Connect Your Way to Your Next Job

Connect Your Way to Your Next Job Connect Your Way to Your Next Job Connect Your Way to Your Next JobAdvertising Week in New York City was, once again, a fantastic meeting ground for hiring managers and job seekers. Every industry assembles together at least once a year, and these gatherings are prime spots to advance your search agenda. Events like IAB MIXX and the Relay Sports Sponsorship Symposium were loaded with some of the industry’s best bosses. Here are some tips on maximizing your networking ability to land your next position.Build a PlanIn my last column, I encouraged you to seek out your dream employers. As you continue to build your wish list of ideal places to work, research which conferences these companies attend. Occasionally, businesses’ websites list which events they’ll be attending, presenting at, and sponsoring. Identify key contacts for the job you’re interested in and have a plan that consistently puts you at the same place at the same time.Engage EarlyReview speaker lists and determine who you’d like to meet days pri or to the event. Send them an email and call to set up some time to connect. As you’ve probably noticed, high-level attendees are not always easy to pin down during these industry gatherings. To ensure you get an opportunity to meet them (without standing in line), do your homework and engage early.Get IntroducedOne of the most effective networking tactics is leveraging a mutual relationship. Look at your employer target list and determine who from your network might be able to make an introduction. If your rolodex is filled with people from the same industry, you should be able to forge some personal bridges. Ask those friends and colleagues to make email introductions. This approach will take your engagement to a much higher level.Follow UpAs you sort through collected business cards, you might only follow up with contacts that represent an immediate opportunity. Rather than forgetting about the other people you met, send them a note sharing your search objective and company tar gets. Those connections might prove to be an unexpected knowledge base or a helpful source for referrals. You should also study the attendee lists for people who could be a potential connector in your quest.Give BackReciprocate the help that others provide you with by offering them whatever information or contacts you can. Others tend to go out of their way for you even more once they’ve received help. Giving to your contacts first will actually result in a better-performing network.Get going today and research your industry’s annual gatherings. Big or small, these events can add momentum to your search instantly.

All About Working at eBay

All About Working at eBay All About Working at eBay eBay is a worldwide auction site that was founded by Pierre Omidyar on September 3, 1995, in San Jose, CA. It was originally called AuctionWeb and was part of a larger personal site. The very first item sold on the site by Omidyar was a broken laser pointer, to a collector of broken laser pointers. The name of the company was officially changed to eBay in September 1997. The company went public in 1998, making Omidyar and the first eBay president, Jeff Skoll, instant billionaires. The company has since purchased many other related companies, including PayPal, Skype and a percentage interest in Craigslist. eBay employs more than 30,000 employees worldwide, and are headquartered in San Jose, CA. Heres a look at everything you need to know about working for eBay. eBay Company Culture From the eBay website: Our business model is a little unusual. We dont build cars. Or computers. Or yo-yos. But we build something just as important. Communities. Weve created a place where people can come together. Exchange ideas. Share experiences. And expand their own businesses. It makes our users feel like theyre part of the family. And that feeling goes double for our employees. Thats whats so great about eBay- were literally changing the face of commerce every day. Do we have it down to a science? Of course not. Were learning as we go. Succeeding together and challenging each other to constantly refine and improve our way of working.Our people are the reason weve come this far. And the reason well succeed tomorrow. So as we grow (and we are), well try our darndest to retain the fun, community feeling that makes eBay so unique. In recent years the person-to-person economy has risen. Think of Airbnb and Uber. When you think about it, eBay was a forerunner to this trend that has taken hold since 2010.   Jobs at eBay There are many job openings at eBay worldwide. Some of the popular technical openings include the following: Software engineerWeb developersQA EngineerNetwork engineerSystem administratorsDatabase administrators eBay Compensation and Benefits eBay offers competitive compensation packages.   Medical, dental and vision insurance from the date of hireLife insurance, ADD, short-term and long-term disabilityFlexible spending accounts, Employee Assistance programBusiness travel accident insurancePTO starts at 16 days per year, with an additional day added for each year of service up to 20 days per yearHolidays: 10 holidays per year, plus one floating holiday of your choiceSabbatical: After five years of service with eBay, you are eligible for 4 weeks of time off with pay401k plan with participation eligibility on hire, 100% vesting in all contributions (including employer contributions) and a 100% company match up to $2,000 per year Employee stock purchase planEmployee referral program (up to $1,000)Charitable contribution and gift matching eBay also offers a lot of additional perks, including the following: Work/life balance toolkiteBay development workshopsTuition reimbursementAdoption assistance programErgonomic consultationsPet insuranceOnsite conveniences including complimentary beverages and snacks, ATM’s, onsite dry cleaning, massage, auto detailing, oil change, haircut, and dental cleaning â€" just to name a few Without a doubt, eBay is one of the hottest tech companies to work for.

