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Know How to You Answer Your Weakest Interview Question?

When going on a interview one of the most difficult question you may be asked is, "What is Your Biggest Weakness?" You want to prepare for this question but at the same time to not sound rehearsed or that your response can directly form a book. You never want to give information that can prevent you from getting the job or an answer that you think the interviewer wants you to hear


Workaholism and Burnout

In western culture it is easy to get caught up in the fast paced hype of current trends. It seems that there is not enough time to do that which we set out to do. Our tasks lists are longer than our meals with our families. Sitting down to enjoy our families or nurture ourselves is becoming a thing of the past. Unless we stop, look, and listen to how we are really doing or feeling deep inside. I am a single mother of a teenager and I know from first hand how to be an over responsible workaholic. Being a single mom puts me in a position of being the super woman. I have to cook, clean, organize, pay bills, go to work, take care of my daughter, be the absent father, among other things I am suppose to be or do because of my position of being a single parent. I dove into my career as an entrepreneur twelve years ago. I am in the service oriented business. My passion was to meet the needs of my clients and for twelve years I did exactly that. What I did not plan on was over working led me to burn out. I was forced to work so that I can provide and live a good life for my daughter. I thought that money was easier if I worked hard and was never home. I even worked two other jobs to make ends meet. What I found out is that my body can only do that for so long and then I got some sort of illness. This is when depression set in for me and it seems to be the highest emotional illness among single parents. I wanted to be the tough mom and the one who could "do it all" and prove to the world that I can do anything! Well, that was all wrong. The workaholic and burnout came together and I crashed. I hated my every day life, and I hated going to work, and I hated what I use to love to do. Personally and professionally I thought I had it made. Wrong again. My focus was on meeting the needs of my clients and I neglected myself and everyone else around me, including my daughter. She did not deserve that but I felt I had no choice in the matter. we all have choices and I finally took a long look at what I had been doing with my life and how it affected the lives of those around me. Yes, I would have done things differently, but I guess it was my time to learn that over working and burnout became a blessing. Why was it a sign of a blessing? Well, once I realized that I was an over doer, I took that break I needed and realized I am a better person for having gone through all what I did. I want to help others who work too much and I want them to get the help they need before they feel guilty or regret some of the things I did. My motto: "Live with No Regrets". My advice to avoid burnout is to read articles now before it happens. Look for the signs written. If you have lost your lust for life and you are negative every day, get some help. Depression either has set in or you need to get help for your depressed thoughts. When you are depressed it affects others even if you do not think it does. My only wish is that whether you are a single parent or not, over working and burnout usually go hand in hand please do not wait until its too late to get the help you need. Stop, look, and listen to the real you on the inside. Above all remember there is a higher power that cares enough about you that, "this too shall pass."


Resume Format Styles. The different types of resume formats and when to best use them

The different types of resume formats and when to best use them.

 

  Most people donð€™t think about the different resume types, they either create a resume the way they think it should look or they use a sample resume and use the sample as a reference point.

Most sample resumes are formatted in chronological order, in which your most recent position is at the top and then goes in reverse order from there. This is the most popular style, but it doesnð€™t mean itð€™s the best resume format for you. Employers and recruiters prefer this format over others because it provides an easy to track snapshot of your work history, that being said. This format may be the best in format in some situations and not in others.  

Chronological The chronological resume format is a good fit if you have been working in the same field and have a solid and consistent history of moving up within that same field, but if you have worked within that same field and are trying to break into a different field of work then this would not be the best resume format to use. Other ways the Chronological resume format might not be the best format include; A) Your most recent experience does not relate to the job in which you are applying for.

B) Your resume shows that you have been at most of your positions for a year or less.

C) You are looking for entry level positions and lack a work history.

D) Your resume history has gaps between employment. If you fit into any of the categories above, then you should consider a different format options for your resume.

The Functional Formatted resume:

This resume format is organized around your experience, skills and accomplishments instead of focusing on specific jobs, by using this method you use general terms or leave out your previous titles and dates relating to your employment.

This allows you to look better suited for certain positions where a chronological resume would disqualify you immediately. You should consider this format if;

1) you are re entering the job market after a long absence and your past experience has little to do with the position you are targeting.

2) Your work history shows several positions but they do not show professional growth.

3) You are looking for an entry-level position and you do not have a lengthy amount of experience.

 

Keep in mind that using the Functional Format for a resume has both its advantages and disadvantages. The big advantage of using a Functional resume is that you place emphasis on those skills and experience in your back ground most likely to catch the attention of employers. by studying the target position and highlighting those skills that would best match the position, you place yourself in the best light to be a fit.

The reason most people use the Functional resume format is that it allows them to be creative with certain aspects of their work history, highlight key skills or hide long periods of unemployment

  The disadvantages of using a functional resume is that many recruiters, hiring managers view them with skepticism.

Most employers expect to see the specific position you held in a certain order and expect to read about each of your roles and what was expected of you in those roles with a detailed explanation. The fact that the Functional style allows you to highlight your strengths and accomplishments are still key to a potential employers, but continuity is equally important to potential employers.  

Hybrid Resume Format The third option is a combination of both the chronological and functional resume. Basically, it starts with a description of your functional skill sets, high lighting key words and qualifications employers would be looking for in a resume. The continues with a chronological employment history.

In this case try and highlight as many terms that relate to the position you are after at the top and include them whenever they fit with the chronological part as well. This hybrid resume is best used if you are;

1) looking to change careers and want to highlight the skills that would best match your new career path. it creates a seg-way into your new career by showing skills that could be transferable.

2) You are interested in a position and think you can perform the tasks needed, but your past experience and the skills necessary the new position are not strong.

3) It may also be worth trying if have had no luck with the straight chronological resume format.

Once again this type of format has its advantages and disadvantages. the big advantage of the hybrid resume is that like a functional resume it highlights early on what skill sets you can bring to the position and what you have accomplished in your past employment that can contribute as well. this format seems to diffuse most suspicions that employers may have.

The only disadvantage of a hybrid resume is that some employers and recruiters prefer the resume to be in chronological order and may think that you are trying to conceal certain parts of your employment history.

The hybrid resume is being seen more and more, and its seems to be more accepted by employers. As for resume format, you should look at where you are in your career and pick the resume format best suited to your situation. there is no real wrong or right format. certain layout work best for some and not others.

My advice would be to look at a position you are targeting and then go over your skill sets. Decide from there what would be best to highlight your experience and show your skill sets.

The bottom line is regardless of which format you choose, make sure your resume looks professional, highlights your skill sets by showing your accomplishments and not just your day to  day work. last but not least make sure your resume is targeted towards the position you want, having a great looking resume will not get you the position if it does not match the skills needed for the position. Spend time on your resume, you might want to create several versions to best suit different positions.

This is one of the most important documents you can create, remember your initial meeting with potential employers is through your resume, make it count and it pay off by generating more interest from employers.  

 I wish you all the best in your job search.

please share any comments you may have on this or any of my articles.  

Best, August Ferradeira www.getthebestjobnow.com






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