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[H1] Unleash your Potential
[H2] Thrive and Perform in your Career
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[H1]
[H1] Unleash Your Potential
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[H2] Life is too short to be unhappy at work
I've met hundreds of people who wasted years feeling stuck in the wrong job because they were unsure what to do. Your career should motivate and excite you. The biggest mistake to make is to think you have to figure it out alone.
[H2] Let me help you discover career options that energize and motivate you
[H3] Get Clear on What you Want from your Career
You have unique talents, passions and possibilities. Uncover ideas and opportunities for future roles.
[H3] Find a Role that Energizes and Excites
Build a winning strategy that clarifies your goals, your vision and how to find you ideal role.
[H3] Get Promoted and Enjoy a Fulfilling Career
Get the job, promotion or career change you need to become your most powerful and best self.
[H2] The 5 Pillars of Career Happiness and Success
I help people achieve success with the 5 pillars of the career wellbeing. It is a framework I created based on 20 years of coaching and teaching clients how to align their career with who they are and what they want.
[H1]
01
Play to your Strengths
02
Work-Life Balance
03
Growth & Development
04Engaging Work
05People Connection
[H3] Book a call with Terry
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[H2] Choose your path to success
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CAREER COACHINGGet the clarity and direction you need to discover your BEST-FIT career that energizes and excites you.
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COMPETENCY INTERVIEWS Build your confidence and prepare for interview success. Expertise in public sector and senior level interviews.
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SENIOR EXECUTIVES  My goal is simple. To equip you for success in securing your next leadership role.
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[H2] I believe everyone deserves to work in a career they love
Hi, I'm Terry, a HR professional, a certified career and executive coach, assistant professor of careers at Dublin City University and a keynote speaker on career wellbeing. I've spent my entire career helping people get promoted and find the right path. If you're ready to take the next step in your career then you've come to the right place.
More about Terry
25years experiencedelivering career & interview expertise, training and coaching
10,000+ peoplecoached and mentored to achieve high performance and success
10,000+career assessmentsexercises, tests and questionnaires completed with clients
I've helped thousands of clients take control of their career and become the best version of themselves
“Terry is a great mentor who is very approachable and genuine, and generous with his time. He provided me with support and guidance that helped me figure out what career path I would like to take. His help and support along with his enthusiasm is greatly appreciated.”
[H4] - Dearbhla Egan
"Terry has a great ability to cut through the confusion and noise and lay out concrete career plans that match real world developments. I got a good understanding of the career opportunities that were available to me and the sectors that best met my existing skillset and ambitions."
[H4] - James
[H2] How it works
Step 1.Make a Booking Choose your package and book your coaching session at a date and time that suits you.
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Step 3.Thrive and Perform in Your CareerGo to work every day feeling stronger, more confident and refreshed, doing work you love
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Yes. I was very unsure about moving jobs. I found Terry number on Google and he offered a free call. It was a great help as I had tied myself in knots about what to do. Terry was extremely helpful and in 15 minutes had helped me see what the right decision was. Furthermore his approach was excellent, he was very clear, pragmatic and easygoing , like talking too a very knowledgeable friend. Thanks very much Terry your advice was invaluable
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joe melican

I had taken a career break and upon returning to the jobs market I wasn't sure which sector best suited my skillset. Terry gave me huge insight into better understanding my strengths and skills and this really boosted my confidence in my choices of jobs to apply for. I would highly recommend Terry especially for anyone that is trying to get back into the job market and unsure of which direction to take, he is so insightful and encouraging and will help you maximise your potential!
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Sandra Tormey

I would 100% recommend Terry’s service to anyone looking to change direction in their career or prepare for interview. I applied for a senior job in the public sector and was unsure whether this was the right post for me. Terry spent time untangling my thoughts & feelings around this & then supported me with creating strong competency examples for my (successful) interview. I 100% would not have got the job without his help in preparing for interview. I found him insightful, interesting & empathetic. Well worth the investment. Thank you Terry
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Orla Barrett

Terry has been a great help to me the last few months. Wether it was my email or phone, any query I had in relation to my future studies for the career I want to pursue, he was able to answer and guide me in what he thought was the right direction. He is reliable and very good at what he does, thanks again Terry!
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Ciaran Finnegan

I recently worked with Terry when I was looking to find a new role, and his support was great. His approach to revamping my CV and LinkedIn profile was strategic and insightful, highlighting strengths for a change into a new career direction. His knowledge and insights of the market gave me a fresh perspective to navigate the job market.
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Mark Alfred

