How to Answer the Interview Question What Makes You Unique

How to Answer the Interview Question What Makes You UniqueMore and mora people are getting the question, What makes you unique? in an vorstellungsgesprch setting. It can throw even the most prepared job seekers off their guard. What does the hiring manager want to know, exactly? About your personality? About your skills profile? googletag.cmd.push(function() googletag.display(div-gpt-ad-1467144145037-0) ) A general rule of thumb would be this an interviewer is trying to see what you choose to emphasize in your answer, and also how well you think creatively on the spot with a question you may not have prepared. But you can prepare Download this list of 10 toughest interview questions and prepare your answer before heading into your next interview.Stick to Work Stories, Not Personal StoriesThe answer is not to talk about your leisure activities, no matter how interesting, but to script yourself an answer that is both true and tailor-made to the job youre interviewing for. Figure out, based on the company and job description, what that company seems to prioritize, how you are particularly suited to deliver, and why you are valuable in this respect.Then, draw on any of several possible pieces of your own experience to make your answer your background, your past experience, your specific skillshard or soft, your personality, your in-depth knowledge of the brand or industry, your involvement in issues beyond the office, and, yes, even a few things about you personally that can be peppered in for extra emphasis.Prep Beforehand With Talking PointsIf youre stuck, make a list of personality traits or skills that show you best and most accurately. Of that list, pick the things that seem to link up best with the particular focus of the job description. Then start scripting.Choose specifics. Instead of saying, Im a fast learner or I am reliable, find a way to cram more convincing detail into your answer. As in I really hit the ground running and can handle almost anything thats thrown at me and get up to speed fast. Beef it up. Really sell yourself. The more specific the better.Why are You and You Alone Perfect for the Job?Remember, the trick is to make yourself memorable. Stand out from all the other answers from other interviewees. Find something tangible that you can deliver, thats exactly what theyre asking for on paperthen broaden it out with a few personal flourishes that make you the unique candidate. When in doubt, focus less on the uniqueness aspect of this question, and more on the particularor unique value you will bring to this and other jobs.

How To Avoid Distractions When Working From Home

How To Avoid Distractions When Working From Home Im notlage going to lie working from home is awesome. Its great because, for the most part, you have the freedom and flexibility to work the way that works best for you. So if that means working from your couch in your pajamas, then you get to do that.However, with all that freedom comes lots of distractions trying to pull you away from your work. With your television right there, a fridge full of snacks a couple steps away, and no manager looking over your shoulder to ensure youre actually doing your work, its easy to step away from what you should be doing. If you find yourself struggling with the constant distractions while working from home, try some of these tips and see if they help improve your concentration and productivity. 1. Establish Your Office Area.Whether its an official office, your kitchen table, or your cloplatzdeckchen, you should have a designated office area. Your office area should include everything you would ne ed to seamlessly go about your work day as you would in a more traditional office. Wherever you set up camp, it should be far away from a TV, or else you may be tempted to switch it on and watch those daytime soap operas you secretly love. And it should also not include your bed or a comfy couch, for fear of getting a little too comfortable and taking a midday snooze.Dont be afraid to rotate your office space as well. You have the freedom to work from anywhere you should take advantage of that. So, you can work from a local coffee shop on Monday, work from home on Tuesday, work from a co-working space on Wednesday, and work from the beach on Thursday. As long as there is a space that inspires your work and encourages your productivity, consider that a great office space.At the end of the day, your office area should be a space you feel comfortable in, has a lot of natural light, and works best for the way in which you work.2. Limit Your Technology if You CanObviously you may need t echnology to go about your business, but it can also be a major distraction to your work. Between text messages popping up on your cell phone, notifications from your Facebook profile, and cute cat videos to watch on YouTube, staying focused is rough. Which is why you should try to eliminate as much of that as possible when you are trying to meet tight deadlines and grind out some major work. One way to go about that is turning your phone on Do Not Disturb mode or by downloading applications for your computer, like SelfControl or Cold Turkey, which allow you to block distracting websites or even your inbox for a set amount of time.3. Create Set Working HoursNow I know what youre thinking one of the many perks of working from home is that you have leeway when it comes to when you want to work. However, that doesnt necessarily mean that you shouldnt create set working hours and a routine for yourself. Just create a schedule and routine that works best for you so you can get everything done. For example, wake up at 8 a.m. everyday, workout, answer emails, eat lunch, get the bulk of your work done, take care of personal/family matters, and then catch up on industry articles before bed. If youre like me, you may produce your best creative work at night, and thats totally fine. As long as you have a time and place for each task, youre good. Having a routine will constantly keep you focused on work and your next task instead of getting bored and picking up all those other distractions throughout the day.4. Stick to Your To-Do ListSimilar to having your routine established, you should also have a to-do list of work and personal goals you need to accomplish that day or week. And the kicker here is actually sticking to what you add on that list. Commit to it. There will be plenty of times when a friend calls you inviting you to grab drinks with them for happy hour, or theres an errand you feel like running midday that isnt completely necessary. These are the worst kind of distractions because they are spontaneous and sound like a lot of fun. They will pull you away from your work for an extended period of time. And if this constantly happens, then youll never get any work done. So if its not on your to-do list and isnt an emergency get back to work. What are some innovative ways you are avoiding distractions when you work from home? Share with us in the comments section below--Lisa Crocco is a freelance writer who can be found wandering the aisles of local bookstores or the streets of different cities. Fairygodboss is committed to improving the workplace and lives of women.Join us by reviewing your employer

