Remote working interview questions

Remote working interview questions by Amber Rolfe Not sure how to prove you’d be great at remote working? It’s all about your work ethic…Working remotely requires a certain skillset, meaning the interview questions for jobs in this field might differ from the norm. From testing your ability to focus and self-motivate, to checking you can combat communication-based barriers, what you’re asked won’t only test your skills and experience â€" but also your cultural fit and personal characteristics.To help you with your interview preparation, here are five of the most common remote interview questions â€" and our advice on how to answer them:  What is your ideal work environment? Being suitable for a job is as much about organisational fit as it is about skillset â€" and this question is designed to test exactly that.Because even though you’ll be based outside of the office, it doesn’t mean you need to be an outsider. And remote jobs are often no less collaborative than those who work in-house.So wheth er you’re working on the move, at a remote office, or from home, you’ll need to have a certain set of characteristics to be happy and productive in an environment that differs from the norm. Not to mention fit within your wider team.So choose the aspects of your ideal environment that are in line with the role (e.g. an independent workspace, good team communication), and avoid referencing anything they probably aren’t going to be able to give you (e.g. large amounts of face-to-face feedback) â€" and you’ll be on the right track.N.B. As a general rule, if it’s not part of their company culture, it’s not worth mentioning.Right answer: ‘I really enjoy a good mix of collaborative work, as well as time to get my head down and really focus on my tasks. I tend to get absorbed in my work, so once I’m clear on my objectives, I like having space to really concentrate. But everyone runs into questions once in a while, so it’s equally important to maintain good communication, even in a remote setting.’Wrong answer: ‘People always say you can’t concentrate unless you have a dedicated workspace, but I disagree. Work never distracts me when I’m watching Netflix.’What tools couldn’t you live without?In other words, are you aware of the importance of technology in a remote work environment?Think online chat, email, video hangouts and project-management software, and you’ll be along the right lines. Chances are they’ll all be an integral part of your remote working day-to-day.A good answer will acknowledge a variety of these tools and their uses (specific to your potential role) â€" and also prove your ability to use them in a work-based sense.For example, claiming your webcam has the perfect lighting for selfies probably won’t go down well. But talking about video meeting programs as being a core component in attending team meetings and sharing ideas?Much better.Right answer: ‘If there’s something that the whole team is collaborating on, I find project management software, like Asana, is a great way to manage a group project remotely. And for face-to-face meetings with colleagues off site, video hangouts are a fantastic tool, and find that Google Drive is a great way to access and share work from wherever you are.’Wrong answer: ‘To be honest, I prefer to keep things old school. Once you go fax, you never go back’  How do you avoid miscommunication? Whether you’re based halfway around the globe or you’re telecommuting from your sofa, remote working requires extra effort to keep up a productive stream of communication.Because when there’s no option to drop by someone’s desk for a quick chat or catch up on the latest project between meetings, finding an effective way of collaborating is absolutely vital to stop anything getting lost in translation.To answer this question well, focus on the key elements and methods that allow you to avoid miscommunication â€" whether it’s by being sure to provide contex t in messages, or asking for a more in-depth explanation on a task you aren’t sure of. Or, you know, just picking up the phone and talking it out.Remember: all it takes is one rushed email to create an unintentional Chinese whispers game.Right answer: ‘I find that avoiding miscommunication comes down to using the right methods for certain types of contact. For example, if I have a quick question to ask another member of the team, I’ll usually drop them a message on chat. But if it’s something I need to refer back to later â€" then I’d use email. However, sometimes things can get lost in communication, so speaking directly over the phone is also essential in certain situations.’Wrong answer: ‘I speak only in emojis. Winky face… ’  How do you stay motivated? AKA, will you fall victim to distractions if you’re working independently?Can you actually get the job done as a remote worker? Even with your bed, TV, and phone within easy reach and no one there to stop you f rom going incognito for the sake of a quick nap.Not only does it test your ability to self-motivate and work without large amounts of direction, it also checks whether you’re passionate enough to create your own positive work ethic without the immediate support of your team.Be careful about how you answer it though. There’s a fine line between being motivated to do well and motivated to stay at home in hope of an easier life â€" and using a remote working job as a reason to slack or a last resort fall-back is something that will quickly be spotted by an interviewer.Instead, focus on showing how remote working actually improves your productivity. The best candidates will be proactive workers who thrive in a quiet and independent environment, so make it clear that that’s what motivates you â€" and you’ll be on the right track.Right answer: ‘I’m an independent worker who tends to thrive in a quiet environment, and once I have a clear goal to work towards I’m able to get o n and do it with little direction and distraction. This, with the help of a time management app, a workflow tracker, and regular communication with the team helps me to stay motivated and on the right track.’Wrong answer: ‘Well thinking about the money helps…’When’s the last time you missed a deadline? Approach this question with caution.The interviewer isn’t asking it to hear a comprehensive list of excuses explaining how Tim from Accounts is to blame for every deadline you’ve ever missed (see also: your computer, the Wi-Fi connection, anything else in the local vicinity).They want you to take accountability, as well as provide sensible reasoning for not producing work on time. For example, if handing it in then would mean quality would be compromised or other areas of your work would suffer.Most importantly though, they want you to be able to deal with potential failures constructively enough to learn something from it â€" meaning you’ll be better equipped to manag e your time in the future.Right answer: ‘In my previous job, I was a representative of the firm at trade shows. In my second year there, three events were scheduled within a month of each other. I soon realised that preparing all three to a high standard was going to be impossible â€" I had to prioritise. So I agreed with my manager that I’d focus on the two most relevant events even if it meant missing the deadline for the third. Both of them went really well, and actually brought back a lot of leads.’Wrong answer: ‘Well, I don’t want to point fingers. But…’Not sure any of these questions will come up? Don’t panic. We’ve got plenty more…Buy James Reed’s new book:  Why You? 101 Interview Questions You’ll Never Fear Again and start loving Mondays now.  Still searching for your perfect position?  View available jobs now  Find a job What Where Search JobsSign up for more Career AdviceSign up for moreCareer Advice Please enter a valid email addressmessage h ereBy clicking Submit you agree to the terms and conditions applicable to our service and acknowledge that your personal data will be used in accordance with our privacy policy and you will receive emails and communications about jobs and career related topics. Job interview tips Preparing for an interview Work from home jobs

