Monday, September 8, 2008

How to prepare yourself to participate in group discussions

It is important to make sure you're prepared before the discussion begins.


To obtain a higher level of thinking, it is important for the group to focus on a specific goal.


Being prepared before the discussion starts will allow you to effectively communicate your ideas to the group.


It is important for all the member of a group discussion to use reasoning.


It is also important for you to ask questions that will allow you to determine how much the other members know about a specific topic. This is called analyzing their knowledge.


Asking these questions will allow you to learn more about the other members of the group. It is also essential to avoid conflicts.


Conflicts will kill the group discussion, and will not allow it to be productive.


You should not make a statement which gives your opinion about the accuracy of a comment that has been made by another member.


You should not even make statements like " I think that is an excellent question." The reason for this is because you may send a message saying that all other questions are irrelevant.


If you are the one who is planning or leading the group, it is important to make sure every member contributes something to the discussion.


A decision should always be made by the group instead of a single individual. A simple way to do this is to cast a vote.


If the majority agrees on a specific plan of action, this is the plan that should be taken.


If you notice that someone is not participating in the discussion, ask them what they think about the issue at hand.


It is important for everyone to feel like they are a member.

It is important to make sure everyone is talking about the topic.


The students should talk and make statements regarding the topic. Everyone should be able to voice their own opinion.


Whenever people get together in a group, there will be interpersonal issues among some of the members.


Each person will have a different personality type, and some will not work well with others.


Whenever you notice that the group or members of the group are straying away from the topic, it is important for them to avoid this.


While you will want to look at the group as a whole, it is also important to monitor each member as well.


If you are the leader of the group, and you notice that some members are having problems with reasoning or expression, you will want to assist them.


To prepare for a group discussion, it is extremely important to make sure you are prepared beforehand.


You should understand the topic of the discussion, and if necessary, you should research it. Once you have researched the topic, you should develop your own thoughts or opinions about it.


When the members of a group discussion are prepared, this will allow the discussion to blossom.


However, when they are not prepared, the goals of the discussion will not be easy to achieve.


To successfully participate in group discussion, you must know how to work well with others, and you must understand the topic or materials that are being discussed.


When you are prepared for a group discussion, you will be able to benefit from it.

How to prepare yourself to face interviews

Preparation for an interview can make the difference between getting an offer and being rejected.


Most candidates address a job interview as a situation whereas they are being tested in.


The interviewer asks questions, they provide answers (which the interviewer would like to hear) and then they would eagerly anticipate for a Hired or Not Hired answer


We look at the job interview not as a “one sided” interview but as a “dialogue”, whereas the candidate is not only being interviewed.


But is also actively providing information that will enable the interviewer to fully understand and know who is seating in front of him.


The interview is your chance to show that you are the best person for the job!


Your application or resume has already exhibited that you are qualified; the interview is your chance to leave a good impression and to show how your skills and experience match the position you are interviewed for.


PREPARING YOURSELF FOR THE INTERVIEW

Body language has a significant part of the face to face interview.

It takes the interviewer 3-4 seconds to have a first impression on you.

You will be surprised how quick you will be categorized and marked- your mission is to leave a good impression and to change any initial misconceptions that the interviewer might have about you.

In order to provide a good impression on the interviewer you should pay attention to your hair-cut, the way you are dressed, the jewelry you are wearing and so on.


We suggest you to find out, as much as possible, what are the norms in the company you are being interviewed for and match your appearance accordingly.


Anyway, should you have a mobile phone, a laptop, handbag or any other item which will be revealed to the interviewer during the interview, make sure the items are in order and that they are clean.


In general, you ought to turn off your mobile phone, and make sure you will not have any alarms or reminders during the interview.


Once you enter the room and you with your interviewer, remember that you are being examined! You should enter with self confidence and enthusiasm.


Walk in with your back straight, full of energy, shake hands firmly (but don’t break any hands), be clear when you say hello and have a friendly smile on your face.

How to prepare yourself to face aptitude tests

Even though aptitude tests are taken under exam conditions, as with any part of the job-seeking process the more time and effort you put into your preparation, the better your chances

The employer or recruitment agency may furnish you with a sample paper taken from previous tests, and it’s worth asking for one even if they don’t volunteer it.


Depending on the job you’re going for, you should have a general idea of the kind of test you’re likely to face, whether verbal, numeric, abstract or some combination of these.


Other ways of getting your brain into the right frame for facing an aptitude test is to do word puzzles or maths puzzles in the days or weeks before the test, pushing yourself to go as fast as possible against the clock and then checking your results.


As well as sharpening your mind, this kind of practice will help boost your confidence when you finally arrive to face the real thing.


Practice reading sample questions to get a feel for the sort of language used. Always make sure you understand what the question is really asking for before starting to answer it.


It’s also worth remembering that the aptitude test is in many ways as important as a job interview, so the usual rules apply.


If you arrive late you’ll be rejected, so set out with plenty of time to spare.


