How Should You Handle Gaps on Your Resume

How Should You Handle Gaps on Your Resume A gap in employment is one of the things that many job seekers stress about and fear.  When an employer sees an unexplained gap on your resume, he or she may think that you  have something to hide or struggle to hold down a job. Therefore, in order to gain the trust of an employer, it is best that you  explain these gaps. Most employers understand that people may not work continuously, but they also want to know what you did during your time off. So how do you go about explaining gaps on your resume? 1. Explain an  extensive gap in your cover letter If you have an extensive gap between employment, you may want to address it in the  cover letter that accompanies your resume. You have more room to address the gap on your cover letter than on your resume, so you can let your prospective employer know  the reason why you were out of the workforce, and explain that you are ready to return. If you have been out of work to go travelling, explain what you have gained from the experience and anything you have learnt that will benefit your career. You do not need to go into detail about a frustrating job search or a serious illness. Keep it brief. If the gap happened a long time ago, do not mention it at all. 2. Give the section the right title Rather than calling the section on your resume “Employment History”, call it “Work  History” instead. It is because the word “employment” implies that you were paid for  what you did. Calling a section “Work History” allows you to include any non-paid work  that you did during your employment gap(s).  For example, volunteer work or work done  for the community. These may not be relevant to your profession, but they are  great experience and show strength of character. 3. Use a different date format In the “Work History” section of your resume, use years but not months. This makes your  information more reader-friendly as readers can quickly glance through the section and  have an idea of the length of time you spent at each job. In addition, listing only years  may conceal some of the gaps in your work history. For example: 11/2013-04/2014, Project Leader, ABC Company, NY 05/2011-01/2013, Project Leader, XYZ Company, NY If you eliminate the months, you will eliminate the 10-month gap: 2013-2014, Project Leader, ABC Company, NY 2011-2013, Project Leader, XYZ Company, NY 4. Avoid a strictly chronological resume Instead of using a strictly chronological resume, use a chrono-functional resume that  highlights your job functions and skills. This resume format is especially useful if you  have some large gaps in your work history. Regardless of the reasons and sizes of your employment gaps, you should always  maintain an optimistic, positive attitude during your job search, and make sure that your  prospective employer knows that you are eager to return to work.

Give Your Team Inspiration Not Motivation

Give Your Team Inspiration Not Motivation I think of inspiration as something that touches, moves, and affects us.  Through emotions, or the heart if your prefer, it reaches beyond the logic and filtering of the mind.  When you are inspired and touched emotionally, you might shed tears in an instant, or simply feel a noticeable physical resonance with the source of the inspiration.  Theres no thinking about it.  It just happens.  Theres a lesson in that process that is transferable to much of life.  If you want to inspire someone, you have to reach their heart, not their mind. Inspiration isnt about thinking, its about feeling. Heres a look at how that works, partly based on Kristi Hedges new book The Inspiration Code. Inspiration vs. Motivation Its probably easier to understand the magic of inspiration when you add one more element to the mix.   Encouragement would come in as the lower energy counterpart of motivation and inspiration.  Consider your own life experiences.  When someone encourages you to do something, its an almost passive experience.  Its like, here, consider this as an option.  Lifeless words. Motivation normally adds some other element.  There might be a reason given that makes doing whatever it is youre considering make sense.  Consciously or subconsciously, you make an evaluation that echoes thoughts of hey, this is a good/great idea. But when you are engaged in an inspirational moment, there doesnt have to be the just the workings of logic or rationale.  Theres an unseen feeling that is present.  What you feel is the enthusiasm, authenticity, and partnership thats coming along with the communication. What Makes For An Inspiring Moment? If youre wondering what all that might look like, consider that moment when your significant other is proposing marriage.  If he or she is simply encouraging you to say yes, youre not likely to be very enthused about making such a lifelong commitment.   And its probably not going to be any more successful if they do a little presentation infused with facts, figures, and the occasional excited cheer. But if you feel what they say, if the words arent just words but have the magic of inspiration within and around them, youre probably going to be engulfed in the moment not because its logical, but because youre sure they are in it with you. Thats inspiration on a very personal level.  Learn to be inspirational and your world will change drastically. How To Be More Inspirational and Less Motivational Kristi Hedges summed it up perfectly in her new book, The Inspiration Code, with four Ps.  While being motivational may result in varying degrees of reaction, when were inspiring we are: Present.  We engaged and focused on the person were interacting with.  We filter out background noise, keep an open mind, and make it clear that were truly interested in them. Personal. By actively listening and being authentic in our communications, we help others to find their own best paths and best answers. Passionate.  Starting with a base of conviction, we infuse emotion and energy into delivery.  Theres no mistake about our position and commitment, because we literally get it all over them. Purposeful. We dont just talk, we act and are intentional in being a model that reflects our words. If youre serious about changing your interactions with others, in any situation, from routine to inspiring, Kristis book will serve as a great primer to get you moving.  Yes, its fair to say she wrote the book on inspiration.  You can read more reviews here.

