Why So Many People Wont Talk to You, if You Arent a Wireless Phone (Part I)

Why So Many People Wont Talk to You, if You Arent a Wireless Phone (Part I) Why So Many People Wont Talk to You, if You Arent a Wireless Phone (Part I) Because of wireless technology, those who are far are near those who are near (say, in a shared elevator) are far.Youre at a bus stop, or on a train, with lots of time before yur long daily commute to or from the office is over once again, with a time scale comparable to a long thumb-twiddling wait in a crowded hospital waiting room.In the old days, i.e., when voices were identified with faces much more than with phones, the time might be pleasantly or comfortingly passed in harmless, maybe useful conversation with at least one of the strangers near you.The Near as Far, the Far as NearBut thats all changed Now most of those who, in the course of a day, are physically very near (e.g., the strangers next to you on the bus) are automatically socially very distant and irrelevant, whereas, those whom you already know who are physically d istant but already socially near are the only ones who have any relevance during your commute- thanks to the cell and smartphones and similar devices.Think about it Most of those who are physically near are socially far (because we dont already know them) others whom we know who are physically far are socially near (because we already do, even if minimally, e.g., only through Facebook or LinkedIn).This is a painful paradox as unfortunate as it is comic, because of the needless erosion and rejection of person-to-person opportunities and connections it sums up. It can indeed be characterized as ludicrous or tragicomic- especially in an age when so many live lives of seemingly unremitting, bedrngnis-so-splendid isolation, if not loneliness, or the more extreme kind of distancing- alienation.The extreme manifestation of this imbalance takes the form of a preference for or default to socially close, but physically distant relations- what I call conversationships, e.g., those based on Sky pe, email, mobile phones and/or social media.A less extreme form of this imbalance is motivated by the impracticalities and time limitations of busy modern life, rather than by a preference rooted in the relative inexpensiveness of long-distance conversationships of the kind discussed below, e.g., their smaller time and financial investments required.The Office as Humanizing SanctuaryTo add a layer of irony to the shroud of paradox, it should be noted that one aforementioned milieu, in which the person who is near is recognized as being a whole person, is frequently stereotyped as being a highly impersonal environment the office.True, a lot of customer and client service is conducted remotely, e.g., through call centers. But much- very much- is not, and, on top of that, most office staff interactions are face-to-face, especially in smaller organizations.Hence the irony the venue that etched its not personal, its business into our collective consciousness is the same venue that is on e of the last bastions of the wonderfully friendly bus-stop chit-chat face-to-face conversation-with-strangers-is-OK mentality (as the bulk of office-based business is, given a revolving, evolving clientele).The nagging question is why has this happened? Why is it that so many people will not talk to you these days if you are not a phone or someone they already know (to put it as vividly as possible) on that phone?Yes, obviously, they are still talking to their friends and acquaintances.But because long-distance conversation is mediated by the phone, because their voices are directed at the phone, because these people will not speak to a stranger unless their lives depend on it (as opposed to their more customary assumption that staying alive will depend on not talking to that stranger), one may be forgiven for forming the impression that these xenophobes would sooner talk into a new phone than directly with a new person.The Age of the PhonophileAs suggested above, it may be that ma ny of them talk to their friends as an excuse to use or flaunt their gadgets. They are not merely xenophobes, fearful of or hostile to strangers. They are also phonophiles in love with their smartphones, oblivious to the reality that a modern mobile phone is largely an advertising platform designed to promote consumerism.However, the allure of digital technology and stranger-danger angst do not fully account for the displacement of nearby humans by distant phone-equipped cyborgs (in the form of a human firmly clutching a mobile phone, which makes it as permanent as a cyborg implant).No, its not merely a question of feeling safe with those who are familiar, however distant nor is it merely the novelty and convenience of the digital devices.(On the other hand, those who like to make prank, obscene or other phone calls to strangers could be called xenophonophiles (stranger-on phone-lovers)- including telemarketers, who seem to be the only people who never tire of calling complete stran gers.)There is more- much more involved here that needs to be noted, if the near is far far is near paradox is to be understood and, just as importantly, addressed. Fundamentally, what is involved here is not just a shift to a new technology, but also a shift to a new perception of what it means (to cease) to be human.The Roots of PhonophiliaIn thinking about this issue and challenge, Ive identified a number of factors underlying this modern xenophobia-phonophilia nexus. Heres the main list, to be explored and developed in Part II (as the continuation dots suggest)The rise of the cyborgs The machines have spoken- they are more interesting than we are in and as the flesh. So an mobile phone trumps the stranger.Stranger danger Time on a mobile phone is perceived as a safer choice than time chatting with a stranger (most of whom are dangerous, according to the news and movies on your smartphone).Time stress work, family and other time stress and tradeoffs leave little to no time for st rangers- anywhere, anytime.Victory of the machines in stimulation wars Digital communications technology and entertainment platforms have made the prospect of talking with a stranger generally unintriguing, unstimulating, unexciting, and neither exotic nor adventurous.Homogenization and trivialization of human assets Although the kind of tribal groupiness that Facebook thrives on suggests homogeneity and sameness of formats and interests, being special remains a predominant goal of social media, even if it means being special only within ones group or being a member of a special group. Discovering that a stranger has all your toys trivializes them, you and others who have them. So, talking with strangers pays no dividend.Customization of strangers Ironically, concurrent with the boredom or trivialization caused by mass homogenization of tastes and lifestyle toys is the chore of dealing with the reverse situation- customization, especially those of strangers, when trying to relate to them and their idiosyncratic hobbies, preoccupations and tastes would be too much of a chore.Increased machine-based conversational control Because we can turn off social interactions more easily by phone, e.g., by blaming bad reception, wireless interactions are more easily controlled and limited than face-to-face interactions.Superiority of digital to face-to-face information flow Some forms of digitally transmitted information are more precise, reliable, informative and compact than face-to-face, e.g., seeking hotel information while on holiday with an iPhone or text messaging, which despite all of its limitations and flaws is at least free of the endless Im likes of oral-aural conversation between anyone under 45.Diminishing marginal utility of strangers Ive said it before and will say it again (having first said it when I was a teenager) People are like fractions- the more you multiply them, the smaller they get. The greater the population densities to which we are exposed in any given situation or city, the less value each additional stranger has in our perception of and interaction with them. Indeed, beyond a certain population density point, their diminishing marginal utility morphs into negative disutility, e.g., annoyance with them.A Small Step for an PhonophileIf you are a phonophile and still hesitate to talk with strangers face-to-face, despite whatever consciousness-raising reading this has sparked, you may take one small, safe, compromise step toward bridging the abyss that separates you from them Get strangers in an elevator to read this articleon your smartphone, or theirs._________________Next in Part II the detailed anatomy of phonophile xenophobia and its impact.

