Attracting Women to Engineering

Attracting Women to Engineering Attracting Women to Engineering Attracting Women to EngineeringAs the mechanical engineering field works hard to fill an increasing shortage in the workplace with women, two areas are proving the most alluring the application of mechanical engineering in the medical and energy fields.Thats because of the obvious direct impact on people, many experts say. The societal tie is so clear, comments Margaret Bailey, professor of mechanical engineering at Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester (RIT), NY.Women tend to want careers that help society, helping people and the world around them, says Dr. Bailey, who is also founding executive director for a nationally recognized women-in-engineering program called WERIT. From her experience in academia, she says that women seem to have a stronger affinity with societal issues than males and that academic research also bears this out. I dont know why that is, but Ive seen it over the years.Making a Difference While other areas of mechanical engineering do have an impact on society, the industry recognizes that mora education is needed not only to get out the word about what mechanical engineering is all about but also to demonstrate how important other areas are to society whether aerospace, automotive, computers, electronics, or even traditional manufacturing as it goes from low-tech to high-tech.Fresh out of graduate school, Whitney Domigan, who chose to focus on the energy field, speaks for many women when she says, I find the energy field rewarding and really like that the work Im doing because its for a good cause and because there are so many different aspects technical, social, environmental.As a technical analyst in the evaluation group of National Grid, an grenzberschreitend energy delivery company operating in the northeastern U.S., she is helping customers save money and furthermore appreciates the environmental benefits of being involved with energy conservation. Her group acts as an internal audit group for National Grid, verifying the savings to customers for a required government report.Domigan earned an M.S. in mechanical engineering from RIT after receiving a B.S. in the same major and a minor in creative writing, also from RIT. For her masters thesis, she examined some of the social and energy aspects of a unique power plant in Pennsylvania, and while her current work is quite different, she says many of the ideas and concerns from her thesis work relate.Diversity = CreativityDr. Bailey adds that in the biomedical area, some of the jobs that are most appealing to women are device design, robotics, new delivery systems for pharmaceuticals, and designing experimental setups to test new advances in medicines.Diversity, whether gender, ethnicity, or geography, brings more creativity and innovation to a team, she says. When you bring together people who have grown up in different areas and have different experiences, they bring different ideas. So wh en you have gender diversity on a team rather than a single gender, most likely you are going to see different kinds of outcomes.Very often in engineering schools, where there is a big effort to get more diversity, the level of creativity and innovation is greater, and these teams often come up with different types of solutions, she says.Despite these efforts, however, the industry knows it needs to do more to attract more women. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the percentage of women employed as mechanical engineers has remained relatively static over the past five years, rising to just 5.9% of the total mechanical engineering workforce in 2009 from 5.8%.The National Science Foundation found that between 2000 and 2008, the total number of four-year engineering degrees awarded in the U.S. increased by about 10,000 to 69,895, with almost all of the increase going to males. This reduced the percentage of women receiving undergraduate engineering degrees to 18.5% from 20.5%. However, women receiving graduate engineering degrees increased by about 2,300 during the same period to 22.5% from 20.5%.Nancy S. Giges, Brookdale Associates.Between 2000 and 2008, the total number of four-year engineering degrees awarded in the U.S. increased by about 10,000 to 69,895, with almost all of the increase going to males.

How to Dress Interview Appropriate on a Tight Budget

How to Dress Interview Appropriate on a Tight BudgetHow to Dress Interview Appropriate on a Tight BudgetHow to Dress Interview Appropriate on a Tight Budgetno

