Transforming Your Technical Skills

Transforming Your Technical Skills Transforming Your Technical Skills Transforming Your Technical Skills ASME recently released a new book, Thriving in the 21st Century Economy, on how technical professionals can transform their skills in a global economy. This 183-page book is perfect for early career engineers to help them develop a logical approach towards a successful career.This book is very timely for understanding the link between education and employment in a binary economy. The authors provide a lucid framework for technical professionals to become T-shaped systems thinkers, who can get in-depth as well as work on a wider bandwidth, as required, Dr. James C. Spohrer, Director, IBM University Programs World-Wide (IBM UP), Innovation Champion, IBM Almaden Research Center, San Jose, CA, USAWhat you will not find in the book is how to find a job, how to improve your resume or how to ace an interview. It talks about using all of your professional skills that you may have acquired starting from your high school experience. Its about collating all the knowledge obtained in your work experience making you relevant and valuable that is in turn rewarding.It cleverly points out that, although you may have learned project management, spent time developing strategies and guided by your manager, you are responsible for your career long-term growth and advancement. In a recent National Academy of Engineering survey, four out five engineers believe that employers should have a responsibility to ensure continuous education for their engineers. In reality, self-help is best and technical professions should take ownership of their future in a strategic way just as geschftlicher umgang and corporations rely on strategy for long-term success.The authors start with the premise that the 21st century technical professional should not merely respond to the request of services. Instead, identify a need, describe it as an opportunity with a solution, develop the complete solutio n, implement it, and make sure the outcomes are impactful and realized.The evolution of new business models has introduced a landscape of binary organizations one that is relentlessly focused on creating new solutions, putting solutions into practice as soon as possible and the other engaged in constant replicate for known solutions. The demand for advanced technical skills has also evolved.The multilayered organizations of the past (where New Solution creation and replication were part of a continuum) are giving way to two sets of flat organizations that have fewer levels of hierarchy. Since these organizations have few layers, and their structure is binary, the career path for 21st century professionals is no longer a well-established progression within a company. Doing your job well in one company and growing with the company, or staying put in one place for lifelong employment, are no longer the options. Instead, professionals have to be more nimble and entrepreneurial They will be rewarded for the identification, development, and implementation of a constant stream of New Solutions.behauptung parallel sets of organizations are also globalemployers will be using resources from across the globe as well as serving customers worldwide. In the past, technical professionals could focus on the structure, alignment, and organization of resources readily available through their employers. These employers also relied heavily on their long-term resourcesexperienced technical professionalsto create such structure and resources inside the company. With their access to global resources, employers now have multiple pathways to access and create resource structures across the globe. This implies that technical professionals will also require dual strategies They have to use the employer-provided structures and organizational resources, and also create their own network and resources from global sourcesThe authors see the binary nature of employment and the demand for eit her well-qualified technical professionals who can create New Solutions, or for low-skilled, low-wage technicians who work in highly structured and standardized assignments focusing on replicating those solutions. This evolution in the binary nature of employment is widespread.Check Out Chapter 1Pre-Order your copy today Chapters in this book will cover the concept of a Binary Economy, Tools necessary for Sustainable Jobs and Careers, Skills to Identify and Foster New Solutions, Knowledge Integration, Achieving the Maximum Impact Across the Globe, and Stakeholder Roles.About AuthorsDr. K. (Subbu) Subramanian, President of STIMS Institute Inc., a Knowledge Integration company. After obtaining his Sc.D. from MIT, Dr. Subramanian has pursued a career in industry. Dr. Subramanian has worked for more than 34 years in various positions in the industrial sector.Professor U. Srinivasa Rangan, Lukic Chair, Professorship in Strategy and in aller herren lnder Studies at Babson College, Wellesl ey, MA, got his doctorate from Harvard Business School. His teaching, consulting, and research focus on competitive strategy, globalization, and alliances.

