Tuesday, December 31, 2019

This is what an old bookshop knows and can teach us

This is what an old bookshop knows and can teach usThis is what an old bookshop knows and can teach usOne of the blessings of travel is the chance to discover new things. Such welches the case recently when my wife and I visited New Orleans for a few days.Basically an island between the Mississippi River and Lake Pontchartrain, New Orleans attracts over 11 million visitors each year.Travelers come for the jazz, Creole cuisine, culture, restaurants, booze, entertainment, gospel music, jazz funerals, Cafe Du Mond beignets, Mardi Gras, and more.Old bookshops in New Orleans, however, are probably not the top attractions.Illustrations and photographs by John P. WeissThe day we arrived, my wife was under the weather and opted to rest in our hotel room. I ventured out and found a wonderful coffee shop, where I enjoyed a latte and sketched in my Moleskine notebook.A thermisch glow of lightWalking back to the Bourbon Orleans hotel, I strolled past Orleans street and noticed a set of large, lo cked up wooden doors. The sign above them said, Arcadian Books and Art Prints.I couldnt tell if the shop was closed or completely out of business, but I filed it away. Namely, because I love old, used bookshops.I returned to our hotel room and found my wife feeling better and ready for dinner. We headed out, enjoyed a fine meal and began strolling below the French Quarter galleries (wide balconies) and trees festooned with ubiquitous Mardi Gras beads.We rounded the corner and found ourselves on Orleans Avenue.Hey, I was here earlier today, I said to my wife. Theres something I want to show you.We crossed the street and I pointed to the old bookshop, knowing my wife loved books even more than me. She smiled.The large wooden doors were open, the proprietor was standing outside the entrance, and a warm glow of light was emanating from within. It was getting chilly and we were happy to step inside.Elegant chaos to it allWalking through the large, wooden, entrance doors was like stepping back in time. Every inch of the interior was filled with old books and tight passageways. There was elegant chaos to it all.Precarious stacks of books rose up all around us, like towers of forgotten words and literary ambitions. Navigating the books and makeshift aisles was hard enough, but then more people showed up.My wife, surrounded by books.The musty aroma, dust and cramped quarters felt like another era. Like a library or bookshop long forgotten.The really old books were tucked away, their covers faded and pages brittle. We blew off the dust and carefully thumbed their pages. Their long slumber awakened, perhaps they were grateful to see light on their pages? Surely it felt like eons since they last encountered the interest of a reader and the joy of fulfilling their purpose again.The worst was the suicidesI felt sorry for the books and their shared obsolescence. This age of smart-phones, computers, e-readers, and digital distractions has almost rendered books as cultural art ifacts. Quaint, analog containers that hold information and content from before the Internet.The worst was the suicides. The occasional thuds from books, tired of their neglect and sense of irrelevancy, as they dove from dusty shelves to the cluttered graveyard below. Some landed squarely, in a dignified repose, while others lay splayed, their spines painfully contorted and arched.In one corner, an electric fan was wedged between an archway of books. It seemed an engineering impossibility, but then, this was no ordinary distributionspolitik of commerce. It may have lacked the order and modernity of a Barnes Noble, but it retained a kind of magic. As if ghosts of authors hovered, still hoping their works would be discovered and loved.So many books, so little timeThere was every variety and imaginable genre to be found. Fiction, non-fiction, fine art, instructional manuals, poetry, and more. There was also all manner of old prints, on the walls and floors. Black and white photographs , artwork, and images of the past. In a way haunting, but then parts of New Orleans are famous for this.What an old bookshop knowsOld bookshops contain countless treasures and wisdom if youre willing to spend time poking around. Bookshops are not for hurrying. Like an intimate dance, they require your full attention, patience and a slow hand.An old bookshop knows about your pain because it contains books written by authors who have been there. Authors who have lost spouses, children, and loved ones. Look around and youll probably find a forgotten, dog leafed copy of Joan Didions The Year of Magical Thinking.An old bookshop knows about your guilt because it has copies of Dantes Inferno, as well as dusty standbys like Dostoevskys Crime and Punishment and Toni Morrisons Beloved.An old bookshop knows about love because on its shelves somewhere reside Jane Austens Pride and Prejudice, as well as volumes by the Bront sisters.Further instruction on love can be found in the cluttered poetry section, where Shakespeare, Neruda, Dickinson, Keats and more await discovery.Dont be surprised to experience a bookshop reunion. Perhaps youve forgotten what Charlottes Web meant to you until you see a tired old copy peeking out from the childrens section. The spirit of E. B. White will surely smile as you slip your old friend off the shelf and thumb through its pages and illustrations.Handwritten notes in the marginsI remember when my Dad reminisced about his boyhood. How he and his family would gather around the radio after dinner and listen to programs.Dad, youre a dinosaur, I used to say.Well, Johnny, we didnt have televisions yet. They came later. But in a way, listening to the radio was more vivid to us, because we used our imaginations, Dad said.I feel the same way about books. Somehow the scenes they conjure in my mind are superior to Hollywood adaptations. CGI is no match for the human imagination.Fast forward a lifetime and Im telling my son about the black and white tel evision I had in my childhood bedroom.Black and white TV? my son would ask. Was it broken?No, I said, We only had one color TV back then. It was this big Zenith, and you had to get up to manually change the stations. All five stations.I remember my son looking at me the way I used to look at my father. Im sure he thinks Im a fossil.Thankfully, books have managed to hold on. For now, anyway.Theres something special about their physicality. The way they smell, and that satisfying solidity in your hands. Unlike computer screens and tablets, book pages dont glare at you, causing eye strain.I kept many of my fathers books. Even now, long after his passing, I still encounter pages with his handwritten notes in the margins. Its such a joy when I discover them. Its like a part of my Dads spirit saying, Hey Johnny, Im still here, connected to you, so dont worry.Being in the Arcadia Books and Art Prints store in New Orleans had a similar effect on me. So many old books, with their stories and authors dreams. Thoughts and ideas from the past, suspended in time, enclosed and encased in aging covers and tired spines.Like my Dads handwriting in the margins of old books, there are gems to be found in old bookshops. The past doesnt want to give up the ghost easily. It still has its wisdom, experiences, and messages for this harried, modern world.Technology may change, but not the basic human condition. Our need for love, belonging, meaning and relevancy carries on down through the ages. It will continue to do so. Thankfully, tired books in old bookshops, like artifacts of the past, will be there to share their wisdom with us.Their secrets for a better life can be found and revealed, but you better hurry, before these splendid bookshops lock their doors for good.Im John P. Weiss. I draw whimsical cartoons, paint landscapes and write about life. Thanks for readingThis article first appeared on Medium.