The training was excellent it really helped in terms of interviews. The insights given at the course enables me to secure the position that I interviewed for
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Alan Di Lucia

I booked a call with Terry because I felt stuck in my career. I was unsure which direction I was headed and I was in need of guidance. I’m very glad that I reached out. Terry helped weigh out my options and provide clarity for the next steps I needed to take. I’d highly recommend Terry for career advice.
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Rob Cahalane

Terry gave me some vital insight before a recent interview I did. The combination of enhancing my CV and preparing STAR examples to demonstrate my skills led to me receiving an offer. I now work in a job in which I feel really engaged and thoroughly enjoy!
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Colmán Ruiséal

Had a great experience with Terry, would highly recommend anyone looking for advice or guidance in their career. So helpful throughout the process and afterwards with any advice I required.
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Crohan O'Kennedy

Terry brings a refreshing approach to his clients which sparks insights and new perspectives that are sure help you get to the next level. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a professional, experienced voice in the coaching space!
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[H2]
[H2] Career Articles
November 14, 2022
[H2] 5 Tips to Succeed at Senior Level Interviews
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5 Tips to Succeed at Senior Level Interviews
October 7, 2022
[H2] Why effective career planning starts with your unique strengths
Read More
Why effective career planning starts with your unique strengths
July 21, 2022
[H2] Struggling to Find a Job? Avoid these 5 Job Hunting Mistakes
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Struggling to Find a Job? Avoid these 5 Job Hunting Mistakes

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Blog Careers and Leadership
[H1] 5 Tips to Succeed at Senior Level Interviews