This Female Founder Talks Overcoming Obstacles

This Female Founder Talks Overcoming Obstacles At PowerToFlys recent event with Checkr in San Francisco, we sat down with attendee Stephanie Glover, Founder of MeaMode for a brief chat about her experiences with PowerToFly and how she tackles stereotypes and overcomes obstacles. PowerToFly is thankful for Checkr for providing a forum for conversations like this one. Find out more about Checkr including how they are transforming hiring (and what roles Checkr is hiring for) HERE. One of the biggest challenges in almost all industries today is achieving gender parity. Gender diversity provides huge benefits in the workplace. pWhile some industries have made significant advancements in gender diversity, some industries lag further behind... and the construction industry is well-known for being in the latter category. If someone says, construction workers, youll likely picture a group of men in yellow hard hats analyzing an architects plans or laying bricks on top of a scaffold. And men at work signs only help to reinforce this image.pThis stereotype is rooted in reality. When was the last time you actually spotted a woman on a construction site? Or hired a female plumber or carpenter? Your answer is most likely never. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statisticsreports that only 3.4% of the total of 8.3 million construction employees are women.pBut the construction industry has a lot more to offer than steel-toed boots and hard hats, and it needs women to help advance the industry in this era of rapid change. Here are 5 reasons why women joining the workforce or looking to make a pivot should consider a career in construction.h21. Fuel Innovation/h2pNot only is diversity the socially and morally right thing to do, but it is also actually an excellent business strategy. pResearch presented in the Harvard Business Reviewshows that diverse teams develop more innovative ideas. This is further supp orted by a study conducted by Gallupon the performance of gender-diverse teams versus single-gender teams, which found that the difference in backgrounds and perspectives led to better business performance and problem-solving. h22. Capitalize on Demand/h2pThe construction industry is currently experiencing a labor shortage. The industry itself is booming and projected to be one of the fastest-growing industries, with total spending projected to exceed $1.45 trillion in 2023/a. However, most construction companies are unable to meet the rising demand. pAccording to the Associated General Contractors of America/a, more than 80% of contractors are experiencing difficulties filling hourly craft positions that represent the bulk of the construction workforce.pAnd demand isnt limited to individual contributor roles. Given the industry boom, there are a number of open stable and high-paying roles (any project managers out there?) waiting for the right candidateh23. Leadership Opportunities /h2pAccording to the Bureau of Labor Statistics/a, women compose only 7.7% of the total 1 million managerial positions in construction.br/pBut given the highly collaborative nature of construction work, more women in leadership roles would help drive innovation and enhance productivity.Furthermore, as a woman in construction in a leadership position, youd have the unique opportunity to drive change for the industry and make it a more attractive option for other women.h24. High-Income Potential/h2pSalaries for many skilled positions in construction are on the rise, making a construction career a prime choice for women looking for a high-paying job,pThe 2018 Construction Craft Salary Surveyconducted by the National Center for Construction Education and Research revealed that salaries for many skilled craft areas are increasing. Project managers and project supervisors topped the list at $92,523 and $88,355, respectively. The next platzset of highest-paying jobs include those of combo welders ($71,067), instrumentation technicians ($70,080), pipe welders ($69,222), power line workers ($68,262) and industrial electricians ($67,269). Of the 32 categories of workers in the survey, 19 positions earned an average salary of $60,000 or higher.h25. Sense of accomplishment/h2p The construction industry can give employees a unique sense of achievement. Yes, the job is stressful and the work can be demanding, but nothing beats the feeling of being able to build something from the ground up. pHow many professionals in other industries can point at a school, a hospital, or a skyscraper and say I helped build that?pThe construction industry has a long way to go in combating gender bias and supporting women in the workforce, but given the current demand for workers, theres no better time to pick up a sledgehammer (figurative or literal) and smash the gender stereotypes plaguing the construction industry.

