A RANDOM INSIGHT INTO MY LIFE, MY TRAVELS, MY EXPERIENCES, MY THOUGHTS AND SOME OF MY DREAMS!!
31 March 2011
Interview Tips
Following my blog on creating a killer CV/ Resume, I have been asked to produce some more tips , so lets go on to the next stage
Job search techniques change, the labour market changes and job descriptions change. But what more or less stays the same is the job interview. It's your chance to sell yourself. The first 30 seconds of a job interview are the most important - so if you want to be a cut above the rest you need to be on the ball. An interview is all about the three Ps. "You need to prepare, you need to practise, and then, on the day, you need to perform."
1. First impressions count
Greet your interviewer with a smile and firm handshake. Give eye contact. Try to make small talk during the walk from the reception area to the interview room. Personally as an HR Manager you have to sell yourself before you can sell anything else and the first 30 seconds are when any interviewer subconsciously makes decisions about whether they like you or not and whether you will fit into the team.
2. Be prepared
Re-read your CV and the job advert just before the interview. Do your research thoroughly: Look at the company web site or obtain literature. You may be asked about the salary you are after so make sure you research that as well.
3. Don't waffle
Answer questions properly - even if you need a few moments' silence to collect your thoughts, It's better to say you need a minute to think about your answer rather than speak instantly and regret it afterwards.
4. Why should they hire you?
Most job adverts will list qualities they're looking for - a team worker, a good communicator - so it's up to you to think of examples of how you can demonstrate these skills. Be ready to talk about your knowledge, experience, abilities and skills. Have at least three strong points about yourself that you can relate to the company and job on offer.
5. Be positive
Your interviewer will be thinking about what it would be like to work with you, so the last thing they'll want to hear is you talking about your boss or current colleagues behind their back. Interviewers like to see someone who enjoys a challenge and is enthusiastic.
6. Remember your body language
It is not what you say, but how you say it. During the interview, do not fold your arms and lean back or look to the floor! Sit upright and try to maintain good eye contact. Use your hands and lean forward when making a point. Many people cannot think and control their body language at the same time, which is why you need to prepare.
7. Expect the unexpected
Your interviewer may try to catch you off guard, 90 per cent of employers ask 'killer' questions in interviews. It is impossible to plan for every difficult question, such as "How would your colleagues describe you?" but try to appear relaxed and in control. Ask the interviewer to repeat the question if necessary but do not evade it.
8. Develop rapport
Show energy, a sense of humour and smile. It's infectious, being positive and enthusiastic. Ask your interviewer questions about themselves and any issues the business is facing.
9. Clarify anything you are unsure of
If you are not certain what are meant by a particular question, ask for clarification. At the end, ask the interviewer if there is anything else he or she needs to know about. Do not be afraid to ask when you are likely to hear if you have been successful or not.
10. Remember your manners
It is better to choose than to be chosen. Tell the interviewer why you are interested in the company and job opportunity. Ask them for a business card and follow it up by sending a "thank-you" e-mail or letter, saying how much you enjoyed meeting them and how interested you are. Take the opportunity to detail the key advantages you bring.
By following the three Ps - prepare, practise and perform, you can turn yourself into a candidate who would not look out of place on "The Apprentice."
Until da next tyme !
Amazing Facts #96
So now that I am no longer heading to Japan, it looks like I might be discovering the country below, so its good to have prepared knowledge .
"Canada is an Indian word meaning "Big Village "
Awesome
Until da next Tyme !
30 March 2011
World most Travelled Man !
So the story below has inspired me and I am gonna aim to do this in my life time :) .......
A British man who currently holds the record for travelling the most miles around the world has reached a new landmark - 15 million miles.
70-year-old Fred Finn, who has spent 52 years exploring the globe, has visited 139 countries and took 718 flights on Concorde while it was active.
These numbers not only make him the world's most travelled man, but also give him the record for the most journeys taken aboard Concorde planes.
Now retired, Finn first travelled aged 18. Later on, his job setting up international trade licences meant he could easily keep travelling around the world on a regular basis. In 1983 he entered the Guinness Book of Records for "the most miles travelled as a passenger".
Not only has his record remained unbeaten, Finn has since travelled several million more miles.
And he doesn't seem ready to stop visiting places any time soon, as he plans to go as far as the moon one day.