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by Terry O'BrienNovember 14, 2022
[IMG: Male preparing for an interview]
Imagine this—you have an interview for a senior management, senior leader or senior executive level position that's perfect for you. It could be the career defining role you’ve been waiting for—the promotion that could make all the difference. You think you are the best candidate in the race, with the right experience, in the right place, at the right time. But it doesn’t always work out the way you hoped. People think that being the best candidate means you automatically get the promotion.Unfortunately, that’s not the way it works. To be successful in a senior or executive interview, you need to be the candidate who is best prepared and the most memorable.
[H2] The better prepared you are, the higher your success rate
Senior and managerial positions require different sets of qualifications. Firstly, a more in-depth interview process is called for. The HR person is much more careful about the potential hire because the stakes are higher.There are generally several elements to a senior level interview, sometimes with different people across the company. You have to be prepared for a rigorous examination of your experience and qualifications. Don’t let that scare you. I am going to give you 5 valuable insights to help you prepare and understand what you need to do to get the senior position you want.  I have helped people prepare for interview and succeed with a senior job search - even when the odds were against them.  Here’s what I have found over the past 20 years helping people get senior and managerial positions.
[H2] 1. Clear your schedule
Give this opportunity the time it deserves. Clear your schedule, as much as possible, because you need time to prepare. I have been involved with senior job interview preparation many times and there’s nothing as bad as an underprepared candidate. A skilled interviewer can tell in the first five minutes if the candidate is prepared or not.  The old saying runs true—fail to prepare, prepare to fail. Make this promotion process your top priority Most people underestimate the amount of time required to prepare. Take time out of the office and away from distractions. Get away from people and projects that take up your precious time and concentration. Book off chunks of time to work on your application, interview questions, presentation slide deck, research and cover letter. Take the time to be FULLY prepared to maximize your interview performance. Treat this as your window of opportunity. 
[H2] 2. Give them great reasons to hire you
Understand that there may be 3, 4 or many more candidates in the process.     > What are you going to do to stand out from the crowd?     > What are you offering that makes you a MUST hire? You want the hiring managers to finish the hiring process with a FEAR OF MISSING OUT mindset. You want them thinking 'if we don’t hire this person, our competitors will hire them and we will miss out.'  Here’s some ideas to help you stand out during the interview What is your signature story?What is your value-added offering? What makes you valuable to this company? What is your vision for this position? Another version of this is “what is your first 100 days plan"?What do you bring to the table that makes you the standout candidate?
[H2] 3. Follow the interview guidelines
If you are filling out an application form for the job, its likely the questions are competency-based. A competency-based question has a very specific way of being interpreted. If you don’t answer the question completely, your answer may be rejected. Stick to the STAR method  The STAR method is a method you can use to answer questions by laying out the Situation, Task, Action, and Result.Situation: Set the scene and the situation for the example. Task: Describe what your role was in that situation.Action: Explain what steps you took and keep the focus on what you did.Result: What did you accomplish? What outcomes did you achieve?The HR person interviewing you will be looking for answers they can rate, which means your answer must be in the past. Tell them when you did the project or initiative.Give them the specific example with details. The stronger the answer, the higher the rating. You need to produce strong, ratable answers.Even senior people don’t take the time to give their best answers. This is where help makes a big difference.  A person with experience can quickly tell you what’s good, what’s bad and more importantly how to improve your answers. And like an exam, you might have answered 7 questions perfectly but didn’t answer the other 3 questions right. If you answered all 10 right, you would get higher marks overall. From my experience, the best preparation is to write out competency-based answers to what has been specified on the job specifications. These answers give you a sense of confidence and put you one step ahead of your competitors. Stick to the STAR rules of answering and pick your strongest answers.
[H2] 4. A presentation can make or break you
There is a growing trend where senior candidates are asked to do a 10-minute presentation. The best way to approach a presentation is to see it as an opportunity to confidently emphasize your talents and experience. But be careful. The presentation is both a minefield and a goldmine. It is a minefield because if you mess up your presentation, it hinders your chances of getting the position. It is a goldmine because its a chance to make a great impression and stand out from the other candidates.
[H3] Mistakes to avoid
[H3]
Don't go over the time limit if there is a time guideline.Some people are sticklers when it comes to time and it can really annoy them if you don’t take that seriously. That creates a bad first impression. Another mistake is to rush through a presentation. For example, you prepare a 12-15 minute presentation and rush it to meet a 10 minute guideline by talking quickly. The only thing worse is for the presenter to be stopped mid-presentation. This is bad for two reasons:It shows you didn’t know your own presentation timing which comes across as sloppy.It annoys the interviewers and tells them you are not fully prepared. The implication here is that you can’t do what you have been asked to do for a simple presentation. That reflects poorly on what you might do on more important and bigger projects. It leaves a question mark in the interviewer’s mind and that’s never a good thing.
[H3]
[H3] Make the most of the opportunity
The presentation is an opportunity to impress the interviewer and elevate your standing. Get your key messages across clearly, succinctly and confidently. Identify the characteristics that will help you stand out and show you are a great candidate for the position. Leave them wanting more  Remember, a presentation is generally at the beginning of an interview. This is your first contact with your audience and they want to be wowed. You might be candidate number 3 or 4 or 5 that day. More of the same or "death by powerpoint" is not what you are aiming for. The best 10-minute presentation is a 7 minute presentation. Less is more but still get the important messages across. When you finish your presentation, you want them wanting more. Remind them again why they should hire you.
[H2] 5. Be prepared for your blind-spots
An essential part of interview preparation is "knowing what you know" and "knowing what you don’t know". Let me explain. A good interviewer will see right through a shallow answer. For example, you get asked a standard question like:“What is your leadership style?”And you talk about servant leadership and that your style is to help people. It may look great on paper and you are delighted (in your head) that you could use something from that MBA you earned.What you have to plan for is that the person across the table might know a LOT more about that topic than you do. They might say:“So you are a servant leader. What are the competencies or skills involved in that style of leadership? And can you give me some examples?” Suddenly, your world is swirling and you are scrambling.If I am involved in an interview for a senior position, I like to “rattle a cage” at some point.I’ll ask a few tough questions and also delve deeper into some of the answers (like the servant leader example above).I am not necessarily looking for a perfect answer; a decent answer will do. What I AM looking for is to find out who the "real" you is.I am looking at your responses under pressure and listening for the authentic you.
[H3] Understanding yourself, your strengths and your blind-spots is key
[H3]
If you understand yourself well, you will handle it when the pressure is cranked up—and at some point it WILL be cranked up.A solid in-depth understanding of who you are and what you bring to the table is vital.It goes back to you knowing your values, your vision and your own motivations. The better the answer, the more credible you appear to the interviewer. Your answers need to be real, have depth and be appropriate for a senior level candidate. When you know yourself better, answering these questions becomes a lot easier. When I prepare senior managers and executives for interview, I work on understanding their skills, personality, talents, values, leadership style and experience. Identifying potential blind-spots is an essential part of the process. The less blind-spots you have going into an interview, the better. It gives you greater confidence knowing you have a pocketful of prepared answers that will cover most tricky questions. That all comes from you knowing yourself well and eliminating your blind-spots.
[H3] Conclusion
Senior level and executive positions require a level of experience and proven success in order to be considered as a viable candidate. Preparation is key. You must know about the company, their expectations for the position and the type of professional they have targeted. Smart candidates prepare and practice extensively before the interview. You only get one chance to make a first impression. When preparation meets opportunity, the sky’s the limit for the person looking for a chance to demonstrate why they are the perfect fit for the position.
[H3] Do you need help preparing for a senior interview ?
I work with Managers, Senior and C-suite Executives for both the public and private sector. My approach is tailored to each individual, with a focus on: identifying your unique value-added talents creating your signature story preparing answers working on blind-spots co-creating presentations and doing a number of mock interviews. I take a maximum of 3 senior clients per month given the level of in-depth preparation and support required. Contact me at 087 9097675 or terry@terryobriencareers.com.
competency questions, executive job interview, interview preparation, senior manager interview

