Managing relationships in the corporate world is a tedious job, more
so if it is about maintaining an amicable relationship with your boss.
Relationship management among employees and between employer and
employee is gaining lot of importance lately. According to a recent
report by Jobbuzz.com relationship management has been ranked as one of
the key skills that a candidate needs to possess to be successful at a
job.
Managing the manager
The relationship that one creates and manages with his/her boss is
critical to workplace success and career progress. They hold your future
prospects in their hands. They are privy to the company’s goals and
knows what the company is looking for in future executives. They can
inform you of the company’s direction that may affect your future
aspirations and can also put in a good word for you when need be.
Vaidyanathan, HR-Head, Alten Calsoft Labs agrees, “Whatever good work
one does, has to be projected to the outside world – be it the client or
the colleagues or the management. Employee’s good working relationship
with the manager/boss helps in getting recognition at work and also
ensures a peaceful work life.”
The key to establishing a meaningful working relationship with your
boss is communication. Learn and understand his/her goals and
priorities. At the same time, ask for feedback and accept criticism
gracefully.
From manager to mentor
A boss is your ally and your guide. Learn from your boss, he/she has
much to teach you. So, ask questions to learn and listen more than you
speak to develop an effective relationship with your boss. When a boss
takes up the role of a mentor, the equation between him/her and his/her
employees, changes automatically. Vaidyanathan suggests that to become a
good mentor, every boss/manager should empower their team members.
“Managers can become good mentors by passing the success-credit to the
executor and giving the confidence to the team members that they always
look up to their managers when they come across any problems in their
work.” He advised that if an employee fails in the task assigned,
protect and teach him the right way to execute the job instead of
defaming him.
We agree to disagree
Overall in your relationship with your boss you will sometimes
disagree and occasionally experience an emotional reaction. Don’t hold
grudges. Disagreement is fine; discord is not. One needs to come to
terms with the fact that your boss has more authority and power than you
do. And then perhaps you could mould yourself to work better and
achieve success in your organisation.
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Thursday, May 23, 2013
Planning for a career change? Here are 5 important tips
Given the emerging opportunities and the need for personal growth,
career switch is not an unheard of concept in today’s market scenario.
Even then, it’s best to follow the adage: Look before you leap.
There are no fixed rules when it comes to a career switch. It is very subjective. HR professionals feel it’s best to do it at an early stage in your career. But, if you are still to find your calling, and are testing waters there is no reason to worry. More and more companies are now very encouraging of this change.
“Career switch is not frowned upon anymore. It really depends on the openness of an organisation and the candidate’s potential. We have encouraged such switch where we thought the candidate would be able to bring in much more than a person with experience in the same field,” says Deodutta Kurane, group president, Human Capital Management, YES BANK.
Even then, it’s always better to know what you are getting into. Here’s how you can go about making that big switch:
Understanding the new job role and industry
“When people change careers in this market, the first thing they must be aware of is what is expected out of them and what can they bring to the industry. This will show the hiring company that you are serious about this change and this move is not based on some wishful thinking,” says Parul Gupta, who changed her career from a content writer to a research analyst.
Use your know-how to your advantage
After taking a bold step about making a career switch, the next step, and an equally important step is to convince hiring managers that you’ll be a valuable employee. “We usually understand a person’s background, his/her achievements and performance. The other thing we do is learn from the candidate how they can bring value to the team based on their experience,” says Kurane.
For such situations, Gupta has a suggestion. “If you don’t have any direct skills that match the profile, focus on interpersonal skills, problem-solving ability and project management.”
Check in-house
Companies are now working towards creating ‘happy work environment’. Thus, before looking outside it’s best to check in-house. “If you are looking at changing your role, speak to your immediate boss and the HR. The company may help you out here. This will also work to your advantage, as your salary, designation and other benefits will remain intact,” advises Kurane.
Be positive
Like in any new situation, be positive and sure of your decision. “Make sure that you know you are switching for a reason. If you give answers like ‘I am just eliminating my choices’, no one will take you seriously,” points out Kurane.
Training always helps
If you are in a position to learn new skills, you will always have an advantage when it comes to career switch. One can also consider options from the company. For instance, organisations like YES Bank and L&T offer professional courses to their employees who are keen to enhance their knowledge base.
Finally, be candid, be honest and be very sure of the reason why you want a change.
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There are no fixed rules when it comes to a career switch. It is very subjective. HR professionals feel it’s best to do it at an early stage in your career. But, if you are still to find your calling, and are testing waters there is no reason to worry. More and more companies are now very encouraging of this change.
“Career switch is not frowned upon anymore. It really depends on the openness of an organisation and the candidate’s potential. We have encouraged such switch where we thought the candidate would be able to bring in much more than a person with experience in the same field,” says Deodutta Kurane, group president, Human Capital Management, YES BANK.
Even then, it’s always better to know what you are getting into. Here’s how you can go about making that big switch:
Understanding the new job role and industry
“When people change careers in this market, the first thing they must be aware of is what is expected out of them and what can they bring to the industry. This will show the hiring company that you are serious about this change and this move is not based on some wishful thinking,” says Parul Gupta, who changed her career from a content writer to a research analyst.
Use your know-how to your advantage
After taking a bold step about making a career switch, the next step, and an equally important step is to convince hiring managers that you’ll be a valuable employee. “We usually understand a person’s background, his/her achievements and performance. The other thing we do is learn from the candidate how they can bring value to the team based on their experience,” says Kurane.
For such situations, Gupta has a suggestion. “If you don’t have any direct skills that match the profile, focus on interpersonal skills, problem-solving ability and project management.”
Check in-house
Companies are now working towards creating ‘happy work environment’. Thus, before looking outside it’s best to check in-house. “If you are looking at changing your role, speak to your immediate boss and the HR. The company may help you out here. This will also work to your advantage, as your salary, designation and other benefits will remain intact,” advises Kurane.
Be positive
Like in any new situation, be positive and sure of your decision. “Make sure that you know you are switching for a reason. If you give answers like ‘I am just eliminating my choices’, no one will take you seriously,” points out Kurane.
Training always helps
If you are in a position to learn new skills, you will always have an advantage when it comes to career switch. One can also consider options from the company. For instance, organisations like YES Bank and L&T offer professional courses to their employees who are keen to enhance their knowledge base.
Finally, be candid, be honest and be very sure of the reason why you want a change.
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Questions to ask hiring managers during a Job Interview
You start by asking your hiring manager some important questions. So when the manager asks you, “Is there anything you would like to know?” Make use of that opportunity. “Asking the right questions tells a lot about the candidate’s attitude, his/her seriousness about the job and how they can value add to the company,” says Shilpa Kulkarni, senior manager, HR, Nilgai Foods.
1. What are the growth prospects in this position? This will give you a better idea as to whether or not the company will meet your expectations. For hiring manager, it will show that you are not a passive candidate. “It shows that the candidate is keen about the post and is serious about learning,” says Kulkarni.
2. What is the evaluation system? This will give you an idea about how things run in the organisation and what is expected of you.
3. What is the culture of the organisation? For a candidate it helps to find out things like if the organisation gives importance to work-life balance. And, the hiring manager can also gauge the candidate’s attitude towards work in general.
4. What kind of training will I receive? This question will really help someone who is applying for a fresher to middle level. The answers will give you an idea of what will be your learning curve in the organisation. “Though it’s very important to find out how a candidate will contribute to the organisation, it is also important to know how they view a job. Is it only for a survival or they are keen to learn from their colleagues. This shows that a candidate is passionate about his work,” points out Kulkarni.
5. How does compensation work? Is salary the only component, or are their equity or bonus/commission programs? What opportunities are there for me to grow my compensation? Don’t shy away from asking this question. It is better to clarify your doubts before joining than being unhappy about the compensation later on. This will reflect your overall attitude towards the organisation and work, as well.
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1. What are the growth prospects in this position? This will give you a better idea as to whether or not the company will meet your expectations. For hiring manager, it will show that you are not a passive candidate. “It shows that the candidate is keen about the post and is serious about learning,” says Kulkarni.
2. What is the evaluation system? This will give you an idea about how things run in the organisation and what is expected of you.
3. What is the culture of the organisation? For a candidate it helps to find out things like if the organisation gives importance to work-life balance. And, the hiring manager can also gauge the candidate’s attitude towards work in general.
4. What kind of training will I receive? This question will really help someone who is applying for a fresher to middle level. The answers will give you an idea of what will be your learning curve in the organisation. “Though it’s very important to find out how a candidate will contribute to the organisation, it is also important to know how they view a job. Is it only for a survival or they are keen to learn from their colleagues. This shows that a candidate is passionate about his work,” points out Kulkarni.
5. How does compensation work? Is salary the only component, or are their equity or bonus/commission programs? What opportunities are there for me to grow my compensation? Don’t shy away from asking this question. It is better to clarify your doubts before joining than being unhappy about the compensation later on. This will reflect your overall attitude towards the organisation and work, as well.
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Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Job interviews and how to win them
Why do people go to school? We all know that the primary reason is basic education for personal growth and development. This reason is still the top most even these days. In these practical days, going to school is more of a preparation for the future. A future that is envisioned to be something of progress is what parents want for their children. Getting a college degree and land a stable job is what they dream of.
After years in college or university, one will then face the challenging real world. To find a job or to quit the next level is a question for future-seekers. Finding a job especially the one you want is not that easy these days. Competition is so stiff and qualifications are demanding. Both unemployment and underemployment are social problems greatly affecting a country. Every year, the employment world welcomes many hopeful young people to have jobs. In response to this, localities launch job fairs almost annually with the aim of helping job seekers find the job for them. Thousands try, many get hired and others go home- still jobless.
Job fairs are good venues for fresh graduates to find their first job. For those who wish to change their current job, job fairs offer many options to choose from and try out. There are a huge number of applicants from everywhere. How could one win the heart of his or her target company? Some say that a job fair is just a drop-your-resume and try-your-luck thing. No it is not. Be proactive and come to think of it: you could introduce your self to 20-more companies in just a couple of hours.
Did you know that there is a huge chance to win a job? Yes, that is by making it big in a job interview.
The ability to make it bigger than hundreds of those other job seekers is the responsibility of every aspirant. Considering some really a couple of useful tips like as follows would help them out a lot. In a job interview when you try your luck at jobs fair, remember these few of reminders.
