It’s Over - What Do I Have to Do Now?
July 29, 2008
After you have attended a job interview, it is not a good idea to sit waiting near your phone for the offer of a position. Refrain from telephoning the interviewer immediately after the interview to make enquiries. A much more favorable alternative is to send a thank you note to the people responsible for the interview afterwards. Thank you letters should always express your gratitude towards the company for allowing you the opportunity and experience of an interview, and making the experience a memorable one. Through your thank you letter, you can reconfirm that you indeed wish to gain employment with the organization and indicate clearly that you are waiting positively to hear some good news from them in due time. If the interview was conducted by more than one interviewer then you must send a thank you letter to each one of the people involved.
In the thank you letter, you can also restate the services that you can provide to the company and in what ways your services will be of benefit to the company. You must always ensure that the thank you letter is grammatically correct without any spelling mistakes.
If you do not receive any response from the interviewer after a period of two weeks it would be appropriate to send an email or call the interviewer and check the progress of their decision. If a decision about you has yet to be decided then you may ask the interviewer as to when the decision is likely to be finalized. If the decision has already been finalized and you have not been successful then it is appropriate to ask the interviewer the reason for their decision. It is a good idea to get the exact feedback from the employer that may improve your chances of success at the next interview. Any relevant recommendations from the employer will be helpful for future interviews. If you receive notification from the company that another applicant was chosen it is advisable for you to send a reply to the interviewer. Thank them again for giving you the opportunity and have them understand that you will be interested for a similar position in future should it become available.
After the initial interview, many organizations choose to have a second interview with the better applicants. It is entirely appropriate to express your pleasure at being chosen for the second interview. Request through email or phone the format of the second interview and ask the location and time of the second interview if this has not already been supplied.
In the second interview, it is often possible to view first hand how the company operates, which is beneficial if you are concerned about any aspects of the position. It is always appreciated if you send a second thank you letter after this second interview and it is also a wise choice as they have taken the time to consider you especially.
Often in a second interview you are given an opportunity to see how the company actually works and this is an excellent time to gauge whether you will be happy working for such an organization. Observation will undeniably help you with this concern. A second thank you letter after the interview will always be appreciated. It is also an important gesture as they have gone to the effort to call you for the second time. If you are successful in the second interview then under no circumstances should you discuss rates of pay with the employer if you feel that it is too low. This will be of no benefit to you and may even result in the employer choosing another candidate for the position. It is acceptable, however, if you are selected for the job to ask questions relating to the rules and regulations of the company, their dress code and your leave conditions.
What makes an interior design firm more creative?
July 29, 2008
This article helps us in understanding few important parameters that would help you choose a more creative interior design firm.
The field of interior designing is tough to get through as everyone here is much convinced that someone else need not tell them the process of rearranging the interior design of their office or home. Firms of interior designs do provide some valuable services which is required when you plan to do a big interior designing job.
Everyone has to have their own comfort level prior they plan to employ any of the interior design firms and hence you need to from a criterion to select any interior design firm which is dependent on the things that are very vital for you and would make you comfortable since you from a running relationship with such firms. Few of the criterion’s are quite obvious. But, being completely comfortable with the interior design firms that you would select plays an important part and also a good firm would recognize that everyone would their criteria for selection.
Experience should be your first parameter for selecting any interior design firm. An ad can be placed by anyone in a paper claiming that they do interior designing but what is the amount of experience they have is important. It is quite true that everyone has to start from somewhere however, before any firms go around to charge for the services rendered there are few ways of developing a satisfying track record sufficient for everyone. Start by checking the educational background of the firms and if this looks weak then, it becomes very important for the firm to have genuine job experience. Ensure you hire a firm that is aware of their doing. This is never asking for too much when it involves your money.
It is always reasonable to pose questions in the process of selecting an interior design firm, and observe for their creative and unique ideas they give. You employ them as you expect them to provide or create things that would never have been thought by you or have no idea of creating it by using their expertise. There is no point in employing them if they don’t come out with ideas better than what you think. It is never too much asking them to be more imaginative or creative than you specifically when you hire them for their creative ideas.
It is important to select interior design firms for your interior design project as they help you do things which you wouldn’t be able to do it for yourself normally. Ultimately, be it asian home decor or any other form, its your money that you are investing in so be choosy and ensure you select a firm which would make you feel completely comfortable.
Victim or Victor-The workplace relationship
July 28, 2008
In America fuel prices are well above $4.00 per gal and much higher than that in many other countries. Many people are searching for answers. With the rising cost of goods and services around the world, Most people are feeling the economic CRUNCH! Are you a Victim or a Victor?
