People spend $300 more on socializing in the summer than other seasons

People spend $300 more on socializing in the summer than other seasonsPeople spend $300 more on socializing in the summer than other seasonsAs the temperatures rise during summer, cooking our meals becomes much less appealing. Sitting outside in a backyard restaurant sipping on drinks with friends seems like a just reward after being cooped up indoors all winter. But one drink becomes drinks and appetizers for the table and suddenly we are hit with a triple-digit bill.According to a new Capital One survey, this is a normal spending behavior, because we are more likely to spend money on dining out this summer than at any other time of the year.We spend more on socializing during summer than any other seasonThe survey of 1,000 Americans found that eating out for dinner is a guilty pleasure for us during the summer months. When summer comes, so do the invitations to get out of the house and socialize. And those happy-hour get-togethers add up. On average, U.S. adults spend $305 more on socializing during the summer months than any other season.Turns out, we like to spend our summer paychecks on dinners. Dining out was the top activity the majority of Americans - 80%- said they would be doing this summer.Theres another way to socialize that does not involve costly drinks and overpriced entrees. Fifty-four percent of Americans said they would prefer to host a dinner party for their friends than take out them all out for dinner on their dime. You can heed their fiscal advice. If you notice that you are overspending on drinks and eating, try hosting people over for a meal at your house. Your slim wallet will thank you.

The physical and emotional benefits of owning a pet

The physical and emotional benefits of owning a petThe physical and emotional benefits of owning a petRecent data on the topic of healthy aging published by researchers from The University of Michigan posits that owning pets provides several benefits to overall wellness.The authors explain, Pets can offer companionship and have a positive impact on a persons health and well-being.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreSource and methodsA poll of about 2,000 US citizens, ages 50 to 80, states the thesis more clearly.About 55% of the participants owned pets. Although dogs were the most popular pets by a significant margin, the researchers found no sizeable disparity in boosts to mental health in owners of other kinds of animals. However, it should be noted that nearly 80% of dog owners, in particular, cited their pet as the reason for their increased physical activity (68% of people that owned pets other than dogs seconded this notion).About 90% of pet owners said that their animals helped them feel appreciated and enjoy life more. Seventy-nine percent believed their pets provided reductions to stress.More abstractly, nearly 75% felt that their pets gifted them a sense of purpose by way of forcing them to adhere to a daily routine, though more than halfof the respondents said that having a furry friend around helped them mitigate physical and emotional ailments to some degree or another.According to the authors of the poll, Among those who lived alone and/or reported ritterlich or poor physical health, 72% said pets help them cope with physical or emotional symptoms. Two in five of those who live alone (43%) and 46% of those in fair or poor physical health reported that their pets help take their mind off the pain.The most consistent set back seemed to relate to restrictions on freedom. More than half of the participants included in the poll conceded that their pet has made leaving their house and traveling particularly difficult. A little less than 20% claimed their pet presented some financial setbacks and a very small margin of individuals (6%) said their animals had caused them to get seriously injured in some way.The poll concludes by highlighting the implications of the cons. More than one in four of participants of fair to poor medical health, lamented that their animals needs often take president over their own, so its important to predetermine if you have the faculties and fortitude to take on a pet.Factors like location, financial standing and health should certainly be taken into account, to avoid neglecting self-care.Even still, the implications certainly suggest more positive than negative.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

The Nine Most Useful College Degrees Today

The Nine Most Useful College Degrees TodayThe Nine Most Useful College Degrees TodayIn your college career youll have plenty of choices when it comes to the focus of your educational pursuits. From writing to psychology to mathematics, the degree fields are seemingly endless. While some major areas of focus can be a bitquirky (animal communication anyone), it turns out others are exceptionally rewarding when it comes to landing a steady job and a rewarding career. So, which degrees top the charts when it comes to versatility, monetary compensation and overall usefulness? Keep reading to find out.1. Degree in AccountingAs the old saying goes, the only things certain in life are death and taxes. In todays verrotten economic times, that saying could be expanded to include all things financial and investment related in nature. Enter the accountant. With a sophisticated knowledge of cash flow, financial books and various methods of tracking capital, accountants nowadays do much more than put a stamp on a yearly tax return. The profession has tons of job security and is well compensated by business owners and managers from companies both large and small.Accounting jobs2. The Marketing DegreeAs long as there is capitalism and polite society there will be a need for products for people to buy and consume. This inevitable cycle of use, combined with a health dose of competition as exists in a free market society, naturally leads to the need for quality promotion and marketing. With a marketing degree you will help design campaigns that establish trends and generate business, all while earning a decent paycheck.Marketing jobs3.Business AdministrationFor every company, corporation or establishment there is a need for support staff. As a business administrator, its your job to make sure the overall functions of a company run smoothly on a day in, say out basis. If you like having your fingers in all the pies or being the oil that greases the cogs of progress, business admi nistration may be good choice for a stable and lucrative job and degree field.Business administration jobs4. Degree in Computer EngineeringWhile your mom and dad may have thought they were a fad, the last several decades have proven that computers and high tech are here to stay. What better way to take advantage of an always expanding field then with a degree in computer engineering. Whether designing programs to help children learn or helping to build tomorrows latest gadget, a degree in computer engineering can open numerous doors. And the pay aint too shabby, either.Computer engineering jobs5. Degree in the Education FieldAn education degree is a bit of a misnomer as becoming a teacher typically requires a degree in an underlying field of study and then a separate teaching certificate. Some people who have further interest in how people learn do go on to attain their masters of education as well. From kindergartners to college students, teaching the next generation hot to grow, l earn and prosper is certainly a rewarding task. Its also a field that has plenty of job security.Education jobs6. Degree in Criminal JusticeDo you like the idea of protecting and serving your local community? Want to make a difference in the lives of those you interact with? Maybe you enjoy ensuring others safety and comfort. If so, a degree in criminal justice may be just the thing for you. Public police forces are just the tip fo the iceberg. Major corporations are increasingly employing their own qualified security force. Freelance companies are also popping up, providing security services to concerts, large gatherings, high profile individuals and more. A much needed and desired degree subject.Criminal justice jobs7. Earn a Computer Science DegreeGoing hand in hand with the computer engineers building the newest and greatest in tech, a computer science degree will have you ready to program and code, integrating modern systems and implementing software on a company or project wid e basis. Knowing the language of computers is certainly a valuable skill to have in todays modern world. Good thing that top positions pay well also. Computer science jobs8. Spread the News with a Degree in JournalismIn an increasingly connected world, its often the journalists who are on the front lines acting as a beacon of truth and illuminating facts and circumstances. From fighting injustice by exposing corruption to keeping people informed about the workings of their government, being a journalist is fulfilling and beneficial to society as a whole. A degree in journalism will also help teach you to express your thoughts or recount a situation in an efficient and professional way. Useful skills to have, whether in print or on air.Journalism jobs9.The Finance DegreeWhile the economic downturn may have put a temporary damper on the world of finance, the subsequent years have brought an increased fervor in capital raising, business expansion and opportunistic mergers or acquisitio ns. With a finance degree, you will have our fingers on the pulse of the nations monetary system. Help raise money to buy that complementary product line or company or help develop lending policies for mortgages or other consumer loans. As long as people need money to invest in assets, a finance degree will continue to be a hot commodity.Finance jobsThe Final Word on DegreesWhichever education route you take, remember that choosing a degree isnt always just about the money. Be sure you find personal contentment, along with lucrative financial potential. As the old saying goes, enjoy your jon and youll never work a day in your life.Meghan Ivarsson is a writer for Scholar Advisor, aneducation portalfor students.This Post was updated on July 18, 2017

