Job Interview Question What Is Your Ideal Company

Job Interview Question What Is Your Ideal CompanyJob Interview Question What Is Your Ideal CompanyIt might seem like answering the question, Whats your ideal company? is all about you. But if you answer it correctly, this question can provide a great opportunity for your prospective employer to confirm or deny whether or not theyre an ideal company for you. Heres a three-step approach to this question that will help you find out more about your prospective employer.Reflect on your experiencesBefore you answer this question in an interview, think through how you really feel. What have you liked and disliked about companies youve worked for in the past? This could refer to the companys size (large or small), purpose (for profit, government, or nonprofit) or industry (serving a particular kind of client). Keep in mind that it wont do you any good to bend the truth or default to preferring whatever kind of company youre interviewing with you may end up with a job you dont like, and youl l have to start the interview process all over again.Be specific about the benefitsAfter you reflect on your experiences, use whichever details jump out at you to bring the conversation back to this job and this employer.Dont stop at I enjoy working for large companies. Dig deeper into what you perceive to be the benefit of working for a large company so the interviewer has an opportunity to discuss their companys equivalent benefits. If you prefer large companies, be specific about what you appreciate, such as increased stability in your day-to-day functions or a wide network of peers.Go negativeIf you cant think of anything that attracts you to a particular kind of company, think of bad experiences youve had with an organization and use that as a jumping off point.For example, if youve had negative experiences in the past with a significant amount of transition in leadership, you can say that youd like to work for a company with a stable leadership or board of directors. This will allow the interviewer to share whether or not the company will be experiencing change soon or highlight the companys stability over the past few years.When the interviewer asks you what youre looking for in a employer, hes really wondering whether or not youll be happy with this company in the long run. Dont dismiss this question as a superficial way to compliment your prospective employer. Use it as an opportunity to learn more about whether or not the company would be a good fit for you.