Writing Technical Resume Job Description

Writing Technical Resume Job DescriptionYou need to write a good resume for a technical writing job, and that means being able to match the job description. Writing a resume is the same as doing research for your resume. Before you start, you need to have an idea of what you want to say. For example, you don't need to know all the technical terms for a computer programmer job, but you do need to know a bit about computer science so that you can say that you are in that field.The first thing you will want to do is take a few moments to think about the kinds of things you have done, including what you would like to be doing for a living. This will give you some direction for how to describe your background. For example, if you want to describe yourself as an engineer, write something like this:I am very interested in programs development and analysis. I enjoy working with computers, programming, and technology. I use my writing skills to express my viewpoints, to build technical applic ations, and I help to improve computer systems and create graphics for educational projects.Now you know what it is you are going to be writingwhat you want to say, and what it will look like on paper. From there, you need to start looking for the job.You will want to get as many applications as you can. Use a separate sheet or file to store them, and just start sending them to people you know, but you want to send an email to each one. Don't make it seem like you are stalking someone! But, if they respond, tell them you have a really interesting offer for them.Try to avoid using your own name in your application, because it could come across as a stretch, or you may get rejected if you are not specific about what you are applying for. If you do use your own name, it is always a good idea to include some other contact information that you can give the person who replies, including a phone number and even a physical address.By using this approach, you will be able to get more applica tions for a job description that you are interested in. You can focus on the kind of work you would like to do in technical writing rather than trying to go beyond it. As an example, a person interested in writing technical books might use the following line in their resume:I have worked with various technical book authors and publishers, and I enjoy writing technical text for print publications and websites. I am also very knowledgeable about technical applications and computer applications in general.

