Leah K. Job Interview Tips

Job interviewing never seems to get any easier, even when you have done more than you can count on your fingers and toes. Meeting new people, selling yourself and your skills is always an intimidating process. These are the basic interview tips one should always be well acquainted with before that big day.

1. Network
The first thing you need to do is to network to get that interview. Knowing someone personally can go a lot farther than filling out an application. Start asking your professors now for potential job resources. Be sure to network in a good way, also. Jessica Taylor, one of the blog team writers may have said too much one day when she made it clear to some family members how much she did not like her friend’s new girlfriend. Turns out the people she was telling this to were related to the new girlfriend. When meeting new people, always remember you might run into them in the workplace someday!

2. Practice, Practice, Practice!
Employers often ask similar questions in their field to potential employees. A simple google search of “common interview questions in the field of _______” can yield some potential questions to practice on. Jobsearch.about.com has a list of common interview questions.
For example, if you were preparing for a management position interview, you should meet with your management professor for some helpful tips. '

3. Interview Attire
The nature of the attire is heavily weighted on the position. Assuming that the interview is for a professional position, dress should be appropriate. Tattoos should be hidden, no matter what the company dress code is. Nail polish should be removed or only light colors and not chipped.
If you look sloppy, the employer will think your work is sloppy also.

4. Stay Calm
Be sure to maintain constant eye contact with your employer. If you mess up your words (it happens to everyone) don’t worry. Take a few seconds to regroup your thoughts and move on. The employer will know you are nervous, just try your best to be confident.

5. Show what you know
This is your time to shine, show your personality. Relate your accomplishments to how it will contribute to the company.

6. Stay focused and on target
One of our blog team members, Takamasa Yanai, had a story where a friend of his went for an interview with an African American employer. His friend decided to talk about her history of Africa with her potential employer. After no call back, one could assume that it is best to stay focused and talk about only what you can bring to the table career wise. Employers may not have a lot of time, so be sure to get all of the important things out about yourself.

7. Follow up
Always send a thank you letter for the time the employer spent with you and to reiterate the interest you have. Share a short blurb in the letter on what contributions you can make to the company.



http://jobsearch.about.com/cs/interviews/a/jobinterviewtip.htm
http://jobsearch.about.com/od/interviewquestionsanswers/a/interviewquest.htm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUtE1d2fGkY

Tips on How to Write Persuasively by Takamasa Y.

No matter what kind of writing you are doing you always want to get your point across and persuade the reader towards your opinion. According to dictionary.com, the word persuade means to prevail on (a person) to do something, as by advising or urging; convince.

Here are some tips on how to write persuasively:
· As the writer, you should always state your opinion or belief. Your topic will be the subject that you would like your readers to take position on. Know as much information about your topic. Your reader most likely will not be persuaded by your writing if you are not familiar with your topic. For example, your opinion is, I am going to convince you that soda is not the best drink for your child.
· You need to find out as much information about the audience you are writing to. If you do not know the reader you most likely will not persuade them. With the soda example, if your reader does not drink soda, they may see no point in reading about your opinion. Another point is, if your reader does not even have any children, they may not really care if soda is bad for a child. There are so many different things to take into consideration for your audience. Whatever you do you definitely do not want to offend your reader.
· Using expert advice or even important people who think the same way can help your argument. For example: President Obama thinks that kids drink way too much soda and it is not healthy.
· State factual information to back up your opinion. For example: An 8 oz bottle of cherry coke has 104 calories.
· Writing and affecting the emotion or feelings of the reader can absolutely persuade them. If you really put your own emotion and enthusiasm into your writing, the reader will be able to feel it. Your reader will be able to tell if you are or are not interested in your topic.
· Trust trust trust. If the reader trusts you they will most likely be persuaded towards your opinion. For example if you are writing about the effects soda has towards child obesity, you can maybe mention that your child drinks way too much soda and has weight issues. This makes you seem “human” to them if you relate a personal experience.
· At some point explain the conflicting point of view to your view. Find facts will help you. This will give you the opportunity to explain why your opinion is better and why you disagree with the opposing opinion.

References:
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/persuade
http://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/obama-sin-tax
http://www.emints.org/ethemes/resources/S00000991.shtml
http://www.americanchiropractic.net/general_%20interest/Statistics%20and%20Dangers%20of%20Soda%20.pdf
http://www.caloriesindrinks.com/cid/drinks_view.cfm/drink/cherry-coke/id/7/
http://www.thewritingsite.org/resources/genre/persuasive.asp
http://www.ehow.com/how_2122369_write-persuasively.html

Effective Use of Visuals in Your Resume - Brandon C.

A picture is worth a thousand words and could be the difference between your next job or not. In many cases many individuals have had very sloppy and unprofessional resumes which prohibit them from getting the job of there choice. I have put together a few guidelines for using visual effects in your resume.

· Use color – Color can be a very powerful tool and be an attention getter if it used correctly. It is supposed to enhance your resume not weaken it so make sure to avoid cartoon images and fonts as this will make your resume look childish. Also the color should not obstruct with the readability.

