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The Interview I Waited for My Whole Life

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In less than two weeks from today, on Wed 29th May 2019 I have my citizenship test and interview at 2 Lonsdale Street at 9.40 am (I will need to arrive at least by 9.25 am). The application was processed in approximately 11 months following my submission last year. The test and interview lasts approximately two hours. First there will be an interview in which they will: discuss the citizenship application check original documents and take photograph assess your eligibility to sit the test If the interview goes well and documents are in place, there will be a citizenship test with 20 multiple choice questions, which can be completed in 45 minutes. To prepare for the citizenship test, read or watch the Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond resource that is available on our website at www.homeaffairs.gov.au/prepare-for-citizenship You can also order a book and DVD that has all the material required to prepare for the test. Following documents required: 1. Citiz...
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Digital Analyst Career Essentials - Google Analytics Certification

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Okay, so you've used web tools and metrics to make decisions. Why not get certified? It's free and helps you with your goals, be it marketability or simply gaining confidence you know your way around digital. If you're not already familiar with web analytics, it is probably the best known universe where big data and intuitive browser based GUI tools come together. While you would expect it easy to find the right link to get certified, this is probably the only OFFICIAL link you need to point your browser:  https://academy.exceedlms.com/student/path/2938 There are links from there to access the preparation course materials with all the information you need to know, nothing more. In true Google style, there's a lot of whitespace. Keep in mind: You'll need a score of 80% or higher to pass If you end the assessment early or the timer runs out before you've answered enough questions correctly, you won't pass If you still don't believe me, then...
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How do you manage Stakeholders?

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This question comes up a lot in interviews. Particularly if you are a BA, you should be very confident in answering this question in the context of some technical frameworks and methodologies. Typically it can be disguised as a set of other questions as well such as "how do you manage conflicting priorities from stakeholders?" "how do you manage a difficult stakeholder?" etc. There are a number of generic answers as well as more specific frameworks. Some key jargon to include is your 'maturity model', 'collaboration matrix' and so on. In terms of a process, this is snippet from this timeless slideshow from 2012 that relies on Agile principles: Analysing stakeholders usually means understanding their place in one of the four quadrants of the influence/ interest matrix (also from this same framework) rather than prioritising the ones who scream the loudest: Here are ten tips from Scrum on how to manage stakeholders . Mainly it provi...
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How Not to Let Your Job Keep You from Life

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Most of us forget we are individuals with great things destined for us in this world. Once we've collected our first few paychecks and start enjoying the free coffee, we become corporate slaves who retire to their sleep cells every night in order to keep the hamster wheel running the next day. We shove aside the thought we are always replaceable - a new person, robot or corporate strategy could take our place any day. Here are some ways to pursue a real purpose in life, rather than be just another cog in the wheel day in and day out: 1. Have a home office Your daily job should be a part of your workday - which is to make sure your career plan is on track. Keep improving your strategy and ensure you are achieving your milestones. Set time aside for daily admin tasks such as job search, professional branding and planning. 2. Work towards financial goals and hedge yourself for the future Can't wait to spend hard-earned money on new toys? Don't forget the market ca...
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Not Currently Employed - Rejoice

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Are you between jobs and have some downtime on your hands? You may be busier than you think. Downtime is a great time to catch up with yourself and make the right move for your career.  Don't fall into the trap of sinking into despair - if you are the employable type you will find your next role soon enough.  As long as you can pay the bills (even if you need to take some help from the government or a friend), you should focus on finding your preferred role rather than just any job.  There are a number of opportunities out there at any time of the year (low times of the year are even better as supply of professional workforce is also scarce), but make sure you land the job that carves out a career path for yourself. In the meantime, enjoy your free time. That's what life's all about anyway isn't it? Enjoying your free time doesn't just mean binge watching every tv series out there from season one (though a couple good ones won't hu...
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Citizenship and RRVs on the Horizon

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So it's time to start thinking about visa requirements and citizenship past the initial four year validity of the VE 175 Resident Visa. As the validity of the visa from 01 Nov 2014 allows multiple entries up to 20 Nov 2018, I would need a Return Resident Visa to fly back to Australia after this date, although my visa allows me indefinite stay if I am in Australia. As per the website, "If you are in Australia and the travel facility on your current visa has, or is, about to expire, you need to apply for, and be granted, an RRV before you leave Australia. You can apply for the visa outside Australia, but it must be granted before you enter Australia". Full details of the RRV are provided on the home affairs page here . and are either of subclass 155 (one year or five years travel facility) or subclass 157 (three months travel facility). The cost of the visa is AUD 365  per applicant and requires a valid passport. You can apply online straight aw...
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Preparing for the Interview in a tough market

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So you've got your application through and the managers you will be reporting to want to see if you fit the bill. How do you feel prepared and make the most of this opportunity, knowing you're up against stiff competition? First off, understand that an interview is all about presenting yourself. The key to presenting yourself is brilliant two-way communication. No one can know otherwise how smart, passionate or well-suited to the position you really are till they see you first-hand, tell you what their problems are and listen to your well-prepared and thorough advice (read: pitch). Secondly, know your target. Usually in the case of a first round interview, the target would be to get a face-to-face interview and if you are in the final stages already then you need to break through into the winners circle. This means your core objective is to 'be liked' - you could blend in with the other hotshots interviewing for this position but you need to stand out. In order...
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