8 Tips for Parents Going Back to Work After a Baby - The Muse

8 Tips for Parents Going Back to Work After a Baby - The Muse8 Tips for Parents Going Back to Work After a BabyGoing back to work after having a baby is a big career (and life) switch. It isnt exactly easy, balancing the needs of your child with likely way less sleep than youre used to, while trying to be the same employee you were before you left. And having a baby changes the way you think about and prioritize your day, and can potentially make you question what you thought you wanted out of your career. It certainly did for me. Navigating those first few weeks back takes patience, self-care, and boundary setting, both at home and in the office. As Im transitioning back to work for a second time (I recently took almost six months off in between leaving a long-term role and launching my own company), Im pulling from my first experience returning from maternity leave three years ago and the community of incredible moms Ive been blessed to be a part of for advice on making the transit ion out of parental leave as seamless as possible.1. Be Patient With YourselfThis is one of the best pieces of advice I got from my boss at the time. You dont have to be perfect your first day back, your first week back, or really ever. This goes for parenting and your body, in addition to transitioning back to work. The advice is actually pretty universal.Give yourself some breathing room to get back in the swing of things. Dont schedule big presentations or client meetings or say yes to big projects right off the bat if you can help it. If you cant avoid taking on something big, try to find ways to move other items off your plate so you can give that one project your main focus. Do put blocks of time on your calendar to go through email and catch up on projects, reports, or anything else you missed while you were on leave. Note You probably wont get through all your emails in one sitting, and thats OK. Try tackling the most important stuff first and get to the rest over the next f ew days. And schedule individual meetings or coffee dates with your team to hear what theyve been working on and in general how theyre doing (this will be a nice break from all the work-information overload). 2. Build Trust in Your ChildcareIf you have confidence that your little one is loved and cared for while youre bedrngnis there, youre going to be a better, more relaxed person at work. So start looking for childcare early and take the time to get to know your caregiver(s) before you go back to the office.If youre going the nanny route, try to have the person start one to two weeks before you go back, on a reduced schedule if possible. Play and interact with the baby together and run some errands where youre only gone a couple hours to get used to the idea of being away. And take your nanny to lunch- sans baby- to get to know them outside of their role.If youre doing a nanny share, schedule some family hangouts with both families before going back. And if youre using a daycare, ask to shadow or observe, take advantage of the tour, and ask any and all questions. Again, have the baby start earlier than needed, potentially on a reduced schedule, so both you and baby can get used to the new setting.3. Set Clear Boundaries With Your Team (and Yourself)I came back from my maternity leave to a reduced schedule, so I made sure to meet with my team to explain my hours and come up with new normals in our day, including how we could work together in a way that made sense and benefited everyone. The first few weeks I welches back, I also started checking in with my team every day an hour before my new end of work day to get us all used to the schedule. Even if you dont have a new routine, make sure your teams aware of when you are and arent available online.Its becoming more and more common for new parents to have flexible schedules in those first few weeks back to help ease the transition back to work. But in having more flexibility to work from home, I also had to n avigate how to work from home. I experienced, and have heard from quite a few of my fellow parents, that its tough to be in both parent and work mode at the same time, so even at home I set boundaries with myself to try not to be both at once. When I welches commuting, I always checked my email and handled anything that needed immediate attention before walking into my apartment so I could be fully tuned into my family when I stepped through the door. My phone and computer go in another room so Im not checking them in front of my child or trying to respond to a client while making dinner (and so words like fart dont end up in work emails- yes, I learned that from personal experience). If youre looking for more tips, heres advice for working from home as a parent.4. Advocate for Your Needs (and Your Childs)This advice, of course, transcends parenting and applies in all aspects of life, but its especially important after having a child. Its simple Ask for what you need and dont assume people know what it is. Youd be surprised how much people will give you if you simply ask for it.Do you need a meeting moved so you can make pickup time at daycare? Present an alternative solution in your ask, but ask nonetheless. Are you not as available for after-hour client events? Advocate for a colleague to take your place, or suggest other creative ways to get in front of clients that fit into your schedule. Who knows, there could be other working parents who will appreciate your ingenuity.5. Manage ExpectationsI dont have to tell you that when you have a baby to get home to, you figure out quickly whats actually important to get done- and that you need to set expectations in order to get those important items done on time.So when someone asks you to step in on a project, dont be afraid to ask When do you need this by? Is this a priority? How much time do you expect this to take? Then spell out exactly what you can and cant do for them, clearly and directly Id love to work on that, but since I have X to get done by the time I leave today and its not a huge priority, I wont be able to get that to you until the end of the week. Does that timing work for you?While you may not be able to please everyone, by being direct you cover your bases and show youre proactive and dedicated to doing your job well. 6. Schedule Time to PumpIf you need to pump breast milk at work, block off time on your calendar to do so, and add a 10-15 minute buffer to ensure you stick to your schedule. By slotting it into your day and really making it nonnegotiable (remember those boundaries we talked about earlier?), you can help keep it from being a point of stress. (And its not just about emotional distress Skipping a pumping session can become physically painful, and you can end up wearing the consequences down your shirt.)If possible, get a second pump to leave at work to minimize lugging the gear back and forth, and make sure you have a comfortable space to pump in your office. I f ones not apparent in your workplace, explicitly ask HR or an office manager about a lactation room. Federal law states that an employer must provide both break time and a place, other than a bathroom, that is shielded from view and free from intrusion from co-workers and the public for nursing employees. Specifics can differ from state to state and based on office size, which is why its important to first determine what your office has in place before advocating for what you need. 7. Find Your Support TeamWorking parent guilt is real, and it comes in all shapes and sizes- guilt for being away from the baby, guilt for not feeling guilty for not being with the baby, guilt for saying no to a colleague so you can leave early to get back to the babythe list goes on.When these thoughts start to creep in, repeat this to yourself You are enough.And, find your community (whether inside or outside the office). Talk to other parents who have been through it and create a safe space to talk ab out how youre feeling. A quick Google search of local parenting and mom groups will at the very least hook you up with Facebook groups where you can start connecting. (These groups can also be a good source for nanny shares.) Also, some hospitals put together parenting groups based on when your baby was born. Take advantage of Baby and Me classes in your neighborhood or town, too, from swimming lessons to local library reading sessions to group walks. I randomly ended up at a mommy and me yoga class, and after that class I went to lunch with three incredible women with babies the same age as mine. To this day (three years later) I still text with them weekly to talk about all things parenting, working, and babies. 8. Make Time for You- Just YouWhile it may seem impossible to carve more time out of your day outside of family and work, you cant be the parent or employee (or really insert anything here) you want to be if you dont take care of yourself. When I take time for myself, Im m ore present in every aspect of my life. Ive learned that a present moment (even a short one) is worth a million hurried moments. Heres how you can realistically make time for yourself during the weekActually put lunch on your calendar- and step away from your desk (or turn off your computer) to eat.Keep up with that once a week yoga (or Pilates, or barre, or whatever) class- youll be grateful you did.Wake up an hour before you actually need to (and an hour before the baby) so you can do something just for you. Its not for everyone (if youre not a morning person please sleep in), but for me this way I can take my time drinking my coffee and curl up reading a good book.Above all remember There are countless parents out there right now whove felt exactly how you feel and may still be trying to figure out how to do whats best for them and their families. Its a big deal going back to work after a baby, so hopefully it helps to know that youre not alone, everything youre feeling is valid, and its okay to be patient with yourself.

