Tampilkan postingan dengan label career job. Tampilkan semua postingan
Tampilkan postingan dengan label career job. Tampilkan semua postingan

Jumat, 10 Desember 2010

Graduating From College? The Sky is the Limit

Attention college seniors: I am the voice of your not-so-distant future. I was once where you are now, sweating and worrying about my future, forced to answer the never-ending question from family and friends: "What are you going to do when you graduate?"
The Onset of Panic
I can relate. But you do not want sympathy; you want advice. The best advice I can give you is to relax. You do not have to figure out the rest of your life in the next six months. You have a lifetime to sketch out those dreaded career goals. In the meantime, take a job you can enjoy: teach in an under-served school system, try your luck in Hollywood, work your way across the world, or do as I did, and take to the skies -- become a flight attendant.
Peace Corps Volunteer or Flight Attendant?
I joined the "real world" just over a year ago, after four unfocused years of college. The flexibility of my psychology major allowed me to explore my many interests, from Latin-American music to the social constructions of health. I studied abroad for a year, wrote for the college newspaper and conducted HIV education programs. By senior year, I was confused. I did not know what to do following graduation -- which of those diverse paths to pursue. My senior year I took the minimum course load (12 hours in the Fall and an awesome 8 hours in the Spring) in order to devote most of my time and energy to the job search. I spent most of those days in the library, glued to a computer screen, combing through every imaginable online job listing. There were jobs I wanted that I never could have gotten and jobs I could have gotten but never wanted. Graduation day loomed, and I was freaking out.
All was not lost, though. I had two very real possibilities. The Peace Corps was a definite interest. I could experience some far-away place and contribute to the betterment of the world. The other idea emerged from my closet obsession with air travel, which I finally managed to do something about. Along with the Peace Corps, I applied for a flight attendant position. I know…it seems strange to mention being a Peace Corps volunteer and a flight attendant in the same breath. But both captured my overwhelming love of travel. It was not an easy decision, but in the end, I decided to put the Peace Corps on hold and take the job as a flight attendant. It was time to have some fun and fulfill an old dream.
Is It Right For Me?
You would not be reading this article if you weren’t at least mildly interested in an airline career. But how do you know if it is right for you? I have friends who often get frustrated with their 9 to 5 office jobs and toss around the idea of joining me. After we get past the benefits (which are fantastic) and get into the actual work, their interest sometimes waivers. It is a demanding job, and it takes more than a "people person" to solve crises - both large and small - in such tight quarters and with very limited resources. You must possess good self-esteem and the sense not to take everything to heart cranky passengers and crewmembers throw at you.

 
You have to be able to work strange hours, including nights, weekends and holidays. But of course, there are many advantages: you do not have to go to work every weekday from 9 to 5, you typically get more time off than at a typical job, and you very rarely see any kind of a supervisor or boss. Plus, working holidays may mean having a hotel room in Times Square on New Year’s Eve!
Landing A Flight Attendant Job Is Difficult
Landing a job at one of the major airlines is very tricky since the number of applicants far outweighs the number of positions. There is good news though: most airlines are growing and hiring more flight attendants than ever. And a college degree does carry weight. While no carrier I know of requires an applicant to have a degree, many of the flight attendants I know have undergraduate degrees. A few have even pursued advanced degrees while continuing to fly.
Some airlines actually recruit on campus, though many conduct open interview sessions around the country. Consider applying if you’ve harbored that steward/ess dream since your first plane ride, or if the job sounds fun and you do not know what else you’d like to do. If you are headed to grad school but want a break or need to save some money, think about deferring. Airlines do not require minimum commitments; you can fly for a month, a year, or 30 years. If you only want to fly temporarily or decide it is not for you, no problem. You are not locked in. JFK-based JetBlue even designed a limited one-year program with recent grads in mind.
As I mentioned earlier, competition for these jobs is intense, and I recommend checking out AirlineCareer.com (forgive me for sounding like an advertisement). This will give you the best opportunity to get hired. Of course, you could just wing it, but I can almost guarantee you won't get hired without some assistance.
Why It's All Worth It
The benefits that come with an airline job cannot be beat, especially for those of us just starting to make our way in the world. Considering the work involved, the pay is decent. But it is the free travel that lures many into the industry. No matter how long you’ve worked for an airline, it is undeniably cool to be able to hop on a plane and go anywhere on a day off. This past year alone, I spent Thanksgiving in London and New Year’s in Frankfurt. For fun, I vacationed in Thailand. "What are you going to do when you graduate?"

What Do Recruiters Look For In You?

