April 22, 2009
Finding a job in the Coal Mines
Today is day number 12 of my lay off. I have been to 6 different job sites. Some are willing to talk with me or just take an application. I have sent $40.00 in gas and about $20.00 in snacks and Mt.Dew. As I run from site to site my mind wonders when this will end,or will it.Is the Coal boom over for good.Obama doesnt want Coal.That is a fact.He has stated that he will bankrupt anyone who starts any preplant.Still I belive that one day I will find another job.Iam a roofbolter ,this is what I like to do.I just wonder if I will ever set another bolt.
Update as of May 13,09
Iam still looking for a job.After seven different mine site I have came up with nothing.
Sustainable Development - The Role Of Coal
The debate over the future of America's energy policy is heating up, and it is liable to reach temperatures of near-combustion amidst the politics of this explosive election season. One industry that has long been a pillar of the American energy establishment is coal, and the case of coal is particularly compelling for two reasons. The first is that massive reserves in western US states such as Montana and Wyoming allow a viable pathway to improved energy independence from unstable and often unsavory oil-producing states. Montana's reserves alone stand at a staggering 120 billion recoverable tons; at 2006 levels of consumption, this would be enough to meet in totality the coal needs of mighty China for nearly half a century. The negative, of course, is that coal-fired power plants are among the most heinous emitters of greenhouse gases.
This clashing of interests has given rise to vocal confrontations in Washington and across the country regarding the role that coal will play in America's future. The Democratic Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and other influential congressional figures such as Representative Henry Waxman have exhibited their outright opposition to the furthering of any coal interests, arguing that carbon costs are too great and that attention is better focused on renewables such as wind, geothermal and solar power. Aware of the mounting pressure, coal mining giants that reap billions in profits are seeking uses of the fuel that will belch less carbon into the atmosphere. But for Reid and others, the term "clean coal" will only ever be an oxymoron.
Montana's Democratic governor Brian Schweitzer has built a largely deserved reputation as a champion of environmental causes. However his state is split between conservationist elements and a more traditional core composed of ranchers and agriculturalists and of course the interests of "big coal" to which he is not insignificantly beholden. As he straddles this divide, he is uniquely positioned to make a push for better uses of coal. "There is no choice but to go forward with coal," he said recently. "The question is, how are we going to move forward and develop the technology that will make coal clean?"
Central to Schweitzer's proposal is the implementation of large-scale coal gasification and coal-to-liquids (CTL) projects. Like other alternative energy initiatives such as biofuels, their ultimate effectiveness and desirability remain uncertain. But given America's energy exigencies, and the fact that in the foreseeable future coal power will continue to play a large role, it seems to be worthy of our attention.
The process of coal gasification disintegrates coal into its component parts by subjecting it to very high temperatures and applying pressure using steam and oxygen. The resulting synthesis gas or "syngas" is mostly carbon monoxide and hydrogen. It is much easier to remove pollutants such as mercury and sulfur from the syngas, allowing it to burn more cleanly. In addition, once the snygas has been cleaned it is similar to natural gas, which allows it to be burned in more efficient gas turbines. The gas can be further reconstituted into a liquid fuel via the Fischer-Tropsch process, and can then be used directly as a heating oil or indeed to power vehicles.
The prospect is not without unequivocal drawbacks. First of all, it would entail the continuation of coal mining, and the extraction in itself can be an abominable practice. Secondly, although it allows for a significant reduction of carbon dioxide from the levels emitted by dirty coal-fired plants, it still releases sizeable amounts. The releases are relatively easier to capture, but the prevalent idea of "sequestration"-storing the carbon dioxide underground-remains problematic. Finally, in the infantile stages, the costs of "integrated gasification combined-cycle" (IGCC) plants to generate electricity remain very high. However as with all new and untested technologies, these costs could be expected to diminish if the plants become widespread.
Because of the coal mining that it would continue to necessitate, and because it allows only for a reduction of CO2 levels and not their elimination, coal gasification cannot be considered a solution in the absolute sense. And there of course is the lingering external question of energy inputs for the gasification process. But it is when one adopts a more pragmatic view that the light of its desirability perhaps begins to shine through. Coal mining must be rigorously regulated. Early start-ups of IGCC plants will require hefty subsidies and other incentives. But if costs begin to fall, coal gasification and CTL technologies could prove vital catalysts for energy independence and cleaner fuels.
Daniel Lafleche is the co-founder of Alternative Channel, a website dedicated to giving non-profit organizations concerned with issues of sustainable development, environmentalism, and humanitarian issues an online forum for their video content. You can learn more at http://www.alternativechannel.tv
What Is The Outlook For The Availability Of Fossil Fuels?
I think this article is comparable to the people who slow down on the highway to look at an automobile accident. You are not involved in the accident, yet you surely are curious about what is happening. At the present time we can sense the presence of a disaster, but we do not have enough information to feel that we can get involved. My push to adopt renewable energies is based on our continued polluting of the environment with the burning of fossil fuels. We know that we must slow down this pollution so that our quality of life will not be severely degraded. There is another piece of information needed to prod us into action, and that is how long do we have before we run out of fossil fuels? As a current member of the earth, I am concerned that we leave future generation's sufficient energy to bridge the gap from fossil to renewable fuels. This, to me, is looking at the car wreck. How long do we have until we are the ones involved in the wreck?
The majority of Americans now think that climate change is a problem and that global warming is real. But there still is not a sense of urgency. Every year the US emits CO2 that equals the equivalent weight of 1.2 billion elephants (2 trillion pounds using average size elephants). It is time to stop ignoring 1.2 billion elephants in the room. It is time to implement a plan that will adopt renewable energies at a pace to stabilize the environment from CO2 pollution and then, hopefully, start to reduce the amount of pollution we must derive this plan with an eye to how long our reserves of fossil fuels will last. Once we derive this plan we then can look at future generations and inform them "Here is the plan".
The development of modern civilization has been dependent on both the availability and the advancement of energy. We have witnessed a progression from animal and steam power to the internal combustion engine and electricity generation and to the harnessing of alternative sources of energy. Because of our reliance on energy sources, it is also important to understand the impact of energy use on the environment. All aspects of energy, the way it is produced, distributed, and consumed, can affect local, regional, and global environments through land use and degradation, air pollution and global climate change via greenhouse gas emissions.
Over the foreseeable future, it is very likely that fossil fuels will remain our largest source of energy. However, fossil fuels are finite resources and there is concern not only about both domestic supply and U.S. reliance on foreign supplies but, also, with the increasing cost of these fuels. The research on the longevity of fossil fuels is an exciting adventure in itself. I will touch on some of the theories before I conclude this series of articles. Given the slack of a decade or two, the best summation of the longevity of fossil fuels is presented in "Wikipedia, Fossil fuel: Years of production left in the ground with the most optimistic reserve estimates (Oil & Gas Journal, World Oil)".
