8 Job Interview Tips To Put You Ahead Of The Pack

Job interviews are nerve-racking and an interview that goes badly can turn even the most confident person into a sobbing mess. Hopefully, these 16 tips will help put your mind at ease, and make your next job interview bearable, perhaps maybe even an enjoyable experience!

1. Be Confident.

It may seem obvious but confidence is definitely key. Even if your insides are like jello and you feel like you may throw up at any second, appear confident. Try not to look down at your lap, use too many ‘ums’ and ‘ahs’, or answer questions with only one word, such as ‘yes’ or ‘no’.

2. Do your research.

You need the employer to think that you really want this job, and by bothering to do some background research on the company, it shows that you do. The employer is bound to ask you something along the lines of ‘So what do you know about us?’, and having a depth of knowledge will really make you stand out from the other candidates.

3. Dress appropriately.

Even if you have the most outstanding resume, and are the best person for the job, if you don’t look the part, you won’t have a chance to prove this to the employer. People make their judgments about you in the first few seconds of meeting you, and if you show too much leg or cleavage, chances are that your impressive resume won’t even get read. Also, even if the job is in a casual environment, it is always better to overdress, than under-dress, so although it might to appropriate to wear sweats or jeans once you get the job, it is not for the interview.

4. Be on time.

If the interview is at 10am, make sure you get there ten minutes before. If necessary, take a trial trip the day before so you are certain of how long it will take you to get there. It is a really bad look, to be late for an interview, but if something happens, and it is unavoidable, at least call the workplace and let them know.

5. Turn off your cellphone.

And definitely do not answer it if you have left it on and it rings. Even if you’re out in the waiting room. The employer should not hear you talking to your best friend, boyfriend, mother etc, about last night’s antics and how drunk you got. Ever!

6. Don’t chew gum.

This is purely a manners thing. It is really distracting trying to talk to someone who is chewing gum, and is unprofessional in the workplace anyway

7. Ask questions.

Come prepared with a few questions that you would like to know from the employer, which shows that you are serious about the position and your career. Some examples are; ‘What advancement opportunities exist in the company, and in what time frame?’, and ‘What would you like done differently by the next person to hold the position?’.

8. Bring a notepad.

Most people do not, and it is a very easy and subtle way to make you stand out, and it also shows that you’re serious about the job. But, make sure that you actually write notes in it.

Career Tips for Teenagers

The teenage years are an extremely important time in a person's life. Teenagers have an opportunity to build upon what they learn in school and apply it to life either in the work force or as part of their post-secondary education. It is also extremely important for teens to start planning about their future, including their career goals.

Finish High School

Nearly every job requires some communication and problem solving skills. Compared to those with post-secondary education, high school drop outs have difficulty getting and keeping jobs. They also earn much less throughout their lifetime.

Plan your career

Seek out information about careers that interest you and have favourable prospects, high earnings and will afford you the type of life style you seek. Having a solid career plan can have a huge impact on your future job prospects.

Research career information

Start thinking about the various industries and companies that may interest you. A small investment of your time could pay huge dividends in the future as there are hundreds of occupations and choosing the right one and planning a career is a complex task.

Consider college or university

The more education you get, the more you will learn, the more you will be able to contribute to an employer and the more you will be able to earn. Post secondary education includes vocational training for those wishing to take up a specific trade.

Develop computer skills

Basic computer skills are absolutely essential in today's technology driven world. Take advantage of every available opportunity while at school or through local organizations to acquire computer proficiency.

Create a resume

You will have to market yourself and your skills to employers - one way of doing this is with a resume. Learning about resume preparation and job search techniques will help you now and in the future.

Gain work experience

Be on the lookout for a job, be it part-time, an internship or as a volunteer early on in life. Working is the best way to learn and the hands on experience is greatly sought by all employers.

Continue learning

It is important to continue learning, even when you have finished your studies and have a job. The average worker has eight jobs before age 32 so you have to be ready for change and learning is the only way to ensure that you are upgrading your skills and are ready to adapt you career. 

10 Tips for College Students Looking for a Job in a Tough Market

When you are actually looking for a job, it is always a "bad" market. Today's market just happens to be a little more so, especially if you happen to be an autoworker or a "big law" associate. But while many people lost their positions during the "Great Recession," others have found interesting and rewarding jobs. There is no magic formula for finding a job, but there are ways to take control of the process and enhance your odds of finding a job. Here are 10 tips for finding a job in an economic wasteland.

1. Know what it takes.

Different fields have different application requirements, and you need to know what those are for the field you are interested in. Do you need a résumé, a cover letter, a writing sample, a portfolio, etc.? You also need to know what these materials look like in your field and which skills and experiences you need to emphasize. A legal résumé is different, both in form and content, from a management résumé, which is different from a marketing résumé. Don't have a clue? Try to arrange an informational interview with a professional in the field to which you aspire to learn what it takes.

2. Perfect your application materials.

 Always have your application materials reviewed by someone who is a better editor than you are.After polishing and massaging your résumé 100 times, you are probably too close to see the nits that need to be picked. Have your materials reviewed again whenever you make revisions or add updates. Don't know any good editors? If you are in school, try your career services office.

3. Activate your network.

Tell everyone you know what type of job you are looking for. There is no sin in looking for employment, so you need to get everyone in your network working for you. While your hair stylist is not a lawyer or a management consultant, he or she may know one. Follow up every lead you are given; you never know who knows the person who can get you the job you want.

4-Star Tip.

If you have a professor who has worked in industry or does extra work in the field you're considering, make sure to invite him or her to use their contacts on your behalf. Often, even an informal recommendation from a professor can open doors.

Extra-Pointer.

If a parent, family friend, older brother or sister, or employer of yours works in the field you want to go into, enlist their help, too. You never know who has the contacts that count.

4. Join a professional organization. 

Most occupations, from restaurant professionals to engineers, have professional associations. Join one. (Many have student rates.) Attend meetings, go to seminars, and read the materials. Like an anthropologist, learn the language and customs of your field, the issues of the day, and identify the key players, so that when you land an interview, you will "speak the language" like a native.

5. Be patient and persistent.

Set aside time every week to check for job postings, to do research on employers in your field, and to send out a manageable number of applications. It is probably not realistic to try to send out 20, letter-perfect, individually tailored applications in a weekend, so pace yourself. It is better to send five high-quality applications than 20 generic ones. Treat the job search as a marathon rather than a sprint. When you work on the job search regularly, rather than in fits and starts, it is easier to stay focused and to control the stress that inevitably accompanies the job search.

5-Star Tip.

www.job-hunt.org, www.wetfeet.com, and www.careerjournal.com are three of the many websites that will help you in your job search. They provide job search tips, career research information, company profiles, and many other features.

6. Don't treat an interview as an interrogation.

 If you are fortunate enough to land an interview, treat it as an opportunity to establish a professional relationship with the interviewer. Know the employer, and be prepared to ask intelligent questions. Engage with the interviewer, and do not be shy in letting the interviewer know how much you know about the employer and how much you want to work there. Be enthusiastic, not desperate.

Extra-Pointer.

It's always a good idea to do a little Web research before the interview on the company—and, when possible, on the individuals—that will be interviewing you. You'll make a much better impression when you know what the company is doing and how you might fit in.