There is not one magic key that can open all the doors to a job search. As job profiles keep changing, so do the job requirements. This doesn’t mean that fundamental qualities such as integrity, self-motivation and trade skills have lost place in the list. Still, the present-day job scene requires a bank manager to possess lot more prior knowledge and qualities than it took some 10-15 years ago. job vacancy indonesia
Your enthusiasm and upbeat personalities are paramount. This is the first core quality that recruiters will take notice of when interviewing you. Think about it from their point of view - job vacancies are announced only when the going gets tough and work pressure mounts up continuously. No one else other than the self-motivated and candidates that are always upbeat in mood make it to the shortlist.
There is another vital quality that recruiters are anxiously looking for in a candidate. Jonathan Holman, a top recruiter and an HR expert says, "Candidates must have the know- how to make money for the enterprise; all other skills are irrelevant if this one is lacking." Obviously he is referring to candidates for CEO postings. This is as good as it can get. If you really look at it, all other jobs contribute to the enterprise in one way or the other. So it is the ability to contribute, in real terms, to the overall growth of the company which matters. employee
Holman ranks both personal and business integrity next only to the ability to contribute. Regardless of what position you are seeking, there are professional matters of high importance and proprietary in nature, which you will come across in the normal course of your employment. Opinions about you are collected and analyzed by recruiters. It is important for everyone, especially management candidates. Recruiters are very clear about this; they can’t put their reputation at stake by recommending someone who they can’t trust, despite proven analytical abilities and business skills. The next important thing recruiters look for is character and a strong sense of ethics. Strong character coupled with professionalism determines your interpersonal skills. Your past experiences and references of your former superiors are critical aspects which typically impress recruiters. Even recent graduates wanting to score on this count could think of apprenticeships in some very large corporations such as PepsiCo, General Electric Company, Rubbermaid, and P & G, among others. Recruiters call these organizations ‘Academy Companies’.
It is especially important to be presently employed - this adds a lot of weight to your candidacy. It is true that you can explain your reasons for being unemployed, so if this is true for you, then have your answer well-prepared beforehand, because recruiters will be interested in probing soon as they see that you are out of job.
The ability to adapt to a new situation, responsiveness, flexibility are some innate qualities that make anyone an indispensable employee whom every recruiter wants to hire. A senior HR consultant, Paige Lloyd, summarizes things as "We're looking for students who take the initiative to do things that are above and beyond what is required for graduation," she says. "That speaks to us of their ability to work on different tasks." vacancy


Kamis, 09 Desember 2010

Keeping Your Executive Resume Current

Many people do not like the idea of keeping their resume up-to-date, and for a number of reasons. It may require that you admit that your job is not as secure as you wish; it may seem like too much of a chore; it may seem too difficult; or it could just be that you don't feel you have the time.
job vacancy indonesia
However, maintaining a current resume, particularly for those in executive careers, is a wise decision for a number of reasons. 
Yes, the job market is volatile, and even though no one likes to think about it, your job may not be as secure as you believe. Having a current resume is like having an insurance policy; should the worst happen, you'll be prepared. When unexpected layoffs, mergers, or changes in job functions occur, the stress compounds when it comes to updating that resume.
For those who keep a current file, however, that stress can be greatly reduced, allowing you to focus on executive jobs rather than your paperwork. vacancy
Another, more positive reason to keep a current resume is that you never know when an opportunity may present itself. When you have reached the executive level, chances are much greater that an executive recruiter or another firm will call. If it's one of those opportunities that is too good to pass up (or at least investigate), having an updated resume is a distinct advantage.
The option may be fleeting, and your competition may not be as savvy as you.
While they struggle to update their resume, you can hand over an executive package complete with resume, biography, and sample projects summarizing your executive career.
Time can definitely be a problem, so consider keeping a file strictly for your resume and portfolio. Even details from the most impressive accomplishments can fade with time.
As you complete projects, make a few notes, copy the numbers, and add the information to your file. As you receive positive feedback from senior management, customers, board members, or shareholders, keep records of this information as well. A quality quote or recommendation from a superior can sometimes spice up a resume or executive biography perfectly.
Hiring a professional for resume writing or executive coaching can also be a great time saver, particularly if you're one of the many people who feel intimidated by the resume writing process. A professional resume writer and career coach will have a good understanding of your industry and know the best keywords and phrases to include, while still tailoring your resume to your unique situation. When time is a factor, many will be able to provide a fast turnaround.
Regardless of whether or not you enlist the help of a professional, it's a good idea to keep your resume file current. Even the best professional will not be able to pull your accomplishments out of the air--you need to keep track of the important information. employee

Senin, 06 Desember 2010

When and How to Say "I Just Can't Do It!"