Give Your Boss Confidence With a Risk Management Plan

Give Your Boss Confidence With a Risk Management PlanGive Your Boss Confidence With a Risk Management PlanThe best project managers have the full confidence of their line manager and project sponsor. The execs behind their projects believe them when they say they need extra funding, mora resource or help resolving a problem. When youre working in risky situations, you need the right kit. Like a hiker with a backpack of rope and crampons, you need the tools to deal with project risk too. You can boost your managers confidence in your project with a risk management plan. A simple 5-step process can hugely transform how your boss sees your project (and you). What Is Risk Management in Project Management? Risk management in project management is the process of identifying, assessing and responding to project risks. Project risks are things that might affect the project (positively or negatively, but generally people interpret risk as events that would have a negative impact on the pr oject). Whether your project is big or small, it will have risks associated with it. These could be anything from the risk of your school ballabwehr being rained off to the risk of a price increase to a critical component of your new circuit board. Project risk, if leid managed correctly, can make it harder to deliver your project successfully. Unchecked risks can add time to your schedule, work for your time and money to your budget. Managers get nervous about this sort of thing. All of that can be avoided with a risk management plan. Risk Management Planning A risk management plan is a great way to increase your own confidence in the ability of your project team to deliver and that spills over into increasing your managers confidence too. You want them to believe that you can do it, and you want them to be aware of what might stop you from delivering the project successfully. A risk management plan is a perfect tool to do that. And guess what? Its really easy to get started. Project risk management is a simple 5-step process. Lets not make it more complicated than it needs to be. This is something you can get started on today, prepare to discuss it at your next meeting and have it finished as someone is typing up the minutes. A 5-Step Risk Management Process As with so many parts of project management, risk management is a process. The 5 steps are InitiateIdentifyAssessPlan ResponsesImplement If those terms dont mean much to you right now, please stick with it Im going to explain it all. Step 1 Initiate First, you want to platzdeckchen the context for your risk management in your project management environment. There probably isnt an awful lot of work to do here because someone in your company will have already prepared a corporate risk policy and all you need to do is track it down. This will explain the companys approach to risk and might even mandate the templates you need. Templates always save you a job, so look out for those too Even if y ou dont have a corporate risk policy, someone else who manages projects alongside you may have a project risk management plan that you can copy. Why reinvent the wheel? Reusing documents is a must if you want to save time and get more done. Use what you have found out to produce a risk management plan for your project. This is part of your overall project management plan and talks about how you are going to approach managing risk on your project. If you dont know what to put in it, read on The next steps will give you a better idea of what to talk about in your risk management plan. This improves confidence by Showing your manager that you have an approach to dealing with uncertainty on your project and that you are actively going to manage risk. Step 2 Identify Once youve got an approach outlined, you can then start to work to it. Now you identify the risks that are going to affect your project. This is only ever a snapshot in time and your risk register is something that youll want to come back to time and time again to ensure anything new is put on there as well. You can identify risks by using a checklist of common risks, interviewing stakeholders on the project (especially the difficult stakeholders as they generally have a lot to say on what might go wrong), brainstorming sessions and using your common sense. You are looking for things that might cause problems if they ever happened. (Remember, risks havent happened yet. Project issues are things that have already happened.) However you go about doing it, you should definitely involve other people. Alone, you wont have the whole picture and youll end up missing things. Risks can and should be identified by anyone. As a project manager, your job is to encourage your colleagues to raise risks with you so that as a team you can do something about them. All the risks identified should be recorded in the risk register. If you have a project coordinator on the teamor a project support person then they can do this. Otherwise, it is part of the administrative tasks for you to do. This improves confidence by Demonstrating that you are aware of the key risks that might affect your project and that you have a means in place to continually stay aware of new risks. Step 3 Assess Risks are then assessed for probability and impact. This detailed article on how to assess a project risk covers you for that. Give it a good read if you are not familiar with the process. As a further measure, you can also assess proximity, which means how close in time is the risk likely to happen. A risk with high proximity would be potentially happening soon. A risk with low proximity might happen at some point in the distant future. This can give you another factor for prioritizing your time and energy when it comes to dealing with the risks. This improves confidence by Ensuring your manager and everyone on the team has a clear idea of what would happen should any of these risks actually materialize. Ste p 4 Plan Responses Now we come to the meaty part of your risk management plan. In this step, you work out how to manage the risk by identifying an appropriate response. We do this because up until now all youve got is a list of what might happen to throw your project off course in the future and how big a deal that would be. What your manager will want to know next is What are you going to do about it? Generally, there are 4 things that you can do to address and manage a project risk. They are AvoidTransferMitigate (i.e. Reduce)Accept. These are covered in detail in this deep dive intorisk response strategies for negative risk. Some of your risks might have a positive outcome. For example Theres a risk that you sell so much of your new product that you crash the phone lines. That would be a nice problem to have, but its still a risk that we should plan for. There are a number of ways that you can prepare for a positive risk happening including ExploitShareEnhanceAccept. These are d iscussed in more detail in this article about risk response strategies for positive risk. Youll need to work out which response strategy is the best one for every risk on your register. For example, you might decide that the risk of the factory roof collapsing is something youll simply accept as it isnt likely to happen. However, the risk that food poisoning takes out half your workforce is something you are actively going to mitigate by retraining all your catering staff. If it has happened before and is actually quite likely unless you do something about it, you will want to mitigate the risk. Once the response is identified and agreed, risk owners can be appointed to carry out the risk management action plan. In other words, you need someone to be accountable for seeing through the tasks you agree. This improves confidence by Showing your manager that you have considered what to do about the things that might cause problems for your project and that you are putting plans in place to reduce uncertainty and risk on the project. Step 5 Implement Your risk management plan should by now include who is going to be responsible for doing the risk mitigation activities for each risk. They should now work through those tasks so that you are actively managing the open risks. This improves confidence by Demonstrating that you and your project team can follow through on what you said you would do. By reporting on what you have achieved and the risks you have mitigated, it shows your management team that you are serious about delivering and doing what it takes to future-proof your project against problems. Once a risk has passed when it is no longer relevant because it either has happened or can no longer happen you can close it from your risk register. Putting this project risk management plan in place can set you apart from other managers. Your own boss will have the evidence that you can think strategically and creatively about what might cause your project to c ome unstuck, and most importantly do something about it. Youll be the person actively managing problems before they happen, sweeping away roadblocks and being prepared for anything Being seen to be good at managing project risk is a surefire way to be seen as a safe pair or hands by management. You dont need loads of experience or certificates to start managing project risk successfully (although formal qualifications in risk management do exist). This easy 5-step process will soon mean that project risk management is embedded in your project plans.

