Career and Personal Development

Welcome ...to the inaugural European Innovation Conference 2011!

2011-01-05T17:17:00.001+01:00

The EIC2011 conference is a new and exclusive platform for innovation practitioners from large corporations in Europe (over EUR 500 m in turnover). At the conference more than 200 innovation practitioners from large corporations in Europe will engage actively with one another on current innovation practices, with a focus on open innovation and new business creation.

EIC 2011 is Your Opportunity to:

* Immerse yourself in the topics of open innovation and new business creation.
* Meet your peers at this exclusive event only for innovation practitioners from large firms in Europe (over €500 m in turnover).
* Be inspired by business speakers from a range of leading corporations, including Nokia, LEGO, HP, Google, DSM, Philips, Novozymes, IBM, and several others.
* Learn about open innovation from thought leader and renowned industry expert Dr. Henry Chesbrough, who has coined the term "open innovation" and authored several books on the topic. Dr. Henry Chesbrough will give keynote talks and spearhead the open innovation track during the conference.
* Exchange experiences and insights with your peers at this highly interactive event.
* Participate in the innovation tracks and workshops on: Open Innovation, New Business Creation, Customer-centric Innovation and Global Innovation Challanges.
* Receive a free copy of Dr. Henry Chesbrough’s book “Open Services Innovation” to be published in January 2011.

Topics for Innovation Tracks and Workshops

Exclusive Event

The daily programme is designed to be participative and takes place against the backdrop of Hotel LEGOLAND’s playful atmosphere. Participants will be treated to a daily lunch and dinner with their peers.

Visit the link http://www.eic2011.com to find out more about the programme, the speakers or practical informations.

If you need personal support, please contact me via e-mail

The World Without Inventions

2010-11-02T19:21:00.000+01:00

Good And Bad Inventions:
The World Without Inventions

Bad Inventions in

2010-11-02T19:17:00.000+01:00

Good And Bad Inventions:
Bad Inventions

History's Great Inventions

2010-11-02T19:09:00.005+01:00

Good And Bad Inventions:
History's Great Inventions

What is a good education

2010-01-25T11:37:00.001+01:00

To begin, it is useful to briefly summarise my upbringing as this further explains my interest in education.

I believe I learnt more in 14 months of travelling through Europe in a van when I was ten years old, than in any other year at school. (I was most impressed by the Gothic Cathedrals of Europe, and the old ruined castles.) I was a rebellious but generally kind student. I failed first Year University Physics, largely due to non-attendance of lectures. I have a Bachelor of Education (majored in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics). I taught Science for 4 years. Both my parents were teachers/lecturers. Probably the most important reason for taking education seriously though comes from my love of philosophy, which clearly realises that Education is the most important factor in the evolution of both the individual and society.

I think there are some good things happening with the new Outcomes based curriculum that is currently being implemented in the West Australian state schools – I was involved with this at Nyindamurra Family School. What this means is that rather than prescribing a curriculum based upon certain content that must be studied, instead we prescribe the outcomes that we want. (e.g. A child can add up numbers in their head, or appreciate the importance of Nature and the interconnected ecology of life.) Now the way to teach these skills is open. You could go down the beach and count seashells by the seashore if you wanted.

And this is how I bring up my children – every day I use daily things around us to educate them to all sorts of different knowledge. For example, we recently built a giant swing - and children can learn a lot by building and playing on swings (pendulums and pendulum clocks are interesting phenomena, a very great philosopher Christiaan Huygens first studied pendulums at the time of Newton and Leibniz in the late 1600s.). They have to be creative – how do you get a rope over a branch ten meters off the ground? – how do you build a tower using materials in the bush around you, such that you have a platform to jump onto your swing from (using gravity to push you!)?

I should add that an outcomes based system also has numerous problems, as it is difficult to ensure a uniform quality of education. The real solution is to consider both the curriculum used, and the outcomes you hope to achieve - combined with intelligent use of the internet so that the best curriculum that show empirically that they work (produce desired outcomes) can be shared / adapted by teachers from all over the world (we do not need to keep re-inventing the wheel).

I certainly do not believe in just sitting in a classroom – which is unnatural, unhealthy, and should be limited. It is obvious we did not evolve to learn by sitting in classrooms, in segregated age groups - but to be active, out and about doing things, talking, watching and learning from other people and other objects around us. (This is what I would call an evolutionary approach to teaching / philosophy of education - and getting kids more active at school would also greatly help to combat the obesity epidemic of the western world.)

I particularly agree with Einstein, that education (and teaching students philosophy from a young age) has two central functions relating to the individual and their society.

i) To educate the individual as a free individual – To understand and use critical thinking skills for determining the Truth for themselves.

ii) To educate the individual as a part of Society – Virtually all our knowledge, our clothes, our food is produced by others in our society, thus we owe Society and have a responsibility to contribute back to Society (that everyone must give as well as take.) This is ultimately why I began to study Physics and Philosophy, and why I have now read most of the great philosophers, because I believe that Nature is being destroyed on this planet, and that the truth is that this is very foolish and dangerous to humanity. That we evolved from Nature, thus we depend upon Nature for survival. This is not just the obvious concern of global warming and climate change, but the very food we eat, the air we breath, the water we need, all these things are produced by Nature and are being forever changed. Of concern is the obvious fact that there are limits to our evolution as to how far we can change our environment before it starts to adversely affect us (we are well past that point now I think.)

I also strongly agree with Einstein that education should be fun rather than forced – that force and punishment play no part in a good education. Thus I detest the attitude of punishing children for not doing their homework!

I think a lot of education problems could be solved by giving everyone 100 great books to read and discuss with their children - from philosophers like Plato, Aristotle, de Montaigne, Leibniz, Spinoza, Hume, Tolstoy, Einstein … etc. There are many great minds through human history, and I largely agree with Nietzsche that education is often corrupted by educators – that we should seek the source of great knowledge, not the corrupted interpretations of it from lesser minds. (Read the original works!)

I further agree with Friedrich Nietzsche that:

There is nothing more necessary than truth, and in comparison with it everything else has only secondary value.
This absolute will to truth: what is it? Is it the will to not allow ourselves to be deceived? Is it the will not to deceive?
One does not want to be deceived, under the supposition that it is injurious, dangerous, or fatal to be deceived. (Nietzsche, 1890)

The fundamental principle of education is to understand the truth for oneself. The fundamental principle of philosophy is to realise that all truth comes from reality. Thus educational philosophy must be founded on the truth of what exists. Recent discoveries of the properties of Space and the Wave Structure of Matter shows that we can understand reality in a simple and sensible way.

Geoff Haselhurst

Philosophy of Education

2010-01-25T11:33:00.002+01:00

Educational Philosophy / Teaching Philosophy

Truth & Reality as the Foundations for Critical Thinking, Reason and Education
Quotes on Teaching Philosophy of Education from Famous Philosophers
Albert Einstein, Jean Jacques Rousseau, Michel de Montaigne, Plato, Aristotle & Confucius

Philosophy of Education / Educational Philosophy:

Albert Einstein - My dear children: I rejoice to see you before me today, happy youth of a sunny and fortunate land. Bear in mind that the wonderful things that you learn in your schools are the work of many generations, produced by enthusiastic effort and infinite labour in every country of the world.

Jean Jacques Rousseau - Begin then by studying your pupils better. For most assuredly you do not know them at all.

Michel de Montaigne - Since philosophy is the art which teaches us how to live, and since children need to learn it as much as we do at other ages, why do we not instruct them in it?

Plato - We shall not be properly educated ourselves, nor will the guardians whom we are training, until we can recognise the qualities of discipline, courage, generosity, greatness of mind, and others akin to them, as well as their opposites in all their manifestations.

It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it. (Aristotle)

Since philosophy is the art which teaches us how to live, and since children need to learn it as much as we do at other ages, why do we not instruct them in it? .. But in truth I know nothing about the philosophy of education except this: that the greatest and the most important difficulty known to human learning seems to lie in that area which treats how to bring up children and how to educate them. (de Montaigne, On teaching Philosophy of Education)

Plants are shaped by cultivation and men by education. .. We are born weak, we need strength; we are born totally unprovided, we need aid; we are born stupid, we need judgement. Everything we do not have at our birth and which we need when we are grown is given us by education. (Jean Jacques Rousseau, Emile, On Philosophy of Education)

This crippling of individuals I consider the worst evil of capitalism. Our whole educational system suffers from this evil. An exaggerated competitive attitude is inculcated into the student, who is trained to worship acquisitive success as a preparation for his future career. I am convinced there is only one way to eliminate these grave evils, namely through the establishment of a socialist economy, accompanied by a educational system which would be oriented toward social goals. In such an economy, the means of production are owned by society itself and are utilised in a planned fashion. A planned economy, which adjusts production to the needs of the community, would distribute the work to be done among all those able to work and would guarantee a livelihood to every man, woman and child. The education of the individual, in addition to promoting his own innate abilities, would attempt to develop in him a sense of responsibility for his fellow-men in place of the glorification of power and success in our present society. (Albert Einstein, 1949, On Education)

Albert Einstein on Knowledge & Philosophy of Education

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The only thing that interferes with my learning is my education. (Albert Einstein)

Knowledge of the history and evolution of our ideas is absolutely vital for wise understanding. It is also important to read the original source (not a later interpretation which often leads to misrepresentation and error) and that these original quotes should give confidence to the truth of what we say. As Albert Einstein astutely remarks;

Somebody who only reads newspapers and at best books of contemporary authors looks to me like an extremely near-sighted person who scorns eyeglasses. He is completely dependent on the prejudices and fashions of his times, since he never gets to see or hear anything else. And what a person thinks on his own without being stimulated by the thoughts and experiences of other people is even in the best case rather paltry and monotonous.

There are only a few enlightened people with a lucid mind and style and with good taste within a century. What has been preserved of their work belongs among the most precious possessions of mankind. We owe it to a few writers of antiquity (Plato, Aristotle, etc.) that the people in the Middle Ages could slowly extricate themselves from the superstitions and ignorance that had darkened life for more than half a millennium. Nothing is more needed to overcome the modernists snobbishness. (Einstein, 1954)

As Philosophers, Scientists and Educators we have a responsibility to maintain great knowledge from the past, for as Einstein beautifully writes;

... knowledge must continually be renewed by ceaseless effort, if it is not to be lost. It resembles a statue of marble which stands in the desert and is continually threatened with burial by the shifting sand. The hands of service must ever be at work, in order that the marble continue to lastingly shine in the sun. To these serving hands mine shall also belong. (Einstein, On Education, 1950)

When, after several hours reading, I came to myself again, I asked myself what it was that had so fascinated me. The answer is simple. The results were not presented as ready-made, but scientific curiosity was first aroused by presenting contrasting possibilities of conceiving matter. Only then the attempt was made to clarify the issue by thorough argument. The intellectual honesty of the author makes us share the inner struggle in his mind. It is this which is the mark of the born teacher. Knowledge exists in two forms - lifeless, stored in books, and alive, in the consciousness of men. The second form of existence is after all the essential one; the first, indispensable as it may be, occupies only an inferior position. (Einstein, 1954)

My dear children: I rejoice to see you before me today, happy youth of a sunny and fortunate land. Bear in mind that the wonderful things that you learn in your schools are the work of many generations, produced by enthusiastic effort and infinite labour in every country of the world. All this is put into your hands as your inheritance in order that you may receive it, honour it, and add to it, and one day faithfully hand it on to your children. Thus do we mortals achieve immortality in the permanent things which we create in common. If you always keep that in mind you will find meaning in life and work and acquire the right attitude towards other nations and ages. (Albert Einstein talking to a group of school children. 1934)

I believe, indeed, that overemphasis on the purely intellectual attitude, often directed solely to the practical and factual, in our education, has led directly to the impairment of ethical values. I am not thinking so much of the dangers with which technical progress has directly confronted mankind, as of the stifling of mutual human considerations by a 'matter-of-fact' habit of thought which has come to lie like a killing frost upon human relations. Without 'ethical culture' there is no salvation for humanity. (Einstein, 1953)

Albert Einstein On Academic Freedom

Numerous are the academic chairs, but rare are wise and noble teachers. Numerous and large are the lecture halls, but far from numerous the young people who genuinely thirst for truth and justice. Numerous are the wares that nature produces by the dozen, but her choice products are few.

We all know that, so why complain? Was it not always thus and will it not always thus remain? Certainly, and one must take what nature gives as one finds it. But there is also such a thing as a spirit of the times, an attitude of mind characteristic of a particular generation, which is passed on from individual to individual and gives its distinctive mark to a society. Each of us has to his little bit toward transforming this spirit of the times. (Einstein, 1954)

Albert Einstein On Freedom of Thought

The development of science and of the creative activities of the spirit in general requires still another kind of freedom, which may be characterised as inward freedom. It is this freedom of spirit which consists in the independence of thought from the restrictions of authoritarian and social prejudices as well as from unphilosophical routinizing and habit in general. This inward freedom is an infrequent gift of nature and a worthy objective for the individual.

...schools may favour such freedom by encouraging independent thought. Only if outward and inner freedom are constantly and consciously pursued is there a possibility of spiritual development and perfection and thus of improving man's outward and inner life. (Einstein, 1954)

Albert Einstein on Philosophy of Education in Schools

The school has always been the most important means of transferring the wealth of tradition from one generation to the next. This applies today in an even higher degree than in former times, for through modern development of the economic life, the family as bearer of tradition and education has been weakened. The continuance and health of human society is therefore in a still higher degree dependent on the school than formerly.

Sometimes one sees in the school simply the instrument for transferring a certain maximum quantity of knowledge to the growing generation. But that is not right. Knowledge is dead; the school however, serves the living. It should develop in the young individuals those qualities and capabilities which are of value for the welfare of the commonwealth. But that does not mean that individuality should be destroyed and the individual become a mere tool of the community, like a bee or an ant. For a community of standardised individuals without personal originality and personal aims would be a poor community without possibilities for development. On the contrary, the aim must be the training of independently acting and thinking individuals, who, however, see in the service of the community their highest life problem.

To me the worst thing seems to be for a school principally to work with methods of fear, force and artificial authority. Such treatment destroys the sound sentiments, the sincerity, and the self-confidence of the pupil. It produces the submissive subject. it is no wonder that such schools are the rule in Germany and Russia.