We naturally hesitate to tell our boss when we can't do something or are feeling overwhelmed in our job. Bosses don't want to hear that, right? Well, it depends. 
In many situations, your boss is so busy that he/she doesn't keep track of how much work you're doing. When your boss gives you a new project, he's not thinking about all the other projects you're already working on.
And here's the kicker -- unless you speak up and tell your boss that you can't handle the workload he's giving you, he'll assume everything is fine.
This can have bad consequences for you AND your boss. You know what will happen. Eventually things will start falling through the cracks or you'll rush through tasks and start making mistakes. 
You can only do so much in a day, and deadlines will be missed. While you're stressing out, work that your boss needs you to do is NOT being done.
When this happens, your boss will not appreciate your excuse: "But I had too much to do, I was overloaded with work!" Saying that AFTER the fact will be much worse than telling your boss up front -- before mistakes occur or deadlines are missed -- that you're having trouble with your workload.
It is your responsibility to tell your boss when you are overwhelmed, and there's nothing wrong with doing this.
Of course, you don't want to tell your boss, "I can't do that; I'm too busy." But you can say, "I'll be happy to take that on, but I need your help with prioritizing the other projects you've already given me. Which jobs can I put on hold or delegate to someone else while I work on this new one?"
That's way better than keeping your mouth shut, trying to do too much, and failing miserably.

Do More than Expected to Get Ahead

One of the best things you can do to increase your career advancement opportunities where you work is to do more than expected.
It's often not enough to just do a fine job and expect promotions now and then based on longevity. So find opportunities to show you can handle more responsibility or different duties than those in your job description. >vacancy
Here's one example from my own personal experience. I had a great job as the executive assistant to the general manager. But I often didn't have enough to do to keep me busy. I hate being bored, and I enjoy writing. So I began writing articles and submitting them for the employee newsletter, even though none were solicited. 
The editor liked what I wrote, and every article I submitted was accepted and published. Readers even began looking forward to my articles.
One day the editor left for a position with another company. Having already demonstrated my writing talent, I was asked to apply for the job. I had to go through the standard hiring process and compete with other applicants, but because I had volunteered to write articles, the hiring manager had first-hand knowledge of my capabilities and I was hired. Not only was this a promotion, it was a move into a position that I found much more challenging and rewarding.
So look around and take advantage of opportunities to do more than expected. You'll enjoy more job satisfaction, help others, and -- just maybe -- get rewarded for your efforts! > employee

Jumat, 26 November 2010

The Rule on Resume Length

Ami, one of my newsletter subscribers, recently emailed me and said that she'd been told by her brother that her 2-page resume was too long. "It can't be longer than one page," her bro stated. Wise woman that she was, instead of blindly following his advice, Ami sought a second opinion. Here's what I told her about that so-called resume "rule."

Job Vacancy Indonesia The "old rule" about resume length was to limit it to one page. The logic everyone spouted was that hiring managers (or HR folks) were just too busy to read more than that. But things have changed. Here's why:
(1) With more people applying for jobs, employers need as much information as possible to help them pick out the best candidates;
(2) People change jobs a lot more often now than they used to, so there's more to list on their resumes; 
(3) Modern technology allows computerized resumes to be scanned quickly for keywords, so even lengthy ones can be reviewed quickly by most large companies.
Now the "rule" is to simply make your resume as long (or short) as necessary to include all the pertinent information. So someone who's only had one job and is looking for an entry-level position could certainly fit their resume onto one page, while an experienced professional who's had 6 jobs in the last 10 years may need 2 (or even 3) pages. 

