Posts in CAREER
Using keywords to find a new job
Using keywords to find a new job

There are basically two ways to actively search for a new job - by title or by keywords. Some people like a title because you can hang your hat on it, but the risk is that it doesn't take into account the nuances around the characteristics (e.g. autonomy, impact, teamwork culture) of a role. Also, it fails to reveal potentially interesting roles that have 'the wrong title' or a misleading title. On the other hand, keywords give people a chance to identify both the title and the characteristics of the roles they're interested in, which is why I think it's a better approach to the job hunt. But don't take my word for it — why not try both and see which works best for you?

Here are three tips to keep in mind:

  1. Use specific keywords -

  2. Try an exact match by using " "

  3. Add negative keywords if necessary

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CAREERRonan Kennedyjob hunting
Psychometric Tests
Psychometric Tests

Normally, I don't encourage people to do psychometric tests to decide their career paths for a multitude of reasons. - The main reason is that I believe they promise to solve the person's career problem, but really just regurgitate data the person provided themselves. - A second reason is that they don't take into account any market factors - And a third reason I don't like them is that they don't account for the person's individual situation (competencies, experience or needs).

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CAREERRonan Kennedypsychometric test
Job Hunting: Active versus Passive
Job Hunting: Active versus Passive

Simply speaking there are two types of approach to job searches: active and passive. Active is where you’re proactively dedicating time to searching for suitable opportunities online and offline, and passive is when you’re waiting for opportunities to be presented to you either through your email updates or recruiters/contacts reaching out to you. While they both can work, the approach you choose will depend on your urgency regarding changing roles. In my opinion, it’s best to adopt the active approach because it will mean that you’ll put more focus and effort into it, ultimately improving your chances of getting a good job.

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CAREERRonan Kennedyjob hunting, job change
How to coach anyone on anything (even yourself)
How to coach anyone on anything (even yourself)

Coaching is a process of facilitating someone finding answers to their questions. Mentoring on the other hand is generally about transferring specific knowledge, tips or subject matter expertise from one person to another. The two can often be mixed together which may confuse some people. Obviously, you can't mentor anyone on anything because you'd have to have that specific knowledge, whereas if you have the right questions and approach, you can coach anyone on anything.

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BUSINESS, CAREERRonan KennedyCoaching
3 Apps for Productivity
3 Apps for Productivity

Google Tasks - a free cross-platform app that's great for simple to-do lists and reminders.

Serene - is a super app for anyone who is looking to develop their ability to do deep work. It gives you space to set out your main tasks for the day, and then crucially sets a timer for once you start... so, you're on the clock!

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CAREERRonan Kennedytime management, Productivity
The Passion Paradox
The Passion Paradox

It's very common to hear advice like "follow your passion" - I've given that advice to people myself. But there are a couple of things to be wary of before taking that advice. Following your passion is fine IF

- you already have a passion

- you can ensure a stable income from it and

- it meets your other needs such as connection and growth.

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CAREERRonan KennedyPassion
Video: Talking About Being Managed Out
Video: Talking About Being Managed Out

- Discuss it openly with your manager

- Outline your intention

- Understand their perspective - deeply. Avoid being defensive.

- Share your perspective - calmly. Admit wrongdoing if necessary.

- Express your commitment to progress and a resolution.

- Understand what will make it better and ask for support.

- Thank them for their time and understanding.

- Deliver on your commitment and ask for feedback.

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CAREERRonan KennedyCareer, managed out
Vlog: What to do if your boss is a D.I.C.? My Top Tips
Vlog: What to do if your boss is a D.I.C.? My Top Tips

What to do if your boss is a Difficult to Interpret Communicator: Ask them to clarify what your goals are. You can suggest the form of from X to Y by WHEN. This will make sure that you're on the same page. Ask them what they think success would look like, and be specific. Say what it is and what it isn't. If they've asked you for something complicated or unreasonable, simply ask them "how would you suggest I do that?"

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CAREERRonan KennedyConflict, Work, Communication
Video: How To Answer The Strengths And Weaknesses Question
Video: How To Answer The Strengths And Weaknesses Question

This standard question is one that throws off many candidates, but it doesn't need to be that way. Be honest about your strength and make it relevant to the role. And be honest about your weakness while making sure it's NOT essential to the role. Oh and one more thing... tell them a real weakness -not just a strength in disguise - the interviewers will be smart enough to see-through that strategy, and it's unlikely to endear them to you.

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CAREERRonan Kennedyinterviews
Video: How Do You Deal With Conflict? How To Answer Difficult Interview Question
Video: How Do You Deal With Conflict? How To Answer Difficult Interview Question

The dreaded question! 'How do you deal with conflict?' To get this answer right, you have to show good people skills and the ability to come to a workable solution with your colleague. You'll also want to show flexibility in your approach, but also a little bit of struggle - if the conflict seems too easy to resolve, it's not going to seem like it was a big deal at all.

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CAREERRonan Kennedyinterviews