Monday, December 30, 2019

What to Do When You Make One of These 5 Common Interview Mistakes

What to Do When You Make One of These 5 Common Interview MistakesWhat to Do When You Make One of These 5 Common Interview Mistakes Its not something we like to reflect on, but the truth is that theres plenty of things that can go wrong when you submit an application and start the interview process for a new job. But even if the stakes are high, you cant let the fear of making a mistake hold you back theres a wonderful new job out there with your anthroponym on it, and the only way to get it is to take a risk, submit the application and do your best in the interview. Only what if you feel like you didnt do your best? Or what if you know for sure that you made a misstep? A Shout wipe will save you from a mistake at lunch, but if you think theres a chance you messed up during the interview process, you need to implement some damage control right away. Heres what Halai Shukran, Director of Talent Management at Viant, Inc. has to say about the five most common intervie w mistakes she sees when working with prospective job candidates.A huge pain point for recruiters is putting all this work into finding a stellar candidate and scheduling a phone screening to feel them out for the role, only for the candidate to miss it, says Shukran. Missing the phone screen and not following up to reschedule shows a lack of professionalism, time management, and follow up, and these are key skills a recruiter looks for when assessing someone for any role.If youve already made this mistake, its not a complete loss follow up with your contact as quickly as possible, take full responsibility for the slip, and explain the mitigating circumstances. Anything less like dismissing it as no big absprache or assuming theyll reschedule quickly wont win you any favors (or second chances).Shukran notes that another common interview mistake is sending a bland follow-up note or not following up at all. This causes you to miss out on an enormous opportunity to stand out among other prospective hires and more importantly to continue the conversation and build a relationship with your interviewer. If you made this common interview mistake and havent followed up to an interview yet, do so Just make sure its unique to the person with whom you interviewed and shows youre paying attention to the conversation Whenever possible, think back to something an interviewer said about the company and comment on it, or follow up for more information or to share an interesting article tied to the role. A follow-up that showcases whether or not youre a fit shows more interest post-interview than a generic one, remarks Shukran. I know of a candidate that was interviewing with a company, and while they were waiting in the wings to hear back from the recruiter, the company received some good reviews in the press, remarks Shukran. The next morning, the candidate reached out just to say congratulations on the big win. That thoughtful gesture showcased that persons passion for the company and helped that candidate stay top of mind.When a candidate follows up too frequently, I start to wonder about whats going on, says Shukran. Did they get turned down by another company, so theyre latching onto this job? Did they not hear when we said were going through first round of interviews and will get back to them next week? Either theyre not listening or theyre too aggressive, and either way thats a turnoff. Aside from chilling out and stepping back, you cant recover from too much follow up. Your best bet is to learn your lesson and apply a more moderate approach to following your next interview (or better yet, ask your interviewer what the follow-up schedule looks like and act accordingly). If you think thats harsh, consider this interviewers know that how you follow up to interview is how youll follow up with customers and co-workers on the job An aggressive level of follow up concerns me because its a vorschau of what that person will be like as part o f a team, explains Shukran. Im thinking, If this person is working with another stakeholder on a project or deadline, they might not be cognizant or respectful of what the other persons time line is. If it seems like asking questions at the end of an interview is optional, Shukran wants to be clear that its not An interview is more of a conversation than anything else, she says. When youre really listening in an interview and having an insightful conversation, you have an opportunity to dig deeper. If youre not asking questions, it shows a lack of interest and passion.If you find yourself in the middle of an interview and you really cant think of any questions, its OK to ask to circle back with questions later. Not everyone can think on their feet, Shukran says. When youre still in the moment and you cant think of any questions, its OK to say, This is a lot of info to digest, Id like to think through the questions and follow up by email. That would show me a strong sense of self-a wareness that you know youre not the person to think on your feet but you know what you need to do to get the job done.If you didnt ask questions in the interview, all is not lost. The next time youre in anflug with your interviewer whether thats a scheduled follow-up call or a check-in a week or two after your interview ask if its possible to take them up on their offer to ask questions and include a few thoughtful ones in your email. The best way to impress a recruiter or hiring manager is to do your research in advance of the interview that means doing your due diligence and reading the companys website, performing a web search for articles mentioning the company or recent press releases, and reviewing all interview-related email correspondence.I work in ad tech, so whats always very impressive to me is when candidates come in from outside our industry with a strong understanding of the geschftliches miteinander , says Shukran. There may be gaps or mistakes in how theyre ad dressing what we do, but whether they have the details right or not, it shows me that they have a strong passion for the potential opportunity and a strategic, business-oriented way of thinking.This is yet another common interview mistake where the best approach is a preventative one. Research the company and the position as thoroughly as possible in advance of your interview so youre prepared to have an intelligent discussion about the position and the role it plays in the companys big picture. If you made the mistake of taking the interview cold, make sure you show that youve done your research when you follow up. Mention a recent press release or acquisition, or ask a question that shows that youve put some thought into how the position will play into the companys long-term goals. As Shukran explains, When you can connect your day to day to the bigger picture on an ongoing basis, its much more valuable compared to someone who is focused on the tasks associated with the job. If you blew an interview with one of these common interview mistakes, take heart. Youre not alone, and the mistake can likely be fixed. And if it cant, youve learned a valuable lesson that will serve you well for future interviews. Dont give up, and youre bound to find the job that fits your life .