7. Practice out loud. 

Try to anticipate the types of questions you will be asked, and practice your responses. If you lack experience or feel uncomfortable in interviews, find someone to do a mock interview with. Like any other skills, communication skills get better with practice. And though you may think you have a perfect answer in your head, you won't know it until you actually articulate it. In an interview, there is the answer you plan to give, the one you do give, and the one you wished you'd given. With practice, those three answers come together.

8. Be "on" from the start.

In this age of security cameras, you may be recorded from the moment you hit the employer's parking lot. Act as if the employer is watching you from the outset. Dress the part. Be friendly and respectful to everyone you meet. Stay focused. Even if you are left cooling your heels in the reception area, do not be tempted to check your phone. If you cannot resist the temptation, leave your phone in the car.

9. Make that first impression count. With everyone you meet at the employer, but especially with the interviewer, you want to make your first impression count. Stand up straight. Look the interviewer in the eye. Smile, and extend your hand for a firm, but not knuckle-crushing, handshake. (Again, these introductory behaviors can be practiced with your friends and family to polish your behavior and enhance your confidence.)
10. Be positive. Stay upbeat throughout the interview. Smile—it will register in your voice. Do not let the interviewer's facial expressions or tone of voice throw you off your game. Do not assume that a particular answer is "wrong" or that you have "blown it." Stay confident. If asked about a perceived negative, do not make excuses or provide elaborate explanations. Give it one sentence, and move on. Remember that there is no "perfect" candidate; just be the best you can be.

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10 Tips to Attract the Right Candidate for Interview

Hiring the right candidate is essential for any successful organisation. This article gives 10 tips which you can implement that will help you select the best match for any given job.

1.Develop a proper job description

The job description is often overlooked in many cases, this is bad practice because candidates' decision to apply will be based solely on the responsibilities and how the position is communicated. If the job description is too vague, it will fail to attract the right caliber of candidates. Also, careful attention should be paid for the job title, keeping it simple is better so use something which describes the role i.e. 'Cleaner' rather than 'hygiene technician'.

2.Select the interviewing team properly

A set of experienced employers should be involved in the interviewing and decision making however it can also help to involve the people who will actually be working with the selected candidate. Current employees who serve in a similar or the same position will be able to relate to the candidate and encouraging them to make decisions on his/her compatibility will help them to feel more motivated and involved.

3.Prepare fully for the interview

Proper interview style should be determined here and the relevant criteria and questions should be prepared ahead of time. Vital aspects such as the interview structure and good communication are essential at this stage to avoid discrimination. The interview questions should be based on the job requirements and should not discriminate on grounds of sex or race. See our interviewing article for more.

4.Conduct a professional interview

Many interview strategies are available. The 70/30 rule should apply here. You should try to ensure that the candidate talks during 70% of the interview and the interviewer talks for only 30% of the time. See our interviewing guide for a detailed explanation of how to properly conduct a competency based interview.

5.Fully explain the job

Should the candidates idea of the job not match the reality of what the job actually involves, it is highly likely that they will leave soon after being employed. This is a disaster because it means you have to begin the entire recruitment process again. Be careful to fully explain the job to the candidates during the interview and check to see if they have understood. Remember interviewing is not just about selecting excellent people, it's also about making sure those people really want to do the job.

6.Communicate often Communication

Make sure you are communicative with all applicants throughout the process. Feedback should be given as soon as possible. Inform the candidates who are selected as well as those who have not been successful. Recognise that when someone applies for a job with you they are also often forming their first impression of interacting with your company.

7.Select a wide pool of shortlisted candidates

Be wary of shortlisting too harshly and only ending up with only one or two candidates to interview. Provided you have implemented a broad advertising campaign (click here to learn how), you should always have at least three candidates for the final interview. This will make sure that if you lose your top candidate, you will always have another two or more who are also good choices.

8.Undertake a structured induction

Having selected the best candidate, you should give him/her a detailed induction to give them enough information to become productive. Do not expect new starters to immediately become good performers, on average it will take 90 days for them to become fully effective.

9.Start on a probation period

The employee should be given the chance to start the work under a probation period. This will help the line manager to further test the skills and the talents expressed by the employee at interview and will give both parties an easy way out should the new hire fail to deliver in the expected way. Probation periods vary in length but are usually around 6 months. You may want to start employees on a slightly lower rate of pay or hold off giving full employee benefits until they have passed their probation.

10.Follow up

Once the employee has accepted the position, follow up promptly with the required paperwork (contracts, forms etc). When following up, it's important to make sure that any potentially contentious issues are discussed during the last stage interviews so that there are no unexpected surprises for the candidate. Salary, probation periods, benefits etc, should all have been discussed throughout the recruitment process.

6Tips for Developing Your Employees

1. Encourage professional development. High-potential employees are not satisfied with the status quo. You WANT these employees your team. They are typically ambitious, high performing, and dynamic. They will be the future leaders of your organization if they are given proper guidance in their development. If not, be prepared to lose them to the competition.

2. Create a plan. Planning is crucial to advancing your career. Help your employees establish goals that are aligned with their strengths, interest and experience and then create a plan to get there. A development plan serves as the roadmap that will take you to your goal. It can be simple or complex but it must include action steps, resources, and deadlines. Not sure where to focus your attention? Try the step-by-step promotion planning eClass. You will focus only on building necessary skills and overcoming obstacles to get you to your targeted position.

3. Pair your employee’s with a mentor. Once their goals have been established, find someone who is in a similar role to the target position to serve as a mentor. Mentoring enables an organization to use it’s existing talent to impart their knowledge and expertise to one another. Everyone – the organization, the mentor, and the mentee – benefits from the mentoring process.

4. Identify opportunities to expand their professional network. Having a solid network is imperative to the success of future leaders. A network is a great source of information, advice, support and inspiration. Recommend opportunities within the organization, as well as, networking or professional groups that will help them build strong connections.

5. Challenge your employees to move out of their comfort zone. You can’t move forward if you don’t grow and you can’t grow if you never leave your comfort zone. When possible, give your employees challenging assignments. Help them prepare by providing them a safe environment to learn from the mistakes that they are bound to make.

6. Hire a coach. For high-potential employees and employees who need to be redirected to another career path, it can be best to bring in an outside coach. An external coach provides a confidential environment where employees are free to discuss the challenges and opportunities they face in their careers through the use of assessments, powerful questions, and individual development plans.

10 Tips For New Employee in Career

Employee Career

You'll succeed in your new job by doing the best you can, regardless of whether the job is a temporary position or a professional job in your chosen field. Here are a few tips for the new employee:

1) Be a dependable employee!This lets your supervisor know your job is important to you.

2) Master your tasks and do more than is expected. Avoid "it's not my job" thinking.

3) Keep the lines of communication open. Inform your supervisor of how you're progressing and ask for regular feedback on your performance.

4) If any assignments are unclear, ask for clarification instead of proceeding in the wrong direction because you are fearful of looking foolish.

5) Enjoy the company of your coworkers. Get to know and be known by others in your work environment... your professional growth depends on it.

6) As a newcomer, avoid "office politics." Maintain confidentiality and avoid gossip.

