Learn About Professional References

Learn About Professional ReferencesLearn About Professional ReferencesYou may have recently seen a elende in a job posting that an applicant should provide professional references along with a resume or as part of a job application. Or perhaps youve been asked for alist of referencesafter you had an interview with a company. What exactly are professional references? Who should you use to provide those references? Professional Reference A professional reference is a recommendation from a person who can vouch for your qualifications for a job. A professional reference for an experienced worker is typically a former employer, a colleague, a client, a vendor, a supervisor, or someone else who can recommend you for employment. Recent college graduates might also tap professors, coaches, and college personnel who were advisers for your activities. The key is picking references who have observed you acting in a productive capacity where you displayed your skills and credentials for empl oyment. These differ frompersonal or character references, which are much mora personal references. The professional reference is speaking mainly to the applicants employability and work-related qualities, as opposed to their personal or character traits. Personal references may be helpful at times, but dont be tempted to submit a personal reference as a substitute when the job listing or interviewer specifically requires a professional reference. Find the Ideal Reference Consider thequalifications for your target jobwhen yourechoosing individuals to act as your references.Ask yourself who can vouch for the skills and attributes in your background that are most critical for success in that job. Your mix of references might differ based on the varied requirements of the positions for which you are applying. The ideal reference will be able to speak in a very specific way about your assets and back up her assertions with examples from your work.An individual who can only provide v ague positive references to your strengths may be less convincing. So, youll want to place a priority on people who know your work quite well as opposed to picking the most prestigious or highest-ranking individual. Think of your most successful roles first and consider individuals who can attest to how you engineered those achievements.For example, maybe you had a close relationship with your academic adviser but when you took her four courses, you only got C and B grades. In this case, you might not want to select her as a professional reference. Instead, youd be better off with references from someone else. Maybe tap another professor for whom you earned two As, as long as she knows you well enough and is willing to help. Make aya the individual you select is comfortable providing a positive recommendation for you.Many candidates make the mistake of assuming a person will provide a strong endorsement when they are only prepared to provide a somewhat positive evaluation of your pe rformance. Find Out What They Are Going to Say The best way to gain a perspective on how a prospective reference might represent your background is to ask them to compose a recommendation for your file.Try writing a recommendation for your references on LinkedIn and then ask them toreturn the favor. When requesting that an individual act as a reference, ask Are you comfortable providing a very positive recommendation for me for a financial analyst job? Im trying to make a strong case for my candidacy.Making your requestin writing is usually the best approach so a reluctant individual can decline more comfortably. If youre concerned about getting a bad reference, reviewtips for handling them. You may be able to offset a negative reference from an employer with a positive one from a different professional connection. 137 7 Things That Make a Recommendation Letter Stand Out How to Provide References to Employers When you apply for a job, you may be asked for alist of professi onal referenceseither after ajob interview or in some cases when you apply for a job. Heres how to handle it When you provide a professional reference to a prospective employer, include the persons name, job title, company, address, phone number,and email address.Create a list of references to have ready to share with prospective employers.Be sure that you have the personspermission to use them as a referencebefore you give out their contact information.Keep your references appraised of your progress with the hiring process and give them a heads up if you think they might be contacted. If there are particular issues that have come upduring your interview let your references to those concerns. They may be able to address the issue during a reference check. A well-prepared reference will usually be able to provide a more detailed and convincing recommendation when contacted. Be sure to thank anyone who gives you a reference. A short note or email is all it takes, and people want to kn ow when their efforts are appreciated.

