Blog

Some employers such as Google, Apple and Facebook to name but a few, have taken to asking oddball questions to test candidate's ability to think on their feet during interviews. If you are asked such a question, remember there is no right and wrong answer, but try to work out the interview's motivation in asking the question. ...

Best-selling author and founder of "The CV Centre" and "The Resume Center" discusses the weird and wonderful interview questions that some employers ask candidates in his books "The Interview Book" and "The Interview Question & Answer Book". James provides examples of such questions and suggests ways of answering them....

Continuing the series looking at weird and wonderful interview questions which have been asked by companies like Microsoft and Capital Asset Exchange and Trading. James Innes, best selling author of "The Interview Book" and "The Interview Question & Answer Book", looks at examples of such questions and gives practical advice on how to answer them....

How do you get a giraffe into a fridge? This is a genuine question a candidate was asked by a major employer at an interview, and is an example of a growing trend for recruiters to pose weird and wonderful questions to applicants as a way of testing their ability to think on their feet....

Some people spend ages looking for a job and yet either fail to get any interviews, or get interviews and never the job. If you fall into either category, then take some simple measures and change your approach. Get your CV up to date and your interview technique in order....

Standing out from the crowd can be hard, so we put together a small cheat sheet on what to do to your LinkedIn profile to help you further your career....

Although we have yet to finish Christmas, January is looming which is traditionally the start of the hiring season. Many employers will begin recruiting in January as financial budgets are released, and key decision-makers are available to take hiring decisions. If you are one of the many who are considering a career change in 2017, make sure that you have an updated CV and LinkedIN profile, and ready to take the plunge with your job search....

A new study has revealed that people who spend hours lurking on social media sites like Facebook can get depressed and envious because of unrealistic social comparisons with the lives of others. Better to actively engage others in conversation than passively clicks on friends' photos and posts. Better still give Facebook a rest for a week. It will improve your emotional well-being. ...

Many people find the whole thought of an interview makes them break out in a cold sweat. It is natural to be nervous about an interview but with proper preparation, lots of practice and a sense of perspective you can master your nerves and showcase your skills and talents convincingly....

Technology giant Apple has lodged a formal appeal against the €13 bn. fine imposed on them earlier this year for what were deemed to be inappropriate tax arrangements in Ireland. They are strongly supported by the Irish government who say they do not "do deals with taxpayers."...

Commuters in southern England face more travel misery this week as train guards have started strike action, the latest in a long-running series of industrial disputes. Yet even when the trains are running their daily commute can be a stressful experience, in crowded, unpleasant conditions, subject to frequent delays and cancellations. They are not alone. Millions of people around the world are forced to commute for hours to get to work. This leads to chronic stress and a less productive workforce....

Statistically 80% of candidates at interview will have done no or little research on the company to whom they are applying. Don't make this mistake. Just a little research will give you a head start over much of the competition, and underline your interest and enthusiasm for the role....

Google has just signed a deal with Cuba's state-run telecom company to install servers on the island allowing local users to get faster access to online content such as Gmail and YouTube, a step forward for a country with one?s of the lowest rates on online connectivity in the world....

A London translation agency, in what is thought to be a world first, has posted an online job advert for an emoji translator....

Despite the fact that many jobs are never advertised but are filled through networking and direct referrals, many people are reluctant to ask their personal networks for help with their job search. This is a mistake and underestimates the willingness of most people to help in these situations. But this is still your job search, so you must take the lead in following-up....

How you physically present yourself will make an immediate impression at an interview before you even open your mouth. Present yourself as a professional and create the right image from the start....

Some people, however hard they try, never seem to get an interview, let alone a job. If you find yourself in this situation, don't give up. Some simple changes in how you present your CV and approach your job search can radically improve your chances of landing that next role....

The best person, in terms of skills, experience and achievements, doesn't always pass the interview. The most able candidates on paper can fail because they assume they can just turn up on the day and all will be well. Failure to prepare for an interview, is preparing to fail it....

