Thursday, November 13, 2014

MyAndroidTools + Guide to disable some Play Services processes

Adapted from here, I just give it a shot and see what will happen:

I found this app interesting because now I found a way to disable some Google Play Services processes which drain a lot of battery and use a lot of ram. I'll show you how to do this right now.
SERVICE

This is divided between third party & system and contains all services. Near every app name there is a white, blue or red number.
The white shows the total number of services, the blue shows the number of active services and the red shows the number of disabled services.

RECEIVER

This section is divided among Actions, Third Party & System. Also here, near every app name there is a white number that shows the total number of receivers and a red one that shows the number of disabled receivers.

GUIDE TO DISABLE SOME GOOGLE PLAY SERVICES PROCESSES WITHOUT LOOSING ANY FEATURES AND GAINING RAM & PRECIOUS BATTERY GUICE
Open SERVICE section and tap on System;
Find Google Play Services and tap on it;
Disable those services



AdRequestBrokerService
AnalyticsIntentService
AnalyticsService
FusedLocationService
FusedProviderService
GeocodeService
GeofenceProviderService
GoogleLocationManagerService
NlpLocationReceiverService
SystemUpdateService
WatchdogService
WearableControlService
WearableService

 Open RECEIVER section and tap on System;
Find Google Play Services and tap on it;
Disable those receivers:


Code:
AccountChangedReceiver
GServicesChangedReceiver
SystemUpdateService$ActiveReceiver
SystemUpdateService$Receiver
As you can see I have disabled the google analytics, that pratically is useless (but it takes 26 mb of ram) and most localization processes but If you do these steps in the right way, your localization service, gps, will continue to work properly. 

jineshpatel30
 InAppBillingService ( it cause lot of wake locks .. you can disable it with out any problem ...and if u want to buy any inapp purchase just enable this for that time only and after purchase over u can disable it ) LicensingSevice ( u can disable this IF you didn't buy anything OFFICIALLY from play store)
these 2 are enough and after that greenify playstore.. it won't cause wakelocks ..enjoy



 el_dobre
I disabled these services too (without problems for now):
SERVICE section, System; Google Play Services:
BrokeredFitnessService
FitnessSyncAdapterService
ConfigFetchService
SyncService

and Reciver  -> System ->; Google play services:
FitnessInitReceiver
WaerableSyncServiceReceiver

 

Sunday, November 2, 2014

Top 10 Most Effective Job Search Websites

From http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/top-10-most-effective-job-search-websites/

With the world economic climate still painfully low, more folks are losing their jobs than ever before. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. unemployment rate hit over 9 percent in May 2009.  France unemployment jumped to 8.2 percent, Germany was at 7.6 percent in January, and the UK was at 6.77 percent in March. It’s imperative that job seekers have all of the tools at their disposal to find new work. High unemployment rates don’t necessarily mean that there’s no work, it often means that the fields where there are available jobs are changing. For this reason, I’d like to offer a list of the top 10 most effective job search websites to help MakeUseOf readers land that new dream job as quickly as possible.

Looking for Work? Spread Around Your Efforts

The most important thing that any job seeker can do to improve their chances of landing a job is using multiple resources in their job hunting efforts. This means posting your resume online, as Mahendra described in Top 5 Free Resume Hosting Websites, or using social networks as Charnita described in 8 Sites For Beating The Job Hunting Blues. However, the core of your efforts should be focused on job search websites that bring all of the world’s jobs to your doorstep.

1. Monster.com – The Monster of Online Job Hunting

Whenever anyone needs access to job markets across the world, Monster is an obvious place to start. Monster has grown into the largest job search site on the Internet, and serves just about every community across the world.
monster   Top 10 Most Effective Job Search Websites
What makes the Monster of job search sites so useful is that the "International Search" will net you a pretty nice catch of job opportunities all across the globe. Of course, Monster also offers a free "home page", a place for you to post your resume, and an entire section of some pretty cool "career tools" to help you research every step of the job hunting process.