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Kamis, 25 November 2010

At the Job Interview, Your Behavior Outweighs Your Answers

Nancy prepared long and hard for her job interview. She researched the company, studied the job description, developed and practiced answers for likely questions, dressed appropriately, and arrived early. She really needed the job!
At the job interview, Nancy answered every question well.
Unfortunately, her behavior sabotaged her performance.
When introduced to the interviewer, she said, “Thank you so much for seeing me. I really need this job.” After answering one of the questions, she added, “I hope I answered that sufficiently for you. I really need this job.” As the interview was ending, the last thing she said was, “Thank you for the opportunity to interview for this job. I really need it!” 
Nancy, like many other job candidates, believed that letting the interview know she really needed the job would help her to get it.
But that’s not true.
As a matter of fact, being “too desperate” for the job is one of the most common reasons hiring managers will reject you, regardless of your qualifications. If they know how desperate you are, they will wonder to what lengths you will go to get the job—would you exaggerate on your résumé or lie during the interview? You don’t want them wondering about things like that. Be enthusiastic about the opportunity, but don’t be a “Needy Nancy.”
Here are six other behaviors to avoid during job interviews (despite the names, all behaviors apply to both men and women):
“Overly Familiar Fred” behaves like he’s best buddies with male interviewers, and flirts with female interviewers. He’ll smile, wink, joke around and try to come across as God’s gift to the hiring manager. It’s OK to be friendly and charming to a point, but there’s a line you should never cross. Professionalism is paramount. Don’t be an “Overly Familiar Fred.”
“Aimless Amy” behaves like she wants a job… and any job will do. It’s obvious to hiring managers that she doesn’t know what she wants to be when she grows up. Be prepared to communicate clear career goals and give compelling reasons why you want the specific job for which you are interviewing. Don’t be an “Aimless Amy.”
“Rambling Randy” behaves like he’s trying to win a talking contest. He goes on and on, telling personal stories and getting completely away from the point of the question. Listening is as important as talking. Don’t talk just to fill a temporary silence from the interviewer. Stories are good, but they should be relevant and brief. Don’t be a “Rambling Randy.”
“Emotional Emma” lets her feelings interfere with her performance. If a tricky interviewer insults her appearance or skills to gauge her reaction, she’ll become visibly upset—perhaps even burst into tears or hurl insults back at the interviewer. If you have a temper or cry easily—or tend to get overly nervous—focus on remaining calm during the interview, no matter what. I’m not saying you should hide all emotions; no one wants to hire a robot. Let your personality show. But don’t be an “Emotional Emma.”
“Arrogant Andy” behaves like he’s doing the hiring manager a favor by coming in for an interview. He speaks in a condescending tone when answering questions he feels are beneath him. He enjoys bragging about his accomplishments, never mentioning team efforts. He is confident that his qualifications are far superior to those of other candidates. He’s sure the interview is just a formality, and believes the job is his if he really wants it. No matter how qualified you are, it’s more important to be likeable. No one will hire an egotistical jerk. Don’t be an “Arrogant Andy.”
“Timid Tina” behaves like she’s afraid to be noticed. She avoids eye contact, speaks in a quiet voice, answers questions with the fewest words possible, and rarely smiles. When asked if she has any questions as the interview winds down, she quickly says “No,” and looks longingly at the door, eager to escape. Many people are shy; very few people enjoy being interviewed. But no matter how desperately you wish someone would hire you based solely on your résumé, it’s not going to happen—you’ll have to talk your way into the job. Force yourself to show confidence and enthusiasm. After all, you have a lot to offer! You can’t offer anyone anything if you’re afraid to be noticed. Don’t be a “Timid Tina.”

find all the vacancies in Job Vacancy Indonesia, Vacancy

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Senin, 22 November 2010

When and How to Say "I Just Can't Do It!"

We naturally hesitate to tell our boss when we can't do something or are feeling overwhelmed in our job. Bosses don't want to hear that, right? Well, it depends. 
In many situations, your boss is so busy that he/she doesn't keep track of how much work you're doing. When your boss gives you a new project, he's not thinking about all the other projects you're already working on.
And here's the kicker -- unless you speak up and tell your boss that you can't handle the workload he's giving you, he'll assume everything is fine. 

This can have bad consequences for you AND your boss. You know what will happen. Eventually things will start falling through the cracks or you'll rush through tasks and start making mistakes.
You can only do so much in a day, and deadlines will be missed. While you're stressing out, work that your boss needs you to do is NOT being done.
When this happens, your boss will not appreciate your excuse: "But I had too much to do, I was overloaded with work!" Saying that AFTER the fact will be much worse than telling your boss up front -- before mistakes occur or deadlines are missed -- that you're having trouble with your workload.
It is your responsibility to tell your boss when you are overwhelmed, and there's nothing wrong with doing this.
Of course, you don't want to tell your boss, "I can't do that; I'm too busy." But you can say, "I'll be happy to take that on, but I need your help with prioritizing the other projects you've already given me. Which jobs can I put on hold or delegate to someone else while I work on this new one?"
That's way better than keeping your mouth shut, trying to do too much, and failing miserably.

find all the vacancies in Job Vacancy Indonesia, Vacancy
 
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Kamis, 11 November 2010

5 Tips To Rescue a Sinking Interview

1. BE UPFRONT
The last thing an interviewer wants to hear is a list of excuses he has heard a thousand times before. Trying to cover your tracks like this is just a waste of breath and could potentially insult your interviewer's intelligence.
Take a different approach. Replace a list of excuses with the following sequence of events.
  • •   Identify the Problem First - tell the interviewer about the mistake before he can address
        it.
  • •   Admit fault - apologize for the problem and recognize your shortcomings as the cause.
  • •   Explain Typical Behavior - let the interview know that mistakes, like being late, are freak
        occurrences and that you normally don't make them.
2. ASK QUESTIONS
Occasionally, you may start to feel uncomfortable during an interview. If you do not manage to regain composure, the interview will only go downhill. Taking focus away from you buys time. Sometimes turning the tables can also turn the interview around.

Asking questions will force the interviewer to talk and possibly mention characteristics he is looking for. In keeping questions as a back up plan, be sure to:
  • •   Prepare - come up with some questions ahead of time and make sure they are
        appropriate to the particular company and position.
  • •   Pay Attention - don't just ask a question and then zone out as you regroup. The
        interviewer could be giving you valuable information or ask you a question in response.
3. GET FEEDBACK
One easy way to lose your cool is to get halfway through answering a question only to discover that the interviewer is bored beyond belief. There is no need to be scared…yet. This is another place where questions can help.

