The Weirdest Interview Questions and How to Answer Them

The Weirdest Interview Questions and How to Answer Them What are the weirdest interview questions you ever heard? Heres a compilation from our great friends at  Jobs Today including some good comebacks. Classic weird interview questions: How many times in one day do a clocks hands overlap? Why are manhole covers round? Whats the connection between Turkey and Turkmenistan? If you were an animal, what animal would you be? What do you think of garden gnomes? Why is called shipping when sent on land? Why are infographics so popular? More of this at  The Most Common and Uncommon Interview Questions

Will Returning To Studies Be A Career Boost Or Bust

Will Returning To Studies Be A Career Boost Or Bust People embark on promotions in all manner of ways. For some brave individuals, climbing the ladder is as simple as coming straight out and asking our employers. More commonly, though, we crawl up each rung with hard work and determination. Some of us even return to education to improve our chances.   The idea of studying to further your career path certainly isn’t a bad one. Embarking on degrees and courses is fantastic for proving determination and work ethic if nothing else. But, it is worth noting that a poorly-approached educational return can prove as harmful to your career as it is positive. That’s because, no matter the cause, studying even part-time akes you away from your work itself. That could damage   productivity and generally put you behind other potential promotion prospects.   To make sure your returning to studies turns out more career boost than bust, keep reading to find out the following ways to direct your efforts here. Make sure that your course sets you on a clear trajectory Career trajectories are fundamental at any time, especially if your efforts here are solely dedicated to promotion. Before you sign up for a course, then, make sure that it sets you on a clear trajectory, and that it’s one you want to tread. The last thing you want is to spend years studying only to find out that you’re still underqualified. Speaking with lecturers ahead of time, or even just checking course-specific details like those on Norwich University website can help here. Equally, discussing study plans with your boss ensures they’ll let you know if you’re on the wrong track. Make sure you can juggle Plenty of people juggle studies alongside careers, but it takes careful consideration. Making sure your course hours fit within your workload, for example, is fundamental for reaping rewards. If you continuously have to take time out for this, then you’ll soon begin to notice a detrimental effect. Falling behind is no way to set yourself ahead, after all, and leaving yourself out of workplace practice won’t help much, either.   Check your employer is onboard It’s also vital that you check your employer is on board with your plans. As mentioned, this can help you to pick the right course, but it does a lot more besides. In most cases, employers are more than happy for team members to embark on career-led improvement but don’t take that for granted. If your boss is unhappy about time you take off or potential productivity slips, then no amount of studying will keep you in their best books. In fact, embarking on studies without your boss’s approval could well see you losing your position with no chance at a good job reference. Even the best course won’t help you then!   There’s no denying that studying alongside your career can bring benefits, but there are also some risks involved. Only by considering these ahead of time can make sure that return to education really does set you on track for promotion.  

Leaders Must Master Candid, One-on-One Communication - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

Leaders Must Master Candid, One-on-One Communication - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career The most egregious mistake leaders make is failing to be direct and candid with the people they lead. I know, because as an immature leader early in my career I made that mistake time and again. Many other leaders carry on my lame tradition to this day and its killing organizations. That’s why candid, one-on-one communication, is the second most important level of communication a leader must master, after self-communication. Self-communication drives a leaders’ ability to engage in effective candid, one-on-one communication because without the high-levels of self-esteem that comes from the former, the latter will be delivered ineffectively at best, or avoided at worst. Candid, one-on-one communication drives effective organizations. Yet, few organizations make it one of their core values or invest enough energy to integrate it into their culture at a level where the organization can fulfill its potential. There is one aspect for candid, one-on-one communication a leader needs to engage in to set the stage for relationships that excel. It’s setting expectations at the beginning of the relationship. Think about it. If there is not candid, direct communication at the beginning of the relationship regarding expectations for the necessary behaviors and performance results that define success, it will greatly impact a leader’s ability to have on-going candid, direct communication as the relationship evolves because the foundation isn’t there. If there is one area where most leaders fall short, this is it. After the fact, as the performance period moves down the road, they try to engage in the necessary candid communication and it is usually met with defensiveness, excuses or conflict as the subject feels they were set up for failure. Interestingly, the leader usually knows this to be the case along with the potential subsequent problems that could occur, causing them to ignore or avoid the necessary candid, direct communication that must come. It is an insidious cycle that causes the downfall of trust in the relationship. Multiply this by many direct reports and imagine what the team culture becomes. Without candid, direct communication at the beginning of the relationship focused on performance and behavior expectations, it is impossible to have effective, candid conversations to address issues in those areas inconsistent with what is desired. Yet, organizational leaders still try to have them every day. In those instances they are engaging in one of the three different “wrong” conversations taking place every day in workplaces. Assessing what the next “right” conversation is, is the first step in getting a relationship back on track when candid, direct communication did not occur in the beginning. And, in those instances, the next “right” conversation is to take a step back to start over with the direct, candid performance and behavior expectations conversation. Next week, I’ll address considerations leaders must take into account when engaging in candid, direct communication.