Effective icebreakers for networking

Effective icebreakers for networkingEffective icebreakers for networkingAsk any professional who has either climbed the corporate ladder or built their own, and theyll tell you theres no use in being lonely at the top. One of the most effective and impactful ways to excel in your career - regardless of industry, skill set, or function - is to create lasting bonds with like-minded individuals. This makes networking one of those necessary evils that should fall high on your list of career-building priorities.Even so, motivational speaker and workplace expert Amy Cooper Hakim, Ph.D., says many workers get anxious in these pressure-filled settings, regardless if the elbow-rubbing is done online or in part. This might be because theyre not handling the interactions in a way that stimulates and fosters a conversation.It can be incredibly uncomfortable to strike up a conversation when you are new to a group. At a networking function, we are meeting so many people that it is hard to keep t rack of whos who. Some hand out business cards and take business cards without making eye contact or conversing because they are more interested in giving a card to everyone than they are in making a true connection, she explains. Some people shy away from deeper dialogue for fear of being rejected or pushed to the side when someone more important surfaces.Ladders is now on SmartNewsDownload the SmartNews app and add the Ladders channel to read the latest career news and advice wherever you go.Here, a look at most compelling ways to widen your circle without, ahem, being awkwardBreaking the ice with a LinkedIn connection Do your researchThanks to clever email absatzwirtschaft deployments, LinkedIn makes it super simple to add everyone in your contacts to your network. While a click-of-a-button to bulk invite everyone you sort-of-kind-of-know might feel like a no-brainer, associate director of marketing communication at Captivate, Raquel Hudson begs to differ.Instead, your friend req uests should be targeted and specific, and based on thorough digging into a person or a company that youd genuinely like to connect with. Hudson says to research a recent industry-related article that shares insight into their line of expertise as part of your intro message. Be sure to include a question that encourages them to respond and hopefully start a dialogue. This may be the easiest ice-breaking environment because you have the option to draft and redraft before sending, she adds.With a friend-of-a-friend Dont bury the leadWhen one of your well-connected, ever-generous pals has just the perfect job opportunity for you and encourages you to email someone they know, you might struggle with what to write. Heres where Hudson says its important to skip the flowery, indulgent niceties and get to the point. You can either ask your friend to make the introduction directly or include his or her name in the subject of your email. This makes it much more likely theyll open your pitch.C areer expert Jennifer Hill also suggests creating a draft that will build a symbiotic relationship thats mutually beneficial for your new friend-of-a-friend connection. So, ask the person you already know to share some personal insight that will help you get your foot in the door. The most effective way to network is to find out what really matters to that person and then find a way to contribute or share with another person in a meaningful way. Once you have done so, you have set the foundation for a symbiotic relationship, she says.At a networking function Work your way out - and be boldYou have your nametag pinned perfectly, a glass of somethin something in hand, nothing in your teeth and youre ready to start mingling your way to a better job. But, uh, where do you begin? Hudson suggests taking micro steps outside of your personal comfort zone by introducing yourself to the person who is nearest to you. A simple Hi my name is what do you do? always works, she says. People love to talk about themselves, so this listen closely and youll likely have something in common or at least you can ask for more detail which keeps the conversation going.Before you even leave the schreibstube to head to the event space, Hill says to try out one of her go-to tools that requires little effort Wear something bright that sparks conversation. One of myfavorite things to wear to a networking event is my blue suede shoes. Both men and women will come up to me to discuss the shoes, she explains. This creates an immediate opening to naturally connect with someone without having to worry about what to say to open up the conversation.At a function on behalf of your boss Define the goalThanks to a last-minute deadline, a personal diversion or their waning interest, but its 5 p.m. and your manager wants you to take their place at a networking happy hour. Before you agree, ask a pointed question that gets to the goal of the evening. Are there certain people you should speak to? A com pany thats making waves in your industry? New business opportunities? Then, attend with a positive attitude.Do a quick LinkedIn search so you can put faces to names and approach the right people with confidence, Hudson says. You can approach other attendees with a joke like so did your boss make you come to this event too or are you the boss who is making everyone attend? In a new industry group Find the happy peopleSwitching industries requires frank perseverance and the ability to self-motivate with a whole new learning curve. But Hakim says meeting others in the field youre hoping to break into will help to give you stamina.That being said, if youre a former teacher walking into a room full of front-end developers, its normal to feel a tad out of your league. Thats why she says to find the happiest-looking folks and - wait for it - smile Make eye contact and introduce yourself. Share that this is your first event and that you are eager to meet new people. They will likely intro duce themselves and also ask you more about yourself, she adds.

Resume for High School Student Can Be Fun for Everyone

Resume for High School Student Can Be Fun for Everyone What You Should Do to Find Out About Resume for High School Student Before Youre Left Behind Resumes give potential employers a means to learn about applicants quickly and readily, and theyre your very first step toward new job opportunities. High School Resume templates are a fantastic resource for such students. The next section, Objective is where youll have a chance to display your communication abilities. The Academic Qualifications section is where it is possible to list any appropriate course work youve taken and your academic standing. Since you likely dont have a good deal of Work Experience, you can include your Achievements as a distinct section. High school may be challenging time in the life span of a student because he or shes predicted to bag a job after graduating. High School Students should have the ability to work independently, and also with other folks. Most high school students wont have lots of rele vant work experience. They tend to apply for a food services position. The Upside to Resume for High School Student The form to submit an application for a totally free kits is here. Padding out your resume will not just be a waste of precious space but it is also going to distract the employer from the fantastic pieces. Employers try to find staff that have a history of earning positive contributions. Just make certain it is wholly clean of whatever you wouldnt need a possible employer to see. Resume for High School Student Explained There are a number of reasons why doing a resume is a terrific idea. You just need to select the opportunity to thoroughly mine your experiences and find out how to present them to the employer. In the fest the colleges youre applying to permit you to submit a resume, dont miss the opportunity. You can and ought to include anything which you think is pertinent to you as a student. However tempting it may be to stretch the truth, lying on you r resume is always a poor idea. For part-time work, its important to keep a couple of things in mind. Occasionally it can be difficult to spot your own mistakes. You would like someone in order to check at it quickly and feel as they have a great grasp of who you are. Resume creators permit jobseekers to make and download their finished resumes right from the world wide web to get started applying immediately. It can be inviting to embellish your resume, and you will possibly get the job, but when all is said and done, it is going to come back to bite you once you cant deliver on your promises. A job may be an experience building stepping stone if you already know what sort of career youd like to make in future. Therefore, when you sit down to compose your first resume, attempt to consider your prior jobs in a new light. For first-time resumes, it should be rather simple to make sure that it remains at one page. While the functional resume format may be an attractive soluti on for job seekers with very little experience, most employers would rather have a chronological or hybrid resume format. You must be good at conveying responses, instructions and data verbally in addition to in written format. Whatever resume format you choose to use, be certain your format remains consistent throughout the document. The next section needs to be named in line with the position youre applying to. Strong headings to separate regions of your resume are also helpful. You might wind up with two pages if you include all the suggested additional details. You need to always make certain your resume is no mora than 1 page and feature a selection of information.

