25 Administrative Assistant Interview Questions

25 Administrative Assistant Interview Questions25 Administrative Assistant Interview QuestionsHiring a great administrative assistant requires two things knowing exactly what skills, experience and personality traits are necessary to succeed in the role and fit in at your organization - and recognizing those qualities in administrative candidates. It sounds simple enough. But as every hiring manager knows, its trickier than it sounds.The second part of the equation - evaluating the candidate - is best accomplished through the job interview. Your choice of interview questions for administrative assistant candidates directly determines how much information youre able to glean.What are the best administrative assistant questions to ask?Ideally you want a range of queries that titelblatt topics such as fit with the organizational culture, skills and experience, workplace relationships, work style and enthusiasm.The following 25 interview questions for administrative assistants can giv e you a fuller picture of the candidate and, ultimately, help you succeed with one of your most important hires.Administrative assistant questions about fitHiring people who fit your corporate culture and want to work in an office setting similar to yours takes skill. More than six in 10 human resources managers surveyed by OfficeTeam said they had misjudged a candidates fit with their companys work environment, and two-thirds said their firm had lost an employee who was not suited for the work environment. Be sure to clearly communicate what its like to work at your organization, and ask questions that shed light on whether the candidate would be a good fit.1. What comes to mind when you think of our company? Why do you want to work here?2. What appeals to you about this particular administrative job?3. How do you envision an administrative assistant being able to contribute to our firm?4. In which type of office environment do you excel most?5. Why did you leave your last administ rative assistant position? Or Why are you looking to leave your current administrative assistant position, and what would have convinced you to stay?Interview questions about skills and experienceUnlike your long-ago predecessors, youre probably looking for administrative professionals who take on more responsibilities than typing and answering the phone. But what skills do you need in an administrative assistant? Specific industry experience? Word processing or Excel familiarity? Planning, communication, purchasing and customer service skills?6. Why do you think youre well-suited for a position as an administrative assistant? For this job in particular?7. What special skills do you possess that will help you do well at our company?8. How would you describe your comfort level when it comes to (a particular software program)? What is the latest version of this software that you have used?9. Give me examples of how youve used (the software program) on the job. What advanced functional ities are you familiar with?10. What would you consider your biggest professional accomplishment to date? Your biggest professional failure?HIRING? WE CAN HELPQuestions about relationships with managers and coworkersAn important role of administrative assistants is as support staff, which means they may have to deal with a wide range of personalities and priorities. Is it important to you to find someone who is easygoing or someone more assertive? Respectful? Problem-solving? Diplomatic? Ask questions to determine whether the candidate has the characteristics you want in the workplace.11. What type of supervisor helps bring out your best performance?12. Can you share a piece of constructive feedback a manager has given you? What adjustments, if any, did you make because of that feedback?13. Have you ever reported to multiple supervisors at once? If so, how did you juggle each persons priorities?14. Can you tell me about a workplace conflict you were involved in as an administrative assistant and how you handled it?15. Can you describe the most challenging colleague youve had to work with? How did you handle that relationship?Administrative assistant interview questions about work styleThis is another area where youll want to find someone who is a good fit for you and your staff. Managers often dont know the work style of candidates until theyre on the job, but its worth getting an idea ahead of time about the way they take direction, their communication style, how they prefer to structure their day and whether theyre adaptive, dependable, efficient, able to multitask, trustworthy and so on.16. Can you walk me through a typical day in your current/most recent position?17. How do you prioritize projects when you are juggling several tasks with similar deadlines?18. What is your first step when given a large project to manage? How would you organize it?19. Can you describe a challenging project you were assigned in the past and how you approached it?20. Are there any tools, equipment or procedures you would replace or change at your most recent/current job? If so, what changes would you make and why?Questions about the administrative professionIts important to find out if the person youre interviewing is serious about being an administrative assistant and understands what the job entails. You want someone who is genuinely interested in the role - and also in your company.21. Whats the most interesting project youve worked on as an administrative assistant?22. What do you enjoy most about administrative work?23. How have you changed the administrative assistant position at past companies?24. What trends do you binnensee impacting the administrative assistant role in the future?25. Do you have any questions for us?Finding administrative assistant candidatesOf course, having the right interview questions for administrative assistant candidates works best when you have top job seekers to interview. We can help make the process of finding and h iring an administrative assistant easier. You can see profiles of skilled administrative assistant candidates in your area using our online database. Tell us who interests you, and we can arrange an interview or placement ASAP.Find administrative assistant candidates in Austin, TexasFind administrative assistant candidates in Boise, IdahoFind administrative assistant candidates in Charlotte, N.C.Find administrative assistant candidates in Sacramento-Stockton-Modesto, Calif.Find administrative assistant candidates in Tucson, Ariz. Tags

The Threat to Real News and Why We Need It

The Threat to Real berichterstattung and Why We Need ItThe Threat to Real berichterstattung and Why We Need ItFake nachrichtensendung is a problem, politicians and activists are to blame, and journalists need to fix it, according to the results of a 2019 Pew Research Center survey about what Americans see as the biggest issues in the country. Fake news ranked as the fifth biggest problem, trailing drug addiction, health insurance, the U.S. political system, and the gap between the rich and poor. In an era when print journalism is struggling to survive and TV viewers are tuning in to partisan news broadcasts, the truth is losing out. However, the data show that a large segment of the public still values accurate reporting and is looking for journalists to improve the situation. Defining Fake News Pews survey does not define fake news, nor any of the other issues listed as problems by respondents. Each respondent who listed fake news as a problem could have a different interpretati on of what the term means and a separate Pew survey bears this out. A 2019 survey asking whether or not fact checkers working for news organizations favor one political party or another showed that self-described Republicans are far more likely to believe fact checkers are biased. Fewer than 30% of Republicans said they believe fact checkers are fair, while nearly 70% of Democrats said they do trust the objectivity of fact checkers. Slightly more than half of self-described independents said fact checkers are fair. Overall results show a roughly even split among those who believe fact checkers are fair vs. those who do not. While such survey results show that Republicans are more likely to view news as biased, they still do not provide a clear definition for fake news. Fake news is meant to describe intentionally false news stories created for the purpose of misleading readers or viewers, but some people expand the term to include news stories they simply dont like. How Real News Is Threatened Even among Democrats and independents who are fruchtwein likely to trust in their news stories, the number of respondents who said they believe fact checkers are biased still numbers from nearly a third to about half. For a demographic most trusts the news, thats still a lot of people who do not. When readers and viewers dont trust the news, theyre more likely to be dismissive of the news and tune it out, leading to declines in readership or ratings. Those willing to broaden the definition of fake news to anything they find disagreeable are more likely to gravitate to more biased sources such as Fox News or MSNBC. Fox News has marketed itself as an answer to what it describes as liberal media bias, and analysts from news organizations including the New York Times, Washington Post, and Politico have stated that MSNBC clearly leans left, with the Washington Post going so far as to describe MSNBC as the antithesis of Fox News. When consumers of news knowingly embrace pa rtisan reporting, it becomes more difficult for objective and factual news organizations to sustain the kinds of audiences they need to survive. As well, the electorate becomes less informed and more polarized at the same time. The Impact on the News Media The Pew survey shows that most Americans believe journalists are most responsible for fixing the problem of fake news even though most respondents say politicians and other activists are most responsible for the spread of misinformation. However, just as the survey does not define fake news, it does not spell out how journalists should go about fixing the problem. The problem presents extra challenges for print journalists who deal with declining resources due to newspaper subscriptions in the U.S. being about half what they were in 1990, according to Pew. Many news organizations have fewer resources in 2019 than they did in 1990 in order to establish credibility with an audience that increasingly distrusts journalists. The Impact on Society Consumers of news must take an active role in counteracting the negative impact of fake news. fruchtwein respondents to the Pew survey put this responsibility on journalists, but the public was next highest on the list. While it is important that journalists emphasize facts, data, and multiple sources to support their news stories, it also is important that readers and viewers learn to become skilled consumers of news. When sources are unclear or the supporting data seems thin or incomplete, its important to question the validity of such reporting. This also means being responsible on social media and not sharing stories that include questionable or unsupported claims. A public that is more discerning about the news it trusts forces news organizations to be more factual and objective with their reporting- and vice versa. It is a symbiotic relationship that can lead to a more informed electorate when more people buy-in. Sources Pew Research Center 1, Pew Research Center 2