..the desire for the approval of one's fellow-man certainly is one of the most important binding powers of society. In this complex of feelings, constructive and destructive forces lie closely together. Desire for approval and recognition is a healthy motive; but the desire to be acknowledged as better, stronger, or more intelligent than a fellow being or scholar easily leads to an excessively egoistic psychological adjustment, which may become injurious for the individual and for the community. Therefore the school and the teacher must guard against employing the easy method of creating individual ambition, in order to induce the pupils to diligent work. (Einstein)

It is, in fact, nothing short of a miracle that the modern methods of instruction have not yet entirely strangled the holy curiosity of inquiry; for this delicate little planet, aside from stimulation, stands mainly in need of freedom; without this it goes to wreck and ruin without fail. It is a grave mistake to think that the enjoyment of seeing and searching can be prompted by means of coercion and a sense of duty.

On the contrary, I believe that it would be possible to rob even a healthy beast of prey of its voraciousness, if it were possible, with the aid of a whip, to force the beast to devour continuously, even when not hungry, especially if the food handed out under such coercion were to be selected accordingly. (Albert Einstein on Education)

Educational Quotes by Famous Philosophers

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Quotations from Confucius, Aristotle, Euripides, Seneca, Cicero, Horace, William James, Friedrich Nietzsche, Sigmund Freud, John Fowles, George Bernard Shaw

Study the past if you would define the future.
I am not one who was born in the possession of knowledge; I am one who is fond of antiquity, and earnest in seeking it there.
Learning without thought is labour lost; thought without learning is perilous. (Confucius, Analects)

Those who educate children well are more to be honoured than parents, for these gave only life, those the art of living well. (Aristotle, In Education)

The educated differ from the uneducated as much as the living from the dead. (Aristotle, In Education)

All who have meditated on the art of governing mankind have been convinced that the fate of empires depends on the education of youth. (Aristotle)

Learned we may be with another man’s learning: we can only be wise with wisdom of our own:
[I hate a sage who is not wise for himself] (Euripides)

What use is knowledge if there is no understanding? (Stobaeus)

‘non vitae sed scholae discimus’. [We are taught for the schoolroom not for life] (Seneca)

Now we are not merely to stick knowledge on to the soul: we must incorporate it into her; the soul should not be sprinkled with knowledge but steeped in it. (Seneca)

And if knowledge does not change her and make her imperfect state better then it is preferable just to leave it alone. Knowledge is a dangerous sword; in a weak hand which does not know how to wield it it gets in its master’s way and wounds him, ‘ut fuerit melius non didicisse’ [so that it would have been better not to have studied at all] (de Montaigne quoting Cicero)

She (philosophy) is equally helpful to the rich and poor: neglect her, and she equally harms the young and old. (Horace)

‘As a man who knows how to make his education into a rule of life not a means of showing off; who can control himself and obey his own principles.’ The true mirror of our discourse is the course of our lives. (de Montaigne quoting Cicero)

THE TEACHER AS A NECESSARY EVIL. Let us have as few people as possible between the productive minds and the hungry and recipient minds! The middlemen almost unconsciously adulterate the food which they supply. It is because of teachers that so little is learned, and that so badly. (Nietzsche, 1880)

What a distressing contrast there is between the radiant intelligence of the child and the feeble mentality of the average adult. (Sigmund Freud)

To teach how to live without certainty, and yet without being paralysed by hesitation, is perhaps the chief thing that philosophy, in our age, can do for those who study it. (Bertrand Russell, The History of Western Philosophy)

To begin with our knowledge grows in spots. ..What you first gain, ... is probably a small amount of new information, a few new definitions, or distinctions, or points of view. But while these special ideas are being added, the rest of your knowledge stands still, and only gradually will you line up your previous opinions with the novelties I am trying to instil, and to modify to some slight degree their mass. ..Your mind in such processes is strained, and sometimes painfully so, between its older beliefs and the novelties which experience brings along. (William James, Pragmatism)

Chess permits freedom of permutations within a framework of set rules and prescribed movements. Because a chess player cannot move absolutely as he likes, either in terms of the rules or in terms of the exigencies of the particular game, has he no freedom of move? The separate games of chess I play with existence has different rules from your and every other game; the only similarity is that each of our games always has rules. The gifts, inherited and acquired, that are special to me are the rules of the game; and the situation I am in at any given moment is the situation of the game. My freedom is the choice of action and the power of enactment I have within the rules and situation of the game. (Fowles, 1964. The Aristos)

Our present educational systems are all paramilitary. Their aim is to produce servants or soldiers who obey without question and who accepts their training as the best possible training. Those who are most successful in the state are those who have the most interest in prolonging the state as it is; they are also those who have the most say in the educational system, and in particular by ensuring that the educational product they want is the most highly rewarded. (Fowles, 1964. The Aristos)

Every serious student of the subject knows that the stability of a civilisation depends finally on the wisdom with which it distributes its wealth and allots its burdens of labour, and on the veracity of the instruction it provides for its children. We do not distribute the wealth at all: we throw it into the streets to be scrambled for by the strongest and the greediest who will stoop to such scrambling, after handing the lion’s share to the professional robbers politely called owners. We cram our children with lies, and punish anyone who tries to enlighten them. Our remedies for the consequences of our folly are tariffs, inflation, wars, vivisections and inoculations – vengeance, violences, black magic. (George Bernard Shaw)

Michel de Montaigne, Philosophy Quotes on Education

2010-01-25T10:21:00.000+01:00

I would like to suggest that our minds are swamped by too much study and by too much matter just as plants are swamped by too much water or lamps by too much oil; that our minds, held fast and encumbered by so many diverse preoccupations, may well lose the means of struggling free, remaining bowed and bent under the load; except that it is quite otherwise: the more our souls are filled, the more they expand; examples drawn from far-off times show, on the contrary, that great soldiers ad statesmen were also great scholars. (de Montaigne)

I think it better to say that the evil arises from their tackling the sciences in the wrong manner and that, from the way we have been taught, it is no wonder that neither master nor pupils become more able, even though they do know more. In truth the care and fees of our parents aim only at furnishing our heads with knowledge: nobody talks about judgement or virtue. When someone passes by, try exclaiming, ‘Oh, what a learned man!’ Then, when another does, ‘Oh, what a good man!’ Our people will not fail to turn their gaze respectfully towards the first. There ought to be a third man crying, ‘Oh, what blockheads!' (de Montaigne)

We readily inquire, ‘Does he know Greek or Latin?’ ‘Can he write poetry and prose?’ But what matters most is what we put last: ‘Has he become better and wiser?’ We ought to find out not who understands most but who understands best. We work merely to fill the memory, leaving the understanding and the sense of right and wrong empty. Just as birds sometimes go in search of grain, carrying it in their beaks without tasting it to stuff it down the beaks of their young, so too do our schoolmasters go foraging for learning in their books and merely lodge it on the tip of their lips, only to spew it out and scatter it on the wind. (de Montaigne)

Their pupils and their little charges are not nourished and fed by what they learn: the learning is passed from hand to hand with only one end in view: to show it off, to put into our accounts to entertain others with it, as though it were merely counters, useful for totting up and producing statements, but having no other use or currency. ‘Apud alios loqui didicerunt, non ipsi secum’ [They have learned how to talk with others, not with themselves] (de Montaigne)

Whenever I ask a certain acquaintance of mine to tell me what he knows about anything, he wants to show me a book: he would not venture to tell me that he has scabs on his arse without studying his lexicon to find out the meaning of scab and arse.
All we do is to look after the opinions and learning of others: we ought to make them our own. We closely resemble a man who, needing a fire, goes next door to get a light, finds a great big blaze there and stays to warm himself, forgetting to take a brand back home. What use is it to us to have a belly full of meat if we do not digest it, if we do not transmute it into ourselves, if it does not make us grow in size and strength? (de Montaigne)

If our souls do not move with a better motion and if we do not have a healthier judgement, then I would just as soon that our pupil should spend his time playing tennis: at least his body would become more agile. But just look at him after he has spent some fifteen or sixteen years studying: nothing could be more unsuited for employment. The only improvement you can see is that his Latin and Greek have made him more conceited and more arrogant than when he left home. He ought to have brought back a fuller soul: he brings back a swollen one; instead of making it weightier he has merely blown wind into it. (de Montaigne)

And I loathe people who find it harder to put up with a gown askew than with a soul askew and who judge a man by his bow, his bearing and his boots. (de Montaigne)

Learning is a good medicine: but no medicine is powerful enough to preserve itself from taint and corruption independently of defects in the jar that it is kept in. One man sees clearly but does not see straight: consequently he sees what is good but fails to follow it; he sees knowledge and does not use it. (de Montaigne)

.. since it was true that study, even when done properly, can only teach us what wisdom, right conduct and determination consist in, they wanted to put their children directly in touch with actual cases, teaching them not by hearsay but by actively assaying them, vigorously molding and forming them not merely by word and precept but chiefly by deeds and examples, so that wisdom should not be something which the soul knows but the soul’s very essence and temperament, not something acquired but a natural property. (de Montaigne)

But in truth I know nothing about education except this: that the greatest and the most important difficulty known to human learning seems to lie in that area which treats how to bring up children and how to educate them. (de Montaigne)

Socrates and then Archesilaus used to make their pupils speak first; they spoke afterwards. ‘Obest plerumque iss discere volunt authoritas eorum qui docent.’ [For those who want to learn, the obstacle can often be the authority of those who teach] (de Montaigne)

Those who follow our French practice and undertake to act as schoolmaster for several minds diverse in kind and capacity, using the same teaching and the same degree of guidance for them all, not surprisingly can scarcely find in a whole tribe of children more than one or two who bear fruit from their education.
Let the tutor not merely require a verbal account of what the boy has been taught but the meaning and substance of it: let him judge how the boy has profited from it not from the evidence of his memory but from that of his life. Let him take what the boy has just learned and make him show him dozens of different aspects of it and then apply it to just as many different subjects, in order to find out whether he has really grasped it and made it part of himself, judging the boy’s progress by what Plato taught about education. Spewing food up exactly as you have swallows it is evidence of a failure to digest and assimilate it; the stomach has not done its job if, during concoction, it fails to change the substance and the form of what it is given. (de Montaigne)

The profit we possess after study is to have become better and wiser. (de Montaigne)

Nor is it enough to toughen up his soul; you must also toughen up his muscles. (de Montaigne)

Teach him a certain refinement in sorting out and selecting his arguments, with an affection for relevance and so for brevity. Above all let him be taught to throw down his arms and surrender to truth as soon as he perceives it, whether the truth is born at his rival’s doing or within himself from some change in his ideas. (de Montaigne)

As for our pupils talk, let his virtue and his sense of right and wrong shine through it and have no guide but reason. Make him understand that confessing an error which he discovers in his own argument even when he alone has noticed it is an act of justice and integrity, which are the main qualities he pursues; stubbornness and rancour are vulgar qualities, visible in common souls whereas to think again, to change one’s mind and to give up a bad case on the heat of the argument are rare qualities showing strength and wisdom. (de Montaigne)

In his commerce with men I mean him to include- and that principally- those who live only in the memory of books. By means of history he will frequent those great souls of former years. If you want it to be so, history can be a waste of time; it can also be, if you want it to be so, a study bearing fruit beyond price. (de Montaigne)

The first lessons with which we should irrigate his mind should be those which teach him to know himself, and to know how to die … and to live. (de Montaigne)

Since philosophy is the art which teaches us how to live, and since children need to learn it as much as we do at other ages, why do we not instruct them in it? (de Montaigne)

Any time and any place can be used to study: his room, a garden, is table, his bed; when alone or in company; morning and evening. His chief study will be Philosophy, that Former of good judgement and character who is privileged to be concerned with everything.
(de Montaigne)

For among other things he had been counseled to bring me to love knowledge and duty by my own choice, without forcing my will, and to educate my soul entirely through gentleness and freedom. (de Montaigne)

Learning must not only lodge with us: we must marry her. (de Montaigne)

Jean Jacques Rousseau, On the Philosophy of Education

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Plants are shaped by cultivation and men by education. .. We are born weak, we need strength; we are born totally unprovided, we need aid; we are born stupid, we need judgement. Everything we do not have at our birth and which we need when we are grown is given us by education. (Jean Jacques Rousseau, Emile)

I will say little of the importance of a good education; nor will I stop to prove that the current one is bad. Countless others have done so before me, and I do not like to fill a book with things everybody knows. I will note that for the longest time there has been nothing but a cry against the established practice without anyone taking it upon himself to propose a better one. The literature and the learning of our age tend much more to destruction than to edification. (Jean Jacques Rousseau, Emile)

Plato, Quotations on Education

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...for the object of education is to teach us to love beauty. (Plato)

'And once we have given our community a good start,' I pointed out, ' the process will be cumulative. By maintaining a sound system of education you produce citizens of good character, and citizens of sound character, with the advantage of a good education, produce in turn children better than themselves and better able to produce still better children in their turn, as can be seen with animals.'(Plato)

'... It is in education that bad discipline can most easily creep in unobserved,' he replied.

'Yes,' I agreed, ' because people don't treat it seriously there, and think no harm can come of it.'

'It only does harm,' he said, 'because it makes itself at home and gradually undermines morals and manners; from them it invades business dealings generally, and then spreads into the laws and constitution without any restraint, until it has made complete havoc of private and public life.'

'And when men who aren't fit to be educated get an education they don't deserve, are not the thoughts and opinions they produce fairly called sophistry, without a legitimate idea or any trace of true wisdom among them?'

'Certainly'.

'The first thing our artist must do,' I replied, ' - and it's not easy - is to take human society and human habits and wipe them clean out, to give himself a clean canvas. For our philosophic artist differs from all others in being unwilling to start work on an individual or a city, or draw out laws, until he is given, or has made himself, a clean canvas.'

'Because a free man ought not to learn anything under duress. Compulsory physical exercise does no harm to the body, but compulsory learning never sticks to the mind.'

'True'

'Then don't use compulsion,' I said to him, ' but let your children's lessons take the form of play. You will learn more about their natural abilities that way.' (Plato)

Part Four - Be a Leader

2009-11-11T12:41:00.001+01:00

Be a Leader: How to Change People Without Giving Offense or Arousing Resentment

A leader's job often includes changing your people's attitudes and behavior. Some suggestions to accomplish this:

Begin with praise and honest appreciation.
Call attention to people's mistakes indirectly.
Talk about your own mistakes before criticizing the other person.
Ask questions instead of giving direct orders.
Let the other person save face.
Praise the slightest improvement and praise every improvement. Be "hearty in your approbation and lavish in your praise."
Give the other person a fine reputation to live up to.
Use encouragement. Make the fault seem easy to correct.
Make the other person happy about doing the thing you suggest.