Work-at-Home Transcription Jobs with Birch Creek

Work-at-Home Transcription Jobs with Birch CreekWork-at-Home Transcription Jobs with Birch CreekIndustry Transcription Company Description Formerly Clark Fork Communications, this Montana-based transcription company hires work-at-home corporate and legal transcriptionists, editors and researchers to perform a variety of services including transcription, data processing and market research. Clients include educational institutions, financial institutions, corporations, government agencies, legal firms, online geschftlicher umganges and non-profit organizations. In addition to transcription, the company offers market research services, which include creating company profiles and conducting personal interviews and market research. Types of Work-at-Home Opportunities at Birch Creek Communications This company hires experienced transcribers for corporate and legal transcription work for both audio and video files.?The kinds of work includefiles for Social Security, Veterans Affai rs, immigration departments. As is often the case with home-based typing jobs, the work is done by independent contractors notlage employees. No subcontracting of work is allowed. There is no guarantee of how much work will be available however the company says transcribers that do not accept work on a regular basis generally do not maintain a skill set that meets the needs of our clients. Four times per year the company transcribes quarterly earning phone calls. During this period there is a large amount of work available. Most corporate work requires a same day turnaround, while legal transcription may allow 3-5 days. Qualifications and Requirements The company hires U.S. citizens residing in the United States. For certain types of legal work (Social Security and/or Immigration accounts), contractors must complete a full background check and fingerprinting. Transcriptionists must provide their own equipment. This includes an Internet connection phone line computer with Windows XP or higher USB foot pedal headset software such as Microsoft Word and for some legal work WordPerfect file transfer program instant messenger account and specific transcription programs. Transcriptionists must be adept at maintain software and equipment because no technical assistance is given. Pay at Birch Creek Communications For legal transcription, the company pays between $.75 to $1.75 per page, depending on the client, the type of work and the turnaround time. Corporate work ranges from $.40 to $1 per audio minute, depending on the client, level of speed, accuracy and turnaround time. To Apply Send an schmelzglas to the address on this page of the Birch Creek Communications website. Do not send any attachment but put all information in the body of the email. In the email include a resume listing your work history and any transcription, legal, administrative or secretarial experience, your state and time zone of residence, your availability (as in day, evening, weeke nd, overnight) and the number of hours per week you are available. Also in terms of equipment, mention whether you use a pedal, your versions of Windows, and word processing program as well as the type of Internet connection you have and whether you have a foot pedal. Finally explain why you want to work at home. For similar jobs, see these work-at-home company lists, but be sure to know the signs of a data entry scam. Writing JobsTranslation JobsData Entry JobsTranscription JobsMicro Jobs Disclaimer Advertisements for work at home jobs or business opportunities placed on this page in the section labeled Sponsored Links or elsewhere are not necessarily legitimate. These ads are not screened by me but appear on the page due to having similar keywords to the text on the page.

Programmer - Entry Level Job Description

Programmer - Entry Level Job DescriptionProgrammer - Entry Level Job DescriptionProgrammer Entry Level Job DescriptionThis programmer-entry level sample job description can assist in your creating a job application that will attract job candidates who are qualified for the job. Feel free to revise this job description to meet your specific job duties and job requirements.Programmer Entry Level Job ResponsibilitiesPrepares computer programs by translating specifications into code unit testing code.Programmer Entry Job DutiesPlans program by studying specifications.Arranges specifications by developing logical sequence preparing flowcharts researching solutions.Encodes specifications by converting logical sequence and workflow into program language.Verifies encoding by performing trial runs modifying code.Prepares program reference by documenting control language.Advances job knowledge to next level by participating in educational opportunities reading professional publications.Accomp lishes department and organization mission by completing related results as needed.Programmer Skills and QualificationsC, Analyzing Information , Problem Solving, Persistence, Software Performance Tuning, Attention to Detail, Software Development Fundamentals, Software Documentation, Technical Zeal, Independence, ThoroughnessEmployers Post a job in minutes to reach candidates everywhere. Job Seekers Search Programmer Entry Level Jobs and apply on now. Find out more aboutwriting ajob descriptionMaximize your Job Description ResultsMake the most of Hiring ToolsHow to Write a Job Description Resource Page

