how to list temp work on a resume

how to list temp work on a resume how to list temp work on a resume A reader writesDo you have any thoughts on how to list temporary work on a resume? Ive been reading Ask a Manager for about a year now, and I cant even tell you how much its helped me in my transition from college student/intern to professional. I always really appreciate that your thoughtful, honest advice, so Id really like to know what you think. I graduated in spring 2009, but have yet to find a permanent job in my chosen field. Im still looking, but Ive also been working through a temp agency to fill the gap. My question is How do you, as a manager, like to binnensee temporary work listed on a resume? Is there any way I can use it to my advantage? Im concerned that 1) it reflects badly on me that I have yet to find permanent employment 2) I dont want to crowd out my more relevant internship experience by listing a number of less relevant, although more recent, temp jobs. I know youre really busy, so I understand if you dont have time to reply. However, I just want to say again how much I appreciate your blog. It should be required reading for every young professional It should, shouldnt it?There are a couple of different ways to list temp work on a resume, which Ill get to in a minute. But first let me address your concern that it reflects poorly on you that you havent found permanent employment yet It does not. The job market has been horrible for a while now. Recent grads, in particular, are having a tremendously tough time. For most of them, its not their fault. As Ive written before, for a lot of people right now, its not about them its about math. Any hiring manager who doesnt recognize that is an ass.Okay, so back to how to list temp work. It depends on how long-term your assignments are. If youve had some relatively long-term assignments (more than a couple of weeks in one place), Id list it like thisAcme Architecture (via Temps Inc.) August October 2009If your assignments have be en more short-term, then Id list the temp company itself as the employer, followed by a list of bullet points of the types of responsibilities youve had at various companies through them. Like with anything on your resume, make sure you really sell what youve been doing during that time.Good luck

How to successfully pitch an idea to your boss in just a few steps

How to successfully pitch an idea to your boss in just a few stepsHow to successfully pitch an idea to your boss in just a few stepsFeeling heard and valued in the workplace shouldnt be an impossible accomplishment. If you know your company down to the smallest detail and you work hard, your perspective has the potential to shape and mold the future success of everyone affiliated with that company.Despite the knowledge that youre working for the greater good, it may not always be easy to get your ideas out of your head and into the real world. A carefully crafted approach can help you find the confidence you need to enrich the professional interests of those around you.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreImpactful ideas are never so simple that they can be thoroughly expressed in a few words. If you want your pitch to count, youll need to know exactly how to document it. Typing out your idea in great detail will give you time to observe and highlight the finer points. It also gives you multiple delivery options. You can practice and memorize your detailed pitch, or you can speak a little and hand your boss the document for the review. You wont need to worry about glossing over anything crucially important or misspeaking if youve had enough time toperfect the presentation of your idea.Consider contigencyplansYour idea might need some work. Therbeie may be factors that conflict with your end goal, making it difficult to accommodate some of the finer nuances. Other things may need to change in order to make that idea feasible, complicating its implementation. If your idea is strong enough, these accommodations may be worthwhile. If your boss needs to do mental gymnastics to figure these things out, she may be hesitant to give it a shot.Think about anything else that may need to be reworked or modified. If you have suggestions for those things, note them. Include proposed changes with your idea proposal to make even the most difficult idea seem viable for implementation.Even though youre completely prepared, your boss might not be. Your idea may require an hour or more of discussion. If she has a lot to do, she might not be able to give you the time and attention you deserve. Let your boss know you have a big idea youd like to discuss at her earliest convenience, and tell her youve prepared all the necessary information for that discussion.Allow her to get back to you when her schedule will allow her to be fully present and engaged. Great things arent worth rushing. You dont want to run the risk of her misunderstanding or feeling overwhelmed by everything youre putting forward. If it takes a while, use that time to your advantage. You may come up with more ideas or improvements for your ideas in the interim.Make sure youre comfortableIn order to speak freely and confidently, you need to be comfortable. Comfort isnt a necessity, its a luxury. If youre packed into a skirt suit that feels too tight and wearing heels that are squeezing your feet, your discomfort will be a constant distraction that may translate as a lack of confidence. Truthfully, most womenswear is not at all designed for comfort.Wear something that makes you feel as though you look great, but be sure that you have fullrange of motion. Becoming animated and gesticulating during your presentation will only serve to show your passion dont let your clothes stop you.Take and Apply FeedbackYour boss might turn you down during your first pitch, and thats absolutely fine. She might provide you with feedback, concerns, and information about obstacles. This doesnt mean your idea will never come to fruition. It simply means you need to modify your idea and its trajectory based on new information, something that true innovators and entrepreneurs do. The most successful people will experiencea barrage of rejectionbefore they find the idea that makes the biggest impa ct, but continue to pursue these ideas through to completion.In short, successfully pitching your idea is equally a matter of clarity, confidence, and resilience. Approaching the process from the right place without reservation is the secret to moving mountains in the business world.This article originally appeared on DressingRoom8.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people