This is Dale Carnegie's summary of his book, from 1936

Part Three - Your way of thinking

2009-11-11T12:38:00.001+01:00

Win people to your way of thinking

The only way to get the best of an argument is to avoid it.
Show respect for the other person's opinions. Never say, "You're wrong."
If you are wrong, admit it quickly and emphatically.
Begin in a friendly way.
Get the other person saying "yes, yes" immediately.
Let the other person do a great deal of the talking.
Let the other person feel that the idea is his or hers.
Try honestly to see things from the other person's point of view.
Be sympathetic with the other person's ideas and desires.
Appeal to the nobler motives.
Dramatize your ideas.
Throw down a challenge.

This is Dale Carnegie's summary of his book, from 1936

Part Two - Make people like you

2009-11-11T12:34:00.002+01:00

Six ways to make people like you

Become genuinely interested in other people.
Smile.
Remember that a person's name is to that person the sweetest and most important sound in any language.
Be a good listener. Encourage others to talk about themselves.
Talk in terms of the other person's interests.
Make the other person feel important - and do it sincerely.

This is Dale Carnegie's summary of his book, from 1936

Part One - Handling People

2009-11-11T12:29:00.002+01:00

Fundamental Techniques in Handling People

Don't criticize, condemn or complain.
Give honest and sincere appreciation.
Arouse in the other person an eager want.

This is Dale Carnegie's summary of his book, from 1936

Choose ... and share!

2009-08-05T10:18:00.001+02:00

Read this article and share your positive experience with us!
Cititi acest articol si impartasiti-va experienta pozitiva cu noi!
Lesen Sie diesen Artikel und teilen Sie Ihre positive Erfahrung mit uns!
Læs denne artikel og del dine positive erfaringer med os!
¡Lea este artículo y comparta su experiencia positiva con nosotros!

"The world can change in an instant. So can the way you choose to see it. Why not choose to see the good in yourself and others." Bob Perks

We can choose how to see ourselves or others, this is completely true. See the world and people as being good and nice, peaceful and happy and you will find out that you are right regarding your vision about life. It is not a pure luck if you find good people in your life or a misfortune if you only encounter those bad ones. It’s up to you ... what do you choose to look for?

You find happiness because you are looking for it.

You find violence because you constantly choose to look for it.

Since I become aware of this fact, I decided what to look for in my life. I always choose, and in 90% of the time I receive what I am looking for. In the 10% it just came into my life and in that instant I decide if I want to give attention to it or I just refuse to give attention to what I don´t want to see, hear or experience. It´s what you choose that makes the difference, not what it comes.

I constantly refuse to watch bad news, I refuse to read negative things that happen in the world, and the best is that I always try my best in giving attention to only those things that matters to me.

People around me find me complicated and not understandable but I can understand why, if I look at their life and the results they attract in their own life.

It is no wonder that there are such horrible things happening in the world. We give attention to it and therefore we receive more of it.

We complain about the constantly bad news we see on TV, about the stupidity that is being shown on each new TV show, but we refuse to understand that we will always receive more from that thing that we are looking for. Start searching for the good news and you will receive it. Look for the good things that happen in this world, search for those people who know how to make a positive difference in this world and you will find them.

Have you ever wonder how many people have done something admirable today? Have you ever wonder how many people may have a successful story to share with you that may inspire you in the same time? Have you ever wonder how many people in this world helped somebody; did something good for somebody – just in this second? If not, is because you only choose to hear about the bad things that happen. If yes, than congratulation! I may ask you to read forward because you have something to share with us :)

Turn on the TV and you will see it, open you computer and see the first page of your bookmarked newspaper, and so on. What kind of movie have you seen lately, what kind of book have you read or what kind of story have you told to somebody lately? Is the kind of news that may inspire you or others, or maybe the one that can be projected as experience into your life? If not, choose again!

Good things, bad things, good people, bad people, good experiences, bad experiences; all this are connected. Try to search and give attention to what you want to see reflected in your experience, in your life, and you will receive more of it.

Have you done something good lately? Share your experience with us, and let others get inspired from your nice story. Write a comment about something that can inspire the readers of this blog. Let´s see how many good stories can be heard and shared. Let’s inspire others. Doesn´t matter in what language you will write, your story will inspire today somebody. I will post your story on my blog, together with your name (if you want) and a link to some other good news you want to share.

My story for today was to write this article, that I really hope, it will inspire at least one person that read it. And to get courage into writing 2 rows for us, watch this movie: Make a Difference. Good luck!!!!

I look forward for your story.

With love, Ella

You are GREAT!!!

2009-02-13T10:44:00.001+01:00

this is a great video for great people...you ARE great!

Help! I Don't Like My Teacher

2008-12-17T15:05:00.005+01:00

Help! I don't like my teacher! - School can be a nightmare if you don't get on with your teacher. Here are some advices on what to do if you think your teacher is picking on you, or if you just can't stand them.

Step 1: Be a good student

If you're not getting on with your teacher it could be because you are not doing the work that is required of you. Don't give your teacher a reason to get angry with you. Be on time for classes, and make sure your homework is done. Remember that you are in class to learn.

Step 2: If you think your teacher is picking on you

It might be that the teacher just has a different style that you're not used to. Observe the way the teacher treats all the students. If they're equally strict on everyone, then they're not picking on you. But if you really think the teacher is mistreating you, then you need to report that to another member of school staff or your parents.

Step 3: Talk about the problem

If you're having problems with a particular teacher, don't keep it bottled up inside. If you don't feel comfortable talking to the teacher directly about the problem, then talk to someone else, such as your parents.

Good luck ;)

Ella

Homework: How to get good grades

2008-12-17T14:39:00.004+01:00

Homework is a crucial supplement to the learning you will do in the classroom and, as you head towards your final exams, homework will become increasingly important.

I´ve researched for this information and I found the 6 Steps recommended by David Littlemore, that will present the way to get good grades from your homework.

Step 1: Understand the task

Make sure you understand what you have to do, and write the task down clearly so you know you will understand it when you come to look at it a few days later. If you're not sure, ask the teacher at the end of the lesson – or later if you forget!

Step 2: Work with a friend

Working with a friend can make arduous tasks more interesting, and can help you concentrate if you're working on a big project. Discussing work with a friend is a great way of helping you learn.

Step 3: Presentation

Presenting your work neatly and in a way that is easy to read will make the teacher more favourable towards it. Figure out what's going to get the marks and use your presentation to guide the teacher towards those points.

Step 4: Double-check

Read through your work, checking for spelling, grammar and punctuation. Also check that you have answered the question. For maths, check your answers with a calculator.

Step 5: Use model answers

Get hold of an example of a good piece of work that scored a high grade (ask your teacher for this). Read through it and see what kind of techniques they used and how they got the marks they did. Try and emulate these techniques in your own work.

Step 6: Read the marking

Take your teachers' constructive criticism on board, and learn from it. Next time you do a piece of work, try and put their suggestions for improvement into practice.

Good luck and for questions let comment ;))

Ella

School Teachers

2008-12-16T17:59:00.005+01:00

Why is a good teacher-pupil relationship important?

It's really important to feel that you've got a good relationship with your teacher because you spend an awful lot of time together. You are at school for seven hours a day and if you're not getting on with your teacher then that's really going to impact how you feel when you get home and when you are going to school each day. You are going to be much more reluctant to go to school at the start of a long day with a teacher that you don't really get on with. It's really important to try to have a good relationship with your teacher and iron out any difficulties that you might have as soon as you can.

What makes a good teacher?

What makes a good teacher covers a whole range of things. A good teacher is obviously someone who will help you learn in the best possible way for you, and will help to give you knowledge about things you might not know about. That's one of the most important things about being a teacher. In order for you to learn effectively, you need to feel comfortable, happy and safe, and to not be thinking about anything else that's going on. You need to be able to focus on what a teacher is trying to teach you. A good teacher is also someone that will talk to you about any of the other difficulties you've got in your life, who will talk to you about how you're feeling about anything that might be getting in the way of you working. All of those things are as important as them trying to teach you the subject that you're going to see them about. A good teacher is someone who is kind, supportive, friendly and approachable.

How does a teacher grade my work?

A teacher should grade your work by looking at what they've asked you and seeing how many points you've scored in your answer. They'll have some guidance about how to give you scores and how to mark you in your work in books that they're given as teachers about how to give you the grades that they've given you. One of the most important things to make a note of is that the mark you receive for your work shouldn't be anything to do with your personality or the relationship you've got with the teacher and if you feel that's becoming an issue you need to talk to someone about it and make sure it's fair.

How much homework should a teacher give out?

Different teachers will give out different amounts of homework. The important thing for you to do is to make sure that you're not taking too much on. If you feel that you're getting too much homework for you to cope with, and that it's taking over your life, you need to communicate that back to your teachers, because what they might not be clear about is how much homework other teachers are giving you as well. You need to make sure that you've got a good balance of home life and school life. Different teachers will give out different amounts of homework and you need to make sure that it's right for you.

What can I do if I think a teacher is giving too much work?

If you feel that a teacher is giving you too much work you really need to talk to somebody about it as soon as you can, don't feel like you're having to drown in homework when you're at home. You're at school for a long time during each day and different teachers will give out different amounts of homework and they might not be aware of how much homework other teachers are giving. And when you talk to them about the amount of homework, or you talk to your parents about, they might give you less homework than they have been giving you because they realize other teachers are giving you a lot too. So just be really open and to communicate with teachers and friends and family about how much homework you can cope with.

How do I complain about a teacher?

There should be ways within your school that you can complain about a teacher if you feel that they're treating you unfairly or in ways that you're not happy with. Most schools have a Head of Year who you can talk to, and if you're not comfortable talking to them, maybe speak to the Deputy Head or Head. The most important thing is that when you're making complaints, you're complaining to someone that you know will listen and take you seriously. Whether that's someone in your school or someone within your family, who can represent you by going to the school, that's up to you. You need to make sure that what you say is going to be taken seriously, and paid attention to, and that changes will be made.

What should I do if I think a teacher is bullying someone?

If you feel that a teacher is bullying someone, it's really important that you speak up. Lots of people that are bullied by teachers don't feel that they can really say, so if you feel strong enough to say that they are bullying, it's important that you act as a champion for other young people. It's important to choose carefully who you talk to about the bullying. Make sure that the person you speak to about it will be independent and will support you, listen to you, take what you say seriously and help to make changes that need to be made to the teacher's behaviour. If you do talk to somebody in your school about how a teacher's behaving, you can ask them to keep it confidential so they won't tell the teacher that it was you that made the complaint. Start the meeting by saying that you'd like it to be confidential and then you can explain what the problem is without worrying it coming back on yourself.

How can I find out who the best teachers are in my school?

I think different people within a school will think their teachers are good for different reasons. So when you start school, you will undoubtly have your favorite teacher, and your favorite teacher might be someone else's worst teacher. The only way to find out really which teachers you're going to get along best with is to go to their lessons and see which teachers you feel that you click with. But your friends will find that the teachers you get on with or they get on with might well be very different depending on the subjects you enjoy, how you like to be taught, and the personalities that you like being with. So that's going to be a decision for you to make when choosing teachers.

Create a positive attitude for your life

2008-11-28T13:44:00.004+01:00

Another research I have made for you based on the idea of comparing optimists with pessimists. Being self interested in improving myself, I always find articles and books that inspires me. I believe that all this information are quite useful likened to apply them into my life.

How To Be Optimistic

Is good to understand first the differences between being skeptical and being pessimistic. Being skeptical can be a healthy way to avoid getting taken advantage of; but being pessimistic is always assuming the worst and this attitude can have major negative consequences on your life.

This negative aspects of any situation can cause you to miss opportunities, neglect problems that need to be solved, and fail to take action that would otherwise improve your relationships and quality of life.

Optimists, so much more at peace with the world, train themselves to look for the light at the end the tunnel. If you've always had a pessimistic world view, it can be difficult to shift your focus, but it is possible to start seeing the glass as half full.

Here I found some Steps that may help you learn how and what can be improved and in which way:

1. Let go of the Assumptions

Assuming the world is against you, or that you were born with a gray cloud over your head. It is an assumption that has no basis in reason or science.

Believing that the universe or a spiritual entity has singled you out and shifted the world order just to make your life miserable is both self-centered and illogical.

Be humble and stop pretending you've got the world all figured out. Everytime you can realize that bad experiences lead to good experiences. If you can't predict the future, so you can't assume it'll always be bad.

2. Look for the source of your pessimism.

Deep-rooted negativity can often be traced to childhood experiences, when growing minds observe their circumstances and make presumptions about how the world functions. If all you saw growing up were disappointments, betrayals and failure, it's no surprise that now it's what you expect from the world as an adult.

Sometimes we pick up a flair for pessimism from a parent who made negative assumptions about the world somewhere along the line. Either way, the sooner you can attribute your pessimism to a unique set of circumstances rather than the state of the world itself, the easier it'll be to change your perspective.

3. Understand that the past does not equal the future.

Just because you've experienced pain or disappointment in the past does not guarantee that it's all you'll experience in the future. There were many things in your past that you couldn't control, and everybody comes across unfortunate circumstances at some point in their lives - you're no exception.

But there are also many things in life we can control to one degree or another, and therein lies the possibility of change. A day or week that starts badly will not necessarily end badly. Do not make a bad start turn into a self fulfilling prophecy for a bad ending.

4. See yourself as a cause, not an effect.

You don't have to be a product or a victim of your circumstances. Stop thinking about what is happening to you and start thinking about what you can make happen.

If you're not happy with the way your life is now, set goals and move on. Use your past negative experiences to build character and make better decisions, instead of letting pessimism turn you into someone who avoids risk at all costs.

Sometimes it is necessary to take risks to receive rewards. Moreover, taking no action is taking an action. It is better to play to win rather than merely to avoid losing.

5. Accept pain, failure and disappointment as a part of life, not the entirety of it. Life involves taking many risks every day, and not all of them will end positively. That's what defines risk.

But the flip side is that some actions will lead to good results, and it's generally better to have a mixed bag than to have nothing at all. Ideally, the good stuff will outweigh the bad, but you'll never reach that point unless you put yourself out there and hope for the best.

When in doubt, remember Lord Alfred Tennyson's words of wisdom:

I hold it true, whatever befall; I feel it, when I sorrow most; 'Tis better to have loved and lost Than never to have loved at all.

