Nine Steps to Interview Success
These days, the average person changes their career seven to ten times within their life span. This means that the average person is going to send out several hundred copies of their resumes in their lifetime…and yes, they’re going to have to go through several interviews in their lifetime. Scary, huh?
If the interview process makes you nervous, well, you’re not alone. But right now, it’s time to stop worrying. You’re about to learn the nine vital steps for interview success…how to pass any interview you face!
Step 1: Research the Company that you are being interviewed for:
It’s a pretty obvious trick: research the company you’re interviewing for and be prepared to show off what you know about them. Way too many people show up for an interview without having the first idea about what the particular company stands for. The truth is that you should know at least something about the company’s mission, its general business process, and its particular needs. Know how long the company has been in business and whether they’re financially sound and profitable. Research the company with a view to determine what you can do to help them achieve their goals. Be prepared to say specifically how your personal goals and experience are going to be valuable to the company.
Step 2: Know your resume:
In virtually any interview situation, you’re interviewer is going to ask you questions about your resume, about your experiences and even about the quirky stuff you’ve listed to pad it out. You should read your resume over and over, and know the details of it because you never know when you’re going to be asked about your chess playing experience or your interest in literature. Make sure there’s nothing detailed on your resume that you’re uncomfortable talking about.
Step 3: Dress for Success:
Appearance can become nine-tenths of the law if you don’t pay attention to it. For every interview, make sure you wear garments that are professional and appropriate the position that you’re seeking. Your clothes should be comfortable, clean, and pressed. Don’t create a crisis for yourself on the morning of the interview when it comes to your clothes. Pick out your outfit and make sure it’s ready the night before your big interview.
Step 4: Make sure that you wake up early and are on time:
Just as you shouldn’t let your wardrobe run you down on the big day, you shouldn’t let traffic or public transport delays upset you either. It’s also crucial that you don’t get lost on the way so have directions –and confirm them if you have to – well before you set off. These days, with MapQuest, you have no excuses. Make sure you leave the house early, and plan to be at the interview at least ten minutes early.
Step 5: Review interview questions:
Interviews may be pretty scary but they’re also pretty predictable. It doesn’t take much to predict the basic questions you’re going to be asked. Here are some examples:
Tell me about yourself?
Tell me about a time you failed miserably in your career?
What is your greatest strength/weakness?
Where do you see yourself five years from now?
What are your salary expectations for this position?
Why should we hire YOU?
Prepare sample answers to these questions. Memorize a couple of key responses. Remember that no matter who you’re interviewing for or with, if it’s a job interview, the basic focus is going to be on your experience, your goals, and your potential to contribute to the company. Be sure you can argue a case for yourself on these key points.
Step 6: Let the interviewer lead you:
The interviewer is the one running the interview but you can set the pace. Wait for the interviewer to ask the questions. Take your time to listen to the questions. Give your answers carefully; make sure they are considered. That said, each of your answers should be given with an energetic and enthusiastic voice. Above all, smile and enjoy the interview. Be courteous and always thank the interviewer at the end of the interview. Tell them that you’re well qualified for the job, and that you will prove it to them upon being hired. Don’t be afraid to be confident in yourself and your abilities.
Step 7: Ask for the next step:
The interviewer will ask most of the questions but you will have a chance to get a word in shortly. Find out what will happen next, and what you should expect after the interview. When should you be hearing from them about the job? When will the hiring decision be made?
Step 8: Send a thank you note:
Everything you do regarding your interview has consequences. Just as a good sales person follows up on a lead, after each interview you attend you should be sure to send a thank you note to the employer and the interviewer, thanking them for their time. Going the extra mile in this way will generally show that you’re qualified for the position, or at least that you’re a serious and diligent person.
Step 9: Follow-up:
Of course, sending a thank you note is something you do immediately after the interview. A reasonable period after, usually a week or two at least, you should take one further step to follow up. Call the company offices and ask if you can speak to the hiring manager who interviewed you. You can start the conversation by asking if they received your note. Then you can ask them if any decisions were made and, if not, approximately when you should call back or otherwise expect to hear from them. Don’t be pushy; above all, be polite and courteous, even if a response is not forthcoming.