Psychologists on the most important workplace dynamics

Psychologists on the most important workplace dynamicsPsychologists on the most important workplace dynamicsWhile every company wants to be financially successful - it shouldnt come at the cost of your employees. Busy seasons, stressful deadlines, demanding clients and endless meetings all contribute to raised levels of anxiety in the professional sphere. Though ansicht experiences are to be expected, there are ways that smart leaders can guide the environment of their workplace to be positive and supportive.One strategic avenue to explore is the psychology behind why we feel the way we do when we walk into our office day-in and day-out. Does your team feel dread on Monday? Or are they hyped for projects and interactions? Here, the most important dynamics to prioritize in your company to make everyone feel valued for their contributions and excited to be part of your businessRespect the difference between introverts and extrovertsIn the most basic terms, an introvert needs alone tim e to reboot, while an extrovert can use the company of others to gain inspiration. Every company needs a little of both to maintain balance and complete work - but all-too-often, their needs are managed together and judged the same. This is a miss, according to Dr. Chandler S. Chang, a licensed clinical psychologist and founder of The Therapy Lab.Introverts are the folks who dive into an impossibly difficult task on their own, even as others lose momentum On the other hand, the extroverts may thrive on planning team interactions and collaborations and benefit from workplace chat, he continues. Each style is equally productive, but its key for colleagues to appreciate the differences and for managers to match employees to the right tasks. This may mean leaving an introverts door closed or notlage interrupting them when they have their headphones on. It could also mean pairing together duos you know will work cohesively together, even if they arent energized in the same way.Prioritiz e trustThink back on the worst job you ever had. Was it waiting tables at the local BBQ joint in your hometown? Or an entry-level gig with a babo who had a supersized ego? Whatever the case, you probably felt unsettled because you didnt value the thought leadership of those who were leading you. Like any relationship, having trust is essential to progress. When your employees dont believe you have their back, they wont follow your direction or respect your decisions, according to Dr. Judy Ho, board-certified clinical and forensic neuropsychologist and author. Not only is this bad news for your company, but the health of everyone on your team will suffer, too.Lack of trust in your superiors leads to a number of physical and psychological schwierigkeits, including poor diet, lack of exercise, increased risk in cardiovascular disease, obesity, and high blood pressure, and increased risk for anxiety and depression, she continues. This likely relates to the feelings of helplessness that one feels to affect their own work-life if they cant trust their boss to look out for their best interests.Be flexible with environmentSure, you probably cant redesign your entire office based on one piece of feedback - but it is worth analyzing how you could change some areas to improve productivity. Much like the differences between introverts and extroverts, founder and CEO of The Genius Within, Dr. Nancy Doyle says many people have adverse reactions to their environment. While some are hypersensitive with noise, others react to lights differently. In whatever way you can, help people get into their groove by optimizing their desk and working area. And perhaps, the time they clock in daily.We can accommodate this with noise-canceling barriers, headphones, seating in quiet zones, booking out meeting rooms for reports that require concentration find the compromise that fits the role best, she urges. This is why some people are more productive when working from home or on flextime, whether coming in early or staying late when its quiet.Facilitate deep workIf you arent familiar with deep work, its when a professional blocks off time in their calendar to zero-in on a project. Usually, the work requires their full attention, sans interruption. For those who are booked in back-to-back meetings for hours every single day, the possibility to sit at a computer screen and focus seems impossible. But with the help of upper management, it can be a reality for all employees. In fact, its the top recommendation from Dr. Don Vaughn in the psychology department at UCLA.Give permission for employees in these roles to block two to three consecutive hours to eliminate distractions in the form of meetings or even simple requests on Slack, he continues. Protected time is essential because the prefrontal cortex- which controls goal setting and attention- can be derailed by something as innocuous as a 30-second question. After even a minor distraction, it can take 15 to 30 minute s to get fully back on task.Manage the boss with strategic communicationYep, you read that correctly junior employees must manage their senior leaders by understanding how to approach conversations effectively. As Dr. Chang explains, sometimes younger (or more inexperienced) employees tend to update their boss too often or too little. While tone is important when speaking to someone above you, so is your frequency. Every update you give to the person writing your check every two weeks should have meaning and more often than not, a solution or a specific ask.If your persistent optimism and rosy outlook on the workweek instills anxiety in your manager, aim for a more measured report. If a problem or challenge is being identified, it should always be accompanied by possible solutions. Even if theyre not viable, having a few ideas will start the conversation and create momentum, Dr. Chang recommends. Observe and reflect on your managers and your teammates personalities and manage your communication with intention and not in a haphazard way.Create the opportunity for communityNo matter if youre a heads-down type of workforce or you have bagel Wednesdays until 11 a.m., people are more likely to stay at a company if they have a sense of community. Strict rules, lack of communal spaces or an overbearing, micromanaging c-level team can make employees feel anxious or alone in their work. Think about a kid who is bullied at school or a fourth wheel that was kicked out of a three-person friendship. It doesnt feel good - and it shouldnt be the way your team describes their jobs.As most people spend a good amount of their waking lives at work, the workplace should be one of the primary communities that you can feel supported by, Dr. Ho explains. This does not involve a lot of extracurricular events, nor does it mean you are standing around the water cooler talking all the time, but even the idea of implicit community - knowing that your co-workers are there for you in th e event you want to take a break with them, shoot the breeze, or brainstorm about a work problem - can improve your quality of life at work.