7) Ask for advice and help from others, and let them know they can depend on you.

8) Learn the art of tact when working on a team, which includes being receptive to others' input and knowing when to compromise.

9) Be assertive, self-confident and visible. Think of the three "E s" - enthusiasm, energy and excellence.

10) Make use of the employee assistance programs offered at your workplace to help find your balance. Your employer is your partner in finding balance between the world of work and your personal and family life.

Three Tips for Improving Employee Effectiveness

Tip #1: Understand the basic human needs

What are the basic human needs? Some of the most important include the need for human connection, the need for variety, and the need to feel significant. We as humans all have varying levels of each of these needs; however, lack of fulfillment in any of these areas will result in a dramatic drop in self-concept. One of the earliest theories on the development of schizophrenia, for example, emphasized profound maternal rejection as the ultimate stressor that ultimately determines whether or not an individual develops symptoms of schizophrenia, a disorder characterized by the disorganized and loose thinking patterns. People have a need to connect with others-we are social creatures, and lack of this stimulation can have serious ramifications. So how do you utilize your understanding of this tenet with your employees? By connecting with your employees and allowing them to understand that they are a valuable part of the company. How many of your employees do you really know? How many of their spouses have you met? Do you know how many children they have, and those childrens' names?

Variety, obviously, is another need. Without it, human performance drops dramatically. We as humans are curious, knowledge-seeking creatures, and to this end it is important that you stimulate the minds of your employees accordingly. Vary the type or length of tasks performed by certain employees. Surprise employees with appreciation parties. Assign one day a week as casual dress day. The possibilities are endless, but the important concept is that humans crave variety in everyday life.

Significance is a crucial need. The end result of employees that feel significant is company loyalty. Think about it this way: in your own life, are you closer with those that talk a good game, or those that have proven to you that you matter to them? The answer is obvious. When we feel that we are significant (that we have value) in the eyes of others, we will go a long way to stay connected with that individual. So how do you meet this need in your employees? Start by understanding how important your employees are to your company. Next, seek to understand how your employees are different from other employees. What skills do they bring that are valuable? What experiences have they had that are unique? The last step? Applaud these individuals for the above mentioned characteristics. Praise those qualities that may be seldom appreciated by others in their lives. Your perceptiveness in this manner will go a long way toward meeting the need of those who work with and for you to feel important, to feel significant.

Tip #2: Instill hope

Hope, contrary to the popular poem by Emily Dickinson, is not a thing with feathers. Hope is a crucial aspect of human existence. As an executive, do all you can to instill hope in your employees and those around you. Hope is a future-oriented positivity, and can always be reality-based. In any given situation, there are different ways to perceive the actual event. Instead of becoming passive in your reality interpretations, practice rational positivity. If sales are down this quarter, doesn't that mean that you and your employees have been given valuable feedback from the public? Something needs to change for the better, and if sales are to increase, employee productivity and effectiveness will have to increase accordingly. So this perceived "setback" is not really a setback at all, but in actuality an opportunity for learning and change. One last thought on the importance of hope: how many stories have you read about involving elderly couples, who, after fifty plus years of wedded bliss, die within a short time period of each other? Why might this be? Perhaps it has to do with hope, or the absence of it. Couples that are this close live for each other, and when one passes on, so does their reason to live. They give up on life, and soon pass on themselves.

Tip #3: Understand the importance for balance

Balance is crucial to improving employee production. We as humans are multi-talented individuals, each of us carrying different variations of needs and wants. We are not solely creatures who work. We play, we laugh, we work out, we have hobbies, etc...This are all necessary components of the human existence. However, all too frequently, we tend to neglect these different aspects of our lives in our quest for improved positioning or improved production at work. We rationalize away our neglect of our health, families, and hobbies. As an executive with increasing demands and responsibility, perhaps you are guilty of doing the same. One of the oldest (and silliest) excuses is that "I don't have enough time". I don't know about you, but last time I checked, each day had only twenty-four hours. I've never met someone enjoying a twenty-five hour day. So it really has nothing to do with the time available to us, but rather, how we divide that time each day (or week, or month, etc). Learn to value the importance of balance in not only your life but the lives of your employees. You don't have a work life and a personal life-you have one life, and your time is divided accordingly. Seek out those areas of your life that you have been neglecting, and change that fact. Promote life balance in the lives of your employees, also. Encourage them to pursue their hobbies, to enrich their family lives, to take care of their personal health. Find someone working extra late? Send them home, and give them a half day the next day. Offer gym memberships at discounted rates to your employees. Again, possibilities abound. Seek balance.

Achieve Your Goals in 10 Easy Steps

1. Be specific and know exactly what you want. Whether it's a man, a job, or a clothing size, always be clear, concise, and certain of your dream.

2. Believe you deserve it. Dismantle all your fears and doubts about not being able to get what you want.

3. Be as impeccable as you can in keeping your promises to yourself and others. Have personal integrity. This is how you keep your self-respect and grow your power and influence.

4. Develop great relationships with as many people as you can. Do favors for them and keep the bond growing over your lifetime. You can never have enough relationships to build a life you love.

5. Become a risk taker. Be the ballsiest person in the room. Always kill the chicken in you. Happiness lives on the other side of conquering your fears.

6. Tell the truth. Don't be fake. Don't sell out because you want to be liked. Be your true self. And if you don't like yourself, know you can change and develop your personality into who you want to be. That's your job.

7. When things don't turn out or they are really hard, it's O.K. to let it go. When you let something go, something else will come in that is better if you're being true to yourself.

8. After you have achieved something big and important, always invent what is next. People forget to do this and then they think their dreams die but the truth is that you achieved your dream and now you need another one.

9. Always tell a fair story which means both sides are represented. This will keep you kind and humble which is critical to getting what you want in life.

10. Never stop being loving and lovable to everyone around you. Your charm and delight and fun is crucial to getting what you want. Don't let yourself be a downer. Always know when you're complaining and stop it! This doesn't mean be fake or pretend you're happy when you're not, it means tell the truth and love your life and be loving about life at all times. Your attitude is so important.

how to face HR round interview

This is the most important round where you have to concentrate much. Because selection is based on the way how you behave and how you handle interviewer’s queries.

Your body gesture is much more important. Maintain discipline throughout the interview process. Things on which you need to concentrate are dress code, speech, hair style, posture etc.

Wear a neat and modest dress. It shouldn’t bring glamorous look rather it should bring professional look which will be an additional credit for getting selected. Avoid bright colour dress rather wear cool one. Nails should be properly cut and maintained cleanly. Polished shoes and cleanly washed socks are supposed to be used. Don’t borrow them; Better own it.

While speaking, keep yourself from not spitting. Talk clearly. Don’t blabber. Answer should be short and sweet. Blabbering will occur in case of tension and fear. To use precise words, Doing yoga and meditation would help. Yeah! Its hundred percent true. I have experienced. Meditate regularly; certainly you will feel the difference. On doing yoga, your mind will be under your control and you can deliver answers properly. You can prevent yourself from being tensed and shivering. You can get rid of fear so that you can keep yourself steady. Surely, meditation will give better results. So try it out.