Oil: = 45 years
Gas: = 72 years
Coal: = 252 years
With the slack of plus or minus 10 years, most projections are consistent with the Wikipedia numbers. . The popular Hubert peak theory projects that for any given geographical area, from an individual oil-producing region to the planet as a whole, the rate of petroleum oil production tend to follow a bell-shaped curve. "Olduvai revisited 2008" from The Oil Drum blog is an amazing study. This theory was first laid out by Richard Duncan in1989 when he observed that world energy per capita had been declining for a decade. The Olduvai waveform for oil starts in 1950 which is consistent with the Wikipedia projections that the waveform will be completed by 2053.
The energy consumption of a nation is proportional to its Gross National Product (GNP).i.e. (The higher the GNP of a nation, then the higher its consumption.).To maintain our accustomed standard of living, we require the amount of energy that we are burning now to maintain our lifestyles. With the depletion of fossil fuels this will require renewable fuels to fill in the gap.
How do we hammer this information into a plan? A roadmap needs to be derived that utilizes the adoption of solar, wind, geothermal and biomass energies into our energy consumptions needs. Technologies such as stuffing CO2 into caves should not be adopted until they are proven. A plan that incorporates renewable energies with fossils fuels usage would be more realistic for our country to follow.
How do we proceed?
We must continue tax incentives for the renewable energy sectors to incubate their growth. Our House of Representatives in Congress has passed a bill to renew the energy tax incentives that are due to expire December 31, 2008. President Bush threatens to veto this bill because it taxes the Oil Industry $19 billion dollars from multi-billion dollar profits. The president's premise is that the oil companies require these profits to continue exploration of new oil. Politics aside, we desperately need to find new sources of renewable energy.
We need to demand that our local and national leaders produce renewable energy action plans. There are pockets of leadership like Arizona and California. This leadership needs to be at a national level to be successful for the USA. Once this is accomplished we will be well on our way for future generations.
I have a BS and MS in Metallurgical Engineering. Thirty six years spent in the development of semiconductors. Business experience in start up business plan. Currently, an oyster farmer and interested in helping the environment by deploying solar energy. Please visit my Blog http://environmentalhelp.typepad.com/ for further discussions.
The majority of Americans now think that climate change is a problem and that global warming is real. But there still is not a sense of urgency. Every year the US emits CO2 that equals the equivalent weight of 1.2 billion elephants (2 trillion pounds using average size elephants). It is time to stop ignoring 1.2 billion elephants in the room. It is time to implement a plan that will adopt renewable energies at a pace to stabilize the environment from CO2 pollution and then, hopefully, start to reduce the amount of pollution we must derive this plan with an eye to how long our reserves of fossil fuels will last. Once we derive this plan we then can look at future generations and inform them "Here is the plan".
The development of modern civilization has been dependent on both the availability and the advancement of energy. We have witnessed a progression from animal and steam power to the internal combustion engine and electricity generation and to the harnessing of alternative sources of energy. Because of our reliance on energy sources, it is also important to understand the impact of energy use on the environment. All aspects of energy, the way it is produced, distributed, and consumed, can affect local, regional, and global environments through land use and degradation, air pollution and global climate change via greenhouse gas emissions.
Over the foreseeable future, it is very likely that fossil fuels will remain our largest source of energy. However, fossil fuels are finite resources and there is concern not only about both domestic supply and U.S. reliance on foreign supplies but, also, with the increasing cost of these fuels. The research on the longevity of fossil fuels is an exciting adventure in itself. I will touch on some of the theories before I conclude this series of articles. Given the slack of a decade or two, the best summation of the longevity of fossil fuels is presented in "Wikipedia, Fossil fuel: Years of production left in the ground with the most optimistic reserve estimates (Oil & Gas Journal, World Oil)".
Oil: = 45 years
Gas: = 72 years
Coal: = 252 years
With the slack of plus or minus 10 years, most projections are consistent with the Wikipedia numbers. . The popular Hubert peak theory projects that for any given geographical area, from an individual oil-producing region to the planet as a whole, the rate of petroleum oil production tend to follow a bell-shaped curve. "Olduvai revisited 2008" from The Oil Drum blog is an amazing study. This theory was first laid out by Richard Duncan in1989 when he observed that world energy per capita had been declining for a decade. The Olduvai waveform for oil starts in 1950 which is consistent with the Wikipedia projections that the waveform will be completed by 2053.
The energy consumption of a nation is proportional to its Gross National Product (GNP).i.e. (The higher the GNP of a nation, then the higher its consumption.).To maintain our accustomed standard of living, we require the amount of energy that we are burning now to maintain our lifestyles. With the depletion of fossil fuels this will require renewable fuels to fill in the gap.
How do we hammer this information into a plan? A roadmap needs to be derived that utilizes the adoption of solar, wind, geothermal and biomass energies into our energy consumptions needs. Technologies such as stuffing CO2 into caves should not be adopted until they are proven. A plan that incorporates renewable energies with fossils fuels usage would be more realistic for our country to follow.
How do we proceed?
We must continue tax incentives for the renewable energy sectors to incubate their growth. Our House of Representatives in Congress has passed a bill to renew the energy tax incentives that are due to expire December 31, 2008. President Bush threatens to veto this bill because it taxes the Oil Industry $19 billion dollars from multi-billion dollar profits. The president's premise is that the oil companies require these profits to continue exploration of new oil. Politics aside, we desperately need to find new sources of renewable energy.
We need to demand that our local and national leaders produce renewable energy action plans. There are pockets of leadership like Arizona and California. This leadership needs to be at a national level to be successful for the USA. Once this is accomplished we will be well on our way for future generations.
I have a BS and MS in Metallurgical Engineering. Thirty six years spent in the development of semiconductors. Business experience in start up business plan. Currently, an oyster farmer and interested in helping the environment by deploying solar energy. Please visit my Blog http://environmentalhelp.typepad.com/ for further discussions.
Ace The Employment Interview
You may have the qualifications, the experience, and the ability to be considered the right person for the job. However, if you do not have a great interview and are not able to set the right chemistry, then you probably will not be offered the position. The focus in most interviews is based on "why I want to work for you" rather than the important "what can I do for you". The interview in most cases is geared to show you in a positive light. It is the choices you make determining how well the interview goes and if the chemistry is right for everyone.
The process can be different for every company. You may go through a series of interviews or only speak to one person. A series of interviews normally consist of a screening interview to eliminate unqualified candidates and then one-on-one interviews or a panel interview to determine the most qualified candidate. The process will vary due to each organizations beliefs and cultural attitudes to finding the perfect candidate.
The goal of the interviewer is to determine a match between applicants and the position. The ultimate goal is to find a perfect match in several areas to include: the position, a fit to the work environment, and how a person fits the team. You goal is to show what you can do for the company and how you fit these areas. You need to show the interviewer the chemistry is right between you.
There are three types of interviews:
1. The traditional interview asks typical or standard questions to determine the skills you posses and how well you fit the company.
2. The behavioral interview uses techniques comparing similar situations from your past to possible scenarios within the interviewer's organization. Typical examples of questions for this type of interview include:
When was the last time you were late on an assignment?
Tell me about an unpopular decision you made and how you were able to hold people accountable to it?
Tell me about working with someone you did not like?
3. The stress interview consists of one or more people bombarding you with a series of questions designed to see how you operate in a stress situation. Typical questions may include
How do you think the interview is going?