How writing changed my life and career

How writing changed my life and careerHow writing changed my life and careerIve been making a living as a writer for three years now. But Ive been writing since I was 16. That means I didnt get any visible benefits from it for years.Why did I still continue writing all those years?Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard titelbilding Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moraIts therapeuticWe all drive ourselves crazy with excessive thinking at times. But when you put your thoughts into words, they become less scary. When you write down what scares you, you will automatically work on a solution. Sometimes the solution is acceptance. But you need to write those things down first.It improves your self-disciplineLiving a life of pleasure is simple. Everyone can Netflix and chill. Its easy to hang out all the time. But those easy things will not give you inner satisfaction. The reason that we dont do anything useful with our precious time is that we lack self-discipline. But when you write every day, you strengthen your discipline.You can use that better self-discipline to achieve virtually anything in life.You become a better persuaderWriting is nothing mora than persuading the reader with words. But your tools are limited- you can only use words to tell a story. And when you write for yourself, youre trying to convince yourself of your own thoughts. So the more you write, the better you become at persuasion.You improve your self-knowledgeNothing will help you to get to know yourself more than translating your thoughts into words. When you force yourself to write every day, you automatically become more aware of your thoughts.And self-awareness is one of the most important skills that predict career success.It helps you to make better decisionsToo often, we do something without fully understanding why we do it. Think about it. How often do you answer I dont know when someone asks you Why did you do that? Thats the sig n of weak thinking. Sure, we dont know everything. But we must be aware of that too. And when you write about your decision-making process, you will automatically become more aware of the why.I can see the benefits. But how did those things improve your career?Here you goWhen I was at University,I nailed all my papers and essays. And by the time I had to write my Masters thesis, I was already a pro. While my fellow students were procrastinating and sometimes took a full year to write their thesis, I finished mine in 4 months.When I wanted to get a job,I was invited to interview for almost every job I applied to. I wrote persuasive cover letters that recruiters could not resist.When I worked in sales,I was the top performing salesperson in the first year. All my sales were the result of my ability to write good pitch emails.When I started my business,I quickly formulated the mission and vision of the company. That helped us to identify our clients and serve them better.When I started my blog,I wrote more than100 articlesin my first year. That helped me to reach 2 million people in less than a year. Without a doubt, the ability to share my ideas with you is the thing I appreciate the most.When I started offering online courses,I made six figures in my second year because of my ability to write quality course material. And I could communicate the benefits of the courses in an effective way.There are way more successful writers than me. Look, you can do these things too. Maybe youre already doing great in your career. Or maybe you want to improve it, change careers, start a business, make more money, etc.It doesnt matter who you are or where you are in your career. Writing is one of the few skills in life that everyone can benefit from. Im not quick to make such a statement. And you cant say that about many other things life.How do I get started?Here are 7 tips that can help you with thatSet a goalWhy do you want to write? Pick a specific goal. Improve self-discip line? Become a better persuader? Turn it into a career? Write a book? Get clear on why you want to write.Read studyStart by stealing other peoples writing styles.Its a strategy I learned from Austin Kleon.Stealing is an effective way to develop your own style. Plus, when you can steal ideas, you can never use the excuse of I dont have any inspiration. But take the craft of writing seriously. Study it as much as you can byreading booksand taking courses/workshops.Set a daily reminder to writeNothing is more important to a writer than having a routine. First, think about what time is the best for you to write. In the morning or evening? Before/after the kids are awake? Then, set a daily reminder on your phone- when it goes off, sit down and write.Pick an app that makes it easyDepending on your goal, pick software that makes it easy. To write a book, I prefer Word. I use Day One for journaling. And I use Ulysses to write my articles. No need to overcomplicate things. But makes sure yo u pick a specific app that you dedicate to a specific goal.Take notes throughout the dayIf you run into a good idea while youre at the supermarket, make a note of it. From now on, youre a writer. And everything that happens in your life is material. So make sure you capture everything.Set the bar lowYour goal is to write onlyone true sentence. Just one. The beauty of that goal is that the first sentence that comes up in your mind is always the truest of them all. So never say that your writing sucks. Avoid aiming for setting goals like, I want to write 1000 words a day. Thats too absolute. Instead, strive for writing one sentence. Then, keep going.Remove distractionsAll you want is 30 minutes of undisturbed time. Thats all. So turn your phone indo not disturb mode, turn off your wifi, and start writing. You dont need to do more research. Onlywrite.Often, people give advice like, Just get started And theres truth in that. Starting is important.But heres the thing Everyone can write f or a day- or two, or three. But there are very few people who write consistently for years. But you need to write for a long time to see the actual benefits.So dont just get started. Keep going.This article originally appeared on Darius Foroux.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

Super-Easy Method for Writing a Targeted Resume

Super-Easy Method for Writing a Targeted ResumeSuper-Easy Method for Writing a Targeted ResumeSuper-Easy Method for Writing a Targeted ResumeMost of us prefer to do things as quickly and easily as possible, as long as we dont sacrifice quality. Am I right? So heres a form that will make it quicker and easier to translate a job posting into a targeted resume (and cover letter) that shows the employer what a good candidate you are.When you find a job opportunity you want to pursue, fill out this form as completely as you can. The more you know about the employers wants and needs for the job, the easier it will be to submit a resume and cover letter that targets them specifically. (Download a printer-friendly version of the form.)Job Details Company personenname ______________________________________ Job Title ____________________________________________ Job No. or Code (if any)______________________________ How You Found Out About Job__________________________ Salary Range (actual or e stimated)______________________Contact Information Persons Name_______________________________________ Title Dept_________________________________________ Email______________________________________________ Phone______________________________________________ Fax________________________________________________ Address_____________________________________________Documents RequestedSubmission Method ____ Resume ____ Email Attachment ____ Cover Letter ____ Apply Online ____ Work Samples____ Fax ____ References ____ Postal MailRequirements Years of Experience___________________________________ Education___________________________________________ Licenses, Certifications (if any)__________________________ Other_______________________________________________Desired Skills, Personal Traits, Keywords, etc.________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________Heres a sample of how it might look once its filled outOnce you have all this information, its much easier tocraft a resume that matches the employers terminology, speaks to their specific business needs, andilluminates yourqualifications for this particular job at this particular company.

