Monday, December 30, 2019

Study Shoppers, retailers have opposite views of robots in retail

Study Shoppers, retailers have opposite views of robots in retailStudy Shoppers, retailers have opposite views of robots in retailIts no secret that Amazon and e-commerce, in general, is killing retail. And retail is responding in kind, by beefing up their brick-and-mortar stores and online portals with increased technology and personalization, plus often transforming their physical sites into Instagram-friendly experiences. But what do customers actually want?The Future of Retail, anew studyconducted by Oracle NetSuite in partnership with Wakefield Research and The Retail Doctor, a retail consulting firm, examined 1,200 consumers and 400 retail executives across the U.S., U.K., andAustralia.As it welches discovered in the study, the retail industry is far out of step with what shoppers desires. While the retail industry is seemingly complicating matters with needless tech, most shoppers want to keep it simple, pay with their phones, and avoid robots.Retail execs think that theyve ma de the environment in their stores more welcoming. Customers didnt agree. 73% believe that the ambiance in retail stores has become more inviting in the past 5 years. Unfortunately, only 45 percent of consumers agree. 19 percent actually felt stores had become less welcoming.No one wants to talk to a robot to shop. Although 79% of retail executives believe chatbots are helpful to customers, 66% of customers disagree in fact, they consider chatbots an unhelpful scourge on the shopping experience, either in-store or online. Only 5% of consumers said theyd want more technology allowing them to talk or interact with a robot or chatbot.Retail execs think that blinding consumers with shiny technology will increase sales.79% of retail executives think enhancing stores with virtual reality and artificial intelligence will increase sales. Only 14% of consumers agree that these technologies will affect their buying decisions.The faith in tech continues, but only on one side 98% of retail exe cs think virtual reality and artificial intelligence tools will increase foot traffic. 48% of customers do elend think these things would influence whether or not they go into a store.Retail execs want to reach out and connect with customers on social media. Customers do not. Nearly every retail executive (98%) thought that they needed to engage with customers on social media in order to build relationships. Only 12% of customers thought this actually had an effect on how they viewed or interacted with a brand.So whats the good news?People still agree that theres a reason to set foot in a shop (97%). Customers like it most when brick-and-mortar stores have items that are consistent to what theyve seen online (36%) and have a smooth store layout (35%). What they would like to see in the future at stores are self-checkout options (38%) and mobile payments (15%).These findings point to a clear and urgent need for better customer service, saidBob Phibbs, CEO, The Retail Doctor, in a rel ease.No retailer wants their customers to be confused or anxious, yet more than half of respondents have felt that way while shopping contrary to popular belief, millennials want store employees to help them. With nearly every respondent reporting that they value brick-and-mortar stores, now is the time to craft every in-store interaction to keep shoppers coming back.

