How to Answer Interview Questions: The Number One Job Interview Tip

There are a few steps you need to follow if you want to secure a job. First, you need to land the interview. Second, you need to "nail" the interview. And, third, you absolutely must follow-up on the interview. This article will focus on the second part of getting a job…the interview itself…

There are many things you are going to need to do in order to nail the job interview such as making a great first impression, paying attention to body language, maintaining eye contact etc., but none of these are more important than how to answer the interview questions.

In order to really excel during the interview you must be able to answer the interview question in a manner that portrays confidence, diligence, and experience.

The best way to do this is become as familiar as you can with the most common interview questions in your field. I suggest simply doing a Google search for interview questions for [insert job title here].

However, while knowing the interview questions will help, knowing how to answer the interview questions will put you way ahead of your competition.

As someone who as interviewed countless people for teaching positions I am always shocked at how many potentially great teachers fall short when it comes to interviewing and the big reason is because their answers are all too often based on theory…their answers to the interview questions just seem too general and too vague.

The biggest job interview tip I could ever give anyone in any field is to answer each interview question with specific examples.

Again, it does not matter what profession you are interviewing for, but since my experience is mostly with teachers I will give an example from that profession…

A common interview question for teachers is, "How do you feel about team teaching?"

There are three steps to answering this interview question, yet most candidates only follow the first two.

Step One: Tell them you love the idea of team teaching. (This is to some extent a rhetorical question as there is only one correct response in this case…no one is going to hire a teacher who is against team teaching.)

Step Two: Give the theory behind why team teaching is worthwhile for both the teacher and student.

Step Three: Give a specific example from an actual lesson or unit in which you were involved in team teaching. This is the step that most people interviewing fail to do.

Step Four: (Yes, I know I said three steps, but this is the bonus step…the icing on the cake.) Show examples of student work from that specific lesson/unit.

Again, this works for any profession…just change the examples. Let's say you are applying for a real estate position and are asked about working as a team…say, "yes you love it"…followed by why you thinking teaming is so important, followed by how you have teamed in the past AND an example of what that produced.

Obviously this is easier if you are experienced in your field, but even if you are not, you must have some type of training that prepared you for the job…use examples from that training and explain what you plan to do if given the chance.

I guarantee that answering interview questions in this manner will put you light years ahead of the competition. However, you can only do this if you research the most common interview questions and practice how to answer the interview questions.

By: Adam Waxler
Credit:www.superfeature.com

How to Get Your Dream Job: The 3 Step Job Interview Process

Getting a job these days can be quite difficult. In fact, just getting a job interview can be quite a challenge. You need to make sure you do everything you can to make your cover letter and resume stand out amongst all the competition.

Unfortunately, even if you do that it still might not be enough to get an interview. Therefore, you must also use all of your contacts and connections to help you secure the interview.

However, once you have landed a job interview closing the deal and securing yourself the job goes way beyond just answering the interview questions correctly. Securing your dream job depends upon the way you present yourself during the interview...your body language, your mannerisms, your dress etc.

Many people do not spend much time preparing for the interview. And, those that do prepare for the interview usually focus solely on how to answer the interview questions. While that is important there is much more to it if you want to truly secure yourself the position.

To truly land yourself your dream job you should think of it as a three-step job interview process...

1. Getting the Interview

If you want to get a call for an interview then your resume should stand out from the others. Include relevant information and highlight headings. In the beginning, include your career objective that describes your skills and qualities along with what you are looking for in the job. Make sure your resume, and particularly your resume's objective, are very specific. In other words, you want to create a job-specific resume. A one-size-fits-all resume is NOT going to get you the job.

Also, print your resume on high quality paper and do not overcrowd it...make sure there is enough "white space" so your resume is easy to read.

2. Acing the Interview

Once you have gotten a call for the interview you should start preparing for it right away. While preparing for the interview, remember the key things mentioned below.

a. Be self confident during the interview and tell yourself you are the one for the job.

b. Remember, you are a salesman and the product is YOU!

c. Your first impression is the last one, so dress appropriately (it is always better to over dress than under dress) and watch out for any bad speaking habits you might have (too many hand gestures, biting nails, cracking knuckles etc.)

d. From the beginning of the interview be yourself and speak about your skills that specifically match the job you are interviewing for.

e. Do not lie. This will come back to haunt you later.

f. Take your time to answer the questions...think about what you are going to say before you say it.

g. Ask questions during the interview. However, do not ask unrelated questions...that may turn out to be an interview killer.

3. Following up on the Interview

At the end of the interview you should ask when you should expect to hear from them about the position. The very next day you should send a hand-written thank you note on professionally monogrammed paper to each person on the interview committee. Mention something specific from the interview in your thank you note so your interview stands out from the others. Wait a couple of days and then send an email...follow that up with a phone call etc. When the competition is tough it is often times the person who follows through that gets the job.

With so much competition out there getting a job these days can be tough. The people who get the jobs are the ones who think of it as a three step interview process...getting the interview, acing the interview, and following up on the interview.

By: Adam Waxler
Credit:www.superfeature.com

How to Write an Entry Level Resume

Whether you are just entering the workforce after graduation or you have decided to change careers, you need an entry-level resume that will help you get a job in a new field. Without industry experience, however, many applicants worry that their resume won’t pass muster.

Not to worry – when you are applying for an entry-level job, employers will expect you to have entry-level experience. However, a professional resume is still required, regardless of your level of experience. Here are the elements that every entry-level resume needs to have, as well as several tips for writing a winning resume.

