Should I accept?
BY: Angie Balman

You have just been offered a job! How exciting! Maybe you have been unemployed for an extensive period, or this is the first job you have been offered in a field relative to your studies. Regardless of your situation, it is incredibly important that you pause and take a moment to think over your offer before diving in headfirst.

Things to consider before accepting a new job:

1) Compensation: Not just the salary, the whole picture! How are the benefits? Will they meet your needs? Is there flex time or opportunity to work from home? The job market is still shaky, but it is important to consider your compensation and determine that accepting this position will allow you to support your needs.

2) Environment: Culture values and your fit in an organization are much bigger deals than many realize! For example, if the team you are considering joining values working overtime to accomplish goals and meet deadlines, but you wish for a consistent 40-hour week, the likelihood that you will not be satisfied with the job greatly increases. Sacrificing your happiness and integrity for a job is definitely not worth it.

3) Opportunity: How will accepting this job play into your career path? Will you have the opportunity to utilize and grow your skills? Will there be opportunities to advance within the company? If you are someone who values professional development, you will not want to work a dead-end job. Don’t overlook a job’s potential when deciding on an offer.

Remember, you are never obligated to accept a job offer! So, do yourself a favor and look at the offer from many angles so you are able to make the best decision for yourself!

Better Verbs
By: Angie Balman

Better Verbs to Put on Your Resume to Replace “Responsible for” and Other Tired Phrases

The job market competition is stiffer today than ever before! It is important that your resume stand out. Employers, like movie audiences, respond to action and achievements more than traditional, predictable, and generic phrasing. Consider trading in the mundane phrases that are threatening to sabotage your resume with some action-packed verbs!

Examples of tired phrases:

1) “Responsible for” – Could be interpreted as something you had to do. Instead try describing your achievement in more detail. Try substituting this phrase with words like “created,” “produced,” or “designed.”
2) “Assisted/Helped” – A resume is meant to showcase YOU and your great accomplishments. It is in your best interest to pick verbs that will demonstrate your value instead of selling yourself short. “Advocated,” “negotiated”, and “reviewed” are examples of more suitable verb options than the tired and overused “assisted” or “helped.”
3) “Communicated” – Everyone is communicating constantly! It is important that your resume uses detailed terminology that highlights exactly how and what you have communicated previously. Alternatives include, “documented,” “illustrated,” and “publicized.”

Don’t let boring, tired phrases sink your resume! Revive it with some action verbs today!