What would you change about a banana?
If you caught a coworker cheating on their expense report, what would you do?
Start again...I am not sure you are answering the question I asked?
There are numerous books and information on the internet describing different methods to handle each type of interview. It is up to you to research and determine which methods work best for you. The bottom line is how you answer the question not always the exact answer. Do you take the time to think before answering or do you just say whatever you are thinking at the moment? The best thing to do in all cases is take the time to slow down...take a breath...and think before you speak.
Before the Interview
Research is the key to any interview. Research allows you to understand yourself, the company, the interview, and many other areas. Here are a few key items to research before you go to an interview:
Identify your strengths, weaknesses, goals, skills, etc...
Research the company and understand what they produce, their mission, their competitors, and their philosophy. You should be prepared with as much knowledge about the industry, employer, and position as possible. Check out their website and trade magazines.
Rehearse what you plan to say.
Practice answers to common questions and try to anticipate the unusual questions.
Prepare questions to ask the employer.
Plan your wardrobe. This is the first thing an employer sees and will create the mood and impression for the rest of the interview. Follow a few simple rules when getting ready for the interview:
Wear well pressed and conservative clothing. If the position is normally business casual show up in a suit, always "one up" the dress code.
Wear sensible and polished shoes that match your outfit. Attention to detail is critical to any interviewer.
Wear a conservative hairstyle. You want to show how you will fit in not how different you can be.
Avoid excessive jewelry and downplay makeup.
Avoid tight or form fitting clothing.
Avoid colognes or perfumes. Smells can deter the greatest interview. If you smoke, do not smoke before the interview. Those sensitive to smells will be turned off and could cost you the job.
You are now ready for the interview.
The Interview
It is important that you arrive early or on time. Employers will not take you seriously if you arrive late. Be sure you bring an extra copy of your resume for you and the interviewer, a pen, and a small notepad. While you are waiting, be polite and courteous to the receptionist or who ever initially greets you.
When the interviewer greets you make eye contact, smile and introduce yourself. Shake hands firmly but do not try to crush their hands and show dominance. Wait until the interviewer sits or you are asked to do so. As the interview begins, express yourself clearly with a strong voice, good diction, and proper grammar. Avoid the use of slang terms and remain professional even if the interviewer uses slang. You should remember the interviewer's name and use it during the interview on several occasions. This shows attention to detail and helps to relate your communication and interpersonal skills. During the interview display a sense of humor and self-confidence but do not be overbearing, aggressive, or conceited. It is important to listen actively and show interest but do not interrupt. Be sure the interviewer has finished speaking before asking or answering a question. Above all...be yourself.
Be aware of nonverbal communication. Sit up straight, look alert, speak clearly and forcefully, but stay relaxed. Make good eye contact, avoid nervous mannerisms, and try to be a good listener as well as a good talker. Remember to smile. A few nonverbal communication signals or body language can deter a good impression during your interview. Be aware of the following items:
Don't
Sit with your arms across your chest. You will appear unfriendly or disbelieving.
Cross or shake your legs. You will appear nervous and uncomfortable.
Slouch in your seat. This is not professional and makes you appear as a slacker or not interested.
Rub or touch your nose. This is a sign of dishonesty and people will not want to shake your hand.
Stare blankly during the interview. You need to be engaged in the conversation to show interest and respect to the interviewer.
Do
Sit up straight and lean forward slightly. This show interest in what the interviewer is saying and you are engaged in the conversation.
Show enthusiasm by nodding slightly and making slight agreements.
Be aware of personal space. Invading a person's space can make them feel uncomfortable. A general rule is an arm length away.
If there is more than one interviewer engage and recognize all parties when asked a question and then answer the person who asked the question.
If the interview is interrupted remain tactful and show interest in something other than the interviewers business. It is considered polite to motion for yourself to leave, the interviewer will let you know if it is necessary.
Remember to smile with interest, not as if you just did something devious. A genuine smile lets the interviewer know you are happy to be there not uncomfortable.
Once the interview begins you can expect many of the usual questions to be asked. This is why time was taken to be prepared to answer various questions. A key point is to follow the interviewer's lead, but try to get the interviewer to describe the position and duties to you fairly early in the interview so you can then relate your background and skills in context to the position. Your research may have given you an idea but it is the interviewer's perception of what they are looking for that is helpful to you. The following is a list of usual questions:
Tell me about you? Do not make excuses for unfavorable factors on your record.
What do you know about the company? Here is where your research pays off. This is a common question and many interviewers will be offended if you did not take the time to at least look at their website.
Tell me about your experience? Never speak ill of past employers, keep your comments positive. Offer examples of your best work and references which document your best qualities.
What are your communication skills? Have examples prepared and be ready to give explanations.
What do you plan for your future or current goals? Be ready with concrete plans and objectives. Be decisive but let the interviewer know this position may create positive changes to these plans.
What are your weaknesses? Explain your weaknesses in a positive light and how they have been turned in to strengths. Explain what you have learned from self-evaluation and how you are correcting your weaknesses.
Why are you qualified for this position? Talk about items from your research, key points from the interview, and explain what you will be able to do for the company.
The interviewer will generally end his questions by asking if you have any questions. If the interviewer does not ask you then take the initiative to ask before you leave. Use the questions you have already prepared about the employer and the position. Here are a few good questions to keep in mind:
What are the daily activities of this position?
How are my evaluations conducted?
Will there be company provided training?
Who will be the chain of command or who will I report to?
Is there a program for continuing education?
What are my future opportunities?
Why is this position currently open or why did the last person leave?
What makes this company better than your competitors?
What is the company philosophy?
DO NOT ask about salary or benefits until offered a position. The question can be used to weed out applicants. If you are out of their price range you just pushed yourself out of a job. Leave it open for negotiation.
Be familiar with questions set by federal law that can or can not be asked. Avoid answers by asking how this is pertinent to the position. Do not be rude but avoid answering. At the conclusion of your interview, ask when a hiring decision will be made. Then thank your interviewer for his or her time and express your interest in the position once again. Remember to take notes on what you feel you could improve upon for your next interview and any information about the employer you feel is pertinent once you leave.
After the Interview
A thank you letter sent the same day or within 24 hours demonstrates genuine interest and gives you a chance to clarify any misconceptions or forgotten information. If you are not called within a week, make a follow up call and ask if additional items are needed. This will let the employer know you are truly interested in the position.
When the employer calls to present a job offer this is the time to negotiate. Here are a few rules to follow:
1. Know the going salary for the position and industry. There are several websites to find this information like cbsalary.
2. Investigate the benefits package.
3. If salary is not negotiable then you can ask for additional benefits such as:
Insurance.
Additional compensation - 401k, stock options, year-end bonus, etc...
Continuing education funds. Don't assume that all employers will be delighted to hear of your plans for graduate school.
Vacation, holiday, or time off.
A performance based review in a shorter time frame for a raise in 3 or 6 months.
Compensation for mileage, cell phones, etc...
If negotiations go well and a finalized offer is made, take time to review the offer before making the final decision. Ask for a 24 - 72 hour period to review before giving your final answer. This shows the employer you are not desperate and take the position seriously. After you get the job - work hard and prove what you told the employer.