Management Skills

Management SkillsManagement Skills

Learn About the Wide Appeal of HP 12c Calculator

Learn About the Wide Appeal of HP 12c CalculatorLearn About the Wide Appeal of HP 12c CalculatorThe HP 12c is truly remarkable in its longevity as a standard computational device for financial professionals. In an era when electronics such as cell phones (mobile phones), personal computers and the like are rapidly evolving, todays hot, cutting edge device often becomes sorely outdated within a few years. It thus beggars belief not only that a calculator first sold in 1981 should remain in production well into the 21st century, more than 30 years after its introduction, but also that it would continue to be the gold standard for many professionals in the technical fields that represent its target market. Wide Appeal The HP 12c Programmable Financial Calculator has the distinction of leading all Hewlett-Packard products in the number of years produced and the number of units sold. Cumulative sales passed the 15 million unit mark in 2007. Moreover, the famed durability of the HP 12c means that an extraordinarily high percentage of these units remain in use, in some cases 30 or more years after they were first purchased. This calculator has pre-programmed into it many of the essential computational functions that people in these disparate fields need to use on an ongoing basis Accountants and auditorsControllersCorporate treasurersRisk managersManagement scientistsProduct managersFinancial analystsSecurities analystsBankersLoan officersBank examinersCredit counselorsSecurities tradersFinancial advisorsFinancial plannersMoney managersInvestment bankersSecurities underwritersInsurance sales agentsInsurance underwritersInsurance appraisersInsurance claims adjustersInsurance claims examinersActuariesStatisticiansEconomists This is only a partial list of the fields for which the HP 12c is a valuable tool. Moreover, it performs these functions swiftly and efficiently. Additionally, the HP 12c can store custom programs developed by the user. While such applications ar e usually more easily written and performed on personal computers, the small size and high portability of the HP 12c offers offsetting benefits in this regard. Reverse Polish Notation Data entry and the running of computations follows Reverse Polish Notation (RPL), which essentially is a type of machine language or computer code. Despite the arcane sound of the operational convention, it actually is quite easy to learn from the user manual. The key to understanding the version of Reverse Polish Notation as employed by the HP 12c is getting used to entering an operator (such as add, subtract, multiply or divide) after the operand, rather than before. Additionally, after keying in the first operand in a new calculation, the user must press the ENTER key to indicate that a new calculation has begun and that the previous calculation is to be cleared from the display register. For example, the simple calculation 2 2 would be entered with this series of keystrokes 2 ENTER 2 At this time the display would read 4. Leaving this result in the display register allows the user to perform additional computations on it. In fact, the use of Reverse Polish Notation makes the HP 12c ideal for performing complex calculations that would be expressed with the extensive use of parentheses. Durability, Energy Efficiency and Price The HP 12c is justly praised for its durability and shock resistance. These were key factors in the original design, and being able to survive long drops onto concrete surfaces welches tested exhaustively before initial rollout. Additionally, the HP 12c was designed to be remarkably energy efficient, and actual performance far exceeds the official specifications. The original model was powered by 3 button-sized camera batteries, and the manual projected 6-12 months of normal usage (or 80-180 hours of the continuous program running), depending on whether one installed alkaline or more expensive silver oxide batteries. This reviewer is one of many who has reported that, despite regular daily usage, the calculator ran for over 10 years before needing its first change of batteries. The power source in the current generation of the calculator has changed to a single CR2032 lithium battery, but apparently, the same long battery life is being enjoyed by its owners. The list price fell from $150 at launch in 1981 (about $256 in 2012 dollars) to $69.99 in 2012. This reviewer bought one for $89 in November 1987 (roughly $178 in 2012 dollars). Exam Usage The HP 12c may be used by people taking these critical exams Certified Financial Planner (CFP)Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)The Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP) Financial Risk Manager (FRM) If for no other reason, obtaining and learning to use the HP 12c is highly advisable for this reason alone. Moreover, by permitted its usage, the professional organizations that administer these exams effectively are making a statement about the utility of this calculator for persons in these respective fields. This review is based on an HP 12c that the author purchased in 1987 and continues to use today.

