Why Top Employers Ask Such Weird Interview Questions

Why Top Employers Ask Such Weird Interview Questions Lloyd Blankfein walks into your interview and asks If you were shrunk to the size of a pencil and put in a blender, how would you get out?. Clearly the real questions here is Why the hell did I apply for a job at Goldman Sachs?. Anywho, it appears intelligence is the first quality employers look for in candidates, see why (courtesy of SuperScholar.org) below. Takeaways: 71% of employers value emotional intelligence rather than IQ. Google ask: Why are manhole covers round? Petco ask: If you could be anyone else, who would it be and why? RELATED: The Weirdest Interview Questions and How to Answer Them

Easy Ways to Make Money Online while Traveling

Easy Ways to Make Money Online while Traveling One of the questions we receive most is how to make an income while traveling. For many, it seems impossible, but in the digital age, creating an income online is becoming a reality accessible to all and an opportunity to be exploited from anywhere in the world. You can travel freely without the worry of remaining without money, but above all, you can to work by traveling, thus transforming your work life. Never before has work been removed from the office. Types of Work You Can Do While Travelling The web offers a multitude of work opportunities, and it’s up to you to seize the best one and exploit it. There are no limits to what you could do â€" you just need to take the first step, such as creating a blog where you talk about your travels, offering freelance services, or even selling your travel photos. As you can see, there are many possibilities. Here are the ones we will discuss in this guide: Travel Blogging YouTube channel and Facebook page Freelancing or Tutoring Selling photos online Street performing Guest lecturing Resort work or summer camp work Hostels, bars, restaurants Tour guiding Online surveys At the end of this guide, you will be ready for this great adventure, living around the world like never before! Start Your Travel Blog and Earn with Travelpayouts If you love to travel, having your own blog where you write about your travels is the best way to start working with travel. People like to travel, and even more read the stories of others. The success of Instagram or Facebook is no coincidenceâ€"you have to make the most of this great opportunity. Travelpayouts affiliate program provides you with simple ways to monetize your blog, such as selecting hotels or calendar widgets for a specific flight route, helping you monetize your work. How to Start The first step is to create a list of interests, passions, or simple hobbies you can develop. Set no limits. Take a sheet of paper and a pen, and throw down everything that comes to mind. Then you will have useful ideas to join your list of possibilities that the web makes available to you. Now it’s time to leave for this new trip. Are you ready? How to Monetize Once you have created your list, you are already one step closer to your goal. You have started to write your articles and publish your photos, but how do you monetize your work? The main monetization methods are the following: Travelpayouts Google AdSense Selling ad space Travelpayouts allows you to earn money by advertising various travel deals, and for each user action, you take a commission. You’ll have at your disposal an unrivaled program to help you earn money from your travel site. Google AdSense allows you to place advertisements on your site and earn money from them, but the revenue is related to the number of visitors. Providing advertising space on your site is a good solution, but you’ll need to work hard to attract potential investors. Alternatives for a Blog: YouTube Channel and Facebook Page Creating a YouTube channel is a big commitment in this area, both time- and moneywise. However, it is a very effective method for working online. A Facebook page allows you to consolidate the relationship with your users. It should be managed professionally, trying to keep an editorial line in texts and images. Although organic visualizations are declining, Facebook is an important solution to develop. Freelancing or Tutoring A great way to travel and make money online is to offer yourself as a freelancer or tutor. You could use your skills to create websites or maybe develop digital marketing projects, to cite two examples. Alternatively, you could give lessons on a subject you are knowledgeable about. Selling Photos Online If you have a passion for photography, you could consider selling your photos online. You have at your disposal multiple options with excellent earning possibilities. The higher the quality and uniqueness of the photo, the better chance you have of earning a high sum. Street Performing Exhibiting on the street is a good way to collect some money. Of course, you can’t be shy or afraid to show what you know how to do. Before you start, get informed about local laws on public decency, fine risks, or even worse, being removed from the city. Guest Lecturing If you think you have the skills to give academic lessons, you could consider this option. Prepare your proposal well and show that you are excited to collaborate. It is not uncommon to get a place for a short period. Resort Work or Summer Camp Work Can’t stand still? Consider working at resorts in distant paradises. You’ll enjoy the wonderful landscapes even if the work might be heavy. Hostels, Bars, Restaurants A starting point for all travel workers, it is easy to get in touch with job offers at hostels, bars, or restaurants. You often don’t need to have a great job and language skills, and you could easily get a job and enjoy the trip. Tour Guiding Do you like talking to people? Do you know a specific place very well? Then offer your services as a tour guide. You can enjoy your trip in a unique way, make other people feel the same emotions, and earn an income! Online Surveys Companies will pay you to answer polls. Imagine being on the beach with your PC while answering some simple questions and getting paid to do so. Of course, the earnings are not high, but if done with continuity, you will some satisfaction. Where You Can Find Work The internet offers multiple possibilities for earning money online while traveling, and these are the leading web platforms: Cool Works offers contacts with employers in wonderful places. Choose the destination and consult the job offers. Back Door Jobs is a point of reference for working while traveling with many offers. HelpX lets you live the journey in exchange for work. It has offers from around the world for a unique experience. How Much You Can Earn There are no limits to your earnings. Certainly, much depends on what you choose to do, but traveling the world and getting paid is a reality you can be part of. The first step is to believe and offer your services, experience, new things, and most importantly, enjoy the trip! Travel the world and get paid it’s not just a great dream, it becomes the truth if you work hard on it. Beginners can earn by travelling around 100-200$ per month. With the growth of skill and experience you will be able to earn much more. We know people who earn more than 3000 dollars a month traveling. Believe, it’s possible to make money in the travel industry, but it requires to work really hard! The Best Way to Make Money Online while Traveling Your experience or resume is not important. The best way to earn money online while traveling is to experiment. Blogging is definitely the most beautiful systemâ€" talk about your life, travel the world, and earn money from your passions. Is there anything more beautiful? Working online is becoming more and more the norm, and more travelers are earning money from their travels. It takes passion, a sense of adventure, and a little luck.

