Apache Pass – Arizona – USA (by Alan English CPA)
Interviewing for jobs is a stressful but unavoidable part of most people’s lives. Whether you are looking for your first job or looking to move up the corporate ladder, it is important that you nail the interview so that you can land that coveted job.
When you ask someone for tips on how to make an impression during an interview, everyone will give you a different answer. They are all helpful, but we wanted to make a short and sweet list of the best hacks to focus on.
If you can get these right, you are sure to land the job!
Companies are more and more interested in making sure that you know the company you are joining. You don’t need to know everything about them, but you should know how long they have been in business, any key clients, and maybe even some of the directors. This will show them that you are geniunely interested and invested and are willing to do the extra few minutes of work to make a great impression.
It is also a great idea to do a little research on the company’s current projects and events. If you can walk in the door and tell them that you would be a great help with their current project because you have certain experience, they will eat it up.
Your resume is all that your interviewers know about you when you walk through the door. It is a safe bet that they are going to probe and question a good portion of what you have written in your resume. Make sure that you really know what you are talking about if you claim that you are an expert.
The company interviewing you is looking to make sure that you can speak intelligently on the topics you claim to know. Don’t take offense to that. They are just ensuring that you can come in and do the job that you applied for.
See Also: 16 Worst Resume Mistakes
Study the job description before you arrive so that you fully understand what they are looking for. Being armed with this knowledge is a huge benefit because you can tailor your answers to show that you are exactly what they are looking for. If they are looking for someone who can lead a team, make sure that you talk about leadership skills and examples of times when you led others to accomplish a goal in the past.
Remember that you are going somewhere you probably haven’t been before, so leave yourself time to get lost. You never know when you are going to make a wrong turn or find a closed road. You aren’t going to show up for a flight to the Bahamas right on time, so don’t do it during an interview. If you feel that you are way too early, you can always wait in the car!
I’m sure that everyone knows this by now, but first impressions are everything in an interview. Make sure that you start off with a firm handshake, eye contact, and a smile. A first impression starts the interview off on a good foundation that you can build on.
Make sure that you be yourself throughout the interview. Don’t try and be someone else just to get the job because it will just bite you in the behind later. If you are not right for the position and team, you want to know that from the start. You don’t want to discover that four months into the position!
See Also: Interview Tips: What Not To Say During Your Next Job Interview
The post 6 Interview Hacks That Are Sure To Land You The Job appeared first on Dumb Little Man.
Have you ever found yourself in front of your computer just staring at your screen? Worse, your calendar is showing a looming deadline. It could be for a project or proposal at school, or it may be for a business brief or marketing plan at work. Whatever the situation is, you need to write, and you have to do it fast. There’s only one problem: your mind decides to go blank right when you need it the most.
How do you write with the speed of light without sacrificing the level of quality you produce? Here are few tricks and tools that will help you do that.
The key to writing fast is getting your mind to work faster. You cannot force yourself to write the content ASAP, but you can inspire yourself to do so. There’s a huge difference between pressure and inspiration, and you’ll understand it as soon as you start working on your self-confidence.
Here are few tips to help you with that:
What do you need to finish this writing project?
Take everything you need and organize your desk. Then, start the research process. You need enough facts and data from relevant sources to support your arguments. That’s the only way towards a believable piece of content.
The research process may take a significant portion of your time, but it’s worth it. Once you have the information you need, you’ll go through the writing stages with ease.
See Also: How to Organize Your Writing Workplace for Better Productivity
When you try too hard to write perfect content, you block your ideas because you pay too much attention to every single sentence. Just let go! Set your ideas free. Try to connect them in a logical content flow and write away.
Remember all those grammar rules your English teachers taught you? You are already a natural so you don’t need to think about them as you write.
“Do I use passive in this sentence? Wait, I read an article that said passive was not okay. But it really works in this case. What do I do?” That’s the perfect recipe for getting stuck.
Many great writers will tell you they did their best work under pressuring deadlines. Why? – Because they didn’t think too much about polishing out the sentences.
Take some time to brainstorm and write as your ideas flow in your head. You’ll edit once you finish the first draft. That’s when you’re supposed to think about fixing the grammar and style.
How fast can you write? You can speed up the process, but you cannot go too far beyond your limits. You can’t write an entire Ph.D. dissertation in a day… that’s an unrealistic goal. Ask yourself these questions:
When you have the answers, make a plan. Organize your time in a way that helps you write as much content as possible within the limited time you have. When you have the progressive steps marked in your calendar, the goal will seem achievable, and you’ll relieve yourself from a huge load of stress.