The Shorthand of Strategy How to Set Personal Goals

The Shorthand of Strategy How to Set Personal GoalsThe Shorthand of Strategy How to Set Personal GoalsYouve likely been a part of goal setting for your last company. Take the same principles that lead to a strong organizational strategy and apply them to creating a strong job-search strategy.Any successful organization got to where it is today, because they decided long ago to focus on a goal and craft a plan to achieve that goal. Youve likely been a part of planning or executing a strategy like that at some point in your career. The same principles that lead to a strong organizational strategy apply to creating a strong job-search strategy. Choose a goal and plan to achieve it.But its not as simple as tossing a dart at the mainboard of career goals. This article provides the essential definitions and questions necessary to establish a winning job-search - or organizational - strategy.Lets start with some key definitions1. Your valuesValues are beliefs that determine behaviors. The se last for all time. If honesty is one of your (or your organizations) values, then youll tell the truth even if it hurts short-term results. Values are not necessarily what are posted on the wall they are revealed by how you and your team consistently behave.2. Your purposeIn their wonderful book, Its Not What You Sell, Its What You Stand For, Roy Spence and Haley Rushing define a purpose as a definitive statement about the difference you are trying to make in the world. A purpose is the reason why you (or your organization) exist. This also lasts for all time.3. Your strategyA strategy is a statement that describes what you want to achieve and what you intend to do to achieve the desired outcomes. This is a subset of your purpose and values. It is a description of what will drive decisions for the next three or so years.4. Your tacticsTactics are the carefully selected items on how you (or your organization) intend to fulfill your strategy in the next six to 12 months.5. Your pla nned actionsPlanned actions are the specific steps you will implement in the next 30 to 90 days in order to execute the tactics.In the end, a strategy answers four questionsWhat is your desired destination?What do you want to primarily focus on (Choose one.)Customers (people)?Products (things)?Services (actions)?Technology (vehicles)?Method of selling or distribution (approaches)?Pricing (salary)?What do you want to secondarily focus on? (Choose one of the above.)How will you emphasize your chosen focus?The key is to decide what your organization will primarily and secondarily center on. Aspiring to focus on all these items equally is a recipe for disaster. And its okay to say that you will place less weight on some areas.Another great exercise is this Make a list of ten professionals (or organizations) you admire, and ask yourself what you believe they are primarily and secondarily focused on. What career advice you take away from their success and apply to your own career?Not cert ain that you want to commit to such a long-term vision? You can always shift it as you go. Look at what happens when a professional (or company) shifts what it primarily centers itself on and makes a shift in strategic direction. Sometimes it dilutes a brand, but sometimes it expands it.Heres an example For many years, Apple primarily focused on products. It made computers and concentrated on constantly improving them. Then in 2001 it shifted its primary focus to technology. They realized they could use the systemized knowledge they had gained over the years in electronic technology to make a variety of highly valuable items. This allowed them to get into the digital music industry with the iPod and the mobile phone industry with the iPhone.Similarly, IBM shifted its primary focus from products to services and built an amazing success in the business-consulting industry.SummaryA strategy comes to life when you decide what to do - and mora importantly what not to do.After you make t hese fairly straightforward decisions, the success or failure of your strategy will largely lie in planning and execution. As you move forward in establishing your strategy, always work to maintain clarity and simplicity. It will reduce the amount of time, energy and resources that can be wasted in moving ahead strategically.

5 Tips on How to Prepare for the Next Recession

5 Tips on How to Prepare for the Next Recession 5 Tips on How to Prepare for the Next Recession Many Americans still shudder when they think back to the last recession. All told, 8.7 million people lost their jobs, and it took years for many families to dig out from the financial destruction.Since the recession officially ended in 2009, a question has lingered in the backs of American workers minds Could it happen again?Yes, it can. Historical data shows that the US averages one recession every 6-7 years, which has leuchtdiode experts to predict that we are due for another downturn any day now.Dont panic. Consider the last recession your boot camp for surviving tough economic times. Now that you know better, you can do better.To that end, weve compiled five tipsto help you prepare for the next recession. Follow them, and you may avoiddevastation this time around1. PayDown Your DebtsStep one in preparing for the next recession is to pay off any debt you have now. Tighten the reins o n spending and throwall the money you can at credit card balances and other debt. If you have money left over at the end of the month, sock the rest into a savings account. Credit card debt is the devil during a recession. Visa and Mastercard are going to want their money whether you have a job or not.In addition to avoiding interest on credit card balances, paying down your debt now will mean that you have more money available to you down the road, which could come in handy if your hours are cut or you lose your job altogether. Consider taking out a debt consolidation loan, which could help you save hundreds of dollars a month in interest fees, depending on what you owe.If you dont have any debt, pat yourself on the back - but dont celebrate with expensive purchases. Instead, sock away your extra cash for a rainy day. The more padding you have in your checking account, the better prepared youll be for the next recession.2. KnowWhat Youre Up AgainstSome fields are more recession-pr oof than others. Healthcare, government, and some areas of tech have historically been panzerschrank during recessions, while retail, food and beverage, and hospitality roles have proven to be more vulnerable.If you work in an at-risk industry, consider making a career change into a field that might be more resilient. Think about your transferable skills and how they could be applied to a new career. For example, a retail workers skills would likely translate well to a customer service role.3. Pursue a Side GigWith Lyft and Uber cars all over the roadways, and companies like Etsy and TaskRabbit going strong, the tech industry has created a bevy of earning opportunities for workers who are looking to supplement their incomes. While full-time workers would likely be giving up nights and weekends to pursue side jobs, diversifying your skills and not relying on one source of income makes great senseduring unstable financial times. Other ideas for side businesses might include babysittin g, dog walking, or tutoring. Should a recession hit, and should you lose your full-time job, the side gig could be something to immediately fall back on while you work toward securing full-time employment again.4. Focus on NetworkingThe most powerful way to prepare for the next recession is to make networking a habit rather than an afterthought. When people lose their jobs unexpectedly, they often scramble to connect with their networks to find work again.Savvy people dont wait until its an emergency to network.Consider what your next move might be now and create networking opportunities that support your goal. For example, if you hope to be promoted within your industry, study the LinkedIn profiles of people who hold the title youd like.Identifythe skills and training you might need to obtain in order to make an upward move.If you are contemplating a career change, try to connect with people who hold the schriftarts of jobs you might be interested in. Ask if theyd be willing to sit for an informational interview. These types of interviews can be invaluable for making connections who can guide you in the best ways to parlay your transferable skills into a new career.5. Update Your Resume and Cover LetterLike networking, a new resume should never be an afterthought. Having an up-to-date resume on hand means you are ready to leap when a great opportunity arises. The type of job you are looking for will determine whether your resume needs a quick update or a major overhaul. Learning how to write a resume that is right for your next career move is critical to your continued professional success.Dont forget the cover letter. Research shows that 45 percent of job seekers skip writing a cover letter when applying for work. While some job seekers operate under the false assumption that recruiters dont read cover letters, that isnt true. Cover letters are often an important way for a recruiter or hiring manager to distinguish between two similarly qualified candidates. If you and another candidate have similar educational backgrounds and have held identical job titles during your careers, your well-written cover letter may be the tiebreaker.- The specificssteps you take toprepare for the next recession willdepend on your circumstances. Regardless of your field, your financial situation, or your level of worry, taking steps now to safeguard yourself and your family will make even the most serious downturns feel less tumultuous.Catch this article - plus tons of exclusive content - in issue three of Recruiter.com Magazine.LiveCareer develops tools to help job seekers draft cover letters, prepare for interviews, and build targeted resumes via itsresume builderand an extensive collection ofresume templates.

New Ideas Into How to Write an Objective on a Resume Never Before Revealed

New Ideas Into How to Write an Objective on a Resume Never Before Revealed Keeping that in mind, here are the best 7 grammar mistakes we see in resumes, and suggestions on how to prevent them. Writing an objective statement at the peak of your resume will remind your reader of your targets and abilities, even in case you havent proven them on the work yet. If youre uncertain how to phrase your skills, or in case you would like examples of objective statements, check out some job websites for ideas. Each guide comprises step-by-step explanations and examples, and that means you know precisely how to create a winning one. The Good, the Bad and How to Write an Objective on a Resume The right placement for a resume objective is beneath the header. Resume objectives can be a little controversial. Resume objectives often arent the correct choice if you would like to compose a great resume. That means you should define a new objective for each work application. Writing a resume for employment in the species industry can be difficult. If youre attempting to obtain work in accounting or finance you require averystrong resume. Therefore, it is sometimes a competitive job to apply for. If you ought to be requesting for work at which you are bedrngnis a part of their administrative workforce or whether youre not applying for a clerical job, think about describing your technology knowledge in a style that doesnt seem as though you are an accountant seeking to get a secretarial circumstance. Its even better if you own a degree in the specialty of the company for whom you work. Past experiences with marketing or sales can end up being effective in addition to a history of rising revenue. An objective needs to be personally-tailored to the employer. Ultimately, stating it is optional, but it can help convince employers that you know what you want and are familiar with the industry. Again, though the information might appear repetitive, go right ahead and attach the resume. Write are 11 of our finest examples of consumer service resume objectives you may use in writing your resume. Write schmelzglas address wont be published. Customer email address wont be published. Top Choices of How to Write an Objective on a Resume Youre most likely already beginning to form some ideas as to the way to compose an objective for a resume. In the majority of instances, a resume objective is merely a couple of sentences long. An objective is the initial thing an employer goes through. Understanding how to compose an objective for a resume is a significant portion of putting your very best foot forward so that whoever is reading your resume wants to read the remainder of it. The Importance of How to Write an Objective on a Resume Long paragraphs may get rid of the readers interest. A resume objective can explain why youre qualified for the job, even if its the case that you do not own a lot of related experience. For instance, if your ta rget is to be a chief technical officer at a software company, but youre applying to a BPO company, you cant achieve your target. To acquire an internship with a major marketing company which offers the chance to expand my knowledge as a communications major. Additional career objectives have traditionally been applied as a way to demonstrate the candidates own professional goals without necessarily taking into consideration the requirements of the organization. There are several ways to construct employer-centered objectives. Today, whatever job youre trying for, your focus ought to be the employers needs. Writing a resume is simple enough, but it does take some time and planning. Therefore it needs to be worth time to research on the business and its present endeavors. If your resume does not indicate which you are highly organized, youll have a challenging time getting hired. At times, an objective on resume can lower the odds of succeeding. In any event, understanding how to compose an objective for your resume is a rather important portion of the job seeking process. Understanding how to tailor your resume will obviously offer you an advantage. You may also incorporate where youre, and where you would like to go in your career path. The Advantages of How to Write an Objective on a Resume A well-written one is going to impress on the hiring manager the manners in which you are a best candidate for the job. State the position youre seeking followed by the outcomes you would love to bring. Make certain its tailored to not merely the position, but the business also. Creating an IT resume objective gives you a means to demonstrate a hiring manager what you need to do and how you are going to benefit the business. The use of job specific resume objective is only going to be targeting the job that you have indicated in the statement. There are primarily two types of resume objectives. You ought to have five objective statements. Sometimes Resume objective can appear to be a little statement but it has an extremely major message to convey. The Lost Secret of How to Write an Objective on a Resume Over all, your objective ought to be in a position to convey exactly the same professionalism as expected from the perfect candidate. As a result, while your resume objective should consist of information on the career which you want, you also wish to spell out why you are the perfect candidate for the job. Writing objectives for resumes can be challenging. Writing a winning college student career objective is a fairly effortless method to bolster your application for this internship or job youve got in sight.