Wednesday, December 25, 2019

12 Ways to Scare Recruiters During a Job Interview

12 Ways to Scare Recruiters During a Job Interview12 Ways to Scare Recruiters During a Job Interview6The bewerbungsgesprch is probably the biggest, most defining moment in the job search. It is one of the big things every job seeker hopes to land. But, during a job interview, a lot can change. If you arent on your game, a few flubs can spell disaster if you cant recover quickly and effectively.Although there are numerous tips on what you need to do to be successful in an interview, there are fewer tips on what to avoid. We were inspired by a great article on Brazen, Recruiters Watch Out for These 5 Red Flags During the Interview, and wanted to add even mora to the list. If you dont want to scare the recruiters during a job interview, it is best to avoid doing any of the below 12 actions.Here are 12 ways to scare recruiters during a job interview.Be late. Showing up late for a scheduled interview is a sure way to not get a callback. Iverstndigung im strafverfahrenly, you should be 10 to 15 minutes early.Seem uninformed. One of the biggest pet peeves for recruiters is applicants who have no clue what the job is about or what the company does.Dont listen. Its normal to be nervous during an interview. But if you are constantly having to readdress items already discussed, youre going to leave a bad impression.Dont ask questions. Most recruiters afford applicants the ability to ask questions. Dont show up empty-handed. Recruiters are human and cant cover every aspect of every job. Pay attention and ask questions of areas you feel are missing.Act unprofessional. Showing up in your jeans and flip-flops isnt going to cut it. Even in a relaxed corporate environment you should dress professionally. Recruiters dont appreciate sloppiness.Show little interest or enthusiasm. A person who is not interested in the job or the company during the interview process is going to be even less enthused when they are working there. If you are genially interested in the job, show it by a sking questions and interacting with recruiters.Be too sales-like. While an interview is a great time to present your brand and sell yourself to the company, it is not good practice to be too sales-like. Leave the gimmicks and promotional statements at home, or the recruiters may decide you arent a product they are interested in.Act overly confident. If you cant get your ego through the door, recruiters arent only going to be scared of your behavior, they are going to be annoyed. And in a process where they are trying to find reasons to eliminate people, they will be more than willing to knock you down a peg or two by not offering you the job.Dont show proof of skills. Anyone can say they are great at many things, but unless you have proof to back up your claims, recruiters arent going to bite.Seem like you have a double life. On paper, you are the poster child of golden employees. Then recruiters check out your social media and get to meet you in person. When your personalities don t match up, the respect for your brand diminishes.Speak badly of a previous employer. Everyone at some point or another has worked in a job they would have rather not have worked in. Blasting these previous employers and coworkers on social media or in front of recruiters isnt going to win you any points.Dont say Thank you. Getting an interview and making it through fairly unscathed is like hitting a home run. BUT, if you forget to utter two simple words or at least follow up with an email, youll be sabotaging your efforts. A lack of respect and common courtesy can be a huge deal breaker.Making it to the interview stage in the job search is a huge feat. Dont ruin your chances of landing your dream job by making simple mistakes. If at all possible, prepare everything ahead of time so that you show up on time and looking professional with all the information you need. This way, you can show that you are the most interested and best person for the job.Readers, what other ways can you s care recruiters during an interview? Share with us below

Friday, December 20, 2019

15 Smart Moves You Need to Make After Failing (Because Its Not the End of the World)

15 Smart Moves You Need to Make After Failing (Because Its Not the End of the World)15 Smart Moves You Need to Make After Failing (Because Its Not the End of the World)Regardless of your title, the size of your office, or your bank account balance, no one gets through life without a few struggles. The good news is, according to Eilene Zimmerman, Every time we try something new and fail, it provides valuable information about what went wrong and, as important, what went right. Kevin OLeary goes so far as to call failure the key to success, and Jessica Mah argues she can turn any con into a pro. While the following list isnt a standard part of an master of business administration program, they are tried and true tips from executive clients, based on their experiences of emerging even stronger having survived a professional defeat.Here are 15 things the best and brightest leaders do to get back up and move on with life after a failure.1. Set Limits on How Long You Allow Yourself to Be U psetThe sooner you accept the loss and focus your attention on forging ahead, the quicker new doors of opportunity will open. Successful people dont wallow for very long. They acknowledge their mistake, take their lumps, and get on with life.2. Look for the LessonWhether the setback was a personality conflict or a major business faux pas, there is something positive you can glean from the experience. 3. Be Honest About Wrong TurnsLeaders work on instinct and, chances are, your gut was telling you it wasnt a good idea from the very beginning. Lying to yourself only holds up your journey and leads to repeating the same mistake again and again.4. Help Someone Else OutRather than disappearing into a hole, its important to continue to mentor, show up for work, and stay active in your community. 5. Dont Look for Someone Else to Save YouWeigh thoughtful feedback from others, but ultimately, make your own decision.6. Create BoundariesKnowing when and where to draw the line is important to y our mental and physical health. Learn when to say yes, and when to go with a no thanks.7. Take a Leap Into the UnknownEvaluate the pros and cons of any move, but dont let fear hold you back from a new opportunity.8. Show CompassionGoodness isnt reserved for photo ops, charity galas, and fundraisers, but is regularly extended to people from whom you dont expect anything in return.9. Ignore the NaysayersThe old saying is true While some people are busy giving reasons for why something cant be done, others are busy doing it.10. Place a High Value on Truth, Trust, and AuthenticityTrust takes years to build and minutes to destroy. Its a precious commodity that is valued above all else.11. Ask for HelpPride is often a factor in refusing the assistance of those that can make a difference. Surround yourself with people who have consistently demonstrated their dedication and a willingness to share their wisdom.12. Cry it Out (in Private)There is no shame in healing tears. Just do it in priva te, or in front of someone you trust.13. Call a FriendConnection with others feeds our souls. No matter how busy you are, devote time and energy to maintaining vital relationships.14. Sometimes Work Can WaitA leader knows the value of setting aside time for their mate, children, and family- of equal importance is making time for yourself.15. Do the Next Right ThingWhen there isnt anything left to do, put one foot in front of the other and point yourself in the right direction.More From Inc.Why Some People Are Great Leaders, and Others Are Not7 Things Extremely Happy People Do Every Single Day3 Scientifically Proven Ways to Optimize Your Brain

