I'm going to warn everyone before reading today's article, it's purely for entertainment but in the recruiting world, most days could use a really good laugh!
1. Man Who Watches Paint Dry
Unless you are a skydiving lion tamer, chances are your job tends to get tedious from time to time. You might even compare it to “watching grass grow” or more commonly “watching paint dry”. For some folks though, such a comparison is downright insulting, seeing as they have made a career out of observing drying paint.
One such person is Keith Jackson from the UK, who for the last 30 years, has been assessing the time it takes for his company’s paint to dry. By gently touching test area on his work station wall, Mr. Jackson times how long it takes for a paint to stop being wet. It might seem horribly unnecessary, but keep in mind that there are places out there which have to occasionally be painted in record fast time (like subway stations or freeways), and it’s up to Mr. Jackson to see just how his company’s formula is holding up.
2. Coconut Safety Engineer
This profession is unfortunately only available in tropical paradises like the Virgin Islands, but luckily it requires very little training or special skills other than the ability to swing a big stick. The job of a coconut safety engineer is to go around to private properties like hotels and resorts and whack their coconut trees until all potentially dangerous nuts fall down.
This is done to protect their guests from falling coconuts (some of which can reach well over 3 pounds in weight) sparing the hotel/resort owners any unnecessary lawsuits. In fact, a falling coconut can do significant damage or even be fatal. The job might not pay that much, and there is no word if a CSE can keep the coconuts he knocks down, but it is a job which concerns itself with the public’s safety, making it quite noble and well worth the effort.
3. Mosquito Gatherer
Malaria, a mosquito transferable disease, is still a huge problem in certain parts of the world, so science is constantly on the job trying to find ways to cure it. In order to do that however, they need mosquito specimens. And that’s when it gets a little weird.
It turns out one of the easiest ways to attract the little disease spreading bloodsuckers is to roll up your sleeves and let them start feasting on the red bloody goodness inside you. That is the job of a mosquito gatherer who turns his own body into an All You Can Eat buffet for mosquitoes. After they latch onto his skin, the mosquito gatherer sucks them up through a straw and deposits the insect vampires into specimen jars for further studies.
The job’s risks include contracting malaria and up to 3000 mosquito bites a day, making it without doubt the suckiest non-prostitution-related profession in the world.
4. Chicken Sexer
This is one of those job titles which could be easily misunderstood, causing less than hilarious mix-ups with certain less than well adjusted individuals. In a sane reality though, a chicken sexer is the person who checks the sex of chicks in poultry sorting facilities.
Today everything is industrialized, even and especially animal farms. What happens there is that a clucking adorable sea of yellow chicks comes down a shaft and onto a conveyor belt or something similar while the factory employees stand around them sorting out the males from the females. The females later go to other farms to lay eggs while any number of things can happen to the males, but most often they get chopped up and put in dog food.
5. Egg Breaker
You might be thinking – “Egg breaker? Hot dog, I’ve been training for that job all my life!” but sadly professional klutzes have been in very low demand in the last few decades and no one is currently interested in paying you to be clumsy. Actually, the job of the egg breaker is to manually separate the egg whites and yolks in food service industries, additionally keeping an eye out for spoiled eggs.
Modern technology can do wondrous things like send communications from one end of the globe to the other in half a second, but we still need humans to separate our eggs, apparently. This is good news for all of you worrying that your job is going to be taken over by robots in the future. Whatever happens, at least you will always be able to find a job breaking eggs.
6. Butt Wiper
Let’s talk about Sumo wrestling. Have you seen how huge those guys are? Flipping hot heck, some Sumo wrestlers get so big you could stab one in the back and not have the knife reach any internal organs for like a week. This is, of course, one of the many sacrifices these wrestlers have to make to achieve fame and glory in the ring, but their size often comes at a much more terrible price: the inability to wipe.
Indeed, a few Sumo wrestlers tend to get so big they no longer can reach down behind and below them to wipe after using the toilet. Not that long ago, this actually was the job of the “freshman” at the school the Sumo wrestler attended, but since finally discovering the concept of basic human dignity, many Japanese officials banned this practice. But there will always be people willing to do many terrifying things for money.
The professional sumo-butt wipers are of course most often hired as full time nurses but the implications of their future tasks are made quite clear in the interview process. Bizarrely, many still take this job willingly.
7. Fart Smeller
Yes, turns out one of the many names kids used to call you back when you were younger is actually a real thing. Incidentally, “Poop Eater” continues not to be a real thing (at the time of this writing), but someday… who knows?