"Seeing as I’ve travelled to most of the Earth, I have started looking further afield", he said. "I signed on for the Pan-American trip to the moon when they launched passenger services but sadly Pan-American are no longer with us.
"But it’s still something I’d be really keen to explore as soon as the opportunity arises.”
Until da next Tyme!
Amazing Facts #95
With all that is happening in the world of late with Tsunami's etc , its always interesting to know the following facts
"Earth's oceans are an averaged of 2 miles deep "
Never underestimate Mother nature
Until da next Tyme !
29 March 2011
Stress Busters !
As a diabetic stress is a killer and somnething that we must avoid at all cost whether you are a diabetic or not.Stress happens. No matter how organized you are, how good your systems are, or how friendly your work and living environments are, stress can find a way to poke its ugly head in from time to time. What can you do? Turn to a convenient Stress Buster – a small, simple activity that clears your head and calms you down. When you feel a stress attack coming on, it’s the perfect time to turn to one of these busters and kick that stress out the door.
1. Take a walk
Want a break from the office? Does your house feel like an insane asylum? Slip out the door and let your feet take you somewhere. Not only will walking give you the opportunity to clear your head and take a break from that hectic situation, but it’s great aerobic exercise, too.
2. Call a friend
We all have someone whose voice alone perks us up. Give them a buzz, even for a few minutes. Whether with a joke or a funny story, or just by listening, they will likely put a smile on your face and calm you down. Besides, what are friends for?
3. Write in a journal
Expressing our feelings could be the best way to deal with stress. Keeping a journal is a way to capture those feelings at any moment. You don’t have to worry about what others think or say, just let your pen do the work. By the time you’re done, those feelings will be on their way out of your system.
4. Play a board game
Remember these? Maybe there are a dozen stashed in your closet, waiting to be dusted off. Monopoly probably should be saved until you have a few hours to spare, but quick kids’ games like Candy Land, Chutes & Ladders, Connect Four, or even Twister are always good for a smile.
5. Work up a sweat
Have some pent up frustrations? There’s no better way to get rid of them than by exercising. Pop in a workout tape, hop on your bike or grab your jump rope. You’ll be too busy working up a sweat to worry about what’s stressing you out. Picture the stress leaving your body through your pores.
6. Plan something fun
Is there a trip you want to take but never had time to get it together? Or a dinner you’ve always wanted to make? Now’s the time. Not only will you take your mind off things, but you’ll be spending time eagerly anticipating a great getaway or meal later. It’s a win-win situation.
7. Take a hot bath
A hot bath will initially give your body a kick, which in turn will give your mind a kick too – and then it’ll slow both down. Add bubbles and a few candles and you have the ultimate soothing atmosphere. A rubber ducky is optional
If none of the above works, then my favourite is Jump on a plane ! that never fails :) Until da next Tyme !
Amazing Facts #94
For all you car lovers.....
"BMW made the first jet Engine "
Until da next Tyme !
28 March 2011
Celebrity Holiday hotspots
If you are a celebrity junkie, this is for you. Some people plan their holidays to places where they hope to see a famous face.... sometimes its just about being in the right place at the right time. However if you are truly insistent on spending lots of money with the hope that you will see your favourite celebrity , then read on .....
Northern India
Who: Pop princess Katy Perry and comedian Russell Brand tied the knot last October in a lavish ceremony at the Aman-e-Khas luxury resort outside the Ranthambhore tiger sanctuary, home to 27 tigers, set in the gorgeous countryside of northern India. Brand had initially popped the question in India outside the Taj Mahal.
Paris, France
Who: Isla Fisher and Sacha Baron Cohen, aka Borat, got wed in a private Jewish ceremony in Paris last year. TomKat are another A-list couple who found romance in Paris. Tom Cruise proposed to Katie Holmes during an after-hours visit to the Eiffel Tower.
Las Vegas, USA
Who: Neon-dazzling Vegas has set the scene for many an A-list wedding, including car-crash couplings like Britney Spears and Jason Allen Alexander. The Little White Wedding Chapel is a top choice for ‘quickie’ weddings.
Kenya
What: Kenya tourism is booming thanks to the royal engagement of Wills and Kate. Prince William popped the question to Kate Middleton at Rutundu Log Cabins, part of the Lewa Downs wildlife resort, at the top of Mount Kenya.
