6 Tips For Online Interviews

With working from home now the norm, the likelihood  to meet face to face for job interviews is very unlikely. Virtual job interviews have become another part of the new reality and we have put together some online interview tips to help you though it . The remote interview is a new experience for many work seekers, but it’s a practice that’s likely to be with us into the foreseeable future. It is therefore worth coming to grips with the best ways to conduct the virtual interview. It is not just the candidate that must come to grips with the virtual interview, many employers are also experiencing the process for the first time. Remote interviews may add to the applicant’s nervous tension ahead of the interview, but the employer must deal with increased complexity in preparing for the interview. Virtual job interviews are not easy for either the candidate or the employer, but you can make it easier. Here’s how:

1. Familiarise yourself with the tech

Preparing for the appointment is all-important. Set yourself up so that the light exposes your facial features, rather than putting you in silhouette. The candidate must be able to connect with you and this can only happen if they can clearly see your facial expressions. For effective communication make sure that the camera is at eye level. If you haven’t used your video conferencing equipment do a trial run and make sure that you know how to use it.

2. Inform the candidate of what to expect

Make sure that the candidate knows how to connect to the interview. Inform them of who will attend and give them a rundown of what they can expect. If you have asked them to make a presentation ensure that they can share the presentation and inform them of the time limits that you have set.

3. Make sure the candidate is relaxed as possible

Before you launch into the interview, make small talk about general, neutral topics. Introduce yourself with a friendly smile in the same way you would if you were in a room together. To get the most out of the interview your candidate should be as calm and comfortable as possible.

4. Make sure you are prepared to meet the candidate

Before the interview, go through the CV and prepare your questions. These should include questions that test the candidate’s handling of various circumstance and their emotional responses to situations. Using a similar list of questions for all candidates will allow you to draw a comparison between the various candidates and may help with the final decision on the outcome.

5. Allow the candidate to do most of the talking

It is essential that you refrain from butting in with online communication allowing the other person to complete their discussion. The golden rule is to WAIT (why am I talking?). Online, the whole discussion will fall apart when people start to talk over one another. Pause at the end of the candidate’s discussion before you ask your next question. Engage in active listening. Keep notes about the discussion, and if the candidate permits it, make a recording.

6. Allow for a free flow of conversation

A good interview isn’t just about ticking off questions, it’s about actively listening and then asking additional questions that flow from the
answers. This tactic can take you down avenues that you wouldn’t otherwise have ventured into. It can help you get interesting insights into the behaviour and character of the candidate. The purpose of the interview is, after all, not only to find out about the experience, skills and competencies of the candidate but to ensure that they’ll make a good fit with the rest of the team.

Business Briefs – Surge in European house prices, Pensions Commission investigates and more

WHATSAPP USERS CAN NOW SEND DISAPPEARING MESSAGES

WhatsApp will soon have a disappearing message feature, designed to enable users of the chat app to cut down on their digital footprint. Once the update – which is rolling out from Thursday – hits phones, users will be able to set an option for each individual chat they are in – whether one-on-one or a group – to delete messages automatically seven days after they have been sent. Unlike some competitors, such as the secure messaging app Signal, WhatsApp, which is owned by Facebook, decided against offering flexibility to users. There is no option to change the length of time messages are stored, for instance; and the service also removes images and videos sent.

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Investing pension in property

Have you ever thought about investing your pension in property? Here are some reasons as to why you should consider it:

REASONS

• You can pick the property you wish to purchase with your pension, residential, commercial, and industrial or a combination of each can be held with the fund
• Income tax relief on contributions made to fund the purchase are at the higher rate of tax
• There is no income tax on the rental income and no Capital Gains Tax (CGT) on the eventual sale of the property
• Upon retirement, you can take 25% of the value of the pension fund as a lump sum, of which €200,000 is tax free. The property can transfer in specie to a self administered ARF and the rental income can contribute to your income in retirement (draw downs are subject to PAYE)
• You have control over every aspect of your pension
• If available, gearing can be used to assist in purchasing the property
• If you are purchasing a commercial property the fund can be registered for VAT if required

HOW CAN I FUND IT?

• Transfer existing pensions in to a self administered pension (where appropriate)
• Personal Contributions, restricted to a percentage of NRE cap €115K
• Company Contributions – your company/employer can contribute to a pension on your behalf

ARE THERE RESTRICTIONS BUYING PROPERTY THROUGH PENSION?

Yes, but they are not too onerous and include:

• The vendor must not be related to you, your employer, it’s directors and associated companies
• The property cannot be sold or let to relatives, your employer or its directors and associated companies
• Personal use of the property is prohibited
• The development of a property with a view to its disposal is not allowed

CAN I BORROW TO FUND THE PURCHASE?

Yes, but the loan must comply with certain rules including:

• “Limited Recourse” – the lender can take security over the property only
• Max. loan term of 15 years or NRA if sooner
• Subject to bank’s lending criteria
• The pension scheme cannot borrow retrospectively
• Banks currently looking at commercial property with strong lease covenant and residential property in urban areas (10,000+ population)

ADVANTAGES OF INVESTING PENSION IN PROPERTY

• Generous tax reliefs on funds to purchase property
• All purchase costs are met by the pension
• Rental income is exempt from income tax, PRSI and USC
• There is no Capital Gains Tax on the sale of the property
• You can transfer the property in specie in to your Approved Retirement Fund (ARF) at retirement

If you would like to talk to us about investing your pension, call us on 1890 606 570.

Budget 2021: The Covid-19 Budget

BUDGET OVERVIEW

A truly historic Budget involving Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Green Party is marked by huge spending increases. A record Budget of €17.75 billion has been announced with nearly half of all spending going on Covid-19 supports which has been framed by the pandemic and the prospect of a no-trade deal Brexit.

The coronavirus pandemic has been the greatest challenge to face the country since it gained independence, Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe said as he unveiled Budget 2021. Businesses hit by restrictions will get rebates along with measures for the hospitality sector and homebuyers. There were very few changes on the personal tax front, something many will be grateful for given the ongoing uncertain economic outlook. There was an increase in the earned income credit for the self-employed from €1,500 to €1,650 to bring it into line with PAYE workers.

If you would like to read an online issuu of this article click here

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6 Secrets of highly motivated people

Build the right habits and motivation will find you.

Most of us have met people who are always passionate and full of life. It seems that they have a secret stash of motivation.

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