Instead of using questions to get comfortable, use questions to get information. Your response may not be answering the right question, the question may have been unclear, or you may be spouting an incoherent nonsense. If you are caught in this situation:
  • •   Stop - Do not be afraid to break mid-answer to ask a clarification question.
  • •   Be Direct - if clarification does not put you at ease, ask the interviewer if he has any
        concerns about you as a candidate for the position.
4. TRY FLATTERY
A good mood is contagious. If you can get the interviewer into a happier state of mind, you may manage to give the mood of the entire interview a boost. Plus, nobody minds the occasional compliment. Whether it's a nice word about the company, the office, or the culture, a compliment can go a long way in a rough interview.

Choosing which compliments to pay, however, is not a simple task. Take to heart these suggestions before you start dropping kind words:
  • •   Show Preparation - consider paying a compliment that shows you have done research
        on the company, such as commenting on a shift in strategy or other recent
        business decision.
  • •   Be sincere - a compliment has the ability to make you appear to be an upbeat person;
        do not let a poor attitude offset that.
  • •   Don't Push It - compliments should not be too numerous, too personal, or too
        emphatic; eventually an interviewer will see through your ploy.
5. MOVE ON
Sometimes you can be fully qualified, answer every question perfectly, and make all the right decisions, but still get a cold shoulder from an interviewer. At these times, you have to remember: it's not your fault.

No matter how confident and qualified you are, you are not in complete control of the interview. You have bad days from time to time. Interviewers can have bad days too, and that can affect your interview. It's not fair, but it's the truth. An interview could be going badly due to no fault of your own. 
 
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Rabu, 10 November 2010

Tips To Minimize Job Hunting Stress

The job hunt is not an easy process and being in between jobs just adds more stress to your life. Who needs that? While you may not be able to get rid of all the stress, you can eliminate a lot of it.
These 6 tips will help you get rid of unnecessary job search stress. 
1. GET ORGANIZED
You should NEVER be stressed because you cannot find something. This goes beyond keeping track of resumes and cover letters. Other essentials like diplomas, certification certificates, and forms of identification should always be easily accessible. Most people agree that the creation of an employment portfolio is the best solution. One easy to access container of all your essentials will relieve pressure when searching for information or gathering materials prior to an interview.
2. STICK TO A SCHEDULE
The most successful job seekers admit that finding a job is a full time job. Just being busy creates a stressful atmosphere. Creating and maintaining a schedule lets you visualize what you need to get done and when you need to get it done. Often times we create stress in our minds. A schedule quantifies how busy you actually are not how busy you think you are. Moreover, you can monitor how well you follow your schedule to determine how efficiently you use your time.
3. TAKE A BREAK
All work and no play can make you a dull person, and make you go crazy. Under excessively tense conditions, recreation plays a vital role in maintaining composure. The beauty of the schedule is that it not only lets you see when you need to get work done, but also when you don’t need to get work done. Fill your free time with fun, relaxing activities that take your mind off worries. Finding a job is a full time job, but it should not consume 24 hours of the day 7 days a week.
4. KNOW WHERE YOU STAND
People also create stress by not evaluating where they stand with a prospective employer. They tend to assume that they are not in good standing with a company or interviewer, which only creates more tension and worries. Take time to stop and think about correspondences and other interactions. Pay attention to the tones people use as they write or speak. Reflect on the impressions you make from a phone interviewer. A second round of interviews probably means you made the cut and are in the running for the job. Serious contemplation of these types smaller things will remove uncertainty, thus remove worry.
5. AVOID REPITITIVE STRESS
You can improve efficiency and free up time, but recognizing opportunities to reuse work you have already done. This does NOT mean using generic cover letters and interview questions. However, having templates that can be modified to custom fit companies and situations is worthwhile. The key is to reduce the amount of work you have to do, without sacrificing the authenticity of the impression you leave. An employment portfolio can make this recycling even easier. Just remember that everything you say or write to a possible employer should reflect your personality and your thoughts on working for that particular employer.
6. PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT
As it comes down to the wire, the most stressful part of a job search for many people is the most confrontational part of the process: the interview. An interview is, in some respect, an employer’s way of testing you. Just like you studied for tests in school, you can study for interviews. This is more than just doing background research on a company. Think about possible questions the interviewers might ask you and think about how you would respond. Many people find it helpful to actually go through mock interviews with friends or family. Find a preparation method that works for you. Whatever it may be, use it. If you can eliminate the anxiety of an upcoming interview, you will perform better and feel better. 