Thursday, December 26, 2019

Purchase and Sale of Business FAQ - Australia

Purchase and Sale of Business FAQ - AustraliaPurchase and Sale of Business FAQ - AustraliaSale of Business(Assets) vs Sale of Business(Shares)What is the difference between a Sale of Business(Assets) and a Sale of Business(Shares)?In a Sale of Business (Shares) a geschftliches miteinander that is incorporated can be traktament by selling all issued shares of the Company. In this case the corporation and all its assets, rights and obligations would transfer from the seller to the purchaser.In a Sale of Business (Assets) the business entity (corporation, partnership, etc.) remains with the sellers and only the assets of the business (equipment, buildings, client lists, etc) will be transferred to the purchaser.Sale of Business AssetsWhat is a sale of business assets document?In a Sale of Business (Assets) the business entity (corporation, partnership, etc.) remains with the sellers and only the assets of the business (equipment, buildings, client lists, etc) will be transferred to the purchaser.Will this agreement work where only the assets of a business are to be transferred?Yes. The agreement can be structured as a sale of the shares of the business or as a sale of the assets of the business. In a sale of the assets the original business structure and ownership would remain intact however title to assets such as equipment, inventory, goodwill, and business contracts would transfer to the new purchaser.Why does asset price need to be allocated? The assets to be included in the purchase of a business should be specified to ensure that there are no misunderstandings regarding what is to be included or not included in the sale. In addition, by allocating a portion of the selling price to each asset, the fairness of the total asset price is more easily determined.What does the Equipment asset include?The equipment assets would include fixed and moveable machinery such as cars, trucks, lathes, computers and other similar pieces of equipment required for the business to continue to function normally after the closing date.What does the Inventory asset include?The inventory assets would include raw materies, work in progress and finished product available for sale. In some cases, a purchaser may wish to exclude obsolete inventory no longer suitable for sale or for use in production. Obsolete inventory of this nature should be identified explicitly under the Excluded Assets section.What does the abverkauf Orders Confirmed but Not Shipped asset include?Sales orders confirmed but not shipped prior to the closing date would require goods and inventory from the post-closing inventory. As a result revenues from these sales would typically go to the purchaser and should not be included in the accounts receivable of the seller.What does the Business Contracts asset include?Business contracts such as sales contracts related to the core activity of the business would typically transfer to the purchaser after closing. Business contracts such as partnerships in related ventures may or may not be included in the sale of business. Those partnership or venture contracts may prohibit the transfer of a partners interest to an outside party.What does the Books, Records, and Files asset include?Books, records and files of the business will include all the information required for a smooth transition in ownership and for the business to continue normal operations after the closing date. This includes all accounting files of the business and also includes marketing information such as client lists and market research information and all files related to product research and development as well as production and maintenance history. Note that a copy of accounts receivable up to the closing date may be retained by the seller to facilitate collection of outstanding accounts.What does the Trademarks asset include?The trademarks asset would include all ownership rights to existing copyrights, trade-names and trademarks as well as all rights to all c urrent research not yet trademarked. This will allow the purchaser to carry on normal business operations after the closing date. Alternatively, the seller may grant only a license for use of existing trademarks. This should be agreed to by all parties and explicitly stated in the additional clauses.Sale of Business SharesWhat is a sale of business shares document?You can sell a business that is incorporated by selling all issued shares of the Company. In this case the corporation and all its assets, rights and obligations would transfer from the seller to the purchaser. Any rights or liabilities are attached to the corporation and would transfer with the corporation.What is the difference between a Purchase and Sale of Business(Shares) document and a Share Purchase AgreementA Purchase and Sale of Business(Shares) is where all shareholders agree to sell all issued shares of the Company to the purchaser. A Share Purchase Agreement is the sale of some (not all) issued shares of a corp oration from a current shareholder to a purchaser. In a Share Purchase Agreement the purchaser could be another shareholder or a third party.DefinitionsWhat is meant by the Goodwill and Business Name asset?The business name or goodwill of a successful business has value in the form of repeat customers and reputation in the business community. The business name may have considerable impact on the continued success of the business after the transfer of ownership at least in the short term. An accurate dollar value representing the goodwill in the company is difficult to determine. If the seller wishes to include goodwill as part of the sale price then a qualified accountant should be used to find a fair value for goodwill.What is meant by a Non-Competition clause?A non-competition clause prevents the seller from starting or working for a company that will directly compete with the purchaser after the closing date. The seller may have many business contacts in the industry as well as i nside knowledge of the business and would have considerable advantage if they started a similar business in competition to the purchaser after closing. The restriction from competition can be for a period of time into the future and for a specific geographical location.What is meant by a Non-Solicitation Agreement?A non-solicitation clause prevents the seller from recruiting any of the employees away from the purchaser after the closing date. This restriction prevents the seller from doing harm to the business by luring away the experienced staff now and in the future.What is meant by a material agreement?A material agreement would be one that has a specific impact on the business either because of cost or because of a relatively direct impact on revenue. A contract with a customer for future sales or a contract with a supplier for mandatory purchase of goods in the future would be examples of material agreements. Partnerships in ventures related to the core activity of the business would also be considered a material agreement and should be explicitly included or excluded in the sales agreement.What is meant by representations and warranties?Representations and warranties are disclosures that one party makes to the other party concerning issues related to the business. This usually involves providing a promise or guarantee of satisfaction to the other party concerning the issue. An example of a representation and warranty would be where the seller guarantees to the purchaser that all equipment related to the business has been maintained in good running condition in accordance with standard industry practice. What is meant by conditions precedent?A condition precedent refers to a term of the agreement that must be honigwein prior to the closing date. If the conditions precedent are not met then the agreement would usually be void. An example of a condition precedent would be that the seller must obtain permission from a landlord to assign a commercial lease ov er to the purchaser prior to the closing date. What is meant by confirming representations and warranties with an Officers Certificate?In order for negotiations to proceed smoothly and to ensure there are no surprises on the closing date, each party should provide the other with a written assurance that all representations and warranties have been addressed and are valid. Each party would provide an individual or officer to make the assurances to the other party. This task may be assigned to an officer of the partys corporation. For a non-corporate business entity this task could be assigned to a member of the management team.What is meant by confirming representations and warranties with a legal opinion?In order for negotiations to proceed smoothly and to ensure there are no surprises on the closing date each party should provide the other with a written assurance that all representations and warranties have been addressed and are valid. Each party would provide an individual to ma ke the assurances to the other party. In the interest of full disclosure and transparency, an impartial third party such as an attorney may be used to provide this assurance.