10 Advertising Phrases That Are Actually Meaningless

10 Advertising Phrases That Are Actually Meaningless10 Advertising Phrases That Are Actually MeaninglessThere is an art to writing copy and creating advertisements. There is also a science. The two, when combined, can create selling messages that are very effective. But when you really drill down into some of the carefully crafted language, youll discover that advertisers are saying a whole lot but delivering little-to-no substance. This is the job of less reputablecopywriters and their advertising agencies. They are tasked with turning everything the client provides into the most convincing argument that will make a sale. Now, to be fair, the better the info from the client, the less the agency will need to spin it. But at the end of the day, a good ad agency wont resort to this kind of nonsense. These phrases are misleading, and here are 10 of the biggest offenders. Scientifically Formulated. Youll hear this phrase used in ads for diet pills, beauty creams, and even pet foods. Its a phrase specifically written to sound impressive, yet means elendhing. What the companies using this phrase hope you get from it is that it is scientifically proven. But that is a completely different ballgame. If they pull that phrase out, they have to back it up with all sorts of statistics and test results. Chances are, they cant, or theyd use it. So, they rely on the phrase that sounds very similar, but in fact, is empty verbiage. All it means is that this product welches put together using some kind of scientific method. That could be as simple as mixing a few ingredients or devised by someone who can prove he or she is a scientist of some description. Basically we made this product using chemicals and ingredients that we mixed together. Well, isnt that a whole lot of bedrngnishing? When Theyre Gone, Theyre Gone. Sometimes, very rarely, this will actually mean what it says. You may be at a market stall and the owner had only five cuts of meat left. When theyre gone, t heyre gone. End of story. Most of the time, however, youll hear this phrase in infomercials, on radio ads, and on late-night TV spots. The phrase is considered a motivator or call to action. It adds urgency and makes people pick up the phone or log on. But the chances of the product actually being gone are close to zero. In fact, its wishful thinking. Its a scam. And if they ever are gone, theyll order more. You may have to wait a little while but youll get it. Product manufacturers will always do their utmost to meet the demand with supply. If you want it, youll get it. Helps to fight fat. Helps to soften hair. Helps to reduce acne. Helps to strengthen nails. And so on. What does helps actually mean though? And how much does it help? If you see someone has stalled their car, and need a push, you can help by throwing all your weight into it. Or, you can push the car with your little finger. Both are helping, but one is not actually doing much to change the situation. The idea t hat a product helps to do anything is meaningless without saying just how much it helps, and how it does it. The next time any product or service claims to help you with anything, take it with a huge grain of salt. It may not hurt the situation, but theres no guarantee the money youre spending is worth the result. No Product/Service Is Better Think about that phrase carefully for a second. You can also swap out the adjective to one of your choosing - faster, smoother, thicker, greater, bigger, smaller, and so on. At first, you are under the impression that the product or service being advertised is the best in its class. However, thats not what the phrase is saying. What it really means is that this parteicular product or service is no worse than what else is on offer. For instance, any number of detergents could claim no soap cleans better, but it doesnt mean its the best. It just means its as good as the others. Tricky language for sure, but completely pointless. Also, the same applies to the phrase unsurpassed. Up to XX Percent Off Talk about misleading. Any time you see a headline or sale sign that makes this claim, think about what it actually means. If someone told you they would pay you up to $10 to walk their dog, would you expect $10? They are within their rights to give you a single, solitary $1 bill for the service. It is accurate. $1 is up to $10. When stores use this, they will probably have one or two items that are at that threshold they say up to 75 percent off, and in the back of the store, on a dusty shelf, is one old DVD platzset marked down by 75 percent. The rest of the store is up to 75 percent off, which can be as little as just 1 percent off the original price. Commonly, youll see most of the sale items are