3 Personal Branding Must-Haves - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

3 Personal Branding Must-Haves - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career Fundamentally, the process of personal branding includes taking time to define yourself and then intentionally connecting yourself with others who likely want what you have. The 3 essentials to personal branding So here are three must-have parts of the personal branding process. 1. Identify your authentic qualities What is it that you MUST be? Jessica Alba said recently in an interview that she’d only want her kids to choose acting if there was simply no other thing they could imagine doing. Meaning, acting would be there last resort because it was such a driver in their lives that nothing else would be possible. That’s a tall order for authenticity but we all have it within us. What about yourself â€" even if you’ve never expressed it to anyone â€" is the quality that feels like your life force? What is it that is undeniably you â€" even if that thing seems like no way to earn a living? Even, if it means disappointing everyone who expects you to do or be something else? 2. Identify what look represents you What are you meant to look like, project, and appear to be? That would be the basis of your visual brand. Kim Kardashian can’t get away from let’s call them her curvy assets. Fundamentally, to quote Joni Mitchell, she’s sitting on her groceries. Call it glamour, trendiness, or whatever it could be; KK can never be understated, classic or demure. What about you â€" your inherent, authentic style â€" wants to be revealed to us? Maybe it’s your desire to never look like anyone else, or to be dark and sophisticated, or teal and airy or blend in to a preppie crowd. What is the you that, at least aspirationally, you want us to see as you? Remember, most celebs (read big personal brands) have stylists â€" so it doesn’t have to be anything you could actually do yourself. The look of your personal brand might be something between you and your graphic designer (or creative partner) that we get when you put the right colors, shapes and typography together. It’s what you want us to “get” when we come upon your online presence and your on-ground presence. And it might even require some physical modification. Lose weight, gain muscle, have your nose done â€" you get the range of possibilities. 3. Identify your audience, whom you want to be with or among â€" maybe even above That would be the people you can serve â€"who have a need for what you need to deliver. Seth Godin calls them your tribes. Now, I call everyone you see your audience â€"whether it’s one person or several thousand. It could be a certain part of the media. It could be specific people who can recommend you or buy from you. It could be your business partners or boss. Maybe people who work with you. Oprah made some big changes about her audience this year â€" yes it’s a risk. But she is still such a good role model for creating a billion dollar personal brand. Among the 7 billion of us here, who is in your tribe? Maybe it’s not the one you are born into, or even have chosen to be among for your college or career so far. Don’t let acceptance by a group be your only guide. It’s not enough that someone wants you. Who do you want to be the players in your life? Where are they? And why will they adore you? We’re nearly halfway through 2012 â€" so it’s a really good time to reflect before soldiering on with your personal branding efforts. If it’s not working for you, at least tweak what you’ve got going on â€" and kill the second half. And, I mean kill in a good way. Author: Nance Rosen is the author of Speak Up! Succeed. She speaks to business audiences around the world and is a resource for press, including print, broadcast and online journalists and bloggers covering social media and careers. Read more at NanceRosenBlog. Twitter name: nancerosen

