Tips for job seekers - Margaret Buj - Interview Coach

Tips for job seekers Enjoying a career in our own choice of industry is what everyone strives for when putting in the hard hours during each rung of the education ladder, but jobs very rarely fall on our laps when we most want one. Finding work has become extremely difficult in recent years, with a global recession resulting in a considerable number of companies falling into liquidation, which has in turn created an overwhelming imbalance between supply and demand. People are often left feeling disheartened at not being able to find employment that would provide them with occupational and financial benefits, but there are a number of handy tips which those looking for work can use to improve their chances. Stay positive The one thing to remember when you are unemployed that it is, in fact, your job is to look for employment. This can be used as motivation to search for jobs on a regular basis, whether it is in the local job centre, newspaper or online. You should always stay positive throughout the process of applying for jobs and waiting for a reply; although you may be unsuccessful with applications and do not hear back from prospective employers, there are always new vacancies made available via companies who are looking for people with particular skills and experience which may be a perfect fit for you. Positivity can ensure that you keep trying and prevent falling into the trap of giving up, with perseverance and a positive mindset important to making the all-important break you are searching for. Get plenty of rest and sleep It is naturally understandable for some people to spend all day and night searching for a job, but there comes a time when you need to take your body and mind’s condition into consideration. Taking several rest breaks and enjoying a good night’s sleep on a comfortable bed will ensure that you remain focused and ensure the batteries remain charged ready for the day ahead. Losing sleep and becoming an insomniac is one of the consequences of not having a job, and not gaining proper rest can also be detrimental when it comes to interviews as it will prevent you from looking facially presentable and answer questions coherently or with the right attitude. These factors can instantly deter a potential employer from acquiring your services, so it is always important to spend adequate hours tucked up in bed. Sell yourself in a positive light Potential employers look for candidates who not only fit the required specifications and skillsets needed for the job, but also look for people who sell themselves and their qualities to make them stand out from the rest. It is therefore essential that you ensure every aspect of your C.V, cover letter and work portfolio (if one is required) portrays your personality and the qualities you can bring to the table. The same rule also applies to interviews, as it allows you to showcase yourself in a professional light; wearing suitable clothing, learning about the company’s history and highlighting your key abilities can make the difference between missing out and being successful in your quest to gain employment.

