Learn To Get Healthy

A recruiter looking through a pile of CVs needs to see information in a certain way. In the same way, when we look at a menu in a restaurant, we expect to see starters, main courses, desserts and beverages laid out in a particular way. Failure to meet the readers expectations leads to confusion. Most people will put that CV straight into the “no” pile rather than waste their time trying to pick out information that should have been readily available

Your first and second name should sit prominently at the top of your CV. There is no need for second (or more) names to be added). Leave it as plain and simple as you can and avoid pretense at all costs. A shortened version of your Christian name is increasingly acceptable, for example, Fred not Frederick is very normal nowadays. Using the name with which you answer the telephone will be fine

Include your full, correct postal address along with post code or zip code as appropriate. Landline numbers are always a good idea. Personally, I would always include a home telephone number as well as a mobile number. If you don’t have a mobile yet, consider purchasing a cheap pay as you go mobile phone- it will definitely be worth it for you

Your personal profile or career statement. Make sure that following the basic information you include a personal statement. It doesn’t need a heading, just go straight into it. Include what you can do (job title), for who (industry sector), where (geography), and also point to your track record. The employer basically needs to know in a nutshell whether you fit with the sort of role that they are looking to fill.

Working from your most recent work achievements and moving backward, you need to pick out key achievements for which you have been personally responsible. Focus on achievements and not responsibilities. Nobody takes anyone on for those reasons alone. You really need to quietly sell yourself in this, the most important section of the CV. Make sure you are telling the truth as well- you may be called on to back up these claims with factual evidence at the interview or at some later date

Academic qualifications. These need to be listed with the highest level first. Typically, post graduate qualifications first, then first degree, then higher qualifications (A levels) then lower level qualifications (GCSE). List them in the following way. Qualification title, Educational Institute, dates

There is some confusion about professional qualifications- people think that all qualifications are the same, whether they are academic (gained through educational institutions) or professional. Professional qualifications are usually gained through a company, service provider or perhaps an individual. Make sure they are listed in order of level of importance. This can be a little subjective but try and put the most important/ most relevant first given the type of job for which you are applying

Hobbies, interests and other information may not seem that important but they can make the difference between your application being considered or not. For example, if you have a hobby that has a direct relevance to the job for which you are applying, put it in to the CV. Whatever you do though, do not put your actual full date of birth on any form that may be insecure. You can have this information used against you in many ways, particularly to perhaps steal your identity. Leave it out unless you are absolutely sure that the information is secure

One of the most difficult forms of stress to avoid is workplace stress. You have to go to work and once there you run across many stressing situations. But stress is not totally necessary. As with other forms of stress, there are ways to manage the stress found in the workplace. And if you cannot avoid it, then try to manage it.

The need for everything to be done today is one cause of stress. For instance, your boss wants you to complete a stack of projects as soon as possible but then comes by looking for a project already turned in. Oh, and by the way, once you get that for him, he has another stack of projects to address. It looks like it will never end but with help, you can manage it.

The best way to begin to manage the stress is by focusing on only one task at a time. Multi-tasking will lead to failure as it impacts your system. Changing focus between projects makes demands on your brain and it takes time to change your thoughts from one project to another. If you maintain your focus on a single project then your energy and thoughts remain concentrated instead of scattered by multiple projects.

Another of the biggest distractions is coworkers. One of them will often ask for your opinion or for your help with their project. This takes time and focus away from your tasks and if possible delay or avoid these time wasters. Saying “no” will help to avoid distractions. I know, it is difficult to just say no, so it may be better to tell them “As soon as I am done here” or “No, not right now”. This will give you time to finish the task at hand and by the time you finish, they may have forgotten they asked you for help or may have found a solution on their own. If not, then you can take the time to help them.

Sometimes your concentration just runs out causing all types of difficulties. You find yourself reading that paragraph for the tenth time and still don’t know what it meant, or you have been staring at the computer screen for who know how long and still don’t know what it means. Your brain is shutting down and you are becoming ineffective yet the deadline looms. Now is the time to distract yourself by getting up to get a drink, go to the restroom or take a short walk around the building, anything to get your mind off the task for a minute or so. When you return to the project you will be more effective and have lowered the stress level.

There are various exercises you can do while at your desk to help in reducing stress. Get a little stress ball and squeeze it regularly and do some stretching exercises while at your desk. When you work your muscles it helps maintain circulation and keeps you alert and aware. You won’t manage a full body workout sitting at your desk, but any amount of exercise will help to keep you focused.

If you take a look at your work space you may find that it is not comfortable for you. It may be noisy, or your desk may not be the proper height for you, or you may not be comfortable for other reasons. It may not be ergonomically correct. In order to work with as little distraction as possible you must be comfortable to avoid more stress. Having your office set up just right for you is the ticket. And addressing the little things in your office will assist you in working more consistently and confidently.

Stress in the workplace is a part of working. But, with proper management, it is possible to minimize it. When you do that work becomes more pleasant and you end up being more productive. Take care of yourself and the area around you first and the stress will not control you.