2. Job.com – An Obvious Choice Among Job Search Websites 

I guess when it comes to finding a job, visiting a website like Job.com makes sense. Like Monster, it is one of the few job search websites that offers the ability to search Internationally.
jobdotcom2   Top 10 Most Effective Job Search Websites
Under "Additional Search Options", you can search from general areas of the globe, such as Middle East, United Kingdom or Pacific Rim. The site boasts over 700,000 listings, and they all seem fairly current. It also has the ability to publish your resume so that employers can view it.

3. HotJobs – When You Can’t Get Enough of Job Hunting 

Yahoo! Hotjobs is definitely Monster’s greatest competition. One of the things that Yahoo is very good at is providing content, and job seekers who visit the Hotjobs job search website are going to get exactly that.
yahoo3   Top 10 Most Effective Job Search Websites
The site itself has the same "look and feel" of other Yahoo pages, and it has lots of articles and widgets from tools like Yahoo Answers. Aside from all that bonus content, it offers a powerful job search engine that includes many thousands of listings from all throughout the world.

4. Net Temps – Full or Part Time Jobs

Net-Temps is primarily a website devoted to temporary workers who were looking for the "next gig.". However, it is not a whole lot difference than the rest of the job search websites, except for the fact that it allows job hunters to filter search results by temp or full-time work.
nettemps   Top 10 Most Effective Job Search Websites
For most folks looking for a job, the difference is irrelevant – they need a job to pay the bills. But for freelancers who work for themselves, temp jobs give them the flexibility of a short term client contract, so that afterwards the freelancer can move on to the next job in their schedule. 

5. Indeed  – Simple and Effective

indeed1   Top 10 Most Effective Job Search Websites
This site is quite a job search engine indeed! Sick of sifting through dozens of individual job search sites? Indeed is a job meta-search engine which means that employers don’t actually have to list jobs with Indeed. Much like how Dogpile provides results from multiple search engines like Google and Yahoo, Indeed offers you job listings from not only sites like Hotjobs and CareerBuilder, but even the individual employer websites – now that’s cool. 

6. CareerBuilder – The Name Says It All

careerbuilder   Top 10 Most Effective Job Search Websites
There’s little question that CareerBuilder is one of the "big boys" of the job search websites. Like Monster and Hotjobs, you’ll find a resume posting section, the ability to find jobs by company or industry, and a very cool "job alerts" feature. What sets CareerBuilder apart from the others? Not a lot. But if you need another source that may have job listings the others don’t – it’s best to check it out, as there are quite a library of job listings stored there.

7. All Job Search – It Really Does Search Them All

AllJobSearch’s claim to fame is it’s ability, like Indeed, to search through multiple sources. The service covers the U.S., Canada and the UK. It boasts the ability to search over 200 websites, over 500 newspapers and over 300 newsgroups. Impressive.
alljobs   Top 10 Most Effective Job Search Websites
Unfortunately, you’re provided a list of links to outside sources like an online newspaper or Monster, and if you click the link, AllJobSearch will automatically search that engine with your job search terms. While it probably saves time searching for the many job sources around the Net, it doesn’t exactly provide the search results as you’d normally expect.

8. Simply Hired – You’re Hired!

simplyhired1   Top 10 Most Effective Job Search Websites
I have to say, of all of the job listings sites that you’ll find on the web, SimplyHired takes the cake simply for the sites "tools" section, where you’ll find some of the coolest widgets, like email alerts, trend research and salary information broken down by location and occupation. If you haven’t yet decided what you want to be when you grow up – this is the first site you should visit.

9. USA.gov – It’s Good Enough for Gov’ment Work

One of the world’s wealthiest countries in the world is also one of the world’s largest employers. The U.S. Federal government has its own giant online job database that you can search under whatever industry or discipline you’re interested in.
usajobs   Top 10 Most Effective Job Search Websites
These jobs are worldwide, and the U.S. government isn’t shy about listing the actual salary ranges right there in the listing. Some of those salaries aren’t too shabby either.

