Sunday, May 31, 2020

Video interview questions

Video interview questions by Amber Rolfe Video interview coming up? Preparation is key…  Video interviews are becoming an increasingly popular method in today’s recruitment process. Whether it’s a one-way video interview, or a live one-to-one, the thought of being judged in front of a camera can be daunting.We’ve already covered video interview tips, but here’s our advice on answering five common video interview questions, courtesy of  â€˜Why You? 101 Interview Questions You’ll Never Fear Again’:  How do you deal with stress and failure?The interviewer doesn’t want you to answer this question with the claim that you’re totally immune to stress. Complete infallibility isn’t just unrealistic, it’s unbelievable.Because let’s face it, even behind a camera, a line like that is unlikely to fool any interviewer.Instead, place emphasis on how you’ve developed a constructive way to handle difficult situations or problems. Explain the specific techniques and practices you use to deal with and overcome stress, and make it clear that you won’t lose the ability to function at the slightest indication of pressure.Because every job, no matter what level, will involve some kind of pressure. And whether the nature of the role means it’s a daily occurrence, or it only happens once a month, you’ll always need to be able to deal with it.Right answer: ‘It really depends on the issue. But I generally try to turn stress into productivity by delegating and prioritising tasks, taking short breaks, and sometimes just having a light hearted chat with my co-workers to wind down at the end of the day. I also find that analysing the source of the stress and thinking of a constructive solution helps to put my mind at ease, and prevents any future issues.’ Wrong answer: ‘I don’t do stress, it just rolls off my back.’ How to answer common interview questions  What’s your ideal work environment?The key to getting this question right lies in your ability to tailor your response to the organisation’s company culture. Essentially, it’s all about making sure your personal preferences match up with the way they do things.To prove you’re a good fit, be careful about the aspects you describe as your ideal work environment â€" and make sure they’re not something the company isn’t able to offer.For example, if you’re interviewing for a role that requires a lot of highly focused independent work, your answer should explain how you enjoy having space to concentrate on your objectives.However, roles in customer/client facing fields will require a candidate who enjoys good team spirit, professional rivalry, and an active social life in and outside of work.NB: never use your own living room as your answer (even if it’s where the video interview’s taking place.)Right answer: ‘I really enjoy a good mix of collaborative work, as well as time to get my head down and really focus on my tasks. I tend to get absorbed in my work, so once I’m clear on my objectives, I like having space to really concentrate. But everyone runs into questions once in a while, so it’s great to have teammates around to bounce ideas off and ask for help.’ Wrong answer: ‘Basically, I’m just looking for somewhere I can have fun. Which reminds me, what are your views on alcohol in the office?’ Five career goal questions, and how to answer them  What is it about this job that you would least look forward to?Never use this question to act the model candidate and pretend that there’s absolutely nothing you’ll dislike about the job, or to hide behind an infrequent task that makes up a very small portion of it.Both of these approaches will only make it seem like you’re dodging the question, not to mention, not being totally honest in your answer.Instead, pick an obvious drawback that not even the most positive person on earth would enjoy. Every job has its downsides, and although realising them is the first step, the key to nailing this qu estion is talking about your ability to handle them.And remember: acknowledging one negative is fine, but overdoing it might make the interviewer wonder whether you actually want the job after all…Right answer: ‘As an Estate Agent, I don’t enjoy telling someone their house will never sell for what they’re asking. But if I don’t tell them the truth, no one can move on. It means I sometimes need to let people get angry â€" but I know they’re usually annoyed at the situation, not me personally. So, to answer your question, I don’t look forward to disappointing people, but I have to be as honest as I can to make sure they have the best possible chance to succeed.’Wrong answer: ‘Probably the journey home. And that’s got nothing to do with my Prius’Five character questions, and the answers that will get you hiredTell me about a big change you’ve had to deal withYour answer to this question needs to convince the interviewer that you see change as an opportunity to g row not an ordeal to avoid or endure.Use a recent example to acknowledge the positive results of your change, and explain how the consequences of not implementing it would’ve been negative. This will show that you’re open to new experiences, and most importantly, you understand why it’s necessary.For added bonus points, do your research. Most organisations will report changes within the business on their website or social media pages, and talking about these alongside your own example will not only show you’re proactive and interested, it’ll also show you can understand the importance of change outside of your comfort zone.Remember: just because you’re on video, this doesn’t mean you’re interviewing on a script. Allow time to think about your answer before you jump in, and you’re far more likely to impress.Right answer: ‘When the government introduced health and safety exams for construction workers, it was always clear we’d end up with fewer accidents on site , and better workers too. But some of my colleagues understandably didn’t like the idea of ‘going back to school’. So I explained exactly what the computer-based exam entailed, and that the software was easy to use. Everyone passed, and no one left the site. You have to work out why people oppose change, and sometimes it’s not the reason you think. And, I visit fewer colleagues in hospital these days, which is always a plus’ Wrong answer: ‘I don’t deal with change. It deals with me…’Five key competency questions: revealedGive your CV a mark out of tenAs curveball questions go, this is as tricky as they come.Give your CV an instant ten, and you come across cocky, but play it safe with a five, and you’ll blend into the background as a mediocre candidate.So, to get it just right, always bear in mind that the rating matters less than how you explain it.An interviewer will usually ask this question to assess your ability to strategically think on your feet, so the num ber you pick will only be the ‘right answer’ if you’ve thought it through.In their eyes, if you can do this successfully with your job search, you’re likely to be able to do it at work too.Top tip: don’t undersell yourself, but don’t imply there isn’t any room for improvement either.Right answer: I suppose it depends how you look at it. In the sense that a CV is designed to get you the interview and I’m sitting here now, I’d have to give it a ten. But there are other criteria you could use to judge a CV. I don’t feel like I’ve peaked in my career yet, for instance, so I expect my CV to become stronger as I develop new skills and strengthen my old ones. In that sense, there’s room for improvement, so I’d give it maybe a seven. With all those things considered, I’d give it an eight or nine overall. Wrong answer: ‘11’How to answer curveball interview questions  Still looking for your perfect position? View all available jobs now. Find a job What Where Search JobsSign up for more Career AdviceSign up for moreCareer Advice Please enter a valid email addressmessage hereBy clicking Submit you agree to the terms and conditions applicable to our service and acknowledge that your personal data will be used in accordance with our privacy policy and you will receive emails and communications about jobs and career related topics. Interview Techniques Job interview tips Telephone, video and group interviews