between 10-25 percent off. Very few will hit the magic number, even when a store is under liquidation. You are being given the best possible scenario for saving money, but you may only get that much off one or two product s, if youre lucky. Part of a complete breakfast. Part of a balanced diet. Part of a healthy routine. Well, lets analyze that for a moment. Nitrogen is part of the air we breathe, and so is carbon dioxide and methane. But we want the 21 percent of the air that is made from oxygen. Death is part of life. Urination is part of your daily routine. In almost everything, there are both good and bad parts. So saying anything is part of something isnt saying all that much. And even if it is good, how much of it is needed to become significant? Can you eat a whole bowl of Frosted Flakes for breakfast and get the nutrition you need, or is it only part of it? How much? Without specifics, its all just waffle. Designed to Insert Claim Here. Lets imagine that youre watching a TV ad for a new type of bleach, and the ad said XYZ bleach is designed to remove every single stain in your bathroom without you lifting a finger. Well, thats great But just because something is designed to do someth ing, it doesnt always follow that it will actually do it. You could create a fruit smoothie thats designed to increase your energy levels by 50 percent. If it only raises them 2 percent, it has failed but the intention still stands. So be very wary of anything claiming it was designed to do something, or formulated to produce a certain outcome. Unless it can back it up with legitimate testing and research, its just a hollow phrase. (By the way, this article is designed to inform and entertain you. Hopefully, it does but theres no guarantee.) Made With 100 Percent Product. Heres another claim that says nothing and yet implies so much. You will see it on all kinds of products. Made with 100 percent pure cranberry juice. Made with 100 percent Brazilian coffee beans. Made with 100 percent cotton. Heres the thing. The claim does not say that the product is actually comprised of 100 percent of anything. It is simply stating that part of it used something pure. Think about it. Cranber ry cocktail thats primarily apple juice is still made with 100 percent pure cranberry juice it only makes up about 10 percent of the contents, but it was a pure ingredient when it went in. The fact that they used a pure ingredient is meaningless without the other part of the equation - namely, how much of that ingredient is in the final product. Only then is it informative. This Product Could save you 15 percent or more on your car insurance. This product could help you lose weight (as part of a calorie-controlled diet with plenty of exercise). This product could make you look 20 years younger. Could is not will. It merely indicates the possibility that something may or may not happen. President Trump could resign tomorrow its not likely, but its possible. Intelligent life could be found on other planets next week. Again, the chances are against it, but is it possible? Of course. So, when a slogan uses could you have to remind yourself that the promise is worthless. Yeah, it could help you lose weight, but it could also make you gain weight. It could make you look younger, but then again, it could make you break out in an awful rash. Could have no place in a brand statement. Its fluff. Risk-Free Another popular phrase from the world of infomercials and hard-sell direct marketing TV spots is the old risk-free gem. Call now for a risk-free trial Its risk-free. What have you got to lose? Well, lets think about this for a moment. Risk-free literally means free from danger or risk of harm a safe place. How does this apply to order a new kitchen gadget from a TV spot? Its some tricky wording that makes a lot of people believe the offer itself is free. That, of course, is not true. There will be a way for you to get your money back, but it may not include all that you originally paid out. And, its possible you could be stuck on the phone for hours, or have to jump through a multitude of hoops to get a resolution youre happy with. Does the whole risk-free verbiage cover that process? Whos to say, really? Was your life in physical danger? Did you at any time come to any harm? Did you finally get your money back? Its a phrase that promises a lot but delivers very little substance. And should you think that risk-free guarantees you the outcome you want, think again. Its not a legal term, and youll have a hard time fighting the company in court, should it ever come to that. Watch out for phrases like these, and keep an open mind whenever you are viewing or listening to ads of any kind. What at first sounds impressive may actually be a big nothing burger.