6 Work From Home Nursing Jobs

6 Work From Home Nursing Jobs6 Work From Home Nursing Jobs01Learn How You Can Work From Home as a NurseImage Source/Getty ImagesIT jobs, in general, can often be work at home, but both the specific field of health IT and general information technology usually require time working in an office environment and a high level of skill before transitioning to work at home. Nurses may move into this work by learning on the job and eventually make the move to telecommuting full or, more likely, part-time.

Legal Billing or Billable Hours Guidelines

Legal Billing or Billable Hours GuidelinesLegal Billing or Billable Hours GuidelinesTracking and billing time to clients is an important and inevitable part of working in a law firm. Partners, associates, paralegals, litigation support staff and other timekeepers bill their time in six, ten, or fifteen-minute increments, depending on firm policy and client directives. If you fail to bill your time, the firm cannot invoice the client, and the firm does not get paid. Thus, timekeeping is a function vital to law firm success. As legal fees increase, clients have become mora cost-conscious and tech-savvy. Consequently, clients are examining legal bills more closely and employing a variety of database applications to electronically sort and analyze billing data. A growing trend toward e-billing (electronic invoices) has subjected legal invoices to increased scrutiny, negotiation, and dispute. Whether you are new to billing time or a veteran time-keeper, the tips below can help you create prompt, accurate and precise time entries. Craft Detailed Billing Descriptions Detailed task descriptions are a fundamental component of a well-drafted invoice. It is important that the description of your efforts contain sufficient detail to allow the reviewer to gauge the nature and merit of the task. Striking the right balance between brevity and detail can be tricky. A task description that is too long and wordy increases ambiguity and dilutes comprehension. A description that is too brief makes it difficult to assess the appropriateness of the task performed and the time expended. For example, perfunctory phrases like file review trial prep and document review do little to tell the story of what you did and why you engaged in a particular task. Instead of document review, a better description is Review of plaintiffs second set of interrogatories. Avoid Block Billing Block billing is the practice of listing a group of tasks in a block summary under a single time entry. F or example Draft interrogatory requests telephone conference with Dr. Brown re expert report summarize deposition of Mr. Smith review and revise correspondence to opposing counsel. 7.3 hours. Clients recognize block billing as a strategy to disguise inefficiency. Moreover, many courts do not permit block billing because it hinders effective reimbursement of attorney fees following a judgment. A more effective way of billing is to separately itemize each independent activity and its corresponding time. Record Time Promptly Recording your time immediately after you complete a task is the best way to ensure accuracy. Attempting to reconstruct a days (or weeks or months) activities after-the-fact is difficult and encourages time padding (inflating actual time spent on a task to fill in gaps of unaccounted-for time). You may find it impractical to enter each task into your timekeeping software the moment you complete it. Therefore, its wise to develop a ordnungsprinzip for recording time that encourages prompt timekeeping. Some timekeepers dictate each task immediately after theyve performed it and have it transcribed at the end of the day. Others find it easier to keep a time notebook, recording each task by hand and then entering it (or having a secretary enter it) at the end of the day, week or billing period. Remember Your Audience Like any document you prepare for anothers review, it is important to keep your audience in mind when recording time entries. You may know the individual reviewing your bills - perhaps the in-house counsel assigned to the file. Understand, however, that the review may not end there. In many cases, an invoice is processed by a number of individuals at various levels inside and outside the company including legal professionals, accountants with the client corporation and third-party auditors. In recording your time, it is best to avoid abbreviations, slang, and complex jargon. Use concise legal terminology but bear in mind th at your timesheets may be reviewed by individuals who are not trained in the law. Familiarize Yourself With Client Billing Policies Every client has its own billing policies and procedures. ansicht policies are often contained in the clients retention or engagement letter. These billing policies may set forth staffing limitations, budgetary guidelines, disbursement policies, and specific timekeeping guidelines. By becoming cognizant of the ground rules at the outset, you can more responsibly account for your time and meet client expectations. Corporate clients are making increased use of task-based billing. Task-based billing tracks a firms billing by litigation task. Each substantive activity is assigned a computer code that is pre-selected by the client. The coded invoice is then electronically sorted and analyzed, allowing an in-depth analysis of an invoice. Part of familiarizing yourself with client billing policies is learning and properly applying the myriad of specialized task-based billing codes unique to each client.

