The 3 Priorities to Achieve Balance for a Happy, Successful Life

By Nan McAdam

I have worked in the business world for many years. The saddest thing, I have witnessed, is to see someone who has work very hard, spending the majority of their time creating a successful career. They finally reach that pinnacle of success in their career that they were striving for and they look around and that's all they have. Their marriage and family is gone, kicked to the curb by over focusing on their career. They had lost all sense of balance. They have achieved the dream career, but their life is in ruins.
Some people, actually, use the above scenario as an excuse to not succeed. They don't want to put in the time and hard work it takes to succeed because they don't want to lose what is precious to them. I believe you can have it all. Does that sound impossible? I have witnessed it. I know many successful people who have grabbed the brass ring in their career and have a solid life with their partner and kids. Don't get me wrong. I have witnessed plenty of the first scenario. It is challenging, to say the least, but it can be done!
If someone achieves their dream success in their career, but loses their family and is spiritually bankrupt, are they really successful? Creating a successful life begins by prioritizing the important things in life. The successful people, I have seen, prioritize their top three things in this order.
1. Spiritual - they have an active relationship with their God or what ever they call their creator. They model their lives by the laws and teachings of their spiritual faith. I don't believe that a certain religion creates more successful people. They may not even be affiliated with a religion. Successful people realize there is something larger than themselves. They acknowledge it and worship in their own way. Their communication with their spiritual side is their first priority. Face it, faith and hope come from a strong spiritual connection.
2. Family - isn't this who we are working for? If we really prioritize our families we will find the time to spend with them. The time might not be quantity, but it should be quality. Four hours of watching TV with the wife/husband and the kids is not quality time. The key is, the time you spend with them should have all your attention. Schedule them in your planner and keep that appointment no matter what crisis happens at work. If we have a great career but lose the closeness with our spouse and children, what have we gained? When we always short change our family for our career, they aren't really the priority they should be. Our families should be our "why" for success. When we move into the winter of our lives, our families will be the ones who keep us warm.
3. Business - I am not naive enough to believe, when creating a successful career, we will always be in balance. Project deadlines and business growth accelerations can take us out of balance. When this happens, communication with our top two priorities is in order. Our family, will understand short changing their quality time only if it doesn't become the norm.
It is fun and exciting to build a successful career! It should be the monetary means to build a successful life, not the life.

job, jobs, career

Medical Transcription and Scribes

By Kathy Nicholls

The use of scribes has been a topic of discussion quite a bit lately, so I thought it was time to talk about it here and see what your thoughts are.

If you're not yet familiar with the term, a scribe is a person who goes into the exam room with a physician and does the documentation on the patient visit into an electronic record, using a laptop or some type of portable device. It's being sold as a way for physicians to get their information into an electronic record quickly and a way to reduce costs.

Scribes need to have an understanding of medical terminology so that the documentation is correct. They also need to be able to work with the technology that is being used, although, like medical transcription, I imagine systems will vary from provider to provider. My ophthalmologist has been using a "scribe" in his practice now for more than ten years, so I sometimes chuckle when I hear people talking about how new this practice is. Or perhaps he is jut ahead of his time.

The reports I've seen show that scribes tend to make a starting wage of $8 to $10 per hour. It is also reported that while some of the people doing this job have some medical background, many times they are trained from scratch in training programs that take six to eight weeks to complete. Most of the information shows that scribes work for a company, who then contracts with the healthcare facility to provide the services. These companies are charging the healthcare facilities $20 to $24 per hour for the scribe services.

Is this an opportunity for medical transcriptionists? Perhaps. Medical transcriptionists certainly have the skill set necessary to perform this function. While many will protest the pay, remember that these scribes are working for a company, or a middle man, who has to "upcharge" the healthcare provider in order to make money. How would that change if you went directly to a healthcare provider and offered those services?

What do you think? Is a scribe a potential future role for people with medical transcription training?

job, jobs, career

How To Not Ruin Your Best Resume

By Suzette Dean

For fresh graduates, having the best resume is a big issue. They consider it their key to getting hired by a reputable company. This is actually true since they have little or no work experience. Because of this, many struggle to make the best resume. However because of lack of knowledge and information sources, many are not able to achieve the goal of making the best resume and end up with an average resume instead. But what should a resume really include for it to be the best resume?

First of all, the best resume should always include your educational attainment. Whether you are able to go to a university or just high school, educational attainment should always be included. Why? Since you are a fresh graduate, and have little or no work experience yet, employers will base their decision on the school that you have been to. For most companies, the standards of the schools can help them determine the capacity of the applicant.

Second, the best resume should contain activities that were work-related or internships. This is also important because they could use your internship experiences to determine your working capacity - whether you are hard working or not, if you have perseverance or not, or whether you are determined or not. These qualities are very important for companies because they would want their employees to be efficient.

Third, the best resume should contain any training and seminars that you were able to attend. Why is this important? Training and seminars will definitely give you additional knowledge that you will not be able to learn from the four walls of the classroom. Training and seminars that are written in your best resume will of course give you an edge compared to other applicants who were not able to undertake such privileges.

You see - writing your own best resume is not that hard. All you need is focus and the proper tips of course. Remember, flooding your resume will not make it the best but instead will make it look like a logbook. Choosing the right information to include in your resume is very important so as to not flood your resume. Impressing the employer is the goal, but being able to write the best resume by yourself will not only impress the employer, but give you satisfaction because your hard work paid off in the best way.

job, jobs, career

13 Job Interview Mistakes To Avoid

By Nathan Newberger

 The wrong move can cost you the job! You have worked hard to get to the interview stage. You passed the cover letter and resume screening process...maybe even a few telephone interviews.
Now it is time for the face-to-face interview with the employer itself. Any number of items can go wrong, but you have to be in control and must have confidence. Go into an interview with the feeling that you are going to impress them so much that they will have to make you an offer.
The interview is the most stressful part of the job hunt for many people, because now they cannot hide behind the cover letter and resume. The real face-to-face human connection between possible employer and job candidate takes place. But for starters, if you simply follow these 13 tips below, you are on your way to interviews with results.
A big part of a successful interview is avoiding simple mistakes. Mistakes are deadly to the job seeker and easy to avoid if you are prepared.
These are the most common interview mistakes and their antidotes.

