Learning how to overcome public speaking anxiety is probably at the top of your mind if you are required to speak in front of others. It can really hold you back both personally and professionally if you are not able to speak to a large group of people! The good news is that it is possible to overcome this fear.

The first thing you need to do is understand why you have a public speaking anxiety in the first place. It's very common, so don't feel like you're alone in your fears at all. There is something about being in front of large crowds of people that makes us fear the worst about ourselves! We may come across as silly, say something wrong, or make another embarrassing mistake.

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These days most people accept that jobs are not for life anymore. People are more mobile and much more likely to change jobs every few years and even careers a number of times throughout their lives. And it is increasingly common that we may also find that we need to change jobs because of retrenchments, redundancies and closures. Having confidence in your skills and experience and your ability to deal with the challenges of starting over can give you a greater sense of confidence about your career, and whatever life brings your way.

Get support. Surround yourself with family and friends and let them know your situation. Stay in contact with those you care about and continue your usual social activities. Although you might not feel like it, now is not the time to avoid people or stop socialising. Your support crew will help you to stay motivated and positive and they’ll keep their eyes open for opportunities for you.

It’s not about you. Jobs, not people, are made redundant. Redundancy is now a common term and accepted as a part of modern working life. It’s not a reflection on you or anything you need to feel ashamed about.

Set up a HQ. Create an environment that it conducive to your job-search project. Set up a basic office at home that includes access to a phone, stationary, postage supplies, computer and printer. If you have small children or pets keep them out of this area and ask your children not to answer the phone while you are job searching. If you are basing yourself out of a job café or other facility, be prepared. Make sure that you have the tools you need to apply for jobs that appeal to you, including an up to date resume, referees and an email address.

Create an up to date resume. Create a captivating covering letter. Provide a detailed description of the achievements in each of your roles and the timeframes you have been in the role. Provide all contact details including phone number (land line and mobile), email and where possible a fax number. If you don’t have a fax at home, find someone close to you i.e. local business and ask them if you can use their number.

Get out. Become involved in local networks and community events. Investigate groups that meet regularly in your area and get involved. This is a great way to meet new people, make new contacts and find out about jobs that are available close to home.

Mind your language. Avoid using negative words such as ‘unemployed’, ‘on the dole’ and ‘I can’t find a job’ and replace them with positive perspectives such as ‘I will find a job suitable for me’.

Stay well presented. It only takes seven-seconds to make a first impression. Make the most of your seven-seconds by smiling when you greet someone. Invest in a good suit, if you don’t have one, borrow one for interviews; polish your shoes and ensure that your hair is clean and tidy. It’s easy to get out of the good-grooming habit when you don’t have to do it every day. Remember how important is it both to your self-esteem as well as to people’s first impression of you.

Stay motivated. Finding a new job is hard work; treat it as you would any work assignment – your fulltime job is finding a new role that you will enjoy. Just as with any job it can be frustrating and especially disappointing when you receive ‘rejection’ letters. Prepare yourself for the fact that you will receive these. They are not personal. Focus on keeping your goals in your mind and remind yourself constantly that there is a role out there just for you, it’s only a matter of time until you find it.

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Are you looking for a new job or a new company to work for? If you are in need of new employment, then you know that a resume is very important to your chances for employment. Writing a good resume is a skill that not everybody, but there is help. Here is how to write a good resume without making it difficult.

First, you need to make sure that you have your contact information on the resume. If you do not include the information that allows a potential employer to contact you, then you will have some trouble getting the job. You need to put your physical address, phone number, and your email address. This gives the potential employer plenty of ways to get in contact with you.

Second, unless you are applying for a computer type of job or a medical job you do not need more than one full page. You should have your most recent three employers listed with at least two points under each that show what you did and how you helped that company succeed. Also, you should include the month and year you were hired and when you left.

Third, you need to list all of your education. This should include high school only if you do not have any college experience. If you do have college experience, even if you are still working on your degree, then you need to include it on your resume. This can be very helpful to your chances of getting the job. Include how long you have attended, any degrees or certifications you have earned, and if you have not graduated yet, your predicted graduation date.

Last, if you have any personal references for your character, especially if they are in the same field as the one you are looking to work in, you should list them. Usually you should list between 2 and 5 references with location, profession, and phone numbers. Make sure you inform your references that you have listed them on your resume. This is the biggest tip in how to write a good resume.

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Sending a thank you letter is as important as interview preparation. But they're tough to write, so people either tell themselves that not sending one doesn't matter, or they procrastinate until it's too late and almost pointless anyway. But anyone who tells themselves that foregoing a fundamental rule of etiquette doesn't matter, not only taints themselves in the mind of the interviewer, but misses two additional opportunities to sell.

A thank you letter is an additional sales piece. As I've said before, you're selling a product and the product is you. So beyond the reason of etiquette, the letter sells you as a polite person who recognizes that the interviewer gave them something valuable: time and consideration.