8 Steps to Prepare for Your Interview

8 Steps to Prepare for Your Interview When you go for a job interview, it is very important that you are prepared and confident for it. It is necessary to be confident in a job interview so that you can deliver your best. Once you get a job, it will be easier for you to pay back your debts, especially if you are a fresh graduate and have a student loan on your shoulders. When you are sitting in front of a panel, which are ready to judge your every action and reaction, it is not easy to keep your cool. These are some tips that can help you to survive through an interview. 1. Be prepared mentally It is important to think positive always and feel good about yourself. If you keep thinking about what will go wrong, you will automatically feel bad during the interview and lose the level of confidence that you have. In order to increase your self confidence you should remain quiet before an interview and think about positive things. 2. Get prepared about the subject If you want to be confident for an interview, you have to know what you are doing. Prepare completely about the subject that you will be interviewed on. You should go through all the details of the subject but don’t be fanatic and over prepare. Once you are prepared with the subject you can answer questions with ease. You should be careful not to repeat memorised sentences. Your interviewers may thinks you are repeating sentences whose meaning you haven’t understood. Try and put ideas into your own words and be spontaneous. 3. Be careful about your body language You should pay attention to your body language and make it impeccable. Your posture is what is going to show your level of confidence. You should sit straight and make eye contact when answering all questions which shows that you are confident and leaves a good impression. 4. Have a friendly attitude It is important that you have a friendly attitude when you go for an interview. You should be gracious with every one whom you meet. Your employer may seek opinion of other people who meet at the interview site such as the receptionist in order to get an overall idea about your attitude. Arrogance won’t get you a long way. 5. Make eye contact It is important that you maintain eye contact while answering questions of the interviewer. This will not only make you seem confident but also trustworthy. 6.  Shake hands After the interview is over, be sure to shake hands with the person who will be interviewing you. This leaves a positive impression on the interviewer and shows that you are interested to work there. 7. Speak clearly Along with your posture, the way you speak is important in deciding whether you will get the job and creating an impression. If you speak in a low voice and be shy, then it can make your impression fall. You should speak in an energetic and lively voice which will sound good. You should also speak clearly so that the interviewer doesn’t have to give too much effort in understanding what you are trying to say. 8. Don’t show an urge to get the job You should refrain from being overexcited or eager which gives the impression that you need to job badly. You should give out the impression that you have other chances of showing your skills and work out with the complete ability of yours. It is important that the company feels that they need you to do the job rather than the other way round. This will make the chances of you getting through the interview with flying colors higher. Thus you can that the above 8 tips can help you to prepare for your interview in a complete manner and excel in it. More interview tips at the Top 10 Killer Interview Tactics You Ought to Know. Erica Holm Marin is a regular writer for various finance related Communities including Debt Consolidation Care. She is a PG degree holder in Marketing and Finance and right now working in a reputed bank as a relationship manager. She is well equipped to write articles on debt consolidation , debt settlement, frugality, savings, economies of states etc. You can get it on her  Facebook page.