A Fresh Start

A Fresh Start There’s something about fall and back to school season that makes all of us think about fresh starts.   Summer is a lull in career and school activity; the rules don’t apply.   We go to the beach, bask in the pool in the back yard, or travel on vacation.   We stop wearing shoes (and as many clothes as possible) and generally relax.   It’s not uncommon for jobseekers to take the summer off to spend time with family and relax.   If you’ve done this, it’s time to get back to work on your job search. As you get serious again about your job search, take this opportunity to make a fresh start.   Review your process from start to finish. Here are some suggestions. First, take a fresh look at your daily routine.   If you’re normally a morning person, you should tackle your writing and communication projects early in the day.   Pack the kids off to school and sit down in your home office to retool your resume or write compelling cover letters.  Hopefully, you’re also aware of what time of day you’re least alert and effective as well.   That would be the time to do routine tasks like filing and getting organized. Be sure to build in time for taking care of yourself in ways that keep your energy high.   That means physical exercise and spiritual renewal.   It also means taking time to visualize success and practice skills you may need to work on (think interviewing rehearsal, talking over the phone, or networking with strangers, if it’s hard for you.) Next, take a look at your activity over the past few weeks or months.   Are there leads you didn’t follow up on?   Leads that seemed promising at the time but didn’t come through? Maybe it’s time to revisit them.   Were you a top tier candidate for a job that was offered to another applicant?   Check in with the hiring manager.   You never know if the candidate of choice is not working out, or if the company may now have a new opening that might be a match for you.   If it’s been more than a few months since you spoke to a recruiter or manager who had a great opportunity in the past, call or email again.   It can’t hurt, and you might find that your timing is perfect for a new opportunity.   Even if there’s no new activity on her end, you might mention what’s new on your end.   Have you been volunteering or consulting?   Have you added a new skill or certification?   Now that you’ve taken a look at former activity, consider how can you tackle new leads with a fresh approach.   Make a commitment to expand your options (try for higher salaried jobs, for instance, or look at different job titles in your industry.) Change your cover letter or resume format.   Look into industries you’ve never considered before. Ask people you meet some different questions.   Start to follow a great career blog (oh look â€" you can cross that one off the list already.) Resolve to meet a few new people each week â€" expanding your network is one of the best uses of your time in a job search. Set specific goals for coffee or meetings with friends and new acquaintances.   While you’re at it, set goals for the number of resumes you send out and the number of calls you make.   After all, if you’re training for a marathon, you don’t simply run each day until you’re tired or don’t feel like it.   You create a training plan and stick to the miles you set for each day.   Your job search should be just as disciplined.   When you do get tired or discouraged, visualize the goal line â€" your first day on the new job.

What is a Land Surveyor What Do They Do - Algrim.co

What is a Land Surveyor What Do They Do - Algrim.co Land Surveyors conduct legal surveys in order to determine property boundaries as well as prepare or maintain accurate plans and records. Land Surveyors are employed by federal, provincial, and municipal governments as well as real estate developers, construction firms, and private land surveying companies. Land surveyors also have the option of being self-employed if they can obtain a steady influx of clients. What Does a Land Surveyor Do? Land Surveyors perform a number of important functions for governments and other agencies including establishing official land boundaries, using special equipment to determine precise locations of important features, and measuring distances, directions, or angles of points on the earth’s surface. They also research land records that affect properties and look for evidence pointing to previous boundaries to determine where currently undefined boundary lines should be. They work with GPS and satellites to locate reference points to an extremely accuracy threshold. Land Surveyors travel to many locations to measure distances and determine exact directions between points. They work with cartographers, architects, and construction managers, among others. They also prepare maps, land plots, and reports. They are also responsible for the recording of verified and accurate land data. Land surveyors also present their findings to clients, governmental bodies and agencies, and other pertinent organizations or people. They guide development projects, construction projects, and provide land information to real estate companies for the buying and selling of houses. How To Become a Land Surveyor The first step to becoming a qualified Land Surveyor is earning a Bachelor’s degree in mapping, surveying, or geomatics. Persons with a high school level background in drafting, mechanical drawing, and geography are set up well for these degrees. When choosing your degree program, do research first to make sure it is approved by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. After you complete your ABET approved degree, an internship is a next step on your path to a land surveying career. Many universities will help you secure such an internship before you graduate, so make sure to look into that and take full advantage of the help since internships are limited and competition is fierce. During your internship, you will work under a professional land surveyor obtaining field data, compiling that data, and generating the final product. The final step is to become licensed by passing the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying minimum standards exam. Once you pass, you will begin an apprenticeship under a licensed Professional Surveyor. Once you complete your apprenticeship, you’ll need to maintain your license and meet the renewal requirements to uphold your licensed status.

Top Benefits of Executive Resume Writing Service

Top Benefits of Executive Resume Writing ServiceThe great thing about executive resume writing service is that it can help you achieve your goals. Most professionals want to get ahead of the competition, so they will turn to an executive resume writing service for assistance. Here are some of the benefits you can achieve when you use the services of a resume writing service in Sacramento.Being part of a professional service helps you reach your goals and get the results you want. All of your resume writing needs are met, and this is done for free. You will not have to hire a consultant, or purchase a single document.Resume writing service helps you get the results you want, with the best results. The writers in Sacramento are experts in the field, and they will have the experience to create a perfect resume. They know the business and understand what you need to accomplish in order to get your career on the right track.Executive resume writing service in Sacramento is different than most. They offer a range of services, from drafting a good cover letter, to helping you create a decent job description. They will also help you get the best employment matches that will give you the best results.While hiring a consultant can help you achieve the best results, it is better to outsource the task to someone who specializes in your field. Most professionals in the Sacramento area have their own writing service, which you can outsource. This is a cost effective option that allows you to get the assistance you need at an affordable price.In addition to the experience and expertise of the professional, you should look for someone with industry experience. You do not want to hire someone who does not have experience in your field, as this could cost you time and money. A writing service that specializes in your field will also save you time because they know what to expect.The most important benefit of using a resume writing service in Sacramento is that it offers free con sultation. Your consultant will review your resume and give you advice on how to improve it. You will also get help with the application process, so you know how to make your resume stand out from the rest.When you use the services of an executive resume writing service in Sacramento, you get a professional resume to the job you apply for. It is like a trial run for a new job, which is exactly what you need in order to get a new career off to a good start. The resume writing service knows what to do, so they can craft a perfect resume to get you the results you need.

