Interviewing Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring

Interviewing Mistakes to Avoid When HiringInterviewing Mistakes to Avoid When HiringConducting a job interview looks a lot easier than it is. Many hiring managers take this step in the hiring process for granted ?and dont invest the time, work and concentration that effective job interviews require. Above all, they dont prepare enough and end up winging it. ?Even if you feel you know?how to conduct a job interview, this stage of the hiring process is where you are most likely to falter. Interviewing mistakes - such as succumbing to interviewer bias or failing to follow a standardized list of questions ?- can lead to bad hiring decisions, which can be ?costly ?for your company.Here are seven ?of the all-too-common job interview mistakes hiring managers make, with tips ?on how to avoid them1. Bringing interviewer biasIn the world of scientific research, a scientists expectations can influence the outcome of an experiment. Similarly, a hiring manager may develop a bias based on expect ations about an applicant in the context of an interview. For example, a manager might believe that a prospective employee ?who comes highly recommended by a colleague is prequalified and better suited to the position than an unknown. Interviewer bias can also be more subtle - for example, when an employer unconsciously favors an applicant whose first name is the same as her generous, hard-working uncle.The solution Hold multiple interviews.The best way to overcome interviewer bias is to have several qualified individuals meet and question each candidate for a position. The first interviewer, for example, might be a human resources manager, while the second might be the supervisor the applicant would report to. The company ?owner or division head might conduct a third. Alternatively, a committee composed of a senior executive, a manager and kollektiv members could chat with ?each potential employee and compare answers.Robert Half has been helping companies with their hiring since 1 948. Let us help you.REQUEST TALENT2. Apples vs. orangesInterviewers often believe they are fairly consistent in the ?evaluation process, when in reality the interviewers are assessing platzhalter criteria. ?One major difference between interviewers who have a knack for hiring ?winners and those who dont is nothing more than simple discipline. Skillful interviewers think through the process and tend to follow the same method every time, with variations that they tailor to individual situations. Unsuccessful interviewers tend to wing it, creating a different routine for each interview and entering unprepared. The hidden danger of a lack of planning You deprive yourself of the one thing you need the most as youre comparing candidates - an objective standard for evaluating potential employees.The solution Ask the same questions every?time.Before scheduling the first round of in-person interviews with candidates who passed the phone screening for the position, create and prioritize a s tandard list of appropriate interview? questions. These should be based on the key skills and aptitudes required for the job. Generally, a standardized interview question list can be grouped into three broad categories experience (to review education, job skills and work history), aptitude (to explore special abilities and willingness to learn) and interpersonal skills (to assess their ability to work independently, as part of a team or in a leadership capacity). Interview questions touching on professionalism, judgment and career aspirations can also be useful.3. Being dazzled by a haloThe ?halo effect ?is a term managers often use to describe a situation in which the interviewer becomes so enraptured by one particular aspect of the job candidate - ?appearance, credentials ?or interests - ?that it colors all their other judgments. This might cause an interviewer to overestimate the qualifications of a potential employee ?who went to their own alma mater. A negative detail can hav e the opposite effect and cause a candidates qualifications to be underestimated. Interviewers are only human. You cant always help yourself from placing too much significance on one part of their ?overall presentation. At the very least, however, be aware of your halo-effect tendencies and do your best to keep them in check.The solution Be analytical. One way to overcome the halo effect and ?improve your selection process for hiring ?is to be sure that you evaluate the prospective employee ?on each key skill and aptitude needed for the job. Appraise each aspect analytically - you could even assign a score from 1 to 5. This allows you to make sure theres evidence for your positive (or negative) impression and give you a more realistic basis for comparison.4. Contrasting the candidatesWhen interviews are scheduled close together on a single day, a contrast effect may come into play and distort how potential employees ?are evaluated. For example, stronger job candidates interviewed r ight after weaker ones may appear to be stronger than they really are.?The solution Space interviews out - and take good notes.Its worth considering the contrast effect when scheduling interviews. If possible, leave a little time between conversations with prospective hires to review interview questions and answers objectively and cleanse your palate. Just being aware that contrasts between potential employees ?could be coloring your judgment can improve your objectivity. Taking good notes and reviewing them later also helps give a better sense for how the people in the running for the job ?really stack up.5. Neglecting interview prep timeFailing to give the interview process the time and effort it deserves is, by far, the main reason hiring managers ?fail to reveal useful information about a person. You can probably understand why they frequently neglect to take the necessary steps to prepare for interviews, conduct them diligently and evaluate the results in a thoughtful manner T heyre busy. Everybodys busy. Time is at a premium. But your job is to make every interview you conduct count.?The solution Stick to a schedule.If you want to objectively compare each potential hires answers, give them the same amount of time, whether its 15 minutes or a full hour. Encourage all managers involved in the hiring process ?to ?have the same goal.6. Forgetting the detailsNo ones memory is perfect, and that can lead to interviewing mistakes. After interviewing dozens of prospective hires, its inevitable that an employer might have trouble remembering details or may confuse one applicants qualifications or answers with another.The solution Keep meticulous records.Take careful notes during each conversation ?to make it easier to compare potential hires ?and reveal gaps in information. Note taking also helps offset a natural tendency to distribution policy too much importance on an individuals performance. A person who interviews well isnt necessarily always going ?to be a ?g ood hire?- a reserved, unassuming candidate ?may end up working out as ?a better match for your ?workplace.?7. Talking too muchA good interview really boils down to pace, perception and patience. If youre talking more than 20 percent of the time during a job interview, youre talking too much. You can - ?and should - ?react, comment on and build on the answers that candidates give in job interviews. And you should certainly respond to ?their questions about your office, work-life balance and your typical day. But ?bear in mind The only thing you discover about potential hires ?during any session where youre doing most of the talking is how they listen.The solution ?Let them drive.The interviewee should carry most of the conversation. Plus, probing through active listening - for example, letting the job candidates comments spark related questions - is a critical interviewing skill because it allows you to gain valuable information youd miss if you did most of the talking.?Identif ying and screening job candidates can take a lot of time and energy. If you need some help evaluating new hires for your company, contact Robert Half. We are experts at finding highly skilled professionals ?who meet your job requirements in your industry and location.Stay up to date with Robert Halfs management and career advice by subscribing to our blog.

How to Show Youre an Expert in Your Field - The Muse

How to Show Youre an Expert in Your Field - The MuseHow to Show Youre an Expert in Your Field Have you ever wondered what it would take to become a thought leader in your industry? Have you put any effort into developing your personal brand? If you see the value in ansicht concepts, but dont know where to start, this post is for you. The good news is, plenty of thought leadership and personal branding opportunities exist- thanks in large part to the internet. The route you take will depend on your strengths. If youre a gifted speaker, participating in a TEDx talk or speaking at conferences can boost your profile. And if you have a way with the written word, guest posting on blogs and media sites is a relatively easy way to build your brand. If you have graphic design skills, teaming up with a like-minded company or influencer to create a valuable infographic is another option. I know these efforts work because, about two years ago, I made the commitment to invest my time and resource s into boosting the profile of my company, which boiled down to putting myself out there. The work has paid off so much that weve diverted most of our advertising budget to content marketing- which, for us, includes guest posting and speaking. In 2014, the guest posts, infographics, PDFs, and ebooks that my team and I created snagged us around 1,000 media mentions. Being a thought leader is just as important for entrepreneurs and professionals who are starting out as it is for Richard Branson and Jack Dorsey- if not more. With that idea in mind, here are three things you can do to build your personal brand and be seen as a thought leader in your field. 1. Align Yourself With Other InfluencersWhen you start to build your personal and professional brand, its important to align yourself with existing influencers. The easiest way to do this is to lebensgefhrte with them to create something that will mutually benefit both of you. For example, my company is in the business of social media marketing. We make social marketing campaigns that brands use on Facebook and their websites. Since we happen to have an awesome designer on staff, we decided to reach out to specific influencers in our space and offer to work on co-branded efforts with them. First, we made a list of people who we wanted to know about us. Social media thought leader Mari Smith, social media strategist Amy Porterfield, and content marketing expert Ann Handley were at the top of the list, as was deutsche bundespost Planner, a Facebook post scheduling tool. For Smith, we created a co-branded infographic that featured 14 ways to get more Facebook shares. For Porterfield and Handley, I wrote a couple of guest posts. And we did a joint giveaway with Post Planner. Our ulterior motive to was to make these people and brands aware of us, but the success of our outreach depended on providing them with very high-quality content. The result is that we are now on their radar, and were gratified to find that thes e folks regularly recommend our product just as we recommend theirs.Theres even a great tool that will help you find influencers in your industry BuzzSumo. BuzzSumo allows you to search content and influencers based on keywords. It will then rank influencers by their social following size and articles based on their numbers of shares. By the way, when you start doing this, expect to be turned down a few times before someone takes you up on your offer to co-brand content or guest post. People are protective of their brands, rightfully so, so you have to make sure you align yourself with the right people and are able to deliver relevant, quality content. 2. Partner With Industry OrganizationsContent marketing is a crowded space, and now that its so easy to publish, everyone is a writer. The good news is that opportunities for guest posting abound You can set your sights high and pitch posts to outlets like Entrepreneur, The Next Web, Inc., Fast Company, and The Daily Muse- all places that professionals look to for advice. Or, you can start out with smaller industry sites or business blogs, or even offer to guest post on the blogs of products you use and love. Getting placed or mentioned in one of the major outlets can be a challenge, but one way to break through the crowd is to partner with industry organizations. For me, one thats been successful is the Young Entrepreneurs Council (YEC).When I was first experimenting with this whole personal branding thing, I joined YEC because it offered networking opportunities with more than 500 people who were in a situation similar to mine. YEC also partners with some of the biggest media outlets, such as American Express OPEN Forum and TechCrunch. I was able to have YEC editors work with me to place some of my early efforts until I had a big enough portfolio to write for these places on my own.If youre an entrepreneur, there are quite a few great organizations out there here are 10 worth checking out. Otherwise, look for similar organizations that focus on your industry or role.3. Take Advantage of All Opportunities to Educate OthersThe reason influencers are so, well, influential, is because they find a niche and then provide best practices and tips focused on that one area. While my main business is in the social media realm, and I write a lot about Facebook, Ive also founded a few other companies, so Ive been able to write and talk about entrepreneurship and startup challenges as well. Everyone has opportunities to educate others in his or her industry you just have to discover them. A public relations person can help you with this, but you can also do some of the legwork yourself by keeping your ear to the ground. If youre a brick and mortar business, consider joining local networking clubs and organizations to learn about events in your city you can sponsor or speak at. If youre in a larger industry, participate in Twitter chats and LinkedIn groups, and generally follow the conversations your p eers are having online.I also recommend joining a program such as Help a Reporter Out (HARO). HARO sends daily queries from media outlets looking for sources for their articles. You can choose which industries you want to get queries about and then easily respond. Ive formed many of my media connections through HARO. Once, I responded to a query and the reporter found my insight so useful that she now comes to me first before sending out generic queries. Whenever you see an opportunity to speak or write about something thats happening in your industry, dont let it pass you by. Whether youre invited to be a guest on a small podcast, or the local television station wants to swing by your amtsstube for a two-minute segment, it all helps establish you as a personal brand and thought leader and makes your company more discoverable. Becoming a thought leader isnt so much difficult as it is time-consuming. Start with one tactic at a time guest post or speak or create co-branded resources. Once you have one thing working for you, and you know you have the time to put out more high-quality content, you can add another. The payoff is that all these efforts will keep you top of mind in your industry. Photo of podium courtesy of Shutterstock.