Personal Value Proposition Statement Letter Examples

Personal Value Proposition Statement Letter ExamplesPersonal Value Proposition Statement Letter ExamplesWhat is a value aussage when youre job hunting?In the business world, a value aussage is a summary of why a consumer should buy a companys product. In a job search, a value aussage is a summary of why an employer should hire a job seeker. A value aussage letter is a brief statement written by a job seeker to a recruiter or hiring manager. The statement concisely explains what makes the job seeker a unique job candidate (including skills, strengths, and accomplishments), and how he or she will add value to a company. A job seeker can use his or her value proposition throughout the job search. For example, one can use it as onesresume summary statement, or use it to answer particular interview questions that ask you to define yourself as a job seeker (such as tell me about yourself and how are you different from the competition?). Writing and sending out a value proposition letter to prospective employers is a great way to demonstrate what makes you a unique candidate, and how you can add value to a company. The Difference Between a Cover Letter and a Value Proposition Letter A titelseite letter typically highlights what you have done in previous positions, whereas a value proposition letter explains what you will do if you are hired for the current position. Thus, a cover letter often focuses on the past, and a value proposition letter focuses on the present and future. Cover letters and value proposition letters also differ in length. A cover letter is typically 3 - 5 paragraphs (about one typed page), whereas a value proposition letter is often much shorter about 100 - 150 words. Both documents can be very useful in the job search process, but it is important to know when to use which document. When to Use a Cover Letter When an employer asks for a cover letter.If a job application specifically requests that you send a cover letter with your applica tion, be sure to do so. If you do not follow directions exactly, you risk having your application thrown out. When you need to explain something on your resume.If there is something on your resume that could give a hiring manager pause anemployment gap, for example your cover letter is your chance to explain these circumstances and emphasize why you are the right person for the position. A value proposition letter does not provide enough space for you to explain these things, so write a cover letter when a longer explanation is needed. When to Use a Value Proposition Letter When an employer does not specifically ask for a cover letter.When a job application does not specifically request a cover letter, you should still send a letter that explains your qualifications for the position. However, you can choose to send a value proposition letter in place of a cover letter if there are no specific directions. When you are conducting a targeted direct mail campaign.If you are emaili ng prospective companies to see if they have any job openings that fit your abilities, consider sending a value proposition letter rather than a cover letter. Busy employers often do not have time to read an entire cover letter, and will likely appreciate the directness of a value proposition letter. They will also appreciate a letter that emphasizes what you can do for their company. When to Use a Combination of Both If you decide to write a cover letter, you can still include aspects of the value proposition letter to make a unique, compelling cover letter. Below are tips on how to write a cover letter that has the attributes of a value proposition letter. Focus on the present, not the past.Tell employers what you can do for them. Even when you write a paragraph about your experiences, begin or conclude the paragraph with a sentence that explains how you will bring these experiences to the employers company. For example, you can say, I am confident that, as I did at Company X, I can increase brand awareness while cutting your marketing budget by at least 10%. Emphasize value.Employers want to know what tangible results they will get by hiring you. A great way to demonstrate how you can add value to a company is to include numbers in your letter. Numerical values offer concrete evidence of your skills and accomplishments. Be concise and direct.If you want to write a cover letter that resembles a value prop How to Write a Value Proposition Letter Here are tips on how to write a strong value proposition letter that will get you noticed. Start BrainstormingMake a list of the key skills, experiences, and accomplishments that make you a valuable and unique job candidate. Ask friends and colleagues what they see as your greatest skills and strengths. Look at reference letters and evaluations from past employers to see what skills and strengths people tend to notice in you. From this list, select a few key skills, experiences, or accomplishments that best re late to your target position.Use Values Employers want to know what tangible results they will get by hiring you. A great way to demonstrate how you can add value to a company is to include numbers in your letter. Numerical values offer concrete evidence of your skills and accomplishments. Focus on the Present Unlike a resume, a value proposition letter should not focus on the past. Tell employers what you can do for them, not what youve done for others. Using present tense rather than past tense is a great way to stay focused on the present, and look towards the future.Individualize your Letter Be sure to tailor each value proposition letter to fit the particular company and job position. Make sure your letter addresses what the particular employer wants, and what you have to offer them. Include a Link Consider including in your letter a link to a blog, LinkedIn page, or other URL that contains your resume. This will allow an interested employer to access more information about you .Be Concise Your letter should be no longer than 100 -150 words. Use bullet points to highlight three or four of the key reasons why you are a unique and valuable job candidate. Each bullet point should be no longer than two lines. Place the strongest bullet point at the top of the letter.Be Bold Bold particularly strong words or phrases to catch the employers eye. Format Value proposition letters should be typed in a simple, legible font (something like Times New Roman, size 12). Use simple circular or square bullet points dont get too fancy. Tips for Sending Value Proposition Letters Some job seekers send value proposition letters in place of longer cover letters (however, do not do this if an employer asks specifically for a cover letter). Other job seekers mail value proposition letters to companies for which they would like to work, as part of a targeted direct mail campaign. Even if a company does not list a job opening that fits your skills, a strong value proposition l etter may lead the employer to keep you in mind for a later job opening. Sometimes, employers even create jobs for particularly strong candidates. Follow up your letter with a phone call, particularly for the companies in which you are most interested. If you do decide to mail your letters to companies, be sure to print the letter on good stationery, and sign your letter in ink. Value Proposition Letter 1 Karinna Jones4321 East StreetBoulder, CO 80302123-456-7890karinna.jonesemail.com monat des herbstbeginns 1, 2018 Janine SmithAssociate DirectorPioneer Health Systems1234 West StreetDenver, CO 80218 Dear Ms. Smith, Are you looking for an experienced, analytics-driven leader capable of developing and managing your online marketing campaigns while generating revenue? My skills as aSocial Media Managerwill enhance your reputation as an accessible, customer-friendly company, thereby increasing customers and revenue. Here are some of the high-level achievements I can bring to Pioneer Health Systems within one year Increase brand awarenessby 20%Increase in web page viewers and Facebook and Twitter followersby 35%Cut online marketing budgetby 10% I can bring to your company overten years of experiencesuccessfully developing online brands. I have included my resume and will call next week to discuss the opportunities I can bring to your company. Thank you. Best regards, Your Signature(hard copy letter)Karinna Jones Value Proposition Letter Example 2 Here is an example of a cold call / direct mailvalue proposition letter that is sent by a job seeker to a company where he or she would like to work. This letter itemizes the value the candidate offers the organization. Jonathan Dolan4321 East StreetBaltimore, MD 21228123-456-7890lastname.firstnameemail.com Date Mr. BasilChief Talent OfficeAcme Consulting1234 West StreetPhiladelphia, PA 17140 Dear Mr. Basil, Are you looking for an experienced leader capable of meeting all your hiring requirements while saving you m oney by improving efficiencies? As aDirector of Recruitingwith overten years of experience, I will successfully hire ideal candidates for positions in every department through cost-efficient best practices and advertising strategies. As the Director of Recruiting, I will achieve the following results for Acme Consulting Increase retention rate of hire employeesby 20%Reduce recruiting budgetby 10%Implement online applicant tracking systemto increase efficiency As an innovative new startup company, you will benefit from a similarly innovative, experienced leader. I will call next week to discuss the opportunities I can bring to your company. Thank you. Best regards, Your Signature (hard copy letter) Jonathan Dolan

