Job Interview Thank You Note
July 30, 2008
At the conclusion of the interview, you must send a thank you letter to the interviewer within 24 hours. Job seekers are advised to send thank you letter or note in nearly every career book. You may be surprised to find out that only 5 percent of job applicants send a thank you letter to the interviewer. Sending this note is a simple but fundamental task. Employers will be delighted to accept your thank you note. It is a form of politeness that you can give to your employer. You can distinguish yourself from other applicants by the sending of a thank you note and it will also show that you are very much interested in the job.
You may well increase your chances of obtaining the job by sending this note as it will impress your potential employer. A little note can make a big difference. A thank you note is a simple gesture that people often forget to perform. It may well also show that you really need the job.
If for whatever reason you decide that you do not want the job, a thank you note can help you to withdraw the application politely. The note can be a simple handwritten piece or a typed business letter. Some people recommend a typed business letter but studies have shown that it really does not matter. The essential thing is sending the letter. Write a letter that is tailored to the rapport that you had established with the interviewer during the interview.
If your rapport dictates a personal touch then you should send a handwritten thank you note. If you are interviewed by several people in a panel then it is important to send a thank you note to each one. Write one thank you note and send copies of it to each individual. This is the best approach, as it will save you having to think of something different to say in each note.
Sending an emailed thank you note often depends upon the company?s culture. If emails are the usual form of communication within the company then your decision of sending an emailed thank you note is correct. Personally delivering a thank you note to the interviewer will definitely make a very good impression and if you want to make an even better impression, personalize it.
Carefully check that there are no spelling or grammatical errors in the thank you note before you send it. Spelling mistakes may be an annoyance to the interviewer. Even taking into account a successful interview, a poorly written note will definitely reduce the chance of winning the job. A note also demonstrates your writing skills so take extreme care whilst writing it. Ask someone to check your letter before sending it off. By doing this, any mistakes can be corrected.
Answering Those Common Questions
July 29, 2008
Interviews are always a challenging time for all, whether it is your first or not. There is a proven way to ease this tension and that is to ?be prepared?. Spare the time to review the most important and recurrent questions and practice the answers. Allow yourself some time to research the company profile, its management and establishment and this will certainly add to your knowledge and also boost your confidence. Prime yourself to acquaint your interviewer with your previous experience in terms of your job title and your previous company?s name. Revise your resume thoroughly and discuss your previous company precisely.
Give some time to researching the company?s profile, its management and establishment as this will definitely add to your knowledge and confidence as a result. Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in terms of your designation and company name. Make yourself familiar with your resume and you should be able to discuss aspects about your previous company without stumbling over your words. The following are some important guidelines for how to answer job interview questions; they will definitely result in a successful interview:
* ?Can you tell me something about yourself?? A typical opening question in an interview and one where to have to be careful and specific. Your introduction should be completed in as short a time as possible; bear in mind that you will have to cover four important topics: early years, education, work history and recent career experience. Don?t waste your time on other albeit important points here. * ?What do you know about our organization?? This is a question in which you will be able to demonstrate your awareness. You should be prepared to discuss the products, services; revenues, reputation, image, goal, management style etc. Never give the impression that you know everything and don?t overload the interviewer with unnecessary detail. Take this opportunity to let somebody see that you are a keen learner and you want to find out more. * ?Why do you want to work with our company?? If you are prepared and you know how to answer job interview questions, a question like this one can play a very important role in your selection for the job. Your answer will rely totally upon your depth of research, the sector in which the company is growing and whether it is research and development, finance, strong management, so your answer should be leaning towards the company?s requirement. * ?What can you do for us that someone else can not?? Give details about your previous achievements and previous records of successful and timely completion of projects. Discuss your skills and the interests that you listed in your resume and convince the interviewer that you are a valuable asset to the company. * ?What interests you in this position?? Here you will be required to present two or three enticing aspects of the position in conjunction with one or two minor off-putting points. * ?Why should we hire you?? Offer your answer in regards to your ability, experience and energy, your keen aptitude to learning new skills etc. * ?What are your expectations from this job?? Your answer for this question should be oriented towards company opportunities and not directed towards your personal security. * ?How long would you like to stay with us?? Give a positive response that indicates clearly that you wish to work with this organization and achieve the best possible position and that you will remain loyal to the company. * ?What are your long term goals?? This answer should also be company oriented and you should indicate your goals so far as they are relevant to the company?s interests. * ?How successful you have been so far?? Speak with confidence and state that you are happy with the way your career has progressed to this point.