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Selasa, 09 November 2010

17 Surefire Ways to Annoy Potential Employers

Despite the President's encouraging words, the job market is still in sorry shape. There are more job seekers than job openings, so do NOT make things harder on yourself by doing any of the things on this list! Never, ever do these!
 
1. Apply for jobs you are not qualified for.
2. Send a generic cover letter that doesn't identify the position you're interested in, or match your qualifications to the job.
3. Put a useless, seen-it-a-million-times Objective on your resume that says you want a "challenging opportunity with a forward-looking company where I can utilize my knowledge, experience and skills to our mutual advantage."
4. Make your resume a list of past duties instead of accomplishments.
5. Lie, brag or exaggerate about ANYTHING.
6. Keep making repetitive "notice-me" calls to ask if your resume was received.
7. Fail to respond quickly to messages left on your answering machine or voicemail.
8. Expect them to schedule your phone-screening interview after normal business hours.
9. Refuse to give your salary requirements when requested prior to the interview.
10. Fail to research the company prior to the interview.

How to Give Job-Winning Answers to Interview Questions

How to Answer Questions
First, know these important facts:
1. There is no way to predict every question you will be asked during a job interview. In other words, expect unexpected questions--they'll come up no matter how much preparation you do.
2. Treat any sample answers you find, such as in discussion forums, books or on Internet job sites, as guides only. Do not use any sample answers word for word! Interviewers can spot "canned" answers a mile away, and if they suspect you are regurgitating answers that are not your own, you can kiss that job goodbye. You must apply your own experiences, personality and style to answer the questions in your own way. This is crucial, and it will give you a big advantage over candidates who simply recite sample answers.
3. Job interview questions are not things to fear, they are opportunities to excel. They allow you to show why you are the best person for the job, so instead of dreading them, look forward to them! The key is to give better answers than anyone else, and that's where your preparation comes in. 
Now, take these actions:
1. Make a list of your best "selling points" for the position. What qualifications, skills, experience, knowledge, background, personality traits do you possess that would apply to this particular job? Write them down and look for opportunities to work them into your answers.
2. In addition to any sample job interview questions you find through various resources, you absolutely must develop your own list of probable questions based specifically on the job for which you are applying. Put yourself in the hiring manager's shoes… what kinds of questions would you ask to find the best person for this job?
3. Write down your answers to likely questions. Study the job announcement carefully. (If you don't have one, get one!) Note the phrases they use when describing the desired qualifications. You'll want to target these as much as possible when developing your answers. For example, if the announcement says they want someone with "strong customer service skills," make sure you include "strong customer service skills" in at least one of your answers. That will make a better impression than saying "I helped customers."
4. Review and edit your answers until you feel they are "just right." Read them over and over until you are comfortable that you know them fairly well. Don't try to memorize them; don't worry about remembering every word. Practice saying them out loud. If possible, have a friend help you rehearse for the interview.
Here are some more very important tips:
1. Be a (Short) Story Teller
Make use of this old marketing tip: "Facts tell but stories sell." During a job interview, you are selling yourself. Whenever possible, answer questions with a short story that gives specific examples of your experiences. Notice I said "short." You don't want to ramble or take up too much time; you want to be brief but still make your point.
For example, imagine two people interviewing for a job as a dog groomer are asked, "Have you ever dealt with aggressive dogs?" Candidate Joe answers, "Yes, about 10% of the dogs I've groomed had aggressive tendencies." Candidate Mary answers, "Oh yes, quite often. I remember one situation where a client brought in his Pit Bull, Chomper. He started growling at me the moment his owner left, and I could tell from his stance he wasn't about to let me get near his nails with my clippers. I think he would've torn my arm off if I hadn't used the Schweitzer Maneuver on him. That calmed him down right away and I didn't have any problems after that." (I know nothing about dog grooming; I made the Schweitzer Maneuver up for illustrative purposes.)
Don't you agree that Mary's answer is better? Sure, Joe answered the question, but Mary did more than that--she gave a specific example and told a quick story that will be remembered by the interviewers.
In today's job market where there are dozens of highly qualified candidates for each opening, anything you do that will make you stand out and be remembered will greatly increase your odds of getting hired.
2. Keep the Interviewer's Perspective in Mind; Answer His "What's in it for Me?" Question
While many questions asked during job interviews appear to focus on your past accomplishments, here's an important tip: they may be asking about what you did, but what they really want to know is what you can do now, for them.
The key is to talk about your past accomplishments in a way that shows how they are relevant to the specific job for which you are interviewing. Doing advance research about the company (such as at their website or at www.hoovers.com) and the position will be extremely helpful.
Here's another example with Joe and Mary. The interviewer asks, "What is the most difficult challenge you've faced, and how did you overcome it?" Joe answers with, "In one job I was delivering pizzas and I kept getting lost. By the time I'd find the address, the pizza would be cold, the customer would be unhappy, and my boss was ready to fire me. I overcame this problem by purchasing a GPS navigation device and installing it in my car. Now I never get lost!" Mary answers, "In my current job at Stylish Hounds, management ran a special promotion to increase the number of customers who use the dog-grooming service. It was a bit too successful because we suddenly had more customers than we could handle. Management would not hire additional groomers to help with the workload. Instead of turning customers away or significantly delaying their appointments, I devised a new grooming method that was twice as fast. Then I developed a new work schedule. Both efforts maximized productivity and we were able to handle the increased workload effectively without upsetting our customers." 