How to Make the Perfect Resume Can Be Fun for Everyone

How to Make the Perfect Resume Can Be Fun for Everyone Who Else Wants to Learn About How to Make the Perfect Resume? Group bullets according to tense, therefore it does bedrngnis look as a mistake. Well, regardless of what stage youre in your career, youre likely to should understand how to make a resume for a job interview and we are likely to demonstrate how Deciding what things to put on your resume can be as hard as trying to determine what things to wear for the interview. Infographic resumes are just a supplement. How to Make the Perfect Resume No Longer a Mystery When you attempt to stick out among other candidates, you have to be aware of where to draw the line. It is possible to also use a mix of functional and chronological resumes. If you actually need help completing your resume, search for an online resume builder. Your resume was made to sell you. Lies Youve Been Told About How to Make the Perfect Resume Transportation jobs involve plenty of responsibilit y and your resume will want to reflect you can manage that. If you are a newcomer to the work market, your Summary is going to be based more on ability than experience.As an example, if one of the very first things a work ad stresses is managing a team, then any experience youve got in that area ought to take the very best bullet. To start, you dont need to list every job that youve ever had. Get the job that you deserve, not the one youre stuck in. Each time you submit an application for a new job, check your resume to make sure that it is not only targeted, but in addition current. Include your complete name, contact number, email and personal branding website if youve got one. Graphic-based resumes permit you to lay out complex data in a simplistic way. Its always preferable to make a new email address thats somewhat professional. Also, ensure youve got a professional-sounding email address. How to Make the Perfect Resume Options Firstly, it is a fantastic idea to lear n if your employer employs an Applicant Tracking System (ATS). To make sure that your resume appears to be ideal, youve got to get an idea who your employer is. Not only does this help your employer, but it can help you understand yourself and what you need to be in a stelle to accomplish. Save the work description and have a look at the lingo the employer is using. When you make a resume, you wish to have a prospective employers attention without embellishing any info. If you dont meet the requirements, you just wont be considered. The information that you include on your resume ought to be about the job which you are applying for. The Federal hiring procedure is tedious, not not possible. How to Make the Perfect Resume Secrets What the majority of people dont consider is presenting a cover letter together with the resume. A lot of people reach not acquire in the manner of the very first step in making an absolute resume. You have to be certain there are no mistakes in th e papers. Not just that, but in case you have some intriguing things that you do on the side, its a great means of showing intrinsic motivation. Leave comfortable margins on the webpage and be sure that everything is neatly aligned. One of the most typical is simply having too much on the webpage. If you have to repeat some information, find the best way to say it in different words. As soon as you have included all of the information and have checked for consistency and formatting, take a great look at how the resume looks and if its professional. What to Expect From How to Make the Perfect Resume? Also, bear in mind that theres a good opportunity you resume will be scanned electronically as a growing number of companies utilize special software to datenbankindex resumes. The mixture of our templates and your input is likely to make your resume fly to the peak of any pile. A resume builder is going to have you simply offer your information into a webpage. Whether youre a r esume novice or expect, utilize the aforementioned resources to aid you in getting started in the application practice. Life After How to Make the Perfect Resume A wonderful social networking manager takes the opportunity to comprehend the why is surrounding their area, which explains why you must plan to obtain an individual who has the ability to exhibit related specialized talents and comprehension. A curious social media manager would immerse himself in the societal media universe, staying updated including all the latest improvement and experimentation with fresh social networking marketing tactics. Your resume ought to be focused, concise and emphasize achievements and techniques that fit the job which youre applying for. Writing a resume for employment in the art industry can be difficult.

3 Ways Social Media is Changing the Way Recruiters Do Business - Spark Hire

3 Ways Social Media is Changing the Way Recruiters Do Business - Spark HireSocial media is key in todays recruiting geschftlicher umgang. Not only has it allowed us to network with existing or potential clients, but it has also opened the door to how we find our candidates.There are 3 ways that social media has made business easier for us when it comes to identifying the right candidates.1. Ease of advertisementOne of my favorite things about social media is the ease of advertisement that it offers to businesses, particularly staffing businesses. No longer do I have to solely count on job boards or newspaper adsIn the last several years, I have found that I see the largest ROI from social media when it comes to applicants. I attribute this to the fact that many people spend more time on social media than job boards, making it much easier for someone to happen upon and apply to a job description. Platforms such as Facebook and Twitter have been instrumental in quickly getting the yep out about job opportunities. LinkedIn is also helpful if you have a large network and join applicable groups.Not only does the influx of job applicants get me excited when it comes to social media advertisement, but the fact that I can advertise for FREE is something that I love Lets face it, when you are a recruiter with a limited advertising budget, social media is clearly your friend2. Access to more referralsOf course, by using social media in my job advertisement strategy, I am more likely to get the word out to people who may know of someone who would be great for the job.For example, I have found that candidates I have placed in the past tend to follow me on social media platforms. When they see certain job opportunities, it can trigger them to think of their friend who would be an amazing fit for the job. Since I already have a relationship with placed candidates, they are more likely to send referrals my way via social media.The likelihood of placed candidates checking my j ob postings on the boards or on my company website is very slim. Social media offers the opportunity for me to easily share opportunities with my connections.When it comes to advertising, I have had luck with LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook. However, building a strong network is key when planning to advertise for referrals on these platforms.3. Ability to contact passive candidatesAnother amazing way social media has made my life as a recruiter easier is by giving me the opportunity to easily reach out to passive candidates. These are the candidates that I would not find on the job boards the candidates who would never apply to my job postings or give me a call to see what new opportunities are out there.LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook are all excellent ways to get in contact with those candidates you would not know about you job opportunities if not for social media. Make sure that you are frequently updating your status, joining key groups, and growing your network on each platfor m in buchen to be successful.Image Twin design/BigStock.com