The Benefits of Google Docs Resume Templates

The Benefits of Google Docs Resume Templates In truth, its not that hard as it might appear to be. The option is right your choice A perfect pick for candidates with plenty of experience who want to have a really good one-page resume schablone. Whether you will need a resume at the moment or if youre making one proactively, theres the possibility to suit your requirements. You may change pretty much every parte of your preferred template. Fortunately, there are many publishers around whove created incredible resume templates for fast editing and formatting in Word. If you wish to add additional information, you can prefer a more text-oriented template. A timeless style resume template is also simple to customize. The Appeal of Google Docs Resume Templates Circles An excellent hloom template for individuals who are searching for work in the art and design fields. All you will need is there on the plan page. In the same way, there are many sites which allow posting an e xpert portfolio online. There are lots of free resume templates readily available online but sometimes it can be quite challenging to choose the best one that is most suited to you. Facts, Fiction and Google Docs Resume Templates Try to remember, the more research that you do on the employer beforehand, the simpler itll be to choose a template to suit them. You must have five objective meinungs. All you need to do is simply edit the document to include your individual information. To do this, you want to organize that information first. So long as you use the perfect info, you are going to wind up with a professional document that will impress any hiring manager. Zetys resume templates are made with the assistance of recruiters and stick to the best practices in HR. Professionally, our resumes are often the very first impression a prospective employer gets of us. Our creative templates make it possible for you to stick out from the crowd. Adobe Spark makes the whole pro cess very straightforward. Building your resume with an internet templatecan greatly enhance your odds of getting your dream job by providing you an effective, concise resume which appeals straight to the position or business youre applying to. Each resume format was made to improve your odds to find the job in 2018. Resume objectives can be a little controversial. Keep in mind, as soon as youve finished personalizing your resume, youre not prepared to fill out an application yet. Resumes offer the all important first impressions to an employer an applicant cant give during the first phase of the application practice. Now imagine whether that SAME resume had had a summary statement on top clearly outlining why youre the ideal candidate. Want to Know More About Google Docs Resume Templates? Every one of them boasts a clean appearance, yellow accents, and Roboto font, which will provide a modern appearance to your documents. Add some private branding to your resume. The great thing about the Classic is that anybody can use it. Each one of our creative style templates offer you a perfectly balanced mixture of personality, professionalism and some style. The net has affected peoples reading behavior over time. You likely have lots of personal and skilled information you wish to share to your upcoming employer. You also receive a feeling of what information you dont have to include. The Lost Secret of Google Docs Resume Templates Included are sections for language abilities and visual icons to clearly show your specific skillset. You ought to understand, that resume format is essential, since it can boost your odds to get invited for an interview. The absolute most hard step here is to choose which resume format is suitable for you. Have a peek at these examples to choose which format is most appropriate for you.

Quality Over Quantity Sharpening Your Referral Program in 2014

Quality Over Quantity Sharpening Your Referral Program in 2014 Its no secret that employee referrals can be the resource you need to find great hires. Theyre not only the no. 1 source of hire, theyre also linked to higher retention rates and can bring your organization better results. Referral hires work better than any other source of hire because members of your network understand what youre looking for, comprehend your values, and know who will vibe best with the current team. Unfortunately, when you have an employee referral program, you may find yourself gaining tons of referrals, only to have some of them lacking certain qualities or skill sets. Particularly as you reevaluate your recruitment strategy in 2014, you need to focus mora on referral quality, as opposed to quantity.Here are some ways to sharpen your referral program in 2014Be completely transparentIf you want your employees to be part of a referral program, being completely transparent about what you want is vital. This includes clear job descriptions, which outline goals for the position, salary information, and the ideal employee for the job. In addition, looping employees in on the actual recruitment process, such as time-to-hire or how many interviews are typically conducted, gives them a roadmap to keep in mind.When your employees understand what youre looking for, the chances theyll refer candidates who are out there will decrease. Transparency equates to quality referrals because everything you want and expect is known.Implement a mobile referral programThe recruitment world is going mobile. On the other side of the hiring table, studies show that most job seekers use their mobile devices to look for work. These two factors need to be woven into your mobile recruitment strategy for a few reasons If you have a mobile or remote workforce, referring qualified employees is easier, especially if they dont have access to an in-house referral program. Smartphone applications or mobile referral portals also streamlines the referral process for remote employees when they want to refer an applicant in a snap.In addition, if you create a mobile career site, your referrers will have a place to direct qualified candidates. Based on the fact that more people are using their mobile devices to search for employment opportunities, a mobile career site that houses job descriptions and company information can help referrals to move through the application process more efficiently.Use gamificationKevin Werbach of the University of Pennsylvania defines gamification as the application of game elements and digital game design techniques to non-game problems, such as business and social impact challenges. In short, gamification makes tasks more fun if there is a game-like element surrounding them.How can this increase quality? Well, since referring qualified employees is an added task for your team, wh y shouldnt they have some fun doing it? Thats where gamification can come in. For example, giving points to the team that nabs the most qualified referrals can create friendly competitions between departments. Ultimately, gamification prompts employees to participate in a way that meets your goals.Offer better rewardsAs I noted above, participating in a referral program is an added task for your employees. Thats why creating a better rewards program based on the types of referrals can greatly increase lead quality. Ultimately, when you reward your employees for bringing in referrals, you encourage participation. However, when you reward a certain type of referralthose that are of quality the result will be more in line with your needs.For example, lets say your employee brought in a referral who later participated in a phone interview. The reward for this can be something such as social recognition. If that interview leads to a second one, they can be given free movie tickets. Final ly, if the interviewed candidate was eventually hired, they can receive a cash reward or a paid vacation. The reward reflects the result, which incentivizes your employees to produce better quality referrals.This year, focus on the quality of referrals you receive, as opposed to the quantity. Youll find yourself spending less time weeding through unqualified applicants and more time hiring those who are a better fit for your organization.What do you think? What are some other ways to sharpen your employee referrals in 2014?

Tips From the Hiring Side of the Office

Tips From the Hiring Side of the OfficeTips From the Hiring Side of the OfficeLooking for a job isnt rocket science, but there are definitely best practices youll want to employ and mistakes youll want to avoid to make sure you arent attracting the wrong kind of attention from the hiring managers you are trying to attract. Before launching Amplify Talent, an employer branding and recruiting optimization consultancy based in Washington D.C., Lars Schmidt spent 15 years in recruiting roles, including the last 10 years running recruiting at NPR and Ticketmaster. Hes seen firsthand how the job search process has evolved. Schmidt addresses some key answers job seekers need to know to apply for opportunities successfully.1. Whats the best way to apply to a company?Most companies still require you to apply online. Schmidt explains, Many candidates follow that step and wait ... and wait. Savvy candidates also invest their time networking to try and find contacts within their target companies . These relationships provide an edge in your job search. If someone inside the organization youre targeting passes your rsum along to the hiring team, it will be noticed. You still need the skills and experience to move forward in the process, but your chances increase substantially if youre referred.2. Whats the best rsum format?This is a subjective process you never know whos going to be reading your rsum. However, one thing is certain, as Schmidt notes, Most companies use recruiting software, so your top priority should be having a clean Word or PDF version that will be parsed properly by their systems. In some lines of work, having a more dynamic version with links and more aesthetic qualities can be valuable in situations where youre emailing or presenting your rsum directly to a reviewer. He advises you to consider maintaining two versions of your rsum one for applying online and one for more direct rsum submissions and networking. Schmidt reminds candidates to keep in mind t hat their LinkedIn profile is a key tool in their job arsenal, too.3. How damaging are grammatical errors?Schmidt says, In short, very. Typos demonstrate lack of attention to detail, or worse, laziness. Proof your rsum twice, then share it with a few friends for additional sets of eyeballs to help make sure youre sending a clean version.4. Do keywords matter?Since your rsum is likely to pass through an applicant tracking system, keywords do matter. Schmidt cautions that content is important, too. Some companies use keyword-matching software to rank candidates. Some candidates try to overcome this by artificially loading their rsum with keywords from the job description. I wouldnt recommend this. It may get you past the robots, but eventually a human will review your rsum, and if they encounter obvious keyword inflation they may pass, he says.5. Whats the best deckblatt letter format?Its a controversial question Some employers read cover letters and others ignore them. Schmidt notes, The good news for job seekers is that cover letters are a dying breed. The bad news If companies request them, you may be ruled out if you dont include one. If youre asked to include a cover letter in your application, be sure to address why youre qualified, why youre interested (in the role/company/industry) and how you can solve the organizations problems. He explains, Youd be surprised how many candidates submit stock cover letters and forget to change the company name. Dont be that candidate.6. When should I follow up after an interview?Be sure one of your questions during the interview is about next steps and the hiring timeline. If the company didnt set an expectation, Schmidt recommends following up if you dont hear back within one week. Great recruiters will keep high-value candidates informed throughout the process. If you follow up and dont hear back within a few days, chances are they may not be high on your candidacy.7. Whats the best way to learn about a companys cultu re?Sometimes, the difference between a candidate whos competitive for the job and one who lands the opportunity is his or her ability to demonstrate an ability to fit in at the organization. Schmidt says, To really understand an organizations culture, you need to dig beyond the career site. Company or employee blogs and sites like glassdoor.com and Quora can provide interesting insights. A lesser-used, but likely more valuable resource, is social media particularly Twitter. You can follow employees and build lists of companies youre interested in to get a feel for their day-to-day.8. I was perfect for the job but didnt get it. Why?This is one of the frustrating aspects of the job search. Schmidt says, There could be a variety of reasons a more perfect candidate, the position is put on hold, negative feedback on references (formal or informal), hiring indecision, shifting business priorities, etc. You generally will never fully know why, and unfortunately fruchtwein recruiters wont provide specifics due to potential exposure.9. Whats a personal brand, and do I need to worry about it?Hiring managers and recruiters are Googling your name. What will they find? Your personal brand is your reputation and it does matter. Schmidt explains, Your personal brand, from a digital perspective, is really the sum of information that can be found about you on the Web. If theres nothing out there about you, take action now. Blogs, social media, online portfolios and other platforms allow you to carve out your place online.Miriam Salpeter is a job search and social media consultant, career coach, author, speaker, resume writer, and owner of Keppie Careers. She is author of Social Networking for Career Success and 100 Conversations for Career Success. Miriam teaches job seekers and entrepreneurs how to incorporate social media tools along with traditional strategies to reach their goals.

