How to Be Fully Prepared For Your Interview

How to Be Fully Prepared For Your Interview Going for an interview can be an incredibly stressful experience. From the restless night’s sleep beforehand, to the constant sweating and shakes as you sit in the reception; sometimes they can feel more like you’re about to jump out of a plane rather than have a conversation with someone.   But what if we told you that there was another way? By following a few steps you can downplay the power of those nagging doubts, worries and anxious thoughts, and allow the best possible version of you to shine through. This blog is going to explore exactly what you need to do to achieve this, and how you can ace your next interview to secure that dream job. Do your research: It may seem like an obvious point, but fully researching a company before an interview will not only help you to feel more prepared, but it will also give you an in depth understanding of the type of company you are interviewing with and what they do. Ensure you get a great sense of their values and learn the job description inside out. If you know and can relate to a company before you’ve even got to the interview, then the entire situation won’t be as intimidating.   Practice: Whether it’s in the mirror or with a friend, practicing potential questions and how you will answer them will undoubtedly help to banish some of those nerves.  What is there to be concerned about if you’ve got a response for most of the questions they’ll likely ask you? Come up with teamwork examples, problem solving examples, and anything else you can think of. By having these answers stored in the back of your mind at all times, you’ll be ready to face anything that they could throw at you. It’s also worth looking up difficult interview questions. Being asked what your biggest fault is can be off putting in a situation where you’re trying to sell yourself, yet there is a right answer to this question if you research beforehand. Have a plan: When you’re going for an interview, you want to reduce the likelihood of stress. One way you can do this is by planning your journey in advance. If you’re getting a taxi, book it the day before and make sure you have the money to hand. If you’re getting a bus or train, check the timetables. Go for options that will give you more time than you need. You don’t want to miss your interview because your train was delayed. Getting the earlier option for your chosen transport mode should prevent this, whilst also giving you time to relax and mentally prepare for what’s ahead. Get an early night: This advice may seem reminiscent of childhood, yet getting plenty of rest before an interview will ensure you look fresh and can think clearly.  And always make sure you set an alarm. There’s no excuse for being late to an interview; in fact it’s always worth getting there with plenty of time to spare. Best to be kept waiting in reception for a bit, than to keep potential employers waiting in a meeting room for you. Dress for success: Sometimes, the way we dress can have a huge impact on how we feel. If we feel comfortable and think we look good, then we’re also likely to exude this confidence in the way we walk, hold ourselves and even the way we communicate with other people.  First impressions are everything, and human nature means the first judgment we make on people usually comes down to how they look, even if we don’t want this to be the case. A smart suit, skirt or dress are all good choices for women, and a suit and tie is vital if you’re a man. Even if you’re heading for an interview where smart clothes are usually not worn in the workplace, it’s always important to make an effort and look your best. Be open:   Sometimes, letting the employer know you’re nervous can break the ice. It’ll help account for any potential long pauses when your mind goes blank, and it’s likely the person interviewing you will also try to make you feel more comfortable. Another tip is to always accept a drink of water. If you get stuck on a question and need more time to think, you can take a sip whilst you gather yourself together and launch into that winning answer. Relax and think positively Most importantly, you need to remember one thing: You can do this!  You’ve prepared. You’ve planned. You’ve practiced. So much so that when your interview finally comes around, you should be ready to go in and ace it with ease. Just remember, the person interviewing is just a regular human being who goes home at night, has a curry and watches television. Once you feel like you’re meeting with someone like you, as opposed to a deity, youll instantly feel more relaxed. And remember, they aren’t trying to catch you out; they just want to get to know you a little better! Author: Rachel Jensen works for NetSource, specialising in  information technology and telecommunications recruitment.