Monday, December 16, 2019

Rise and Fall of Rethink Robotics

Rise and Fall of Rethink Robotics Rise and Fall of Rethink Robotics Rise and Fall of Rethink RoboticsTen years ago, universell Robots and Rethink Robotics burst onto the scene with seemingly similar breakthrough productssmall, light-weight, easy-to-program industrial robots that were safe enough to work next to people on the factory floor.Both companies made collaborative robots, or cobots. Both based their designs on conventional robotic arms, but their products were smaller, slower, and less powerful than industrial robots. Unlike their industrial cousins, which were kept behind cages to prevent injuries to workers, they were outfit with sensors and could stop on a dime if the cobots sensed an impact with an object or person.But the similarities between Rethink and Universal stopped there.Collaborative robot UR5 is one of the most popular models and has been around since 2008. Image Universal RobotsBoston-based Rethink Robotics shut its doors in October, 2018, and sold its patents, technology, and intellectual property to a former distributor.Denmarks Universal, with revenues approaching $250 1000000, has become the clear cobot leader, and recently scooped up mora than 20 former Rethink employees.Why did one company succeed while the other crashed and failed? Robotics experts, investors, and customers tell a complicated story of how Rethinks designs failed to meet the needs of its target market, small- and medium-sized manufacturers.Join ASME and Leading Industry Experts for Offshore Wind Turbine Webinar seriesFurther, its pioneering technology made it difficult to fix problems in its two-armed Baxter and one-armed Sawyer robots. They suffered because Rethink prioritized safety and cost over speed and precision and baked those decisions into the hardware itself. Those design choices limited the type of applications where the robots could be used as well as the companys ability to reengineer the robots to improve their performance.Universal succeeded because i ts robots were accurate and repeatable, yet safe enough to work next to people.And because they did that, they took over the market, said Gary McMurray, an associate director of Georgia Institute of Technologys Institute for Robotics and Intelligent Machines and a hauptplatine member of the Robotic Industries Association.Read ASMEs Top Story Air Taxi Aces Test FlightIn 2015, Universal sold the company to Teradyne Inc. of North Reading, Mass., a much larger test and industrial automation company. That proved a game-changer, accelerating Universals already rapid growth.A lot of people realized, Yeah, this games over, McMurray said. Teradyne didnt jump into Rethink. They jumped into Universal because they did their due diligence and saw who welches succeeding and who could scale and who couldnt.custompagebreakELASTIC ACTUATORSRodney Brooks was already a robot rock star when he cofounded Rethink Robotics with Ann Whittaker in 2008. He headed MITs Computer Science and Artificial Intelli gence Lab, and had cofounded iRobot, best known for its quirky Roomba autonomous vacuum robot, with two MIT grads in 1990.Brooks drew a team of engineers and researchers from MIT to Rethink, including electrical engineer Matthew Williamson, who became director of technology development. At MIT, Williamson had earned a Ph.D. developing series elastic actuators. They consisted of a motor and gearbox linked to an elastic actuator, which behaved like a spring.Elastic actuators were a sharp break from the past. Universals articulated arm robots, for example, used powerful motors, precision gearboxes, and external sensors to position the robot accurately. It also mounted dual sensors in each arm joint to measure the slightest impact. If it felt a bump, its robust drive system could stop the arm in milliseconds. Series elastic actuators worked differently. Because they used elastic rather than rigid actuators, they absorbed shocks if they hit someone, giving the robot additional time to ap ply the brakes.Read ASME Long-form Story on Robots Robots to the RescueThe actuators doubled as force sensors. By measuring the elastics deformation, the robot could measure the amount of force at the end of the arm. It could use force sensing to feel its way in when aligning a circuit board on a testing device or signal a stop if it hit someone. Baking the force actuators into the hardware made Rethinks robots inherently safer around people, Williamson argued.Best of all, series elastic actuators promised lower costs. They used lighter motors than rigid actuators and their springiness made up for the mechanical irregularities of cheaper gearboxes.It seemed like a good idea to Paul Maeder, a mechanical engineer who founded Highland Capital Partners in Cambridge, Mass. He invested early in Rethink Robotics in 2010 and sat on its board.The notion was that rather than using very expensive high-precision motors, you could use cheap motors and use force sensing to determine your exact po sition, Maeder said. Then you could make a much less expensive robot.Rethinks Sawyer sold for around $26,000 with accessories, according to Maeder. Universals robots start closer to $50,000, according to the company.There were, of course, tradeoffs. Series elastic actuators and force sensing were not as accurate as conventional positioning systems.In the end, the series elastic actuators were probably not the best idea in the world, Maeder said. What customers really want is a low-cost, simple, fast, repeatable robot. They want to put something in this exact location again, and again and again. In the end, that was a lot mora complicated for us to achieve than for some of our competitors because they werent trying to do force sensing.While the hardware was less expensive, the software required to compensate for the elastic actuators was more expensive, he added. And because the actuators were baked into the design, it was impossible to modify the robot without starting from scratch, Maeder said.Instead, Rethink started looking for markets where or in which precision did not matter as much. That eliminated packaging and most assembly, but still left machine tending. Yet even that was a challenge.Rapid-Line, a metal fabricator in Grand Rapids, Mich., bought two Baxter robots in 2015, said Ben Robbert, an account manager and sales representative with the company. Their job was to load and unload computer numerical control machines. While the robots could work alongside people, they were not precise enough and would miss their marks, Robbert said.Listen to the latest episode of ASME TechCast Breakthrough Could Bring New Cancer TreatmentWe didnt always feel like we were getting the best return because we spent a lot of time troubleshooting, Robbert said.When orders dropped for the light part the Baxters tended, Rapid-Line sold the robots. Yet employees remained intrigued by the benefits of collaborative robots.We havent written them off, Robbert said. We understand they will progress and evolve.custompagebreakTOO MUCH FLEXIBILITYAnother selling point for Rethinks robots was their adaptability. In a 2012 YouTube video presentation before an audience of engineers, Brooks admitted that Baxters reliance on force sensing made it a poor choice for precision tasks. Still, he argued, users could teach Baxter new tasks faster and more safely than other robots on the marketwithout a dedicated programmer.Whether we can convince people that these are important metrics is an unknown question, because they are a different set of metrics. Brooks added.It turns out that Rethink over-valued flexibility. Manufacturers, Maeder explained, do not move their manufacturing lines often and cared little about the speed at which they could retrain their robot.Nor did customers know what to do with Baxters two-armed design. They preferred a traditional single-arm robot. In the end, Maeder said, the things that Rethink spent a lot of money to develop, the customers didn t care that much about.Others pointed to missteps in accessories. Baxter and Sawyer came with several end effectors and an embedded geistesbild