Career development

Bexley Higgins

10h

My coworker who sits next to me really annoys me, she’s always stealing my ideas.
If I talk about something or mention an idea, she later presents it to the boss like it was hers. She also keeps looking at my screen and taking my project ideas.
I’ve honestly felt like flipping the table, but that’s obviously not an option.
What should I do? I’m tired of her constantly taking credit for my... ideas.

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1

Jayne Muthoni
22m
Stop sharing your ideas with her, if you want progress in your career move away from her.
Michelle Willis
8h
In addition to the other good suggestions, can you get a privacy screen for your monitor so she has to be directly behind you to see the screen? I had... those before for privacy. more
2

Jimmie Opakovsky

Career development

5d

I’ve been working at a karaoke bar for a couple of weeks, and honestly, drunk people are driving me nuts. They can’t sing or carry a tune, but they still scream through songs and ruin them. Every day it’s getting worse. Do you think I’ll ever get used to it, or should I just quit and find something else?

3

Monty Mertes
1d
Jimmie, first things first, if you are not enjoying it don't stay. If it's a part job, sometimes you have to deal with the crowd and if the money is... good that will make it tough to leave. Find a place you enjoy to save you. more
1
David Beal
3d
I'm not working these days but I am a karaoke host. Your experience is pretty much the norm. As a host I try to mix up my singers so that patrons... don't have to hear one really bad singer after another. I also tell my singers if they scream they be taken off the roster. It's really hard on the mics. If the host is not doing these things then they're not a very good host. Good hosts attract good singers. If the bar is marriedvtonthis host, it's not going to change. You can get accustom tonit a little. But I'd be looking for another bar. more
3

Career development

13h

Single mom laid off with just 2 months of savings left -- top advice that she got could help you too

A single mother facing job loss found solace and practical advice on Reddit after feeling overwhelmed. The online community offered a blend of emotional support and actionable strategies, including financial planning and a structured job search, helping her navigate the initial panic and regain a sense of control.

When a 32-year-old single mom logged onto Reddit after losing her job, she wasn't... looking for career hacks or résumé templates. She was spiralling.

With more than 10 years of experience in B2B marketing across SaaS and energy, she had always been the one who "figured things out." But this time felt different. Recently laid off, living without nearby family support, and raising her child on her own, she had just two months of savings to stretch on a painfully slim budget.

"I'm spiraling," she admitted in her post. The severance and unused PTO would help temporarily. She filed for unemployment immediately. But what terrified her most wasn't today -- it was the stories flooding her TikTok and LinkedIn feeds about job hunts dragging on for months, even years.

ALSO READ: Employee takes WFH within a week of joining without informing boss on an overseas business trip - Internet says she crossed boundaries

"Is this too niche? Am I screwed?" she asked.

What happened next is a reminder of what online communities can be at their best.

One of the first responses came from another working mom who had also been laid off after nine years in a marketing role.

"First take a breath," she wrote. "Try not to spiral too much right now." That tone -- calm, steady, practical -- carried through much of the thread.

Several commenters emphasized immediate action without panic: file for unemployment, apply for SNAP or any available state aid, and assess the household budget right away. Cut subscription services. Shop smarter. Adjust heating. Preserve cash.

But just as important was the emotional advice: give yourself a few days to process. Cry. Be angry. Then build a routine.

ALSO READ: Quote of the Day by Maya Angelou: 'There is no greater agony than bearing...' -- Inspiring quotes by the world-famous author

The most upvoted advice wasn't abstract motivation, it was tactical. One user suggested creating a job search spreadsheet to track applications. Others recommended setting up alerts on LinkedIn, BuiltIn, Welcome to the Jungle, and Hiring.cafe. Networking, several pointed out, would be key.

Since the original poster already had an updated résumé, commenters encouraged her to tailor it aggressively for each role. One person shared that rewriting their résumé for every job -- and using AI tools to optimize for an 80% or better match -- led to four interviews and two second-round callbacks in just two weeks.