1. Arriving late. Get directions from the interviewer or a map. Wear a watch, and leave home early. If the worst happens, and you cannot make it on time, call the interviewer, and arrange to reschedule.
2. Dressing wrong. You make your greatest impact on the interviewer in the first 17 seconds, an impression you want to make powerfully positive. Dress right in a conservative suit, subdued colors, little jewelry (but real gold, or silver, or pearls), low heels (polished), and everything clean and neat. Hygiene includes combed hair, brushed teeth, deodorant and low-key scent. Check everything the night before, again, before walking out the door, and once again in the restroom just before the interview.
3. Play zombie. OK, you are nervous, But you can still smile, right? And make eye contact, yes? Sit up, focus on the interviewer, and start responding. Enthusiasm is what the interviewer wants to see.
4. No smoking, no gum, no drinking. This is all comfort stuff for you, and none of it helps you here. Employers are more likely to hire non-smokers. At a lunch or dinner interview, others may order drinks. You best not.
5. Research failure. The interview is not the time for research. Find out the company's products and services, annual sales, structure, and other key information from the Internet, the public library, professional magazines, or from former employees. Show that you are interested in working for the prospective employer by demonstrating knowledge about the company.
6. Cannot articulate your own strengths and weaknesses. Only you can recognize your most valuable strengths and most hurtful weaknesses. Be able to specify your major strengths. Your weaknesses, if such must come up, should only be turned around to positives.
7. Winging the interview. Practice! Get a friend, a list of interview questions and a tape recorder, and conduct an interview rehearsal. Include a presentation or demonstration, if that will be part of the real interview. Start with introducing yourself, and go all through an interview to saying good-bye. Write out any answers you have difficulty with, and practice until your delivery is smooth (but not slick).
8. Talk, Talk, Talk. Rambling, interrupting the interviewer, and answering to a simple question with a fifteen-minute reply - all of these can be avoided if you have thought through and practiced what you want to communicate. Good answers are to the point and usually shorter.
9. Failure to connect yourself to the job offered. The job description details the company's needs. You connect your experiences, your talents and your strengths to the description. It answers the essential reasons for the interview : "How my education/experience/talents/strengths fit your needs, and why I can do this job for you."
10. Not asking questions - and asking too many. Use your research to develop a set of questions that will tell you whether this is the job and the company for you. This will help you limit and focus your questions, But do not overpower the interviewer with questions about details that really will not count in the long run.
11. Bad-mouth anyone. Not just your present employer, or former employer, or the competition. You do not want to look like a complainer.
12. Asking about compensation and /or benefits too soon. Wait for the interviewer to bring up these issues, after the discussion of your qualifications and the company's needs and wants.
13. Failure to ask for the job. When the interviewer indicates the interview is over, convey your interest in the job, and ask what the next step is

 employment, careers, Indonesia vacancy

How To Master Telephone Interviews

By Nathan Newberger

Don't be afraid to pick up the phone!
The telephone interview is by far becoming more and more popular. Many job hunters still get that adrenalin rush even with the phone interviews. But following the tips and advice in this article will help you master the phone interview and get you to the next step - the face to face interview.
Often, the first step in the hiring process is the telephone interview.
Companies and the recruiters they employ use the telephone interview to develop a pool of candidates to look at closer, and to pare down the number of applicants for a job opening.
 
The advantages to the company are:

•   the cost is less.

•   the list of questions can be standardized.

•   the interview can be delegated to a lower level (cheaper) employee.

•   it can be done quickly.

The aims on both sides of the telephone are limited. The caller wants a selection of qualified candidates, and the process screens out many candidates. If the call is a straightforward screening call, the caller will likely ask about your experience, availability and salary requirements. Your strategy is to provide facts that support your resume, with some context about your performance. Try using numbers and facts to be effective, however, you don't want to volunteer anything that could disqualify you . Make every effort to sound professional but not personal, as this call is not to establish rapport.
Since you are unlikely to win the job from a telephone interview, your goal is to secure an in-person interview with the person who has the authority to hire. Approach the call with that attitude.
 
Managing the Telephone Interview
Try to reschedule surprise interviews. Say that you have a conflict and suggest a time you can call back. When you call back, be prepared for the call just as you would for a full-dress interview.

Have ready

•   pen and paper, a calculator

•   the job ad and the resume and cover letter which you sent in response to the ad.

•   a list of your accomplishments which relate to the job you are discussing.

•   research you have done on the company.

•   a short list of questions about the job.

•   your calendar.

The Techniques of a Pro

•   Smile - it comes through in your voice.

•   Speak directly into the phone.

•   Don't smoke, chew gum, eat or drink anything. It all telegraphs to your listener.

•   Stand up. Your voice sounds stronger.

•   Avoid ah, er, hum. This habit is especially noticeable on the telephone. This takes

    practice. So practice.

For a winning performance

•   Confirm the caller's name and company. Get the caller's telephone number.

•   Be aware that the caller can't see you - can't see your hand gestures, can't see you

    taking notes.

•   Pace the call. Let the caller do most of the talking, without interruptions.

•   Do use the technique of repeating or re-phrasing questions. It tells the caller that you

    listened carefully, and gives you time to think about your answer.

•   Avoid the simple yes or no; add selling points at every opportunity.

•   If you need time to think, say so - as in radio, silence during a telephone conversation is

    dead air time.

•   Compensation issues come at the end of the interviewing cycle, never at the telephone

    stage. You can truthfully say you don't know enough about the job to state a salary figure.

    And, of course, you would need a personal interview to really talk with the company.