Job Interview Preparation
July 29, 2008
When choosing an individual from a number of candidates, interviewers focus on many aspects from the individual’s personal appearance to their clothing and demeanor. Personal appearance is not necessarily about beauty: hygiene and neatness are of the utmost importance. Employers are looking to employ those individuals who will present a good company image and you should be aware of this fact especially while you are attending the interview. Ensure that you are dressed appropriately for the occasion and that your hair is neatly styled. There are certain things that are essential for you to consider when preparing yourself for a job interview:
* Research the company: This is a very important consideration when preparing for a job interview. It may be possible to search on the internet to explore the company. You must know these important things about the company: - Company history, products and when it was founded - Company’s growth, its expansion and branches across world or country - Current news about the company, or any particular events within the company - Is the management team global or national, the company goal, its position in world financial rankings and the market niche.
* Research the actual position for which you are applying: Carefully study the job description using contacts you have. The company website may be helpful here: - what exactly will be your role and what will be your position in company - any comments on the job from past employees - any changes to the position that have been made
* Practice any possible questions about yourself: Think professionally and study your resume thoroughly. Be sure that you have a complete record of your educational qualifications and achievements. You will need to practice answering these common questions until you know them by heart.
* Be responsive: Continue to practice answering these questions aloud until you are confident in your delivery. Try to be specific when you are answering and provide supportive examples that will satisfy the interviewer. Be positive and honest in your answers but do not dwell on any past mistakes.
*Clothing for the interview: Your first impression is critical, so take care with your choice of clothing and hairstyle. Avoid overpowering perfume and heavy make up with jewellery. Try to look professional.
* Be ready with questions for the interviewer: In most of the interviews you will be given a chance to ask questions. You should prepare at least one question. Ask logical questions. Your choice of questions will reveal your inquisitive nature as well as your interest in the company.
* What NOT to ask in interview: You should never ask a direct question regarding the salary and benefits associated with the position. Should the interviewer consider you for the position, these facts will be revealed to you at an appropriate time.
Create a Division Between Work and Family Life
July 22, 2008
There is a simple philosophy that I live by to help maintain peace and harmony in life, and that is what happens at work stays at work and what happens at home stays at home. Letting the two worlds impact one another can have devastating effects on both areas of your world. This can be especially challenging for people that work from home.
Many jobs takes at least eight hours of your day sometimes more, and that being able to share time with your family is important. Talking about it is one thing, coming home and taking it out on your family is something else.
Strategy One: Use the drive home to focus on coming home.
This strategy is more geared for people who work outside of the house, it’s important. However long your commute from work to home is, use that time to work through work issues somewhat and then focus on what you have to look forward to at home. Think about your loved ones and what their day might have been like.
Two: Come up with a Schedule
This strategy is for people that work from home, where keeping work and family separate is even more of a challenge. It is so easy when you work from home to work way more then you would at a traditional office, because you have everything right there. You need to create a work schedule, and this schedule is going to have to take two things into consideration, demands of your work and demands of your family. You may find that you need to be working early in the morning or after the kids go to bed. Create a schedule that you can stick to and that will work so that your business isn’t suffering and neither is your family.
Strategy Three: Get Separate Phone lines
Fortunately for me, with my business I rarely have to be on the phone, almost all communication with clients is done via email. But if you are finding that you are getting business phone calls at all hours, having a separate number for them to call is great. You also have the option of making your cell phone your business phone and the home phone is personal. This way when your work day is done you can put the phone down and walk away from it. You can also separate the rings for people you know personally and business so you don’t accidentally answer a business call after working hours.
Four: Make a designated place for business transactions.
I know this isn’t always realistic, but try your best to create a work space. Is there a spare room? There are beautiful little room partitions that you can get to help make a workspace. It’s important for you to be able to get up and walk away from work, plus it helps in keeping family members out of the work area.
Is AN RN Career For You?
July 10, 2008
An RN can have several different job duties and career paths. When most folks think about an RN they probably picture them working in a hospital or maybe working in their Dr.s office. This is common as that is how most people experience face to face contact with a registered nurse.
In addition to working directly with patients some RNs go into a more management role overseeing other nurses.
Working in the emergency room or in surgery is how many think of an RN career. While a significant number or RNs do work in hospitals they do not just work in the more common departments. Hospitals have many specialized departments such as maternity and pediatrics.
Some nurses work at Doctors office or in a medical center and assist the doctor. Other nurses may only work in a laboratory setting.
After someone leaves the hospital from surgery they may need to have a home health nurse visit their house to assist them. These types of nurses may work independently assisting many types of patients.
Where else do nurses work? Nurses may also work for companies as industrial nurses and occupational health nurses. Or they may work for the government or a private organization for public health.
What type of job requirements do nursing supervisors hold? Of course managing the nursing staff is one of their responsibilities but they may also be responsible for ordering new supplies and making sure the medical equipment is maintained.