6. Be thankful.

Everyone has something to be grateful for. Make a list of the good things that have happened to you. If nothing instantly springs to mind, you aren't trying hard enough.

The key to being an optimist is recognizing the benefits and possibilities of any situation, and understanding that it could always be worse. If all else fails, think of how life could be worse, and flip the thought process to recognize what you do have.

For example: "I'm flunking out of school" can turn into "Well, at least I have a chance to go to school, and I still have time to turn my grades around."

Get a notebook and a pen, and write down all the good things that you have. Every time you are feeling negative, read through them and remind yourself that it's not all bad.

7. Use positive affirmations.

Write down short statements that remind you of what you're trying to change about the way you see the world. Put them in places where you'll see them every day, such as on your bathroom mirror, the inside of your locker, on your computer monitor, and even taped to your shower wall.

Some affirmations to start with are:

* "Anything is possible."
* "I create my circumstances, my circumstances don't create me."
* "The only thing I can control is my attitude towards life."
* "I always have a choice."
* "Look at the little things in life that are good and it will make your life a WHOLE lot better"

8. Remember that life is short.

When you feel pessimism clouding your judgment or you start to feel down about the future, remind yourself that every minute counts, and any time spent brooding guarantees nothing but less time to enjoy whatever life might have to offer.

At its core, pessimism is impractical because it causes you to spend time dwelling on things that haven't happened yet and aren't guaranteed to happen, and it prevents you from getting things done.

Pessimism breeds indecision. It's a waste of time, and time is a limited resource that you can't afford to take for granted.

9. Be a balanced optimist.

Nobody's suggesting that you become an oblivious Pollyanna, pretending that nothing bad can or ever will happen. Doing so can lead to poor decisions and invites people to take advantage of you.
Instead, be a rational optimist who takes the good with the bad, in hopes of the good ultimately outweighing the bad, and with the understanding that being pessimistic about everything accomplishes nothing. Prepare for the worst but hope for the best - the former makes you sensible, and the latter makes you an optimist.

Tips

* Look happy.

Studies have shown that putting a positive expression on your face can actually make you feel happier and more optimistic about the future.

* Practice by conveying these ideas to others.

If you hear someone being pessimistic, counsel them based on these steps. Sometimes it's easier to understand a perspective if you explain it to someone else first.

* Always make the effort to try and find something good in every bad situation.

It may be relatively minor in the scope of things, but there is always something positive to be found. It may seem silly at first, but as it becomes a habit, you will see that your attitude begins to change.

* Make a list of the things you want, imagine yourself already having them, and use the subconscious mind to put your optimism to work.

Warnings

* Avoid negative people. If you can't avoid them, learn how to not let them get you down.
* Don't let your negative feelings control you.
* Don't confuse pessimism with depression. Depression can make everything look worse than it is.
* You can only change you. You can't change other people.
* While it is true that you create your own circumstances, accept that the past is the past. Don't let negative circumstances trigger irrational guilt.
* The past is the past. It's over. It's done. Let it go.
* Realize that it's not about what happens to you, it's about how you react to what happens.

Have a happy life :)
Gabriela

Long-Term Career Planning

2008-11-26T16:15:00.001+01:00

How to develop a Strategic Vision for my Career Plan?

This article provides you with some basic guidelines for long-term career planning.

Long-term career planning usually involves a planning window of five years or longer and involves a broader set of guidelines and preparation.

Businesses, careers, and the workplace are rapidly changing, and the skills that you have or plan for today may not be in demand years from now.

Long-range career planning should be more about identifying and developing core skills that employers will always value while developing your personal and career goals in broad strokes.

• Core Workplace Skills:

- communications (verbal and written),
- critical and creative thinking,
- teamwork and team-building,
- listening,
- social,
- problem-solving,
- decision-making,
- interpersonal,
- project management,
- planning and organizing,
- computer/technology,
- commitment to continuous/lifelong learning.

• Identifying Career/Employment Trends:

The best way to prepare yourself for future career changes and developments is to stay active in short-term career planning. By regularly scanning the environment and conducting research on careers, you’ll quickly become an expert on the career paths that interest you - and you’ll be better prepared for your next move.

Good luck

Short-Term Career Planning

2008-11-26T15:57:00.002+01:00

How to develop a Strategic Vision for my Career Plan?

This article provides you with some basic guidelines for short-term career planning.

A short-term career plan focuses on a time frame ranging from the coming year to the next few years, depending on the job-seeker. The key characteristic of short-term career planning is developing realistic goals and objectives that you can accomplish in the near future.

As you begin your career planning, take the time to free yourself from all career barriers.

You may ask yourself what are those career barriers?

Types of career barriers:

• personal barriers (such as lack of motivation, apathy, laziness, or procrastination);
• family pressure (such as expectations to work in the family business, follow a certain career path, or avoidance of careers that are below your status/stature);
• peer pressure.

And while career planning and career decision-making is an important aspect of your life, try not to put so much pressure on yourself! This may paralyzes you from making any real choices, decisions, or plans. Career planning is an ever-changing and evolving process therefore you may allow yourself to take it slowly and easily.

For your career planning, you may consider using the following exercises to their fullest potential.

Career Planning Exercises:

1. Start making an analyze of your current/future lifestyle.

• are you happy with your current lifestyle?
• do you want to maintain it or change it?
• does your current career path allow you the lifestyle you seek?
Be sure to identify the key characteristics of your ideal lifestyle.

2. Continue with analyzing your likes/dislikes.

• what kinds of activities -- both at work and at play -- do you enjoy?
• what kind of activities do you avoid?
Make a list of both types of activities.
Now take a close look at your current job and career path in terms of your list of likes and dislikes.
• does your current job have more likes or dislikes?

3. Analyze your passions.

Reflect on the times and situations in which you feel most passionate, most energetic, most engaged - and see if you can develop a common profile of these situations. Develop a list of your passions.
• how many of these times occur while you are at work?

4. Analyze your strengths and weaknesses.

Step back and look at yourself from an employer’s perspective.
• what are your strengths?
• what are your weaknesses?
Think in terms of work experience, education/training, skill development, talents and abilities, technical knowledge, and personal characteristics.

5. Analyze your definition of success.

Spend some time thinking about how you define success.
What is success to you: wealth, power, control, contentment...

6. Analyze your personality.

• are you an extrovert or an introvert?
• do you like thinking or doing?
• do you like routines or change?
• do you like sitting behind the desk or being on the move?
Take the time to analyze yourself first, then take one or more of these self-assessment tests.

7. Analyze your dream job.

Remember those papers you had to write as a kid about what you wanted to be when you grew up? Take the time to revert back to those idyllic times and brainstorm about your current dream job; be sure not to let any negative thoughts cloud your thinking. Look for ideas internally, but also make the effort to explore/research other careers/occupations that interest you.

8. Analyze your current situation.

Before you can even do any planning, clearly and realistically identify your starting point.

Good! Have you completed these exercises?

The next step:
• develop a picture of yourself and your career over the next few years.

Do you have the mental picture?

The final step:
• develop a plan for achieving your goal

Career Planning Steps:

1. Identify your next career move.

If you have been examining multiple career paths, now is the time to narrow down the choices and focus on one or two careers.

2. Research

Conduct detailed career research and gather information on the careers that most interest you. Use the many resources we list in our Career Research Checklist.

3. Qualifications and skills

Pinpoint the qualifications you need to move to the next step in your career or to make the move to a new career path. If you’re not sure, search job postings and job ads, conduct informational interviews, research job descriptions.

4. Compare your current profile with the qualifications developed in step 3.

How far apart are the two profiles?

• if fairly well-matched, it may be time to switch to a job-search.
• if fairly far apart, can you realistically achieve the qualifications in the short-term? • if yes, move to the next step;
• if no, consider returning to the first step.

5. Plan development

• develop a plan to get qualified. Make a list of the types of qualifications you need to enhance your standing for your next career move, such as receiving additional training, certification, or experience.
• develop a time line and action plans for achieving each type, being sure to set specific goals and priorities.

Next: Long-term career planning

Good luck :)
Gabriela

Improve Communication Skills

2008-11-24T17:15:00.003+01:00

Most of us have situations where we find it difficult to communicate. Improving your communication technique, and being comfortable speaking to people is extremely important. There are some top tips for being a better communicator.

Step 1: Use open-ended questions

• ask open questions that often start with ‘how', ‘when', ‘why' etc. An open question is something like: "What sort of things do you do in your spare time?" This type of question gets the conversation flowing.
• avoid asking closed questions. These are questions that can be answered with yes or no answer, such as: "Do you like films?" Closed questions tend to kill the conversation.

Step 2: Active Listening

People speak at 100 to 175 words per minute (WPM), but they can listen intelligently at up to 300 words per minute. Since only a part of our mind is paying attention, it is easy to go into mind drift - thinking about other things while listening to someone.

• active listening involves listening with a purpose. It may be to gain information, obtain directions, understand others, solve problems, share interest, see how another person feels, show support, etc.
• give feedback to show yourself and the other person that you've understood what they've said. Do this by summarizing and repeating what you heard.

Step 3: Create a 'cocoon'

If you're finding it particularly difficult to concentrate on what someone is saying, try to imagine a “cocoon” around you and the person you're listening to. Imagine that the cocoon is blocking out all outside distractions, so you can really focus on what they're saying. Try repeating their words mentally as they say it - this will reinforce their message and help you control mind drift.

Step 4: Engage with the other person

• when someone is trying to get your attention, or engage you in conversation don't turn your back on them, or answer over your shoulder. Instead, turn and face them, engage with them.
• good communication is when you really engage.
• when you are talking to people observe your body language and your tone of voice.
• remember to use open strong gestures, look people in the eye and smile when you talk unless you are complaining about something.

Step 5: Assumptions

Don't assume you know the other person's thoughts and feelings. Learn to identify when you do this. It normally occurs when the facts aren't present to support your belief, so always check with the other person what they mean when they say something.

Step 6: Antagonistic sentences

If you need to talk to someone about a difficult topic then avoid using sentences like:
• “You should know me better”,
• “Why are you trying to upset me?”,
• “You've never understood me”,
• “I thought we were going to enjoy ourselves”.

These are antagonistic sentences, and are not productive in any way and will just ensure there is a conflict.

Tips For Building Self Esteem

2008-11-24T17:05:00.004+01:00

Here's some advice that will help you give your self esteem and confidence a big boost.

Step 1: Put it in writing

• write a list of your top 7 qualities.
* these are making you unique
* carry these around with you every day
* read them to remind yourself who you are and what makes you special.
• write a list of your past successes.
* remind yourself of how you did this and how great it felt when you'd achieved your goals.
* use this past experience to fuel your self esteem for achieving your goals in the future.

Step 2: Don't put yourself down

• keep a tally of how many times you speak negatively about yourself.
* this ensures that you become acutely aware of how many times a day you're telling people that you're not any good and telling yourself this too.
* this will be a real eye opener for you, which will successfully lead you to decrease the frequency of this external negative dialogs.
• don't apologies before or after you talk to someone about something as this takes away any strength or emphasis from you.
• don't apologies for yourself, be strong and assertive. This will do wonders for your self esteem.

Step 3: Accept compliments

• being able to accept, believe and feel good about accepting compliments is crucial to cultivating a high self-confidence.
• when and if someone pays you a compliment, don't act embarrassed, or look down at the floor, or say something self-deprecating. Instead, look the person in face, smile, and give them a big thank you.

Step 4: Get out of your comfort zone

Do not avoid particular people or situations that you don't feel confident in, e.g. for example if there are certain people you find difficult to approach then don't avoid them. Instead, walk up to them confidently and smile at them before you start talking. By pushing yourself into as many of these situations as possible you will increase your self esteem as you're taking control and not allowing yourself to be scared of these circumstances.

Step 5: Positive affirmations

Using positive affirmations every day is really effective as you're talking to your sub conscious where all your negative thoughts are stored. Pick 3 strong statements, which literally make a negative self-belief into a positive one.

For example, if you believe you're not a confident person then “I am a confident person” should be one of your positive affirmations that you say every day. Say your positive affirmations out loud while looking in the mirror as this makes them stronger because you're connecting with yourself.

By overcoming your 3 strongest negative self beliefs you will in turn increase your self esteem levels.

Step 6: Take care of yourself

• take time out to nurture yourself
• eat well and drink less alcohol
• go to sleep early and exercise

This indicates to yourself that you're worthy of being cared for. Remember you deserve to take care of yourself and be taken care of!

How Can I Make A Good First Impression?

2008-11-24T16:56:00.003+01:00

After few researches, I found this tips that can help anyone in making a first good impression in any situation:

Step 1: Make an entrance

• take a few moments before you walk in to a room and realign your posture.
• bring your shoulders back and down and put a smile on your face.
• scan the room and look around as this will make you look a lot more positive and thus creates a good first impression.

Step 2: Your handshake

• make sure you give a good, cool and firm handshake.
• look the person in the eye and remember to smile at them.

Step 3: Posture

• practice sitting down in front of a mirror, in the outfit you will be wearing, to see what is going to work and what isn't.
• sit well in the chair as this will make you look more confident.
• rest your elbows on the arm of the chair and maybe cross your legs.

Step 4: Hand gestures

• make sure you don't use barriers such as folding your arms as this will make you look too closed.
• use nice open gestures and good emphatic gestures when you speak.
• make sure you keep your hands below shoulder height.

Step 5: Mirroring

• use mirroring to create fast-track rapport. This is achieved by slightly copying the interviewer's body language which will help you come across as more approachable.

http://gabrielatardea-development.blogspot.com/

2008-11-21T14:43:00.002+01:00

How to Build Confidence via Anchoring

2008-11-21T14:14:00.001+01:00

Building Confidence via Anchoring

Anchoring is a way of drawing on past experiences in which you felt confident to help you cope better in the present. It's another powerful weapon in your confidence armory.

An anchor is any stimulus that consistently triggers an emotion. To use an anchor you have to:

* Generate in yourself the particular set of feelings you wish to recreate.
* Programme your subconscious to associate those feelings with specific words and gestures.
* Use those words and gestures to trigger the desired feelings when required.

Sportsmen and women use anchors continually. For example, tennis players bounce the ball repeatedly before serving to calm themselves; most runners go through an elaborate routine to centre themselves, much of which is not strictly necessary to the actual performance; and the mighty All Black rugby team go through a series of rituals before each match to intimidate the opposition and fire themselves up.