Another smart tip: pull past performance reviews and turn them into fresh résumé bullet points. It's easy to forget your wins when you're in survival mode.

Importantly, multiple users reassured her that B2B SaaS marketing is not "too niche." In fact, skills like demand generation, lifecycle marketing, pipeline growth, CAC optimization, and RevOps alignment translate across industries. Smaller B2B companies, one commenter noted, may move faster than big tech right now and often value generalists.

ALSO READ: Employee quits on the spot after raise request, then wonders if he overreacted - Internet weighs in

One blunt piece of advice stood out: step away from doom-scrolling. "What you see on social media is not often reality," one commenter warned. Reducing time on platforms that amplify layoffs and anxiety could protect her mental focus.

And there was something else, something quieter but powerful. One user reminded her to lean into family time. Jobs come and go. Kids don't.

ALSO READ: Quote of the Day by Mark Zuckerberg: 'The greatest successes come from...' -- Inspiring quotes by the Meta CEO

After reading every comment, the original poster came back with an update. She admitted much of her fear was grief talking. As the eldest daughter who had always held things together, not having immediate control felt destabilizing. But she ended on a steadier note: "It'll be ok though, I will figure it out." The panic hadn't disappeared. But it had softened.

Two months of savings can feel like a ticking clock. But what this single mom's story shows is that clarity often comes after the initial shock.

Take a breath. Make a plan. Lean on your network. Cut the noise. And remember that a layoff is a chapter, not the whole story.

Is B2B SaaS marketing too niche in today's job market?

According to professionals in the thread, no. Demand gen, growth, and lifecycle skills are highly transferable across industries.

What should you do immediately after a layoff?

File for unemployment, review your budget, apply for any eligible aid, update your résumé, and create a structured job search plan. more

Finch Vane

Career development

1d

I had a strange interview at a big real estate company. The HR lady first asked me what settings I changed on my phone. I just made something up so I could answer. Then she asked when was the last time I lied. It felt like a trick question.
They said they would call me in a few days to tell me if I got the job, but I’m shocked and don’t think I passed. What would you say if they asked you about... lying?
Thanks

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2

Ashaba Princess
13h
And some HRs sometimes they ask funny questions for u to fail,
Danson Wopicho
14h
They wanted your honest. Myb you tensed and knew that you were lying. At times during the interview you get similar response until you say. Let me now... try a unique question. So they judged you with how you responded. more

Career development

17h

AI Resume Generator Buying Guide 2026: 6 Must-Check Factors Before You Hit "Download

AI résumé builders can close that gap, yet the 2026 market is packed with copy-cat tools, hidden fees, and flashy templates that jam ATS parsers.

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) filter out roughly 75% of résumés before a recruiter sees them, Jobscan reports. AI résumé builders can close that gap, yet the 2026 market is packed with copy-cat tools, hidden fees, and flashy templates that jam ATS... parsers.

This guide cuts through the clutter.

Applicant Tracking Systems read left to right, top to bottom. Anything that interrupts that flow can delete your best accomplishments. A University of Texas HR Analytics study found that multi-column layouts are 91% more likely to fail Workday parsing than identical single-column files. In Jobscan tests, moving a designer résumé from two columns to one raised the match score from 41% to 86%, no wording changed.

Then check whether the builder has done its own ATS testing. Enhancv, for example, publishes an ATS guide based on tests with major ATS vendors and a small myth-busting study; it reports that standard fonts and well-structured layouts usually parse correctly, while information embedded in graphics is more likely to disappear.

Many résumé builders advertise a low "$1-$3 trial." The catch is that, after only a few days, the plan switches to a full subscription.

A fair platform will:

On a transparent site, you can often see this at a glance.

Novoresume's AI Resume Templates, for example, lays out a free basic tier and one-time premium plans that explicitly state there is no recurring billing or automatic subscription, and its FAQ confirms there are no hidden costs and that you see the full price before entering any payment details.

Use that as a benchmark when you compare builders: renewal rules, total charges, and what you can download for free should all be spelled out just as clearly in one place.