How to Ace the 7-second Resume Test

How to Ace the 7-second Resume TestHow to Ace the 7-second Resume TestThis post was originally posted on YouTern.We get asked all the time How do I get a recruiter to actually care about my resume? The answer is simple you have to pass the 7-Second Resume Test.Depending on who you listen to, it is widely believed that an applicant has between 6 and 10 seconds to impress the resume reader the recruiter.Here, then, is my version of the 7-second test and exactly what I look for, step-by-step, when I glance at a resume and determine pass or fail.Second 1 ConfidenceHow do you show confidence in a one-dimensional document? SimpleStart with your personenname in the header bold and pronounced. Then clearly show me your contact information, separated by lots of white space so I dont have to squint to find your email address. Next, show me a bulleted summary of your skills and not just a bunch of buzzwords I want a clear indication that you understand your strengths and how those may apply to my company.Fail to impress me with a clear display of confidence and your resume wont last one second.Second 2 Social Media LinksLike many decision makers, I live in a digital world so I want to see links to your career-relevant social media profiles.Typically, LinkedIn and Twitter are enough to show a professional presence. If you would also like to send me to an About.me or similar, thats fine. Facebook and other personal sites, however, are of no interest to me and its always a red flag of sorts to see those links on a resume.Why do I care about your social media presence in second two of my resume review? binnensee step one above by showing me where you live online, you reveal another level of confidence.Second 3 White SpaceI cant emphasize this enough white space counts, a lot.If your resume is packed into a document at 0.4 margins and 9 point fonts with no space between sections and paragraphs this shows me youre trying WAY too hard. Just like the person who cant let a single moment go by during a conversation without filling it with inane banter, your resume is screaming Im nervous please like meDont kill your resume in 3 seconds let the recruiters eyes bounce from section to section freely, and comfortably.Second 4 Too Much TextSimilar to the white space issue the use of way too many words is a resume killer.Long paragraphs and run-on sentences are another sign of anxiety, maybe desperation. You should be able to articulate your accomplishments in one line. Period.Do you really think a recruiter wants to read or has time to read a 1,200 word resume? They wont and in just the fourth second, that resume youve worked on for hours is in the recycle bin.Second 5 NumbersWhen I look at a resume, I dont care WHAT you did I care about your work ethic and whether or not you were good at your job. More specifically, I care whether youll be that good, or better, at my company. I care about performance.That means your resume must contain quantified stat ements like exceeded quota by 132%, Met deadlines in 97% of assigned projects and managed highly successful event for 500 donors. Even a more generic consistently in the Top 5% of my kollektiv is better than nothing and shows you understand how your performance is being measured.No quantified statements on your resume? Your resume didnt make it five seconds, and Im now looking for another candidate who gets it.Second 6 AchievementI have a theory about inferred contributionSimply put, this theory says that if you won awards, competed on a high level and were a high-impact contributor at your last position you will do the same at my company. Some of this can be articulated through the quantified statements above, of course. However, as I scan your resume I look for other signs that youre a high-achiever perhaps monthly or annual awards, acknowledgement by an industry expert or academic institution, being named to a Top list in blogging, digital or social media, or similar.Show me y ou are proud of your relevant accomplishments and in second six, you are well on your way to impressing me.Second 7 LeadershipAh, the final test is it clear that you embrace leadership in a team-focused work environment?This is the last hurdle. Have you been a leader? Do you embrace the idea of being a forerunner? Are you willing to stick your neck way outside your comfort zone to make a team better? Or are you the type that just does what youre told in the background?If I can tell you are the type that leads, regardless of the title on your geschftsleben card you have passed my seven second test and are on your way to a phone interview, and perhaps a jobApply this seven second test to your resume. Then ask yourself will you pass, or fail?CEO and Founder of YouTern, Mark Babbitt is a serial mentor who has been quoted in the Wall Street Journal, Mashable and Forbes regarding job search, career development, internships and higher educations role in preparing emerging talent for the workforce. A keynote speaker and blogger, Marks contributions include Huffington Post, Bloomberg News, Switch and Shift, and Under30CEO.