Unlimited Vacation

Unlimited VacationUnlimited Vacation UNLIMITED VACATIONTOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING?If an unlimited vacation policy* were instituted at your company, what impact do you think it would have on staff productivity?EXECUTIVESWORKERSIncrease significantly15%18%Increase somewhat24%21%No change43%27%Decrease somewhat8%15%Decrease significantly9%16%Dont know/no answer 4%If your company instituted an unlimited vacation policy, do you think you would take ?EXECUTIVESWORKERSMore time off24%38%Less time off4%3%Same amount of time off72%56%Company already allows unlimited vacation time0%1%Dont know/no answer 3%*Employees can take as much paid time off as they want, as long as their work gets done.The Creative Group survey of more than 400 marketing and advertising executives and 430 U.S. workers 18 years or older and employed in offices.Responses may total 100 percent due to rounding. 2015 The Creative Group. A Robert Half Company. An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Disability/Vet.

Latest Future Engineers Challenge Winners Selected

Latest Future Engineers Challenge Winners Selected Latest Future Engineers Challenge Winners Selected Latest Future Engineers Challenge Winners Selected July 22, 2016 Future Engineers Challenge winners Sreyash Sola (far left) and Kyle Corrette (far right) with astronaut Lee Morin and Niki Werkheiser, NASA In-space Manufacturing project manager, at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum on July 17. (Photo by Eric Vitale) Two young innovators - 17 year-old Kyle Corrette of Phoenix, Ariz., and 12 year-old Sreyash Sola of Ashburn, Va. - were recently named the grand-prize winners of the Future Engineers Star Trek Replicator Challenge, a competition that asked pre-college students to design a digital model of a non-edible, food-related item that astronauts would be able to 3D print and use in the year 2050. More than 400 students from across the United States submitted entries for the Star Trek Replicator Challenge, which was the third in a series of Future Engineers competitions. The program, which launched in 2014, was developed jointly by the ASME Foundation and NASA to help teach K-12 students about 3D printing and engineering design. Kyle Corrette (left) and Sreyash Sola, the grand prize winners of the Future Engineers Star Trek Replicator Challenge Corrette, who will become a senior at Desert Vista High School this fall, was named the winner in the competitions Teen Category for students aged 13 to 19. Correttes entry, Melanized Fungarium, is a device that is would provide an environment for growing melanized fungus, a potential renewable food source that can use the radiation found in space as an energy source. Consisting of an outer shell, housings for an organic growth bed and an irrigation system, the device was designed to be fabricated and used within a microgravity environment, and should be printed with a waterproof, low-warp plastic to ensure best functionality. Sola, a seventh-grader at Eagle Ridge Middle School, was selected as the winner of the Challenges Junior Category for students aged 5 to 12. His winning invention, the Astro Mini Farm, is an apparatus that was designed to help astronauts cultivate fresh food on Mars. Because the planet receives less sunlight than Earth and has a thinner atmosphere, the Astro Mini Farm would help remedy these conditions with such features as a magnifying glass that collects sunlight and direct it toward plants and a pump that could be added periodically to pressurize the container. The device, which uses carbon dioxide produced by astronauts breath to help the plants grow, also features a slanted hole in its base through which the astronauts could add soil or water the plants. Corrette’s Future Engineers Challenge entry, Melanized Fungarium, is a device that is would provide an environment for growing the potential renewable food source melanized fungus. As winners of the Challenge, Corrette and Sola each received the competition’s grand prize: a private viewing of the Space Shuttle Enterprise at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York City with a former NASA astronaut, as well as a tour of MakerBot headquarters in Brooklyn, N.Y. They also received a MakerBot Replicator Mini Compact 3D printer for their schools and a PancakeBot for their families. Sola’s winning entry, the Astro Mini Farm, is an apparatus that was designed to help astronauts grow fresh food on Mars. Aside from the prizes, however, the competition offers other, potentially life-changing rewards for students who take part in it, according to grand-prize winner Corrette. Having the opportunity to meet and be taken seriously by so many highly accomplished individuals has given me a new enthusiasm for the engineering field, he said. This challenge has inspired me to learn new skills like CAD, and has also opened up future opportunities through the gift of a 3D printer to my school. Thank you to everyone involved in putting on this challenge. It has been a truly unforgettable experience. Entries are being accepted through Aug. 1 for the fourth Future Engineers competition, the Think Outside the Box Challenge. For more information on that competition, and to learn more about the Star Trek Replicator Challenge winners and finalists, visit www.futureengineers.org. For details on ASME K-12 engineering education programs, contact Patti Jo Snyder, Programs and Philanthropy, at snyderp@asme.org.

4 expressions to avoid that make you sound clueless at work

4 expressions to avoid that make you sound clueless at work 4 expressions to avoid that make you sound clueless at work A  friend of mine was recently telling me about her new job. “I like it, except my boss is hard to read,” she said. “I wish she’d just come out and say what she thinks!” Instead, her boss uses  wishy-washy expressions like, “Hopefully you’re okay  with this?” and, “I might possibly have a suggestion for you.” As  organizations become flatter, communicating well in every direction is getting  more important. But managers and leaders are often worried about sounding too controlling, so they soften what they say. Their team members, taking their cue, bury their own ideas under hedging expressions that muddle their meaning. Before long, everyone just winds up sounding less clear,  confident, and  authoritative  than they actually feel.  In order to make sure you sound like you know what you’re talking about, cut these common words and phrases from your vocabulary. Related:  This Three-Word Phrase Is Subtly Undermining Your Authority “I’m not sure but…” For starters, it’s okay not to be sure about something. After all, false confidence is often just as bad as open ignorance. But saying “I’m not sure” when you really  do  have a decent grasp on the matter only undercuts your cause. When your employee, for instance, says, “I’m not quite sure, but I should have the report done by Friday,” you’re left to wonder whether  that means you’ll actually have to wait until the following week, or that they’re just being modest. There are better ways to communicate tentativeness in cases like this: “I’m waiting on a few more  data points from our finance team, so as long as  those  come through tomorrow, the report will be ready by Friday.”  Now  your employee sounds like she knows what she’s talking about. Similar qualifiers to avoid include  â€œonly a thought,” “just my opinion,” “hard to say,” and “this might be a silly question.” None of these humble  idioms help you make a compelling case about a complicated topic, or let you underscore what you  do  know in a situation where there are unknowns. The goal  isn’t to minimize uncertainty or downplay risks. It’s to be taken seriously as someone who can  navigate those gray-area experiences with well-founded confidence. Related:  Six Words And Phrases That Make Everyone Hate Working With You “Sort of” or “Kind of” When someone says, “I sort of think” or “I kind of suspect,” it’s clear they either don’t want to come out and speak the truth or else  don’t really know their own mind. Maybe a  sales manager says something like this: “I kind  of think we should approach that client againâ€"it’s been a long time since we’ve heard from them. What do you think?” Is she uncertain about going forward and genuinely wants your opinion, or is she just trying to give direction by softening her statement? Or perhaps  your boss says, “I sort of liked the work you turned in last week.” Perhaps she’s suggesting your work wasn’t up to snuff, or perhaps she’s just giving you a compliment and softening her language. It might seem like an unimportant difference, but in reality it leaves you not knowing how to respond: Do you keep doing what you’ve been doing, or  do you ask for feedback on how to do better work next time? Not only do these phrases create a lack of clarity for team members, they also make team leaders who use them sound less confident and transparent than they should. “Maybe,” “Possibly,” and “Potentially” “Maybe,” “possibly,” “probably,” “basically,” “largely,” and “hopefully” are all words that smack of indecision. If a manager says to a staff member, “Hopefully you’ll be okay  with this change,” his listener might wonder whether she actually has leeway to challenge it. Many qualifiers like these have a similar effect. An employee  tells a  supervisor, “The project is largely complete”â€"instead of actually saying when it  will  be done or why it’s not quite there yet. An  IT manager says to an internal client, “It’s basically a software problem, but possibly we can fix it pretty soon ourselves.” Is this good news or bad news? Who knows! None of these phrases instill much confidence that the speaker has a handle on the situation. Using the past tense when you mean the present How many times have you been in a meeting and heard a colleague say,  â€œI thought I should mention that  . . . ” or, “I was thinking we should . . . “? It sounds like the person talking no longer quite believes in whatever idea they’re  putting  forward. Compare those past tense expressions to phrases like “I  want to mention . . .” and “I think we should . . .” and the difference is clear. Similarly, when  you say, “I just wanted to point out  that our project is well under way,” the first part of the statement hedges the rest of the sentence that comes after it, which is actually positive. It’s as though you really  did  have something to say, then thought better of it, but finally decidedâ€"hesitantlyâ€"to put it out there anyway. You’ve just created confusion, rather than announcing clearly and confidently that your project is going just fine. If you want to sound like a capable speaker who knows what you’re talking about, don’t water down your message. Avoid these four patterns and expressions. They don’t make you sound more approachableâ€"they just  make you sound uncertain, even when you aren’t. This post originally appeared on Fast Company, and has been reprinted with permission.