No wonder, I was very timid to face interviews, take seminars. Because of this kind of behavior, I lost lot of opportunities and exposure. Now I understood whatever I missed is rejuvenation to handle my career. If I had taken seminars, I might have come up with courage; so please don’t do the same in your curriculum also.

Keep your mindset equanimous. Maintain equanimity even whatever happens so that you won’t be tired of taking efforts even if you face failure. Also if you succeed, you won’t stop working hard to come up further. In this case also meditation would help.

On reading this stuff, you may not consider they are necessary. But only after few years, crossing certain incidents, experiencing some interviews, you will come to realize these are very much important to follow. So only I’m insisting you now itself to observe those points very keenly. Feeling later (like me) is of no use. If we are strongly recommending you means, think that there will be some matter of issues. So try to learn from people who have already experienced. Don’t face the same problem.

This article has emerged on keeping in mind that you should correct mistakes what people have already committed.

Also know the details of the company (for which you are going to attend interview) such as when it is launched, what are the current contracts, its revenue, motto etc.

Group Discussion Interview Tips

Interview Tips: Group Discussion Interview Tips
Topics for Group Discussion Interview

The topics are difficult because you are expected to be very aware of what is happening around you. The issues will be chosen from a list of topics that are very relevant. Remember, you are not expected to be an expert – but are expected to have a level of awareness that is above average.

Increasing your General Knowledge will come from watching news, reading magazines and being up-to-date on current happenings. Spend time discussing these topics with friends and family. If possible, create your own study group for discussing topics.

Preparation for Group Discussion Interviews will take some time, so it is suggested that you begin well in advance as this cannot be soaked in weeks.

Organize your thinking for a Group Discussion Interview

Pick any topic of current interest and use a framework so that it helps organize your thinking:

Organize the facts about the topic in your head

Think about 3 things that are positive about the topic

Think about 3 things that are negative about the topic

Think about what is your opinion about the topic, try to have a balanced view

Have a summary of your point of view ready

Practice makes perfect a Group Discussion Interview

Practice your discussion out loud, if possible record it and play it back to yourself. Video recording is best so that you can also analyze your body postures and other gestures. Then Analyze, Analyze, Analyze. Understand what you did well and what you did poorly.

If possible, practice with a discussion group and record it and play it back to yourself. If you are practicing with a discussion group – always take feedback from the group to see how and where you can improve.

What if you nothing about the Topic for a Group Discussion Interview

First and foremost do not panic. You have prepared well and this will help you.

First, listen very attentively to discussion for the first few minutes. Take a moment to assess the information and then form your own opinion on the topic. Your opinion does not need to be correct but it needs to be an opinion that is well formulated, logical and shows the panel how you think. Try to add value to discussion and not just sum up or reinforce what others have said.

Rules for Group Discussion

There are no fixed rules for Group Discussion Interviews. The following are some tips and guidelines to observe. Participation is a must. Now that must be obvious. Guidelines say that you should try to make 3 -4 relevant points. So aim for four relevant points.

You need to stand-out in the Group Interview. Do not shout. Try to come out as balanced and mature. You need to grab the chance to speak whenever you get it. Some points to remember:

Be assertive and make your points, while listening to others.

Come across as a team player and engaging everyone in the discussion.

Try to add value to the discussion, and not speak for the sake of speaking.

Look for breaks and lulls in the discussion to put your ideas across.

The Importance of Introductions in the Group Discussion

Listen very carefully to names and their introductions. You could have to remember the names of more than five to six people.

Listen very carefully to the agenda and the topic of the discussion. Also listen to the time allotted in the group discussion.

Try to position yourself so that you are able to make eye contact with all the members of the Group Discussion.

Displaying Teamwork and Leadership in a Group Discussion Interview

You should be aware of in your group discussion if you are displaying Teamwork and Leadership.

Teamwork

Listening to others

Relating your ideas to what others are saying, or are your points totally unrelated

Not being too aggressive in presenting your ideas

How you handle conflict in the discussion

Do you work towards a final solution for the group

Leadership

Are you able to convince other group members about your train of thought

Are you able to influence others

Does the discussion focus around topics that you have raised.

Don’ts in a Group Discussion Interview

Never get drawn into an argument with any of the Group discussion members even if you disagree with them.

Don’t be overly cynical or opinionated but be prepared to state your arguments logically.

Look out for body language of the Group Discussion Members. Also watch out for signals that you may be sending by your body language (rolling your eyes , not being attentive when others are speaking) . Especially watch out if someone is turning away from you as this is a negative sign.

Do not ramble on and on, wrap up your point quickly.

Do not speak over someone else. Let them finish their point.

Do not try to stutter and stammer.

5 Tips to help you beat the Fear of Interviews

“Thinking of the interview or the forthcoming presentations makes my hands and legs tremble, I feel nervous and cannot breathe easily.”

It is not uncommon to experience fear or anxiety before an interview, but since the interview process is your gateway to the job, you must make efforts towards addressing this issue honestly. Here are some tips that might help you in overcoming the anxiety.

Address the Question – Why do you Fear the Interview?

Unless you know the reason for the fear its elimination is not all that possible and effective. Be honest to yourself – find out which aspect of the interview process daunts you the most. Make a list of your fears and address and eliminate them one by one. If you are unable to address the reason for your anxiety don’t hesitate to ask for help from experts or your family and friends. Discussing and talking out aloud can sometimes help in understanding the situation better.

Anticipate Questions

Imagine yourself as the recruiter or the hiring manager for the position you are applying. What questions would you ask your would-be employee? Search websites and articles for tips on how to answer questions like:
“What are your strengths?”
“How would you be an asset to the company?”
“Why did you leave your last job?”
“Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now? What are your long-term goals?”

Prepare Answers

The importance of being prepared cannot be overemphasized. It is essential for a good interview or a presentation, the more you prepare, the more confident you shall be. Spare some time to research about the company, ask friends or acquaintances who are in similar industry about the latest in their fields and don’t hesitate to ask them what questions you could expect during the interviews. They can help you through their own experience of interviews or through their own knowledge of being experts in their fields.

Focus on the Positives

Talk about your strengths and first convince yourself on what you can do really well, once you feel the self-confidence the person on the other side of the table will sense it as you talk confidently and convincingly about your abilities. It is all about the confidence and spend a lot of time developing this essential skill and you can go anywhere you want. The interview is the time where you get ample time to project yourself, do so confidently and be articulate and to the point on how you can benefit the company.

Hold Mock Sessions

We usually feel anxious and nervous because of stepping in an unknown territory. What if you simulate the situation beforehand? Plan and rehearse mock interviews sessions with friends, family or your coach, it can help in eliminating any left over fear and give you that wonderful confidence that you need to ace your forthcoming interview. It can also be a good idea to video record these sessions, replay and judge your performance. Don’t look only at the downsides and on possible improvements, don’t be too critical. Focus on what you liked about yourself during this session and how can you highlight your strengths more or accentuate your positives more during the interview. Also get feedback from those you held the mock sessions with, don’t be defensive and be open to constructive criticism.

And always remember that you don’t have to be perfect to get that job. Be yourself and be confident, the right preparation and attitude can take you anywhere you want to go!

Present Yourself For Your Winning Job Interview

What to wear, how to be presentable for that job interview.
First impressions last. Especially when you present yourself for a job interview. You do not have very long to make that good first impression.