Wednesday, December 25, 2019

How to Handle a Job Interview in a Restaurant

How to Handle a Job Interview in a RestaurantHow to Handle a Job Interview in a RestaurantThere are time when employers will invite job applicants to bewerberinterview over a meal - even breakfast.This interview is just as important, perhaps even more than one in a formal business setting. Thats because its more conversational and less formal. If youre not careful, you could let your guard down, make silly mistakes and share too much personal information. So its important to keep it professional and remember that youre being considered for a job, even though its not a formal in-office job interview. When youre invited to interview over a meal or a cup of coffee, take the time to prepare just as carefully as you would for an interview in an office setting. Here are some tips you can use for an interview at a restaurant. Get Ready for the Interview Prepare for the interview just as you would for any other one. If you are very nervous, check out the restaurant ahead of time. This wa y you will know exactly whats on the menu, where the restaurant is located, and how classy or casual the restaurant is. Many restaurants also have the menu available online to review. Going to the restaurant ahead of time will also give you a chance to plot our your route - whether you plan to drive or take transit. You can also figure out where to park if you plan to drive. Doing this will help keep you on time on interview day. Confirm the Details Be aya to confirm the arrangements so youre koranvers you end up at the right distributions-mix at the right time. Confirm who you are meeting and get a cell phone number and give yours to the person scheduling, so you can get in touch just in case theres a glitch. Dont forget to find out whether there will be a reservation or if its just a drop-in visit. What to Wear What to wear to a job interview in a restaurant depends on the restaurant and how your interviewer(s) will be dressed. If youre interviewing for a job at a formal company and the restaurant is fancy, youll want to dress in business attire. If the company and the dining are more casual, like a bar,business casual may be in order. Your best bet is to ask the person who invites you for advice on what to wear. Bring Your Supporting Materials Just like you would for a formal office interview, be sure to bring any supplemental materials you may need to show or give to your interviewer. Just because you may be in a casual setting, doesnt mean the same etiquette doesnt apply. This may include bringing a copy of your resume, writing samples, portfolio or any other materials to support your application. When to Arrive Arrive a few minutes early, so you dont keep the interviewer waiting. Dont ask to be seated or order a drink at the bar. Greet the interviewer in the lobby or foyer with a smile and a handshake. Order Carefully When you order your meal, order conservatively. Dont order the most expensive entree on the menu. Also be careful abo ut what you order. Food you can cut easily works best. Pasta, burgers and other food you have to pick up can be messy. I learned that lesson when I had a full schedule of interviews one day. I went to lunch with one candidate and made the mistake of ordering spaghetti. I spilled it and had a blob of sauce that I couldnt get out of my blouse for the rest of the day. Mind Your Manners Your mom was right when she told you table manners matter. Interviewers are going to be watching to make sure you are aware of proper dining etiquette, especially if you are being considered for a job where you will be dining with clients. While youre being interviewed, dont talk with food in your mouth and chew slowly. Although doggy-bags are a good way to eliminate waste, this might not be the right environment to ask for one. Some other things to consider Dont send your food back, and be polite to the wait staff and other people working at the restaurant. This is a good way to show what kind of pe rsonality you have. Drinking Alcohol Always be careful about drinking alcohol when youre interviewing for a job. If the interviewer orders a drink, you may want to follow suit, but dont feel obligated. If you choose to drink alcohol, dont have more than a glass of wine, and be very careful to stay focused on the conversation. When in doubt, just pass on the alcohol. Keep it Professional Especially if you have had a drink, or two, there can be a tendency to ramble on during a conversation and to share too much personal information. Of course, youll want to be friendly and personable, but keep in mind you are interviewing for a job, not dining out with friends. Who Pays the Bill? Be sure that if a potential employer takes you out to a meal for an interview, you let him or her pick up the tab. The person who invited you will expect to pay both the tab and the tip. If the bill is placed near or next to you instead, just ignore it and continue talking. Wait for the interviewe r to ask for the bill. Of course, be sure to say thank you. Follow Up Just like you would with any other interview, follow up with a thank you musiknote for the interview and the meal, reiterating your interest in the job. The Bottom Line Just because you may be interviewing for a job over a meal instead of in an office doesnt mean you shouldnt follow protocol. True, there may be some additional things to consider, like what to order, what to wear and who pays the bill, but these tips should help guide your meeting in this unconventional setting.

Saturday, December 21, 2019

5 Reasons to Share Your Resume with Your New Manager

5 Reasons to Share Your Resume with Your New Manager5 Reasons to Share Your Resume with Your New Manager5 Reasons to Share Your Resume with Your New ManagerScot Herrick is the owner of Cube Rules, LLC. His web site, CubeRules.com, provides support for career-minded individuals who typically work in corporate cubicles, people he describes as Cubicle Warriors. Scot has a long history of work experience, including management roles in Fortune 500 corporations.If you work in a large corporation, chances are youll go through managers like you go through socks. In my 18-year stint at one Fortune 500 company, I never had the same manager for two straight annual reviews.What happens to you when you get a new manager? Your old manager tells the new manager all about you, whether the information is accurate or not. So his very first impression of you is the impression your old manager has of you. Then your new manager looks at what you deliver and tries to fit that anfangsbuchstabe impression w ith the actions you take.Consider how many times this could happen in a 5-year stay with one company. It can be a vicious cycle. But you can break it by scheduling a short meeting with your new manager to review your resume and show him exactly what you can do. How does this work?You create a new impression of your workHow many people do you know who voluntarily review their resumes with their new managers? Ill bet none. So right off the bat, youre making a distinct impression of how you operate. Youre showing your manager that youre serious about the work you do.You can discuss your job skills and accomplishmentsMost managers wont know the full range of your job skills, especially the ones you acquired through past experiences with previous employers. Theres a good chance they wont even know all of your accomplishments. Once, I applied for a new position within my department and no one on my management team thought it was smart to interview me until I showed them my resume, which revealed that I had performed all sorts of work at my previous company that fit the job requirements perfectly.You can make a case for a better positionRemember, the company already hired you If youve been there for, say, only two years, you most likely have a wide range of accomplishments and capabilities that your new manager has no idea you have. By going through your resume and showing your skills, and you can end up getting better work to do.You can avoid referencing your previous managerBy covering your skills through a review of your resume, you avoid engaging in any trash talk about your former manager. If your new manager questions some of the former managers decisions, you can simply say that the manager didnt choose to use all of your job skills.You can talk about career pathYour resume should show solid progression to more responsibility and bigger accomplishments. And that logically leads to a discussion about your next desired assignment to help your career. If youre w orking in a department that has a range of work that demands different skills, you can address the ones you want to strengthen and see if your new manager will help you do that.Now, when you get that new manager as the result of a corporate reorganization, you can create the right impression right away by sharing your resume.