Top Five Reasons to Apply for a Government Job Today

Top Five Reasons to Apply for a Government Job TodayTop Five Reasons to Apply for a Government Job TodayTop Five Reasons to Apply for a Government Job TodayThe federal hiring process has changed for the better The written Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA) narratives are 95 percent gone, so applying consists of posting a USAJOBS resume and completing a multiple-choice questionnaire.The application process is still complicated, but if you can play poker, golf, bridge, monopoly, or another game with complex instructions and a little strategic thinking, you can compete for a federal job. Here are a few of my favorite tips and insights about whats new and important in federal hiring after the hiring reform of last year1. The written narratives as part of the government jobs application KSAs are mostly gone.This is the best news about the hiring reform that was implemented in November 2010. Before then, government job applications required half-to-one-page written narratives for abo ut four or five required skills for the position, such as how you can communicate orally, plan or coordinate, or provide technical expertise in your field.2. Time for applying for federal jobs is cut in half.Many more jobseekers are applying for federal positions now that the narrative KSAs are eliminated. This change means that the total time investment required to apply for each position is roughly half of what it would have been under the old system.3. Now is the time to apply.The government agencies finally got their budget for 2011. But the budget year will be over at the end of September 2011. So this is a great time to look at announcements and apply for positions. Theyll still be hiring after the budget year ends, but right now there are more positions posted.4. The government job application process is totally online, with a resume builder and upload system.I recommend that you copy and paste your resume into the builder, even though it will take you 30 to 45 minutes to set up your first resume. The resume builder will prompt you to give certain resume details that are critical for your qualifications, such as month and year of employment dates for at least 10 years, hours worked per week, supervisors name, phone numbers of employers, and salaries for positions going back 10 years.5. Federal positions are the best in the country.The entire application process from finding the best announcement through using the resume builder, completing the questionnaire and uploading both the cover letter and transcript will take time, determination, and patience. But the end result could be an outstanding career for you, security for your family, and an opportunity to provide service to America.Tips for ApplyingSet up your accounts to apply for government jobs. There are usually two parts to each application1. The Resume Builder in USAJOBS.gov and2. The Questionnaire in ApplicationManager.govBoth systems require a user name and password. The Questionnaire can hav e between 10 and 80 questions, but they are multiple choice, so they dont take too long.Give yourself as much credit as you can. Read the multiple-choice questions and determine your answers carefully. You will be self-scoring your skills for the human resources reviewer. You will usually have 5 choices for each question, and can often choose one of the following 1. I have no experience or education in this skill area. 2. I have education in this field, but have never done this work. 3. I perform this work closely supervised. 4. I perform this work independently, with little or no supervision. 5. I am an expert in this work. I supervise others or I am the person who is consulted in this area because of my expertise.Your resume must match the answers to your questionnaire. If you select the 5, or the highest score, your resume must demonstrate this expertise. Edit your resume slightly for each application, so that the resume shows that you have the skills that are listed in the announcement and the Questionnaire.buchen your college transcripts right away. You do not have to upload originals. You can scan all of your transcripts into one file and upload them into USAJOBS.gov. Later the agency you are applying to might ask for an original, but they are not needed for the applications.Write a cover letter now with your application. You can upload this into USAJOBS or ApplicationManager. This is another step that you can take with your federal application according to recent Federal Hiring Reform regulations. The letter is optional, but could help you stand out.For up to date advice, tips, and news regarding federal jobs and the federal application process, like The Resume Place on Facebook and follow Kathryn Troutman on Twitter.

These are the perfect places to find your summer job

These are the perfect places to find your summer jobThese are the perfect places to find your summer jobIf you cant find a summer job in your hometown, maybe some of these places might help you out.Personal finance website WalletHub compiled data from over 180 US markets to determine where the best place to be to next your summer job or internship. To determine the rankings, the research used 21 metrics ranging from median income, median rent and the overall availability of summer jobs.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreTheir findings determined Orlando, Florida welches the top place for teens and young adults (ages 16 to 24) to get a summer job. Other top area included Scottsdale, AZ, Denver, CO, Delaware (Dover and Wilmington).Finding a job in New York City is extremely tough, with the Big Apple ranking at No. 113 on the list. New York City had one of the five highest rental pric es as well as the lowest median income of part-time workers, according to the study.Berkeley College Senior Director of Career Services Flore Dorcely-Mohr said students should start looking at summer jobs early - in April - instead of trying to scrape together something last minute at the start of summer.She also suggested finding something that will overall benefit you and make you a better worker moving forward.The question to ask is if the experience doesnt teach you anything, how important is the name?, Dorcely-Mohr said. I also have seen some amazing opportunities be ignored because they are a few minutes outside of where a student might normally travel this is a huge mistake I implore my students that if it is a great opportunity, remember that you are only going to be there for a few months, but you will be rewarded with an experience that could establish your professional career. Dont limit yourself because you are afraid of the commute.The best places to get a summer job , according to WalletHubOrlando, FloridaScottsdale, ArizonaDenver, ColoradoDover, DelawareWilmington, DelawarePortland, MaineLas Vegas, NevadaAustin, TexasColumbia, MarylandFort Lauderdale, FloridaYou might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people