Recession-proof your career

Recession-proof your career Recession-proof your careerPosted October 13, 2011, by Helen Isbister Employers are starting to feel the vicious bite of the global financial crisis and many are cutting back on costs and staff. Dont panic, but do prepare yourself so youre not the first to go if your company decides to downsize. If you have a feeling your job could be on the chopping block, then get pro-active to either save it from redundancy or jump ship before the company goes under. You might not be able to recession-proof your specific job, but you can definitely recession-proof your career Be indispensable This is the time to shine more than ever before. While a year ago you might have been arriving early and putting your hand up for extra assignments in the hope of a pay rise and promotion, now its all in the personenname of keeping your fingers tightly clasped around your security pass. Make your work bigger and better, then indulge in a little self-promotion so your stunning resul ts dont escape the bosss attention. Dont be a business expense The bottom line is at the forefront of the bosss mind right now, so demonstrate that you are personally keeping profits as high as possible. Pinch pennies, cut costs and generate sources of revenue so that the boss will see you as a money saver rather than a business expense. Minimise the bells and whistles on your projects and go easy on cab charges so that they dont begin to think of you as an unnecessary cost just waiting to be cut. Its all about attitude Whingeing about extra hours, a less-than-impressive pay review and company stinginess will only fast-track your road to redundancy. The last thing the boss wants is a morale-killer lurking in the office and they might even think they are doing you a favour by giving you the boot. Remember that any stinginess might be out of necessity rather than cruelty, so you are just going to have to grin and bear it for the time being. Update your skills Keep building skills that add value to you as an employee. It doesnt take the latest technology to figure out that someone who is up-to-date and useful across different areas of the business wont be the first one shown the door. If your current job is not salvageable, no matter how many extra skills you have tallied up, then at least hunting for a new gig will become a whole lot easier with your bulked-up resume. Network Dont wait for the redundancy slip to make its way onto your desk before you start schmoozing, catching up with old colleagues and lunching with interesting new contacts. There is no point rallying your contacts in a time of crisis when you havent been there in the good times. Make a list of at least 10 business contacts and start locking in times to catch up. They might find you a brilliant new job sooner than expected, be able to help you out if things go bust at your current employer or, at the very least, be fun to have a drink with. Keep an eye out Keep your resume fresh, keep your eyes peeled for job ads and call back those headhunters. It pays to always be one step ahead of the game and, if you are going to have to start a job search, its good to be aware of whats out there. That said dont jump too soon. If you know a new job could be waiting in the wings, its definitely worth picking up a solid redundancy payout on the way out the door. Get a job where there is a skills shortage While some industries, including retail, manufacturing, finance and technology, are vulnerable during recessions, some industries survive (even thrive) in the downtimes. Resources industries are still in the grip of a skills shortage, which means not only will you be able to land yourself a job but a very decent salary to go along with it. Despite a slowdown in residential construction, builders, plumbers and other tradies are still in high demand on commercial projects. Health and education are resilient regardless of economic growth or decline. Australias ageing population means the n eed for careworkers and nurses is rising, and teachers are always in demand. ResourcesMy first resumeCover letter for my first jobCareer Insider StoriesShelley Lask - Body Positive Health & FitnessInterested in becoming a?Human Resources OfficerGeneral ManagerBusiness ManagerAccountantOffice AdministratorPopular Career Searchescareer objective examplespersuasive career change cover lettercareer advicecareer objective for accounting internshipcareer personality test CoursesBachelor of Social WorkEnquire Online Enquire OnlineCertificate III in Health AdministrationEnquire Online Enquire OnlineBachelor of Criminal JusticeEnquire Online Enquire OnlineCertificate III in Allied Health AssistanceEnquire Online Enquire OnlineHelen IsbisterRelated ArticlesBrowse moreJob hunting tips7 Questions a Job Recruiter Will Ask You Are you meeting up with a recruiter soon? If so, then preparing before you go to meet them is important. Consider what you would say to one of these 7 questions a job recru iter will ask you.HairdressingHospitalityChefs and hairdressers top Australias most wanted listChefs and hairdressers will top the list of most sought-after jobs as Australia emerges from the wake of the global financial crisis.Career changeCareer progressionHow Living Abroad Can Change Your Career PathThere are plenty of jet-setting jobs out there to choose from so if travel is your passion, why not make it your profession as well See what benefits living abroad can have on your professional and personal life.