This is the right way to leave a professional voicemail

This is the right way to leave a professional voicemailThis is the right way to leave a professional voicemailWhen it is easier to email someone instantly than spend time ringing them up, the act of leaving a proper voicemail can become a forgotten art. But if you, like me, have ever panicked after the beep and fumbled through a rambling introduction on the phone, you recognize that it is still a needed skill for todays professionals to master.Whether or not this is a part of your daily workflow or you need to track down a contact, heres how to do it right without embarrassing yourselfState your case and then hang upTo leave a good work voicemail, first recognize why you are leaving one in the first place - to get a callback, not to blabber. You need to get in and get out. The goal is to concisely state who you are and why you are calling so that you can talk about the goals of your conversation at a time where both people are available to chat.Identify yourself after the At the tone signal to start talking. State your partenname and number right out of the gate with a, Hello, this is name, Im calling from your job to reason for this call. My number is xxx-xxxx. Then as youre wrapping up, repeat your name and number once more for good measure.As Tori Keith wrote for the women lawyers advocacy group Ms. JD, A good rule of thumb is 40 seconds. Anything longer risks getting deleted or ignored. Repeat your name and number at the end of the message too, as sometimes a message will cut out or be hard to hear.Nowadays, smartphones make it easy to scan a voicemail by providing readymade transcripts of the call, so if you do not want your embarrassing uhh and umms to make the record, practice beforehand. Take advantage of the fact that you can write down notes of what you want to say. It is easy to get nervous when there is no one there to cut you off, so remember to not rush your name and number. Speak slowly but not too slowly.Mastering the art of relaying information over the phone will serve you well at any stage of your career or life.The key to understanding voicemail etiquette is being respectful of the other persons time. You would not want to receive a long-winded, rushed voicemail, so take care not to send one.

What Is So Fascinating About Best Resume Builders?