Many people believe that the holiday season is a bad time to look for a job because "no one is hiring". They are wrong. There are many companies looking to hire right now and, even if they are not, being pro-active now can give you a head start when the January recruitment cycle begins....

Belgian beer joined illustrious company such as French gastronomy and the Argentinian tango when UNESCO added it to their global intangible cultural heritage list earlier this week....

At an age when most people are happy to sit back and enjoy retirement, 89 year-old Joe Bartley has just started a new job. Finding himself bored stiff following the death of his wife, Joe placed an advert in his local paper looking for work. What happened next made headlines around the world and landed Joe with a new role....

Thanksgiving this year across America will see some empty seats at the dinner table as family rifts after the election separate some families....

With recruitment now increasingly technology based, more and more roles now require candidates to complete online job application forms. Yet, a recent survey has found 6 out of 10 candidates abandon online applications in the middle because of the complexity of the process and the number of questions. Learning to master such forms could give you a significant edge over the competition....

The first thing you should do when you know you've got an interview is thoroughly research the job. Not knowing what a job entails is one of the cardinal sins candidates can make at interview....

The failure by a candidate to ask questions during an interview is often cited by recruiters as a major reason why they fail to progress. Prepare in advance a few key questions to ask at the appropriate time - it demonstrates your interest and willing....

Experts say that body language accounts for 93% of messages you send out during the interview. That means only 7% of the message you convey comes out of your mouth! The conclusion is clear - get your non-verbal communication right to impress a potential employer....

If you are asked to provide references by a prospective employer choose carefully as their comments could have a significant impact on your job application. Make sure you contact references in advance and keep them briefed on your progress....

Gavle, in Central Sweden, celebrates Christmas each year by building a giant goat made of straw and wood in the town square. And each year local arsonists try and usually succeed in destroying it. This year was no exception....

Almost inevitably if you get an interview, you will be asked the question "tell me about yourself?" or, a variation of it, such as "can you walk me through your CV?" Prepare for this question carefully as a well prepared and succinct answer can not only sum up your career history and experience, and highlight your skills it can also demonstrate they you are a good fit for the company and the role....

A new study has revealed the real damage that is being done to major economies due to sleep deprived workers, and urges employers and individuals to tackle the problem....

First impressions count as interviewers will make their mind up about a candidate very quickly. Make a poor first impression and you may never recover....

A survey of one thousand UK office workers has found that noisy and messy eaters are among the top irritants in the workplace, along with problems with IT and temperature. Experts believe these distractions are having an impact on productivity....

You've probably heard that employers expect to see an exact match to their skills on your CV, and that you should be tailoring your CV to each job. But, you might think if I do that, I'll be writing forever!...

Blogging can be a great way of sharing your passion with others, or to get your message out to a wider audience. But what do you need to know before you start blogging?...

The human body is absolutely incredible. Our minds and our physical structures are very strong. However, that doesn't mean that we're not susceptible to a wide assortment of ailments and injuries, and stress can affect even the strongest person. Learn to manage stress so that it does not manage you....

As college expenses continue to soar, students are increasingly reliant on student loans to finance their education. However, like anything else in life, student loans need to be managed. Avoid costly student loan mistakes....

Thousands of people all over the world run businesses from home. You too could be one of them. Here are some thoughts to bear in mind before you get started....

Running a home business can be a great way to balance your work and home life. It gives you the flexibility to set your own hours and you don’t have to spend hours each week commuting to and from work. Many different types of business can be run from home. Here are some ideas to consider before you get started....

Too many candidates include unnecessary personal details in their CV, without realising that this superfluous information can give recruiters the chance to reject their application at the initial stage. If it is not relevant to the job for which you are applying, leave it out!...

Writing a CV entails a lot more than just listing your experience and qualifications. Therefore, before you write your CV, it is imperative that you seek advice from a professional....

Red faces at computer giant Dell as Mexican authorities order the US company to honour an online offer which priced expensive computer models at a fraction of their normal price following a software pricing error....