Applicants prepare the most detailed resume since employers would base their judgment over those pages of paper. An impressive resume is not actually the first means to make an employer be interested to your application. He or she will only be looking forward to read your resume if you look impressive from the very start, it will make good impressions will come your way. Dress up and act as a professional you must not come in the thickest make-up or the flashiest clothes. Come on time, wear your skin and flaunt what you have. Answer questions sincerely and remember to relax while answering. Pay attention to the interviewer and flaunt your assets.
Job Fairs may lead you to your first or last job. Job interviews are your keys to the doors of opportunities.
After years in college or university, one will then face the challenging real world. To find a job or to quit the next level is a question for future-seekers. Finding a job especially the one you want is not that easy these days. Competition is so stiff and qualifications are demanding. Both unemployment and underemployment are social problems greatly affecting a country. Every year, the employment world welcomes many hopeful young people to have jobs. In response to this, localities launch job fairs almost annually with the aim of helping job seekers find the job for them. Thousands try, many get hired and others go home- still jobless.
Job fairs are good venues for fresh graduates to find their first job. For those who wish to change their current job, job fairs offer many options to choose from and try out. There are a huge number of applicants from everywhere. How could one win the heart of his or her target company? Some say that a job fair is just a drop-your-resume and try-your-luck thing. No it is not. Be proactive and come to think of it: you could introduce your self to 20-more companies in just a couple of hours.
Did you know that there is a huge chance to win a job? Yes, that is by making it big in a job interview.
The ability to make it bigger than hundreds of those other job seekers is the responsibility of every aspirant. Considering some really a couple of useful tips like as follows would help them out a lot. In a job interview when you try your luck at jobs fair, remember these few of reminders.
Applicants prepare the most detailed resume since employers would base their judgment over those pages of paper. An impressive resume is not actually the first means to make an employer be interested to your application. He or she will only be looking forward to read your resume if you look impressive from the very start, it will make good impressions will come your way. Dress up and act as a professional you must not come in the thickest make-up or the flashiest clothes. Come on time, wear your skin and flaunt what you have. Answer questions sincerely and remember to relax while answering. Pay attention to the interviewer and flaunt your assets.
Job Fairs may lead you to your first or last job. Job interviews are your keys to the doors of opportunities.
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
6 Good work habits for every employee
Small steps add up to big results. Charter your success
story by imbibing small but effective work habits into your daily work day.
Here’s a list for the same.
To be successful in one’s career does not necessarily mean
working on the overdrive or constantly fret over the next milestone to achieve.
Rather, it is a cumulative of everyday work habits that ensure quality and
productivity in one’s work that eventually adds up to that big promotion,
salary hike, recognition etc.
Procrastination cripples not just work but
also creates panic situations as deadlines loom nearby. Every task demands
completion – yes, some require priority and others can be scheduled for a later
time. However, putting off work due to reasons like inertia towards new
challenges, fear of failing, lack of proper planning etc are actions that only
pull one back and hinder progress. Be the leader for your work and
consequently, your career chart.
Responsibility – It is important to take ownership for one’s
work, whether it is an idea for a project, a delegated responsibility, or even
a task gone wrong. What falls in your court is your play – so stand up and be a
responsible boss, senior, co-worker, or subordinate. Being responsible creates
for a healthy work environment and team spirit.
Proactive – To be able to connect with your work and find a
purpose in what you do, it is essential to bring to it both your expertise and
your individuality. If there is something you would like done differently, then
be the change you wish to see – be it the work itself or the approach to it. It
is important to showcase the personal brand and commitment that our resume
promises at the time of job application.
Team player – You may be a hard worker, a smart worker, a
result-oriented driven employee, etc but the fact remains that your work
contribution is only one part of the overall team’s work. Everyone pitches in
with their efforts that make a project and organisation function. Mutual
respect, openness towards understanding alternative points of views, and
working as a collective unit are crucial for smooth sailing of a team. Be a
sport!
Active learner – It is easy to fall prey to complacency and
a lackadaisical attitude towards work that has become routine for quite a while
now. However, if allowed to continued so, days and weeks can give way to months
of monotony, job dissatisfaction and career stagnation. Stay updated with the
latest trends and news in your domain, involve yourself in projects that offer
something new to learn, enrol for workshops or courses that could take you to the
next level (either in the current job or enhance your resume for future job
hunts), and all together make you a valuable asset to any organisation you work
with.
Organised and driven – Being organised in your work helps
keep track of work progress and allows you to be on top of your to-do lists and
planning at all times. It also means that you walk into meetings prepared with
what you have to say and deliver and are in control of the work that falls
under you. All in all, a committed approach to one’s work helps inch towards
one’s career goals with panache and not strife.
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Tips to be smart at work
Being smart at work has become quintessential to getting noticed and tasting success in office. Here are smart tips to attain recognition for your work.
Resumes, cover letters, interviews, performance are the keystones to build your career. Butwhen it comes to the real corporate world, there are some smart ways to get your job and career on the fast track. Hard work does pay off in the end, but it might take some time to get you noticed. So what do you need to taste early success? Here is the answer to the question.
Be smart in office. Being smart not only at work but in the way you conduct yourself, will take you a long way. Read the top 4 ways of being smart:
• Smart company. Your circle of friends in office defines the kind of person you are. Like-minded people always flock together, so it is important to choose your company wisely. Not everyone in office gets a chance to know you personally. Do not give them a wrong picture. Steer clear from whiney and loud people. If they are unavoidable then take extra efforts to move out and bond with the rest.
• Smart reputation. A popular and candid person is more likely to quickly progress in life. It might seem unfair as a quiet person may be equally good at work. But unfortunately it is true. A person who is more vocal and engaging wins a promotion faster. (Also read: 4 ways to get ahead in your company)
• Smart conversations with seniors cement their belief in you. It is imperative to be in touch with seniors for them to know you. Brief them from time to time about your work, likes and dislikes. Leave no scope for hesitation on their part about your work and you, at the time of appraisal.
• Smart “you’. Be diligent towards work. Never stop learning in your job. Never say no to work. All talk and no work will also land you nowhere. Be reliable.
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Wednesday, June 15, 2011
List of MBBS Entrance Exams in India
Entrance exams for the intake of students interested in medical science. The minimum criteria needed is science in 10+2 level with minimum 50% marks (physics, biology, chemistry and mathematics). Almost all the candidates aspiring to be Doctors take the All India Test. The tests are conducted once every year. All India institutes of medical sciences (AIIMS)), All State Level common medical entrance examination.
The common medical entrance examinations are conducted by the CBSE along with the State Medical Council Board and the individual universities and colleges for admission to MBBS courses in medical colleges all over the country. Students opting for Medical/BDS courses are tested in Physics, Chemistry and Biology. All the medical entrance exams/tests are conducted every year in the months of April and May.
List of MBBS Entrance Examinations
AIIMS Entrance Exams – All India Institute of Medical Science Entrance Exam
AIPMT- All India –Pre Medical/ Pre Dental Entrance Exam
AIMS- Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences
AFMC- Armed Forces Medical College exam
AIPGDET - All India Post Graduate Dental Entrance Test
AIPGMET - All India Post Graduate Medical Entrance Test
AIPVT - All India Pre Veterinary Test
AIPGMEE - All India Post Graduate Medical/Dental Entrance Exam
All India Common Entrance Exam, Vinayaka Mission University
All India common Entrance test, Dr. DY Patil Medical College.
AMU Medical Entrance Exam
BLDE University under graduate entrance Test
DUMET - Delhi University Medical/ Dental Entrance test
DUPGMET - Delhi University Post Graduate Medical Entrance Test
DUSET- Delhi University Super- speciality Entrance Test
Haryana PMT -Haryana Pre- Medical Test
HP CPMT - Himachal Pradesh Combined Pre Medical Entrance Test HP CPMT Medical Entrance Exam
JIPMER - Jawaharlal Institute of Post-graduate Medical Education and Research
KLE UGAIET / PGAIET - KLE University Under Graduate/Post Graduate All India Entrance Test
KEAM- Kerala Entrance Exam (MBBS, BDS, BV.Sc AND AH)
Medical Entrance Exams in Delhi
Medical entrance examinations in Andhra Pradesh
MP DMAT - All India Dental & Medical Admission Test - Madhya Pradesh
PGIMER - Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research
SRM Institute of Science and Technology Medical Entrance Exam.
UPCAT/ UPCMET/UPCPMT – Uttar Pradesh Medical Entrance Exams
These are some of the major MBBS entrance tests conducted by the universities and colleges. Admission to the MBBS is based on the marks gained in the entrance exams. Students attend group seminars and present project reports based on their knowledge. All the exams are conducted on different dates. There are quite a number of recognized colleges all over India which admit students for MBBS program based on the entrance exam conducted at the respective state. All India entrance exams will have test centers all over India including minor cities.
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The common medical entrance examinations are conducted by the CBSE along with the State Medical Council Board and the individual universities and colleges for admission to MBBS courses in medical colleges all over the country. Students opting for Medical/BDS courses are tested in Physics, Chemistry and Biology. All the medical entrance exams/tests are conducted every year in the months of April and May.
List of MBBS Entrance Examinations
AIIMS Entrance Exams – All India Institute of Medical Science Entrance Exam
AIPMT- All India –Pre Medical/ Pre Dental Entrance Exam
AIMS- Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences
AFMC- Armed Forces Medical College exam
AIPGDET - All India Post Graduate Dental Entrance Test
AIPGMET - All India Post Graduate Medical Entrance Test
AIPVT - All India Pre Veterinary Test
AIPGMEE - All India Post Graduate Medical/Dental Entrance Exam
All India Common Entrance Exam, Vinayaka Mission University
All India common Entrance test, Dr. DY Patil Medical College.
AMU Medical Entrance Exam
BLDE University under graduate entrance Test
DUMET - Delhi University Medical/ Dental Entrance test
DUPGMET - Delhi University Post Graduate Medical Entrance Test
DUSET- Delhi University Super- speciality Entrance Test
Haryana PMT -Haryana Pre- Medical Test
HP CPMT - Himachal Pradesh Combined Pre Medical Entrance Test HP CPMT Medical Entrance Exam
JIPMER - Jawaharlal Institute of Post-graduate Medical Education and Research
KLE UGAIET / PGAIET - KLE University Under Graduate/Post Graduate All India Entrance Test
KEAM- Kerala Entrance Exam (MBBS, BDS, BV.Sc AND AH)
Medical Entrance Exams in Delhi
Medical entrance examinations in Andhra Pradesh
MP DMAT - All India Dental & Medical Admission Test - Madhya Pradesh
PGIMER - Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research
SRM Institute of Science and Technology Medical Entrance Exam.