5 Tips for Getting Your First Job in Cyber Security CareerMetis.com

5 Tips for Getting Your First Job in Cyber Security Source : Pexels.comCybersecurityâ€"the safeguarding of computer hardware, software, and data against malicious attacksâ€"is a fast-growing field. Indeed, global cybersecurity spending is expected to reach $100 billion by 2020. And with the rise of the internet of things, cybersecurity will become even more critical. This presents an opportunityâ€"for you.Major security breaches make headlines every year. And not-as-publicized cyberattacks happen much more frequently. Research evalA cursory glance at the cybersecurity industry will show you how diverse it is. Engineers, consultants, forensic investigators, cryptography architects, analysts, programmersâ€"these are only some of the job types you’ll find. And all of these jobs are entirely different from each other. That means you have to start your journey by researching what you’re most interested.For example, if you like the idea of Even if you don’t have prior cybersecurity experience, you can get various certifications by pas sing an exam. Network+ and Security+ are considered foundational but necessary certifications. If you have zero knowledge of how networks work, you might want to start with Network+. If you have some prior tech experience or are obtaining a cybersecurity-related degree, you might want to earn a certification in Security+. There are plenty of online resources that can help prepare you for these exams.More advanced certifications are obtainable over the course of your career. Some of themâ€"such as Certified Ethical Hacker Speaking of recruiters and hiring managers, network with them too.Doing so shows initiative, especially in hiring managers. These professionals know what skills the company needs and will guide you as you take the next steps. These steps might include obtaining certifications, finishing your degree, learning a programming language, or even researching some new computer or web application.Once you’ve started the conversation, keep it going as you achieve milestones . Eventually, someone in your network may offer you a position or point you in the direction where one is available.5. Apply Even If You Don’t Meet Every QualificationevalNow, there are usually required and desired qualifications within a job posting. That doesn’t mean you need to check off each criterion before applying, though. Above all, you should focus on the required skills because that’s what matters most to the employer. Having any of the desired requirements are additional measures of merit which will bolster your application.It’s not impossible to get hired even if you don’t meet all of the job posting requirements. It’s a good idea to reach out to a recruiter or hiring manager before you apply for a job like that, however. You don’t want to waste an employer’s time or your own.Cybersecurity is so exciting right now in part because there is a shortage of people with the necessary skills for the jobs companies need to fill. But that said, specific jobs will be competitive. You’re going to want to apply for numerous positions. And reaching for positions that don’t entirely match up with your current skill is an important strategy.Final ConsiderationsYou’ll find that success in landing a job can be mostly trial and error. Skills on your resume matter most of all, of course. But there is a bit of luck in play. For example, you might score an interview for the first job you apply for, but then need a dozen subsequent attempts to get another one. There are a lot of moving pieces in play during the hiring process.Here’s the key to finding a job: Don’t get discouraged, even if you apply for many jobs and don’t hear anything back. Keep applying, keep networking, keep researching, keep learning. Sooner or later, you’re going to get interviews and land your cybersecurity dream job.