Entry Level Physician and Medical Assistants Resume Template 2018s Top Format

Entry Level Physician and Medical Assistants Resume Template 2018s Top FormatEntry Level Physician and Medical Assistants Resume Template - 2018s Top FormatCreate ResumeBenjamin King100 Main Street, Cityplace, CA, 91019Cell (555) 322-7337example-emailexample.comProfessional SummaryPatient focused Medical Assistant, just graduated from a two year medical assistant program from Utah State University. 3 months experience working in a healthcare field as a medical assistant at Utah Navajo Health System in Montezuma Creek, Utah. Additional expertise includes taking vital signs, rooming patients, getting room ready for providers, working with physicians, immunizations, injections, infection control, and strong reputation for achieving high levels of patient satisfaction.LicensesCertificate of completion in Medical Assistant, at Utah State University. CPR certified through American Heart Association, First Aid certified through American Heart Association.Skill Highlightsinjectionsimmuniza tionsvital signscommunicationlab workblood drawschartingtriageworking with physiciansscreeningProfessional ExperienceMay 2013 to August 2013Utah Navajo Health System Montezuma Creek, UT Medical AssistantConducted screening, triaging, Charting, immunizations, IM, SubQ injections, Lab work, drawing blood, wound cleaning, rooming patients for physicians, communication skills, Translating, assisting in ER, assist during laceration, writing out a flow sheet.Education and Training2013Utah State UniversityBlanding, UT, United States Pre-nursing allied healthAssociate of ScienceCertificate of completion in Medical Assistant, CPR certified, and First Aid certified through American Heart Association.Customize ResumeMore Nursing Resume TemplatesEntry Level Case Managers Resume Templates

3 Common Interview Tips NOT to Take

3 Common Interview Tips NOT to Take3 Common Interview Tips NOT to TakeInterviews are stressful, probably the most stressful part of the job search process, so itsunderstandableto want toget as much advice about them as possible. However, some bewerberinterview advice that seems helpful on the surface can ultimately hurt rather than help you. Here are three common interview tips to beware of.1. Show up early.Its fine to show up five minutes early for yourinterview. But showing up 15 minutes early is not fine. The reason is it will make you appear overly eager, perhaps desperate, as opposed to punctual and enthusiastic.Keep in mind that if you arrive 15 minutes early for your interview, youll likely have to sit in the lobby for 15 minutes. This means that you might start to get nervous, thinking about the interview, whereas if you were just walking around outside, you might be a little less calm, your head a little clearer.Further, your interviewer is likely a very busy person, and whe n you arrive too early and your interviewer is notified that youve arrived, your interviewer is likely in the middle of doing something else. And your very early arrival might interrupt that something, which could get your interview off to a bad start before it even starts.Of course, its extremely important to be on time for your interview, but when it comes to interviewing, the veryearly bird does not get the worm.2. Ask questions about your interviewers experiences.Youve probablyheard many an interview-tipper telling you to ask your interviewers about themselves, to get them talking since everybody loves to talk about themselves. While its true people like to talk about themselves, interviewers have likely interviewed hundreds of people in their careers, and they know all too well about this tip and these types of questions, which can often come off as insincere and pat.Remember, interviewers are busy they have a ton to do. And theyre taking time out of their busy schedules to see if you might be a good candidate for their firm. This means they dont want to waste too much of their valuable time talking about themselves. They want to know about you, to test you, to hear about you.So, while its a good idea to ask questions of your interviewers, make sure all of your questions are sincere, and make them a part of the conversation youve been having. That is, ask questions as they come to you, and about whats been discussed. Asking too many questions about your interviewers experiences out of the blue could very well kill, rather than help, your candidacy.3. Mirror your interviewers body language.Although certain interview-tippers will point to certain psychological studies as proof that mirroring your interviewers body language works, its going to be in your best interest to tread carefully here. If youre thinking about when to lean forward, lean back, speak with your hands, nod, fold your arms, uncross your arms, etc., while youre being interviewed, theres a ve ry good chance youwont be answering questions as best you can.So, instead of focusing on mirroring your interviewer, try focusing on yourself. Of course, body language is important, but you really only need to do two things with your body during an interview 1) sit up straight, and 2) dontcross yourarmsor legs.If you just remember these two things and follow them, youll come across as professional and open, and youll be able to spend your energy on the most important part of your interview what comes out of your mouth in response to your interviewers questions.

The Confidential Secrets of Cv Maker

The Confidential Secrets of Cv Maker ur CVs supply you with the capability to stick out from others in the very best approach. If youre having trouble getting attention, be sure to have a look at our tips to receive your resume noticed. Each resume format was produced to improve your odds to find the job in 2018. Your profile is the exact first thing a reader will observe when opening your CV, and you just have a few seconds to make certain you hold their attention. When youre asking for a job which relies on the strengths of the person, you will need a resume vorlage you could inject a little more personality into to make it pop. Its content-packed layout is excellent for engaging employers with a variety of facts, from experience to education. The entire selection of resume templates is composed of an assortment of creative resume designs. A template can spare you a great deal of time. All the templates are made by designers, and the styles are colorful and appealing. E ach one of our creative style templates offer you a perfectly balanced mixture of personality, professionalism and a little style. The absolute most hard step here is to determine which resume format is best for you. A traditional style resume template is also simple to customize. Our creative templates make it possible for you to stick out from the crowd. Its going to be helpful when deciding on the template for your CV. Double-click the template you wish to work from. Its possible to also see Resume Templates. For instance, a template can explain to you how to lay out your CV. It is available in PSD format. To catch the interest of busy recruiters and school staff, you have to have an impactful profile sitting at the peak of your CV. Several firms are now conducting their job searches on the internet to save costs. When you want to do a job resume, most important factor you should consider is what it is for. If you are searching for work, you ought to keep tabs on the r ecent alterations A gorgeous, minimal and user-friendly template which you can edit based on your abilities and experience. Provide the overview of your special abilities, which are associated with the job that you apply for. Simply because youve got zero experience or its your very first job. In the very first section (Experience), youve got to speak about your prior jobs and work experience. Why Almost Everything Youve Learned About Cv Maker Is Wrong It is not hard to update when you will need to reveal new abilities and accomplishments. Whilst your complete education details ought to be at the base of your CV, you still need to mention your most relevant qualifications at the peak of your CV in the profile or core skills like teaching degree, PGCE etc.. Templates also show you exactly what information you want to put in your CV, such as what information to put in each individual part of your CV, and what type of language to use. In many other nations, a curriculum vitae is fundamentally the very same thing as a resume. Given below are a couple sample CV Templates which you can take advantage of as references to generate your curriculum vitae effortlessly. In addition, there are certain sections most individuals include in their CVs. A curriculum vitae, commonly called a CV, is an alternate to writing a resume to submit an application for work. Which is crucial part of your professional Resume. Whether youre writing your very first curriculum vitae or revising a recent CV, a template can be extremely useful. Follow our tips, think of the new format of CV, and you will locate your job very soon. You ought to understand, that resume format is essential, as it can boost your odds to get invited for an interview. Facts, Fiction and Cv Maker Planning Planning lessons and resources is an essential part of long-term education delivery, which means that your CV should contain solid examples of planning. Deciding on the correct format effectively can he lp you raise your likelihood of landing work. A few of the templates are free while others cost a couple of dollars. Everything else you can know in the practice of utilizing the service of CV makers. Dont anticipate a business to identify exactly what you should be. Make certain that its written correctly, otherwise you wont be reached by the business you apply for. You can also write about something which youve achieved and thatll be practical for the business.