Elements of an Entry-Level Resume

When browsing resumes, the majority of hiring managers simply scan the objectives and summary of each one before moving on to the next. This means that the information at the top is the first – and possibly the only – part of your resume that gets noticed. A resume is basically a sales pitch – a one- or two-page description of what an employer will get if they hire you. And because hiring managers have very short attention spans, you need to hit them with your selling points as quickly as possible.

Contact Information

Nothing will hurt your chances faster than making a prospective employer hunt for your contact information. This information should be listed clearly at the very top of your resume.

Objectives

Believe it or not, this is the most important part of an entry-level resume. First, this is the first thing a hiring manager sees. Second, since your work history cannot demonstrate your chosen career path, it’s up to your objectives to tell employers where you are headed.

A bulleted list of focused objectives is a necessity. Instead of “Position where I can exercise my creative skills,” use, “Assistant art direct position in the independent film industry in the New York City metropolitan area.” Likewise, if you want a management job with good upward mobility, write something like, “Management position with opportunities for advancement. Open to travel and/or relocation.”

Of course, your objectives should be tailored to fit the specific job you are applying for – if you really want it, that is. Telling the retail hiring manager that you would prefer a job in engineering is a sure way to get passed over!

Summary

Your resume summary is also extremely important – if the hiring manager doesn’t see what he is looking for there, he is not likely to look any further. Your summary section should contain a bulleted list of your most important qualifications. When you have more experience, this is the section where you will list the number of years you have worked in the field. For now, you will simply list other noteworthy qualifications you have.

Avoid summary statements that have become cliché, such as saying you are “detail-oriented.” Too many other applicants will make the exact same claim. Instead, pick out the qualifications that make you valuable and unique. Remember, this is not only your sales pitch – it is also your last chance to get the hiring manager’s attention before he moves on to the next resume.

Education

Typically, a resume lists work experience before education. However, the point of a resume is to highlight your strengths, not expose your weaknesses. If you have a good education but not a lot of experience, you can shift the focus by listing your education first.

Your education section should list your degrees with the most recent first. List the degree, followed by the name of the school. Your graduation date should also be included; if you haven’t graduated yet, simply put your scheduled graduation date. You should also include your GPA only if it is worth writing home about – that is, if it is above 3.0. Otherwise, don’t include it in your resume, but practice your answer for when you are asked about it!

Work Experience

Many entry-level applicants worry about their lack of detail in this area. Don’t forget, though, that you are applying for entry-level positions, so hiring managers expect that applicants won’t have a lot of work experience in the field. You can make your work history look better by describing each set of job responsibilities in a way that plays up the work experience. For example, if an after-school job included lower-level management responsibilities, make sure you note them on your resume.

Alternatively, you can use a functional resume format, which works well for entry-level applicants. The functional format allows you to arrange work experience according to skills that employers will be looking for. For example, if you are trying to break into journalism, but have no experience in the field, you might be able to highlight the desired skills elsewhere: under the skill heading “Communication” you could list your letter-writing duties as an office secretary, the research write-ups you had to do as a work-study student, and the reporting you did for the school paper.

The downside to the function format is that it is not always well received – some employers and most recruiters prefer to see a listing of the jobs you have actually held. The combination format typically satisfies this requirement. This format still combines work experience into a “Professional Skills” section; however, it is followed by a bare bones listing of your work history, with only the job title, employer, and dates listed.

Other Elements

There are other sections that you can add to your resume to showcase your other qualifications. A section entitled “Community Service” demonstrates additional work experience, even if it wasn’t paid. The “Achievements” section allows you to list awards you have received at school and work. “Training and Certifications” lists other qualifications you have, such as certificates or on-the-job training, which cannot be listed under the education section. The placement of these sections depends on the context of the rest of your resume, with the most important (or impressive) qualifications always going nearer to the top.

Last-Minute Advice for Writing Your Entry-Level Resume

Now that you know what goes into an entry-level resume, you’re ready to start writing! As you work on your resume, however, remember these rules of thumb:

• Be honest – Whatever you do, don’t succumb to the temptation to inflate your qualifications! The littlest white lie can cause you not only to lose the job, but also to burn that bridge before you even get a chance to cross it.

• Cut to the chase – Above all, hiring managers are short on time. This means that the fewer words you use, the shorter your resume, and the better its chances of being read. Don’t use unnecessary words – make each point as succinctly as possible.

• Sell your strengths – It is important to remember that the point of a resume is to “sell” your qualifications to the hiring manager. Your resume should display your qualifications prominently. Don’t hide your lack of experience or make up qualifications you don’t have – just be sure employers can readily see what you’ll be bringing to the table.

As long as you follow these tips and include the basic elements listed above, your resume is sure to get attention. Remember, while a great resume alone won’t land you a job, a sloppy or incomplete resume could cost you a great opportunity!

By: Katherine Swan-11108
Credit:www.superfeature.com

How to Start Writing a Resume: Avoid the Number One Resume Writing Mistake

If you want to land a job interview you obviously must have a well-written resume. Unfortunately the thought of writing a resume sends shivers down many people's spines.

Personally, I do not know anyone who actually enjoys writing a resume. In fact, writing a resume is such a dreadful task that many people would rather hire someone to write the resume for them which can be quite costly.

Fortunately writing a resume does not have to be that difficult and yes, you can do it yourself without the help of a professional resume writer.

However, you want to avoid the big mistake that most people make when starting to write a resume.

What's the mistake?

The mistake most people make when writing a resume is that they do NOT create a resume that is job specific…in other words their resume is way too general. They try to take the easy way out by creating a generic resume that they can use for a number of different jobs…a one-size-fits-all resume.

This is a mistake. However, it is also good news for you. Since most of your competition will be writing generic resumes, you will have a much better chance of making your resume stand out by creating one that is specific for the job you want.

