By Kate E. Stephenson

Cupidity (n.): eager or excessive desire, especially to possess something; greed; avarice.

While the word may manifest images of a cherubic angel with a heart-shaped bow, cupidity is seriously not cute. There is a fine line between ambition and cupidity. Ambition can be admirable whereas cupidity is just ugly. When drive crosses the line to desperation, there is simply nothing good at the end of the line. Whether it is finding a job, getting an agent, finishing that bestseller, or taking your business to the next level—be clear on your goals and be realistic in your expectations. There’s a reason why they call those seven sins deadly. That bow in the heart might not just tickle if the origin is cupidity.

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Kate E. Stephenson is a freelance communications specialist whose business encompasses content writing, comprehensive editing and quality resume services. Lexicon is her brainchild, a blog all about Language—insight into today’s job market and hiring tips, book releases and reviews, and general folly concerning the many mysterious facets of the English language. Be sure to read more about Kate, check out a full listing of services and rates, and enjoy her weekly columns on Kate.Book.com!

By Eileen Ramos

Obdurate (adj.): Not changing in response to argument or other influence.

It is good to stand your ground but you have to choose carefully about when you should relent and when not to give in. When it comes to your job, be especially cautious; you don’t want to lose your position over a silly argument. It is best to stay clear of fights and steer away from confrontation. But if there’s something that goes against your principles or prevents you from doing a great job then consider your options and how you should address it. And keep in mind arguments often happen because of miscommunication. Keep an open mind and your lines of communication wide open. And try not to take professional disagreements personally—more often than not, it’s not about you. You are there to do a job, not to participate in conflicts. Be obdurate when it’s appropriate—but it rarely is.

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Eileen Ramos is an enthusiastic introvert who has a fervor for words.  She loves collecting them and seeing how they fit in, and expand, her world.  She’s a writer by day, sleeper by night (well, sort of) and she can’t wait to see what title she earns next. For more information or to link with Eileen, check out her LinkedIn profile.

By Eileen Ramos

Resile (v.): 1. To spring back; rebound; resume the original for or position as an elastic body. 2. To shrink back; recoil

You have two choices to make; either rebound or shrink away from adversity.  To resile is a tricky action because it means to do both. But there is no mistaking which definition forms the root of resilience. Choose to spring back, rebound and resume. Yes, it is tough in this economy to score a job but you have to keep on pushing forward to get it. Bounce back from the pitfalls. Don’t let the no’s drag you down. Don’t give up! Resile.

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Eileen Ramos is an enthusiastic introvert who has a fervor for words.  She loves collecting them and seeing how they fit in, and expand, her world.  She’s a writer by day, sleeper by night (well, sort of) and she can’t wait to see what title she earns next. For more information or to link with Eileen, check out her LinkedIn profile.

By Eileen Ramos

Verve (n.): 1. Enthusiasm or vigor, as in literary or artistic work; spirit. 2. Vivaciousness; liveliness; animation.

Not only should you show enthusiasm in your cover letter but you must also display it in the interview as well. And if you can’t then maybe you shouldn’t apply for the job. Take this as a chance to show your prospective employer how enthusiastic you are for the job.  Show genuine eagerness and you should be able to get the position. Wear a bright smile, do your research on the company, and be put on your professional hat even as you vibrate with your verve.  Life is too short to spend it at a job you despise so go for the ones you know you’ll enjoy.  Get your verve on!

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Eileen Ramos is an enthusiastic introvert who has a fervor for words.  She loves collecting them and seeing how they fit in, and expand, her world.  She’s a writer by day, sleeper by night (well, sort of) and she can’t wait to see what title she earns next. For more information or to link with Eileen, check out her LinkedIn profile.

Gaffe (n.): 1. A clumsy social error; a faux pas. 2. A blatant mistake or misjudgment.

We all have made gaffes, some more glaring than others. The best thing to do when you commit a faux pas while on a job interview is to pardon yourself and keep going.  Don’t let the embarrassment get to you, just concentrate on the interviewer’s questions. To prevent the obvious blunders, here are some tips:

* Silence, or better yet, turn off your cell phone.
* Throw out the chewing gum before you enter the building.
* Check yourself in the bathroom for any fly away hairs, unzipped clothing, and out of place make-up.

Don’t let a slight issue make you feel like a complete fool. You can still get the job if you focus on presenting yourself as a  professional—and trust me, we all get caught on the other side of silly sometimes. Gaffes are only minor bumps to getting that job so focus on the prize.

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Eileen Ramos is an enthusiastic introvert who has a fervor for words.  She loves collecting them and seeing how they fit in, and expand, her world.  She’s a writer by day, sleeper by night (well, sort of) and she can’t wait to see what title she earns next. For more information or to link with Eileen, check out her LinkedIn profile.