How To Ask Your Boss for Help Without Looking Incompetent - CareerMetis.com

How To Ask Your Boss for Help Without Looking Incompetent Everyone needs help from time to time. While we usually try to ask our colleagues for support, a time may come when the only person we can ask for help is our boss.Many years ago, your boss was just starting out. He or she needed the same kind of help you currently need and had to go through a similar process to get it.evalYou don’t want to feel embarrassed or humiliated that you need a little extra help â€" even though there’s nothing inherently wrong with asking for what you require.When you’re looking to maintain the perception of your professional competence and dignity in the workplace, it’s not so much in what you ask from your boss as it is the way you ask for it.You can get the help you need to become your best professional self without having to feel as though you don’t have a good grasp on your job. It all boils down to the methodology you choose when you need a hand.Utilize Your Resources FirstevalMaybe you don’t actually need a person to help you. If you have questions about policy or direction, the answers might exist in the resources you’ve been given.If you have access to employee manuals, training materials, or a comprehensive list created by a project manager, you might not need a one on one consultation with your boss to get the answers that you need.Before you shoot up a flare, see if you can fix the problem by yourself. Even if you can’t gain enough knowledge through your resources to fully resolve the problem, you may be able to make enough progress and gain enough understanding to minimize the scope of your request.evalNeeding help with a smaller issue is far different from needing a wealth of help with a small problem. Use your initiative and empowerment before you start handing things over to other people. Save that as a last resort.Remove The Sense of UrgencyIf you’re very driven and ambitious and you can’t do something on your own, that need for help may feel overwhelming. Forcing yourself into the situation or drop ping the problem on your boss’s lap may give the wrong impression.Your patience counts for a lot, even when it’s difficult to remain calm and composed. If you feel like you’re starting to freak out, take a step back and take a few deep breaths ormeditate at your deskbefore you make your approach.Approach your boss about an issue in the context ofeval“when you have time.” OR“When you have a minute, I’d like you to review something with me.” OR “When you’re available, I’d like your input or assistance on this aspect of the project.” Phrasing your request this way makes it seem as though you’re looking for an opportunity to grow and develop your skills, rather than that you’re panicked or doubting your abilities.Your boss might even appreciate than you approached the subject in this manner, seeing it as a sign that you’re humble and willing to learn.Focus On What You KnowNever begin a request for help with “I don’t know” or “I don’t understand.† Start off strong. Bring up what you have a firm grasp of and ease into the things you need more help with.By starting with your strengths, you’re able to narrow the focus of the area in which you need help.Your boss will be less likely to doubt your overall ability if he or she understands that your weakness lies in one particular, limited area.You’re reinforcing your professional prowess and expressing a desire for more knowledge or resources in the same breath. Your request for help effectively becomes an opportunity for professional betterment.Your email or request can easily be written to showcase your strengths and request feedback in a way that your boss will not only understand but wholeheartedly appreciate. Use an approach similar to the following:Good Afternoon [Boss’s Name],evalI’ve been working on collecting the facts and figures for [project]. So far, everything has been going according to plan. I recently spoke with [coworker] about [something that adds value to the project], and I have high confidence in what we’ve achieved so far. We’ve reached as small bump in the road, and I have a feeling you’ll know the best way to handle it.What I would like to do is get your input. I’ve tried a few different ways to [solve the problem.] When you have some time, I’d like to discuss your ideas and insights. I have a few ideas, but I’m very interested in hearing your opinion before we proceed.I want to make sure I have a thorough understanding of the full scope of things before I begin to implement changes or ideas that might interfere with our ability to see the best possible results. The quality of the work is of the utmost importance to me.evalCan we schedule a short sit-down in the next few days?I appreciate your input,[Sign]These kinds of requests for help are easy for your boss to respond to, and they don’t raise any red flags about the progress you’ve made or your desire to successfully complete a project.Be Appreciative, Not ApologeticYou might feel like an inconvenience or a burden when you ask your boss for help, but you shouldn’t. Your boss is there to help you and lead you.If you’re constantly apologizing for the fact that you’ve requested help, this can make you seem unsure of yourself and your abilities. Rather than apologizing, start saying “thank you”.“I’m sorry I didn’t understand what I was supposed to do” sounds a lot different from “Thank you for taking the time to explain this to me in detail”, butthey essentially mean the same thing.It’s all in the way you present your response. Apologies have a place, and that place is for when things go wrong or can’t be fixed. Appreciation is for when things go right, which is the outcome you’re seeking when you ask for help.evalMake the Most of the Help You ReceiveThe worst attitude you can take is one that’s too relaxed. If you seem too eager to let someone else solve the problem on your behalf, this might come across as incompetence or laziness.You need to show how much you value the help you receiving and that you intend to apply tips or tricks you’ve learned in the process.When you finally get help from your boss (or the person your boss refers you to), make the most of the help that you get. Take notes and ask questions. The next time a similar problem arises, you’ll already know what to do.Keeping and referencing these notes shows that you aren’t taking help for granted. Everyone will be able to see and appreciate your solid work ethicand your willingness to learn.As long as you aren’t constantly hounding leadership for special assistance, your boss is unlikely to perceive you as incompetent. Keep digesting new knowledge and exploring innovative methods.You’ll get to the point where you rarely ask for help while you continue your quest to establish yourself as a professional. You might evenland a few promotionsalong the way.