Shark Tank star Robert Herjavec wakes up thinking about business

Shark Tank star Robert Herjavec wakes up thinking about businessShark Tank star Robert Herjavec wakes up thinking about businessRobert Herjavec talks to himself as part of his morning routine.When I wake up in the morning, Im thinking business but Im thinking opportunity, Herjavec, whose estimated net worth is about $200 million, told Ladders. I used to say this thing in my head when I welches first starting out I used to say, Today is the first day of the rest of your life. Make it happen. And yes, I really do talk to myself.The Shark Tank judge and CEO of cybersecurity firm Herjavec Group is a truly self-made man. Fans of the show will already know that he was born in communist Yugoslavia, and emigrated to Canada when he was a child. His father, who was an entertainer back in what is now Croatia, had to work in a factory sweeping floors. In the 90s, Herjavec worked a series of minimum-wage jobs before he got into the tech field.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines o n Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreThe first thing I learned is there is no job thats beneath me, Herjavec said. I come from a really blue collar background. My dad worked in a factory. My mom was a receptionist. Ive worked as a waiter. Ive loaded trucks. Ive cleaned warehouses.As a result, he may be one of the most down-to-earth Sharks. I always try to treat everybody with the same level of respect, Herjavec told Ladders, while in New York City plugging a survey about business travel for La Quinta by Wyndham. Every job is a means to an end for something. I never doubt why youre doing that job. I never look down on people, and I try to find something interesting and unique about everybody.Now that hes spent a decade on television and written three books in addition to his CEO duties, work keeps Herjavec on the road about 100 days a year. The nicest Shark came prepared with facts and figures from the inaugural La Quinta Means Busines s national survey.My favorite stat of the entire survey was we asked people would they rather have WiFi or clean underwear? he said with delight. And what did you think people said?WiFi, obviously.Yeah, which is what I said too. I think it was 64% of people would rather have good WiFi. He went on to extoll the hotel chains 24-hour gyms and readily available coffee.Travel was hard, he said, especially being away from his family he met his wife Kym when she was his dance partner on Dancing with the Stars but if you want to get ahead and you want to create great things in life, you got to sacrifice some things.The Croatian-born businessman and investor is also a relentless optimist who, in business and investing, has always relied on a strong sense of intuition. If you dont have that natural sense, he says, you can develop it by listening closely to yourself.We all have a sense of intuition, but as we get older, doubt starts to creep in. No is a conditioned response. But I think ever ybody has a good gedeihlich feel you just have to listen to it sometimes. But that doesnt mean blind faith. Youve also got to plan it out.On Shark Tank, for example, he picks up subtle cues about whether or bedrngnis someone would be a good investment that have nothing to do with their business pitch.Little things. Like, do you come out and are you standing there confidently? Are you standing up straight? Or are you hunched over? The tone of your voice if youre soft and meek, he says. I want you to exude confidence. Im giving you money and I really like my money. I want to invest. I want more of it to come back, but the first thing I want to do is invest in the person.After binnenseeing hundreds of pitches, Herjavec says there are some basic but fatal mistakes that first-time entrepreneurs make. One of the biggest is loving what you do but not loving the business end of things.Running a business is really hard, Herjavec said. Lets say you want to open up a hair salon and you love cutting hair. Its not enough to love cutting hair. Youve got to love running a business.Another novice entrepreneur mistake is not getting a feel of the market beforehand to see if theres a demand for the product. Most entrepreneurs we see on the show dont ask paying customers whether the idea is good or bad, and from that, its a lot of operational expense.Hes learned similar lessons about investing as hes gone along on Shark Tank.We used to invest in stuff we understood, he said. Now we only invest in things that we think consumers are going to buy.One mistake Herjavec admits to in his own business experience I havent invested enough in scale in order to have it go big. So the business gets to a certain size and people are like, Well, why did you do that? You knew it was going to be big. Im like, I actually didnt. To relax and to clear his head or to prepare for a big meeting Herjavec exercises, which has a number of benefits for him.Its not that Im vain, he told Ladders, althou gh Im probably pretty vain. Ive been on TV for 10 years. I like to look good and all the other stuff .. but for me, its mental and it just puts me in the right place. Its just as mental as physical. A good sweat clears my mind.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