Taking a business trip or travelling on vacation can be both fun and fulfilling. But how can you optimize the experience and ensure you have a successful trip? Here are some top travel tips....

So you've written an article. It's passionate, high-quality, and you really think it will benefit somebody. Great! But, unless you can attract readers to your article, all that work will have gone to waste. How can you make sure what you have written finds its audience?...

You may have been told at some point that you need to manage your time more wisely. However, doing so can be more difficult than it seems at first. How do you make the most out of every day? Here are some tips about the art of proper time management....

Cover letters are the most important part of an application, although the majority of people spend the least amount of time working on them. When recruiters have 100's of CVs to shortlist from, cover letters are the first document they read. ...

Facebook vows to take action over fake news amid rumours that hoax and fictitious stories help swing the US election....

Already famous as the inventor of revolutionary vacuum cleaners, hand dryers and washing machines, Sir James Dyson, British entrepreneur, is turning his hand to education, and will invest £15 million of his own money over the next 5 years to launch a new university – The Dyson Institute of Technology....

Questions may be asked during an interview about your personal or family life, political, religious or sexual affiliations that are illegal. Whilst in rare cases an interviewer may be blatantly discriminatory, more likely they are just trying to be friendly and have asked an inappropriate question without realising it. Don't feel obliged to answer. In any case, try and sidestep the issue and get the interview back on track....

The true value of a college education can depend on a surprisingly large number of factors. The key to getting the most out of the experience is to acquire as much knowledge about the process ahead of time and act accordingly. Follow the concepts in this piece and you will be thoroughly prepared to succeed....

The state of the economy has financially crippled many. Suddenly finding yourself unemployed or under-employed is a scary thing. This article is filled with advice that should aid you in finding a job. Put these tips to work in your life and finally find yourself back in the working world!...

FIFA’s attempts to ban England and Scotland players wearing poppies during a forthcoming World Cup qualifier risk damaging their tarnished reputation even further. And show a lack of understanding of the symbolism of the poppy for many people....

Last week, professional networking site LinkedIn launched a new crowd-funded salary feature, known as LinkedIn Salary. The tool will enable its 460 million members to confidentially share data on salary patterns, bonus decisions and other remuneration-related information, such as years of experience, industry, company size, location and education level. ...

Conducting behavioral tests during the recruitment process is no longer a trend—it's the standard. The more competitive the market place becomes; the more employers try to improve their hiring processes. Here is a quick look at the top 7 Questions to behavioral tests and their Answers!...

It is the most powerful job in the world. Yet the qualifications required to become President of the United States are minimal. No college degree needed or successful track record of employment. Here is a look at some of the more unusual routes past presidents have taken to the Oval Office....

Everybody knows the expression to "send somebody to Coventry". But what about "couldn't stop a pig in a passage", "wisht as a winnard", and "looking a bit black over Bill's mother". Some English regional expressions are so arcane that even people from other parts of England are mystified by their meaning....

Celebrations will be held across Britain to commemorate Guy Fawkes Day this weekend. Although declining slightly in popularity in recent years, thousands of people will still attend events to mark an event that has been celebrated for more than 400 years....

On a day when a court ruling that it was illegal for the UK government to leave the EU without parliamentary opinion once again made Brexit front page news around the world, it was fitting that Collins, the dictionary provider, has just named Brexit as its word of 2016....

Viewers of Britain's "The X Factor" TV show have been divided over the appearance of Honey G. a middle-aged rapper who, despite not being able to sing or dance, continues to stay in the show because of public support. In reality, Honey G. is a successful recruitment consultant, who is bringing some of the skills she has learned on her day job into her alternative career. Meanwhile, another recruitment consultant is among the favourites to win this year's BBC series of "The Apprentice"....

A recent survey has confirmed what many women have long suspected - that women work longer hours than men. Although men account for a greater share of paid work, when unpaid labour such as housework, childcare and looking after the elderly are factored into the equation, women are spending longer at work than men....