Monday, December 16, 2019

These are the states you should move to if you are over 60

These are the states you should move to if you are over 60These are the states you should move to if you are over 60SeniorListobserved five key statistics to determine which state is the safest for the elderly. The factors that informed their list include injury-related deaths, monthly housing costs, percentage living in poverty, the amount of people living alone as compared to the state population, and the number of fraud cases. The data comes courtesy of themost recent report from the U.S. Census Bureau.Based on these stipulations, Iowa was determined to be the most ideal residence for seniors.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreThe challenges seniors currently faceThere are roughly 50 million people over the age of 65 living in America. The greater margin of which are increasingly filing for bankruptcy.This is due to the simple fact that people are living longer. When you combine the record number of senior citizens falling prey to fraud and the recentrecessionyou have elderly Americans very ill-equipped to hack it in todays economic landscape.Violence toward old people is also experiencing a curious surge. A global systematic review published in 2017 states 1 out of every 6 senior citizens is subject to physical or emotional abuse.Hannah Bows, AssistantProfessor in Criminal Law at Durham University believes ageist preconceptions cause many of these incidences of violence to go overlooked by law enforcement and key agencies.Why Iowa?Last year Iowa ranked first onU.S News and World Reports list of best states. Their list of qualifying factors includes Health care (Iowa got 3rd), Infrastructure (1st), Opportunity (4th), Education (5th) quality of life (9th), crime (15th), economy (17th) and fiscal stability (17th).Additionally, and more relevantly Iowa has the lowest incidents of injury-related deaths, reported fraud cases and poverty of any other state.KHQA recently sat down with Susan Grant, an administrator at IowasMississippi Valley Healthcare in Keokuk where she passionately revealed the safety and comfort of the institutions residents is be an absolute priority.To assure that the resident is able to function at their highest level of ability safety. Weve had no major accidents this year. No major incidents. We investigate things thoroughly, look for opportunities to improve because if something happens once, we dont want it to happen twice,You 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