WHEN YOU’RE HIRED…THINGS TO THINK ABOUT…
If you are hired, remember that you need to stand up to your promises. You should always be putting 110% effort. An unspoken trick to get comfortable in interviews and to always get the job you want: in every job you accept, make yourself shine. Regardless of how much you are paid or how much responsibility and work you’re given, take the initiative to do more. The more you’re prepared to do for your job, the future each of your jobs will take you. Don’t worry about being rewarded, just keep working hard, and it will pay off. I guarantee it.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Leasing A Car: Is It For You?
So you want to buy a brand new car but just do not have much luck to accumulate the required amount of money for the investment. One major option is available for you.
You do not have to resort to buying a second-hand car that usually brings about much troubles and hassles. Leasing a car is definitely for you.
In case you are not too familiar with the usual arrangements of car leases, many car leasing companies are now operating to lease or rent cars to clients for a fixed term.
For example, you might enter into a leasing agreement to rent a car for a fixed one year term at a fixed price. That means, the car you would be driving would be rented for a year tenor.
At the end of the period, you would be required to return the car to the business and pay necessary expenses and charges for any damage or excess mileage found. A good and informative car forum would definitely help you learn about details of car lease.
Is car leasing for you? Of course, it is. The option is practically for everyone. During these interesting times when inflation is rising and financial credit markets are slumping, it is high time you tighten your belt a little.
You have to save a lot on costs and as much as possible refrain from excessive and unnecessary expenses. Because car purchases are practically very expensive, you might decide to stall your move to buy one.
You can save your money instead for a while or invest it to make it grow further. A car acquisition could definitely wait. But if you are really itching to drive your own car, you can initially resort to lease a car.
If you are leasing on an independent car leasing body, you can have the flexibility to choose which brand and model to favor. Because you are leasing the car for a specific period of time, expect that the cost would not be as significant as actually buying the car for your own.
It is logical that the longer the lease maturity is, the more costly the leasing charge is. However, experts and many car forum members advise that leasing on a longer term is more advantageous on the other hand.
Leasing a car can turn out to be a logical and wise move on how you could own your dream car. Here is how it could be. You should lease a car like for example a year. After a year or after the leasing contract, you could have the option to pay to own the car. Usually, car leasing companies allow clients to finally own up the leased car by paying for it. And because after a year, the car is not at all brand new, you would have the edge over haggling or bargaining. Think about it. Payments to own a leased car is usually negotiable. That is because that is the best and most logical option for the company. Otherwise, it would be forced to repossess the car and sell it or put it in auction with a 'second-hand car' classification in the market, which would just lower the price tag.
Car lease also could help you avoid several necessary expenses for owning a car. Insurance, documentary papers and all other ownership documents are normally taken care of by the leasing the company.
Thus, getting into such a transaction is not just less costly but is also very much convenient if you would be taking the freedom from documentary measures into account.
You do not have to resort to buying a second-hand car that usually brings about much troubles and hassles. Leasing a car is definitely for you.
In case you are not too familiar with the usual arrangements of car leases, many car leasing companies are now operating to lease or rent cars to clients for a fixed term.
For example, you might enter into a leasing agreement to rent a car for a fixed one year term at a fixed price. That means, the car you would be driving would be rented for a year tenor.
At the end of the period, you would be required to return the car to the business and pay necessary expenses and charges for any damage or excess mileage found. A good and informative car forum would definitely help you learn about details of car lease.
Is car leasing for you? Of course, it is. The option is practically for everyone. During these interesting times when inflation is rising and financial credit markets are slumping, it is high time you tighten your belt a little.
You have to save a lot on costs and as much as possible refrain from excessive and unnecessary expenses. Because car purchases are practically very expensive, you might decide to stall your move to buy one.
You can save your money instead for a while or invest it to make it grow further. A car acquisition could definitely wait. But if you are really itching to drive your own car, you can initially resort to lease a car.