What Is So Fascinating About Best Resume Builders? The Appeal of Best Resume Builders The premium plan even enables you to add clips of different videos application created. The service comes with a range of layout choices, and allows a good quantity of freedom in customizing them to your desired specifications. The completely free service gives you the ability to make titelseite letters choosing from a wide variety of templates and themes. If you produce a profile and site, you are going to realize that after you begin your free trial youre able to choose to stay on Moonfruits free plan. All the sites listed are absolutely free to post your resume. 1 key drawback is that after youve selected a template and made a Wix site with it, you cant spielblttchen a different template. The Benefits of Best Resume Builders There are various types of resume builders that a person can utilize. At the end, you are going to be happy with the final result. All they need to do is search certain abilities or keywords and a location. Based on your degree of design and coding experience and that which youre seeking to do with your portfolio, there are plenty of alternatives that are available to you. The Best Resume Builders Trap Many employers will search huge databases like Monster or Indeed to discover qualified candidates. Recruiters have to scan a great deal of resumes over a quick period of time to detect the ideal candidate theyll hire. The website also hosts a network for employers searching for new talent. You can also produce hashtags with keywords that recruiters might hunt for so you can be readily found. The users input is a significant component of our reviews. Member area The excellent resume builders online provides you with a members area you can join. If thats the case, dont fret about what it appears like, because its going to be consistent with the other resumes in the database. While you are still able to download your completed resume in PDF format, the service encourages you to make a link which youll be able to share with friends and possible employers. The Secret to Best Resume Builders If youre elend pleased with the outcome, you always have the option to ask your author to rewrite the content to make certain that it is created exactly how you want it. Always ensure there arent any writing errors on the shape and that you take an opportunity to proofread it. Write my paper on theres a trusted essay writing service. There are a lot of sites that supply a free resume builder so that you can begin writing your resume application without needing to think hard about how to compose the start of your resume. Based on what website youre making your resume utilizing the absolutely free builder, you require various strategies to complete it. Therefore, if youre a perfectionist, you can construct your site section by section without the demand for technical understanding. Based on your industry and the sort of job youre interested, an online resume can be a fantastic way to highlight your abilities and experience in a fashion that is more visually appealing and engaging than a traditional resume. The website delivers some helpful prewritten phrases you may use if you become stumped attempting to produce your own. The Advantages of Best Resume Builders You are able to locate a substantial number of site creator approaches to select from, catering to each person from bloggers to organizations. A good deal of that happens on social networking. Clearly, if you prefer to get found, you should opt to display your resume and contact info (and you are going to get the advantage of the insights into whos looking at your resume). The good resume builders online will not merely supply you with the best tools required for completing a winning resume of your own, but theyll also offer you help in discovering a fantastic job for you. If you are thinking about where to receive a professional resu me or cover letter, then youve come to the perfect spot. You will also need to incorporate all your work and education details. Our professional experts will allow you to get the job that youve always desired. Pay attention when you subscribe, however, because most services provide a number of different plans and a few plans limit the qualities or number of resumes it is possible to create. What the In-Crowd Wont Tell You About Best Resume Builders Resume Companion is an extremely user-friendly site that delivers a wide selection of tools that may help you compose an outstanding resume and send it to a prospective employer. Resume Builder Free and simple to use.