What the In-Crowd Wont Tell You About Chemist Resume Writing

What the In-Crowd Wont Tell You About Chemist Resume Writing What the In-Crowd Wont Tell You About Chemist Resume Writing If youre interested in different areas like environmental Chemist, you ought to take up additional courses. As a Chemist, you have to be detail-oriented. Our Chemist resume sample will ensure it is simpler for you to compose a good application. Your Chemist resume should have the ideal ingredients. Things You Wont Like About Chemist Resume Writing and Things You Will In your objective statement, be certain to incorporate the specific experience and skills you need to show prospective employers what youre capable of. The Chronological works as it shows your existing degree of skill and experience. In them, youll locate a number of work in the chemistry industry which can help you tailor your own resume according to a particular position youre seeking. Fortunately our team consists of professional writers which possess the capability to create remarkable c ontent for you. The New Fuss About Chemist Resume Writing Previously referred to as buzz words, keywords are usually nouns (however may also include verbs), and are usually structured into compulsory and advantageous categories to spot crucial abilities and experience required in a candidate. Youre able to easily depend on us to find essay help as we have a tendency to assist and guide the students with the aid of our professional experts. Job growth during the next decade is predicted to be slower than average for all occupations. You wouldnt need all your hard work to wind up in flames. In addition, you can look for chemist jobs on Monster. Securing a job for a chemist can be hugely competitive.

The Fight Against Reference Page for Resume

The Fight Against Reference Page for Resume DONT consist of anything irrelevant to the job youre applying for. Focus on their demands, and ensure it is clear the distinctive methods youre able to address them. Say thanks Lastly, be certain to thank your references every time you get an interview or land work. Bear in mind there are circumstances as well when you may want to submit a character or private reference (instead of an expert reference) who might be better able to talk to your abilities to do the job that youre applying to. Its rare an employer will request references in a very first interview, but its possible thats why you need to get them with you. If it is possible, select references that are in a fleck to talk specifically about your qualifications for the job for which youre applying. If you wish to get a nice job, you require a good resume. If their interview procedure includes references, employers will request that you provide them. Hearsay, Lies and Refer ence Page for Resume Searching for a sample paper is quite a challenging task in case you dont understand how to do it as there are lots of sample papers which arent even written by take care of the code. The very first location where you are able to search for a sample paper is the internet paper selling sites. Your resume should be formatted in an easy, professional way. You ought to check on some sample papers so the full process of creating a paper gets simple for you. Sometimes prospective employers will say how many and what sort of references they want. The variety of references you list depends upon your career level. When used by employers, they can be a crucial part of the interview process. No matter your degree of job knowledge, your resume structure is critical to making your application stick out. A reference might be requested to compose a letter of recommendation also. Your finest references is going to be the people who know you best professionally. Eve n if all your references are contented to be on your list, it is an excellent concept to supply a heads-up that someone might be reaching out to ask about you. When you should provide references to a possible employer, the best method to do it is to create a reference page you are able to share with them. If you prefer, you can opt to develop a position to the effect that theres no remedy to the issue and that we dont have any choice except to accept the status quo. If anyone is interested to assist you by sending their work then youre lucky. There are a number of reasons why it was my very best vacation. DO be certain the remainder of your resume is completely machine readable. The Ultimate Reference Page for Resume Trick One click reloads your info back in the system. The title of the internet page is put in quotation marks. It is essential that this resume page does not appear superficial to the employer. Or on a different page at the conclusion of your resume. Actual ly, you use the word References at the peak of the page before you get started listing your sources. Use the exact same heading at the surface of your references page as you use on top of your resume. Developing a distinct reference page is helpful for a couple reasons. Use the search box to find precisely what you want. The Reference Page for Resume Game You just select the best one and utilize it for your reference. Title of the reference list with business name, business address and company contact information is going to be given at the surface of the list. Quite often, a reference list is requested in the on-line application practice. Youll also discover a sample reference list. How to Get Started with Reference Page for Resume? So as to follow such clues across national boundaries, however, international cybercrime treaties have to be ratified. Again keep the information professional and dont include an excessive amount of personal data. You have to offer relevant, concise details. Gather the needed information to make the reference. The One Thing to Do for Reference Page for Resume In conclusion, when crafting a resume keep the information professional and just include information which is pertinent to the job youre applying for. You may just visit the sites of private dissertation writers. In reality, some instructors might even flunk you when you neglect to properly cite your sources. Its possible to just go to your college library and request old papers created by university students.

Closing the Deal in Your Job Interviews

Closing the Deal in Your Job InterviewsClosing the Deal in Your Job InterviewsThe hiring manager says, Do you have any questions for me?You reply, Yes, I do. I am interested in learning where I stand compared to other candidates. Do you see any reason why I should not move forward in the interview process?If you feel this question sounds a bit too direct, it may explain why you never seem to close the verstndigung im strafverfahren in your job interviews. Learn why this question is completely fine to ask a hiring manager and how to benefit from the hiring managers answer, whether good or bad.Your question is thoughtfulEmployers always want to hear questions at the end of job interviews.It is an opportunity for you to look like a leader and show that you are a person who was engaged in the job interview.Your question shows you are committed to improvementThink about what you did by asking if they will proceed with you as a candidate You gave them a chance to stop the hiring process wi th you, which would save both you and the company a lot of time.At the same time, you have a chance to elaborate on any experience and you have the chance to ask for feedback. If they did decide to eliminate you as a job candidate, you now have the chance to find out why.The decision to ask a hard question gave you the chance to elaborate on your skills and receive feedback all behaviors of someone who is looking to constantly improve.Youre engaging because you offer suggestionsThey have your resume. They can read about your skills. However, you need to go beyond the resume. Elaborate on your skills and qualifications. Your career accomplishments help the employer envision if and how you will positively impact the companys future. As you are speaking about the role, start to offer suggestions for how you would fulfill your job duties.It is a good idea to prepare a list of suggestions. Base the suggestions on what you perceive will be your anticipated job responsibilities. Suggest id eas based on the needs and long-term goals of the company. Doing so helps the company face future challenges while simultaneously creating a sense of urgency that you will be the person they should hire.You are setting up a future meeting to close the dealIf they say to you, I see no reason why we would not follow up, you can set up a follow-up job interview. You are showing yourself to be assertive, a person who takes initiative, and one who knows how to execute and close deals.Ask for the next steps in the interview process. Find out when the next round of interviews are and when you should expect to hear back. Lock the details down while you have the chance.Its simple, but it works at closing the deal in a job interview. At the same time, it leaves a very positive impression on the company and hiring manager.

Break bad habits in 21 days (more or less)

Break bad habits in 21 days (mora or less)Break bad habits in 21 days (more or less)Self-Assessment Quiz - TRUE or FALSEIm good at setting goals and keeping them.I believe in myself.Im worth trying to make myself better, and Ill take whatever time necessary to be a better me.Im so happy wevetaken timeto hold a magnifying glass to bad habits in the workplace Specifically, those bad habits related to things like negative body language that might be holding you back from a well-deserved promotion, or bad habits related to how you get down with your co-workers in your communication, or those bad habits that you didnt even know were bad, like talking too much about your weekend when you thought you were being social. Cmon nowNow that weve got that magnifying glass in hand, and youve zoomed in on some areas where you can make a change, I wanted to offer some extra help to keep you free of bad habitsIm a big fan of setting goals and challenges. Theresevidenceout there that says you can brea k a habit in 21 days, and theres just as much evidence thatsays you cant.But what I think is good about setting a time frame for yourself is it gives you a way tobreak your goals down into bite-sizedPink Elephants. Some habits can be changed in two days some can take longer. But with an allotted time attached to your goal, youll know youre on track for success.Lets examine a simple habit, like being late for work. (Definitely the schriftart of bad habit thats not making you look good, honey) I used to work with a young woman who was late every-single-day. Rain or shine, didnt matter. Shed come running in, huffing and puffing, bags and coat flying. It was pretty unnerving for all of us to witness Then wed have to hear aboutwhyshe was late and wait for her to calm down beforewecould get back to work. Is this you? (Ummm-hmm. Thank you for being honest) Now, what can you do? Being late aint always about hating your job and not wanting to be there so you cant get your butt out of bed. Th e issue is usually based on behavior that can be changed. For exampleOrganization Are you late because you cant find your keys? This is a real thing. I know because I suffered from this FOR YEARS So each day I walk in any of my houses, I now have ONE place, the SAME place, I drop keys automatically. Like in a key bowl near the door. Or a key hook near the door. Or the same pocket in your purse. The purse pocket thang is what did me in. Because I change purses almost every day. So I could never remember which purse Id carried the day before and it took time weeding through all my bags searching for keys. So I have a location by the door where keys now go. Even in hotel rooms I was forever standing at the front desk of a hotel asking for a replacement key because I couldnt remember where Id stashed that dang gone thin key card. Not any more. I am happy to report I placed my keys in the same spot for 21 days straight and I am no longer afflicted by the lost keys syndrome. Do it. This works. I promise.Focus Maybe you dont like your job. Youd rather be anywhere but there, and each morning is a chore to get up and get out the door. If this is the case, change your focus. Either do a 21-day happiness challenge to find joy in your job (and life), or start making a 30-day plan RIGHT NOW to get out of this job. You can do it, but you must make a plan and stick to it. Action is the antidote to despair. Stay in action honey. It will help you.Preparation Is your closet a disaster? Little things like missing buttons on a blouse, wrinkled pants, or not being able to find a shoe can cause you to be flustered, annoyed, depressed, andlatebecauseyou cant get dressedPlease take the next three weekends to get your closet in order. Use Sundays to plan out what you are going to wear for the week, down to your shoes and purse. Mark your outfits on your calendar. Here are moretipsto help you. Do this. It works. I promise. (Have I lied to you yet?)Desire Do youwantto be on time? Li ke, for real for real? The magnet on my refrigerator reminds me, If you really wanted to you would. And that goes for anything - including being on time. Your desire to be on time has to be stronger than your willingness to be late. And real talk- if you want to be late, then be late, and dont turn into a crazy Tasmanian Devil running in the door like you tried to avoid this situation. Because you didnt Talk to your boss, and ask her if you can simply stay late or miss a lunch to make your mornings better. I have a friend who manages her day like this. She was honest with herself and knew she couldnt make it at 900 on the dot, but had no problem staying until 700 or 800 or when the work was done. Her boss was down with that. If youdowant to be on time, take one week, five STRAIGHT days, where you go to bed and wake up each day with the intention to be on time. Try it It works. I promise.Choose one bad habit that you want to kick. This is your goal. (Make koranvers it isSMART). And assign some time, whether 21 days or otherwise, and get yourself on track to be bad-habit free in no time By the way, if you answered false to the self-assessment quiz above, I hope you now feel you have some ammunition to get yourself answering TRUECheryl Grace is the sassy aunt, best friend, and mentor youve always needed in your life. The successful jet-setting, global corporate executive founded the aspirational lifestyle brand Powerful Penny LLC. Her products, workshops and speeches probe, inspire and empower to ensure those who really want to can get to their next level of best. Her blogs on careers, prosperity, relationships, family, looking and living fabulously, and living a five-star life can be found atwww.powerfulpenny.com.