Reapplying for a Job When It Gets Reposted

Reapplying for a Job When It Gets RepostedReapplying for a Job When It Gets RepostedGenerally speaking, applicants should not reapply for a job posting if it isreposted. However, there are exceptions. Find out what they are below. Why Jobs Get Reposted Reposting is frustrating for applicants because they do not know what caused it. Usually, the hiring manager is dissatisfied with the quality of the applicant pool, but this is not always the case. For instance, a hiring manager may not have the time to schedule bewerberinterviews right away. Rather than extending the closing date on the posting, an organizations human resources department might require hiring managers to repost and consider job applications from both postings. Again, a weak applicant pool is normally why hiring managers repost, so most likely applicants who were under serious consideration will be considered with the reposting, and those screened out will remain screened out. When Its Explicitly Stated That Pre vious Applicants Will Be Considered Sometimes hiring managers say in repostings whether prior applicants will be considered along with new applicants. Doing this is courteous to applicants because it informs them of how the hiring process is progressing. Either way, it is better for the applicants to know than not to know. Additionally, informing applicants helps hiring managers because it greatly limits the number of duplicate applications they receive. Unless applicants are explicitly told they will or will not be considered with new applicants, applying to a reposted position is probably a waste of time. When the new posting says prior applicants are still in the running, there is no need to reapply. As far as applicants know, everyone is still in contention for the position. When the Reposted Job Differs From the Original If the reposting is different from the original posting, reapplying might be a good idea. It depends on how the posting is different. For example, if the posting has a higher salary range, reapplying is probably a useless exercise. The higher salary range likely means the hiring manager is trying to attract applicants with higher qualifications than those who originally applied. Clearly, the original applicant pool did not measure up to the hiring managers expectations. If the new posting has a significantly different job description, it could be worth reapplying, especially if you fit better with the new job description than with the old one. The hiring manager may not have seen you within the framework of the new job description. The hiring manager may have wanted to start fresh with a new applicant pool since the job description is significantly different. When a Job Is Reposted After Interviews Sometimes jobs are reposted after a hiring manager interviews candidates. When this happens, it can be particularly upsetting and frustrating for those who are interviewed. If you interview for a job and then it is reposted, there is n o reason to reapply. The hiring manager has all the information he or she needs to decide whether to hire you. Unless you are contacted directly by the hiring manager or receive some inside or back channel information, you should not reapply. There is no need to put yourself through more disappointment. Most Often, Its Not Worth Reapplying Most of the time, reposting is a sign you need to move on from the opportunity. Something just isnt lining up for you. Maybe the hiring manager decided you wouldnt be a good fit, you dont have the knowledge, skills, and abilities, or the organizations needs have changed. It is probably time to get cracking on other opportunities, so learn from the experience and focus your job search elsewhere.

