The first impression you make on someone is important. In fact, it may determine whether or not you get a job interview, so you want to choose words that accurately capture your positive qualities in an honest way. However, it can be difficult to find the right words that describe your unique skills and abilities in a clear and concise way. Here are some helpful tips to help you decide what words will best describe your personality and character.
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS)
The MEAction network is growing to connect patients and allies and support each other in our fight for health equality for people with ME and related conditions. We are working to accelerate discovery of safe and effective treatments, raise awareness and advocacy and build the ME community of patients.
ME/CFS is a complex illness. It has a broad spectrum of symptoms and is often misdiagnosed because it can resemble many other diseases, including chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, Lyme disease, inflammatory bowel disease and others. There is no laboratory diagnostic test. Most adults with ME are not able to work full time and children are often housebound or bedbound on their worst days. The most severe ME sufferers need around the clock care and are often very sick. People with ME can appear healthy, and the common blood tests ordered by medical providers often do not show anything out of the ordinary.
It is unclear what causes ME/CFS, but it appears that there is a genetic predisposition to the condition. Many people develop ME/CFS after having a serious infection, and some studies have suggested that the illness could be triggered by an influx of toxins from a virus or bacteria. Research is underway to try to understand the cause of ME/CFS, including a massive project called DecodeME that has collected DNA from thousands of ME/CFS patients and is trying to find a genetic link.
There are also a number of research and advocacy organizations that can provide information on ME/CFS. Some offer education and support for families and patients, while others focus on funding ME/CFS research and raising public awareness. The ME Association of America is one such organization, as is the Massachusetts CFIDS/ME & FM Association and UNREST, the Sundance award-winning documentary about ME/CFS.
Some people with ME/CFS experience cognitive impairment and problems with memory, which can be a significant challenge to overcome when seeking employment. Those with more mild forms of the condition are less affected by this problem, but it can be a major obstacle to finding a job. The CDC website has a page dedicated to ME/CFS resources for employers, which includes a list of ADA-approved accommodations for individuals with ME/CFS. There are also a variety of online and in-person programs that can help people with ME/CFS prepare for job interviews and learn interviewing techniques. Generally, these programs include mock interviews and practice sessions and can be especially helpful for people with ME/CFS who have been out of the workforce for extended periods of time.