If you instead spot countdown timers, hidden checkout steps, or forced card entry just to preview your PDF, close the tab; unexpected fees can drain more than your job-search budget.

A résumé lists phone numbers, locations, and even salary clues that can feed identity thieves or ad networks. According to HRME's 2023 industry coverage, 53.87% of U.S. job seekers rank privacy risks as their top fear when AI tools handle their data.

Spend two minutes on these checks:

If a platform hides these details or floods the page with tracking cookies, leave. Your career story belongs in a recruiter's inbox, not a marketing database.

"AI-powered" can refer to two distinct engines:

A strong AI résumé builder combines both functions. Look for a workflow where you:

These feedback loops turn a static document into a résumé that mirrors employer language while sounding like you. If the software only writes or only scores, you will spend extra time and may miss interviews.

File type can determine if an ATS reads or rejects your résumé. In a 2025 study of 50,000 submissions across 15 ATS platforms, DOCX files parsed correctly 88% of the time, text-based PDFs 7%, and image-based PDFs just 3%.

Keep at least three versions on hand:

Before you spend hours designing, open the export menu. If you don't see DOCX, PDF, TXT, and even a "copy to Google Docs" option, choose another builder. Multiple formats let you edit on any device, meet upload rules, and send the right file fast when a recruiter calls.

A résumé builder should let you shape content the way recruiters read it, with no coding needed. At minimum, you need to: more

Career development

18h

Navigating the Graduate Job Market: What You Need to Know

The graduate job market can feel daunting, but taking the right approach to job hunting can make all the difference. Discover the essential strategies, insights and advice you need to land the right graduate job for you.

Explore sectors and career paths

Use Prospects subject guides, job profiles and our careers resources to research industries, understand different roles and identify what might... suit your interests, values and skills.

Stay aware of timelines

Many graduate schemes open in the autumn, often recruiting months in advance. But from now onwards, graduate entry roles start being advertised ready for a May/June start, so it's the perfect time to begin your search.

Tailor every application

Employers expect clear, specific examples of your skills and experience. Adapt your CV, application answers and cover letters to each role to show why you're a strong fit.

Prepare for assessments

From interviews and video tasks to online tests and assessment centres, preparation is key. Use our online practice tool to build confidence for everything you might face.

If you're not sure what job you're searching for, don't panic. Check out our Career Planner. Whether you need some career inspiration, want to find out more about jobs, or just don't have a clue what to do next, this interactive pathway will help.

💻 Start the pathway on myCareer more

Monica Hills

Career development

1w

Hey everyone! I’m a mom on maternity leave. I’ve been home for a year already. My job was expecting me to come back on March 1, but I’m pregnant again and told them I’m going on maternity leave again, so I won’t be returning yet.
They said I can stay home for 4 more months and then that’s it, otherwise they’ll fire me.
Is that even allowed? Can they fire someone who’s pregnant and on maternity... leave? Thanks!

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5

Sheila Milburn
18h
Yes, they can. And you cant just decide to stay home another year. Do you have Drs orders or a documented medical reason to be home during this... current pregnancy?
Paid or unpaid Maternity leave (ML) is for after you give birth. You have 1 baby and 1 year of ML. Being pregnant does not equal ML. Go back to work until you deliver your next baby. Then you can go back out on ML.
If you want to be a stay at home mom, quit and stay home. Stop taking up space on the roles and preventing your employers from filling the spot and getting work done.
As others have stated, you should read your employee manual. more
1
Kitty Troeger
1d
Well they can't fire you while you are on leave, but they don't have to hold your job. (At least not in the US Private Sector) What this means is that... when you come back, you will most likely have a different role. However, from what you are saying I would plan my exit strategy and find a remote role that will allow you to work part time and still have benefits. I am in the process of building several businesses, and I plan to offer generous packages to my employees. Tell me more about what you do and what kind of work you would be interested in. more
21 reply

