This Company Cares About Gender Intelligence Spotlight on adidas

This Company Cares About Gender Intelligence Spotlight on adidas When you think of adidas you probably think of sports, right? Women in tech, not so muchlet alone an entire initiative on Gender Intelligence. Time to meet Amy Wick, the newly implanted senior director of U.S. product operations at adidas, who welches sent to the companys headquarters in Germany recently for a unique new program on Gender Intelligence, or understanding the differences between men and women and how they make decisions, solve problems, and communicate. It was tzu siche that she learned about her current position in product operations via a circle of female mentors who encouraged her to throw her hat in the ring.The opportunities adidas have given me are tremendous and I am so thankful. The people, the legacy. I wont forget that they gave me this chance and I intend to pay it forward.Though Amy has been working for the company for 15 years, she began her whole new professional path on the product operation s team after serving at the intersection of geschftsleben solutions and IT for well over a decade. She even moved across the country from Massachusetts to Oregon to pursue this new experience. Although trepidatious about the change at first, the support of those at adidas around her proved to be the ultimate impetus.ITwasnt what I studied in college and I didnt want to be stale in my thinking or in my approach to my job. I left my team ready. The team was ready to step up. Everyone has their own journey. Its always worth trying something. In fact, this position Im in now - my current manager is also female, and the two people who held this role before me were also women. Strong female leaders who I aspire to be like.Along with her growing career, Amy discussed how her views on gender in the workplace have evolved. Education on gender is absolutely necessary in the workplace. We can be so biased without even knowing it, says Amy. The more we talk about it and acknowledge it is really important. Im glad adidas has recognized it and put a team in place. Hopefully in the future we wont even have to talk about it.As a kid, I didnt consider gender as an obstacle, Amy continues. I was raised to work hard, but that was a bit naive on my part. Whats important is to talk about gender and biases and to talk about masculine or feminine traits. The Gender Intelligence program is critical to adidas growth in the future. Its a sustainable way to keep us going.With all that adidas has given her and others, personally and professionally, Amy wouldnt dream of working anywhere else.I live in the moment, and this is exactly where I need to be right now. One of the biggest challenges in almost all industries today is achieving gender parity. Gender diversity provides huge benefits in the workplace. pWhile some industries have made significant advancements in gender diversity, some industries lag further behind... and the construction i ndustry is well-known for being in the latter category. If someone says, construction workers, youll likely picture a group of men in yellow hard hats analyzing an architects plans or laying bricks on top of a scaffold. And men at work signs only help to reinforce this image.pThis stereotype is rooted in reality. When was the last time you actually spotted a woman on a construction site? Or hired a female plumber or carpenter? Your answer is most likely never. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statisticsreports that only 3.4% of the total of 8.3 million construction employees are women.pBut the construction industry has a lot more to offer than steel-toed boots and hard hats, and it needs women to help advance the industry in this era of rapid change. Here are 5 reasons why women joining the workforce or looking to make a pivot should consider a career in construction.h21. Fuel Innovation/h2pNot only is diversity the socially and morally right thing to do, but it is also actually an exce llent business strategy. pResearch presented in the Harvard Business Reviewshows that diverse teams develop more innovative ideas. This is further supported by a study conducted by Gallupon the performance of gender-diverse teams versus single-gender teams, which found that the difference in backgrounds and perspectives led to better business performance and problem-solving. h22. Capitalize on Demand/h2pThe construction industry is currently experiencing a labor shortage. The industry itself is booming and projected to be one of the fastest-growing industries, with total spending projected to exceed $1.45 trillion in 2023/a. However, most construction companies are unable to meet the rising demand. pAccording to the Associated General Contractors of America/a, more than 80% of contractors are experiencing difficulties filling hourly craft positions that represent the bulk of the construction workforce.pAnd demand isnt limited to individual contributor roles. Given the industry boom, there are a number of open stable and high-paying roles (any project managers out there?) waiting for the right candidateh23. Leadership Opportunities/h2pAccording to the Bureau of Labor Statistics/a, women compose only 7.7% of the total 1 million managerial positions in construction.br/pBut given the highly collaborative nature of construction work, more women in leadership roles would help drive innovation and enhance productivity.Furthermore, as a woman in construction in a leadership position, youd have the unique opportunity to drive change for the industry and make it a more attractive option for other women.h24. High-Income Potential/h2pSalaries for many skilled positions in construction are on the rise, making a construction career a prime choice for women looking for a high-paying job,pThe 2018 Construction Craft Salary Surveyconducted by the National Center for Construction Education and Research revealed that salaries for many skilled craft areas are increasing. Project managers and project supervisors topped the list at $92,523 and $88,355, respectively. The next set of highest-paying jobs include those of combo welders ($71,067), instrumentation technicians ($70,080), pipe welders ($69,222), power line workers ($68,262) and industrial electricians ($67,269). Of the 32 categories of workers in the survey, 19 positions earned an average salary of $60,000 or higher.h25. Sense of accomplishment/h2p The construction industry can give employees a unique sense of achievement. Yes, the job is stressful and the work can be demanding, but nothing beats the feeling of being able to build something from the ground up. pHow many professionals in other industries can point at a school, a hospital, or a skyscraper and say I helped build that?pThe construction industry has a long way to go in combating gender bias and supporting women in the workforce, but given the current demand for workers, theres no better time to pick up a sledgehammer (figurative or litera l) and smash the gender stereotypes plaguing the construction industry.