The Best Ways to Close a Job Interview

The Best Ways to Close a Job InterviewThe Best Ways to Close a Job InterviewIts important to leave your job bewerbungsgesprch making the best possible impression, and that includes knowing how to say goodbye to the hiring manager and close the business meeting in a way that can have a profound impact on the outcome. Final impressions can be the fruchtwein lasting, so you should think carefully about your approach closing a job interview. Confirm Your Interest in the Job Keep in mind that the closing of an interview is a great opportunity to express your enthusiasm for the job. One way to do this is to explain how the interview has confirmed your interest in the position. For example, you might say in closing, Ive really appreciated the opportunity to learn more about this job.Hearing about the cutting edge technology that your firm employs and the new products in the pipeline has definitely enhanced my desire to take a leadership role with your project team. Ask for the Job I f you are sure you want the job after the interview, do what any good salesperson does at the end of a meeting and ask for the job, albeit tactfully. You can say, I want you to know that I am very interested in carrying out this role for your firm, and do hope that you will be extending an offer or offering me a spot in the next round of interviews. Please let me know if you have any further questions for me going forward. Remind the Interviewer That Youre Qualified The end of your interview also is an opportunity to reiterate why the position fits your skills and is a good match given your assets as a candidate. You can say something like, In closing, it seems to me that the position is a great fit. I look forward to using my advanced cloud computing skills, expertise in project management, and ability to bring in projects on time. Have Something to Add In addition to preparing your own statements, be prepared for questions too. Interviewers often will ask if you have anyth ing to add at the end of your interview. You should enter the interview with a mental list of several strengths in your background that would enable you to excel in the job. Be ready to share any of the assets that you havent had the chance to convey during your meeting. You can offer any additional information in combination with a summary statement about your overall fit. For example, you might say, I have addressed how I might apply my writing and research skills, but I would like to add that I have planned a variety of very successful publicity events as part of new product introductions. Ask What Happens Next Before leaving the interview, make sure you know what to expect from that point on with the hiring process. Ask about the timeframe for finalizing their decision and if there would be any other layers of interviewing so you can plan any follow-up communications. Send a Follow-Up Email Immediately after the interview, make notes about the meeting while the proceedin gs are fresh in your mind. Compose your follow-up email as soon as possible after the meeting, so you have a chance to influence assessments of your candidacy before they have been finalized.

Your interviewer looks bored...now what How to handle 5 awkward interview situations