Career development

20h

Pre-Employment Vetting Project, Southampton - United Kingdom

I need a reliable partner in Southampton, UK to carry out strict employment verification on a prospective hire. The scope is focused: confirm the individual's past employment exactly as stated on their résumé. After awarding the project I will share the candidate's CV and full employer contact details. You will then: * Speak with an authorised representative of the stated employer (HR, line... manager or payroll) to verify dates of employment, job title and employment status. * Secure written confirmation -- either an official email, a signed letter on company letterhead, or a detailed call log noting the contact's name, position, date and time of conversation. * Compare the verified information against the CV and highlight any discrepancies. * Compile a short verification report with all supporting evidence and submit it to me within two business days of receiving the files. Accuracy, discretion and compliance with UK data-protection law are essential. Experience in background screening, HR or investigative research will be highly valued. more

Career development

3d

8 Common interview mistakes and how to avoid them

What shouldn't you do at a job interview? WRS take a look at some of the most common job interview mistakes and offer advice on how to avoid them!

Start your preparation a few days before your interview. Research the company by looking at their website, social channels and press releases. Get familiar with your CV and prepare for possible interview questions.

Avoiding last minute prep will help... you remain as relaxed as possible the night before, allowing you to get a good night's sleep so that you are fresh and energised for your interview, and ready to make a great impression on your interviewer.

Plan ahead, research the location of the interview and plan your route. Try to arrive no more than 10 minutes early, it suggests good time management skills, and respect for the company, the position, and even your interviewer. Turning up late to an interview gives the impression that you are not enthusiastic about the position even if you are.

Make sure you've eaten and are well hydrated before the interview, a trip to the toilet just before you get there will mean that you are comfortable and able to give complete focus to your interviewer.

Unless the interviewer broaches the subject, you shouldn't discuss salary on your first stage interview. The same applies to benefits such as holidays, flexible working and company perks. Save these topics for subsequent interviews.

According to a recent survey by CV library a staggering 84.9% of interviewers describe overconfidence and arrogance as a job interview turn-off. It's important to be confident and to give the recruiter proof of your achievements and abilities, rather than walking into the interview like you've already got the job.

One of the best ways of doing this is to give your interviewer figures, stats and facts from your previous work experience, showing them unequivocal evidence that you get results and why you're a strong applicant for the role.

Often the interviewer will ask you why you are thinking about leaving your current role. If you say you hated your line manager or the company it may make the interviewer doubt your motivation for the position and your attitude. Avoid being critical, try saying that you want a new challenge or that you wish to be part of a bigger or smaller company, these are perfectly understandable and suitable reasons.

Avoid being tempted to use your phone at the interview, leave it in your car. Or put your phone on silent and put it away in your bag. Texting, or taking a call during your interview is not only rude and disruptive, but it sends a clear message to the hiring manager that the interview is not your top priority.

Don't be tempted to look at your phone when you're waiting to go into your interview. Instead, pickup some company literature and read through it whilst you wait or look at any marketing material/corporate messages on the wall. This makes a far better first impression.

If you feel like your attention is slipping, try to make every effort to stay engaged. If you're feeling tired try to take in deep breaths and sip some water to re-hydrate. Remember to keep eye contact and make an active effort to listen.

Not listening could lead to you misunderstanding the question and giving a poor answer. Don't let yourself zone out during an interview. Your potential employer will question your ability to remain focused during a day on the job.

Keep your answers concise, no matter how welcoming or friendly the interviewer seems. An interview is a professional situation so don't get side-tracked and start talking about your personal life too much.

At the end of the interview the hiring manager will always ask if you have any questions. Surprisingly, the most common answer to this question is no. This is a missed opportunity to find out more about the company and to highlight your interest in the position and reinforces your suitability as a candidate. Ask questions related to the job, the company and the industry. Don't ask questions that you should have covered in your research! more

12

LOKUT PAUL
22h
its really too real but i suggest if the complete interview questions can be shared
Polly Akot
1d
Good information

Career development

23h

Trip CEO Olivia Ferdi on family, calm and the Oscars

Job title: Co-founder and CEO

Company: Trip

What was your first job? A Saturday job working in a clothing store,

What's been your worst job interview? I've had plenty! You'd have to ask those people that didn't hire me - ha!