If you are leasing on an independent car leasing body, you can have the flexibility to choose which brand and model to favor. Because you are leasing the car for a specific period of time, expect that the cost would not be as significant as actually buying the car for your own.
It is logical that the longer the lease maturity is, the more costly the leasing charge is. However, experts and many car forum members advise that leasing on a longer term is more advantageous on the other hand.
Leasing a car can turn out to be a logical and wise move on how you could own your dream car. Here is how it could be. You should lease a car like for example a year. After a year or after the leasing contract, you could have the option to pay to own the car. Usually, car leasing companies allow clients to finally own up the leased car by paying for it. And because after a year, the car is not at all brand new, you would have the edge over haggling or bargaining. Think about it. Payments to own a leased car is usually negotiable. That is because that is the best and most logical option for the company. Otherwise, it would be forced to repossess the car and sell it or put it in auction with a 'second-hand car' classification in the market, which would just lower the price tag.
Car lease also could help you avoid several necessary expenses for owning a car. Insurance, documentary papers and all other ownership documents are normally taken care of by the leasing the company.
Thus, getting into such a transaction is not just less costly but is also very much convenient if you would be taking the freedom from documentary measures into account.
How To Find The Best Car Dealers In Your Area - Top 5 Tips
Buying a car would be made easier, more reasonable and more convenient if you would just prefer to buy from the best car dealers. However, because of the numerous car dealers currently operating in the market, it can be inevitable for consumers to feel a little pressure and confusion when finding and choosing one.
If you are planning to purchase a used car in the near future, you should start looking for the best and most reliable used car dealers in your area. As much as possible, make sure the dealer is operating within your area or community. Otherwise, the deal, no matter how good and attractive it is, would be rendered futile.
How could you possibly find and select the best dealer as you prepare to acquire the car of your choice? Here are some useful guidelines and suggestions.
1. To find a complete list of used car dealers in an area, it would be better if you would employ the use of yellow pages or a Craigslist, which is an online version of the yellow page. Contact details as well as office addresses are provided for your reference. Thus, you could easily contact the dealers if you are aiming to start negotiations for possible price adjustments.
2. Get quotes from four or more dealers. This is the process of comparison shopping. If you think it is a hassle, you can get quotes through the telephone or through online means. On their Websites, dealers usually disclose their terms and tenors for car financing and selling transactions. When doing such a comparison, you are instantly and more clearly determining which quotes from which dealers would be practical and reasonable for you.
3. It would also help if you would heed the advice and recommendations of experts, peers and colleagues. It is a common that people look at actual experiences of others. In this case, you can ask other people over practicality and effectiveness of a dealer. In so doing, you are instantly gaining information on whether a dealer you are eyeing is likely to be the best or not. Actual dealership experiences from real people you know would somehow give you further enlightenment regarding the planned transaction.
4. Check on the securities and exchange commission or the city/municipality registrar over the legality of the used car dealer. Of course, it is logical and wiser to conduct business with legal and duly recognized car dealers. Need it be emphasized? Unregistered car dealers might offer more attractive and irresistible packages, but in the end you should ask yourself, is the risk all worth it? Of course, it is not.
5. Check on the showroom and the car list of the car dealer. The best car dealers always have interesting and updated lineup of product offerings. If you are targeting to purchase a car model that is not displayed or available in the showroom, ask the dealer if ordering the car from the manufacturer would cost additional charges. If the used car dealer asks for further fees, drop it. The best car dealers would always conduct themselves appropriately and offer no additional charge for such a service.
If you are planning to purchase a used car in the near future, you should start looking for the best and most reliable used car dealers in your area. As much as possible, make sure the dealer is operating within your area or community. Otherwise, the deal, no matter how good and attractive it is, would be rendered futile.
How could you possibly find and select the best dealer as you prepare to acquire the car of your choice? Here are some useful guidelines and suggestions.
1. To find a complete list of used car dealers in an area, it would be better if you would employ the use of yellow pages or a Craigslist, which is an online version of the yellow page. Contact details as well as office addresses are provided for your reference. Thus, you could easily contact the dealers if you are aiming to start negotiations for possible price adjustments.