So how does one create a job-specific resume?

Easy…start by creating a few simple lists with pen and paper.

Here are the three lists you should create BEFORE you actually start writing a resume:

1. Before writing a resume make a list of all the requirements for the particular job you are seeking. That's right…you want to gear your resume to the specific job you are applying for. That means if you are applying for several different jobs you will be making several different resumes.

2. Make a list of any and all RELATED experience. Unrelated experience is not necessary to put in your resume and can actually be a distraction so make sure your list is exclusive to related experience. This includes internships, volunteer positions, leadership activities, and, of course, paid work experience.

3. Make a list of your own personal strengths. Keep in mind that employer's value qualities like teamwork, leadership, and good communication skills. These are the skills you should bring to light in your resume.

Once you have created your lists of the job requirements, your related experience, and your own personal strengths you can then create a brief, but powerful, description of each piece of related experience mentioned in list #2.

In each description try to match your own personal strengths with the requirements for the job. Basically you are combining your three lists into short and powerful statements. For example, "Kitchen Manager: Effectively used communication skills to manage a 7-person kitchen staff for upscale Italian Restaurant"

Once you have these well-crafted descriptions you can go ahead and start plugging in each description in separate sections under suitable headings, such as objective, education, experience, skills, extra curricular activities, and references.

This is where you can use a resume template to help guide you.

Fortunately for you most people writing a resume will not take the time to properly prepare their descriptions. By creating a list of all your strengths and experiences that specifically match the requirements for the job you are seeking it will be much easier for you to create a resume that is targeted for a specific job…a resume that will clearly stand out amongst all the other resumes.

By: Adam Waxler
Credit:www.superfeature.com

How to Choose a Resume Writing Service

Having an attention-grabbing resume is one of the most important parts of the job search. Your resume and cover letter are your introduction to a potential employer; and without a strong introduction, you may never get another chance to make a good impression. As a result, the success of your job hunt can hang on how well your resume is written.

Maybe you are entering the work force after graduating from college. Or maybe you just need to find a new job. Regardless of why you are looking for work, a skilled resume writer has the power to help you get your foot in the door.

Why Should I Use a Resume Writer?

Resume writing services are more than just a word processing or proofreading service. A resume writer takes your work experience, education, your strengths and weakness, and ties it all up into one little package. Although people usually think of their resume as a simplistic listing of their education and experience, it is actually more like a sales document. In order for your resume to effectively sell you, it not only has to be well written and visually appealing, but also has to present the goods – you – in the best possible light.

Sound easy? Of course not. Why is it, then, that so many people attempt to write their resumes on their own? You wouldn’t try to write a legal contract when the outcome could impact the rest of your life – you would hire a lawyer. By the same token, you should entrust your resume to a professional resume writer.

What Does a Resume Writer Do?

A resume writer’s goal is to convince potential employers that you are perfect for the job. In order to sell your strengths, a resume writer will:

• Discuss your career focus and gear your resume to your unique goals
• Choose the best format to highlight your strengths
• Write an attention-getting summary or list of objectives
• Use convincing language to maximize your strengths and minimize your weaknesses
• Personalize your resume in a way that shows you off to your best advantage
• Make your resume available in different file formats if needed
• Make changes as necessary

Of course, a resume doesn’t really stand by itself. Your career decisions, where and how you search for jobs, and the quality of your cover letter all impact how your resume is received. In other words, if you are looking for work in the wrong places, or don’t introduce your resume properly in the cover letter, it won’t matter how dazzling your resume is.

Resume writing services often offer a whole package approach to resume writing. To ensure that you land your dream job, your resume writer may offer additional services, such as:

• Career consultation
• Job search consultation
• Cover letter writing
• Resume distribution
• Interview preparation

What Should I Look for in a Resume Writing Service?

A good resume writing service is one that offers you everything necessary to get the attention of potential employers. When shopping for a resume writer, you should look for:

1. Convincing literature on their services. Whether you are browsing a website or looking at an informational pamphlet, pay close attention to how convincing the literature is. If they can’t sell themselves, they likely won’t be able to do a good job of selling you.

2. A good reputation. Don’t forget to Google! If a resume writing service is worth its salt, you should be able to find good reports from happy customers. Even more importantly, if they aren’t any good you are almost certain to find complaints.

3. Experience. Your career is in your resume writer’s hands, so make sure you choose someone with experience. If your career is in a specialized field, you might even want to look for a resume writer who specializes in the field – a writing service that knows the industry will also know what its employers look for in a resume.

4. Education. Submitting a resume with errors is embarrassing enough, but when you’ve paid to have it done right it’s downright tragic. Make sure your resume writer is educated and/or certified, so that you can be sure you’re getting your money’s worth.

5. Personal attention. You don’t want someone who is going to simply plug your information into a resume writing program – you could do that yourself. In order for your resume to stand out, it needs a unique touch that can only be achieved if your resume writer has taken the time to discuss it with you.

Of course, when you are shopping for a resume writing service, don’t forget to listen to your gut. You will have to work closely with the writer during the creation of your resume, so it is important to feel comfortable with him or her.

Hiring a resume writer ensures that your resume looks professional and gets attention. Although the expense may seem unnecessary, consider that you have already invested thousands of dollars into your education so that you could simply get to this point. When your entire career is at stake, don’t throw it away over a typo or a passive verb! A resume writing service can help you make your dream job a reality.

By: Katharine Swan-11108
Credit:www.superfeature.com

How to Save Gas and Save Money With a Few Simple Checks

Most people don't know that problems with the way their car performs can end up costing them good fuel economy. If the car you drive is not running at its best then you are loosing money and fuel economy every time you drive.