3 Tips to Avoid a Boring, Self-Absorbed Cover Letter

3 Tips to Avoid a Boring, Self-Absorbed Cover Letter3 Tips to Avoid a Boring, Self-Absorbed Cover Letter3 Tips to Avoid a Boring, Self-Absorbed Cover LetterWhen you meet someone new, its not always easy to strike up a conversation, especially if you focus only on yourself. Self-absorption is a big turn-off. The trick is to find something of mutual interest and see how far it takes you. If your knowledge matches their interests, and vice versa, it could be the start of a great friendship.The same theory applies to writing your titelseite letter, which acts as a conversation starter for the really deep topic that follows your resume.Karen Burns aka Working Girl drove this point home brde month in an article, A Good Cover Letter Starts with You. It reminded me of a night waaaaayyy back in my single days when I was talking sort of with a young woman in a bar. The problem was I couldnt get her to stop talking about what was apparently her favorite subject herself. About 30 mind-numbing mi nutes later, she handed me her phone number, which I tossed in a trash can on my way home.The point? When you write a cover letter, take the focus off yourself and place it on the partie and company youre writing to.You should have already taken a good, close look at the job description, highlighted keywords and phrases, and mirrored them in your resume. Use those to start building your case in your cover letter for how you can help them. Then1)Do your homework. Scour the companys web site and other resources for information and news to gather a complete picture of what they do, what their markets are, how the job youre applying for fits in, and how your background can help contribute to their success. Then, work that knowledge into your cover letter.Bad ExampleI have 10 years of experience in domestic and foreign procurement in the consumer products sector.Good Example My 10 years of procurement experience in the consumer products sector, especially in sourcing goods from foreign c ounties, can be of immense help with your expansion into Asian markets.2)Keep I and my under control. Yes, youll need to say I or my to describe your skills and how they fit with the company and the position emphasize your interest in the job and sometimes address salary expectations. But there are some instances where you can go without it. For instance, a ansicht like I believe my skills match the jobs requirements is more powerful without the I believe. Ever have an English teacher take off points if you used I believe or In my opinion in an assignment? Its no secret that what you write is coming from you, so these phrases are unnecessary.3)Let someone else speak for you with a written recommendation. Consider including an endorsement from an ex-boss or colleague. Social networking sites like LinkedIn are making written recommendations the new references. Another option is to quote remarks from a past performance review.An example In 2007, our CEO John Smith said my dedication, a ttention to detail, and strong communications skills with our Asian suppliers were instrumental in helping us gain 15% in market share in that region.Your cover letter serves as the opening act for your resume. In todays economy, a well-written cover letter targeting the employers specific needs can help vault you above a larger-than-normal field of competitors. To grab the hiring managers attention, keep your cover letter focused on the company.