Your vorstellungsgesprcher looks bored...now what How to handle 5 awkward interview situationsYour interviewer looks bored...now what How to handle 5 awkward interview situationsHaving worked on Wall Street and in startups for the past 10 years, Ive been on both sides of the interview table and have interviewed about a dozen candidates for roles. Now, Im the managing partner of Spry Ventures, an opportunistic early stage fund and advisory firm in San Francisco, and the founder of Ambitious Grads, a collection of training guides for college students and graduates who are interested in high-powered, six-figure careers.One thing that always comes up how to ace an interview. Hiring isnt easy, and interviewees often forget that there is a real person on the other side of the table. Thats why whats always stood out to me is a candidates ability to treat the interview as a conversation, rather than a high-pressure game show. But sometimes, no matter how well prepared or personable you are, things can go wrong. But dont panic- Ill help you navigate a few common awkward interview moments so you can still come out on top.Scenario Your interviewer doesnt appear to be paying attention to youHow to Handle It Interviewing is a two-way street where both parties should be invested in the conversation. If the interviewer doesnt seem engaged, he or she could be dealing with other issues in his or her life, or just be checked out. The best solution here is not to get discouraged, and dont match the energy your interviewer is putting out. If you bring your positive energy to the interview, the interviewer will become engaged, too. If that doesnt happen, it may not be the best work atmosphere for you and you may be better off looking elsewhere.Scenario A recruiter goes dark on youHow to Handle It Its not personal recruiters are paid for the connections they make for employers. Sometimes things dont click but that doesnt mean you did anything wrong. If your recruiter goes dark on a particular position, the best move is to get on with researching the next opportunity. This will keep you focused and help you avoid getting stressed out.Scenario You botched an interview questionHow to Handle It Let it go and move on. Its not the end of the world. All you can do is regain your composure and keep moving forward with the rest of the interview. Ive had many interviews that I thought I messed up only to receive a surprising phone call a few days later. To avoid mess-ups in the future, prepare properly for the interview. Find out as much as you can about the company, position, and interviewer beforehand using tools like Linkedin.Scenario Your phone rings during an interviewHow to Handle It I dont have to tell you to turn off your phone or put it on silent during an interview. But if you forget, apologize for the mistake and quickly shut it off. If you typically take notes on your phone, dont do it during an interview. We get used to fiddling around with our phones in un comfortable situations so its best to remove it from the equation. Bring a pen and notepad instead.Scenario The interviewer asks why youre leaving your current jobHow to Handle It Its inevitable that an interviewer will ask you why youre leaving your previous job. Make sure you dont talk bad about your current employer. Instead, use the question as an opportunity to explain why this job is a better fit for you. No one wants to hire someone with a negative attitude and if you badmouth your previous employer, the interviewer may wonder what you might say about their company after you leave. Keep things on a positive note, no matter what.Job interviews can be tough but remember All prospective employers want to know is if you can get the job done reliably without too much hand holding. As long as you approach every interview with a professional mindset, preparation, and a good attitude you will find yourself gainfully employed. Good luckThis articleoriginally appeared onTheWell,Jopwell sdigital magazine.TheWellisthedigital magazine of Jopwell,thecareer advancement platform for Black, Latino/Hispanic and Native American professionals and students.Subscribeto receive weekly stories and advice in your inbox.

Checking References Using Social Media

Checking References Using Social MediaChecking References Using Social MediaThinking of using social media when checking references? Proceed with caution.Its illegal for an employer to ask about a job candidates religion, marital status or personal affiliations during an interview or when checking references.But before making a job offer, many hiring managers want to get a sense of a candidates personality and professionalism. Is turning to social media an acceptable option? After all, according to a 2015 study by JobVite, 92 percent of recruiters use social media to help find and hire candidates. With social media playing such a high-profile role in recruiting, some might say its just common sense to use it when checking references.Maybe so, but only if you follow certain protocols that help you avoid delicate legal territory.Check out these mistakes to avoid when recruiting on social media.Privacy concerns to consider when checking referencesYour companys review of zugreifbar infor mation can raise privacy concerns. The same legal constraints that govern interviewing apply to checking references. You may be able to read about various aspects of candidates quickly by reviewing social networking sites, but much of it could be inaccurate or irrelevant. And what you find on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram and other social media sites can include information that is illegal for you to consider during the hiring process.Think twice before using the information you discover about a candidate when making a hiring decision. Research published by the Social Science Research Network in 2015 suggests that some employers do exhibit bias based on their social media findings, which can create serious problems for everyone involved.Sensitive information requires a sensitive approachFollowing the trail of a candidates digital footprint can lead to some unexpected places, and once you see something, it can be difficult to make decisions without considering it. Thats why the Society for Human Resource Management advises accessing social media profiles after a candidate has been interviewed, when his or her membership in protected groups is likely already known. That way you can focus on facts that may help you assess the work quality and professionalism of candidates, while any sensitive information you see wont be how you learned of it.Transparency in the hiring process can also help avert problems. Let candidates know that checking social media sites may be part of your approach to checking references. Assure that if you do check, youll only search for job-related information. If you let candidates know your intentions at the beginning of the interview, chances are they wont try to hide relevant information during the talk.The bottom line View checking references online as a complement to, not a substitute for, traditional methods. The impressions and information you receive from face-to-face interviews and over-the-phone conversations are leise t he best guides for making a hiring determination.This post has been updated to reflect more current information.Learn more about the pros and cons of pre-employment screening.