
Students across Northern Ireland have received exam results and, depending upon the results received, asking themselves ‘What now?’ and ‘Where do I go from here?’ Johnny Nolan, Careers Manager for Newry in the Department for Employment and Learning’s Careers Service, congratulated students on their exam results and answered some frequently asked questions which are raised […]

This year’s summer exam results are due to be released this week and for thousands of university applicants throughout Northern Ireland, the wait has been long and arduous. However, for many young people pursuing a degree in medicine or dentistry, securing the right results is just the first step in what can be a daunting […]

Schools may be shut for the summer, but for school leavers, and indeed anyone needing careers advice, the doors to the Department for Employment and Learning’s Careers Service remain firmly open. Some may think that the Careers Service is only for those at or leaving school, but as Johnny Nolan, Careers Manager for Newry, Downpatrick, […]

Johnny Nolan, Careers Manager for Newry in the Department for Employment and Learning’s Careers Service offers the following advice for anyone preparing for a telephone interview. “For the employer a telephone interview can be more convenient and can save time and is cost effective. It gives them the chance to test your verbal communication skills […]

After what seems like an endless winter, spring is hopefully just around the corner and some people may be thinking that it’s time for a change of career. Johnny Nolan, Careers Manager for Newry, Downpatrick, Kilkeel and Newcastle in the Department for Employment and Learning’s Careers Service, offers some useful tips for both those thinking […]

Increasingly recruiters are using competency based interviews to assess potential candidate’s suitability for roles. The word competency means the skills that are necessary to achieve an effective performance level in the job. Every job will have a set of key competencies and this is what the interview and in many cases the application form will […]

Through providing successful interview coaching to hundreds of candidates across many sectors and at all levels I know that there are three keys to managing interview nerves and harnessing that little adrenalin rush that all candidates get to really make it work for you and not hinder your performance. When you can be absolutely prepared […]

Research shows that 85 percent of the reason you secure and progress in a job has more to do with people skills than technical knowledge. Interview panels ultimately give jobs to people they like, people they see fitting into the company, getting on with others and able to bring lots of positive energy to the […]

Tough times call for direct and highly proactive job search strategies. I have successfully worked with many candidates including graduates trying to get their first foot on the career ladder, professionals of all levels working in sectors that have been squeezed hard by the recession and individuals whose roles have just been erased in property […]

It has never been more important to have a CV that really sells you and your competencies. Recruiters are receiving much higher volumes of CVs and often using CV’s alone to make the first sift of candidates for interview. You must make sure that yours really stands out from the crowd. You can do this […]