The interviewer wants to see that you care and that you have made an effort.

From the momment you are in the area of your interview you must present yourself for the job.

Whether you are in the car park, in the lobby and in the interview room be courteous to everyone you meet.

While waiting for your interview Dont sit in the waiting room slobbed out. Do not smoke or chew gum while you are waiting. Everyone and anyone could be asked what their impression of you is by the Interviewer. Be pleasant and polite to the receptionist, the doorman or woman -anyone you meet.

Ensure you shower or bathe before an interview. Hygiene is very important. Clean your teeth. Wash your hair, clean and file your nails. Unless it is in a very creative enviroment or in the beauty trade I would advise to go for only soft or neutral nail polish and conservative make up.

Tattoos-if you have tattos and you are applying for a job in a conservative enviroment do wear clothing that will cover them.

I would advise not to wear heavy perfume or aftershave at interview as this can be overpowering. Just a light spray if you feel you want to.

Hair should be neat and not in your face.
Beards or any facial hair should be appropriately trimmed and clean.

Clothes should be clean and well pressed and comfortable. Make sure you are happy sitting in them in any kind of chair. Choose clothes that do not crease. Shoes should be clean and polished.

Before you even attend the interview, you should know what type of company it is. If formal and conservative dress formally,(trousers shirt, tie , jacket or skirt/smart trousers blouse/top) If it is creative you have a bit more leeway in your dress but don't go over the top.

You want your interviewers to see and remember YOU not what you are wearing!

Your Body Language At Interviews

Your body language says more at interview than you think!
Your body language, that is the way you hold your body and stand , sit and move during interviews can form a lasting impression. We communicate more with our body language than we do through speech. First impressions are often very significant and that is where the body language is very important.

Greeting the Interviewer is very important: Walk in confidently standing with your head up and walking tall. If they extend a handshake then shake their hand confidently and firmly. If not say Good morning/afternoon, hello etc in greeting.

Very Important-Smile!

Keep good Eye Contact Keep enough eye contact with the interviewer so he or she knows you are listening, without staring at them, try to keep it natural.

Take a seat: They will likely ask you to take a seat. When you do sit up in it, do not slouch or sink down in the seat. Neither perch on the edge as if you might take flight any minute! What you want to achieve is to seem calm and alert, relaxed and confident. So sit back in the seat, keep your spine straight and head up.

Now what to do with those hands?
Do not wring your hands or bite your nails or clasp and unclasp-many people do not even realise they are doing this. Try to fold your hands in your lap or place them on your knees. Do not smoke during interviews.Do not cross your arms across your body or sit huddled up. It makes you look defensive and scared.

Your legs and feet. Either sit with both feet on the floor or one leg crossed over athe knee or ankle. Avoid crossing your ankle over the other knee. Try to avoid the male dominant positions of legs wide apart. If you are wearing a skirt whatever position you assume should not reveal too much leg so practice how you will sit when you are picking out your clothes.

Sit up straight or lean slightly forwards to indicate interest.

When the Interview is over, say thank you , smile and walk confidently out of the room.

Boost your career in 2012

Work resolutions you'll actually keep
Want to kick start your career in 2012? Whilst we're not a fan of resolutions we'll never keep (giving up cake, for instance), the dawning of the new year is an ample time to try and improve your career prospects, whether it's developing achievable goals and an action plan, or maximising your effectiveness at work.

So we spoke to Dr Christine Bundy, the Simple Skincare Psychologist, who gave us 7 'action plans' (a much nicer word than 'resolutions') to help boost your career this year.

1. Work SMART:

Think strategically: What are your personal and your organisation’s goals for the year? They may be different, but try to make them overlap where possible, that way you hit two birds with one stone. If you can see a direction with your current employer for the next 3 and 5 years it’s likely that the organisation provides lots of opportunities to get your career where you want it to be in 10 years. Don’t be frightened to say you are ambitious, and ask to be given more responsibility, but only if it fits with your plan. Learn to say no, but only agree or turn something down after thinking about it, NEVER agree on the spot. If you think about it at least overnight, this conveys to someone you have a plan. Be flexible and help your boss out when appropriate, but give too much flexibility and you will break!

2. Set Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely (SMART) goals:

If you try to make too big a change, too fast or without help it is likely to end in tears. A small achievement will encourage you to take on bigger challenges, but a big failure will just eat away at your confidence. Make a plan that you are pretty certain you can stick to and then plan another after that. Set small monthly goals that are all manageable so at the end of six months you will have achieved 6 new things successfully.

3. Don’t beat yourself up!

When setting a work goal that is important such as finishing a project or getting a promotion, you can take two steps forward and one back. This is usual in the change cycle; a lapse (short term step back) is not the same as a relapse (a permanent step back). Plan for a lapse in effort, a knock-back such as a putdown or day of poor concentration, but get right back on and change track as soon as possible. It’s important to be honest with yourself; if it really is a small lapse then fine, but if you are having regular lapses you may be setting too big a goal for yourself so keep a check.

4. Use your inner voice positively:

Research shows that if you make your goals public you are more likely to implement that plan. We all have an ‘inner voice’, often it is very critical and negative and we come to believe what we hear ourselves say. Make it work for you not against you. This means if you hear yourself say: “I really want this promotion, but I’m not sure if I could hack the responsibility that comes with it” these self-doubts will be communicated to others. Better to say: “This is an exciting new opportunity that I know I can rise to, even if I need help with it at first”. Also good to tell someone you trust to help you so you stick to your plan.

5. Keep your eye on the long game:

Set a series of short term goals (the first week), mid-term goals (a month) and long-terms goals (over a year). Be clear about what is achievable in those timescales; don’t be tempted to try to change everything overnight, it won’t happen. Stick to the SMART goals (above) and stay focused on the things you have been able to do and ignore the things you haven’t. Don’t be tempted to make big changes just because it’s the new year, it’s likely after a break you will be feeling anxious about what you haven’t done, but remember to celebrate what you have achieved.

6. Plan and reward short term gains:

Checklists can help as long as you keep them manageable and don’t overload them. Build in ‘white space’ between meetings or tasks so you have time to think and prepare for the next one. Give yourself a pat on the back when things go well and positive self talk (see the ‘inner voice’ above) – say to yourself: “I am doing really well, I have done what I planned”.

Also, set up a reward system for when you’ve managed to go a week or two without slipping back. Be clear what the reward is and what it’s for such as having a manicure or going to the cinema if you manage to finish one task completely every day for a week. Focusing on positive feelings about change increases the likelihood that those plans will work. After a while you will start to feel your confidence grow and this will help you not just start changes, but to also maintain the changes.

7. Career confidence:

Try not to fret about interviews or important meetings such as appraisals; it’s not so scary if you break down the things that worry you into small bite size chunks and deal with them in a more manageable and effective way. Acute stress caused by deadlines or interviews also shows in our skin and effects your behaviour.If skin is feeling hot or flushed due to nerves, keep a cooling face mist in your handbag for a quick skin refresher and remember to take deep breaths.

Preparation is key so make time for your appearance – have well manicured nails, wear a comfortable outfit, stick to a well balanced diet and a regular skincare routine which will help you achieve a healthy looking glow – you’d be surprised how all of these can help your confidence levels.

