From #topperformer
Using the Star technique to shine at job interviews: a how-to guide
Kirstin on Fullback and Friends: STAR. One of my favourite application and interview techniques that produce excellent results. It is a really useful tool for the job seeker, and makes application and interview selection a much simpler process for the hiring manager. By using STAR, you are making it so much easier for the hiring manager to identify you as a suitable candidate. http://careers.theguardian.com/careers-blog/star-technique-competency-based-interview
The ultimate collection of freelance tips for creative businesses
Kirstin on Fullback and Friends: This is such a useful e-resource for any creative sme’s or freelancers, so many useful resources at a click of a button. http://creativeboom.co.uk/tips/the-ultimate-collection-of-freelance-tips-for-creative-businesses/
How to Get the Most Out of a Networking Conversation—No Matter Who You Meet
Kirstin on Fullback and Friends: Some great scenario examples no matter what stage you are at with your career. Within our jobs and as part of our career development, we are always encouraged to network, but for most of us, networking can bring out the fear. It does not have to be a scary process, and after a bit of practice you might even start enjoying it. This article is well timed, as I have just returned from meeting a work experience placement provider. This was very last, minute, and I had no time to plan for it or arrive with a business card or marketing resources, but it produced a positive result for me. I now have a useful business contact to help with my service delivery. https://www.themuse.com/advice/how-to-get-the-most-out-of-a-networking-conversationno-matter-who-you-meet
8 Things to Do Every Day to Be Better at Work (and Life)
Kirstin on Fullback and Friends: So much good, and acheivable advice here, and I am pleased to say that I already follow some of the advice mentioned. I use postive affirmations/power post cards and pin them to my desk noticeboard. Plus a framed ‘Smile, Sparkle, & Shine’ picture for my desk. This works great for visuals. I am a stationery addict, and can’t resist personalising my desk with folders and notepads, and I rely on my to do list daily. I also prefer an early train commute, which allows time for a pre-work walk in the city, followed by coffee and crafting time in my favourite coffee shop, and all this before the day job begins (puts me in a good mood, and ready to start my day). https://www.themuse.com/advice/8-things-to-do-every-day-to-be-better-at-work-and-life
How to write a CV for a job in PR
Kirstin on Fullback and Friends: Looking to build a successful career in PR? Start thinking how you need to tailor your CV to suit this specific sector. Being able to showcase your creavitiy is important, but you need to balance this with strong supporting evidence, otherwise your CV will not reach that shortlisted pile. http://careers.theguardian.com/writing-cv-pr-careers/print
Cheeky tips: 10 weird ways to beat interview nerves
Kirstin on Fullback and Friends: Interviews!! They can turn the strongest of individuals into quivering wrecks. So how can we turn interviews into positive experiences? Part of my service delivery is providing 1-2-1 interview guidance and mock interviews. This can be a valuable exercise and can really help an individual feel more confident with public speaking, and to also feel more relaxed when it comes to professional body language. Once you have your personal ‘story board’ which will help navigate you through those tricky competency questions, you are half way there. Really get to know your work, academic and extra-curricular related situations/experiences and achievements, and use the STAR process (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to help you plan and then confidently talk through your answers. Other useful tips, take yourself out of your comfort zone practice in front of a mirror, to overcome your fear of eye contact, and practice smiling as you talk (works wonders for telephone interviews). http://careers.theguardian.com/careers-blog/10-quirky-tips-beating-interview-nerves-job
The Secrets to Making Non-Awkward Eye Contact
Kirstin on Fullback and Friends: Interviews can make candidates feel very awkward, and can sometimes be quite intimidating. So how can you keep your nerves hidden and let the outer you shine? Here are some good tips and advice. https://www.themuse.com/advice/the-secrets-to-making-nonawkward-eye-contact
Be selective: what not to include in your CV and job applications
Kirstin on Fullback and Friends: If your goal is to get successful results from your CV/application, then the content you provide is really important. Make sure you provide details that are relevant to the sector/role, and that you focus on achievements that may be directly related, or provide an excellent transferrable example rather than apologising for criteria that you do not have. http://careers.theguardian.com/cv-job-application-mistakes/print
How a Simple Spreadsheet and Some Friends Helped Me Land My Dream Job
Kirstin on Fullback and Friends: This is the type of advice I provide at my 1-2-1s. Job tracker spreadsheets, are perfect for job seekers for keeping control of their job searches. It also helps keep you motivated whilst going through the application/interview selection process, and acts as a useful prompt to follow up application progress once a deadline date has expired. https://www.themuse.com/advice/how-a-simple-spreadsheet-and-some-friends-helped-me-land-my-dream-job
The Easiest Way to Find Your Ideal Career Path
Kirstin on Fullback and Friends: Confused about what type of career you and your skills are well suited to? This infographic will help point you in the right direction, then all you need to do is start tailoring your CV to compliment the sector, and also identify any areas that require development. It could mean that you need to gain some in-house training or a qualification, or undertaking some volutary work, work -shadowing or internship to help you with gaining sector specific experience. For others it may just mean that your CV needs refreshing to build in more skill specific evidence.https://www.themuse.com/advice/the-easiest-way-to-find-your-ideal-career-path