I thought his position was the Commander and Chief of the armed forces. Well, in America the biggest target is the President. Many blame him. Why, I ask? He has the power to sign into law or veto bills passed by both houses of congress. Who do you blame for all of this? Have you fallen victim or do you have the victory?
Don’t get me wrong. I am not a Presidential apologist. But I am a realist. So let’s get REAL People! Excuse me, but what does that have to do with the price of gas? Does his duties have ANYTHING to do with or include “Micro-Managing” Oil refineries? I think not. The CEO’s of the Oil refineries and their stock holders have everything to do with the production, the distribution, and the price of oil (fuel) in the US and the World.
I know, how about protesting all gas companies! Yeah right! Then your only mode of transportation will be your two feet, a bicycle, and public transportation. That’ll be the idea thing for a family of five wouldn’t it. So, now that we’ve established that, are we to point fingers and direct our frustrations at them? Well you could but I don’t know what good it would do.
The Grey area (middle class) is quickly disappearing. In today’s society there is not much middle ground. You and I fall into one of two categories…either you are a victim or a VICTOR. “Old-Schoolers” might say the have’s or have-nots. Are you beginning to see what’s happening here?
Let me paint a picture for you. Do you honestly believe that a rich person is really concerned (AT ALL) about fueling up his Mercedes, Jaguar, or Bentley, OR PRIVATE JET! (maybe you couldn’t see the picture well with “just the cars.”)
The “middle class” person living from check to check has a hard time keeping his Hyundai, Chevy, or Ford fueled up at the current price of $4 to $5 dollars per gallon. And forget about the Private Jet! Did I paint the picture well enough.
Are you a victim or a VICTOR. The question still remains. Let’s analyze the two shall we?
A VICTOR writes the pay checks to the victim, and lives Debt FREE! A victim lives from pay check to pay check, barely able to pay the bills.
A victim does not make enough money on their “JOB” to send their child to college, therefore takes out loans or mortgage their house to pay for college and remains in debt for many years to come, just to see their child graduate from college to get a “JOB” like his parents that took out the loan, then the child has children, and the cycle starts all over again.
VICTORS’ don’t live from check to check, they have multiple streams of residual income! A VICTOR brings up his child to take over his Business. A college degree is only a trophy for them. (That is free information to you, Because VICTORS’ will NEVER tell you that!) (I will explain that in my next article) You must have this if you are ever to “break the cycle” of being a victim. Learn to break the cycle. Be VICTORIOUS!
Work At Home Opportunities For Everyone
July 11, 2008
You will find as you begin your research that work from home opportunities are seemingly endless. Whatever talent or skill you possess, whether it be psychic ability, an enthusiasm for crafts or clerical skills, there may be an exciting business opportunity right around the corner.
If you enjoy arts and crafts, why not start your own work at home opportunities by selling your homemade creations? Many people who previously crafted in their spare time have turned their hobby into a successful work at home career. For instance, if you are a skilled seamstress, you can sew doll clothing, baby blankets, or even cloth diapers. Making crafts such as designing original toys, blankets, and apparel is a wonderful way to generate income, and today it’s relatively simple to do so. Many people are able to turn a profit and sell crafts to local stores, at craft fairs, or even via the Internet, using such sites as Etsy or eBay.
For those who like talking on the telephone, work at home opportunities exist too. Online firms employ actors, customer service agents and salespersons to do this job from their homes. A dedicated, land line telephone is required for these duties as well as internet accessibility for a computer, but you are able to choose working times at your convenience.
Clerical skills are a valuable asset for many work at home companies and if you posses these skills you could be in high demand. Great work at home opportunities exist as many new virtual assistant agencies are popping up on the web and many are seeking skilled employees.
Typing, editing, responding to emails, formatting documents and other clerical skills are in great demand. You may be able to get work at home opportunities with a local business and help them save the expense of having to hiring on-site employees by doing the work from home.
If you can not find established work at home opportunities that interests you, consider starting your own home based business. This is often an even more ideal situation as it allows you to earn an income doing whatever ever it is you truly love. The time you have available with friends and family will also likely increase as you will be your own boss and make your own schedule.
By using your creativity and knowing where to look, you can find work at home opportunities everywhere. This is a great opportunity to use your skills while earning some extra income. Invest some time in looking into your dream job; you’ll find it was worth it.