The process can be different for every company. You may go through a series of interviews or only speak to one person. A series of interviews normally consist of a screening interview to eliminate unqualified candidates and then one-on-one interviews or a panel interview to determine the most qualified candidate. The process will vary due to each organizations beliefs and cultural attitudes to finding the perfect candidate.
The goal of the interviewer is to determine a match between applicants and the position. The ultimate goal is to find a perfect match in several areas to include: the position, a fit to the work environment, and how a person fits the team. You goal is to show what you can do for the company and how you fit these areas. You need to show the interviewer the chemistry is right between you.
There are three types of interviews:
1. The traditional interview asks typical or standard questions to determine the skills you posses and how well you fit the company.
2. The behavioral interview uses techniques comparing similar situations from your past to possible scenarios within the interviewer's organization. Typical examples of questions for this type of interview include:
When was the last time you were late on an assignment?
Tell me about an unpopular decision you made and how you were able to hold people accountable to it?
Tell me about working with someone you did not like?
3. The stress interview consists of one or more people bombarding you with a series of questions designed to see how you operate in a stress situation. Typical questions may include
How do you think the interview is going?
What would you change about a banana?
If you caught a coworker cheating on their expense report, what would you do?
Start again...I am not sure you are answering the question I asked?
There are numerous books and information on the internet describing different methods to handle each type of interview. It is up to you to research and determine which methods work best for you. The bottom line is how you answer the question not always the exact answer. Do you take the time to think before answering or do you just say whatever you are thinking at the moment? The best thing to do in all cases is take the time to slow down...take a breath...and think before you speak.
Before the Interview
Research is the key to any interview. Research allows you to understand yourself, the company, the interview, and many other areas. Here are a few key items to research before you go to an interview:
Identify your strengths, weaknesses, goals, skills, etc...
Research the company and understand what they produce, their mission, their competitors, and their philosophy. You should be prepared with as much knowledge about the industry, employer, and position as possible. Check out their website and trade magazines.
Rehearse what you plan to say.
Practice answers to common questions and try to anticipate the unusual questions.
Prepare questions to ask the employer.
Plan your wardrobe. This is the first thing an employer sees and will create the mood and impression for the rest of the interview. Follow a few simple rules when getting ready for the interview:
Wear well pressed and conservative clothing. If the position is normally business casual show up in a suit, always "one up" the dress code.
Wear sensible and polished shoes that match your outfit. Attention to detail is critical to any interviewer.
Wear a conservative hairstyle. You want to show how you will fit in not how different you can be.
Avoid excessive jewelry and downplay makeup.
Avoid tight or form fitting clothing.
Avoid colognes or perfumes. Smells can deter the greatest interview. If you smoke, do not smoke before the interview. Those sensitive to smells will be turned off and could cost you the job.
You are now ready for the interview.
The Interview
It is important that you arrive early or on time. Employers will not take you seriously if you arrive late. Be sure you bring an extra copy of your resume for you and the interviewer, a pen, and a small notepad. While you are waiting, be polite and courteous to the receptionist or who ever initially greets you.
When the interviewer greets you make eye contact, smile and introduce yourself. Shake hands firmly but do not try to crush their hands and show dominance. Wait until the interviewer sits or you are asked to do so. As the interview begins, express yourself clearly with a strong voice, good diction, and proper grammar. Avoid the use of slang terms and remain professional even if the interviewer uses slang. You should remember the interviewer's name and use it during the interview on several occasions. This shows attention to detail and helps to relate your communication and interpersonal skills. During the interview display a sense of humor and self-confidence but do not be overbearing, aggressive, or conceited. It is important to listen actively and show interest but do not interrupt. Be sure the interviewer has finished speaking before asking or answering a question. Above all...be yourself.
Be aware of nonverbal communication. Sit up straight, look alert, speak clearly and forcefully, but stay relaxed. Make good eye contact, avoid nervous mannerisms, and try to be a good listener as well as a good talker. Remember to smile. A few nonverbal communication signals or body language can deter a good impression during your interview. Be aware of the following items:
Don't
Sit with your arms across your chest. You will appear unfriendly or disbelieving.
Cross or shake your legs. You will appear nervous and uncomfortable.
Slouch in your seat. This is not professional and makes you appear as a slacker or not interested.
Rub or touch your nose. This is a sign of dishonesty and people will not want to shake your hand.
Stare blankly during the interview. You need to be engaged in the conversation to show interest and respect to the interviewer.
Do
Sit up straight and lean forward slightly. This show interest in what the interviewer is saying and you are engaged in the conversation.
Show enthusiasm by nodding slightly and making slight agreements.
Be aware of personal space. Invading a person's space can make them feel uncomfortable. A general rule is an arm length away.
If there is more than one interviewer engage and recognize all parties when asked a question and then answer the person who asked the question.
If the interview is interrupted remain tactful and show interest in something other than the interviewers business. It is considered polite to motion for yourself to leave, the interviewer will let you know if it is necessary.
Remember to smile with interest, not as if you just did something devious. A genuine smile lets the interviewer know you are happy to be there not uncomfortable.
Once the interview begins you can expect many of the usual questions to be asked. This is why time was taken to be prepared to answer various questions. A key point is to follow the interviewer's lead, but try to get the interviewer to describe the position and duties to you fairly early in the interview so you can then relate your background and skills in context to the position. Your research may have given you an idea but it is the interviewer's perception of what they are looking for that is helpful to you. The following is a list of usual questions:
Tell me about you? Do not make excuses for unfavorable factors on your record.
What do you know about the company? Here is where your research pays off. This is a common question and many interviewers will be offended if you did not take the time to at least look at their website.
Tell me about your experience? Never speak ill of past employers, keep your comments positive. Offer examples of your best work and references which document your best qualities.
What are your communication skills? Have examples prepared and be ready to give explanations.
What do you plan for your future or current goals? Be ready with concrete plans and objectives. Be decisive but let the interviewer know this position may create positive changes to these plans.
What are your weaknesses? Explain your weaknesses in a positive light and how they have been turned in to strengths. Explain what you have learned from self-evaluation and how you are correcting your weaknesses.
Why are you qualified for this position? Talk about items from your research, key points from the interview, and explain what you will be able to do for the company.
The interviewer will generally end his questions by asking if you have any questions. If the interviewer does not ask you then take the initiative to ask before you leave. Use the questions you have already prepared about the employer and the position. Here are a few good questions to keep in mind:
What are the daily activities of this position?
How are my evaluations conducted?
Will there be company provided training?
Who will be the chain of command or who will I report to?
Is there a program for continuing education?
What are my future opportunities?
Why is this position currently open or why did the last person leave?
What makes this company better than your competitors?
What is the company philosophy?
DO NOT ask about salary or benefits until offered a position. The question can be used to weed out applicants. If you are out of their price range you just pushed yourself out of a job. Leave it open for negotiation.