    Which is another way to go for the personal interview. Re-affirm your qualifications,
    express your interest in the job and the company. Say you would appreciate the
    opportunity to talk about the job further - in person.

employment, careers, Indonesia vacancy

Dress For Success

By Nathan Newberger

Its true - You Are What You Wear! Especially when it comes to the job interview.
Believe it or not, you are examined from head to toe in all interviews. Not only is your experience and personality sized up...but also your appearance. The dress code for men and women differ substantially so this article is broken up into seperate sections for each gender.
Before you go on that job interview, make sure you read these dressing tips! Many people take for granted the appearance aspect of the job hunting process. The better you are dressed, the more confident you will feel and exude.
There's no impression like the first impression. Initial decisions made about you in the first three minutes of the job interview are nearly irreversible.
The purpose of your clothing is to project an image of professionalism. Consider:

• •   Your clothes should subtly add to your appearance. More importantly, clothing shouldn't
      detract from your business persona.
• •   Much as you may want to stand out, wearing the business "uniform" communicates
      instantly that you are a mature, stable professional and a member of the team.
• •   Even if the internal dress code is very casual, your interviewing attire should adhere to a
      conservative standard.
• •   Dress up - the best you would ever dress when actually employed there.

Here's how to dress for the best possible outcome:

• •   Research the prospective employer - companies and even industries have definable
      corporate cultures. Find out what the corporate uniform is - and wear it.
• •   Select an outfit you have worn before and are comfortable wearing.
• •   Try on the outfit a few days before - enough time to have drying-cleaning and repairs
      completed.
• •   Check the ensemble for missing buttons, frayed cuffs and other needed repairs.
• •   Everything must be clean, neat and ironed.
• •   No bulging pockets or sagging coat lining.
• •   Hair and nails must be clean and groomed.
• •   Scent should be low-key or absent.
• •   The favorite color of most Americans is blue - it conveys trust, calm and confidence.
      Blue is a very good interview color.

The Fine Points

• •   Shoes should be comfortable and polished. Shoes that are well cared-for signal "Good
      attention to detail."
• •   Be parsimonious with scent - many people are allergic and too much perfume is an
      instant interview killer.
• •   Jewelry - real jewelry, if you have it. No jewelry is better than fake. No rhinestones
      cufflinks, no cloth watchbands, no novelty tie tacks.
• •   Clean and polish your briefcase or purse; organize the inside.
• •   A winter coat must be cleaned and pressed, particularly since a coat may be the main
      item your interviewer first sees.
• •   Your umbrella should be in conservative colors (black, tan, navy, gray) and in working
      order. Do not leave it to drip on the company carpet.
• •   Bring a pen and paper; check that the pen works and doesn't leak. Store them in the
      inside jacket pocket, where you can easily find them.
• •   Allow time to dress with care and deal with emergencies. Examine the results, front and
      back, in a mirror.

Men - Consider These Tips/Advice

• •   tailored suits in navy, gray, beige. (black is a funeral color, avoid it.)
• •   dark suit, light shirt
• •   natural fabrics - wool/wool blend for the suit, cotton for the shirt, silk for the tie
• •   business shoes and over -the-calf dark socks
• •   matching silk tie in low-key colors

Women - Consider These Tips/Advice

• •   simple, tailored suit
• •   tailored dress
• •   dress & jacket combination
• •   simple blouse
• •   natural fabrics - wool/wool blend, cotton and silk
• •   conservative colors - blue, gray, beige or black
• •   avoid loud or flashy styles and colors
• •   use makeup sparingly.
• •   low -heeled pumps, flesh colored stocking

employment, careers, Indonesia vacancy

Watch out for ILLEGAL Interview questions!

by Nathan Newberger

I’ll quickly cover the following:

A) Why Employer Ask Illegal Interview Questions.
B) Examples of Illegal Interview Questions.
C) Tips on How To Respond to Illegal Interview Questions.

Job Interview Fact
U.S. law prohibits certain types of questions and you are by no means required or obligated to answer these questions. These questions are prohibited for a reason: to keep employers from unfairly trying to weed you out as a possible employee.

A) Why Employers Ask Illegal Interview Questions.
The interview is where you get your chance to sell yourself directly to the employer. During the interview the employer is obviously trying to learn more about you and how you may or may not fit in the company. The main reason why an employer might purposely slip in some illegal questions is basically to try and get information to keep you from getting a job. Most illegal questions revolve around personal information and asking them is usually not related to the job and is often discriminatory in nature.

Another reason some employers ask illegal questions is because they just don’t know any better. Many interviewers are not trained at all and simply don’t know what is legal versus illegal. Please keep this in mind, it may just be a poorly trained, inexperienced or just curious interviewer and not meant to be harmful or discriminatory at all.

B) Examples of Illegal Interview Questions.

Illegal questions generally fall into 4 categories:

1. Disabilities & Physical Skills
2. Personal Background
3. Race, Creed, or Color
4. Family & Relationship Items

10 Sample Illegal Questions:

1. How tall are you?
2. Are you a US Citizen?
3. How old are you?
4. Are you really a man?
5. Are you Chinese or Japanese?
6. What religion are you?
7. Have you ever filed for bankruptcy?
8. Have you ever been arrested?
9. Are you married?
10. How many children do you have?

C) Tips On How To Respond To Illegal Interview Questions.
First and foremost, avoid reacting in a hostile fashion remember that you can always decide later to decline the job offer. Your goal during the interview is to try and get the job offer.

Response 1:
Go ahead and answer the question. If you don’t feel uncomfortable and you think your answer is in your favor, why worry? Go ahead and answer the question and make no mention that you think its improper or illegal. Just remember that you run the risk of harming your candidacy if you give an answer not favorable to what the interviewer has in mind.

Response 2:
Refuse to answer the question. You are within your rights but in a delicate and sensitive area with regards to the potential job offer. You can say politely that you don’t feel comfortable answering the question and ask to move on. You may even want to mention to the interviewer that the question is illegal and doesn’t pertain to the job. The key here is to be as tactful as possible. But keep in mind, you may come across as confrontational or not a "team player" in the eyes of the interviewer. CONCLUSION
Generally speaking, its better not to confront or debate the interviewer about the legality of a question. But if you have any uncertainty about the questions, you should be alert to any pattern of discrimination especially if you notice several illegal questions. Try and remember the questions and speak the employer’s HR director and get answers to what may have happened.

employment, careers, Indonesia vacancy

Eight Job Interviewing Mistakes To Avoid

by Nathan Newberger

The interview is a critical part of the job search process and also the one where most job seekers have trouble. There is plenty of advice around on how to navigate thru an interview successfully.
This article has put together eight simple, but crucial job interview mistakes that job seekers should definitely plan on NOT doing!