10 Things to do After the Job Interview

10 Things to do After the Job Interview10 Things to do After the Job InterviewWhew You made it through the interview and it might have actually gone well Great, now what? Post-interviewing protocol is really fairly flexible. At the very least I like to see a thank you note come thru via email. Ive also had interviewees go so far as to send fruit baskets. Obviously a fruit basket is not necessary, but it is fun and will certainly make you remembered. Ive always felt an email thank you note does the trick. While snail mail is more sincere and requires more effort, the interviewer may have already decided on candidates to be moved forward before your thank you note is received. Other great deutsche bundespost interview ideas include sending portfolios, putting together ideas to advance the company showing what youll bring to the table, and even sending a 3-month/6-month/year plan over revealing what you plan to do for the organization and how you plan to do it.10 Things To Do After The Job Interview can give you some great ideas for your next stepsInterview Tips Advice Resume or Bust Professional Resume CV Optimization

How to Tell Your Network Youre Looking for a Job

How to Tell Your Network Youre Looking for a JobHow to Tell Your Network Youre Looking for a JobIf youre job searching, youve probably heard that one of the most effective things you can do is to use your network of connections to find job leads and make connections with hiring managers. But how do you actually reach out to your network, and what do you say? Here are five keys to doing it right.1. Contact people individually, notlage en masse. It might be tempting to send out a mass emaille, letting everyone know all at once that youre looking. And realistically, if thats the only way youre going to get it done, then do that, because its better than not contacting people at all. But it will be far more effective if you send individual emails to people instead of one group email because people are generally much more inclined to help when they feel like youre reaching out to them directly.After all, think about how you feel in similar shoes If you get a mass email from a friend askin g a group of people to, say, donate to a charity shes supporting, you may or may not spend much time thinking about her request. But if that friend instead reaches out to you personally, you will probably feel more responsible for really thinking over the request and maybe acting on it. When people see that theyre one of many being asked, theres a diffusion of responsibility, a feeling that others will be taking care of this, so the urgency is lowered. So if you can, do individual emails people will feel more invested.2. Be clear about exactly what youre looking for. Too often, job seekers ask for job search assistance without being clear about what theyre looking for. Dont leave anything open to interpretation say that youre looking for work explicitly, and be clear about what types of roles youre interested in.3. Ask directly for what kind of help youd like. When you ask for assistance, dont say something vague like let me know if you hear of anything because many people never p ay attention to job openings around them. Instead, be more specific people are much more likely to help if you give them something concrete they can do. For instance, you might ask your neighbor if she can connect you with a hiring manager at her former company, or you might ask your old manager if shed advise you on the companies youre considering. You can also ask people to think about whether they know anyone it would be helpful for you to talk with, and tell them that youd be interested in connecting with people even if theres not a suitable opening right now.4. Contact everyone in your network, even if you dont think they would know of any appropriate job openings. Too often, job seekers are hesitant to reach out to people in their network unless theyre a hiring manager or connected to a particular company with openings. But its worth reaching out to your full network, because you never know who might be able to tell you about an opening that youd be perfect for. (And your chan ces of being considered for a job go up when you have someone connected to the job saying, Hey, you should really consider Jane, because ___.)5. Dont forget to include your rsum. Sometimes people think it is too forward or presumptuous to include their rsum right off the bat and that they should wait to be asked but in fact, attaching your rsum will save your contacts from having to write back and request it. Dont be shy about sending it the first time.Alison Green writes the popular Ask a Manager blog, where she dispenses advice on career, job search, and management issues. Shes also the co-author of Managing to Change the World The Nonprofit Managers Guide to Getting Results, and former chief of staff of a successful nonprofit organization, where she oversaw day-to-day staff management, hiring, firing, and employee development.

