Hi,

Welcome to this edition of Career Communique and a special 'hello' to all our new new subscribers. We consider it a real privilege to have you join us!

This past weekend in areas across Victoria, Australia, fierce bush fires have destroyed everything in their path, including small bush communities. Over 800 homes destroyed, 173 (at last count) perished, with many small towns wiped off the face of the map. Truly horrific.

While these communities are still experiencing shock, sorrow and disbelief at what has occurred, to see the people walk among the rubble (which until just a few days ago was their home) and state without any hesitation at all, ‘We will overcome this, we will rebuild’ is just so moving and empowering. To see the entire population of Australia banding together and standing behind these people extending support both financially and emotionally is inspiring and reassuring.

What an amazing lesson we can learn from these people. After having experienced such an horrific event, yet still be able to take on a positive outlook and talk about how they will rebuild their homes and their lives.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all those involved.

For those of you who would like to extend support to these families, you can do so by donating to the Australian Red Cross Victorian Bush Fire Appeal at: http://www.redcross.org.au

Connect with me on Facebook Are we friends yet? If not just click on the photo and send me a friend request. Come and join our Career Success Network too! Or become a fan! Until next time, to your success! Remember: If you can dream it...you can achieve it! Annemarie Cross Career Management & Personal Branding Strategist
	Name: Annemarie Cross

Subscriber Spotlight: Your questions answered…

Hi Annemarie I’m currently undergoing a round of interviews for various job opportunities. One of the questions asked is "Why do you want to leave your present job?" How do I respond without jeopardising my candidacy? Any help will be appreciated -- Scott.

Hello Scott,

Being asked the reason for wanting to leave your current employer can often be daunting, particularly if you have not considered this question and therefore not prepared a suitable response. The tips below will allow you to begin scripting an appropriate response to this interview question.

• Keep your response concise and do not be tempted to provide too much detail unless requested to provide further information. Quite often we can tend to begin babbling, which could cause the interviewer to become suspicious.
• Never, ever lie about the reason for seeking new job opportunities but rather, stick with the facts. If the reason for your wanting to leave has the potential to leave a negative impression with the interviewer, ensure you tell them what you did and what you have learned from the incident
• Don’t speak negatively about your current or previous employers even if there are truths behind what you are saying as this again could cause the interviewer to become suspicious. A personality clash could be portrayed as a difference in working styles or a company culture that was not congruent to your style; or perhaps a change in management due to a company merger resulted in a new team being brought on board. Then end your response by adding a contribution that you secured while on that team, for instance “Prior to the merger and management changeover, I won xx awards for achieving highest-ever revenues three months consecutively in 2004.”
• Other reasons that are quite legitimate are outgrowing the position and not feeling challenged. You are therefore seeking a position that will provide you with further opportunities to demonstrate your expertise.
• Perhaps you have recently undergone further professional development and wish to pursue a role that will require your newly learned skills, however your current employer does not currently have a position available

The list is endless and must centre on the reason why you are seeking new employment opportunities. Remember to maintain eye contact with the interviewer when you deliver your response, while keeping a confident tone of voice. To ensure your reply will be delivered professionally, write it out and practice it a number of times until you are comfortable saying it.

All the best!

Drop me a line at info@a-e-c.com.au and let me know how you go Scott.

Annemarie

Advanced Employment Concepts are thrilled to announce their partnership with JibberJobber Career Management 2.0 – the gold standard in career management technology.

JibberJobber is a unique and powerful long-term relationship manager for your personal career management. So whether you’re seeking your dream job opportunity, vying for that promotion, harnessing your entrepreneurial talents to launch your new business venture, or managing clients, projects and assignments - relationship building and strengthening is what it’s all about.

Sign up for your free account and begin to accelerate your career success and significance through this innovative and powerful personal career management tool.

http://advancedemploymentconcepts.jibberjobber.com/login.php