Archive for August, 2010

Effective Interview Skills

Life is full of challenges. We meet many confront in our daily life. When we are at the stage of entering school/college/university we face many hard nut cracking challenges and learn many lessons of practical life through them. After acquiring graduation/post graduation students usually move towards their specialization or adopt a profession of their choices according to their own interest keeping in view the market demand.
Talents and Skills are the only tools which could lead an individual towards the door of success in this challenging time. To qualify for a professional degree or a job one should have strong past educational background along with integrated multi dimensional skills. Its of no use acquiring higher degree without building character confidence and expressive personality.
To meet the challenges of professional life one has to be familiar with many skills to grab the attention of an interviewer out of which Interview skills are the basic necessities to meet up the future challenges with success.
Either you are applying for a job or want to qualify an entrance examination for a professional degree; you should have to be prepared in advance for an interview. Its the only way you through which you can gain the trust of an interviewer. An interviewer always attempt to decide that why they should select you? What are the qualities which you have and other do not have? How can you benefit their organization?
If you can show your trust your confidence your commitment and appropriate skills then you could win a successful future.
Interview is a form of oral communication. Its one to one or one to group interaction where an applicant proves themselves as a unique person to be the part of an organization.
Remember that interview is always preplanned and structured. Its a formal presentation between an interviewer and an interviewee.
Only those pass it with flying colours who are original and show their interest with confidence and who present themselves appealing.
There are many types of interview like Information gathering interview appraisal interview exit interview hiring interview college/ university interview persuasive interview counseling interview and many more. In this article we are going to learn about
College/ university entrance and Hiring interview.
Hiring/Entrance Interview is one of the best known and the most widely experienced type of interview where an interviewer is taken by Human Resource Manager/ Educational Expertise.
To reduce your chances being rejected here are some basic professional skills which will lead you towards the path of success in your interview.

BEFORE INTERVIEW

First of all prepare your mind in advance that you are going to have an interview next morning. Relax yourself and do not get nervous tense or tired at any cost.

Before going for an interview preplanned few things:

1. Learn about the company organization or educational institution and do some research in advance.
2. Why should you perform an advance research?
3. Simply to develop good answers and to prove yourself unique.
4. What you have to Research?
5. You can gather information about organizational structure; type of their clients/ students; departments and its branches; past and present achievements etc.

Simply search yellow pages or ask your friend or family member/relative who are familiar about organization or you can collect information through newspapers and websites.

Prepare answers to typical questions. Practice your answer and never rote learn it.
Here are few of the sampling questions which you can practice in advance.
1. What do you feel about our organization?
2. What are your weaknesses?
3. Why do you want to become a part of our organization?
4. Tell me about your self and about your hobbies.
5. Who is your role model and why?

If you are lucky to know the name of a person who will interview you then memorizes his/her name properly.

Decide what to wear.

Remember to Dress simply but elegantly. Dress should be well ironed without crease. Wear comfortable shoes. remember to wear basic hosiery.You can even check what management wears and dress similarly without over kill.
Do not Dress casual or wear Athletic Shoes. Do not spray lots of cologne or wear lots of jewellery.
Do not wear wrinkled attire or flashing tie.

Prepare your file having your portfolio educational degree copies and extra copies of your resume.
Find proper address in advance that where are you going in the morning.
Last but not the least;get a good night sleep.

ON THE DAY OF INTERVIEW

Take a bath. Do not apply heavy makeup. Always carry a purse or a small handy briefcase with you.
Do carry your portfolio file. Dress effectively. Do not eat anything containing garlic or onion in your breakfast.Arrive 15 minutes earlier to show your prompt and seriousness.

DURING INTERVIEW
Start it off winner. Offer your hand and give a firm shake else greet them with your pleasant smile.
Take a permission to sit on a chair.
Show a positive confident attitude and introduce yourself.
Dont get tense. Be comfortable and face the interviewer effectively.
Listen to their questions effectively and answer it genuinely.
Answer every question with confidence. Have a proper eye contact towards your interviewer. Remember that the interviewer might be more than one so keep your eye contact with every individual interviewer to make them feel unique.
Whatever you want to answer speak clearly with a normal tempo voice. Do not shout.
Show your confidence level at every moment of an interview.
Show your certifications or achievements only when they ask you to show.
Always sit straight. It might help them to analyze your personality and your traits.
Use the medium of answer in which you feel comfortable. Remember to use good grammar and strong vocabulary with neutral accent.
Always clarify your answer. Do not say Yes or No.
Never complains about your past organization or employees.
While giving effective answers. Do not argue and always give respect to your interviewer. Always keep neutral thinking and try to mould your answer according to your interviewer personality.
Do not eat chewing gum while answering questions.
If they give you a chance to ask any query or question only ask relevant question.

TRADITIONAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
Few of the traditional interview questions which an organization might ask are

1. Tell me about yourself in two minutes.
2. Why do you feel that you will be successful in …?
3. Why did you decide to interview with our organization?
4. Are you willing to relocate?
5. Tell me about your scholastic record.
6. Tell me about your extracurricular activities and interests.
7. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
8. Why should we hire you?
9. Why did you choose to become a teacher nurse…?
10. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?
11. Why do you want to leave your current job?

AFTER INTERVIEW

With a pleasing smile say thanks and ask about the next step in the process. Follow up. Call them if you do not get a call within a given time frame and dont forget to write a thank you letter to an organization for taking out their precious time for your interview.

Few reasons for not getting a job.

Might be you lack oral communication skills or writing skills.
Your inappropriate attitude could also let you down in your interview.
Lack of knowledge about the working world.
Lack of confidence.
Inappropriate/fake degree.
Lack of experience.
Lack of motivation.

PRACTICE INTERVIEW SKILLS.
CHIN UP AND GEAR UP FOR YOUR NEXT INTERVIEW !

About the writer:nbsp;nbsp;Munir Moosa Sewani is one of the famous prominent and creative names in the field of Education. He is in this field since 8 years. He is a Teacher Educator and a Freelance Writer.He is the famous author of award winning ebook for children “The MORAL STORIES FOR CHILDREN” and has also written Biology and Pakistan Studies course book for Secondary Classes. He has written more than 30 articles on social health educational and cultural issues which are Internationally recognized and published in most of the famous world wide websites magazines and newspapers.
He is also a Social worker private tutor career counselor musician lyrics writer and have multi dimensional talents.
His future plan is to write dozens of informative books and articles and to work for education and media also in order to develop the sense of understanding many dimensions of life through his creativity.

7 Tips For Selecting Professional Speakers In Troubled Times

Seven Tips For Selecting Speakers in Troubled Economic Times

By Lori Turec SVP Business Development amp; Event Management FIVE STAR Speakers amp; Trainers http://www.fivestarspeakers.com/

With all the details that go into planning and executing a professional event booking keynote and breakout speakers can seem like just another headache … plus with budgets tighter than ever before is the motivational speaker http://www.fivestarspeakers.com/internationalspeakerstrainersbureau/nationalspeakersbureauglossary/motivationalspeakerdefined.htm worth the investment?

In the spirit of full disclosure let me say that I work for a speakers bureau so I am not an unbiased party. However the reason I came to work at a bureau was because I’ve been to so many events in my career where the keynote speaker http://www.fivestarspeakers.com/internationalspeakerstrainersbureau/nationalspeakersbureauglossary/keynotedefined.htm really helped make the entire event a much more memorable and valuable experience. So if you find the right person for your group the return on the investment can be measurable.

Here’s 7 tips for how to get the most out of your keynote speaker selection:

1. Listen to Your Audience BUT really HEAR them …
2. Trust Your Gut
3. Video Is Only Part of the Process
4. Have an Open Mind
5. Verify Verify Verify
6. Get More Value for Your Money
7. Reduce Risk

1. Listen to your audience but really hear them. If you ask your internal or external client what he/she is looking for they may answer in the moment. “We need a sports star … we want someone funny … we need to make people accountable … we need to reward our best performers and have fun”. Problem is that this is not enough information. You need to know more to make sure the match is right. Ask the why questions. Ask how the speaker’s words will make a difference to the bottom line … ask the ageold consultant question what will success look like for you a month after the event? You will be shocked at how few people will have thought about this expectation even though it is mission critical to longterm results.

2. Trust Your Gut. If you think you’ve found a good speaker but something seems little off listen to that inner voice. Too many leadership speakers say yes when they should say no. It is not that they are liars they are very eager to please and get the job. They really think that they can do it but depending on the request and the motivational speaker current workload and skill set they may be biting off more than they can chew. Your audience may not even realize that there was a disconnect but you will know. Trust your gut if you feel that you are not getting exactly what you were promised.

3. Video is great. But it is not everything. I’ve heard of professional speakers being deselected because the message was too consumer based simply because the video was to a consumer sales organization. I’ve seen great speakers not selected because of poor quality video. The truth is that video is a tool. But just as you don’t build a house using only a hammer don’t select a speaker based only on the video. Ask for references talk to people who have worked with the speaker before a bureau is helpful in this way because references are always going to be skewed positive but someone who is neutral may have different experiences to share.

4. Have an Open Mind. Just as you should Trust Your Gut it is also important to have an open mind. I often include a “wild card” selection on the web proposals that I prepare because even though people tell me that they only want X invariably they decide they really love Y. By keeping an open mind you may learn about more great options that will be a better fit. If not for this event then for another event.