system. While they were useable out of the box, their closed architecture made them difficult to customize with third-party options.Cox Container, for example, bought a Sawyer. Yet it had to go to a local machine shop to make a custom end effector to pick up empty half-gallon plastic containers and pack them in a bin in its Troy, Ala., plant.Plant Manager Gary Fox said Rethink couldnt help him buy or develop what Sawyer needed. Then, Sawyers software upgrade downloaded improperly and Rethink again was unable to help.While that was frustrating, Fox was happy with Sawyers performance and let Rethink make a video of the robot in action. But his next robots will likely come from Universal, since Coxs new owner uses them. They are significantly faster and the movements are smoother and not as jerky.Of four customers interviewed for this story, on ly Cox still uses its Rethink robots. One never put it into use because the application it was bought for went away, while the other reconfigured its operation.Read another Long-form Story on Energy Disruptors Startup SunsDespite raising $150 million from such major investors as Goldman Sachs, Wellington Management, and GE Ventures, Rethink was hemorrhaging cash. Rather than sinking more cash into the business, the board went shopping for a firm to acquire Rethink.Rethinks preferred acquirer, a Chinese company, backed out fearing possible disapproval by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, Maeder said. A Treasury Department agency, CFIUS investigates whether foreign investments in U.S. companies might pose national security risks. This little-known agency often focuses on Chinese company deals.Instead, Rethink shut its doors in early October. By the end of the month, the board had sold its Sawyer robots, intellectual property, patents, and licenses to Germanys H ahn Group, an industrial automation firm that distributed Sawyer robots.custompagebreakRISING COMPETITIONUniversal Robots had a different trajectory. Founded in 2005, the Danish company created the cobot market when it launched its first UR robot in 2008, three years before Rethink.URs design was not a radical break from the past. It resembled conventional robotic arms, just smaller, slower, and less dangerous. Yet it shared their precision and repeatability.Like Rethink, Universal focused on small- to medium-sized manufacturers. Unlike Rethink, sales grew 700 percent annually in the early years, said Universal cofounder and chief technology officer Esben Hallundbk stergaard.Bottom line, we were first on the market and had a good product, stergaard said. Thats hard to compete with. You need to have a better product or be first on the market.Universals business model differed from Rethinks. Rather than provide an integrated system, it sold only robotic arms and embraced an open archi tecture that made it easy to add third-party sensors, cameras, grippers, and other accessories. This enabled users and integrators to customize robots for specific tasks.That proved critical to Universals rapid growth. We make one product, make it universal, and just ship a lot of that one product, stergaard said.Read about Robotic Engineers Career Path The Rise from BattleBot to Corporate RobotUniversal reached $38 million in 2014 and the company was profitable. Yet the company reached out to find an acquisition partner that could lift sales to the next level. While the firm was winning against Rethink, it saw competition coming from cobots under development by established industrial robot makers like ABB, Fanuc, Kuka Robotics, and Yaskawa Electric.In 2015, Universal accepted a merger proposal from Teradyne. Teradyne paid $284 million in cash plus up to $65 million more if Universal met certain performance targets through 2018.Teradyne chose Universal when looking for a complementa ry business to supplement its strong but relatively slow-growing electrical test business, said Andrew Blanchard, vice president of corporate relations.Universal had the best hardware, software, and operating model along with a strong technical and business leadership team, he said.The deal seems to have worked out. Sales neared $250 million in 2018, up roughly 50 percent for the year, said Stu Shepherd, regional sales director for the Americas for Universal USA.At the time of the acquisition, Teradyne was a well-managed company with revenues of $1.6 billion and global reach. It immediately began re-engineering Universals supply chain. It tapped existing suppliers to negotiate lower prices, signed multiple vendors to guard against shortages, and improved warehousing strategy. On the manufacturing sideUniversal built its own robots, unlike Rethinkit simplified assembly and improved quality. Today, typical delivery time is two to six weeks, Shepherd said.custompagebreakTHE COBOT MARKE TTwo years ago, Universal created an online marketplace that makes it easier for customers to tap into its growing ecosystem of accessory providers.These efforts have been absolutely critical to the companys growth, Shepherd added. Meanwhile, industrial robot manufacturers are taking aim at the cobot space.Japans Fanuc is one of them. A subsidiary of Fujitsu, it is a major robot supplier to automakers. It proved a simple pivot to provide collaborative robots that do not sacrifice speed and precision for safety, said Claude Dinsmoor, general manager of Fanucs general industry and automotive segment.We took a different approach, he explained. Universal and Rethink limited robot speed and payload to reduce the force of any impact. Fanuc, on the other hand, started with standard industrial robots and added safety sensors to sense and avoid collisions. The final device was deemed safe by TV SD, a German inspection and product certification business.The result is a faster, more powerful r obot that can lift 35 kilogramsmore than twice as much as Universals largest UR robotyet is safe enough to work outside a cage.It solves a real need faced by manufacturers, Dinsmoor said Ive got to be able to work at a speed I need to make money, to reach the work piece, and pick up the payload. And Ive got to be able to do it precisely enough to add value.Listen to ASME TechCast How a High School Senior Helped a Wounded MarineFanuc also makes smaller cobots, which are used to flip burgers in a restaurant and fry chicken tenders at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, he added.Dinsmoor, like Universals Shepherd, declined to speculate on why Rethink Robotics was not a success. It takes a lot of work to succeed in this industry, he said. There are winners and losers all the time.Competition is likely to grow even more intense. Traditional industrial robot players, such as Fanuc, ABB, Epson, Kuka, and Yaskawa, have all launched new cobots. Startups, such as Carbon Robotics, Modbot, Productiv e Robotics, and TM Techman are also vying for a place on factory floors.There may be room for all of them, at least in the beginning. There are nearly 300,000 small and medium sized factories in the United States alone. Many will embrace safe, accurate, easy to use cobots if they can boost productivity.Even so, the marketplace is demanding, and some robots will undoubtedly fail.Others will rise from disaster. While Rethink the company is dead, its technology will live on. Hahn, which acquired Rethinks intellectual property, intends to license Rethinks intuitive Intera robot software to other companies and perhaps build a new Sawyer-type robot arm.It is less clear if it will use serial elastic actuators.Carol Lawrence is a technology writer based in Los Angeles, Calif.Register today for ASMEs Offshore Wind Summit to learn about the latest technologies, opportunities and supply chain strategies from leaders in the oil, gas and wind energy industries. Read Latest Exclusive Stories from ASME.org The Engineering Behind Brain Research Engineers Making Waves in Aquaculture Shrinking an Exhaust Resonator for New Automotive DesignIn the end, the series elastic actuators were probably not the best idea in the world. What customers really want is a low-cost, simple, fast, repeatable robot.Paul Maeder, Highland Capital Partners