On a monthly basis if you check a few simple things you can prevent gas robbing problems. In addition, as an added benefit, you might be preventing future costly repair bills.

More importantly, by performing this monthly check, you will keep your car is as safe as it can be. You can identify and correct problems that if left alone could lead to critical car failures that could end up causing accidents and injury.

Most maintenance should be left to the professionals. However, once a month you should perform the following checks to help identify and head off problems that can cost you fuel and money down the road:

1. Check the pressure and look for signs of wear in your tires. Check for any objects that may have become embedded in the tire causing air leaks.

2. Check for fluid leaks. Look around the car and especially under the car around the engine. If you see fluid then you should attempt to identify it. One way is by its color. Coolant is a bright yellowish green color, Transmission fluid is usually pink, Oil is black and brake fluids and power steering fluids are generally clear, with a slight tinge of brown . These fluids are all oily to the touch.

3. Check fluid levels, including engine oil, engine coolant level, transmission fluid and power steering fluid, according to the instructions in the owner's manual.

4. Check under the hood for cracked or split spark plug wires, cracked radiator hoses or loose clamps and corrosion around the battery terminals.

5. Check for problems with the brakes. To do this, on a flat straight, stretch of road that is traffic-free, put your hands ever so lightly on the steering wheel and engage the brakes gradually. If the car swerves to the right or the left, one of the brakes may be more worn than the other. It could also indicate that the brakes need adjustment.

6. Use a similar test to check for problems with wheel alignment. On a straight, flat and traffic-free stretch of road, rest your hands lightly on the steering wheel and drive at an even speed. If the vehicle pulls to one side, the wheels may be misaligned.

These are just a few basic checks you can perform on your car monthly. By doing this you will keep your car running at its peak performance. If your car is running at its best, it will save you gas, money and will keep you safe!

By: Scott Siegel
Credit:www.superfeature.com

How To Be Successful At Interviews

No matter how expert or experienced you are, when you are applying for a promotion in your own organisation, or a post in another organisation, being fully prepared for the interview is critical. Your expertise, knowledge, reputation, experience, and appearance, will help you, but it is highly likely that the other candidates will have similar attributes.

Here is list of actions that you should carry out in order to be fully prepared. Gather information about the recruiting organisation (this includes your present employer if it is an internal interview): before you decide whether to attend the interview, it is essential that you gather information about the organisation and analyse this. You need information on its recent and forecast performance, the condition of the business sector in which it operates, and the post that it is offering. If the organisation and sector are healthy, and the post looks secure and has potential, then you can move on to the next stage. If your findings are negative then it is almost certain that the best decision would be to reject the opportunity. You need to gather information about the condition of yourself, looking at how your personal and career plans are progressing, focusing on how the prospects in your current job match with your personal and career objectives, and then how the new post could help you to achieve those objectives.

Decide to attend or not to attend the interview. You need to make an objective decision as to whether taking up this new post is the right decision for you, at this time. Armed with the information that you gathered earlier, you can assess the merits of being appointed to the new post, against staying in your current post, albeit perhaps until a more appropriate opportunity arises, and make your decision confidently. It is, of course, tempting to apply for a job which appears to offer a higher salary, more responsibility, more status, and new directions, and if this is so appealing that you are confident that you can adjust your development plans to match it, and be happy with that decision, then yes, attend the interview and perform to the best of your ability. However, be warned that the interviewers may well reject you because it will become obvious to them that the position they are offering is not a natural fit with your career to date, and worse, they may well ask you how this new opportunity fits with your future personal development plans, and be disappointed with your unconvincing response.

Gather details of the job itself. You need as much information as you can gather about the nature of the job, the role, responsibilities, reporting relationships, location of the workplace, working conditions, and conditions of employment such as working hours, holidays, and corporate policies and procedures that apply to the position. Some of this information will be given to you in the information pack sent to you by the interviewing organisation, or department, but often, sadly, the quality of information sent out is poor. Most professional organisations will have HR departments that will answer your questions on these issues, or pass you on to the appropriate line manager.

Research the interview format: you need to do some basic but essential research on the practicalities of the interview. Again, some of this information will be sent to you. You should be clear about: how to get to the organisation and the specific interview location (don’t rely on asking for this information when you arrive, as this adds to the stress of the occasion); who is on the interview panel (their titles will give you important clues as to their relationships to the post); what format the interview will take (there is nothing worse than arriving expecting a traditional face-to-face interview and finding that it is a day-long series of tests, group activities, and interviews).

Timing of arrival. Make sure that you arrive in good time, allowing time to tidy your physical appearance after your journey, and sufficient time to become calm before the actual interview.

Your appearance. Do not make the mistake of thinking that it is only your history, qualifications, skills, and knowledge that will win you the job. Most other candidates will have similar attributes, so you need to make an impression, to look professional, smart, and appropriate for the post. In many cases, there will have been a previous holder of the post that the interviewers may be using, albeit subconsciously, as a benchmark. You can’t guess what the interviewers want, or don’t want, in terms of physical appearance and personality, but don’t for one second believe anyone that tells you this doesn’t matter (it shouldn’t, perhaps, in certain circumstances, but you are being invited into their world, and they will be looking for someone who they will be comfortable with (even if the role requires you to be an aggressive change-agent). Yes, in some countries there is legislation that says the job should be offered to the most appropriate person, regardless of appearance, but in real life this isn’t what happens. The answer to this dilemma is to research the culture of the organisation that you are joining, so that you are aware of how people, in positions similar to the one you are being interviewed for, dress and behave, and you can comment on or ask questions about this during the interview. However, don’t go to the interview in jeans and t-shirt, even if that’s the day to day standard. You need to look as professional, as serious about obtaining the job, as possible. For men, that almost certainly means a business suit, or jacket and trousers, with or without tie. For women, a business suit or business outfit. For both sexes, smart-casual can be acceptable, if, but only if, it is that type of environment. In most situations, for most posts on offer to professionals, specialists, managers, experts, consultants, a business outfit is expected at the interview, even if, after appointment, they would never again expect you to come to work in anything remotely as formal.

