The King & his Leather Slippers!

Long long ago, there was a king who never knew that something like a foot ware existed. He was forever bruising and scraping his feet over hard rocky soil or would slip and fall on damp soil. One day, completely exasperated with this problem, he turned to his trusty minister and ordered: “I want you to carpet the entire kingdom with leather, or it`s off with your head!”

The poor minister sat up half the night thinking about this impossible task, and knowing full well that he would surely lose his head if he does not come with a right solution. Suddenly, just as the sun began to rise, his fear turned to joy. He had an idea. Bounding from his bed, he ran to the leather shoe maker

When the king awoke the next morning he jumped quickly out of bed and hurried to the royal window to view his leather carpet atleast around his palace. Seeing not one inch of leather carpet anywhere he began bellowing for the minister roaring wildly. “Minister, Where`s my minister? I`ll have his head!”

At that very moment, the minister appeared at the king`s door clutching a pair of well designed leather slippers in his hands. “Oh your highness, please be so kind as to try these first,” he begged. The king agreed, and in the wink of an eye the minister slipped the world`s first pair of leather slippers onto the king`s royal feet.

Instantly the king`s anger turned to delight. Shuffling around the room with the softness of the finest leather in the kingdom beneath his feet, all he could do was smile with every step.

Moral of this story: Relates to effective listening and finding something to get interested in. It is about listening for more than we are accustomed to, and turning every interaction into a challenge.

Throughout life we often find ourselves in situations we don`t like and can`t change; we can, however, learn how to change our own experience and gain valuable insights along the way. Most of us do not realize the importance of listening as a communicative tool. Yet studies have shown that we actually spend 50% more time listening than we do talking. We often take listening for granted, never realizing that it is a skill that can be learned.

Listening is an attitude that one can change for the better!

Most Difficult Questions Asked in the Interview !!!(With Answers)!!

Tell me about yourself.
My background to date has been centered around preparing myself to become the very best _____ I can become. Let me tell you specifically how I`ve prepared myself . . . ..............

Why should I hire you?
Because I sincerely believe that I`m the best person for the job. I realize that there are many other college students who have the ability to do this job. I also have that ability. But I also bring an additional quality that makes me the very best person for the job--my attitude for excellence. Not just giving lip service to excellence, but putting every part of myself into achieving it. In _____ and _____ I have consistently reached for becoming the very best I can become by doing the following . . . ............( your few achievemnts)

What is your long-range objective? Where do you want to be 10 or 15 years from now?
Although it`s certainly difficult to predict things far into the future, I know what direction I want to develop toward. Within five years, I would like to become the very best _____ your company has. In fact, my personal career mission statement is to become a world-class _____ in the _____ industry. I will work toward becoming the expert that others rely upon. And in doing so, I feel I will be fully prepared to take on any greater responsibilities that might be presented in the long term.

How has your education prepared you for your career?
As you will note on my resume, I`ve taken not only the required core classes in the _____ field, I`ve also gone above and beyond. I`ve taken every class the college has to offer in the field and also completed an independent study project specifically in this area. But it`s not just taking the classes to gain academic knowledge--I`ve taken each class, both inside and outside of my major, with this profession in mind. So when we`re studying _____ in _____, I`ve viewed it from the perspective of _____. In addition, I`ve always tried to keep a practical view of how the information would apply to my job. Not just theory, but how it would actually apply. My capstone course project in my final semester involved developing a real-world model of _____, which is very similar to what might be used within your company. Let me tell you more about it . . .

Are you a team player?
Very much so. In fact, I`ve had opportunities in both athletics and academics to develop my skills as a team player. I was involved in _____ at the intramural level, including leading my team in assists during the past year--I always try to help others achieve their best. In academics, I`ve worked on several team projects, serving as both a member and team leader. I`ve seen the value of working together as a team to achieve a greater goal than any one of us could have achieved individually. As an example . . .

Have you ever had a conflict with a boss or professor? How was it resolved?
Yes, I have had conflicts in the past. Never major ones, but certainly there have been situations where there was a disagreement that needed to be resolved. I`ve found that when conflict occurs, it`s because of a failure to see both sides of the situation. Therefore, I ask the other person to give me their perspective and at the same time ask that they allow me to fully explain my perspective. At that point, I would work with the person to find out if a compromise could be reached. If not, I would submit to their decision because they are my superior. In the end, you have to be willing to submit yourself to the directives of your superior, whether you`re in full agreement or not. An example of this was when . . .

What is your greatest weakness?
I would say my greatest weakness has been my lack of proper planning in the past. I would overcommit myself with too many variant tasks, then not be able to fully accomplish each as I would like. However, since I`ve come to recognize that weakness, I`ve taken steps to correct it. For example, I now carry a planning calendar in my pocket so that I can plan all of my appointments and "to do" items. Here, let me show you how I have this week planned out . . .