Why Scheduling Interviews Doesnt Have to Derail Higher Education Hiring

Why Scheduling Interviews Doesnt Have to Derail Higher Education HiringScheduling bewerberinterviews is naturally invasive to our schedules. Add 70 to 80 applicants, plus interviewers schedules to align, and you have a major disruption to workflow. Every year, the University of Wisconsin Law School (UW Law) ran into this exact issue. With only 10 to 15 open positions, the high number of applicants was quickly derailing their hiring process. They realized scheduling interviews and finding the time to make educated decisions was nearly impossible. So they sought a more time efficient means of screening candidates. UW Law quickly streamlined their process by switching to a collaborative and flexible video interviewing platform. However, many higher education institutions continue battling the issues that scheduling interviews presents. Since we like to end on a positive, heres the ugly, the bad, and the good of scheduling job interviews for higher education candidatesThe UglySuperficial assessmentsThe UW Law Entrepreneurship Clinic hires entry-level student attorneys for one hiring cycle a year. The clinic provides high quality legal services to entrepreneurs and startup companies in Wisconsin at no cost. Providing legal services to entrepreneurs and startups is serious business. So UW Law has no time to waste identifying qualified candidates during the initial screening process. However, when short on time, narrowing down a high number of candidates quickly leaves many red flags undetected. This is especially true when reviewing resumes. In fact, according to a recent CareerArc report, 72 percent of hiring managers spend less than 15 minutes looking at an application. Unfortunately, phone interviews are just as problematic. While they seem more convenient than a face-to-face screening, a June 2015 Glassdoor report found each phone interview adds between 6.8 to 8.2 days to the hiring process. Phone interviews add between 6.8 to 8.2 days to the hiring process. (Gl assdoor)Click To TweetInterviewers do not gain a complete picture of candidates personalities or skills by glancing at resumes or brief phone calls. A July 2015 report by Korn Ferry revealed only 23 percent of HR pros think phone screens are the best way to interview candidates before a face-to-face interview. The UW Law Entrepreneurship Clinic found replacing phone interviews with video interviews was undeniably their best option. Video quickly increased their ability to effectively screen all candidates and only pursue the ones who were truly qualified to move on to the next step in the hiring process.zugabe tip Use video interviews to give yourself a chance to see each candidate and compare how they all respond to the saatkorn set of questions. This provides a more in depth look at each candidates unique traits and how theyd fit in with the universitys culture.Missing out on the best talentAs an interviewer, you know how grueling scheduling interviews is from the companys standp oint. But quality talent isnt sitting at home anxiously awaiting your phone call. In fact, an August 2016 Robert Half study found 46 percent of job seekers say they lose interest in a role if they havent heard back from a company within one to two weeks. It isnt just candidates impatience and boredom getting in your way of hiring the best talent. MRI Networks recent study reported 39 percent of employers and 47 percent of recruiters say when their job offer is rejected its because the candidate has already accepted another offer. Youve been battling the war for talent for some time now. This means you know in the competitive world of recruiting, being the slow and steady tortoise will not help you win the top talent race. Unfortunately, much of this feels out of your control. Aligning so many busy schedules will never be an easy task. And in the meantime, candidates are quickly losing interest. Or worse, going to work for another university. By using an automated scheduling tool, yo u avoid scheduling conflicts that hold up the screening process. Sending out invitations to complete one-way video interviews saves valuable time in the initial stages of hiring.Bonus tip Keep in constant communication with candidates. Even if theres a delay in scheduling interviews, dont leave them in the dark. This will show them youre interested in them and keeps them on their toes and excited about your opportunity.Higher costs Each time you get an schmelzglas about a scheduling conflict, you can see money flying out the window. The longer it takes to schedule interviews no matter what format the more resources and employee time is wasted. This results in even higher costs than anticipated.Universities waste more resources by advancing a candidate who turns out to be a bad fit.For example, imagine flying candidates out to interview and realizing a major red flag was missed during an earlier screening process. That cost simply cannot be recovered.Scheduling video interviews as an early screening helps avoid unterstellung frustrating and expensive oversights in the hiring process. Each person on your hiring team is able to easily review and offer their opinions on each candidate. This leads to better informed collaborative hiring decisions. Bonus tip Technology is useful, but only if you find whats right for you. Never assume interviewing technology will save you time and money. Do your research first to ensure everything from the ATS to the interviewing platform you use is the most effective for your needs.The BadTime biases Everyone has different times of day when they are most alert and productive. Expecting each person on your team to work efficiently at the same time is not only unreasonable, but also could end up hurting your interview process. For example, one member of the team might have skipped breakfast and is thinking more about their stomach than the applicant. Another may have rushed to drop their child off early at daycare to make the meetin g, and their mind isnt fully present. No matter what situations your team is dealing with, they can all lead to hiring mistakes.Take a page from UW Laws experience to prevent these missteps. Because there are often three to six people involved with their hiring decisions, UW Law found it beneficial to share video interviews with team members, rather than scheduling group meetings. Each decision maker is able to communicate and collaborate on their own time, reviewing the interview when theyre feeling the most focused.Bonus tip Allowing your team to be more hands-on in the hiring process is only possible if they can review when, where, and how they want. Make sure your video interview tool is mobile. This gives everyone the opportunity to review candidates when they have a free moment to give the candidate their full attention.Limited talent poolsAs an institute for higher education, no matter what position youre hiring for, its crucial to making the entire system run smoothly. Each moment spent scheduling interviews and finding the best candidates is valuable. If each interview lasts an hour and you can only spend four hours a day interviewing candidates, it limits the number of candidates you can offer interviews to for each position. Especially when schedules are hard to align.Offer alternative forms of interviews to increase the number of initial qualified applicants you can screen. This also keeps your interview process from being biased against certain demographics that have more scheduling conflicts, eg. working parents or passive candidates.Bonus tip Divide and conquer. If you have a large number of initial applicants, have each member of the team review a portion. Then the favorites can move on to the next step. This ensures everyone gets the time and consideration they deserve.The GoodBetter candidate experienceScheduling interviews isnt just stressful on employers and recruiters. In fact, the previously mentioned Robert Half report found 33 percent o f job seekers said scheduling delays were the most annoying part of the hiring process.When you eliminate those delays, you improve your candidate experience, which has big impacts for future hiring. A 2016 Talent Board report found of candidates who rated their experience a five out of five, almost all would reapply with the company. Conversely, 41 percent of candidates who rated their experience a one said they would definitely be cutting all ties with the organization even as a customer.When you combine the stress of aligning schedules with the immense pressure of interviews, candidates become overwhelmed, resulting in a negative candidate experience. Having a more streamlined interview process starts relationships with tauglichkeit candidates off on the right foot. The best place to start working relationships is in the interview.Click To TweetAlso, by eliminating this extra stress, candidates can more freely open up and show their true selves. With video interviews, you can se t the number of video takes candidates can record in. Candidates can then take a few rounds to ensure they submit their best self, which results in higher quality answers and less stressed candidates.Bonus tip You can only know so much sitting on the recruiting side of the interview table. Always ask for feedback from candidates so you are sure your candidate experience is really as great as you think it is. To really benefit from candidates opinions, bring recently hired team members in to get fresh eyes on your hiring process. Improves your reputationfruchtwein people want to work for higher education institutions that are progressing and moving into the future. If youre relying on scheduling interviews with old and outdated technology during the interview process, candidates will assume your institution is behind the times in all things related to technology. This could easily make them reconsider you as an employer. Leaving your team short on qualified, forward-thinking candida tes. Just like candidates, employers need to put their best foot forward when making first impressions. Offering access to easy-to-use tech tools during the interview process shows candidates youre up-to-date on technology and value their time. In fact, a 2017 Yello survey looked at millennials and generation Zs opinions about interviewing technology. Seventy-six percent has a positive feeling about video interviewing. Additionally, nine out of ten said using interview scheduling tools had a positive impact on their decision. Bonus tip Showcase your use of technology early on by using videos in your recruiting material and in your job descriptions. Candidates will be both intrigued and impressed by your streamlined hiring process. What do you find most difficult when scheduling interviews for higher education? Let us know in the comments below.