A fundamental rule of sales is to keep the product in front of the buyer and reinforce its benefits. So beyond the etiquette, the letter gives you ample space to comment on what you liked about the company, why your skills are of benefit to them, and how much you're interested. If something wasn't tied up, or was left unsatisfactorily, you should use the space to further address the issue.

When you miss the opportunity to reinforce your skills and tie them to the job requirements, you miss a chance to sell. When you fail to address a concern or answer a question and leave it to fester in the mind of the interviewer, you've failed to overcome an objection. And if a buyer has an objection to the product, if it isn't addressed, the likelihood of the sale is slim.

The third opportunity missed by skipping the thank you letter is the chance to keep your name in front of the buyer. Read newspapers? Watch TV? See the same ads over and over and over again? It's somewhat the same principle - if you keep your name in front of the hiring authority, they're more likely to remember you.

Thank you letters are one of the reasons it's important to take notes during an interview. Not only does it show good attention to detail, it saves you from having to scrunch your face up trying to remember some of the information you learned about the company and position during the interview. Because if you met with three separate people during one visit to the company, that's three thank you letters....three different thank you letters.
So let's look at how to create one of these so that it becomes a less odious task.

* First paragraph

Open with the obligatory thank you and include how you enjoyed the meeting. Say why. Maybe the people you met were exceptional. Perhaps their company philosophy was exactly what you had hoped for. Or they need to overhaul a department and you can't wait to sink your teeth into it because that's what you've got a stellar track record of doing. It doesn't matter. Pick something out, and put it down. But make it real.
* Second paragraph

What took place during your interview? Pull out a piece of information that pleased you, say what it was, and tell them why. For instance: I was particularly pleased to find that X company/the opportunity/your management style has/was/is/does whatever. This is exciting because...... . You can expand on whatever it is for a few sentences by elaborating: how it relates to something you've experienced and liked -- or didn't like. Discuss a particular aspect of the job you find appealing and reiterate why you'd be successful at it or how long you've been performing it or how similar it is to something you've done in the past.
* Third paragraph

You can add a similar paragraph if the second was fairly short. Or you can wind it up if it was a bit lengthy. If there was something that came up that needed clarification or about which they were dubious, address it and clear it up here.
* Fourth paragraph

Wind it up. Re-iterate your interest. Be enthusiastic! Leave the job speak behind. If you really want to be hired, let your interest shine through. There's nothing wrong with coming right out and saying, "I'd love to work with X company!"

Caution: Don't start every sentence with "I". It may be the easiest way to write the letter but it's not only repetitive, it's a turn off and egotistical. This process is about you getting a job, but it's about what they get out of it if they hire you.

If you really want the job, the letter will be easy to write because it will contain genuine impressions and sentiments. If you choose to skip the letter, perhaps you don't care if you're hired or not. But make that decision yours and withdraw from the process instead of letting the decision be made for you.

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The Phone interview plays a crucial role in a candidate's pre-hire process. This means that the employer has reviewed the candidate's resume and or application and they are showing some interest which is a positive step forward, although the candidate is still far away from being hired! The phone interview in many cases may be a make-it or break-it for many candidates as this is mainly a way for the employer to verify if the "you" the candidate are both a cultural and technical fit for their work environment. Below are some of the most common phone interview questions and answers.

Q. Can you tell me a little about yourself?
A. This question is commonly used by the employer to break the ice and to get the candidate to reveal some basic personality traits. The best response would be short and professional. Remember to stay focused as the employer doesn't want to hear anything that doesn't relate to their business!

Q. What is your education background?
A. The correct answer is the honest answer. "Direct and straight to the point", is the only thing an employer likes to hear. If you do not have a degree and you are not enrolled in an educational program, don't talk about how you are continuing your education because the truth is you aren't!

Q. Are you currently employed and where?
A. In an ideal situation, you don't want to leave one job without having another lined up; always answer this question direct to the point and honestly. Note: no negative talk even if your previous job came to a bitter end!

Q. If you are not employed, when were you last employed and what is the reason that you are no longer there?
A. If you are not employed be honest about your employment dates both verbally and written on your resume. Note: Always remember, "do not talk negatively about your previous employers or employment situations", no matter how much you want to!

Q. Tell me about your current employer (i.e. what do they do, how long they've been in business, etc.).
A. This question is used to show how well you know your own business and how detail oriented you are or may be.

Q. What is the most important thing you're looking for in a company/job?
A. And no, the answer should never be more money!!! Even if that is the real answer!! The correct answer should be; a new challenge with an opportunity for growth and development. Employers truly want candidates that can offer an immediate impact on their business, including applicable skills, education and experience, but also candidates that are interested in new challenges and want to continue to develop and grow within new work environments!

Q. Why are you considering leaving your current employer?
A.. If your answer is because you hate your boss, you just lost this opportunity! No employer ever likes to hear negative discussions about your current or prior work engagements. Any negative discussions will be portrayed as "red flags" to the employer which are not good for you. Depending on your circumstance there could be many answers to this question. Simply give a positive response with a logical explanation such as "I decided to relocate so that I could be closer to my family" or "I've been at my current employer for 8 years and I've reached my maximum potential, so I've decided to search for a new and challenging opportunities", etc.