Characteristics of Leadership
June 27, 2008
Defining leadership characteristics are not simple. This is because each leader has his own characteristics. However there are some common features required for an exemplary leader. A typical leader should know how to influence his team members to work hard and stay committed to achieve the overall organizational goals. A leader can be either task oriented or people oriented. Task oriented leader will be interested in training, performance and in winning. Whereas a people oriented leader will concentrate more on interpersonal relationship.
A leader must possess certain characteristics which he wants to incorporate into his team. Discipline, self confidence etc. are the essential qualities of a leader. As he is the role model for the followers, his movement will be keenly watched by others. Because he is constantly being observed, a leader must be careful when doing everday tasks.
Leaders are made by hard work, not born that way. Important leadership characteristics are work ethic and intelligence. Being able to use common sense in accomplishing complex tasks is mandatory of a leader when making decisions on a given situation. Selecting the right strategy to tackle the situation is a must for a leader. Willingness to accept changes and flexibility to various situations are critical to leadership
Being able to motivate his team members to achieve success is another trait of a good leader. He must create excitement and confidence in accomplishing a task. His subordinates must feel as like he is easy to approach. A great leader is one who is a master in the art of communication. He must be ready to listen to the words of his team members. Essential in leadership is two way communication.
A leader must be able to push the entire effort of his team. Using the full potential of each member should be within his capacity. He must give opportunities to team members to prove their skills.
One who guides a team and not rules the team is a sign of a great leader. One of the crucial leadership characteristics is providing a trusting and open environment to the team members. Where they can learn and grow is the type of environment that should be provided to the team. A strong sense of vision is yet another characteristic of an excellent leader.
Apart from the above characteristics mentioned, a good leader must have the following characteristics:
1. Self esteem - A leader must have the important quality of self esteem to help face tough challenges.
2. Need to achieve - a leader must be goal oriented and must be able to strive hard to achieve the goals. He should be ready to take risks. A good leader is one who takes moderate and but not extreme risks.
3. Screening for opportunity - Having the ability to screen opportunities as useful and useless are a must for a leader. Any small opportunity missed by his competitors he quickly seizes.
4. Optimism - Being an optimist is a must characteristic. Have the ability to see problems as challenges. Views an obstacle as a way to a new direction.
5. Courage - one who has courage to face challenges is a trait of an outstanding leader. Risk taking is a crucial characteristic of a leader. Also, having the ability to make changes and to accept changes.
What is Craigslist and New York
June 12, 2008
An online community is a group of people that usually interact with each other through online networks. These communities interact through the internet on social, professional, educational and many varied topics. One such community in New York is the Craigslist and New York.
Craig New Mark was the founder of these services in the year 1995. In the beginning this online services was established for San Francisco Bay Area. Soon after its successful incorporation as a non - profitable private organization in the year 1999, the founder decided to have an expansion over nine cities in U.S. Craigslist has been established in more 450 cities and in 50 countries.
During the year 2007 24 staff members were associated with the operations. Revenue to Craigslist is from the advertisements published in the cities. Some of the advertisement rates are $75 per single ads in San Francisco and $ 25 per single Ads in the cities of Los Angeles, Boston, Chicago, Washington and New York. Recently paid broker apartment listings are also made available in the City of New York at the rate of $ 10 per advertisement.
Within a short span of time the growth of Craigslist has proved to be tremendous taking over the ninth place among the web sites in the United States of America. More than nine billion viewers view this website every month and has taken over the 56th place among all the web sites that are available throughout the world. Craigs list and New York combine together to offer people this helpful service.
Craigslist made its debut in early 1995. Most of the early postings were made by Newmark, and were advertisements of social happenings of interest to software and Internet developers who lived and worked in San Francisco. They saw quick success thanks to word of mouth, and the number of postings and subscribers grew fast.
People soon started using this site to put up non-event postings because they found it easier to get in touch with people with skills they were looking for, and a separate category called “Jobs” was put up.
The huge demand from users in craiglist and New York as in other places caused an increase in the number of categories. Community members also started asking for a web interface. So to give them what they wanted, Newmark utilized the assistance of volunteers and contractors to create the interface for different mailing list categories.
Suddenly there was a steep increase in the number of postings and subscribers. People started to use the mailing lists that were certainly non - eventful and discovered that the technical positions which proved to be vacant can be filled up easily. This finally led to the addition of job category. The constant demand for many categories indirectly led to the increase in number of categories.
Most often the members may not know each other in real life and this listing provides privacy and trust. According to Newmark these features are the ones that make the listing so popular. It is well established and its popularity is because it is consistent in its customer service and simplicity. Craigslist also does not promote or support individual organizations but is a non profit organization working towards providing resources, online information and supporting the society as a whole.