Saturday, December 21, 2019

If your resume shows any of these 7 things, it may cost you a job

If your resume shows any of these 7 things, it may cost you a jobIf your resume shows any of these 7 things, it may cost you a jobWhile 75% of millennials think job hopping looks good, new numbers show that this may not be the case for tech employees.New research from staffing firm Robert Half Technology found thatfrequent job hopping was the most frowned upon thing among CIOs evaluating job candidates.Robert Half Technology commissioned the survey and an independent research firm surveyed mora than 2,600 American CIOs in 26 metropolitan areas.Dont have any of these things on your resumeThe CIOs were asked When reviewing resumes, which of the following would most likely cause you to remove a candidate from consideration? Here are the results (totals dont add up to 100% because numbers were rounded)Frequent job hopping 21%Bad formatting, sloppiness or typos 17%Too long or too much unnecessary information 17%Not highlighting strategic thinking and business knowledge 13%Overuse of techn ical jargon 12%Overly complicated 11%No context around prior experience 9%Ladders is now on SmartNewsDownload the SmartNews app and add the Ladders channel to read the latest career news and advice wherever you go.It only takessix seconds for a recruiter to reject a resume, so avoiding these things is crucial.Jeff Weber, executive director of Robert Half Technology, commented on the research Its a candidates market in technology right now, but that doesnt mean applicants can sit back and wait for offers to roll in. Job seekers should tailor resumes that highlight specific skills and experience related to the open position and be prepared to answer technical questions during interviews in buchen to make an impression with potential employers.But even if you have a stunning resume, you still might not be off the hook yet - research has found that 64% of applicants are better on paper than in person.That being said you definitely shouldnt do this during an interviewRobert Half Techno logy also surveyed CIOs and asked which of the following was the one thing that would make them reject a tech-job candidate during an in-person interviewSpeaking negatively about past employers or managers 20%Poor body language, such as no eye contact or a weak handshake 19%Unprepared for technical questions 16%No clear understanding of the business 15%Ineffective explanation of career history 15%Unprofessional dress 13%No thank you or follow-up after the interview 1%About that last data point Yes,following up really matters to a handful of CIOs. And,since its never a bad idea to send one, heres how to write the perfect thank you note after an interview.