It doesn’t matter how close the deadline is; writing an outline is never a waste of time. Once you have a general idea about the project you’re supposed to submit, give it shape. Plan every single thing you’re going to write in the introduction, body, and conclusion of the content.
The outline will speed up the writing process because you’ll already be aware of the logical flow you want to achieve.
When you have a deadline to meet, something inside is telling you to organize all your clothes by color, clean the entire kitchen, or polish the silver. Any task seems urgent, but don’t fall victim to the tricks your mind plays on you.
If you really want to write that content by the due date, you need to glue yourself to your seat and work on it. Leave your phone in another room. Block all distracting websites. Tell everyone you need to stay alone and focus on the task you have to complete.
You can give yourself short breaks after each milestone you achieve. For example, you can take a coffee or a healthy snack after two hours of devoted work.
See Also: 4 Habits That Will Improve Your Focus And Destroy Procrastination
When you think about the tools you need to write that piece ASAP, it may occur to you that you only need a computer and a notebook. Well, that’s not the case. There are great online tools that can help you work faster.
You didn’t expect this one, did you? Although Pinterest looks like nothing more than a mainstream tool for trendsetters, it’s perfect for collecting online sources. Create a private board and collect all important online publications there. Then, you’ll easily access them and you’ll always know where your ideas came from.
These browser extensions (for Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox respectively) will prevent you from wasting time on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and other distracting websites. Adjust the settings and make sure to block all social media sites and forums that usually tempt you.
3. Quora
Do you have any dilemmas about the issue you elaborate? Post a specific question on Quora. You’ll get answers by knowledgeable people, who will give you fresh ideas related to your topic.
This is the ultimate organization tool for writing projects. When you plan all steps that drive you towards successful completion, the goal will seem achievable and you’ll start writing with greater self-confidence. Make sure to plan the stages of completion in your calendar and follow them as precisely as possible.
Are you ready to tackle the next writing challenge? Take a deep breath and start working on it!
The post How To Avoid A Content Crisis When Your Deadline Is Looming appeared first on Dumb Little Man.
I’m excited to announce my first retreat: the Zen Habits Mindfulness Retreat in San Francisco!
The urban retreat will be held over a weekend, on April 21-23, 2017. It’s aimed at teaching you key mindfulness skills that can help you transform your life.
There are limited spots (at 3 different levels), so I would get your spot soon if you’d like to attend.
It’s a 2.5-day retreat that focuses on:
Through these practices, we’ll help you develop tools that can lead to the changes you’ve been hoping for.
We will learn different types of meditations and practice exercises that help us work with our struggles.
We will also explore San Francisco a bit:
I’m so excited to have you join me in one of my favorite cities in the world, working on things that have changed my life completely and that I hope will change yours as well.
The basic retreat described above doesn’t include accommodations (you’ll have to book your own AirBnb or hotel) or transportation to San Francisco (book your own flights).
But it does include vegan meals, activities described above, and the talks and group exercises with Leo.
Basic option: The basic retreat comes at a price of $2,995:
But I’m also including two other options:
I’ll be renting a couple AirBnb apartments with about separate beds available (each in their own room), so if you’d like to stay in an apartment with other retreat participants, you can book at the “With a Bed” rate … you’ll get a bed in your own bedroom (unless you choose to share a Queen bed with a friend or your spouse/partner).
The “With a Bed” spots come at a price of $3,395:
Mindfulness Retreat (With a Bed)
Finally, I’ve created a few bonuses if you’d like to purchase the “premium” package …
This package includes:
There are 5 premium spots available, at a price of $4,395.
I am really excited about this retreat and I hope you’ll join me!
You might have some questions … here are a few answers:
Q: Who is this retreat for?
A: It’s for someone who is willing to take a weekend to change their life. Someone who has been struggling and is open to practicing mindfulness and changing mental patterns. Someone who is ready to let go of old patterns and embrace new ones. Someone who is willing to put in the work for better habits and a transformed life.
Q: Are airfare or accommodations included?
A: Airfare is not included, you’ll need to book tickets on your own. Accommodations for the two nights are only included if you choose either the “With a Bed” or “Premium” options, where you’ll be staying in an AirBnb apartment with other participants. If you choose the “Basic” option, you’ll need to find your own hotel or AirBnb apartment in San Francisco, and this is not included in the price.
Q: What if I don’t like vegan food?
A: I’d suggest bringing an open and flexible mind to the retreat, and the food we’ll be eating is pretty delicious, and it’s included in the cost … however, you are free to go off and explore on your own, and buy your own food. In that case, you’ll be missing out on group meals, unfortunately.