Rumors, Lies and Reference in Resume

Rumors, Lies and Reference in Resume Finding the Best Reference in Resume If youre asking for plenty of jobs you dont have to allow them to know about each and every application. Now that youre schooled on the best way to list reference on a resume, know your resumeand your referencesmay must be altered slightly as you submit an application for different jobs. If you are able to, select references that are ready to talk specifically about your qualifications for the job for which youre applying. References, people who are able to speak positively about your abilities and dedication, are an essential portion of your internship search. When youre asked for references, it is possible to strategically select the best people to represent what you would like highlighted for the opportunity, she states. Your references could make or break your odds of landing work, so be certain you choose the best people to talk for your benefit. If a person pauses or seems to be uncomfortable at all, thank them and continue on to the upcoming possible reference. The expert reference doesnt need to be a buddy or somebody you are friends with. Actually, at times its a poor concept to include resume references. When youve selected your references, make certain theyre well-prepared to assist you. Youre also likely to need to understand how to choose and request references. Theres simply no reason why you need to ever include references on a resume. The legislation actually suggests that all references have to be reasonable and accurate. Sometimes prospective employers will say how many and what sort of references they want. If you dont are directly asked for just a couple of references, plan to include three or more references. When you must provide references to a prospective employer, the ideal way to do it is to create a reference page youre able to share with them. References can boost your work application in a huge way. You can supply a list of references foll owing your interview if its requested. Youll also discover a sample reference list. Below youll discover a sample reference list. Getting the Best Reference in Resume The range of references you list depends upon your career level. A reference provides the readers details about the source so they have an excellent comprehension of what type of source it is and could discover the source themselves if needed. You ought to use decent judgment when including additional details on your resume. There are lots of regular gestaltats. Ask each reference if theres any information they dont want listedthis will help safeguard your contacts private info, Nolan states. Great references are eager to assist you, but they could inadvertently hurt you in case you have not prepared them for the call which they will get from potential employers. Your references have agreed to allow you to give their contact information to a prospective employer. Every one of the references should be suppli ed with detailed contact info. Typically its a good idea to prevent listing a present supervisor for a work reference, unless youre confident he or she isnt going to be concerned that you want to get another job. You may want to be prepared so you can immediately give them what they have to make the hiring decision. An excellent reference might be the deciding factor once an employer narrows down the field to a couple prospective candidates. If you chance to be cursed by means of an HR officer whos lazy, they can jump at the occasion to provide a bare-bones reference. Reference in Resume at a Glance Be certain to let your employer know you have references available upon request. Employers may request a reference list when considering you for work, therefore it should be in prime form also. When an employer doesnt ask by the conclusion of the interview, you should ask them if theyd like reference info. After the interview, the prospective employer will probably request refe rences. You would rather not incorporate an email address with a typo or a telephone number thats missing a digit. If you want to relocate for work, you most likely already know its most effective to leave your present address off your resume. The range of names isnt as vital as the caliber of the references. You must know your references well and be certain they can give a very good feedback, to anybody asking questions regarding your past. Reference in Resume Help As soon as you have good references, you should make an effort to keep in contact with them frequently. Much like both of the other essentials, make it super obvious and simple to locate. For each new job opportunity, you should confirm your list of references is the ideal fit. The perfect place to look is the lab manual. The sample reference page provided here can readily be adapted to fulfill your requirements. Quite often, a reference list is requested in the on-line application procedure. If you are req uested to send references, develop an individual document rather than placing them directly on your resume. You must be sure the people selected as references will lead to your job search. If your reference is someone renown in the business or industry. Following your interview, your references could be a vital component on whether you get a job offer from an organization. After your interview, they could be a key component of whether you receive a job offer from a company. Other references could incorporate somebody who knows of your work habits or skills by your volunteer or community work.

