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How to Deal With Awkward Job Interview Questions


Job interviews can be pretty nerve wracking. As you wait in the lobby anxiously waiting to hear your name called, you consistently file through the list of answers and information you’ve memorized and prepared. Your name is called, you walk into the office, and the interview begins.
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“So tell me about yourself.” And you have no idea where to start. This question is the first of a short list of questions that are always asked during interviews that can be hard or awkward to answer. When asking you this question, the interviewer isn’t implying that he or she wants to know about all the details of your life story. Rather, what this question is really designed to get out of you is what you believe you can offer the company and what skills you have that you can bring to the job. Don’t feel stumped when asked this question. Get into the mind of the interviewer and answer in ways that sell yourself the best. Answer according specifically to the job position or type of company that you are applying for.

Another question that can be awkward to answer is the infamous, “Why did you leave your last job?” This can be especially tricky to answer if you were fired or you quit under sketchy circumstances, in which case you’re going to want to script an answer to this question beforehand that focuses on the positive as opposed to the negative. Whenever you are asked a question to which you could easily form a negative answer, you always want to try to put a positive spin on it.

“So, what would you say your weaknesses are?” Take a breath and focus. This is yet another one of those awkward to answer questions. You are in the midst of trying to sell yourself to this company and now they want to know about your flaws. The interviewer will be looking to see what characteristics or skills you choose to focus on. Remember, don’t stay in the negative. As you bring up your flaws answer in a way that suggests that these are the things you are working on.

“And why would you like to work here?” You’re thinking, “Because I need a job.” But that should definitely not be your answer. If you like this company and want to be a part of their team, then make it known! If you don’t know that much about the company, let them know that you are interested in seeing if you can fit into their work environment and bring something valuable to their team of employees. Sell, sell, sell.

“Now, do you have any questions for me?” Instantly you retort in your head, “Why would I have questions for you? I just want to know if you’re going to hire me or not.” Don’t answer with a stock response because it shows a lack of interest and intrigue in the business of the company. Think on your feet and if you’ve gathered some information about the company during the interview, incorporate that into your question.

Remember, interviews are double sided. The company is trying to figure out if you fit the bill and you are there to find out if this is a job and environment you really want to be a part of.

Michelle Abrams writes for a discount vouchers website where you can find discount vouchers and Comet discount codes.

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How to lose weight and get ready for your next job interview

Like it or not it is a mere fact that your appearance and your weight play a role in your career. Although this is an awful discrimination it happens in some cases and it is in your hands to get prepared in advance and provide yourself with another plus. People who have a weight problem should not in any way get disappointed, youíre other skills and abilities are far more important than you weight. Fortunately there are a lot of ways to lose weight and look and feel better. Below we will outline a few easy tips on how to lose weight and get ready for your next job interview.
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Watch what you wear in the interview

Before getting into the weight loss details a nice tip that you can follow is to wear clothes that ‘hide’ your excess weight. Fashion experts have a lot to say about how clothes can make your body look better even if you have a few (or more) extra pounds. Choosing the right clothes can make you look more professional and relaxed and above all this will give you more courage to handle the interview. Do not wear larger size clothes; some people believe that by wearing larger clothes they look thinner. Wrong. Avoid larger clothes and excess fabric and choose pre-shaped outfits.

Start a diet a number of weeks (or months) before the interview

Although you should take care of your diet all year long there are some cases (like attending an interview) that need a special attention. For these events you can follow a balanced diet for at least 2 weeks (minimum) that will help you lose a few pounds. Your diet should not be very strict as this will have a negative impact on your energy levels but it can be a careful diet paying special attention on what you eat and drink. During this period avoid (but not completely abandon) foods that are full in fats, sugars and carbohydrates; instead prefer foods that are high in protein and fiber. Items like fish, tuna, fresh salads, fruits, poultry, low fat dairy and water are great and can make a difference in your weight in a short amount of time. Stay away from soft drinks, sugar alcohols drinks and cream coffees and consume lots of water and fresh fruit juices. You need every vitamin you can get and these foods and drinks have a lot to offer.