10. College Recruiter – Not Only for Students

Over the years, employers got into the habit of going to college career centers to advertise their entry level positions. In fact, sometimes those are the only places they’ll advertise those openings. The CollegeRecruiter search engine is networked with 11,000 career sites around the country including college, university and military offices. Yes, these are entry level positions, but when you want to get your foot in the door, taking an entry level position is often the best way to go.
recruit   Top 10 Most Effective Job Search Websites
Have you ever found a job through an online job search website? Do you have other job hunting resources that you prefer? Share them in the comments section below.

Job Interviews: How to Give Job-Winning Answers to Interview Questions

Human Resources personnel,
professional recruiters and various other career experts all agree: one of the best ways to prepare yourself for job interviews 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 opportunit
ies 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 qualificat
ions, 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 comfortabl
e 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.
Here are some more very important tips:

1. 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 interviewi
ng 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." (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.
2. Keep the Interviewe
r'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, but what they really want to know is what you can do now, for them.
The key is to talk about your past accomplish
ments 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 interviewe
r 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 accomplish
ment?" 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 accomplish
ment 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!

3. 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 consequenc
es of your actions.
In Summary, Here's What You Need To Do When Preparing To Answer Job Interview Questions:


1. Study the job announceme
nt.
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 qualificat
ions, capabilities, experience, personality traits, etc.) by working them into your answers.
6. Practice. Practice. Practice.

Job Interview Questions & Answers: Know What to Expect and What to Say

From http://www.best-interview-strategies.com/questions.html

Job Interview Questions & Answers

Although many candidates dread them, job interview questions are wonderful things! They are your greatest opportunity to prove to the interviewer that you are the best person for the job!

The key is to give better answers than anyone else.

To do this, you must:
  1. Anticipate likely questions;
  2. Develop excellent answers;
  3. Practice answering them.

 Be enthusiastic and confident when responding to questions. Don't rush your answers, but don't ramble on and on, either.

Try to, um, avoid, like, using unnecessary words, right? And um, repeating yourself or, like, annoying phrases, you know?

A good technique is to write out your answers to the questions you anticipate, then edit them to make them more concise. Then practice your polished answers out loud, over and over. If you can have someone help you do a "mock interview," that would be the best way to do this.




Most questions will relate either to your ability to do the job or to the type of employee you will be. Here's one that is very commonly used to help the interviewer learn about both:

"Tell me a little about yourself."

When responding to this request, you should focus on both your personal and professional values. Always be honest, but talk about your best traits only, especially those that relate to the position for which you are applying. Highlight experiences and accomplishments you are most proud of. Here's an example:
"I'm an experienced communications specialist with extensive knowledge of public information tools and techniques. I've developed comprehensive communication plans for major public events, written dozens of articles accepted by worldwide publications, and created specialized educational programs for adults and students. I am always eager to learn new methods and procedures, and have implemented continuous improvement techniques in my past positions that saved money and increased productivity. I like working with people and enjoy group projects, but am also a self-starter who doesn't mind working on my own. I'm a volunteer with the local chapter of Special Olympics and enjoy participating in community events. My goals are to complete my Master's Degree and broaden my experiences with community relations."
Remember to tailor your response to the specific job. By studying the job announcement, you'll get a good idea of the skills and experience being sought. Work those into your response.
Consider this your own personal commercial. If the interview consisted of only this ONE chance to sell yourself, what would you say?

"What do you feel has been your greatest work-related accomplishment?"

Choose one example from your past that was important to you and helped the company you worked for. Give specific details about what you did, how you did it, and what the results were. Try to pick an accomplishment that relates to the position for which you are applying. Employers like to hear about accomplishments that reduced expenses, raised revenues, solved problems or enhanced a company's reputation.