Dress professionally, because although appearance might not be on the test sheet an examiner can take one look at you and cross you off the list.


Remember to bring glasses if you need them, make sure you get a good night’s sleep, and try not to have a hangover!

How to prepare your resume

Resume is a concise one-page to two-page summary of your job qualifications.

It identifies you, how you communicate and present yourself, what you can do for an organization, and how you can be contacted for an interview.


It should be easy to read, interesting, dynamic, neat, and accurate.

A resume should be targeted to each position for which you apply.


If you use the same resume for different jobs. however, use a separate cover letter to show how your skills and experience qualify you for the specific job.


PARTS OF THE RESUME

The information you provide should be arranged so that your strongest points are stated first.
For example, if you graduated recently and have little or no experience, start with your education.
If you have a lot of relevant work experience, start with your experience.

  • Contact Information
  • Employment Objective
  • Education
  • Experience Other
  • Other



CONTACT INFORMATION


Your name, address, and phone number. This should be listed first on your resume.


List only one or two numbers where you can be reached during business hours. Have an answering machine if you may not be available.


You may include an e-mail address.


EMPLOYMENT OBJECTIVE


This should be the same as or related to the position you are seeking or describe the industry of interest to you.


It should be clear and well defined. In place of an objective, a summary or brief description of your career may be added.


EDUCATION


Indicate any specialty within your major, especially if the information fits the job.


Beginning with the most recent, list schools and any workshops and training attended.


Degrees, certificates, and diplomas received should also be listed.


Grade point averages should be included only if they can be considered assets.


Recent graduates with limited related work experience should list as much information about related courses taken.


EXPERIENCE


Begin with your most recent job. List employer's name and location, dates of employment, and position or title held.


Emphasize tasks, skills, and specific experiences that are required in the job for which you are applying


If you do not have any real achievements, describing your goals and willingness to work hard in the cover letter can be helpful.


OTHER


List your important achievements, honors, awards, publications, hobbies, knowledge of a second language, technical skills and significant extracurricular activities that are related to work and make you stand out from other applicants.


Academic, professional, or community organizations in which you are an officer or a member may also be listed.

How to prepare yourself before applying for jobs

Your Research For The Job Interview Preparation Should Give You A Better Insight On

  • The Job Description.
  • What business the organization is in.
  • Hiring process procedures.
  • Early experiences on the job.
  • Corporate culture
  • General Organizational Structure.

  • History.
  • Career paths.
  • General knowledge about current state of industry.
  • Protocols before and after the interview.
  • The location of the interview.
  • Size of organization.
  • Number of employees
  • How long has the company being operating
  • Are there any subsidiary companies involved in this company.
  • Who are the major competitors of this company
  • Who is the direct supervisor.
  • Information on your direct supervisor


Resume is a concise one-page to two-page summary of your job qualifications.


It identifies you, how you communicate and present yourself, what you can do for an organization, and how you can be contacted for an interview.


It should be easy to read, interesting, dynamic, neat, and accurate.

HOW TO PREPARE YOURSELF FOR YOUR FIRST JOB

  • PREPARE YOURSELF
  • KNOW YOURSELF
  • KNOW SOMETHING ABOUT THE BUSINESS
  • CHECK YOUR PERSONAL APPEARANCE
  • GO TO THE INTERVIEW ALONE
  • ARRIVE EARLY
  • BE ALERT DURING THE INTERVIEW
  • THINK BEFORE ANSWERING

PREPARE YOURSELF

In order to obtain almost any job, you will have an employment interview. That interview is probably the single most Important step toward getting a job.


To help you along the way, here are some suggestions–ways you can prepare yourself beforehand for that decisive step into your future


KNOW YOURSELF


What are your interests and qualifications?


Your prospective employer will want to know, so be prepared to talk about them briefly, intelligently and clearly during the interview


KNOW SOMETHING ABOUT THE BUSINESS


Before you make an appointment for a job interview, find out whatever you can about the firm.

Becoming familiar with the company means you can suggest ways you can be of service to your prospective employer during your interview.


CHECK YOUR PERSONAL APPEARANCE


Before you leave for the interview, check your appearance.


You should look neat and businesslike.


Dress for the job, so you look as though you are ready to go to work.


GO TO THE INTERVIEW ALONE


Employers are interested in you, and how you present yourself.


They don’t want to hear what your relatives or friends think of your qualifications.


They will judge for themselves. So go to the interview alone.


ARRIVE EARLY


Get to the interview a few minutes ahead of time.


Present yourself in a straightforward manner.


Give the receptionist your name and the name of the person you wish to see.


BE ALERT DURING THE INTERVIEW


Sit up straight and look alert during the interview.


Try to be at ease and to answer your prospective employer’s questions in a businesslike manner


THINK BEFORE ANSWERING


Think before answering questions. Be polite, accurate, and honest.


The employer is especially interested in experience and training that shows you are suited for the job.