The Fart Smellers have been first described in 2005 in “Popular Science” concerning an experiment performed by Dr. Michael Levitt. Levitt, a gastroenterologist, paid 2 evidently desperate people an undisclosed amount of money to smell and rate farts from his test subjects, according to their noxiousness. The experiment used gasses collected from 16 healthy volunteer after eating pinto beans and concluded that the worst smelling parts of farts are hydrogen sulfide.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Thursday, April 28, 2011
EMC Cloud Advisory with Cloud Optimizer
Balance your private and public cloud architecture options to achieve maximum cost savings and business agility
Insights
EMC Cloud Advisory Service
EMC Perspective: Optimizing the Journey to the Cloud
EMC Perspective: Building a Trusted Cloud
Video: The Future of Cloud: Optimization Strategies for Cloud Models
Video: Trust in the Cloud
View all related materials Overview
The EMC Cloud Advisory Service gives you a roadmap to achieve the cloud vision that’s right for your organization – from pervasive virtualization to IT-as-a-Service and federation with public clouds.
We work with you to set strategy, develop the business case, define the architecture, and build governance models to achieve operational excellence in your cloud approach.
Our innovative approach featuring EMC Cloud Optimizer balances private, public, and hybrid cloud options based on economics, functionality, and trust – identifying savings of up to 25 percent of IT budgets.
Challenges
Deploying a cloud strategy requires an approach that takes advantage of the opportunities for virtualization and federation. Beyond IT efficiency, the cloud can dramatically improve business agility.
Your challenges include:
Developing a business case for cloud computing
Designing a cloud architecture that’s efficient and scalable across legacy IT data and public cloud providers
Balancing cloud vision with pragmatic choices based on trust, functionality, and economics
Defining placement of application workloads in an optimal cloud model
Our Approach
EMC Cloud Advisory Service develops a cloud strategy to maximize cost savings and business agility. EMC Cloud Optimizer balances legacy IT and cloud models based on trust, functionality, and economics.
The EMC Cloud Advisory Service with Cloud Optimizer:
Creates a business case for the value of cloud including CAPEX and OPEX
Defines IT costs based on information workloads for true cost insights
Establishes benchmarks to measure information assets based on industry and organization-centric trust measurements
Creates a transformational plan for people, process, and technology required for you to move to a cloud model.
Measurable Outcomes
The EMC Cloud Advisory Service helps you advance on your strategic journey to the enterprise-ideal cloud. An engagement will help you gain:
Insight into your cloud maturity for people, process, and technology
Accurate measurement of costs by application workload
A business case for cloud value including CAPEX and OPEX
A roadmap for your organizational and architectural journey to the cloud
Insights
EMC Cloud Advisory Service
EMC Perspective: Optimizing the Journey to the Cloud
EMC Perspective: Building a Trusted Cloud
Video: The Future of Cloud: Optimization Strategies for Cloud Models
Video: Trust in the Cloud
View all related materials Overview
The EMC Cloud Advisory Service gives you a roadmap to achieve the cloud vision that’s right for your organization – from pervasive virtualization to IT-as-a-Service and federation with public clouds.
We work with you to set strategy, develop the business case, define the architecture, and build governance models to achieve operational excellence in your cloud approach.
Our innovative approach featuring EMC Cloud Optimizer balances private, public, and hybrid cloud options based on economics, functionality, and trust – identifying savings of up to 25 percent of IT budgets.
Challenges
Deploying a cloud strategy requires an approach that takes advantage of the opportunities for virtualization and federation. Beyond IT efficiency, the cloud can dramatically improve business agility.
Your challenges include:
Developing a business case for cloud computing
Designing a cloud architecture that’s efficient and scalable across legacy IT data and public cloud providers
Balancing cloud vision with pragmatic choices based on trust, functionality, and economics
Defining placement of application workloads in an optimal cloud model
Our Approach
EMC Cloud Advisory Service develops a cloud strategy to maximize cost savings and business agility. EMC Cloud Optimizer balances legacy IT and cloud models based on trust, functionality, and economics.
The EMC Cloud Advisory Service with Cloud Optimizer:
Creates a business case for the value of cloud including CAPEX and OPEX
Defines IT costs based on information workloads for true cost insights
Establishes benchmarks to measure information assets based on industry and organization-centric trust measurements
Creates a transformational plan for people, process, and technology required for you to move to a cloud model.
Measurable Outcomes
The EMC Cloud Advisory Service helps you advance on your strategic journey to the enterprise-ideal cloud. An engagement will help you gain:
Insight into your cloud maturity for people, process, and technology
Accurate measurement of costs by application workload
A business case for cloud value including CAPEX and OPEX
A roadmap for your organizational and architectural journey to the cloud
Cloud Computing for Dummies!!
Cloud computing refers to the provision of computational resources on demand via a computer network, such as applications, databases, file services, email, etc. In the traditional model of computing, both data and software are fully contained on the user's computer; in cloud computing, the user's computer may contain almost no software or data (perhaps a minimal operating system and web browser only), serving as little more than a display terminal for processes occurring on a network of computers far away. A common shorthand for a provided cloud computing service (or even an aggregation of all existing cloud services) is "The Cloud".