How to Find a Substitute Teacher Job

How to Find a Substitute Teacher Job How to Find a Substitute Teacher Job Substitute teaching can be a terrific part-time, flexible job for parents, retirees, and others looking for employment during daytime school hours. It’s also a great way to return to a teaching career after a break to raise children, care for family members, or pursue other career interests. Working as a sub is a good option for many people because you dont need to accept any assignment that doesnt fit in with your schedule. If you have a child home sick, you dont need to take a call. If you have a vacation planned or have another part-time job, the hours can be tailored to fit your needs. Many districts don’t require a teaching certificate for substitute teachers or teachers’ aides. Typically, districts will ask for a four-year degree, although some may accept an associate degree or even a high school diploma for substitute teacher’s aide positions. Protocols vary by state and county, and even by the district in some areas. Find out your district’s requirements before you get started. How to Find a Substitute Teacher Jobs You can check with the main office in your school district, check the website, or look on your countys Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) website for prerequisites for the position and how to apply. Usually, you will find an application to fill out online and some other paperwork that you may need to submit. There may be an essay question on the application where you will have the opportunity to outline the qualities and experiences you possess that qualify you as a sub. What You’ll Need to Apply Professional references are important for every job â€" but they’re especially important when you’re applying for a substitute teaching job because you can be sure that the employer will call them. Obviously, your character, reliability, and skills are crucial for a job that involves working with children and young adults, so school districts are very likely to follow up. When choosing references, be sure to select people who can attest to the quality of your work, including your ability to manage a classroom and your relevant teaching skills. Your references should also be able to emphasize your professionalism, reliability, and flexibility. A current resume, focusing on your applicable strengths. If you have experience teaching a certain subject, highlight that. In general, a good teacher resume should emphasize your education, credentials, teaching experience, and accomplishments. Be sure to tailor your resume to this specific job (in other words, don’t send a resume that’s geared toward a full-time job, when you’re applying to be a sub). Create a customized resume for each job and have a trusted friend proofread your application materials before you submit. Testing and certification. Again, each state has its own requirements and some districts impose further conditions. For example, New York State requires substitute teachers to be certified or working toward certification â€" or limits them to working 40 days per school district per year. To become certified, prospective teachers much take New York State Teacher Certification Examinations (NYSTCE) â€" the Educating All Students test, the Content Specialty Test (for example, Gifted Education), and the edTPA (formerly the Teacher Performance Assessment).   Training requirements. Many school districts also have online or in-person training requirements, dealing with child abuse, bullying, hazardous materials, etc., to make sure that you are equipped to keep students safe. Some of these seminars may also have a fee associated with them.Background checks. Most districts will require fingerprinting and a background check which will cost a nominal fee. A background check may contain information on your work history, credit, criminal record, and so on. Getting on the Call List Once they have received all your materials, you will likely be contacted about any further seminars you are required to attend, and any additional requirements needed to complete your application. Once you have completed all the required training, and have been thoroughly investigated, your name will go on a call list. Even though its called a call list, you may be notified by text or email instead of by a phone call when there are subbing opportunities. Often, certified teachers will be called first, unless someone has a specific request. Make sure that all the teachers you know are aware once your name is added to the list because many districts allow them to request specific substitutes.

Volunteering though Working and Volunteering to Work

Volunteering though Working and Volunteering to Work Volunteering though Working and Volunteering to Work Sometimes people volunteer and dont even identify as doing so.   Perhaps coaching your childs baseball team or ushering at your favorite center for the arts have provided you with job skills worth mentioning to future employers.   Often volunteer work requires real leadership and initiative, and also develops real tangible skills that you wouldnt be exposed to through your regular job. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has published its findings about what volunteering means to contemporary American life.   The charts highlight the difference in volunteer work that occupy the different sexes as well as indicating that workers find time to volunteer outside of their career work.