Pros and Cons of a 30-Hour Work Week

Pros and Cons of a 30-Hour Work WeekPros and Cons of a 30-Hour Work WeekAround the world, different cultural norms and employer expectations dictate the number of hours that employees work. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) reported in 2018 that Americans work an average of 37 hours per week, trailing the 43 hours per week put in by Mexican workers. Germans work the fewest hours per week, coming in at 28. This includes all types of working arrangements, from part-time and full-time to contract and side gigs. Since 2016, Amazon.com has been using a 30-hour workweek for some groups. In exchange for a mora flexible schedule and reduced work hours, the employees agreed to a 25%pay cut but could retain all of their employee benefits. Companies like Deloitte and Google also offer employees the option of compressed workweeks. The Origin of 40-Hour Work Weeks According to popular history, the notion of eight hours of work, eight hours of leisure, and eight hours of rest each day came from Welsh industrialist and labor rights activist Robert Owen. The idea stuckverzierung in the post-Civil War U.S. and became the standard for the modern work week. Later, President Franklin D. Roosevelt enacted the New Deal policy that made 40 hours a week the American standard to reform previous labor abuses that happened during the Great Depression. Lets take a look at the pros and cons for both employees and employers of reducing the standard work week to 30 hours per week. ProsMore work-life balance appeals to millennials.Parents of young children appreciate the extra family time.Employees are less likely to suffer burnout.Work schedules can be more flexible.ConsEmployees would be paid less.Employers may need to increase staff sizes.Full benefits for fewer hours could increase costs for employers.Workaholic employees may struggle to adjust. The Pros and Cons for Employers Millennials have been the majority of the adult workforce in the U.S. sinc e 2017, and a 30-hour work week appeals to that age group. Millennials have been shown to be more focused on work-life balance than on attaining power at work. A 30-hour work week also could appeal to more parents who already struggle with the responsibilities of having a career and running a household. A shortened schedule offered to employees also can prevent burnout and disengagement in workers by offering them more time to recuperate and enjoy life. The overhead costs of running an office also could be reduced. The risk of injury, which has been shown to increase when people work more than 12 hours per day, could be reduced. In terms of potential negatives for employers, if the standard work week is reduced to 30 hours, this could increase the chance of paying overtime for more hours worked, depending on how overtime laws were adapted to the new standard. It also could leave certain times uncovered by employees during regular business hours, requiring the hiring of more people. Employees who already are working fewer hours may no longer see this as a benefit and start slacking off. The demand for employee benefits could increase as all workers who fall under previous limits tischset forth by health care reform would become eligible for coverage. The Pros and Cons for Employees For employees, having a set 30-hour work week could seem like a dream come true. They could choose to work 5 days each week, but each day would start or end at a more convenient time. They could take longer and more frequent breaks, which means commute times would not improve if they began and ended their shifts at the same times. Employees who already work from remote locations would experience the biggest benefit from a reduced work week. Employees may still have a tendency to work extra hours, as its a hard habit to break. They may be more rested and have more time for personal needs- but at a reduced salary which would remove some of their expendable income. Employees may fi nd it difficult to adjust and wont be as productive in a condensed schedule. The End of the Standard 40-Hour Week? According to Inc., millennials are the first generation that views work as a headspace and not a physical place. They are continually plugged into their mobile phones, in a never-offline and always-available way of working. Millennials have no issue with combining work and personal life. They bound out of bed in the morning already checking emaille and social media networks. They conduct personal business, like shopping, while they also are at work. They dont mind engaging with a manager in a text conversation over weekends. Its clear that mobile working options could influence the number of hours that the average adult works. A 2017 Deloitte Millennial Survey advised that Millennials who report working from flexible locations is up by 21 percent from 2016. About 64 percent now enjoy this perk. Its a matter of preference for each individual. Whether working in an of fice or remotely, employers can establish a set amount of hours that are acceptable and prove to be most productive. Employees can choose careers that offer them the freedom to work when and where they feel they are at their peak of productivity. Working fewer hours also can help reduce burnout, but it could put added stress and pressure on people who dont manage their time well. Impact on Employee Benefits Under the Affordable Care Act, employees are eligible for group health benefits if they are full time, which is defined by working an average of 30 hours per week. Employees also have the option to be covered under a spouses employer plan, a private insurance plan purchased through their state marketplace, or a public health plan if they meet certain low-income guidelines. Some employers also offer limited benefits to part-time workers, including supplemental insurance, educational benefits, paid time off, and company discounts for travel, mobile phones, and technology.