The most common analogy to explain cloud computing is that of public utilities such as electricity, gas, and water. Just as centralized and standardized utilities free individuals from the difficulties of generating electricity or pumping water, cloud computing frees users from certain hardware and software installation and maintenance tasks through the use of simpler hardware that accesses a vast network of computing resources (processors, hard drives, etc.). The sharing of resources reduces the cost to individuals.
The phrase “cloud computing” originated from the cloud symbol that is usually used by flow charts and diagrams to symbolize the internet. The principle behind the cloud is that any computer connected to the internet is connected to the same pool of computing power, applications, and files. Users can store and access personal files such as music, pictures, videos, and bookmarks or play games or use productivity applications on a remote server rather than physically carrying around a storage medium such as a DVD or thumb drive. Almost all users of the internet may be using a form of cloud computing though few realize it. Those who use web-based email such as Gmail, Hotmail, Yahoo, a Company owned email, or even an e-mail client program such as Outlook, Evolution, Mozilla Thunderbird or Entourage that connects to a cloud email server. Hence, utilizing desktop applications to connect to your cloud email, is still considered a cloud application.
The most common analogy to explain cloud computing is that of public utilities such as electricity, gas, and water. Just as centralized and standardized utilities free individuals from the difficulties of generating electricity or pumping water, cloud computing frees users from certain hardware and software installation and maintenance tasks through the use of simpler hardware that accesses a vast network of computing resources (processors, hard drives, etc.). The sharing of resources reduces the cost to individuals.
The phrase “cloud computing” originated from the cloud symbol that is usually used by flow charts and diagrams to symbolize the internet. The principle behind the cloud is that any computer connected to the internet is connected to the same pool of computing power, applications, and files. Users can store and access personal files such as music, pictures, videos, and bookmarks or play games or use productivity applications on a remote server rather than physically carrying around a storage medium such as a DVD or thumb drive. Almost all users of the internet may be using a form of cloud computing though few realize it. Those who use web-based email such as Gmail, Hotmail, Yahoo, a Company owned email, or even an e-mail client program such as Outlook, Evolution, Mozilla Thunderbird or Entourage that connects to a cloud email server. Hence, utilizing desktop applications to connect to your cloud email, is still considered a cloud application.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Several ways to actually get a job.
Whether you're looking for your very first job, switching careers, or re-entering the job market after an extended absence, finding a job whittles down to two main tasks: understanding yourself and understanding the job market. Presuming you've already chosen a career and are currently searching for jobs, here are several ways to actually get a job.
Network.
The best companies to work for tend to rely heavily (up to 40%) on employee referrals. Make a list of all of your friends, relatives, and acquaintances. Call each one and ask them if they know of any openings that they could recommend you for. Don't be too humble or apologetic; tell them what you've been looking for, but let them know that you're flexible and that if they have any suggestions, you're open to them. This is not the time to be picky about jobs; a connection can often get your foot in the door, and you can negotiate pay or switch positions later, once you've gained experience and established your reputation.
Volunteer.
If you aren't already, start volunteering for an organization that focuses on something that you're passionate about. You may end up doing boring or easy work in the beginning, but as you stick around and demonstrate your commitment, you'll be given more responsibilities. Not only will you be helping others, but you'll also be gaining references. You should emphasize your volunteer experience on your resume, as companies that treat their employees well tend to favor candidates who help the community somehow.[1]
Write a really well-written letter to the owner of the company/establishment. Make sure you highlight all your valuable skills and qualifications but also make it clear that you are flexible and a good team worker. Use good vocabulary and keep an appropriate tone of formality throughout your application.
Develop your personal elevator pitch. Many structured interviews, particularly those at large companies, start with a question like "tell me about yourself." The interviewer doesn't really want you to go back to grade school and talk about your childhood. This is a specific question with a specific answer...in two minutes or so, the interviewer wants to get you to relax and loosen out your vocal cords, understand your background, your accomplishments, why you want to work at XYZ company and what your future goals are.
Prepare for a behavioral interview. You might be asked to describe problems you've encountered in the past and how you handled them, or you'll be given a hypothetical situation and asked what you would do. They'll basically want to know how you'll perform when faced with obstacles in the position you're interviewing for. Be able to give honest, detailed examples from your past, even if the question is hypothetical (e.g. "I would contact the customer directly, based on my past experience in a different situation in which the customer was very pleased to receive a phone call from the supervisor"). You might find yourself listing facts--if so, remember that in this kind of interview, you need to tell a story. Some questions you might be asked are:
"Describe a time you had to work with someone you didn't like."
"Tell me about a time when you had to stick by a decision you had made, even though it made you very unpopular."
"Give us an example of something particularly innovative that you have done that made a difference in the workplace."
"How would you handle an employee who's consistently late?"