Wednesday, December 11, 2019

Defeating the #8220;MBA Bully#8221; to Gain a Successful Career

Defeating the 8220master of business administration Bully8221 to Gain a Successful Career Defeating the 8220MBA Bully8221 to Gain a Successful Career Even though it may feel like bullying, MBAs are designed to push you around in the right way to further your learning to a successful career. If a student wants to take an MBA course, he or she is mentally challenged at stage one doing well on the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test). This is a priority as the higher the GMAT score, the better your chances of getting accepted in to a prestigious business school. Once youre accepted, you will be pushed at every other level with an MBA, using technical skills for finance and accounting, analytical skills for corporate strategy and strategic planning, and interpersonal skills to motivate marketing, operations and sales. All these levels will then push you on to gaining a job as a graduate once qualified. And, with a high GMAT score, who would not want to employ you and give you a ca reer.Most of us have a strive to do better and reach any potential goal that is put in front of us, but sometimes the fence we have to climb can challenge even the brightest individual. An MBA course, in many ways, can be a metaphorical bully.Dealing with the MBA BullyStudent life is tough enough as it is, but when a student opts for an MBA, thats when its really time to knuckle down. Despite some peoples viewpoint on students- that they are lazy binge drinkers- there is a lot of work for students to complete and a lot of deadlines theyre required to meet. The HealthyFit group at the University of Vigo in Spain recently conducted research that showed that 51 percent of females were binge drinkers and 41.3 percent of males were binge drinkers yet, both groups were still actively finishing their courses at the university. Student binge drinking is frowned upon and it is a stressful situation to be in, but why do students resort to this activity in the first place? Could it be due to t he pressure of courses like those taken for an MBA, course that have far too much work to handle? Or is it just a student looking for social acceptance? This is why it can look like a student is being bullied, but drinking is never the answer.Thankfully, the students of today have a large amount of resources- Internet, libraries and the most popular mobile phone apps- to utilize and defeat the bully and not turn to drinking. Some may even say they have everything at their fingertips, but is beating a bully that simple? It is indeed accessible information and research exist and can be used as self-defense weapons. Students will spend mora time addicted to their technology to learn more, which can fight away any temptation to drink and instead they learn more on the go. For those considering an MBA as a course choice, it may feel like a mental bully of decisions, but resources are available to help MBA students find out more about their end career goals and what MBA is best suited f or them. Interactive tools, such as the QS Scorecard, allow students to create personalized MBA rankings gathered from data of hundreds of business schools. Students can rank MBA programs based on what criteria is most important to them, taking into consideration entry level requirements, return on investment, scholarships, locations, duration and costs.An MBA can be hard work, as the MBA can be seen as pushing the student around by constantly forcing him/her to hit deadlines and produce work of the highest order. It could be judged as picking on students by continually testing them to their limits, almost until they crack. An MBA is tough and not meant to be easy. It is a masters degree that requires serious dedication and hard work. The brain will be overloaded with fear, similar to how a bully makes a person feel. However, bullies can be stopped in their tracks It is how a student approaches his/her course with disciplines that stops a bully in their tracks.The core success of pa ssing an MBA course lies with studying areas of business related to accounting, finance, operations management and marketing. Students these days do receive a lot of negativity, being branded as tax-dodgers and lazy kids, but, as you can see, they do have other worries too. It is a pressure cooker of emotion, pain, mental strength, intelligence and deadlines that all combine to create a unique situation for any young adult. It is how that individual deals with the pressures and expectations that will help shape their future careers.MBAs have the potential to produce successful careers. Ever heard of Shaquille ONeal? He is a retired professional basketball player who is a four-time NBA champion and has an MBA from the University of Phoenix. How about George W. Bush, you all must know this former president? Well, he too has an MBA from the Harvard Business School. Whether it is sports or politics you end up in, as you can see, this degree can lead to a successful future.

Friday, December 6, 2019

What Is So Fascinating About Professional Resume Writers?