UPCAT/ UPCMET/UPCPMT – Uttar Pradesh Medical Entrance Exams
These are some of the major MBBS entrance tests conducted by the universities and colleges. Admission to the MBBS is based on the marks gained in the entrance exams. Students attend group seminars and present project reports based on their knowledge. All the exams are conducted on different dates. There are quite a number of recognized colleges all over India which admit students for MBBS program based on the entrance exam conducted at the respective state. All India entrance exams will have test centers all over India including minor cities.
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Monday, November 1, 2010
Creating a Perfect Graphic Design Resume
Create a graphic design resume to outline your skills, experience, and education for prospective employers and clients. The most important thing to remember when creating your graphic design resume is that your portfolio is a separate item. Don't try to showcase your skills as a graphic designer within your resume by using fancy fonts, graphics you have created, page borders, or graphic page dividers. Keep your graphic design resume simple, professional, and organized.
Your graphic design resume should be tailored to showcase the skills requested for the opportunity or job offer that you are seeking. It is okay, and actually a good idea, to keep a stock graphic design resume on hand, updating it whenever you change positions or complete a significant freelance assignment. However, be prepared to make changes to the organization of your graphic design resume if it seems warranted by the opportunity you are seeking.
There are many things you should be sure to include in your graphic design resume. Make sure you list all of the computer software, technologies, and skills you have acquired, your level of expertise, and how long you have been familiar with the skill, software, or technology. You should also list any certifications or degrees you have received. If you do not have a college degree but do have professional certifications or awards, you do not need to list your high school education on your graphic design resume.
Your graphic design resume should also include information about your previous employers or projects. This may sound obvious, but many graphic designers are not aware of what information should be included in their experience. Any significant freelance assignments and any industry related work experience should be included in your graphic design resume. Do not list jobs like fast food or retail in your graphic design resume. It should be geared to showcase your talents in the graphic design field, and other jobs you have held on your way to your chosen career as a graphic designer are unimportant.
Your experience section of your graphic design resume should show the month and year of employment or the freelance assignment, and the month and year that the employment ended. Your graphic design resume should also highlight specific achievements at each position, or ways that the work you did or the freelance assignment you completed benefited the company you were working for.
Make sure that in addition to any educational references and mentions that you list all of your academic and professional achievements, significant projects, awards, and certifications on your graphic design resume. Many graphic designers neglect to include specific information in this section of their graphic design resume.
Finally, the best thing you can do to make sure that your graphic design resume is perfect is to proofread your graphic design resume. If you're not sure that you have caught everything, have someone else proofread it as well. If you submit a graphic design resume with errors of any kind, you will be labeled as not being detail oriented, and you will not get the job or project that you are applying for, regardless of your skills or talent.
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Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Reviewing your final resume - what to look for and who to ask for help
One of the most commonly made mistakes in resume writing that many professionals make is not taking the time to proofread the document before sending it to the potential employer. While writing a resume is a time consuming process, not reviewing your final document with fresh eyes may cause your resume to end up in a recycling bin. To assure that all your efforts are not wasted, make sure that you take the following three steps to assure your resume is in top shape before it reaches your potential employer.
1. Proofread the content for grammar and spelling mistakes. This step is the most critical in the resume review process. It is often hard to catch composition errors after you send hours writing and re-writing all parts of your resume. There are two ways to catch these errors: ask someone else to proof your resume, or give yourself time between writing and reviewing your resume. If you ask a friend or a family member for help, make sure that their strengths include spelling and grammar; they should be able to edit your resume for content and consistency in style. Asking others to review your resume, however, should be done with parameters. For example, let your friend know what you are struggling with, so that they can help you address those concerns. Because personal preferences can come into play when you are discussing resumes, make sure that the changes you make are the kind you are comfortable with in terms of content. Another step in proofreading, which should be thought of as a must, is stepping away from your resume for a day or two, and coming back to it for a final review. This gives you some space from the content, and will allow you to review for grammar and spelling errors with fresh eyes.
2. Print our and email your resume so that you know what your potential employer will receive after you submit your resume. Make sure to print your resume from the file that you are emailing to your employer. Make sure that the margins are set properly and are not cutting off any content. Look for spaces, and adjust the text in case of any large gaps on the paper. E-mail your resume to a number of your friends; have them open the file and let you know how it appears on their screen, as well as how it prints out. Addressing any formatting issues before your resume reaches the employer is ideal, so doing a couple of test runs will only assist in developing a winning final resume.
3. Compare your resume to the job requirements, and make sure that all requirements are addressed in either your resume or your cover letter. Essentially, review what the employer is looking for and make sure that your resume addresses all of their needs. When your potential employer receives your resume, they will look for key terms from their job description in order to match your qualifications to their available position. If possible, use some of the same terminology on your resume as the employer used on the job description. This will let the employer know that you are in synch with their needs, and make them more interested in you as the ideal candidate for the job. Ask one of your friends to review the job description and your resume as well, and give you their impression on how well the two match.
Poorly written or formatted resumes let your employer know that you don’t pay any attention to detail. Taking the extra time to do a final review of your resume is the key to getting employer’s attention and getting the job you always wanted.
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1. Proofread the content for grammar and spelling mistakes. This step is the most critical in the resume review process. It is often hard to catch composition errors after you send hours writing and re-writing all parts of your resume. There are two ways to catch these errors: ask someone else to proof your resume, or give yourself time between writing and reviewing your resume. If you ask a friend or a family member for help, make sure that their strengths include spelling and grammar; they should be able to edit your resume for content and consistency in style. Asking others to review your resume, however, should be done with parameters. For example, let your friend know what you are struggling with, so that they can help you address those concerns. Because personal preferences can come into play when you are discussing resumes, make sure that the changes you make are the kind you are comfortable with in terms of content. Another step in proofreading, which should be thought of as a must, is stepping away from your resume for a day or two, and coming back to it for a final review. This gives you some space from the content, and will allow you to review for grammar and spelling errors with fresh eyes.
2. Print our and email your resume so that you know what your potential employer will receive after you submit your resume. Make sure to print your resume from the file that you are emailing to your employer. Make sure that the margins are set properly and are not cutting off any content. Look for spaces, and adjust the text in case of any large gaps on the paper. E-mail your resume to a number of your friends; have them open the file and let you know how it appears on their screen, as well as how it prints out. Addressing any formatting issues before your resume reaches the employer is ideal, so doing a couple of test runs will only assist in developing a winning final resume.
3. Compare your resume to the job requirements, and make sure that all requirements are addressed in either your resume or your cover letter. Essentially, review what the employer is looking for and make sure that your resume addresses all of their needs. When your potential employer receives your resume, they will look for key terms from their job description in order to match your qualifications to their available position. If possible, use some of the same terminology on your resume as the employer used on the job description. This will let the employer know that you are in synch with their needs, and make them more interested in you as the ideal candidate for the job. Ask one of your friends to review the job description and your resume as well, and give you their impression on how well the two match.
Poorly written or formatted resumes let your employer know that you don’t pay any attention to detail. Taking the extra time to do a final review of your resume is the key to getting employer’s attention and getting the job you always wanted.
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Addressing the cover letters – avoid these three major mistakes
Many professionals spend hours writing and re-writing their cover letter. With each resume submission, we tend to revise our cover letter to make sure that it is personalized for the position we are applying for. While we spend so much time on the content of the cover letter, we seem to disregard a very important and prominent area of the letter – the address line. Most mistakes in the cover letter are made in the address line. This is very problematic as this is the first piece of information that the potential employer sees on your resume. If mistakes are made in the address line, it is likely that the potential employer will discard the letter and you will lose an opportunity to be considered as a candidate for the job that you want.
The following three mistakes are most common in addressing the cover letter and should be considered before your cover letter is sent to the employer:
1. Not addressing the letter to a person. This is a big mistake in the world of cover letters. Generic greetings, such as “To whom it may concern” or “Dear Human Resources Team,” are not favorable. If the job description or posting does not include the contact person, you will need to do some research to find out who the appropriate contact is for the job you are applying for. Additionally, avoid addressing the letter to a job title. Call the organization and find out who is the hiring manager or the recruiter for the job, and address the letter directly to them. In case it is impossible to find out who the appropriate contact is, it is often recommended that you leave off any generic greetings and simply begin the cover letter.
2. Misspelling the name of the organization. Even if you are addressing your cover letter to a specific person, you will still need to include the name of the company and their address. Always make sure that the company name is spelled correctly. Hiring managers and recruiters know from experience that misspelling the company name is a common mistake, but it’s the easiest one to avoid. Triple-check the company name on your cover letter. If your potential employer receives the letter with the incorrect company name, your letter will never make it past the first person who receives it.
3. Your first sentence doesn’t explain why you are contacting the company. This is a common mistake as many people assume that stating that you are contacting the company regarding employment, as you are including your resume, is unnecessary. However, this is not the case. Let your potential employer exactly why you are contacting them; state the title of the job you are interested in, and how your qualifications make you an ideal candidate for the job. Your first statement needs to be straight forward, energetic, and positive, and it should invite the employer to read through the rest of the cover letter. Bland and generic opening statements will result in disinterest on the part of your employer, and your resume will not get pass the first review.
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Five common cover letter mistakes
With every resume submission, you should have a cover letter that accompanies it and presents you as a positive and qualified candidate for the job. A cover letter should highlight areas of your resume which promote your professional experience, and should address any questions an employer may have about hiring you for the job. There are five common cover letter mistakes outlined below that you must avoid in order to get through the first round of resume review and move one step closer to getting the job that you want.
1. Addressing the cover letter using a generic greeting, or misspelling the name of the personal contact or the company. The address line is the most prominent part of the cover letter; it should be included even if the cover letter is sent via email. Generic greetings are not favored; they make it seem like you have a template for your cover letter and you simply send it to all employers you are interested in working for. Do the research and find out who the appropriate contact is for the cover letter. However, make sure that they name and the company name is spelled correctly. If your address line contains errors, your cover letter is likely to never make it to the hiring manager.
2. Telling the company what they can do for your career. Simply stated, employers care about your qualifications and what you can do for the company. Do not spend your time telling the company how working for them can be great for your career. While that could be true, it certainly is not what the employers want to hear. Your potential employers want to hear how you can benefit their team; they want to know what you can bring to the table that is innovative, and focused on results. Make sure that your resume lets your employer know just why you are the best candidate for the job.