Bahamas
Who: Spanish actors Javier Bardem and Penelope Cruz wed in the Bahamas last July. The palm-fringed beaches have attracted a slew of A-list couples to wed there, including Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones as well as Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh.
I personally believe that I am famous enough anyway and they follow me :), after all I have been told that I am a DIVA
Until the next Tyme !
Amazing Facts #93
Happy Mondays !
Did you know that ......
" Almost 20% of Italy Population is over 65 years old "
It looks like the place to retire :)
Until da next Tyme!
26 March 2011
Amazing Facts #92
Its amazing when we hearing the saying ... "hell hath no fury like a woman scorned" what it actually means.
Did you know that ......
"In 1221 the daughter of Genghis Khan ordered the killing of the entire population of the city of Nishapur (about 60,000) in one hour. The order came after her husband was killed "
Until da next Tyme!
25 March 2011
Race for Life 2011
The World Smallest Countries
So the holiday season is almost on us,usually you need to take a hefty chunk of your annual leave if you want to explore an entire country on one trip. Not always though. If you want to pack an entire nation’s sights into one long weekend, then here are the six smallest countries in the world.
Holy See
Also known as the State of Vatican City, not everyone realises that the spiritual home of the catholic faith is its own nation. But at 0.2 square miles, it is in fact the world’s teeniest country, with a population of just 466. Not to be missed is the Basilica of St Peter – the huge cathedral famously designed by Michelangelo, with its amazingly decorated interior and great views from the top of the dome (free if you climb the 323 stairs up, or 6 Euros by lift). The Basilica’s crypt includes tombs of the former Popes and there are several daily masses held in the cathedral, and the option of guided tours. The smallest country in the world is home to one of the largest public spaces in the world - the huge 1660s-built Piazza di San Pietro, outside the Basilica.
Monaco
There’s a population of 32,500 packed into the 0.7 square miles of Monaco, which lies along the French Riviera on the French Mediterranean coast near Nice. Independent off-and-on since the 13th century, the world’s second smallest country smacks of wealth, with its multi-million pound yachts in the harbour, extravagant lifestyle, discreet banking facilities and heavily policed streets. The most popular times to soak up the glitz are during big annual events such as the Tennis Masters Series in April and the Formula 1 Grand Prix in May, along with festivals like the Monaco International Non Violent Film Festival and the Monte Carlo Opera. But even between the extravaganzas, Monaco's scenic walking routes, pretty costal bays and al fresco cafés make it an appealing destination.
Nauru
Populated by 13,770, this 8.4 square mile, potato-shaped island was once affluent, supplying Australia with abundant fertiliser for almost a century. But the economy took a downward turn when the phosphate began to run out and by 2005, Nauru was a nearly failed state with an uncertain future, dependent on injections of cash from other countries. Tourism has never been top of the tiny island’s agenda, but with their airline recently resurrected, and vegetation becoming restored, this might change. And there’s interesting stuff to see, including remnants of the Japanese WWII occupation, small beaches, a small Chinatown and the lunar-like landscape of the mined centre. There are two hotels to choose from - the fairly modern Menen Hotel, with a bar, restaurant, pool and tennis courts, and the more budget Od'n Aiwo Hotel.
Tuvalu
The six atolls and three islands that make up this 9-square mile country curves northwest-southeast in a chain 676 km long on the outer western edge of Polynesia. During World War II, large numbers of American troops were stationed on the islands of Tuvalu and an old runway exists on the northeastern side of Nanumea, with several World War II planes wrecks and a visible airstrip. These days the world’s fourth smallest country is inhabited by 12,000, and the Funafuti Conservation Area makes it an excellent place for visitors to snorkel and scuba dive. There are six uninhabited islets with native broadleaf forest and coral sand beaches are located within the protected area, home to coconut crabs, nesting seabirds and turtles – and a variety of colourful fish can easily be seen through the clear blue lagoon.