Air Force Nurse Enlisted Commissioning Program

Air Force Nurse Enlisted Commissioning ProgramAir Force Nurse Enlisted Commissioning ProgramThe Air Force has a program for enlisted members who want to earn a bachelor of science degree in nursing and become a commissioned officer. The program is called the Nurse Enlisted Commissioning Program, or NECP. Those selected for the program attend college full-time at an accredited college while remaining on active duty. It is a different program than Direct Enlistment Commissioning program, which lets airmen who already have a nursing degree and have passed the licensure exam to commission into the Nurse Corps. Commissioning Program Selection boards for the program are conducted periodically. The first selection board was held at the Air Force Personnel Center at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, in 2007. Applicants are required to attend school year-round in a resident-based program for up to 24 consecutive calendar months, to include summer sessions. Its an intensive program, and an a pplicant must meet a few requirements to be considered. He or she has to be active duty at level E-4 (Senior Airman) or higher, a U.S. citizen and be commissioned by age 42. Also, the applicants physical and mental health must be such that he or she is worldwide qualified, meaning they could be treated at any medical facility anywhere in the world. The Air Force regularly updates its list of disqualifying conditions for this status, so make sure you verify that you are eligible. Educational Requirements Before being accepted into the program, candidates must complete 59 semester hours of college coursework from an accredited college or university. That coursework must include general psychology anatomy and physiology I and II including labs microbiology including labs chemistry I and II including labs nutrition and statistics. Except for the labs, College Level Examination Program (CLEP) coursework is acceptable in lieu of college coursework for all these requirements. NECP cand idates must also meet all prerequisites for an academic review and all the requirements for commissioning. Those selected will commission after passing the National Council Licensure Examination and then attend Commissioned Officer Training and the Nurse Transition Program. Students will be required to attend school year-round for up to 24 consecutive calendar months, to include summer sessions. Career Path for Air Force Nurses As with a civilian nurse, there are many areas of specialization open to nurses in the Air Force. In addition to the obvious needs for nurses who have training in critical care and trauma, Air Force nurses are needed in the operating room, the delivery room and on the battlefield. Nurse anesthetists, pediatric nurses and certified nurse midwives all have a role as well, even though these might not seem like obvious positions for nurses in the military. And nurses who specialize in mental health issues are increasingly important to the Air Force (and other branches of the military), especially in combat situations. And of course, the Air Force needs nurses trained for in-flight specialization. These nurses complete a flying class medical examination and learn about how altitude can affect therapies like anesthesia and other treatments.