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[IMG: Terry O brien]
Terry O'Brien is a career consultant with over 20 years of experience in career development. He is known for his expertise in helping individuals and organizations with career transitions, interview preparation, and talent development programmes. Terry's approach is focused on helping clients identify their strengths and interests, and guiding them towards opportunities that align with their goals.

Terry has developed a unique approach to career coaching called the "CareerWell Framework™," which is a model that integrates personal well-being with career development. This framework takes into account a person’s values, strengths, interests, motivators and overall well-being, to help them achieve a fulfilling and sustainable career path. Terry uses this approach with his clients to ensure that their career goals are aligned with their happiness and success.
Related articles
November 14, 2022
[H2] 5 Tips to Succeed at Senior Level Interviews
You only get one chance to make a first impression. Here are 5 insights to prepare for a senior interview and show you are a perfect fit for the job.
Read more...
October 7, 2022
[H2] Why effective career planning starts with your unique strengths
Dwelling on your weaknesses could leave you stressed, struggling and unfulfilled at work. But focusing on your unique strengths instead could help you find a more rewarding career.
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[H2] Struggling to Find a Job? Avoid these 5 Job Hunting Mistakes
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Blog Careers and Leadership
[H1] Why effective career planning starts with your unique strengths

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by Terry O'BrienOctober 7, 2022
[IMG: Woman on phone talking]
[H2] "I hate my job."
We’ve all been there. Whether it’s the Monday blues or living for the weekend, it’s not a nice place to be.But have you considered why you hate your job?   > Do your find your work is tedious and not challenging enough?   > Is it too changeable, unpredictable and stressful?   > Or too demanding — leaving you perpetually overwhelmed and exhausted? You might be thinking that the problem is you — and that’s perfectly normal. Because as humans we tend to think it’s what we’re missing that’s holding us back.However — and this is good news for you — it’s more likely that the job is not the right fit for you and doesn’t align with your unique strengths.The key to career happiness and success is to focus on your unique strengths and find a role where you can use those strengths.
[H2] What are unique strengths?
Your unique strengths are what you’re naturally good at and enjoy doing.Put simply, job roles that play to your unique strengths make you feel good, energised and inspired.By identifying, developing and refining these strengths, you have the capacity to excel in your career. And this makes you stand out from everybody else — because nobody can be a better you than you!But you know this already.The problem is, we’re more prone to focusing on our weaknesses. And we often waste energy on trying to overcome those weaknesses, when we could be thriving doing what we naturally do best.
[H3] How do we end up stuck in the wrong job?
You can fall into doing the wrong type of work by mistake. And, like a bad dream, you don’t know it until you’re in it.Recently, I was working with a client who ran into this exact problem. It all started when he took a promotion into a management position. Logically, this promotion looked like the next step in his career — his reward for years of loyalty, hard work and commitment.In theory, everything should’ve been great. He was earning more money, had a better title and a higher status.But he’d gone from a technical hands-on job he excelled in, to a role that was mainly people management. And he quickly realised he’d made a mistake.He wasn’t suited to this new role, he didn’t like managing people — and he missed being the technical expert, because that’s what he was good at.Suddenly work felt like a drain. He was constantly stressed and was now confused about what to do next.Should he stay on and struggle or go and look for something else?Bottom line - where his old role played to his strengths, his new role was playing to his weaknesses.Once he got clarity around this, everything became simpler and his choices became much clearer.And that’s why investing time and energy in planning a career is important.
[H2] Career planning for your unique strengths
Career planning is about understanding what you’re good at, then matching those skills, talents and interests to a fulfilling and successful career path.My best advice to you is, if you’re planning a career move, always ask yourself “does this job play to my strengths?”If a new job comes up and you’re wondering whether to go for it, look at the responsibilities of the role and decide if they’re aligned with your strengths.I’ve seen it too many times. People have gone for a job or promotion, because it seemed like the logical next step up the career ladder. But they didn’t realise the new role was actually aligned with some of their weaknesses.This is one of the reasons I ask clients who are going for promotion, “Do you really want this promotion?” If their answer is lukewarm, it means they really don’t know if they want that promotion or if that promotion would suit them. And that could be trouble.If your intuition is telling you not to go for that promotion, or that you’re stuck in the wrong career — listen to it. And trust that there’s a way out, because nothing is permanent and you can change course.Yes that might take time, but you can make it happen for you.People who have successful careers know what their strengths are. They find career paths that leverage these strengths and allow them to thrive.
[H3] The benefits of planning a career based on strengths
[H3]
In my experience, knowing your unique strengths and what you have to offer as an individual will set you apart from the competition and give you more career options. People who play to their strengths:Feel more energised and stimulated at workAre more comfortable and confident in their rolesExperience less stress and overwhelmAchieve more of their goals, because the work they do is easier for themHave more healthy career wellbeing.According to Cliftons Strengths, those who play to their strengths are also six times as likely to be engaged in their jobs and three times as likely to report having an excellent quality of life.Now you understand the benefits of playing to your strengths, you need to understand how to identify those unique strengths.The good news is that when your career decisions are based on your unique strengths, you’ll be inspired by the possibilities. Your options for career progression will become clearer to you and will feel more attainable. And you’ll see a way to progress that’s practical and sustainable.