You constantly anchor feelings in the nervous system whether you like it or not, so why not learn to use this to your advantage? Using anchors you can feel calm and confident, or energized and confident whenever you wish.

* Choose an event you shortly have to face, when you need to remain calm, but you fear could bring on nervousness. Start working on your anchor a few weeks before the event. Get into the relaxed state and recall a time when you felt really calm and confident. Relive it in as much detail as possible. If you can't think of a suitable time just pretend to be confident. If you have a good imagination, your subconscious won't know the difference. When the feeling is strong, put your thumb and fingers together and gently whisper, 'Cool, calm and confident'. The stronger the feeling, the more successful will be your anchor. Affirm that every time you make this gesture and repeat these words, these same calm, confident feelings will return. This is called 'installing the anchor'.

* Just before the actual event you were rehearsing, and if necessary during it, take a deep breath, put your thumb and fingers together and repeat your chosen phrase silently or aloud. Say it with conviction. Allow the confident feelings to flow through you. This is called 'firing' the anchor.

* Alternatively, install an anchor when you experience good feelings as you go about your activities. This is effectively what athletes do when they raise their hands above their heads as they break the winning tape. If they were to do this repeatedly they would find that simply raising their hands above their heads would trigger those winning feelings.

* Practise anchoring every day until it comes easily to you. The more practice, the better.

How to Reinforce Self Esteem

2008-11-21T14:13:00.002+01:00

Reinforcing Self Esteem

To enjoy a better life you must focus on your potential, not your limitations, and concentrate on what you do well. You must make the most of your natural aptitudes and abilities.

Of course everyone has weaknesses, and it takes courage to admit to them. But it can be equally harrowing to accept that we have our strengths and acknowledge that we have talents and personal qualities that others don't have.

This section is about your strengths and making better use of them. You'll discover you have many on which to build.

The world is full of unsuccessful people who have talent but lack confidence and tenacity, who feel that no matter how good they are at something, someone else is bound to be better. Don't be one of them.

* Head a page of your notebook 'My strengths'. Now write down all your good points, everything you like about yourself. For example, are you a good communicator? A good cook? A talented artist or musician? Good with numbers? Handy with tools or good at fixing things? A sympathetic listener? Don't hold back. Keep writing until you've thought of at least two dozen. Add to your list over the next few days whenever you think of a new strength.

* Write down this sentence: 'I like myself most when.' Quickly, without thinking about it too hard, write down the first thoughts that come into your head and add them to your list of strengths.

* List your strengths as your partner or best friend would see them.

* Go through your list of strengths, and for each consider:
- How can I make good/better use of this?
- How can I do or use more of this?
- How can I do/use it more often?
- Write your answers in your notebook. Think about them. You may wish to amend your goals in the light of these new insights.

* Make a list of personal qualities you wish to develop or acquire. Begin by making up affirmations that encapsulate the kind of person you wish to become. For example, 'Every day in every way I become more and more patient. ' Use your affirmations every day.

How to Build Self Esteem

2008-11-21T14:12:00.002+01:00

Building Self Esteem

Some people think it's a sin to love yourself. They consider those who love themselves to be selfish, conceited and rather unpleasant. But they're mistaken. They confuse self-love with false pride and narcissism (being in love with yourself ) which is quite a different matter. Vanity and arrogance are usually a form of bravado engaged in by people who love themselves too little and are trying to cover it up.

If you don't love yourself you'll have no sense of self-worth, and no feeling of acceptance or belonging.

Furthermore, your capacity for loving others is directly related to how much love you have for yourself. You can't share anything you don't have. How can you truly love another if you don't feel worthy of giving and receiving love? Impossible.

The belief that you need to be different from how you are in order to be loved causes a great deal of misery. Unless you are happy within, you'll never be truly satisfied with what you do. Loving yourself unconditionally is the key to happiness. But you don't have to be perfect: the most loved person in the world makes mistakes! You don't even have to do your best. You don't have to prove anything. You're all right because you're all right, and lovable exactly as you are.

* Reflect on your attitude to loving yourself. Is it OK to love yourself? Or do you consider it sinful? Arrogant? Conceited? If so, from where does this attitude come?

* Write down this sentence: 'If only I were... then I'd be lovable.' Quickly, without thinking about it too hard, fill in the gap with whatever comes to mind. Examine what you've written. Does it really make sense?

* Regularly pamper yourself. Treat yourself to an occasional massage, aromatherapy, sauna, a long soak in the bath, reflexology, a manicure, whatever you fancy. Not only does it help recharge your batteries, but it also reminds you that you deserve the very best.

* Use these affirmations: 'I am worthy of all the good in my life.' 'I am open and accepting of myself and others.' 'I am loving, lovable and loved.' 'I feel warm and loving towards myself at all times.'

* Practice TFM - Time For Me. Make time for yourself every day, for relaxing, doing as you please, having fun. This sends a powerful message to the subconscious that you deserve it and you're worth it. Besides, if you don't make time for yourself, who else is going to make time for you?

How to Overcome Low Self Esteem

2008-11-21T14:09:00.001+01:00

Overcoming Low Self Esteem

Your self-image began to take shape even before you left the cradle and was pretty well established by the time you reached the age of 8.

By then, on average, you had already received over 70,000 negative dictates: 'Don't do that', 'No you can't', 'Who do you think you are?' 'You'll never make anything of yourself,' and so on. Most of these were run of the mill reprimands to which adults attach little importance; but they affect a child deeply and the accumulated effect can be devastating.

The means by which a person molds the behavior of another using a combination of reward and punishment is termed conditioning. You experienced plenty of it as a child, much of it negative. Very few young people reach adulthood without having their confidence dented in some way.

Once you understand your conditioning you can unravel the knots, dispense with the ropes that tied you down and leave them behind forever.

* The means by which a person molds the behavior of another using a combination of reward and punishment is termed conditioning. You experienced plenty of it as a child, much of it negative. Very few young people reach adulthood without having their confidence dented in some way. Once you understand your conditioning you can unravel the knots, dispense with the ropes that tied you down and leave them behind forever.

* When were your parents or guardians most proud of you? When were they least proud? How has this affected you? When (if they are still living) are they most proud of you nowadays? When are they least proud? How does this affect you today?

* Where did helping you to build your confidence and self-esteem rank on your parents' or guardians' list of priorities? Did they praise you often? Criticize constructively? Were they generous with their time? Or preoccupied with other things, like enforcing the house rules or pursuing their own interests? Make notes on how this affected you.

How to Develop Assertiveness Skills

2008-11-21T14:07:00.001+01:00

Developing Assertiveness Skills

Even if you've never considered yourself to be assertive, mastering a few basic techniques soon starts to reap untold rewards.

* Decide to become more assertive.
* Think like an assertive person, and think of yourself as one.
* Imagine yourself behaving assertively and being treated accordingly.
* Act assertively. Start by taking small steps. Keep going until the uncomfortable feelings fade.
* Use these affirmations: 'I think, speak and act assertively at all times.' 'I used to be passive, but all that is changing. I am becoming more assertive every day.'
* Mentally rehearse potentially difficult situations. 'Imagine' and 'feel' yourself handling them assertively. 'See' others responding accordingly.
* Practice assertive non-verbals. Be aware of the non-verbal signals you give out:

1. Talk unhurriedly, with a clear, steady tone.
2. Make a habit of taking slightly more time to reply.
3. Give relaxed eye contact: not too much, not too little.
4. Avoid fidgeting, scratching, and touching your hair and face.

* Make your point clearly, with conviction, and don't waffle. Then shut up. If you don't succeed straight away, say it again, and if necessary keep repeating it. Change the wording if you wish, but not the message. Stay calm and don't allow yourself to be sidetracked.

* Sign up for an assertiveness course. Make sure it offers plenty of opportunity to practise with other people. If this is not possible, buy an eduactional video or set of audio tapes on assertiveness, and apply it!

How to gain Self Confidence

2008-11-21T14:04:00.001+01:00

Gaining Self Confidence

As the greatest and wisest teachers have always taught, improving the quality of your thoughts improves your life almost immediately:

* The Bible quotes King Solomon: 'As a man thinketh, so shall he be.'
* The Buddhist text, The Dhammapada, states: 'We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts, we make our world.'
* The Greek philosopher Socrates said, 'To find yourself, think for yourself.'

When you think like a confident person, you automatically feel more confident and act more confidently. Positive thinkers are the happiest and most successful. Sometimes all it takes to change your life forever is a single thought!

Humans are not robots: you can intentionally choose how to think, and if you are serious about building your confidence you must start changing your thinking patterns without delay.

* When you think like a confident person you feel more confident and act more confidently, so commit yourself to taking charge of your thoughts. Write this sentence on a small card and repeat it to yourself, with conviction, several times a day: 'I am a positive thinker - I think and talk confidently at all times.'
* Consider: Are you a negative thinker? A killjoy? Do you find it difficult to think positively? Does your conversation often take on an air of doom and gloom? This awareness is critical to your wellbeing now and in the future, so be totally honest with yourself.
* Promise yourself that from now on you will never:
- Put yourself down.
- Say you can't.
- Say that what you want is impossible.
- Tell yourself that you are incapable of learning anything new.
* Practice making sentences which start with assertive statements such as 'I can', 'I am', 'I want', '1 do', and 'I choose'.

* 'Yes!' is one of the most powerful affirmations you can make. Say it often, with enthusiasm. Display it in big letters on your Wall of Confidence. Say it whenever a new opportunity comes your way. And - try this and notice the difference it makes - say it with relish when you face a difficult problem or challenge.

Self Motivation Techniques

2008-11-21T14:02:00.002+01:00

Effective Self Motivation Techniques

Building confidence takes time, patience and effort. You will have to take a few risks. At times you will feel anxious. How can you motivate yourself to put up with the discomfort and persevere? We humans are motivated by:

* A want or need which induces tension. Only if these are unsatisfied can there be motivational power.
* Perceptions of 'pleasure' and 'pain'. We seek pleasure and are driven by a desire to avoid pain.
* Hopes and expectations that we can get what we want, and that everything will come right in the end.

The strongest motivation comes from a passionate desire for something pleasurable, coupled with the avoidance of pain.

The best way to motivate yourself is to set yourself some worthy goals, find plenty of reasons why you want to accomplish them, and keep in mind the consequences of failure - which is what you are about to do.

* Ask yourself, 'What am I trying to achieve by believing I lack confidence?' Write down the answers. A difficult one, this. You may have to be more honest with yourself than you're used to; but don't skip over it just because it makes you feel uncomfortable - your answers may illuminate and surprise you.

* Write down this sentence: 'If I had an excellent self-image and total confidence in my abilities, I would...' Write down whatever comes to mind.

* Take each item on your list and make it a firm goal. Write it in the form: 'My goal is to...' Commit yourself unreservedly to working towards these goals.

* Make yourself very comfortable, either sitting or lying down. Close your eyes, take a few deep breaths and allow your imagination to flow freely. Imagine you have accomplished the goals you set yourself. Visualize them coming true in every detail. How do you feel? When you open your eyes write down any thoughts that come into your head.

* Think of something you can do as a first step towards each, one action you can take to get the ball rolling - even if it's just making a short phone call or reading a relevant magazine article - and do it now. No exceptions, no excuses!

Self Confidence

2008-11-21T13:52:00.000+01:00

How to Develop Self Confidence through Self Acceptance

Self-acceptance means acknowledging that you are as you are and being comfortable with it. It doesn't necessarily mean liking every aspect of yourself.

But bear in mind, self-acceptance does not mean giving up on yourself. If some disliked aspect of yourself is important and can be changed, do something about it. There's no point in feeling bad about something you can change, just as there's no point in feeling bad about something you can't!

* What aspects of yourself do you find most difficult to accept? Are there times or situations when you find it harder to be self-accepting than others? If you wish jot down what stops you giving yourself permission to be as you are.

* Use this affirmation: 'I accept my... and my... (the attributes you have underlined). This is me, and I'm wonderful, aren't I?'

* Do you ever feel that your best is never good enough? If you judge yourself as not good enough, no amount of achievement will ever satisfy you. Ask yourself: 'How realistic are the goals and standards I set myself?' There's a paradox here. There's nothing wrong with having high expectations of yourself: low expectations lead to under achievement. But impossible ones destroy your confidence.

* Write down this sentence: 'When I fail to live up to my expectations or fall below the standards I set myself, I tell myself...' Write down the first six thoughts that come into your head. Why are you so hard on yourself? You don't have to be perfect, you know.

* Stop comparing yourself with others. You'll always find people who are better than you at some things, and people who are worse. The only meaningful comparison is between you as you used to be, and you as you are now . No one is better than anyone else, just different. If you lapse into thinking 'I'm not as... (attractive/clever/athletic etc) as.', stop it. Tell yourself, 'I'm a wonderful, amazing being. I'm good enough, and I'm grateful for it.'

Confident Body Language

2008-11-21T13:46:00.001+01:00

Body Language: Confident Type

When you move confidently and carry your body confidently, you not only feel more confident but others assume that you are.

You may be surprised to learn that only 7% of the information you transmit to others is in the language you use.

The remainder comes from:

* 38% How you speak - quality of voice, accent, voice projection, emphasis, expression, pace, volume, pitch etc.
* 55% Body language - posture, position, eye contact, facial expression, head and body movements, gestures, touch etc.

Whereas people often try to disguise their true feelings in their utterances, they communicate them freely through their non-verbals. When your body language tells a different story from your spoken words, guess which is believed? The answer is, your body language. It imparts eight times as much information.

* Stand in front of a mirror. Hold your head up, back straight, shoulders back, looking straight ahead. Try to make yourself look bigger, as if you're taking up more space - good posture automatically takes up more space. Now walk briskly and confidently around the room. How do you feel? A proud, upright stance makes you look more important, even if you're not especially tall. It makes you look younger and slimmer too.

* Hand and arm movements are very expressive. Learn to use your hands for emphasis, and keep hand movements smooth and flowing.

Avoid:

1. Folding your arms or wrapping them around yourself (like a cuddle). This indicates a closed, defensive attitude and makes you appear unapproachable.
2. Placing your hands in your pockets.
3. Tapping on surfaces such as tables and desks with your fingers or on the back of your other hand.
4. Fidgeting, scratching, wringing your hands (which shows tension).
5. Touching your face or neck. This reveals discomfort or embarrassment.
6. Become aware of all your mannerisms and gestures. If possible video yourself, watch carefully and make adjustments.

* Eyes are very expressive.