Q: Can I book two retreat spots with a shared bed with my partner or friend?
A: Sure! In this case, book one spot at the “With a Bed” or “Premium” level (to get a bed) and then a second spot at the Basic level. Then email us to let us know you want to share a Queen-sized bed with your partner or friend.
Q: What is your refund policy?
A: No refunds after March 1, 2017. If you buy a spot, you’re preventing others from buying them, as spots are limited. So if you don’t ask for a refund by March 1, you’ll lose your fee if you can’t make it. If you ask for a refund before March 1, we’ll refund 80% of your fee.
Q: I can’t pay right now, can I pay later?
A: No, the spots will only be reserved by those who pay. If you want to wait until you can pay, it will mean there might not be any spots left.
Q: I just bought a spot, now what?
A: There is a PDF download that came with your purchase, please download and read that for more info. We’ll also be sending you a few emails over the next month, please read these and reply with your info!
Q: What do I need for this retreat?
A: A notebook and pen for notes, layered clothing for San Francisco’s fluctuating weather, and an open and flexible mind. A willingness to change and practice. An open heart. Toiletries.
Have you always dreamed of owning a home that’s quite on the minimalist side, but doesn’t quite cross the line into the world of industrial decor? That’s a gorgeous aesthetic, but it’s also quite particular because there’s a fine line between the two when it comes to furnishing, fabrics, materials, and accessories. Adding a few pieces in more traditional textiles but including modern shapes or choosing one nearly-industrial feature and..
The post 05 AM Arquitectura Completes an Interior Renovation of a House in Platja d’Aro, Spain appeared first on HomeDSGN.
For more than 700 years, the Ancestral Pueblo people called what is now Mesa Verde National Park home. Their dwellings – elaborate stone communities – blend into the sheltered alcoves of Colorado’s canyon walls. Today, visitors can explore these spectacular cliff dwellings with ranger-guided tours from late spring to early fall. Photo courtesy of Chris Wheeler.
As you might know, I love quotes. They are concise but contain a lot of wisdom. Recently I found a great quote by Abraham Lincoln that contains a powerful life principle. Here is the quote:
I will prepare and someday my chance will come.
In my opinion, this quote is interesting. Why? Because you prepare first and then your chance will come. It might sound counterintuitive, but I believe that this is an important principle for living a successful life.
Here are some lessons I learned from the quote:
1. Always prepare yourself for the future.
You never know what will happen. That’s why it’s important that you always prepare yourself for the future. Keep building your knowledge. Keep building your network. Don’t just stay where you are, assuming that everything will stay the same. Instead, prepare yourself as if something will happen. Why? Because something will happen.
If you get complacent, the future might catch you off guard. That’s something you don’t want to happen to you.
2. Build it before you need it.
Many people only start building something when they need it, but by then it’s too late. You need to start building it long before you need it. This applies to every area of your life: personal finance, skills, relationships, spirituality, etc.
3. Have faith that your chance will come.
It may be difficult to make preparation because you might not know what it is for. For this, you need to have faith that your chance will come. You might not know how it looks like, but believe that something will come.
Steve Jobs put it well: “You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future.”
4. Believe that the best is still ahead of you.
You won’t prepare yourself if you don’t think that there is more to life than what you now have. That’s why you need to believe that the best is still ahead of you.
That’s the attitude that Ray Kroc – the man who built MacDonald’s – had. He was in his 50s and already had a good business selling milkshake machine, but he believed that the best was still ahead of him. That belief made him open his eyes to new opportunities.
5. Recognize your chance when it comes.
The opportunity came to him when he heard good things about a hamburger restaurant far away. Intrigued, he decided to fly there to check it out himself. He was so impressed by what he saw that he decided to negotiate expanding the restaurant. Long story short, it eventually becomes the McDonald’s that we know today.
He could have missed his chance if he was too busy running his existing business. If that happened, we wouldn’t have the McDonald’s as we know it today. Fortunately, he recognized the opportunity when it came.
6. Make the most of the opportunity.
After you recognize the opportunity, make sure that you make the most of it. Again, that’s what Ray Kroc did. He jumped into it with both feet. He innovated, expanded, and invested. Thanks to his preparation, he had the fund, the connections, and the knowledge to make it happen. His preparation enabled him to make the most of the opportunity.
***
As you can see, the Lincoln’s quote above is simple but contains a powerful life principle. Applying it can take your life to the next level.
It all starts with your preparation, though. Have you been preparing yourself for a future opportunity?
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Your job interview is over and you are confidently getting ready for your first day at work. But now it’s time to make sure you can make a good impression on everyone – your management, co-workers, and other team members you are going to work with.