The Battle Over Sports Resume and How to Win It

The Battle Over Sports Resume and How to Win It What You Need to Know About Sports Resume If youre eyeing work in the sports and recreation geschftsleben, there are a few things you should be aware of before you send out your resume. Ensure that your resume is engaging and simple to read. Many resumes begin with a stated goal which can be tailored to whichever league or conference youre attempting to break into. If for no other reason, acquiring the resume will make it possible for you to easily finish all the on-line profiles teams require prospects to finish. What You Dont Know About Sports Resume You may want to choose between two clubs because youve got that precise number. For example, if your department improved season-ticket sales, include the specific proportion season ticket sales improved in addition to your function in that improvement. Ensure your resume stands out. A format thats commonly used with student-athletes who are simply going into the workforce is wh ats referred to as a behavioral resume. Bear in mind that its important to tailor the letter in line with the organizations mission and the work role youre seeking for. Dont forget, you should target the requirements of the business not your own. Needless to say, for a person who works on the budget, the skills needed would differ than someone whos responsible for stadium operations. Some undesirable resumes are simply too great to throw away, however, and might wind up displayed prominently in somebodys office for everybodys amusement. There are more than only a couple of pointers which you have to remember and fully adhere to when designing a resume even when youre utilizing a readymade template. If youre on the lookout for good distributions-mix to locate templates, have a look on Resumention. If you dont observe the template you want to download here, do have a peek at the Premium Sport Web Templates The Best Laser Rangefinder For Your Golf Game You will need to choose something which you know you may shoot out throughout the fairway so you can observe how much farther you have to go. Theres no list of keywords you always have to include on your resume. Moreover there are several resume templates Microsoft Word to pick from it is really hard to land on that 1 link which will actually get the job done for you. When you discover the ideal file for your requirements and just click the link for a hassle free download. Most resume format word file available for free download so make certain not to waste cash with the concept of getting a better choice. There are many categories you will wish to make sure to include when building your resume. Provided that you use the proper info, you are going to wind up with a professional document that will impress any hiring manager. Any additional information which you want to point out must be stated concisely and properly also. At the peak of the resume you should consist of relevant details like your n ame, address, email address and telephone number. Its quite simple if you would like it to work, your resume should highlight experience that makes you the very best fit for the specific job youre applying for. The only folks who should continue to keep their resume to a single page is a recent grad with just one job or internship. Its very essential to comprehend the type of resumes preferred by the establishment that you wish to work for. It is possible to say thats quite opposite of functional resumes that are very traditional. Just take a minute to think of what makes you unique and what you may bring to the position which other applicants may not be in a position to. Finding a nice job can be exceedingly difficult no matter your profession with incredibly qualified applicants being your strongest competitors in the industry. Dont forget, though, that you need tont just be tacking on the most recent job or qualification. You must make all prior jobs past tense and the pr esent job present tense. The Argument About Sports Resume Student accommodation businesses and the financial industry are especially keen to grow their student audiences at the present time, she states. Make certain youre at your very best. Finding a career in broadcasting is simpler than you may think. Everyones resume objective is to receive a job, it is a waste of space. Timing of food consumption is very important to optimize performance. You must place in the work to get a following and normal traffic. Spending the excess effort for each application can appear to be a hassle, but there are strategies to save your energy. When you make an application for an open position you know what sort of person and skills the employer is searching for. Learn more on the subject of the top skills employers search for in candidates. They seem to want to go a couple of ways. Most employers wish to find a resume too. Or, note which you were the youngest executive to be given a p restigious national award. Ideally, you ought not need to make many modifications to your sports career resume, but you must be well prepared to produce substantial changes to every cover letter. The following advice will supply the guidance on how best to create a basic resume template. Also it is extremely simple to load pictures in the Athletic Resume.