Job References Gone Bad - Pathfinder Careers

Job References Gone Bad - Pathfinder Careers Job References Gone Bad Most people think about job references as a positive part of their career portfolio but what happens when they end up hurting more than helping? Who you list and why you list is an important thing to consider. It goes without saying that you should always make sure that the people that you list are fresh. By this, I mean that people listed as your references should be ones who can speak most immediately and relevantly to your character, experience, knowledge, and skills. Never strategically evaluating your reference list can cause more harm than good, especially when you havent reached out to them lately. When was the last time you had lunch with them? Shared a phone call? Or even updated them on your career progress? Too many times, people list job references, and there they sit, year after year. Consider this: Our job references have seasons which means that there are peak times where connections are vibrant and strong, and other times where those relationships ebb. So ask yourself: Are you really putting forth the strongest (and most recent) personal advocate who can speak in current terms about you and your abilities? Unlike wine, job references dont necessarily age well. Someone you listed 5 years ago might not be a person who knows that which you are capable of in the present day. But many people make critical mistakes and cause their job references to go bad. Here are some areas to watch out for: 1. Everyone says the same thing. Smart career managers think strategically about who they are listing as references, and specifically ask certain people to be a reference based on different facets of what the job applicant has to offer. For example, you might want to list one person who can speak to your team work, another person about your character, another about your expertise, and yet another about your leadership. 2. They dont know you listed them. I cannot say this enough times, but job seekers absolutely MUST request permission to include a person as a job reference. Sure, you may be best pals, but how do you think it looks to potential employers when someone calls your reference and they are asking specific questions about the job seekers abilities? It doesnt come across as well. And in the worst case scenario, the reference might be put off that you listed them; perhaps they dont hold you in as high regard as you do them. Be careful about trying to list people as references to ride their coattails of credibility. By listing impressive names of people with whom you dont have a strong relationship, you are only setting yourself up for failure when your ploy is uncovered. 3. You havent kept your references up to date. Nothing is as unsettling to people listed as references to get a sudden phone call out of the blue regarding your application to a specific job. Wouldnt it be a smarter idea to let your references know of job interviews and provide a short overview of where your career is, and how this new position might help you achieve your goals? That way, they will be better prepared to speak to your background in a helpful way, rather than stumbling through a surprise phone call. Remember to always keep your job references fresh and strong. Youll never regret it and this will help you to maintain your professional polished brand! Photo By JonRidinger (Own work) [CC-BY-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

What Slideshare Resume Writing Service Can Do For You

What Slideshare Resume Writing Service Can Do For YouSlideshare resume writing is a service that will generate an email on your behalf. This is a very good way to put your best foot forward for a great career and you should use it.While having to cut out a lot of your time and effort by turning to professionals to write your resume, the results are often in a professional look that could give you a step up. Many times you will find that the editing can be done by you or some other layman in your local area.When you use these services you will be able to have a professional look to your resume. There is no need to worry about making it look too professional. You will be able to do this yourself if you are so inclined and still get a professionally looking resume.Using this service is also a great way to give you more time to work on other aspects of your job. These services help you write resumes as soon as possible and then have them read for you.Offering a layman the ability to writ e a resume is a great way to get to a better place. Many times you can have the resume picked up and ready to be sent off before you even know it. This will keep you from having to spend hours in a meeting with someone that may not want what you have to offer them.When you use this service it is usually a flat fee. They will review your resume and write a resume that they think will fit your skills. They will customize your resume according to your needs.A lot of times your resume will be done with before you even know it and this will make things much easier for you when the interview begins. You can go right into the interview without the additional stress of rewriting your resume.The main thing to do when you are getting a resume written is to research the company that is doing the writing for you. Take the time to find out what skills they will be using on your resume and how well they know what to do for your needs.