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What to Do if Your Age Is an Issue in a Job Interview and Career

In this day and age, it is rare for an interviewer to ask a direct question about the age of a candidate. That's because asking how old you are, even in a roundabout way, is one of the things interviewers aren't supposed to do when conducting a job interview. However, age discrimination is still a significant issue for many older job seekers.

How to Respond if an Interviewer Seems Concerned About Your Age
An unethical or untrained interviewer could pose a direct query about your age.

Occasionally, a recruiter might fish around with questions that might yield some insight about your age, like asking when you graduated from college. In many cases, it is more common for interviewees to sense some concern or hesitation on the part of the interviewer.

It isn't just the presumption that an applicant is "too old" that is a concern for employers. Rather, it is the assumption (often an erroneous one) that older employees will be lacking in some critical qualities which will impact job performance.

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How to Choose a Career Counselor or Coach

If you are uncertain about your job or career goals, then you might consider engaging the services of a career counselor or coach to help you clarify your situation.

What is a Career Counselor?
A career counselor is a professional who helps clients to plan their career and achieve their employment goals.

Career counselors and coaches work with clients to teach them strategies on how to successfully find new or different employment.

Career counselors are employed by state departments of labor, community agencies, school systems, two and four-year college career offices, and private counseling firms.
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Tips for Starting a Career in Advertising

Interested in starting a career in advertising? Advertising pros create paid ads for television, radio, print and online media, and devise strategies for effectively targeting specific consumer groups who might purchase products or services. This work is carried out by advertising and media agencies on behalf of client organizations and also by internal marketing staff for their own organizations.
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Tell Me About Yourself Job Interview Question

Interviewers will sometimes start an interview with an open-ended question like "Tell me about yourself." It's a way to break the ice and make you feel more comfortable during the interview process. It's also a way for the hiring manager to get insight into your personality to help determine if you're a good fit for the job.

Sharing too much or too little information isn't a good idea. The interviewer doesn't want to know everything about you, but disclosing too little can make him or her wonder why you aren't more open.

How to Answer the Tell Me About Yourself Interview Question

Although it might be tempting to share a list of your most compelling qualifications for the job at hand, a more low-key approach will probably help you to develop a personal rapport with your interviewer.

Try starting out by sharing some personal interests which don't relate directly to your work. Examples might include a hobby which you are passionate about like quilting, astronomy, chess, choral singing, golf, skiing, tennis, or antiquing.

Interests like long distance running or yoga which help to represent your healthy, energetic side are worth mentioning. Pursuits like being an avid reader or solving crossword puzzles or brain teasers will help to showcase your intellectual leaning. Interests like golf, tennis, and gourmet food might have some value if you would be entertaining clients in your new job.

Volunteer work will demonstrate the seriousness of your character and commitment to the welfare of your community.

Interactive roles like PTA volunteer, museum tour guide, fundraiser, or chair of a social club will help show your comfort with engaging others.

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Resume Formats: Pick the Best One in 3 Steps

You�ve just come across an offer for a job of your dreams. You�re a perfect fit. You�re excited.

But so are dozens of other job seekers looking at the very same job ad.

Some have already submitted their resume.

The race has begun.

Wait, I don�t see you in pole position.

Ouch. The dreaded cursor-on-a-blank-screen experience.

Writing your resume will be way easier if you first choose the best resume format. Why is this so important?

Choose the wrong resume layout, and the recruiter may reject your application. Choose the right one, and you will easily attract their attention.

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Interview Questions & Answers

Knowing how to put together a strong answer to the most common interview questions is obviously key to landing a job. The art and science of creating great answers involves being strategic in crafting your responses as well as practicing till you’re as strong a possible.
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Make the Most of Your Career

Part of enjoying your career is getting the absolute most out of it each and every day. Are you maximizing your potential? Are you taking every step possible to excel in your job? If not, then you need to get on track and work for your success. You only get out of your career what you put into it. Heed the advice below to make the most of your career.
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How to prepare for a job interview

Preparation is key

Prepare for your English language job interview just as you would for any other interview. This may include researching the organization's history and mission, determining the travel time needed to promptly arrive at your interview location, organizing your materials and choosing an outfit.Some companies may require you to take an English skills test during your interview, such as the British Council's Aptis. To help you prepare at little or no cost, several websites offer free online English skills tests.

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Cover Letters Necessary? Find Out If You Need One

What if there is no official opening? You will want to send a cover letter that includes different content. You will need to provide a reason for applying to a company with no openings. So, personalization and knowledge of the company are more important in this situation.
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How to Write a Resume That Will Get You an Interview

Choose a resume type : There are several basic types of resumes used to apply for job openings. Depending on your personal circumstances, choose a chronological, a functional, combination, or a targeted resume. A chronological resume is the simplest format to use, but there may be circumstances where you want to focus on your key accomplishments and skills rather than your employment history.
 
Taking the time to choose the best type of resume for your situation is well worth the effort.Choose the right font and size. It's important to choose a font and font size that is legible and leaves enough white space on the page. You also want to keep style features (such as italics, underlining, bold, and the use of bullets) to a minimum; reserve the use of boldface for section headings and for quantifiable achievements that you would like to have �pop� on the page (Example: �Secured and fulfilled $1.5M contract�).

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How to Answer the "What Are Your Strengths?” Interview Question

What are my strengths? Well, I guess I’m pretty good at breathing? I don’t know. That’s what my mom said. She’s usually right about stuff. So, I guess yeah. I guess I could say I’m a good breather.

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