2. Get quotes from four or more dealers. This is the process of comparison shopping. If you think it is a hassle, you can get quotes through the telephone or through online means. On their Websites, dealers usually disclose their terms and tenors for car financing and selling transactions. When doing such a comparison, you are instantly and more clearly determining which quotes from which dealers would be practical and reasonable for you.
3. It would also help if you would heed the advice and recommendations of experts, peers and colleagues. It is a common that people look at actual experiences of others. In this case, you can ask other people over practicality and effectiveness of a dealer. In so doing, you are instantly gaining information on whether a dealer you are eyeing is likely to be the best or not. Actual dealership experiences from real people you know would somehow give you further enlightenment regarding the planned transaction.
4. Check on the securities and exchange commission or the city/municipality registrar over the legality of the used car dealer. Of course, it is logical and wiser to conduct business with legal and duly recognized car dealers. Need it be emphasized? Unregistered car dealers might offer more attractive and irresistible packages, but in the end you should ask yourself, is the risk all worth it? Of course, it is not.
5. Check on the showroom and the car list of the car dealer. The best car dealers always have interesting and updated lineup of product offerings. If you are targeting to purchase a car model that is not displayed or available in the showroom, ask the dealer if ordering the car from the manufacturer would cost additional charges. If the used car dealer asks for further fees, drop it. The best car dealers would always conduct themselves appropriately and offer no additional charge for such a service.
7 Tips on Saving Fuel
Oil price is soaring and it certainly looks like it will not be staying at a constant price for long. I remembered last year around June, the price per litre of Shell 98 was around $1.70 SGD and just recently when I was refilling fuel. It costs about $2.12 SGD per litre; an increase of almost $0.40 SGD per litre. Not to mention that the price is still rising. There are a few alternatives that we can do.
1. To stop driving - for those who have been driving, you will be saying it's crazy! Cars are just like your legs; they carries you around places. However, what we can do is to try walking, cycling or hopping on a bus for short trips.
2. To change to hybrid car - this is one viable option where you can adopt and yet some were saying that it takes much more fuel to produce a hybrid car.
3. To change the way we drive - this is possibly the immediate option that we can adopt. By changing your driving habits you can improve fuel economy and there are many tips which you can use to start saving dollars and not pennies. Changing your habits and you'll see a substantial savings at the pump — without the need for a new car.
Let us look at ways on how we can change our driving habits as well as tips on how we can save fuel. These tips not only help you to save fuel, but also help you to contribute your bit towards saving our planet.
Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated
Keeping the tires at the right pressure not only increase your safety while driving, it also promotes fuel efficiency. The PSI number at the side of your tires shows the maximum pressure of the tire and is not the proper inflation level for your car. Your vehicle manufacturer will list the recommended tire pressure in your owner's manual or a sticker on the doorjamb of the driver-side door. You will notice that if your tires are underinflated, you will experience the extra drag on your car and this translates to more fuel usage.
Follow the Recommended Maintenance
It is important to follow your car manufacturer's servicing recommendations. A vehicle that is well maintained means it will operate with greater efficiency. This not only improves your overall vehicle performance, but it will improve your fuel economy as well. Proper maintenance also means using the right octane gas and the recommended grade of motor oil. A fuel with a higher and inappropriate octane rating does not translate to more power. Using the recommended types for your vehicle will give you optimum fuel economy — and can translate to more saving for you.
Avoid carrying excess weight
Heavier vehicles require more energy to move, so carrying around excess weight will also affect your mileage. Keeping your boot or back seat clear of unnecessary items can reduce weight to your vehicle and increase fuel efficiency.
Drive smoothly
Aggressive driving can use as much as a third more fuel, so avoid accelerating or braking too hard and keep steering smoothly. The fewer heavy brakings and flooring of the accelerator, the more fuel you save. It is important to plan your trip and to avoid the rush when driving. Always give yourself extra time to get to your destination and drive in a "steady and smooth" manner. This not only gets you safely to your destination, it also helps you to save fuel.
