4 Steps in Creating Your Video Interview Environment - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

4 Steps in Creating Your Video Interview Environment - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career Have you had a video interview? If you have not been in a video interview yet, just wait. This could be done via Skype, Google Hangouts, or a variety of other platforms. The key to a successful video interview is to look and, more importantly, sound your best. Room Selection The room environment where you will be interviewed is key. You want good, consistent lighting and excellent acoustics. Pick a room that is devoid of hard surfaces (like tile or wood floors), glass table tops, or lots of windows. Select a room with carpet and possibly drapes on the walls. When I record my webinars, I am in my master bedroom closet where the hanging clothes creates a studio-like audio environment. You probably cannot hold a video interview in your closet, but you get the point. You will want to position yourself in the room where you are less than six feet from a wall. If your webcam has an auto focus feature you will want the camera to focus on you and not something behind. A little trick is to buy a simple room divider with smooth surfaces and place it behind you. If you select the right room for your video interview everything else becomes so much easier. Lighting You want even, full spectrum lighting on the front of your face. If this is your home or office, most lighting is from above or the side. Purchase three inexpensive desk lamps and install full spectrum light bulbs. These will act as key lights and give you even lighting. Place these pointing up at your face on the front, left and right. Finally, close all of the window shades. Do not spend more than $50 on the lighting. You may already have the lamps in your house or office. Audio In the world of high definition video, your audio is more important than your video. Our tolerance for poor audio is much lower than for video. You will want to sound great. If you have picked the room properly with sound deadening materials this is fairly easy. Use a set of headphones. These could be the ear buds from your cell phone. You can run the wire underneath the back of your shirt so they do not show. This will eliminate any chance of an echo. If you use headphones you can use the microphone built into your computer. However, I prefer to use a USB condenser microphone. I use a Samson condenser microphone that I purchased with a pop filter several years ago for under $100. Clothing and Body Positioning Pick clothes that have color and look good on you. For most of us guys, we will need to ask for help. Avoid patterns on shirts, jackets and ties. The cameras have gotten a lot better at dealing with patterns, but it is still best to avoid them. I prefer my clients to be standing up when being interviewed. You will be able to use your hands naturally. Since you will only be on video from the waist up, wear shoes that will not generate any noise when you move around. Flip flops work great. The most important feature is to be in an environment where you feel comfortable. You are on stage and you want to give your best performance. Much has been written on how to perform during a video interview. However, a great performance can come across poorly without the right environment. Marc Miller â€" Career Pivot Check out my book Repurpose Your Career â€" A Practical Guide for Baby Boomers Do not forget to follow me on Twitter or FaceBook

Are AI and Robotics Taking Over Our Workforce

Are AI and Robotics Taking Over Our Workforce Photo Credit- Pexels.comAutomation has the potential to transform industries. Untiring and efficient, robotics and artificial intelligence For further analysis, McKinsey divided jobs into three categories:1. Highly Susceptible to AutomationPredictable physical work: 78% of time spent can be automated. Welding and soldering on an assembly line, food preparation, packaging goods, etc.Data processing: 69% of time spent can be automatedData collection: 64% of time spent can be automated2. Less Susceptible to AutomationUnpredictable physical work: 25% of time spent can be automatedConstruction, forestry, raising outdoor animals, etc.Stakeholder interaction: 20% of time spent can be automated.3. Least Susceptible to AutomationApplying expertise: 18% of time spent can be automatedCoding, copywriting, etc.Managing others: 9% of time spent can be automatedRegarding jobs with high susceptibility to automation, McKinsey concluded by saying that, “Since predictable physical activities figure p rominently in sectors such as manufacturing, food service and accommodations, and retailing, these are the most susceptible to automation based on technical considerations alone.”The Effect of Increase Labor WagesPhoto Credit- stocklogos.comThere was a 5% wage inflation last year, and it’s expected to be 4% this year. These increases in minimum wage, especially in the fast food industry, have led some brands to turn to robotics and automation to offset costs associated with higher wages.Wendy’s, a prime example, recently announced that it plans on installing self-ordering kiosks in 1,000 of its locations by the end of the year, an endeavor that it started last year.evalDavid Trimm, CIO of Wendy’s, explained that “there is a huge amount of pull fromAfter all, AI can search more thoroughly, piece codes faster, and achieve better results than a human.DeepCoderExemplifying the concerns outlined above, researchers at Microsoft and the University of Cambridge have created a syst em called DeepCoder that can write its own code using machine learning and a technique called program synthesis.In its most basic form, program synthesis takes lines of code from existing software and pieces them together to create new programs, just like a programmer might do.Photo Credit â€" Pexels.comThis allows people from all walks of life, from experienced coders to introductory level students, to build basic programs.In essence, they need only describe an idea and let the program do the heavy lifting. With a given list of inputs and outputs for each code fragment, DeepCoder learns which pieces of code were needed to achieve the desired results. It can then create programs in fractions of a second, improving over time as it learns which combinations work and which don’t.In its current state and limitations, DeepCoder can work with a maximum of five lines of code. It won’t be taking over any programming jobs just yet, but who knows what the future holds. For now, it’s doi ng some of the tedious parts of programming, leaving coders to devote their time to more sophisticated work.We’re Safe… for NowAutomation is nothing new, nor is is something to be feared. We have self-checkouts in grocery stores, industrial automation in car assembly plants, and even online shopping.For the most part, automation benefits us by replacing hard physical labor and monotonous work. It also improves our well-being by taking over jobs that pose safety issues.Our concerns, if any, should come when advances in AI make it indistinguishable from a human mind. Until then, if there is a then, we’re okay.