RAF Eligibility Criteria 2017 How To Ace Enlistment

RAF Eligibility Criteria 2017 How To Ace Enlistment The Royal Air Force or RAF is an equal opportunity employer meaning that no race, social, cultural, religious background is discriminated against. It does not matter if a candidate is male, female, or gay. The RAF likes to recruit a variety of individuals to ensure that all careers are filled with proper candidates from all backgrounds and education. There are still RAF recruitment eligibility requirements that must be met for a candidate to apply and succeed through training to an enlisted position. The starting age for the RAF is 16 years of age with parental consent. RAF Eligibility CriteriaMen and women can apply; however, certain roles for combat such as the RAF Regiment are restricted to men only. As for other RAF eligibility criteria, one must meet the age, fitness, and nationality/residency qualifications. For certain ranks and positions within the RAF academic requirements might apply. Generally, education requirements are restricted to officers or candidates hoping to enter in an officer position rather than go through cadet training from the lowest possible rank in the RAF. For those in an HM Forces Service position applications are processed only mildly differently. Nationality and Residency RequirementsAny candidate will need to have a British, Commonwealth or Dual citizenship for Britain. If the nationality requirements are met then the individual needs to prove they were in the UK for the last 5 years with no more than 28 days per annum spent outside of the UK. If there is a strong reason for being out of the country and supporting evidence than an application may be approved but it is a case by case situation.Fitness and MedicalEvery candidate must meet certain medical requirements to move through the application process. Height and weight is not always specific; however, certain jobs require a minimum height in order to perform the duties. It is best to check your height based on your potential placement in the RAF. Minimum and maximum BMIs are in place for health and safety reasons. BMI ranges need to be within 17 to 32 depending on gender and age. Any male 18 or older is required to be 18 to 32. A person 16 years of age must be within 17 to 27.Part of the RAF eligibility criteria includes taking eyesight tests. There are minimum standards to be met for uncorrected and corrected eyesight based on the position a candidate will hold. For regular roles +/- 6 dioptres is required. Also colour blindness is not accepted in certain roles, but does not eliminate a candidate entirely. These tests may take place at the Armed Forces Careers Office (AFCO).The medical staff in the RAF conducting the medical exams and fitness assessment can decide on a case by case basis if a person can handle the physical requirements of the job and the training that is required. There is some room for candidates to pass without strictly being within the ranges stated above for height, weight, and eyesight. There are also certain conditions that coul d exclude a person from joining the RAF. The Royal Air Force does not believe every candidate needs to be a top athlete, but in fit enough condition to handle the situations that arise.Part of the fitness section is a 2.4 km run that must be completed within a certain time frame. There are also press-ups and sit-ups required. Each age group and gender has a certain minimum that must be met in terms of number and a maximum time allowable for the run.   Depending on age males must make the run in 11.39 to 13.27 minutes, do 15 to 20 press-ups and 20 to 35 sit-ups. Females have 13.54 to 15.53 minutes to complete the run, 5 to 10 press-ups, and 17 to 32 sit-ups. The age group is a range of 16 to 54 for men and women. There are entry criteria and then training completion requirements. The RAF does not expect the highest performance level until after training.Convictions, Bankruptcy and Criminal ChecksEven candidates who have a conviction on their record may still meet the RAF eligibility criteria. Depending on the offence the person may be kept out of certain service positions or held to a lower ranking. It will depend on the situation and how long ago the conviction occurred. If court proceedings are still ongoing denial is made for the application.Bankruptcy when un-discharged makes a candidate ineligible for RAF recruitment. Additionally, certain positions may require a criminal records bureau clearance before acceptance. This entry was posted in Armed Forces, Eligibility Criteria. Bookmark the permalink. Joshua Brown Paramedic Eligibility CriteriaFirefighter Eligibility Criteria: PQAs and other Essentials

Try These Unique Networking Methods!

Try These Unique Networking Methods! When it comes to networking, you don’t always have to step completely out of your shell to meet new people. One of the common misconceptions people have about networking is you have to attend professional events to make new contacts. However, sometimes you can make a professional contact just by living your daily life and being friendly. Here are some unique ways you can expand your network without having to attend a professional networking event. 1. Volunteer Volunteering is always good to do anyway, but you also never know whom you might meet in the process. Strike up a conversation with your fellow volunteers and learn a little more about their life from a personal and professional standpoint. Plus, volunteering will help with your LinkedIn profile development and you can connect with other people who have volunteered with the same organization (possibly in other cities as well). 2. Go to the Gym The gym generally isn’t a place people expect to make good networking contacts. However, just talking to the person next to you could lead to good conversations about a variety of topics. Just don’t be overly pushy when trying to strike up a conversation. Sometimes people want to stick to themselves when they’re at the gym, so be sure to recognize these cues and don’t bother people who want to stay to themselves. 3. Church Groups Most professional resume writing services won’t ask you to put any church organizations on your resume, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t valuable for networking purposes. Depending on how active you are in your church group, you could make some lifelong friends and quality business contacts just by participating in events. 4. Just Be Friendly You don’t need a LinkedIn profile writing service to tell you friendliness is the best way to make good connections. You can network just about anywhere you go. The grocery store, the park, restaurants and anywhere else could be perfect for networking if you are friendly. Most people don’t mind talking to other people and being friendly. You never know where the conversation might lead. There are a lot of interesting people in the world who could help your professional growth; you just have to find them! You don’t have to be skilled at LinkedIn profile development in order to grow your network. For other networking tips and to learn how you can approach people in a professional manner, feel free to contact us at any time.