Monday, December 16, 2019

Men look more successful with hair, study finds

Men look more successful with hair, study findsMen look more successful with hair, study findsLike the Biblical Samson, who lost his power after his hair was cut off by Delilah - hair makes the man, a recent survey of U.S. mens hair habits found.Dove Men+Care surveyed 2,000 men across America and found that the majority of them tie their work identities to their hair follicles.In the hair census, 8 in 10 mensaid that their hair made them look professional, the look of it was important, and that their hair helps them feel confident. Perhaps the majority of these men are preoccupied with their hair because they recognize what science has found that societies judge men on how much hair they have on their heads.Studies Hair makes the difference in people seeing men as successfulA study in JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery found that a few more hair follicles can make all the difference between people seeing you as a success or a lost cause. The Johns Hopkins University researchers recruited p articipants to compare photos of men before and after they got a hair transplant. Although they were looking at the same men, participants rated men after they got their hair transplants as more attractive, approachable, and successful.No wonder then that hair transplants were among the most popular cosmetic procedure men are seeking to get done, with11,000 procedures done in 2014.But, when it comes to being bald, all-in is bestIf youre balding, research suggests embracing your chrome dome fully if you want to increase your social standing. A study in Social Psychological and Personality Science journalfound that American men who make the choice to forego their thinning locks and proactively shave whats left of their hair are seen as more dominant than men who are only partially bald.When researchers showed participants photos of men with some hair and the same men with digitally shorn heads, the virtually shaved men were viewed as nearly an inch taller, almost four years older, and 13% stronger than their real-life selves. Unfortunately, the bald-headed versions of the men were still rated as less attractive than men with a full head of hair.Why are bald men seen as more powerful and dominant? The researchers theorize that in a society that prizes the vitality of hair, seeing someone purposefully give that up is also a signal of ones status when people witness someone violate standards of acceptable or conventional behavior, they may infer the person is powerful.Being seen as dominant helps you in the boardroom, which is why being bald may help you close deals. Citing previous research that links dominance to better outcome in negotiations, the researchers predict that men with shaved heads will fare better economically in negotiations.When in doubt, shave it offAlthough your attractiveness levels may decrease, the research shows that making the choice to go bald can increase your leadership potential.Instead of spending billions each year trying to reverse o r cure their hair loss, the counterintuitive prescription of this research to men experiencing male pattern baldness is to shave their heads, the researchers advise.So if youre a man with a receding hairline, dont despair - take control of your destiny and head to your barber. As successful (and balding) comedian Larry David once proclaimed, Anyone can be confident with a full head of hair. But a confident bald man theres your diamond in the rough.

Wednesday, December 11, 2019

Is It Time to Leave Your Job Look for the Signs

Is It Time to Leave Your Job Look for the Signs Is It Time to Leave Your Job Look for the Signs Many job seekers struggle with the decision to leave a company. When is the right time? Does it really make sense to leave one good job for another?It becomes much easier to make a decision about leaving if you pay attention to the signs.If youwait too long to leave, you may create a tough situation for yourself. You may end up limiting your choices or taking a job that doesnt pay your worth or align with your career path.If, on the other hand, you are proactive about leaving, you can avoid these pitfalls. You can only be proactive if you pay attention to the signs.Is your manager unhappy with your performance? Are they documenting complaints. Thats a sign. Do your best to address the issues, but if your manager still isnt pleased, it may be time to start looking elsewhere.If your job function is growing outdated, pay attention. On the flip side, it can also be a bad sign if more people are entering your field than are necessary. Ifsimilar roles are being outsourced or automated, pay attention.Keep an eye on industry trends, too. If your industry in general is struggling, pay attention to how your employer and its competitors react. If your company is restructuring frequently or turning over top-level management, watch closely.If you sit and wait to become outdated, you will but you dont have to. If you monitor changes in your company and industry, you will know whenits time to walk away.If youve noticed any of the aforementioned signs, you may wonder how to respond.abflug by looking for other industries that may be able to use your skills and are doing better than your industry. Research roles that may require similar skills and qualifications as your current job. Look at other cities where the job market may be healthier.At the same time, take stock of your professional network. Think about how many contacts you have outside of your current company or industry. If your company went under, do you have people you could call who arent coworkers? If the answer is no, its time to start reaching out. It maynot always be fun, but networking is a necessary part of surviving in todays job market.The point is to take control of your future.Stop waiting to see what will happen. Instead, begin making steps toward a future that you choose. If you do, youre more likely to find something youll want to stick with for years to come.A version of this article originally appeared in theMemphis Daily News.Angela Copeland is a career coach and CEO at her firm,Copeland Coaching.

Saturday, December 7, 2019

Why Everyone Is Completely Mistaken About Qualifications Resume and Why You Must View This Document Immediately

Why Everyone Is Completely Mistaken About Qualifications Resume and Why You Must View This Document Immediately The Fundamentals of Qualifications Resume Revealed To determine what you should include, return to the work description. Your resume should clearly communicate to a prospective employer that youre ready to successfully carry out the office assistant job responsibilities set out in the work specification. To be able to critique your resume effectively, you want to know how a hiring manager will appear at it. You would like to capture the hiring managers attention from the beginning and demonstrate that youre a very good match for the position. The majority of states require Child Care workers to be authorized. Candidates that are looking for welding jobs should incorporate any particular training or experience theyve received during their work history. Resumes are vital tools in any work search only because they represent the very first thing an employer sees regarding a possible employee. Too many resumes are very wordy and difficult to follow. Students have to be willing and equipped to examine and change their behavior once it interferes with productive person or team relationships. Listing your skills provides a chance to showcase your abilities and experiences to prime employers for the remainder of your resume. Or you may demonstrate your skills regarding public speaking or giving presentations. Based on your career, in addition, there are core competencies specific to your industry. Therefore, youve got to consider the best method to present your abilities. In the majority of instances, your soft skills can boost your hard skills. Also, be certain that the skills you add are the absolute fruchtwein relevant to your career targets and the strongest. Whatever They Told You About Qualifications Resume Is Dead Wrong...And Heres Why You then need to have them know that you wished to be sure the board had the most up-to-date info about how much youre preparing yourself to become a firefighter. Always remember youre choosing work in the health care business and thus it is necessary to write down about whatever you can about what you know and exactly what youve already done. Another similar profession to think about is truck driver. There are a few professions like finance or healthcare where specific certifications or degrees are necessary to getting the job. Ruthless Qualifications Resume Strategies Exploited The qualifications summary is put close to the top of the resume. It can be a powerful tool to get you the interview. Therefore if youd like to go noticed at once, you should incorporate an overview of qualifications on your resume. Your summary of qualifications should incorporate a great variety of examples that produce your resume really stick out. Then go through and manually emphasize the accomplishments and details which you think are especially related to the position or program youre applyi ng to. It is possible to take action to increase the section with certifications or other expert development achievements. On the program, you are made to incorporate every job. Some services even let you have your own resume web page with your private web address. Along with your work performance, a hiring manager would like to make sure youll fit in-and work well-with the other employees in the workplace. Furthermore, you can look for flight attendant jobs on Monster. The receptionist should have good skills for managing time so they can attend to patients and clients as fast as possible. With interpersonal skills, she is able to relate with clients effortlessly. New Ideas Into Qualifications Resume Never Before Revealed You could be requested to aid in receiving a urine sample or a saliva swab. Taking the aforementioned instance into consideration, whenever theres a specific reason that youre leaving the job that you will need to rise in the correspondence, however ne glect t wish the HRD to comprehend about it, then you are going to have to be cautious. Conclusion Theres a lot you can do to better your resume yourself without getting expert assistance. Fortunately, in the era of the web, there are a few high-tech solutions to the issue of ensuring your resume gets in the hands of a person who is searching for someone of your qualifications.