What Is So Fascinating About Professional Resume Writers? Professional Resume Writer is available on the internet also. He or she resume writers are very much aware of what to say on your resume and how to say it so as to win the attention of a potential employer. The examination to be a Certified Professional Resume Writer is composed of two parts. He or she is there to help you with your resume just as you would seek a mechanic to fix your car. The resume prepared by the candidate should remain appealing and ought to consist of necessary info. It is a fact that many individuals write poor resumes. It is crucial to bear in mind there are several kinds of resumes. You may have tried with many kinds of resumes and you may have already faced it rather confusing and critical when it has to do with the interview for a multinational firm. What to Expect From Professional Resume Writers? Make certain you describe specific responsibilities that could highlight your degree of e xpertise in childcare. HR managers are going to be able to glean the most significant information regarding you in 1 glance. Review job notices and remember to include how your skills can handle the requirements of the employer. Selecting a resume tafelgeschirr to compose your resume can end up being beneficial in many facets. The Most Popular Professional Resume Writers You get started contemplating your work differently and doing things since you want to earn an impact instead of a dollar. In the present international economy, locating a job has been a struggle for many individuals. Apply everything which you have learned and we guarantee that youll never regret coming to us for aid. Therefore, the individual whos getting the shoes repaired is ascertained for a single season but for a long time. The Tried and True Method for Professional Resume Writers in Step by Step Detail If youre a college graduate, learn if your college offers alumni career services. The main purpo se of a winning resume is to properly advertise your abilities and possible contribution to the organization you want to apply. Start implementing the techniques you have found to enhance your job skills, and follow your self improvement program. The best resume should also have a list of your skills that may be about the job which you apply for. Finding the Best Professional Resume Writers In the present job market, the most crucial matter to do as a prospective hire is to stick out from the rest of the applicants. Dont just think about the key couple of organizations you run throughout. Employers should not have to search to learn how to get in contact with you. The typical employer takes a mean of 6 seconds to have a look at a resume and determine whether an applicant is appropriate for the job. How to Choose Professional Resume Writers Employers today often utilize software programs to look for keywords particular to the position. Many professional resume makers are a vailable on the internet. Luckily, there are resources on the internet that are certain to supply you great leverage in regards to writing your resume. Luckily, there are innovative solutions readily available on the internet which are able to give you leverage as to produce and submit a premium quality resume. People dont easily tend to provide you with their email address without an excellent compelling reason, even should they like your brand. Someone with very little experience or only starting out would probably dont have any need to go beyond one page. Dont neglect to add your professional social networking accounts on Facebook or LinkedIn, especially if youre looking for work in IT or Marketing. You require proficient and knowledgeable aid in producing a profile that sells. Whatever They Told You About Professional Resume Writers Is Dead Wrong...And Heres Why A hiring manager might want to know the size of the group and whether you met and exceeded goals. It is esse ntial that your resume can easily demonstrate your degree of competence in your preferred field. Luckily, you can avail professional writing help on the internet that may give you top notch assistance whenever you are fighting with your resume. In an attempt to find the most affordable resume service on the current market, remember that more affordable and rushed resume services might cut corners as a way to curtail costs. Should you need a resume, our professional writers reviews can help you decide which company provides the largest quality resume. Verify that your preferred company has a broad schwimmbecken of writers that could be considered experts in the area. Our company provides data-driven services that are backed up with the most recent trends in the employment sector. It is managed by a recruitment and executive search firm. Professional Resume Writers Can Be Fun for Everyone Professional made resume definitely will stick out from the remainder of application an d itll present your application one step ahead. You are going to be in a position to begin at a greater dollar amount and can therefore secure a greater salary without conflict. All you need to do is upload your resume file and set an order. Theres always a search for a far better professional going on, you might receive a better chance, prepare for it If you would like the quickest approach to enhance your writing, sign up now. Asking for sample writing will enable you to evaluate the suitable company for you which will deliver the sort of writing that you require. Though some resume writers could be somewhat costlier than others, but it doesnt signify that you ought to avoid them. Resume stories dont need to be long. A freelance professional resume writer may be a little more affordable, but a writer backed by a reliable company will probably have more quality safeguards in place to make certain you get exceptional resume services. Several websites are there to give onlin e resume writer. Thus writing a professional resume isnt tough for the job seekers since they are getting online assistance.

Sunday, December 1, 2019

Social Media Cheat Sheet [INFOGRAPHIC] - Spark Hire

Social Media Cheat Sheet INFOGRAPHIC - Spark HireWe throw around a lot of social media jargon on this blog. Social media is an invaluable (read free) tool to generate interest in open positions, and its a good way to keep in contact with a pool of top talent even when youre not hiring. Social hiring strategies range from simple to complex, but they all begin by understanding the tools available to you. With this infographic cheat sheet from Flowtown (full size below) you can get on the beinahe track to discovering what social media tools might best suit your geschftsleben. Weve broken it down into a few categories of our own, below. If your business needs Brand ExposureTry YouTube, or Digg. Digg is a social news website that allows users to submit news stories, and users vote them up or down. Users are generally exposed to a wide variety of brands, including your companys. However, Digg isnt designed for customer interaction. YouTube has a similar problem, in that its difficult to ge t viewers to return to your company website after viewing video blogs/tutorials. However, its an easy platform to house your companys video content. To Connect With a Younger GenerationTry Tumblr or Twitter. Your social hiring strategy may seem like it connects with a younger generation by default. However, Tumblr and Twitter are 2 great services for specifically connecting with millennials. Twitter is a microblogging service where you share text-based messages of 140 characters or less. Dont get me wrong, plenty of people of all ages Tweetthis just makes the service all the more helpful in your social hiring strategy. Tumblr is a different animal altogether (although it will sync with your Twitter, Facebook, what have you accounts). Tumblr is especially great for sharing photo/video content with a younger generation of bloggers and job seekers.To Communicate with Clients/CustomersGoogle +, or Facebook. Both of these social media platforms are really built for customer interaction. Although some small business owners find that customers dont use Google +, the service does sync with other Google applications, which is very handy. This is especially a pro, considering that Facebook isnt SEO friendly. Facebooks real strength comes with its massive network of users, which you can use to advertise job openings and interact with customers, clients, and potential hires.To Hire Some Great PeopleTry Facebook, Google +, Twitter, Tumblr, Digg, YouTube All of these social media tools can help you achieve your social hiring goals. Lets not forget about Pinterest or Linkedin either, even though they werent mentioned in the infographic. Although platforms like Facebook and Twitter are great places to start, due to their large existing network, any work you do on promoting your company and your brand will pay big dividends when it comes time to hire. Think about your businesss specific hiring needs, and choose a social media form using our tips. 1 in 3 small business owners a re using social media and social hiring as part of their business strategy. How about you?