Sources: http://www.wikihow.com/Get-a-Job
Network.
The best companies to work for tend to rely heavily (up to 40%) on employee referrals. Make a list of all of your friends, relatives, and acquaintances. Call each one and ask them if they know of any openings that they could recommend you for. Don't be too humble or apologetic; tell them what you've been looking for, but let them know that you're flexible and that if they have any suggestions, you're open to them. This is not the time to be picky about jobs; a connection can often get your foot in the door, and you can negotiate pay or switch positions later, once you've gained experience and established your reputation.
Volunteer.
If you aren't already, start volunteering for an organization that focuses on something that you're passionate about. You may end up doing boring or easy work in the beginning, but as you stick around and demonstrate your commitment, you'll be given more responsibilities. Not only will you be helping others, but you'll also be gaining references. You should emphasize your volunteer experience on your resume, as companies that treat their employees well tend to favor candidates who help the community somehow.[1]
Write a really well-written letter to the owner of the company/establishment. Make sure you highlight all your valuable skills and qualifications but also make it clear that you are flexible and a good team worker. Use good vocabulary and keep an appropriate tone of formality throughout your application.
Develop your personal elevator pitch. Many structured interviews, particularly those at large companies, start with a question like "tell me about yourself." The interviewer doesn't really want you to go back to grade school and talk about your childhood. This is a specific question with a specific answer...in two minutes or so, the interviewer wants to get you to relax and loosen out your vocal cords, understand your background, your accomplishments, why you want to work at XYZ company and what your future goals are.
Prepare for a behavioral interview. You might be asked to describe problems you've encountered in the past and how you handled them, or you'll be given a hypothetical situation and asked what you would do. They'll basically want to know how you'll perform when faced with obstacles in the position you're interviewing for. Be able to give honest, detailed examples from your past, even if the question is hypothetical (e.g. "I would contact the customer directly, based on my past experience in a different situation in which the customer was very pleased to receive a phone call from the supervisor"). You might find yourself listing facts--if so, remember that in this kind of interview, you need to tell a story. Some questions you might be asked are:
"Describe a time you had to work with someone you didn't like."
"Tell me about a time when you had to stick by a decision you had made, even though it made you very unpopular."
"Give us an example of something particularly innovative that you have done that made a difference in the workplace."
"How would you handle an employee who's consistently late?"
Sources: http://www.wikihow.com/Get-a-Job
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
The Cubicle World… 10 Things You Really Should Know
The cubicle world is in a universe of its own, it has rules, regulations and oddities that are strictly unique to it. You'd think that each cubicle job would be different, but no, this isn't so. Having worked in the cubicle world for many years, I am here to tell you, they are all the same. One BIG cubicle world for all.
But, let this not scare you, because it actually can be a benefit. Knowing the key issues of working in the cubicle world, you will be at an advantage in any cubicle job you may land in.
Following are 10 things to know about the cubicle world that will help you understand the strange universe you have entered.
1. Cubicles are like rooms in a community house. Your cubicle is accessible and visible to everyone, it's your private space, but anyone can walk into it and see what you are doing. A good idea is to arrange it so that when people come to visit' they don't see your computer screen. We all know that at some point in the day you'll be doing some inevitable web surfing or shopping.
2. Some cubicle worlds don't allow eating at your desk, or may equate eating a snack to taking a break. So you might want to set a little space that's hidden from passers by where you can place that little snack you're going to have mid-morning.
3. You get to decorate your cubicle however you like. Up to a point, of course. Forget about hanging posters of things like the We love Blood and Guts' heavy metal band. You can also leave behind the decorative hanging piece your kid made at school using metal cans and wooden sticks. Your place should reflect your character, but there are limits and you should appear somewhat professional.
4. That said the cubicle world never seems to run short of the workers who will stretch their decorative allowance to the limit. They will fill it with as much stuff as possible. On the other hand, though, there are those who are happy as clams with just one lone wooden figurine on a corner of their desk.
5. Just as cubicles are like rooms, your cubicle mates are your neighbors. The number of cubicle neighbor types is very large, however there are some kinds that just seem to be ever present in the cubicle world. The loud mouth, for example is one that you can always count on to reside in a cubicle near you. Even if not so near, his or her volume puts anyone within 50 feet as way too close.
6. Cubicle placement is the luck of the draw in most cases. The supervisors will usually set the seating arrangements for the cubicle workers. But, if you are lucky enough to choose yours, a better option than a window cubicle is the proximity to and view of your boss's desk or office. Being out of sight from the boss will facilitate your ability to leave your desk often throughout the day and also to come in late unnoticed in the morning or after lunch.
7. Just about every office in the cubicle world has a chatterbox'. This is a worker who cannot stop yakking; it's in their nature. Every comment you make is a chance for them to go off on a 10-20 minute explanation of last night's shopping outing with the spouse. Make sure to steer clear when they return from a trip, or they will be in your cubicle for at least an hour's worth of vacation fun.