Answer the 30 Most Common Job Interview Questions with 3 Stories

Answer the 30 Most Common Job Interview Questions with 3 StoriesAnswer the 30 Most Common Job Interview Questions with 3 StoriesWhen it comes to job interviewing, few topics are stressed in advice columns, how-tos and tips and tricks articles as much as the concept of preparation. Do yur research on your prospective employer. Practice your smile, handshake, speech cadence and more. This practical wisdom that practice makes perfect is perhaps at its fruchtwein apt when it comes to preparing for the all-important interview.The job interview is an employers opportunity to evaluate candidates on their practical skills. Sure, you say youre a people person on your resume, but can you keep up a polite conversation or perform under pressure when faced with a difficult customer service scenario? The in person interview is perhaps the greatest opportunity a candidate has to either impress or disappoint a hiring manager. Preparing for the event is essential for candidates serious about getting ahead in the career game. With that in mind, weve compiled a list of the 20 most common job interview questions along with advice on just what it takes to show up prepared with clear, concise and confident answers.For ease of digestion, weve broken the questions up among the three most common topic areas. Your Work HistoryTypical questionsTell me about yourself.Tell me about your work history.What career accomplishment are you most proud of?Whats the biggest mistake you have made in your career and what did you learn from it?Why do you have an employment gap?Why did you leave your previous job?Where do you landsee yourself in 5 years? 10 years?What other companies are you interviewing with?What are your salary requirements?What is your dream job?What motivates you?How do you define success?Questions regarding your work experience and prior job history will often be among the first things asked out of the gate by your prospective employer. Think of your job history as a career narra tive that paints a picture for hiring managers and interviewers. If youve developed a habit of staying in jobs for only a short period of time, most interviewers are going to ask how they can expect reliability or commitment from you in the new gig. If you have abrupt absences or unexplained work gaps, these may raise red flags absent some explanation for why you chose to remain unemployed.While our common questions provide a great starting point for interview prep, those applying for jobs should carefully review their resume for anything that may stand out when it comes to work experience. If you see any red flags, have an answer for who, what, where and why ready to go. When it comes to forward looking questions, savvy candidates should be prepared to answer a range of questions. From salary requirements to short and long term career goals, companies are generally looking for candidates to provide stability and value. Provide honest and forthright answers to these questions, but a lso take some time pre-interview to carefully assess your personal feelings regarding the position youre applying for. Doing so ahead of time will not only help you come interview day, it will also help set your sight on long term career moves. Your SkillsTypical questionsWhat experience do have doing X (a specific skill mentioned in job post)?What is your biggest weakness?What is your biggest strength?Tell me about a problem you had in a previous job and how you solved it.What issues do you see facing this position?When can you work? Can you work 40+hours a week?What hobbies, interests do you have?What was the belastung book you read?What is your favorite website?The next set of questions a prospective employer will inevitably ask revolves around skills that may make you qualified, or better yet, a perfect match for an open position. When asked about qualifications, its important to note that you should focus less on general statements about your prior jobs and more on personal or professional skills that made you especially suited for the role.For example if the position youre applying for asks for candidates with strong leadership capabilities, be sure to think about what you consider to be your strengths and weaknesses in the arena. Come up with one or two real world examples of how youve demonstrated strong leadership abilities in your prior experiences. This general approach will help build a solid foundation to answer a number of varied questions about your experience while still allowing you to come off as forthcoming and natural in your responses.If you have specific certifications that are pertinent to the position youre applying for, be sure to bring these up in the interview. Hiring managers will have reviewed numerous resumes prior to seeing you in person and its important to help set yourself out from the crowd. On a similar note, it can be extremely helpful to identify the common challenges you see in your field, as well as any solutions you may have identified to help overcome these hurdles. Throwing these out as topics of conversation will help hiring managers recognize that you have a nuanced understanding of the requirements of the position as well as experience and expertise to help their company in these areas. Our Company and Your Possible Fit HereTypical questionsWhy are you interested in a job at our company?How did you find out about our company?What can you tell me about our company?Why should we hire you?How will you contribute to our company and staff?If you started today, what would be the first thing that you did?What do you look for in a boss?What kind of work environment do you function best in?What is the biggest challenge facing our company, do you think?The last category of questions youll likely be asked on your interview has to deal with the specific company and role youre applying for. This group of queries often falls into the typical do your research space when it comes to interview prep. Interview ers will be curious about your interest in the given position, your motivation for applying this this specific role and how you heard about the opening in the first place. Before your interview, spend a great deal of time reviewing the job listing and thinking about the individual requirements and any between the lines goals for the job. Next, check out the companys website for recent news, insights into company culture or other useful tidbits that could provide information on what a day in the position may look like. Even if you dont memorize the specific questions that will come up on this topic, having this basic information in your arsenal will help you provide on the fly responses as well as demonstrate that youre interested in this individual position rather than just applying for any old open spot.If you want to earn big bonus points with the interviewer, think about how you might fit into the companys long term picture as well as any goals you might have for the position or the field in general. Talking about building a future with a company not only reassures your interviewer that youve got skin in the game, it can also help them picture you in the role which can help your job offer chances.While understanding the individual questions you might be asked is important, its important to know that each interview is unique and individual hiring managers will have their own approaches to selecting just the right candidate. Preparing for specific questions will be important, but thinking about them categorically will also help candidates prepare for the inevitable one off. Preparing for the unexpected may seem like an oxymoron, but its a key to career success and essential when it comes to getting ready for your next job job interview.

