Word Choice Peak, Peek, or Pique

Word Choice Peak, Peek, or Pique Word Choice: Peak, Peek, or Pique? Homophones are problematic enough when we’re dealing with two words that sound the same. But with â€Å"peak,† â€Å"peek,† and â€Å"pique,† we have a tricky homophonic threesome to deal with. But what do these words mean? And how can you avoid errors in your written work? Let us explain. Peak (Highest Point) A â€Å"peak† is typically the highest point of something. This might be a physical high point, such as the highest point on a mountain: The peak of Mount Everest is 29,029 feet above sea level. However, a â€Å"peak† can also be the high point of an activity or quality: Most athletes achieve hit their peak between 26 and 28 years old. In this case, we’re talking about the age at which athletes perform best. And while â€Å"peak† is often a noun, it can be used as a verb or an adjective: Viewing figures peaked one hour into the program. I’ve been in peak condition since I started working out. In the first sentence above, we use â€Å"peak† as a verb to mean â€Å"hit its highest point.† In the second sentence, meanwhile, â€Å"peak† is modifying the noun â€Å"condition† (meaning â€Å"top condition†). Take a peek at this peak. Peek (A Quick or Secretive Glance) â€Å"Peek† can be either a verb or a noun. In either case, it refers to taking a quick or furtive look at something. Using it as a verb, for example, we might say: He peeked around the corner to see if we were being followed. Or if we wanted to use it as a noun, we could say: I only took a peek at your email last night, but I’ll read it in full tomorrow. Whether used as a verb or a noun, then, â€Å"peek† is always related to looking at something briefly or from a hidden position. Pique (Irritation or Interest) â€Å"Pique† is a much rarer term than the other words here. However, it is used in some common phrases, so it is useful to know what it means. One of these phrases is â€Å"fit of pique,† which we use when someone does something suddenly because they are annoyed: He left the restaurant in a fit of pique when the waiter laughed at him. Other than this, you may hear someone say that something â€Å"piqued† their curiosity or interest. This sense of â€Å"pique† is a verb that means â€Å"arouse interest or curiosity†: The letter piqued my curiosity, so I wrote back straight away. One common error is to write â€Å"peak my curiosity,† as some people think it means â€Å"raise my curiosity to its highest point.† And while this makes some sense, it is not the correct phrase! Summary: Peak, Peek, or Pique? â€Å"Peak,† â€Å"peek,† and â€Å"pique† sound the same, but each has its own meaning: A peak is the highest point of something. To peek is usually to take a quick or furtive look at something. Pique can mean â€Å"irritation† or â€Å"arouse interest.† It is most commonly used in phrases such as â€Å"a fit of pique† or â€Å"to pique curiosity.† Make sure not to confuse these terms! If you’d like help ensuring your writing is error free, moreover, a bit of proofreading can go a long way.

Why Your Job Application Was Rejected

Why Your Job Application Was Rejected Sometimes we get rejected from a job and it has nothing to do with us personally or the quality of our applications. There was some outside factor we may never know that determined the outcome, but it wasn’t something to get too down about. There are cases, however, where there probably was something we could have done better. If you’ve been getting a lot of rejections lately, it might be worth considering if perhaps there is something you’ve been doing wrong. Here are 5 things you might be getting wrong in the job search process that could be affecting your application.1. You didn’t follow directionsFollow job application instructions to the letter. Always always always format your files to the exact specifications. If it calls for double-spacing, or plain text, or a word limit, observe these guidelines as gospel dogma. And if an essay or a bit of creative work is required, while it is important to show creativity and unique thinking, it is more important not to flaunt the instructions you were given. Within those directions, however, you’re free to think as far outside of the box as you’re allowed.2. You didn’t answer the question(s)If a recruiter or an application asks you for a piece of information, chances are that information is valuable, if not crucial, to their decision-making process. Companies put a great deal into their application materials. Interviewers also. If you’re asked for an answer, give one. Don’t wait to answer certain questions at the interview- if you don’t follow through on what you’re asked, you might never get one!3. You don’t explain the gapsNever simply assume that a recruiter won’t notice a significant gap in your work history. Always account for it in your cover letter, or the resume itself. And don’t be shy about highlighting your professional accomplishments during your work gap.4. You made careless mistakesYou have spellcheck for a reason. At this point in your life, it would be absolutely embarrassing to submit an application, or even just a resume, with any spelling, grammatical, or formatting errors. Or worse, using industry terminology incorrectly. Would you hire someone so careless? No. Proofread at least twice.5. You liedEmbellish nothing. Do not fib. Do not falsely represent yourself or your experience. And do not plagiarize. You will get caught and the consequences will not be good. Better to be 100% truthful and accurate.Have you committed any of these sins? Run through your materials to check and save yourself the potential (possibly inevitable) heartbreak.