Why does it even matter, you might ask. Because every company expects to hire not just good professionals, but also good team players who will gladly acquire new skills, show enthusiasm and willingness to collaborate.
A good first impression is not just about being good in someone’s eyes. It will help you achieve the following:
– Undeniably successful trial period
– Friendly and easy-going relationship with other team members
– Easier conflict management in a team
– Faster promotion to higher positions and salary rise
– More trust from the management
– Better reputation at your workplace
– Higher job satisfaction
Now let’s see what you can do to make it happen.
Your clothes can tell a lot about you. No matter what job you have, too informal clothes might create an unfavorable impression about you. If you are going to deal with clients, you’d better wear some formal clothes. If not, it’s enough to find a good combination of formal and casual styles.
Try to remember what others were wearing when you came for a job interview. It will reduce your confusion a bit. Make sure that your makeup, accessories, and clothes reflect the image of a professional career person.
Every employer expects to find candidates with the appetite for new skills and expertise. Don’t ever say that it’s not your job to do something.
Don’t leave the workplace as soon as your workday ends. Stay for a few minutes or even for an hour longer to show you are really interested in your new job.
Ask questions whenever you are unsure about something. Keeping yourself from asking questions may lead to misunderstandings later on and you might end up re-doing some of your work.
If your managers assign more materials for you to read in order for you to get to know your job and the company better, welcome this opportunity instead of complaining. You can even ask for more advice on honing your skills, or finding really useful literature and resources. Employers take note when they see employees making an effort.
Emergencies and deadlines are usual things. You might face them on the very first day at work. If you do, remember that it is not anyone else who has to deal with them. Show your willingness to help, especially if you have the necessary skills.
If you are asked to stay at work for a bit longer, don’t show your unwillingness and dissatisfaction. Your company’s success is your success and your company’s failure is your failure. You need to show that you care not just about job responsibilities, but also about the company as a whole.
If there is an opportunity, introduce your creative ideas into everything you are involved in, be it a project or upcoming entertainment event. As a new employee, there will be situations where you do not have the big picture yet but many employers will appreciate hearing fresh ideas and new takes.
Avoid Gossiping
You might notice that some of your coworkers spend a lot of time gossiping, browsing the web or simply chatting non-stop. It doesn’t mean it’s appropriate in this company and you should do the same. Just do your job as you have to. If this chatting distracts you, just put on headphones and concentrate on your work.
While some gossipers might consider you a nerd, your managers will appreciate your focus on your job. As you are a fresher, your progress will be strictly monitored. You might even be asked at the end of the day to show what you’ve done. Every minute of gossiping and chatting will make your results look poorer.
See Also: 3 Amazing Strategies To Increase Productivity
That’s not to say you really have to be an antisocial nerd. Build a friendly relationship with other team members during lunchtime or short tea breaks. Engage them on “safe” and positive topics like leisure activities within the company, their job responsibilities, and the most interesting projects. Avoid speaking badly about your former job. Be friendly and optimistic.
Being late is a bad habit that says a lot about you. Make sure you get to your workplace on time, especially if the schedule is not flexible. Take traffic and other factors into account to make sure you are there when the workday starts. Otherwise, it might say a lot about your inability to meet deadlines or respect company rules.
Time is also important when you are given certain tasks during the day. Do your best to do all them in time. If you are falling behind on a task, inform your manager and ask for more time. Similarly, if you finish ahead of time, inform your manager that you are already finished and ready to move on to the next task. It will say a lot about how responsible you are and that you don’t feel comfortable wasting your time at work.
See Also: 5 Essential Time Management Tips to Live By
Often, people’s first impressions depend largely on personality types. However, the rest is still in your hands. You already succeeded when your resume passed a stringent screening process and when you aced your job interview. The first days of work, however, is the time to prove that your employers made the right choice when they hired you. Just remember how easier it will be for you to build your career, deal with coworkers, and simply enjoy your new job if you make a positive impression.
The post First Day at Work? How to Make a Good Impression appeared first on Dumb Little Man.
This cabin, located in the Boulder Mountains in Colorado, USA, has a total area of 2,760 ft2 and was constructed by Renée del Gaudio in 2013. One look at the spectacular vistas, which include a 360º view of the mountains, and we’re left without any doubts that this is a more than beautiful location. Constructed on the very top of a hill, it includes two separate levels. On the first..
The post Renée del Gaudio Designs a Sunshine Canyon House in the Boulder Mountains of Colorado appeared first on HomeDSGN.
Sig Nordal 