5. Verify Verify Verify! What that means is be sure to think about everything that you want at your event and verify that the keynote speaker is willing and able to provide that service. For example when you book an athlete don’t assume that you can ask for autographs. Don’t assume that they speaker can stay for a meet and greet don’t assume they will get there hours before they speak or that you can video tape that speaker without permission. There are several standard things to consider and some special requests. Get what you need documented in the Agreement so there are no surprises later. Also don’t forget to make sure the speaker signs the Agreement! You’d be surprised how often this detail is missed.

6. Get More Value for Your Money Yes in troubled economic times you may be able to get a speaker to negotiate fee. BUT sometimes that leaves you with a speaker who is not eager or motivated to do his or her best work. Most speakers know that an organization is not likely to rebook the same person 5 to 10 times in a year. However a bureau does have that leverage with speakers and can use it on your behalf at no extra cost to you. Also work with your bureau partner to get more for the money ask for free or reduced prices on books ask to only see speakers who are in the same city as your venue to save on Travel and Expenses ask for a halfday and get consulting or a VIP meet and greet … whatever makes sense. Some speakers simply will not negotiate on fees. They take one best offer and either say yes or no. They don’t play a game. BUT they will add value and that is a win/win.

7. Reduce Risk OK this one is a shameless plug but given the state of the airline industry today it is getting to be a bigger and bigger issue. In the event that something happens and your motivational speaker cannot get to your event … if you book direct what are your options? You probably already have paid a deposit to your keynote speaker which will take time to get back and more importantly what are you going to do with that big 90 minute gap in the agenda? Reduce your risk by working with a trusted partner who has access to thousands of options and can help fill that slot with an approved speaker with very little notice sometimes less than 24 hours. You take out many types of insurance to make sure you are covered for your event emergencies. Consider this partner as a free insurance against the loss of a speaker!

Overall we still like meeting together. It is a human element. We are energized by each other’s ideas and by the fresh perspective we gain away from the daily routine. That’s a good thing for all of us. Technology is growing and will continue to change and enhance how we do business but hearing from those who can motivate inspire and teach us … reminds us all why we got into this business in the first place.

About the writer:nbsp;nbsp;

About the writer:nbsp;nbsp;Founded in 1988 FIVE STAR Motivational Speakers Bureau http://www.fivestarspeakers.com/ one of the most preferential authorities in speaker representation with the exceptional ability complement organizations events and programs. Our goal is to help our clients produce commanding meeting experiences and messages using our connection to over 18000 motivational business keynote speakers amp; trainers celebrity speakers athletes emcees entertainers and more. FIVE STAR Motivational Speakers has a reputation for personable and quality service proactive marketing and the perfect fit placements.

For over 20 years and more than 17000 events our mission has been the same to make your needs more important than ours. Without any obligation to book a small group of professional speakers skys the limit in finding the perfect motivational business leadership speaker or entertainer to match your group location and budget. We are one of the only speaker bureaus still offering live motivational leadership and keynote speaker and entertainer showcases http://www.fivestarspeakers.com/speakerstrainersspecialevents/livespeakersshowcases.aspx instead of only relying on video. We do this because our customers tell us they love seeing speakers live.

Colors Of Economy

as published on Sparxoo

Weight lifters can lift more in a blue room; dangerous criminals are more subdued in pink prison cells; red makes our heart beat faster.

Before we even understand lines and object definition we see color. Whether were aware of it or not color has a profound affect on our emotions. Thats why weve created a color listto get entrepreneurs thinking about what colors mean and how they affect consumers.

The color of 2009? Pantone Inc. says orange we say no. We vote blue and gray. While Pantone predicts consumers will be drawn to the optimism and enthusiasm of orange we think consumers will go the other way. Why will blue and gray be the colors of 2009?

Black: Always the New Classic

Emotional Value
Fear Depression Anger

Spin
Black is a multidimensional color that can mean classic or new.
It has an ominous characteristic symbolizing death. Particularly Western cultures use black for funerals.
It has an air of intelligence graduation robes marked with rebellion the bad guy shrouded in mystery space.
Blacks evil symbolism compliments the good in the world. Whatever the social economic political environment black will always be a popular color in all industries.

Key Words
Classic New Death Intelligence Rebellion Mystery

Blue: The Color of Recession/Progression

Emotional Value
Peace Calm Security

Spin

The best color to wear to an interview is blue. Blue is nonthreatening yet confident stable and loyal. No wonder its the color for the “power suit.”
Many police uniforms are blue because the color says confident security while being nonthreatening.
As we aim to maximize our every minute blue will become a more popular color because it enhances productivity. Weightlifters have proven to lift heavier weights in blue rooms.
Security is very important today. As we face difficult times knowing that itll be OK is crucial.
With the good theres the bad. Blue can also signify depression. “Youve got the blues” is a nod to this attribute.
It is also the color of corporate and technology. As corporate entities recede into the background technology will take center stagekeeping blue in the forefront.