How to Choose Job Title in Resume

How to Choose Job Title in Resume Characteristics of Job Title in Resume Listing the work title you want on top of your resume helps them sort you in the appropriate search and get your materials binnenseen by the ideal people. Located at the very top of your resume below your name and contact info, a headline permits a recruiter to see quickly and concisely what makes you the correct person for the job. Immediately below your contact information you need to tell the hiring manager what sort of position youre looking for. If you meet the requirements for over one open position, you might feel the desire to list both. For example, the title of manager can indicate a selection of things and be in any range of industries. Indistinct job titles and descriptions may impress some folks, but in addition they risk giving the impression your organization is overstaffed and that you are among the nonessential fringe-workers. leid only is capitalization one of the very first things you r employee might see, but in addition, it is important to highlight the essential sections of your resume like your prior jobs and education. Have a look at the requirements for a number of jobs you want to apply for, and build a resume profile title that contains the main requirements from each. For employees, lists of job titles will permit you to discover what other varieties of jobs you might be doing. When you submit an application for a mid-career or upper-level job, employers review your resume to figure out your career path and the way that track fits with their demands. The Ultimate Job Title in Resume Trick Based on the job opening, its feasible for an employer meant for an enormous assortment of resumes for only one specific position. When each position differs, each position will require a different set of bullet points. Depending at work, a work title can describe the degree of the position or the responsibilities of the individual holding-gesellschaft the positi on. Use the work title lists below to help you to get a feeling of what positions are offered in career fields that interest you. The Argument About Job Title in Resume Every time a possible employer makes background checks and reference calls, you are bedrngnis going to have to fret about misrepresenting your title or raising questions regarding your credibility. The aim of a resume headline is to sum up your abilities and experience into a quick phrase that will stick out and show the possible employer exactly what youve got to offer you. If you decide to forego an overview of earlier employment, its essential for your job changes to tell a story. In truth, its the job of a cover letter to find an employer interested enough in you as a candidate to take some time to consider your resume. Understanding Job Title in Resume Job titles change from one company to the next, and that means you need to decide on a title thats recognizable to the majority of employers and recruiter s. If your title is unusual, or very specific to the specific organization for which youre working, you should look for an equivalent title thats well-accepted and generally understood in your industry. It will not save you in the long run. Thus dont let your present job title hold you back. What Job Title in Resume Is - and What it Is Not The sales and marketing business is one predicated on your capacity to sell goods or services to the general public. You could also place your legal business name in case you have one. Resumes might be organized in various ways. Type of Job Title in Resume Employers would like to know that youre reachable at any moment, not just when youre at home. For instance, you may discover that your prior experience makes you stand out, but in the event the employer doesnt gain from your prior experience, you shouldnt include it. While there could not be regarded as a work shared, it genuinely is a substantial recon opportunity and establishes a co nnection which is frequently leveraged later on. Resume headlines are perfect for candidates with a great deal of experience. Getting the Best Job Title in Resume To assist you in getting started, have a look at the sample job descriptions below. Resumes may be used for a number of reasons, but most often theyre utilized to secure new employment. If youre searching to customize professional, pre-formatted resumes, have a look at our absolutely free downloadable templates. You might even search and view resumes of unique candidates who have the sort of job youre browsing for to attain insight into the experience and skills employers value. For someone in the building and labor field, acquiring an abundance of skills and experience is vital. Everything on your resume ought to be accomplishments-driven. Details matter, and what exactly you say about your work history should match what your prior employers say. Read below to learn mora on what is included in work title, and the way you can use work title in your job search. Then start looking for skills you might translate from 1 job to another. You would like to land a great job which pays well. Whenever you are job searching, you can look for particular job titles based on what youre searching for in work. In some instances you could have a gap of a month or two or more between leaving a job and receiving a new job. By taking the chance to know the kind of job you will require and tailoring your work application accordingly, you can boost your chances of an employer getting back in touch. The very first step is to thoroughly review each job posting. You want to submit an application for a job for a network security analyst. No matter the kind of job application going for, attempt to tailor your work application to the work that youre applying to. Finding out how to tailor your work application will obviously supply you with an edge. After you determine the skills you wish to concentrate o n, do some research and see whether they line up with job requirements listed for the positions youre seeking. If youre targeting work outside the defense Earth, then you most certainly will need to translate your skills, experiences and accomplishments in the English Language.

3 Interview Questions to Ask Call Center Candidates - Spark Hire

3 Interview Questions to Ask Call Center Candidates - Spark HireWhen interviewing candidates for a position in your call center, the questions you ask during the interview process can either make or break your hiring process. Since your call center employees are directly working with your customers, it is of utmost importance that you hire the right person for the job.There are 3 behavioral style questions you should be asking any candidate you are considering for a position in your call center.1. Tell me about a time you were faced with a difficult customer.As with any behavioral style question, you want to have the candidate walk you through the situation and what made the customer difficult. Then, follow up with questions such asWhat did you do? Why?What was the outcome?Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently?By asking these questions, you are looking for the candidate to help you understand their ability to handle difficult or uncomfortable situations with customers. Lets face it, when working in a call center there is a fairly good chance each employee will run into a difficult customer from time to time. You want to make sure that your employees are calm, positive, and resourceful when these situations occur.2. Describe a situation when you had to persuade a customer to see things your way.As with any call center position, there will be times when your employees are convincing your customers to stay with your company or try new products. The skill of friendly persuasion is a must have for call center employees. However, it is important that your employees are not too pushy, which can be a turn-off for many customers.When asking a candidate to explain how they persuaded a customer to see things their way, you want to be sure that you get a good feel for how creative they can be in these situations.Follow up with questions such asWhat was the situation?What did you do? How did you know to do that?What was the outcome?3. Give me an ex ample of a time when you had many tasks to juggle at once within a limited amount of time.In a call center environment, employees need to be able to multitask and juggle many different things at one time. Phones are ringing constantly, customers are on hold, customers have questions and needs, etc. Its important that the person you decide to hire has the ability to juggle many different things at once, while still remaining calm and positive.When asking the candidate for an example of multitasking, you want to pay attention to the tasks that the candidate was managing.What kind of tasks were you managing?What made it difficult to handle these tasks at once?How did you prioritize?Asking these follow up questions will help you to understand how the candidate goes about managing their day and handling many different things at once, while still remaining productive.What are some questions that you ask when interviewing call center employees?Images 3DProfi/Bigstock.comCheck out Spark Hir es FREE whitepaper8 Tips for Improved Call Center Recruiting with Video Interviews