Tell Me What You Would Have Done Differently at Work

Tell Me What You Would Have Done Differently at Work Tell Me What You Would Have Done Differently at Work When interviewers ask you questions about things you would have done differently at work, they want to gain insight into your  job-related weaknesses. They may also be attempting to determine how you respond to failure, and whether you can identify and address your shortcomings proactively. If you think about this question ahead of time, you won’t find yourself swallowing hard and struggling to find an answer during your interview. The best approach is to know how to “spin” your answer so that you can demonstrate how you’ve reflected upon and learned from past experiences.   How to Prepare an Answer When youre preparing a response, reflect on your past work experiences and make a list of situations which didnt turn out the way you would have liked. Think about the actions you took (or didn’t take), and how they resulted in a less-than-ideal outcome. Identify similar scenarios that you encountered again after those initial disappointments, but where you performed differently. What did you learn from the negative result, and what did you do to strengthen your ability to handle similar situations in the future? Examples of the Best Answers Be prepared to mention any steps you took to upgrade your skills, increase your knowledge base, or modify counterproductive behaviors. Turn your weakness into a learning opportunity, and share the ways you gained new  skills for problem-solving. Maybe you have taken a workshop or sought out advice from a mentor. The reason you would have done it differently now is that you look the initiative to learn how to handle a difficult situation to get a positive outcome. For example, you might have had an early experience as a manager when you allowed an individual with a negative personality to interfere with the group dynamics of your team. If in a subsequent management experience you took an assertive approach by coaching a similar employee to change his behavior (or leave the unit), then you might reference the initial incident as something you would have done differently. You can give examples of how the first experience showed you the consequences of allowing the employee’s behavior to erode the team morale, inspiring you to expand your skills so you were able to put a stop to the issue before it became a problem the next time. Given your subsequent experience, you can say that you did handle it differently later on, and alleviate any concern the employer might have about your toughness or assertiveness as a manager. If you consulted Human Resources, attended a workshop on handling difficult employees, or employed another strategy to address the weakness, then you should surely mention the specific steps you took to enable your improved response.   Be CarefulWhen You Respond Naturally, you should avoid referencing any scenarios revealing weaknesses that would interfere with you carrying out key elements of the job, unless you can offer clear substantiated facts that those weaknesses are no longer an issue. Interviewers ask about weaknesses for a variety of reasons. They want to know how self-aware you are, and whether you have the ability to be critical of your own performance. Everyone has weaknesses, and employers want to know that you understand yours, that you take active steps to learn from them, and that you avoid allowing them to create problems at work. You don’t want to give the interviewer an opportunity not to hire you because she’s concerned about your ability to do the job. Here are more  tips for responding to interview questions about weaknesses. Be Honest As with all interview responses, be sure to select issues which you can discuss honestly and sincerely, since interviewers will usually notice fabrications.  Stretching the truth  during an interview can make it difficult to keep your story consistent. Depending on the extent and depth of your lies, this can cause a job offer to be withdrawn. You can even be fired for lying during the application process after you have been hired. Be Prepared Spending some extra time  preparing for your interview  is well worth it. You worked hard just to score the interview, and you deserve the best shot possible at a job offer. Review the most common interview questions employers asked, so youre ready to respond. The more you know about a company going into the interview, the better prepared you can be to answer tough questions about your qualifications. Making the effort to familiarize yourself with the company’s practices and  corporate culture  can help you anticipate what kinds of questions you’re likely to be asked, and how to frame your responses in a way that will be received positively. Finally, make sure you  dress appropriately, and be polite to absolutely everyone you meet.

Learn About Employer Paid Sick Days

Learn About Employer Paid Sick Days Learn About Employer Paid Sick Days Paid sick days allow employees to take time off from work while they are ill without losing pay. Employees accrue sick days based on their employers policies. Some base the number on years of service and the level of their position within the company, and some allocate the same number to everybody. Some employers allow sick days to roll over from one year to the next, often capping at a certain number of days or hours, while others do not allow them to accumulate. Historically, sick days have been a common perk employers voluntarily provided. There is no federal law requiring employers to offer paid sick leave, but as of 2018, 10 states and the District of Columbia require employers to provide some form of paid time off for employees who are sick. A Standard Benefit Paid sick leave is part of the benefits package for 85 percent of full-time workers and 74 percent of all U.S. workers, according to a March 2018 survey by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Full-time workers in state and local government had access to paid sick days in 99 percent of jobs. Among all jobs, union employees received paid sick leave 90 percent of the time, while the number was 71 percent for nonunion employees. Part-time employees receive paid sick leave in only 40 percent of jobs, and service industry employees, at 56 percent, are the least likely to receive paid sick leave. In most full-time positions, employees simply expect that some form of paid sick leave will be part of the benefits package. While paid sick days generally are viewed as an employee benefit, they are beneficial to employers as well. Paying an employee to stay home sick may not seem like its good for the bottom line, but if that employee is contagious and comes into work, there is a risk that numerous employees could become sick, hurting the bottom line even more. With paid sick leave, employees can be more comfortable with the prospect of staying home when sick, knowing they arent losing a days pay. Hopefully, this helps limit the number of contagious employees in the workplace, reducing the total number of work days lost to illness. Legislative Requirements There are no federal laws in the United States that require an employer to offer paid sick days as a benefit, but states and other local municipalities can enact such ordinances and laws. In 2006, San Francisco became the first city in the U.S. to mandate employers to provide paid sick days, and Connecticut became the first state to do so in 2011. Californias law, enacted in 2015, requires employees  to earn at least one hour of paid leave for every 30 hours worked. Accrual began on the first day of employment or July 1, 2015. As of 2018, other states to require paid sick leave include Arizona, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington. Allocation Most organizations use a formula that assigns a certain number of sick day hours accrued during each pay period. Other employers make the paid sick days available at the beginning of a calendar year- although that is an option that may increase the  risk for employers. For example, if an employee uses all of his paid sick days in the first couple of months of the year, then quits, the employer has paid a years worth of sick time to an employee who worked only a couple of months. Some employers opt for a paid time off (PTO) policy that folds sick days, vacation days, and personal days into one bank of days that employees can use at their discretion. However, when employees have a bank of days, there is the risk that they will view all of the days as vacation time, failing to keep sick employees out of the workplace.

