Imagine meeting a stranger at a party. What makes for a successful encounter? Lesson one is to heed the wisdom of a shampoo commercial from the 1980s: you never get a second chance to make a first impression. Lesson two is to remember that you do not need to wear a beret or a fur stole in order to stand out. Lesson three is not to forget that what you leave out matters as much as what you say.
These same principles, it turns out, apply to writing a cv. A résumé is not a list of every job you ever had. It is not your autobiography. It is, like that hair-care advert, a marketing tool. Your audience is made up of recruiters and hiring managers. Like cocktail-party guests, they do not take a long time to decide if they want to keep talking. According to one study, such professionals spend an average of 7.4 seconds skimming a job application.
Read more on https://www.economist.com/business/2024/05/30/how-to-write-the-perfect-cv
Read the heart breaking news of the loss of three young sisters left in the care of a babysitter in Texas in the United States of America. They were missing and later found dead in a neighbor's pond. https://www.nairaland.com/7257370/3-sisters-went-missing-found
I have always been an advocate for mothers of minors to stay at home and take proper care of their young children until they become teenagers before getting another job outside the house. Babysitters, nannies or housemaids cannot replace mothers. If you cannot take care of your children, please don't have them. Motherhood is a full time job No work is more important than the precious lives of your children. If you lose your job, you can always get another job.But if you lose your child or children, you can never replace them again.
Two weeks ago whilst about to cross a busy road with speeding vehicles on four lanes, I was standing by the roadside in front of the Zebra Crossing on the mainland of Lagos in Nigeria, a young girl returning from primary school was afraid to cross the Herbert Macaulay Road. The nearest footbridge was far away from the Alagomeji Bus Stop. There were three traffic wardens at the junction and one of them should have helped the unaccompanied little girl to cross the road, but they ignored her. "Do you want to cross the road?" I asked her. "Yes," she replied nodding her head. I took her right hand and waited patiently, looking right and left until no vehicle or motorcycle was near the junction and we crossed the road safely. "Your father or mother should have accompanied you to go to school and return home," I said to her. "They went to work," she replied. She asked me if I was going in the direction of her street in the neighborhood. "No. I am staying nearby," I replied. "You should take a bus or tricycle to the bus stop of your street," I said. "I don't have any transport fare," she said. I gave her enough transport fare and waited until she boarded the right bus going to her street. I will not even recognize her if I ever see her again. This was not the first time I have done so.
Dear Parents, do your duty for the safety of your children.
- Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima, Author of "Children of Heaven", "Diary of the Memory Keeper" and other books distributed by Amazon, Barnes and Noble and other booksellers worldwide.
NEW REPORT: 43% of Students Feel Unprepared to Use Technology in College and Work Life
PR Newswire
QUINCY, Mass., July 14, 2011
Research states technology can support student-centered learning if part of larger, integrated plan
QUINCY, Mass., July 14, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In an effort to prepare all of New England's learners with the skills and knowledge they need for full participation in postsecondary education, work and life, the Nellie Mae Education Foundation (NMEF) promotes the integration of student-centered learning at the high school level across New England.
As part of this work, NMEF has released a new report, Integrating Technology with Student-Centered Learning. The report was prepared by Education Development Center, Inc. (EDC) for NMEF's Research and Development Initiative and examines current literature in order to better understand how technology might be used to personalize learning for students. The report examines the integration of computer- and web-based tools, applications, and games, as well as video and technology associated with mechanical and electrical engineering.
According to the report, which was prepared by EDC's Babette Moeller and Tim Reitzes , 43 percent of high school students feel unprepared to use technology as they look ahead to college and work; only 8 percent of teachers fully integrate technology in the classroom; and many teachers lack confidence in their own technology-related skills.
"Teachers and students often utilize technology and social networking in their everyday lives," said Beth M. Miller, Ph.D., Director of Research and Evaluation for NMEF. "However, in the past, technology has not always improved achievement. As this report makes clear, we are truly at a crossroads in the potential for technology to enhance student-centered teaching and learning."
The report points to evidence that technology has the potential to help expand education beyond traditional boundaries and support key practices of student-centered learning.