Where Can You Earn The Most

Where Can You Earn The MostWhere Can You Earn The MostWhere can you earn the most? See the best and worst cities for your career with Ladders new interactive Salary vs. Demand map. Location, location, location. When it comes to your job search, location really is everything your success in the workforce can even be dependent on it. Ladders discovered that approximately 35 percent of job seekers actually want a change of scenery do they know something the rest of us dont? Could relocation be the best option for your career? Or maybe its time to pivot to go in a direction more suited to your particular job market.Assuming its beneficial, how do you predict your next career move in todays volatile market?Never fear, Ladders new job demand map is here to help you visualize where the opportunities are for you in your career. Sure, the job market is fickle, but Ladders is here to help you navigate it. With the new, interactive map, you can see where the highest demand is for a professiona l like you and where the highest salary aligns with that demand.To get this highly accurate picture of the job market, Ladders dug deep into information from our database of 7 million+ professionals. Our data team compared the number of job seekers who recently conveyed that theyre seeking new opportunities to the number of current job listings for over 2,000 titles (names of roles we compiled from analyzing the positions each job seeker conveyed theyd be a qualified candidate for). To help professionals make the right career moves, we then created a real-time map to illustrate the current demand for these 2,000 positions, based on the ratio of job listings in an area to job seekers applying for that role in the United States.Want to know where your job has the most demand? You can use the Search bar to enter the job title of your choice. The map provides a visual display of where the highest demand for that job is, and the corresponding chart shows how the salary varies depending on location.Lets take a look at a few major industries below, to see how the job market for each varies based on location.TechnologyIn general, those who seek a thriving technology market - high demand, high competition - cant go wrong with San Francisco. For a comparable amount of job opportunities, but significantly less competition, Washington D.C. and Boston are also options. However, as youll see, even if the job market for an industry is generally good in one area, a specific role within that industry might be popular elsewhere.It appears, by glancing at the trending jobs list (on the full page ), that software developers have the biggest advantage in this job market - they enjoy the most available job listings, as well as the highest average salary in the U.S. However, if you search Software Developer for a more in-depth analysis on the demand and salary distribution, youll see a huge disparity in job opportunity. In cities with high demand for the position, like Indianapo lis, for example, the pay is only $99K lower than the national average of $109K. For a salary closer to this amount, candidates would have to apply for positions in South Bend, Indiana, where the pay is $107K but competition is fierce and job opportunities are slim.FinanceThose in the finance industry might consider moving away from the east coast and heading west the midwest and west coast are brimming with open finance roles.Financial Analysts should pack up and move to Omaha, Nebraska tomorrow, as the demand for the role surpasses anywhere in the United States, and the proposed salary exceeds $100K, but with the cost of living factored in, feels like $115K Compare this to San Francisco, and the heartland seems like a great option in the Bay Area salaries are around $122K, but when adjusted for the cost of living only feel like $73K. Financial Advisors can enjoy a favorable job market throughout all major cities in the midewest and Texas, as well as in the southwest.Contrary to other markets and what you may believe about Wall Street, it seems New York City is not your best bet for finding well-paying work quickly after a long stroll down the list it was found at the 45th spot based on pay and demand. So look elsewhere, as you are spared from the nerve-racking competition and long hoursSalesIf youre in sales, youre in luck Take a look at the map below. Just about every state has recruiters clamoring for sales managers. You have your spielblttchen of the market If you offer expertise in numerous fields, your resume will make it to the top of the pile in hot markets like San Francisco and Boston. Professionals in the sales industry benefit from a hot market right now, as youll notice the amount of available job listings for the trending positions greatly surpasses the number of active postings in the other industries.Additional background in business or communications might guarantee you an open role. For example, the role Sales and Marketing Manager yields high job opportunities in all corners of the U.S., from Seattle to Miami.Out of the national trending jobs, Business Developer brings home the largest average salary and offers the most open positions. So while those with only sales in their title neednt worry - a search for Sales Manager shows high job opportunity nationwide. So while the job search can be intimidating, a well-planned approach will help you find a new position in no time - whether youre staying local or pursuing opportunities elsewhere. So remember, while job opportunities for a role may be scarce on one side of the coast, there could be thousands of open positions just a few hours away