1. Lively, sparkling eyes are attractive. They say, 'Talk to me, I'm approachable.'
2. Looking away shows disinterest or deviousness.
3. Looking down conveys submission.
4. Confident people make more frequent eye contact than people who are unsure of themselves, so develop a steady gaze. When you enter a room move around comfortably, smile and make gentle eye contact with everyone; not too much, not too little.

* Your breathing is very important too. You can calm down instantly and become less tense and anxious by taking your attention to the breath, slowing and deepening it. Practice calming the breath. Slow breaths and a steady gaze, combined with an anchor such as 'Cool, calm and relaxed', can combat nervousness any time, wherever you are and whoever you're with.

* Make better use of your personal space. Try to make yourself bigger. The more room you appear to occupy, the more confident and important you appear. But moving too close to others is unsettling, so don't get too near.

Body Language: Face Expressions and Eye Contact

2008-11-21T13:35:00.005+01:00

Facial Expression

A simple smile can make others feel more at ease where a frown can make people see that you are aggressive or unsure of something. We use facial expressions to get our points across in the right context. For example, your message would suffer if you were saying how angry you are with a huge smile.

Facial expressions can suggest or express an individual’s emotions or feelings.

In essence, facial expressions are controlled forms of body language. However, since it involves feelings or sentiments, most often than not, they are spontaneous and instinctive.

Then again, during an interview, it is best to control most facial expressions and express a pleasant one instead. Interviewers or employers like to see individuals who are eager to get the job and who have a pleasant personality up front. It will only convey the applicants’ confidence in themselves. Insecure people will most likely be fidgety; and even if they won't say so, their actions speak louder.

Eye Contact

When someone talks to you, do they look directly at you or look away? Maintaining eye contact when talking (or listening) to someone gives an impression that you/they are confident and honest. Making little eye contact can say that the other person doesn't like you, is nervous or shy, or perhaps believe that they are higher in status and think that eye contact isn't necessary.

"Making little eye contact can say that the other person doesn't like you"

Also, look out for it if you believe that someone isn't being truthful, as most people can't keep eye contact when they are bending the truth.

However, someone looking at you non-stop is stressful and in these situations you should throw your hands around a bit more or point to brochures and objects to distract them. Staring is basically seen as an aggressive act and can also be interpreted as being unbalanced.

If talking to people outdoors, avoid wearing sunglasses as this can be very uncomfortable for the other person and can give an image of trying to hide your identity (a shifty salesman, for example). In addition, try to blink as less as possible as this can make it difficult for the other person to understand you (due to being distracted). Blinking less also gives an image of confidence.

Eye Contact in an interview

If the interviewer is talking and you want to show that you are actively listening, you need to instigate direct eye contact and maintain it. Avoid appearing as if you are staring aggressively by blinking at regular intervals and moving your head every now and then, such as giving a small nod.

Interview body language experts suggest that when you are doing the talking you need to hold eye contact for periods of about 10 seconds before looking away briefly and then re-establishing eye contact. Overusing direct eye contact when you are speaking can come across as lecturing or challenging the interviewer. Typically the listener maintains direct eye contact for longer than the speaker who breaks it off at intervals.

Looking constantly downwards makes you appear insincere or submissive. It is acceptable to look down if you are making notes or referring to information in front of you. However if you are speaking, or the interviewer is asking you something, raise your head and make regular eye contact to show that you are actively involved.

With panel interviews it is best to look at and direct your answer to the person asking the question, with a glance periodically at the other interviewers.

Eye contact is essential interview body language to establish rapport with your interviewer. Not making eye contact makes the interviewer feel disconnected from you. Eye contact should be a positive aspect of interview body language, if it is not used properly however it can quickly become negative.

When should you look at whom?

During the job interview it is important to look at all the interview partners to an equal extent.
By looking directly at the other person we are giving them a sign of trust.
By looking directly at people we are also in control of the conversation.
Looking directly at somebody or looking away actually serves as the dots and commas in our spoken sentences.

When one of the committee members explains something or poses a question, keep looking at this person for as long as he or she is speaking. This shows that you're listening. While he is speaking he may also look at the other people, but every time he wants to emphasis something he will look at you again.

You can then nod to encourage him to continue talking. At the end of his question, he will keep looking at you and then tilt his head up a little to invite you to give an answer. When you answer a question, you will look first at the person who posed the question, but while you answer you should take turns looking at the other interview partners as well. You should direct yourself again to the person who posed the question when you want to emphasis something and at the end of your answer.

Body Language: The Space Around You and Gestures

2008-11-21T13:23:00.004+01:00

The Space Around You

Those who stand always look more powerful to those people who are sitting down. This is because they are taking up more space. In this case, if you feel comfortable standing, use it to look as though you have a higher status then those around you.

When you move around, the more space you take up can make others seem threatened by your presence. This is because those around you may feel that their presence in the area is less significant. In such case, they may move around using as little space as possible.

If you are sitting, you can still give an image of power. If standing isn't appropriate, use more space by stretching your legs out or by having your arms at the side of the chair. When you are on the phone and you need to be assertive, standing up will project your urgency.

Posture

When the interviewer offers you a seat at the start of the job interview, sit upright but not too stiffly in your chair. This indicates that you are comfortable and feeling confident. Hunching down in your chair gives the impression of nervousness and low self-esteem. A sloppy posture indicates a careless attitude and a lack of energy. Sitting on the edge of your chair can come across as being nervous and tense.

Relax and lean slightly forward, about 10 degrees, towards your interviewer. This gives the message that you are both interested and involved. Leaning back makes you appear too relaxed and casual. Leaning to the side can be perceived as not feeling comfortable with the interviewer.

How you position your head also sends a message. Tilting your head very slightly to one side comes across as friendly and open. Keeping it straight comes across as self-assured and authoritative.

It is also important to pay attention to the posture of your interviewer. Sometimes you can establish rapport by adopting the same posture as the other person. This is called mirroring. If they have adopted a more formal posture do the same until you see that the interviewer has relaxed and become less formal.

Hand-to-Face Movements

In a selling process, look out for customers for e.g. that use hand-to-face movements such as holding their chin or scratching their face. This can usually show that they are thinking of making a purchase but they have a concern, for example, "can I afford it" or "what if a I pick the wrong size", etc.

This may be a cue for you to move in before they leave and inform them that they can 'buy on credit if preferred' or that they can 'exchange the product if it is not suitable', etc. It is a fact that many customers do not ask to solve their queries and therefore leave if they are unsure: this is why it is important to recognize this common form of body language.

What to do with your Hands in an interview?

If you are unsure of what to do with your hands, rest them, loosely clasped in your lap or on the table. Control your hands by being aware of what you are doing with them.

Having your hands above the neck, fiddling with your face or your hair, is unprofessional and conveys nervousness and anxiety. Keep your hands away from your face. Interview body language experts will tell you that touching the nose or lips can indicate that the candidate is lying. Holding a hand behind your head is often a sign that you are annoyed or uncertain.

Folding your arms across your chest suggests a closed and defensive attitude. Waving your hands and arms around can be perceived as uncertainty and a lack of professionalism. Common wisdom is that the less you move your arms and hands about the more confident and in control you are. Practice a comfortable way to loosely place your arms and hands while you are sitting, both at a table and in a chair on its own.

Be aware of the interview body language message your legs are giving. A lot of leg movement is both distracting and indicates nervousness. Resting one leg or ankle on top of your other knee makes you look too casual and comes across as arrogant. Crossing your legs high up conveys a defensive attitude in the one-on-one context of a job interview. Crossing them at the ankles or placing both feet flat on the floor conveys a confident and professional look during the job interview.

Gestures

Gestures also have a large influence in the interview. Body language and gestures can create a great effect on the observer.

In most interviews, employers watch how the applicants react to certain situation through their facial expressions or “body and facial gestures.”

For instance, if an applicant did not like the idea stated by the interviewer, the simple rolling of the eyes may indicate a negative effect. This simple gesture may mean frustration, annoyance, or arrogance.

All of these things are important during the interview. It is best to be aware of them to avoid negative results.

The very basis of body language as used in an interview is to convey confidence. Even though applicants may not be 100% sure of themselves, it is imperative that they appear as if they are.

The way applicants positively express themselves through body language can build their entire future. As they say, actions speak louder than words.

Doing one thing may mean another as the case may be. These are things that we should look out for, as it can easily give things away about both yourself and the observer. A simple touch of the nose could mean that you/they aren't being truthful.

A lot of us move our heads when we are talking to get approval from others. If you want to look powerful, then you should try to keep your head movements to a minimum.

How much you show your underbelly (your front) is a way of showing how confident, secure or trusting you are. The less you cover up your underbelly with folding arms, crossed legs, raised hands, etc, the more appropriate the qualities may be. Folding your arms may look as if you are trying to defend yourself and will look bad to the other person.

If you talk to someone who originally has folded arms, crossed legs and perhaps turning away slightly, you may think that they are uninterested and also feeling detached from your conversation. If they start to unfold their arms, uncross their legs, etc, it may be a sign that they are accepting your issue.

"we are attracted to those people who are similar to ourselves"

Another gesture that we use is called 'mirroring'. You may not know it, but we are attracted to those people who are similar to ourselves. A case may be where you are with an employee to discuss an issue and you both take a similar sitting/standing position. The discussion goes well, but if you had taken a different position, it may not have gone as well as it did. This gesture is often taken on by sales people who sit in a similar position as their customer.

A more common gesture is perhaps the one that is most annoying. It is known as 'displacement activity' and is used to get rid of physical tension in the body. Examples of this may include nail-biting, playing with hair, chewing gum, and teeth grinding.

Grooming gestures are those things we do to reassure ourselves. This may involve you perfecting your hair or fiddling with your clothes. We normally do this when we are around people we don't know, and so we groom ourselves to make us look more presentable to lift our confidence.

Finally, our hands are used to emphasize what we say, from pointing and saying "over there", to waving someone away and saying "go away". Hands that are made into a pyramid shape (fingers and thumbs on both hands touching, with palms wide apart) mean power. If someone sitting across a desk from you talks to you with the pyramid gesture pointing to you, this will either be your boss, or your future boss!

Body Language During Interviews or Business

2008-11-21T13:14:00.003+01:00

Body Language in Business

Is important to know that body language accounts for over 90% of an usual conversation! Body language can be used to help conduct an interview, give a presentation or make an important sale: a conversation stretches so much further than speech.

Body language is the reason why an interview face-to-face has a huge advantage for an employer over interviewing by phone or for a sale made face-to-face over selling by phone.

Usually when we communicate with or see people, we only respond to what is being said, heard or generally seen. There is so much more involved and most of us do not pick up on it: it's our body language and it can express a thousand other unsaying words.

Our body language will give others an impression of ourselves or show our emotions. You're probably using it right now to read this page (you will either be alert and interested, or baffled and un-interested).

Our body language is an important aspect of running a successful business as we cannot always say what we really feel. This means we have to act positive in negative situations (and vice-versa of course). You can also identify other people's body language and know what they really mean.

You may immediately think of this as standing tall and up right as much as possible. In fact, it is the natural alignment of your head and body without the use of tension and 'locking'.

Everyone has a different posture and it usually develops through habit over the years. This may be slumping your shoulders forward or hanging your head.

Your posture may show how you will approach a situation.

For example, if you stand with your shoulders hanging, arms folded, and leaning to one side, it will look as if you aren't ready for or interested in the task in question. Should you stand with strong shoulders, head up, arms out by the side and closed fists, you will look as if you are ready for anything no matter how much stress is involved.

Looking at a persons feet when they are sitting down will tell you who is an extrovert (out-going) and who is an introvert (withdrawn). Extrovert - toes pointing out, introvert - toes pointing in.

Body Language During Interviews or other types of face-to face communication

Non-verbal communication accounts for over 90% of the message you are sending in your job interview! Your verbal content only provides 7% of the message the interviewer is receiving from you.

As you can see your non-verbal signals, both your body language (55% of the message) and the way you speak such as voice tone (38%), are as important as the actual words you use in your job interview answers!

Some tips for a job interview:

Be prepared. The best way to show positive body language at an interview is to be “natural, comfortable and confident” . It may seem counterintuitive, but the best way to look natural is to practice. Read a book or two about interviewing and then run through the entire interview process with a friend. Come up with a few interview questions to ask in advance.

Start strong. The interview starts the moment you step into the room. Walk in tall, with a smile on your face. Make sure your hand is free, and offer it to the interviewer. Make the handshake strong and firm, pumping hands once or twice, then release. A weak handshake and bone-crushers can both leave a negative impression. Don’t be afraid to practice shaking hands before your interview, maybe with your friends.

The interviewer will usually offer you a chair. If not, go to the chair across from him or her and ask if it alright to sit. Use the entire chair. If you’re sitting on the edge, you’re going to look nervous and uncomfortable.

Be an active listener. Forget about your feet, forget about the windows. Dedicate yourself to the interviewer. Don’t stare the interviewer down, but do maintain eye contact. Examples of proper body language include leaning forward, nodding and smiling when appropriate. Not only will you look interested, but it’ll probably be easier to pay attention, and to notice the interviewer’s nonverbal cues to you.

What if you’re being interviewed by a group of people talk directly to the person that’s asking the question. Once you have fully answered the question to that individual, then look at the other interviewers. You shouldn’t ignore any of the people who are interviewing, but you should give priority to the person who’s asking the question.

Expressing yourself with your hands is - gestures show energy and passion. However, a low-key interviewer might be overwhelmed by too much hand waving, so tone it down if need be.

Be calm. Jiggling legs. Jangling key. Twirling hair. Glancing at your watch. All of these are examples of bad body language. Bottom line: fidgeting makes you look nervous and distracted, so don’t do it. Don’t even tempt yourself by having anything unnecessary in your hands (or your mouth or wrist!) Keep your feet flat on the floor (or at most, cross your ankles). This not only cuts down on restless legs, but helps you sit straighter.

Read the interviewer. You want the interviewer to be doing the same things you are – maintaining eye contact, nodding, smiling, leaning forward or sitting relaxed. If the interviewer is leaning sideways, fiddling with things, or not responding with facial cues, there’s a good chance you’re losing him. To turn the interview back around, remember the last time you had them engaged and return to that subject or ask them a question.

Finish strong. The questions were brutal. The interviewer scowled the entire time. The job wasn’t what you thought it would be. No matter. Finish the interview the way you started it – with energy and confidence. Shake hands while you thank the interviewer for the opportunity, and walk away with your shoulders back and head high. You never know what’s going to happen – maybe the interviewer is always in a bad mood, maybe some other job will open up. You’ll never regret leaving a good impression.