Give The Holiday Present of Connections - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

Give The Holiday Present of Connections - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career Last week I was quoted in a Forbes article on the best presents for the millennials in your life.  My suggestion was an introduction/meeting/connection with someone who could be important to the young persons career.   It received a lot of positive reaction especially among ambitious millennials eager to make their mark. It reminded me of the people whove done that for me. People who made introductions to others who turned into life-long mentors and friends. I would be so much less personally and professionally if they werent in my life. So my last gift giving this week is connections for the young and thanks and appreciation to the cotton tops whove help make for a great life for my family and I. My wish is that Im around long enough to make a similar impact.

Four alternative ways to take a study break at university

Four alternative ways to take a study break at university This post was written by an external contributor; Sarah Wilson discusses four different ways you can maximise your productivity in a study break. When it comes to study breaks, it’s no secret that students love procrastinating. You’d hardly qualify as a modern-day student if you hadn’t thought at least once just how much easier this uni stuff must’ve been before the advent of smartphones and the internet, always tempting you with just one more video/snapchat/casual instagram stalk. The worst thing about the zombie-like scroll we’re all so accustomed to when we get bored is that it so often leaves us feeling guilty. Social media can be anxiety-provoking at the best of times, and if you’re feeling stressed to begin with, logging on isn’t going to help anything Aside from anything else, the never-ending feeds on our favourite social media platforms makes it difficult to force ourselves to stop scrolling and get back to work. But there are plenty of ways you can avoid falling down that rabbit hole and instead get back to your work on time and feeling refreshed. Whether on your phone or off,   the trick here is choosing an activity that’s both all-absorbing and has a natural end-point. Master that, and you’ll be acing your study breaks in no time. Language learning Language apps like duolingo or memrise are perfect for a study break project to develop over time. They’re set up like games, so it’s the perfect idea for any smartphone addicts who are trying to avoid social media. Typically, they offer “lessons” on your smartphone for different parts of the language, each of which takes around 5-10 minutes depending on how good you get, of course. Duolingo targets listening, speaking, writing and reading, but when you’re in public, speaking can be bypassed   to avoid any strange looks in the library. Podcasts For anyone who just wants to listen, there’s a whole world of language-learning podcasts you can access easily the aptly named “coffee break” language podcasts are a great place to start. More generally, podcasts are a perfect all-consuming activity for taking your mind off the work you were just doing. Whether you’re listening to a true-crime series or an episode of Desert Island Discs, focusing your attention on something else for 30 minutes will do wonders for clearing your head when you do get back to your desk. Mindfulness Similarly, mindfulness exercises are a great way to shift your focus on a study break, especially if you’re feeling super-stressed. Most exercises are fairly short too ideal for anyone pressed for time. Guidance can be found through phone apps, online, or in mindfulness books, and instructions are simple to follow, encouraging you to focus on your own breathing and the sounds and sensations in your environment. Believe me, it’s far more relaxing than poring jealously over other people’s holiday snaps… Get creative I wouldn’t consider myself an artist by any means and I’ve got the low GCSE Art B grade to prove it. But last year, when I was offered a paintbrush for the first time in what must have been years, I was surprised by how theraputic I found the experience of painting absent-mindedly on the canvas. If you are a creative person, great! If you’re not, why not give it a go anyway? Drawing, painting, knitting and playing music are perfect ways to keep your hands and mind occupied during a study break. Like language learning, doing something creative in your time away from work is a great way to set up a project or goal to work towards, leaving you with something other than eye strain to show for your work breaks. And who knows, you might even discover a talent you never even knew you had Download Debut  and connect with us  on  Facebook,  Twitter,  and  LinkedIn  for more careers insights.