Use the Highest Gear Possible
Changing to a higher gear to match the speed of the car is the way to go. Lowest gear yields greatest power but translates to an increase in fuel consumption. To improve your fuel economy, drive in the highest gear possible when you are cruising at a steady speed, such as on the highway.
Use Cruise Control
Using cruise control can improve your gas mileage by helping you maintain a steady speed, but only if you are driving on mostly flat roads. However, if you are in hilly terrain, you should turn off cruise. It will try to keep you up to the speed you've set and will use a lot of extra gas downshifting to lower gears to accomplish this.
Avoid excess idling
When a car is idling, it is using fuel. Turning the engine off during idle periods can help you avoid burning excess fuel. If you are waiting for your kid outside the school or waiting to pick up someone, it is more efficient to turn the engine off while you wait and then restart the car. You will save fuel.
With these tips, you will not only drastically improve your fuel efficiency and saving money but also doing your bit for our planet.
1. To stop driving - for those who have been driving, you will be saying it's crazy! Cars are just like your legs; they carries you around places. However, what we can do is to try walking, cycling or hopping on a bus for short trips.
2. To change to hybrid car - this is one viable option where you can adopt and yet some were saying that it takes much more fuel to produce a hybrid car.
3. To change the way we drive - this is possibly the immediate option that we can adopt. By changing your driving habits you can improve fuel economy and there are many tips which you can use to start saving dollars and not pennies. Changing your habits and you'll see a substantial savings at the pump — without the need for a new car.
Let us look at ways on how we can change our driving habits as well as tips on how we can save fuel. These tips not only help you to save fuel, but also help you to contribute your bit towards saving our planet.
Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated
Keeping the tires at the right pressure not only increase your safety while driving, it also promotes fuel efficiency. The PSI number at the side of your tires shows the maximum pressure of the tire and is not the proper inflation level for your car. Your vehicle manufacturer will list the recommended tire pressure in your owner's manual or a sticker on the doorjamb of the driver-side door. You will notice that if your tires are underinflated, you will experience the extra drag on your car and this translates to more fuel usage.
Follow the Recommended Maintenance
It is important to follow your car manufacturer's servicing recommendations. A vehicle that is well maintained means it will operate with greater efficiency. This not only improves your overall vehicle performance, but it will improve your fuel economy as well. Proper maintenance also means using the right octane gas and the recommended grade of motor oil. A fuel with a higher and inappropriate octane rating does not translate to more power. Using the recommended types for your vehicle will give you optimum fuel economy — and can translate to more saving for you.
Avoid carrying excess weight
Heavier vehicles require more energy to move, so carrying around excess weight will also affect your mileage. Keeping your boot or back seat clear of unnecessary items can reduce weight to your vehicle and increase fuel efficiency.
Drive smoothly
Aggressive driving can use as much as a third more fuel, so avoid accelerating or braking too hard and keep steering smoothly. The fewer heavy brakings and flooring of the accelerator, the more fuel you save. It is important to plan your trip and to avoid the rush when driving. Always give yourself extra time to get to your destination and drive in a "steady and smooth" manner. This not only gets you safely to your destination, it also helps you to save fuel.
Use the Highest Gear Possible
Changing to a higher gear to match the speed of the car is the way to go. Lowest gear yields greatest power but translates to an increase in fuel consumption. To improve your fuel economy, drive in the highest gear possible when you are cruising at a steady speed, such as on the highway.
Use Cruise Control
Using cruise control can improve your gas mileage by helping you maintain a steady speed, but only if you are driving on mostly flat roads. However, if you are in hilly terrain, you should turn off cruise. It will try to keep you up to the speed you've set and will use a lot of extra gas downshifting to lower gears to accomplish this.
Avoid excess idling
When a car is idling, it is using fuel. Turning the engine off during idle periods can help you avoid burning excess fuel. If you are waiting for your kid outside the school or waiting to pick up someone, it is more efficient to turn the engine off while you wait and then restart the car. You will save fuel.
With these tips, you will not only drastically improve your fuel efficiency and saving money but also doing your bit for our planet.
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