How To Impress at a Job Interview

Instructions

1) Exude confidence:
Stand up straight. Make eye contact. Offer a firm handshake. These simple steps can show the interviewer that you feel confident in your ability to handle the job and yourself.

2)Make small talk:
Ask the interviewer how they're doing or mention the weather. Small talk is a great way to break the ice and give the two of you a moment to relax before the real questions begin.

3) Do your homework:
Almost every company has a website, so find out everything you can about the company. You can also do a search for their company on the Internet and find out what consumers and competitors have to say. Come prepared to use terms that are common for that industry.

4) Look your best:
Even if you are completely broke, you need to look as though you already have money. Wear your nicest clothes that you have, cleaned and freshly ironed that day. Brush your hair, and make sure your hands and nails are clean. Make sure your breath is fresh and keep your perfume or cologne to a minimum.

5) Be honest:
Most interviewers know when a person is lying to them and will make a mental check to not hire you. Even if you get away with the lie in the initial interview, you will eventually be caught in the lie in the future, which would be even more embarrassing.

6) Emphasize your strengths:
One of the most common questions asked during an interview is to list your strengths and weaknesses. Obviously, you want to talk more about your strengths. However, you can really impress an interviewer if you show them how you can be strong despite your weaknesses. Show them how you've learned from your weaknesses

Interview Tips for Freshers

About Interview Tips for Freshers:

The interview tips for freshers are basically some suggestions and advices that are provided to the job seekers who are going to appear for an interview for the first time in their professional lives. These suggestions are nowadays available on the internet.

Importance of Interview Tips for Freshers:

The job interviews are of utmost importance for the job aspirants, especially if they are taking their first steps in this regard. A good interview can make or break the confidence of the job seeker and this is where the good suggestions come in handy.

Interview Tips for Freshers before Interview:

One of the first things a fresher should do before an interview is to do extensive research of the company. The freshers should also be punctual and reach, preferably, before time for the interview. This always makes a good impression on the minds of the interviewers. It is also advisable that the job aspirants practice their interviews time and again before appearing for the actual one.

Interview Tips for Freshers during Interview:

During the interview the job seekers should put up a smiling face as employers always like people with vibrant personalities. They should also shake the hands of the interviewers in a firm way. They should also talk eye to eye with the interviewers. They should speak clearly as any way else would show the interviewer that the interviewee is lacking in confidence. They should also be responsive to the interviewers. They need to avoid being overzealous with their answers, which should be precise and delivered only when a question has been asked. The application forms should be completed properly. The job seeker should also ask some questions to the interviewer and then thank that individual when the process comes to a close.

Things to Avoid:

The freshers should refrain from being dishonest about themselves in the interviews. They should also not be chewing gums when they give an interview. Even if the interviewer offers them a cigarette they should be refusing it. They should be confident with their answers and should not say no to a job that is offered to them.

Six Career Tips

Six Career Tips To Help You Grow

1) Learn something new every day:
When I was a lowly intern right out of college doing grunt work IT application clean up and light UI design, I asked harassed, my dear colleagues to teach me something every single day. They thought I was bright-eyed, cute, and naive and I ended up learning a little about each of the web developers, system integrators, project managers, web managers, web architects, computer support teams. Although this was clearly outside of the scope of an intern, bit by bit, I soaked in each little morsel about web in the enterprise and it fueled me to learn more. Leo Cheng, Jason Martorano, Oliver Cheng, Dave Giffen, John Perera, Kunal Malik, Jeff Cavano, Aileen Cheng, Robert Cartelli were so good to me, thanks guys.

2) Often, the fastest way Up is Out:
Often, the fastest way up, for those who enjoy working in companies, is out. In most cases, incremental raises are often single digit changes (keeping you above the inflation waterline), and the occasional promotion will be low double digits. For those that I’ve met and move to new job positions, outside of their company they can often expect a 20%-40% increase in salary as they join a new company. It’s interesting to see that firms may value outside talent as more important than inside experience talent, in some cases, a fresh skillset or experience may be what’s needed.

3) Reverse engineer the job you want:
Another useful tip is to reverse engineer the position that you desire to be in. Earlier in my career, I aspired to be a web manager, so I took job descriptions of web strategists and looked at all the skills and experiences needed. I printed out the job description (circled the salary) and taped it to my bathroom mirror, I saw it every morning and night, a double dose of self-reflection. Over time, you start to piece together the projects, programs, and apply new skills to learn how to do this. With time and perseverance, your resume will catch up to where you want to go.

4) Education matters, but not as much as you thought:
For very specialized jobs, where in school training is essential (law, medicine, sometimes programming) this bullet doesn’t apply to you. More and more executives I meet have degrees in something they didn’t study in school for. For most jobs, they hire you because of what you can do for them, not what school you went to. There’s a reason why education falls to the bottom of the resume, and the ‘value statement’ is at the top, quickly followed by real world experience. Don’t get me wrong, education is very important, a bachelor degree is really expected in today’s workplace, but I often lean on the broad, theoretical knowledge I gained as a primer (or glossary) for me to dive in deeper in the business world.

5) You are a company of one:
The other observation I share with my friend (and now you) is that you are a company of one. Even though your paycheck is being delivered through your employer, you are solely responsible for your direction, what you learn, how you perform, and how much you’re paid. I firmly believe that you are paid what you’re worth, so when I hear people complaining “they are underpaid”, in my mind, I translate that as you’ve “undersold yourself”, get skilled, spend time on weekends or early mornings to learn more, and apply new projects, programs and skills –or leave. Therefore, you are your own CEO, CMO, CFO, COO, CTO, you’re in control of your destiny. As you can tell, I don’t believe in fate, you are driving your ship of one.

6) Develop your plan, and put it in writing:
If you’re with me so far, develop your own plan, both short term and long term plans, and set goals on how to reach them. Often, these goals don’t have titles or companies in them, but they describe the environment, or the end outcomes of which you want to reach. Over time these goals will change, and that’s ok, but at least you’re looking forward. I learned this from my buddy’s dad when I was growing up, he had several businesses, and one of his dreams was to have a Ferrari –he achieved it.

Developing Your Career

Self-Assessment: The first step in developing career goals is to assess your own personal characteristics--your skills and interests, your likes and dislikes, and your strengths and weaknesses. You may then match your "profile" to a specific job or career goal. You may also want to identify aspects of your present and past jobs that will help you determine your career goals such as

Traits or skills that are required.

Aspects of the previous jobs you liked and disliked.

Skills you have developed through education, jobs, hobbies, volunteer work, clubs, employee organizations, and the like.

Training you've had that can be applied to future jobs.

Specific areas of your performance appraisals that have been rated above or below satisfactory.

Your willingness to relocate or work other than a normal work shift.

Personal time and effort you are willing to commit to preparing for career advancement.

Outside Resources:

Most community colleges offer free counseling services. College career centers will work with you individually or in a group setting to aid in self-evaluation, career choice, job search, and interview techniques. An interest inventory is a typical tool used by career counselors to help you understand your work interests in general and to show you various kinds of work in which you may be successful.

Career Exploration:

Once you have determined your skills, strengths, and interests, you can use various tools to explore and identify the career areas that "fit" your profile.