According to the report, technology holds the potential to:
* Help diagnose and address individual needs. Technology can help establish a clear baseline from which teachers can then serve as coaches and advisors, steering students to the right mix of resources and projects that meet specific academic requirements. * Equip students with skills essential for work and life in a 21st century global society. Technology can enhance the knowledge and skills valued by employers and not typically measured in achievement tests, including: problem solving; creativity; collaboration; data management and communication. * Provide an active experience for students. Technology can equip students to independently organize their learning process. At the same time, technology transfers some responsibility for learning to students. Through online learning and digital games, students have the ability to direct their own progress.
The report provides portraits of student-centered models where technology has been successfully integrated, such as High Tech High, a network of K-12 charter schools in the San Diego area that utilize technology to document and assess student learning through digital portfolios; and Quest to Learn, a New York public school that uses a video game-based curriculum.
The report also mentions that technology can:
* Provide an invaluable way to deliver more student- centered/personalized learning in a cost-effective way. * Enhance academic achievement, civic engagement, acquisition of leadership skills, and personal/social development.
"Our review of the research found evidence that technology alone will not enhance learning nor will it change traditional learning environments into more relevant, innovative ones," said EDC's Babette Moeller, co-author of the report. "But we did find that technology can be used effectively to personalize the learning experience when it is part of a larger student-centered learning plan and when teachers are involved in helping them make the most of it."
The report also points out that there has been relatively little research studying the effects of similar technology across different subgroups. The authors point out that such research would be necessary before specific technology could be recommended to close academic achievement gaps between populations.
Download Integr a ting Technology with Student-Centered Learning .
About the Nellie Mae Education Foundation The Nellie Mae Education Foundation is the largest charitable organization in New England that focuses exclusively on education. The Foundation supports the promotion and integration of student-centered approaches to learning at the middle and high school levels across New England. To elevate student-centered approaches, the Foundation utilizes a three-part strategy that focuses on: developing and enhancing models of practice; reshaping education policies; and increasing public understanding and demand for high quality educational experiences. The Foundation's new initiative areas are: District Level Systems Change; State Level Systems Change; Research and Development; and Public Understanding. Since 1998, the Foundation has distributed over $123 million in grants. For more information, visit www.nmefdn.org.
About Education Development Center, Inc. Education Development Center, Inc. (EDC), is a global nonprofit organization that addresses some of the world's most urgent challenges in education, health, and economic development. EDC manages 350 projects in 35 countries. Visit www.edc.org.
Contact: Nick Lorenzen Nellie Mae Education Foundation 781-348-4239, nlorenzen@nmefdn.org
Don't Let This Happen to You: Robert Half Reveals Real-Life Examples of Interviews Gone Awry; Launches New Video Series
Brett Good,Sr. District President at Robert Half International, Inc.
MENLO PARK, CA (July 14, 2011) /PRNewswire/ — There are many ways to stand out in a job interview, but bringing an exotic bird instead of a briefcase to the meeting probably isn’t the best option. Robert Half, the world’s first and largest specialized staffing firm, frequently conducts surveys of hiring managers and workers, asking them to recount the biggest interview blunders they’ve witnessed or heard of. The following examples represent the most memorable mistakes collected from these polls over the years:
* “A job applicant came in for an interview with a cockatoo on his shoulder.” * “The candidate sent his sister to interview in his place.” * “One candidate sang all of her responses to interview questions.” * “When asked by the hiring manager if he had any questions for him, the candidate replied by telling a knock-knock joke.” * “One candidate handcuffed himself to the desk during the interview.”
The surveys were developed by Robert Half and conducted by an independent research firm. They include responses from senior executives, human resources managers, and employed professionals in the United States and Canada who were interviewed over the years, starting in 2002.
Although these blunders are extreme, even small mistakes during the job interview can cause professionals to miss out on opportunities. To help applicants put their best foot forward, Robert Half recently launched a series of light-hearted videos depicting interviews that have gone awry. The videos, along with tips for avoiding common blunders, can be found at www.roberthalf.com/dont-let-this-happen-to-you.
“For most job candidates, an interview mistake is subtle -- for example, they may appear unenthusiastic or too nervous to let their personalities shine through,” explained Brett Good, a senior district president for Robert Half. “Job seekers should remember hiring managers aren’t just assessing their qualifications but also looking for signs of outstanding people skills and good judgment.”
People skills -- or lack thereof -- got the following job seekers into trouble:
* “When asked by the hiring manager why she was leaving her current job, the applicant said, ‘My manager is a jerk. All managers are jerks.’” * “I interviewed someone who had a jawbreaker in her mouth during the entire interview.”