Common Retail Interview Questions and Best Answers

Common Retail Interview Questions and Best AnswersCommon Retail Interview Questions and Best AnswersInterviewing for a job can be stressful, but it doesnt have to be. Carefulpreparationtakes much of the uncertainty out of the experience, and enayas that you present yurself in a confident, competent way. This is especially important when youre interviewing for a job in retail because youll need to show the hiring manager that you have theinterpersonal skillsto provide optimal service to your customers. Before the big day, make sure you have a few appropriate interview outfits to choose from and that you have done your homework. That meansresearching the companyyou are applying to and reviewing your responses to likely interview questions.These are some of the interview questions that you may get during a retail job interview. Typical Questions Asked in a Retail Job Interview 1. Do you work well with people? What They Want to KnowRetail work is often collaborative. Interviewers wan t to know if you will be able to get along with, and work smoothly with, your fellow employees. Some may also be watching for signs that an employee will be too social at work, so be thoughtful in your response. Go beyond yes in your response to this question- provide examples or talk about how your colleagues would describe you inorderto expand on your response. I work really smoothly with others. I think thats really important in retail, where its important for every person on the floor to seem like theyre parte of the same team. Expand2. What is good customer service? What They Want to KnowInterviewers are eager to find out if your definition of customer service matches the companys. Keep in mind For brick-and-mortar stores, providing a memorable, positive experience for customers is essential to success. To me, the heart of good customer service is accommodating customers. That means greeting them cheerfully and having the knowledge to answer their questions as well. I always gi ve customers a smile and greeting, and try to get to know store inventory,aswell.Thisensures that if a customer has a question about sizing or fit, Im ready with an answer. Expand3. What hours are you available? What They Want to KnowThis question is fairly straightforward Interviewers need to know which shifts youll be available to work. Be honest in your response, but also be aware that interviewers are likely to want to hire people with flexible schedules. If your availability is flexible, mention that in your answer. Since Im in college, Im not available during class hours. For me, thats Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, as well as early on Friday morning. Other than that, Im available to work any shift you have available - and Im eager for hours, so nights and weekends are fine with me. Expand4. Why do customers shop at this store? What They Want to KnowInterviewers want to assess your understanding of the companys brand and the shopping experience the company seeks to provide. This is your opportunity to show off any company research youve done - so, if youve visited the store and noticed something meaningful, share it in your response. Its all about the experience. For instance, at my local branch, theres always a candle burning. Other branches Ive been to have fresh flowers. And Ive noticed how the clerks give me a cheerful greeting and personalized recommendations. No one ever seems like theyre aggressively selling to me. From start to finish, I think customers enjoy the experience of stopping in at ABC Company - its like a treat. Expand5. A customer becomes irate with you, and demands to speak to your supervisor. How do you handle the situation? What They Want to Knowbedrngnis everything goes smoothly all the time. Interviewers want to assess how youd deal with a stressful situation. When I speak to customers, I always try to be empathetic, and truly understand and fix the issue. But sometimes, a problem isnt fixable or a customer is just in a trul y bad mood. If a customer asked to speak to my supervisor, Id agree, and also apologize for not being able to resolve the situation. Then, Id grab my supervisor as fast as possible, and explain the circumstances so my supervisor would be prepared to deal with the customer. Afterwards, Id probably ask my supervisor for feedback, in case theres anything I can do to avoid asimilar situation in the future. Expand6. Why are you applying to work here? What They Want to KnowYour answer to this question will reveal if you feel positively (and even passionately) about the company and its products, or just want any job. The best responses are specific, and focused on the company (not you). All my life Ive been a big reader. Thats a solo activity mostly, but I love to make recommendations to friends and family. Id love to work at ABC Bookstore to be able to help customers find books- whether its a specific title they cant find on the shelves or a just-right title for a celebratory occasion. Ex pand7. What would you do if your replacement doesnt show up? What They Want to KnowLeaving your spot is not the answer Interviewers are looking to see that you know maintaining coverage is more important than your personal plans. This question is also a way to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. My first step would be to reach out to my replacement, to get a sense of the situation. Id want to know if the person is a complete no-show, or just stuck in traffic. Then, Id find my supervisor and let her know about the situation, so we could figure out alternative options together. Expand8. If hired, how long do you plan on working here? What They Want to KnowThe hiring process and training new employees is time-consuming and expensive for employers. Interviewers want to get a sense of if youll be sticking around- or just taking the job for a few months. If you are planning on a very short-term stint, you do not need to mention it. If hired, Id like to work with ABC Company on a long -term basis. Im in school for the next four years, and eager for a consistent role and to be part of the team here. Expand9. The leistungspunkt card machine is broken. What do you say to the customers? What They Want to KnowTechnological and other hiccups happen when you work in retail. Interviewers are looking for a glimpse of your problem-solving and communication skills in your response to this question. The earlier people know the machines are down, the better. So first, Id make sure my manager was aware of the situation. Then, Id suggest putting up a sign to inform customersthat the machine is down, so they can run