21 Companies Hiring Like Crazy in September

21 Companies Hiring Like Crazy in September 21 Companies Hiring Like Crazy in September   The Dos and Don’ts of Changing Roles Within Your Company Fall is the season of change: changing wardrobes, changing leaves, and even changing employers. As 2018 continues to see record numbers of job openings , September may be the time to finally find the career you love. Thinking of moving forward to new opportunities? These 21 companies need energetic, innovative employees ASAP  -   that includes you! Where Hiring: Memphis, TN; Short Hills, NJ; Anaheim, CA; Tampa, FL & more. What Roles: Hotel Accounting Analyst, Events Coordinator, Assistant Director of Revenue Management, Director of Food and Beverage, Security Supervisor & more. What Employees Say: “What I like best about working at Hilton is the ability to balance my work-life routine. I’m able to work remotely, but still know I’m surrounded by talented team members who care about me just as much as they do the work we do together. Wonderful benefits, plenty of PTO, a huge organization to grow and move around in - all great benefits of this reputable company.” â€" Current Employee Where Hiring: Greendale, WI; North Attleboro, MA; Canton, OH; Bel Air, MD & more. What Roles: Retail Sales Leader, Cashier, Operations Associate, Customer Service Specialist, Nike Brand Coordinator & more. What Employees Say: “Great environment to work, fun, nice coworkers and management. Good hours and reasonable wages. Employees are given responsibility and are not constantly shadowed by management. Professional and laid back.” â€" Former Employee Where Hiring: Brooklyn, NY; Elizabeth, NJ; Pittsburgh, PA; Denver, CO; Riverhead, NY & more. What Roles: Department Manager, Visual Merchandiser, Senior Corporate Recruiter, Expansion Financial Analyst, Sales Advisor & more. What Employees Say: “I love my job! It’s a fast paced environment with the proper tools to get everything done efficiently. Support is great from the district also!” â€" Current Employee Where Hiring: Tempe, AZ; New York, NY; Jersey City, NJ; Los Angeles, CA; San Francisco, CA; Arlington, TX & more. What Roles:  Senior Relationship Banker, Lead Workday Systems Analyst â€" VP, Cloud Infrastructure Operations & Engineering â€" VP, Category Management Liaison â€" VP, Commercial Credit Loan Documentation Administrator, Global Trust Services Head of Trust Operations and Operations Controls & Risk Management â€" Managing Director, Global Financial Crimes Business Analyst â€" AVP & more. What Employees Say: “Diversity, employee engagement, opportunity to advance your career, non-stop process improvement opportunities.” â€" Current Employee Where Hiring: Andover, MN; Greensboro, NC; Tualatin, OR; Fremont, CA & more. What Roles: IT Operations Analyst, Assembly Operator, Manufacturing Operations Supervisor, Senior Manager â€" IT Infrastructure, Supply Chain Manager & more. What Employees Say: “A leader in its industry, a very performance driven company with strong performance year over year. A very good place for technical people with business acumen.” â€" Current Employee Where Hiring: Everett, MA; Las Vegas, NV; Macau What Roles: Stock Clerk, Manager Division Training, Call Center Assistant Manager, Facilitator Learning and Development, HVAC Technician & more. What Employees Say: “It’s a great place to work. Wynn does a good job of finding quality people to work there, everyone is kind and respectful of one another.” â€" Current Employee Where Hiring: Boston, MA;  Raleigh, NC; Westford, MA; Brno, CZ ; London, UK; Pune, IN & more. What Roles:  Associate Consultant, Cloud Architect,  Software Engineer, Web Developer, Service Reliability Engineer, Quality Engineer, Software Test Engineer, Technical Account Manager, Solutions Specialist and more. What Employees Say: “I work with a lot of smart engineers with great ideas. The company genuinely cares about your happiness and career growth, and you feel like you are part of something.” â€" Current Employee Where Hiring: Saint Louis, MO; Madison, WI; Oklahoma City, OK; Centralia, IL & more. What Roles: HR Assistant, Clinical Laboratory Scientist, Family Medicine Physician, Health Information Clerk, Medical Technologist & more. What Employees Say: “Great work atmosphere, great teamwork between staff members, clear communication.” â€" Former Employee What Roles: Sales Development Representative, Customer Success Manager, Sales Engineer, Senior Engineering Manager, Account Executive, Product Designer, Senior Software Engineer & more. What Employees Say: “Lever definitely takes employee satisfaction/employee matters very seriously. They take care of us and want to make sure we are comfortable and feeling our best so we can do our best work. I also feel like Lever is the first company that has truly supported my growth and provided guidance to help me figure out where I want to take my career.” â€" Current Employee Where Hiring:  Dallas, TX; Las Vegas, NV; Charlotte, NC;  Irving, TX What Roles:  Funding Analyst, Senior IT Business Analyst, Dealer Sales Manager,  QA Engineer Lead, Remediation Maintenance Specialist & more. What Employees Say: “Exeter is growing quickly in the auto finance industry and the opportunities are endless. The executive team is is very capable and driven, paving the way for increased production and success collectively and individually. It’s a team effort and I always feel like I am a valuable member of the team.” â€" Current Employee Where Hiring: Chicago, IL; Miami, FL; Bedford, TX; Louisville, KY & more. What Roles: Project Manager, Provider Relations Representative, Associate Director â€" Business Development, Population Health Manager, Delivery Process Lead & more. What Employees Say: “Company is very concerned about employee engagement and employee satisfaction. There is a focus on work life balance that is greatly appreciated.” â€" Current Employee Where Hiring: Troy, MI; Kokomo, IN; Warren, OH; Auburn Hills, MI & more. What Roles: Product Engineer, Commercial Financial Analyst, Senior Account Manager, Wiring Systems Engineer, Scrum Master & more. What Employees Say: “Aptiv provides many opportunities for growth. It’s exciting to have managers that help to foster your career and truly lead by example.” â€" Current Employee Where Hiring: San Rafael, CA; Orlando, FL; Phoenix, AZ; Austin, TX & more. What Roles: Associate Consultant, Technical Test Lead, Technology Lead, Engagement Manager, Group Project Manager & more. What Employees Say: “Provides lots of opportunities, lots of onsite opportunities, technical assistance, training in niche technologies.” â€" Current Employee Where Hiring: San Francisco, CA; Oklahoma City, OK; Mount Laurel, NJ; Walnut Creek, CA & more. What Roles: Homeowner Large Loss Supervisor, Insurance Service Agent, Casualty Specialist, Claims Service Specialist, Physical Damage Appraiser & more. What Employees Say: “Work life balance is great. Lots of growth opportunity and support from peers and management. Great job, fast paced and you are welcome to be innovative. I’m happy!” â€" Current Employee Where Hiring: San Jose, CA; New York, NY What Roles: Territory Sales Manager, Solutions Architect, Vice President of Sales, Lead QA Engineer, Copywriter & more. What Employees Say: “Xcalar has high expectations from its employees but the flat management structure provides a lot of independence and freedom to make a large impact, so I think it’s worth it. I get to work with very talented coworkers on stimulating projects of my choosing and I couldn’t ask for anything more.” â€" Current Employee Where Hiring: Charleston, SC; Austin, TX; Emeryville, CA; Washington, DC & more. What Roles: Sales Account Executive, Software Engineer, IT Change Management Analyst, Vertical Solution Marketer, Senior Internal Auditor & more. What Employees Say: “The people who work here are wonderful, caring, dedicated to what they do and the services they provide, and are willing to help and be there for their coworkers. The company is well established and has a great foundation to excel into the future.” â€" Current Employee Where Hiring: Santa Clara, CA; Frederick, CO; Hartford, CT; Wilmington, DE & more. What Roles: Account Manager, Customer Service Representative, Clinical Administrative Assistant, Manufacturing Associate, Field Service Engineer & more. What Employees Say: “Agilent is a great company overall with a variety of interesting scientific projects and excellent work-life balance.” â€" Current Employee Where Hiring: Berkeley, CA; Lafayette, CA; Wellesley, MA; Austin, TX & more. What Roles: Tap Room Bartender, Catering Cook, Analytics Specialist, Cashier, Project Manager & more. What Employees Say: “Very professional coworkers. Everyone is very eager to help each other succeed, learn and grow. Plenty of support for interviewing and moving up with the company.” â€" Current Employee (Pro Tip: Whole Foods is having their annual hiring day on September 13!) Where Hiring: Oakland, CA; Rochester, NY; Washington, DC; Chicago, IL & more. What Roles: Pro Trainer, Associate Program Director, Development Manager, Marketing Intern, Program Coordinator & more. What Employees Say: “Working at Playworks is very rewarding. The kids you interact with every day will steal a piece of your heart. I loved the community engagement with this position.” â€" Former Employee Where Hiring: Baltimore, MD; Providence, RI; Arlington, VA; Dallas, TX & more. What Roles: Associate Director of Program, Senior Director of Philanthropy, Recruitment Specialist, Admissions Manager, Business Communications Instructor & more. What Employees Say: “The Los Angeles staff is incredibly caring, supportive and intentional with their ability to connect with students. They genuinely care about the mission of the organization and work together to build culture. The culture of Year Up is fast-paced and constantly changing, but the team in LA remains constant with their ability to remain cohesive and focus on students.” â€" Current Employee Where Hiring: American Fork, UT; Rialto, CA; Casa Grande, AZ; Rincon, GA & more. What Roles: District Manager, Shift Lead, Restaurant General Manager, HR Field Recruiter, Area Coach & more. What Employees Say: “Truly a great place to work. The culture is solid - the company seems truly invested in its people and the jobs they do.” â€" Current Employee