Your approach. In a word, think positively. You are offering your talents, your experience, your time, effort, and energies, to this organisation, and you need to give the impression that you would be a valuable asset that they would be foolish to reject. This doesn’t mean being aggressive, over enthusiastic, pompous, or pretentious, but it does mean showing the interviewers that you are a confident, assertive, pro-active, flexible, professional who would perform successfully if appointed.

Prepare for, and practice answering, the interview questions: think about questions that you are likely to be asked. Brainstorm this with a colleague, friend, or partner, and practice answering. Practice using the interview questions to strengthen your argument that you are the best person for the job. For example, you will be almost certainly be asked about your experience and qualifications, even though this will be shown in your CV. Your response should be phrased in such a way that you relate your experience, knowledge, and qualifications, to the role and responsibilities of the new post, showing how these existing attributes will give you the confidence and skills to successfully handle the tasks that lie ahead. With luck you will not be asked questions such as - What do you think are the main benefits that you could bring to this job, if appointed? However, it still happens, so you must be prepared for them. Again, practice responding in a way which links your experience and existing skills to the demands of the new role. If you are asked - What would you say are your biggest strengths and worst weaknesses? then talk mostly about your strengths, giving examples of how these have been effectively used, and be very, very careful talking about your alleged weaknesses. Choose a relatively harmless weakness that could be interpreted as a strength, such as being over-zealous about quality criteria being met, or insisting on deadlines being met which can upset some team members. Don’t, under any circumstances, negatively criticise your present or past employers, or colleagues. Even if the organisation that you work for is known to have faults or bad practices, don’t criticise it or any personnel within it. This is almost always a fatal mistake. You will almost always be asked some questions about the interviewing organisation. Again, use these as an opportunity to show you have researched the organisation, but also to explore what the organisation is planning (at least in the area that you will be working in), and-or what they are expecting of you. For example, you could mention new markets that the organisation has recently entered and ask if that will impact on the post that you are being interviewed for. If you are asked about hobbies and interests, don’t give a list of twenty, keep it simple and don’t try to impress with esoteric hobbies that you don’t actually have. Imagine saying that you enjoy watching French films and then being asked a question about this, in French, by one of the interviewers who is fluent in the language!

Questions asked by you. Most interviews will close with the interviewee being asked if they have any questions to ask. The answer should always be - Yes. Have two questions ready, and either ask these or ask one of them and one that has arisen because something raised in the interview. Make sure that your questions are ones that reinforce your suitability for the post. You could, for example, ask questions about personal development opportunities, explaining, briefly, what you feel would be a potentially useful development activity (of benefit to you and to the organisation) if you were to be offered the post (this should be an area that you have considered whilst researching the organisation and the job itself).

General behaviour: remember, you are being assessed at all times, possibly from when you enter the building and approach the receptionist, certainly from the moment you walk into the interview room to the moment you leave. You must be as natural and relaxed, physically and mentally, as possible, but also professional, polite, and courteous. Never argue, unless you have been given a direct instruction to give your opposing views. Be alert, show an interest in each interviewer as the ask questions, and answer directly to that person, but occasionally look at the others during your answer. In answering questions, don’t be evasive, be confident, and use your answers to demonstrate how you would make a good match for the position on offer.

Final word. As the interview ends, thank the interviewers for their time and questions. Say that you would be very pleased if appointed to the job and that you look forward to hearing from them. Even if you have doubts at that moment, this is a courteous and wise way to end the interview. You may later decide that you would like the job and if you have appeared negative as the interview ended you will have reduced your chances considerably.

In summary, the key to being successful at an interview is to treat it as a project that needs to be planned and executed in as professional a manner as possible. Changing jobs, moving into a new position, changing organisations, changing the direction of your career, perhaps moving into a different business sector, leaving behind friends and colleagues, meeting, working with, managing, new colleagues, is a major change in your life. The interview is your doorway into a new world, into the next stage of your personal development. It is a major event, a major opportunity, and must be treated as one.

By: CJ Williams
Credit:www.superfeature.com

How the Internet Can Help You Lower Your Gas Costs

There are a few quick and easy ways to lower your gas costs. You can do it without the need to change your driving habits or the need to add anything to your car. The simplest and easiest of these ways is to find the stations that offer the lowest prices.

Seems pretty obvious doesn't it. The fact is when it comes to gas this simple and logical behavior is forgotten. If you were buying a television you would look for the store with the lowest price. Apparently we have been taught to consider gas differently. Drivers generally purchase gas where it is easiest and most convenient fuel up regardless of price. The station closest to where you live is the usual place to fill up regardless of price.

When your gas gauge shows your tank is low and certainly when you think you might run out of gas you fill up at the very first station you find. In most cases this station will not have the best gas prices. This is one more instance where you may be buying gasoline at a higher price than you should.

A great way to find a station that has the lowest prices is to search the internet. There are a lot of websites that list local gas prices. They list the prices and the locations of the stations where they are found. Here are a few:

GasBuddy.com

Automotive.com

FuelMeUp.com

Finding low prices online is a good idea because you can shop for the best price without driving. In other words, you can find the best gas prices without burning gas to do it.