to the ATM before getting to the cash register. As customers paid, Id apologize for the inconvenience and thank them for their understanding. Expand10. What do you see as your greatest strength? What They Want to KnowInterviewers want to know if your strengths match the companys needs. In your response, emphasize relevant skills that will benefit the company. Having strong communication skills means that I can work well with other team members, and thatIam also very comfortable interacting with customers. I tend to think of myself as a real people-person, and I genuinely enjoy interacting with customers and helping them find the items theyre looking for. Expand More Common Questions About You Who was your best babo? Why? -Best AnswersWhere do you see your career in fiveyears? -Best AnswersWhat has been your greatest accomplishment? -Best AnswersDo you have reliable transportation? More Customer Focused Questions What is customer service? -Best AnswersYou are scheduled to leave at 6 pm. Your replacement worker doesnt show up. What would you do?A customer wants to pay for $15 worth of merchandise in quarters - do you accept it?A customer wants to return a package of food that is open and half gone. What will you do?A co-worker is rude to customers. What would you do?You discover one of your co-workers giving free merchandise to his friends . What would you do?If a customer leaves without paying for gas, what would you do? What is most important - a good product or friendly, fast service? Sample Math Questions When youre asked math questionsduring a retail job interview, the interviewer wants to know that you have basic math skills.Review these tipsto help you know how to confidently answer math questions during an interview. Then, practice your responses by reviewing this list of common math interview questions for retail employees. The customers purchase totals $13.93. She gives you a ten-dollar bill and a five-dollar bill. How much change do you give her?If one bottle of soda costs $0.99, how much do three bottles cost? How much do they cost with 5% tax added on?Each pot of coffee holds 6 cups. We usually sell 10 cups of coffee every 15 minutes. How many pots of coffee will you need to make during our two-hour rush?Potato chips are on sale at half price. They sell for $1.19. How much is 50% off?A customer buys $ 27 worth of gas. He gives you a $50 bill. How much change do you give him? 55 x 20 24 - 48 62 28 14 36 82.20 - 53.66 15 x 7% 8.50 x 4% 19 x 15% How to Answer Retail Job Interview Questions During a retail job interview, your interviewers goal will be to get a sense of your personality and work style. Thatll help reveal if youre a good fit for the company. Answerquestions about yourselfhonestly, but be mindful of creating the best possible impression. Youll also likely get questions around yourcustomer service abilities, since retail jobs involve being around many people each day. Look for ways to show in your responses that you will prioritize the customer and provide strong customer service (even if customers are demanding or difficult). How to Prepare for a Retail Job Interview Interviewers will be looking for candidates who would fit in on the floor of the company. If you can, spend some time in the store before your interview. Watching how employees interact with cust omers can provide helpful insight. As well, you should be knowledgeable about the products sold in the store, and have a sense of the companys brand. Visit the stores website and read the about me page, andlookat the companys social media accounts,aswell,to get a sense of the companys identity. This research, along with preparing your responses to common retail interview questions, will help you ace the interview. Questions to Ask the Interviewer One of the questions you may be asked during a job interview for a retail stelle is Do you have any questions for me? Remember that interviewing works both ways, and asking questions is an opportunity to be sure the job is a good fitforyou. Have alist of questionsready to ask that will clarify the job requirements, your schedule, the flexibility of the sttte, and anything else that would help you decide whether you would want the job if it were offered to you. How many hours per week do you expect that I would work?What are the typical shifts covered by this position?Are weekend/evening hours required?How flexible are the hours and the schedule?Do the hours vary weekly, or stay the same?What are your busiest times during the day?What is the busiest day here?Do you schedule people for primarily the same hours every week, or do they vary greatly?Are there extra hours available during the holidays?How far in advance is the schedule posted?How many sales associates are on the floor during a shift? Is there a supervisor on during all shifts?Who does your displays?What is your biggest selling item?Do you offer commission?Are the performance reviews done by the store manager, or does a regional manager come in?Does this company have a policy of promoting from within?How many full-time employees does this store employ?What kind of atmosphere among the employees is there at this store/shop/boutique?What kind of growth do you expect to see from this company over the next five years?Will I be part of a team, or be working pr imarily independently? Will I have the opportunity to interview with the supervisor of this position?Can you describe for me a typical day in this position?How would you describe your companys management style?Is there an opportunity for growth within the company?What do you like best about working here?What do you like least about working here?Would you change anything about this department?If Im offered this position, how soon would you like forme to start?How many applicants are you interviewing for this position? Is there a dress code? What would I need to wear to work?When should I expect to hear from you? This is a lot of questions Do not feel like you have to ask them all. Jot down the ones that are important to you. Only ask questions that have not already been addressed during the interview. How to Make the Best Impression To leave your interviewer with a good impression, start by dressing professionally. Here is advice onhow to select an interview outfit. When your int erviewer greets you, make sure tosmile and give a good handshake. Youll want to be upbeat and have high energy during your interview. Both of these characteristics are desirable in retail employees. Comeprepared to the interview. That means having basic knowledge about the company and its products, as well as practicing your responses to the interview questions above.