Practical Tips for Growth in a Business Leadership Role

Practical Tips for Growth in a Business Leadership Role Practical Tips for Growth in a Business Leadership Role Leadership is  the timeless practice of guiding others in pursuit of a  goal, destination or desired outcome.  At the most fundamental level, a leader is someone who motivates, inspires and guides others toward pre-established goals. The Classic View of a Leader's Role in Business A leader was once  seen as someone who presided from on high, dispensing wisdom, reward and discipline.  The historic view of a  leader was  of someone in  command and control who took  a strong role in issuing directives and enforcing their execution while remaining at a distance from the daily work.   The Changing Role of Business Leader Over Time As  times have changed, so has the role of a leader. Todays leader is focused on identifying and developing talent while laboring to create a healthy environment that allows individuals to apply their talents and skills in pursuit of key objectives. Creating this effective work environment requires that the leader  focuses on instilling and reinforcing key values, on modeling proper behaviors, and on instilling a sense of accountability to  help teams and work groups succeed with their tasks. Todays leader is in the middle of the action, providing support and  ensuring proper direction instead  of leading his team  from on high. The Importance of Vision to Business Leadership Todays leaders understand the importance of developing and gaining support for team-wide  vision. The vision is an idealized state of the future or a future destination that provides context for organizational, departmental and individual goals and activities. The vision might focus on succeeding in certain markets, becoming visible as a leading firm in a market or customer segment, or striving to become the most innovate firm in the industry. Regardless of the actual vision, the leader must create and instill the idea of this destination in the minds of the firms or teams employees. A clear, strong vision serves as a rallying point for employees. It helps people and teams prioritize investments and improvements. It gives everyone in an organization something to strive for in their daily pursuits.   Strategy Is Essential to Role of Business Leader A strategy is a collection of actions organized in a plan to work toward a vision. Leaders are responsible  for  working with employees, customers, partners, suppliers, and stakeholders to define, implement and execute a strategy that helps the firm succeed in the marketplace. The strategy was addressed annually or bi-annually in days gone by. Today, working on strategy is a continuous process involving a wide array of people and focusing on experimentation and learning.   The Necessity of Motivation in Business Leadership Leaders motivate team members through goal establishment, coaching, feedback and by  providing ongoing developmental support. Although  money is a component of why everyone works, other intangible factors like  rewarding work and the presence of opportunities for professional development are powerful motivators, always  assuming that compensation is fair. Effective leaders are constantly on the lookout for ways to tap into the drive and passion of their employees.   Essential Skills and Tasks of Today's Leaders in Business A leaders core role is to guide a group from one destination to another safely. Leaders must: Engender trustProvide clarity for directionTake responsibility for their team members and their teams resultsGuide a continuous strategy refinement processCultivate and motivate high individual and team performanceSupport experimentation and learningDevelop talentGuide decision-makingTeachEstablish and ensure accountabilityDevelop and support core values  Communicate with transparency How to Improve in the Role of Business Leader Although some individuals are naturally strong communicators or strategic thinkers, leaders are mostly made and not born. Developing as a leader takes time and experience, and it usually involves making ample mistakes.  Libraries are filled with books about leading, but the only way to truly learn to lead is to engage in doing so. Training programs, books, and other materials can be  valuable supporting tools, but learning to lead is a full-contact activity. Actions you can take to gain experience and promote the development of your leadership skills include: Volunteer to head problem-solving teams in the workplaceSpend time serving as a project managerGet involved in volunteer leadership opportunities outside  the workplace, such as  local schools, not-for-profits or your religious institution  Ask your boss for opportunities to guide or lead initiatives in your department   As you gain experience in supporting and supervising the work of others, challenges will grow in complexity and ambiguity. One consultant describes leadership development as moving outward in a series of concentric circles, with the essential leadership activities at the center and the most challenging work of senior leadership and organizational strategy and development at the far outer rings. Continually seek challenges that move you beyond the known and comfortable areas into new and increasingly complex problems. Great leaders have a remarkable impact on the people they encounter.  Theyre  motivated to achieve big things, and they do it by guiding, challenging, and supporting others. The work is challenging and sometimes vexing, but its  remarkably rewarding.

