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Fundamentals of Financial Planning…

Autor admin | 02.02.2008 | Category Web Business

To lose weight in the 80’s, we went on low-calorie diets. In the 90’s, we switched to low-fat diets, and now, in the 21st Century, we are completely convinced that it’s all about the low-carb diet. What ever happened to just eating healthy?

In a culture where everyone is looking for shortcuts, it’s not often that you see something about fundamentals. Well, take note of the following three basics of financial planning, because it may just be what’s been missing from your ‘plate.’

1) Have a goal in mind! Savings are only as useful as your desire to apply them to a specific purpose. If your goal is a new home, great; if it’s to send the kids to Fordham, even better; and if it’s retirement, terrific. Once you have the “why,” you must determine “how much,” and “when.” These two variables will determine how aggressive you must be, as well as how much of a present sacrifice you’ll need to make in order to reach your goal.

2) Spend less than you earn! If you’re a bit late in the game with this one, then the first order of business is to minimize your debt.

The common American philosophy is to spend first, and save what’s left. Contrast this with the Eastern tendency to invest first, and spend what’s left. Can you guess which approach is more likely to lead to wealth? Many people will admit that it is unreasonable to buy a 50” plasma television if the only way to pay for it is with a monthly installment plan. Why then don’t we apply the same philosophy to buying a home? When considering rent versus a mortgage, it is generally advantageous to have the mortgage. However, replacing the five-bedroom home with a nine-bedroom home before the five-bedroom has been paid off simply doesn’t fit the model.

3) Invest monthly, and start now! $1,000 invested monthly is a heck of a lot easier than $12,000 at year’s end. Add to that the concept of dollar-cost averaging and more often than not, you’ll also earn more over time. Finally, because of compounding, the sooner you get started, even at a small amount, the less time it will take to get wherever it is you want to go—even if that includes a stop along the way for a low-carb tofurkey salad.

Some Common Questions During Interview…

Autor admin | 02.02.2008 | Category Web Tips

By rehearsing interview questions, you’ll become more familiar with your own qualifications and will be well prepared to demonstrate how you can benefit an employer. Some examples:

“Tell me about yourself.”

Make a short, organized statement of your education and professional achievements and professional goals. Then, briefly describe your qualifications for the job and the contributions you could make to the organization.

“Why do you want to work here?” or “What about our company interests you?”

Few questions are more important than these, so it is important to answer them clearly and with enthusiasm. The interviewer will wonder if you really care about the job.

“Why did you leave your last job?”

The interviewer may want to know if you had any problems on your last job. If you did have problems, be honest. Show that you can accept responsibility and learn from your mistakes. You should explain any problems you had (or still have) with an employer, but don’t describe that employer in negative terms. Demonstrate that it was a learning experience that will not affect your future work.

“What are your best skills?”

If you have sufficiently researched the organization, you should be able to imagine what skills the company values.

“What is your major weakness?”

Be positive; turn a weakness into strength.

“Do you prefer to work by yourself or with others?”

The ideal answer is one of flexibility. However, be honest.

“What are your career goals?” or “What are your future plans?”

The interviewer wants to know if your plans and the company’s goals are compatible. Let him know that you are ambitious enough to plan ahead. Talk about your desire to learn more and improve your performance, and be specific as possible about how you will meet the goals you have set for yourself.

“What salary are you expecting?”

You probably don’t want to answer this one directly. Instead, deflect the question back to the interviewer by saying something like: “I don’t know. What are you planning on paying the best candidate?” Let the employer make the first offer. However, it is still important to know what the current salary range is for the profession. Find salary surveys

“What have I forgotten to ask?”
Use this as a chance to summarize your good characteristics and attributes and how they may be used to benefit the organization. Convince the interviewer that you understand the job requirements and that you can succeed.

Behavior During Interview…

Autor admin | 02.02.2008 | Category Web Tips

Establishing Rapport During a Job Interview

By establishing a rapport with your interviewer, you build “common ground” between the both of you. It is important to listen and be sensitive to the interviewer’s style.

Listen closely to the interviewer for cues on how you should act. Is he being formal or informal? How loudly is he speaking? What sort of information is he trying to solicit: general, professional, or personal? Once you’ve determined where the interviewer is ‘coming from,’ you can follow his or her lead.

Try to speak with the same rhythm and tone of voice. Make some friendly observations about your surroundings. If the interview is conversational, make small talk about your interests, hobbies, or what you did last weekend. Be positive and upbeat. All of these will help both of you relax and establish a connection. It’s important to appear open and friendly as well. Give the interviewer a firm handshake if he offers it, and remember to smile. Make sure you look attentive, with good posture and consistent eye-contact.

Making a Good Impression on Job Interviews

Here’s what you should keep in mind the day of the interview and immediately afterward.