Monday, December 2, 2019

Tips Hiring Managers Can Learn From Santa - Spark Hire

Tips Hiring Managers Can Learn From Santa - Spark HireWith Christmas right around the corner, holiday season is in full swing and romm old St. Nick is sprucing up his long, grey beard for the big night. The naughty or nice list is being drafted and checked, elves are preparing themselves and countless hours of preparation are coming to a head. Wait a minute, is Santa getting ready to hire new employees or is he getting ready to deliver millions of gifts and Christmas cheer to the well-behaved children of the world? Well, we all know the answer to that question, but there is actually much and more hiring managers can learn from Santa and how he deals with the craziness of Christmas.In fact, Santa might have one of the most laborious, time-consuming and stressful jobs of all but he handles it like a champ. Think about it, has Santa ever flopped? You may have had a flop Christmas before, but it certainly was no fault of Santas He consistently gets the job done and stays jolly while doin g it. Santa may be one of the best employers of all time.So hiring managers, pick up a pen, listen up and take some elendes on the hiring tips we can all learn from Santa.Preparation and OrganizationIt must be a bear getting gifts for millions of children ready and organized, dont you think? In bestellung to keep things running smooth, Santa and his elves must have impeccable organizational skills. In the same way, hiring managers must stay organized and keep all of their candidates documents and applications for a specific position together. Furthermore, Santa takes a whole year to prepare for Christmas to ensure he is ready. In the same light, hiring managers must prepare for an interview with a candidate in order to have a successful one on their part. Could you imagine signing onto a video interview or having a candidate come into your bro without knowing one thing about them beforehand? Perhaps you dont have to imagine it because you have done it before. Chances are the intervi ew was slightly awkward and likely very unsuccessful. Recently Spark Hire talked about the candidate experience and how important it is to create a great one. Not being prepared for an interview with a candidate doesnt make for a great candidate experience.Much like how hiring managers expect job seekers to research the company before participating in an interview, job seekers expect hiring managers to have some idea of who they are and what they are about. After all, you have a nice outline of this candidate through their resume. Santa would never wake up on Christmas Eve with zero gifts ready, so hiring managers should never walk into an interview with no knowledge of a job seeker.Good Judge of CharacterHes making a list, checking it twice Gonna find out whos naughty or nice We all know Santa takes a good deal of time each year crafting his naughty/nice list. Hopefully you were always on it. He knows what children have to do to be on the nice list, and knows what causes a child to be added to the naughty list. On top of that, hes thorough and checks that list not once, but twice- just to be sure. Its safe to say that Santa is a good judge of character. Hiring managers need to be the same way. They need to know what makes job seekers great candidates and what doesnt. They need to know what skills make a job seeker highly eligible for a position, and that the lack of those skills will put a candidate on the not qualified list.At the core of this though is a deep understanding of the role that must be filled. Without this it can be near impossible for a hiring manager to judge whether a candidate is truly qualified or not. Its also important that hiring managers be able to judge personality in order to make a good company culture fit. A hiring manager that cannot do this probably isnt making the best hiring decisions for their company.Top-Notch TrainingSanta didnt just wake up one day to find thousands of elves that knew how to get ready for Christmas. Maybe he did, but chances are he had to train them. He had to show them what they had to do in order to get the job done right, and it probably didnt happen over night. In the same way, employers must take the time to train the employees they just hired. This is also part of creating a great candidate experience. To ensure that a new hire stays with the company for a long time, the training process must be hands-on and clear. Goals must be made evident and the first couple of weeks should be devoted to teaching this new hire about company values, their responsibilities and the company culture. Without this a new hire may feel like a fish out of water or that no one truly cares about them or their role. Adequately training new hires is essential in employee retention.Good Attitude Santa isnt known as jolly ole St. Nick for no reason. Hes a happy person that exudes positivity. No one is expected to be happy and cheery all of the time, but when meeting job seekers and candidates interested in your company you must have a good attitude. As hiring manager, you are a representation of your company and one of the only references candidates have in the hiring process. That is why employers and hiring managers must represent their company in good light and avoid being rude and grumpy to candidates. Word of mouth travels fast and if it gets around that your company is made up of rude and negative people, its not so great for your company brand. Job seekers will associate that negativity with the overall company and share that bad experience with others. Take a note from Santa and whatever issues or setbacks you may be facing, try and keep a positive attitude in the interviewing and hiring process.What are some things you do to improve your hiring process? Do you think hiring managers can take a few notes from Santa? Share with us in the comments section belowIMAGE Courtesy of Flickr by rwkvisual