7 Mistakes To Avoid When Asking For Help

7 Mistakes To Avoid When Asking For Help Do you ever get email requests that make you not want to help the person sending it? Well, I was surprised to receive just such an email from someone who has decades of work experience. Shouldn’t he have known better? It made me think. None of us starts out with the intention of writing an email that doesn't work, but it can happen to all of us. And when it’s me, I would want to know how to improve â€" how to remove as many barriers to getting to “yes” as possible. That’s why I’m going to share that email along with some observations on what would have landed better, at least for me. Here’s what he wrote: I hope you had a good start in 2015 I believe this is going to be an exciting year full of opportunities! As you may have noticed, I have been very busy and I have lots of ideas moving forward which I would like to share with you. I’d also like to get some advice on how best to turn my plans into reality. I would be available to catch upWed after 4pmThu between 12.30 and 2.30pmFri before 1pm I look forward to hearing from you, Here’s what it made me think: Good start â€" positive and optimistic! And the email looks brief. I’m liking this… Hmmm, no, I didn’t notice what you’ve been doing, because I’m busy too. And a quick look on LinkedIn doesn't shed any light… Oh, and he wants something from me. But he’s all about himself. How many times has he said “I” or “my” â€" it feels like a hundred… Another “I”! He hasn’t sold me on catching up, yet is giving me times that work for him… that’s pretty cheeky and presumptuous. Not the worst ending but by now, I’m not in a mood to say yes, or even to reply at all. And I don’t know what I would say if I did. In the end, I did reply â€" mostly because I feel that if someone has asked me for help, no matter how poorly or well worded, and if I can help, then I should.   But not everyone will do the same. Here’s one way he could have worded the email instead: Hope you had a good start in 2015 I believe this is going to be an exciting year full of opportunities! Since we last met at the charity dinner, I’ve been busy developing several ideas for XYZ. Things are now at a point where it would be helpful to get input from some experienced professionals and I thought of you! Also, I know that you’ve been very busy with your new venture, which I would love to hear more about. There’s one idea in particular that you might be interested in. If you’re amenable, I would appreciate the opportunity to catch up over a coffee at your convenience. In case it suits your schedule, I happen to be in town on: Wed after 4pmThu between 12.30 and 2.30pmFri before 1pm I look forward to hearing what might work for you. And here’s an email request that worked for me â€" it’s one I sent to someone more senior who I’ve kept in touch with periodically over the years, and yes I did get the meeting: Hope all is well, and have enjoyed reading about your new charity competition earlier this year great idea put into action. Have been making progress on the project we discussed in January and getting ready for a pilot in mid-November, and launch in late Feb.  It is now called XYZ and is much more focused (and not trying to save the world, yet still has room to evolve/morph). May I come see you and update you either in NY or London?  Your wisdom appreciated. 7 Mistakes To Avoid When Asking For Help So to summarize, when you’re writing that email asking for help, here are seven mistakes you don’t want to make: DON’T: Use the words “I/my” too often â€" instead, write it with the recipient in mind. It’s not all about you! Assume they know what you’ve been up to â€" instead, provide a brief reference to remind them or clue them in. Leave it to the goodness of their hearts to say yes â€" instead, make it relevant to the person and ideally give them a compelling reason to meet. While there are some “Mother Theresa” types out there, you’ll get better results if you include a “WIIFY” â€" as in “What’s in it for You”. What could the person learn or gain from spending time with you? Dress a favor up as a “WIIFY” â€" If it’s an out and out favor and there’s no “WIIFY”, just say so (“I’ve got a favor to ask”) and express gratitude. And remember to reciprocate in the future. Dictate times or otherwise imply that it’s your schedule that matters, which presumes the person is willing to meet in the first place â€" instead, suggest possibilities. Make it obviously a “form letter” if you can help it â€" instead, have a core letter that you can “top and tail” to make it personalized. Sometimes this won’t be possible, but if you’ve stayed away from points 1-5, then people likely will be okay with it. Go it alone â€" if it’s a really important request, then have someone else read it and tell you how it comes across. Especially if there are cultural or language differences involved. When I was first transferred to London from the US, I had a British colleague read the emails and letters to British clients to ensure I was not inadvertently offending them with my American version of English. That saved me several times! So, what’s your advice on how to ask for help and writing emails that work? For more advice on emails, I recommend: How to Make Your Life Better By Sending Five Simple Emails by blogger Eric Barker 6 Ways to Get Me to Email You Back by Wharton professor and best selling author Adam Grant

Objective in Writing Resume For Manufacturing

Objective in Writing Resume For ManufacturingWhen you are applying for a job, it is absolutely crucial that you carefully do your research to ensure that you get an objective in writing resume for manufacturing companies. This means that you need to check the availability of positions at the company you are thinking of applying for. This way, you can avoid future concerns and disappointment.In order to know what the company is about, do your homework first and get the whole truth from the ground. If the company has been around for some time, then you will be able to read up on the company's history and try to understand their mission statement better.It is always better to do this research before you begin to apply because it might be easier to find information online. In this case, you should be wary about the credibility of the website that provides the information. Of course, it would not hurt to have your resume printed and sent over to the company for review.Make sure that your resume is professional looking as well. A person applying for a manufacturing position might not have access to the latest computer screens or cameras, so if you can make it look professional, they will be able to see it better.Check your technical background and make sure that you have your resume professionally written. You can go back to school and ask some of your friends who are engineers for their opinions and make sure that you are spelling and grammar are perfect.There are many other things that you need to consider when you are preparing your resume. One such thing is if you have some skills that are more in demand in the manufacturing industry, such as medical, IT, and accounting. If you do not have any of these skills, then you will be out of luck because you will not get the job anyway.Your resume should be completed with facts that will show how you fit into the company's mission statement. Whether you are a person who can take initiative, be a problem solver, a self-st arter, or an individual who enjoys working with others, the best way to get hired for a manufacturing job is to have a resume with a number of objective in writing resume for manufacturing.