Cover letters that make HR people laugh (or cry). Career Coach JobJenny

Cover letters that make HR people laugh (or cry). Career Coach JobJenny Based on the number of astoundingly bad cover letters most HR folks and recruiters have been forced to experience, it's safe to say most people find these vital job search tools reallyreallyreallyreally hard to construct.But you can't just omit them when searching for a coolio new job. Cover letters give you one big shot to showcase the personality that goes along withthatpiece of paper outliningwhat skills and accomplishments you bring to the table.(ahem, that'd be your resume)But how do you make a good one? One that doesn't serve as lunchtime entertainment for the HR team, making them spray Sprite out their noses as they read excerpts from your cover letter aloud?Avoid these common pitfalls:Dear Sir/Madam.Um, Dear Lazy... go find a name and address it to an actual person. Who's the hiring manager? The head of HR? The chief recruiter? I know you can do this. Google. It's a miracle, I promise.Heretofore, Henceforth, Thusly... A cover letter is not a legal briefing, a contract or any kind of law document. Please don't write it as such. Another human, who talks in regular conversations and such, will be on the receiving end of that letter. Conversational, professional writing style is totally cool. Big, stupid words will not serve to impress.I'm quiet interested in you're company... My interest is so huge, in fact, that it made me completely forget to review this super important cover letter for basic grammatical and spelling errors. No need to interview me after all.Does this look like a page out of your old college textbook?... I figured it might. I actually grabbeda cover letter template right out of my Business Writing 201 book from 1998. Pretty nifty, huh?Allow me to rehash my entire resume... You are giving the potential employer the resume, too, right? Yes, so no need to blather on about every last detail all over again. Again, show them WHO YOU ARE on the cover letter.Thanks for the consideration. Now go ahead and figure out how to contact me ... Did you want a callback? Yes, so best to actually put CONTACT INFO on the actual cover letter. Just a thought.I could go on, but I shall not. I'd love your bad cover letter examples and questions.And if you're scared you're handing out the cover letter that makes HR people laugh (or cry?)I shall help you.