3. You re-state your resume. Do not go over the information that is in your resume in your cover letter. Your cover letter is meant to entice, and provoke the employer to review your resume in great detail. Re-stating the information in your resume doesn’t address what the employers want to know, which concerns reasons why you are the best candidate for the job. Highlight certain areas of your resume but do so in the context of your career goals and how such qualifications benefit the company.
4. Starting every sentence with “I”. While your cover letter is about you, starting each sentence this way will make your employer believe that your communication skills are not up to the level of your professional background. Discuss your qualifications, your goals and what you bring to the table in terms of the company, and your professional attributes.
5. Asking the employer to call you at their convenience. The most generic closing statements in cover letters ask the employer to contact you at their convenience. If you are truly excited about the opportunity with the employer, you won’t want to wait for them to call you back whenever they feel like it. What you should do instead is let them know when you want to follow up – and then do follow up. Close your cover letter by letting your potential employer know that you will contact them, as well as the manner in which you will do so. This shows your interest, and your take-charge attitude.
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1. Addressing the cover letter using a generic greeting, or misspelling the name of the personal contact or the company. The address line is the most prominent part of the cover letter; it should be included even if the cover letter is sent via email. Generic greetings are not favored; they make it seem like you have a template for your cover letter and you simply send it to all employers you are interested in working for. Do the research and find out who the appropriate contact is for the cover letter. However, make sure that they name and the company name is spelled correctly. If your address line contains errors, your cover letter is likely to never make it to the hiring manager.
2. Telling the company what they can do for your career. Simply stated, employers care about your qualifications and what you can do for the company. Do not spend your time telling the company how working for them can be great for your career. While that could be true, it certainly is not what the employers want to hear. Your potential employers want to hear how you can benefit their team; they want to know what you can bring to the table that is innovative, and focused on results. Make sure that your resume lets your employer know just why you are the best candidate for the job.
3. You re-state your resume. Do not go over the information that is in your resume in your cover letter. Your cover letter is meant to entice, and provoke the employer to review your resume in great detail. Re-stating the information in your resume doesn’t address what the employers want to know, which concerns reasons why you are the best candidate for the job. Highlight certain areas of your resume but do so in the context of your career goals and how such qualifications benefit the company.
4. Starting every sentence with “I”. While your cover letter is about you, starting each sentence this way will make your employer believe that your communication skills are not up to the level of your professional background. Discuss your qualifications, your goals and what you bring to the table in terms of the company, and your professional attributes.
5. Asking the employer to call you at their convenience. The most generic closing statements in cover letters ask the employer to contact you at their convenience. If you are truly excited about the opportunity with the employer, you won’t want to wait for them to call you back whenever they feel like it. What you should do instead is let them know when you want to follow up – and then do follow up. Close your cover letter by letting your potential employer know that you will contact them, as well as the manner in which you will do so. This shows your interest, and your take-charge attitude.
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Saturday, May 29, 2010
Engineering Job News: Tips To Survive Offshore Outsourcing
The cheap labor costs of Southeast Asia are like a siren call to more and more US employers seeking to lower support costs and improve profits. The increasingly common trend toward outsourcing labor to countries such as India, Malaysia, and Pakistan means jobs are leaking to a part of the world where workers fresh out of college or technical school will work for pennies on the dollar compared to American workers. For the American workers, that means the bar for entry-level positions is rising or the same positions are disappearing off the map completely.
What can you do to avoid losing out to offshore outsourcing?
Don't become a target.
What should you do if you find yourself facing joblessness due to outsourcing? Many would say make yourself indispensable, but is anyone ever really so valuable that they are indispensable? What makes someone indispensable in a company that has 1500 employees? Few things, but some key skills can give you an edge. Skills such as bilingualism, abilities with key or rare equipment, skills with software that is either so cutting-edge or so old that only a few can manipulate it well ¼ skills that will make you stand out in an ocean of other employees.
Move up the ladder rapidly.
Another way to deal with outsourcing is avoidance. Jobs that are outsource-able are not key positions in the first place. Therefore, the key is to rapidly move out of entry-level positions into positions that are less likely to be outsourced. Look around you. If you are in a company in an entry-level position that has 50 to 100 other people doing the exact same tasks you are doing, you may very well be in a Danger Zone for having your position outsourced. Make it your mission to get out of that huge fish barrel of low-skilled fish and into a position that can only effectively be done on home turf as rapidly as possible. Get promoted, get higher training or education, or go for a position that is more specialized.
Go smaller.
Consider changing jobs to a company that is smaller or more niche-oriented. Smaller companies generally do not outsource due to decreased cost effectiveness and often because they have a closer relationship with their customers. While offshore outsourcing may save dollars and improve stock prices, it often has detrimental effects on customer relations. Small companies cannot afford to lose customers because of poor customer service or language barriers and are therefore less likely to outsource offshore.
Go where the jobs are.
Displaced garment and textile workers in the Carolinas and other Southern states were left jobless almost overnight in the nineties when their employers moved operations to Central America or Asia. Those who did not have transferable skills or were unwilling to relocate were left floundering. Workers who thrived were the ones who learned new skills that were in demand or who were willing to move to areas where their current skills were needed.
Stay on the cutting edge of your field.
Work that is outsourced is generally grunt work that requires a labor force that is broadly skilled in the most common tasks, works with the most common applications, or can handle minimal communication coupled with heavy, repetitive-type work. There is always demand for skilled professionals who can work easily with the latest and greatest technology, who do not fear risk-taking and enjoy the challenge of development and innovation.
Will offshore outsourcing suddenly cease?
Not a chance as long as the American consumer continues to demand high-end technology for rock-bottom prices. The race to maintain market share while maintaining profits, demands cheaper and cheaper labor costs. Offshore outsourcing is a solution to that problem. It behooves American engineering and information technology workers not to be a part of the problem to begin with by pursuing education and training that sets them above their offshore labor competitors and takes them out of the fish barrel of low-end, low paid support type positions. America has always been the leader in innovation and development and engineers who concentrate on those areas will always have a place in this economy.
Jobs Links: Telecom & Computer IT Jobs - Bihar and Delhi NCR
What can you do to avoid losing out to offshore outsourcing?
Don't become a target.
What should you do if you find yourself facing joblessness due to outsourcing? Many would say make yourself indispensable, but is anyone ever really so valuable that they are indispensable? What makes someone indispensable in a company that has 1500 employees? Few things, but some key skills can give you an edge. Skills such as bilingualism, abilities with key or rare equipment, skills with software that is either so cutting-edge or so old that only a few can manipulate it well ¼ skills that will make you stand out in an ocean of other employees.
Move up the ladder rapidly.
Another way to deal with outsourcing is avoidance. Jobs that are outsource-able are not key positions in the first place. Therefore, the key is to rapidly move out of entry-level positions into positions that are less likely to be outsourced. Look around you. If you are in a company in an entry-level position that has 50 to 100 other people doing the exact same tasks you are doing, you may very well be in a Danger Zone for having your position outsourced. Make it your mission to get out of that huge fish barrel of low-skilled fish and into a position that can only effectively be done on home turf as rapidly as possible. Get promoted, get higher training or education, or go for a position that is more specialized.
Go smaller.
Consider changing jobs to a company that is smaller or more niche-oriented. Smaller companies generally do not outsource due to decreased cost effectiveness and often because they have a closer relationship with their customers. While offshore outsourcing may save dollars and improve stock prices, it often has detrimental effects on customer relations. Small companies cannot afford to lose customers because of poor customer service or language barriers and are therefore less likely to outsource offshore.
Go where the jobs are.
Displaced garment and textile workers in the Carolinas and other Southern states were left jobless almost overnight in the nineties when their employers moved operations to Central America or Asia. Those who did not have transferable skills or were unwilling to relocate were left floundering. Workers who thrived were the ones who learned new skills that were in demand or who were willing to move to areas where their current skills were needed.
Stay on the cutting edge of your field.
Work that is outsourced is generally grunt work that requires a labor force that is broadly skilled in the most common tasks, works with the most common applications, or can handle minimal communication coupled with heavy, repetitive-type work. There is always demand for skilled professionals who can work easily with the latest and greatest technology, who do not fear risk-taking and enjoy the challenge of development and innovation.
Will offshore outsourcing suddenly cease?
Not a chance as long as the American consumer continues to demand high-end technology for rock-bottom prices. The race to maintain market share while maintaining profits, demands cheaper and cheaper labor costs. Offshore outsourcing is a solution to that problem. It behooves American engineering and information technology workers not to be a part of the problem to begin with by pursuing education and training that sets them above their offshore labor competitors and takes them out of the fish barrel of low-end, low paid support type positions. America has always been the leader in innovation and development and engineers who concentrate on those areas will always have a place in this economy.
Jobs Links: Telecom & Computer IT Jobs - Bihar and Delhi NCR
Dressing Up For The Success Interview
Prepare and practice for an interview. After the date and venue has been set, allow time for enough preparation for the big day. Remember that first impressions do last, so the way an applicant look really does matter. Employers could easily give the verdict based on the manner of dressing during the initial interview.
Better questions and service can be received if the appearance itself commands respect. It is important to consider the surroundings of the company granting you an interview. There is no reason to be over dressed or poorly dressed during this very significant day. In fact, it is a good rule of thumb to always dress appropriately for any situation. All to often appearance is glossed over. Some might say that the inner characteristics of the person matter more, but in reality, you only have one opportunity for a first impression. Make it count!
Although there are specific guidelines that can be followed, these does not apply to all states like New York for example, where people wear trendy up to extreme styles that are far away from the usual fashion rules common people know. The rule of thumb should be to wear something that could boost more confidence. Below are the top ten do's and don'ts during an interview:
Ø Avoid wild colored nail polish before the interview. The same goes with long nails that could easily turn off some conservative employers. These should be neat and very tidy looking.
Ø Never wear jewelry that rattles and jiggles as you speak and move. Try not to wear two or more rings or earrings. Piercing aside from the ears is also a no.
Ø Professional hairdo also counts.Ø If you are a woman, wear closed shoes. Heels are very appropriate as this gives more confidence to an individual and sense of respect is also provided once they see the person wearing them.
Ø Again, for the ladies, never bare those newly shaven legs. If possible, use stockings regardless of the temperature. But make sure not to use fancy colored ones. Only use those made for neutral looking legs. These should also match the shoes.