Key Words
Confident Loyal Stability Security Productive Depression Technology

Brown: Simple Comfort

Emotional Value
Comfort

Spin
Chocolate what a perfect indulgence. Its small sweet and delicious. Though its the bane of many dieters it still has a seductive yet comforting quality that makes us even for a minute feel like everything is OK.
Its also the color of dirt giving it an earthy environmental quality popularly coupled with green. Companies seeking to align their company with ecofriendly causes could benefit from brown.
For businesses that are going Back to Basics brown is the color of choice. Its nature qualities give it a simple outdoorsy feel.

Key Words
Comfort Earthy Eco Simplicity Nature

Green: Business Renewal

Emotional Value
Envy Jealousy Calm

Spin
Green will continue its rise in ecoconscious businesses. Green says nature as well as initiative or goparticularly for western cultures i.e. traffic lights.
Its also the color of spring a time of rebirth and renewal. For companies providing a pampered escape green is a color that will signify rejuvenation and energy for your brand.
Spring implies youth and adolescents. Though green will continue to be the color of ecofriendly businesses its uses in other industries will declineas other connotations of the color are for personal gratification and envy.

Key Words
Eco Nature Go/Initiative Rebirth Renewal Escape Youth Envy

Orange: Optimism in a Time of Pessimism

Emotional Value
Enthusiasm

Spin
Americas attitude is orange. Orange is energy enthusiasm getitdone and balance. Though these are flattering attributes the tradition of enthusiasm has been dampened by the current economic condition.
Orange though very inspirational is not going to be favored in general. The somber national tone desperately wants orange but is struggling to stay optimistic.

Key Words
Optimism Enthusiasm Balance

Pink: The Innocent Tranquilizer Dart

Emotional Value
Tranquilizing

Spin
Pink a sister of red but could not be more different than if they were complimentary.
Pink is a tranquilizing color. Often times prisons will paint the cells of their most dangerous residents the color pink.
Pink symbolizes innocence and childlike flirtatiousness.
Pink not even highlights of the color will not be a popular pick for many businesses. Of course it will continue to win the favor of preteen and baby companies but areas outside this demographic might find it difficult to sell pink.

Key Words
Innocence Flirtatiousness Calming

Purple: HighClass

Emotional Value
Courageous

Spin
Thailand considers purple to be the color of mourning. Not so in western cultures. Quite the opposite in fact. Purple is the color of royalty and wisdom. The Purple Heart a high military honor for those wounded or killed in enemy combat with America embodies both purple attributes.
Purple will continue to play its part in the upper echelons of society while being a footnote in many brand colors.

Key Words
Wisdom Royalty

Red: Accent of Bold

Emotional Value
Love Infatuation Danger Intensifier of Emotions Strength Aggression Sexuality

Spin
Its said red makes the heart beat faster. No wonder sports cars are typically red.
Red strikes a chord with more cultures than many other colors because its intense passionate and invokes an inherent physiological response.
Red is the color of celebration and good luck China purity and integrity India mourning S. Africa or communism Russia.
Red when used with a wide brush typically makes whatever its painted on look largerwhether its your torso or a wingback chair.
It is so bold and audacious; it usually dilutes the colors around it. Thats why its used to accent and highlight objects of importance.
Red is a color that will never leave the color palette. Its an integral part of human emotion. No matter what the economy outlook might be red will always be accented in the landscape.

Key Words
Aggression Celebration Purity Mourning Communism Bold

Silver/Grey: Reliably Boring Yet Essential

Emotional Value
Boredom Security

Spin
Grey somewhere between white good and black evil is a blas color.
Grey says security and reliabilitytwo important features businesses will need to adopt in the future.
However grey is very gloomy. Though nothing says depressing and blah like a cold cloudy grey day the color can be a brand assetas is very relevant in todays economic climate.

Key Words
Reliability Security

White: The “Color” Behind the Color

Emotional Value
Humility

Spin
White is the color or lack thereof that represents purity neutrality sterility and youth.
Often associated with white is cleanliness or sterility. Doctors wear white to convey these attributes of white also white is easier to bleach.
White is also associated with neutralityhence a white flag for surrender. White is a neutral color that will continue to be the preferred backdrop on websites and the “color” behind the color.

Key Words
Purity Neutrality Sterility Youth Neutrality

Yellow: BiteSize Happiness

Emotional Value
Joy Optimism Happiness Idealism Anger

Spin
Yellow echoes the duality nature of red. Though yellow evokes feelings of happiness when we are confronted with too much yellow we become annoyed or angered.
Fun interesting companies will capitalize on the jocular characteristics of yellow in product and brand development.

Key Words
Aggression Happiness

About the writer:  Sparxoo is a business blog that inspires breakthrough by tomorrows leaders. We are a strategy consulting firm with a pulse on marketing branding and development. See our talented team of experts and our parent company dCap Advisors.