San Marino
Located on Mount Titano, north of Italy, San Marino has the smallest population of all the members of the European council, with just 29,000 inhabitants. It is also one of Europe’s oldest nations (it’s existed since the 4th century) and apart from the Holy See, is the only city-state completely surrounded by another country. San Marino holds a wealth of history in its 24 square miles, with museums and priceless architectural monuments, and the perfectly preserved medieval centre is a highlight, with its narrow, winding streets, churches and ancient houses. Cars are banned so you can explore the city's ramparts peacefully by foot. You can also head to the peak of its mountain for a stunning, panoramic view of fertile soils of the Emilia Romagna region of Northern Italy, the rolling hills of the Marche and Montefeltro, and the calm Adriatic Sea.
Liechtenstein
At 62 square miles and a population of around 34,000, Liechtenstein is often overlooked in favour of its neighbours Switzerland and Austria, despite being a fair match for both. If you’re the sporty type then there’s loads of hiking and cycling fun to be had in the stunning mountain ranges or valleys during summer, and skiing, ice skating and sledging in the winter months. If you’re not the sporty type you can enjoy its pretty villages with quaint chapels, and there’s plenty to do in Vaduz, the country’s capital. Its landmark is the Liechtenstein royal family home - the medieval castle of Schloss Vaduz, and other sites include the Postage Stamp Museum, the National Library, the Ski Museum, the National Museum and the Liechtenstein Art Museum contains – which includes works by Rembrandt, Rubens and Van Dyck.
So I think Tuvalu is on the list , and I have a friend that would say Monaco.... due to the F1.
Until da next Tyme !
Amazing Facts#91
Did you know ....
"In the Netherlands in 1634, a collector paid 1000 pounds of cheese, four oxen, eight pigs, 12 sheep, a bed, and a suit of clothes, for a single bulb of Viceroy tulip"
Wow that is a ransom in those times for a single plant bulb
Until da next Tyme!
24 March 2011
Amazing Facts #90
23 March 2011
Amazing Facts #89
Egypt is one of my favourite places and I am continually drawn there every year, so the fact below is very interesting
"The great Sphinx of Egypt, one of the wonders of ancient Egyptian Architecture, adjoins the Pyramids of Giza and has a length of 240ft. Built in the fourth dynasty, its is approximately 4,500 years old. A 10 year $2.5 million restoration project was completed in 1998"
Until da next Tyme!
5 Classic American Places to visit
Las Vegas – escapist entertainment and then some
The Big Bend is named for the vast stretch of the Rio Grande river that forms the border between south-west Texas and Mexico, 244 square miles of which is contained within the national park – which remains one of the least-visited in the US. Big Bend covers over 1,000 miles of public land, and includes vast desert expanses and the entire Chisos mountain range. Hiking, driving and riding are all catered for, and a canoe or raft is the ideal transport down the Santa Elena Canyon. Wander around the eerie ruins of the once-thriving mining community in the Terelingua ‘ghost town’, or visit the specially constructed viewing area and try to see the mysterious Marfa Lights.
From the endangered lynx to the rare grey wolf, Yogi Bear-style grizzlies and herds of free-ranging bisons, Yellowstone Park has it all, holding on to its status as the largest intact ecosystem in the northern hemisphere. There are lakes, canyons, rivers and mountain ranges, as well as an impressive half of the world’s geysers, the most popular of which is affectionately named Old Faithful. It was established in 1872 as the USA’s first national park, and it gets Wyoming’s top billing, with more than 30,000 people a day making the pilgrimage in summer. In winter, visitors can make use of snowmobiles and coaches. Rangers are on hand to co-ordinate camping, hiking and riding expeditions.
‘The Athens of America’ is relatively small in size, but a heavyweight in history and culture. Follow the self-guided tour – the Freedom Trail – and find yourself on top of Bunker Hill Monument, the site of the first major conflict of the American Revolution, and provider of a perfect view of the city’s quaint, leafy streets. It’s worth struggling through the crowds at the 250-year-old Faneuil Hall marketplace to sample the famous New England oysters at one of America’s oldest restaurants, Union Oyster House. Followed, naturally, by a Sam Adams beer – the brewery named after the famous Abolitionist is just around the corner. The Museum of Fine Art is packed with masterpieces, but the smaller Isabella Stewart Museum is imbued with the spirit of John Singer Sargeant and Henry James. Literary types abound in the beautiful Harvard campus in nearby Cambridge. And if you can get tickets, visit Fenway Park for the ultimate patriotic experience: a Red Sox baseball game
22 March 2011
Amazing Facts #88
I normally find the behaviour below distasteful, but its good to travel as in some parts of the world it is considered good manners
"To make much noise when eating soup is a good thing in China "
Until da Tyme!