Wednesday, December 11, 2019

How to Finally Start Leaving Work on Time

How to Finally Start Leaving Work on Time How to Finally Start Leaving Work on Time In a fast-paced, competitive work environment, it can be a challenge simply to walk out the office door on time.Whenever 5 p.m. rolls around, it feels like theres still more work to be done. You certainly dont want to chose behind or look bad compared to your coworkers who are laboring late into the night, and you definitely wantyour boss to see you as a hard-working team player.However, ahealthy personal life is just as important to your overall well-being as a successful professional life is. Furthermore, finding a consistent way to leave the office on time can actually combat burnout, give you more time to recharge, and make you more productive when you return to work the next day. In short, clocking out on time can make you a better worker, not a less dedicated one - provided youre getting done everything that needs to get done.Here are a few tips to help you get the fruchtwein out of your work day so you can leave at 5 p.m. every evening - without feeling guilty1. Learn to Prioritize Your WorkYou cant have a truly effective, highly productive workday without first learning how to prioritize your work. When you know which tasks on your to-do list are most important and most impactful, you can plan out your day to ensure the work that matters most always gets done.Getting the most important tasks done at the beginning of the day, when you are fresh and energized, can make a world of difference to your productivity. Most of us know the afternoon slump well.Saving your high-priority tasks for later in the day will only make those tasks harder to accomplish. That, in turn, leads to more late nights.Need help prioritizing your tasks? Try using the Eisenhower matrix method.2. Exercise Technology DisciplineDo you find yourself browsing social media during work? Thisis probablyslowing you down and consuming valuabletime that could be spent on getting those high-priority tasks off your plate.If you limit your distractions at work, you can increase your productivity during regular work hours and minimize overtime. Its a simple equation, really The more time you spend actually working during the day, the less time youll have to spend making up for lost work hours during the evening.If you need help keeping your social media urges in check, explore mobile apps that are designed to reducedigital distractions and keep you on track. A coupleIvefound useful are OFFTIME and Moment,whichhelp coach you away from your phone through time tracking, app blocking, and communication filters.3. Leave Your Desk MoreThese days, most communication happens through email. Just because its common, however, doesnt mean itseffective. Weve all had the experience of wanting to finish a crucial task but not being able to because were still waiting on vital details or resourcesfrom a collaborator.Sometimes, the better option is to get up, take a walk, and have a face-to-face conversatio n to get things moving and save precious time that would otherwise be spent sitting around and waiting for a response. Get to know the key players on the different teams with which you work so you can go to the right people with the right questions when necessary. When it comes to collaborators outside your organization, try picking up the phone instead of typing yet another email.4. Establish a Wrap-Up RoutineGive yourself 20 minutes at the end of each day to tie up loose ends. Use this time to review the to-do list you made at the beginning of the day. Is there anything else that needs to get done before you head out? Any finishing touches you have to put on your tasks?By setting aside a chunk of time to wrap up your daily activities, you not onlygive yourself the peace of mind to leave work for the day, but you also set yourself up to come in the next morning and get right back to business.Jordan Perez is an HR expert at ResumePundits.com.