How to Make the Most of One-on-One Meetings with Your Boss - Margaret Buj - Interview Coach

How to Make the Most of One-on-One Meetings with Your Boss One-on-one meetings can be nerve-wracking, especially with your manager. What are you supposed to talk about? What kinds of questions should you ask? But there’s no need to dread these meetings. If you approach them the right way, you can actually learn a lot. Think of your meetings as the perfect professional development opportunity. So before your next meeting, read this article. We’ll show you five ways to make the most of the one-on-one time you spend with your boss. 1. Set an Agenda To make good use of your time, plan ahead. Outline any questions or concerns you want to address before you sit down at the table. If you know beforehand what you’re going to discuss, you won’t waste time fumbling through small talk or trying to think of things to talk about. It’s likely that you both have a lot to do, so your manager will be impressed by your efficient use of time. It’ll be even better if you run the agenda by your boss first. Send them a brief email saying, “Hey, I was hoping that we might be able to discuss x during our meeting tomorrow.” That way, they’ll know what to expect and can prepare answers to any questions you may have. When you’re both on the same page, your session will be more productive.   2. Try to Connect on a Personal Level You don’t always have to focus on work during your meetings. Yes, we do realize that sounds like an oxymoron. But sometimes it’s okay to get to know your boss on a personal level, especially in a new job. So, don’t be afraid to ask them questions about themselves. You might inquire about how they got into the industry, what they did before this job, or even about their family and hobbies. Bonding with your boss can help you build a more productive relationship. Obviously, it’s not always the right time for small talk. If your boss is very busy with a project, they might not want to field questions about their life outside work. But during slow periods, don’t be afraid to engage in chit-chat before diving into work-related issues. 3. Focus on Your Successes (Not Your Problems) If you want your interactions with your boss to be positive, you should talk about positive things. Try to bring them at least a few pieces of good news whenever you meet with them. That’s not to say you shouldn’t address issues when they come up. If another employee is throwing a wrench in a project, your boss would probably want you to bring it up. But you should discuss your successes as much as possible. Talk about the things that are going well in your department, and discuss how you plan to build upon them. Every office has at least one or two employees who always want to talk about the bad news. Try not to be that person. If you regularly have optimistic and uplifting conversations with your manager, they’ll see you as a positive force within the office. 4. Ask a Lot of Questions One-on-one meetings are the perfect time to ask questions. If you’re confused about anything in particular, now is the time to bring it up. For example: If you’re facing a particular challenge at work, ask for their advice. They may be able to help you find a solution. If you’re stuck on how to move forward with an assignment, ask them. They may have struggled with the same problem before. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. It’s your boss’s job to provide leadership when you need it. They want to give you feedback and help you succeed. 5. Commit to the Next Steps Most meetings end with some instructions on how to move forward. This might include a new goal to work toward or a new project to begin. Make sure to take notes on these instructions during the meeting. When you leave, review your notes and determine a course of action. Conclusion One-on-one meetings with your boss can be very productive. They’re great opportunities to learn from someone who has more experience in your industry. Make use of the time you spend together, and you’ll grow as an employee. So before the meeting, set an agenda. During the session, discuss your successes and ask a lot of questions. Throughout the process, get to know your boss as a human being. And, don’t limit yourself to the five tips I’ve outlined here. Continue thinking of your own ways to make the most of your one-on-one time. Before you know it, you’ll master the art of meetings! Author bio Angus Flynn is the Business Manager for 2500 Biscayne. With over five years of experience in the multifamily industry, he is one of the most dedicated managers in his field. He loves to help others and takes great pride in working in a community that so many love to call home.