Im in a career rut. How do I get out of it

Im in a career rut. How do I get out of it Im in a career rut. How do I get out of it?Posted December 18, 2013, by Jo Messer Im a financial analyst and good at my job, but I could do it with my eyes closed and frankly, Im bored and unmotivated. I feel like Im in a rut how do I get out of it? Adam, 38 Being in a rut isnt a good place to be, but at least youve taken the first step and thats recognising it. The next step is to work out why and then take the bull by the horns and do something about it. Investigate your options at your current workplace Start by talking to your manager and letting them know how you are feeling. Emphasise that its not the company thats the problem, its just that you need more of a challenge. Perhaps theres an opportunity to take on more responsibility, like taking the lead on a project or the option of a secondment. Maybe doing some professional development would help to reinvigorate you. Identify the root of the problem So youre bored in your job, bu t is it because being a financial analyst is not what you want to do? Or is financial analysis just boring? Is it time to look for new opportunities outside your organisation? Sometimes a change in work environment is all thats needed. Start checking out other financial analyst positions do they all sound like more of the same, and will you still be bored to tears? Or would changing environments be the impetus you need to get your mojo back? Is it time for a career change? If youre well and truly over your job, then now is the time to think about other options. Did you fall into this career and stay in it because you felt it was the safe option? Was there something else you wanted to do, but didnt feel you could? Ask yourself the following questions to get some clarity and help determine if a career change could be the answer to your problems What do I love about my job? What do I hate about my job? What skills do I use in my job? What skills do I want to use that I cant? What does job satisfaction mean to me? What is my ideal job? If youre really unsure about your career options then it would be a good idea to seek guidance from a career practitioner. The Career Development Association of Australia has a directory that will help you find a qualified career practitioner in your area. Further study Theres a vast array of courses out there, from short courses through to postgraduate study, and learning something new could be just what you need to get you fired back up again. Think about what new skills you could develop that could help you in your career or be of interest. Do you want to build on your existing skills or develop totally new ones? Taking on further study could get you feeling motivated again, as well as open up more doors and make you better qualified for a promotion. See the range of online courses available to find a course that suits your needs. Jo Messer is a Career Development Specialist who has many years of experience in supporting and gu iding students and graduates of some of Australias most respected universities, as well as mature-aged clients, across all facets of their career. She is a Professional Member of CDAA and an active member of NAGCAS. Whether you have a specific question about how to achieve your career goal or something more general, Jo is available to provide you with up-to-date advice. ResourcesMy first resumeCover letter for my first jobCareer Insider StoriesShelley Lask - Body Positive Health & FitnessInterested in becoming a?Human Resources OfficerGeneral ManagerBusiness ManagerAccountantOffice AdministratorPopular Career Searchesresignation letter career changecareer objective examples for law studentsmy jobs is making me miserablecareer objective psychologistwhy did you choose this career CoursesBachelor of Social WorkEnquire zugnglich Enquire OnlineCertificate III in Health AdministrationEnquire Online Enquire OnlineBachelor of Criminal JusticeEnquire Online Enquire OnlineCertificate III in Allied Health AssistanceEnquire Online Enquire OnlineJo MesserRelated ArticlesBrowse moreCreative careersFemale entrepreneursMia Freedman - Writer and Website EntrepreneurI have always been passionate about creating tribes of women, communities of like-minded people.Work etiquetteHow To Say No To A Work Project Or Client An Email TemplateYour team has decided to say no to a big project or client, and its your job to send the Thanks but no thanks email. Lucky you We feel your pain but someones gotta do it. Heres a pre-written template to let them down gentlyHospitalityGlossary For A ChefIf you want to become a chef, one of the first things you will have to decide is what type of chef you want to be and what you want to call your specialty.

Customize this Outstanding Distribution Sales Representative Resume Sample

Customize this Outstanding Distribution schlussverkauf Representative Resume SampleCustomize this Outstanding Distribution Sales Representative Resume SampleCreate Resume Dennis Hiser100 Broadway LaneNew Parkland, CA, 91010Cell (555) 987-1234example-emailexample.comProfessional SummaryProactive Distribution Sales Representative with the ability to grow revenue utilizing inside or outside sales techniques. Proven track record in establishing ongoing relationships with large clients, developing comprehensive contact profiles and maximizing revenue within each account. Works hard to achieve a feeling of accomplishment and success.Core QualificationsSalesforce Software CertifiedTechnically Certified Sales ProfessionalSpreadsheet DevelopmentReseller NegotiationsHigh Level CommunicationsTrade Show ProficiencyExperienceDistribution Sales Representative, May 2010 May 2015Create Distribution New Cityland, CAMaintained repeat business within a large network of existing clients.Worked with h ardware sales management to negotiate special deals with large manufacturers.Collected considerable amounts of leads from trade shows that developed into customers approximately 12 percent of the time.Distribution Sales Representative, June 1994 September 2004Hairline Distributors New Cityland, CATook incoming sales calls from customers in the Western sales region.Part of a small team that did site visits to large clients.Arranged special technology training sessions in conjunction with manufacturer representatives.Education1994 Bachelor of Science, BusinessJewel University New Cityland, CACustomize Resume