An Overview of the the Agricultural Engineer Profession

An Overview of the the Agricultural Engineer Profession An Overview of the the Agricultural Engineer Profession Agricultural engineers, according to the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE), apply engineering principles to any process associated with producing agriculturally based goods and management of our natural resources (Finding Solutions for Life on a Small Planet). They design agricultural machinery, equipment, sensors, processes and structures, and solve problems related to farming. Quick Facts Agricultural engineers earn a  median annual salary  of $75,090.According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are just 2,700 people employed as agricultural engineers.The job outlook  for agricultural engineers is poor, according  to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This government agency expects employment to grow more slowly than the average for all occupations through 2024.Engineering firms, the Federal government and state governments, and food manufacturers are the primary employers in this field. Jobs are typically full time- usually 40 hours per week- with some additional hours required. Engineers are considered exempt employees under the U.S. Federal Labor Standards Act and are therefore not eligible for overtime pay.Because their work often involves being outdoors, the weather can affect their schedules. They work longer hours when the weather is good because they wont have that opportunity when the weather turns inclement. A Day In the Life of an Agricultural Engineer   Here are some typical things you can expect to do if you decide to go  into this occupation: Design agricultural machinery components and equipment using computer-aided design (CAD) technologyCreate engineering documents as needed to satisfy project scopeMaintain and repair automation equipment to ensure automation successInteract directly with growers, consultants,  and agribusiness companiesProvide engineering design and support for civil/agricultural related projects How to Become an Agricultural Engineer First, you will have to earn at least a bachelors degree in engineering with a concentration in agricultural engineering. An aptitude for math is critical. Your degree should come from a program accredited by ABET, the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. ABET is a non-governmental organization that accredits post-secondary education programs in applied and natural science and international organization. It accredits engineering programs in 24 countries including the United States. It usually takes four years to complete a bachelors degree which combines classroom, laboratory, and field studies. You can use ABETs  Accredited Program Search  to find colleges of your choice.   Engineers who offer their services directly to the public must be licensed. These licensed engineers are called Professional Engineers (PE). Candidates for licensure must have a degree from an ABET-accredited program and about four years of relevant work experience. They must also pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and the Professional Engineering (PE) exam, both administered by NCEES (the National Council of Examines for Engineering and Surveying). Other requirements vary by state. The Licensed Occupations Tool from CareerOneStop will help you learn about the licensing requirements in the state in which you plan to work. Soft Skills Youll Need In addition to the technical skills you must acquire, you will also need certain soft skills  to succeed as an agricultural engineer. These soft skills include the following: Problem Solving:  A significant part of your job will be identifying problems and coming up with workable solutions to them.Critical Thinking:  To solve problems and make decisions youll need to be able to evaluate your options and choose the most viable ones.Communication Skills: You will have to share information with clients and colleagues. Excellent  writing, listening, and speaking skills are crucial. Is This a Good  Career Fit for You? The following career and personality assessment tools can help you self-evaluate the best career path for you. Holland Code: IRE  (Investigative, Realistic, Enterprising)MBTI Personality Types: ENTJ, INTJ, ESTJ, ISTJ, ESTP (Tieger, Paul D., Barron, Barbara, and Tieger, Kelly. (2014)    Do What You Are. NY: Hatchette Book Group.) You can also take the career-specific  Should You Become an Engineer Quiz to see if this career is right for you. Occupations With Related Activities and Tasks Occupation Description Annual Salary Educational Requirements Environmental Engineer Uses engineering principles as well as knowledge of soil science, chemistry, and biology to solve environmental problems. $84,560 Bachelors degree in environmental engineering Engineering Technician Assists engineers and scientists. $61,260 Associate degree in engineering technology Architect Designs buildings and other structures. $76,100 Professional degree in Architecture (Bachelors or Masters degrees) Sources:Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor,  Occupational Outlook HandbookEmployment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor,  O*NET Online.

7 Ways to Get Taken More Seriously at WorkNo Matter What Your Job Title Is

7 Ways to Get Taken More Seriously at Workâ€"No Matter What Your Job Title Is 7 Ways to Get Taken More Seriously at Work- No Matter What Your Job Title Is Respect isn’t especially difficult to earn, but it must be earned- that is to say, it can’t be won, stumbled upon, or started with. When you first enter the workforce, most people (aside from those with a habit of casting immediate judgment) will view you neutrally, and the habits you exhibit will gradually move them toward one opinion or another; depending on your actions, you could set yourself up to be taken as a serious and professional member of the team, or a slacker unworthy of respect. Obviously, you want the former. To be successful in almost any field demands that you are taken seriously, and engaging in these habits is the best way to get there: 1. Arrive Early There’s no need to show up to a meeting an hour early, but give yourself a few extra minutes to get in and get settled- or at least protect yourself against the eventuality of getting sidetracked or detoured. This goes for more than just meetings, of course- it also goes for interviews, lunches, company functions, and daily work in general. Even if your company has a pretty lenient policy when it comes to punctuality, others in your office will notice if you occasionally show up late. Don’t let a simple mistake like lateness compromise your reputation. 2. Be Confident While some people may be naturally confident, most of us have to work at it. The exhibition of confidence is going to be your greatest asset in your quest to be taken seriously because it shows that you take yourself seriously- and if you take yourself seriously, then others probably will as well. Practice confidence by being more assertive in daily situations, practicing good posture (see point four here, too), and refusing to be intimidated by the normal stresses of work. If you’re not a naturally confident person, this can take some time to develop, but don’t worry- practice will make perfect. For help with this, see “7 Ways to Appear Confident (When You’re Really Not)” and “7 Conversational Tricks to Appear More Confident.” 3. Stay Quiet Until You Have Something Good to Say If you slip up and say something foolish or inappropriate, it’s easy for people around you to take you less seriously. Try to keep yourself silent in most situations unless you have something truly valuable to add. Even when you do have something valuable to add, think carefully to structure your phrases well and state your thoughts as concisely as possible. This will make virtually every word coming out of your mouth seem valuable, which in turn will make people take you more seriously. 4. Pay Attention to Your Body Language Body language is important for more than just exhibiting confidence- it makes you seem more thoughtful, more put together, and more experienced in the professional world. There are dozens of things to watch for here, but some of the most important include sitting (or standing) straight, with your shoulders back, making eye contact when speaking to people, and shaking hands firmly (but not too tight). It’s also important to keep your hands on the table and avoid fidgeting during meetings, and to allow your face to express your emotions during the course of conversation. 5. Prepare More Than You Think You Need to Whether it’s for a job interview or for a simple morning team meeting, always prepare just a little more than you think you’ll need. Do just a little bit more research. Practice your speech just a few more times. Come up with just a few more contingency plans. Chances are, you’ll never tap into these preparatory materials to their fullest potential, but when you do get the chance to show off, you’ll really impress people. Plus, if you make it a habit, you’ll never show up to a meeting unprepared or underprepared- and that’s going to make people take you far more seriously. 6. Read the News This is a simple habit, but it’s an important one. Try to keep up with major national and international news, as well as news within your own industry. You won’t get a chance to bring up this information every day, but if the topic is ever mentioned by a boss, co-worker, or client, you’ll be glad you had a cursory knowledge of the matter beforehand. Eventually, you’ll develop a reputation for being well-read, and people will naturally assume you’re a diligent, focused, hard worker because of it. 7. Remain Humble I saved this habit for last, because it should be held in balance with all the other habits. Throughout your process of developing a better, more serious reputation, it’s important to remain humble. Be confident- but never cross into arrogance territory. Show how much you’ve prepared- but never brag about it, or do so obnoxiously. Stay quiet- but don’t avoid small talk and conversations with your co-workers. At times, this can be a hard balance to strike, but humility is an important trait in the workplace when it comes to establishing mutual respect. Be sure to practice these habits on a regular basis. You might not earn everyone’s respect overnight, but these habits will make an impression on people (even if they don’t immediately realize it). Patience and consistency are your greatest tools when it comes to being taken seriously, so take your time and try not to slip up. More From Inc. 25 Simple Things to Give Up if You Want to Succeed 7 Ways Successful People Make the Most of Their Vacation Days The Ugly Career Game That's Hurting Your Happiness Photo of serious woman courtesy of Shutterstock.