What was the first music single you bought? It must have been Britney Spears.

How do you describe your job to your friends? They understand that it's not a typical 'job'.... Trip started after a personal experience when I was getting married - discovering the incredible power of natural botanical ingredients for recovery.

My friends and family were part of that, watching the idea for Trip begin after the wedding and growing in the early days, from taste-testing first recipe ideas in my kitchen to helping me sample at weekend events. They've been with me for the full ride! So they understand it's built around family, friendships and lived experiences, all to help people find their calm everyday.

"Consumers are looking for more than just a drink; they're looking for a mood"

What is the most rewarding part of your job? Hearing from our community. When someone tells us that Trip helped them navigate a stressful day or finally find some balance with family or work, it makes every late night and hurdle worth it.

Seeing the business grow each year and the excitement from our incredible team across the globe. We've recently launched in some of the biggest retailers in the US. Although seeing someone with a can of Trip while I'm out and about will never get old!

Seeing our team grow. There is nothing more fulfilling than watching a group of passionate people take an idea and turn it into something that sits on the shelves of the world's biggest retailers. Innovation is central to our culture at Trip and we love seeing people think outside the box and get creative - it's the best way to drive change.

What is the least rewarding part? Admin and spreadsheets. I'm definitely in my element when I'm out meeting our customers, or in the lab working on product development.

What is your motto in life? It's a great day to have a great day.

If you were allowed one dream perk, what would it be? That when I'm on annual leave, everyone is too! So no emails to catch up on.

Do you have any phobias? Spiders and creepy crawlies, which I'm having to hide in front of my toddler when he presents me with one.

If you could change one thing in grocery, what would it be? I'd love to see even more dedicated space for 'functional wellness'. Consumers are looking for more than just a drink; they're looking for a mood, and the layout of our stores can help them find that more easily, right next to traditional product formats.

Making the "mindful" choice the easiest choice. I'd love to continue working with retailers to ensure that low-sugar, functional, and calming options are as accessible as the traditional categories.

It's been amazing seeing Trip part of the meal deal nationwide, taking something loved and familiar and optimising for healthier choices.

What luxury would you have on a desert island? My family.

What animal most reflects your personality? A swan. Hopefully appearing calm and graceful on the surface, while underneath the water, I'm paddling away with a lot of energy to keep things moving forward.

What's your favourite film and why? I'm not sure I could choose one, it depends what mood I'm in.

Which celebrity would you most like to work with and why? We've been lucky enough to work with some incredible celebrity partners since starting Trip, it would be too tricky to choose just one. From Joe Jonas, to sharing Trip at the Oscars, to Paul Wesley, the job's taken me to some incredible and surreal places.

What would your death row meal be? A Sunday roast. more

Career development

1d

Professional Graphic Portfolio Website

I'm ready to elevate my freelancing presence with a sleek, professional website that puts my graphic-design work front and center. The site will act as a digital portfolio I can share with prospective clients and agencies, so visual polish, intuitive navigation, and rock-solid performance are non-negotiable. Core structure * About Me - a concise bio with headshot, skills highlights, and... downloadable résumé. * Portfolio / Gallery - grid or masonry layout that lets visitors browse projects quickly, each item opening to a dedicated case-study page with images, descriptions, and key results. * Testimonials - clean slider or card layout for client quotes, with the option to add more in the future. Look & feel The overall style has to be unmistakably professional: balanced white space, restrained color palette, crisp typography, and subtle micro-interactions that don't distract from the artwork. Technical expectations - Fully responsive and fast-loading on all modern browsers. - Built on a platform I can edit easily (WordPress, Webflow, or a hand-coded static site with clear instructions -- open to your suggestion). - Optimized image handling: lazy loading, compression, and retina-ready graphics. - Basic on-page SEO (semantic HTML, meta tags, alt text) baked in. - Simple contact mechanism (form or email link) plus social media links. Deliverables 1. Complete website files / CMS hand-off with admin access. 2. One short screen-share walkthrough so I know how to update content myself. 3. Deployment to my hosting or detailed instructions if you prefer I handle the final push. If you have a portfolio example that matches this professional aesthetic, I'd love to see it when you respond. more

Career development

1d

CEO reveals the little-known 'water test' she uses in job interviews

Hoping to make a good impression at a job interview or even at an important business meeting? A corporate executive has revealed a simple way you can foster a positive outcome before the meeting has even begun.