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

How to Make the Most of Weekly One-on-Ones With Your Boss

How to Make the Most of Weekly One-on-Ones With Your BossHow to Make the Most of Weekly One-on-Ones With Your Boss These days, a growing number of companies are requiring that bosses and their direct reports have weekly one-on-one meetings . And while some workers - and managers - find these sit-downs to be nothing mora than a glaring waste of time, for otzu sichs, theyre a welcome opportunity to get some face time and rehash important work-related matters.Of course, the problem with these recurring one-on-ones is that they tend to be rather brief. And that makes sense. If your manager has 12 direct reports and is required to meet with all of them on a weekly basis, he or she cant exactly carve out 60 minutes or more per employee. As such, your weekly one-on-one might amount to nothing more than a 15-minute chat, or 30 minutes if youre lucky, and thats why it pays to approach those conversations strategically. Heres how.Perhaps the best way to take advantage of your weekly one-on-one with your manager is to come in prepared with an agenda. Before that meeting, jot down a list of the things you want to discuss and the questions to which you need answers. Granted, your boss might be the one who ultimately dictates how that meeting goes and what items are reviewed, but the more organized you are when you come in, the greater your chances of hitting on the talking points that are fruchtwein important to you.Its always good to build a relationship with your manager, and theres something to be said for basic conversation along the lines of How was your weekend? or Let me tell you about this great restaurant I just found. But when you only have a handful of minutes to discuss important matters with your boss, forgoing that chitchat is a better idea. So rather than engage in small talk, get right down to business. Go through the items on your prepared agenda, and let your boss have his or her say as well. If you find that you have a few minutes le ft over after all critical matters are discussed, you and your manager can then feel free to swap grilling tips or analyze your favorite sports teams performance.Chances are, your boss will want to use your one-on-one time to get updated on critical projects youre working on. But the more time you spend sharing those details, the less time youll have to ask questions or review other important matters. Thats why it pays to be as concise as possible when bringing your manager up to speed. If youre tasked with overhauling your companys website, you dont necessarily need to spend seven or eight minutes reviewing your content strategy. Rather, a simple The home page redesign portion is complete should suffice. If your manager has any follow-up questions, he or she will be sure to ask.Many managers use weekly one-on-ones as a chance to get up to date and share quick thoughts. But if youre smart, youll use that time as a chance to solicit actual feedback about your performance. This migh t get your boss thinking about how youre doing and where you can improve, and if you receive that sort of constructive criticism week after week, as opposed to waiting until your annual review comes around, itll be much more helpful.Whether you look forward to your weekly one-on-one with your boss or think its a drag, it pays to make the most of that time. Follow these tips, and youll be doing just that.

