Asking for a raise is never easy, but there are times that you shouldn’t consider doing it and times that you have a good chance of getting it. Unfortunately, people often pick times when they really shouldn’t be asking. (more…)

The trick to landing any job is being prepared. By the time you have reached the interview processes you have already searched and prepared a list of potential employers. You’ve prepared your resume. You may have prepared an application as well. Now that you have an appointment for an interview, you need to prepare for the questions that they will most likely ask.

Here are a few questions that you can expect in most job interviews

“Where do you see yourself in five years?”
This questioned has turned into a cliché, however many employer still ask it, so you need to be prepared for it. Think it over and give an honest answer. Employers don’t necessarily want you to say what everyone else does.

“Name two characteristics about yourself that you think are admirable.”
You have a lot of choices with this one. If you find that you are little stumped, it may help to talk with people that are close to you and ask their opinion.

“Name something about yourself that you would change and why?”
This is the perfect opportunity to say something that you may not like about yourself but your employer will. Don’t forget to smile and make a lot of eye contact. With a little preparation you can get any job you want.

Writing a resume is difficult, but more difficult is what to write in the resume. Everyone has a different idea about how to make these things win. However, there are some dos and dont’s about resumes that one should definitely understand.

Never list all your jobs on the resume. If you write down every job you have had, the future employer well think you are unstable and perhaps will also leave his company soon. The resume is not a legal document, but is an advertisement about you. You highlight what you want and then can talk about any missing gaps when asked. And always be honest about it.

When you send in your resume, avoid folding it to fill the envelope. Better buy a larger envelope. In addition, do not staple or clip the resume. Keep the resume simple and easy to access.

Some people add a very large photo to their resume. Unless asked to submit a photo, one should avoid this practice. You never know what the employer(s) may be biased against: may be they do not like certain features of your body, your hair, your sex, your weight, your ethnic make up, etc.

When asked to send a photo, do not send one which is almost half a page. Send a small decent size good quality picture which reflects you. Dress well for the photo-do not send a tacky picture of you playing tennis. A 2 x 2 should suffice.