Sample Resume for Equipment Operator Job Position

Sample Resume for Equipment Operator Job Position Sample Resume for Equipment Operator Job Position Create this Resume Daniel Fisher3385 Richland AvenueBacliff, TX 77518(444)-339-8883d.fisher@tmail.comObjectiveSkilled Equipment Operator looking for a job opportunity in a construction company where skills and experience can ensure safety within the construction sites and contribute abilities to make the company achieve better returnsSummary of QualificationsAble to read and understand simple and complex instructions and memosAble to apply common sense to carry out written, oral and diagram instructionsPhysically fit to carry and operate a variety of light to heavy equipmentFirst Aid training certificateSpecific vision abilities including distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and depth perceptionProfessional ExperienceEquipment Operator, January 2007- PresentClean Harbors, Waynoka, OK ResponsibilitiesOperated a wide variety of heavy-duty, self-propelled construction equipment for projects including building construction and roadway construction.Performed minor maintenanc e on equipment to ensure safe and efficient operation.Operated rock crushing and well-drilling equipment.Performed as blasters for construction projects.Submitted and logged reports on equipment performance and project status.Equipment Operator- Recreation, May 2004- December 2006Republic Services Inc., Orlando, FL ResponsibilitiesProvided maintenance support to the recreation department.Operated light and heavy equipment operations.Handled equipment operations and maintenance including lawn mowers and standard trimming equipment used to perform work.Operated hand tools and small equipment.Facilitated and promoted public positive image thru appropriate PR, marketing and advertising of services.EducationBachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering, 2004Yale UniversityAssociate Degree Mechanical Engineering, 2002Yale UniversityCustomize ResumeMore Sample Resumes:Energy Engineer Resume Energy Manager Resume English Teacher Resume Environmental Consultant Resume Environmental Specialist R esume Epidemiologist Resume Equipment Operator Resume Equity Research Analyst Resume