Friday, November 22, 2019

What to Do If Any of These 9 Unfortunate Things Happen During a Job Interview

What to Do If Any of These 9 Unfortunate Things Happen During a Job InterviewWhat to Do If Any of These 9 Unfortunate Things Happen During a Job Interview1Unfortunately, most of us dont live in an ideal world. Unexpected problems often pop up at the worst possible times- say, in the middle of a job interview.Do your best to prepare for these troublesome interview situations, to the extent that you can. But youll also need to deal with some things on the fly. Here are nine things that may go wrong during an interview, and how you should handle each problem.1. You show up late.Technically, this is something that happens before the interview begins, but it fits the category of an unfortunate problem. Whether you were stuck in traffic or accidentally put the wrong time on your calendar, a lack of punctuality can start the interview on a bad note. If you know youre running late, its a good idea to call ahead to let the interviewers know, apologize, and see if theyd like to reschedule. Be humble, but dont apologize so much that you sound whiny. Chances are theyve been late for something in their lives, too, so theyll probably be understanding.2. The interviewer is switched at the last minute.You usually know in advance who will be interviewing you, which gives you an opportunity to research the person(s) and prepare to talk to them. If someone else meets you for the interview when you arrive, it can throw you off your game. However, this is really an opportunity for you to get to know the new person, according to an article from The Muse.Ask questions about her position, specifically how her job relates to the one youre gunning for, and ask about her career background in case you have something in common, the article says. Although it can be disquieting at first, after you get over the initial surprise of the switch, youll likely find that you can talk just as much to this person as to the one you planned on interviewing with originally. That displays your adaptabili ty and willingness to take on an unexpected challenge.3. The technology you need for a presentation isnt working.For some positions, the interviewers expect you to prepare and present information on a topic relevant to the job. If the computer or projector wont work when you try to begin, it can lead to many tense and awkward moments. To overcome this problem, try to memorize the key points of your presentation in advance. Bring a printed copy of your slide deck with you, or hard copies of other materials that will help you make your points. Instead of wasting the precious few minutes you have with the interviewers trying to get a computer to work, move along with your presentation. This will show that you can overcome problems and stay on track even when the unexpected occurs.4. The interviewer notices an error or inconsistency in your resume.Its a good idea to bring several printed copies of your resume with you to the interview, both for yourself and the interviewers. Hopefully, that resume is accurate and honest. If you have exaggerated an accomplishment or made an error in reporting your past positions, chances are thats the one experience the interviewer will further explore. If this happens, own the mistake and correct the error. Then try to salvage the point by providing a specific example of the skills you possess.5. The hiring manager is rude or a bad interviewer.If the former is the case, you might want to reconsider your interest in the position. Stay engaged and polite during the interview, in case theyre just having a bad day, but keep the behavior in mind as you move forward. If the person simply isnt good at interviewing, The Muse article suggests that you remember the points you want to discuss about yourself and the questions you want to ask about the position. Then, take an active role in directing the conversation to keep the person on topic.6. The interview is interrupted by distractions.Hopefully, you remembered to turn off the ringer on your phone and stow it somewhere during the interview so you wont be the cause of an embarrassing interruption. If that does happen- or if the interviewer seems distracted by their phone or by people walking by- you may have to work harder to keep the meeting on track.Be polite and patient, up to a point. If the interruptions become so frequent that a meaningful conversation is impossible, ask if it would be helpful to reschedule, acknowledging that you understand unexpected emergencies sometimes develop and you want them to handle whatever has come up. No matter what, keep your cool.7. You get angry.Maybe those previously mentioned distractions are finally too much for you. Or maybe youre asked about a job from which you were fired, and old feelings of anger rise to the surface. If you feel that happening, you must get yourself back under control.Angry people are bedrngnis people employers want to hire. Angry people are not fun to work with, says an article from Job-Hunt.org. To av oid such a reaction, the article says, Stop, before you enter the employers premises, take a few deep breaths, focus on the opportunity that awaits you at this potential employer, put a smile on your face, and do your best to switch gears mentally so you are not in a bad place in your mind.8. You zone out and miss a question.You would think that an interview would make you nervous enough that zoning out couldnt occur, but if the hiring manager is droning on about something and your mind wanders, you could miss a question. That will not look good to your prospective employer, according to an article from The Balance Careers. If you feel your attention slipping away, make an effort to stay engaged. Maintain eye contact, lean forward slightly when talking to your interviewer, and make an active effort to listen effectively.9. You realize you dont really want the job for which you are interviewing.As you answer questions and learn more about the job, you may discover that the position y oure discussing isnt a good fit for you. If this happens, and youre leise interested in working for the company, dont get frustrated. Instead, continue to emphasize your skills. Talk about why you want to work for the organization and how you could help it prosper. Even if you dont get the position you were interviewing for, you may plant a seed that will lead the interviewer to suggest you for a more appropriate spot. Its always better to build bridges than to burn them.As in all parts of life, unexpected problems will pop up during a job interview. Its inevitable. By accepting that reality and mentally preparing to handle what might go wrong, youll show that youre adaptable and unflappable when it does.Find a job that fits your lifestyle Browse Open Flexible Jobs