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Communicate Like a Billion-Dollar Entrepreneur

Communicate Like a Billion-Dollar EntrepreneurCommunicate Like a Billion-Dollar EntrepreneurWhether youre running your own show or dream of a business venture, take a hint from Salesforce.com CEO Marc Benioff on entrepreneurial communication.Salesforce.com CEO Marc Benioff created a billion-dollar business and started a software revolution from a San Francisco apartment. And he did it by telling great stories.Benioff found success by creating software for salespeople to keep track of their customers and envisioning an entirely new software-delivery model called Software as a Service (SaaS) or cloud computing. But his ability to communicate his vision to investors, customers and employees welches the prime mover of his companys success.Communication is probably the most essential part of my job, he told me in an interview to promote his book, Behind the Cloud.Communication was also the most essential part of his partieal success.You can apply Benioffs communication strategy to drive y our own success. Below are six tips that can help you communicate the vision behind the ultimate brand of all yourself.Be responsive. Benioff responded to my requests for an interview directly and within 24 hours (despite the fact that he was preparing for a large customer conference). He was also gracious with his time when I contacted him later with follow-up questions and always responded immediately. Responsiveness is a common thread among great business leaders and successful job candidates. Benioff said that by quickly responding to e-mail, you show your customers that you care about them and value their time. If youre a job candidate, think of yourself as a brand and recruiters and human-resources executives as your customers. Consider the image you want to project. If you cant respond to their e-mails or correspondence in a timely manner, why should they expect you to be responsive to the needs of their clients or customers?Embrace social media. For Benioff, the future of c ommunicating with customers rests in engaging with them through every possible channel phone, e-mail, chat, Web and social networks. Customers are discussing a companys products and brand in real time. Companies need to join the conversation. As a job hunter, you need to join the conversation as well.If you perform an world wide web search for Marc Benioff, you will find him quoted in thousands of articles because he makes himself available to reporters, whether they are writing about his company or not. He made a decision early in his career to be part of the conversation. Today you can participate in your industrys conversation as well by blogging, tweeting and being socially connected. You might think its a waste of time because only two people are reading your posts. Well, if one of those people is potentially your new boss who did a Google search on your name, you have just reached the most important reader of all. He or she doesnt know that the only other person reading your b log articles or Twitter posts is youTell classic stories. Most reporters dont care about a tiny startup, and thats why Benioff never positioned himself as such. He told a classic David-vs-Goliath story.We gave the media something different. We always positioned ourselves as revolutionaries. We went after the largest competitor in the industry or the industry itself. We made our story about change.Benioff is a classic storyteller. Stories are important and appeal to a persons right brain, his or her emotional core. Decisions are often made by emotion, not logic. You might look equal to another job candidate on paper but will you stand out emotionally? Stories can help you cross that threshold and stand out.If youre in a job interview and the interviewer asks you to recite some of your significant accomplishments, turn a few into good stories. Tell the story of how you landed that multimillion-dollar account or saved your company $100,000 in expenses. Every brand has a story, and so d o you.Act confident. Benioff learned several things from his former boss, Oracle CEO Larry Ellison. One of these lessons was simply to act confident even when youre not.Recent research shows that 63 percent of the impression you leave on another person involves body language and facial expression. That means your skills and experience all those great things you can do for a new company are not quite as important as how you say something and how confident you look when youre saying it.Become a better presenter. Want a job at Salesforce? Youd better be a good presenter. Some candidates are required to give a presentation in plus-rechnen to answering tough questions.Presentation skills are key, Benioff said. People who work for you represent your brand. You want them to present themselves, and represent you, in a certain way. Whether employees realize it or not, everyone in a company interfaces with customers in one way or another, and their attitude will affect the brand. Thats why we work so hard to make sure we have the right people representing our brand, and that everyone is in alignment once they get here.Have a big dream. Benioff believes in dreaming big.I believed that all software would eventually be delivered in the cloud. I had to believe in it passionately and be ready to constantly defend it.Inspiring communicators are passionate about their mission they believe it to their core and speak with conviction. As a brand, you need to have a big vision for yourself and what you can accomplish. Keep that vision in mind at all times better yet, write it on a card, laminate it and stick it in your wallet or pocket. Benioff did so for Salesforce.com, laminating cards for himself and each of his employees that read, The end of software, which became the companys mantra. Get yourself a mantra and own it.