No matter what happens, an interview is an opportunity to learn. At the end, ask yourself what you did right and how you could improve.

Job Interviews

2008-11-12T16:05:00.003+01:00

What is an interview?

The whole idea of a job interview is to get you face to face with your potential employer.The primary idea of a job interview is to get you to communicate with an employer.
• through the course of the interview they take you through a series of questions that they need to ask you, relevant to the job
• they will give you the opportunity to sell yourself by giving the answers to the interview questions
• you have the opportunity to ask them questions about the job as well

What will be expected of me in an interview?

Expectations:
1. A series of questions which will be both job-related and company-related. What the interviewer wants to see here?
• that you've done your homework,
• you've done your research,
• you've been on the web site,
• you know quite a lot about the company and where it's going,
• you know quite a lot even about the individual that's interviewing you for the job.

2. They're going to think about what your expectations of the role are. During the job interview, you can expect that they will ask you about how you would perform certain tasks within that role that they're specifying.

3. The interview provides you with an opportunity to ask questions back, but you've also got the opportunity to sell yourself within their interview process.

What are the typical stages to an interview?

1. The first stage to a job interview is the icebreaker.
• once you've walked in, signed in and gone through reception,
• you're taken up to see your interviewer, who will sit down for this first interview stage and ask you a very light question about the weather, for example, or how your trip was there.

Afterwards the whole process becomes more formalized.
In a very good interview, the interviewer will say to you, "These are the stages of the interview process, of the meeting that we're having now. I'm going to ask you questions, then for the next stage I'd like you to ask me any questions about the role, and then we'll make a decision somewhere further down."

They are trying to manage your expectations of their interview process and make you feel a little bit more comfortable by breaking it down into stages.

You need to:
• think about the icebreaker,
• what you need to say about that and
• how you say it.

2. The second stage is:
• focusing you on what they expect from the interview process

3. The third and last stage represent:
• your opportunity to come back with questions at the end of the interview process.

What should I wear to an interview?

Well, it depends on the environment you're working in.
• you may go to a professional organization that requires you to wear a suit and tie.
• or you may go to a rather more modern media or IT company for an interview where they expect you to wear smart casual clothes.
• other times, jeans and t-shirt are acceptable to wear to a job interview.

Consider the type of industry you're seeking a job in, and you have to get a good feel for what is acceptable to wear. When you're invited to go for a job interview, is ok when you ask what the dress code is.

What time should I arrive?

If you are the kind of type that get very excited about going to an interview and you want to get there early to make a good impression, than better don't!

• the earliest you should arrive on the premises is a maximum of ten minutes before your interview is to start.
• if you arrive late, that's a bad first impression.

Do I always have to wear a suit to an interview?

• you don't need always to wear a suit and tie.
• you need to consider the type of industry that you'll be working in and the dress code that that company adopts.
• phone up or e-mail and say: "What will I be expected to wear at the job interview?" You want to get it right.

How should I behave in an interview?

• the best thing you can do is avoid too much humor during the interview
• avoid also behaving with too much arrogance
• don't try to be cocky,
• don't try to be over-confident,
• don't try to be clever.
Behave respectfully and be professional throughout the job interview.

What's the best way to sell myself in an interview?

• do your research prior to the interview.
• be very well prepared.
• have specific questions.
• sell yourself by making sure you are showing evidence that you've looked at the website and spent a lot of time preparing for the job interview process.
In this way you will score a lot of points with your potential employer.

What sort of questions will I be asked in an interview?

• questions about your employment history and your education
• questions that are related to the type of role that you're applying for.
• don't be surprised if they ask you to give an example of a time in the past when you've behaved in a certain way.

Here are five things that most employers want to know about you:

1. They want to know if you are qualified for the position.
What are your greatest strengths?
Do you have experience in this field?
What do you believe you bring to this job?
Why should I hire you?

2. They want to know what motivates you.
What motivates you to put forth your greatest effort?
Where do you see yourself five years from now?
What is more important to you, the money or the job?
What did you like most about your last job?

3. They want to know about the negatives.
Why did you leave your previous job?
What did you like least about your last supervisor?
What is your greatest weakness?
What did you like least about your last job?
Why have you been unemployed so long?

4. They want to know if you are a good fit.
What kind of people do you find it hard to work with?
Tell me about a time when you worked as a member of a team.
In what kind of environment are you most comfortable?
Do you prefer to work alone or with others?

5. They want to know if you want their job with their company.
What are you looking for in a position?
Who else are you interviewing with?
Why are you interested in this position?
What do you know about the company?

Often you'll find in a job interview that one question leads to a very much deeper one underneath, so be prepared.

What are role play questions?

The idea of role-play questions in a job interview is for the prospective employer to actually look at how you might behave in a particular scenario that they are familiar with.

You may be asked to role-play a customer service situation.
For example, the interviewer may ask you to pretend to be receiving a call from a stranger where you're asked lots of challenging questions that are relevant to the role you may have to perform in.

Role-play is drama.

Role-play is all about looking at how you're likely to respond if when put into that type of scenario. Remember that a job interview is make-believe. Role-play is kind of getting underneath that make-believe and making it a bit more real and a bit more relevant to the interviewer and the job itself.

What questions should I ask in an interview?

First of all, questions should be:
• relevant to the role,
• relevant to the industry,
• relevant to the person who's going to be managing you.

You can for example ask:
• "What would my typical day look like?"
• "Can I go and have a look at where I might be working if you take me onboard?"

These are all questions that show your interest in a job. They are looking for you to have done your homework and be taking the job interview process seriously.

What questions shouldn't I ask in an interview?

Some of the worst examples of questions asked by potential employees during a job interview are things like:
• "How many paid sick days do I get per year? "
• "What time do I have to finish on Fridays?"
• "Do I have to be in at nine o'clock every morning?"

These questions display too much attitude and totally the wrong sort of questions to ask during a job interview. Ask questions that inspire confidence in your future employer!

Should I mention salary in the interview?

Many people are afraid and don't know if this kind of question should be addressed in an interview. There is nothing wrong with asking how much your salary would be in a job interview, and when you'd get paid it.

Employers don't look at it as a bad question.

Should I lie in an interview to get the job?

I will recommend you never to lie in an interview, or even extend the truth. You will be caught out. It's guaranteed. Companies will actually go through your C.V. anyway and look at the history. Employers will find out if you are trying to fraudulently obtain the job.

Should I just be myself in an interview?

My recommendation:
• try to be relaxed and
• really try to be yourself,

Employers don't want to see a super person in front of them.
They want to see the real person that they could be working with for some length of time. So, just be yourself.

What are the golden rules to surviving an interview?

• be prepared.
• know exactly where you're going for the interview.
• ask yourself if you need change for parking.
• do they have free car parking?
• will you be traveling to the job interview by train or tube?
• do you know how long it's going to take you to sign in?
• if it's a big organization in a big building, it can often take you five or ten minutes just to get through security, and thus to survive the interview you will need to allow extra time.
• you need to know who is going to be interviewing you.
• a golden rule to survive is to make sure you remember their names. Look them up on the website prior to the job interview. Know what their roles are about.
• know what your potential role is going to be all about.
• make sure you've done your homework on the company.
• make sure you have questions ready.
• make sure that there are no unexpected surprises for you, and you will be able to survive a job interview.

How long will an interview take?

• a first interview should take anywhere between thirty minutes and an hour. An interview is somebody getting to know you - and you getting to know them - and deciding whether you like the look of the role and whether they think you're suitable.
• if somebody considers you for an assessment center, then it could take anything from half a day to a day.
• if it's a panel interview or a second interview, you're probably looking at least an hour, because they're trying to find out more about you and whether you're suitable in the process.

Do I need to make notes during an interview?

Yes, it's important that you make notes during a job interview, be it the first or second, or a panel interview. If is very difficult to make notes during the interview, especially if you are doing a presentation for somebody, always ask "Is it OK for me to make notes as I go along?"
Normally, the interviewer or interviewers will say yes.

Do I need to make notes after the interview?

Yes, it can always be a good idea after the interview to make a few notes while everything is still fresh in your mind.
When we are nervous, hurried or not as prepared as we wanted to be in a job interview, we may forget to ask certain questions. If you get invited back for a second interview the notes you take after the first job interview might be questions that you want to address when you return.

Wish you good luck!
Gabriela

Steps in the process of finding a JOB

2008-11-12T13:52:00.003+01:00

So, you're a recent graduate? Looking for work? You and thousands of others. What can you offer that they can't? Well, hopefully you know that or will learn as you search. Your job search is a project in itself, with various stages.

Here are some tips to get you to your goal of a great first job.

1. Skill Building
Practice your writing skills, Stay updated, Take refresher courses, Start a blog, Do some volunteer work, Learn networking skills

2. What tools do you need?
Computer, Internet access, Briefcase or portfolio, Cell phone

3. Resume
Don't lie on your resume, Be relevant, Customize your resume, Follow standard format, Make it easy to read, Be brief, Use the right terminology, Promote yourself, Have references ready, Indicate your interests, Stick to the file format, Use a cover letter, Proofread, Print quality.

4. Finding a Job and Interview Preparation
Ask friends and family, Ask in social settings, Ask on campus, Check with former classmates, Try networking, Use a job search engine, Attend career fairs, Check newspapers, Be selective, Practice being interviewed, Beef up your skills, Know your strengths, Research potential employers, Prepare a list of questions, Don't overreach, Be patient, Look elsewhere.

5. Offbeat and Appearance - General tips about preparing when you've already secured an interview.
Practice, Have your clothes ready (Reduce your stress), Dress professionally, Makeover, Use your judgement, Groom yourself, Get enough sleep

6. Pre-Interview - On the day of your interview -> prepare yourself.

Be prepared, Know why, Arrive early, Be friendly, Don't smoke, Use the restroom beforehand, Learn your interviewer's name, Turn off your cell phone

7. The Interview - a lot of what gains you points in an interview is your behavior.
They already have your resume. They want to know about you.

Interview Opener
Wait for the handshake, Keep standing till you receive a direction, Make a good first impression and maintain it.

8. Interview DOs
Maintain eye contact, Be succinct, Nod your head, Ask for clarification, Ask questions, Be flexible, Ask about your role, Ask about your team, Ask about the last person, Ask about future opportunities

9. Interview DON'Ts
Don't ask about salary benefits first, Don't fidget, Don't mumble, Don't be intimidated, Don't lie in the interview, Don't show off or overact, Don't hit on your interviewer, Don't complain about someone, Don't seem needy

10. Interview Other
Remember what it's about, Be prepared to be tested.

11. Closer and Post Interview
Know your availability, Be flexible on salary, Ask for the job, Say thank you, Be patient, Follow up on each interview, Keep an interview log, Keep learning.

Hope it was useful :)
Good luck and lot of confidence in your process of finding a good job.

Gabriela

References For CVs

2008-11-12T13:48:00.003+01:00

What are references?

There are two basic types of references that can be put on a CV.

• first one: from a person who can vouch for your previous employment history, such as a previous employer or manager, or somebody who worked with you closely.
• second one: from somebody who is quite senior in the community, such as a teacher or perhaps a doctor, who can vouch for your character.

Do I need to include references?

When you're thinking about whether to put references on your CV, it's a good idea either to give the full details or simply put, "References available on request." The employer, or future employer, will be happy with either of those.

How many references do I need to include?

Ideally, two references on your CV is enough or have two references available on request.
• one of the references should be pertinent to your work history--your previous employer.
• second one should be somebody who's quite senior in the community who can actually vouch for you as a character.

Can I be sure a previous employer will give me a good reference?

You can't guarantee that your most recent employer is going to give you a good reference. So, when your future employer writes to them, by law, they cannot give you a bad reference, but what they can do is decline to give the reference itself. So, that can often send a message back that there may have been a problem with your previous employment history.

Should I let a potential employer know if I suspect my previous employer will give a bad reference?

If for any reason you feel that your previous employer may decline to give you a reference, because you fell out with him when you left, let your prospective employer know that that was the case. They would much rather know at interview that your previous employer will decline to give a reference than later. They won't think any less of you if you are actually honest with them.

Good luck!
Gabriela

What is a CV?

2008-11-12T13:25:00.005+01:00

What is a CV?

• CV stands for curriculum vitae.
• a CV is a document, ideally two pages long, which gives a future employer a history of what you've done in the past.
• In a curriculum vitae you add details about your previous work experience, your education and your hobbies and interests.

How often do I need to update my CV?

• keep your CV as up-to-date as possible.
• when you change a job, make a note of it on your CV.
• when you have just finished another qualification, make sure you note it on the CV also.

I am looking for work - do I need a CV?

• :)
• it's absolutely imperative that you provide a CV to your future employer.
• why? Because they need to know exactly what you've done in the past, so that they can make a judgment about employing you.

I'm not currently looking for work - do I need a CV?

• it's a good idea to keep your CV up to date, even though you are not looking for a new job.
• make sure that it's up to date just in case your circumstances change and you decide to look for work.

Can I pay someone else to write my CV for me?

• if you find a very good company that can provide a very good CV writing service for you, than yes.
• nowadays you may find hundreds of examples on the internet also. Do not copy-paste them! Research and get the knowledge how to do it by yourself.

Other kind of questions? Do not hesitate to let comments and I will get in contact with you asap :) Good luck!

Gabriela

CV Content

2008-11-12T12:58:00.006+01:00

What information should be at the top of my CV?

• full name
• your address
• your email address
• your telephone number
• other kind of information, only if is asked for, or if you consider it necessary (date of birth, nationality, driving license, marital status)

What information should be in the main body of my CV?

• the most important information you need to put in is a passage to sell yourself to your future employer. This part of your CV should say something like, "I am a lively, enthusiastic team worker," or, "I am a very strong sales person with proven track history."
• educational history
• employment history (with no gaps)

Do I need to add dates of my work history?

It's very important that you put the correct dates of your work history on your CV.
• the one thing that employers don't want to see is gaps.
• put the month that you finished if you finished a job in a certain month.
Is there a gap of three months or four months between starting a new job? Than put on your CV that you were unemployed, or that you went traveling, etc. An employer does not want to see a gap on a CV. Why? Because they may suspect that something else is going on. They don't need to have to probe into those sorts of areas.

Do I need to add descriptions of my jobs in my work history?

• Yes! In the work history section of your CV, include the titles of roles you have had. It's also a good idea to give your employer an idea of what that job was all about. You may want to list some duties and responsibilities that you had within certain jobs and achievements.