 

1. - DON'T SHOW UP LATE.
There is no easier way to lose points with a prospective employer than to show up late. First impressions do last. And unfortunately, showing up late screams things like "I am unreliable" or "your time is not important to me". Is this what you want a prospective employer to think before you even have a chance to utter a word? Make it a point to try to be early to every interview. That way, bad weather, traffic and that last minute phone call stand less chance of ruining your entrance. If the unforeseen 18-wheeler does happen to dump 10 tons of tomatoes across the interstate, upon arrival, apologize first thing, offer a quickexplanation and move on. (Ideally you would have called from your cell phone as soon as you caught sight of the delay.)

 

2. - DON'T ACT DISINTERESTED.
No matter what the circumstance never act disinterested during an interview. If 10 minutes into the meeting you become certain that nothing on the planet could convince you to take a job with the company continue to pay attention and act like you care about the conversation. Remember that the interviewer does not exist in a vacuum. He or she has friends, relatives, and associates who may influence future job opportunities. If you behave poorly, the interviewer will remember and will share the story of you and your unprofessional behavior with others. Haven’t you shared bad job search experiences with people close to you? The interviewer is probably no different.

 

3. - DON'T BE UNPREPARED.
Being prepared has many facets. Interviewers expect you to know something about the company and the position you are seeking. Having this knowledge makes you appear both motivated and truly interested. So make sure you do your research! Excellent sources of information include, the Internet, periodicals and people already in the field. Another facet of being prepared is being ready for the types of questions that may be asked. There are numerous articles on the web and in bookstores with practice interview questions and answers. Make sure to utilize all such resources available to you. And finally, don’t forget to have extra copies of your resume and references on hand should they be requested.

 

4. - DON'T FORGET YOUR MANNERS.
No matter how old fashioned it appears to use word like "please", "sir", "ma’am" and "thank you", do not delete these words from your vocabulary. These simple words can work wonders towards making a positive impression. Always use a respectful tone of voice. Do not unnecessarily interrupt the interviewer. Maintain eye contact and a pleasant expression. Leave the slang, slouching and gum chewing at home. Good manners signals respect for yourself and the people around you; never underestimate their importance.

 

5. - DON'T DRESS INAPPROPRIATELY.
Whether you like it or not, the job interview is not the time to express your individuality. Always remember that your goal is to gain employment, not to make a fashion statement. Accordingly, you should not dress in any way that will distract attention from you and your qualifications. Things to avoid include unconventional hair colors, excessive jewelry and makeup and any clothes that you would wear to a nightclub. Prior to the interview, contact the companies HR department and inquire about the company dress code. Do your best to dress accordingly. If there is any doubt, err on the side of being overdressed.

 

6. - DON'T BE UNTRUTHFUL
Never, ever lie during an interview. Mistruths have an uncanny habit of catching up to people. If the interviewer catches you in a lie during the interview, you have seriously damaged your chances of being hired. After all, would you hire someone that you couldn’t trust? If your employer finds out you lied after you have been hired, it could be grounds for dismissal. Even if they do not dismiss you, you are still in serious trouble as you have damaged your integrity in the eyes of your boss. The bottom line is that you should always be truthful when interviewing.

 

7. - DON'T BE MODEST.
When searching for the right job, put your modesty aside. Don’t be afraid to confidently describe your skills and accomplishments. After all, if you don’t sing your praises to your potential boss, then who will? Don’t count on your resume to do all the work; it is only a tool to help you land the interview. Once you get your foot in the door, it is up to you to convince the interviewer that you are the ideal person for the job. Worried that you will come across as conceited instead of self-confident? Then practice how and what you will say with a friend or family member who can provide honest feedback.

 

8. - DON'T FORGET THE "THANK YOU NOTE".
Once the interview has concluded, take a few moments to jot down your impressions of the interviewer, what you talked about and any interesting points that were brought up during the meeting. The ideal time and place to do this is in your car a soon as you have exited the building, as your thoughts will be most fresh at this time. Use this information as you compose a well thought out thank you note to the interviewer. Mail this note no later than the day following the interview. Remember promptness signals interest.

 
CONCLUSION
By avoiding these 8 simple mistakes, you can improve your chances of having a successful interview and landing the job of your dreams.

employment, careers, Indonesia vacancy

How To Handle The Job Hopping Question

by Nathan Newberger

The Career Landscape Has Changed
As the economy changes and pink slips pop up, the once optional choice of changing jobs has become a mandatory step towards the top. Times change: 15 years ago employers may have easily rejected a good candidate who held five jobs in eight years. Today, in the wake of company mergers, corporate acquisitions, dot.com shutdowns, mass lay-offs and restructuring, hiring managers are more forgiving of job hoppers. They are realizing it is more of the norm. While today’s employers may be less weary of job changers than their predecessors, some may still have misgivings. That is why you must come prepared with confident, reassuring answers to tricky questions like:

The Tough Interview Question: quot;Why have you switched jobs so often?"

What Is The Interviewer After?
When interviewers ask such an uncomfortable question, they are usually looking or one of the following:

1. A reason to choose you. Valid reason(s) for your jumping jobs.
2. A reason to eliminate you from the selection process. Any red flags that indicate you are the problem and will not last long at the company.

Popular Reasons For Switching Jobs Often
To receive the employer’s approval and acceptance of your reasons for changing careers, formulate an acceptable response to counter the job hopping issue. Some popular reasons for switching jobs include:

1. Taking care of domestic demands, death/extended illness in immediate family, etc.
2. Moving because of spouse’s job, desire to travel, climate, family, etc.
3. Continually seeking more satisfaction in the workplace
4. Experiencing different jobs to determine where true interests lay
5. Working in positions that were only temporary (internships, summer jobs, campaign work, etc.)
6. Wanting more responsibilities, more money, more respect, more prestige, more flexibility, etc.

Be Honest With Your Answers
Don’t try to leave employment skeletons in your closet because sooner or later, they will invariably come back to haunt you. Be bold. Take full responsibility for whatever leaps you made in your professional past and explain why you did what you did and how you’re a better candidate because of such actions.