How to Make Eye Contact in a Business Setting

How to Make Eye Contact in a Business Setting How to Make Eye Contact in a Business Setting How and when to make eye contact depends entirely on the customs of where you are, who you are with, and the social setting. For example, some cultures consider making direct eye contact aggressive, rude, or a show of disrespect. Other cultures and some religious groups consider eye contact between men and women inappropriate and either as threatening or flirtatious. In many Asian cultures, avoiding eye contact with a member of the opposite sex or a superior is seen as a show of respect.? However, in the United States and most of Europe, making eye contact is not only seen as appropriate but is necessary for establishing yourself as a powerful business professional. Eye contact is a method of communication. A quick glance sends a different message than a cold stare, but both are forms of making eye contact. Depending on the culture, setting, and person, the message you think you are sending with nonverbal communication  may not be the one that is received. How to Effectively Communicate by Making the Right Eye Contact In business and social settings making the right eye contact never involves staring at someone or having a fixed gaze. To make eye contact, look directly into the other persons eyes for 4-5 seconds. Be sure to blink normally, and nod or shift your head from time to time during a conversation. Mimicking the facial expressions of the person talking (i.e., showing concern or smiling) also helps to support appropriate eye contact. A frozen stance and tense face seem more like staring than contact. Almost universally, looking into someone elses eyes for more than a few seconds before smiling or otherwise changing your facial expression. Blinking fast and frequently can be associated with feeling nervous or uncomfortable; be sure to gauge your blink rate and watch how the person you are looking at is responding. In the United States In the United States, making eye contact is interpreted as showing interest, paying attention, and a sign of self-confidence. Unless the situation itself is confrontational in nature, it is generally acceptable for children, adults, and people of both sexes to make eye contact with other people. In business, it is particularly important that you make eye contact when you are introduced to someone, and when they are speaking to you. You do not have to stare someone down, but frequently glancing away or refusing to make eye contact may be interpreted as weakness, disinterest, or as being disrespectful. In European Countries Most European eye contact customs are similar to those in the United States, especially in such countries as Spain, France, and Germany. In France, making eye contact with a stranger may be interpreted as showing interest. Not Easy for Some People It is, however, to be aware that some people have challenges that make it extremely difficult to make direct eye contact. It is important to apply general rules of etiquette and attempt to make direct eye contact with others, but it is equally important to be sensitive to others who make suffer from social anxiety disorders, Autism, or Asperger Syndrome. If someone seems unable or unwilling to meet your gaze, dont push it, offer a soft gaze rather than a stare, and never try to move someones head or position yourself so that they have to look at you if they do not want to. Most Asian, African, and Latin American Cultures Extended eye contact can be taken as an affront or a challenge of authority. Generally, only sporadic or brief eye contact is considered acceptable. It is particularly true in Asian cultures where people are from different professions or social levels. For example, in China and Japan, children show respect to elders by not making intense eye contact; employees would not make eye contact with employers; students would not force eye contact with teachers, etc. These cultures do not view avoiding looking someone in the eyes as rude or disinterested, or even as necessarily being submissive. Instead, avoiding eye contact is usually interpreted as being simply being polite or reverent. The rule of thumb in Asia, Africa, and Latin American cultures is to be careful about the eye contact you make with anyone that could be seen as a social (or workplace) superior. Staring at a superior will be seen as a challenge or as a sign of disrespect. Etiquette in Middle Eastern Cultures In general, Middle Eastern cultures, particularly among Muslims, do not see as direct eye contact between the sexes as being appropriate. Businesswomen traveling to the Middle East may draw attention simply for being different, and some men may try to make eye contact. However, be advised that making or holding eye contact can communicate the message that your interest is less than casual or curious. If you are doing business with another woman, intense eye contact  within  your gender is often used to stress the truthfulness of a point and is considered acceptable.