How to Improve Your Magazines Brand Identity

How to Improve Your Magazines Brand IdentityHow to Improve Your Magazines Brand IdentityLike puppies in a pet store window, magazines have to fight for attention to be the one that gets taken home. Magazines face unique pressure to stay current in this era of instant information because most publications come out only weekly or monthly. By building your magazines consistent brand identity, youll separate it from your competitors and get readers excited when they spot the latest issue. Start using these 5 ways to improve your magazines brand identity today. Create Compelling Magazine Covers Think about the deckblatts of three well-known magazines Time, Cosmopolitan and Mens Health. You probably know how they look, down to the typeface of their logos. Thats one example of effective branding because those magazines will be among the easiest to see on a crowded rack. But covers are mora than glossy photos and bold fonts. They must communicate the magazines point of view. The April 20 10 issue of Motor Trend featured a Buick on its cover for the first time since 1982. While the magazine had reviewed Buicks regularly, its covers usually showed cars like Corvettes, Mustangs and Porsches, which highlight the magazines enthusiast perspective. By putting a Buick on the cover, the magazine was able to visually back up its headline Forget the Last 30 Years - Buick is Back and do something unexpected. Come up with a cover layout that can draw the readers eyes from six feet away. Once you have your design, be consistent so readers can find your magazine easily. But dont be afraid to occasionally break out of the mold if you have a good editorial reason. Focus Your Content to Your Target Audience While a good cover gets readers to pick up your magazine, whats inside must sell your brand. You expect different content from Architectural Digest compared to Better Homes Gardens, even though both feature living spaces. These magazines know their target audienceand therbeie is space for them to successfully co-exist. When content is not focused, the results can be disastrous. In 2001, Rosie ODonnell helped launch Rosie, a renamed and revamped version of the 125-year-old McCalls. But less than two years later, the magazine folded in a dispute over creative control. Though ODonnell was editorial director, The New York Times reported that she clashed with the magazines owner over control, including her desire to feature unorthodox content like convicted rapist Mike Tyson in what was a womens magazine. Your magazine needs a niche. If it strays too far from its purpose, readers are often confused, as are advertisers, and you cant build a foundation. Finding your spot is as simple as comparing your content with your competitors and making a list of the topics, viewpoint and personality you want for your magazine. Then, when faced with a question about content, you can check your list to see if it meets the standards youve set. Choose a Graphic Design Tha t Reflects Your Magazines Purpose Eye-catching graphic design can tell a reader what your magazine is about in a way that words cannot. It communicates informality vs. tradition, hipness vs. conservatism and exclusivity vs. mass appeal. Stay abreast of changes in magazine design to make sure your look doesnt grow stale. Such was the case with Harvard Business Review, which overhauled its look while keeping its principles. Through the redesign, the magazine became easier to navigate, more appealing for potential new readers and retained its academic approach. Treat a graphic redesign carefully. Readers first instincts are to be turned off if its hard for them to find their favorite content. A new look needs a short From the Editors Desk explanation about why it makes your magazine better. Respond to Your Changing Audience Even an iconic magazine needs a tweak to reflect changing times. An update of Newsweek included more than just graphics. In a candid explanation to readers, Ne wsweek said it was shifting from chasing news easily found in other media to re-focus on its core strengths of Washington and politics. Its not easy to say youll ignore what could be interesting content because of branding needs. Often, the choice comes when youve looked at fads, decided theyre trends and realize you have to respond. At Newsweek, it meant tightening the focus, but in other cases broadening the brand is the answer. Teen-oriented magazines have definitely suffered as more teenagers choose the Internet and cell phones to stay connected to their world. The casualties Teen (published from 1954-2008), Elle Girl (2001-2006), Teen People (1998-2006) and Jane (1997-2007). For a teen magazine, a wider reach could include articles on new apps for your cell phone, how to avoid online bullying, killer tweets and how to use Facebook or MySpace. That content wouldnt have existed 10 years ago. Review how your magazine fits into todays world. You can have well-written articles with pretty photos, but if your target audience has shifted to a new direction, you have to move with them. Brand Beyond the Pages Build your brand in ways that extend beyond the pages of your magazine. Many publications create a branded event or cause to increase exposure while using the Web to draw people to their printed product. Fortune generates free publicity with its annual Fortune 500 companies. The same is true with the Sexiest Man Alive feature in People. You can find the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval on thousands of consumer goods, which makes a tiny brand imprint on the brains of millions of shoppers. Look at your own magazine to see if theres a similar opportunity to create buzz. Find creative ways to advertise your brandso that you can stay ahead of your competition. Use your magazines website and social media efforts to build your brand online. Drive people from your magazine to your web content and vice versa. That way, youre interacting with readers in the time between your magazines printed issues. Remember, people still have to have a reason to buy your magazine. The shift to new forms of media doesnt mean the death of magazines. But it takes dedication to branding to make sure you dont get lost in the clutter.