"What is your greatest strength?"

This is a great chance to highlight your best skills. Don't pick just one, focus on your top three or four. Some examples are: leadership skills, team-building skills, and organizational skills. Determine which strengths would fit best with the position for which you are applying. For example, if the job announcement stresses the ability to handle multiple tasks, you could say: "I'm good at organizational skills, prioritization and time management. But my greatest strength is my ability to effectively handle multiple projects and deadlines."

"What is your greatest weakness?"

Be careful with this one. Most interview guides will tell you to answer it with a positive trait disguised as a weakness. For example, "I tend to expect others to work as hard as I do," or "I'm a bit of a perfectionist." Interviewers have heard these "canned" answers over and over again. To stand out, be more original and state a true weakness, but then emphasize what you've done to overcome it. For example: "I've had trouble delegating duties to others because I felt I could do things better myself. This has sometimes backfired because I'd end up with more than I could handle and the quality of my work would suffer. But I've taken courses in time management and learned effective delegation techniques, and I feel I've overcome this weakness."

IMPORTANT: Be sure the weakness you talk about is NOT a key element of the position!


"How do you handle stressful situations?"

Give some examples of stressful situations you've dealt with in the past. Tell how you use time management, problem-solving or decision-making skills to reduce stress. For example, tell them that making a "to-do" list helps. Site stress-reducing techniques such as stretching and taking a break. Don't be afaid to admit that you will ask for assistance if you are feeling overwhelmed.
If it's true, say you actually work better under pressure.

"What is the toughest problem you've had to face, and how did you overcome it?"

Try to make this about a problem that faced your company and not just you or your particular work group. The bigger the problem, the better. Give specific examples of the skills and techniques you used to resolve this problem. Emphasize the successful results. Be generous in sharing credit if it was a team effort, but be sure to highlight your specific role.

"Have you ever had to discipline a problem employee? If so, how did you handle it?"

This is a likely question if the position for which you are applying requires supervisory duties. Explain how you used problem-solving skills, listening skills, and coaching skills to help the employee. If those techniques turned the employee around, be sure to say so. If those techniques failed, tell how you followed the company's policies and what the end result was.

"Why do you want this position?"

Here's where your research about the company will help you stand out among the other candidates. Explain how you've always wanted the opportunity to work with a company that... provides a vital public service, leads the industry in innovative products, whatever... find something specific about that company that you can tie in with your answer. Explain how your qualifications and goals complement the company's mission, vision and values (use specific examples). If you are applying for a position in a company for which you already work, explain how you'll be able to apply and expand on the knowledge and experience you've gained from your current position, and will be able to increase your contributions and value to the company through your new responsibilities.

"Why are you the best person for this job?"

As with all other questions, be confident and enthusiastic when you answer this. Don't try to say you are the best qualified person, because you don't know the qualifications of the other applicants. Instead, emphasize several reasons why you should be hired. For example: "I've got extensive experience in [name the appropriate field] and have the specific skills you are looking for. I'm a fast learner who adapts quickly to change and will hit the ground running. I'm dedicated and enthusiastic about helping your company meet its goals, and will provide top-quality results with minimal oversite. I'm an outstanding performer who takes pride in my work. You won't have any regrets when you hire me."

UNEXPECTED QUESTIONS

Interview questions and answers can only be predicted and prepared for to a certain extent. There are endless variations and no way to know every question in advance. But that doesn't matter. Because you know there will be unexpected questions, you will not cringe or freak out when they pop up, as some applicants will. Instead, you will turn them into opportunities to shine even more brightly.
No one knows you better than you. Memorize a list of your best features, your best selling points. Use every opportunity and unexpected question to mention these.
Realize that sometimes what you say isn't as important as how you say it. Be confident, enthusiastic, and remember to smile often.

QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD ASK

Often the interviewer's last question is, "Do you have any questions for me?" Candidates who do not have questions show a lack of initiative and give the impression that they have minimal interest in the position. Stand out from those lazy job seekers by asking questions!
Have your questions ready in advance. Relate them to the company or its accomplishments/challenges (your research of the company will show and further impress the interviewer). Don't ask any question that shows that you have notdone your research about the company.
Do not ask questions related to you, such as "When will I be eligible for my first raise?" or "How often will I be subjected to a performance review?" Don't bring up money. (You can do that after you are offered the job.)
In addition to specific questions you develop based on what the company does, here are some sample generic questions:

What do you enjoy most about working here?

Be sure the person you ask actually works for the company. Some organizations, especially public agencies, have interview panels in which employees from other agencies participate.

Is there anything I've mentioned that makes you think I'm not the best candidate for this job?

If they do mention something that's bothering them about you, such as lack of specific experience, this gives you a last-ditch effort to change their opinion about you. If you've thought about your possible weaknesses in advance, you should have a prepared answer to those weaknesses. For example, "I know I have limited experience in this field, but what I lack in specific experience I make up for in enthusiasm and desire to excel. I'm a fast learner and I'll work harder than anyone else to be a top producer on your team."

When do you expect to make your final decision?

Be sure to ask that! Failure to do so may give the impression that you're not that interested, and you need to know when to follow up.

Interview Checklist

So, you have your resume ready and you’ve prepared for possible interview questions you may be asked. There are a few more things to keep in mind during the interview process.
BE PREPARED.

* Research the prospectiv

e company through newspapers, annual reports and websites.
* Demonstrat
e you’re motivated, hard working and proactive by being thoroughly prepared and showing an interest in the company.
* Practice for the interview as if you were giving major presentati
on to a large audience.
ANSWER KEY QUESTIONS WITH CONFIDENCE
.
* Rehearse responses to likely questions (link to Interview Questions)
.
* Show confidence
and competence with well thought-out answers.
* Interject your own relevant ideas or insights…s
uccessful interviews are a two-way conversation.
ASK GOOD QUESTIONS.


* Prepare two or three strategic questions from the research you’ve conducted to demonstrat
e your intelligence, analytical skills, and interest in the company and the position.
SELL YOUR STRENGTHS.


* Identify five or six past accomplish
ments and be prepared to talk about them in very specific terms (e.g., cost saving or revenue growth initiatives, training efforts, etc.).
* This is often the defining reason one person gets hired over another.
* The strengths you focus on should be relevant to the job requiremen
ts.
OFFER BRIEF, FOCUSED RESPONSES.


* Answer questions briefly, yet thoroughly
, providing specific examples about your experience, skills, etc.
* Stay on target, maintain eye contact and show enthusiasm
.
DRESS ACCORDING TO THE COMPANY’S CULTURE.

* Determine the company’s dress code prior to the interview.

* If you’re not certain, formal business attire is the safest choice.

ARRIVE EARLY.

* Arrive 15 minutes early — punctualit
y tells a prospective employer that you’re conscientious and dependable.
* Early arrival also gives you a few minutes to relax before the interview.


BE FRIENDLY AND ENTHUSIAST
IC.
* Smile and say hello to company employees.

* Leave a positive impression
with everyone you meet. You never know who may have influence hiring decisions.

KEEP A POSITIVE PERSPECTIV
E.
* Never talk negatively
about prior employers or co-workers.
* Maintain a positive attitude to show that you’re a team player.

STATE YOUR INTEREST.

* Show interest in the position and inquire about next steps.
* Ask questions such as, "Do my qualificat
ions match the needs of your company, or is there anything you would like me to elaborate on?" to let the interviewer know you’re serious about employment.
DON’T FORGET THE THANK-YOU LETTER.