Ø Remember that a good suit or dress brings more confidence as well. This will also allow more comfort and chance for the applicant to answer comfortably or with ease.
Ø Avoid short skirts for women. Wearing pants or leggings are a no, no during interviews.
Ø Wear the appropriate blazers just as long as they do not look fashion outdated. Do not use any leather coats or jackets.
Ø For men, the tie is still appropriate. Avoid using turtlenecks. If there is no suit and tie available, use a collared shirt or white long sleeves.
Ø Men must not use too much aftershave.
Ø Women should be using bags that are not too bright and conspicuous. These should be conservative and matching the dress.
Ø Any briefcase used must be in perfect condition.
The way a person looks equal the message he is trying to convey. During the interview, this can either become a plus factor for the applicant or big loss. Know for a fact that the way an applicant should look must be appealing, fashionable but not loud.
Consider the latest trends in the area or location where the prospective job is located. One aspect that is a part of how employer picks a new hire is based on the physical attributes of the applicant. From the way the hands were shaken, keeping an eye contact, the way the posture was maintained, the smile was delivered up to the manner of dressing is being rated already.
Regardless of your personal career background, skills, and underlying talents, if the first impression was never striking enough to make an outstanding appeal to the interviewers, nothing else counts. This can be the potential employers’ initial interpretation of how an applicant will do on the job.
Whether that perception is “fair” is irrelevant. Do you want the job? Look the part and your chances for success are much greater!
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Better questions and service can be received if the appearance itself commands respect. It is important to consider the surroundings of the company granting you an interview. There is no reason to be over dressed or poorly dressed during this very significant day. In fact, it is a good rule of thumb to always dress appropriately for any situation. All to often appearance is glossed over. Some might say that the inner characteristics of the person matter more, but in reality, you only have one opportunity for a first impression. Make it count!
Although there are specific guidelines that can be followed, these does not apply to all states like New York for example, where people wear trendy up to extreme styles that are far away from the usual fashion rules common people know. The rule of thumb should be to wear something that could boost more confidence. Below are the top ten do's and don'ts during an interview:
Ø Avoid wild colored nail polish before the interview. The same goes with long nails that could easily turn off some conservative employers. These should be neat and very tidy looking.
Ø Never wear jewelry that rattles and jiggles as you speak and move. Try not to wear two or more rings or earrings. Piercing aside from the ears is also a no.
Ø Professional hairdo also counts.Ø If you are a woman, wear closed shoes. Heels are very appropriate as this gives more confidence to an individual and sense of respect is also provided once they see the person wearing them.
Ø Again, for the ladies, never bare those newly shaven legs. If possible, use stockings regardless of the temperature. But make sure not to use fancy colored ones. Only use those made for neutral looking legs. These should also match the shoes.
Ø Remember that a good suit or dress brings more confidence as well. This will also allow more comfort and chance for the applicant to answer comfortably or with ease.
Ø Avoid short skirts for women. Wearing pants or leggings are a no, no during interviews.
Ø Wear the appropriate blazers just as long as they do not look fashion outdated. Do not use any leather coats or jackets.
Ø For men, the tie is still appropriate. Avoid using turtlenecks. If there is no suit and tie available, use a collared shirt or white long sleeves.
Ø Men must not use too much aftershave.
Ø Women should be using bags that are not too bright and conspicuous. These should be conservative and matching the dress.
Ø Any briefcase used must be in perfect condition.
The way a person looks equal the message he is trying to convey. During the interview, this can either become a plus factor for the applicant or big loss. Know for a fact that the way an applicant should look must be appealing, fashionable but not loud.
Consider the latest trends in the area or location where the prospective job is located. One aspect that is a part of how employer picks a new hire is based on the physical attributes of the applicant. From the way the hands were shaken, keeping an eye contact, the way the posture was maintained, the smile was delivered up to the manner of dressing is being rated already.
Regardless of your personal career background, skills, and underlying talents, if the first impression was never striking enough to make an outstanding appeal to the interviewers, nothing else counts. This can be the potential employers’ initial interpretation of how an applicant will do on the job.
Whether that perception is “fair” is irrelevant. Do you want the job? Look the part and your chances for success are much greater!
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Don’t Skip The Follow Up After An Interview
How to write a thank you letter to use after an interview, a phone interview, or even to someone who passed your name on to a hiring manager is an art that is not taught as often as it should be by placement services and others who help job seekers with finding jobs. They always cover the basics of resume writing, interview preparation, cover letter writing, how to create a reference sheet, and even how to prepare a salary history, which isn’t even required that often, but how to write a thank you letter is a subject that should be covered. It is a necessary skill that puts the capstone on the interview or other contact you had, makes you appear to be thoughtful and intelligent, and puts you above the crowd.
Some hiring managers are so swamped with resumes and cover letters when they post a listing on an online job bank or run a newspaper classified ad that they look for reasons to discard resumes. Having five hundred resumes in your email in box can be quite intimidating. Some hiring managers have been known to send out an automated response to all applicants letting them know that the resume was received. They will then sit back and wait for further communication. If an applicant knows how to write a thank you letter they have a jump on the competition immediately.
How to do it? As in all formal correspondence it should be block formatted with proper spelling, addresses and salutations. Keep it short—two or three paragraphs. In the first paragraph express your primary purpose by thanking the person you are writing to for their time and consideration.
Business people are busy and time is a valuable commodity. In the second paragraph restate one or two key job skills you can bring to the position. Remind the reader as to why you are a good candidate for the job. In the third paragraph, thank the reader again, and reiterate that you are available by phone, email or in person should they have further questions. End with the traditional business ending “sincerely yours”.
An example of how knowing how to write it occurred with one job seeker a few years ago at a business brokerage in the Midwest. This job seeker was already working as a part-time telemarketer. She was competing for a full-time office manager position against two other. One of the men had a bachelors degree and the other was about to receive her bachelors. Both had several more years experience in office administration Obviously the other candidates were more qualified than the first applicant, but she knew how to write a thank you letter, and proved it. After her interview with the company owner, the managing broker and the old office manager (who was retiring and helping choose her own replacement) the fist candidate composed a thank you letter.
She then printed out individualized copies for each person she interviewed with mailed them that evening. When the interviewers received them the next day they were impressed with her thoughtfulness and adherence to protocol. Despite the fact that the other two applicants were more qualified, she was hired. The fact that she knew how to write one probably got her the job she was seeking.
Many hiring managers will interview multiple candidates and only hire from those who send thank you letters. Some studies have shown that only one in ten applicants see the importance of thank you letters, so it should be obvious that if you know how to write a thank you letter you have a very important job skill.
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A concise guide on how to best prepare and conduct a job interview.
Most people do not prepare properly for an interview. A lot of time, energy and money are spent in preparation for the chance to have an interview meeting with a prospective employer. However, little to no preparation is done for the interview itself. Most professionals spend an incredible amount of time preparing their resume, and even make a considerable investment to have their resumes prepared by skilled professionals so as to increase their chances of getting the interview. Ironically, many of these same professionals will then spend minimal time or investment in making certain that their interview skills are fine tuned.
Having an employer ask you to interview is not the ultimate goal; it's the second to last step in the overall job search process. The candidate interview is only one of several steps along the way. Being the very best candidate during the interview will typically result in the candidate landing that dream job offer. Many professionals make the same mistakes during the job search process. Amazingly, these well educated, highly skilled and experienced professionals keep repeating the same mistake and yet, expect different results or outcomes from candidate interviews. Often professionals treat the interview as something that is a forgone conclusion.
Somehow the confusion develops from thinking that the interview is the same as the job offer, let me reassure everyone taking a few minutes to read this article, in a word WRONG! So, if your goal is not landing the job of your dreams, then all you have to do is make the same critical errors outlined for you below. I promise you that if you consistently make all of the common mistakes listed the only job you land is the one you don't want; an eternity of searching for your next job.
Far more interviews are lost than won. There are things that will work to your advantage in an interview, and then again there are things that will absolutely kill your chances. Here are some of the biggest mistakes to avoid, if you want that job.
Your chances for success vastly improve by not doing what others do.
1. Don't Conduct Any "Pre-Flight" Planning!
This is the single biggest mistake you can make. There is a direct correlation to preparation and performance. Many professionals are walking into their interviews ill-equipped and unprepared and expecting to make the right impression. These professional are not walking away from the interview with job offer and unfortunately become doomed to repeat the process until the lesson is learned.
Good preparation means doing intensive research so that you know what you need to know about the hiring authority, knowing your capabilities and what you specifically can offer the hiring authority in the position they seek to fill. You must prepare and then practice so as to be able to respond to nearly any question thrown in your direction.
2. Don't Be Dynamic, Be Passive During The Interview!
You do not need to conduct the interview. However, this is your time to shine. You are in the spotlight. It's your opportunity to prove that you are the best candidate. It is not the interviewer's job to pull the information from you. Many people mistakenly believe that it's up to the hiring authority's interviewer to figure out if you're the best candidate. As the candidate, it is your responsibility to make the interviewer aware of your capabilities and why you are the best candidate to fill the open position.
Your goal is to make certain as you complete the interview, the interviewer knows all of your qualifications and how you will make positive and powerful contributions in your new position. By taking responsibility for your actions and accepting that you must convey your skills, experience, talent and persona in the most positive manner, it changes the way you prepare and how you conduct yourself during the interview. It separates your candidacy from the competition.
Often professionals "wing it" during the interview process. The problem is, if you do that you are leaving your career to chance and letting someone else take control of your destiny. If you want to succeed in an interview, you have to be proactive and think on your feet. An interview is the starting gate of a competitive race - there's only one winner. You should be thinking about what you need to say and do during the interview to be recognized as the best candidate to fill the position. What does the interview seek to find in a candidate? What do they want to hear from me? How can I be the candidate they select? Don't get caught up in the mindset of not preparing for the interview, think it through and plan for all possibilities so that you can beat the competition.
3. Why Make A Good First Impression? I Can Always Make A Second One, Right?
Wrong! Here's the fact - it only takes a few minutes for the interviewer to assess his/her first impression of you. You only get one chance to make a first impression. If you make a great first impression, the interviewer will automatically look for more positive contributions throughout the remainder of the interview to justify their first impression. The reverse is true. If you make a bad first impression, the interviewer will look for bad things to justify their first impression. It is either a Win-Win or Lose-Lose proposition with no middle ground. Your first impression must be good. You must start out strong and maintain the strength.