Dealing with Political Drama at the Office

Dealing with Political Drama at the Office Make Like the Swiss Office politics are one thing â€" knock-down, drag-out political debates that disrupt your workplace are quite another. Sure, the presidential election is over, but what’s that old saying? “It’s all over but the shouting?” Well, an increasing number of managers are finding themselves in the uncomfortable position of referee as their employees continue to debate election results, policy decisions, and national headlines. I recently e-mailed with executive coach Amanda Mitchell, who explained, “I’ve never encountered such divisiveness in the workplace. It used to be that people left their personal politics at home. Now, they’re texting and tweeting from their desks about the new President, about Congress, about what might have been, and what’s happening in Washington. And what suffers? Productivity â€" actually getting work done.” Mitchell founded Our Corporate Life, which helps companies address workplace dysfunction, politics, and bureaucracy. She works with companies and their employees to address the unnecessary corporate insanity that impedes performance and inhibits innovation by working one-on-one with senior executives to increase leadership skills and working with teams to reduce disruptive drama. The political tension is hard to miss in many workplaces, according to Mitchell, and that’s bad news for managers. “When one staffer is ranting over the latest headline, and another is taking the opposite view, the distraction takes everyone’s collective eye off the ball â€" that is, the task at hand.” Mitchell shared a few management strategies to deal with disruptive politics at work: Make Like the Swiss Switzerland’s neutrality is something a manager might consider emulating, said Mitchell. “Stay out of break room squabbles and water cooler debates. If you have an opinion â€" and who doesn’t? â€" keep it to yourself.” A Busy Staff is a Happy Staff Be sure to redirect all that political passion to the job at hand. Managers might consider assigning special projects to the loudest political debaters â€" maybe get two with opposing views to work together? And be sure to supervise the process and praise the results. “Nothing like a pat on the back, no matter what your political persuasion,” said Mitchell. Distract to Deter Management might consider disrupting the routine, by scheduling a team-building seminar or employee recognition lunch. Most offices have a familiar pace and it may be that staff rely on down time to kick start political dramas. Mitchell recommends that managers keep staffers motivated by changing things up a bit. Got a Problem Employee? It’s not unusual to have one staff member who gets easily distracted with what’s going on in the world. “It’s hard to disconnect from what’s going on, even in the office,” Mitchell admitted. If one individual is triggering the political drama, managers should take direct action, speak privately with the staffer, and help them understand that paying attention to their work is the priority on company time. Above and Beyond “Some people think we’re on a course toward disaster, others think all will be well,” said Mitchell. “We usually react to uncertainty and personal anguish â€" and yes, some people are feeling that! â€" by being easily distracted, procrastinating, or feeling that no matter what the work output, who cares?” A good manager leads by example, said Mitchell, and keeps the focus on high standards and a job well done. Will the politicking â€" on social media, in cafes, on street corners, and in the office â€" ever end? At some point, the dust will settle, Mitchell believes. In the meantime, “When it comes to work, we all have to remind ourselves what’s important: providing for ourselves and our families by doing a good job, earning a living, and taking pride in ourselves and our accomplishments,” said Mitchell. Join Dana Manciagli’s Job Search Master Class ® now and get the most comprehensive job search system available!

Are your perfectionist tendencies helping or hurting you -

Are your perfectionist tendencies helping or hurting you - My friend, Ken Revenaugh, who authors the Fast Track Tools blog, often writes about the importance of storytelling in business. He advocates keeping an eye and ear out for stories everywhere you go to help illustrate a point down the road. During my recent visit to New York City, I kept a list of inspiring blog topics relating to career and job search. My favorite inspiration occurred during a visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. While in the impressionist wing, viewing art by French artist Edgar Degas (1834-1917), famous for his paintings and sculptures of ballet dancers, I noticed an explanation accompanying many small sculptures (photo at right). Apparently, there were more than 150 pieces made of clay, wax and plastiline that Degas had been ambivalent about preserving in bronze because he wasnt sure they were good enough. I thought it a little ironic this master painter and sculpture, whose art is now famous around the world and displayed in iconic museums, was worried some of his work wasnt good enough to save for posterity. Clearly, he had perfectionist tendencies, as the placard near the famous, The Little Fourteen-Year-Old Dancer (photo below), indicated he had taken such care to sculpt it, there were an extraordinary number of surviving sketches in charcoal and pastel, as well as his study of the figure. You can see some of his paintings of dancers in the background. Stop and think: what are you doing well that you dont think is good enough? What are you underestimating about your skills, experiences and accomplishments? Are you convincing yourself something isnt good enough when, in fact, any more objective onlooker would convince you otherwise? Sometimes, its difficult to give ourselves credit for what we know we do well. I remember advising a student when I worked at Emory to highlight her multi-lingual skills (she was in the international health field). She assumed everyone had similar skills, and her accomplishments werent unique or special. Just as Degas didnt think enough of the many small sculptures to preserve them in bronze, you may be underestimating your abilities and not applying for the right kind of jobs. Maybe you havent had success landing interviews, so you think you should look for different (maybe less advanced) work? Have you considered the fact you may simply be underselling yourself in your resume and other marketing materials. (If you even have other job search marketing materials.) Before you alter your course, make sure youre giving yourself every chance to succeed in your chosen path. Consider hiring an unbiased career expert to help showcase your best you before you metaphorically destroy your clay, wax and plastiline job search. What career lessons do you glean from this story? Share you ideas in the comments. Could you use some help highlighting your best you? Contact me for a quote for a transformed resume and/or coaching to get your job hunt moving in the right direction. Be sure to consider having your own professional website to showcase your professional attributes and to help people find you online.