In your answer, try to:

1. Tie Your Work Together.
   If you worked in different capacities, relate those duties to the position you’re applying for.
   Answer Example:
   "Since I worked in public relations, marketing and promotions, my communication skills continually improved in various mediums which would aid your advertising firm."
2. Explain Why This Time Will Be Different.
   If you always had to leave jobs because your husband was in the military, say how his retiring will change your pattern. If you jumped whenever another offer looked better, say how you have learned loyalty, stability and commitment take precedence over money.
   Answer Example:
   "After I graduated from college, I wanted to test my talents in many different fields but now I know that my true passion is for architecture."
3. Reveal How Your Checkered Career Path Can Benefit The Company.
   List how your skills, experience and education improved in each of your previous jobs and that such a varied background can bring a fresh perspective to the current position.
   Answer Example:
   "Since the film and music industries are so closely related, I feel my experience in the recording and commercial music business helped me acquire unique contacts and skills that will improve your film production company."

CONCLUSION
Each counter to the job hopping question will vary based upon individuals and their unique experiences. Not everyone has a perfect career history but that doesn't mean you are at a disadvantage. Use the above tips to better handle this situation during your next interview.

employment, careers, Indonesia vacancy

8 Telephone Interview Preparation Tips

by Nathan Newberger
TELEPHONE INTERVIEW BACKGROUND
Telephone interviews are quite common in today’s job market. They are offered for a variety of reasons including cost savings, screening of candidates and out-of-town applicants. To successfully navigate the phone interview, it is important to have a solid game plan in place for preparation.

The following 8 quick telephone interview tips will help prepare yourself for a successful call.

1. DO SOME RESEARCH
Try to find out who will be interviewing you. Will there be multiple people on the call? If possible get their names and titles. Become familiar with these before the call and you will have one less thing to worry about during the call. Try and get some background on the interviewer. Any insight you can gain about him/her will allow you to better tailor your responses to make the best possible impression.

2. ORGANIZE YOUR THOUGHTS
Make a list of your accomplishments, goals and strengths. On another list write out your weaknesses and what you are doing to overcome them. On a third sheet write down why you are interested in the company. Think carefully about all of these items as they often come up in interviews.

3. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE
Never forget that a telephone interview is still an interview. Take time to practice interview questions with friends or family. Ask them to provide honest feedback so you can improve your responses. Mock interview questions can easily be found on the internet or the bookstore. If you get stuck on a question, sample answers to these questions are often provided as well.

4. DO A SOUND CHECK
During the mock interview, have your friend ask you questions both over the phone and in person. Make sure that he/she listens not only for content, but also tone, rate and clarity of your speech. If possible, record yourself speaking. Are you speaking slowly and clearly? Can you easily be heard? Is your voice portraying you as a confident and enthusiastic candidate? If not continue to practice until you are comfortable.

5. FIND YOUR LOCATION
Stake out a quiet space to occupy during your interview. Ideally, there should be a comfortable place to sit as well as a table to lay out your papers. Try and find a low-traffic spot where members of the household are un-likely to disturb you.

6. ORGANIZE YOUR PAPERS
Have a copy of your resume and cover letter close at hand. Take out those lists you made while organizing your thoughts. In addition keep any notes related to the company that you feel may be helpful during the call. Spread these items out across your table so they are easy to access. Only keep what is truly necessary. Too much paper can be a distraction.

7. GATHER YOUR WRITING TOOLS
Place a notepad and several pens or pencils on the table. These will be helpful in writing down notes, questions and most importantly, your interviewer's names.

8. ELIMINATE DISTRACTIONS
As the appointed hour draws near, make sure that the television and the radio are turned off. Exit your email and turn off your computer screen. If possible, disable your call-waiting. Let your family or roommates know about the timing of the interview so they do not accidentally disturb you. Place a do not disturb sign on your door as a gentle reminder. CONCLUSION
By following these 8 basic tips, you are making a great impression and on your way to the onsite interview. Remember, the phone interview is very important and you should plan and prepare for it carefully.

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Avoid Potential Interview Disasters

by Nathan Newberger

There are definitely things that you can do to avoid minor mishaps which could ultimately blow an interview. Become familiar with these 7 potential interview disasters so you can prevent them from obstructing your path to that ideal job.

1. DON'T ARRIVE LATE
Showing up late is both rude and inconsiderate. Is this the first impression that you want to leave with a potential employer? Map out your route and try it out before the interview. Plan on being at least half an hour early to your appointment. This will provide a buffer to protect against wrong turns, traffic jams and all the other mishaps that may befall you. If you arrive early, you can use the time to calm your nerves. 2. DON'T SAY THE WRONG NAME
Many a nervous candidate has been known to accidentally call the interviewer the wrong name. In order to avoid this disconcerting faux pau, find out who you will be speaking to before the interview. Memorize the name(s). If this information is not available prior to the meeting, then write the person’s name on your notepad as soon as you sit down for the interview. If you do slip-up, do not make a huge fuss. Apologize quickly (and sincerely) and move on.
3. DON'T SAY THE WRONG THING
Choose your words carefully. Avoid impulsive answers; the first thing that pops into your head may not be the best response. Remember, it’s ok to pause if you need some time to think. Feel free to say "that’s a good question; let me take a moment to think about it." This demonstrates that you think before you speak. Is your everyday speech peppered with expletives or other potentially offensive phrases? If so, take care to avoid these during your meeting.
4. DON'T BECOME SPEECHLESS
Interviews are stressful situations for even the most qualified candidates. This tension can lead to candidates "freezing up" during the meeting. Alleviate some of the expected stress by practicing mock interview questions. Have a friend conduct simulated interviews. If possible, have him/her conduct the interview in a variety of manners including reserved, rushed, and disinterested. This way you will be better prepared for whatever the interview may bring.
5. MONITOR YOUR INTERNAL SYSTEM
Nature has a funny way of acting up at the wrong moments. Fortunately, you can help prevent these unwanted incidents. Avoid the awkwardness of a growling stomach by eating a few hours before the interview. Be careful in what you eat and drink in the 24 hours prior to the interview. Do not overindulge; an upset stomach or hangover is formidable distraction.
6. DON'T BE TOO MODEST
The interview is no place for humbleness. Too much modesty can make you appear introverted or lacking confidence. Don’t be afraid to be your own cheerleader. Prior to the interview, make a list of your accomplishments both personally and professionally; practice talking about them. Have a friend listen to your answers as you practice. This will help prevent you from crossing the line between justifiable pride and boasting.
7. DON'T LACK ENTHUSIASM
No one wants to work with a stick in the mud. With this in mind, how can you prevent from appearing lukewarm? Smile and maintain eye contact. Sit forward in your chair. Avoid speaking in a monotone. Be positive in your responses.