Studies done by the American Automobile Association have shown that it costs approximately 51.7 cents per mile to drive your car. That means for every three miles you drive looking for low price gas can cost you $1.50.

This is important to take into consideration because if you need to fill your tank with 15 gallons of gas you will need a savings of 10 cents per gallon for every three miles you drive. By locating the best prices for fuel online you eliminate the need to drive and you will gain 10 cents per gallon of fuel for every three miles of driving you have eliminated.

This is also important to keep in mind when you find the best prices online. If the best prices are 6 miles away from your closest station, you would have to beat the price of the closest station by 20 cents to break even.

The best way to take advantage of the online pricing information you have gathered is to make sure you use it in conjunction with planning your driving activities. For example: if you always pick up your dry cleaning on Tuesday and your information shows one of the lowest priced gas stations is near the cleaners, you should plan in advance to purchase your gas at that station in conjunction with picking up your cleaning. That way you are taking advantage of the low price without any extra driving.

The internet can be a great resource in helping you to lower your fuel costs. If you make sure you utilize the online information along with some smart planning of when and where you fill up, you will start to see a reduction in your fuel costs.

By: Scott Siegel
Credit:www.superfeature.com

How to Keep Your Tires Optimized to Save Gas and Money

You can save 4% on your annual gas costs if you keep your tires at the recommended Pounds per Square Inch (PSI). That could save your family from $100 to $200 dollars annually. To determine and maintain the proper tire pressure requires very little effort. The steps are listed below.

The correct tire pressure is different from car to car and from tire to tire. The correct or manufacturer recommended pressure for the tires on personal vehicles can be from 20 psi to over 50 psi.

The correct tire pressure for your vehicle is listed on the information placard. This placard is normally located on the edge of one of the doors, the inside post of one of vehicle's doors or inside the glove compartment, trunk, or fuel door. Your owner's manual should include the correct tire pressure or direct you to the placard's location on your vehicle.

A common misconception is that the pressure listed on the tire sidewall is the manufacturer's recommended tire pressure. It is not. It is actually the maximum tire pressure that the tire can safely be inflated to. This is also usually the pressure that is required to carry the maximum load the tire is rated for.

When you find the information listing the correct tire pressure, you need to physically measure air pressure in all four tires to guarantee they are inflated properly. There are a few steps involved in doing this correctly.

To correctly measure and guarantee the proper tire pressure:

Step 1:

Make sure you have a tire pressure gauge. There are many kinds. You do not need an expensive one. A gauge with a dial is easier to read than the pop up kind.

Step 2:

Determine the proper pressure for your tires by checking the pressure label or the owner's manual. Now you are ready to measure.

Step 3:

A tire that is hot, or has just been driven on will have a higher air pressure than that same tire when it is cold. A cold tire is one that has not been driven for at least 3 hours or has been driven 1 mile or less. Air pressure should only be measured when tires are cold. If you measure warm tires your results will be faulty.

Step 4:

Press the pressure gauge onto the valve after removing the valve cap. Be sure the gauge is lined up with the valve properly and press hard so that the pressure gauge seals tightly on the valve. If you hear the whoosh of air escaping disengage the pressure meter from the valve and reseat it.You should not hear any air movement if you have the gauge properly seated. When it is seated correctly you can take the reading on the gauge.

Step 5:

If you find the pressure is low, add air to the tire until you get to the correct air pressure. If you find the tire is over inflated or you put too much air in the tire, you can lower the pressure by pushing on the metal stem at the center of the valve which will allow air to escape from the tire. Measure the air pressure again to make sure you have the correct level and adjust the air in or out again if needed. Repeat measuring and adding or purging air until the desired pressure is reached.

Step 6:

Repeat the above procedure for each of the tires.

It is recommended that you check your tire pressure at least once per month. Air can and will leach from a tire over time. Heat and use will affect the rate at which a tire loses air. Checking once a month will assure that you are maintaining the correct pressure all year round.

Follow this advice and you will have more money in your pocket every time you fill up. At the end of the year you will have saved $100 to $200 dollars. It's that easy!

By: Scott Siegel
Credit:www.superfeature.com

How To Become A Qualified Domestic Energy Assessor

A UK energy inspector must take a series of lectures, workshops and hands-on training to pass the testing and earn the diploma as domestic energy assessor.
For those who have not had any practical training as an energy inspector, one of the course packages offered by the NHER sets aside the classroom lecture method and involves one day of workshops broken up into small groups and one day of home energy assessment visits.

No more than 15 can participate in these energy courses, as the workshops must be interactive for all. The emphasis here will be the survey of actual homes, the use of the real EPC software and the production of actual Energy Performance Certificates.

What the novice energy inspector will learn is an understanding of the various government-regulated RDSAP conventions, and the how-tos of measuring and recording property dimensions with accuracy.

The candidates will also learn how to identify residential construction elements correctly and to record their descriptions. As an energy inspector theyll need to be able to identify and to record the safety and health risks of each property, to and by the occupants.

This course will teach that, as well as the steps for entering data into online Energy Performance Certification software. After an energy inspector candidate completes this course she or he should be able to actually produce and EPC and to recommend to owners the various measures they can implement and products they can introduce to improve their dwellings energy efficiency.

All domestic energy assessor candidates, whether they have energy inspector experience or not, must take the last component of NHER energy inspection training. Included are two days that include workshops in small interactive groups and a survey.

This energy inspector training should consolidate all energy inspection knowledge and provide some additional knowledge and skills. This could include the study of non-standard properties, unusual residential building features and the technology of renewable energy sources integrated into the buildings themselves.

This final element of training should assure that the graduating energy inspector will be able to start assessing home with confidence in their ability to do so proficiently.