Putting the cart before the horse by issuing demands about salary, benefits or perks is an unwise move. These applicants should have focused on the employer’s needs:
* “One individual said we had nice benefits, which was good because he was going to need to take a lot of leave in the next year.” * “The applicant told me he really was not interested in the position, but he liked that we allowed for a lot of time off.”
Hiring managers appreciate authenticity, but common sense should prevail. These job hopefuls were a bit too candid:
* “An individual applied for a customer service job, and when asked what he might not like about the job, he said, ‘dealing with people.’” * “One prospect told me all of the reasons he shouldn’t be hired.” * “The candidate said she would really prefer a job offer from our competitor.”
If nothing else, employers expect interviewees to dress professionally. While the right attire alone won’t seal the deal, the wrong outfit can sink your chances. Here are a few examples of what not to wear:
* “An applicant wore the uniform from his former employer.” * “The candidate arrived in a cat suit.” * “A person came to the interview in pajamas with slippers.”
Finally, exhibiting dishonesty is the ultimate interview error:
* “After being complimented on his choice of college and the GPA he achieved, the candidate replied, ‘I’m glad that got your attention. I didn’t really go there.’”
Robert Half offers advice on avoiding four common interview mistakes:
1. Going on and on and on -- While you certainly don’t want to give a series of one-word responses, be careful not to ramble. Be thorough, yet succinct. Don’t over-answer or attempt to fill dead air between questions. 2. Poor ‘posturing’ -- It’s not just what you say but how you say it. Slouching, constantly shifting in your chair, crossing your arms or wearing a tense expression can signal nervousness or disinterest. 3. Ranting and raving -- It’s important to be tactful and diplomatic. Criticizing former employers only makes you look bad. Even a mildly sarcastic quip can raise red flags. When in doubt, take the high road. 4. Throwing in the towel -- Don’t act dejected if you feel the interview is going poorly. If you fumble a response, maintain your composure and move on. Showing that you can swiftly recover after a setback might actually work in your favor.
About Robert Half International
Founded in 1948, Robert Half is the world’s first and largest specialized staffing firm, with more than 350 offices worldwide. The company’s professional staffing divisions include Accountemps®, Robert Half® Finance & Accounting and Robert Half® Management Resources, for temporary, full-time and senior-level project professionals, respectively, in the fields of accounting and finance; OfficeTeam®, for highly skilled office and administrative support professionals; Robert Half® Technology, for project and full-time technology professionals; Robert Half® Legal, for project and full-time staffing of lawyers, paralegals and legal support personnel; and The Creative Group®, for interactive, design and marketing professionals. For more information about the specialized staffing and recruitment divisions of Robert Half, visit roberthalf.com and follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/roberthalf.
National media contact: Julie Sims 650-234-6104 julie.sims@rhi.com
The world's leader in online search and major stakeholder in online solutions and other gadgets Google makes Top 10 of the best places to work in the world according FORTUNE.
Fat paychecks, sweet perks, fun colleagues, and over 150,000 jobs ready to be filled -- these employers offer dream workplaces. Meet this year's top 100, network with the winners on LinkedIn, and more. More
More Than Four-in-Ten Workers Over the Age of 35 Currently Work for a Younger Boss, Finds New CareerBuilder Survey
CHICAGO, Feb. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- As generations continue to mix in the workplace, many older workers are reporting to younger bosses. A new CareerBuilder survey finds that 43 percent of workers ages 35 and older said they currently work for someone younger than them. Breaking down age groups, more than half (53 percent) of workers ages 45 and up said they have a boss younger than them, followed by 69 percent of workers ages 55 and up. This survey was conducted from November 5 and November 23, 2009, among more than 5,200 workers.
Occasionally, the younger boss, older worker situation can create challenges. Sixteen percent of workers ages 25-34 said they find it difficult to take direction from a boss younger than them, while 13 percent of workers ages 35-44 said the same. Only 7 percent of workers ages 45-54 and 5 percent of workers ages 55 and up indicated they had difficulty taking direction from a younger boss.