Be familiar with questions set by federal law that can or can not be asked. Avoid answers by asking how this is pertinent to the position. Do not be rude but avoid answering. At the conclusion of your interview, ask when a hiring decision will be made. Then thank your interviewer for his or her time and express your interest in the position once again. Remember to take notes on what you feel you could improve upon for your next interview and any information about the employer you feel is pertinent once you leave.
After the Interview
A thank you letter sent the same day or within 24 hours demonstrates genuine interest and gives you a chance to clarify any misconceptions or forgotten information. If you are not called within a week, make a follow up call and ask if additional items are needed. This will let the employer know you are truly interested in the position.
When the employer calls to present a job offer this is the time to negotiate. Here are a few rules to follow:
1. Know the going salary for the position and industry. There are several websites to find this information like cbsalary.
2. Investigate the benefits package.
3. If salary is not negotiable then you can ask for additional benefits such as:
Insurance.
Additional compensation - 401k, stock options, year-end bonus, etc...
Continuing education funds. Don't assume that all employers will be delighted to hear of your plans for graduate school.
Vacation, holiday, or time off.
A performance based review in a shorter time frame for a raise in 3 or 6 months.
Compensation for mileage, cell phones, etc...
If negotiations go well and a finalized offer is made, take time to review the offer before making the final decision. Ask for a 24 - 72 hour period to review before giving your final answer. This shows the employer you are not desperate and take the position seriously. After you get the job - work hard and prove what you told the employer.
7 Common Resume Cliches To Avoid
Writing a résumé isn’t easy. To your reader this one piece of paper is you, and he or she is going to give it about 20 seconds of attention (often less). Unfortunately, there are résumé traditions that seem to make sense but that ought to be questioned in today’s tough job search world. One of those traditions is that certain words and phrases are considered basic necessities. They aren’t. There are many such clichés, but here is my list of 7 of the most common:
1. Responsible for – Everyone is responsible for something on a job. And just because you are responsible for something doesn’t mean that you are a responsible person. Simply erasing “responsible for” or “responsibilities” from your description usually strengthens it.
2. Assisted – Descriptions starting with the word “assisted” are weak and non-specific. If all you do is render assistance, it places you in a lesser role. If you assisted the President of the company or the Manager of Marketing, what, specifically, did you actually do? What was your part of that job? That’s what to write.
3. Served as (or Acted as) – This usually starts the description of a particular role or job function, such as “Served as liaison to the Planning Committee.” Eliminate “served as” and see how much stronger the writing is: “Liaison to the Planning Committee.”
4. Successfully – It does NOT strengthen your description to say that you “successfully” accomplished something. Either you did it or you didn’t do it. And if you were successful in one area, does it mean that you were unsuccessful in other areas you describe where you do not use that word?
5. Developed – This word is non-specific and overused. What does “developed” really mean? Find a different word that is more specific to what you did.
6. Summary – Every résumé IS a summary (That’s what the word means). If you have a “summary” section, then you’ve got a summary of a summary (which you probably also summarize in a cover letter). There are other options for this section (such as Objective, Strengths, Profile, or Skills).
7. Promoted – Watch out for the word “promoted.” Often it is unclear what is meant without reading the context (which your reader does not have time for). Do you mean that you were promoted (or that you advanced) in your job title and responsibilities, or do you mean that you marketed and promoted the company’s products? Find a different word. And in general, eliminate words that could have a double meaning.
Writing a résumé requires careful and precise thinking, writing, and editing. Every word counts. Do not take any word or phrase for granted.
5 Interviewing Tips To Get That Job!
Anyone who is a job eeker knows that looking for a new job or career is a job in itself. Once you have completed the laborious task of writing your resume and submitting it to various companies, you now have to pass the screen test to get the job. Interviews are the gateway to landing your ideal job. These five tips will help you get own your way to making that job yours.
Tip#1
Be Confident
“Your first impression is your only impression.”
Nothing is worse than a limp handshake, slumped shoulders, poor eye contact or poor communication skills. A potential employer can tell immediately if you are the man or woman for this job by your body language. Although aggressiveness is a turn-off, being passive gives the indication that you are not sure of yourself or your qualifications. Keep eye contact when answering questions or when the interviewer is speaking directly to you. Smile occasionally to show your interest and enthusiasm. Keeping a steady gaze on the interviewer can be disturbing to an interviewer. Look away occasionally. Lean forward to show that you are interested in what the interviewer is saying. Speak in a concise and clear voice. If you have problems annunciating certain words, don’t try to use them on an interview. If this is difficult for you, practice with a mirror and pay attention to your facial expressions.
Other interview killers:
-Slouching in a chair
-Crossing your arms
-Playing with your hair or jewelry
-Leaning back in chair
Tip# 2
Act As If
“You are what you believe.”
Act as if you had the job. What would you do if you had this position? How would you act? How would a person in this position act and speak? What are your responsibilities in this position? What is a typical day like for you in this job? Change your attitude towards yourself and your strengths. If you start thinking that you won’t get the job, you will do small unnoticeable things to sabotage your chances. Great free resources: www.confidenceworld.com.
Tip#3
Know The Company
“Know your business.”
I once sat on a couple of interviews where the interviewees did not do any research on the company. This sends a message that you are looking for any job, not this specific job. Once you’re interview is scheduled, get on the net and start finding out everything you can about the company. A good place to start is www.hoovers.com., which gives you industry information, top competitors, names of CEO, etc. If you’d like to know what current or former employees have to say about the company, try www.wwetfeet.com. Beware of disgruntled postings. Call the company headquarters and ask for the marketing department to get specific information. Weave your research into the interview by stating. “I read an article in the Wall Street Journal, which mentioned that your company is thinking about XYZ.” This lets the interviewer know that you have taken the time to know more about the company. You can ask questions about something you read, but don’t challenge them or you’ll come across as a know-it-all.
Tip# 4
Be Prepared
“Know what to say.”
Most interviewers ask the same standard questions about your strengths, weaknesses, former employers, work history. If you are being interviewed by several people, this might be a good cop, bad cop situation. Pay attention to who is playing bad cop, they are looking for signs of weakness and dishonesty. To be well prepared, before the interview, write out all your accomplishments, both personal and professional. List your strengths and weaknesses. Be honest, it’s easier to remember the truth than it is a lie. Extra Tip: Write out situations in which you have demonstrated: leadership skills, determination, stress management, creativity, and flexibility. Be prepared to answer the question: “Why do you want this job?” If you’re not sure, reevaluate your decision. If you arrive a few minutes early, review what you wrote in the waiting room before the interview. Great list of interview questions: Tested Interview Questions.
Tip#5
Ask For The Job
“You get what you ask for.”
The most important step in the interviewing process is one most people miss. ASK FOR THE JOB! Most interviewers are waiting for that closure. If you have done everything exceptionally well during the interviewing process, but have not asked for the job, you’ve just wasted an interview. Asking for the job shows the potential employer that you are assertive, confident and right for the job. It might feel uncomfortable, but this is your only chance to ask for something you really want. Make sure your voice is firm and you make eye contact. Think of it as your closing argument, you’ve got to win over the jury. You should also ask the interviewer if he or she thinks you are right for the job. Even if they tell you something unpleasant, think of it as a lesson learned. However, do yourself a favor and ask for the job. You deserve it!