CONCLUSION
By preparing yourself against these potential interview disasters you are one step closer to getting the job of your dreams. Remember sometimes it really is the little things that make the difference

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Bouncing Back From A Bad Interview

by Nathan Newberger


Nobody is perfect. Nobody lives a perfect life or always has a perfect day. And it is absolutely possible that one of those not-so- perfect days may happen to coincide with the day of a job interview.
Even though we do not like to admit it, we sometimes perform poorly during job interviews. The easiest thing to do is pout, sulk, complain, and whine, but those things don’t really help your job hunt. What is worse, a bad reaction to a sub-par interview, may carry over into future interviews, and make your job hunt much more difficult. Instead, you can make the most of the situation, by recovering quickly. These tips should help you get on your way.
Mind Your Manners
One of the worst things you could possibly do after a bad interview is chock the whole thing up as a loss and not follow standard post- interview procedures.
There are too many factors you cannot foresee:

1. Often times, a bad interview in your mind wasn’t that bad in reality. For all you know, it might be the best one your interviewer has had in a long time.
2. You cannot read the mind of you interviewer, you cannot be absolutely certain about what the interviewer is looking for, and you cannot be absolutely certain about the impression you make. So, you cannot assume you have slim chances.
3. Not getting selected for one particular position does not rule you out of the running for future possible positions.
4. One interview may not be your last interaction with a company or an interviewer. So make the best possible impression. Be sure to:
   • º   Be courteous and maintain composure as you leave the interview
   • º   Send a thank you letter, note, email, or other form of correspondence.

Make a List
Even the worst of the worst interviews can still have some value. To really benefit from the interview-gone-bad, try the following:

1. As soon as you get out of an interview you would classify as "bad", create a list of every aspect of the interview that made it "bad". Spend as much time as you need on the list so that you can capture every problem; but make sure you create the list right after the interview, so everything is fresh in your mind.
2. Next, create a list of every possible solution to the problems you just listed. This should be an ongoing process.
3. Continue adding to your problems list. New interviews might reveal new problems. Over time, you will come up with solutions to those problems as well.
4. Continue adding to your solutions list. Ideas can come to you at anytime and you may happen to come up with better solutions to problems you already solved.

Check It Twice
The use of lists really helps you to recognize problems and figure out solutions to them. To truly get the most out of them, however, the lists need to be used as constant reminders.

1. Post your lists on a wall, the refrigerator door, or a mirror. Put the lists in a spot where you will see them regularly. Let them serve as a constant reminder of your ongoing self-improvement.
2. Study your lists in between and especially right before interviews. Your lists should be as important as any background research you do on a company. The test of how much you learn is your next interview.
3. Take your lists with you to an interview. Immediately after the interview, examine your lists. Note problems that reoccurred, problems you overcame, solutions that occurred, solutions that did not work, and any new problems that emerged. Your lists should be ever changing.

CONCLUSION
You will not always have the interview of a lifetime. But you will find that the more effort you put into learning from interviews, the fewer interviews you will need before you find a job.
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5 Skills You MUST Convey During The Interview

by Nathan Newberger

No, it's not time to throw your resume in the trash and start a "new age job search". But one thing that any job seeker must understand is that the showcase of talents does not begin and end with the resume. There are many "secret" abstract, often called "soft", skills that employers keep an eye out for.
This article discusses the five key "secret skills" that interviewers examine and how to demonstrate them in an interview situation.
These five skills are:
1. Organizational
2. Critical Thinking
3. Communication
4. Interpersonal
5. Multi-Tasking

1. ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS
Unless you are applying for a job as a mad scientist, organization is an essential skill for any job. Employers can get sense of how an individual will handle large workloads by how organized that person is during the interview. Moreover, a person that makes a sincere effort to stay organized is an employee that will take a job seriously and make a sincere effort to get things done. The best way to display these skills:

• •   Dress professionally and neatly for an interview.
• •   Keep supplies or materials on hand if you think they might be pertinent to the interview.
      This can go beyond pen, paper, resumes, and business cards depending on
      the position you apply for.
• •   Organize your thoughts before the interview. Preparation for typical interview questions
      will reflect a sense of general readiness.

2. CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS
Nobody wants a mindless drone for an employee. If they did, they would buy a robot. Employers want people that can think on their feet and respond. They are looking for people that won't come crying with every little setback. They are looking for problem solvers. Having critical thinking skills means that you can come through in the clutch. The best way to display these skills:

• •   Prior to the interview, prepare of a list of anecdotes or previous jobs that required critical
      thinking to solve a problem. When applicable, bring these examples up in the interview.
• •   Talk your way through the answers. Let the interviewer understand your train of thought
      when responding to questions. This can also buy you a little extra time if you are
      unsure of how to answer.

3. COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Glossophobia, or the fear of public speaking, is the number one fear in America, but making an impact requires these skills. Unless you can communicate ideas to others effectively, you may not come across as very confident. This is precisely why so many employers ask for individuals with good communication skills, often including public speaking.

The best way to display these skills:

• •   Practice speaking, or answering interview questions in a mirror. This will get you used
      to speaking aloud and let you see the things you may be doing wrong.
• •   Practice interviews with another person, so you can learn to keep cool when reacting to
      another person's comments.
• •   Stay calm and ALWAYS MAINTAIN EYE CONTACT. It's hard to disagree with a confident
      person. Once you SEEM confident, you hold all the cards.