Thursday, May 28, 2020

How to Write a Management Consulting Resume

How to Write a Management Consulting ResumeThe management consulting resume is a great place to start if you are looking for that job. In fact, you can tailor it to fit your requirements. Below are some of the things that should be included in the resume:You will need to describe yourself and your experience. While it is always good to state your contact information, it is often not as important as what you do and who you know. As you search for the right consultant to apply to, this is a must have.In addition to listing your positive traits, you will want to include your skills and accomplishments. There should be a bullet point at the end to provide an example of your most recent project. This will give you an idea of the type of consultant you are seeking.When reviewing your management consulting resume, you will want to pay close attention to the general areas of focus. They are often listed in order of importance. Each section should be able to stand on its own so that you can m ake a good impression on the interviewer.You should include everything that you have done that you feel relates to the position you are applying for. If you want the position, then you should have everything necessary to prove that. Your resume should look like a well thought out whole.In addition to your managerial experience, the management consulting resume should also include information about the schools and universities you have attended. This is a must since many companies use references from these schools. You should list the names of the schools and the dates you attended them. Then you should provide contact information.A number of other resumes include details about volunteer work. However, it is not often relevant to management consulting positions. Although many companies prefer such a volunteer to someone with more experience, they are very good at finding this person later. Therefore, listing this information may only hurt your chances of getting hired.A management co nsulting resume is a big part of the process of landing that perfect position. If you are able to put the right skills on paper, you will make the best impression possible. It will be up to you to decide what to write about, but it will be a good decision for your overall success.

Sunday, May 24, 2020

Project Manager Job Description - Algrim.co

Project Manager Job Description - Algrim.co Project Manager Job Description Template Download our job description template in Word or PDF format. Instant download. No email required. Download Template Using Your Template Follow these instructions to use your new job description template Step one: Fill out all details in your job description template using the provided sample on this page. Step two: Customize your requirements or duties to anything special to your workplace. Be sure to speak with team members and managers to gauge what's required of the position. Step three: When the census of the team has agreed on the description of the work, add in a Equal Employment Opportunity statement to the bottom of your job description. Step four: Check with your legal department, management team, and other team members to ensure the job description looks correct before creating a job advertisement. Choose a job board that's specific to your needs. Related Hiring Resources 5+ Best Project Manager Interview Questions Answers Project Manager Resume Example Assistant Project Manager Cover Letter Sample