Career Ladders:

Career ladders identify opportunities for possible career change or promotion from one job classification to another. The career ladders pullout, in the center of this handbook, displays the promotion and potential transfer patterns for most classifications used by the Board.

People in Fields That Interest You:

An excellent way to research a career field is to talk with individuals who are working in that field. Most people are happy to talk about the kind of work they do, and people who are performing the job can often provide you a more realistic description of what the job is really like. Explain that you are exploring your career options and are considering their field as a possible career. Ask them for an honest assessment of their job, such as the pros and cons of the work, the most rewarding features, and the most frustrating aspects.

Other Resources:

The Bureau of Labor Statistics is a database with information on the knowledge, abilities, work activities, and interests associated with more than 950 occupations. You can find which jobs fit with your skills and experience and explore career profiles using the latest available labor market data.

Your Career Growth Plan:

It is important that you construct your own career growth plan, since only you can decide what career or job environment interests you. Although developing this plan is your responsibility, we encourage you to enlist the guidance and assistance of other resource people. Most important are your supervisor or staff in the Board's EEO Office or Personnel Management Division.

Setting Your Career Goal:

Your goal should represent what you ultimately hope to accomplish. This goal may be to obtain a specific position or to work in a specific career field. When you set your career goal, set a reasonable time frame indicating when you would like to reach your career goal. Your career goal may include a job that you're now qualified for as well as a job you want to qualify for in the future. However, keep in mind that your career goal should be realistic and attainable-one that is reachable through your ongoing developmental efforts.

Developing a Plan of Action:

Develop a plan of activities to reach your goal. Think of this plan as a step-by-step statement of the specific activities needed to reach your goal-in the order in which they should be completed. These activities or objectives should focus on enhancing your education, skills, knowledge, or experience and should be measurable and tailored to achieve your specific career goal. You must be able to recognize when you are working toward your goal and when your goal has been accomplished. Be specific and set dates. You may also consider scheduling a meeting with someone that you believe can provide you constructive feedback on your plan.

Obtaining Approvals:

Your plan may require the approval of your supervisor and the coordination and assistance of other units and supervisors because of the possible need for release time, funding, or other considerations. Based on the provisions of the applicable bargaining unit contract, you may be eligible to receive reimbursement from the state for an upward mobility program or for job-related or career-related training costs, including tuition and course-required books. With prior authorization from your supervisor, you may also be given release time for career-related or upward mobility training.

Pursuing Your Plan:

The personal development aspects of a career development plan can be successful only if you are committed to the plan. You should be prepared to commit a portion of your own time and effort to accomplish this plan. Completing your planned work experience and/or training activities is your responsibility. You'll need to seek help when necessary, be flexible, and periodically reassess your career development plan. The University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada, has developed a thorough career development manual that can lead you from assessing yourself and the occupational market through job search and acceptance.

Tips For Interview Preparation

Preparation Tips for a Behavioral Interview
Preparing for a behavior based interview can be daunting. Here are some tips to get started:

Be familiar with the job for which you're being interviewed

Read the advertisement or job description to identify which personal attributes and behaviors are likely to be key success factors for the role. For Client interviews it is advised that you research the company's website and any external information about them from business directories etc.

Make a note of two or three examples for each personal attribute that will best illustrate your suitability - you may want to bring these into the interview with you as prompts. Remember that different companies and industries may require different personal attributes, even for the same position. For example, 'self-managing' can mean very different things to different companies.

Be able to draw from a variety of experiences

That demonstrate your skills and abilities. A good story can also combine work experience with a non-work experience (shows you can use the skill in a variety of settings). Examples may be from your work experience, your personal life or some social or other situation. Of course a unique work situation story (unless otherwise specifically requested) should take priority. Be as open, expressive and succinct as possible about each experience.

Let others help you out

use examples of quotes from bosses or customers, i.e., "My boss gave me a good performance review, they liked the way I stepped in to get the job done without being told to." This demonstrates your willingness to accept contribution, your flexibility and teamwork skills.

Think 'STAR' - Situation or Task, Action and Result

There are several variations of this acronym in the recruiting industry, but all of them are intended to provide structure and focus to your answers. When asked about a type of situation, the interviewer is looking at how you responded to it by via a specific example. Using the STAR model you would break your answer into the three segments of; description of the task, then the action you took, and the final measurable result.

This makes it easier for the interviewer to visualize and record your specific behavioral responses to specific events and so gain the best impression of your potential future performance. Prepare at least one STAR response for each personal attribute you may be questioned on. Make sure you don't use the same example for all the attributes.

Use recent examples

As you will be probed for detail around the situation, it is better to use events in the last 12-18 months as the detail will be clearer in your mind. Be specific as possible about your contribution and the quantitative results achieved. Specific absolute or relative (%) gains in areas such as cost or time savings will give you the interviewer a clearer picture of your abilities. If specific measurable results don't apply to your example, you might explain how it streamlined processes, empowered others or resolved communication or productivity issues.

Practice telling your stories

until they are vivid and concise, one to three minutes long. An interview can be likened to a marketing activity, where you are the brand. You will only get an interview because your resume and past roles suggest that you have the appropriate technical skills set (your attributes). Often what separates you from the other candidates at the interview stage is the interviewer's belief in how you will fit into the company's culture and specific IT team (your personal benefits).
Remember, you are selling your technical AND personal skills. Being able to communicate your adaptability and relatedness at an interview is essential to becoming the leading candidate. This 'story telling practice' is an important preparation tool to assist you in creating a natural flow to your stories so that the interviewer can focus on your potential benefit to the client.

Ask to come back to the question

If you are stuck for an answer to a particular question, it is reasonable to ask the interviewer if you may move on to the next one and you'll come back it.

Top 8 Tips To Improve Your Personality

Top 8 Tips To Improve Your Personality
Every person wants to improve upon his or her own personality.
It is quite evident in the methods and processes that are being used in order to accomplish this particular goal. This is perhaps the reason why people buy new clothes, cut their hair or get a total makeover. They improve their image and other things related to changing their appearance.
Personality goes beyond external appearance. It includes dispositions, traits, qualities, speech, and other things innate in the person.
Here are some tips in improving personality:
1. Be interested in people:
Try to discover what other people want. Know their likes, dislikes, interests, and beliefs. By doing this, you will be regarded as a person with an attractive and pleasing personality.
2. Assume that people like you:
If you show another person that you want people to talk to you, they will react to you with warmth.
3. Admit your weaknesses:
Do not regard yourself as a perfect person. Just as people have strengths, they also have their weaknesses. To improve your personality, you should admit that you also have defects.
4. Admire your friends:
Praise them for their achievements. Tell them how attractive they look. Make them feel how important they are to you. By this, they will also show you importance.
5. Associate with people who are successful and happy:
Seek the companionship of others who can give you new points of view, renewed hope, and a more meaningful life. Ask for their advice and guidance. They can give you valuable insight about their experiences in life. You can learn from their insights and apply their insights to improving your personality.
6. Attend social gatherings:
Social gatherings can increase your circle of friends. Social events can likewise give you new perspectives and experiences.It can help improve your relationships with other people and your community. Social gatherings can also help you develop your communication skills.
7. Change your environment:
Go on vacation or rest in a new and different place. Renovate your house and fix your furniture. Introduce changes in your environment.
8. Learn new things:
Learn how to cook or play the piano. Enroll in voice lessons. Indulge in gardening. By doing this, you are expanding your horizons.
Aside from this, you can also develop your skills in other areas such as public speaking and understanding other people's attitudes and beliefs.
Improving your personality may take some work and dedication but it is worthwhile and fun because you are focusing your attention on improving relationships with others and even better...yourself.