4. INTERPERSONAL SKILLS
Along with being able to communicate your own ideas well, you have to be receptive to other ideas and work constructively with them. Companies need versatile team players: people that will work hard on their own and increase the depth and effectiveness of a group effort. The best way to display these skills:

• •   As in the case of critical thinking, it is a good idea to prepare a list of examples in which
      you were part of a successful team effort. These items may not be on your resume, but
      could come up in an interview.
• •   When possible, reflect back on cases where you coordinated a team effort. It is one
      thing to work well in a group, but it is even better when you show that you can
      also lead and take charge of a group.
• •   Don't be afraid to mention troubles within a team that you had to overcome. A group of
      people will not agree on everything 100% of the time. Being able to work
      through problems and succeed is paramount.

5. MULTI-TASKING SKILLS
Businesses are always happy to drive down costs, and the best way to do this is by hiring fewer individuals who can multi-task. It is often the case that one efficient employee can do the work of two typical employees. Employees are paid for the hours they work, and employers want to get the most out of what they pay. An employee that can complete multiple tasks at once is the solution.

The best way to display these skills:

• •   When discussing previous positions held, include situations where you worked on
      multiple tasks at the same time.
• •   Prepare a list of projects that required you to separate tasks into clusters that could be
      addressed simultaneously. Be ready to explain the thinking behind your separation
      system.
• •   Show a willingness to take on many responsibilities. Any worker can pick up one or two,
      but if you can pick up more without getting spread to thin, you become a valuable asset.

CONCLUSION
The resume will always be around and serve as your primary means of communicating skills with a prospective employer. But remember that you are more than just a list of skills on a piece of paper. The interview lets the employer see whats not easily determined from a resume and also your chance to shine. Mastering the art of showcasing your "secret skills" will let an interviewer know you are person they need to hire.


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5 Tips To Rescue a Sinking Interview

by Nathan Newberger


You're 10 minutes late, you spilled coffee on your shirt, and your ice breaking joke only created an awkward silence. You say to yourself, "I am doomed," and give up before the interview has even started. Confidence, charm, and honesty can still salvage this train- wreck of an interview. Instead of getting beaten by bad luck, take a deep breath, relax, and smile.
This month's newsletter addresses 5 methods for turning an interview around. So don't panic, there is still hope.

These following topics will be covered:
1. Be Upfront
2. Ask Questions
3. Get Feedback
4. Try Flattery
5. Move On


5 TIPS TO RESCUE A SINKING INTERVIEW! 

1. BE UPFRONT
The last thing an interviewer wants to hear is a list of excuses he has heard a thousand times before. Trying to cover your tracks like this is just a waste of breath and could potentially insult your interviewer's intelligence.

Take a different approach. Replace a list of excuses with the following sequence of events.

• •   Identify the Problem First - tell the interviewer about the mistake before he can address
      it.
• •   Admit fault - apologize for the problem and recognize your shortcomings as the cause.
• •   Explain Typical Behavior - let the interview know that mistakes, like being late, are freak
      occurrences and that you normally don't make them.

2. ASK QUESTIONS
Occasionally, you may start to feel uncomfortable during an interview. If you do not manage to regain composure, the interview will only go downhill. Taking focus away from you buys time. Sometimes turning the tables can also turn the interview around.

Asking questions will force the interviewer to talk and possibly mention characteristics he is looking for. In keeping questions as a back up plan, be sure to:

• •   Prepare - come up with some questions ahead of time and make sure they are
      appropriate to the particular company and position.
• •   Pay Attention - don't just ask a question and then zone out as you regroup. The
      interviewer could be giving you valuable information or ask you a question in response.

3. GET FEEDBACK
One easy way to lose your cool is to get halfway through answering a question only to discover that the interviewer is bored beyond belief. There is no need to be scared…yet. This is another place where questions can help.

Instead of using questions to get comfortable, use questions to get information. Your response may not be answering the right question, the question may have been unclear, or you may be spouting an incoherent nonsense. If you are caught in this situation:

• •   Stop - Do not be afraid to break mid-answer to ask a clarification question.
• •   Be Direct - if clarification does not put you at ease, ask the interviewer if he has any
      concerns about you as a candidate for the position.

4. TRY FLATTERY
A good mood is contagious. If you can get the interviewer into a happier state of mind, you may manage to give the mood of the entire interview a boost. Plus, nobody minds the occasional compliment. Whether it's a nice word about the company, the office, or the culture, a compliment can go a long way in a rough interview.

Choosing which compliments to pay, however, is not a simple task. Take to heart these suggestions before you start dropping kind words:

• •   Show Preparation - consider paying a compliment that shows you have done research
      on the company, such as commenting on a shift in strategy or other recent
      business decision.
• •   Be sincere - a compliment has the ability to make you appear to be an upbeat person;
      do not let a poor attitude offset that.
• •   Don't Push It - compliments should not be too numerous, too personal, or too
      emphatic; eventually an interviewer will see through your ploy.

5. MOVE ON
Sometimes you can be fully qualified, answer every question perfectly, and make all the right decisions, but still get a cold shoulder from an interviewer. At these times, you have to remember: it's not your fault.

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

This is when your best bet is to just keep trying and move on. Maintain your composure and continue with the interview as if nothing is wrong. You may be able to pull the interviewer out of his rut; at the very least, you will still appear confident and professional. That never hurts.

 
CONCLUSION
You win some and you lose some, not every interview will be flawless. Learning to stop an interview from being a disaster can put you far ahead of the competition. So the next time you are in an interview, remember: if it feels like things can't get any worse, it means things can get better.