Workers reported that there are a variety of reasons why working for someone younger than them can be a challenge, including:
-- They act like they know more than me when they don't -- They act like they're entitled and didn't earn their position -- They micromanage -- They play favorites with younger workers -- They don't give me enough direction
"As companies emerge from this recession, it is important for employees to work together and move the business forward, regardless of their age," said Rosemary Haefner, vice president of human resources at CareerBuilder. "With so many different age groups present, challenges can arise. Younger and older workers both need to recognize the value that each group brings to the table. By looking past their differences and focusing on their strengths, workers of any age can mutually benefit from those around them, creating a more cohesive workplace."
PrimeCB.com, CareerBuilder's job site for mature workers, offers the following tips for bridging generational differences at work:
-- Understand others' point of view: Different generations tend to have differing opinions on a variety of topics, from management style to pop culture. Put yourself in others' shoes to better understand where they're coming from. -- Adapt your communication: Younger workers tend to favor communicating frequently using technology, such as e-mail and instant messenger. Older workers may prefer more face-to-face contact. Both parties should take this and other communication differences into consideration when interacting. -- Keep an open mind: Try not to make assumptions about those who are of a different age group than you. All workers have different skill sets and strengths, so see what you can learn from others rather than making judgments based on their age.
CareerBuilder is the global leader in human capital solutions, helping companies target and attract their most important asset - their people. Its online career site, CareerBuilder.com®, is the largest in the United States with more than 23 million unique visitors, 1 million jobs and 32 million resumes. CareerBuilder works with the world's top employers, providing resources for everything from employment branding and data analysis. More than 9,000 websites, including 140 newspapers and broadband portals such as MSN and AOL, feature CareerBuilder's proprietary job search technology on their career sites. Owned by Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE:GCI) , Tribune Company, The McClatchy Company (NYSE:MNI) and Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:MSFT) , CareerBuilder and its subsidiaries operate in the United States, Europe, Canada and Asia. For more information, visit www.careerbuilder.com.
Media Contact: CareerBuilder Allison Nawoj 773-527-2437 allison.nawoj@careerbuilder.com http://www.twitter.com/CareerBuilderPR
Source: CareerBuilder
CONTACT: Allison Nawoj of CareerBuilder, +1-773-527-2437, allison.nawoj@careerbuilder.com
Highly skilled spouses want to work during assignments abroad
Global survey sharpens focus on partner employment needs
THE HAGUE, The Netherlands, November 30 /PRNewswire/ — A lack of spouse employment opportunities adversely affects global mobility of highly skilled international staff.
This is the key finding of a survey of 3300 expatriate partners of highly skilled staff on foreign postings with 200 companies, embassies and international organisations.
Permits Foundation, which conducted the survey among partners of 120 nationalities in as many host countries, says that granting work permits for partners can create a "triple win" for employers, families and host countries.
Almost 60 per cent of partners said that they would be unlikely to relocate in future to a country where it is difficult to get a work permit. By contrast, countries that enable partners to work were attractive destinations for 96% of respondents.
Permits Foundation advocates improvement of work permit regulations for partners of expatriate employees worldwide. It wants legally resident partners to have an open permission to work during an assignment. The foundation has set up employer networks in India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia and Russia to progress discussions in these countries.
"This new evidence sends an important signal to governments that want to attract top international talent", says Gill Gordon, Director of Executive Compensation for Schlumberger. "Partners are also highly educated, with diverse professional backgrounds. If permitted to work, they too contribute to the local economy."
The survey also provides insight into partner aspirations and the positive effects of having a job. Almost 90% of partners in the survey were employed before expatriation. This figure fell to 35% during the posting. Three quarters of those who were not working want to work. This is particularly so among the younger age groups, men, graduates and unmarried partners. Most partners who work said that this had a positive impact on adjustment to the host location and willingness to complete the assignment.
"This is the first large-scale survey to look at employment and work permit issues from the partner perspective." said Siobhan Cummins, Managing Director of ORC's Operations in Europe, Middle East and Africa. "Acknowledging partner employment needs will enhance international mobility. The survey is a welcome addition to resources that employers can consult when developing policies to support dual career couples."
More information: http://permitsfoundation.com/docs/permits_survey_summary.pdf and http://www.permitsfoundation.com/docs/permits_survey_final_report.pdf.
Press Contact: Permits Foundation P.O. Box 162 2501 AN The Hague The Netherlands
Mrs. Kathleen van der Wilk-Carlton Board Member Permits Foundation Tel: +31 (0) 70 319 19 30
Mrs. Françoise van Roosmalen Co-ordinator Permits Foundation Tel: +31 (0) 70 331 84 66