8. Smells are a big concern in the cubicle world. While many workers may think it's safe to pass wind silently, it will not go unnoticed when the fumes spread from one cubicle to the next. The same goes for those who believe a few extra drops of perfume will delight others. What this does is force all the cubicle members to suffocate in their overpowering smell.
9. In the same way the smell travels over the cubicles, so does any diminutive noise you make. Cubicle walls are hollow and anything can be heard through them. So think twice before you make that phone call to set up an interview to work in another cubicle job that you think is better than your current one.
10. Offices in the cubicle world tend to have occasional breakfasts provided by the company. Be sure to take part in those; not only can you eat for free, but you will have an excuse for not returning that phone call to the annoying sales guy. Yes, you will have to mingle with everyone and appear enthusiastic at 9 in the morning, but you will leave a good impression and be less likely to be scrutinized as an office outcast.
There are so many more things to know in the cubicle world, but these should cover the overall spectrum of daily office items and occurances. Knowing these and using them to your advantage should make your life the cubicle world more passable and less torturous.
Be happy that you are employed, but don't give up your dreams of someday being able to leave this world and enter a less confined one. Self-employed world doesn't sound too bad, does it? But if you can't find that one, maybe the private office world can be a happier place for you. For a while, anyway.
But, let this not scare you, because it actually can be a benefit. Knowing the key issues of working in the cubicle world, you will be at an advantage in any cubicle job you may land in.
Following are 10 things to know about the cubicle world that will help you understand the strange universe you have entered.
1. Cubicles are like rooms in a community house. Your cubicle is accessible and visible to everyone, it's your private space, but anyone can walk into it and see what you are doing. A good idea is to arrange it so that when people come to visit' they don't see your computer screen. We all know that at some point in the day you'll be doing some inevitable web surfing or shopping.
2. Some cubicle worlds don't allow eating at your desk, or may equate eating a snack to taking a break. So you might want to set a little space that's hidden from passers by where you can place that little snack you're going to have mid-morning.
3. You get to decorate your cubicle however you like. Up to a point, of course. Forget about hanging posters of things like the We love Blood and Guts' heavy metal band. You can also leave behind the decorative hanging piece your kid made at school using metal cans and wooden sticks. Your place should reflect your character, but there are limits and you should appear somewhat professional.
4. That said the cubicle world never seems to run short of the workers who will stretch their decorative allowance to the limit. They will fill it with as much stuff as possible. On the other hand, though, there are those who are happy as clams with just one lone wooden figurine on a corner of their desk.
5. Just as cubicles are like rooms, your cubicle mates are your neighbors. The number of cubicle neighbor types is very large, however there are some kinds that just seem to be ever present in the cubicle world. The loud mouth, for example is one that you can always count on to reside in a cubicle near you. Even if not so near, his or her volume puts anyone within 50 feet as way too close.
6. Cubicle placement is the luck of the draw in most cases. The supervisors will usually set the seating arrangements for the cubicle workers. But, if you are lucky enough to choose yours, a better option than a window cubicle is the proximity to and view of your boss's desk or office. Being out of sight from the boss will facilitate your ability to leave your desk often throughout the day and also to come in late unnoticed in the morning or after lunch.
7. Just about every office in the cubicle world has a chatterbox'. This is a worker who cannot stop yakking; it's in their nature. Every comment you make is a chance for them to go off on a 10-20 minute explanation of last night's shopping outing with the spouse. Make sure to steer clear when they return from a trip, or they will be in your cubicle for at least an hour's worth of vacation fun.
8. Smells are a big concern in the cubicle world. While many workers may think it's safe to pass wind silently, it will not go unnoticed when the fumes spread from one cubicle to the next. The same goes for those who believe a few extra drops of perfume will delight others. What this does is force all the cubicle members to suffocate in their overpowering smell.
9. In the same way the smell travels over the cubicles, so does any diminutive noise you make. Cubicle walls are hollow and anything can be heard through them. So think twice before you make that phone call to set up an interview to work in another cubicle job that you think is better than your current one.
10. Offices in the cubicle world tend to have occasional breakfasts provided by the company. Be sure to take part in those; not only can you eat for free, but you will have an excuse for not returning that phone call to the annoying sales guy. Yes, you will have to mingle with everyone and appear enthusiastic at 9 in the morning, but you will leave a good impression and be less likely to be scrutinized as an office outcast.
There are so many more things to know in the cubicle world, but these should cover the overall spectrum of daily office items and occurances. Knowing these and using them to your advantage should make your life the cubicle world more passable and less torturous.