How to Get a Job at Audible

How to Get a Job at AudibleHow to Get a Job at Audible If youre looking for a sprawling office filled with desks, a hushed silence and feverishly typing coworkers, Audible is not the company for you. When candidates first walk into any of the Audible offices- whether in Newark, NJ, Cambridge, MA or Berlin, DE - theres undeniable energy. Its a warm, friendly and energetic atmosphere where people are working hard to build great products and having fun while doing it, says Aviv Wecler, Director of Tech Recruiting at Audible. And its got nothing to do with the company perks, instead, its built into the fiber of the people. At Audible, we seek out people who embody the behaviors associated with the Audible People Principles. Our People Principles celebrate who we are and where weve been and guide the way we work shoulder to shoulder to enhance the lives of our millions of customers. They reflect and apply to everyone who works at Audible- be customer obsessed, imagine and invent before they ask, draw inspiration from culture and technology, activate caring, and articulate the possible and move fast to make it real.Audible is the leading creator and anbieter of premium digital spoken audio content, offering customers a rich destination for insight and inspiration to enhance their daily lives. They are on a mission to unleash the power of the spoken word. To do that, theyre amassing a talented group of software development engineers, data scientists, UX pros, communications experts and more. However, applying for a role at Audible wont be like any other hiring process. Audible promises the white glove treatment.We know that there are many opportunities available for Tech professionals today, so we have made a specific effort to control that which we have control over and have received high praise from candidates because of the candidate experience we provide, says Wecler. We like to call it humanizing the experience. We spend time getting to kn ow a candidates interests and whats important to them. We provide a comprehensive walkthrough of what they are going to experience in the interviews and prepare them for each step of the way. Our interviews are not easy and we want to make sure that candidates are prepared for the process. Candidates have told us they feel the Recruiting team is a partner to them in their interview journey.Now that weve piqued your interest, here we lay out how to get a coveted job at Audible . Take notesYou may think its impossible to know whether a company is perfect for you until after youve snagged the job. But with a bit of research- and asking some important questions- you can determine whether a company is the right fit for you before you accept an offer.When it comes to Audible, theres so much you can learn from their Glassdoor profile and their careers hub . Do your research and see what about their culture and values ring true for you.I strongly believe that in order to be a suc cessful employee at Audible, we must demonstrate the behaviors associated with our People Principles , says Wecler. Whether youre developing new content, working on an impressive tech stack, or introducing Audible to people around the globe, youll be part of a diverse group of firestarters who motivate and inspire each other through the stories we bring to life.Our People Principles guide the way Audible employees work to enhance the lives of customers. It starts with a focus on the customer and making deliberate choices to positively impact them. And, while we are working hard to deliver on our goals we Activate Caring by creating an environment where people are respectful.Knowing that there are many opportunities for tech professionals, Audible goes the extra mile to interview thoroughly and thoughtfully. One Glassdoor review sums up the typical interview process nicelyThe interview consisted of one call with the recruiter with some background questions, then a technical phon e screening with a software developer from the company with some behavioral questions in the beginning followed by two coding questions on a live codeshare site. Then I was brought onsite with 5 rounds of interviews, around 45min-1hour each. - Software Developer Engineer Interview ReviewThe application and interview process differs from role to role, but some of the ways we get to know you include your online application, assessments, phone interviews and onsite interviews. Onsite interview candidates can expect a 360-degree view of the company.Candidates are paired up with a lunch buddy to take a break from the interviews and to get a feel for the environment outside of the interview rooms. Theyll get a tour of our Newark campus and may get a peek behind the scenes of the content creation process with a tour of Audible studios, Wecler reveals.As the Director of Tech Recruiting, Wecler shared that he tends to ask behavioral interview questions or questions that will allow the candi date to share real stories about their past. Getting to know the candidate is important for him and his recruiters, who use the STAR technique . I am looking for teammates who can help make us better at what we do improve the way we work, make the candidate experience stronger, bring creative ideas to recruitment. For example, tell me about a time you had an idea to fix something that was broken or