24 life skills every adult should master before turning 30

24 life skills every adult should master before turning 30 24 life skills every adult should master before turning 30 There’s no handbook for adult life.Somehow you’re just supposed to know that you should have more money coming in than going out and you shouldn’t wear a fuzzy orange sweater to a job interview.We’ve put together our own handbook of sorts for anyone transitioning from their 20s to their 30s, which lists many of the skills you’ll need to survive as an adult in the modern world.It’s based on the Quora thread, “What are some of the most useful skills to know?” as well as scientific research and expert opinion.Ladders is now on SmartNews!Download the SmartNews app and add the Ladders channel to read the latest career news and advice wherever you go.We can’t promise we’ve outlined every skill, but if you’ve mastered these, you’re off to a good start:1. Accepting feedback gracefully“For most of us it is hard to hear how we made a mistake or could have done something better,” writes Quora user Pedram Keyani. “An amazing skill (which you can learn through practi ce) is to set aside your emotional response in the moment and focus on the information presented to you. Some of it will be valid and some of it invalid but let your brain decide that, not your ego.”Depending on what kind of feedback you’re receiving, there are different strategies for responding with a cool head. For example, if your boss points out what she thinks is an error and you’re not sure she’s correct, you can say, “I hadn’t thought of that, and I’m going to look into it right away.”2. Apologizing sincerelyTo err is human - but to craft a believable apology isn’t a universal skill.The apology “needs to be sincere, not qualified, not quantified, and also needs [to] outline how X will not happen again,” Keyani says.According to one CEO, there’s a six-step strategy for successfully saying you’re sorry: Act quickly. Apologize in person. Explain what happened. Show how you are going to avoid the problem in the future. Apologize. Make restitution. Keyani gives an example of what you might say if you were tardy for an appointment:“I’m sorry I was late for the meeting. It must have been frustrating because you spent a lot of time preparing and got up early. I did a poor job accounting for traffic and didn’t give myself enough buffer. That is my bad and I’m going to give myself an extra 10 minutes instead of five moving forward.”3. Managing your time wiselyThere will probably never be a time in your life when you aren’t juggling multiple personal and professional priorities. Time-management skills are a must, unless you want to feel constantly frazzled.Perhaps the most important time-management lesson is that you should stick with one task at a time. Research suggests that multitasking is generally counterproductive because the brain expends energy as it readjusts its focus from one activity to another.You’d be wise, too, to limit the hours you spend working. Decades ago, Henry Ford discovered that productivity star ted to decline after employees logged more than 40 hours per week. Other research suggests that, after three weeks, 60-hour workweeks become less productive.4. Using keyboard shortcuts“Since most of the work we do nowadays involves computers,” says Arpit Jain, “using keyboard shortcuts definitely gives you an edge and saves you a lot of time.”Jain posted a list of some of the handiest shortcuts in her Quora answer. For example, simultaneously pressing the “Alt” and “F4” keys when using Microsoft windows lets you close a selected item or program. Keep the list somewhere close to your computer at work to supercharge your productivity.5. Saying ‘no’ respectfullyMany of us fear the word “no” because we don’t want to let other people down. But when you’re already swamped and your coworker asks you to take an hour to help him with his project report, “yes, of course” might not be the best answer.“It might sound a cliché, but saying NO when needed can sav e you lot of time, confusion, guilt, attachment, commitments, stress and other social evils,” writes Yogi Raj.There’s another Quora thread dedicated to learning how to say “no,” where Eva Glasrud writes, “we routinely overestimate the cost of saying ‘no.'”According to Glasrud, the best way to muster up the confidence to turn down a request is to recognize that “[t]here are some things you can never have back. Your time, your health, your virtue, your life. Don’t mess around with those things. It’s fine for people to ask - most likely, in their mind, they’re trying to help introduce you to a great person or opportunity or meaningful cause. And it’s just as fine for you to say ‘no.'”6. Empathizing with othersA number of Quora users mentioned the importance of learning to empathize with other people - to listen to them and try to see things from their perspective.Psychologists say empathy is a fundamental part of human interaction. In fact, people who lack the ability to empathize and take an interest in other people are often narcissists.7. Communicating through body language“Sometimes your body language tells people everything they need to know before you ever open your mouth,” writes Dean Bokhari.Experts have highlighted specific body language techniques that can make you more likable. For example, don’t break eye contact with your conversation partner, even after they’ve finished speaking. And make sure not to fidget or touch your face too much, which can give the impression that you’re lying or anxious.You can also read other people’s body language to help figure out what they’re thinking and feeling. For example, if they mirror your body language, the conversation is probably going well. If they smile but there are no crinkles around their eyes, they might be faking it.8. Making friends in any environmentMayeesha Tahsin says she thinks of forming relationships as a skill, as opposed to leaving things to chance.Tha t skill is especially important to develop during young adulthood, once you’re off the college campus, where it’s generally easy to forge close friends.One way to make friends as a grown-up is to trade confidences. Research suggests that “self disclosure” predicts liking, closeness, and relationship building. Another, surprisingly simple, tactic is to simply spend more time with the people you’d like to befriend. According to the “mere exposure effect,” we tend to like things and people we’re familiar with.9. Mending your clothesButton popped off your shirt at work? There’s no need to panic if you’re handy with a needle - which you should be.“Learn how to stitch that button to your shirt collar or sew back the tear on your sleeve from the edge of the table,” writes Zehra Alvi. “You will save a lot of money by just knowing how to handle that two-centimeter sword.”10. Speaking a second languageLearning a second language “opens up the mind to an entirely new way of thinking,” says Noe Villela. You’ll notice and appreciate parts of the world you never before experienced.It’s also possible that learning a new language can make you smarter - though the jury is still out on this issue. Some studies have found that being bilingual can improve cognitive skills, but more recent research disputes these findings.One of the best ways to learn a new language is through immersion. Get started with this free online tool that replicates the immersion experience.11. Sticking to a budget“It’s amazing how many people can’t do the simplest of things - like balance a checkbook, fill out a tax form, make sure that there’s more coming in than going out, [set] aside reserves for contingencies,” writes Miles Fidelman.Let’s start with “mak[ing] sure that there’s more coming in than going out,” which is essentially about adhering to a budget. We recently rounded up the best budgeting tips from readers who have shared their budgets with Business Insider.For example, you’ll want to anticipate any major costs in the near future - like if you’re planning to have a kid or go back to school. It’s also wise to set aside an emergency fund with several months’ worth of expenses in case the unexpected occurs.12. Using basic PhotoshopThere’s no need to call in a professional to touch up the headshot you’re posting to your personal website - you can do that yourself, using a few basic Photoshop tools.“In the professional world few things have helped me more than knowing Photoshop,” says Brad Sanzenbacher.13. Spending time aloneAs an adult, you should be able to spend a full day alone without going crazy for want of social interaction.Take a tip from Sanzenbacher, whose partner travels often for grad school:“I approach being alone with a very specific list of things that only I want to do. I go to weird museums, see movies that only I want to see, take mini-road trips, or see bands that only I like.” If you’re planning to live alone, which many Americans do today, you should accept that you will occasionally feel lonely. It’s nothing to be ashamed of or upset by, but it might be a signal that you should incorporate some more socializing into your daily schedule.14. Public speakingYou may not ever be required to perform in a Superbowl halftime show, but you’ll almost certainly be tasked with making presentations at work. For that reason, it’s important to hone your public speaking skills.“[T]he ability to speak confidently to a large mass of people is a skill to be learnt,” writes Ramachandra Bhakta in a since-deleted answer. “It makes a lasting impression and brings you to the notice of several people at once.”If the mere prospect of walking your coworkers through a Powerpoint gives you nightmares, there are strategies to quell your fear. One research-backed tactic is to reframe your anxiety as excitement, which can make you seem more competent and persuasive.15. NegotiatingSeveral Quora users cited negotiation skills as important for any professional.If you’re negotiating your salary (which you should do), the best strategy both for getting what you want and still coming off as friendly is to ask for a range including and above your target number. For example, if you’re aiming for a $100,000 salary, you’d suggest a $100,000 to $120,000 salary.Another trick is to frame your proposal in terms of what you’re giving the other person as opposed to what they’re losing. So instead of saying, “I want $10,000 for my car,” you’d say, “I’ll give you my car for $10,000.”16. Cooking basic mealsYou don’t need to be Julia Child to sustain yourself, or to impress fellow guests at a potluck.“Know how to cook at least five dishes,” writes Erin Nakano O’Quinn. “These are likely to be dependent upon the culture you live in, but be able to cook at least one vegetarian dish, a breakfast dish, a dish that you can serve to a group of people, a dessert, and a starch. Try to be able to do these without a cookbook, and you can look like a rockstar wherever you go.”17. Making small talkConversation skills always come in handy, whether you’re chatting up cuties at your local bar or networking at a professional conference.One of the most important rules of making small talk is to demonstrate interest in your conversation partner and let him share information about himself. Another tactic is to flatter your partner, so that she feels better about herself after having spoken to you.18. Backing up your electronicsHaving your phone die or your computer stolen is nerve-wracking enough. Saying goodbye to all your important information with those gadgets is even worse.Be responsible and back up your data. We’ve rounded up all the tools you’ll need.19. Asking for helpThere’s nothing shameful about asking for a little advice or assistance, especially at work.In fact, research suggests that soliciting advice can ma ke you look more competent. That’s likely because people feel flattered that you turned to them in the first place.If you’re looking for general career advice, entrepreneur and author Tim Ferriss told Inc., it’s best to ask someone who became successful quickly and against the odds, instead of someone with a more conventional story.20. Picking up a dateApproaching an attractive stranger and starting a conversation is a terrifying prospect for pretty much every normal person.But there are ways to reduce both your anxiety and the chance that you’ll come across as a bumbling fool.One study found that men tend to prefer direct approaches, like “You’re cute - can I buy you a drink?” Women, on the other hand, generally prefer more open-ended questions, like “What do you think of this band?”Very few people in the study said they preferred standard pick-up lines - so it’s best to avoid those, no matter how clever you think you are.21. Dressing appropriately for a job i nterviewWe’re not supposed to judge books by their covers, but it’s no secret that hiring managers judge job candidates by their appearance.So avoid wearing too much makeup and definitely don’t show up wearing a hat. Instead, you’ll want to dress relatively conservatively. Even your shoes should be clean and tidy.The color of your clothes matters, too: According to a CareerBuilder survey, blue and black are the best colors to wear to a job interview, while orange is the worst.22. Waking up on timeIn college, rolling out of bed five minutes before class starts and showing up late because you stopped to get a latte is (sort of) understandable.In the professional world? Not so much. Pull it together and figure out a personal strategy for getting up and out the door on time.It really starts with your nighttime routine - so try doing something relaxing like taking a hot shower or meditating before bed.In the morning, experts generally advise against hitting “snooze” and goin g back to sleep. Instead, hit the snooze button once and use the time until your alarm goes off again to turn on a lamp and do some light stretching.23. Giving a good handshakeOne poll found that 70% of people don’t feel confident in their ability to give a proper handshake.But when you meet your company’s CEO for the first time, you don’t want to present her with a limp noodle - especially since a weak handshake suggests that you’re insecure.The best shaking strategy is to get a good grip, with your elbow nearing a right angle. Be sure to smile and make eye contact as well.24. Power nappingYou’ve heard it a thousand times: Most people need seven to eight hours of sleep a night.But pressing work deadlines, family obligations, and the siren call of your Facebook newsfeed mean that you probably don’t get as much sleep as you need.Enter the power nap. It’s just 10 minutes long and you sit slightly upright, so that you don’t wake up groggy from a deep sleep. This brief rest period can leave you feeling refreshed and alert.This article first appeared on Business Insider. 