Chaplain Navy Commissioned Officer Job Overview

Chaplain Navy Commissioned Officer Job OverviewChaplain Navy Commissioned Officer Job OverviewThe Navy Chaplaincy is an exciting opportunity to bring spiritual values and guidance to the men and women of the sea services. If you are looking for unparalleled opportunities to serve God and country while ministering to people in diverse and dynamic settings, the Chaplain Corps offers you a future filled with possibilities. Chaplain Corps officers are religious professionals in spiritual care. They work in collaboration with all Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard commands throughout the world to deliver religious ministry to active duty personnel and their families. The areas of responsibility include - Navy ships at sea, homeported in the continental United States and overseas.- Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard units and chapels at home and around the world.- Navy hospitals near military bases.- tafelgeschirr academies and military training schools. Specific job elements for afirst tour. Navy Chaplains conduct religious services, provide pastoral counseling, give spiritual leadership, supply religious education, facilitate the free exercise of religion for all faith groups, serve men and women of many religious backgrounds and work in a truly interfaith setting. Wherever assigned, youll be a member of a highly professional, committed team. The Navy welcomes applicants who meet specific eligibility and educational requirements and who wish to begin the highly competitive process that leads to a commission in the Navy Chaplain Corps. Programs Chaplain Candidate Program Officer - This program is designed to expose seminary students to the diverse and demanding ministry of Navy chaplains serving sea service personnel in a variety of settings. Chaplain candidates wear the uniform and receive pay and benefits only while on annual training. Active Duty - This program leads to a direct commission as a Naval Reserve officer on three years of active service. Chaplai ns on active duty may apply for an indefinite extension and a regular commission after selection and promotion to Lieutenant Commander. Reserve Duty - This program leads to a commission as an officer in the Naval Reserve and a commitment of two days each month for drills and two weeks of annual training. While remaining in their civilian careers, Naval Reserve chaplains also have the opportunity to serve their country and accumulate points toward retirement. Naval Reserve chaplains also may apply for temporary or full-time active duty assignments. Overview Age At least 21 and not older than 38 at the time of graduation from seminary. Applicants must be able to graduate by age 38, i.e., less than 39 upon graduation. For example, an applicant who is just beginning their graduate education program generally must be 36 years old or younger applicants already in their second year of graduate studies generally must be 37 or younger and applicants in their final year generally must be able to graduate by age 38 ( i.e. less than/before age 39).It allows applicants to meet the additional 2 years of required ministry experience before their 40th birthday. Contact your Region Chaplain Field Recruiter, or the Program Manager (N342), for clarification as necessary. Education 120 semester hours for an undergraduate degree, plus enrolled full-time in an accredited graduate program. Training - Chaplain School (approximately 45 days). Vision/Med N/A Professional - Approval by the applicants Ecclesiastical Endorser required.- Peer recommendations required, including approval of graduate program. Service Obligation Total 8 yrs USNR Ready Reserve.- Not subject to recall or mobilization while in a 1945 status.- No annual or weekend drill obligations.- Annual on-the-job-training (OJT) periods, with pay, strongly encouraged Special Info - ENS while in theological school promoted to LTJG upon graduation. (Do accrue longevity for pay purposes while in program 20% increase in bas e pay over Chaplain DA) - Chaplain interview required (O-4 or above recommended DC interviews NOT required). Non-paid program. May apply for training at Chaplain School, held in June, September or January, after commissioning. Students are paid while in Chaplain School/OJT status only. Additional training may be available, e.g., an additional period of up to 26 days of on-the-job-training. Limits per FY may apply. Exceptions considered upon request.