Tip#1
Be Confident
“Your first impression is your only impression.”
Nothing is worse than a limp handshake, slumped shoulders, poor eye contact or poor communication skills. A potential employer can tell immediately if you are the man or woman for this job by your body language. Although aggressiveness is a turn-off, being passive gives the indication that you are not sure of yourself or your qualifications. Keep eye contact when answering questions or when the interviewer is speaking directly to you. Smile occasionally to show your interest and enthusiasm. Keeping a steady gaze on the interviewer can be disturbing to an interviewer. Look away occasionally. Lean forward to show that you are interested in what the interviewer is saying. Speak in a concise and clear voice. If you have problems annunciating certain words, don’t try to use them on an interview. If this is difficult for you, practice with a mirror and pay attention to your facial expressions.
Other interview killers:
-Slouching in a chair
-Crossing your arms
-Playing with your hair or jewelry
-Leaning back in chair
Tip# 2
Act As If
“You are what you believe.”
Act as if you had the job. What would you do if you had this position? How would you act? How would a person in this position act and speak? What are your responsibilities in this position? What is a typical day like for you in this job? Change your attitude towards yourself and your strengths. If you start thinking that you won’t get the job, you will do small unnoticeable things to sabotage your chances. Great free resources: www.confidenceworld.com.
Tip#3
Know The Company
“Know your business.”
I once sat on a couple of interviews where the interviewees did not do any research on the company. This sends a message that you are looking for any job, not this specific job. Once you’re interview is scheduled, get on the net and start finding out everything you can about the company. A good place to start is www.hoovers.com., which gives you industry information, top competitors, names of CEO, etc. If you’d like to know what current or former employees have to say about the company, try www.wwetfeet.com. Beware of disgruntled postings. Call the company headquarters and ask for the marketing department to get specific information. Weave your research into the interview by stating. “I read an article in the Wall Street Journal, which mentioned that your company is thinking about XYZ.” This lets the interviewer know that you have taken the time to know more about the company. You can ask questions about something you read, but don’t challenge them or you’ll come across as a know-it-all.
Tip# 4
Be Prepared
“Know what to say.”
Most interviewers ask the same standard questions about your strengths, weaknesses, former employers, work history. If you are being interviewed by several people, this might be a good cop, bad cop situation. Pay attention to who is playing bad cop, they are looking for signs of weakness and dishonesty. To be well prepared, before the interview, write out all your accomplishments, both personal and professional. List your strengths and weaknesses. Be honest, it’s easier to remember the truth than it is a lie. Extra Tip: Write out situations in which you have demonstrated: leadership skills, determination, stress management, creativity, and flexibility. Be prepared to answer the question: “Why do you want this job?” If you’re not sure, reevaluate your decision. If you arrive a few minutes early, review what you wrote in the waiting room before the interview. Great list of interview questions: Tested Interview Questions.
Tip#5
Ask For The Job
“You get what you ask for.”
The most important step in the interviewing process is one most people miss. ASK FOR THE JOB! Most interviewers are waiting for that closure. If you have done everything exceptionally well during the interviewing process, but have not asked for the job, you’ve just wasted an interview. Asking for the job shows the potential employer that you are assertive, confident and right for the job. It might feel uncomfortable, but this is your only chance to ask for something you really want. Make sure your voice is firm and you make eye contact. Think of it as your closing argument, you’ve got to win over the jury. You should also ask the interviewer if he or she thinks you are right for the job. Even if they tell you something unpleasant, think of it as a lesson learned. However, do yourself a favor and ask for the job. You deserve it!
How to make make a good Impression at a Interview
Human Resources personnel, professional recruiters and various other career experts all agree: one of the best ways to prepare yourself for a job interview is to anticipate questions, develop your answers, and practice, practice, practice.
There are plenty of websites that offer lists of popular job interview questions, and knowing the types of questions to expect can be very useful. But knowing how to answer those questions can mean the difference between getting the job and getting the "reject letter."
HOW TO ANSWER QUESTIONS
First, know these important facts:
1. There is no way to predict every question you will be asked during a job interview. In other words, expect unexpected questions--they'll come up no matter how much preparation you do.
2. Treat any sample answers you find, such as in discussion forums, books or on Internet job sites, as GUIDES only. Do not use any sample answers word for word! Interviewers can spot "canned" answers a mile away, and if they suspect you are regurgitating answers that are not your own, you can kiss that job goodbye. You must apply your own experiences, personality and style to answer the questions in your own way. This is crucial, and it will give you a big advantage over candidates who simply recite sample answers.
3. Job interview questions are not things to fear, they are OPPORTUNITIES TO EXCEL. They allow you to show why you are the best person for the job, so instead of dreading them, look forward to them! The key is to give better answers than anyone else, and that's where your preparation comes in.
Now, take these actions:
1. Make a list of your best "selling points" for the position. What qualifications, skills, experience, knowledge, background, personality traits do you possess that would apply to this particular job? Write them down and look for opportunities to work them into your answers.
2. In addition to any sample job interview questions you find through various resources, you absolutely must develop your OWN list of probable questions based specifically on the job for which you are applying. Put yourself in the hiring manager's shoes… what kinds of questions would you ask to find the best person for this job?
3. Write down your answers to likely questions. Study the job announcement carefully. (If you don't have one, get one!) Note the phrases they use when describing the desired qualifications. You'll want to target these as much as possible when developing your answers. For example, if the announcement says they want someone with "strong customer service skills," make sure you include "strong customer service skills" in at least one of your answers. That will make a better impression than saying "I helped customers."
4. Review and edit your answers until you feel they are "just right." Read them over and over until you are comfortable that you know them fairly well. Don't try to memorize them; don't worry about remembering every word. Practice saying them out loud. If possible, have a friend help you rehearse for the interview.
Be A (Short) Story Teller
Make use of this old marketing tip: "Facts tell but stories sell." During a job interview, you are selling yourself. Whenever possible, answer questions with a short story that gives specific examples of your experiences. Notice I said "short." You don't want to ramble or take up too much time; you want to be brief but still make your point.
For example, imagine two people interviewing for a job as a dog groomer are asked, "Have you ever dealt with aggressive dogs?" Candidate Joe answers, "Yes, about 10% of the dogs I've groomed had aggressive tendencies." Candidate Mary answers, "Oh yes, quite often. I remember one situation where a client brought in his Pit Bull, Chomper. He started growling at me the moment his owner left, and I could tell from his stance he wasn't about to let me get near his nails with my clippers. I think he would've torn my arm off if I hadn't used the Schweitzer Maneuver on him. That calmed him down right away and I didn't have any problems after that." (NOTE: I know nothing about dog grooming; I made the Schweitzer Maneuver up for illustrative purposes.)
Don't you agree that Mary's answer is better? Sure, Joe answered the question, but Mary did more than that--she gave a specific example and told a quick story that will be remembered by the interviewers.
In today's job market where there are dozens of highly qualified candidates for each opening, anything you do that will make you stand out and be remembered will greatly increase your odds of getting hired.