Using Free Resume Writing Examples

Using Free Resume Writing ExamplesIf you are interested in a career change or simply looking for new job opportunities, consider checking out free resume writing examples online. The fact is that not everyone has the time or knowledge to dedicate to creating their own resume. Free resume writing examples allow you to make changes and edit your resume any way you want without spending any money or time.The first step in making a resume is to use as much personal experiences and knowledge as possible. Be sure to include the dates of employment and any achievements you have had since entering your current job.It is also important to remember to add your accomplishments in the past. These should include both volunteer work and any form of education or training you may have completed. Remember to stay within the parameters of your own personality. Even if you have a learning disability, always include your academic training.Your resume should also include your contact information so that you can get in touch with a potential employer. If you include a recent phone number, be sure to leave an answering machine or voice mail message. Make sure to also include any other contact information that you may have such as a home address and cell phone number.In addition to your resume, it is important to be certain about the specific skills and experience that you can bring to the job. Consider what your goal is in creating a new resume. You may want to be sure to focus on a particular skill you are most interested in and then add the necessary experience to support this.This is a good time to come up with a general direction for the future. Write down several different areas of the career field and include in this the responsibilities that you would like to have and then consider all of the skills you want to have and the experience you would like to have, along with your degree or certificate.Many employers and recruiting firms also provide resume examples on various websit es. These can be great resources for getting the information needed to create a compelling resume for you.Free resume writing examples can be a great way to start when trying to make a resume. This will not only be a way to find out what other people are doing, but it will be the first step towards becoming more knowledgeable and capable.

Four Tips for Launching a New Career after Divorce

Four Tips for Launching a New Career after Divorce Divorce can take a mental and physical toll on the body, but it can also take a toll on your career. Whether you were a stay-at-home parent and never started a career or youre re-building your career, you may be feeling overwhelmed, defeated and unsure of where to start. Here are four tips for launching a new career after divorce. Fear is a Normal Response â€" But Positivity is Key Divorce changes your entire life. Its perfectly normal to be fearful or unsure of the future. Its not necessarily easy to get a job, and its challenging to launch a new career later in life. Dont be too hard on yourself for being afraid. Instead of sitting by idly and allowing fear to consume your life, tame those emotions by taking action and shifting your perspective. Replace negative thoughts with positive ones, and stay focused on your goal. Follow Your Passion Now is your chance to finally pursue your passion. When you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life. Make a list of the things that are important to you and the things youre passionate about. Once youve settled on a path, consider your route to getting there. Will you need training? Is the career path achievable? Do you have any contacts that can help you get your foot in the door? It takes courage and strength to choose a career path doing something you love, especially if that career will mean having a rough start financially. But the sacrifice and hard work is often worth the reward of a fulfilling, satisfying career. Know the Costs and Make a Financial Plan Its important to understand how much your career will cost. Will you need training? How much time will that take? Will you have to get another job in the meantime to support yourself until you reach your goal? If youre receiving spousal maintenance payments from your spouse, its important to understand the terms and length of the payments. If you are awarded temporary maintenance, you may not have much time to find a job and start supporting yourself. When one spouse makes payments to the other during the pendency of the divorce, it is referred to as temporary maintenance, says divorce lawyer Scott D. Rogoff.   But note the key word TEMPORARY. Dont waste time in finding a job and creating a financial plan if youre currently reliant on spousal maintenance payments. The sooner you get back in the game, the better off you will be financially. Once you have an understanding of your financial situation, you can create a plan to get ahead and avoid financial issues. Network, Network, Network Networking is essential in any career. The more connections you have, the easier it is to reach your goal and get your foot in the door of new opportunities. Reconnect with old connections if youre re-building your career. Attend special networking or industry events. Get active on social media and connect with people in your desired field. Its easier to launch a career and find a job if you know someone who can put in a good word for you. Making these valuable connections is essential and will pay off in the long run.