5 tips to ignite your personal brand on social media

5 tips to ignite your personal brand on social media 5 tips to ignite your personal brand on social media “Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire.”Five years ago, social media helped jump-start my career. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in History from East Carolina University in May 2011, I was struggling to find a full-time job. I had come to the realization that the industry that I was pursuing would not provide me with a full-time job unless I returned to school to complete my Master’s degree immediately. I was not interested in going through two more years of school and I did not want to continue down the path of dead-end sales jobs.In between working part time jobs, I started managing social media for small businesses in Philadelphia. I absolutely loved consulting. I felt renewed. I believed that I had found my calling and real passion in life. Starting a new career has its challenges. However, my passion for social media outweighed the struggles that I thought I would have to go through in order to establish myself in this industry. Here are my 5 tips to help you ignite your personal brand on social media:1. Establish Your ChannelsFirst and foremost, I believe that it is very important to establish your social media channels. These channels will be the windows into your personal brand. Regardless of the channels that you select, make them professional. Add a headshot, update your bio, and share relevant content. I have established my personal brand on Twitter and LinkedIn. While most people struggle to be present on every social media channel, consider my rule of thumb: less is more. Find your audience and establish on one to two channels. You can always add more to your arsenal down the road.2. Build Your AudienceOnce your channels are established, it’s time to build your audience. Start by researching like-minded individuals in your niche. For example, I used relevant #’s on Twitter to build my network. I researched #socialmedia, #digitalmarketing, and #personalbranding to find people who shared my interest and passion in social media. Once you start to follow those like-minded people, engage and build that personal connection with them. 9 times out 10, you’ll get a follow back if you create that human engagement with them.Related articles:The ultimate guide to building professional reputationNurture your character to enhance your personal brandThe 11 tools you should use to create your personal brand3. Participation Is KeyI cannot stress this enough. You have to participate in conversations if you want to build your personal brand on social media. Luckily, there is no shortage of ways to participate. For example, I participate in 5 Twitter chats per week. I also participate in at least 1 webinar per week. Participation is going to help you build your audience and establish your influence.4. Share Your PassionI consider myself very lucky to be where I am today in the social media industry. If you find your passion, you’ll never have to work a day in your life. My passion for social media has ignited my career. When I engage with like-minded people in conversations that I participate in, their passion fuels my passion. Find your passion and share it with your audience. Odds are they’ll share the same passion and your brand will become remarkable.5. Establish Your InfluenceFinally, it is very important to establish your influence. Credibility is everything when building your personal brand. Look for experiences that will help you expand your resume. Your passions will fuel your desire to establish your industry influence. This takes time. It does not happen overnight, so be patient.Looking back, I am so proud of myself for working through those challenges and following my passion in life. I have discovered how to build my personal brand from scratch. All of my knowledge of social media can be attributed to my hard work diligence and research five years go. Along the way, I figured out how to use social media to build my personal brand. It has been an amazing journey so far, and I cannot wait to see where my passion for social media takes me.First posted on May 22, 2016 by Sarah K. Walters

The art of the layoff three ways to make staff cuts less painful

The art of the layoff three ways to make staff cuts less painful The art of the layoff three ways to make staff cuts less painful The most difficult, uncomfortable conversation a manager will have is this: telling a room full of employees that today is their last day, to please turn in their equipment, and that perhaps security will escort you out.But if you’re in an unstable industry like journalism, startups, or professional sports teams, layoffs and downsizing are inevitable. Even across the corporate world at Sears and IBM, they’re a fact of life whether the economy is expanding or is in a recession.  You’ll need to get used to them.As a company, knowing how to do them with grace and dignity towards  your employees can mean the difference between a bad day you forget and a wrongful termination suit your wallet will always remember.Be transparentWhen it’s clear that layoffs are necessary, it’s important to have a clear, controlled process. Staff cuts are the worst time for inconsistencies and chaos.For managers, this means explaining the reasons behind the layoffs. No need to give a long speech - but don’t flee the scene as soon as you give the bad news. Acknowledge the work of your laid-off employees. Leave  time for questions.As a 2006 Harvard Business Review study put it, “process fairness doesn’t ensure that employees will always get what they want; but it does mean that they will have a chance to be heard.”Take the case study of Buffer. Joel Gascoigne is the CEO of Buffer, a company which is known for publishing its employees’ salaries. In 2016, Gascoigne wrote publicly about the “biggest mistake” of his career that caused the layoffs of 11% of his team. In his mea culpa, he disclosed severance packages and the company’s  financial failure, framing the company’s  mistakes as moving into a  â€œhouse that we couldn’t afford with our monthly paycheck.” The way that Gascoigne handled the layoffs seemed to have won industry praise, and he is still CEO of the company.Transparency pays off in other ways too: It has been linked to lower rates of employee t heft and turnover. A 1990 study found that when pay cuts were introduced at two manufacturing plants, it was the plant company president who took more time to answer employee questions that left  a stronger impression. At the plant were transparent reasons were given, employee theft was 80% lower and employees were 15 times less likely to quit.Show compassionLayoffs are intrinsically traumatic. Emotionally, losing a job hits people as hard as a death can, and sometimes they never recover.That’s why how someone finds out they’re being being laid off can be just as important as the size of their severance package. Managers want to remembered for remembering a difficult situation well, not as future layoff horror stories.This is the rubric the HBR study used to grade managers on fairness:  â€œDo they explain why a decision was made? Do they treat employees respectfully, actively listening to their concerns and empathizing with their points of view?”Don’t just say “you didn†™t want to do this,” and hand off your stunned, upset team to human resources. Even if it’s hard, the last thing an employee wants to hear is how difficult this has been for you.To soften the blow, The Wall Street Journal says you should focus on why certain positions needed to be eliminated and not focus on why certain people have to go.Answer the many questions your employees will have.  If an army of company lawyers prevents you from answering every question to your employees’ satisfaction, then make time for them outside of work. A personal touch can help: Buy them all pizza or rounds of drinks, if there aren’t strict limits on contact.Whatever you say or do will be the last impression many of your employees will have of you. Make it count.You want to do layoffs as swiftly as possible - but make sure all employees know personally before making the official announcement. Former Twitter engineer Bart Teeuwisse found out about his layoff through an iOS notification that lo cked him out of his account. Good managers make every effort to do a layoff face-to-face. Don’t let your employees find out about their own layoff through social media. You’ll come off as a jerk, and they’ll never forget it.Consider where and when you’re going to do itThere’s no good day to lose your job, which is why there’s conflicting advice on the subject.“Avoid delivering the news on a Monday morning after their 90-minute killer commute or on a Friday afternoon at 5 p.m.,”  Barbara Safani, owner of Career Solvers, advises.Meanwhile, Brandeis University professor Andy Molinsky says to “do it on Friday because it gives the person the weekend to deal with it…if you do it on Monday, everyone will be talking about it for the rest of the week.” The Wall Street Journal says to avoid afternoons in general because it means employees will be tired and cranky, which invites conflict.The main thing to do is to minimize as many stressors as possible. If you’re laying off an entire division, Molinsky says it’s best to do it all at once to mitigate the suffering. Choose a private, quiet meeting place where employees can process their emotions away from others. Bring tissues.When employees think their layoff is unfair, they  are more likely to sueBesides doing it as a moral responsibility, companies have an economic imperative to be fair. When people feel hurt, they retaliate. A 2000 study of nearly 1,000 people in the mid-1990s found that more employees would sue for wrongful termination if they felt the termination process was unfair.

Lease Accounting Trends in Dallas

Lease Accounting Trends in Dallas Lease Accounting Trends in Dallas LEASE ACCOUNTING TRENDS IN DALLAS Has your company begun the transition to the new lease accounting standard? Dallas U.S. Yes 55% 44% No 45% 56% Finance leaders who reported their company has begun the transition also were asked: As part of that transition, have you begun the diagnostic work necessary to determine the level of effort which wil be required for you to be ready to adopt the new standard? Dallas U.S. Yes, already completed 35% 48% Yes, started but not completed 65% 51% No, haven’t started 0% 1% Have you completed the following? Dallas U.S. Identified team members and responsibilities for completing the transition to a new standard 46% 61% Made an inventory of, and prioritized, any systems changes which might be required 27% 51% Developed a project plan to address all gaps emanating from the diagnostic work 37% 49% Identified, at a high level, the magnitude and type of the lease inventory (e.g., property, equipment) 47% 49% Written new accounting policies 39% 47% Written new accounting procedures 51% 43% Investigated any lease or property management systems which will facilitate adoption 48% 42% What is the most challenging aspect of the transition to the new standard? Dallas U.S. 1. Training staff 1. Training staff 2. Identifying, inventorying and categorizing company's leases 2. Diagnosing the needed changes 3. Updating technology 3. Finding professionals with the requisite expertise For your company, which new accounting standard has been more challenging to adopt? Dallas U.S. Revenue recognition 67% 71% Lease accounting 33% 29% How much of the processes and learnings from transitioning to the new revenue recognition standard have you been able to apply to adopting the new lease accounting standard? Dallas U.S. Most of them 31% 29% Some of them 66% 54% Almost none of them 3% 17% Source: Robert Half and Protiviti survey of more than 2,000 finance leaders in the United States, including 100 in Dallas Total may not equal 100 percent due to rounding.