[H2] How to recognise your unique strengths
[H2]
Let me ask you a few questions to get you thinking.   > What was the best day you’ve ever had at work?   > What was it that made it so great?   > What specific tasks were you doing and which of your skills were you using?This is a good way to start identifying some of your strengths.You can also think about the tasks that:You’ve found most enjoyable and satisfyingHave made you feel energised and enthusiasticHave challenged you in a stimulating wayDon’t feel like workYou get the most positive feedback forColleagues come to you for help withMake you feel most focused and driven.Think about the career skills you have and enjoy using, for example:People/social skillsProblem solvingCritical thinkingTechnical skillsDesign/developmentManagement.In addition, consider activities you do outside work, such as hobbies or volunteering. Are there transferable skills you enjoy, such as relationship-building or organising events?Finally, also think about your personality as a strength, so try completing a personality test to help you understand yourself better.Now here’s the good part that can be very interesting: Talk to colleagues, friends and family who you can trust to be honest with you. Ask them what they would say your strengths are. Don’t be surprised if new stuff pops up. Their insights and perspective might alert you to strengths you wouldn’t have thought of by yourself.And remember, you’re the expert here and the person who makes the final decision about your career. Only you know what’s right for you and only you can decide exactly what you want.You can’t expect to succeed when you’re struggling to do something that doesn’t come naturally to you. In my experience, you stand out from the crowd when you’re thriving and making a difference at work — and that’s usually because you’re playing to your strengths. The first thing to do is develop the right mindset.
[H2] Developing a career planning mindset
You might be wondering, what is a career planning mindset?Let me explain: if you’re taking a new approach to planning your career, it’s important to have the right mindset.In essence, this is about being open to looking at your career from a different viewpoint.What I’ve found is that careers need extra care and attention every now and again.You need to take some time to work on your career as well as in your career.Here are three exercises and tips you might find helpful.
[H3] 3 Career mindset exercises and tips
[H3]
[H4] 1. Determine what might be holding you back
If you’ve been stuck in the wrong job for a while, it’s good to analyse how much of your time and energy you’re spending doing the wrong type of work.Ask yourself, what elements of your job play to your strengths? And what parts of your job play to your weaknesses?Ultimately, you want to spend the majority of your time and energy playing to your strengths.
[H4] 2. Remember, it’s human to have strengths and weaknesses
Let yourself off the hook. Nobody’s perfect.Take time to thoroughly explore your strengths and your weaknesses. The more you understand about them, the easier they will be to manage.You can develop your strengths and a career to match over time. And you’ll know what jobs to avoid by knowing your weaknesses.
[H4] 3. Avoid comparing yourself with others
This is a lot easier to say than do.But comparing yourself with others will only ever demotivate you. Because someone else will always seem to have it better and be having more success.Remember, you’re on your own unique career path, focusing on your own unique strengths. And, in the end, the only true comparison you can make is to compare your new self with your old self and see how far you’ve come.You’re playing in a single player game where you get to keep the score — so give yourself a good score!
[H2] How to start improving you career today
[H2] When you’ve identified your key strengths, you can start planning a career you feel excited about. And, as you’ve probably realised, the employment and careers area has changed rapidly over the last twenty years. Nobody can fully future-proof their career because nobody can predict the future. However, you can manage your career better by taking a few simple steps.
[H3] 5 Steps you can take today
Here are five things you can do today that will help you start working towards your career aspirations.1. Talk to your manager about your personal developmentYour manager has a big impact on your career.So how, according to your manager, is your career going? You might be positively or negatively surprised by their answer.Talking to your manager is a good place to start if you’d like to further your experience in certain areas, learn more about a different aspect of the job or get more detailed feedback on your performance.2. Think about the tasks you most enjoyCan you find ways to incorporate more of these tasks into your day-to-day work?3. Think about the tasks you don’t enjoyCould your co-workers support you in some way to make these tasks less daunting?4. Use your strengths to overcome your weaknessesThere may be ways to use your strengths that will help you succeed in areas where you feel weaker.5. Focus on what you find most stimulatingBe careful to avoid getting fixated on job titles and more established career paths. Focusing on what energises and excites you will be the key to effective career planning going forward.Taking charge of your career is like captaining a boat. If you put up your sail and see where the wind takes you, you risk ending up adrift or washed up in the wrong place. But if you take the helm and fire up the engine, you can steer yourself towards a brighter and more successful future.
[H3] Do you need help with your career?
If you're looking to improve your career, maybe I can help. I’m Terry O’Brien and I work with individuals to help them achieve their potential and flourish in their career. If you'd like to achieve greater success and happiness in at work, contact me at terry@terryobriencareers.com or book a complimentary call.
Career planning, Career Progression, Career Skills, Planning a Career, Unique Strengths