Before the Interview

* Be on time. Evidence of your commitment, dependability, and professionalism
* Be positive and try to make others feel comfortable. Show openness by leaning into a greeting with a firm handshake and smile. Don’t make negative comments about current or former employers
* Relax. Think of the interview as a conversation, not an interrogation

During the Interview

* Show self-confidence. Make eye contact with the interviewer and answer his questions in a clear voice
* Remember to listen
* Reflect before answering a difficult question
* When it is your turn, ask the questions you have prepared in advance. These should cover any information about the company and job position you could not find in your own research
* Do not ask questions that raise red flags
* Show you want the job. You might also ask about specific details of the job position, such as functions, responsibilities, who you would work with, and who you would report to
* Avoid negative body language. Avoid these signs of nervousness and tension:
o Frequently touching your mouth
o Faking a cough to think about the answer to a question
o Gnawing on your lip
o Tight or forced smiles
o Swinging your foot or leg
o Folding or crossing your arms
o Slouching
o Avoiding eye contact
o Picking at invisible bits of lint

After the Interview

* End the interview with a handshake and thank the interviewer for his or her time. Reiterate your interest in the position and your qualifications. Ask if you can telephone in a few days to check on the status of your application. If they offer to contact you, politely ask when you should expect the call
* Follow up with a phone call if you are not contacted within a week of when the interviewer indicated you would be.

Job Interview Types…

Autor admin | 02.02.2008 | Category Web Tips

There are different types of job interviews you may participate in during the hiring process. Here are the major ones and tips on how to handle them:

Stress Interview

Stress interviews are a deliberate attempt to see how you handle yourself.

* Interviewer may be sarcastic or argumentative, or may keep you waiting
* Don’t take it personally
* Calmly answer each question as it comes
* Ask for clarification if you need it and never rush into an answer
* Lapse into silence at some point during the questioning, an attempt to unnerve you. Sit silently until the interviewer resumes the questions. If a minute goes by, ask if he or she needs clarification of your last comments

One-On-One Interview

* Establish that you have the skills and education necessary for the position
* Interviewer wants to see if you will fit in with the company
* Goal: establish rapport with the interviewer and show him or her that your qualifications will benefit the company

Screening Interview

A screening interview is meant to weed out unqualified candidates. Providing facts about your skills is more important than establishing rapport challenging your qualifications. Provide answers to their questions, and never volunteer any additional information. That information could work against you. One type of screening interview is the telephone interview.

Lunch Interview

The same rules apply in lunch interviews as in those held at the office. The setting may be more casual, but remember it is a business lunch and you are being watched carefully. Use the lunch interview to develop common ground with your interviewer. Follow his or her lead in both selection of food and in etiquette.

Committee Interview

Committee interviews are a common practice. You will face several members of the company who have a say in whether you are hired. When answering questions from several people, speak directly to the person asking the question; it is not necessary to answer to the group. In some committee interviews, you may be asked to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. The committee will outline a situation and ask you to formulate a plan that deals with the problem. You don’t have to come up with the ultimate solution. The interviewers are looking for how you apply your knowledge and skills to a real-life situation.

Telephone Interview

Telephone interviews are merely screening interviews meant to eliminate poorly qualified candidates so that only a few are left for personal interviews. You might be called out of the blue, or a telephone call to check on your resume might turn into an interview. Your mission is to be invited for a personal face-to-face interview. Some tips for telephone interviews: Keep your notes handy: Have any key information, including your resume, notes about the company, and any cue cards you have prepared, next to the phone. You will sound prepared if you don’t have to search for information. Make sure you also have a notepad and pen so you can jot down notes and any questions you would like to ask at the end of the interview. Avoid salary issues: If you are asked how much money you would expect, try to avoid the issue by using a delaying statement or give a broad range with a $15,000 spread. At this point, you do not know how much the job is worth. Push for a face-to-face meeting: Sell yourself by closing with something like: “I am very interested in exploring the possibility of working in your company. I would appreciate an opportunity to meet with you in person so we can both better evaluate each other. I am free either Tuesday afternoon or Wednesday morning. Which would be better for you?” Try to reschedule surprise interviews: You will not be your best with a surprise interview. If you were called unexpectedly, try to set an appointment to call back by saying something like: “I have a scheduling conflict at this time. Can I call you back tomorrow after work, say 6 PM?”

Useful Tips During Interviews…

Autor admin | 02.02.2008 | Category Web Tips

Make a good impression at your interview by doing a little homework beforehand.

Research the Company and the Position

The more you know about the company and the job you are applying for, the better you will appear in the interview. An interviewer will be impressed by your interest and motivation, and you will be able to explain what you can do for the company.
Search for the following:

* Office locations
* Products and services
* Customers
* Competitors
* Philosophy
* History
* Recent news
* Financial info, including salary and stock

Prepare for the Actual Interview

Practice your answers to Common Questions. Likewise, prepare a list of questions to ask the employer. Most interviews follow this pattern: First, you answer questions about your experience and qualifications, then you ask questions about the job. Rehearse your interview with a friend. You should be able to convey all pertinent information about yourself in 15 minutes. Tape yourself to check your diction, speed, and body language. Prepare your interview materials before you leave. Bring several copies of your resume, a list of references, and, if appropriate, any work samples. Make sure they are all up-to-date. Dress professionally and comfortably. You will be judged in some respects by what you wear. When in doubt, dress conservatively.

For women:

* A straight-forward business suit is best
* Wear sensible pumps
* Be moderate with make-up and perfume
* Wear simple jewelry
* Hair and fingernails should be well-groomed
* Bring pen and notepad to jot down any information you may need to remember (but don’t take notes during the interview)

For Men:

* A Slocks and polo-shirt/polo is best.
* Wear a simple jewelry like watch.
* Hair and fingernails should be well-groomed.
* Bring pen and notepad to jot down any information you may need to remember (but don’t take notes during the interview)

Good luck guys!