improve a process and were able to execute and deliver on that idea.Headquartered in Newark, New Jersey, Audible has done a tremendous amount of work to both improve and give back to the city. Sure, its neighbor New York City has all the marquee flash, but Wecler says that Newark is a gem and worthy of candidates considering relocation.I didnt grow up in New Jersey but have grown to appreciate all that it has to offer. Newark, NJ is located in one of the most vibrant metro areas in the world. You should consider moving to this area if you want to be exposed to true diversity. We have a diversity of culture with a brilliant spectrum of ethnic and religious backgrounds.In Newark, Audible supports students in low-income, under-resourced communities by providing high-quality literacy programs in schools, comprehensive high school and college internships, a dedicated scholarship program, and large-scale community engagement programs. Candidates looking for purpose, have found a corporate partner.If you are looking to be a part of a comeback story something big and make a positive impact on society then you should join us in Newark, says Wecler. Audible is redefining what a modern technology company means and is making a positive impact in our community through a number of exciting efforts. If you are mission-driven person Audible in Newark is a great distributionspolitik to be.Since joining Audible in 2015, Wecler has been inspired by his colleagues who have made Audible a long-term career choice. After all, the company has been around since 1997 and has made techni cal innovation an unflinching priority. Audible has been around for over 20 years and has proven it can stay relevant in rapidly changing times which speaks to the culture of innovation. While Audible already has a very successful business, we all feel there is still tremendous opportunity to grow, he says.For current Audible employees, its also the real and tangible impact that they have on their customers lives that keeps them motivated. Wecler says, we get to hear directly from our listeners via phone calls, tweets, emails, home videos sharing stories about what Audible means to them and their families and these stories are very inspiring. Some people may come to us simply to help make their commute more enjoyable while others come to us to help with solving literacy challenges. The impact is meaningful.If youre looking for a company where you can invest five years or more and are looking to innovate, Audible may be right for you. We create innovative experiences and immersive st ories so that people can feel the power of voice anywhere, anytime, without disruptions, says Wecler. As a modern company at the center of media, technology and storytelling Audible must evolve and adapt with the changing times and employees are expected to adapt and grow too.Are you an employer? Check out our Talent Solutions Blog .Thanks for finding us We cover everything from career advice to the latest company headlines.Were always looking for experts, executives and trends to feature on the Glassdoor blog. Interested? Contact us. And if youre looking for the latest in employer solutions and advice, we recommend our Talent Solutions Blog . It only takes a second see whos viewing your profile and monitor your reputation.

Human Resources Associate Job Description

Human Resources Associate Job DescriptionHuman Resources Associate Job DescriptionHuman Resources Associate Job DescriptionThis menschengerecht resources associate sample job description can assist in your creating a job application that will attract job candidates who are qualified for the job. Feel free to revise this job description to meet your specific job duties and job requirements.Human Resources Associate Job ResponsibilitiesAccomplishes human resource objectives by obtaining, recording, forwarding, and explaining human resource information.Human Resources Associate Job DutiesProvides information by answering communications referring special communications to appropriate person.Obtains and orients temporary help by forwarding requirements and criteria to temporary services providing information and directions.Maintains human resources records by maintaining applications, rsums, and applicant logs.Verifies candidates background by contacting references.Enrolls new employees b y issuing forms and applications verifying completion.Helps employees by explaining benefit programs.Avoids legal challenges by complying with legal requirements.Maintains manager and employee confidence by keeping human resources information confidential.Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities reading technical publications.Accomplishes human resources and organization mission by completing related results as needed.Human Resources Associate Skills and QualificationsReporting Skills, Administrative Writing Skills, Research Skills, Verbal Communication, Orienting Employees, Classifying Employees, Employment Law, Organization, Confidentiality, Time Management, Analyzing InformationEmployers Post a job in minutes to reach candidates everywhere. Job Seekers Search Human Resources Associate Jobs and apply on now. Read more abouthow the hiring processImprove your einstellungsgesprchs with a Post-Game ReviewWhy Hire Veterans? Answer For the Job SkillsRed Flags and Warnings in the Interview Process