Four strategies for finding work

There are four strategies for finding work:
1. Apply via an ad2. The direct approach3. Apply using recruitment agencies4. Finding work through temporary employment
Job Vacancy Indonesia, Employee

1. Apply via an ad
When you respond to an ad, you're at least sure that a vacancy exists in that company. Subject to the ad in a thorough analysis. So you'll often know about the company and function. Your goal for this strategy:
"I can an advertising analysis and know how the results of this analysis can be used as support in my decision whether or not this vacancy."
In order to achieve this goal, imagine the following objectives:

    
* I know where I can find advertisements.
    
* I know how the ad could use when writing my letter, or preparing for my interview.
Where can I find job ads?InternetNewspapersJournalsInternal magazinesArticles about business
How can I use the job ad?Analyze the ad in the following six elements:

    
*
      
description of the organization
    
*
      
description of the function
    
*
      
job requirements
    
*
      
training
    
*
      
what the company offers
    
*
      
procedure
Often there is a telephone number where more information about the position can get. Call if possible. You have a good chance that the call and maybe we remember you still consider your letter arrives. Make sure that you have good, relevant and thoughtful questions to know, otherwise you can call it work better.Before you decide to respond to the job, you have to answer the following questions:

    
*
      
the company applies to me and I only joined the company?
    
*
      
up to the minimum requirements?
    
*
      
what seems the real needs of the company?
    
*
      
what does the company offer?
    
*
      
I can the goals of the organization subscribe?
    
*
      
The company is easily accessible for me?
This analysis helps you to write your letter.

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Rabu, 03 November 2010

How to Land a Job Interview

Job Vacancy Indonesia, Employee

Getting a job in today's economy is tough, especially if you have been out of the mainstream workforce for many years as a work at home mom. These simple steps helped me land a job on my very first interview, and here is how you can do it, too.

1. Print out plenty of resumes
You might expect that when you apply for a job electronically the employer would have a printed copy of your resume on hand when you arrive for the interview, but this is not always the case. Because I hadn't been on a job interview for several years, it was in my nature to bring a few copies of my resume to the interview and thank goodness! There were three executives who met with me separately, and two of them asked for hard copies of my resume. It felt great to be prepared.

2. Practice common job interview questions
There are basic questions that almost every job interviewer will ask such as: Why do you want this job? What do you feel you can bring to this position? What are your strengths and weaknesses? Tell me about each position on your resume. By knowing the answers to these basic questions in advance, I was able to also apply them to all the other questions and present a well-constructed picture of the kind of employee the company would be hiring by giving the job to me.

3. Watch some television or a movie
The evening before an interview it's important not to get stressed out or stray too far from your normal routine. This will ensure that you look and feel your best during the interview. One way to do this is to escape reality for a short time by watching a favorite television program or a movie where you can lose yourself for a while and not worry about your upcoming interview.

4. Get some rest
You may find yourself tossing and turning the night before an interview, thinking about what you are going to be asked and how you are going to answer. I find that a noise machine helps when trying to relax and fall asleep fast. There are also CDs and downloadable ocean sounds, like Smart Noise sounds of nature, which you can use to help you sleep.

5. Be yourself
No matter what happens during the interview, always be yourself and be honest with your answers. Even though it may seem like the interview is not going that well, you will be surprised at how many employers will put on a straight face during the interview process even if they really like you. Just relax, be confident, and be yourself and you will be able to find a job in no time.

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Job Seeking Secrets: Recycle Your Job Search