Starting strong means greeting the interviewer with confidence, being personable, and conducting yourself professionally at all times. No matter how formal or informal the interviewer may appear during the interview process, you must exude confidence and professional demeanor.Maintaining strength means nailing the first couple questions and all the subsequent questions thrown out at you. One of the most difficult questions can also be one of the easiest to answer. Most interviewers want to hear a strong answer to these four words, "tell me about yourself". Often these four words may be the most important question asked during an interview. Consequently, the question becomes the most important one you need to know how to answer.
4. Value? Value? We Don't Know Our Stinkin Value!
Knowing your specific value relative to the hiring authority is a big part of your preparation. More important is the ability to articulate your value in a concise, professional and intelligent manner. It boils down to good verbal and non-verbal communication skills. A couple of different ways to improve your communication skills in an interview: 1) prepare yourself - know your value, memorialize it through documentation and then practice. 2) ask for help -a professional sounding board being either a qualified (recruiter) friend or career professional, i.e., search recruiter or career coach, and 3) reflect on your self figuratively and also in the mirror (remember to smile and relax your words will flow smoothly) and then practice some more.You will leap ahead of other the other competing candidates as they will most likely stumble their way through the interview process. You will be the coherent, articulate, intelligent candidate clearly expressing why you are the best choice. You'll be remembered for all the right reasons unlike your competition.
5. Fake It Until You Make It?
Everyone going through a job search and interview process experiences a time when there may be at least one qualification that you don't have - maybe its lack of industry experience, lack of a degree or a specific accreditation they've asked to see from you, it could be anything. If you do lack something they want or need, you need to be ready to address it and do so with confidence.
Whatever you do always be direct and honest. Unfortunately, during interviews we are often times screened out for something we lack rather than the other way around. So interviewers need to convinced that if you don't have exactly what they seek, you can learn it quickly, or you'll get it, or you have another skill that makes up for it. Don't give them the opportunity to make a big deal out of something you lack…be poised and confident without showing any signs of being nervous. Find an answer that eliminates their concern and most likely they'll select you based on what you can offer rather than eliminate you for something they deem important that you don't possess.
Remember, a superior resume is valuable because it gets you the interview…but superior interviewing skills will get you the job! Improve your interviewing skills, learn the best practices and strategies to succeed, and you will consistently get the offers you want.
Wishing You All Job Search and Interviewing Success!
Having an employer ask you to interview is not the ultimate goal; it's the second to last step in the overall job search process. The candidate interview is only one of several steps along the way. Being the very best candidate during the interview will typically result in the candidate landing that dream job offer. Many professionals make the same mistakes during the job search process. Amazingly, these well educated, highly skilled and experienced professionals keep repeating the same mistake and yet, expect different results or outcomes from candidate interviews. Often professionals treat the interview as something that is a forgone conclusion.
Somehow the confusion develops from thinking that the interview is the same as the job offer, let me reassure everyone taking a few minutes to read this article, in a word WRONG! So, if your goal is not landing the job of your dreams, then all you have to do is make the same critical errors outlined for you below. I promise you that if you consistently make all of the common mistakes listed the only job you land is the one you don't want; an eternity of searching for your next job.
Far more interviews are lost than won. There are things that will work to your advantage in an interview, and then again there are things that will absolutely kill your chances. Here are some of the biggest mistakes to avoid, if you want that job.
Your chances for success vastly improve by not doing what others do.
1. Don't Conduct Any "Pre-Flight" Planning!
This is the single biggest mistake you can make. There is a direct correlation to preparation and performance. Many professionals are walking into their interviews ill-equipped and unprepared and expecting to make the right impression. These professional are not walking away from the interview with job offer and unfortunately become doomed to repeat the process until the lesson is learned.
Good preparation means doing intensive research so that you know what you need to know about the hiring authority, knowing your capabilities and what you specifically can offer the hiring authority in the position they seek to fill. You must prepare and then practice so as to be able to respond to nearly any question thrown in your direction.
2. Don't Be Dynamic, Be Passive During The Interview!
You do not need to conduct the interview. However, this is your time to shine. You are in the spotlight. It's your opportunity to prove that you are the best candidate. It is not the interviewer's job to pull the information from you. Many people mistakenly believe that it's up to the hiring authority's interviewer to figure out if you're the best candidate. As the candidate, it is your responsibility to make the interviewer aware of your capabilities and why you are the best candidate to fill the open position.
Your goal is to make certain as you complete the interview, the interviewer knows all of your qualifications and how you will make positive and powerful contributions in your new position. By taking responsibility for your actions and accepting that you must convey your skills, experience, talent and persona in the most positive manner, it changes the way you prepare and how you conduct yourself during the interview. It separates your candidacy from the competition.
Often professionals "wing it" during the interview process. The problem is, if you do that you are leaving your career to chance and letting someone else take control of your destiny. If you want to succeed in an interview, you have to be proactive and think on your feet. An interview is the starting gate of a competitive race - there's only one winner. You should be thinking about what you need to say and do during the interview to be recognized as the best candidate to fill the position. What does the interview seek to find in a candidate? What do they want to hear from me? How can I be the candidate they select? Don't get caught up in the mindset of not preparing for the interview, think it through and plan for all possibilities so that you can beat the competition.
3. Why Make A Good First Impression? I Can Always Make A Second One, Right?
Wrong! Here's the fact - it only takes a few minutes for the interviewer to assess his/her first impression of you. You only get one chance to make a first impression. If you make a great first impression, the interviewer will automatically look for more positive contributions throughout the remainder of the interview to justify their first impression. The reverse is true. If you make a bad first impression, the interviewer will look for bad things to justify their first impression. It is either a Win-Win or Lose-Lose proposition with no middle ground. Your first impression must be good. You must start out strong and maintain the strength.
Starting strong means greeting the interviewer with confidence, being personable, and conducting yourself professionally at all times. No matter how formal or informal the interviewer may appear during the interview process, you must exude confidence and professional demeanor.Maintaining strength means nailing the first couple questions and all the subsequent questions thrown out at you. One of the most difficult questions can also be one of the easiest to answer. Most interviewers want to hear a strong answer to these four words, "tell me about yourself". Often these four words may be the most important question asked during an interview. Consequently, the question becomes the most important one you need to know how to answer.
4. Value? Value? We Don't Know Our Stinkin Value!
Knowing your specific value relative to the hiring authority is a big part of your preparation. More important is the ability to articulate your value in a concise, professional and intelligent manner. It boils down to good verbal and non-verbal communication skills. A couple of different ways to improve your communication skills in an interview: 1) prepare yourself - know your value, memorialize it through documentation and then practice. 2) ask for help -a professional sounding board being either a qualified (recruiter) friend or career professional, i.e., search recruiter or career coach, and 3) reflect on your self figuratively and also in the mirror (remember to smile and relax your words will flow smoothly) and then practice some more.You will leap ahead of other the other competing candidates as they will most likely stumble their way through the interview process. You will be the coherent, articulate, intelligent candidate clearly expressing why you are the best choice. You'll be remembered for all the right reasons unlike your competition.
5. Fake It Until You Make It?
Everyone going through a job search and interview process experiences a time when there may be at least one qualification that you don't have - maybe its lack of industry experience, lack of a degree or a specific accreditation they've asked to see from you, it could be anything. If you do lack something they want or need, you need to be ready to address it and do so with confidence.
Whatever you do always be direct and honest. Unfortunately, during interviews we are often times screened out for something we lack rather than the other way around. So interviewers need to convinced that if you don't have exactly what they seek, you can learn it quickly, or you'll get it, or you have another skill that makes up for it. Don't give them the opportunity to make a big deal out of something you lack…be poised and confident without showing any signs of being nervous. Find an answer that eliminates their concern and most likely they'll select you based on what you can offer rather than eliminate you for something they deem important that you don't possess.
Remember, a superior resume is valuable because it gets you the interview…but superior interviewing skills will get you the job! Improve your interviewing skills, learn the best practices and strategies to succeed, and you will consistently get the offers you want.
Wishing You All Job Search and Interviewing Success!
Friday, May 21, 2010
A Popularity Wave For Careers At Sea
Opportunity is high at sea for those seeking employment, and there are a number of reasons for this.
With the expansion of the Maritime Security Program (MSP), the MSP fleet is growing from 47 to 60 ships. There is also growth in the U.S.-flag cruise ship industry. Because there are so many different types of vessels, there is a range of choices that is unmatched. That means as employees working under contracts between maritime companies and the Seafarers International Union, merchant mariners have the opportunity to sail on a wide variety of vessels, including deep-sea cargo vessels and military support ships, where mariners continue to support U.S. troops in Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
Also in the opportunity mix are Great Lakes vessels, cable ships, tugboats and passenger ferries.
The place for many American men and women who set their sights on setting sail is the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. The state-of-the-art school, affiliated with the Seafarers International Union, offers the most U.S. Coast Guard-approved courses of any maritime school in the nation-from entry level to license preparation to academic support.
In addition to academic support, the school offers GED and college degree programs. In fact, many of the maritime classes can be used for college credits.
Since its opening in 1967, approximately 145,000 students have trained there. The apprentice program blends hands-on training with classroom instruction. It consists of three phases, including 90 days aboard a U.S.-flag ship. That particular phase has helped boost the industry's retention rate-approximately 75 percent of students who complete the entire program are still sailing four years later.
At any given time there are 100 trainees at the school-some in Phase 1, others in Phase 3 (Phase 2 is at sea).
Please visit ImtiazTips- Webmaster Articles & Website Design, Development Tutorial for more information about web design.
With the expansion of the Maritime Security Program (MSP), the MSP fleet is growing from 47 to 60 ships. There is also growth in the U.S.-flag cruise ship industry. Because there are so many different types of vessels, there is a range of choices that is unmatched. That means as employees working under contracts between maritime companies and the Seafarers International Union, merchant mariners have the opportunity to sail on a wide variety of vessels, including deep-sea cargo vessels and military support ships, where mariners continue to support U.S. troops in Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
Also in the opportunity mix are Great Lakes vessels, cable ships, tugboats and passenger ferries.
The place for many American men and women who set their sights on setting sail is the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. The state-of-the-art school, affiliated with the Seafarers International Union, offers the most U.S. Coast Guard-approved courses of any maritime school in the nation-from entry level to license preparation to academic support.
In addition to academic support, the school offers GED and college degree programs. In fact, many of the maritime classes can be used for college credits.