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[IMG: Terry O brien]
Terry O'Brien is a career consultant with over 20 years of experience in career development. He is known for his expertise in helping individuals and organizations with career transitions, interview preparation, and talent development programmes. Terry's approach is focused on helping clients identify their strengths and interests, and guiding them towards opportunities that align with their goals.

Terry has developed a unique approach to career coaching called the "CareerWell Framework™," which is a model that integrates personal well-being with career development. This framework takes into account a person’s values, strengths, interests, motivators and overall well-being, to help them achieve a fulfilling and sustainable career path. Terry uses this approach with his clients to ensure that their career goals are aligned with their happiness and success.
Related articles
November 14, 2022
[H2] 5 Tips to Succeed at Senior Level Interviews
You only get one chance to make a first impression. Here are 5 insights to prepare for a senior interview and show you are a perfect fit for the job.
Read more...
October 7, 2022
[H2] Why effective career planning starts with your unique strengths
Dwelling on your weaknesses could leave you stressed, struggling and unfulfilled at work. But focusing on your unique strengths instead could help you find a more rewarding career.
Read more...
July 21, 2022
[H2] Struggling to Find a Job? Avoid these 5 Job Hunting Mistakes
Job hunting is hard — especially if you’re making any of these 5 job hunting mistakes. In this article, I’ll reveal my approach for getting results, fast — no matter what job you want or wherever you are at in your career.
Read more...

Blog Careers and Leadership
[H1] Struggling to Find a Job? Avoid these 5 Job Hunting Mistakes

[IMG: Terry O]