Future Battery for the Electric Car

Future Battery for the Electric Car Future Battery for the Electric Car Future Battery for the Electric CarThe price tag notwithstanding, theres one reason that drivers arent lining up to purchase a Tesla Model S, or a Chevrolet Volt, or a ZAP Alias, or a Fisker Karma for that matter. The hurdle is the very thing that puts those cars on the road in the first place the battery. In a cell phone, lithium ion batteries seem pretty small and nifty. In a car, theyre massive and will only get you so far. Thats not likely to change soon. GMs chief technology officer,Jon Lauckner, has said recently that increased and more efficient manufacturing is not likely to reduce the price or increase the capacity of lithium ion batteries. To see a change, well need a sea change. Thats likely to come in the form of the lithium sulfur battery. This chemistry has long been poised to vanquish the lithium ion battery. With a pure lithium anode rather than graphite, these batteries can store as much as five and half times the energy that a lithium ion battery can hold. And sulfur is cheap and plentiful. The small downside is that the battery dies after 50 or so cycles. Short Life Span For some time now researchers have thought they understood why lithium sulfur batteries had such short life spans. During use, crystalline sulfur particles would form higher order polysulfides. As these sulfides are all soluble, they would dissolve into the electrolyte, and go anywhere the electrolyte can goincluding the anode side of the battery where they would interact directly with he lithium metal. Working with scientists at SLAC and Stanford University, Johanna Nelson uses powerful X-ray imaging to study lithium sulfur batteries. Image Slac.stanford.edu The misconception arose thanks to a flaw in how sulfur batteries were examined. The usual M.O. welches to first cycle the battery until it was useless, or almost so, then take it apart and examine it with an electron microscope. To prepare the disass embled battery for examination, they had to first wash the elements. Once under the microscope, it appeared that polysfulfides had entirely fled the cathode to ruin the battery elsewhere. In fact, the researchers themselves had inadvertently removed polysulfides from the cathode during their preparations. Johanna Nelson, a researcher at Stanfords SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, had a better microscope. The labs X-ray microscope allowed Nelson and her colleagues to look inside a battery while it was in use. They were able to zero in on sulfur particles and monitor their behavior as the battery was discharged. What we found is that a tiny bit of these polysfulfides went into the electrolyte, says Nelson. This tiny amount produces large capacity loss. Hardly any polysfulfides had left the cathode. Imaging Results The result flew so hard in the face of what the battery establishment assumed that Nelson and her colleagues doubted what they were seeing. When we first got the imaging results, we actually thought they were wrongthey were so opposite of what we expected, says Nelson. We said, OK this is wrong, lets repeat it. Convincing ourselves was one of the hardest things. With the new knowledge in hand, electric car and battery manufacturers (who have indeed been calling Nelsons lab) need only find a way to trap those polysuflites on the cathode. One possibility is a yoke-like sheath that can stretch to allow the sulfur to expand. These mere technical challenges mean the higher capacity lithium sulfur batteryand a farther driving carare soon to hit the streets. Talking to industry, it sounds like at most ten years, unless something better comes along, says Nelson. Pretty much if youve solved this problem, youve solved it. Michael Abrams is an independent writer.When we first got the imaging results, we actually thought they were wrong.Johanna Nelson, researcher, Stanford