Keep the Interviewer's Perspective in Mind; Answer His "What's in it for Me?" Question
While many questions asked during job interviews appear to focus on your past accomplishments, here's an important tip: they may be asking about what you did in the past, but what they really want to know is what you can do NOW, for THEM.
The key is to talk about your past accomplishments in a way that shows how they are RELEVANT to the specific job for which you are interviewing. Doing advance research about the company (such as at their website or at www.hoovers.com) and the position will be extremely helpful.
Here's another example with Joe and Mary. The interviewer asks, "What is the most difficult challenge you've faced, and how did you overcome it?" Joe answers with, "In one job I was delivering pizzas and I kept getting lost. By the time I'd find the address, the pizza would be cold, the customer would be unhappy, and my boss was ready to fire me. I overcame this problem by purchasing a GPS navigation device and installing it in my car. Now I never get lost!" Mary answers, "In my current job at Stylish Hounds, management ran a special promotion to increase the number of customers who use the dog-grooming service. It was a bit too successful because we suddenly had more customers than we could handle. Management would not hire additional groomers to help with the workload. Instead of turning customers away or significantly delaying their appointments, I devised a new grooming method that was twice as fast. Then I developed a new work schedule. Both efforts maximized productivity and we were able to handle the increased workload effectively without upsetting our customers."
Joe's answer shows initiative and commitment (he bought that GPS gadget with his own money, after all). But Mary's answer relates specifically to the job they are applying for (dog groomer). And Mary had done research about the company and discovered it was about to significantly expand it's dog-grooming operations. So she picked an example from her past that addressed an issue the interviewer was likely to apply to a future situation in his company. See the difference?
Here's one more example. Joe and Mary are asked, "What's your greatest accomplishment?" Joe answers, "I won two Olympic Gold Medals during the 2000 Olympics in the high-jump competition." Mary answers, "I was named Stylish Hounds's Dog Groomer of the Year in 2003 for increasing productivity in my section by 47%."
Joe's accomplishment is pretty spectacular. But remember the interviewer's perspective. He might be impressed, but he's thinking "What's in it for me? What does being a world-class high-jumper four years ago have to do with helping me to increase sales in my dog-grooming department?" Mary's answer is much less spectacular than Joe's, but it's relevant to the position and indicates that she has what it takes to be successful in this particular job. It tells the interviewer, "I have what you're looking for; I can help you with your specific needs."
Looks like Mary has a new job!
Do Not Lie
Last but not least, tell the truth. It's sometimes very tempting to "alter" the truth a bit during a job interview. For instance, say you quit instead of being fired. But the risk of being discovered as a liar far outweighs the potential benefit of hiding the truth.
If you are thinking about telling a lie during the interview, ask yourself these questions (this technique has helped me make many major decisions): "What is the BEST thing that could happen? What is the WORST thing that could happen? Is the best thing WORTH RISKING the worst thing?" In this instance, the best thing would be getting the job. The worst thing would be getting discovered as a liar, which could lead to getting fired, which could lead to unemployment, which could lead to more job searching, which could lead to another interview, which could lead to the stress of deciding whether to lie about just getting fired, and so on… a cycle that can go on indefinitely. Is all that worth getting the one job, perhaps on a temporary basis?
Always consider the consequences of your actions.
In Summary, Here's What You Need To Do When Preparing To Answer Job Interview Questions:
1. Study the job announcement.
2. Research the company.
3. Anticipate likely questions.
4. Prepare answers to those questions that are relevant to the position and the company.
5. Promote your best "selling points" (relevant qualifications, capabilities, experience, personality traits, etc.) by working them into your answers.
6. Practice. Practice. Practice.
There are plenty of websites that offer lists of popular job interview questions, and knowing the types of questions to expect can be very useful. But knowing how to answer those questions can mean the difference between getting the job and getting the "reject letter."
HOW TO ANSWER QUESTIONS
First, know these important facts:
1. There is no way to predict every question you will be asked during a job interview. In other words, expect unexpected questions--they'll come up no matter how much preparation you do.
2. Treat any sample answers you find, such as in discussion forums, books or on Internet job sites, as GUIDES only. Do not use any sample answers word for word! Interviewers can spot "canned" answers a mile away, and if they suspect you are regurgitating answers that are not your own, you can kiss that job goodbye. You must apply your own experiences, personality and style to answer the questions in your own way. This is crucial, and it will give you a big advantage over candidates who simply recite sample answers.
3. Job interview questions are not things to fear, they are OPPORTUNITIES TO EXCEL. They allow you to show why you are the best person for the job, so instead of dreading them, look forward to them! The key is to give better answers than anyone else, and that's where your preparation comes in.
Now, take these actions:
1. Make a list of your best "selling points" for the position. What qualifications, skills, experience, knowledge, background, personality traits do you possess that would apply to this particular job? Write them down and look for opportunities to work them into your answers.
2. In addition to any sample job interview questions you find through various resources, you absolutely must develop your OWN list of probable questions based specifically on the job for which you are applying. Put yourself in the hiring manager's shoes… what kinds of questions would you ask to find the best person for this job?
3. Write down your answers to likely questions. Study the job announcement carefully. (If you don't have one, get one!) Note the phrases they use when describing the desired qualifications. You'll want to target these as much as possible when developing your answers. For example, if the announcement says they want someone with "strong customer service skills," make sure you include "strong customer service skills" in at least one of your answers. That will make a better impression than saying "I helped customers."
4. Review and edit your answers until you feel they are "just right." Read them over and over until you are comfortable that you know them fairly well. Don't try to memorize them; don't worry about remembering every word. Practice saying them out loud. If possible, have a friend help you rehearse for the interview.
Be A (Short) Story Teller
Make use of this old marketing tip: "Facts tell but stories sell." During a job interview, you are selling yourself. Whenever possible, answer questions with a short story that gives specific examples of your experiences. Notice I said "short." You don't want to ramble or take up too much time; you want to be brief but still make your point.
For example, imagine two people interviewing for a job as a dog groomer are asked, "Have you ever dealt with aggressive dogs?" Candidate Joe answers, "Yes, about 10% of the dogs I've groomed had aggressive tendencies." Candidate Mary answers, "Oh yes, quite often. I remember one situation where a client brought in his Pit Bull, Chomper. He started growling at me the moment his owner left, and I could tell from his stance he wasn't about to let me get near his nails with my clippers. I think he would've torn my arm off if I hadn't used the Schweitzer Maneuver on him. That calmed him down right away and I didn't have any problems after that." (NOTE: I know nothing about dog grooming; I made the Schweitzer Maneuver up for illustrative purposes.)
Don't you agree that Mary's answer is better? Sure, Joe answered the question, but Mary did more than that--she gave a specific example and told a quick story that will be remembered by the interviewers.
In today's job market where there are dozens of highly qualified candidates for each opening, anything you do that will make you stand out and be remembered will greatly increase your odds of getting hired.
Keep the Interviewer's Perspective in Mind; Answer His "What's in it for Me?" Question
While many questions asked during job interviews appear to focus on your past accomplishments, here's an important tip: they may be asking about what you did in the past, but what they really want to know is what you can do NOW, for THEM.