One of the most eagerly awaited events in the Australian calendar is the Melbourne Cup. This famous horse race will this year be held on 1st November, and most of Australia will come to a stop - and many in New Zealand and other countries too - to watch the race, celebrate with friends and have the odd flutter or so. ...

Halloween has now become one of the biggest holidays of the year. Here are some fun facts and trivia to add to the holiday fun. ...

The Halloween pumpkin complete with carved ghoulish features and lit by candles has become a familiar site in millions of homes in the USA and around the world at this time of year. But few know the story of Stingy Jack, the sinister mythical figure behind this holiday tradition....

Few people dressing up as ghosts, demons or evil creatures, or taking part in trick or treating this weekend, will know the history behind the Halloween holiday. However, this is a festival that can trace its origins back to pagan times and the ancient Celts....

We take a minute to go into a little more detail on how import Maximizing readability is as part one of our five part coverage on the top five tips to make your CV stand out....

According to Bloomberg, Twitter is to announce hundreds of job cuts after surprising analysts by moving forward its 3rd quarter earnings announcement to a time when most analysts - and staff - will be asleep....

IBM Australia should have listened to its own advice and tried switching a router off and on again before blaming a cyber attack for causing a major systems outage on a flagship project to record the 2016 national census online. The resulting fiasco and public humiliation shows what happens when techies don't follow their own advice....

We take a minute to give you some insight into what makes a good CV with these 5 top tips....

LinkedIn has just published the list of the 10 most in-demand skills, based on recruitment activity that has taken place on the site in 2016. Technical skills dominate the list, particularly IT, programming and software development. However, separate research indicates that traditional softer skills like leadership and management are still important when it comes to climbing the corporate ladder....

The discovery of the wreck of a German submarine off the coast of Scotland could be the key to solving one of the most enduring of maritime mysteries. Was the U-boat attacked by a giant sea monster or is there a more rational explanation for its fate?...

Norway's prime minister, Erna Solberg, recently dashed the hopes of campaigners when she vetoed a plan to move Mount Halti a few hundred meters into Finland....

A Georgia schoolteacher earlier this month became the latest in a long line of people who have lost their jobs over something they posted on Facebook. Is there something on your Facebook pages that should be removed?...

Many people spend hours preparing a job application, send off their cover letter and CV and simply sit back and wait. By sending an appropriate follow-up letter, you can significantly improve your chances of being chosen for interview....

There are some common interview mistakes which candidates make time and again, regardless of company, position, seniority or country. But, if you make a mistake, it doesn't have to be the end of the interview. You can still recover and get that job in the end....

Give up your avocado toast and buy a house instead. This message for one middle-aged columnist has led to social media outrage in Australia, and put the humble avocado in the spotlight. ...

Many employers are now scared to give honest references for ex-employees because of the fear of subsequent legal action. While many recruiters know this and will use other means to research a candidate's background and character, if you are asked to give references, contact them in advance and find out what they are likely to say about you....

Distance interviewing, whether by phone or video, is becoming increasingly popular as technology evolves and recruiters look to minimise the time and cost involved in the interview process. Candidates should treat distance interviews as they would a face to face interview, with a few additional points to be borne in mind....

It was meant to be the happiest day of their lives. But for one Australian couple, it almost became a nightmare from a Hitchcock film, as angry birds attacked the wedding photoshoot....

Swedish companies have begun experimenting with a shorter working day in order to boost productivity and employee happiness. But are the benefits proven and will it catch on in other countries? ...

Being passed over for promotion can be upsetting. But let the disappointment get you down, Try and find out why you didn't get the job - and what you can do better next time....

If a company invites you back for a second, or even third interview, this is not because they are inefficient. They want to get the hiring right, especially for senior roles. So, if you are invited back, the good news is you are still in the game. But you must prepare as hard for the following interview(s) as the first, because now you need to convince them....

Many people dream about telling their current boss and employer some home truths when they get a new job offer. Resist the temptation. Act professionally throughout. It will stand you in good staed now and in the future. ...