Be happy that you are employed, but don't give up your dreams of someday being able to leave this world and enter a less confined one. Self-employed world doesn't sound too bad, does it? But if you can't find that one, maybe the private office world can be a happier place for you. For a while, anyway.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Difficult Interveiw Questions and How to Answer Them
Mental fear of the unknown is often what produces the physical symptoms of nervousness. In addition to preparing yourself physically, you need to prepare yourself mentally. The best way to prepare mentally is to know what may be coming. Fear of the unknown can only exist when there is an unknown. Take the time to understand some of the standards when it comes to interviewing questions.
The following are some of the most difficult questions you will face in the course of your job interviews. Some questions may seem rather simple on the surfacesuch as Tell me about yourselfbut these questions can have a variety of answers. The more open ended the question, the wider the variation in the answers. Once you have become practiced in your interviewing skills, you will find that you can use almost any question as a launching pad for a particular topic or compelling story.
Others are classic interview questions, such as What is your greatest weakness? Questions most people answer improperly. In this case, the standard textbook answer for the greatest weakness question is to provide a veiled positive such as: I work too much. I just work and work and work. Wrong. Either you are lying or, worse yet, you are telling the truth, in which case you define working too much as a weakness and really do not want to work much at all.
The following answers are provided to give you a new perspective on how to answer tough interview questions. They are not there for you to lift from the page and insert into your next interview. They are provided for you to use as the basic structure for formulating your own answers. While the specifics of each reply may not apply to you, try to follow the basic structure of the answer from the perspective of the interviewer. Answer the questions behaviorally, with specific examples that show that clear evidence backs up what you are saying about yourself. Always provide information that shows you want to become the very best _____ for the company and that you have specifically prepared yourself to become exactly that. They want to be sold. They are waiting to be sold. Dont disappoint them!
1.Tell me about yourself.
It seems like an easy interview question. Its open ended. I can talk about whatever I want from the birth canal forward. Right?
Wrong. What the hiring manager really wants is a quick, two- to three-minute snapshot of who you are and why youre the best candidate for this position.
So as you answer this question, talk about what youve done to prepare yourself to be the very best candidate for the position. Use an example or two to back it up. Then ask if they would like more details. If they do, keep giving them example after example of your background and experience. Always point back to an example when you have the opportunity.
Tell me about yourself does not mean tell me everything. Just tell me what makes you the best.
2.Why should I hire you?
The easy answer is that you are the best person for the job. And dont be afraid to say so. But then back it up with what specifically differentiates you.
For example: You should hire me because Im the best person for the job. I realize that there are likely other candidates who also have the ability to do this job. Yet I bring an additional quality that makes me the best person for the job--my passion for excellence. I am passionately committed to producing truly world class results. For example . . .
Are you the best person for the job? Show it by your passionate examples.
3.What is your long-range objective?
Make my job easy for me. Make me want to hire you.
The key is to focus on your achievable objectives and what you are doing to reach those objectives.
For example: Within five years, I would like to become the very best accountant your company has on staff. I want to work toward becoming the expert that others rely upon. And in doing so, I feel Ill be fully prepared to take on any greater responsibilities which might be presented in the long term. For example, here is what Im presently doing to prepare myself . . .
Then go on to show by your examples what you are doing to reach your goals and objectives.
4.How has your education prepared you for your career?
This is a broad question and you need to focus on the behavioral examples in your educational background which specifically align to the required competencies for the career.
An example: My education has focused on not only the learning the fundamentals, but also on the practical application of the information learned within those classes. For example, I played a lead role in a class project where we gathered and analyzed best practice data from this industry. Let me tell you more about the results . . .
Focus on behavioral examples supporting the key competencies for the career. Then ask if they would like to hear more examples.
5.Are you a team player?
Almost everyone says yes to this question. But it is not just a yes/no question. You need to provide behavioral examples to back up your answer.
A sample answer: Yes, Im very much a team player. In fact, Ive had opportunities in my work, school and athletics to develop my skills as a team player. For example, on a recent project . . .
Emphasize teamwork behavioral examples and focus on your openness to diversity of backgrounds. Talk about the strength of the team above the individual. And note that this question may be used as a lead in to questions around how you handle conflict within a team, so be prepared.
6.Have you ever had a conflict with a boss or professor? How was it resolved?
Note that if you say no, most interviewers will keep drilling deeper to find a conflict. The key is how you behaviorally reacted to conflict and what you did to resolve it.
For example: Yes, I have had conflicts in the past. Never major ones, but there have been disagreements that needed to be resolved. I've found that when conflict occurs, it helps to fully understand the other persons perspective, so I take time to listen to their point of view, then I seek to work out a collaborative solution. For example . . .
Focus your answer on the behavioral process for resolving the conflict and working collaboratively.
7.What is your greatest weakness?
Most career books tell you to select a strength and present it as a weakness. Such as: I work too much. I just work and work and work. Wrong. First of all, using a strength and presenting it as a weakness is deceiving. Second, it misses the point of the question.