Creating a winning CV/ Resume
For some of you that are not aware, I work in Human Resources and its amazing the CVS/ Resumes that passes my desk on a daily basis.
Couple with the fact that I have friends that are always updating their CV/ Resume, I thought would share the below information on my blog to help someone else get that dream job :)
Creating a winning CV is a feat of strategy involving focus, wording, design and content selection. To achieve a career marketing document that wins interviews, all areas of the strategy must be spot-on and consciously used in the most effective manner. One of the most common mistakes job candidates make when writing their CVs is not paying attention to strategy and word selection.
There are actually words that can have a detrimental impact on the effectiveness of the CV. When most job candidates write them, they don't consider word choice because they are primarily worried about getting down the basic information. Wording is critical and the wrong one can sabotage your CV.
The average agent and/or hiring manager sees hundreds of CVs from qualified candidates. CVs begin to look and sound the same to them. Here are some words and phrases to avoid:
Soft-skill descriptions
Job seekers feel they need to communicate their soft-skills to the employer because they believe they are the traits that make them unique, but this couldn't be further from the truth. Soft-skills are so common that recruiters pay no attention to them.
Phrases to avoid or severely limit:
- Excellent communication skills
- Strong work ethic
- Personable presenter
- Detail-oriented
Do not bore the reader to tears with these trite, overused and tired phrases. After all, no one will write that he/she takes long lunches, is lazy and argues a lot with peers. Hence, it is much more effective to write a description that is action-based and demonstrates these abilities rather than just laying claim to them. For example, rather than just stating you are an "excellent presenter," you could say "Developed and presented 50+ multi-media presentations to prospects resulting in 35 new accounts, totalling £300,000 in new revenues."
Age, health, appearance
Many seasoned job seekers are facing that scary time warp known as pre-retirement and fear age discrimination. They feel they can counter this perceived hurdle by giving a description of their age or health. But this can be death to a CV.
Phrases to avoid:
- Youthful
- Athletic
- Fit
- Healthy
- Mature
Additionally, unless specifically requested, there is no need to include personal details such as date of birth, marital status or whether you have children. This information is typically used to exclude candidates from consideration in the hiring process rather than include them. Unless the employer specifically asks, keep this information confidential.
Passive voice
Many people write in the passive voice because that is how we've been taught "formally" in school composition. The problem with the passive voice, however, is that it is just that passive! A CV needs to have punch and sparkle and communicate an active, aggressive candidate. Passive does not accomplish that.
Indicators of the passive voice:
- Responsible for
- Duties included
- Served as
- Actions encompassed
Rather than saying "Responsible for management of three direct reports" change it up to "Managed 3 direct reports." It is a shorter, more direct mode of writing and adds impact to the way the CV reads. On the flip side, whilst action verbs are great, don't overdo it.
I have actually seen:
- Smashed numbers through the roof'
- 'Electrified sales team to produce...'
- 'Pushed close rate by 10 per cent'
Take your time
A CV is a marketing document for your career just as a brochure is a marketing document for a product or service. Companies put careful thought and consideration into each and every word that goes into marketing copy and you should do the same in your CV. These words stand in your place with the employer and need to showcase you in a powerful way. In a perfect world, these things would not matter, but in the reality of job search today, they matter a great deal. Be wise - stop and give some thought to the words you choose.
Until da next tyme !
21 March 2011
Staying Safe Abroad!
Tourists are an obvious target for pickpockets – they’re often loaded with valuables, from digital cameras, mobile phones and MP3 players to large wads of local currency. Thieves want as small a challenge as possible so valuables in back pockets and open or unsecure bags will make you an obvious target. Choose a bag that sits in front of you where you can always see it – and if you have a backpack, wear it on your front in areas where you’re crammed in with other people.
Padlock suitcases and backpacks if possible and keep a close eye on them at tourist sites and on public transport, at airports and bus stations. Often thieves are opportunists so don’t make anything easy for them.
Pickpockets tend to operate in busy areas, like city centres and busy tourist attractions, so stay vigilant.
By the same token, don’t go out your way to avoid busy areas. The more serious crimes – like muggings or sex attacks – are more likely to occur in isolated areas or deserted beaches.
