Ireland's youth unemployment rate is running at more than double the national average, and the graduate job hunt has never felt harder. Career coach Elizabeth Lenihan breaks down what's actually driving it, from AI's outsized impact on Irish hiring to a genuinely shrinking pool of entry-level roles, and lays out a practical September reset for graduates ready to change their approach.

Should job seekers use AI to write their CV and cover letter? Career coach and recruiter Elizabeth Lenihan explains which AI tools are worth considering, how ATS systems actually work, and why fabricating experience will always cost you more than it gains.

Wondering how to write a CV when you have little or no experience? The answer isn't to exaggerate; it's to understand what you genuinely have and present it at the right level. Career coach Elizabeth Lenihan explains the difference between exposure and experience, and how to frame your early career evidence to get noticed.

Transitioning from a technical role into people management is one of the biggest shifts in a tech career. Drawing on insights from IT leaders from Google, Aptiv, and LeasePlan, this article explores the realities of moving into leadership, including delegation, communication, and the mindset change required. It also examines the leadership gap for women in tech and offers practical advice for aspiring managers, such as developing soft skills, seeking leadership opportunities, and exploring stepping-stone roles like tech lead or project manager before making the move.

Are you underqualified, or just underconfident? There's a significant difference, and most professionals misread it. Career strategist Elizabeth Lenihan explains how self-doubt masquerades as logic, and how to use evidence-based reflection to stop letting uncertainty make your career decisions for you.

What skills does AI not replace? As artificial intelligence reshapes the workplace, the most resilient professionals are those who understand their human edge. Career coach Elizabeth Lenihan explains which skills AI cannot replicate, how to identify yours, and how to make smart career pivots that build long-term security.

Why do so many graduates struggle in interviews and job searches, even when they're talented? Career consultant Elizabeth Lenihan argues that clarity comes before opportunity, and that helping students understand their strengths and motivations before engaging with employers leads to stronger, more confident outcomes for everyone.

Career progression at senior level requires more than performance. This article invites you to rethink your impact, visibility, and influence through a more strategic lens, supported by focused questions to guide your next move.

Who is responsible for your career development, you or your manager? Career coach Elizabeth Lenihan is clear: waiting for someone else to drive your growth is the single biggest career mistake professionals make. This post shares simple, actionable strategies for taking ownership, communicating with impact, and building the career you actually want.

Why does job searching feel so overwhelming, and how do you get unstuck? Career coach Elizabeth Lenihan shares seven expert strategies for cutting through the noise, finding your focus, and building genuine momentum in your job search without burning out in the process.

For years, I defined myself by my career, until burnout, anxiety, and loss forced me to stop. This is my story of rebuilding, and rediscovering purpose. A reminder that you can have both: a career you love and a life that feels like your own.

Balancing career and family shouldn’t mean burnout. As companies push return-to-office mandates, research shows flexibility drives productivity, engagement, and retention. Learn how redefining success, setting boundaries, and embracing flexible work can help you build a career that works with your life, not against it.

Struggling with self-doubt as an entrepreneur or professional? You're not alone. This insightful post explores the hidden challenges of building a business and navigating career shifts, particularly when confidence takes a hit or traditional support systems feel absent. Discover actionable strategies on how to rebuild motivation, redefine success, set clear expectations, and truly find your professional spark again. Learn to compartmentalise overwhelm, reframe self-talk, and leverage effective communication to empower yourself and drive long-term success, even when the path feels uncertain.

How do you protect your career as AI changes everything? The answer isn't to compete with technology; it's to double down on what makes you irreplaceably human. Career coach Elizabeth Lenihan explores curiosity, creativity, empathy, and judgment as the foundations of a future-fit career, with a free downloadable worksheet to help you map your own human edge.

The AI Shift in Workforce Dynamics – 10 Ways to Future-Proof Your Career

As AI reshapes the workplace, the most resilient professionals will be those who adapt intentionally. From upskilling in emotional intelligence to exploring AI-augmented roles, staying relevant means more than just learning new tools—it means rethinking your value in a rapidly evolving landscape.

What do you do when you've finished your degree but have no idea what comes next? Career coach Elizabeth Lenihan shares honest, practical guidance for graduates feeling uncertain about their first career step, and for the parents trying to support them through it.

Struggling to say no or avoid workplace conflict? You're not alone—and there's a simple way to regain control: setting clear expectations. In this blog, we explore how clarity can reduce stress, prevent misunderstandings, and help you manage outcomes with confidence. Learn practical steps, real-world examples, and supportive language you can use to set boundaries and align with clients, colleagues, and managers—without the discomfort. Clear communication isn’t just a productivity tool—it’s a powerful act of self-leadership.

What is the STAR method and how do you use it in a job interview? The STAR framework — Situation, Task, Action, Result — is one of the most effective tools for answering behavioural interview questions. Career coach Elizabeth Lenihan breaks it down with practical examples so you can walk into your next interview fully prepared.

Struggling to disconnect from work and feeling like your job is creeping into your personal life? Setting healthy boundaries isn’t about doing less—it’s about working smarter, reducing stress, and creating a career that feels fulfilling instead of exhausting. Discover practical, game-changing strategies (plus the latest tech tools!) to help you reclaim your time, boost productivity, and finally achieve work-life balance—without guilt.

How should you answer "What are your salary expectations?" Most professionals either avoid the question or undervalue themselves. Career coach Elizabeth Lenihan shares the right way to handle salary conversations, from researching your market rate to negotiating beyond base pay, so you never leave money on the table again.