Friday, December 6, 2019

The Secret Details Regarding College Graduate Resume Examples That Some People Dont Know About

The Secret Details Regarding College Graduate Resume Examples That Some People Dont Know About The date youre predicted to graduate may change if youre a year or more away from graduating. If youre a recent graduate, make sure you incorporate all awards or certificates you have gotten during your academic study, Garule explained. If youre a high schooler that has been accepted to a college already, you may also state your colleges name and the date you will start attending. All college students gain from resume editing aid. While there are several layouts and styles to utilize for a resume, there are basic guidelines you always need to follow. There are variety of examples and distinct kinds of Free Resume Templates which can be found that may be downloaded free. Your resume format is vital. The most usual format is chronological. Bear in mind that in the event that you know that you could do the job, theres absolutely no reason to never attempt to apply. Once out of colleg e, theres plenty of pressure on graduates to acquire great work in good organization. For students that are new to the work market, interests and activities are a fantastic method to show employers you have skills they are searching for. If youve got an award thats tied to a specific religion, you may want to make certain it relates to your resume and the job that you are working to obtain, Garule stated. Organizations where youre a member of. So you simply graduated high school or college and you are primed to join the workforce to turn into a productive member of society. You dont need to be student body president to come up with the very best leading qualities. The large number of college organizations and part-time positions gives students the opportunity to hone their leadership abilities. As you most likely dont have a good absprache of work experience linked to the job that you want, you will obviously need to emphasize your latest education or training on your no experi ence resume. Capitalize on your skills, since it will compensate for your lack of expert experience. Afterwards, you can get into your professional experience. In case you have some work experience and an appropriate internship, you might not have to go into much detail about class projects. After you understand what you have to give and the kind of jobs youre interested in, you will have the ability to compose your very best career objective. Before you begin, you are going to want to select which jobs to apply for. Your ideal job might even fall beyond your college major Finding your very first job out of school can be difficult, but trust your dream job is out there. If you have a certain language ability which may be relevant to an employer, you may include an abilities or languages section with that info. In that case, make certain your descriptions reflect that information. In the end, examples will be supplied, illustrating how to begin writing an objective statement . They can give you ideas on how to structure your resume and what kind of language to include. For the reason, you wish to study the work ad and ensure that the absolute most relevant information is very clear and simple to find on your resume. Usually, you can choose to publish References seen on request. Even if your information is in bullet format, it may still be tough to quickly recognize the pertinent abilities and accomplishments which are important to the possible employer. You might want to list your educational information close to the peak of your resume.

Sunday, December 1, 2019

What Does Changing Your Last Name Mean For Your Career

What Does Changing Your Last Name Mean For Your Career What Does Changing Your Last Name Mean For Your Career?Posted August 16, 2019, by EleshaTo change your personenname or not to change your name?In the digital age when personal branding is key for your career, that is the question.Yep. Even if you dont realise it, you have a personal brand. Go on, just Google yourself**waits while you Google yourself**??via GIPHYSee? If you have a name and a digital presence, you own a personal brand.Now thats what hiring managers and clients will also see when theyre deciding whether to interview, employ or work with you.So what does changing your last name mean for your career?Writers, artists, designers, influencers - anyone who has built a brand and a business around their name will definitely be impacted by a name change. Studies have shown that those who are more professionally tied to their name are less likely to change it.Its something everyone should consider though - especially if your Google search results are an asset to your career.If you do decide to change your name, below are a few pointers on how not to lose your career cred in the process.Update Your CV With Both Your Current And Former NameThe most obvious way to make sure markers of professional credibility (mentions in the media, articles youve published, etc) arent missed by a potential employer or client is to include both names - current and former - on your CV.Heres an example of how to present it at the top of the CV -Kelly Carter (ne Fitzgerald)7 Cypress StreetHobart TAS 7000emailprotectedOrKelly Carter (