Robots Enhance Artists Vision

Robots Enhance Artists Vision Robots Enhance Artists Vision Robots Enhance Artists VisionAddie Wagenknecht loves creating species in unconventional ways. For years, shes hacked drones and robots to generate images that are visually shocking, and has used electronics in stunning ways to create art.Her latest art exhibition, called Alone Together, welches no less shocking. Using a Roomba robotic vacuum cleaner as a paintbrush, the art focuses on the female body as a symbolic representation of how womens rights are being suppressed.I see this as urgent work about where the female body belongs in the present and future possible, Wagenknecht says.In some ways, the streaks of blue donning the art were reminiscent of works from abstract artist Jackson Pollock. The Roombas guts had to be tweaked to make the device a sophisticated artist.Fragment of a painting that was created using a modified Roomba robot. Image Addie WagenknechtFor You Remote Robot Cleans Trash from WaterWagenknecht took Ro ombas vacuum mechanism and reversed its polarity so it would no longer have suction but actually distribute the pigment. Liquefied pigment was sourced from a chemist in Paris and loaded in the robot.The blue, or rather how the medium encapsulated the blue, was developed specifically for French artist Yves Klein by a chemist in Paris. He had copyrighted the blue so no one else could use it, but I found the chemist store he used in Paris, she says.Theres artificial intelligence at work in Wagenknechts art, as the final result is a void in the shape of a woman, painted by a robot learning the algorithm it intuited of her body.A prior art series to Alone Together used drones to paint, with pigments sourced from India, and also Central Asia.I want to create works that discuss how we think about AI while forgetting that there is actual AI in the pieces.Addie Wagenknecht, artistI started in around 2007 with Black Hawk Paint and Internet of Things using Roombas, respectively as a play on Io T technology and creating something playful with them, she says. My experience was always how they needed more work to maintain than they were actually useful.The works are clues into the world technology and feelings that make up my experiences, but they arent explanations of them, she adds.Wagenknechts love for hacking and sculpture gives her close ties to the maker movement. She was one of the co-developers of the Lasersaur open source laser cutter in 2010. She also was an initial hauptplatine member of the Open Source Hardware Association when it was formed in 2012. Shes worked with companies like Google on exploring the intersection of art technology, and her work has been acquired by the Whitney Museum of American Art.For the last few years, I have been doing a lot with machine learning and AI, she says. I want to create works that discuss how we think about AI while forgetting that there is actual AI in the pieces. she said.Read MoreHow Industry 4.0 Impacts Engineering Design IoT Gets Its BearingsNew Process Embeds Coded Data on 3D-Printed Parts

What You Must Know About Simple Resume Sample

What You Must Know About Simple Resume Sample Finding the Best Simple Resume Sample A basic resume may be the proper format and tool for you once you are wanting to transition into work from freelancing or self-employment. The Simple resume formats must be used dependent on the kinds of templates they are. Similarly when selecting resume templates also, selecting an easy and basic resume templates is always an extraordinary idea. Everyone can download simple resume templates from the internet either for free or for a particular price.Referring a sample template will thus help you in creating the the majority of the opportunity. You may also read more on the ideal approach to use our resume samples here. Perhaps while looking for examples you noticed poor samples all around the internet. The samples below are a representative collection of all the available examples on our site. All you would like to do is receive an opportunity to speak with a person over the telephone or sit with someone to spell out your situation and the way youve changed since youve been released. From the sort of content to its layout, everything matters when youre attempting to get the utmost attention of the recruiter. Then it may be time to bring some style to your resume There are cover letter templates and samples as well which will teach the necessary people how to compose an outstanding cover letter that will raise your chance of succeeding. How to Get Started with Simple Resume Sample? Basic doesnt need to mean boring, as you will notice in the myriad of free basic resume templates we offer. There is an assortment of advantages of working with the simple resume formats. So you only want a simple resume. Students are able to make use of student resume formats. Possessing a strong resume will permit you find numerous great jobs. While all resumes should offer information on your work and education experience, together with your abilities and accomplishments, there are various ways to present this info. Chronological resumes are the ideal place to highlight your accomplishments. To find out more on what it requires to be a Mover, take a look at our complete Mover Job Description. Transportation jobs involve a great deal of responsibility and your resume will want to reflect you can deal with that. The most important thing is to take into consideration your work objective and prioritize work with respect in your targets. Because you would like to provide loads of attention to both, you might not have much room left for different sections, like a resume summary, volunteer work, interests, etc.. There are a great deal of jobs out there within this exciting field. Unique kinds of work in the food service industry require resumes with a number of the very same skills. If you have a look in the samples career objective you will see that the candidate provides some important information from the get-go. That hiring manager needs to be fired. I ts also wise to state in the Office Clerk resume objective that you fully grasp the roles expected of somebody in your position. If youre attempting to acquire work in accounting or finance you require averystrong resume. Job seekers deserve to come across decent content quickly. Even in the event youve never held an official job, its still true that you have life experience thats applicable to the work search. If youre in the middle of a work search with a felony on your record, or know somebody who is, we highly suggest that you sign up to find access. Writing a resume for employment in the art industry can be difficult.