You should select a weakness that you have been actively working to overcome. For example: I have had trouble in the past with planning and prioritization. However, Im now taking steps to correct this. I just started using a pocket planner . . . then show them your planner and how you are using it.
Talk about a true weakness and show what you are doing to overcome it.
8.If I were to ask your professors to describe you, what would they say?
This is a threat of reference check question. Do not wait for the interview to know the answer. Ask any prior bosses or professors in advance. And if theyre willing to provide a positive reference, ask them for a letter of recommendation.
Then you can answer the question like this:
I believe she would say I'm a very energetic person, that Im results oriented and one of the best people she has ever worked with. Actually, I know she would say that, because those are her very words. May I show you her letter of recommendation?
So be prepared in advance with your letters of recommendation.
9.What qualities do you feel a successful manager should have?
Focus on two words: leadership and vision.
Here is a sample of how to respond: The key quality in a successful manager should be leadership--the ability to be the visionary for the people who are working under them. The person who can set the course and direction for subordinates. The highest calling of a true leader is inspiring others to reach the highest of their abilities. I'd like to tell you about a person whom I consider to be a true leader . . .
Then give an example of someone who has touched your life and how their impact has helped in your personal development.
10.If you had to live your life over again, what one thing would you change?
Focus on a key turning point in your life or missed opportunity. Yet also tie it forward to what you are doing to still seek to make that change.
For example: Although Im overall very happy with where Im at in my life, the one aspect I likely would have changed would be focusing earlier on my chosen career. I had a great internship this past year and look forward to more experience in the field. I simply wish I would have focused here earlier. For example, I learned on my recent internship… …then provide examples.
Stay focused on positive direction in your life and back it up with examples.
In reviewing these responses, please remember that they are only to be viewed samples. Please do not rehearse them verbatim or adopt them as your own. They are meant to stir your creative juices and get you thinking about how to properly answer the broader range of questions that you will face.
The following are some of the most difficult questions you will face in the course of your job interviews. Some questions may seem rather simple on the surfacesuch as Tell me about yourselfbut these questions can have a variety of answers. The more open ended the question, the wider the variation in the answers. Once you have become practiced in your interviewing skills, you will find that you can use almost any question as a launching pad for a particular topic or compelling story.
Others are classic interview questions, such as What is your greatest weakness? Questions most people answer improperly. In this case, the standard textbook answer for the greatest weakness question is to provide a veiled positive such as: I work too much. I just work and work and work. Wrong. Either you are lying or, worse yet, you are telling the truth, in which case you define working too much as a weakness and really do not want to work much at all.
The following answers are provided to give you a new perspective on how to answer tough interview questions. They are not there for you to lift from the page and insert into your next interview. They are provided for you to use as the basic structure for formulating your own answers. While the specifics of each reply may not apply to you, try to follow the basic structure of the answer from the perspective of the interviewer. Answer the questions behaviorally, with specific examples that show that clear evidence backs up what you are saying about yourself. Always provide information that shows you want to become the very best _____ for the company and that you have specifically prepared yourself to become exactly that. They want to be sold. They are waiting to be sold. Dont disappoint them!
1.Tell me about yourself.
It seems like an easy interview question. Its open ended. I can talk about whatever I want from the birth canal forward. Right?
Wrong. What the hiring manager really wants is a quick, two- to three-minute snapshot of who you are and why youre the best candidate for this position.
So as you answer this question, talk about what youve done to prepare yourself to be the very best candidate for the position. Use an example or two to back it up. Then ask if they would like more details. If they do, keep giving them example after example of your background and experience. Always point back to an example when you have the opportunity.
Tell me about yourself does not mean tell me everything. Just tell me what makes you the best.
2.Why should I hire you?
The easy answer is that you are the best person for the job. And dont be afraid to say so. But then back it up with what specifically differentiates you.
For example: You should hire me because Im the best person for the job. I realize that there are likely other candidates who also have the ability to do this job. Yet I bring an additional quality that makes me the best person for the job--my passion for excellence. I am passionately committed to producing truly world class results. For example . . .
Are you the best person for the job? Show it by your passionate examples.
3.What is your long-range objective?
Make my job easy for me. Make me want to hire you.
The key is to focus on your achievable objectives and what you are doing to reach those objectives.
For example: Within five years, I would like to become the very best accountant your company has on staff. I want to work toward becoming the expert that others rely upon. And in doing so, I feel Ill be fully prepared to take on any greater responsibilities which might be presented in the long term. For example, here is what Im presently doing to prepare myself . . .
Then go on to show by your examples what you are doing to reach your goals and objectives.
4.How has your education prepared you for your career?
This is a broad question and you need to focus on the behavioral examples in your educational background which specifically align to the required competencies for the career.