3 Businesses That Have Nailed Their Company Culture

3 Businesses That Have Nailed Their Company Culture Company culture can have a huge impact on the happiness, productivity and performance of your employees, so its important to do whatever you can to create a culture that suits the nature and needs of your business and your staff. The company culture is made up of everything from the way you communicate and act on your company values, to the atmosphere in the workplace and the people working there. Though certain factors cannot be controlled entirely, for example how well colleagues get along with each other, there are a few things you can do to ensure it is a great place to work. From employee perks, to freedom and responsibility at work,  employers are going to all means to make sure their employees are happy. Here are 5 companies who are doing it particularly well: The Walt Disney Company: Its every childs dream to work at Disney, but does it live up to their wild imaginations? Ok, well unfortunately they dont all work out of Cindarellas castle, but its still a pretty magical place to work! Not only do employees get to be part of one of the most recognisable brands in the world, they also get to work in one of the friendliest communities in the world. If youre someone who  finds people who are ALWAYS happy a bit nauseating, Disney may not be the ideal workplace for you; however if this is right up your street then sign up! Disney only hire people who align with their values of innovation, quality, community, storytelling, optimism, and decency. Some of the benefits of working at Disney include access to  Mickey’s Retreat, which is an exclusive area accessible only to Cast Members and their families; generous discounts on Disney parks, hotels and merchandise; incentive schemes;  healthcare and much more! Nike: Just do it isnt just Nikes  brand slogan, but also the mantra they instil in their employees to ensure they are engaged in their roles! Nike encourages their employees to push themselves to their limits and uncover their potential. They want to provide their staff with the opportunities for  personal development  and have an online platform for employee training and development in areas such as merchandising, retail, leadership and management. In keeping with their brand Nikes benefits program focuses on enabling  employees to stay fit, ensure the wellness of their families and create a positive working environment. Benefits include onsite sports facilities including: gymnasiums with regular classes, football pitches, tennis, volleyball and basketball courts, running tracks and on-site physiotherapists; health insurance; product discounts and many more! Twitter: You hear a lot about the fancy employee perks and high-energy  company cultures of some of the top tech firms and Twitter lives up to the rep! As one of the largest global tech firms, Twitter boasts an innovative and transparent  culture, that is full of individuals who are passionate about their work andthe business. Despite the vast size of the company, like their product does for the general public, Twitter make sure that every single employee has a voice and contributes to the progression of the company. Their mission is to give everyone the power to create and share ideas and information instantly, without barriers The cool office and chilled out atmosphere of the company are a couple of factors that keep employees sweet and one particular employee remarked on Glassdoor about how fun meetings are on Twitters fully kitted out rooftop garden. As you would imagine, Twitter also offer some pretty cool employee perks including onsite gyms, free catering, healthcare, laundy service and allotted work time for charity projects, to name a few! [Top Image Credit: Shutterstock]

Use a Resume Writing Workshop to Write Your Cover Letter

Use a Resume Writing Workshop to Write Your Cover LetterIf you need to put together a resume or flyer for a job, try to take advantage of a resume writing workshop. A seminar or workshop is a great way to get an in-depth look at a resume's components and to learn from the experienced hands who are there to teach you how to make the most of your time.The workshop will teach you a few basic elements that every resume should have. These include choosing a resume format, including the needed information, using headings and bullet points, taking photos, formatting your cover letter, and making a brochure. The workshop will provide you with sample resumes and examples for several types of job. You will get a chance to test and create resumes with those samples.You will be able to practice and apply what you have learned by seeing it written by job candidates at the seminar. Most employers will send you pre-recorded samples, so you can take the time to practice using your own style.An onlin e resume writing service will help you to do this. For a small fee, they will send you samples of a wide variety of resumes in a wide variety of formats. By doing this, you will be able to use samples that match your current situation, instead of just one that is pre-programmed to look like yours.When you decide to use a resume writing workshop flyer or a PDF resume on your resume, you are able to take advantage of the unique features of those programs. If you have spent hours on trying to figure out how to get the most from your resume, you will find that these templates will be much easier to use.They are designed to make it easier for a job candidate to put together a professional looking document that includes the information needed for the potential employer to know that he or she is serious about the job. These tools will help you to see exactly what it looks like when someone is actually applying for a job. It is also important to remember that the templates that the companie s offer are often easy to customize.While these programs can make it easier for you to create a resume, they will not necessarily allow you to change or correct the information that is on your resume. This is where the salesperson will be able to help you. They can customize your resume for you, which will allow you to add things that are specific to your occupation, make alterations to the format, or create a cover letter that is the best fit for your personality.If you have a busy schedule, try to find a time when you can attend a workshop. They can be especially helpful for beginners, who may be intimidated by the whole process.