Exercise for your body and your mind

Exercise has a lot to offer to your health, weight loss and state of mind. Before attending an interview you should exercise regularly not only to lose calories but most importantly to clear your mind and be ready for the big day. Try to do a variety of exercises (aerobics, walking, running, weight lifting etc) on a regular basis and as the time for the interview becomes closer try to engage into a sport that you like. Sports and physical activities are great ways to lose weight while having fun. They are also superb ways to relax and gain confidence for the interview.

Getting ready for an interview both physically and mentally can play a very important role on your performance. If at the same time you manage to lose a few pounds during the process this will boost your self confidence right at the moment you need it. Good luck!

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Why is A Nursing Assistant Career so Attractive?

A career as a nursing assistant is not considered to be a glamorous job.  You will assist patients with activities of daily living. The hours are sometimes long and the work can be hard.  Even so, working as a nursing assistant can be an attractive career choice.
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The time and money that you will need to spend training as a nursing assistant can be very attractive.  There are training programs for less than $1000.  In fact, depending on where you live and where you will train to work as a nursing assistant, you might pay less than $500.  Most states also have some opportunities for free CNA training as a nursing assistant.

Many CNA training programs last for only 3 or 4 weeks.  If you attend a training program at a college or university, the program might last for an entire semester.  However, you will only be attending training on a part-time basis.  You can find evening and even weekend training opportunities if you want to work as a nursing assistant.

You can use a career as a nursing assistant as an opportunity to work in the healthcare industry without needing to spend a great deal of money on training.  You will also avoid the need to spend years in college.  Within a matter of a few short weeks, you will be ready to start your new career.

A career as a nursing assistant can be very rewarding.  You will have the opportunity to help patients with activities of daily living if they are ill, injured or have chronic health conditions.  You can provide a smiling face for individuals who are not feeling the best.  Many of these patients will appreciate your kind and compassionate care.  The same is often true of the family and friends of the people for whom you provide nursing assistant career.

It is typically not difficult to find a job as a nursing assistant.  Nursing assistants are in high demand throughout most of the states in the United States.  Many nursing assistants work in nursing homes and long-term care communities.  As the gaining population continues to grow, the demand for qualified nursing assistants is increasing.

The average rate of pay for certified nursing assistants is between $20,000 and $30,000 each year.  Some nursing assistants earn an even higher salary depending on where they work and years of experience.  If you work as a full-time employee, you can receive benefits in addition to your annual salary.  Some of the potential benefits you will receive include:  health insurance and paid days off.

A career as a nursing assistant can be an attractive option if you are interested in a life-long career in the healthcare segment.  You can use your time as a nursing assistant to determine if you will do well working in the medical field.  Many nursing assistants decide to further their career and to become nurses or other medical care providers.  Working as a nursing assistant gives you an excellent starting point which is another reason to consider training as a nursing assistant.

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101 Tips Every Job Seeker Should Know

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10 Biggest Interview Mistakes

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Top 7 Career Killers

Getting ahead means different things to different people but we can all agree that advancing in our chosen field is a good thing. There are pitfalls along the way so to make sure stepping-stones don’t become stumbling blocks; here are the top seven career killers to avoid.

7. Working Hard For The Money
It might seem difficult to wrap your head around the idea that hard work can damage a career. Well, it can’t. The thing to avoid here is having money solely as your motivation in the workplace. Without interest in your job and a dash of passion, you’ll be going nowhere fast.

6. Procrastination
Scrambling around at the last minute to complete slapdash work might get you out of a sudden, unavoidable bind but if it’s a work habit you indulge in frequently, you can kiss advancement goodbye. You won’t be able to get away with it for long and, once you’re stuck with the “lazy” label, you’ll find it hard to remove as your co-workers leave you in the dust.