Julie Helms, a former energy industry CEO who now specialises as an executive presence educator, has been in the hiring seat during dozens of interviews - but is always stunned that so... many applicants miss out on an easy win right at the very start.

And it has absolutely nothing to do with an applicant's experience, skills or suitability for the role.

'What's the first thing you are offered in a meeting?' Julie asked in a post shared to her @juliehelmss Instagram account. 'Usually, it's a glass of water.'

'And what does everyone say to that offer? "Oh no, thanks. I'm fine."'

But if you're hoping to start the meeting on a positive note, Julie explained in a video that you shouldn't turn down this polite gesture.

'There's a scientific reason to be the person who says "Yes, please". And that is the neurological link between generosity and happiness.

'By enabling their generosity when you accept, you're giving them a tiny mood boost.'

Julie Helms, a former energy industry CEO who now specialises as an executive presence educator, shared her 'always take the water' trick for job interviews and important meetings in a recent video post

Julie explained how answering 'yes' to the polite gesture subconsciously fosters a positive environment before the meeting has even begun

Her ultimate underrated interview tip? 'Always take the water.'

Julie elaborated further to Daily Mail on the little-known business etiquette tip, explaining how it could, on a subconscious level, impact the tone of the forthcoming meeting.

'Saying "yes" to the offer of water is not just about whether you're thirsty. It's a small social gesture that helps the other person feel comfortable and valued, which quietly strengthens connection from the very start.'

As the old saying goes, "First impressions count" - and in Julie's experience, that extends to these polite small talk and social interactions before the formalities commence.

'Meetings and job interviews are just as much about rapport as they are about the actual content. The tone is often set in the first few seconds.'

'Humans are wired with survival instincts that constantly scan for cues about whether someone is a friend or a threat, often without us even realising it. Small social signals can influence that perception. Saying "yes" to water is a subtle friend cue. It helps shift both people out of a fight or flight mindset and into a more grounded, collaborative state, which supports clearer thinking and better communication.'

Furthermore, Julie says that in particularly strenuous interviews, having a glass of water at hand can be helpful on a practical level - and not just to quench any dehydration-related nerves.

'Having a glass of water gives you something natural to do with your hands and creates built-in pause moments, say if you need a second to think before answering a question.'

Julie recently shared a video explaining her 'always take the water' interview tactic in a video shared to her @juliehelmss social media accounts

Julie explained how having a glass of water at hand can be helpful on a practical level to offer natural pause moments in conversation (Picture: stock image)

'That tiny bit of space can make you appear more composed under pressure.'

So, will the meeting fall apart if you decline the offer of water at the start? Not necessarily - but Julie explains that it could introduce a 'very subtle distance' between the parties.

'Leading with a "no", even a very polite "no, thank you", can introduce a subtle distance. When the stakes are as low as a glass of water, simply saying "yes" helps establish a cooperative rhythm from the start.

'Accepting the offer also positions you as someone who expects to be there and feels comfortable in the space. Those early impressions are powerful, and they can influence how the rest of the conversation unfolds.'

An Australian CEO previously revealed how he uses the offer of a beverage during a job interview as a mini-test for potential candidates.

Former Xero Australia managing director Trent Innes admitted in a 2019 interview that he refuses to hire anyone who doesn't offer to take their empty coffee cup back to the kitchen at the end of a job interview.

He explained that this tactic gave him a snapshot into the person's 'attitude' and 'ownership'.