If I were to ask your professors to describe you, what would they say?
I believe they would say I`m a very energetic person, that I put my mind to the task at hand and see to it that it`s accomplished. They would say that if they ever had something that needed to be done, I was the person who they could always depend on to see that it was accomplished. They would say that I always took a keen interest in the subjects I was studying and always sought ways to apply the knowledge in real world settings. Am I just guessing that they would say these things? No, in fact, I`m quite certain they would say those things because I have with me several letters of recommendation from my professors, and those are their very words. Let me show you . . .

What qualities do you feel a successful manager should have?
The key quality should be leadership--the ability to be the visionary for the people who are working under them. The person who can set the course and direction for subordinates. A manager should also be a positive role model for others to follow. The highest calling of a true leader is inspiring others to reach the highest of their abilities. I`d like to tell you about a person who I consider to be a true leader . . .

If you had to live your life over again, what would you change?
That`s a good question. I realize that it can be very easy to continually look back and wish that things had been different in the past. But I also realize that things in the past cannot be changed, that only things in the future can be changed. That`s why I continually strive to improve myself each and every day and that`s why I`m working hard to continually increase my knowledge in the _____ field. That`s also the reason why I want to become the very best _____ your company has ever had. To make positive change. And all of that is still in the future. So in answer to your question, there isn`t anything in my past that I would change. I look only to the future to make changes in my life.

In reviewing the above responses, please remember that these are sample answers. Please do not rehearse them verbatim or adopt them as your own. They are meant to stir your creative juices and get you thinking about how to properly answer the broader range of questions that you will face.

Important !! CV/Resume !!

What is the best kind of resume?
There is no one best kind. The best resume is one that works best.

That`s obvious, isn`t it?

It should be, but most of the resumes I`ve seen aren`t designed with that "obvious" purpose in mind. They read like an obituary, simply listing jobs, duties and education. They are dull, boring and dead. What they aren`t, typically, is an advertisement to catch attention and stimulate interest.

But isn`t a resume supposed to tell your work history?

Says who? If a work history produces interviews, fine. Otherwise, no. A history or chronological resume can be effective for people who fit into a neat category. For example, if you have always worked as an accountant and want another job as an accountant, a work history may be appropriate. Even so, there are some pitfalls to avoid.

Like what?

Like length. Anything more than a page or so won`t be read. Like job duties. Anyone reading your resume probably knows what the duties of an accountant, or whatever, are. Instead of just listing duties, describe your accomplishments! Show how you have helped your employers. The typical resume says nothing about whether you did your job well or not, just that you did it.

What if you don`t have any spectacular successes?

That`s okay. An accomplishment doesn`t have to be major, just any task you performed well that helped your employer. There is no better way to prove you can help prospective employers solve their problems than to mention results you have produced in the past. Further, in listing accomplishments, you are not bragging, just stating facts. The reader will believe whatever their own conclusions are about those facts. They will doubt it if they hear from you how great you are. Accomplishments push an employer`s hot buttons buy focusing on what is in it for them in hiring you.

What else can a resume be, if not a history?

It can be an advertisement for you. Often, the most effective resume is one that shows what you can do for an employer, not just where you have been. A good resume embodies the "advertising theme" for your self-marketing campaign. It communicates a simple, clear, accurate, positive message emphasizing the benefits an employer will gain by hiring you. It is often best organized around skills, not jobs. For example, the main headings for a manager`s resume might be: Decision Making and Problem Solving;, Planning and Organizing; and Communication and Directing. Relevant accomplishments from several jobs are listed under each of these headings, proving you have that skill. A brief history of jobs and schooling might be at the bottom of the page. This can all fits on one page, is more memorable and it leads them to their own conclusion that you are good at what you do.

How do you know what skills to emphasize?

Figure out what your prospective employer is looking for, then emphasize that.

What if different job skills are wanted for various jobs?

Then you need more than one resume. Ideally, you should have a unique resume for each prospective employer.

That`s a lot of trouble, isn't it?

Not really. With word processing, it is easy to make different resumes once you have developed a list of accomplishments. Besides, if you are using your resume properly, you will not need many of them. The most important purpose of a resume is to think through your image, or "unique selling proposition". In an effective job search, the resume is mainly a script to use in talking about yourself. The best time to give your resume is at the end of the interview as a tangible reminder of the message you have been conveying.

You`re saying that people rely too much on resumes?

Exactly! But that`s another story.

Finding A Job - 4 Steps To Success !!!