How to Improve Employee Satisfaction - Spark Hire

How to Improve Employee Satisfaction - Spark HireHappy employees are the sign of a successful organization. They demonstrate that a company is invested in hard work and helping employees grow professionally alongside the organization. Employee satisfaction, however, is not solely dependent on compensation or position. Workers who feel like they are making an impact in their role and are appreciated by their employer are more likely to work effectively and remain loyal to the organization.Whether it be updating the workspace or creating new programs, there are several easy, yet effective steps employers can take to boost geschftszimmer morale. Below are a few ways to prove your dedication to worker success and improve overall employee satisfaction.Allow Flex TimeLong commutes and child care are often cited as two of the most stress-inducing aspects of work. Therefore, flexible schedules can help your employees maintain a healthy work/life balance. Allowing your workers to stagger thei r arrival or departure times from the office in accordance with their needs is a free but highly effective way to ease some of their work-related stress. A catered work schedule can also help them feel appreciated and noticed by executive decision-makers. Just be sure to enforce hourly commitments and meeting times so the transition doesnt disrupt overall workflow.Begin Wellness ProgramsInvesting in employee health and wellness programs is a great way to boost productivity and morale while also avoiding sickness in the office. Small programs like paid gym memberships, employee athletic clubs, or nutritionist guest speakers are effective ways to help your employees better manage their stress levels and physical wellbeing, proving your dedication to the health and interests of your workers. If youre able to invest more in employee wellness, consider creating a nap room for workers who dont get enough rest at home, like new parents. While it may seem unnecessary, a nap room can help em ployees blow off steam and boost their productivity and mood throughout the workday. Simply designate a quiet room and add a few cozy couches and pillows for your employees to relax into during their lunch break.Improve CommunicationA lack of cross-discipline communication can make workers feel distanced from company executives and removed from decisions that impact the organizations future. While lower-level employees will likely understand that they arent the companys decision-makers, its important to include their ideas in organizational communication. Consider hosting weekly company-wide meetings to provide updates or share successes so all employees feel connected to the companys mission and involved in its future direction. This should help all employees understand the impact of their daily work and find passion in their activities.Update Office DesignDesign makes a big difference in the office atmosphere, for better or worse. While good office design can inspire communication , a poorly laid-out space can stifle creativity. Consider updating the design of your office to facilitate collaboration and stress relief among current employees and help recruit young talent. Ditch the mind-numbing cubicle and open up the office with natural elements like sunlight and plants. This will create a calming environment that improves mood and focus in workers. You should also consider investing in ergonomic desk furniture like chairs, keyboards, and screens, for employee comfort and relaxation.Corporate success depends on the passion and work of employees, so its important to show your workers that they are valued both personally and professionally. Instituting just a few of the above suggestions should help prove that their success is a priority to your organization and ultimately improve employee satisfaction.