Kaput (adj.): 1. Ruined; done for; demolished. 2. Unable to operate or continue.

Don’t discard your deletions yet, even if it looks kaput. It might be debris now but it could transform into something fantastic with just some time spent on it. The fragments of a manuscript could be the makings of a stellar poem. The awkward but earnest language in your cover letter can turn into a passionate plea. Nothing beats a failure but a try, and one documents trash could be another’s treasure!

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Eileen Ramos is an enthusiastic introvert who has a fervor for words.  She loves collecting them and seeing how they fit in, and expand, her world.  She’s a writer by day, sleeper by night (well, sort of) and she can’t wait to see what title she earns next. For more information or to link with Eileen, check out her LinkedIn profile.

By Eileen Ramos

Unbidden (adj.): not ordered or commanded; spontaneous. Not asked or summoned; uninvited.

You’re in an interview with a prospective employer and things are going well. Your attire is neat and professional. Your body language is open and energetic. You have a great rapport going on with your interviewer. But suddenly, he or she asks you an unbidden question you were not prepared for at all and you are at a loss for words. So what do you do?

Give yourself a few moments to mull it over. Don’t reply until you have an idea of what to say. Ask the interviewer for clarification and repeat the question. It’s best not to rush your answer or garble your words. You don’t want your answer to be as unbidden as the question.

To prevent being stumped, read these interview questions resources and preplan your answers so you will definitely be prepared:

100 potential interview questions

How to Ace the 50 Most Common Interview Questions

The Most Oddball Questions of the Year

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Eileen Ramos is an enthusiastic introvert who has a fervor for words.  She loves collecting them and seeing how they fit in, and expand, her world.  She’s a writer by day, sleeper by night (well, sort of) and she can’t wait to see what title she earns next. For more information or to link with Eileen, check out her LinkedIn profile.

 

By Eileen Ramos

Doldrums (n.): a. A period of stagnation or slump.

We all have had the doldrums; those times when our writing isn’t  going our way and we aren’t sure it ever will. Writer’s block can be debilitating but with these tips you can boost your writing spirit again.

• Read a favorite book to rekindle your brain.
• Start other projects and come back to your piece once your inspiration juices start flowing.
• Take a long stroll and let the fresh air clear your mind so you can write.

Remember, this period couldn’t last forever even if you tried. Keep going!

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Eileen Ramos is an enthusiastic introvert who has a fervor for words.  She loves collecting them and seeing how they fit in, and expand, her world.  She’s a writer by day, sleeper by night (well, sort of) and she can’t wait to see what title she earns next. For more information or to link with Eileen, check out her LinkedIn profile.

By Eileen Ramos

Ineffable (adj.): Incapable of being expressed; indescribable or unutterable

Having trouble communicating what you’re thinking? Have something important and urgent to say but it seems too ineffable for you to try? Maybe you want to show that you are a great candidate for the job in your cover letter but all you can think of are clichés. Try this:

Draw a word map with the job in the center and connect it to the skills that you have to get some ideas about how you would be the perfect employee.

Or have a conversation with a friend or family member about what you’re best qualities are.

Create a poem about you as a professional, and see what metaphors and similes pop out at you.

It might seem silly, but think outside the box. And it’s okay to call in the professionals. Many people have professional writers help them create their resumes and cover letters to ensure they are putting their best foot forward. When you need that professional touch, let us help you develop your idea.

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Eileen Ramos is an enthusiastic introvert who has a fervor for words.  She loves collecting them and seeing how they fit in, and expand, her world.  She’s a writer by day, sleeper by night (well, sort of) and she can’t wait to see what title she earns next. For more information or to link with Eileen, check out her LinkedIn profile.

 

By Eileen Ramos

Vernal (adj.): Of, relating to, or occurring in the spring.

It’s springtime, when flowers and trees bloom and birds are chirping in the vernal air. Take this chance to bring your writing outside so you can both appreciate the weather as well as get some work done.  There’s nothing like warm weather to revitalize your writing and to clear your head.  Perhaps the spring air will inspire you to write that cover letter in a fresh, new way. A change of scenery could jumpstart your cover letter writing that will show your prospective employer how enthusiastic and passionate you are about the job. So go outside and let nature enliven your words.

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Eileen Ramos is an enthusiastic introvert who has a fervor for words.  She loves collecting them and seeing how they fit in, and expand, her world.  She’s a writer by day, sleeper by night (well, sort of) and she can’t wait to see what title she earns next. For more information or to link with Eileen, check out her LinkedIn profile.