24 life skills every adult should master before turning 30 There’s no handbook for adult life.Somehow you’re just supposed to know that you should have more money coming in than going out and you shouldn’t wear a fuzzy orange sweater to a job interview.We’ve put together our own handbook of sorts for anyone transitioning from their 20s to their 30s, which lists many of the skills you’ll need to survive as an adult in the modern world.It’s based on the Quora thread, “What are some of the most useful skills to know?” as well as scientific research and expert opinion.Follow Ladders on Flipboard!Follow Ladders’ magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and more!We can’t promise we’ve outlined every skill, but if you’ve mastered these, you’re off to a good start:1. Accepting feedback gracefully“For most of us it is hard to hear how we made a mistake or could have done something better,” writes Quora user Pedram Keyani. “An amazing skill (which you can learn through pra ctice) is to set aside your emotional response in the moment and focus on the information presented to you. Some of it will be valid and some of it invalid but let your brain decide that, not your ego.”Depending on what kind of feedback you’re receiving, there are different strategies for responding with a cool head. For example, if your boss points out what she thinks is an error and you’re not sure she’s correct, you can say, “I hadn’t thought of that, and I’m going to look into it right away.”2. Apologizing sincerelyTo err is human - but to craft a believable apology isn’t a universal skill.The apology “needs to be sincere, not qualified, not quantified, and also needs [to] outline how X will not happen again,” Keyani says.According to one CEO, there’s a six-step strategy for successfully saying you’re sorry: Act quickly. Apologize in person. Explain what happened. Show how you are going to avoid the problem in the future. Apologize. Make restitution. Keyani gives an example of what you might say if you were tardy for an appointment:“I’m sorry I was late for the meeting. It must have been frustrating because you spent a lot of time preparing and got up early. I did a poor job accounting for traffic and didn’t give myself enough buffer. That is my bad and I’m going to give myself an extra 10 minutes instead of five moving forward.”3. Managing your time wiselyThere will probably never be a time in your life when you aren’t juggling multiple personal and professional priorities. Time-management skills are a must, unless you want to feel constantly frazzled.Perhaps the most important time-management lesson is that you should stick with one task at a time. Research suggests that multitasking is generally counterproductive because the brain expends energy as it readjusts its focus from one activity to another.You’d be wise, too, to limit the hours you spend working. Decades ago, Henry Ford discovered that productivity star ted to decline after employees logged more than 40 hours per week. Other research suggests that, after three weeks, 60-hour workweeks become less productive.4. Using keyboard shortcuts“Since most of the work we do nowadays involves computers,” says Arpit Jain, “using keyboard shortcuts definitely gives you an edge and saves you a lot of time.”Jain posted a list of some of the handiest shortcuts in her Quora answer. For example, simultaneously pressing the “Alt” and “F4” keys when using Microsoft windows lets you close a selected item or program. Keep the list somewhere close to your computer at work to supercharge your productivity.5. Saying ‘no’ respectfullyMany of us fear the word “no” because we don’t want to let other people down. But when you’re already swamped and your coworker asks you to take an hour to help him with his project report, “yes, of course” might not be the best answer.“It might sound a cliché, but saying NO when needed can sav e you lot of time, confusion, guilt, attachment, commitments, stress and other social evils,” writes Yogi Raj.There’s another Quora thread dedicated to learning how to say “no,” where Eva Glasrud writes, “we routinely overestimate the cost of saying ‘no.'”According to Glasrud, the best way to muster up the confidence to turn down a request is to recognize that “[t]here are some things you can never have back. Your time, your health, your virtue, your life. Don’t mess around with those things. It’s fine for people to ask - most likely, in their mind, they’re trying to help introduce you to a great person or opportunity or meaningful cause. And it’s just as fine for you to say ‘no.'”6. Empathizing with othersA number of Quora users mentioned the importance of learning to empathize with other people - to listen to them and try to see things from their perspective.Psychologists say empathy is a fundamental part of human interaction. In fact, people who lack the ability to empathize and take an interest in other people are often narcissists.7. Communicating through body language“Sometimes your body language tells people everything they need to know before you ever open your mouth,” writes Dean Bokhari.Experts have highlighted specific body language techniques that can make you more likable. For example, don’t break eye contact with your conversation partner, even after they’ve finished speaking. And make sure not to fidget or touch your face too much, which can give the impression that you’re lying or anxious.You can also read other people’s body language to help figure out what they’re thinking and feeling. For example, if they mirror your body language, the conversation is probably going well. If they smile but there are no crinkles around their eyes, they might be faking it.8. Making friends in any environmentMayeesha Tahsin says she thinks of forming relationships as a skill, as opposed to leaving things to chance.Tha t skill is especially important to develop during young adulthood, once you’re off the college campus, where it’s generally easy to forge close friends.One way to make friends as a grown-up is to trade confidences. Research suggests that “self disclosure” predicts liking, closeness, and relationship building. Another, surprisingly simple, tactic is to simply spend more time with the people you’d like to befriend. According to the “mere exposure effect,” we tend to like things and people we’re familiar with.9. Mending your clothesButton popped off your shirt at work? There’s no need to panic if you’re handy with a needle - which you should be.“Learn how to stitch that button to your shirt collar or sew back the tear on your sleeve from the edge of the table,” writes Zehra Alvi. “You will save a lot of money by just knowing how to handle that two-centimeter sword.”10. Speaking a second languageLearning a second language “opens up the mind to an entirely new way of thinking,” says Noe Villela. You’ll notice and appreciate parts of the world you never before experienced.It’s also possible that learning a new language can make you smarter - though the jury is still out on this issue. Some studies have found that being bilingual can improve cognitive skills, but more recent research disputes these findings.One of the best ways to learn a new language is through immersion. Get started with this free online tool that replicates the immersion experience.11. Sticking to a budget“It’s amazing how many people can’t do the simplest of things - like balance a checkbook, fill out a tax form, make sure that there’s more coming in than going out, [set] aside reserves for contingencies,” writes Miles Fidelman.Let’s start with “mak[ing] sure that there’s more coming in than going out,” which is essentially about adhering to a budget. We recently rounded up the best budgeting tips from readers who have shared their budgets with Business Insider.For example, you’ll want to anticipate any major costs in the near future - like if you’re planning to have a kid or go back to school. It’s also wise to set aside an emergency fund with several months’ worth of expenses in case the unexpected occurs.12. Using basic PhotoshopThere’s no need to call in a professional to touch up the headshot you’re posting to your personal website - you can do that yourself, using a few basic Photoshop tools.“In the professional world few things have helped me more than knowing Photoshop,” says Brad Sanzenbacher.13. Spending time aloneAs an adult, you should be able to spend a full day alone without going crazy for want of social interaction.Take a tip from Sanzenbacher, whose partner travels often for grad school:“I approach being alone with a very specific list of things that only I want to do. I go to weird museums, see movies that only I want to see, take mini-road trips, or see bands that only I like.” If you’re planning to live alone, which many Americans do today, you should accept that you will occasionally feel lonely. It’s nothing to be ashamed of or upset by, but it might be a signal that you should incorporate some more socializing into your daily schedule.14. Public speakingYou may not ever be required to perform in a Superbowl halftime show, but you’ll almost certainly be tasked with making presentations at work. For that reason, it’s important to hone your public speaking skills.“[T]he ability to speak confidently to a large mass of people is a skill to be learnt,” writes Ramachandra Bhakta in a since-deleted answer. “It makes a lasting impression and brings you to the notice of several people at once.”If the mere prospect of walking your coworkers through a Powerpoint gives you nightmares, there are strategies to quell your fear. One research-backed tactic is to reframe your anxiety as excitement, which can make you seem more competent and persuasive.15. NegotiatingSeveral Quora users cited negotiation skills as important for any professional.If you’re negotiating your salary (which you should do), the best strategy both for getting what you want and still coming off as friendly is to ask for a range including and above your target number. For example, if you’re aiming for a $100,000 salary, you’d suggest a $100,000 to $120,000 salary.Another trick is to frame your proposal in terms of what you’re giving the other person as opposed to what they’re losing. So instead of saying, “I want $10,000 for my car,” you’d say, “I’ll give you my car for $10,000.”16. Cooking basic mealsYou don’t need to be Julia Child to sustain yourself, or to impress fellow guests at a potluck.“Know how to cook at least five dishes,” writes Erin Nakano O’Quinn. “These are likely to be dependent upon the culture you live in, but be able to cook at least one vegetarian dish, a breakfast dish, a dish that you can serve to a group of people, a dessert, and a starch. Try to be able to do these without a cookbook, and you can look like a rockstar wherever you go.”17. Making small talkConversation skills always come in handy, whether you’re chatting up cuties at your local bar or networking at a professional conference.One of the most important rules of making small talk is to demonstrate interest in your conversation partner and let him share information about himself. Another tactic is to flatter your partner, so that she feels better about herself after having spoken to you.18. Backing up your electronicsHaving your phone die or your computer stolen is nerve-wracking enough. Saying goodbye to all your important information with those gadgets is even worse.Be responsible and back up your data. We’ve rounded up all the tools you’ll need.19. Asking for helpThere’s nothing shameful about asking for a little advice or assistance, especially at work.In fact, research suggests that soliciting advice can ma ke you look more competent. That’s likely because people feel flattered that you turned to them in the first place.If you’re looking for general career advice, entrepreneur and author Tim Ferriss told Inc., it’s best to ask someone who became successful quickly and against the odds, instead of someone with a more conventional story.20. Picking up a dateApproaching an attractive stranger and starting a conversation is a terrifying prospect for pretty much every normal person.But there are ways to reduce both your anxiety and the chance that you’ll come across as a bumbling fool.One study found that men tend to prefer direct approaches, like “You’re cute - can I buy you a drink?” Women, on the other hand, generally prefer more open-ended questions, like “What do you think of this band?”Very few people in the study said they preferred standard pick-up lines - so it’s best to avoid those, no matter how clever you think you are.21. Dressing appropriately for a job i nterviewWe’re not supposed to judge books by their covers, but it’s no secret that hiring managers judge job candidates by their appearance.So avoid wearing too much makeup and definitely don’t show up wearing a hat. Instead, you’ll want to dress relatively conservatively. Even your shoes should be clean and tidy.The color of your clothes matters, too: According to a CareerBuilder survey, blue and black are the best colors to wear to a job interview, while orange is the worst.22. Waking up on timeIn college, rolling out of bed five minutes before class starts and showing up late because you stopped to get a latte is (sort of) understandable.In the professional world? Not so much. Pull it together and figure out a personal strategy for getting up and out the door on time.It really starts with your nighttime routine - so try doing something relaxing like taking a hot shower or meditating before bed.In the morning, experts generally advise against hitting “snooze” and goin g back to sleep. Instead, hit the snooze button once and use the time until your alarm goes off again to turn on a lamp and do some light stretching.23. Giving a good handshakeOne poll found that 70% of people don’t feel confident in their ability to give a proper handshake.But when you meet your company’s CEO for the first time, you don’t want to present her with a limp noodle - especially since a weak handshake suggests that you’re insecure.The best shaking strategy is to get a good grip, with your elbow nearing a right angle. Be sure to smile and make eye contact as well.24. Power nappingYou’ve heard it a thousand times: Most people need seven to eight hours of sleep a night.But pressing work deadlines, family obligations, and the siren call of your Facebook newsfeed mean that you probably don’t get as much sleep as you need.Enter the power nap. It’s just 10 minutes long and you sit slightly upright, so that you don’t wake up groggy from a deep sleep. This brief rest period can leave you feeling refreshed and alert.This article first appeared on Business Insider.You might also enjoy… New neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happy Strangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds 10 lessons from Benjamin Franklin’s daily schedule that will double your productivity The worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs 10 habits of mentally strong people