5 travel-focused resolutions that better your career

5 travel-focused resolutions that better your career5 travel-focused resolutions that better your careerTravel has never been more accessible than it is now. Or, more important. As companies continue to expand their international reach, having a curious and open-minded approach to the world and its people helps your career to take off. Thats why adding more miles to your upcoming year is a smart resolution for any professional. As career expert Jill Tipograph explains, travel opportunities are growth opportunities.A person who has experienced a variety of cultures internationally, or regions domestically, develops an understanding of differences, she explains.If you didnt have the option to study abroad while in school - or ahem, its been a while since you graduated or brushed off your passport - consider making a resolution to explore further and wider. Whether you make a vacation a chance to connect with international executives or you bargain your way into a sabbatical, here are some ideas to spark your wanderlustGet up earlierIf youre already one of the lucky ones who has the chance to explore various regions of the world, you might be burnout. Traveling is taxing on anyone, especially if youre constantly zig-zagging through time zones or across the country. Career expert and author Lauren Berger suggests switching up your routine to reignite your spirit. This could be as easy as taking advantage of that jet lag and starting your day with enthusiasm and purpose.When you go to remote locations and meet different kollektiv members, wake up early. Take them to coffee or breakfast, ask them questions and learn about their career path. This is a great opportunity to network internally and take a deeper dive into your business, she explains. Creating these relationships with remote colleagues can enhance your ability to work with them in a smoother way.Seek out opportunities to travel for workPerhaps youre in the opposite situation, and youve never trekked some where for work. Make 2019 the year to change that by creating a business case for why you need to hop a flight. Tipograph suggests paying particular attention to growth opportunities for your company since that will be more convincing to your manager (and his or her boss).If you work in marketing and the London geschftszimmer needs extra help connecting with customers or influencers, you could explain how a week spent advising them would move the numbers. Or perhaps the Sydney team isnt doing so well with their office dynamic, and your human resources expertise would make a difference.Whatever the purpose, be direct and create tangible, measurable goals to improve your odds of approval.Find time to meet with visitorsFor whatever reason, travel isnt in the cards for your right now. You can still build international relationships by keeping an eye out for visitors. Tipograph suggests finding out who is coming to your location from other cities or countries in the coming months and act ively seek out a way to see them while they are in town.If time doesnt permit a meal or coffee, ask if you can just take a few minutes to meet them face-to-face when they are in your building, she suggests. The bond formed by directly interacting with people is invaluable.And if you get those five minutes? Tipograph says to make them memorable, whether you express appreciation, seek advice, ask questions or connect with them in another impactful way.Make vacations an opportunityAfter talking about it - forever - youre finally making your way around Europe with your number one or your best friend. You want to spend as much time enjoying the weeks off, but if you happen to be passing through a city where your company has operations, it could be worthwhile to meet with colleagues.As Tipograph explains, even a casual happy hour meetup or a drive-by the office could help someone remember your name - and importantly, your face.People love to share the dos and donts of places and will o ften offer to meet up in person if you can arrange it. Even better, post when you will be where and suggest those in the area reach out to you to connect in person, she suggests.Bargain for a sabbatical or a remote work optionThough the concept of a sabbatical used to be reserved for extreme cases, or after 20 years of service, these days, its definitely more frequently utilized. Its also defined differently, meaning it could last a month, three months or half a year.If you have been at your company for a while and youre in need of a break or inspiration, talk to your manager. Whether you decide to take the time off sans-pay or apply for a remote work program that allows you to take your responsibilities on the road, giving yourself permission to see the world is smart. And hey, could change everything about your career, as you gain a new perspective and approach to success.