Learn Soft Skills For Resume Writing

Learn Soft Skills For Resume WritingPeople don't usually have soft skills for resume writing. It's a topic that you may find difficult to write about but it is very essential in order to be accepted for an interview. It is like a passport for job seekers and it needs to be written in such a way that it would look nice on the resume.Writing a good resume can help you get a job even if you do not have soft skills. It can make your resume look attractive and professional. But then again it is all about presentation of the skills that a person has, whether it is writing skills or anything else. They may seem similar but the real differences will show up when you go for the interview.Hard skills for resume writing includes being organized, having a hard working nature, possessing good communication skills and many more. Skills in these areas can really help in getting a job but then how? If you are asked to present a resume then you should give some points in this area of skills. To be ab le to do so, you should research them online and find out what other people are saying about those skills. You should know what people find impressive about them.For example, you should know if your hard skills for resume writing include being outgoing and not date seeking. Or if you have the capability to change topics if someone makes a mistake or offends you. Some people are like this and they will really be well received when they do so. The same applies to those who are shy and introverted and they need to look like they are eager to please.So, if you are unsure about what are the qualities that you should have, then find out what people are saying about your skills. You can join forums and see what other people are saying about your skills as a writer. You can also read the blogs and read reviews that are written by others who have used the skills.Just keep in mind that having soft skills for resume writing is not enough to make you popular among the employers. They want somet hing more from you and that is a resume that shows how successful you are at doing everything they ask you to do.Now that you know what the real difference is between the soft skills and the hard skills for resume writing then you should definitely know how to write one. You should try and learn more about the writing process, the concepts and techniques of resume writing. If you are going to hire a professional resume writer then make sure that he or she will help you out in learning how to write one. This way you will have a perfect resume without having to pay for one.Resume writing can be very exciting but it can also be quite frustrating too. You may not get the job you are looking for but you should still have fun writing a great resume so that it will be easier for you to land a job.

Graduates Wont Have Job Woes - CareerAlley

Graduates Wont Have Job Woes - CareerAlley We may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners. I am a firm believer in the power of positive thinking. If you strive for 110% in whatever you do you will come as close as possible to 100%. Yes, there are things outside of our control, the economy to name the largest unknown. But that aspect exists for everyone and, to a certain degree puts everyone on the same playing field. Its what you do as an individual that will give you the edge (or not). Continuing on that theme, I wanted to start todays post on a positive note. Therefore, the title of todays post is quoted from the article in the first link below. Graduates Wont Have Job Woes This article, which was published by the Shreveport Times on December 15th, stresses the same point raised by many The typical college student can find a job if they did the work . The article goes on to mention two of the themes also covered here Internships and volunteering. THE BLACK COLLEGIAN Online This sites tag line is The Career Site For Students of Color. The left hand side of the page has sponsors and employers, while the middle of the page lists career related articles and resources. Tabs at the top of the page include Job Tools and Career Center. Clicking on Job Tools takes you to Job Search, My Resume (resume management) and My Account (for registering). The site has a wealth of information and resources. Gradspot Careers This career page, which is part of Gradspot.com, provides a broad range of resources for recent college grads. The main section of the career page includes excellent articles (such as Surviving the 2009 Recession and 5 Common Resume Mistakes) plus many more, as well as links to Finding the Perfect Job and Preparing for the Job Hunt. This is a great resource for both your job search. Check out the rest of their site as well. Graduating Engineer This site, which is for both graduating engineers, provides a broad range of career related resources. The tabs at top cover Articles Advice, Search Jobs, Research Companies plus much more. The left hand side of the main page has a job search tool and clicking the Search Jobs link takes you to a listing of jobs which can be further refined by using criteria (at the top of the page). Good luck in you search. What's next? Ready to take action? Choose the right tools to help you build your career. Looking for related topics? Find out how to land your first job. Subscribe and make meaningful progress on your career. It’s about time you focused on your career. Get Educated Contact Us Advertise Copyright 2020 CareerAlley. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy + Disclosure home popular resources subscribe search