5 Rules to Keeping Your Cover Letter Simple and Effective

5 Rules to Keeping Your Cover Letter Simple and Effective The trouble with cover letters is that they need to be concise and must never be longer than a one-pager. Employers are busy professionals who have 10-20 seconds to skim your cover letter â€" so it’s important to state your case clearly and to the point. How to cram lots of information into little space: Its not as difficult as it seems. Less really is more when it comes to crafting a cover letter that hits home. Its a simple matter of focusing your time and attention on the essentials, basically the items an employer is most interested in. Heres 5 ways you can do just that. 1. Three paragraphs Start with creating three paragraphs on one page. In the first one, tell the reader what job you are applying for and why. In the second you list your skills and experience. And in the third paragraph, clearly and directly ask for the opportunity to have an interview to discuss things further. 2. Stay concise Make sure you limit each paragraph to three or four well-written sentences, cutting out all the fluff and non-essentials. These could well be the most important sentences you write in your career, so take your time to ensure they are compelling and inspire the reader to want to see your resume and even call you for an interview today. 3. Layout Leave generous margins so theres plenty of white space and be sure to double space between paragraphs. This will make the cover letter more pleasing on the eye and put the reader at ease.  4. Facilitate reading Assist the reader see at a glance what you wish to say by using numbers or bullet points. You want the reader to be able get a two second snapshot of the cover letter, as most people do before they read it through. 5. Check and check again Proof-read through to catch spelling and grammatical errors, then print it out for one final edit. When you think it looks good, send it over to friends and family and let them go through it with a fine tooth comb. You’re done! Now imagine how the employer will feel when he or she opens your new cover letter. Hopefully they will find a simple, clearly worded letter that contains only necessary information and with a call to action â€" getting you in for an interview. Conclusion The rule of keeping things simple very much applies to cover letters. With employers being inundated with applications, they will appreciate a brief and effective letter like yours. The next step will be to keep your resume short and sweet to stay consistent with your punchy new cover letter.

Writing Number One Resume - How to Write a Perfect One

Writing Number One Resume - How to Write a Perfect OneBefore starting your number one resume, you need to make sure that you know how to write number one resume. After you learn how to write number one resume, then you can begin to craft your very own masterpiece.Writing number one resume involves numerous steps. You will have to consider a few things before you begin. The first thing that you need to do is to review and compile the skills you possess. Next, you will have to list down all of your qualifications and present them clearly in your resume.You must also take note of an important step in writing number one resume. This is the section where you will be reviewing your experiences and achievements. This is where you will be putting down all of your successes and achievements. It is important to remember that it is not an accurate reflection of you unless you make a big effort to present your achievements.One of the most important aspects of writing number one resume is the fac t that it should be written effectively. If you are going to be writing a new resume, then you should make sure that you research on a lot of other resumes so that you can create a fresh and new look. There are certain resume writing tips that you should follow. One of the best resume writing tips is to compose your resume in the correct order.You should start with a number one and you should follow this up with another number. The reason for this is that when you go over a long document, it can be very difficult to read. Your resume has to flow nicely. That is why you have to follow up the first number with a second number.In order to create a fluid and flowing resume, you should use numbers. This way, you will have a smooth and easy flow of information. Number one resume writing tips also involve the use of the right format.In order to produce a document that is readable, you should be able to format it properly. This can be done by using proper headers and footers. They will help make your resume easier to read. Once you begin to format your resume, you should always use bullets.You don't need to use them on every single line. What you need to do is to use them on every page. It will help make your resume look more professional.