Avoid wearing expensive jewellery or watches – especially in destinations where locals are comparatively worse off, and try not to frequent the same places at the same time every day, as it makes it easier for potential attackers if they know your routine.
Use your common sense and trust your instincts - don’t take risks that you wouldn’t at home such as accepting drinks from strangers or leaving your own drink unattended, and never walk anywhere by yourself, especially at night. Only use official, licensed taxis as it’s not unheard of in some destinations for drivers to mug passengers by driving them to an ATM and forcing them to withdraw large quantities of cash.
In some destinations you are in more danger of inadvertently committing a crime than you are of being a victim of one. You need to find out about local customs and dress, behave accordingly and obey local laws.
Countries with strict laws about acceptable behaviour include popular tourist destinations Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and this includes things as seemingly harmless as kissing in public and wearing revealing summer clothing. Even if your offence isn’t serious enough to get you into trouble with the law, you might risk offending locals, which could get you into trouble. Even an angry ticking off from a local can ruin your day, when you’re supposed to be relaxing and having fun.
Don’t let crime ruin your holiday – here are some good habits to get into, whatever your destination…
• Check the Foreign Office website for safety information in that country.
• Store numbers for the local police and the nearest embassy or consulate in your mobile phone.
• Photocopy your passport and leave the copy with someone at home, and keep another copy with you on your travels – in a separate place to your passport. This will make it easier to sort should your passport get stolen.
• If you take a lot of cash keep it in two separate wallets, and if you have more than one debit and credit card, keep those separate too.
• If you’ve time to pop into an internet café occasionally and email your photos to yourself. That way if you lose your camera you should at least have some of your memories rescued.
• Always take travel insurance. If you go on several trips a year think about taking an annual policy – it will save you a lot in the long run.
Amazing Facts #87
Its been a long week, but to kick start this Monday morning , here is a little tidbit
"22 percent of twins are left handed. In the non twin population the number is just under 10 percent "
Until da next Tyme
18 March 2011
Race for Life 2011
12 March 2011
Amazing Facts #86
Yeah its the weekend :)
Whatever your plans are, I hope that you have a great day !
Did you know that ....
"Vaccines contain formaldehyde, ethylene glycol (anti freeze), Phenol ( disinfectant/ pesticide) and aluminium"
Wow... and they give this to us .....
Until da next Tyme !
11 March 2011
Japan
I woke this morning to the news that Japan had a 8.8 magnitude earthquake which resulted in a huge tsunami now engulfing the country.
Even though the japanese people are aware that this a natural thing to happen due to the area they reside in and they have experienced it previously, seeing it unfolding is horrific, judging from the images I saw this morning on the news.
This is yet another natural disaster that the world is experiencing more often than we have in the last 10 years.
Whatever we are doing to mother earth she is talking to us.....maybe we should take time to listen!
My thoughts go out to the people of japan today and I hope it doesn't spread as far as Hawaii as predicted.
I often wonder how I would react if I had to deal with a natural disaster that affects me personally.... I suppose as with everything else in life, you just deal with and carry on living !
Until da next Tyme !
Missye
" The Travel Queen"
Amazing Facts #85
Its almost the weekend.....
Did you know that ......
"The Golden Gate Bridge took about 4 years to build "
Until da next Tyme !
10 March 2011
Amazing Facts #84
Just one more day to do before the weekend :)
Did you know .....
" The Monty Python movie - The life of Brian was banned in Scotland "
Until da next Tyme !
9 March 2011
Amazing Facts #83
Did you know that .....
" Greyhounds can reach a speed of up to 45 miles per hour "
Until da next Tyme !
8 March 2011
Amazing Facts #82
Did you know .......
" Donald Rumsfeld was both the youngest and the oldest defense secretary in the US history "
Until da next Tyme!
7 March 2011
Amazing Facts #81
Happy Monday !!!
" A Catfish has approximately 100,000 taste buds"
Until da next Tyme!
1 March 2011
Amazing facts #80
Its freezing in london today :(
Did u know.....
"No one has ever been able to domesticate the African elephant. Only the Indian elephant can be trained by man."
Until da next Tyme !
Missye
" The Travel Queen"
Its freezing in london today :(
Did you know......
Until da next Tyme !
Missye
" The Travel Queen"