Since its opening in 1967, approximately 145,000 students have trained there. The apprentice program blends hands-on training with classroom instruction. It consists of three phases, including 90 days aboard a U.S.-flag ship. That particular phase has helped boost the industry's retention rate-approximately 75 percent of students who complete the entire program are still sailing four years later.
At any given time there are 100 trainees at the school-some in Phase 1, others in Phase 3 (Phase 2 is at sea).
Please visit ImtiazTips- Webmaster Articles & Website Design, Development Tutorial for more information about web design.
A Career Built On Character
"Personality can open doors, but only character can keep them open."
"The best job goes to the person who can get the job done without coming up with excuses or passing the buck"
Take ControlIt's important to keep in mind that you are responsible for your own career. Don't Expect the Human Resources Department to plan your career. In fact, don't expect anyone else to be concerned about it either.
There have been times in my career when someone has taken an interest in my promotion; however, it has always been in their own best interests to do so. Remember, companies are in business primarily to make money.
Dress for success - There is a clear distinction between how a President, a Senior Vice-President, a Vice-President, and District Manager dress. You should dress just a cut above your current level. Above Everything, Have Integrity
You will find that the concentration of integrity increases the higher you go in an organization.
Remember Who You Work For
Always Support the CompanyIt's true that where your treasure is, your heart will be also. There will be ample opportunities on a daily basis to bash your employer. Resist those opportunities. Keep in mind that
(1) you chose this company,
(2) they pay you, and
(3) you can leave if you want. The leaders of the company will not be impressed by your ability to complain.
Make Your Boss and Your Boss's Boss Look GoodAs a practical matter, you are most likely working to take your boss's job. Hopefully, your boss will be promoted, which will leave a vacancy. If your boss is not going anywhere, then the next level will have a major impact on your next position.
Who are the Leaders of the Company?Find out the background of the company executives. What career path did they take? Chances are, they will value those credentials above others. Take note of great people in the company and get connected to them. If possible, find a way to work for them. If not, establish a network with as many of them as possible. The best possibility is to ask one of them be your mentor. You will be surprised how many people will be interested in helping in this regard.
Learn the Rules
"Whoever gossips to you will gossip about you." ~Spanish Proverb
Watch What You Write or Say. Assume that anything you write or say will be read or heard by everyone in the company. E-mail makes it easy to respond emotionally. Before you respond to an irritating e-mail, take a minute to calm down, then, write the e-mail. If you have a tendency to send harsh messages, save a draft and review it sometime later to ensure the tone is business appropriate.
A corollary to this principle is Happy Hour - don't go! There is a huge risk of saying something you shouldn't say, getting out of control, or just being in the wrong place at the wrong time. You should stay out of office politics. Don't say anything bad about anyone, ever.
Arrive Early and Leave Late, but Not Too Late. You want the reputation of a hard worker, but not one that can't get their work done. This principle also applies to taking work home. Over the long-term, you want to have a life outside of work. Maintaining a work/life balance will keep you engaged in your job; therefore, more productive.
Find Out What Your Boss Wants and Deliver. Regardless of your personality, relationships, or good looks, you must be productive. For your boss, it means doing what they want, no matter how silly it may seem to you. For example, I had a boss that wanted to know how many Dairy Queens between Dallas and Houston served a particular yogurt.
Always say, "Yes!" to a request from leadership. For your boss, there are ways to provide better solutions without damaging the relationship.
"Always do more than is required of you." ~General Patton
Give People Credit. Don't take credit for yourself. This is important for a variety of reasons. First, you need people to help you get things done. Second, when people recognize people who work for you, you get the credit as well. Third, it's the right thing to do.
Conclusion
When It Comes to Your Career
1. You're Responsible
2. Remember Who You Work For
3. Learn the Rules
"Eagles don't flock; they fly alone. And eagles soar above the rest of their world. So, too, do people who start things, who lead groups or who otherwise set themselves apart from the crowd."
10 Steps to Getting Your Dream Job in Film Special Effects
Getting a break in film special effects is hard, but not as hard as you may think. The following ten things will go a long way to help you achieve your dream job.
1) Understand the Industry
If you want to work in special effects, it’s important not just to know the difference between a Stag (stagehand) and a Director, but know how special effects itself is divided up. Long gone are the days when Ray Harryhausen (Jason and the Argonauts) would lock himself in a shed with a small team of people and do all the special effects himself. Now, everything is spread across different teams and departments. So, if you’re interested in sculpting sets and large monsters, you want to work as a film sculptor; if you'd prefer smaller more technical projects you’d be better off choosing the model unit.
2) Be a Realist
Working in the creative industry and particularly the film industry is not easy. You’ll often be faced with challenging projects and demanding deadlines and there’ll be dozens of different people waiting for you to finish so they can complete their own jobs. You’ll have to strike a balance between the time allowed and quality of what you produce; you can’t get too precious about your work. Not only that, you’ve got to promote yourself – all special effects artists are freelance and you’ve got to hunt down the jobs out there.
3) Study Art
Whether you’re self-taught or went to Art College, it is vital you have a keen interest in Art to work in special effects. If someone asks you to sculpt a life-size Roman-style Statute or an Egyptian sarcophagus it’s invaluable to have a point of reference in your own mind. But more important than this, it’ll make the job more enjoyable. You may be flicking through an art book over the weekend, and on Monday morning you’re asked to recreate one of the pieces you’ve been admiring.
4) Drawing
In the film industry all technical drawings are done by draughtsmen in the Art Department. So is this just padding to reach the magic '10' steps? No. If you want to create any 3D object, particularly the human form, it is vital to learn to draw and keep practicing. Sculptors regularly liken sculpting to drawing their subjects in clay from various angles. The key to good sculpture, like drawing, is defining the lines and shadows.
5) Practice
This is obvious but it's also vitally important. If you practice creating and sculpting things in your spare time, you will improve. It is also very valuable to recreate a film working experience – so limit yourself to reference photographs (rather than a life model) and give yourself a challenging deadline for the job. A little more difficult, but just as valuable, is to try different mediums. You may be an expert in steel construction and welding, but unless you join the engineering side of special effects or metal work team, these skills are useless. The materials of choice in the films tend to be low-grade potter’s clay and polystyrene.
6) Approachable
Almost everyone in the film industry is self-employed and so they understand the only way to get work is to promote yourself. This doesn’t mean you should go around to a potential employer’s house or create wacky self-marketing campaigns; it means most people in the industry are approachable. If you cold call a relevant Head of Department (HOD) and show commitment and desire to learn they’ll often agreed to meet you for 5-10 minutes to look over your portfolio.
7) Persistence
When you do finally meet the man or woman you’re hoping to be your future boss, don’t stop there. They’ll take your details but it might be 18 months before they have a suitable project and give you a call. You need to make sure you meet as many future employers as possible, and stop and have a chat with other people in the department if you feel brave enough. Try and leave a card or better still, copies of your favourite 1 or 2 pieces of work with your contact details on (and ideally your online portfolio address if you have one). Then, give them a quick catch-up call every 6 months or so – even if they can’t offer you a job, it’s amazing how much information you’ll get about different opportunities.
8) Portfolio
The key rules to a good portfolio are simple:
>Diversity – show different types of work you may have done – you may be proud of the series of 18 statutes you’ve done, but don’t show them all. Also, you may not think that 30ft polystyrene snow drift shows you’re finesse as a sculptor, but it shows your versatility so put it in.
>Honesty – it should go without saying but it doesn’t. Only one thing gets a HOD's back-up more than seeing a large piece of work with someone claiming to have created it single-handedly, and that’s seeing a piece of their own work being claimed by someone else. Believe me, it does happen. So, be honest. If you did the left foot of a giant, then say so and don’t be ambiguous about it.
>Concise – use your opportunity wisely. 10-12 photos are definitely enough to show a range of your work and skills.
>Best Foot Forward – most people will make a decision about your work within 2-3 examples so put your best work at the very front.
>Presentation – try not to have scraps of paper tumbling out of your moth-eaten portfolio. Invest in an easy to carry A4 portfolio and use plastic binders. If you have any Photoshop skills to improve the presentation of your work then use them. Don’t feel the need to take in an example of your sculpture – you will be showing your work to professionals who are very used to assessing work through photographs.
>Information – you may have produced a full-scale replica of Michelangelo’s David, but if it took you three years it’s no good to the film industry. Make sure you note down the scale of each example of your work, what material you used and how long it took. These simple pieces of information are important for HODs and will be appreciated.
>Online Portfolio – if you can, get an online portfolio designed and make sure any contact details contain the address. Ideally, try and get the HOD’s email address so you can send them the link. Any time you update the contents of the portfolio, it’s a good excuse to contact the HOD with another link to your work.
9) Networking
Networking can feel a bit uncomfortable and embarrassing at times, but it is important to get to know what jobs are out there. After you’ve worked on a job or two you’ll get the phone numbers of a few fellow workers – make sure you give them a ring. But be warned, if you’re first to hear about the new James Bond film and then tell everyone, you’ll find yourself joining the queue to show your portfolio. This doesn’t mean you shouldn't share information you may have about up coming jobs, it means you should bear in mind that everyone is trying to get employment. It's also a good idea to keep an eye on movie news websites.
10) Watching Films
A great perk for those times when you’re not in work – you can watch films and claim it’s research. Obviously, it’s a great feeling to see your own work on the big screen, but it’s also exhilarating to see the work and names of people you know. After your first job or 2 you’ll very quickly start to feel part of the industry and start recognising names and faces. Also, for those jobs you missed out on, you can go and have a good grumble about how you would have done it better!
Working in the film industry is not for everyone; but if you’re keen and develop you’re skills and knowledge, then you’re likely to get an opportunity to show what you can do. Best of luck!
1) Understand the Industry
If you want to work in special effects, it’s important not just to know the difference between a Stag (stagehand) and a Director, but know how special effects itself is divided up. Long gone are the days when Ray Harryhausen (Jason and the Argonauts) would lock himself in a shed with a small team of people and do all the special effects himself. Now, everything is spread across different teams and departments. So, if you’re interested in sculpting sets and large monsters, you want to work as a film sculptor; if you'd prefer smaller more technical projects you’d be better off choosing the model unit.
2) Be a Realist
Working in the creative industry and particularly the film industry is not easy. You’ll often be faced with challenging projects and demanding deadlines and there’ll be dozens of different people waiting for you to finish so they can complete their own jobs. You’ll have to strike a balance between the time allowed and quality of what you produce; you can’t get too precious about your work. Not only that, you’ve got to promote yourself – all special effects artists are freelance and you’ve got to hunt down the jobs out there.