A template of how it could look like:
_______________________________________

Company, City, Country
Position: XYZ
Responsibilities:
• xyz
• abc
Achievements:
• xyz
• abc
_______________________________________

What information should I not put on my CV?

• keep your CV as straightforward as possible and as professional as possible
• do not include too much information.
• do not put on your CV things like your favorite poem or rock band, or what your bad habits are. Employers want to look at your potential career with them on your CV, not your bad habits.

Should I add my hobbies and interests?

• yes, from an employer's perspective, it's a good idea if you include hobbies and interests that you may have.
• are you playing handball, for example? Put than down that you play handball, because it gives a good indication as to the fact that you may be a good team player.
• are you involved with the arts? Is important to include information about that, because your employer may be looking for creativity, and so on.

What is a Personal Statement Value Statement, and do I need to include one?

• include a Personal Statement in the main body of your CV.
• why? The employers are looking at the type of person that you are. Don't be too generic. If you're a good communicator with strong team working skills, put that example down. It is much better to give an example of why you are like that. With your CV you have an opportunity to sell yourself to your future employer.

Should I lie on my CV?

I would recommend that you never, ever lie on your CV.
Why? There are a lot of companies that perform a very comprehensive CV checking system for employers. If you lie, you will get found out, either at the interview or later on in the role.

Do I need to say where I went to school?

Yes, it will give your employer a good idea of the educational standard that you've received, therefore it's a very good idea if you include on your CV where and when you went to school.

Do I need to say where I went to university?

Yes! In this case you will provide them good information as to your career aspirations and the level of education that you've received, therefore it's good if you let your employer know the university and the course you chose, and why.

Do I need to include my grades and my results?

If you are a fresh graduate, with no relevant work experience, to add this kind of information can be very useful for the future employer to know the grades that you achieved; the areas that you're particularly going to shine in: economics, languages, sciences.. But please, do not add ALL exams you had through the 3/5 years or ALL grades. Final exams are enough.

Should I add my future ambitions?

• Yes, because your prospective employer are very interested in what you aspire to be in life, what your future ambitions are.
• a lot of employers don't just want you for a year, they want to carve a career for you. Therefore, if they know what your goals and aspirations in life are, they may be able to match them.

What is the ideal length for a CV?

• two pages of eight-fourths.
• does your CV runs to five or six pages? The employer is going to lose interest reading your CV.
• if it runs over two pages a little bit I believe that should still be fine. Instead of trying to squeeze it all on two pages, you make the font unreadable because being than too small and over two pages is fine.
• five or six is much much too much!!!

My CV is too short - how do I bulk it out?

• is your CV only running to one page and you feel that you need to bulk it out? Try not to make the font so big that it looks like baby speak.
The best thing you can do is elaborate on your selling statements. Capture the interest of the potential employer who will see your CV.
• Is there still space free? Perhaps consider bulking out the hobbies and interests section.
• still problems? Changing the spacing or font type in certain areas of the CV would be a good idea.

How long will a potential employer spend looking at my CV?

• the first time for about 9 seconds.
Remember! They've got a lot of CVs that they're going through, so it's absolutely essential that you capture their attention very, very quickly.

Having a very strong values statement, in terms of selling yourself, in the main bulk of your CV could attract their attention because that area is where they're going to look first.

What happens to my CV when it reaches the employer?

• make sure that it ends up on the right person's desk because when you send your CV over to your potential employer, it could end up on anybody's desk.
• your CV could go to HR or it could go to the assistant of the person who's interviewing you.
Therefore it's absolutely essential that your CV is neat and has some point of interest on the front page, in order for people to respond to it and do something with it.

What typical errors do people make in CVs?

• typing errors and spelling errors are the most common.

Recommendations:
• put your CV through a spell checker,
• read it through yourself thoroughly
• get somebody else to proofread it for you as well.
If it has any errors, no matter how simple they are, that CV will potentially get rejected.

Other areas that you may find people making mistakes with CVs:
• use of too many fonts, which make it look very messy,
• the overuse of color, trying to make it look too jazzy.
Employers reject CVs on those bases!!!

Should I add my date of birth and health status to my CV?

• it is not a legal requirement but if you decide to add this information about your date of birth and health status add it at the top of your CV together with personal informations.

I have dyslexia/learning disabilities - should I mention it on my CV?

Ask yourself. Is this relevant for the position I apply for? If yes, than add this type of information. If it's not relevant to the problem at all, don't bother.

Good luck!

Other kind of questions? Let comment and I will get in touch with you asap!

Gabriela

CV Style

2008-11-12T11:49:00.003+01:00

Is a hand written CV acceptable?

• use either a computer or a typewriter to generate your CV. It's very unusual to receive a hand-written CV.
• send your CV off by email or by post
• have in consideration the type of job that you're going for:
* If it's a technology-based company that you're going to be working for in a technological role, show your proficiency with a computer. You are opening yourself up to the opportunity of having your CV rejected in that type of industry if it's hand-written.

Should I add color graphics and patterns to my CV?

• are you applying for a job as a graphics designer, or a similar creative job? Then use color, graphics and lots of use of visuals.
• the general rule with CVs is to keep it as simple and neat as possible. My recommendation: No pink, blue or other colors ... just stick to black and white!

How important is attractive design?

• in terms of how it's presented your CV, I usually recommend to keep it as simple as possible.
• Keep also the font standard. A few lines here and there is absolutely fine, maybe bold or italicized. Looks your CV straightforward? Than is good! In the main, keep your CV neat.

How do I make my CV look good?

• by making it eye-catching and easy to read.
• remember: simplicity is the key with a CV!!!

Should I add my photo to my CV?

• think about whether it's actually necessary before putting your photograph on your CV.
• are you going to become a model? Then probably your future employer needs to know what you're going to look like.
• the one thing you should do is to make sure that you look at the abilities that you have on the CV, and not necessarily what you look like.
• a photograph can influence the judgment of your future employer.
• think! Is it relevant? If yes, than have a professional photo inside your CV. If not, than none.

Should I tailor my CV to a particular job?

• it's very important that you tailor your CV to the needs of the particular job or role because you could be up against really stiff competition.
• your employer, or future employer, needs to be able to look at that CV have it say something that he is interested in.

How do I tailor my CV to a particular job?

• look at the mission statements and the core values of that particular company, and what the industry's all about.
• are you a competitive individual, working in a competitive environment? Than put it down in your selling statement or your values statement that you have on your CV. The main part that you tailor is your selling statement; your ability to get the interest of your future employer.
• Remember: that is the only part of your CV you should change. Never change your employment history or indeed your education qualifications.

Other kind of questions? Let comment and I will get in touch with you asap!

Gabriela

How To Write A Cover Letter

2008-11-12T10:49:00.001+01:00

Three important tips that you can use when writing a cover letter
Have in consideration: how to structure your cover letter, how to personalize it and how to impress the reader so they will invite you for an interview.

1. Write a unique letter
• Use the ad as a guide as to what to put in.

2. Personalize you letter
• This is your just to show that you understand the position.
• Establish why you're contacting them.
• What have you got to offer.
• Finish with a call to action: you contact them or vice versa.

3. The perfect layout
• Begin with the job you're applying for.
• Then go onto your experience and refer specifically to the advert.
• Keep it short and concise.
• End with how you expect to next be in communication.

Good luck :)

Find Next: "Job Interview"

Gabriela

How To Write A CV

2008-11-12T10:37:00.003+01:00

Here are some tips on how to avoid stress and write a CV that will impress a potential employer:

1. Know your audience!
• Only work on your CV once you know who'll be reading it. Search for as much as possible information

2. Put yourself in the employer's place!
• What would the employer like to know?
• What would the employer like you to know?
• Have you done it before? Do you understand what they want?
• Because usually they won't have much time with the CV - try to make it clear.

3. The first half page
• Get across as many selling points as you can in the first half page.
• Keep the whole CV short (two pages maximum).

4. The layout
• First put in personal details.
• The profile - A short paragraph where you can really sell yourself and who you are.
• Areas of expertise - This is where you show them what you do. This will likely change from job to job - highlighting key areas.
• Career history - Keep each job description short. Just mention specific achievements you had during that job.

Important: Use examples! (problem, action and result.)

What to Write as objectives:

If you do use a resume objective, make it very specific, not vague and meaningless. Think about the following:

* The name of the specific vacancy,
* The skills that relate to it, which can also be counted amongst your strengths, and
* The organization's needs and where these match your ability to deliver.

Now use the answers to the above construct to complete a sentence starting "my objective is…" or "my goal is…" (you don't actually need to include these words).

Always limit or avoid the use of personal pronouns (I, my, mine, etc.). Do not list your qualities and skills - remember, keep it short and punchy. Words and phrases to avoid include 'utilize my', 'to challenge me', or 'with room for growth', 'advancement', as these are about you and not the employer.

Your job search is a project in itself, with various stages. Here are some tips to get you to your goal of a great first job:

Resume
• Don't lie on your resume.
• Be relevant
• Customize your resume
• Follow standard format.
• Make it easy to read.
• Be brief
• Use the right terminology
• Promote yourself
• Have references ready
• Indicate your interests
• Stick to the file format.
• Use a cover letter.
• Proofread.
• Print quality.

For further questions do not hesitate to contact me.

Next: "How To Write A Cover Letter"

Gabriela

Choosing A Career - How do I discover my career passion, my skills, interests and values?

2008-11-05T17:21:00.002+01:00

My first recommendation would be to look for a counselor that may advice you. Usually a counselor can help you to get to know yourself as well as they possibly can. They may help you in finding information about your interests, skills, and your values. A counselor can use different assessments that help you to discover this information. The use of a very in-depth values assessments will helps you get extremely clear on what is truly important to you; what you're willing to trade off on in terms of your work / education and the things that you're not.

Getting to know what your career passion is, should be one of the most critical things that every single human being needs to do.

If you want to determine your skills or interests the best way is is to work with a licensed career counselor who can give you different types of assessments that measure skills, interests and values.

Think about the things that you love doing so much that you would do them for free. Start a "ME" project and analyze your thoughts, notice what you mostly like to do, what brings you joy in life. Focus on yourself and put everything on a paper. With each experience you have daily, evaluate your feelings. This is a good way in getting to know YOU better.

If you don't have access to a professional counselor, let's say from different personal reasons, than don't worry. There are also different types of assessments available on the internet, through career counselors, through career counseling centers at various junior colleges and universities. There are a lot of free ways to determine what your skills and interests are.

Find out NEXT: What is a "career assessment test"?

Best regards,
Gabriela

Choosing A Career - How should I start the research for different career opportunities?

2008-11-05T16:26:00.001+01:00

Researching for career possibilities can be done in many different ways. The Internet for example is a great source. Family, friends, teachers can also come into question. Being aware of different types of careers requires reading, watching the news, networking, talking to people, being out there, and finding out what it is they do. This can be a great way to learn about careers.

Being informed and updated with all kind of information is valuable if you want to take in consideration the responsibility for your own career, for your own future.

Asking people, "How did you get the job that you have? What does it take to do what you do? And what are some other types of careers that are similar to what you're doing?" They can also put you in touch with people in their network who can introduce you to different types of work that you can be doing.

Show interest and you will receive also answers. Do not expect people will come to you and ask you if you are ready for receiving this information. ACT!

Find out NEXT: How do I discover my career passion?

Gabriela

Choosing A Career - How can I decide on a career?

2008-11-05T16:07:00.001+01:00

When I first start to decide about my career I was trying to fit myself into somebody else's job. Imagining I am in the position described in the job description, was much more easy to decide. Think on how you can make your skills work to get that particular job. Is important to ask yourself "What do I really feel passionate about?", "What do I love to do so much that I would do it for free?". I believe that that's the key to finding the right livelihood for yourself. What do you feel passionate about, what do you love to do?

Your career should be a natural extension of who you are as a human being. So if you really start to get clear about that, when you get up in the morning, you should be getting up to live your life, and not just getting up to go to a job.
Make a list of your values and find out first what is that thing that makes you happy. It's very, very important to get clear about your values, the things you really love to do, how you want to make a difference in the world, which I also see it as another very important part.

If you think you're not clear about this than try talk to friends and family, do internships, and find out about all different types of careers before you make that decision.

All volunteer experiences will offer you the chance to get to know the market better, get in touch with people that may have valuable information about, maybe finding a mentor. At the end of that Internship, Volunteer activity you will surely know if what you choose is the right choice. Try everything if you are not sure. You have nothing to lose. You can only win. If is about general experience, or only networking ... is something and is valuable for you.

Find out NEXT: How should I start the research for different career opportunities?

Gabriela

Self Evaluation and Steps in Planning a Career

2008-11-05T11:43:00.004+01:00

Evaluate Yourself

• Recognize a few key characteristics about yourself so that you make choices that are well suited for you.
• Is important to clearly understand what you are interested in, what your strengths and abilities are, what your personality type is, and what is valuable to you.
• The self-awareness about these attributes will help you choose a major, career, or advanced degree program that will bring a sense of satisfaction.

What I will recommend is is to use self-assessment tools. They are designed to help you identify your interests, skills, personality type, and values and how they can be best matched with school or career pursuits.

Self-assessment allows you to think about your:

• Skills and abilities
• Interests
• Personal Priorities
• Training and Education
• Life Experiences

Career Planning

The career planning needs of high school students differ from those of college students. You should get to know yourself during this high school years. It is the best time to become aware of and recognize who you are, and what you are good at.

How do you do that? You may try this activities that allow you to expose yourself to many types of experiences:

• Take a variety of classes to learn subjects, strengths and interests.

• Learn to develop new skills through classes, clubs, activities, etc.

• Begin to explore career options. Talk to career professionals, advisors, counselors, teachers, parents, and friends. Do some research into careers that are of interest to you.

• Find summer or part-time jobs or voluntary experiences which allow you to try different career areas. These are real-life experiences.

Getting Started

Here are five components for career planning, for each step you will find in the next publications the way of action that may be very useful for you:

1. Asses yourself - learn about your interests and preferences

2. Generate Options - identify majors and general career options that relate to your interests and preferences

3. Gather Information - learn more about specific majors, such as academic requirements and jobs related to each major. In this step you may focus on how to obtain career information such as job descriptions, salary, and outlook

4. Make a Decision - review the decision-making process and determine the status of your decision

5. Take the Next Step - identify the steps you need to take to implement your academic and career plans

GOOD LUCK :)