3 Signs Your Boss is in Over Her Head

3 Signs Your Boss is in Over Her Head3 Signs Your Boss is in Over Her HeadIll be the first to admit it Managing a team, especially for the first time, isnt easy. Therbeie are about a zillion different things youre responsible for and often no one there to train you on the nitty gritty- which means youre left to your own devices when it comes to learning the ropes.And asking for help is a delicate process, so many managers do their best to figure things out on their own.While this can be overwhelming for managers, it can also be pretty frustrating if yourethe one reporting to a babo whos still getting up to speed. After all, most of us expect our managers to have all the answers, notlage the other way around, right?The good news is, you may have just the tools and knowledge she needs to help her- if you can recognize the signs. Here are a few hints your manager may be in over her head and what you can do to help you both stay afloat.Sign 1 Nothing Gets Done When Youre Out of the Offic eEarly on in my career, I had the unfortunate luck to get sick with Strep throat. It welches unexpected for both me and my boss, which meant neither of us had a chance to prepare. He told me to take care of myself and get well soon, and that I shouldnt worry about work. What a great bossWell, when I returned several days later, a pile of unread faxes (yes, it was that long ago), an angrily blinking voicemail light on my phone, and unread emails I didnt think I would ever get through awaited. In other words, none of my work was touched while I was gone.Thats when I realized that my manager, who was recently promoted, didnt quite know what he was doing- he could barely find the fax machine, let alone figure out how to use it. While part of me wanted to gloat, knowing he literally couldnt survive more than a week without me, the better part of me knew it was best for both of us if I gave him a few pointers- covertly, of course.I prepared a binder outlining just about everything I did o n a daily basis, including contacts and how to handle common issues. Once it was ready, I presented it to my boss and asked if he would mind reviewing it and providing input. Not only was he pleased with my foresight, he was able to easily get a better handle on the nuts and bolts of what I did. Which not only made him appreciate me more, it ended up making him a better manager.If you find that the work just isnt getting done- whether youve been out of the office or not- consider the possibility that your manager isnt as well-versed in your teams duties as you are, and see how you can help bring her up to speed. Chances are, your manger has more responsibilities than she can count, and learning what everyone does is part of the process. By making it easy for her to learn about how you contribute, youll make your lives a lot easier and set you both up for success.Sign 2 Her Door is Always ClosedIts no secret how I feel about a constantly closed door in the office. When used too often , it can send a negative message to the team, and it does little to foster a collaborative environment. But, it can also indicate you may have a boss whos trying to hide from her responsibilities.Several years ago, I was working on a high-profile project with my manager. Everyone from the head of our office to the CEO of the company was carefully monitoring our progress. It was incredibly stressful for me, but I knew no one would blame me if things went wrong- that honor was reserved for my manager.After a grueling week of intense meetings, I expected to see her mingling with the team and making sure things were running smoothly. But instead, I found her almost constantly behind closed doors, despite the fact she had no meetings on her schedule. When I poked my head in to see her poring over the materials wed presented, I realized she was just trying to get her arms around the project.From that point on, I made a point of stopping by on a regular basis each day, giving her succinct updates on my progress, and making sure she was aware I was available to help (while still acknowledging she may just need some alone time to power through, of course).If you notice that your otherwise engaged manager is suddenly sequestered behind closed doors, its quite possible shes just trying to get a handle on a challenging situation. By making sure she knows youre taking care of your responsibilities and that youre available to help out, chances shell be back to enforcing her open-door policy in no time.Sign 3 She Doesnt Address Performance or Disciplinary IssuesMost people avoid confrontation, but as a manager, thats part of the gig. So, when I noticed my manager was completely avoiding an underperforming team member several years back, I didnt realize part of the reason was simply due to the fact he didnt know how to handle the situation.After the employee in question had made several pretty major mistakes, I finally bolstered the courage to do my own bit of confrontation a nd shared my concerns with my boss. As soon as he understood the issue wasnt just impacting him, he realized it was time for him to step in and have the uncomfortable- yet necessary- conversation. My boss later thanked me for being honest, and admitted he wasnt quite sure how to handle addressing a performance issue- he had been avoiding it because hed assumed he was the only one whod noticed.While directly addressing a performance issue may not be your role, its important for your boss to understand when his or her lack of leadership is impacting the team. No one likes to tell people theyre missing the mark, which means sometimes, we all need a little nudge to do what needs to be done. Even managers.While the title manager may imply omnipresence, the reality is, your manager could probably benefit from your guidance and expertise on occasion. In the same way youd expect your manager to step in when she sees you struggling, take the time to recognize signs of stress in your manager as well. By showing her youre committed to the success of everyone on the team, chances are shell do the same.Photo of stressed manager courtesy of Shutterstock.