5. Putting The “I” In Team
Almost no one gets anywhere, doing anything, without a little teamwork. Being a good team player is essential to success at work. Looking out for Number One and making sure your bosses are only aware of your contribution to the company will make you someone no one will want to have around. Work well with your co-workers. You’ll get more done and what you bring to the table will not go unnoticed.

4. Social Network Griping
Think your boss is too old, busy, or dumb to look at Facebook or Twitter? Think again. Venting your personal gripes or bad-mouthing your fellow employees or the company itself in a public forum where everyone can see is a recipe for disaster. You’re asking to be fired or kept back, if you do this. If you gripes are really so bad, you should be looking for another job – not jeopardizing the one you have.

3. Dressed For Un-Success
Want to be a manager, foreman, CEO? Then dress for success. If being low man on the totem pole appeals to you, then dress like a slob and forget about good grooming. You’ve got to dress for the part you want to play in most companies. Always present a professional appearance and it will get noticed.

2. Network = Net Worth
The ability to network has become as necessary a skill as the ability to breathe these days. In doing so, you can stay in touch with contacts in your field that can help your company meet its goals. Overlooking this vital work niche will make you more of a liability to your employer than an asset.

1. Attitude
It really begins and ends here. If you come into work with a chip on your shoulder or the misguided belief that everyone there owes you something, then you aren’t going to go far.

Love your work. Be passionate about it. Confucius said: “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” That’s all you need to know to ensure you have a fulfilling career and a rewarding life.

Andrew Salmon is a writer, who, in addition to writing on financial topics like life insurance policies, is also a published author who has been featured on Amazon.

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101 Tips Every Job Seeker Should Know

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10 Biggest Interview Mistakes

10 Biggest Resume Mistakes

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This makes us laugh… every time we see it

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How to Write a Bad Resume

Resume writing is an art form. That’s why there are professional resume writers that help people find great jobs every day. You might have more skills, better work ethic, and more experience but if your resume stinks, you wont be getting the job.
crossword If you’re serious about getting that next job you should avoid the following resume red flags:

Sending out the same resume to every employer

Every resume you send out should be catered specifically to the job you are applying for.

Many people think they can send out the same resume to every potential employer but this is almost always a bad call. Chances are you have specific skills, knowledge, or experience that would make you look very qualified for one job but might make you a terrible candidate for another.

Make sure you customize your resume and cover letter to whomever you’re sending it to.
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200-word resumes

Your resume needs to tell a potential employer why you’re going to be the best person for the job. It needs to sell you to the employer. If it looks like you spent 5 minutes typing up your work experience then chances are your resume will end up the ‘do not call’ pile.

Novel-length resumes

You don’t need to give your life story in your resume. Make sure that you have all your bases covered but don’t write so much that your fingers bleed from all the typing. Keep it clear and concise and you’ll do fine.

Spelling errors

Even if you’re applying for a ditch digging job it doesn’t hurt to use the spell check function when you’re writing your resume.

If the job requires you to write on a daily basis then make sure you have a friend check over your resume before you send it out. Nothing will get your resume rejected faster than basic spelling errors.

Getting personal

Personal information is better suited for the personals section of the newspaper.

Some people feel the need to fill their resume with information about their pet ferrets but then forget to include important employment experience.

unemployedclownThose are just a few resume red flags that will keep you from getting great jobs. If you need help with your resume then find a friend that knows what they’re doing or better yet, get a professional to help you.

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This post was written by Gary Kohler from the website  LifeCover.ca – a website that provides information about  life insurance in Canada.

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101 Tips Every Job Seeker Should Know

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The Ultimate Online Job Seekers eBook

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10 Biggest Interview Mistakes

10 Biggest Resume Mistakes

10 Biggest Resume Mistakes

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This makes us laugh… every time we see it

This makes us laugh… every time we see it

The First Step to a Job You Love

The First Step to a Job You Love

Palestinian Traffic Cop Loves His Job

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