Energy inspector training details at this level include the methods for identifying and dealing with constructions that are not standard and residential property features that are unusual.

Theyll learn as well the identification and handling of hot water, heating and air conditioning systems that are not standard. Other energy inspector lessons will include identification and recommendation of renewable energy technology that can be integrated into residential construction.

These might include solar heat f water and space and photovoltaic panels. Graduates of this energy inspector training should leave confident that she or he is fully trained in RDSAP conventions and every aspect of performing as a DEA.

The last step of this energy inspector training will include completion of an actual inspection, with supervision - a requirement of a VRQ assessment.

By: James Copper-5768
Credit:www.superfeature.com

Related Links:

• How To Become A Domestic Energy Assessor

How To Get A Career In Energy

Energy courses are part of the residential and government way of life in the UK, as domestic energy assessment is a must for construction, sale or rental of residential dwellings.

One of the best energy courses to start your understanding of energy efficiency in the UK is called Energy Efficiency from A to Z. The energy course came about with the UK government understanding that the energy used in the United Kingdoms residential dwellings now represents the greatest part of the countrys total use of energy.

Regulations in both the UK and all of Europe now demand improvement in energy standards and energy-efficiency reports.

The first in a series of energy courses, this introductory one day look at energy efficiency is designed to teach domestic energy assessor candidates, builders, home owners, home buyers, landlords, property managers and any other interested individuals and organizations the ins and outs of making residential dwellings energy efficient.

Included in the information of this and other energy courses will be a look at the UK legislation that regulates energy and the reasons behind the implementation. These courses will also study energy legislation throughout other parts of Europe. This energy course will provide a practical look at the factors involved in making a home energy efficient.

Those who attend this energy course should, at the end of the day, know and understand several key energy efficiency factors. They should understand why it is important to become as energy efficient as possible, both from the eyes of the home dweller and the government.

They should have a clear understanding of all new and old legislation. One important law that they will fully study is the European Directive on the Energy Performance of Buildings. Included as well will be country-specific building and housing regulations that have energy-efficient elements.

This and subsequent energy courses will define and study fuel poverty as well as ways to combat the problem. The course will teach home energy rating systems and the regulations for compliance.

Those who attend this energy course will learn as well about the various choices of heating, cooling and hot water controls and systems. They will be trained in comparison of the costs of each. They will be apprised of grants and other funding help that is available for those who want to improve on their homes energy efficiency.

They will learn the meaning and the value of renewable energy, as opposed to non-renewable fossil fuel use. They will also learn about ways to conserve on heating costs, through things like ventilation, insulation and reduction of condensation.

This, as with all the government-provided energy courses, is open to many. Attendees at these energy courses include front line energy assessment teams such as domestic energy assessors, members and staff of local authority agencies, staff of pertinent housing associations, health and medical care professionals, staff and managers of utility and other energy firms, homeowners, landlords, property management staff and potential home buyers.

By: James Copper-5768
Credit:www.superfeature.com

How To Become A Domestic Energy Assessor

There are two parts to qualifying as a domestic energy assessor in the UK. The first is assessment, the second is training. Both are provided by the NHER. Lets take a look at what is involved in the assessment of domestic energy assessor candidates.

Called the ABBE Level 3 domestic energy assessor diploma, the certification is a brand new part of qualifying. This requirement to become a domestic energy assessor became available at the end of 2006, as part of the about-to-be-implemented home sale regulations on energy performance compliance. Considered a vocational related qualification (VRQ), it is based on competence.

A would-be domestic energy assessor would achieve this diploma through not only assessment but examination as well. The UK government puts out a National Occupational Standards report, which spells out what a domestic energy assessor candidate would need to do to achieve this diploma.

There are 5 categories of compliance with domestic energy assessor National Occupational Standards. The first category is to work in a professional and effective manner, which would be both assessed and tested. The three parts to this category include the development and maintenance of effective work relationships with coworkers, consumers, vendors and other interested parties.

This category also includes proof that the candidate can manage her or his own resources and time well, that he or she is engaged in self-improvement in work areas, and conducts her or himself in an ethical and professional manner always.

The second category of compliance, for determination of domestic energy assessor qualification, is a look at whether the candidate is prepared for the energy assessment. She or he must agree with and confirm the instruction that must be undertaken for the assessment and must be prepared to conduct relevant inquiries about the property.

The actual performance of energy assessment practices and procedures falls into the third category. Here is where the candidates ability to adequately inspect property and determine the performance of its energy and to record the findings of her or his inspection are assessed.

The fourth and final category of compliance to the standards for domestic energy assessors is the ability of the candidate to produce and explain the required energy performance certificates (EPC.) Include in this category are the specifics of produce the EPC document, issuing it for the homeowner and explaining what is contained therein.

A government regulated UK assessment center is tasked with determining if a candidate qualifies as a domestic energy assessor. The center must ensure that the candidate has obtained the necessary level of energy-efficiency knowledge and skills.

This is determined by the energy courses the candidate has completed, and the portfolio of evidence presented that the candidate has performed EPC assessments adequately. The candidate may be instructed to train further, or may be found ready to take the ABBE exam that will certify him or her as a domestic energy assessor.

By: James Copper-5768
Credit:www.superfeature.com

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• How To Become A Qualified Domestic Energy Assessor

How To Become An Airline Pilot

So you want to become an airline pilot?

Like many before, you have dreamed of climbing into your shiny Boeing 747 Jumbo and flying the world all from the relative comforts of your cockpit. You have also likely dreamed of exotic locales and attractive flight attendants. If this forms part of your dream of becoming a commercial pilot you may be severely disappointed.