Top 28 destinations for 2019 (Part 2) Diving deeper

Top 28 destinations for 2019 (Part 2) Diving deeperTop 28 destinations for 2019 (Part 2) Diving deeperIn choosing our picks for the most intriguing destinations for the upcoming year, we decided to dive deeper, considering destinations with intriguing sites and experiences. Thecomplete listis divided into four segments, including both domestic and zwischenstaatlich destinations and something for every travel style. Last week, we focused on seven newsworthy destinations and youll find that posthere.Now we turn our attention to the Diving Deeper category which includes Kobe, Japan Belize Faroe Islands Reno, Nevada Tasmania the Cambodian Coast and Ica, Peru. Each destination has a lot to discover and are all off the beaten path. Heres why theyre our top picks for 2019.Kobe, JapanWe know it for its Kobe Beef Cattle. Its also the setting for James Micheners novel, Sayonara, which detailed the challenges and rewards of cross-cultural relationships in the mid-1950s. Perched on a hillside an d sloping down to the sea, Kobe is one of Japans loveliest cities. Be sure to visit Nankinmachi Chinatown and, after dark, the bustling nightlife districts around Sannomiya Station will keep you entertained. For architecture enthusiasts, the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge linking the city of Kobe with Awaji Island is the worlds longest suspension bridge. The Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake Museum functions both as a memorial to the disaster and a solution for reducing future risks.Allow time for relaxation while experiencing the rich cultural history and wellness benefits of Japans oldest hot spring town, Arima Onsen. Located within the city, Arima was founded 1300 years ago. It has served for centuries as a timeless retreat for emperors, court nobles and visitors from around the world.BelizeBelize has long been a favorite destination for scuba enthusiasts but go beyond the stunning reefs and experience the countrys unique culture. To really immerse yourself head to the Toledo District in the southernmost part of the country. Here youll find jungle eco-lodges where you can harvest cacao and make your own bean to bar chocolate.When youre ready for adventure, head to Blue Creek Cave for a swim. Locally known as Hokeb Ha which means where the water enters the earth, a short hike takes you to the opening and a beautiful azure pool. Swimming inside you are enveloped in the darkness of a different world. This isnt your everyday ordinary swim as youll be navigating the waters and waterfalls inside this 300-million-year-old cave wearing a headlamp to guide you. Along the way your guide will point out the evidence of ancient Mayan sacrifices of the human variety. Its a challenging adventure but one youll never forget.While in the Toledo District, be sure to visit Lubaantun. Its the largest Mayan site in southern Belize with 11 massive structures towering over five main plazas and three ball courts. Dating back to 700-900 AD, the site is unique in that the limestone blocks have n o mortar holding them together.Faroe IslandsSitting in the North Atlantic Sea, the Faroe Islands are a place of mystical beauty. Here waterfalls plunge into the frigid sea and volcanic mountains tower over sheep grazing near colorful homes with grass-topped roofs. This archipelago comprised of 18 islands is home to only 50,000 residents- not counting the sheep. The islands are connected by a network of bridges, tunnels and ferries. Located halfway between Iceland and Norway, its one of the most remote places on earth- and ripe with discoveries.Get to know the Faroese people through Heimabldni which translates as home hospitality. Youre welcome to join them at their dining table to experience traditional homemade Faroese food. As you dine, youll be regaled with intriguing stories of country or village life on the islands. Hoymabit takes the in-home dining experience in another direction with private concerts by notable Faroese musicians. The music continues with Summartnar (summer tu nes) which has an extensive program of concerts scattered across the tiny island from May through August featuring local artists as well as internationally acclaimed Faroese performers.The Faroe Islands have recently garnered international attention in the culinary and fashion worlds and tourism numbers are on the rise. In 2017, KOKS restaurant was awarded the countrys first Michelin star for its inventive adaptation of traditional Faroese cuisine. The award was retained in 2018. Growth followed the attention and the restaurant recently relocated to the waterfront in an 18th-century farm building. The culinary scene continues to grow with a number of new restaurants opening in the city of Trshavn- the worlds smallest capital.Reno, NevadaLas Vegas isnt the only city that glows in Nevada. Often referred to as The Biggest Little City, Reno has plenty to offer on its own. Go beyond the neon lights of the casinos and step outside for a stroll along the Truckee Riverwalk downtown. species lovers and foodies will be pleased with the excellent selection of galleries and restaurants.Housed in a four-level 70,000 square-foot building architecturally inspired by the geological formations of northern Nevadas Black Rock Desert, the Nevada Museum of Art focuses on the ways humans interact with their surrounding landscapes and environment. Located on the museums campus, the Center for Art + Environment is a research library with archive collections from over 1,000 artists and organizations working on all seven continents.Originating from the automobile collection of William Fisk Harrah of Harrahs Casinos and Resorts, Renos National Automobile Museum is ranked one of the top 10 auto museums in the country. Dedicated to preserving the American automobiles heritage with an emphasis on the collection of Mr. Harrah, the museum offers educational exhibits and experiences year-round.The surrounding mountains and nearby Lake Tahoe provide abundant outdoor recreation from boating in summer to skiing in winter. And whatever you do, dont miss the annual camel and ostrich races in nearby Virginia City.TasmaniaYup, those little devils are mucksmuschenstill around, and you can see them at places like Bonorong Wildtife Sanctuary alongside wombats, kangaroos and the deceptively cute Koalas. But theres much mora to this island at the edge of the world including a burgeoning foodie scene particularly in Hobart. Chefs from across Australia have relocated to the islands capital city to take advantage of the abundant local produce. Housed in beautifully repurposed old buildings such as banks, storefronts and even a former automotive showroom, unique restaurants are opening and serving inventive seasonally driven cuisine. Its a fusion of big city style and small-town charm.The Taste of Tasmania Festival originated to ensure that crews finishing the annual Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race had a reason to celebrate. It has now evolved into the largest food and wine festival of its kind in Australia with an estimated attendance of more than 220,000 people. Booths showcasing the very best of the food and beverage landscape are situated against the sparkling backdrop of the waterfront which is dotted with magnificent yachts. The festival happens the last week of the year and into the new year making it the place to be for New Years Eve.After youve indulged for days, work off the extra calories on one of the states new hiking trails. Or explore your dark side in the subterranean galleries of Tasmanias Museum of Old and New Art where passion, death and decay are on full display. It may be small, but Tasmania has plenty of varietyCambodian CoastTheres no question Cambodia is an empire of temples- all worthy of admiration. In recent years, however, the Cambodian coast has emerged from years of neglect and isolation to become a favored destination. Palm-fringed beaches dotted with resorts and beautiful offshore islands with the occasional fishing village invite sunb athers and swimmers to once again enjoy the beauty of the Gulf of Thailand. Travel a short distance inland through rural landscapes of flooded rice paddies and swaying sugar palms to find national parks and impressive mountain scenery.Ica, PeruHands down Machu Picchu is the biggest draw in Peru, but Ica, located in Southern Peru is worthy of a visit all its own. For one thing, its at the heart of the Pisco Trail and who wouldnt want to imbibe a few Pisco Sours while visiting this fascinating country? Located along the Central Coast, Ica is best known for its spectacular sand dunes and the mysterious Nazca Lines.Etched into the vast desert, the Nazca Lines are a collection of giant geoglyphs- designs or motifs depicting various plants, animals and shapes. Best seen by air, the 2,000-year-old lines were left by the ancient Nazca culture in South America. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, the Nazca Lines are still a mystery to researchers- even after more than 80 years o f study.More to Come Next week well share more about the destinations weve chosen for the Cultural Explorations category. Stay tunedThis article was originally published on Travel Squire.