An example: My education has focused on not only the learning the fundamentals, but also on the practical application of the information learned within those classes. For example, I played a lead role in a class project where we gathered and analyzed best practice data from this industry. Let me tell you more about the results . . .
Focus on behavioral examples supporting the key competencies for the career. Then ask if they would like to hear more examples.
5.Are you a team player?
Almost everyone says yes to this question. But it is not just a yes/no question. You need to provide behavioral examples to back up your answer.
A sample answer: Yes, Im very much a team player. In fact, Ive had opportunities in my work, school and athletics to develop my skills as a team player. For example, on a recent project . . .
Emphasize teamwork behavioral examples and focus on your openness to diversity of backgrounds. Talk about the strength of the team above the individual. And note that this question may be used as a lead in to questions around how you handle conflict within a team, so be prepared.
6.Have you ever had a conflict with a boss or professor? How was it resolved?
Note that if you say no, most interviewers will keep drilling deeper to find a conflict. The key is how you behaviorally reacted to conflict and what you did to resolve it.
For example: Yes, I have had conflicts in the past. Never major ones, but there have been disagreements that needed to be resolved. I've found that when conflict occurs, it helps to fully understand the other persons perspective, so I take time to listen to their point of view, then I seek to work out a collaborative solution. For example . . .
Focus your answer on the behavioral process for resolving the conflict and working collaboratively.
7.What is your greatest weakness?
Most career books tell you to select a strength and present it as a weakness. Such as: I work too much. I just work and work and work. Wrong. First of all, using a strength and presenting it as a weakness is deceiving. Second, it misses the point of the question.
You should select a weakness that you have been actively working to overcome. For example: I have had trouble in the past with planning and prioritization. However, Im now taking steps to correct this. I just started using a pocket planner . . . then show them your planner and how you are using it.
Talk about a true weakness and show what you are doing to overcome it.
8.If I were to ask your professors to describe you, what would they say?
This is a threat of reference check question. Do not wait for the interview to know the answer. Ask any prior bosses or professors in advance. And if theyre willing to provide a positive reference, ask them for a letter of recommendation.
Then you can answer the question like this:
I believe she would say I'm a very energetic person, that Im results oriented and one of the best people she has ever worked with. Actually, I know she would say that, because those are her very words. May I show you her letter of recommendation?
So be prepared in advance with your letters of recommendation.
9.What qualities do you feel a successful manager should have?
Focus on two words: leadership and vision.
Here is a sample of how to respond: The key quality in a successful manager should be leadership--the ability to be the visionary for the people who are working under them. The person who can set the course and direction for subordinates. The highest calling of a true leader is inspiring others to reach the highest of their abilities. I'd like to tell you about a person whom I consider to be a true leader . . .
Then give an example of someone who has touched your life and how their impact has helped in your personal development.
10.If you had to live your life over again, what one thing would you change?
Focus on a key turning point in your life or missed opportunity. Yet also tie it forward to what you are doing to still seek to make that change.
For example: Although Im overall very happy with where Im at in my life, the one aspect I likely would have changed would be focusing earlier on my chosen career. I had a great internship this past year and look forward to more experience in the field. I simply wish I would have focused here earlier. For example, I learned on my recent internship… …then provide examples.
Stay focused on positive direction in your life and back it up with examples.
In reviewing these responses, please remember that they are only to be viewed samples. Please do not rehearse them verbatim or adopt them as your own. They are meant to stir your creative juices and get you thinking about how to properly answer the broader range of questions that you will face.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Hey Hiring Manager!!! Read my email!!
Often these days resumes are sent exclusively by email. I advise against this – whenever possible, send a paper copy by snail mail as well. But I realize that often, it’s only email.
Which means that you need to get your emails opened and read, even when they’re one of a thousand new emails received by the person you’re sending to.
So how do you stand out?
Well, this is a problem that marketers and copy writers have been dealing with for a long time, and there are three main ingredients to writing headlines that get read (including email headlines):
1 – They need to be question-based, rather than statement-based.
2 – They need to be problem-based, rather than solution-based.
3 – They need to evoke curiosity, rather than giving it all away.
Sean D’Souza, over at Psychotactics, has written a great free report explaining each of these three steps. Get it here: http://www.psychotactics.com/why-headlines-fail
Which means that you need to get your emails opened and read, even when they’re one of a thousand new emails received by the person you’re sending to.
So how do you stand out?
Well, this is a problem that marketers and copy writers have been dealing with for a long time, and there are three main ingredients to writing headlines that get read (including email headlines):
1 – They need to be question-based, rather than statement-based.
2 – They need to be problem-based, rather than solution-based.
3 – They need to evoke curiosity, rather than giving it all away.
Sean D’Souza, over at Psychotactics, has written a great free report explaining each of these three steps. Get it here: http://www.psychotactics.com/why-headlines-fail
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