5 tips for answering the trickiest job interview question

5 tips for answering the trickiest job interview question5 tips for answering the trickiest job interview questionIts acommon interview question Whats your biggest weakness? But for many of us, it can feel like coming up with an appropriate answer to this questionisour biggest weakness. Navigating the line between being too forthcoming and too fake with your response is an undeniably tricky task. But by and large, employers ask this question for the same (and very valid) reason to see if a potential candidate is self-aware. Weve compiled a list of five expert strategies to help you successfully answer this question so you can get back toperfecting your resumeandpicking out a killer interview outfit.1. Be honest.According to Josh Quinn, co-founder and CEO of clothing and accessories companyTigertree, in this scenario, dishonesty is a disservice to everyone. If your biggest weakness is integral to the position, and the company is not given an opportunity to adequately assess it against your other strengths, its likely not going to end well, Quinn cautions. He recommends telling the truth because if youre really a perfect fit, the company will make adjustments to the position requirements and resources available to ensure your employment.2. Reframe the question.Still stumped about what to say? Amanda Ponzar, Chief Marketing Officer for nonprofit organizationCommunity Health Charities, suggests rewording the question to help you come up with your answer. Instead, imagine the question as If the interviewer called your former boss and colleagues, what would they say is an opportunity for growth for you? or If the new company provided professional development for you, in what areas would you like more training? Approaching the question from a new angle could spark some self-reflection - and opportunities for improvement.3. Put a positive spin on it.Once youve established your interview-worthy weakness, Kat Cohen, CEO and founder ofIvyWise, a company that provides tut oring and admissions counseling for students, says it will likely totenstill need to be reworked. Select an area you truly view as a weakness, but frame it from a growth perspective, she states. Instead of simply saying, I am disorganized, address this weakness and provide context as to why it occurs, the steps you have taken to overcome it, and what you will do in your new position to compensate for it. Putting a positive spin on a fairly standard weakness shows a heightened level of self-awareness and generally makes you appear more hirable.4. Dont overshare.Although honesty is encouraged, it is possible to betoohonest, according to Dana Case, the director of operations atMyCorporation, which provides services for starting and running a business. If your weakness is public speaking, for instance, its not necessary to detail the time you fainted during a presentation, Case explains. Instead, focus on sharing an example of a situation where you had to work on overcoming your weaknes s and the steps you took to do it. Save the embarrassing stories for after youre employed, and stick to discussing the weakness itself as well as the actions youre taking to improve on it.5. Use humor.Interviews can be tense, but Ryne Higgins, senior manager of e-commerce at high-end bedding and bath linens brandPeacock Alley, views this question as an opportunity to put your personality on display. He recommends disclosing a humorous shortcoming, like the fact that youre a bad cook or you sunburn too easily, followed by an honest, relevant weakness. Theres nothing wrong with demonstrating your light-hearted personality as long as its followed up with a thoughtful answer, Higgins says. Keep in mind hiring managers are looking for a cultural fit as well as a professional fit.This article was originally published on Brit + Co.