The Recession is Bullhonkey Andrews Story - When I Grow Up

The Recession is Bullhonkey Andrews Story - When I Grow Up This is part of The Recession is Bullhonkey series, where I share stories of those who have gotten hired and/or started their own businesses (or sometimes both!) since 2008. This is Andrew‘s Story, and how the 5 year old him would be surprised and proud about where he is now. Surprising Even Myself When I was 5 years old, I never dreamed of being a speaker, author or coach. So when I quit my comfortable job at a Fortune 50 company to do just that (speaking, authoring and coaching), I surprised a lot of people. Perhaps most surprised would have been 5-year old me. Growing up I had the mind of an engineer (and still do). I liked taking things apart, seeing how they worked, and then putting them back together again. As an engineer, I constantly looked for ways to improve everything I didâ€"10-year old me was ecstatic to discover that if you loaded all of the like-silverware together in the dishwasher, you could save 20-30 seconds on the unload (and I still do this today). I was also a school nerd. I loved school and took it seriously. I remember when I got my first A- in the fourth grade I cried. By the time 13-year old me rolled around, I knew I wanted to work in Corporate America and that my major was going to be in computer science. 19-year old me knew I wanted to work at a company like Procter Gamble (PG) and 22-year old me did work at a company like PG: PG. And that’s where I was for 6 years: the largest consumer goods company in the world, a Fortune 50 staple, and a consistent member of Top 100 places to work lists. So why leave it all behind? Because of something I had discovered along the way. Something that the engineer in me lovedâ€"it was efficient, it was effective, and, best of all, it worked with the hardest thing an engineer has to deal withâ€"people. What was this magic discovery? Humor. That’s right, this computer science grad, international project manager, and geeky guy with a Myers-Briggs personality type of INTJ (aka “Introverted Scientists”), discovered the power of humor. I discovered that humor improves communication, builds relationships, and increases productivity. I found out it enhances creativity, relieves stress, and develops leadership. I realized … it also makes the workplace a whole heckuva lot more fun. And I realized much of my success in college and in the workplace was due to the humor I started using after doing improv and stand-up outside of work. Sure I had to deliver results, but that’s what everyone was doing at the highest level. The reason I was standing out even among my incredibly talented peers was because of humorâ€"people were paying attention to my presentations because I used images instead of slides full of text; I was developing strong relationships with peers and managers because we’d share stories and laughter; I got promoted because of my puns*. *OK, this one isn’t completely true. BUT I did include puns in long status emails and was given positive feedback about them on a number of occasions. Eventually I started writing about the value of humor in the workplace, first internally as the self-proclaimed Corporate Humorist, and then externally through my site, Humor That Works. And people started reading. And posting questions. And asking me to lead trainings. And I did. And the further I dove into humor in the workplace, the more I discovered how effective it truly can be. I found study after study that touted the positive effects of humorâ€"how 98% of CEOs prefer job candidates with a sense of humor; how humor counteracts the negative effects of stress by decreasing blood pressure and increasing the flow of oxygen to the brain; how one study showed that executive compensation at one company was positively correlated with their use of humor (the more humor, the more they made!). So earlier this year, amidst this Great Recession, I left my comfortable corporate position, including my salary, benefits and retirement options, to focus on Humor That Works full-time. The goal? To teach individuals and organizations how to use humor to be more effective, more productive, and more awesome. Because I believe that no matter what you’re doing now, whether you like it or hate it, you can use humor to do your work better and enjoy your work more. For some people, all they need is that permission to be themselves at work. For others, they need help figuring out how to apply their sense of humor to the workplace. Whatever they need, I want to help. And so far it’s worked. Since starting Humor That Works in 2009, I’ve worked with more than 50 different organizations on how to use humor in the workplace; I’ve written 400+ posts on my site garnering 1.5 million pageviews; and published a book. Since leaving PG in July, I’ve led trainings in Dallas, San Francisco, Baton Rouge and Cincinnati, done interviews with sites like FastCompany, and written a book sharing 501 ways to use humor in the workplace. And, since writing this post, I’ve demonstrated or shared 10 ways to use humor (can you spot them?). So would 5-year old me be surprised by all of this? Absolutely. Would he be proud of it? (To quote Ned Flanders): Absitively-posilutely. Andrew Tarvin is an award-winning speaker, trainer, author and coach. Through Humor That Works, he teaches individuals and organizations how to use humor to be more effective, more productive and more awesome He has worked with more than 50 organizations including Procter Gamble, GE and Western Southern Life Insurance on topics including humor in the workplace, communicating confidently, and strategic disengagement. He is also the author of Humor That Works: 501 Ways to Use Humor to Beat Stress, Increase Productivity and Have Fun at Work. He loves the color orange and is obsessed with milkshakes.