Due to the recent shake up in the airline industry the golden age of senior captains earning 200k plus per year and working 12 days per month have practically disappeared. The abhorrent reality is that now most Captains earn in the sub 100k range and are working and flying more duty hours than ever before. They also live on par poverty wages accumulating the appropriate experience level to even reach that lofty point of their career. The unfortunate truth is the path to the becoming a professional pilot is now a rough one.

The good news is that there are still many opportunities for the people that have the drive and determination to forge a career in this difficult field. I am therefore writing this article to give you the basics of what you should know before making a decision on an aviation career.

Firstly, this article is primarily being aimed at the person interested in going into the Part 121 – Airline environment. It is not within the purview of this primer to cover other equally lucrative areas of aviation.

What First?

Ok, you have obviously just made the well intentioned decision to forge ahead with your commercial pilot training and you’re not exactly sure where to start. The first piece of advice that I will give you is to attend a college and study a degree in something other than aviation.

The reason I advise this is that, in the future, you may need to fall upon that skill set when times become tough in aviation and you need to seek work elsewhere. You will find that you regret the fact that you lack a non-aviation related degree if you choose to eventually seek work outside of aviation.

Now, if you absolutely can not stay away from aviation and must eat, sleep, and breathe it, I then recommend that you choose an aviation related college such as the University Of North Dakota (UND). There are other aviation schools around that bill themselves as the `Harvard of the skies’. Do not buy into this marketing hoopla, the plain truth is that all the Major airlines just want to see a degree from somewhere. It is irrelevant which university that you went to. So save yourself some money and seek the cheapest degree you can get (this will be a common theme in your aviation career).

Many people will tell you to skip school and go straight to a small regional airline where no degree is required. This can be an advantage in that you would be senior to someone who waited to finish school but the reality is that to move on to any Major airline you will need a four year degree. So suck it up and finish college before moving on to pilot training.

Flight Training

So you have your 4 year degree and now you’re ready to take the first step in your career. The first thing you need to do is slow down and make the following choices VERY carefully. There are literally hundreds of flight schools out there that cater to training budding commercial pilots all with their pros and cons.

You need to be aware that these schools will basically tell you anything to get you in the door and to empty your pockets. Flight training is extremely expensive and the signing up of new students is competitive so spend your money wisely. The bottom line is don't believe the marketing hoopla.

It’s important you understand that yet again it is completely irrelevant where you gain your ratings and endorsements. It makes no difference to the people doing the hiring as to what flight school you attended. Having said that some of the larger academy type operations do enjoy a close relationship with the hiring airlines but I do not believe that this accounts for their large differences in prices.

As a new pilot you should really consider your local FBO (Fixed base Operator) for your private pilot’s license. This gives you the cheapest option for training whilst giving you the time to find out if you REALLY like flying.

Whichever direction you choose to head you will need the following basic ratings to make you hirable:

PPL – Private Pilots License
Instrument Rating
ComASEL – Commercial Aircraft Single Engine Land
ME – Multi Engine Rating

You should also consider getting your CFI’s which allows you to fly as a flight instructor and to build the hours you need to make your next move.

CFI – Certificated Flight Instructor
CFII – Certificated Flight Instructor Instrument
MEI – Multi Engine Instructor

Now that you have completed the above ratings at the minimum cost, hopefully, you will be ready to be hired as a CFI. This gives you the option to earn a little bit of money whilst gaining some experience and flight time.

Most schools will generally hire from the pool of CFI’s that they have trained on property but this is not always a given. The best advice I can give you is to treat your flight training as a 90 day interview if you hope to work there afterwards.

You will need to accumulate approximately 1000 hours TT (Total Time) and 100 ME (Multi Engine Time) to be competitive to the make the next step to a regional airline. Although, currently the regional airlines are hiring people with as little as 600 hrs TT.

The important thing to understand is that you will NOT be working for Delta or United at this point. Your first step in the chain is as a First Officer for a regional/commuter airline. To make your next move you will need to stay at your current regional and upgrade to Captain and start logging PIC (Pilot in Command) time.

To be competitive for a major airline you will need to accumulate 1000hrs of Turbine (JET) PIC. This is the very minimum level of experience that most major airlines require currently. In fact there are so many pilots applying to the majors that to be competitive you would need approximately 2000hrs PIC. At that point you can start trying your luck with the NWA, Delta, AA, United, and US Airways.

Reality Check

Okay so we have covered the basics of what you need to start and progress in your airline career. Unfortunately, all of this is much easier said than done. Learning to fly is an extremely expensive proposition and you can expect to spend in excess of 30k on your flight ratings and endorsements. There are indeed finance options available to help put you through training but you will find that CFI and FO wages are almost not enough to cover the monthly payments.

It’s important to realize at this point that the average pay currently for a 1st year first office at a regional airline is around the 20k mark. That’s right people; one of the guys sitting up front is almost being paid minimum wage. These dedicated professionals struggle to survive on those wages and you can expect to be no different. Until you upgrade to captain you will barely be making subsistence wages. This is really something to consider before entering the regional airlines. Can you survive on those wages for 2 or 3 years until you upgrade to captain?

Having given you the bleak conditions of the industry it’s also fair to say that some people do extremely well from flying. Pilots represent about the top 3% of wage earners nationally and some still earn in excess of 150k. Do remember though that this is a cyclical industry and you need to be prepared for the worst happening and you being forced to leave aviation, hence the degree in another skill set.

All in all this is a great job but a terrible career. The majority of us fly because we love it and wouldn’t give it up in a second. I hope that this has given you a little peak at the hardships and rewards that commercial pilots face.

By: John Smith
Credit:www.superfeature.com