by Terry O'BrienJuly 21, 2022
[H2]
[H2] Looking for a new job?
If you’re looking for a new job this year, you’re not alone.Research by LinkedIn revealed that more than 60% of Irish workers are considering changing their jobs in 2022.And in the UK, almost a third of employees will be looking for new jobs in the first half of the year.That’s a lot of competition you’re up against.But that’s missing the point. It’s not about how many people you’re up against, it’s about applying for the right roles with the right companies.It’s tough to get your ideal job if you don’t know the right things to do.So, if you’ve been struggling to get a job, what I’m about to tell you will help you transform your approach.Because there’s a better way to get results fast — whatever your age, whatever stage you’re at in your career, and whatever the state of the job market. And it all starts by avoiding these five job hunting mistakes.
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[H2] The top 5 job hunting mistakes
If you’re struggling to find a job, here’s what you might be doing wrong and what you should try doing instead.
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[H3] 1. Spending too much time applying for jobs online
[IMG: Job Search on laptop]
Are you spending your job search time on job sites? Are you applying for jobs that match your skills, but not getting any interviews or offers?Searching and applying for jobs online is the approach most people use to find work. But this is part of the problem.Because when you apply for jobs online, you’re competing against hundreds of other applicants. And this drastically reduces your chances of success.According to TopInterview, 75% of CVs are rejected before they even reach the hiring manager. And only around five of all those applicants will actually get a face-to-face interview. Yikes!But this isn’t even the biggest problem with applying for advertised jobs.The biggest problem is that 80% of vacancies are filled without ever being advertised.That’s right. You’ll probably never hear about 80% of vacancies, because they’re never publicly advertised or posted online.This is what we call the hidden jobs market — and it’s something you should know about.
[H4] What is the hidden jobs market?
This is where companies fill their job roles either internally, through referrals or through direct applications (CVs that are sent on spec to the HR manager).So how do you tap into this treasure trove of great jobs?Before I tell you how, let me first explain what happens in the hiring process so you can understand the bigger picture.Hiring new staff costs companies a lot of time and money. They know that when they place an ad, they’ll potentially receive hundreds of applications. These will all need to be read and reviewed to find a handful of applicants for interview.It’s not surprising that many companies prefer to avoid all that.And, before they post a vacancy online, a hiring manager will typically refer to their contacts, colleagues and databases to find suitable candidates.Not only is this less of a chore, but it often means they can find someone who comes recommended by someone they know.
[H4] How to access the hidden jobs market
The best way to access the hidden jobs market is by networking, making contacts and building relationships — both on and offline.So what does this mean in practical terms for you?I would suggest you spend 80% of your job search time doing this and no more than 20% applying for jobs online.Even if you don’t like networking, reaching out to an old work colleague or friend can open up a world of possibilities.I’ve seen this strategy work for countless people and even with a little work, it can give you a big pay off.
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[H3] 2. Starting your job search without a plan
[IMG: Job Search Strategies]
How much thought have you given to the jobs you’re applying for? Are they jobs that will interest and inspire you? And are the companies you’re applying to the kind you really want to work for?On any given working day, we spend around 50% of our waking hours at work. So you shouldn’t just be focusing on how to find an average job — but on how to find a job you love.And that’s why you need a plan.
[H4] How to find a job you love
Any effective job search should start with a clear plan. So, I’d advise you to start by asking yourself some questions.What do you most want to change about your job? What do you want to be doing during your working day? And what don’t you want to be doing?Will the work be challenging enough for you? Will you find it meaningful and rewarding? Will there be opportunities to learn, develop and progress?Do the company’s values align with your own? And does it have the kind of culture you want to work in?Think about the location. If there’s a commute, how easy is it, how long will it take and how much will it cost? Is it reasonable for you and will you be happy commuting in the long term?Answering questions like these will give you more clarity and help you focus on what you really want and where you’re likely to find it.So before you leave your current company, start thinking about these questions.There’s an old saying in recruitment which goes like this... you need a reason to leave your current job and a reason to join your next company.Ask yourself these questions and it will help you get clear what your ideal job is in your next company.Then it’s easier for you to build a job hunt plan around that ideal job.
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[H3] 3. Not taking time to tailor your CV
[IMG: Send Your CV microphone]
Are you really selling yourself on your CV? Does it give you an edge over all those other applicants? Is it making companies or recruiters want to get in touch with you?A good CV is the bread and butter of your job hunt. Yet I’m amazed by how many average CVs are used by people applying for jobs.You could be a superstar in real life, but an average CV makes you look average, too.If you’re sending the exact same version of your CV with every job application, you’re not likely to be successful — because there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all CV.In a survey by CareerBuilder.com, employers were asked what attributes would cause them to pay more attention to certain CVs.61% said a CV that’s customised for the open position49% said a CV that’s accompanied by a covering letter26% said a CV that’s addressed to the hiring manager by name.If you want results, you should tailor your CV and covering letter for each job you apply for.