The Best Advice I Ever Heard From a Career Coach

The Best Advice I Ever Heard From a Career Coach Im often asked for job search advice, and perhaps the No. 1 request I receive is, What kind of job should I look for?As a coach, most of the time, I answer this question and other client questions with a question of my own Why?Most of us have more than enough people in our lives offering their opinions, whether we want them to or bedrngnis.My goal is not to be one of those people. Im of the belief that we already have many of the answers we seek. We simply ask others when we want confirmation secretly, of course.Thats not an absolute truth, but more times than not, this is the case.So back to the job search question. I proceed to ask the person totell me about the thing they would do for free. I want them to tell me what theyre really passionate about.Usually, thats not the answer they want, but it creates a necessary conversation that a job seeker might otherwise avoid. Its a conversation about val ues.What is your core belief? Whats the real reason you want a job in the first place? Is it the money?Nope.Is it the title?Nope.Although some would argue that point, the truth is muchdeeper than this. Lets take a college degree, for example. If you have one, why did you pursue it in the first place? Was it to get the degree?Nope. Not really.Was it for the discipline of completing the program? Absolutely not. (If so, we need to talk)No, you pursued that degree becauseof the things to which it would give you access.Hopefully, you see where Im going with this. Your core belief is the common denominator behindall of what you do.Uncovering Your Core BeliefsI met with a young man not long ago who was interested in pursuing a career in residential real estate. I asked him why he chose real estate. He said it was because of the money.I said I didnt believe him. I told him that wasnt the real reason. I asked if he was committed to real estate. His answer was, Yes. He said theres the possibi lity of making good money. I agreed, but didnt believe it was about the money.Within a few minutes, as I continued to ask probing questions, wegot to the real reason. This young manwanted to create a lifestyle for his family where he would be able to send his children to the best schools, offer his wife the option of choosing her own career, and take family vacations. He wanted freedom and flexibility. Thatswhat he was committed to providing for his family. Real estate was simply the vehicle.When I asked if it had to be real estate, he said it didnt have to be.Whats thePoint? First, you need to get clear on what youre truly committed to. More than likely, the job is merely the vehicle. Being gainfully employed is important, but a job ismuch more than that. Being intentional aboutthe bigger picture may give you the wherewithal to choose more powerfully.Are you choosing something that will simply pay the bills? If so, understand thats what your job is for just paying the billsIs it f or the opportunity to hone your skills,be challenged, and expand your knowledge? Then youre laying planks on the path to the values to whichyoure ultimately committed.Whats your (life) plan? Instead of looking at a job or occupation as a separate issue, you should incorporate your profession fully into your life.Whether you are an employee or own abusiness, most of your waking moments will bespent working. Why not spend that time doing something you enjoy?As has been said many times before, if you choose a job you love, and you will never work a day in your life.That sounds pretty good to me.Reginald Jackson is an executive and leadership coach and the founder ofJoyful Satisfaction Coaching.