How to Write a Resume in a Wordy Way That Keeps the Employers Interests Piqued

How to Write a Resume in a Wordy Way That Keeps the Employers' Interests PiquedGood words to use when writing a resume are essential when you are trying to make a good impression of yourself in the eyes of the employers. They will surely choose the candidate who is able to impress them with their qualifications and relevant skills.The main point to remember is that each resume has its own specific criteria on what to highlight in the description of the job skills. Employers have to be convinced enough that the applicant has good and relevant skills for the job and more importantly, the target employer wants to find out more about him or her.Every resume, especially the one made by the recruiters, needs to contain some information that can be used for evaluating whether the person is suitable for the job or not. It is only then that you can know whether the recruiter is right for you or not.The most common skills that are expected in the job description are the language skills, organi zational skills, and critical thinking skills. Also, the candidate should have the ability to communicate well.If you have a good job history and previous work experience, the interviewer is sure to hire you because you have proven your abilities. However, employers want to find out why you have made the best out of the opportunity that you have been given. Since the resume is meant to persuade them about the quality of the person you are, you can highlight those qualities that will help you convince the recruiters.Another thing to be highlighted in the resume is your communication skills. When writing your resume, you should make sure that you spell everything correctly, that you know how to use the right words, and that you are able to use words that will enhance your communication skills to show that you are a communicator.Your thoughts and expressions are something important to be emphasized in the resume. You must try to build a good rapport with the people who are reading your resume and must demonstrate the personal qualities that you have exhibited to the hiring manager.Lastly, you must emphasize that you are confident about the job that you are going to apply for. Your recruiter will really like you if you talk positively and demonstrate that you are confident about what you have been given. It is your responsibility to let them know that you are a person who can handle the job and show them that you can do the job efficiently.

Feeling Overwhelmed Writing Resume and Cover Letter? Here Are Some Tips

Feeling Overwhelmed Writing Resume and Cover Letter? Here Are Some TipsHaving a feeling of being overwhelmed writing resume can be very irritating and many times might lead to stress. Writing resumes and cover letters are so natural for job seekers. The job seeker makes use of the cover letter as an introduction to the resume and other documents.Since, the resume has a lengthier description to include, it might seem like they are just making up all the required details in the resume. It is very important to include the proper impression of you on the employers. No resume would have this kind of effect on employers. After filling the resume and cover letter, it is important to spend a little time for editing. This will ensure that there is no mistaking on your resume or cover letter.After you finish writing your resume and cover letter, the next step would be to consider the basic formatting. It is advisable to use the Microsoft Word format for formatting your resume and cover letter. This is because MS Word has been designed to highlight your information easily and does not affect the readability of the resume.Resume format is important so that the hiring manager does not have trouble reading the resume and selecting it out of the hundreds of resumes. The MS Word format helps in that because you can use it on a number of documents which include the resume and cover letter. It also allows you to create different pages which are not only vital but you can use for different purposes.When you have decided on the basic format for your resume, you can get started on your resume and cover letter. The resume should contain the basics. You should have a brief description of your work experience and past jobs and have a good professional resume highlighting all your abilities.At the end of the resume, you can add a special section, which can highlight the strengths and talents. Include your achievements, achievements and outstanding character. Your cover letter should co ntain the gist of what you have to say about the company or job opening.Always remember that the cover letter must highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the applicant. There are many internet sites that provide resume help and some even offer suggestions on how to write resumes and cover letters. All these information are available on their websites.

Top Tips of City Resume Writing Service Orange County

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5 Easy Tips To Get Noticed By Prospective Employers - Work It Daily

5 Easy Tips To Get Noticed By Prospective Employers - Work It Daily With the high rate of unemployment and so many people clamoring after the same jobs, it pays to stay ahead of the employment game. The trick is discovering and perfecting ways and means of doing so. If you are performing a sales vacancy search, there are many other job seekers doing the same thing. One of the best ways to stand out is to boost your job profile to get noticed by prospective employers. Here are five easy tips that will help: 1. Improve Job-Hiring Techniques When it comes to areas like submitting a cover letter and resume, it is important to know what to say and how to say it. If you highlight the wrong points, in spite of your qualifications, you will be by-passed. Therefore, search out information that focuses on how to effectively compile a CV to impress employers. 2. Strengthen Communications Taking courses to strengthen your speech can have a lasting effect on your verbal presentations. It will advance you in smooth and fluent responses during an interview. It is especially an asset if you are seeking a job that involves dealing with and talking to people. 3. Increase Linguistic Ability Due to travel, technology and other modern inventions, the world has become a small place. Because of this, there is no telling who may cross your path. Adding another language to your speech can increase your chances of being hired. The more people with whom you can communicate, the better you can conduct and advance a business. 4. Enhance Technological Skills Proficiency in the use of the computer and other technical devices will empower you to keep pace in an ever-changing workplace. By sharpening your skills in this area, the more proficient you will appear to a future employer. It will demonstrate your competency to get things done and to do them in an up-to-date fashion. 5. Sharpen Interpersonal Skills Interpersonal skills are vital to any potential employees skill set. This qualification says to employers that you have the ability to interact with individuals effectively and efficiently. Sharpening these skills enables you to handle conflict resolutions and problem solving. Whether you are seeking employment in the business of sales or similar category, you need an impressive job profile. It should be in place before your search begins. Without having to spend any money, you can work on the above-mentioned tips through self-help efforts. This post was originally published at an earlier date. Related Posts 5 Easy Ways To Stand Out To Employers How To Stand Out: Define Your Strengths The Right Resume Format To Get You Noticed   Photo Credit: Shutterstock Have you joined our career growth club?Join Us Today!