By giving clients access to someone widely considered to be one of the world’s leading careers’ experts, they are gaining the advice of somebody who has worked in the field for nearly 20 years, written or read thousands of CV s, and who has the inside track on what works...

Scientists testing the waters around the British coastline believe that gossiping fish may be at risk because of increased noise pollution. They also believe fish may speak with regional accents....

The 26th Ig Nobel Awards have recently been handed out at a ceremony to celebrate quirky achievements in the field of science. Amongst this year's worthy recipients were a man who lived like a goat, a Swede collecting hoverflies, and an Egyptian professor who dressed rats in pants....

In today's competitive job market, having an effective CV is usually a must. However, too often candidates fall at the first hurdle because their CV is full of errors. What are some of he common major mistakes people make on their CVs?...

For many people, the first CV they write is prepared just before or after graduating. In many cases, there will be little work experience on which to draw, so it is important to stress education, skills learned and accomplishments....

Tom Marcus was an MI5 spy for 8 years but struggled to find a job when he left the service because of the gaps on his CV. For those in the same situation - with little practical experience or gaps in their career history, a functional CV might be an appropriate format to use....

More and more companies are turning to Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to process CVs. This means candidates need to prepare their CV not just with the needs of the human recruiter in mind, but also so that it will pass the computer review process....

Amongst the widespread debate about the gender pay gap between men and women, there is one industry where females earn significantly more than their male counterparts. Male models can earn a quarter of what women earn....

A controversial Australia tax on backpackers has been dropped after opposition from farmers and the tourist industry. Instead the Government has announced measures to attract more backpacker visitors to the country....

Google has just celebrated its 18th birthday. Or has it? Technology giant struggles to remember when it was born....

Whilst the vast majority of job applications will be made by email today, there are still rules that should be followed when sending anything online to a potential employer....

Whilst often overlooked, the format of your CV is very important. A poorly formatted CV creates a bad impression on the reader. You can?t be bothered to take the time to perfect your CV; why should they, in turn, bother to read it?...

Recent research has indicated only 33% of employees feel empowered at work. The rest are stuck in a job they either tolerate or hate. Why are people scared to quit a job they hate?...

Is it wrong to use the services a professional CV writing service, or do they offer skills and experience that you may lack?...

Read on for the difference between a chronological and functional ${cv). When might you prepare a functional CV. ...

After giving the world the IPad and the IPhone, Apple has now turned its attention to the humble paper bag. ...

Average house prices in the catchment areas surrounding the top state schools in English have rocketed to £366,744 compared to an average of £313,318 in other areas. ...

A common misperception is that executive search firms and recruitment consultants are the same. In fact, there are big differences of which candidates should be aware....

When Hillary Clinton turned up at the 9/11 Memorial Event last week, she did what millions of Americans do every day. She went to work when she was sick. Why do so many Americans still go to work when they are ill?...

The World Triathlon Series came to a dramatic finish when race leader Jonny Brownlee was carried over the line by elder brother, and double Olympic champion, Alistair....

Being late is one of the major sins you can make an interview. Always try and leave enough time to get there early. Being late adds to your stress and leaves a bad impression on the employer....

Elderly Chicago street seller gets unexpected help thanks to a Facebook appeal...

Keeping employees motivated is not always easy, but incentives can help. The trick is to find out what motivates your employees in particular so that you can boost productivity and keep your team happy. ...

You'd think that most people would try to make a good impression on their first day in a new job!...

What is the difference between a CV and a Resume? Which version should I use and where?...

Facebook's decision to remove an iconic photo from the Vietnam War sparked a huge public outcry! Not only were they forced to reverse their decision but a wider debate has been sparked as to their influence on news and other media...

If you have done badly at interview, don't beat yourself up. It happens. Pick yourself up, learn from what went wrong, and you'll do better next time....

A new map of Australia has revealed some of the country's funniest and rudest names...

Current employer wants you to move to a different part of the country or to post you overseas? New job on offer but you have to relocate? Should you go or should you stay?...