Finding a job is a difficult process. If this is the first time you are looking for a job, you may be very nervous and worried about whether you will find one or not. The following steps will help you gain more chances of getting your desired job.

KNOW WHAT YOU WANT:This may sound simple but it is an essential factor making your success. You should ask yourself questions to find out which job suits you the best. Dont make your choice too
general. Make it specific and detailed. You have to focus on a certain work, a defined position.Nothing is worse than a vague idea. This will be more important later when you write the motivation letter or when you are interviewed. The employers are usually much more interested in applicants who are determined and have a clear idea about their strong and weak points, about what they exactly want and how they will do it.

SEARCH FOR INFORMATION:The information you have to search is everything about the companies you like, about the current status of your desired job or about any possible alternatives.You have to gather much information before making a decision. In addition, if you want to get a job, you have to master all public information about the company you apply to. The website of that company will help you a lot. If you know anyone working in that company, go and ask him for more information. Maybe he will help you with a lot of useful news and info. Having much information in hand doesnt only help you make a better choice but also helps you a great deal later, when you are interviewed. Employers may ask you some questions about their company and you will score more points if you have good knowledge about the history, development and current status of the company.

TAKE CARE OF YOUR APPLICATION:Your application packet is your application form, a letter of motivation, your CV and a letter of recommendation if possible.Choose the CV type which suits
you the best. If you have worked for another company before, you shouldnt describe much about what you did, but tell about your achievements and your good results.However,if you haven`t got
much working experience, you should write more about your skills and certifications as well as your extra activities and how eager and diligent you are in any activity.Be confident.You should show the employer that you believe that you are the right person for the position. Your motivation letter has to show that. If you dont believe in yourself, how can you gain the employers belief? However, self-confidence doesn`t mean arrogance.Be careful with your writing
and dont make people feel that you are boasting about yourself.

NEVER GIVE UP:There are many difficulties and obstacles in finding a job nowadays.People searching for jobs always outnumber jobs available.Nothing is easy, especially if its your first time.There is rarely anyone that can get his wished job right from the first time of application. Always keep trying and never be disheartened, your desired job will be there for you.

21 Ways to increase Self Motivation!!!

1. Consequences - Never use threats. They’ll turn people against you. But making people aware of the negative consequences of not getting results (for everyone involved) can have a big impact. This one is also big for self motivation. If you don’t get your act together, will you ever get what you want?

2. Pleasure - This is the old carrot on a stick technique. Providing pleasurable rewards creates eager and productive people.

3. Performance incentives - Appeal to people’s selfish nature. Give them the opportunity to earn more for themselves by earning more for you.

4. Detailed instructions - If you want a specific result, give specific instructions. People work better when they know exactly what’s expected.

5. Short and long term goals - Use both short and long term goals to guide the action process and create an overall philosophy.

6. Kindness - Get people on your side and they’ll want to help you. Piss them off and they’ll do everything they can to screw you over.

7. Deadlines - Many people are most productive right before a big deadline. They also have a hard time focusing until that deadline is looming overhead. Use this to your advantage by setting up a series of mini-deadlines building up to an end result.

8. Team Spirit - Create an environment of camaraderie. People work more effectively when they feel like part of team — they don’t want to let others down.

10. Recognize achievement - Make a point to recognize achievements one-on-one and also in group settings. People like to see that their work isn’t being ignored.

11. Personal stake - Think about the personal stake of others. What do they need? By understanding this you’ll be able to keep people happy and productive.

12. Concentrate on outcomes - No one likes to work with someone standing over their shoulder. Focus on outcomes — make it clear what you want and cut people loose to get it done on their own.

13. Trust and Respect - Give people the trust and respect they deserve and they’ll respond to requests much more favorably.

14. Create challenges - People are happy when they’re progressing towards a goal. Give them the opportunity to face new and difficult problems and they’ll be more enthusiastic.

15. Let people be creative - Don’t expect everyone to do things your way. Allowing people to be creative creates a more optimistic environment and can lead to awesome new ideas.

16. Constructive criticism - Often people don’t realize what they’re doing wrong. Let them know. Most people want to improve and will make an effort once they know how to do it.

17. Demand improvement - Don’t let people stagnate. Each time someone advances raise the bar a little higher (especially for yourself).

18. Make it fun - Work is most enjoyable when it doesn’t feel like work at all. Let people have fun and the positive environment will lead to better results.

19. Create opportunities - Give people the opportunity to advance. Let them know that hard work will pay off.

20. Communication - Keep the communication channels open. By being aware of potential problems you can fix them before a serious dispute arises.

21. Make it stimulating - Mix it up. Don’t ask people to do the same boring tasks all the time. A stimulating environment creates enthusiasm and the opportunity for “big picture” thinking.