Writing a Solicited Application Letter

Writing a Solicited Application Letter Writing a Solicited Application Letter A solicited application letter is an introduction to hiring managers in a job search. While the resume may impress with your credentials, this document will highlight your enthusiasm, personality, and ability to communicate. This will be especially important because, unlike the traditional application letter, a solicited document is one you were asked for. This means the hiring manager has already expressed an interest. Now you need to show them its deserved.You might be asking yourself- what is solicited and unsolicited, and what do they mean? Here are the definitions. Solicited means to approach with a request or a plea. And unsolicited means the exact opposite- to not approach with a request or plea. It’s as simple as that.So again, a solicited application letter is one that has been requested. Here’s an example of an unsolicited document in the world of job applications. An unsolicited CV, or curriculum vitae, would be a CV delivered to a company, recruiter, or hiring manager by a job seeker, without the company, recruiter, or hiring manager having requested the CV from the job seeker.Protocol for the Solicited Application LetterA request for a solicited application letter can come from many places. Company employees, hiring managers, and industry insiders are just a few that might ask you to contact them. As they are probably busy people who meet candidates like yourself all the time, there are two things that you must do. (i) Send out the solicited application letter as soon as possible and (ii) relate a memorable moment during the meeting that the requester will remember. Repeat an interesting question you asked and their response. Remind them of a moment that you discussed regarding the job fair or conference that you both attended.Starting the Solicited Application LetterMuch like a cover letter, the purpose of a solicited application letter is to express interest in employment and get an interview. The crucial difference is an application letter i s an invitation and needs to state that.Example: My name is [NAME]. You may remember meeting me at the Job Expo on August 13th. It was after the panel on The Future of Marketing and Communications. We talked about where SMS would be ten years from now and the safety of bitcoins. This led to a conversation about an opening in IT with your company. You suggested at the time I forward my resume for your review.If the requester is a third party, put that in the opening statement.The Rest of the LetterAfter the opening paragraph, adhere to the standards of business and cover letter writing. Highlight experiences in your profession and build up your skills, showing why you would be a valuable asset to their operations. Close out thanking them for their time and the opportunity, and request an interview.Since youre including a resume with that solicited application letter, make sure its as polished as it gets. That means using Resume Builder, LiveCareers top tool for creating quality resum es that gets interviews. Related Articles: Writing a Waiter or Server Cover LetterWriting Business LettersWriting Recommendation Letters

Untold Stories on Microsoft Word Resume That You Must Read or Be Left Out

Untold Stories on Microsoft Word Resume That You Must Read or Be Left Out Elements is ideal for the indecisive applicant. The template is devised by A distinctive and modern resume template with experience timeline along with education timeline. An MS Student Resume template guides a student to create an appealing resume that might boost their odds of becoming great employment. You wish to use an example for a guide so you are able to begin writing your own covering letter (also called a motivation letter). Given the significance of a work application, a totally free template might not be always enough to showcase your talent. Our professional resume designs will allow you to land interviews. Fortunately, you may make an eye-catching CV easily because there are plenty of choices to construct your resume within a couple of minutes. All you have to do is add your details. There are variety of examples and various forms of Free Resume Templates which can be found which could be downloaded free. Lies You've Been Told About Microsoft Word Resume It is extremely easy to generate a great looking resume in Word and one can even utilize templates to assist them. When you choose a template you'll be shown a dialog box that sh ows you a bigger view of the template. You are able to use any template you download as-is, or you're able to customize it to fulfill your requirements. From that point, you are able to choose which template you want to utilize for your undertaking. Moreover there are many resume templates Microsoft Word to pick from that it's really tricky to land on that 1 link which will actually get the job done for you. You've worked hard to develop your impressive portfolio but if you set it together in a Microsoft Word File with clunky looking default formatting, it's only likely to appear dull and boring. Just return to the very first page then opt for a new template from the menu. When you've logged in, you're going to be taken to the major landing page for Microsoft Word Online. Besides the forementioned details, it's important to realise that it's good to create the look and feel of your resume attractive, it shouldn't be overdone in order to defeat its objective. Another typical mistake which should not be made is using personal articles and pronouns. Since you can see, font size is vital portion of your resume and you need to ensure that it remains in your thoughts, when you writing your document. When you're considering prep aring a cover page template, don't forget that it's about the very first impression. Microsoft Word Resume Features Then comes your work experiences where it is possible to mention places where you may have worked before. Therefore, the tips mentioned previously would certainly help you to draft a perfect professional resume for getting the very best job offers. There's a few unique techniques to alter the formatting. There are lots of beautiful resume templates out there, but nevertheless, it can be simple to feel as a lot of the greatest cost a ridiculous quantity of money, require special design programs in order to edit, or both. The War Against Microsoft Word Resume There are more than only a couple of pointers which you have to remember and fully adhere to when designing a resume even when you're utilizing a readymade template. There are a lot of such on-line sites which help you make a customized resume according to your liking. There are lots of free resume templates readily available online but sometimes it can be very challenging to decide on the best one that is most suited to you. Sometimes all you will need is a timeless style template that's clean, clear and right to the point. Microsoft Word Resume at a Glance Read on to find out more regarding the cover page template so that it is possible to prepare your own for your documents. In the event that you didn't locate the template that you want, feel free to bring a look at the section on the site. In addition, the cover page should stick to the suitable format based on the style decided by the instructor. Thus, the cover page for project needs to be well-made. Lies You've Been Told About Microsoft Word Resume The bulleted Expertise' section lets you display the degree of your abilities. Creating a resume can be a difficult job. The Chronological Resume indicates the specific timeline of somebody's job history and illustrates their abilities and experience. A basic resume is als o simpler to read. 7 Another completely free Word resume example made by MOO together with Microsoft. A good resume would aid with that.

The Advantages of Resume Templates Open Office

The Advantages of Resume Templates Open Office Resume Templates Open Office Help! Zety's resume templates are made with the aid of recruiters and stick to the best practices in HR. ConnectCV is another exact efficient online resume building tool free of charge. The template utilizes a chronological layout which makes it simple to list your employment and education. There are various well-designed templates that can help you to construct a great cv. At the moment there's still an opportunity to stick out from the competition being different. The next step is to fill in the info step-by-step. Only three steps which you will need to complete to be a step closer to a job of your dream. You might find yourself sending the same resume to different job applications and although you may believe you're saving time you're actually lessening your odds of receiving an interview! Top Resume Templates Open Office Choices Vary the action verbs that you pick. You are able to observe tha t Indeed's formatting is extremely generic and plain. The template is also print-ready and you are going to get a comprehensive PDF help file. Include an objective whenever you are pursuing a particular job goal and when you know the specific title of the position you're applying for. Attempt to keep the resume no longer than 1 page, especially if you're asking for an entry-level job. Also make certain to tailor the document to the job you're applying for. There is not any time for procrastination once it comes to getting your perfect job. Odds are, if you're applying on the internet for a job, your resume will be screened and ranked by means of an ATS. If you're targeting work beyond the defense arena, you'll need to civilianize'' your military language to demonstrate your abilities and experience match the employer's needs. The work search may be a lengthy process just examine the statistics below! Ruthless Resume Templates Open Office Strategies Exploited My Resume Builderapp is one that it is possible to download on your Android device so as to help you make an appealing resume. After you open the app you'll be requested to choose a language from the 10 available choices. The app will direct you through the procedure simplifying that task. Then the Quick Resume app is a great option. How to Choose Resume Templates Open Office There's no charges whatsoever or any hidden fees which appear in the previous moment whenever you have already fill all of the necessary fields. The main reason for presenting such a one of a kind articles is to cover the present users of Open Office, that are attempting to grab a work interview. Definitely, among the most important measures in life is to find a job which will supply you with feelings of satisfaction and fulfillment. You're able to discover thousands of beautifully designed resume templates ideal for practically any business and any degree of experience. The interface has a very simple design and isn't difficult to navigate. The plan of the app is pretty ordinary and easy, so some might even locate the interface to be designed unprofessionally. The app is totally free but has a great deal of advertisements including full screen adds. The app doesn't have a huge set of functions but all the essential features are included. When searching for work, it's always important to get a fantastic resumA, not just in content but also in presentation. What's also cool about our hand-picked selection is the simple fact that lots of packages inclu de bonuses like cover letters or company cards. You're able to read a great deal of articles that are related to resume making and other facets of the resume. Double check to be sure that everything on the last version of the resume is about you. The Argument About Resume Templates Open Office The sections are simple to skim for the most relevant info. Obviously, you'll have a good deal of unique templates to assist you in making a cv. A couple of lines are sufficient. Lines under the primary section headings are suggested.