Thursday, May 21, 2020

On the Job by Anita Bruzzese Is Your Boss Stealing Your Ideas

On the Job by Anita Bruzzese Is Your Boss Stealing Your Ideas One of the ways to get ahead in your career is to offer new ideas or come up with innovative solutions. But what if you do that -- and then the boss takes credit for your idea? First, don't take any action until you've had time to think it through. Reacting in anger -- or bursting into tears -- isn't going to help the situation and will probably make it much worse. Second, take the time to think about who your boss is as a person before you craft a response. Maybe your boss has been under increasing pressure, and she feels that she must come up with a new idea or she's going to lose her position. Or, it could be that your boss is just a jerk. If you feel she made the decision because she's feeling insecure about her position, or simply overwhelmed by her job, then set up a time to talk. During this discussion, have your points before you in writing so that you don't attack her, but establish the fact that it was your idea and you don't understand why she took credit. If he or she is just being a jerk, then you need to be more careful. People who are a**hole bosses really don't care about anyone but themselves and won't hesitate to make your life miserable if you challenge them. No matter what kind of boss you have, it's a smart idea to document your work so that it's clear you came up with the idea. Then, share the idea with your team so that it's recorded as your idea and your boss (or anyone else) can't claim complete credit. (Sometimes your boss may hone the idea a bit, and in that case, make sure you give her kudos for her input. Bosses can be as insecure as anyone else, and they may need a pat on the back.) It's important that you get credit for your ideas, and that your career benefits from them. If your boss consistently tries to hog the limelight and won't give you credit for your contributions, you can't let that go unanswered. Either talk to her as diplomatically as possible -- or start looking for a new boss who is willing to help you achieve your potential.

Sunday, May 17, 2020

Five Minute Journal Giveaway This Weeks #ClassyCareerGiveaway! - Classy Career Girl

Five Minute Journal Giveaway This Weeks #ClassyCareerGiveaway! Weve teamed up with some amazing friends and partners to bring you FOUR weeks of incredible #classycareergiveaways just in time to get organized this spring! This week we are giving away a Five Minute Journal  to TWO lucky people. Productivity Planner Giveaway: This Weeks #ClassyCareerGiveaway!!! If you  are ready for some positive purpose-driven days, youll love this journal specifically created to shift your focus to the positive and dramatically improve our happiness,  this planner is definitely for you! Who doesnt want a great start or end to your day! It’s been proven over and over again that shifting your focus to the positive can dramatically improve your happiness. The key is consistency. This journal has been created by combining the proven elements of positive psychology that can make all of the difference in your life. You will find The Five Minute Journal to be a great way to start and end the day. What makes it so effective? Begin the day right: When you start the day on the right note, things automatically start to fall in place. Every day. Cultivate Gratitude: Gratitude is the opposite of depression and anxiety. Its the conscious experience of appreciation of the gifts in our lives and the results are tangible. Go to sleep happy: Ending the day on the right note can be essential to a good nights sleep, eliminating negative thought loops and learning more about yourself. Want to be the lucky winner of The Five Minute Journal? Heres how to enter: Like this photo and follow @classycareergirl on Instagram. Tag a friend below the photo who might enjoy this giveaway as well. Thats it! You can enter multiple times by tagging multiple friends in the comments below the Instagram photo. Giveaway ends on April 15th at 11:59pm EST. US residents only. The winner will be announced on April 17th. Good luck! If you love planners, make sure you check back here frequently.  Well be announcing three more amazing planners and journals that we are giving away  over the next four weeks too!

Thursday, May 14, 2020

7 insane buildings that exist around the world - Debut

7 insane buildings that exist around the world - Debut This article was written in collaboration with BuroHappold.  Explore exclusive placement and internship opportunities at BuroHappold  by downloading the Debut app.   Were not gonna lie to you, folks. We here at Debut cant claim to be architecture or engineering experts, no matter how hard we try. However, we do appreciate a work of art when we see it. These insane buildings around the world totally blow our minds so weve gathered our favourite ones in a handy list just for you. 1. La Grande Arche de la  Défense (France) Rub your eyes all you like what youre seeing is absolutely real. Apparently, this building won a design competition in France, and is meant to be a 20th-century version of the Arch de Triomphe. I mean, we can kinda see it? 2. The Halfway House (Canada) The story of this house comes straight outta Pixars Up playbook. The house was originally built in the early 1890s as part of a set of six homes with shared walls. Decades later in the 1950s, the owners of the other houses were pressured to sell their homes by developers, leaving one final house standing. The occupant of the final house refused to sell at any price. Because of the shared wall, they had to cut off the other half of one of the sold units in order to accommodate the new buildings they were building beside it. Crazy stuff. 3. Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe (Germany) Image via BuroHappold Considered one of the most important international memorials in the world, the structure consists of 2,711 concrete stelae (an upright slab or column) meant to represent a wave-like ripple. The whole area covers more than 19,000 square metres. Also, theres a whole hidden side to this building theres an underground Place of Information that acts as a museum. BuroHappolds team of engineers worked for four years on this project from 2001-2005. Since then the building has attracted debate and discourse around one of the most significant  and harrowing periods of history  ever. Take a look at Buro Happolds project page for more information: Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe 4. House Attack Museum Moderner Kunst (Austria) We have so many questions. The building was conceptualised by artist Erwin Wurm, and is considered the very first art piece you see when you arrive at the Museum Moderner Kunst in Vienna. Trippy. 5. Eden Project (Cornwall, England) The Eden Projects biomes make it look like its come straight out of a utopic sci-fi movie starring Harrison Ford. Inside them contain thousands of plant species. The two largest biomes simulate a Rainforest environment and a Mediterranean environment respectively, just in case yall were thinking of a cheeky tropical holiday. BuroHappold carried out important acoustic, mechanical and electrical engineering work for the Eden Project. 6. Kansas City Public Library This building is literally literary goals. This facade is called The Community Bookshelf and runs along the south wall of the Central Librarys parking garage. The works included in the structure are fairly diverse containing both the  Tao Te Ching by Lau Tsu and  Lord of the Rings  by J. R. R. Tolkein. This definitely proves having fun isnt hard (when youve got a library card!) 7. Tate Modern (London) Image via BuroHappold We all know about the iconic Tate Modern building.  But theres been a new addition to the mammoth structure: Switch House. The expansion cost £260 million, and has been in construction since the mid-2000s. The twisting pyramid has 10 floors, spanning from the underground up to wonderful views over the Thames at the top. BuroHappold were involved to suss out the buildings new recycling strategy, making this a sustainable building as well as a cool one. Take a look at BuroHappolds project page for more information: Transforming Tate Modern We may not be engineering experts, but BuroHappold sure are. Be a part of their incredible building projects around the world apply for their placements  today! Connect with Debut on Facebook and Twitter Images via Wikimedia Commons,  Imgur, BuroHappold, Flickr Download the Debut app and  get Talent-Spotted by amazing graduate employers! Connect with Debut on Facebook and Twitter

