offer a firm handshake. If you need to, practise shaking hands so that you can confidently deliver a firm handshake. Speak clearly and be positive. During an interview speak respectfully of your current and former places of employment and colleagues. Before any of this make sure you put your phone on silent!

4) Practise

Spend time practising how you will answer questions such as:

  • Tell me about yourself
  • Why do you want to work in this industry?
  • What are your best qualities?
  • Explain a situation in which you excelled
  • Explain a situation when you overcame a workplace problem
  • What can you bring to the role?
  • What do you offer that others may not?
  • What do you do when you’re not working?

5) Take your time

Sometimes our nerves can get the better of us, so try and relax. You don’t have to rush. We recommend that you take your time to think about what you’ve been asked and how best to answer. It is likely you will be asked questions you haven’t practised; don’t let that throw you. Keep in mind that answers don’t always have to relate to work; think about situations socially (organising a group holiday, for example), or those to do with clubs you’re a member of (planning a fundraising event, organising the team to work together better).

6) Ask questions

Be ready to ask questions; it’s likely you’ll be asked if you have any at the end of the interview (you can ask questions throughout as well). Think about what you would like to know before the interview.

Examples of questions you might like to ask could include:

  • What are the challenges in the role?
  • Why is the role available?
  • What are the current major projects?
  • How many people are in the team?
  • What is the recruitment process and when will I hear from you?

7) Follow up

Send a thank you email to the person who interviewed you. Thank them for their time and the opportunity. Let them know you’re excited about the opportunity and you’re looking forward to hearing from them.