3) Study Art
Whether you’re self-taught or went to Art College, it is vital you have a keen interest in Art to work in special effects. If someone asks you to sculpt a life-size Roman-style Statute or an Egyptian sarcophagus it’s invaluable to have a point of reference in your own mind. But more important than this, it’ll make the job more enjoyable. You may be flicking through an art book over the weekend, and on Monday morning you’re asked to recreate one of the pieces you’ve been admiring.
4) Drawing
In the film industry all technical drawings are done by draughtsmen in the Art Department. So is this just padding to reach the magic '10' steps? No. If you want to create any 3D object, particularly the human form, it is vital to learn to draw and keep practicing. Sculptors regularly liken sculpting to drawing their subjects in clay from various angles. The key to good sculpture, like drawing, is defining the lines and shadows.
5) Practice
This is obvious but it's also vitally important. If you practice creating and sculpting things in your spare time, you will improve. It is also very valuable to recreate a film working experience – so limit yourself to reference photographs (rather than a life model) and give yourself a challenging deadline for the job. A little more difficult, but just as valuable, is to try different mediums. You may be an expert in steel construction and welding, but unless you join the engineering side of special effects or metal work team, these skills are useless. The materials of choice in the films tend to be low-grade potter’s clay and polystyrene.
6) Approachable
Almost everyone in the film industry is self-employed and so they understand the only way to get work is to promote yourself. This doesn’t mean you should go around to a potential employer’s house or create wacky self-marketing campaigns; it means most people in the industry are approachable. If you cold call a relevant Head of Department (HOD) and show commitment and desire to learn they’ll often agreed to meet you for 5-10 minutes to look over your portfolio.
7) Persistence
When you do finally meet the man or woman you’re hoping to be your future boss, don’t stop there. They’ll take your details but it might be 18 months before they have a suitable project and give you a call. You need to make sure you meet as many future employers as possible, and stop and have a chat with other people in the department if you feel brave enough. Try and leave a card or better still, copies of your favourite 1 or 2 pieces of work with your contact details on (and ideally your online portfolio address if you have one). Then, give them a quick catch-up call every 6 months or so – even if they can’t offer you a job, it’s amazing how much information you’ll get about different opportunities.
8) Portfolio
The key rules to a good portfolio are simple:
>Diversity – show different types of work you may have done – you may be proud of the series of 18 statutes you’ve done, but don’t show them all. Also, you may not think that 30ft polystyrene snow drift shows you’re finesse as a sculptor, but it shows your versatility so put it in.
>Honesty – it should go without saying but it doesn’t. Only one thing gets a HOD's back-up more than seeing a large piece of work with someone claiming to have created it single-handedly, and that’s seeing a piece of their own work being claimed by someone else. Believe me, it does happen. So, be honest. If you did the left foot of a giant, then say so and don’t be ambiguous about it.
>Concise – use your opportunity wisely. 10-12 photos are definitely enough to show a range of your work and skills.
>Best Foot Forward – most people will make a decision about your work within 2-3 examples so put your best work at the very front.
>Presentation – try not to have scraps of paper tumbling out of your moth-eaten portfolio. Invest in an easy to carry A4 portfolio and use plastic binders. If you have any Photoshop skills to improve the presentation of your work then use them. Don’t feel the need to take in an example of your sculpture – you will be showing your work to professionals who are very used to assessing work through photographs.
>Information – you may have produced a full-scale replica of Michelangelo’s David, but if it took you three years it’s no good to the film industry. Make sure you note down the scale of each example of your work, what material you used and how long it took. These simple pieces of information are important for HODs and will be appreciated.
>Online Portfolio – if you can, get an online portfolio designed and make sure any contact details contain the address. Ideally, try and get the HOD’s email address so you can send them the link. Any time you update the contents of the portfolio, it’s a good excuse to contact the HOD with another link to your work.
9) Networking
Networking can feel a bit uncomfortable and embarrassing at times, but it is important to get to know what jobs are out there. After you’ve worked on a job or two you’ll get the phone numbers of a few fellow workers – make sure you give them a ring. But be warned, if you’re first to hear about the new James Bond film and then tell everyone, you’ll find yourself joining the queue to show your portfolio. This doesn’t mean you shouldn't share information you may have about up coming jobs, it means you should bear in mind that everyone is trying to get employment. It's also a good idea to keep an eye on movie news websites.
10) Watching Films
A great perk for those times when you’re not in work – you can watch films and claim it’s research. Obviously, it’s a great feeling to see your own work on the big screen, but it’s also exhilarating to see the work and names of people you know. After your first job or 2 you’ll very quickly start to feel part of the industry and start recognising names and faces. Also, for those jobs you missed out on, you can go and have a good grumble about how you would have done it better!
Working in the film industry is not for everyone; but if you’re keen and develop you’re skills and knowledge, then you’re likely to get an opportunity to show what you can do. Best of luck!
Monday, May 17, 2010
1000 things you don’t want in your job hunt
GOING ONLY FOR BRANDINGDo you stick only to the top name job boards or portals? If yes, you are denying your chances of getting into specialized positions. Specialized groups or non-enterprise companies often steer clear of top names. Choose your resume posting based on the kind of recruiters that visit a given job boards.
OUTSOURCING YOUR JOB HUNTIf you are getting a peer or a consultant to do your job hunt to the level of making contact with a prospective employer - stop doing this now. You can get help to the level of someone gathering job order description or information for you. You make connect - use the opportunity to create an impression.
RESUME BLASTINGDo you treat your resume like a promotional mailer? Distribute it all over the place or get a group email ID and broadcast? This means (1) Your cover letter or your resume is not customized for the job order in hand - Resume customization in lieu of arranging the skill sets for the given job order. (2) You do not follow up; there are employers who seek to measure your interest with the follow up method that you adopt. Plus your prospective employer or their job consultant knows that you are hunting around, which will reduce your market value.
Another aspect of mindless blasting is clicking the APPLY FOR THIS JOB button wherever you see it. When you submit your resume to a job where you do not have minimum qualifications - and you have a reason to doing so - make an offline connect.
75% of email traffic received by a generic ID such as careers@bestemployer.com is junk. If you rely only on email to get your next job - forget it. Your resume is probably in the junk folder.
PRIVACYDo not write a tell tale resume with private information. We’ve heard enough and more about misuse of private information. Another aspect of privacy - using Internet at work to coordinate your job hunt. Wake up - Even a mom & pop street corner store can afford a network and a firewall in it.
INTERNET JOB HUNT BALANCE
You do not want to rely entirely on the internet for your job search. You do not want to deny the abundance of information that is available on the internet either. Depending on your skills and where you want to be working next, see if your target employers and their head hunters are hanging out in Print Classifieds or Job boards.
[ The Money making of a Niche ::Free Data Entry Work :: Imtiaztips Weblog :: Free Webmaster Articles :: More iPod Articles :: Download Freeware Software :: Updated Contents about Google AdSense for NEWBIES. ]
OUTSOURCING YOUR JOB HUNTIf you are getting a peer or a consultant to do your job hunt to the level of making contact with a prospective employer - stop doing this now. You can get help to the level of someone gathering job order description or information for you. You make connect - use the opportunity to create an impression.
RESUME BLASTINGDo you treat your resume like a promotional mailer? Distribute it all over the place or get a group email ID and broadcast? This means (1) Your cover letter or your resume is not customized for the job order in hand - Resume customization in lieu of arranging the skill sets for the given job order. (2) You do not follow up; there are employers who seek to measure your interest with the follow up method that you adopt. Plus your prospective employer or their job consultant knows that you are hunting around, which will reduce your market value.
Another aspect of mindless blasting is clicking the APPLY FOR THIS JOB button wherever you see it. When you submit your resume to a job where you do not have minimum qualifications - and you have a reason to doing so - make an offline connect.
75% of email traffic received by a generic ID such as careers@bestemployer.com is junk. If you rely only on email to get your next job - forget it. Your resume is probably in the junk folder.
PRIVACYDo not write a tell tale resume with private information. We’ve heard enough and more about misuse of private information. Another aspect of privacy - using Internet at work to coordinate your job hunt. Wake up - Even a mom & pop street corner store can afford a network and a firewall in it.
INTERNET JOB HUNT BALANCE
You do not want to rely entirely on the internet for your job search. You do not want to deny the abundance of information that is available on the internet either. Depending on your skills and where you want to be working next, see if your target employers and their head hunters are hanging out in Print Classifieds or Job boards.
[ The Money making of a Niche ::Free Data Entry Work :: Imtiaztips Weblog :: Free Webmaster Articles :: More iPod Articles :: Download Freeware Software :: Updated Contents about Google AdSense for NEWBIES. ]
3 Points You Should Negotiate When You Are Losing Your Job
You work for a company that has been going through a lot of changes and upheaval. Word is going around about lay-offs and you worry you will be next. If you’ve been an exemplary employee and the lay-off is not because of anything you’ve done, be sure you ask these three questions as you are being handed your Pink Slip:
1. Ask for a Letter of Reference. You can use this to help you land that new job because it will be beneficial to have a letter that praises you and your accomplishments. This will show future employers that your termination was a business decision and not because of any wrong-doing on your part. Most people forget to ask about this, and it is difficult to try to go back later and ask for one.
2. Ask about severance pay. You are not automatically guaranteed this unless it was stipulated in your employment contract when you were hired.. Typically, one week of severance is given for each year of service to the company, but this can be negotiable. And, especially if you’ve recently finished an important project, been honored or achieved a major goal, be sure to remind them. It may buy you another week of severance pay they weren’t planning on giving.
3. Are you entitled to unused vacation pay? In most cases, the answer is no. Some companies allow you to roll over your unused time from one year to the next, while others have a use it or lose it policy. Most companies will explain their rules in the employee handbook, but asking to be paid for your unused vacation pay just may earn you a few extra dollars you could use right now.
You may not get any severance or vacation pay, and you especially won’t if you don’t ask for it. Don’t forget, this is a very difficult situation for your boss, too, so he or she may be willing to give you more than had been planned on. You’ll never know unless you try, and the worst they can do is say no. If the moment passes, chances are you won’t have another opportunity to ask these questions again.
Knowing ahead of time what to ask for may give you the confidence to speak up for yourself at this difficult time.
Good luck!
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