Professional Resume Writer / Executive Resume Writer / Selection Criteria Writer

Professional Resume Writer / Executive Resume Writer / Selection Criteria Writer

Carolyn Smith

Overcoming Job Interview Nerves

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If you have been invited to a job interview and you have either been looking for a while, or this is your dream job, you might be feeling jittery, and have butterflies in your stomach.  After all – this interview could change your life!

If you are feeling this way, you are not alone. Whether you’re a CEO, software engineer, branding guru, or even HR Manager, the reality is that even the best-prepared job candidate can get nervous and come across as a blubbering idiot. Back before I was an entrepreneur and business owner, job interviews would give me stage fright and as a natural introvert, I still find myself with clammy palms before a big presentation.

Looking back, some of the best job interviews I had, was when I did not really need the job. With an almost cavalier attitude I enjoyed the job interview and came across as personable and confident.  Likewise, when the interview mattered (in my head anyway), I became a bumbling idiot. 

So how to you calm the nerves, avoid stage fright, and perform like a super star?

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Addressing the interview question – ‘what is your greatest weakness?

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I’m surprised employers still use this question, as it is hardly a surprise question, but apparently, they do. The question, tell me about your greatest weakness is based on interviewers wanting to know ‘what’s wrong with you’.

Now while most job seekers have anticipated that this question is going to be asked, most people still don’t answer this interview question well. In this article, I’m going to share the best approaches and the worst approaches to answering this standard interview question.

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Applying for your first Australian government job? Read this first

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There are some exciting government jobs (and not so exciting government jobs). But if you are not currently in a government role (Federal, State, or Local Level), you need to understand some of the key principles and pitfalls before you apply for a government job. 

CHECK YOUR ELIGIBILITY FIRST

Many jobs within the public service sector are restricted to candidates that are Australian citizens, or Australian citizenship is pending.  Other agencies limit applications to Australian citizens and Australian residents.  

Unfortunately, some application packs I encounter don’t specify these eligibility requirements relating to citizenship. If this information is not contained on the agency’s web site or in the application pack and you are not an Australian citizen, check with the relevant contact officer to ensure that you are eligible to apply for the role in question.  

Other eligibility criteria include having the appropriate level of security clearance, health checks, COVID-19 vaccine, or relevant qualifications, such as a bachelor’s degree. 

If you don’t meet the eligibility requirement relating to citizenship/residency, then an agency head is able to appoint an APS employee if it is considered appropriate to do so.

Meeting requirements for government jobs

What this means in reality, is that unless you are an outstanding applicant, and a suitable candidate could not be found amongst the band of Australian citizens (due to skills shortages) then you will not be eligible for appointment. 

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The top 5 reasons your resume is not working

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Over the years I’ve viewed thousands of resumes.  Most are ordinary (at best), occasionally worth a second glance and a minority totally cringe worthy. Without doubt, most job-seekers dramatically undersell themselves. Not only do job seekers not know how to sell themselves on paper, but they are also failing to ensure their resume lands up in front of the right person (the decision-maker).

Working backwards, these are my top 5 reasons why your current resume is not working.

Storytelling in your resume

#No. 5 Your resume is full of irrelevant content and fluff

At number 5, the reason your resume is not working, is because more likely than not, your resume is full or irrelevant content and fluff.  By irrelevant, I mean information that is not applicable to the job you are applying for and by fluff, I mean content that is not direct, does not add value, or states the obvious.

Take this summary of skills from a graduate who is seeking a position within production.

  • Self-disciplined
  • Good time management
  • Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills
  • Able to fulfill multiple roles within a team
  • Physically fit
  • Competent in video editing and Photoshop
  • Gymnastics
  • Great with children (4-years experience in childcare)

The first 5 bullet points are just statements without any quantifiable evidence. These lists are just fluff, as they don’t provide any context or evidence. Make sure you avoid these generic soft skills lists and instead focus on putting your experience into context for readers and outlining your achievements.

The last 2 bullet points, gymnastics and great with children – are skills totally irrelevant to the position being applied for. What benefit are they to the reader? How does this information demonstrate the skills and qualities necessary for the job? The point is they don’t, which is why this information is irrelevant. So scan your resume and remove irrelevant information.

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Key Tips for Preparing for a Video Interview

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Video interviewing is evolving rapidly, and, in this article, I share what you need to know in regard to this rapidly changing technology and the steps you can take to prepare, and stage manage every facet of an video interview, to give you the best possible chance of success.

Types of Video Interviewing

Live Video

Most people equate video interviews, with a live video, namely a two-way electronic communication that allows 2 or more people in different geographic locations to engage in face-to-face visual and audio exchange. This type of interview is useful if distance is a barrier, or for first-round interviews.

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3 Quick fixes on LinkedIn that could triple your success

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If you are a professional, manager, consultant, business owner or executive, then no doubt you are on LinkedIn.

Yet like many users, you only go on LinkedIn or use the platform if interested in changing jobs. Then when you are on the platform and NEED someone such as a Recruiter to be interested in you, you struggle to attract the right sort of opportunities, even when your profile is 100% complete and you are an All-Star.

So today, I’m going to share with you 3 quick fixes that will only take a few minutes to implement, that will improve the amount of engagement and interest that you get from recruiters.

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