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

Sample Resume for Assistant Buyer Job Position

Sample Resume for Assistant Buyer Job PositionSample Resume for Assistant Buyer Job PositionDiscover new products as an assistant buyer. These positions may involve approving designs, selecting various products, and attending trade shows to find out whats coming up on the market. Expect to liaise with senior management and various teams, but before you can get in on this action, you need to land an interview and be hired. The right resume is your first tool for that mission.An associate or a bachelors degree is often helpful, with many firms insisting on that level of education. In addition to education, include information that shows your experience working with multiple stakeholders, producing comprehensive reports, cutting costs and negotiating deals.Look at the assistant buyer resume sample below to see what you can write to improve your chances of getting the job you apply for. Create this Resume Courtney Wood2491 Center StreetAlbany, OR 97321(222)-121-5151c.woodsmail.comObject iveSeeking a challenging position as Assistant Buyer in a reputable company to assist the Director and other Buyers in managing and developing Supplier relationships. Summary of QualificationsExperience in Merchandising for leading retailersThorough knowledge in fashion brandsExcellent negotiation skills- vendor negotiation skillsProficient in Microsoft Excel and knowledgeable in Microsoft WordStrong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with cross functional teamsProfessional ExperienceAssistant Buyer, January 2007 PresentGuess Inc., Los Angeles, CA ResponsibilitiesResponsible for all the buying functions in the organization.Managed the interdependencies with production, planning and distribution.Participated in departmental meetings and conferences in regards to buying tools, terminology and responsibilities.Aided the development of seasonal strategies and financial targets by supporting and compiling data.Participated in pre-season conferences between buying and planning. Assistant Buyer, May 2004- December 2006Saks Fifth Avenue, New York, NY ResponsibilitiesUpdated changes and communicated these changes to various business partners.Studied and reviewed sales performance.Identified sales performance and sales trends.Participated in meetings to discuss on evaluating and adjusting products.Participated on sales forecast and discussions.EducationMasters Degree in Business Management, 2004Yale UniversityBachelors Degree in Business Management, 2002Yale UniversityCustomize ResumeMore Sample ResumesArea Manager Resume Armed Security Guard Resume Art Director Resume Artist Resume Asp .Net Web Developer Resume Assistant Buyer Resume Assistant Principal Resume Assistant Property Manager Resume Assistant Resume

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Air Force Tattoo and Piercing Policy

Air Force Tattoo and Piercing PolicyAir Force Tattoo and Piercing PolicyIn the Air Force, as of 2017, tattoos on the chest, back, arms and legs that still meet the authorized standard are not restricted by the 25 percent rule. The 25% rule refers to 25% of the body area being covered by tattoos AND could not be visible while wearing the uniform. However, tattoos, brands or body markings on the head, neck, face, tongue, lips and/or scalp still remain prohibited. pfote tattoos are limited to a single-band ring tattoo on one finger of one hand. The Air Force is evolving with the culture. More than 20% of Air Force applicants had tattoos that required some type of review each year. Now the policy is easier to implement with less gray area left for interpretation of the reviewers. Unauthorized Tattoos/Brands Unauthorized (Content) Tattoos/Brands anywhere on the body that are obscene, advocate sexual, racial, ethnic, or religious discrimination are prohibited in and out of uniform. Tat toos/brands that are prejudicial to good order and discipline, or of a nature that tends to bring discredit upon the Air Force are prohibited in and out of uniform. Any member obtaining unauthorized tattoos will be required to remove them at their own expense. Using uniform items to cover unauthorized tattoos is not an option. Members failing to remove unauthorized tattoos in a timely manner will be subject to involuntary separation, or punishment under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). Body Piercing In Uniform Members are prohibited from attaching, affixing or displaying objects, articles, jewelry or ornamentation to or through the ear, nose, tongue, or any exposed body part (includes visible through the uniform). EXCEPTION Women are authorized to wear one small spherical, conservative, diamond, gold, white pearl, or silver pierced, or clip earring per earlobe and the earring worn in each earlobe must match. Earring should fit tightly without extending below the ear lobe. (EXCEPTION Connecting band on clip earrings.) Civilian Attire Official Duty Members are prohibited from attaching, affixing or displaying objects, articles, jewelry or ornamentation to or through the ear, nose, tongue, or any exposed body part (includes visible through clothing). EXCEPTION Women are authorized to wear one small spherical, conservative, diamond, gold, white pearl, or silver pierced, or clip earring per earlobe and the earring worn in each earlobe must match. Earring should fit tightly without extending below the earlobe. (EXCEPTION Connecting band on clip earrings) Off Duty on a Military Installation Members are prohibited from attaching, affixing or displaying objects, articles, jewelry or ornamentation to or through the ear, nose, tongue, or any exposed body part (includes visible through clothing). EXCEPTION Piercing of earlobes by women is allowed, but should not be extreme or excessive. The type and style of earrings worn by women on a military installati on should be conservative and kept within sensible limits. There may be situations where the commander can restrict the wear of non-visible body ornaments. Those situations would include any body ornamentation that interferes with the performance of the members military duties. The factors to be evaluated in making this determination include, but are not limited to impairs the safe and effective operation of weapons, military equipment, or machinery poses a health or safety hazard to the wearer or others or interferes with the proper wear of special orprotective clothingor equipment (EXAMPLE helmets, flack jackets,flight suits, camouflaged uniforms, gas masks, wet suits, and crash rescue equipment). Installation or higher commanders may impose mora restrictive standards for tattoos and body ornaments, on oroff duty, in those locations where the Air Force-wide standards may not be adequate to address cultural sensitivities (e.g. overseas) or mission requirements (e.g. basic training environments). Update The Air Force also announced a policy which prohibits body mutilation, such as split tongues. Frequently Asked Questions Here are some of the most commonly asked questions and answers from the experts concerning the recent revision to Air Force Instruction 36-2903 on body piercing and tattoos. QuestionWhy do we need a tattoo and body piercing policy? AnswerThe policy was created based on requests from commanders and first sergeants who wanted clearer standards and guidelines in the face of the growing popularity of body art and body piercing fads. QuestionWho has the final say on the appropriateness of earrings, body piercing or branding? AnswerCommanders and first sergeants are the first line of authority for making this determination. Body piercing (other than earrings) is quite straightforward dont display it while in uniform, while performing official duty in civilian attire or on a military installation at any time. Tattoos are a bit more subjective, but this policy provides commanders guidelines to make the calls. QuestionDoes the body piercing policy applies to all areas of the military installation including recreation facilities (pools, ball fields, etc.) and living areas (dormitories,military family housing)? AnswerYes. But it is also important to musiknote the policy only addresses personal appearance issues while on the installation. Although the Air Force encourages airmen to maintain an appropriate military image at all times, piercing practices off base, such as earring wear by males, are not intended to be addressed by this policy. QuestionWhat happens to those people who had tattoos before this new policy came into effect, and who might now be in violation of the policy? AnswerIts expected that most tattoos fall within acceptable guidelines. Questionable tattoos will be considered on a case-by-case basis between the airmen and their commander. If a tattoo is unauthorized racist, sexist or otherwise discriminatory i n nature the tattoo must be removed at member expense. If a commander rules that a tattoo falls into the other category of inappropriate, there are other options, to include using uniform items to cover part or all of the image(s). QuestionIs there a platzdeckchen timeframe to have a tattoo removed before being involuntarily separated? AnswerThere is not a set timeframe for removal. The commander determines the sense of urgency, depending on the nature of the tattoo. For instance, if airmen have inappropriate tattoos they would like to voluntarily remove, the commander can assist them in seeking medical support for the procedure. The timing of removal, in this case, will be driven primarily by the availability of medical facilities staffed and equipped for tattoo removals. QuestionWhat are the differences in the piercing policy for women and men? AnswerThe only difference is the wear of earrings. Males may not wear earrings on duty whether in or out of uniform nor can they wear the m off duty on base. Females performing official duty in civilian attire are limited to the same wear criteria as for when in uniform i.e., a single small spherical, conservative, diamond, gold, white pearl, or silver pierced or clip earring per earlobe. The earrings must match and should fit tightly without extending below the earlobe. Above Information Derived from AFI 36-2903 and the Air Force News Service