FREE Webinar How to Job Search in 2013

FREE Webinar How to Job Search in 2013 FREE Webinar How to Job Search in 2013 FREE Webinar: 2013 State of the Job Search Presenter: Kevin Kermes, Founder and Editor of Career Attraction. Kevin Kermes is career management expert whose advice has been featured by the Wall Street Journal, Yahoo! Careers, the Military Times, and other outlets. A reformed headhunter, talent acquisition consultant and former Infantry Offer, Kevin offers insights, advice and hacks to help you get ahead both in career and life. We are thrilled to have Kevin deliver an assessment of the 2013 Job Search landscape â€" EXCLUSIVELY for. Hell provide actionable advice to accelerate your search, while pointing out pitfalls and disturbing trends to avoid. Read Kevins great guest blog post, Cover Letter Writing: Perfect the Art. Date and Time: Tuesday, April 23rd at 1pm Eastern Time (U.S.) Topics: Unemployment numbers don’t tell the real story…where you need to look and, more importantly, what you can do about it How conventional wisdom is sabotaging your search by making you a commodity versus a “MUST HIRE TODAY!” Why most “expert advice” on using social media is making your search more difficult How to shift the way you find new jobs so you stand out from the crowd and even create opportunities for yourself!  Space is limited, register for the 2013 State of the Job Search today!

Hydraulic Fracturing Mature Technology Modern Marvel

Hydraulic Fracturing Mature Technology Modern Marvel Hydraulic Fracturing Mature Technology Modern Marvel Most people are surprised to learn that hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is fairly old technology. Its been around since the 1940s, actually. Today it is a household word, thanks to its prevalent and controversial use in recovering oil and gas from deep shale deposits in the continental U.S. These unconventional reserves consist of petrocarbons trapped in tight shale rock, often miles below the surface, essentially out of reach until the 1980s, when horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing were successfully combined to make it technologically and economically viable to exploit deep oil shale. As a result, says Michael Economides, professor of chemical and biomolecular engineeringat University of Houston, shale rock has been transformed from being seen as a barrier rock between lackluster formations to becoming a target rock that contains massive quantities of trapped gas. And what a transformation it has been. In 2005, for example, 19 million cubic feet of gas was produced in the U.S., about the same amount the country produced in 1968. In 2012 that number was 25 million cubic feet, a new national record and more gas than any other country produced that year. About 80% of Americas gas industry exists because of the success of hydraulic fracturing. So what is it, exactly? Hydraulic fracturing is the process by which water, sand, and chemicals are injected, under high pressure, into deep shale deposits through a previously drilled well, fracturing the surrounding sedimentary rock and releasing trapped oil and gas. Particles of sand hold the fractures open to allow the hydrocarbons to flow freely to the surface. Recovering gas and oil through hydraulic fracturing is actually a two-step process: The well is drilled first, followed by hydraulic fracturing. The time-consuming part is drilling and prepping the hole; hydraulic fracturing typically takes only three to ten days, after which oil and gas can be recovered for years. Horizontal drilling (bottom image) helps consolidate gas wells onto one small pad site, reducing the number of roads and pipelines needed to service dozens of wells. Horizontal Drilling Typically the oil-bearing shale is a gently dipping formation thousands of feet below the surface. Horizontal drilling starts with a vertical hole that stays vertical until it hits the shale horizon, at which point it is turned 90 degrees to follow the center of the oil-bearing rock. Drill steel is surprisingly flexible. All it takes is a short radius of 20 to 45 feet to start a horizontal well from the bottom of a vertical well. Increasingly sophisticated rotary steerable systems, combined with logging-while-drilling tools, help engineers accurately steer the well path in real time to keep it within the target formation. Horizontal wells can extend up to a mile or more from the vertical part of the well. Blasting the Pipe The next step involves setting off high-order explosives to fracture the shale along the productive sections of the well. This involves blasting holes through the steel casing and cement and into surrounding rocka high-precision affair that lasts only a few seconds. A carrying device transports the carefully calculated and spaced explosive charges down the hole, where they are detonated at precise locations to create the first fracture patterns in the shale. Perforating guns deliver tremendous high-velocity pressure waves that travel up to 7,000 m/s and exert as much as 103 GPa. Hydrofracturing Hydrofracturing can now begin. Pump trucks deliver a highly pressurized solution down the drill hole that is 99.5% water and sand; the remaining half a percent consists of anti-bacterial compounds (bacteria can corrode pipes and reduce production) and other additives that change the surface tension of the water so it is easier to pump down the hole. Under this extreme pressure of up to 20,000 psi the fluids fill or enlarge the perforation cracks that can extend several hundred feet away from the well. The sand grains become wedged in the fractures, keeping them open when the pumping pressure is reduced. After fracturing is completed, the internal pressure of the geologic formation causes the fluids to rise to the surface, bringing along oil and gas, which are then separated. The well will typically produce oil and/or gas without further stimulation for many years. Modeling Matters Many key advances in drilling and hydrofracturing have resulted from sophisticated modeling programs. Hydrofracturing is really a study in applied fracture mechanics, states Ron Dusterhoft, a mechanical engineer and Technology Fellow with Halliburton in Houston. This is an exciting field because we are looking at the intersection of fluid dynamics and complex fracturing dynamics. Dusterhoft is serious about modeling; his production-enhancement group includes nine Ph.D. mathematicians. So is Mukul M. Sharma, professor of petroleum, geosystems, and chemical engineering at the University of Texas, Austin. His research group uses modeling to study fracture growth, the coupling of pore pressure effects with geomechanical effects, and better methods for fluid placement. Modeling allows us to see the interaction between multiple fractures in multiple wells in a single pad location through the use of tracers and microseismic data, he says. Combine this with geomechanical modeling and the picture becomes even clearer. Before we had these tools we had very little idea where the fractures were actually going. Mark Crawford is an independent writer. Register here for a free webinar on hydraulic fracturing. For Further Discussion This is an exciting field because we are looking at the intersection of fluid dynamics and complex fracturing dynamics.Ron Dusterhoft, Halliburton

Why Higher Education Still Matters

Why Higher Education Still Matters Why Higher Education Still Matters However, in recent times, many have questioned the importance of higher education.  The reasons for this doubt are varied: some are skeptical that higher education will do them much good in their careers, some are afraid of the costs involved, and some are not sure whether the investment of time and finances will really pay off. The truth is simple: despite what you may have heard, higher education is too important to miss. Heres why: Get an Edge Over the Competition In todays world, competition is all around us. From jobs to social status, every person is competing with everyone else. Higher education is the most important tool you can have in your arsenal to stay ahead. It opens up  important ways for you to advance yourself, both personally and professionally. Find Employment Thanks to the rapidly changing global economy and the development of technology, finding and maintaining employment has become more challenging and demanding in the last several years. Employers no longer look for simple manpower; they look for knowledge  and skills, much of which you can only attain through rigorous schooling. Higher education will make you stand out among all the other job candidates. The more educated you are, the better your chances of landing a great job. Better Understand the World Around You We live in complicated, nuanced times. Higher education teaches you the mental techniques you need to navigate this world successfully. If you plan to become an entrepreneur or a businessman, you wont get very far unless you know how to think outside the box and handles complex situations. Higher education teachers you how to do just that. Pursue the Path You Want To The biggest advantage of pursuing higher studies is that you can walk the career path of your choice. Attending college gives you choices. You dont have to settle for a job you can get; you can chase after the job you truly want with your degree in hand. You Need Higher Education but How Do You Choose What to Study? Important as it is, higher education  can also be confusing. With so many majors, programs, and areas of study out there, many students feel overwhelmed when it comes time to choose an educational path. Some believe that they should pursue a course of study that will enable them to earn more money, while others choose programs based on well-meaning, but one-sided advice from parents, teachers, and friends. Students shouldnt choose their programs or their attendant careers based on mere whims or questionable advice. They should select the study and life paths that align with their passions and goals. They need to think long, hard, and carefully about it. For students in need of some direction, a career counselor may be the right way to go. Career counselors use a wide range of techniques to determine which career will be suitable for a particular student. They measure the aptitude of a student and gauge their interests in various areas. Based on their findings, career counselors can suggest career paths that may be right for a student. They can also help the students in developing educational plans that will lead them to the perfect professional life. - Higher education is important but its even more important to make sure that you choose the  right  higher education path for you. The wrong choice may result in not only wasted years, but also serious debts with nothing to show for them. On the contrary, the right choice will ensure not only your personal development, but also your continued satisfaction for years to come.