A guidance to pass CeMAP exam

Passing CeMAP exam is never an easy task. It is quite complicated and daunting as the syllabus for the exam is quite expansive and humongous. You will have to dedicate a lot of quality time and patience in order become a certified mortgage broker. In fact, you will have to prepare ahead of months from the examination day in order to cover each and every aspect, revise them considerably and give a fair shot at the examination. Clearing this CeMAP exam opens up an opportunity for you to practice as a professional at UK. You get a wonderful package and a secure livelihood which is exactly what most people expect.
However, passing such an exam is never an easy task. You can either choose to study on your own or attend any of these professional CeMAP courses provided by several training institutes. These institutes have qualified and trained teachers to help you understand the subject and work towards clearing the exam. They also provide all the materials you would ever need to pass the exam with flying colors. However, you can also choose to study on your own at your home. There are several websites online aiding for the same cause. You can find all the course materials, model exam papers and other solution for you to prepare on your own from your home itself.
From personal point of view, one would say that the former is always a wiser choice as these people are more dedicated towards helping you pass the exam and they are quite knowledgeable about how the whole system works. Do not take things too lightly when it comes to CeMAP. Today it has become quite mandatory for everyone to pass the certification in order to serve the mortgage industry. You’ll have to shed in a lot of hard work and smart work to become a professional CeMAP Mortgage Broker.

Shijina is an expert SEO copywriter for CeMAP. She has been written many articles like CeMAP training, CeMAP courses,Home study CeMAP,FREE CeMAP Guide Book,CeMAP 1,2 and more, For more information visit our site cemap-training.com.

Become a good trainee mortgage adviser by CeMAP training

If it is your intention to embark on a career as a mortgage advisor and be successful and earn fabulous income, then the obvious route is to first become a Trainee Mortgage Advisor and arm yourself with Certificate in Mortgage Advice and Practice (CeMAP) qualification.

You may not need academic qualifications to be able to pass the CeMAP exams but the one thing you will positively need is a strong urge to succeed in a highly competitive industry.

The CeMAP consists of three different modules - the module one and two offer aspirants the knowledge and skills required to function as mortgage advisors. Module three comprises of objectivity based questions to test the applicant's ability and aptitude to apply the understanding received from 1 and 2 modules.

To acquire CeMAP qualification, you must achieve examination passes in each of the three CeMAP modules, namely:

CeMAP Module 1 – UK Financial Regulation
CeMAP Module 2 – Mortgages
CeMAP Module 3 – An assessment of mortgage advice knowledge

But as long as you do not hold the CeMAP qualification, you are barred from doing consultancy services on issue related to mortgage. Once you obtain the certification, you can either get gainfully employed or act as a freelancer to recommend lenders to the public.

In either case, you can expect to earn handsomely. CeMAP training courses are essentially designed for individuals who are new to the mortgage industry and without any mortgage background whatsoever. Though CeMAP was earlier more of an aptitude test conceived by the institute of Financial Services (IFS), it is today a nationwide familiar NVQ level 3 qualifications.

The test contains three main papers - multiple choice of 100 questions for CeMAP 1 & 2 and sixty subjects for CeMAP 3. To achieve overall pass and obtain CeMAP qualification, you need to pass each of the 3 CeMAP modules.

Aspirants wanting to take CeMAP training can easily find some well-organized CeMAP courses run by reputed and reliable training companies. There are different types of CeMAP training that are available – classroom course, home study course and online course. There is also the seminar method of learning primarily meant for busy working professionals who are in a hurry to obtain CeMAP certification. These crash courses generally extend up to 3 days and very intensive in nature.

Most CeMAP course costs include all training materials, IFS CeMAP mock exam papers, exclusive training guides and revision notes plus all-round support. Today, CeMAP training course also comes in the form of lively CD-Roms. This is a complete training course designed to fully prepare you for CeMAP certification

You should however exercise caution when selecting the CeMAP training company as many organizations may be far too commercial-minded, relieve you of your money and provide inadequate support. The right CeMAP training institute will not only teach you the course content but guide you on the exam techniques as well. Please also make sure that the CeMAP training company you finally select assures you of success in the exam or agrees to offer free training for the subsequent attempt.

Even if you join any leading training CeMAP training company, please remember that it calls for dedication, concentration, hard work and the determination on your part to succeed and obtain the coveted certification.

Shijina is an expert SEO copywriter for CeMAP. She has been written many articles like CeMAP training, CeMAP courses,Home study CeMAP,FREE CeMAP Guide Book,CeMAP 1,2 and more, For more information visit our site cemap-training.com.

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If you wish to embark on a promising career in the mortgage industry – be it as an employee or as an independent advisor – you need to arm yourself with CeMAP (Certificate in Mortgage Advice & Practice) qualification. In fact, to render advice to the public in mortgage matters, it is mandatory that the mortgage consultant possesses CeMAP qualification.


To acquire CeMAP qualification, there is no prescribed minimum academic qualification and there is also no need for any industry experience. All that is required of you is a strong aptitude and a passion for the mortgage profession.

To achieve an overall pass in the CeMAP, you need to pass each of the following three CeMAP modules:

• CeMAP 1 - UK Financial Regulation (divided into Units 1 & 2)
• CeMAP 2 – Mortgages (divided into Units 3, 4, 5 & 6)
• CeMAP 3 - Assessment of Mortgage Advice Knowledge (divided into three parts, A, B & C)

To succeed in CeMAP examination, you have three different types of training programs and you can opt for the one that best meets your requirements.

Intensive Class room training - This is by far the most common training option available and the usual format is - CeMAP: 5-day course (Monday to Friday 9AM to 5PM). As the syllabus to be covered is rather vast, the CeMAP trainer has to drive the group at a fixed speed in the 5-day intensive course. If you think you are not best suited to this style of learning, you need to think of an alternative training method.

Home study program online (distance learning) - If you consider it difficult to take a week away from work for attending intensive classroom program, a home-based online learning option might prove to be a better alternative. Many trainers offer a well- developed computer-based CeMAP study software package. This learning methodology will contain everything that is included in the intensive classroom courses. Interestingly, many trainers also provide with live telephone and email back-up support, seven days per week.

One-to-one training - From start to finish, this method will usually take a fortnight to complete and you may have noticed that this dedicated one-to-one training option is only as expensive as the group training course. The one-to-one training session can be conducted at a location in your area as that will save you time and money. You will get the full attention of the trainer instead of sharing it with others in the group.

Shijina is an expert SEO copywriter for CeMAP. She has been written many articles like CeMAP training, CeMAP courses,Home study CeMAP,FREE CeMAP Guide Book,CeMAP 1,2 and more, For more information visit our site cemap-training.com.