5 Really Stupid Questions from Interviewers

5 Really Stupid Questions from Interviewers5 Stupid Questions from Interviewers5 Really Stupid Questions from InterviewersInterviewers often struggle with what questions to ask job candidates as they try to rapidly understand the skill sets and work styles of applicants they have just met. Its not easy to predict someones future job performance in a 45-minute interview. Hiring managers need specific information about the candidates talents, but they often dont know how to conduct aninterview or what to ask.Some interviewers are very skilled and well trained, but the vast majority are not. This results in some fairly creative, yet rather stupid, interview questions.Heres a list of five really stupid questions from interviewers and how you can handle them1.If you could be any schriftart of Muppet character, which one would you be?(Variations of this type of question include What is your favorite color? Favorite TV show? Animal? etc.)The interviewer is under the illusion that he or she can gain insight into your personality by asking a question like this. Whatever your answer is, be sure to explain the reasons why you like a particular Muppet, TV show, color, or animal the best. Highlight the qualities that support your answer. Do not leave it up to the interviewer to interpret your answer. Use the question to communicate the talents and qualities you feel best represent your abilities for the position.If you dont have a response, just ask the interviewer the following. Thats an interesting question. Why do you ask? Your intent with this response is to modify the focus of the conversation and steer it back toward things that are relevant to the jobyour experience and talents.2.How many gas stations are in the USA?(Similar question How many airplanes are in the skies over the USA?)The intent of this question is to see how you approach solving a problem, not if you know some obscure bit of trivia.In reality, theres no way to know for certain whether a calculation is accurate or not.The interviewer is looking to have you think through - aloud - your approach to solving the problem.One approach to solving this problem goes like this To begin, we could look up the total membership list for professional associations of gas station owners.We could also estimate the number of gas stations by researching gasoline sales tax filings for every state.Gas stations are also under the control of the Department of Environmental Protection and fruchtwein likely have to file an annual report of the condition of this gasoline storage tanks. We could research unterstellung figures by state or at the federal level.If you get stuck, just say, as in the question above Thats an interesting question. Why do you ask? While this may help steer the focus of the interview back to your experience and talents, it can also give you a little time to formulate your response.3.Where do you see yourself in five years?This dumb question falls into the same category as What are y our strengths? What are your weaknesses? What would your boss say about you? Even though these questions are frequently asked, it doesnt make them any less irrelevant.Such questions have no value in predicting future job performance. Interviewers really dont want the truth theyre only interested in seeing how you respond.They really want to hear that youre committed to your career, constantly improving your value to the organization and seeking to do an excellent job in whatever role youre assigned. They dont really want to hear about your personal goals or aspirations beyond the open position for which youre being interviewed. Of these five stupid interview questions, this one is the most likely to be asked. And lets face it How many people can see how their lives are going to turn out five years into the future?4.How does your family or partner feel about you working long hours?This question is not only a stupid one to ask, its illegal. It suggests the interviewer is trying to lea rn whether or not youre married or have a family.This information is irrelevant to the positions qualifications, but the interviewers intent may be simpler He or she may be trying to find out how supportive your family is of your working, or how flexible you can be with long working hours. Regardless, if you hear this question, use your response to communicate your work ethic and flexibility to achieve desired outcomes.5.Why are manhole covers round?This really stupid interview question was made famous by some knuckleheads at Microsoft. They somehow believed that a candidates response indicated something about them. If youd like to blow the interviewers mind, you could approach the problem like a physicist as described on the HEBIG.Org blog, or one of the writers from Seinfeld. You can just hear the bass riff as you read itThe key to answering a stupid interview question is to relate itdirectly to your experience, talents, and anything having to do with the job and working for the o rganization.