Dont Answer That Interview Question

Don't Answer That Interview Question Don't Answer That Interview Question Inappropriate interview questions and how to respond (diplomatically).He was in his early 50s, and he looked every bit of it.The questions on the job application went right to his age.After stewing over the form and discarding his first draft, he filled out a second copy. Then, he sat and waited for his interview. As he waited, an attractive, young woman entered the room for a job interview.She was called in before him. She wound up getting the job.He didn’t. He did, however, receive $50,000 after filing age-discrimination claims with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).The above encounter happened to a friend of Matt Rosen, who shared the story with Ladders but asked not to identify his friend.Rosen has seen employment discrimination from almost every angle. He has been a certified labor and employment attorney since 1981, has worked in human resources since 1995, and recently found himself looking for a new job. He’s been on both sides of the interview table and witnessed many inappropriate questions that can lead to discrimination.“Every place, it’s mind-boggling,” said Rosen, who recently began HR and legal work for Franklin Street Financial in Florida. “You are always asked for birth dates, for EEOC (-related information such as race and disability status)…. Places, in my viewpoint, just ask for too much.”The reason interviewers ask inappropriate questions varies. Sometimes they discriminate, as they did in the scenario above. Sometimes they need the information for internal statistics, he said.And then sometimes interviewers are simply trying to make conversation, according to Ellen B. Vance, senior consultant and advisory services practice leader for Titan Group, a Richmond, Va., human-resources consulting firm. “Many inexperienced hiring managers use questions about family as an icebreaker for interviews, not realizing that what seem to them as innocent inquiries about spouse, children, etc., are unlawful.”Most jo b seekers don’t want to sue over these practices. They just want to know how to deal with them diplomatically. Job seekers want to avoid appearing combative and thus jeopardizing their chances of being hired and want to avoid handing over information that can be used against them in discriminatory situations. Knowing what questions to shy away from is the starting point, and knowing how to skirt them is the next step.Answer the questions they should have askedVance typically advises job seekers to redirect inappropriate questions back to the interviewer. For example, if asked whether you have children, you can respond by saying, “It sounds like family is important to you - tell me about yours.”“By redirecting, the applicant is not placed in the situation of being perceived as adversarial,” Vance said. If an interviewer presses, she suggests that another response option is, “I am perplexed by your question because I cannot determine why my age/my marital status/my nation ality is critical to performing this job. Would you shed some light on why you are asking this question?”“If that doesn’t cause the interviewer to catch their mistake, then the applicant is left only with the option of saying, ‘I would prefer not to respond to that question,’” Vance said.Don’t answer these questionsHere are more questions that can and can’t be asked, according to HR professionals and the EEOC. In all circumstances, try to find out why an interviewer is asking a particular off-limits question, and then steer the conversation into addressing particular, relevant concerns, in the following ways:Nationality: It’s illegal to ask a job seeker about his nationality, his citizen status, his native language, or how long he’s lived here. If asked, instead explain that you’re legally able to work in the United States.Religion: It’s not permissible to ask what religion job seekers practice, what religious holidays they observe, or their religious affilia tions. If an interviewer probes these verboten areas, try to find out what the interviewer is concerned about and to address these concerns: working certain days of the week, for example, could be a legitimate concern. Age : Do not answer questions about age beyond stating that you are over the age of 18. Interviewers shouldn’t ask how close you are to retirement but can ask what your long-term career goals are.Marital and family status: While it’s permissible for interviewers to ask whether you have ever used another name in work or academic situations, it’s not permissible for them to ask questions about your maiden name or marital status. Don’t answer questions about whether you have children or what your child-bearing plans are, but do explain whether you’re available to work overtime or whether you can travel, particularly on short notice.Gender: If gender comes up, steer the conversation into what traits and abilities you can bring to the job.Health and physical abil ities: It’s inappropriate to ask job seekers if they smoke, drink or take drugs. Your height, weight, use of sick days, presence of disabilities or past operations/sicknesses