Saturday, May 9, 2020

Good news for the class of 2011! - Sterling Career Concepts

Good news for the class of 2011! Good news for the class of 2011! The global outplacement firm Challenger, Gray Christmas, Inc.released its Annual College Grad Job Outlook stating that this years entry-level market is the best its been in three years (yeah!) but is still fiercely competitive (back to reality). A point worth repeating from their findings: “One of the most important elements of a successful job search, for both entry-level job seekers and their more-experienced counterparts, is networking and meeting face-to-face with people who can help advance the job search. College graduates who believe they are too young to have an effective network are simply wrong. Parents, professors, former internship supervisors and even college and former high school classmates can be valuable sources when it comes to building and expanding one’s network,” said [Chief Executive Officer John] Challenger. Along these lines, Ipreviously shared a book review of A Foot in the Door,which does a great job of laying thefoundation for how to network effectively. Id highly recommend this book for college seniors or recent college graduates as its never too soon tofine-tuningyour networking skills. And one last thought on job search strategyto keep in mind: “Finally, graduates should not confine their searches to a specific industry or occupation. The job market is not robust enough to provide the ideal job situation for every individual. It seldom is. So, someone may come out of college with the plan to find a marketing position with a consumer products company. There’s nothing wrong with having a specific goal like that, but don’t make the mistake of adhering to it so closely that you overlook opportunities in marketing for a chemical company or health care provider, for example,” [Challenger] said. This relates back to a point I made ina post earlierthis week on changing careers. Sometimes you need to take stepping stones to reach your ultimate target position, no matter how relevant or on-target your education or past experience may be. This is as important for entry-level job seekers to keep in mind as it is for career changers. It may be hard to let go of your dream, but maintaining tunnel vision towards one type of position is not advisable in such a competitive job market. But lets refocus on the Yeah! part again. The first three months of 2011 have averaged monthly job gains of 188,000. In fact, February and March alone have witnessed a 470,000 increase in new private-sector jobs, the largest two-month employment gain since 2006, as reported byChallenger, Gray Christmas, Inc., and thats a step in the right direction for all of us.

Friday, May 8, 2020

Resume Advice A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words! - Hallie Crawford

Resume Advice A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words! You know the saying … “A picture is worth a thousand words”? Have you tried applying that same concept to your resume? Just as you want to make the right first impression in an interview, you should also strive to make the same or better first impression with your resume. It’s not only the content that matters, but additionally the layout, font choice, and formatting. Here is some resume advice in the form of a few tips and things to think about: Inconsistent Layout inconsistency can cause confusion and a confused reader is the last thing you need. Poor presentation of information recently I have seen more resumes with no profile summary and the first position is completely irrelevant to the position of interest, AND all the great experience is on the second page. To be frank an employer will never get to the second page! Wrong font choice think of the font you choose like the clothes your resume wears. Some fonts almost have a personality of their own, so choose your font type carefully, tastefully, and think professional. Get a second opinion. Font size is too small there was one resume I looked at that seriously had a 5pt font size. When printed it look like a page with grey/black lines since I could not even decipher the letters! The lesson? Make sure the size you choose is readable from an arm distance away. Remember the font, format, and layout can help “dress up” or “dress down” your resume. So, dress it up! Make it look good. Professional but good. Use these tools to help make your resume stand out. Don’t make the wrong statement. Thank you to our resume expert, Jasmine Marchong, for this article and the resume tips.