The key is to talk about your past accomplishments in a way that shows how they are RELEVANT to the specific job for which you are interviewing. Doing advance research about the company (such as at their website or at www.hoovers.com) and the position will be extremely helpful.
Here's another example with Joe and Mary. The interviewer asks, "What is the most difficult challenge you've faced, and how did you overcome it?" Joe answers with, "In one job I was delivering pizzas and I kept getting lost. By the time I'd find the address, the pizza would be cold, the customer would be unhappy, and my boss was ready to fire me. I overcame this problem by purchasing a GPS navigation device and installing it in my car. Now I never get lost!" Mary answers, "In my current job at Stylish Hounds, management ran a special promotion to increase the number of customers who use the dog-grooming service. It was a bit too successful because we suddenly had more customers than we could handle. Management would not hire additional groomers to help with the workload. Instead of turning customers away or significantly delaying their appointments, I devised a new grooming method that was twice as fast. Then I developed a new work schedule. Both efforts maximized productivity and we were able to handle the increased workload effectively without upsetting our customers."
Joe's answer shows initiative and commitment (he bought that GPS gadget with his own money, after all). But Mary's answer relates specifically to the job they are applying for (dog groomer). And Mary had done research about the company and discovered it was about to significantly expand it's dog-grooming operations. So she picked an example from her past that addressed an issue the interviewer was likely to apply to a future situation in his company. See the difference?
Here's one more example. Joe and Mary are asked, "What's your greatest accomplishment?" Joe answers, "I won two Olympic Gold Medals during the 2000 Olympics in the high-jump competition." Mary answers, "I was named Stylish Hounds's Dog Groomer of the Year in 2003 for increasing productivity in my section by 47%."
Joe's accomplishment is pretty spectacular. But remember the interviewer's perspective. He might be impressed, but he's thinking "What's in it for me? What does being a world-class high-jumper four years ago have to do with helping me to increase sales in my dog-grooming department?" Mary's answer is much less spectacular than Joe's, but it's relevant to the position and indicates that she has what it takes to be successful in this particular job. It tells the interviewer, "I have what you're looking for; I can help you with your specific needs."
Looks like Mary has a new job!
Do Not Lie
Last but not least, tell the truth. It's sometimes very tempting to "alter" the truth a bit during a job interview. For instance, say you quit instead of being fired. But the risk of being discovered as a liar far outweighs the potential benefit of hiding the truth.
If you are thinking about telling a lie during the interview, ask yourself these questions (this technique has helped me make many major decisions): "What is the BEST thing that could happen? What is the WORST thing that could happen? Is the best thing WORTH RISKING the worst thing?" In this instance, the best thing would be getting the job. The worst thing would be getting discovered as a liar, which could lead to getting fired, which could lead to unemployment, which could lead to more job searching, which could lead to another interview, which could lead to the stress of deciding whether to lie about just getting fired, and so on… a cycle that can go on indefinitely. Is all that worth getting the one job, perhaps on a temporary basis?
Always consider the consequences of your actions.
In Summary, Here's What You Need To Do When Preparing To Answer Job Interview Questions:
1. Study the job announcement.
2. Research the company.
3. Anticipate likely questions.
4. Prepare answers to those questions that are relevant to the position and the company.
5. Promote your best "selling points" (relevant qualifications, capabilities, experience, personality traits, etc.) by working them into your answers.
6. Practice. Practice. Practice.
April 20, 2009
Coal Company Contacts
These are all of the contacts I have.If you know of any.Let me know.
Alex Energy Inc
2 Jerry Fork Rd, Drennen, WV 26667
Contact Phone: (304) 872-5065
Amvest West Virginia Coal Llc
Rr 16 Box North, Bickmore, WV 25019
Contact Phone: (304) 587-4100
Appalachian Fuels
306 Main St, Man, WV 25635-1345
Contact Phone: (304) 583-0215
Apache Mining, Llc
130 Brookshire Ln, Beckley, WV 25801-6761
Contact Phone: (304) 253-0645
Brooks Run Mining Co Llc
25 Little Birch Rd, Sutton, WV 26601-9469
Contact Phone: (304) 765-4006
Catenary Coal Co
100 Toms Fork Rd, Eskdale, WV 25075-9138
Contact Phone: (304) 595-4036
Consol Energy
7 Mi N Moundsville Hc 2, Moundsville, WV 26041
Contact Phone: (304) 843-3516
Icg Eastern, Llc
1101 Burch River Rd, Cowen, WV 26206
Contact Phone: (304) 226-2100
Kingston Resources Inc (Riverton Coal Company)
Kingston, WV 25917
Contact Phone: (304) 469-4974
Massey Coal Company, Inc , A T (Massey Coal Company, Inc , A T)
125 Hurricane Branch Rd, Chapmanville, WV 25508-9519
Contact Phone: (304) 855-4909
Nicholas Energy Company
2 Jerry Fork Rd, Drennen, WV 26667
Contact Phone: (304) 872-5065
Pocahontas Coal Company, Llc (Pocahontas Coal Company, Llc)
130 Brookshire Ln, Beckley, WV 25801-6761
Contact Phone: (304) 253-0645
Remington Coal Company
Slaughters Creek Rd, Eskdale, WV 25075
Contact Phone: (304) 595-5163
Trinity Parent Corporation
4978 Teays Valley Rd, Scott Depot, WV 25560-9509
Contact Phone: (304) 743-8617
Coal Facts
WV COAL & THE ECONOMY
Taxes paid by the coal industry and by utility companies that make electricity using West Virginia coal account for two-thirds, or over 60% of business taxes paid in our state.
The coal industry pays approximately $70 million in property taxes annually.
The Coal Severance Tax adds approximately $214 million into West Virginia's economy.
Twenty-four million dollars of coal severance taxes collected each year goes directly into the Infrastructure Bond Fund.
All 55 counties, even the non-coal producing counties receive Coal Severance Tax funds.
The coal industry payroll is nearly $2 billion per year.
Coal is responsible for more than $3.5 billion annually in the gross state product.
ELECTRICITY AND COAL
More than half of the nation's electricity is generated from coal.
In West Virginia 99% of the generated electricity comes from coal.
There are currently 14 coal fired electric generating facilities located in West Virginia.
Coal provides the majority of electric power in 32 states.
In the United States, the demand for electricity has increased 136% since 1970.
National demand for electricity is expected to increase by another 24 percent by 2020.
Emissions from power plants have been reduced by 1/3 over the past 30 years.
It has been estimated that 13 percent of the national power requirement is taken up by activities associated with computers and information technology.
West Virginia Coal Miner
Hello... Welcome to West Virginia Coal Miner site.I have begun this venture for the sole purpose of finding jobs for Coal miners.I myself am now laid off.As many of us are.It is my belief that if we ban together we can improve our chances of finding a job.Instead of one person travleing all over the state we can have thousands,saving time and money.
As I check on jobs in my area,which is central WV .I will report on any job openings and finding.I have several contacts that are helping me locate as many jobs as possible. If you know of any opening or looking to hire.Please post a comment at the end of this or any other post.Thanks Mike
p.s. that is not a pic of me.
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