Second Interview Questions to Expect

Second Interview Questions to Expect Second Interview Questions to Expect Congratulations! You’ve been asked back for a second interview. At this point, you're being seriously considered for the position based on your success in the first interview. You were well-prepared for the initial meeting, but you should know what questions for a second interview to anticipate. What’s different about this interview? The second round can be much more involved. For one thing, you can expect new faces. Follow-up interviews give you the chance to meet different people than those you talked to before. Some businesses conduct a panel interview so a mix of senior executives, managers and potential coworkers can get to know you at the same time. To show you how to prepare for a second interview, we’ll give you sample second interview questions, ideas of how to answer them and other important considerations for this interview phase. Potential questions for a second interview First-round interview questions typically focus on the applicant’s skills and experience. Second interview questions are aimed at helping the interviewer or panel visualize you in the role. Here are 15 questions you might be asked, along with some savvy ways to respond to them: 1. Tell me again what interests you about this job and what skills and strengths you plan to bring to it. Note that the question is not, “What are your skills and strengths?” but “What skills and strengths can you bring to the job?” Answer in the context of contributions you can make to the company. 2. Do you have anything you want to revisit from your first interview? This is one where you’ll need to be prepared. A bad answer is, “Not really.” Before the job interview, make a list of things that occurred to you after your last conversation that you’d want to bring up. GET HELP FINDING A JOB 3. What is your greatest weakness? Yes, some managers still ask this question, even on the second interview. Be honest about an actual negative trait, but follow up immediately with how you’re working to overcome it. Some examples of acceptable weaknesses include impatience, discomfort with public speaking and wanting to do things your own way. 4. Can you tell me a little more about your current/most recent job? Note that the employer is asking for more than what you’ve described in your resume or during the initial interview. You should be able to give a short and precise summary of duties and responsibilities at your most recent position. Be careful not to sound negative about the job or your employer. 5. Describe a professional achievement you’re especially proud of. This request is not only evaluating your career priorities but also testing your ability to explain what you do in terms anyone can understand. Instead of using jargon and acronyms, explain the significance of your accomplishment in plain English. One idea is to highlight an anecdote that shows you can work with people in other departments or those outside of your field, a key characteristic of a good team player. 6. How did you change your current/most recent job? A convincing answer here shows adaptability and a willingness to take the bull by the horns, if necessary. Talking about times you chose to do a job differently from other people highlights your creativity and resourcefulness. 7. What was the most difficult decision you ever had to make on the job? This one tests your integrity and decision-making style. Make sure your answer fits the company culture. 8. Looking back, what could you have done to make a bad workplace relationship better? This interview question is attempting to find out whether you’re capable of rising above an unpleasant situation or learning from past mistakes, both highly desirable qualities. A bitter, critical answer may indicate someone who holds grudges or simply can’t get along with certain kinds of people. A reflective, positive answer will show that you try to minimize personality conflicts - and don’t use them as excuses for failing to move forward. The employer is surely looking for a candidate who tries to be tactful and diplomatic but nonetheless stands up for what’s right. 9. Do you prefer to work alone or with other people? The ideal answer here is “both.” People who say they like working with information are obviously a good choice for technical positions, but it may be a red flag if the interviewer perceives you don’t also enjoy communicating or lack collaboration skills - increasingly a function of even highly technical jobs. 10. What sorts of things do you think your current/past company could do to be more successful? This one is a great big-picture question. The interviewer is probing to find out whether you have a clear understanding of your current or past employer’s missions and goals and whether you’ve worked with those objectives in mind. 11. Can you describe a typical day at work in your last job? The interviewer  wants to see how your current (or most recent) routine compares with the requirements of the job in question. If what you did on a day-to-day basis in your last job is vastly different from what you’ll be expected to do with the new position, it could be a concern for the employer. 12. What sort of work environment do you prefer? Plain and simple, the interviewer wants to find out whether you’re going to be a good fit with the company as expressed in your own words. Weave your answer around your perception of the corporate style there - as long as it’s truly what you’re seeking. 13. Have you ever been in a work situation where you were asked to do something you felt was unethical? This is another case where you should give specifics, if possible. The interviewer knows no rational job candidate is going to say that sometimes it’s OK to be unethical. But how you approach answering and any anecdotes you share can increase the company’s comfort level with hiring you. 14. What would you consider an acceptable salary for this position? There are numerous ways this could be asked, depending on whether compensation has been discussed previously. Still, the last thing you want is to be caught off guard by a salary-related question. Find out what salary level your skills, experience and location can help you earn by consulting resources like the Robert Half Salary Guides. During negotiations, don’t forget other perks and benefits important to you, such as telecommuting options, flexible work hours and opportunities for professional development. 15. If you got the job, what would you do in your first year to establish yourself? Don’t be surprised to get targeted queries like this. Conduct in-depth company research to show you know your potential employer inside and out, and be clear about what you can do in this job to make a quick impact. How can you prepare for a second interview? Aside from practicing your answers to possible questions for a second interview, there are other things to contemplate and anticipate: Loose ends to tie up - Was there a question from the first interview that you didn’t answer completely? Or did the interviewer mention that they wanted to cover a topic but ran out of time? Remember those loose ends from the initial interview. Prepare for them so you can respond more fully during the second interview. Off-the-wall questions - Some employers enjoy asking tricky questions, such as, “If you were stranded on an island, what’s the one item you would want to have with you, and why?” to see how well you think on your feet. Plus, these questions test your problem-solving skills and reveal a bit of your personality. Stories to tell - Sell yourself with a few success stories of past accomplishments. Don’t just say that you’re good at what you do. Stand out by giving specific examples of how you helped solve a problem or describing your actions in dealing with a challenge that connects with your audience. Tour of the facility - If you didn’t get a tour during the first interview, your potential employer may show you around, introduce you to potential coworkers, and point out where your office may be. This is your chance to express as much interest as possible in different parts of the company’s operations. Discussion of the next steps - At the end of the second interview, the interviewer will likely tell you what happens next (possibly a third interview) and when you will hear from them. Or they could offer you the position on the spot. If they do, you don’t typically have to decide right then - unless you’re certain you want the job. Otherwise, let them know you want time to decide and when they will hear back from you. If they don’t mention next steps, be sure to ask when they will be in touch or if you should follow up. Questions you can ask the interviewer During your second interview, you’ll likely be free to ask more questions than you did during your first interview. That’s good, because you’ll probably think of more probing questions as you learn more about the company, employees and the job itself. As you prepare for the second interview, write down your queries as you think of them. Don’t bother with questions that have answers on the company’s website. Ask thoughtful, open-ended questions (and leave the detailed compensation questions for later). Here’s some food for thought to get you started. What do you like most about working here? What is your management style? How do you measure the responsibilities and performance of those you supervise? How would you describe your ideal employee? What’s the greatest challenge that will likely be faced in this job in the first year? What are your next steps in the hiring process? 4 final tips for success in a second interview Bring work samples, if you have them, in case there are people you didn’t share them with during your first interview. Review your resume (again) and keep your communication consistent with it. If you’re asked some of the same questions you answered the last time, give as thorough an answer as if it was the first time. Remember to send a thank-you note to each person you interview with.