are similarly off limits. Interviewers do have the right to ask if you’ve violated company policies regarding alcohol or tobacco, whether you use illegal drugs (as opposed to simply “drugs”), whether you’re able to lift a given weight or reach items on shelves that are at a particular height, how many workdays you missed in the past year, whether you’re physically capable of executing the position’s specific duties, and whether you can perform the job with or without reasonable accommodations.Residence: It is inappropriate to ask how far away a job seeker lives, but it’s permissible to ask if the candidate can start work at a given hour or if he is willing to relocate.Criminal record: It’s inappropriate to ask if a job seeker has ever been arrested, but it is permissible to ask if she has ever been convicted of a specific type of crime that relates to the job.Military service: It is illegal for an employer to discriminate against a member of the National Guard or Reserves, but it is legal to ask if the job seeker anticipates requiring extended time away from work.If worse comes to worstIf you feel that your employment rights have been violated, you may file a charge of discrimination with the EEOC. Here’s the EEOC’s information page on how to do so. The EEOC also provides an in-depth look at what constitutes discriminatory employment practice under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA).

How to Motivate Yourself When Your Job Search Isnt Going as Planned

How to Motivate Yourself When Your Job Search Isn’t Going as Planned How to Motivate Yourself When Your Job Search Isn’t Going as Planned There may be points throughout your job search where things dont go according the plan. Maybe its taking longer than expected; or perhaps you clam up during interviews and arent getting those second calls. Although it can be easy to get discouraged in these situations, it’s important to stay positive and motivate yourself so you don’t lose your momentum. Motivate yourself when your job search isn’t going according to plan with these tips: Break it down. A job search typically has just one goal- to get hired. Sure, it might be great if you make some new connections, or find a  career mentor along the way, but ultimately, you want to  land a job. Having such a big goal to achieve might be overwhelming, especially if days/weeks/months pass and you don’t get hired. So instead of thinking big picture, break down your job search into smaller, bite-sized segments to keep yourself motivated. For example, you might plan that tomorrow, you’ll try to redo your LinkedIn profile, and by the end of the week, you’ll have made a new connection. By making smaller goals, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment that can help sustain you until you get hired for a job. Create a vision board. Sometimes, it’s good to envision what you want your goal to be. Yes, you want a job that gives you flexibility, but what else? Maybe you’re hoping for a remote job so that you can spend more time with your kids, or focus on improving your health. Whatever your motivation is for finding a flexible job, create a vision board of those reasons- and keep it centrally located so you can look at it whenever you feel that your search isn’t going anywhere. By keeping your eye on the prize, you’ll subconsciously motivate yourself to move forward. Start preparing for your future job. If you’re searching for a telecommuting job, why wait until you’re actually hired to start preparing yourself for the position? Avoid the stress of getting everything in order by planning for your future job now. Set up your home office if you haven’t already, and make sure that your office equipment all works, so that when the time comes for you to work, you can! Perhaps  getting yourself into the mindset of an employee in a particular role will help you land job interview, and ultimately the job of your dreams! Take some classes. While it can feel like your job search is a full-time job in and of itself, you should take advantage of the flexibility you have right now by taking a class or two. To keep yourself motivated, look for a class that is in your desired field. Not only can it keep your knowledge current (which is important when you’re trying to impress a potential boss), but you can also improve your resume with any additional licenses, certifications, or accreditations that you get as a result of the class. Try getting some informational interviews. Although you want to get real job interviews that lead to real job offers, it can be a good idea to reach out and get some informational interviews, too. Informational interviews can offer a wealth of information to a job seeker (such as what the company’s culture is like), plus they’re a great way to get your foot in the door with a potential company. And if your interviewing skills are a little rusty, an informational interview can be good practice for when you have a real job interview. Keeping yourself motivated during a sluggish job search is important. Don’t lose your focus (or your hope) and you’ll likely find yourself with a great job opportunity before you know it. Start Browsing Jobs