* Send a prompt thank-you letter to demonstrat
e professionalism and interest
* Write a letter to the company’s key decision-m
akers as well as to the person with whom you’ve interviewed.
* Emailing a thank-you letter has the benefit of immediacy,
but some managers prefer a more traditional approach of mailing a letter.
* A short, hand-writt
en note demonstrates your sincere appreciation for the time taken during the interview, and is also another point of contact with the hiring manager.

Interview Questions

With 60 years of experience
, on both sides of the interviewing desk, you could say we have a few interviewing pointers to share. Here’s a list of commonly asked questions—and effective responses—to help get you through the interview with ease. Go in prepared and come out on top.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF?

* Spend about two minutes answering this question.
* Begin wherever you feel comfortabl
e: high school, college, a prior position.
* Speak logically and clearly about yourself—s
hare particular attributes or accomplishments that demonstrate your value as a prospective employee.
TELL ME ABOUT YOUR BIGGEST ACCOMPLISH
MENT.
* Develop an excellent response to this critical question.
* Focus on hard work, commitment
, long hours or ability under pressure.
* Describe a recent challenge and your involvemen
t in the solution (overtime, leadership, innovative thinking, etc.)
* Present an accomplish
ment relevant to the current position you seek.
WHY DO YOU WANT TO CHANGE JOBS?

* Never criticize a past employer or co-workers
.
* Discussing
major problems within the company, or sharing the fact that the company is being bought out or shut down, is acceptable.
* Answering that you feel you can no longer make a contributi
on because of extensive changes at the company, or that you are looking for growth opportunities, is safest.
WHAT DID YOU LIKE / DISLIKE ABOUT YOUR LAST POSITION?

* Another key question that demonstrat
es whether or not you are a good fit.
* Avoid negativity
about your past position (e.g., dislike of overtime, conflict with management, etc.)
* Put a positive spin on your answer by focusing on challengin
g work that you did, variety of experience gained, team projects you were involved in, etc.
IN WHAT WAYS ARE YOU QUALIFIED FOR THIS POSITION?

* Choose a few specifics from the job descriptio
n and focus your answer on how your particular skills and experience meet these requirements.
* Highlight relevant management
experience, technical skill or a personal success story.
DESCRIBE YOUR MOST IMPORTANT STRENGTHS.


* Identify five strengths relevant to the position for which you’re interviewi
ng (e.g., technical skills, management experience, etc.)
* Give a brief example of how you successful
ly applied each of the five strengths in a past work situation.

HAVE YOU ACCOMPLISH
ED SOMETHING YOU DIDN’T THINK WAS POSSIBLE?
* Demonstrat
e integrity, work ethic or commitment to achieving a heady goal.
* Give an example of how you accomplish
ed this significant challenge without giving in to such things as obstacles along the way, tight deadlines or lack of resources.

IS THERE A SITUATION IN THE PAST IN WHICH YOU TOOK THE INITIATIVE
?
* Demonstrat
e that you are a motivated, results-oriented employee who knows what to do without being told.
* Describe situations
in which you exhibited a strong work ethic or creative abilities that helped you overcome a challenging situation.

CAN YOU THINK OF A SITUATION DURING YOUR CAREER THAT WAS PARTICULAR
LY EMBARRASSING? HOW WOULD YOU HANDLE THE SAME SITUATION TODAY?
* Show that you are able to learn from past mistakes.
* Be honest about a particular
failure, but talk positively about the lesson you learned from it.
ONE OF OUR COMPANY’S BIGGEST CHALLENGES
IS…HOW WOULD YOU DEAL WITH THIS?
* Ask for more details before trying to answer this question.
* Break the challenge into sub-challe
nges, in which you have prior experience.
* Explain your strategy for dealing with each step and summarize the method you would use to solve the overall problem.
* Present your analytical
and organizational skills in a logical, step by step way.
HAVE YOU EVER BEEN IN SITUATIONS
INVOLVING DIFFICULT CO-WORKERS, TIGHT DEADLINES OR INADEQUATE RESOURCES? HOW DID YOU HANDLE THESE SITUATIONS?
* Discuss effective management
skills and your ability to handle challenges.
* Describe your most difficult management
trial and the skills used to overcome it (e.g., organization, interpersonal skills, perseverance, diplomacy, etc.).
WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE ABOUT YOUR CAREER GIVEN THE OPPORTUNIT
Y?
* Be honest. The interviewe
r wants to know if you’ll be happy in the position, and whether you’re motivated to make changes in order to get what you want out of your career.
WHAT ARE YOUR CAREER GOALS?