How To Answer the Overqualified Interview Question - Hallie Crawford

How To Answer the Overqualified Interview Question The lament I hear from my aged 50+ clients is:   I get the same question in every interviewDont you think you are overqualified which translates into I am too old.  However, it is a legitimate question for a company to ask anyone who has done work similar to the job being applied to.  After all, you could become bored and quit after the company has invested in you. So, lets recognize the elephant in the room, and tackle it head on with a response that is both honest and shows your determination in getting the job.  Here are some suggested phrases that you can use:                While my qualifications are extensive, every company has different processes, and I am continuous learner eager to understand different approaches and enjoy working with new people.  And, my broad experience makes me an ideal mentor for younger workers.                I have enjoyed this kind of work for many years and want to continue to do it as I get a great sense of fulfillment from it and certainly would not find it boring.  I really do want this job and appreciate the opportunity to work for such a terrific company.                Please appreciate that I am very healthy and vital and can stay with the company for many years.                For those reasons, I feel I am an excellent candidate for this position. Resist the limiting belief of being too old.    It will show in your attitude and be noticed during the interview.  With more people staying in the workforce and not retiring, you are only as old as you think you are.  Lots of companies welcome 50+ workers because of their experience and their dedication to work.  Why not be one of them! We hope this is helpful to you! Katie Weiser, Associate Coach at HallieCrawford.com

HowResume Writing Students of Color Did It

HowResume Writing Students of Color Did ItWhile it is not necessary to go back in time to learn how to write a resume, it is helpful to see how resume writing students of color did it in the past. The actual first step is to find out how they did it.Writing a resume does not have to be an intimidating ordeal, as long as you know what you are getting into. There are many different ways to learn how to write a resume, and many different ways to view resumes. Just knowing the basics can be beneficial. These are the resume writing skills that are important to learn, and these are the basic steps that have been done for years by people who have become successful.The first step is to gather information. This will give you the freedom to create a resume that best suits your needs and helps you get hired.Students of color tend to learn the skills at a younger age, usually after entering college. This means that you need to find out how they did it.Students of color can typically find resourc es in their local library, community center, college or community center, or other groups that they may belong to. It is important to use these resources for help.Simple questions will allow you to see what steps they took to create a resume, how long it took, and if it was successful. It is also important to ask how the curriculum was taught, whether they had mentors or professors to assist them, and if there were any tutors.Students of color learn at a slower pace than other students. This can make it difficult to get fast answers to simple questions. Many resumes are on time, but even for the fastest of them, patience is often needed.

Tips on Choosing the Best Color For Resume

Tips on Choosing the Best Color For ResumeIf you are considering the best color for resume, it is really quite important to consider your overall personality and how well it matches with the job you are applying for. By doing this, you will be able to make an excellent impression on your prospective employer. And choosing the right color for resume will definitely contribute to your success. Below are a few tips that can help you choose the right color for resume.- A professional resume should include your name, contact details, and contact numbers. However, before doing so, ensure that the information is right for the job you are applying for. For example, if you are a mother, you may want to incorporate your children's names into your cover letter.- The color of your resume will greatly depend on your personality. If you are outgoing and energetic, you might want to include brighter colors in your resume. On the other hand, if you are more introverted, consider choosing a deeper co lor. Bright and deep colors have been found to suit those who are introverted.- Choose a color that fits your personality. And in order to do this, you need to check out the colors that people usually use. If you think that you are going to find something very unique, consider going with a bold color such as red. People like to do business with bold colors and they generally do not take them too seriously.- For those who are imaginative, the best color for resume would be a vibrant color. Bright colors such as red and yellow have been found to be very effective. Furthermore, black and white have been found to be the most non-threatening colors. If you have trouble expressing yourself with words, try adding a little creativity to your resume by using colorful items. Some examples include beads, fabric designs, fabric paints, paper, colorful stickers, and embroidery.- It is possible to incorporate a little bit of whatever you are passionate about into your resume. For example, if you are a good cook, consider putting a recipe or two from your favorite recipe book on your resume. Color coding is a great way to add that extra flavor to your resume.- The color of your resume will not only reflect your personality but it will also be an excellent way to communicate your skills to potential employers. Since so many people will be reading your resume, it is important that you make sure that it is appealing and eye-catching. These are some great tips to help you choose the best color for resume.