The 30-Second Trick for Resume Esamples

The 30-Second Trick for Resume Esamples What's also cool about our hand-picked selection is the simple fact that lots of packages include bonuses like cover letters or company cards. Deciding upon the proper font can look to be an impossible undertaking, especially because there are dozens and dozens of choices out there. The entire assortment of resume templates is composed of a variety of creative resume designs. Massive number of design style will guarantee you will discover a resume template that fits with your taste. Top Resume Esamples Choices Resume is the only the very first step on how best to receive a job, because the principal aim of any resume is to allow you to find an invitation for an interview. Our website will give you with everything which you want to make certain that your resume is written in a manner that's going to assist you to find that interview. Personalizing your resume is among the best things that you could do in order to raise your probability o f getting an interview. You've got to design your application in a manner it interests the employer in going through your details and they'll call you for the interview to go over the further specifics. The most important job of a network administrator is to make and manage networks be it a little thing or a huge thing. You also receive an absolutely free job interview tracker for a bonus. To begin with, perhaps it's time to estimate your current resume to be sure you're not committing any cardinal sins. There are a lot of ways to receive any of the many network certifications now offered. Once you are finished making your resume, now you can apply on the ideal online job websites. Second, $15,000 is a substantial saving for smaller businesses. Have a look at his site here. The candidate's capability to supply optimal patient care in an assortment of health settings is critical to showcase. Only go back further in the event you have earlier experience that is immensely relevant. You should have t reated many patients. Adept in employed as a collaborative team member to ensure patients get the maximum level of care possible. Employers wish to observe accomplishments and achievements, together with your job duties. Many employees wind up feeling that their existing employers can't offer what they are seeking and proceed to scan the marketplace. Recruiters have a job to do and will need to do it quickly, which is the reason why it is essential that they be in a position to evaluate your experience, education, and skills in only a couple of seconds. Its high-quality PSD file is completely customizable. Bear in mind, the resume isn't a static document! The template can be found in PSD format. Look at an absolutely free CV template prepared to print. The Hidden Gem of Resume Esamples You're now able to earn an excellent first impact with professional styling and personalized appearance. In truth, it's not that hard as it might appear to be. If you're thinking about how to create a resume, you're in the correct place! When you've reviewed resumes in your field, peruse resumes across fields to learn h ow to vary the usage of action verbs and receive a feel for what makes an effective accomplishment statement. The Basics of Resume Esamples In the Summary of Qualifications section, you concentrate on your qualifications and skills pertinent to the job you're applying for. Consulting a resume sample supply you with the benefit to get in the work market faster. Resume examples are able to help you impress the recruiter with your abilities and qualifications. The recruiter shouldn't be confused and wonder about the info in the resume. It's crucial that you don't simply apply these resumes verbatim. Our professional resume examples will allow you to stay in front of the competition. You can have a look at a few of his work here. When you have added your details and work experience, it's possible to also save your resume as PDF if you want. Your resume should be formatted in an easy, professional way. Employers will eliminate interest if it's too lengthy and beats around the bush. Not only are you going to look bad, but it will haunt you down the line with other future possible employers. Such information will unnecessarily increase the amount of your CV and produce no sense. Your resume should not mention your own personal hobbies, unless these have an immediate bearing on your favorite career path.

The Most Forgotten Fact About Objectives for Resume Exposed

The Most Forgotten Fact About Objectives for Resume Exposed A work description tells the specifics of the job and what's expected of the employee who's given the specific post. When you compose a resume for work, you include what job you need to acquire. To receive any job, you want a resume. Resumes which are job specific tend to receive the best outcomes. If your Objective says you're searching for a full-time job and you're asking for a part-time internship, you will probably be disqualified immediately. From as little as $125 Absolute Resume can enable you to create a resume that will greatly enhance your odds of getting hired. It's possible to also Simple Resume Template. You will discover such samples for all of the jobs and fields of experience. Despite the fact that finding the right resume objective sample may appear a simple undertaking and many folks will be tempted to include things like the version they discover on the internet in their resume, it's highly recommended you do not do that. Make certain that your resume contains keywords. If your resume does not include the keywords, you might be overlooked. Goals give a symptom of where a provider is headed, while strategies indicate the method by which the provider will get there. Instead, the target of an objective is to explain what you bring to the table and the way you are able to help the business meet its objectives. Why Including it is Important In order to get the job you have always wanted, you will have to write a proper resume, which will display, in the best way possible, your skills. Old-fashioned objectives concentrate on youyour requirements and wants for your new job. What You Need to Know About Objectives for Resume Hence, it's an important consideration to consider while preparing a resume to compose an objective by which their aptitude is easily gauged and by which the recruiters can choose the applicant having the most acceptable aptitude for the task concerned. It is imperative that jobseekers incorporate a well-composed beginning statement to supply the hiring manager with a succinct introduction to the application. Interviewers select just a couple of candidates from a group, solely on the grounds of the resumes of the candidates. Consider your resume objective as a brief commercial of what you provide a prospective employer. A resume lays down every detail about a candidate which may assist the employer afford the decision about hiring or not hiring him. If you're asking for a new job in the exact same company you already do the job for, odds are you'll be placed through the exact same standard program, screening and interview processes as any other jobseeker. If at all possible, it is also possible to talk of your major accomplishments during your previous employments. The Number One Question You Must Ask for Objectives for Resume A great objective will encourage them to read the document further, and a bad one is going to discourage them sufficient to leave it to the table. Avoid sounding as if you are whining that you've had a tough life. For a person who's just beginning in advanced academics or in the expert world, he must have a career objective which is usually employed for freshers. To the majority of non-specialists, it's tough to distinguish the differences. An individual can refer to a couple sample resume objectives for necessary information needed for drafting hisher objective. An objective is a brief statement that clarifies your goals concerning the kind of employment desired and the way in which your skills make you a nice fit. Objectives for Resume and Objectives for Resume - The Perfect Combination Before you begin, it is going to be worth your while to examine some Sample resumes to receive a feeling of structure and language. Objectives ought to be checked for spelling and proofread by an expert. Taking a phrase or two or adhering to the exact format as the sample will be sufficient to be certain that you're on the correct path and that your resume starts in the proper way. Whatever industry you're in your resume needs the suitable language and format to produce an effect. The Rise of Objectives for Resume Try to remember, your target is t o catch the hiring manager's eye and stick out from the remainder of the paper in that pile. Bear in mind you need to tailor your resume for each and every position you apply to. For the reason, it's a superb notion to take time to reflect on and celebrate what you've done prior to, during and following the resume-writing procedure. An excellent objective statement can highly boost your likelihood of finding the job. Don't forget that you will require a cover letter to have the greatest chances of landing employment. Also, you'll have to get some resume objective samples at your disposal to have a look at them before actually writing your very own objective statement. The reader is going to learn that you're speaking about yourself. A resume is a significant document that's used at the right time of sending an application for work or a training course.

The Secret to List of Social Justice Issues

The Secret to List of Social Justice Issues Traditionally, school counselors as well as some other educators have addressed student problems and problems as in the event the student is the origin of the problem and thus needs to learn how to cope and adapt to set up practices. There's no way in which the government could afford to pay complete tuition for every single student in the district. Irrespective of how folks feel about the Common Core they've led to a lot of hot debates about education, and will keep doing so in 2014. Even young students may use photography and video for social shift. Some databases also have unredacted criminal investigative material that's not subject to public information laws. Applications are under review. Students may easily listen to a song with minimal work and without needing time outside class to finish the undertaking. For those in criminal justice, public trust is a significant part of being in a position to do the work effectively. There is a huge deal that should be done in order to right the wrongs of the past. Try to remember, opportunity is what's at stake here and is the opportunity to do something. A good example of a social equity is the widening gap between the wealthy and the poor individuals in the us. New Step by Step Roadmap for List of Social Justice Issues Privilege is the consequence of systemic injustice, but power is what's necessary to oppress others. Power is just the ability to get what you would like. The redistribution of power can be problematic for the privileged. Leverage the ability of social networks to reach a worldwide audience. An ally should also learn how to leverage their privilege, meaning they use their unearned benefit to provide power to an oppressed individual. Implied are the consequences of race and politics on a human right as easy as clean and secure drinking water. The key once it comes to medications or some other treatment is voice and truly informed choice. Trauma-informed care is all about a whole lot more than that. Where we see disparities, for instance, many may only find a demand for greater treatment, or maybe spend the view that lopsided health outcomes are merely an unfortunate truth of life. There's no income to counteract these difficulties. Social workers in rural locations, therefore, must be ready for the exceptional environment they will face on a daily basis. The War Against List of Social Justice Issues Social and Cultural diversity is continually increasing throughout the States. Social justice classes may also utilize activist strategies like social media campaign s, demonstrations and teach-ins to increase awareness of a problem and build support for positive shift. Accreditation can also supply accountability in police departments and supply trust within the community. Racism in america has become the focus in a number of high-profile incidents of violence against people of color. It's often referred to as the Brady rule. Social injustices can be available in many unique forms. The Hidden Gem of List of Social Justice Issues Meanwhile, many violent crimes are committed by those afflicted by addiction. Some lists also incorporate officers under investigation, even though they could be removed in the event the allegation is dismissed. Recently, the USA has seen many incidents that question the correct use of discretion when police officers offer social control. It's also possible you might wind up serving as an expert witness in court or standing in front of a judge to advocate on your customer's behalf. What's more, the most sinister abusers often decide to reside in a secluded rural region to decrease their odds of getting caught. It really requires a village to raise a kid. While young folks are fairly adept at recognizing overt bullying in the sort of assault, name-calling and internet harassment, they may not take note of the other methods bullying can manifest. You might also be charged with working with people impacted by means of an individual's incarceration. You have to make sure you've picked an adequate topic so you may submit a high-quality essay. At times, a law is the reason behind the social justice issue. If you wish to compose a controversial essay, you definitely must look for the most effective social issues topics or satire topics. Writing an intriguing essay about trendy topics is an opportunity to reveal your understanding of the planet.