Before commencing his interview, Mr Innes revealed he usually takes the prospective candidate for a walk to the kitchen, where they are given a glass of water, coffee, tea or soft drink.

CEO's Underrated Interview Tips

1. Pause and observe the whole room before sitting so that you can acknowledge or greet everyone properly.

2. Keep your phone completely out of sight, not just face down on the table.

3. Avoid visible fidgeting or bouncing your knees. If you need to calm nerves, try gently pressing one thumb into the palm of your other hand - it's a discreet, nearly invisible way to release tension.

4. Take a small breath before answering a tough question instead of rushing. That brief pause helps you respond thoughtfully rather than reactively.

5. If you accept a glass of water in the meeting, ask at the end if you may return it to the kitchen or dishwasher. That small gesture reads as teamwork and consideration for shared spaces.

6. Remember, micro behaviours communicate presence, respect, and emotional composure. People often remember how you made them feel just as much as what you actually said.

Source: Julie Helms, CEO and executive presence educator, @juliehelmss

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Former Xero Australia's managing director Trent Innes (pictured) would use a "coffee cup return" test in job interviews

He previously told the Venture Podcast with Lambros Photios that what he's subsequently looking for is to see if the person offers to return the empty cup to the kitchen at the conclusion of the interview.

By implementing this approach, Mr Innes said his secret technique helps ensure he finds the perfect employee who will fit into the culture of his company.

'So what I was trying to find was what was the lowest level task I could find that regardless of what you did inside the organisation was still super important that would actually really drive a culture of ownership,' he said.

'You really want to make sure that you've got people who have got a real sense of ownership, and that's really what I was looking for.' more

Career development

1d

From Stripe to start-up: Talexa targets costly HR blind spots

Talexa aims to help organisations understand their real skills gaps - and adopt AI responsibly

Phuong Vu has almost a decade's experience of building and scaling global teams, most recently at Stripe. Her remit covered global talent acquisition and research as well as workforce data and strategy, and she had become acutely aware of the HR challenges faced by organisations as they grow and... scale.

What Vu saw repeatedly was that while the concept of having a workforce hired for its skills is widely understood and accepted, there's a gap when it comes to execution. Put simply, most organisations don't have a clear picture of the skills they already have or the skills they need. As a result, they often make poor and costly hiring decisions.

In May last year, Vu left Stripe to address this problem and has since developed Talexa, a workforce intelligence platform that provides organisations with accurate visibility of their existing skills and capabilities, helping them build and implement HR strategies that blend the best of human capabilities and AI.

"Working in the talent space for over nine years (with Stripe and international recruitment company, CPL, before that) I interviewed thousands of people from employees to senior executives across global enterprises," Vu says.

"The same concerns surfaced repeatedly: a lack of visibility into workforce skills, top talent being underutilised, limited career development opportunities, persistent skills gaps despite money being wasted on misdirected learning and development and cycles of over-hiring and lay-offs. Poor AI adoption was also a problem, as was failure to implement change and transformation.

"Skills-based organisations have been around for years, yet most companies still struggle to adopt the model in practise due to its complexity, inconsistent data, and lack of a clear starting point. More importantly, many organisations find it difficult to connect workforce data to real decisions.

"They need to understand what skills they have now, which roles need to change, where capability gaps exist, and where AI can responsibly improve productivity. This challenge has become critical in an era of rapid AI adoption and workforce disruption, where skills, roles, and capacity must be planned far more dynamically than before.

"Talexa was built not only to solve this problem, but to help organisations build a modern people infrastructure that can keep pace with rapid business and technology change, including the responsible adoption of AI."

She says Talexa is particularly relevant for organisations that recognise the need to move towards a skills-based approach but struggle to adopt it. "We also work with organisations undergoing workforce transformation or disruption, helping them plan more effectively by using skills data as the foundation for decision-making."