Job Vacancy Indonesia, Employee

If you have been out of work for quite a while, you have undoubtedly pursued a standard job search campaign: the unemployment office, newspaper classifieds, job fairs, online resources, agencies, networking, and cold calling.
Just because something didn't work the first time, don't totally give up. A good salesman knows that even the best product is seldom purchased on the first pitch. Studies have shown that an offer needs to be presented an average of 5 to 8 times before the sale is closed.
Go back through your notes, see what you've done and who you've contacted, then take a deep breath and start over with a fresh eye.
1. The unemployment office.
When was the last time you checked out all the listings? Chances are that you are receiving your check by mail and have been too busy going in other directions. Despite continued layoffs and geographic pockets of job blight, there are more openings emerging now than at any time within the past 3 years. Walk in with a "fresh new year" attitude and check out every possibility you see. Keep your eyes open for new job titles and descriptions that offer a chance to change your line of work or move into a different industry that is starting to expand.
2. Newspaper classifieds.
You may have been checking these every Sunday. In that case, you are probably feeling frustrated by the continuing ads for positions that you applied for long ago and never heard anything. Re-apply as people and circumstances may have changed. You may also have fallen into the rut of just checking certain sections which seem to contain the jobs for which you feel qualified. Take the time once in a while to go through ALL the listings. Sometimes employers and classified ad takers place positions under categories you may never have considered. Areas such as customer service, training, general, and management often contain a wide array of positions that might be suitable but which you may have missed by skipping over those sections.
3. Job fairs.
These tend to be more readily available in metropolitan areas so if you live in a rural location your choices may be limited. If there are any such fairs planned within your commute distance, try to attend as they are usually free to applicants. Even if the theme of the fair is not really directly related to your experience (medical, sales, finance, engineering, etc.) talking with employer representatives often reveals the availability of other positions within their company for which you might fruitfully apply. Be friendly, personable, and businesslike, and the Rep may allow you to use their name on an application - a move that may vault your paperwork to the top of the stack. A brief remark at an interview that "I had a long talk with Jim Jones of your company at last week's job fair and he suggested I contact you," goes a long way in creating that receptive atmosphere you seek.
4. Online resources.
You may have registered at Monster.com or other similar job seekers' sites. Try a different approach by typing your industry or occupation directly into a search engine. You will then be able to access many, perhaps hundreds, of corporate web sites. The majority of such sites have a section on employment opportunities. Check them out and apply online or submit your resume and cover letter by e-mail. Even if the positions listed are only a marginal fit for you, the company may have other openings that have not yet been listed and you will be the first in line, always an enviable position.
5. Agencies.
Typically, when you register with an agency, they immediately try to find you a position as that is how they make an income. After a period of time without successful placement, you drop down their priority list as new applicants appear who look more promising. If you haven't heard from your agency rep for some time, call and remind them that you are still available and still actively seeking work. If you only registered with 2 or 3 agencies, seek out others where YOU will be the new applicant loaded with potential.
6. Networking.
You may have given up on your contacts who have failed to identify suitable openings. If it has been a period of time since you called them, make an effort to touch base now and remind them that you're still looking. They have probably forgotten all about you and their mild guilt may push them into looking more intensively.
If you've maintained regular contact with your network, keep doing it. However, you can't increase the frequency of calls to the point of being a pest and if any of the people on your list are not returning your telephone messages, it's a signal that you've pushed too hard and need to back off a little, especially if the person is someone with whom you want to enjoy a continuing relationship.
Be sure to call back to companies or people who indicated that "something might be coming up" when you last called. If you have any friends at the last place you worked, call them and see what is going on. They may be able to fill you in on coworkers who have left to go to work elsewhere and their new companies may well be worth checking out.
7. Cold calling.
While often a frustrating and ego-shredding exercise, walking cold into employer's offices can sometimes net a great result -- an unadvertised open position. At the very least, it gets you out of the house, forces you into business attire and a work mentality, and creates a sense of being able to take active steps to improve your situation. Any action is more productive than crawling into your little hole, bemoaning your fate, and mentally beating up on yourself.

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Job Description of Railroad Conductor

Job Vacancy Indonesia, Employee

Railroad conductors coordinate all related activities of passenger train crews or freight. They review schedules, waybills, switching orders, and shipping records of freight trains in order to know the loading and loading information about their cargo. They distribute tonnage within all the freight trains assigned to them. They are also responsible for the operation of freight cars within terminals and rail yards that employ remote control technology. In passenger trains, railroad conductors make sure that all passengers are safe and comfortable while they continue to collect fares and tickets. They also coordinate all crew activities and make important announcements as needed by the passengers.

Railroad conductors meet with the systems engineers to talk about any possible concerns and issues about the train - route, schedule and cargo - before the trains actually leave a yard or terminal. They discuss issues that affect the train's operations to come up with the best and alternative routes in case there are problems in the rails. Engineers and conductors coordinate with workers on other trains and traffic-control center workers regarding delays, stops and the trains' location in rail yards. They are responsible for providing instructions and directions to railroad workers such as coupling cars, switching tracks, routing for outbound and inbound traffic. They also direct railroad engineers in facilitating train configuration.

Railroad conductors relay information and issues about equipment on board the trains or the rails with the use of electronic monitoring devices or dispatch. Depending on the issues involved, they may order the defective car to be removed from the train and have it repaired at the nearest stop or station. They may also coordinate with the dispatcher and engineer about alternative routes if there are obstructions or defects found in the rails.

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