How to Get More Done When You Have Fewer Resources

How to Get More Done When You Have Fewer Resources Imagine this scenario: “Congratulations â€" you’ve been promoted, and the organization is entrusting you with greater responsibilities!” But before you can even start thinking about celebrating your promotion, you discover two team members have left the organization. On top of that, there’s a headcount freeze so they can’t be replaced. What’s more, the regulatory environment means you’ll have to spend most of your time managing compliance and reporting rather than growing the business. It seems you’ll have to re-prioritize an already prioritized (and urgent) list. Frankly, there’s no way you’ll get it all done. So how do you overcome these challenges especially when you’re still an individual contributor or not yet senior enough to change the rules? Doing More with Less If you’re facing this situation and reaching a breaking point, here are three things you can do. These have helped me through times when we lacked the resources to get everything done. 1. Assess What’s in Your Control Check your own thinking and understanding of the situation. Start by looking at what’s in your control. What are the things you can decide or change without having to get anyone’s permission? When you’re in a tough situation, start by looking at what’s in your control. What are the things you can decide or change without having to get anyone’s permission? Your brain is hardwired to jump to conclusions and take shortcuts, which is a good thing. Otherwise, you’d have a hard time getting anything done if you had to give due consideration on every single step you take. But the side effect is that you can sometimes make inaccurate assumptions and fall back on existing habits. Here are some questions to help you do your own assessment of the tasks and deliverables you’re responsible for. Purpose: What needs to get done, why is it needed, who is asking, and what is the intention behind the request? What do you need to clarify and with whom? Is there a simpler way to fulfill the intention than the specific task you’ve been assigned? Standards: To what standard does it need to get done? Where can you allow yourself to do “B+ work”? To what extent are perfectionist tendencies driving your thinking? Assumptions: What assumptions are you making about the assignment or task and what’s required? What if you were wrong in your assumptions (for example, you may assume you have to perform the task yourself when that isn’t the case)? And what would that mean for the way you approach your “to do” list? How could you find out whether your assumptions are valid? Who would you ask and what would you want to know? Assessment: What could you stop doing or pause for the time being to make room for the essential assignments or tasks? Your answers may bring insights to help you find a way forward. But whether or not that’s the case, it’s also useful to reach out to others. 2. Learn From and Enlist Others Once you’ve considered everything in your control, zoom out and look at your wider sphere of influence. What are the things you can influence by reaching out to others, whether they’re peers, seniors or external parties like clients or service providers? Who does this well? If there are people who handle this type of situation well, can you speak to them to learn their methods and strategies? Who’s in the same situation? If you have colleagues (whether internal or external) who are facing the same issues, can you get together to share ideas on how you handle these situations? Could you join forces to reimagine how the work can get done? Who’s in the “supply chain”? Many tasks are part of a bigger effort where your task depends on the input of other groups and vice versa. When that’s the case, how could you get other teams in the supply chain to pitch in on their parts to make it easier to complete the overall task? By the way, connecting with others is also a great way to get to know people in other parts of the organization or even the broader ecosystem beyond your company. And convening others for the benefit of the organization is a great way to show leadership. 3. Talk to Your Manager(s) Managers are often unaware of what it really takes to get things done and it’s up to you to let them know. When you do, it’s important to frame the conversation in a constructive way so they are most likely to embrace your viewpoint and suggestions and see you as a responsible leader rather than a complainer. Managers are often unaware of what it really takes to get things done and it’s up to you to let them know. For example, doing the precise thing they’re asking might take a huge effort while a variation on the task would take a fraction of the time to complete. In those cases, you could check before you embark on the huge effort by saying something like, “I see what we’re getting at. I wonder if doing variation X would be sufficient because doing Y would take several days and affect the timeline on Project Z.” When you’re having these conversations, it’s all about the how. Here are a few questions to consider as you prepare for the conversation. Goal: What are you seeking to accomplish through the conversation? What would success look like? To what extent are you asking for something your boss can sign off on, or will they need to raise it with others? Timing: When would be the best time to raise the topic? When is your manager at their best? When are you at your best? Can you speak to your manager before you embark on the task? Understanding their perspective: Before you have the conversation, it’s essential to understand your manager’s perspective. What pressures are they under? What’s the intention behind their request? Approach/Content: What would be the most effective way to get their attention and have your communication “land” well with your manager? Is this something they’re grappling with too? Is this likely to be the first in a series of conversations or will one conversation be enough? One way is to frame the conversation as an update on what’s on your plate and getting their input on how you plan to take the next steps. If you’re reluctant to say anything, keep in mind you could be putting yourself in a worse position by staying silent if your manager thinks it’s an easy task but you end up spending a lot of time on it and looking inefficient. Invest in Relationships In a world where you’re likely to be asked to do more with less, it’s worth investing time to develop strong working relationships with your manager, colleagues and people in the broader ecosystem. It’s the best way to ensure you can have these kinds of conversations when needed. It’s also a way to get support from others if there’s really no way around having to get it all done without new resources. Now would be a good time to start building your relationships… especially if you don’t need to make an ask just yet! How do you handle situations where you’re asked to do more with less? Leave a comment â€" I’d love to hear from you.