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Mastering The Meal Interview

by Nathan Newberger

Interviews can be nerve-racking, brain-draining, headache-inducing experiences. These days, recruiters have found a way to make the interview even more difficult by combining the experience with a meal. This means that in addition to listening to the interviewer, formulating intelligent responses, and trying your hardest to be confident, you now have pay attention to how you look while eating.
Interviews over lunch or dinner are an increasingly popular recruiting tool. This http://www.WorkTree.com career article by Nathan Newberger gives you the need-to-knows of the meal interview.
1. Mind your manners
2. The dish dilemma
3. Consume and converse
4. Finish with a bang

1. MIND YOUR MANNERS
It may seem unnecessary to mention, but those basic table manners you were taught as a child still matter. In casual settings, poor manners are not always corrected. Therefore, you could have picked up some habits that your mother would be ashamed of and more likely than not, your interviewer probably will not be too be impressed by them either.
Here are just a few of the habits you should be mindful of during a meal interview:

•  BE POLITE. In addition to evaluating your answers to questions, an interviewer is also assessing your personality. Be courteous and respectful to everyone, especially the wait staff. Words such as "please" and "thank you" speak worlds about your character.
• BE AWARE. Keeping you elbows on the table, chewing with your mouth open, talking with your mouth full all convey a negative impression. Pay attention to even your smallest actions.
• BE PREPARED. If you feel uncertain about your table manners, consult the experts.
  Emily Post's books on etiquette are considered to be among the definitive works on etiquette. There is no shame in doing research; after all, this is an interview.

2. THE DISH DILEMMA
Even though you are being treated to a nice meal, you are not free to order any dish you like. You are in an interview, and therefore, you have the duty of maintaining a certain level of professionalism and formality throughout the meal.
There are no definitive rules of food selection, and you may have to make a game-time decision. However, following these rules will help you steer clear of trouble:

• AVOID MESSES. Steer clear of foods that have to be eaten with your hands or have a tendency to splatter. It is hard to recover from the embarrassment of splashing your interviewer with spaghetti sauce, nor do you want to inadvertently adorn yourself with gravy or cream sauce. So stick to foods that can be cut into small pieces with a knife and fork.
• NO STENCHES. Avoid foods that have a strong or unpleasant order. You are better off having an interviewer not remember you at all rather than as the candidate with bad breath. So no matter how much you love onions and garlic, lay off the stinkers for one meal.
• KEEP IT QUIET. You need to be able to conduct a civil conversation. Avoid foods that are crunchy and noisy to eat. In a public setting there is a lot of noise that could drown out the voice of a person sitting across from you so try not to order food that would add to the problem.
• FOLLOW THE LEADER. You may be wondering if a menu item is priced too high or if to order an appetizer first, etc. The answer is to follow your interviewer's lead.
  Try to order food in the same price range as the interviewer and order the same number of courses. You do not want to be sitting idle while the recruiter is still eating.

3. CONSUME AND CONVERSE
You are at an interview and also dining out. This means you need to not only be talking, but also eating. It can sometimes be difficult to do both.
Try and keep these issues in mind when posed with the challenge of eating and talking at the same time:

• YOU ARE IN CONTROL. Don't feel so pressured to talk that you don't eat at all. This can be interpreted as nervousness.
• ASK QUESTIONS. When going to an interview, it is always a good idea to have questions. This will allow you get more information on the company and show that you have done your homework. During the meal interview, it will also give you the opportunity to actually eat as your interviewer responds to your questions.

4. FINISHING WITH A BANG
Unlike that of a standard interview, the end of a meal interview does not just end with a handshake and a "Thank You". There are other things to keep in mind including:

• DON'T OFFER TO PAY. It's never expected of a job candidate, and you don't need to do it.
• NEVER ASK FOR A DOGGY BAG. No matter how delicious the meal was, requesting to take a portion of it home is not appropriate for the setting.
• REAFFIRM YOUR INTEREST. Let the interviewer know how much you would like to work for his/her company.
• A "Thank You" AND HANDSHAKE CAN'T HURT. As in any interview, don't forget to thank the interviewer for taking the time to meet with you. In addition, be sure to be gracious and say that you enjoyed the meal and end the interview with a firm handshake. Make sure to follow up with a thank you letter in the morning.

CONCLUSION
The meal interview is tricky, but not impossible. With a little guidance and a lot of confidence, you can sail through them with flying colors. Just try to keep these helpful hints in mind. Good luck and bon appétit !

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How To Answer The TOUGHEST Interview Questions!

by Nathan Newberger

WHAT THE INTERVIEWER IS AFTER
Few interview questions invoke as much dread as "Tell me about your greatest weakness?" Keep in mind that by asking this question that the interviewer is trying to determine if you engage in self analysis and how you handle difficult questions.

These 5 quick tips will help you to successfully navigate this interview hurdle on your way to landing your ideal job.



5 Tips To Help Answer - "TELL ME ABOUT YOUR GREATEST WEAKNESS?

TIP #1 - MENTION THE DOWNSIDE OF A SKILL.
This strategy is successful because you actually answer the weakness question by showcasing a skill. For example "I am very committed to customer service. Sometimes this leads to my spending quite a bit of time with customers. At times this causes me to fall behind in other areas."

TIP #2 - SHARE A WEAKNESS THAT YOU ARE WORKING TO OVERCOME.
This tactic is successful because it shows that you are committed to self-improvement. An example of this is “I am not really comfortable presenting before an audience. I have joined a public speaking group in order to overcome some of my nervousness.” Another example is "I currently only speak English. I recognize that the world is getting smaller day by day and I am studying Spanish in order to be better prepared for the future."

TIP #3 - USE A WEAKNRESS THAT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE JOB.
While it is usually preferable to answer with the downside of a skill or a weakness you are working on, sometimes, the best tactic might be to use a weakness that is unrelated to the job. This way you can honestly answer the question while not casting doubt on your ability to fulfill the job requirements. Examples include "I am a terrible cook" or "I cannot dance." This strategy is useful if you are trying to inject a (quick) humorous story into the interview regarding some mishap related to the weakness.

TIP #4 - DO NOT PRETEND TO BE PERFECT.
It is never a good idea to answer this question by saying you have no weaknesses. Everyone has weaknesses. By saying you have none, you will appear arrogant.

TIP #5 - DO NOT GIVE A CANNED OR COMMON ANSWER.
This will make you will seem phony and insincere at worst and unimaginative at best. An example of a very over-used answer is "I am a perfectionist." Say this or something similar and be prepared for the interviewer to (inwardly) roll his/her eyes and subtract points for originality.

When talking about your weaknesses, always clearly communicate both what you are doing to overcome the weakness and that you are confident that your efforts will be successful.

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