Video Past President Terry Shoup on ASME and Globalization

Video Past President Terry Shoup on ASME and Globalization Video Past President Terry Shoup on ASME and Globalization Video Past President Terry Shoup on ASME and GlobalizationPast President Terry E. Shoup (2006-07) was one of many presidents of the post-war era to believe that ASME had to respond actively and skillfully to the increasing globalization of both the engineering profession and of the worlds economy more generally.As Shoup related it in his Oral History interview, ASMEs steps toward international involvement might best be described as a relay, with decisions and initiatives over many years through different ASME presidencies. The result Shoup and his colleagues hoped for? An ASME that recognized and pursued its mission both in the U.S. and globally for the benefit of the engineering profession, the Societys membership, and the wider world. As Shoup says in his oral history, ASME accomplished these goals, and its presidents deserve significant credit for leading the Socie ty in an increasingly interconnected world.Read more about Past President Terry Shoup on ASME and Globalization The copyright of this program is owned by ASME.

6 Dumb Things Interviewers Do

6 Dumb Things Interviewers Do6 Dumb Things Interviewers DoMany interviewers, including hiring managers, recruiters, and HR generalists, seem to forget what it was like when they were job seekers and dealt with the schwimmbadeanstalt behaviors some interviewers put them through. Good interviewers are prepared, on time, and treat every applicant with respect. Bad interviewers dont. So its important to pay attention to bad interviewer behaviors they can reveal a lot about the culture of the organization and its leadership.Heres a list of six really dumb things bad interviewers do, and how you can deal with them.1. Spending most of the time talking.The least skilled interviewers talk the most, but never realize it. Theyre simply nervous and dont know what to ask or how to even conduct an interview, so they just talk, talk, talk about things they do know.What to do Interrupt the interviewer using a technique called clipping. Clipping allows you to interrupt the interview respectfully, and refocus the conversation on the talents you bring to the position. When it becomes clear that the interviewer is doing most of the talking, try one of these phrases to clip or interruptI appreciate I understand I agree with For example, your clipping technique might sound like thisI appreciate all the details youve just given me. Ive had experiences accomplishing similar things for my current company, like when I had to deliver a project under a very tight deadline while juggling several other initiatives. Would you like to know more about that?2. Being silent.Some interviewers use silence as a technique. After you respond to a question, they just sit there looking at you in silence, trying to pressure you into saying more perhaps something you might not otherwise disclose.What to do If the interviewer is staring at you in silence, return their gaze and ask a simple question such asDid I give you enough details? orDoes that answer your question?By turning it around and respectfully questioning the interviewer, you facilitate a conversation and use the power you have to influence the interview.3. Saying Tell me about yourself.When interviewers use this ancient line, its a clear sign theyre unskilled at conducting an effective interview. Skilled interviewers open the interview by introducing themselves and their roles. Then they unterlass so that you can respond to the greeting. Then, they ask you specific questions about different areas of your experience that relate to the requirements of the positions they want to fill.What to do Be prepared to answer, because its an all-too-common tactic. Actually, this is your perfect cue to provide a 30-second overview of your experience that relates to the position, followed by one of the following two questionsWhat part of my background would you like to discuss first? orWhat do you feel are the most important skills someone must bring to this position?Again, youre using your power to direct the interview in a way that benefits your candidacy. 4. Being late and making you wait.I really hate it when interviewers are late. Its just disrespectful. As a job candidate, you have spent hours researching and preparing for the interview. You also commuted to the interviewers office and got there on time. The least they can do is be on time for the meeting that they requested.What to do Suck it up. Simply be gracious and respectful. Treat interviewers the way youd like to be treated and maybe theyll get the message. While youre waiting, use the extra time to your advantage. Review your questions, silence your cell phone, and maybe go to the restroom to check your appearance.5. Allowing interruptions.Interviewers can be pretty rude at times. Taking phone calls, texting, or allowing other types of interruptions is a sure sign that youre not their top priority.What to do An interview gives you an opportunity to evaluate whether or not this is the right environment or boss for you. How youre treated in an inter view is a good indication of what you can expect if youre hired. If the interviewer is interrupted, use the time to assess how the interview is proceeding, and if its off track, how to direct the conversation to highlight your best qualifications for this position. Youre representing yourself and must stay focused and professional even when others are not.6. Engaging in off-topic questioning. Some interviewers try to impress and weaken the applicant by asking questions theyre sure the applicant cannot answer. (Ive seen this especially in interviews for technical occupations such as engineering, science, mathematics, and information technology. Maybe its a left-brain thing.What to do Ask the interviewer how the question relates to the position. For example, you might say the followingIm very interested in providing the information you need to assess my talents. Can you tell me how this question relates to assessing individuals for this position?In the end, dumb interviewer behavior is not about you. It simply makes the interviewer look like an idiot. Your job is to remain focused and professional in order to best represent yourself. And if you get a job offer after a bad interview, think about it carefully. Bad interviews can lead to bad jobs.