Many registered nurses wish to advance their career but not in a management role as they may enjoy working with patients more closely as opposed to managing staff. These nurses may consider becoming a nurse practitioner or becoming a specialist such as a clinical nurse specialist.
A Better Education From Accredited Distance Learning Universities
July 9, 2008
The best way to get a degree from a distance learning school is to attend one that has national accreditation. This will also help ensure your degree will get some recognition from your employer.
For the most part, an accredited distance learning programs will offer many courses and when employers or potential employers check your degree they can easily check on your qualifications. If wish to pursue an even higher degree later in your career from an institution, having a degree from an accredited school will help you during the admissions process.
A universities reputation is important if they are accredited it will increase their reputation. With this in mind universities who have a good or great reputation already will most likely work hard to ensure you get a good education. They will also attract better and brighter students and teachers.
Another thing to consider and works out well for natinally accredited distance learning schools is current and future sponsors may be more attracted to the school.
So what should you look for? Look at the faculty and if possible talk with past students to get their opinion on the school If it is nationally accredited chances are people will have had a better experience with the school then if it were a dipolma mill with no accreditation.
Months or years down the road after you have finished your degree or diploma program from a distance learning university you may wish to further your education still some more. Therefore it is important to go with an accredited program verses on that is not.
Stay away from shady schools or universities and stick with the accredited ones. It will help to protect your investment for both your career goals and possible further advanced education down the road.
Therefore take the time to separate the chaff from the grain and look the other way or run the otherway if something about a school does not feel right. Nothing would be worse then months or years of time and thousands of dollars spent on a worthless degree.
Are People Really Making Money Online?
July 4, 2008
People are making money online day-after-day. It’s all about finding the “right” opportunity that best suits you.
A lot of folks get started in web based businesses hoping to get rich quick without having to do any work. Many of these same folks fail miserably and blame the business. What they don’t realize is the business didn’t fail, they failed to run business.
The ‘get rich quick no work required’ business opportunity does not exist. If such a business existed, everyone would be in it and everyone would be rich! The truth is that all web based businesses demand work. Majority of the work is getting traffic to your website. The key to success with a web based business is advertising.
If you’re willing and able to put in some elbow grease, you can make money online.
To get started making money online here are a few ideas that you can put to use immediately with very little out of pocket expenses:
Get a blog. Blogs are good personal outlets, but more importantly, blogs generate revenue. Many bloggers designate areas on their blogs to sell advertising. A growing number of bloggers make money through pay to blog networks like PayPerPost or ReviewMe. The most common way that bloggers make money is by having advertisements from Google Adsense or Kontera on their blogs.
Sell domain names and webhosting. Many web service companies such as Godaddy offer reseller programs. These programs enable every day people to start their very own web service company with a minimal investment. With most web service reseller programs you get your own website and everything is automated.
Start an online travel service. For a small fee you can join a travel reservation program like YourTravelBiz. Opportunities through travel programs usually include your own automated travel website.
Open your own Ebay store. There are hundreds of dropshipping programs that you can join to begin selling products on Ebay.
Create and sell content. If you can write there is plenty of money to be made writing. Ghost write blogs, articles, press releases, or ebooks. Join networks like Guru.com to offer your services as a freelancer or start your own website. Become a member of revenue sharing sites such as AssociatedContent or HubPages.
You can generate revenue using the web hundreds of ways.
Make Sure to Use the Right Resume Styles
June 12, 2008
There are many resume styles typically used by job seekers today and choosing the right one is essential if you want to stand a chance of making a favorable impression in the current highly competitive job market.
But why are there so many different styles to begin with? One of the reasons is the many different ways resumes are sent these days. A style that is suitable as a physical printed document simply won’t translate as well when you fax it or email it. Because more and more people are viewing documents online, there is a definite need for a resume style that suits the medium.
Then there is also the fact that some positions practically demand a very specific format or resume style, so it pays to be adaptable and make tweaks to your resume. After all, the resume is intended to show off your skills, so you want it to show your capabilities in the best light.
The chronological style is by far the most popular resume format with both job seekers and potential employers. As the name implies, this resume lists all your previous jobs, starting with the most recent.
Then there is the functional style, a slightly newer template that has been getting more attention lately. Instead of listing your jobs and accomplishments by date, you list your most impressive qualifications first and then work your way down to the lesser ones. This kind of resume is easy to skim, which helps a prospective employer decide if you sound like a good match for the job. It also helps beef up your strong points.
You’ll find a few other resume styles as well, but most of them are just variations of the chronological and functional resumes. By the way, don’t shy away from experimenting with different combinations of resume styles to suit your needs. The whole idea behind the resume is to communicate your abilities in the clearest way possible, and choosing the best resume style gives you the freedom to do that.