Top 12 Worst Jobs in America

Top 12 Worst Jobs in America Top 12 Worst Jobs in America Which are the worst jobs to work at? The answer, as with  best jobs lists, is that it depends. What might sound like a horrible job to one person, might not seem so bad to someone else.  There are other factors than the job responsibilities to consider when you’re evaluating occupations. There are jobs that don’t pay well. There are also jobs where the projected hiring of new employees is expected to decline. Health and safety are also factors to consider. Some occupations are much more stressful than others. The risk of getting hurt, or even killed, is much higher in occupations  designated as dangerous. A high-stress job combined with low pay or a poor safety rating isn’t going to be a good option for most people. There are some industries where the job outlook is worse than others and wage growth is low. Everyone’s experience differs, of course, but these are some of the jobs you may not want to consider if you’re exploring career options or a change in your  career path. 12 Worst Jobs Here’s a list of some of the worst jobs in America, in alphabetical order, based on salary, benefits, job opportunities, and worker health and safety concerns. 1. Assembly Worker Assembly workers fit together the component parts of a product or segment of a product using tools, machines, and their hands.   Factors Impacting RatingAccidents and injuries are fairly common in production facilities. Tasks can be very repetitive, adding to the stress level of workers. Jobs are expected to decline by 14% percent from 2016 through 2026 due to increased automation and outsourcing of production to countries with lower labor costs and environmental standards. About the Job: Assembly Worker Job Description     2. Bank Teller Bank tellers assist patrons with deposits and withdrawals, cash checks, reconcile balances, and communicate information about fees, policies and bank services. Factors Impacting RatingBank teller jobs are projected to decline by 8 percent from 2016 through 2026 due to the increase in mobile and online banking and the use of ATMs. Wages are low, averaging about $13.52 per hour and many jobs are part-time without benefits. About the Job:  Bank Teller Job Description 3. Coal Miner Coal miners extract coal from underground mines or participate in strip mining activities. They dig tunnels, operate machinery, transport coal out of the mines, and secure the mines. Factors Impacting RatingA shift to cleaner fuels due to climate change and pollution concerns has limited mining industry opportunities. Health and safety risks due to exposure to fumes, mine collapses, and other accidents diminish the appeal of this occupation. Mine workers are more likely to be killed or to incur a non-fatal injury or illness, and their injuries are more likely to be severe than workers in private industry as a whole, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. About the Job:  The Most Common Mining Accidents 4. Farm Worker Farm workers cultivate and fertilize fields, plant and harvest crops, and operate farm machinery. They convey harvested crops to storage areas. Factors Impacting RatingMany farm jobs are seasonal and carry limited benefits and low pay ($11.41 per hour). Consolidation of farms into large, automated operations has limited opportunities with a projected 0% increase in jobs from 2016-2026. Long hours in often unpleasant weather conditions are negative factors for farm workers. About the Job:  Farm Worker Job Description       5. Fast Food and Short Order Cook Fast food and short order cooks prepare meals for patrons of fast food establishments, diners, and other non-premium eateries. Factors Impacting RatingCooks often work long hours and have frequent evening and weekend shifts. Kitchens can be overheated, and burns, cuts, and minor accidents are common. Wages are low, averaging $11.52 per hour and job growth is expected to be only 6% from 2016-2026. About the Job:  Fast Food Worker Job Description 6. Fishing Worker Fishing Workers prepare and maintain poles, nets, and other fishing gear. They catch, extract, and store fish. Fishers unload their catch upon return to the docks. Factors Impacting RatingFishers experience one of the highest rates of fatalities among all classes of workers. They must stay at sea, away from loved ones for extended periods, and withstand adverse weather and sea conditions. Depleted supplies of fish in many waters add an element of uncertainty regarding the success of expeditions. Low pay, averaging $13.72 per hour does little to offset the risk factors associated with this line of work. About the Job:  Commercial Fisherman Job Description 7. Logger Logging workers cut down trees, operate machinery to transport logs, cut logs into desired lengths, and maintain equipment. Factors Impacting RatingLogging jobs are expected to decrease by 13 percent from 2016 through 2026 due to international competition, lands designated for conservation and depleted forest lands. Accidents and job-related injuries are constant threats to worker health and safety. Loggers often work in isolated locations and in adverse weather conditions. About the Job:  Logger Job Description 8. Medical Transcriptionist Medical transcriptionists convert recordings of patient interactions by physicians and other healthcare professionals to written documents. They interpret medical terms and abbreviations. Factors Impacting RatingOpportunities are expected to decline by 3 percent from 2016 through 2026 due to productivity gains and an increase in direct recording of case notes by physicians. Salaries are relatively low, averaging $16.95 per hour. About the Job:  Medical Transcriptionist Job Description 9. Newspaper Reporter Newspaper reporters research and write stories about local, regional, and national events.   Factors Impacting Rating Print media opportunities are expected to decline by 9 percent from 2016 through 2026 due to a shift to online media. Salaries are relatively low, averaging $35,130 per year. Deadline pressure and depleted staffing add to job stress. Opportunities often require relocation to areas that may not be appealing to candidates.  About the Job: Newspaper Reporter Job Description 10. Postal Service Worker Postal workers sort and deliver the mail and assist post office patrons with their mailing needs. Factors Impacting RatingAutomated bill paying and the increase in electronic mail have reduced opportunities to work with the post service. The BLS estimates a 13 percent decline in jobs from 2016 to 2026. Delivery workers must cope with adverse weather conditions, expanded territories, and close monitoring of productivity.     About the Job:  Post Office Jobs 11. Retail Sales Associate Retail sales associates stock and display merchandise, advise customers, promote products, and process transactions. Factors Impacting RatingRetail employees are often asked to work evenings, weekends and holidays. Many positions are part-time and do not carry benefits. Pay is low, averaging $11.24 per hour. Job growth is expected to be lower than average from 2016-2026, only 2%.The rise in online shopping has reduced the number of jobs available at some stores. About the Job:  Retail Sales Associate Job Description 12. Taxi Driver Taxi drivers transport customers to airports and other destinations. They collect fares and conduct conversations with passengers. Factors Impacting Rating Taxi drivers must cope with the stress of traffic and are confronted with the potential danger of accidents. The emergence of driving services like Uber and Lyft have made it more challenging for full-time taxi drivers to earn a good living. Wages averaged only $11.96 per hour in May 2017.   About the Job:  Taxi Driver Job Description Projected growth and occupational data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Twitter and Your Job Search How to Filter the Noise

Twitter and Your Job Search How to Filter the Noise Twitter and Your Job Search How to Filter the Noise You want to get ‘out there,’ but you’re not interested in an onslaught of annoying messages. No fear. Use these 12 resources to cut through the clutter, fast.I recently watched a documentary called “Hear and Now” about a deaf couple who decides to get cochlear implants at the age of 65.I couldn’t help but compare this couple’s frustration to the frustration many job seekers feel when they try to incorporate the microblogging tool Twitter into their job searches.While the surgery allows the characters in the movie to hear, they are unable to process what they hear, and they find it difficult to translate the words they hear into their intended meaning. They can still only read lips, as they have been doing for 65 years, in order to follow a conversation.Twitter can help job seekers “hear” multiple short messages (known as “tweets”) about job-search strategies and job leads, but it can sometimes be quite difficult to process so much information and figure out what to pay attention to and what to block out.Unfortunately, many abandon Twitter quickly if they can’t get the hang of it and end up not taking advantage of what could be an excellent tool for complementing their job search. Below are some tools to help you better manage your Twitter account and remove some of the frustration that using it may provoke.Research Twitter Search is like Google for Twitter. Put in any search term and see what’s being discussed on Twitter.Tweetscan works like Google alerts and searches tweets based on keywords.Twist allows you to view popular trends discussed on Twitter or show more recent tweets on a particular topic.Twubble lets you search who your friends are following and pick out others you may want to follow.Twemes follows tweets that have embedded tags that start with a # character. This is particularly useful for keeping up with real-time activities associated with a live event such as a conference.Twitterholic lists the top 100 Twitters based on number of followers.These tools can help you locate other like-minded people who are discussing topics that interest you. They can also help you come up with content for your own tweets and find more people to follow and build community with.Organization/Time management Tweetdeck is a personal browser for staying on top of your tweets and peeps and connecting you with your contacts across Facebook and Twitter.Tweetake allows you to backup your Twitter followers, favorites, direct messages, friends and tweets.My Tweeple lets you alphabetize and manage your followers. You can easily locate and follow others and block followers.TwitterSnooze lets you block tweets temporarily from your “verbose” Twitter friends.TweetLater preps you to schedule tweets for future release, automatically follow new users and send automated thank you notes to new followers.Twitsay lets you leave a voice message that is converted into a tweet.Twitter can get very crowded and very noisy very quickly. These tools are great for creating efficiencies and ensuring that you are using Twitter to optimize its value rather than rob you of critical job-search time.