A well-respected survey has indicated a strong rise in the UK services sector, following signs of recovery in manufacturing and construction. Will the anticipated post-Brexit recession in the UK be avoided?...

Employee Loyalty, especially amongst younger workers, is on the decline. Businesses need to do more to encourage Millennials, the largest proportion of the workforce, to stay....

Red faces all round in Dubai as the local ruler carries out a surprise early morning inspection of civil service officers, only to find a row of empty desks....

Don't look back in anger! If you have failed to get a job after an interview, it's nothing personal. Learn from the experience and prepare for the next opportunity....

Too often graduates leave it until finishing their degree before beginning their job search. This may be too late. Start preparing early for your transition from college to your working life. It will give you a head start over the competition....

A woman from Warwickshire called 999 to ask for a lift home from shopping because her feet were sore!...

Earlier today, it was announced that junior doctors will be staging a series of five day strikes over the next four months as arguments continue over the introduction of a new contract....

The closure of the celebrity blog site gawker.com raises interesting questions about the right to free speech and the right to privacy....

Companies are turning to temporary workers as they look for flexible staffing options. However, there may be benefits for the employee as well as the company. Taking a temporary job can lead to a full-time role....

A candidate who does not know a company's basic products or services is likely to fail badly at interview. There is no excuse for not doing your homework in advance....

September and October are amongst the best months of the year to find a new job. There are sound reasons for this from both an employer and candidate viewpoint....

According to research, if you have the option, Tuesday mid-morning is the best time to schedule an interview....

There can be very good reasons to turn down a job offer. Never be afraid to say no, if the job does not match your needs or is not a good fit....

A classic interview technique is the old good cop, bad cop routine! Whilst candidates may fear the bad cop, it is usually the good cop they need to watch....

Summer holidays are a time to take stock. Many people return from vacation not refreshed and ready to get back to work but, instead, determined to get a new job and leave the old one behind....

Many people in their lives can expect to be made redundant at some stage, due to no fault of their own. But being made redundant doesn't mean you can't have a long and successful career....

In a move that has not been widely announced, LinkedIn have begun to automatically remove connections made by "mega connectors" - those members whose networks exceed 30,000 members....

Preparing a simple and effective cover letter can often be the difference between your { cv } being read or joining the pile of rejects. Yet they are often neglected by candidates or receive far less attention then their CV....

There are some thing that candidates should never say in an interview. Here are some of the commonest mistakes - and how to avoid them!...

Every year, the estimated cost to the UK taxpayer of reoffending is estimated to be up to £13 billion! Imagine what the government could do for the NHS with £13 billion ... but that's a subject for a different blog post altogether. ...

Starting college can be like entering an entirely new world. You have more freedom than you've ever had before and you are in total control over your own life. This increased responsibility however can make you susceptible to some serous pitfalls....

Think it’s unfair that your carefully crafted $ { CV } gets only a few seconds’ attention from a prospective employer? Try and understand it from their viewpoint....

Or at least as many as your legs allow you to. Pokémon Go is the new Pokémon game by Nintendo that makes people literally run around like crazy! Reports of people quitting their jobs to become a full-fledged Pokémon trainer are no rumors!...

For many competitors at the Rio Olympics, their only reward is being there. They will earn nothing from the experience, and could end up seriously out of pocket at the end....

Your social media presence can harm your prospects of getting hired before you even meet the employer...

Although only launched in 2003, LinkedIn has now become the premier networking tool for professionals. A powerful LinkedIn profile is essential not only for those looking for work but even for those who have a job and are not even thinking about a change in role just now....

With changes in technology and companies looking to adopt a more cost-effective business model, many organisations have begun to allow staff to work from home. However, whilst the idea may sound very attractive, there can also be challenges which may not make this the ideal solution for everyone....

Interviews are widely regarded as a stressful experience. A determined candidate may spend hours, researching a company, its service and products, preparing strong answers to tough interview questions, and creating mental lists of things to ask....

Following news a Frenchman is suing his former employer for boring him to death, evidence suggests a tedious job can be bad for your health and well being....