[H4] How to tailor your CV
There are various things you can do to tailor your CV.For example, you could rewrite your summary, highlight certain skills, or include more relevant experience and achievements.Look at the job description and what it’s asking for. Make sure your CV includes suitable information and examples that will show the company you’re the right candidate for the job.I can tell you that taking the time to tailor your CV works. Partly because it will show that you’ve made an effort and you’re serious about the job. And partly because so many other applicants won’t bother.Make that effort to improve your CV and it will make a big difference to you.
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[H3] 4. Not using LinkedIn effectively
[IMG: Interview people]
Do you have a LinkedIn profile? Is it fully filled out and up to date? Is it doing you justice, or does it need improvement?In the past, recruitment agencies had their own databases of candidates. But now, Linkedin has replaced all that and everybody has their profile online.What does that mean for you?It means that having a Linkedin profile isn’t a nice to have, it’s a must-have.Linkedin is one of the most important tools in your armoury, when you’re job hunting. So are you using it properly?Networking on LinkedIn is one of the best ways to access the hidden jobs market and the 80% of jobs that are never advertised.So if you’re not on the platform and using it effectively, you could be missing out on those golden opportunities.
[H4] How to use LinkedIn effectively
There are lots of ways you can use LinkedIn more effectively when you’re job hunting. Here are a few examples:Make sure your profile is complete and up to dateUse searchable keywords and hashtags that companies can use to find youUse searchable keywords and hashtags that companies can use to find youHave a well-written bio, banner and headline that explain what you have to offer and the kind of work you’re looking forBuild up your connections by reaching out to companies and/or people you’d like to work withPost content that shows your skills and helps to get your name out thereReply thoughtfully to any comments you receiveUse the search function and subscribe to job alertsLog in regularly to check your messages and notifications.Using Linkedin properly is like having an advertisement running 24/7 — letting the world know what you have to offer.And if you use Linkedin to your full advantage, you’ll get called about jobs much more often.
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[H3] 5. Not using recruiters to your best advantage
[IMG: We want you]
I have something to admit. I owned my own recruitment agency for over 10 years and I think that most people don’t know how to use them correctly.Recruitment agencies are a brilliant resource in your job hunt, if you know what you’re looking for and how they can help.So why use a recruitment agency?Because they have access to vacancies you won’t find anywhere else.They also have the inside story on what companies are looking for. What I mean is that a lot of advertised job specifications are kept generic to appeal to a lot of people. But when you talk to a recruiter, they can give you the inside track to put you ahead of the competition.A recruitment agency also gives impartial advice on your CV and interview preparation.
[H4] How to use a recruitment agency in your job search
To use recruiters effectively, you should find suitable agencies that deal specifically with the field or industry you want to work in.Make sure your current CV is up to date and in the agency’s preferred file format. This is usually a plain text word document that will work with their automated screening system. These systems enable them to filter the most suitable applicants for each position.Send copies of your CV to all the suitable agencies that cover your area — not just one or two.If the recruiter thinks you’ll fit the criteria their clients are looking for they’ll file your CV and contact you when they have a suitable vacancy. If not, they won’t contact you. It’s nothing personal, it’s just the way it works.Recruitment agencies can be a great asset in your job hunt.Make the effort to build a relationship with several agencies to maximise your chance of success. Keep in regular contact with them and make sure they know who you are and what you’re looking for.When they have the right job available, the first people they reach out to are the applicants they know, like and trust.
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[H2] Summary
If you’re job hunting, you want to be in control and feel like you’re making things happen.There are several ways to achieve this:Be clear about what you’re looking for and where you want to workUse LinkedIn for online networking, making new connections and accessing the hidden jobs marketSpend more time building relationships with key decision-makers, recruiters and other people who can help youGo the extra mile by customising your CV and covering letter.
[H3] Do you need help with your career?
If you're looking to find a new job, maybe I can help. I’m Terry O’Brien and over the last two decades I've helped hundreds of people land their dream job. If you'd like support with your job hunting plan, CV, LinkedIn or interview skills, contact me at terry@terryobriencareers.com or book a complimentary call.
CVs, Hidden jobs market, job applications, Job hunting, job search

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[IMG: Terry O brien]
Terry O'Brien is a career consultant with over 20 years of experience in career development. He is known for his expertise in helping individuals and organizations with career transitions, interview preparation, and talent development programmes. Terry's approach is focused on helping clients identify their strengths and interests, and guiding them towards opportunities that align with their goals.

Terry has developed a unique approach to career coaching called the "CareerWell Framework™," which is a model that integrates personal well-being with career development. This framework takes into account a person’s values, strengths, interests, motivators and overall well-being, to help them achieve a fulfilling and sustainable career path. Terry uses this approach with his clients to ensure that their career goals are aligned with their happiness and success.
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