[ Nervousness pervades the Irish jobs market as days of strong multinational sector growth recedeOpens in new window ]

Vu says that most existing tools are limited to skills mapping, static role profiles and HR reporting, whereas Talexa focuses on human capability in actual business and commercial contexts. In particular, it can hone in on the real work being done, the capabilities this requires, and which aspects of human capability can be AI-assisted at different levels.

"This enables organisations to move from AI curiosity to targeted pilots, specific roles, specific work, and measurable impact, with governance in mind," Vu says. "It also gives executives a trusted foundation of skills intelligence to make workforce decisions that drive real business outcomes, not just activity."

Vu is originally from Vietnam and majored in maths and IT before moving to Ireland in 2013 to study for a degree in business and management. She also has a master's in talent, leadership and HR strategy from DCU and a higher diploma in software development.

Vu has carried out much of the platform development herself - with some outside help - on a shoestring budget of about €8,000, plus the €15,000 stipend that goes with participation in the New Frontiers start-up programme. She is currently on phase three of the programme at TU Tallaght.

"New Frontiers provided the runway and structure needed to turn early chaos into a business, while keeping us accountable and constantly pushing us to take the next step," she says.

While Vu has been able to accelerate the development of the business by being intensely focused and working seven days a week with no salary, Talexa has now reached the point where it needs more substantial investment. In has recently been approved for pre-seed funding of €100,000 by Enterprise Ireland.

[ Irish start-up aims to offer pay-as-you-go finance researchOpens in new window ]

The platform, which has been in beta with a pilot group since last September, is now live. Talexa's sweet spot is organisations with 500-plus employees. However, the company also has a separate package for small businesses that don't yet have an employee planning/management system or the capability or knowledge required to implement AI effectively.

The company's main revenue model is subscription-based, with a charge of between €5 and €15 per employee per month, depending on volume. An onboarding fee may also apply, depending on the level of integration required.

Talexa will focus on the Irish and UK markets to start with, and its ideal users will be progressive organisations where workforce transformation and AI adoption are priorities.

Supporting the company's delivery of skills identification, workforce planning and management is an in-house research unit which conducts its own analysis of sectors, services, products and industries to ensure that companies are hiring and plugging skills gaps for future trends, not just for their immediate needs.

"What really differentiates Talexa is our focus on commercial execution. We link skills and capability data directly to real business outcomes, enabling leaders to make decisions that drive measurable impact rather than static reporting," Vu says.

"The hardest part of setting up has been balancing speed with trust while also educating the market. We're building something very ambitious with long-term value in a space where decisions are sensitive (because of the interplay of people, jobs and AI), while ensuring the product is practical, credible, and delivers value quickly." more

Kira Merriweather

Career development

1w

What should I do? I used to work as a primary school teacher, but I couldn’t earn enough money there. So now I work as a private tutor. I help kids get ready for elementary and middle school. I make good money.
But my parents don’t understand why I left a government job with benefits and a future pension. I tell them it’s better to earn more now and save money for the future, but they still think... I should go back to school work.
They say I will spend all my savings anyway, and that without a pension I won’t have money when I’m old.
What should I do?

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2

Life Simon
1d
You can still open a pension account with any of the pension managers, walk up to any of their offices and chat with their officers. Sure you can have... both. more
Steward Tony Pacheco
6d
Well if you just want to be comfortable for the rest of your life, stay with the teachers gig and get burned out like many others in that field, then... you will have a pension which may not cover your developed lifestyle.

You could also make more money freelancing as a "ME.INC" trainer and consistently build a network that will sustain your earning potential throughout the course of your business building speaker career.

Those titles are Trainer, Teacher, Coach & Speaker which command attractive fees but is a learning process. You Must Think Big, Not Safe.

But that ball is in your court. Everything takes training and action. You don’t really need motivation because one can motivate an idiot and all they would have is a motivated idiot. Training is key and faith in your abilities as a sharer of ideas.

Expand on what you know already and learn, not to teach curriculum, but to train others in leadership success. It’s another world but it also helps those who want to train today’s youth.

I suggest John C Maxwell Leadership Training which is where I decided to connect
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