Q. How long have you been with your current employer?
A. this is a simple close-ended question, simply answer the question honestly! If it wasn't a substantial length of time, just give a logical and positive explanation. "Remember; always be as positive as possible."

Q. On a Day-to-Day basis at your current job, what are your primary responsibilities?
A. This question is to test your ability to articulate in fine detail what you do at your current employer. If your memory is not that great, you should prepare yourself with some details. Note: never regurgitate the information directly off of your resume as this shows that you are unable to have an intellectual conversation!

Q. What size groups do you work in and do you have any group size preferences?
A. This is a question to see how comfortable you working with other people. It is always best to be honest, with the employer and yourself. If you really don't like working in larger groups or around lots of people then let them know... Maybe the job isn't an exact fit for you and that's OK because there will be many other opportunities out there that may provide you with your ideal work environment. Phone interviews and in person interviews are also a perfect opportunity for you the candidate to be interviewing the employer, to verify if their company/job is best for you!

Q. Have you received any raises or promotions at your current employer?
A. This is a pretty straight forward question, either you have or you haven't. Either way it is always good to discuss your promotions and if you haven't been promoted, then keep the conversation positive; which means no negative discussions!

Q. Do you have any managerial experience or are you more of an individual contributor?
A. if you do not, then it is ok to say that you are an individual contributor, if you do have managerial experience then elaborate on your experience, let them know; when, where, how many people did you manage, your responsibilities as a manager, etc.. Note: good managers talk about their employees and their employee's growth, development, each employees responsibilities, etc.

Q. What do you know about this company/job that you are applying for?
A. This question is used to see if you have prepared for the interview. Candidates that have researched the company are more appealing. Companies like prepared, organized candidates.

Q. How many years experience do you have in _________?
A. this is a close-ended question, give a direct answer and the only other thing you should add would be your proficiency with this particular skill. Just because you may have 5 years of experience with something doesn't necessarily mean you are a master at that skill. Being as honest as possible will help eliminate the possibility of setting yourself up for failure.

Q. We have spoken with several candidates. Why are you the one we should hire?
A. Give detailed examples of your skills and accomplishments. Be positive, and emphasize how your background matches their job description.

Q. How well do you handle stress and pressure at work? Please give an example of
how you overcame a stressful situation.
A. the correct answer is that you work well under pressure, and you enjoy working in an environment that is challenging. It's good for the employer to know that you are an individual who has the capability to diffusing stress while working in demanding environments with deadlines.

Q. What are your greatest strengths?
A. This is a perfect opportunity to shine! Some topics to discuss could be; ability to communicate and work well with others, leadership/ management skills and experience, ability to adapt to new environments, ability to learn new skills, capabilities of dealing with stress and deadlines, etc..

Q. What are your greatest weaknesses?
A. This is a very important question. If you answer "no weaknesses" it appears that you are avoiding the question or you aren't analytical enough to evaluate your own strengths and weaknesses. It is very important to give a strength that compensates for your weakness to help convert your weakness into a positive such as; "I'm normally a great "go-to" person at work and I love to help others so much that sometimes I find myself having to put in more hours in a week just to complete my required duties." This is a perfect example of how my strong technical skills and ability to work with others compensates for my weakness.

Q. What are your current salary expectation?
A. The answer is simple, what do you make now and what do you honestly feel that your skills are worth? To determine a particular hourly rate or salary range, There are many "compensation calculators" available online to help you gauge not only what someone with your skills and years of experience should be making, but also the average compensation in different regions or the U.S. or the world!

If you over-price yourself, you may just be pricing yourself out of an opportunity and if you under-price yourself, you could be undermining your worth, enough so, that the employer may feel that something is wrong with you and will move on to other candidates. Before you interview, it is in your best interest to truly understand your worth!

Q. Do you have any questions?
A. Questions can be both good and bad. Usually on a phone interview there are questions you should and shouldn't ask, such as:

Question to ask employers on a phone interview:
- What are the day-to-day responsibilities of this job?
- How will my leadership responsibilities and performance be measured? By whom?
- Who will review my performance? How often?
- What is the company's plan for the next five years, and how does this department fit in?
- Could you describe your company's management style and the type of employee who fits well within it?
- Who is the company's competition? What are the company's strengths and weaknesses compared to its competition?
- What is the company's policy on providing education, workshops, and training so employees can keep up their skills or acquire new ones?
- Etc.

Questions Not to ask on a phone interview:
- Will I have to work overtime?
- Are the working hours flexible?
- Can I work from home
- Does this job require that I pass a Drug and Background check
- How much does this position pay?
- What type of health insurance does the company offer?
- Is there public transportation in the company's area?
- How many weeks of vacation time/ sick time do you offer?

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