Friday, November 22, 2019

Heres how much money 25 types of scientists really make

Heres how much money 25 types of scientists really makeHeres how much money 25 types of scientists really makeDepending on their specialization, scientists can earn a lot of money.Using the Bureau of Labor StatisticsOccupational Employment Statisticsprogram, which provides an annual guide to median pay in the United States, we found the 25 highest-paying jobs for scientists. Physicists, computer scientists, and paleontologists were among the most lucrative careers, earning six-figure salaries.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreHere are the 25 highest paying jobs in science, ranked in order of average annual salary, along with with the number of people employed as of 2018, as well as their job descriptions, according to the Department of LaborsO*NET occupational database.Miscellaneous mathematical science occupations make an average of $57,190 a yearTotal number of employees in the US2,010What they do,according to O*NETThis job category includes computer science, data science, control theory, actuarial science, and cryptology.Animal scientists make an average of $58,380 a yearTotal number of employees in the US2,530What they do,according to O*NETConduct research in the genetics, nutrition, reproduction, growth, and development of domestic farm animals study effects of management practices, processing methods, feed, or environmental conditions on quality and quantity of animal products, such as eggs and milk.Conservation scientists make an average of $61,310 a yearTotal number of employees in the US22,200What they do,according to O*NETManage, improve, and protect natural resources to maximize their use without damaging the environment. May conduct soil surveys and develop plans to eliminate soil erosion or to protect rangelands. May instruct farmers, agricultural production managers, or ranchers in best ways to use crop rotation, contour plowing, or terracing t o conserve soil and water in the number and kind of livestock and forage plants best suited to particular ranges and in range and farm improvements, such as fencing and reservoirs for stock watering.Zoologists and wildlife biologists make an average of $63,420 a yearTotal number of employees in the US17,860What they do,according to O*NETStudy the origins, behavior, diseases, genetics, and life processes of animals and wildlife. May specialize in wildlife research and management. May collect and analyze biological data to determine the environmental effects of present and potential use of land and water habitats.Soil and plant scientists make an average of $63,950 a yearTotal number of employees in the US15,010What they do,according to O*NETConduct research in breeding, physiology, production, yield, and management of crops and agricultural plants or trees, shrubs, and nursery stock, their growth in soils, and control of pests or study the chemical, physical, biological, and mineralo gical composition of soils as they relate to plant or crop growth. May classify and map soils and investigate effects of alternative practices on soil and crop productivity.Food scientists and technologists make an average of $65,300 a yearTotal number of employees in the US13,330What they do,according to O*NETUse chemistry, microbiology, engineering, and other sciences to study the principles underlying the processing and deterioration of foods analyze food content to determine levels of vitamins, fat, sugar, and protein discover new food sources research ways to make processed foods safe, palatable, and healthful and apply food science knowledge to determine best ways to process, package, preserve, store, and distribute food.Epidemiologists make an average of $69,660 a yearTotal number of employees in the US7,060What they do,according to O*NETInvestigate and describe the determinants and distribution of disease, disability, or health outcomes. May develop the means for prevention and control oversee public health programs, including statistical analysis, health care planning, surveillance systems, and public health improvement.Environmental scientists and specialists make an average of $71,130 a yearTotal number of employees in the US80,480What they do,according to O*NETConduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or the health of the population. Using knowledge of various scientific disciplines, may collect, synthesize, study, report, and recommend action based on data derived from measurements or observations of air, food, soil, water, and other sources.Microbiologists make an average of $71,650 a yearTotal number of employees in the US20,030What they do,according to O*NETInvestigate the growth, structure, development, and other characteristics of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, algae, or fungi. Includes medical microbiologists who study the relationship between organisms and disease or the effects of antibiotics on microorganisms.Chemists make an average of $76,890 a yearTotal number of employees in the US84,560What they do,according to O*NETConduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses or experiments in laboratories for quality or process control, or to develop new products or knowledge.Life scientists (all other) make an average of $78,190 a yearTotal number of employees in the US6,850What they do,according to O*NETThis job category includes botanists, ecologists, geneticists, neuroscientists, immunologists, and microbiologists.Hydrologists make an average of $79,370 a yearTotal number of employees in the US6,290What they do,according to O*NETResearch the distribution, circulation, and physical properties of underground and surface waters and study the form and intensity of precipitation, its rate of infiltration into the soil, movement through the earth, and its return to the ocean and atmosph ere.Biological scientists (all other) make an average of $79,590 a yearTotal number of employees in the US42,640What they do,according to O*NETThis job category includes bioinformatics scientists, molecular and cellular biologists, and geneticists.Medical scientists (except epidemiologists) make an average of $84,810 a yearTotal number of employees in the US120,320What they do,according to O*NETConduct research dealing with the understanding of philanthropisch diseases and the improvement of human health. Engage in clinical investigation, research and development, or other related activities. Includes physicians, dentists, public health specialists, pharmacologists, and medical pathologists who primarily conduct research.Statisticians make an average of $87,780 a yearTotal number of employees in the US39,920What they do,according to O*NETDevelop or apply mathematical or statistical theory and methods to collect, organize, interpret, and summarize numerical data to provide usable inf ormation. May specialize in fields such as bio-statistics, agricultural statistics, business statistics, or economic statistics. Includes mathematical and survey statisticians.Geoscientists (except hydrologists and geographers) make an average of $91,130 a yearTotal number of employees in the US29,260What they do,according to O*NETStudy the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the Earth. May use geological, physics, and mathematics knowledge in exploration for oil, gas, minerals, or underground water or in waste disposal, land reclamation, or other environmental problems. May study the Earths internal composition, atmospheres, oceans, and its magnetic, electrical, and gravitational forces. Includes mineralogists, crystallographers, paleontologists, stratigraphers, geodesists, and seismologists.Biochemists and biophysicists make an average of $93,280 a yearTotal number of employees in the US28,500What they do,according to O*NETStudy the chemical composition or physic al principles of living cells and organisms, their electrical and mechanical energy, and related phenomena. May conduct research to further the understanding of the complex chemical combinations and reactions involved in metabolism, reproduction, growth, and heredity. May determine the effects of foods, drugs, serums, hormones, and other substances on tissues and vital processes of living organisms.Atmospheric and space scientists make an average of $94,110 a yearTotal number of employees in the US9,310What they do,according to O*NETInvestigate atmospheric phenomena and interpret meteorological data, gathered by surface and air stations, satellites, and radargert to prepare reports and forecasts for public and other uses. Includes weather analysts and forecasters whose functions require the detailed knowledge of meteorology.Materials scientists make an average of $99,800 a yearTotal number of employees in the US7,730What they do,according to O*NETResearch and study the structures an d chemical properties of various natural and synthetic or composite materials, including metals, alloys, rubber, ceramics, semiconductors, polymers, and glass. Determine ways to strengthen or combine materials or develop new materials with new or specific properties for use in a variety of products and applications. Includes glass scientists, ceramic scientists, metallurgical scientists, and polymer scientists.Mathematicians make an average of $101,900 a yearTotal number of employees in the US2,580What they do,according to O*NETConduct research in fundamental mathematics or in the application of mathematical techniques to science, management, and other fields. Solve problems in various fields using mathematical methods.Astronomers make an average of $105,680 a yearTotal number of employees in the US2,160What they do,according to O*NETObserve, research, and interpret astronomical phenomena to increase basic knowledge or apply such information to practical problems.Physical scientists (all other) make an average of $107,230 a yearTotal number of employees in the US17,380What they do,according to O*NETThis job category includes geologists, paleontologists, chemists, physicists, and astronomers.Computer and information research scientists make an average of $118,370 a yearTotal number of employees in the US30,070What they do,according to O*NETConduct research into the fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software.Physicists make an average of $120,950 a yearTotal number of employees in the US17,620What they do,according to O*NETConduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories.Natural-sciences managers make an average of $123,860 a yearTotal number of employees in the US60,260What they do,according to O*NETPlan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.This article first appeared on Business Insider.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people

