But what if...

So, you feel you're ready for the interview. And when you're done, you walk out replaying the conversation wondering if your answers were the best. Here's some scenarios from careerbuilder.com to help you stay on top of your game:

Scenario No. 1: The interviewer came out swinging, asking tough but appropriate, questions regarding a professional hiccup: your employment gap and job-hopping image. The question either left you stuttering with an incoherent message or sounding defensive because you were confrontational.

What you should have said: When the interviewer read your résumé, she knew about your job- search challenge and invited you in for an interview. As such, your hiccup wasn't a deal breaker but a negative response could be one. Explain your situation without getting emotional or hotheaded by saying, "In the past I made the mistake of accepting a position based on salary alone. That mindset led to hopping from one job to another, because I was never completely satisfied. Now, I'm looking to work for a company where I'm compensated well and the company values complement mine."

Scenario No. 2: The interviewer asked, "Why should I hire you?" You listed strengths that align with the open position. Although there's nothing technically wrong with your response, you could have taken your answer a step further.

What you should have said: "That's a fair question. Instead of providing a canned response, I'd like to participate in an audition interview so you can see my work ethic firsthand." An audition interview is when you perform the tasks of the position as though you were hired. This way, the hiring manager can see your performance before extending an official job offer.


Check out more of these scenarios at the above link.

Resume tips

Here's a link from careerbuilder.com with tips on avoiding words that can "kill your resume." Check it out!

Economy

It's a tough economy and there's no doubt about that! People are losing jobs, as employers can't afford to pay them. I do think there's light at the end of the long tunnel, but sacrifices will have to be made before the end of that journey is complete.

So stay strong, be positive (which can have a chain reaction), and keep your chin up! If you need help with a resume, let me know! The best way to get that interview for a job is to have a resume that stands out above the rest.

Why should I?

Why hire a Virtual Assistant?

There are many reasons to consider hiring a VA. Some reasons include:

• Get a professional-looking resume for a minimal cost.
• You just don't have the time to get it done.
• Administrative duties -- stay organized - let me remind you of important dates and events.
• I can organize it for you the right way.
• Have junk emails screened out, and important emails left for you to decide on.
• Save on expenses: no computer to purchase or desk supplies to provide, no insurance/liability expenses.
• VAs can point out what you cannot see and give you advice to better several situations.

So what do I do??

General Administrative Assistance:
Copy Typing
General Transcription
Document Formatting
Calendar Management
Editing Services
Proofreading
Time Management
E-mail / Voicemail Administration
Correspondence
Word Processing
Price Comparison Research
Bookkeeping
Research
HR Expertise and Resume writing
Database Management
Internet Research

Mailing Services Personal Assistance:
Personal Administration
Reminder Service
Diary / Calendar Management
Event Planning

Writer/Author Assistance:
Proofreading
Editing
Document Formatting
Research
Calendar and Email Management

With a little push

I've been helping people write resumes for the past 13 years. It all started fresh out of college. I managed a Manpower office in Pittsburg, KS. My bachelors is in Human Resources, and I loved matching people to the job. The Manpower office wasn't an ideal situation for this, as 85% of the jobs I filled were industrial. Many of the clientele didn't have to have a resume, and therefore were just working to a) put food on the table b) only work because they had to c) abuse the system. But I loved interviewing, learning about people, and seeing their reaction when I did get the chance to help them with their resume!

Kent and I married and we moved to Nevada, MO. With jobs being sparse, I worked as a surgical secretary until he finished basic training and we relocated to Omaha. I then was an office manager at a staffing company. But I never felt fulfilled in helping people with finding jobs. That was the duty of the business owner and her helper. So I screened her calls and made due, staying abreast of what employers look for. I did get to see more professional resumes, as I opened the daily mail with applicants selling themselves to my boss to place them in the city at more prestige jobs (paralegals, office managers, administrators, etc.)

After Omaha, we moved back to Missouri at Whiteman AFB, and I started writing resumes out of my home. We were there for 7 years, and I'm proud to say that out of the 20+ resumes I wrote, 18 of them found jobs within 3 months! And ALL of them were given interviews. What satisfaction to know I can help! Most of the resumes were for active duty either getting out of the military, retiring, or their spouses. I didn't advertise much, as it was a side business and I didn't have the funds to completely delve into it. Referrals brought customers, and my assistance helped them better their job situation.

So here I am, on the other side of the world in Turkey... feeling the need to better others' situations. Let me know how I can help!