Ask the Expert Can My New Company Make Me Change My Name

Ask the Expert Can My New Company Make Me Change My Name Q: Is it legal for my new company to make me change my name? I am starting a new job next week. Somehow another employee, who is a favorite of the regional manager, objects to my name, so I have been told I cannot use it. My middle name is King and it is a name that has been in our family for years. I have been called King since the day I was born â€" 54 years ago â€" and have never had anyone even mention it, much less object to it. This entry-level employee says it offends her religious beliefs. She has been at the company for several years but is still at entry-level, so how can she carry so much weight? What are my options? Is this even legal? A: That’s ridiculous. It’s your name. Legally, they can probably insist you use another name (at least I can’t think of a law it would violate), but it would be 100% crazy for them to do that. It’s your name. No reasonable person or employer would ask you to change your name, especially on grounds like these. I would say this to your new employer: “I certainly don’t want to offend anyone, but this is my name, it’s what I’ve gone by my entire life, it’s how all my professional contacts know me, and it’s what’s on my birth certificate. It’s not possible for me to change it.” If they push back, I’d continue to say, “It’s really not possible for me to change my name.” I’m hoping that they just haven’t thought this through and realized how ridiculous this is (and maybe they somehow think it’s more optional because it’s your middle name rather than your first?). Hopefully, politely but firmly saying that it’s not something you can do will make them realize it’s not a reasonable request. But if they insist on it, well, you’re learning that you’re about to start working for an employer that’s incredibly unreasonable and willing to insist on something outrageous just because someone cried “religion” inappropriately.* It might be better to know that now than before you actually start work. * And it is inappropriate. Religious accommodations don’t extend to changing other employees’ names. That has nothing to do with what level of seniority someone has, so it doesn’t matter that she’s entry-level; if she was requesting a reasonable religious accommodation, they’d need to grant it whether she was the COO or the receptionist. But this one is unreasonable, and it would be just as unreasonable coming from the head of the company as it is coming from this person. Read next: Can I Really Be Fired Over My Private Text Messages? Close Modal DialogThis is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. Q: Should my resume include a job I quit after a month? I’m an ER nurse. I started at a new job just a few weeks ago. I haven’t yet completed my probation period, but I don’t think I can in good conscience work at this hospital any longer, because I’ve observed some really serious safety problems. (A full explanation would be long and technical. The short explanation is that they don’t have the right equipment or the right policies to provide safe patient care, and management encourages staff to take unsafe shortcuts and “find workarounds” instead of enforcing good practices.) I don’t think my input could significantly change the ingrained systemic problems, so I’ve resolved to quit and find something else. My concern is about whether to keep this short-lived job on my resume. My impulse is to leave it off, because it could look bad that I bailed out from a job so quickly, and because anything I did there wouldn’t mean much in terms of experience gained. But on the other hand, would it be considered dishonest not to mention it? A: Nope, it’s fine to leave it off (and in general, you should leave off jobs that you left after only few months, unless they were specifically designed to be short-term jobs from the start). A resume is a marketing document; it’s not required or expected to be a comprehensive listing of everything you’ve ever done. It’s not dishonest or even unusual to leave something off your resume that you don’t want to highlight. These questions are adapted from ones that originally appeared on Ask a Manager. Some have been edited for length. Read next: How to Change Your Name Without Hurting Your Career More From Ask a Manager: New employee insists we call her “Mrs. ____” even though we all use first names Employer pulled the job offer after I tried to negotiate Employer offered me a job but refuses to tell me the salary