Thursday, November 21, 2019

How to Figure Out How to Pronounce Someones Name - The Muse

How to Figure Out How to Pronounce Someones Name - The MuseHow to Figure Out How to Pronounce Someones Name At least 75% of the people I meet get my anthroponym wrong. Theyll call me Alyssa even though my first name doesnt have an a at the end, and theyll tell me Wow, thats so cool your first and last name rhyme (They dont).And I know Im elend the only rolle who deals with this. I bet youve mispronounced someones name before, realized it, and experienced a long moment of awkwardness- a moment youd like to never relive.While I cant tell you theres some magic formula thatll make it possible to always get it right, there are some tricks that can help. Because even something as simple as butchering a name could cost you a client or a job offer. Heres what I suggest you do1. Look for a Recording or Find a Phonetic SpellingIf you have a scheduled meeting with someone, its always smart to do a bit of stalking beforehand. Use this time to figure out how to pronounce his or her name. The firs t stops always YouTube, in hopes of finding footage from a panel, speech, or interview. But to be honest, thats usually not a success. Next step Scroll through social media to see if he provides a phonetic spelling of his name (youd be surprised how many people do).Another options going to a site like Pronounce Names or How to Pronounce. Theyll both let you search the name and offer recordings and phonetic spellings in various languages, helping you to narrow down your options. 2. Phone a FriendDo you have a connection in common who you know well? Use it. Simply pick up the phone (no really, you cant text this one) and ask how to pronounce the parts name. As long as you keep it respectful and let the person know why youre asking (Id hate to go into the meeting tomorrow and offend our client, or Im a bit nervous for the interview and didnt get a chance to ask), he or shes probably happy to help out.3. Really Listen During the IntroductionThe best time to catch someones name is during your first interaction. So, be on full alert when you know the opportunity is coming, rather than focusing on other things, like how you look or what to say next.Then, as soon as you have a chance, jot down the pronunciation in your phone so you dont forget. Just make sure to do this casually- and not right in front of the person. 4. Avoid Saying the Name for as Long as PossibleIf youve met and spoken with this person several times already and youre still not sure, you probably dont want to embarrass yourself by getting it wrong.I come across this issue a lot. Im so focused on the conversation- especially when Im nervous in interviews- that Im never focused enough to take in the pronunciation. If youre one-on-one with the person, its pretty easy (and more natural) not to address the person by his or her name. Just make sure the next time he or she says it, you actually listen.5. Just Ask (Politely)While this is the most obvious option, so many people skip it. But heres the thing Ma ny people with unique names know it. So theyre unlikely to get offended if you straight up ask how to pronounce it.With that said, an uncommon name to you may be very common to someone else, so make sure youre approaching this correctly.That means you dont start with, Ive never seen this name before or Whoa, not even going to try to say your name.Instead be open and honest and try theseI want to make sure I get your name right- how do you say it?Can you tell me how to properly pronounce your name? Would you mind saying your name again? I missed it the first time because I was distracted by interesting thing the person was saying.Sorry, Im the worst, do you mind repeating your name?Its less likely someone will get upset if he or she knows youre trying to get it right, and not trying to be rude.Regardless of which approach you choose, know that the longer you wait to find out, the more uncomfortable the situation becomes. Because at some point, youll reach a certain level point that n ot knowing it could damage your relationship and reputation. So if you find yourself getting close to that point, address it. Itll be much easier to recover from the awkwardness of talking about it now than a huge slip-up later on.Photo of two men talking courtesy of Caiaimage/Paul Bradbury/Getty Images.