3 Sneaky Job Interview Killers Youre Probably Unaware Of

3 Sneaky Job Interview Killers Youre Probably Unaware Of3 Sneaky Job Interview Killers Youre Probably Unaware OfHave you ever left an bewerberinterview feeling like you nailed it only to learn you werent invited back for a second interview or offered the job? You were probably confused or upset. Maybe even both.There could have been a valid reason. Another candidate was mora qualified or the hiring manager was looking for a specific person. But what if it wasnt those things? What if you killed your interview with mistakes you werent even aware of?Here are three surprising interview missteps that might cost you the jobYoure too agreeableWhen an interviewee is too agreeable, its a red flag to hiring managers. This might seem strange because headhunters and recruiters instruct clients to position themselves as yes men, but being too agreeable actually tells interviewers that youre a pushover, desperate or have trouble making your own decisions.Granted, theres a balance. You dont want to appear high maintenance by being disagreeable. So whats the solution? Be honest. If you agree with something an interviewer presents, agree with it. But if you disagree, thoughtfully express your opinion.Interviews arent exclusively for hiring managers theyre also how you decide whether the company is a good fit for you. If you find yourself disagreeing with everything the hiring manager is saying, it might be time to move on.You scheduled your interview too earlyWhen it comes to interview scheduling, the first interviewee is at a distinct disadvantage. Sometimes your interview is determined by the luck of the draw. If not, try to schedule your interview later in the timetable.Doing so will ensure that your interview is top of mind when hiring or next-round decisions are made. Hiring managers rarely hire the first person they interview unless the rest of the applicant pool is noticeably less qualified.Youre over-preparedGoing into an interview without preparing is an obvious faux p as. But did you know that over-preparing can also be harmful? When interviewees over-prepare, they become inflexible and impersonal- almost robotic.Every individual interviewer has a style. Its important to pay attention to the interviewers conversational cues and follow his or her lead. You can ask your recruiter or others who have interviewed with the company about the tone of the interview so you know what to expect. The more you know about how your interview will be structured the better you can prepare for it.How to Avoid Killing Your InterviewJob seekers often fall prey to these mistakes because of inexperience, nerves or poor self-awareness. Although hiring managers wont hold shaky nerves against most applicants, its always a good idea to refine your interviewing skills. Here are a few tips for developing your abilitiesGo to more interviewsPractice may not always make perfect, but going to more interviews will help you streamline your answers and tactics. And with each additi onal interview, your jitters will dissipate.Obviously you hope to land your next job as quickly as possible, but you can learn something from going to one or two more interviews. Sitting in front of people who are firing questions at you is intimidating, but the more you do it the more comfortable youll be firing back great answers. Use a planner to organize all of the critical information such as interview dates, interviewer names and details about prospective jobs.Practice with friends and familySome of your most honest critics are those who care about you. Give your loved ones a list of questions and have them ask some of their own. Keep the structure of these interviews light and conversational. This will help you draw on positive, relaxing thoughts when youre experiencing the real thing.Research tips and best practicesYou can find tons of helpful interview tips online. Seek out articles from reputable, certified HR professionals that outline their best interview tips. These pro fessionals have conducted numerous interviews during their careers, and they can help you sharpen your skills.You should also research the company before the interview. Have a couple key tools in your back pocket such as knowledge of recent initiatives the company executed or its future objectives, and bring them out at strategic times.Job-hunting can be a challenging process, but it goes much more smoothly when you have great interview skills and are prepared. Continue to work on your interview tactics, and avoid sneaky interview killers. With each interview youre one step closer to your dream job, so enjoy the ride, and get ready for your next job victory.Melissa Cooper is the executive vice president of the writer networkTop Resume, aTalent Inc. company. A triple-certified rsum writer and dual-certified HR professional holding both SPHR and PHR designations, Melissa has eight years of executive recruiting experience and over six years of professional rsum-writing experience.

Why team sports can help you live longer

Why team sports can help you live longerWhy team sports can help you live longerWe know that moving around, even basic movement, such as walking around for an hur a week, can make your brain and heart happier. But if you master the art of working out alone and want to level up, consider exercising with a partner. A new study inMayo Clinic Proceedings found that people who do team sports had one particular health advantage over people who exercised solo - they lived longer.Team sports give us a longevity advantageUsing data of 8,500 white adults with no prior history of heart disease, the researchers looked into how a primary sport could change the course of your life, finding a clear link betweenteam sports and longevity leisure-time sports that inherently involve more social interaction were associated with the best longevity.Tennis, badminton, and soccer - team sports that require participation and camaraderie between people for success - ranked above physical sports you could d o on your own like calisthenics and jogging. How long you played the sport mattered less than what you did when it came to longevity.Here were the years of life expectancy added, depending on what sport you playedTennis 9.7 yearsBadminton 6.2 yearsSoccer 4.7 yearsCycling 3.7 yearsSwimming 3.4 yearsJogging 3.2 yearsCalisthenics 3.1 yearsHealth club activities 1.5 yearsDoing any sort of exercise is better than doing no exercise, but this finding suggests that if you want to get the maximum benefits of your weekly gym habit, make it a team activity. For both mental and physical well-being and longevity, were understanding that our social connections are probably the single most important feature of living a long, healthy, happy life, study co-author James OKeefe, told TIME.One recent study of 1.2 million Americans found that team sports had the biggest mental health benefits, reducing participants mental health burden by 22.3%.Having a workout buddy not only holds you accountable for g oing to your weekly soccer game, but the friendships and rivalries are having unseen positive effects on your body. The connections being made are building up your mental and physical reserves in your body for the long haul of life.