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Introducing Two New ASME E-Fests Student Volunteer Programs

Introducing Two New ASME E-Fests Student Volunteer Programs Introducing Two New ASME E-Fests Student Volunteer Programs Introducing Two New ASME E-Fests Student Volunteer ProgramsMay 25, 2018 (Left to right) Karen Ohland, member of the ASME Board of Governors, with ASME E-Fests Leadership Program members Trisha Satish, Isabel Gutierrez and Mirza Wali Ali Baig at E-Fest West in Pomona, Calif.ASME recently launched a new initiative, the ASME E-Fests Leadership Program, to recognize the student volunteers who contribute their time and expertise to ensure the success of the Societys Engineering Festivals (ASME E-Fests). Organizers are also now accepting applications for a second program, the ASME E-Fests Student Advisory Panel, which is open to students who attended one of the ASME E-Fests in the United States this spring.Six ASME student members have been named as the inaugural members of the ASME E-Fests Leadership Program, which is one-year program that spotlights the hard work and d edication of ASME student members from an ASME E-Fest host university who were actively involved in the coordination and planning of the event at their school. Isabel Gutierrez, Trisha Satish and Mirza Wali Ali Baig from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, were named as three of the ASME E-Fests Leaders for 2018-2019 for their support of E-Fest West in Pomona, Calif., in March. Three of the student volunteers from E-Fest East Marie Horomanski, Jennifer Lynskey, and Matthew Semanick of Pennsylvania State University were also selected as members of the program in recognition of their work at E-Fest East. Marie Horomanski and Matthew Semanick, who were student volunteers at E-Fest East at Penn State University, have been selected as two of the members of the ASME E-Fests Leadership Program for 2018-2019.Members of the ASME E-Fests Leadership Program will assist volunteer and staff organizers by promoting future ASME E-Fests at student section meetings and on social medi a, engaging with the new ASME E-Fests host schools, providing guidance for the planning of future ASME E-Fests based on their own experiences as a volunteer, and helping to create promotional materials for the next season of ASME E-Fests. They will also have the opportunity to speak about ASME E-Fests at various ASME events and to write articles for the ASME E-Fests website describing their experiences as student leaders.Applications are now being accepted for another new student initiative, the ASME E-Fests Student Advisory Panel, for students who attended an E-Fest East or E-Fest West this year. As a member of the Student Advisory Panel, students will be able to provide feedback on ASME E-Fests sessions, the student competitions that take place during the festivals, social and networking activities, and new competitions and challenges that could be held at future festivals. Student Advisory Panel members will also have the aussicht to work with other students, ASME staff, and volu nteers to provide direction for the next season of ASME E-Fests and take part in focus groups to help shape other ASME student programs. (Left to right) Paul Stevenson, senior vice president of ASMEs Student and Early Career Development Sector, presents Penn State students Marie Horomanski and Jennifer Lynskey with volunteer recognition plaques at this years E-Fest East. Horomanski and Lynskey were recently named members of the ASME E-Fests Leadership Program for 2018-2019.To be considered for the ASME E-Fests Student Advisory Panel, applicants must be an ASME student member who attended either E-Fest East or E-Fest West this year. Candidates should also be current mechanical engineering undergraduate or graduate students or an early career engineer who is prepared to make a two-year commitment to the program.To apply, e-mail a rsum with a cover letter describing why you would make a good Student Advisory Panel member to Valentina Alayon, ASME Student and Early Career Engagement E xperience Coordinator, at alayonvasme.org. The deadline to submit an application is June 15.For more information on ASME E-Fests, visit https//efests.asme.org. If your university is interested in hosting a future ASME E-Fest, check out the Host Application for more information and instructions on how to apply.