A Job Search Dating Analogy One Womans Quest on Both Fronts - Hire Imaging

A Job Search Dating Analogy One Woman’s Quest on Both Fronts - Hire Imaging I recently had the joy of working with Lana, a client in her thirties, who came to me with dual goals. “I’m searching for two fitsâ€"my soul mate and my soul job,” she said. The job search parallels the search for a fulfilling personal relationship. Whether you’re dating or or in a job search,   you’re reviewing potential matches, trying to simultaneously show your value while evaluating them at the same timeâ€"and trying to be diplomatic about the whole thing. Here are some examples from Lana: Job Search Dating: There are many fish in the sea, so get back out there. 1. Lana felt rejection on both the job and personal fronts. Her boyfriend of six months had broken it off. Her employer of four years had eliminated her position. She was feeling wounded. Having been in a serious car accident as a teenager resulting in a fractured jaw and broken hip, she was told to get back in the car and drive. She applied this story to her current situation. Yes, she was banged up and bruised, shaken that the world could be right again. Instead of retreating, she told many people that she was looking for her dream career; and she signed up for a well-known dating site. She discovered that it’s about confidence and that opportunities present themselves when least expected. Job Search Dating: Figure out what you love and need. 2. Lana wanted to find a guy with a sense of purpose, loyalty, and an ability to laugh at himself and life in general. A technology whiz who did not take herself too seriously, she also sought a workplace where the work was valued highly; but the nature of fun at work was equally important. In the social and job search arenas, she did informational interviews all the time. She talked to people online and offlineâ€"a lot. Job Search Dating: Work your magic charm. 3. Lana listened to and practiced positive self talk. She created separate personal and career pitches as to why whoever got her would be lucky. It was not boastful, but it was confident. There was not a trace of anxiety or insecurity. She did not rely on winging it. She was prepared to talk about who she was,   what she liked, what she was good at, and why she was a value. She was also prepared to be an expert listener, focusing conversation on the other person or organization to really hear their pain, their joys and their needs. Job Search Dating: Kiss a lot of frogs but shy away from rebounds. 4. Lana believed in the old adage, “You have to kiss a lot of frogs to find your prince.” She enthusiastically networked. She renewed old connections and made new ones. She went on every interviewâ€"even those she wasn’t excited about. She did not take every job offered her. During our work together there were several job offersâ€"and one “please be my steady” offerâ€"that she evaluated and turned down. They didn’t feel right. Job Search Dating: Be proactive and intense. 5. Lana loved to find antiques. She tackled her soul job-and mate search with the same intensity. She did call them; she did not hound them. She stayed in touch and on good terms. She dripped personality, credibility and a zest for grabbing the brass ring.   She had both her résumé and on-line dating profiles meticulously ready to go. She did her research. She made a good impression. She followed up. She did not waste her energy on going for anything. She was discerning on people and career relationship opportunities. Lana approached her dual search for a meaningful career and relationship with enjoyment, patience and hope. At this writing, she is on her fourth interview with an emerging website design company; and into a three-month relationship with a man she met through a reputable online dating site. The chapters are yet to unfold. But as Lana puts it, “These are major investments. There are always risks, but I can say I have done my due diligence.” Photo:   Don Hankins