· Use simple pictures – again you do not want to make your resume difficult to read.
Examples: Industry icons, Charts, Certification logos, Decorative headers, Watermark, Icons as bullets, Personal logo or monogram.

· Don’t use to many visuals – to many visuals may clutter your resume and make it look unprofessional

· Consider your audience – If you are applying for a job in a certain field make sure your visual is reflective of that industry.

· Use royalty-free images - Read the license agreements to make sure you are allowed to use the picture


Putting graphics in your resume can help to make it more appealing to the eye. But do so with caution so that you and your resume can get the job of your dreams.

Daniel R's How to successfully execute a team writing project

To successfully complete any kind of project a lot of time needs to be spent planning and preparing for the project; the same goes for a team-writing project. One of the first things the group needs to do is come in contact with one another and have a way to communicate. By meeting with everyone or speaking with them you can find out what their interests are, and what they can do to help the group. While meeting with everyone the group should start planning what they need to do to complete the project.

During the planning period the group members can say what they expect the project to look like and the outcome they would like to have. Planning helps the group decide on the style or format they want for the project.

Scheduling should be another top priority. Scheduling helps the project go a lot smoother and helps reduce procrastination. Without scheduling or planning it will affect greatly on how the group operates and the quality of their work. After the group decides on who does what, and when it’s due everyone needs to settle on a format or style guide.

A guide will help unify the group writings instead of having many different types of papers. The last thing the group needs to do is review the work they have done. Reviewing will catch all the simple mistakes and helps to ensure that everyone followed the style guide.

Here is a helpful video, and I think it will help you too.



Resources:
http://www.io.com/~hcexres/textbook/team.html

The disadvantages of a team writing project by Ryan S.

Team writing projects, something we all have been apart of at one point in time ( ::cough:: currently ::cough::). I think the biggest fear one might have going into a team project is, “Is everyone going to do their part?” We hope so. But other than the obvious, there are some other disadvantages as well for instance…

1.) Is everyone on the same page?
2.) The quality of the writing varies. (It is a group project after all)
3.) Timing and scheduling issues
4.) Not everyone is as invested in the same way
5.) Etc

Again these are just a few examples. It is important to point out that a good group leader can help resolve a lot of these issues. Also web forums and email discussions including all group members’ helps with open communication and dialogue. Just note that when participating in a group project to stay on top of your assigned parts, be open about personal issues and conflicts, and offer up advice and help when needed. And last of all be a good team player!

Leah K. Tips on How to Analyze Your Audience

Have you ever given a speech and felt like no one cared or showed any interest? Sometimes we can have a less than vivacious audience, but the more times than not, it can be the writers fault. Yes, it can be your fault, and yes, it can be mine. There are a few things to keep in mind when analyzing your audience.

1. Determine demographics
This includes age, gender, race, education, religious backgrounds and economic status. It would not be a good time to give your speech on why men are better than women when you have an entirely female audience. (That speech would be ridiculous, anyways.)

2. Consider cultural considerations
People can be very sensitive because of culture differences. For example, referring to someone as an “old person” may not seem offensive to you, but the elderly would prefer to be referred as a senior citizen. Likewise, Asian is preferred to oriental, and African American is preferred rather than black. It is very important to consider your audience culture to not offend anyone.

3. Interact with Your Audience
Interacting online is easy, and can help reach your readers more effectively. Responding to reader responses can help get your message across, and the readers can help you communicate more effectively. So read all of those comments you receive.


Diversity Video



Sources
http://wps.ablongman.com/ab_public_speaking_2/24/6223/1593261.cw/index.html
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/demographics
http://www.simplyspeakinginc.com/analyze-audience.htm

Writing Courteously by Takamasa Y.

If you do not have anything nice to say, don’t say it at all. At least do not say it out loud. According to Dictionary.com, the definition of courteously is, in a well mannered way, politely, with courtesy, with politeness. We all want to be treated with respect and kindness, unfortunately this does not always happen. In reference to writing any kind of document, whether it is a positive or negative topic, it is so important for you to be courteous. Let’s say that two people write complaint letters to a company about a service they are receiving; one person is courteous and one person is rude. Whoever is reading these two letters will most likely compare them and might not want to respond to the rude letter. Don’t you want to be the courteous writer and get the results that you want? I hope that the following will help you.

First off you want to start with the most important point and build your message on that. Take the time to think about what exactly you want to say. You do not want to just ramble on and confuse the reader. Get straight to the point as soon as you can. I personally get frustrated with anything that just wastes my time. Next thing is, you want to make sure that the punctuation and grammar is correct. It will give off a bad impression if everything is not in proper English and poor punctuation is used, you want to be taken seriously. Another thing is, whether it is you or someone else, proofread it and make sure that if you received the same thing, you wouldn’t be shocked by your message. If you are complaining you do want to get your point across in a polite way. When you come to the conclusion, even though you are angry, be kind and sincere.

Just remember treat and write to others the way that you wanted to be treated and written to.

References:
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/courteously
http://jerz.setonhill.edu/writing/e-text/e-mail.htm#flame
http://www.jontusmedia.com/web-writing-101-be-natural-polite-and-human/