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Resume Writing Tips & Career Advice

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The 12-Step Plan to a Successful Career Change

career-change

Being stuck in a job that doesn’t allow you to reach your full potential can cause a lot of unwanted stress and uncertainty for many people. We’re here to remind you that you aren’t stuck, and it’s totally possible to switch into a different industry, field or position.

Maybe you’ve lost interest in your current profession, or maybe you’ve discovered a new interest in another field. No matter the reason, deciding to switch careers is life-changing. To be successful at whatever it is you choose to do, you need to make the change the right way.

If you’re considering a career change but don’t know where to start, follow these 12 steps: Read More

Complete List of Behavioral Interview Questions

behavioral-interview-questions

Behavioral interview questions can reveal a lot about you. In addition to seeing if your skills and abilities align with the job duties, these can also indicate how your personality will fit the position and company. Your interviewer wants to see how you might react to certain situations that could come up with this job.

It’s always good to prepare for these types of questions beforehand. Obviously, you can’t predict the exact questions they’re going to ask, but it’s good to have something in mind for what you think may come up.

Look at the key skills listed in the job posting. These attributes are a good indicator of qualities that will come up during the interview.

Here’s a complete list of behavioral interview questions to help you get ready for your next job interview.

Teamwork

Eighty-three percent of employers in a recent survey said teamwork is extremely high on their wish list for entry-level employees. Chances are, you’re going to get at least one question that deals with how you’ve previously collaborated with coworkers:  

  1. Give an example of a time when you had to work closely with someone whose personality was very different from yours.
  2. Talk about a time when you faced a conflict while working with a team. How did you handle it?
  3. Tell me about an experience working with a team that you found rewarding.
  4. Give me an example of a time you had to deal with a difficult coworker.
  5. Talk about a time when you were on a team with someone who wasn’t doing their share of the work. How did you handle it?
  6. What do you think is the most difficult part of being a member — and not a leader — of a team? Why? How do you deal with it?
  7. Have you had to be the mediator to settle an issue between two members? What happened? How did you resolve the dispute?

Read More

9 Tips to Make Your LinkedIn Profile Stand Out

linkedin-profile-tips

There are ways to boost your LinkedIn profile so you can network with more people.

We live in an age where being social on the internet is incredibly common — for some careers, it’s even expected.

More than likely, you have numerous social accounts, from Facebook to Instagram and everything in between. You probably also have a LinkedIn account.

While all of these social sites have their purpose and ways to connect with others, it’s important to remember that they don’t all function the same.

LinkedIn is supposed to be your professional site, where you connect with business associates and look for jobs. Like Facebook, you can post on LinkedIn but remember to keep it professional.

Unlike Facebook, you probably don’t spend a lot of time on LinkedIn. You probably visit it sporadically, when you’re looking for a job or adding a new professional contact you’ve met at a meeting or conference. You may not always be looking for a new job, but that doesn’t mean your dream job isn’t out there looking for you.

By keeping your LinkedIn profile up to date, potential employers can find you, and it allows you to grow your personal brand.

Below are nine tips to help you get your LinkedIn profile in shape and ready for action: Read More

How to Follow Up Throughout Your Job Search

how-to-follow-up-throughout-your-job-search

You’ve spent a lot of effort job hunting. You’ve sent out your resumes, and prepared for the interviews after that. And yet, all you get in return are crickets. Makes you want to pull your hair out, doesn’t it?

Unfortunately, if job hunting is a full-time job, waiting is part of the duties and responsibilities. If you want to follow up on your job application without appearing rude, annoying or desperate, here’s what you need to keep in mind. Read More

Should You Put a Photo on Your CV?

photo-on-cv-or-not

A few decades ago, the thought of putting a photo on your CV or resume would have been absurd. Adding an image to your resume would have appeared cheap or unprofessional, immediately shutting down your chances of getting an interview for the position. But does that same idea still apply today?

There are mixed opinions over whether you should include an image on your CV. While some career experts say it’s still a big no-no when submitting an application, others believe it’s a great way to stick out from the crowd of individuals going after the same job.

But whether an image is appropriate on a CV depends on the situation, industry and the job location.

In fact, in some European countries, including an image on your resume is a requirement.

Let’s take a look at some of the circumstances when you may want to include a photo on your resume. Read More

How to Write a Resignation Letter

how-to-write-a-resignation-letter

You’ve just finalized an employment contract with a new company. You’re excited about the new opportunity, and you’re ready to get started.

You just need to depart your current place of employment — gracefully.

Ideally, your first step should be to setup a meeting with your boss. Inform her/him that you’ve decided to quit the job and express gratitude for all the opportunities you received in your tenure there. Keep a positive tone and show your commitment for transitioning your responsibilities. 

Then, send out a formal letter of resignation to your boss. It should be professional, appropriate and respectable.  

Why Do You Need to Write a Resignation Letter?

Resignation letters are a formal way to provide notice that you’re leaving. It makes it easy for the direct supervisor to share this information with their boss and the Human Resources (HR) department. Also, it removes any scope for confusion in the ‘actual’ date of resignation. 

Through written documentation, HR and your supervisors will know they need to begin the search to find your replacement. HR will also initiate all the exit related formalities based on this formal notice.

Here is a step-by-step guide on what content to include in your resignation letter. Read More

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