* Focus on the attainable
.
* Give realistic answers, such as a management
promotion in three to five years.
* Consider your past (did you rise quickly or travel a rocky road?) and use this as a guideline for a reasonable
response.
MOST IMPORTANTL
Y, WHY SHOULD WE HIRE YOU?
* Take this opportunit
y to reveal your organizational skills, positive attitude and confidence.
* Restate key aspects of the job (which you’ve gleaned from the interview)
and describe the traits that make you an ideal candidate for the position.

Common Job Interview Questions

Handling an interview with confidence takes planning and lots of practice. Prepare yourself for success with Lab Support's guide to commonly asked interview questions. We’ll take you step by step through each question and give tips on how to craft a winning response. Learn from the experts at Lab Support how to master the art of the interview and land the job you want.

How Would You Describe Yourself?
Keep your answer mostly related to work and career. This is your chance to highlight your qualificat
ions, good work habits, attributes, and achievements that make you a valuable employee.

What Was Your Greatest Accomplish
ment and How Did You Achieve It?
Briefly describe one to three work projects that made you proud or earned you pats on the back, promotions
, pay raises, or other commendations. Focus more on achievement than reward.

What Is Your Biggest Weakness?


Everybody has weaknesses
, but keep your answer work related. Try to point out a couple of weaknesses that the interviewer might see as strengths, such as sometimes being a little too meticulous about the quality of your work. For every weakness, offer a strength that compensates for it.
Why Do You Want To Change Jobs?
Avoid criticizin
g other employers and making statements such as, "I need more money." Instead, make generic statements such as, "It's a career move." It’s acceptable to discuss major problems within a company, or to share the fact that the company is being bought out or shut down. If this is the case, a safe answer is that you feel you can no longer make a contribution because of extensive changes at the company.
What Did You Like Or Dislike About Your Last Position?


This helps interviewe
rs decide if you’re a good match for the position. Avoid admitting that you didn’t like working overtime or you had a conflict with the company’s management team. Instead, put a positive spin on your answer by saying you enjoy challenges and growth opportunities.

In What Ways Are You Qualified For This Position?
Focus on a few requiremen
ts of the job and how you can meet these requirements through your particular skills and experience. Highlight your interpersonal skills, management experience, technical skills, or personal success stories.

Describe Your Most Important Strengths.

Identify five strengths you feel are most in line with the position for which you’re interviewi
ng and give a brief example of how you successfully applied that particular strength to a work situation.

What Is Your Ideal Work Environmen
t?
Try and tailor your answer to the job. For example, if the job requires you to lock the lab doors and work alone, then indicate that you enjoy being a team player, but also enjoy working independen
tly.
How Do You Handle Criticism?

Your answer should be along the following lines: "I think that it is important to get feedback on how I am performing
so that I can improve any areas that my manager or supervisor highlights.”

How Do You Handle Pressure and Stress?
Everyone feels stress; the only difference
is in the degree. A good answer may include exercising, relaxing with a good book, socializing with friends, or turning stress into productive energy.

Explain How You Overcame A Major Obstacle.
The interviewe
r is likely looking for an example of your problem-solving skills and the pride you show in solving it. Emphasize the skills you used to deal with it, such as organizational and interpersonal skills, perseverance, or diplomacy.

Where Do You See Yourself Five (Or Ten) Years From Now?
Don’t mention goals you know are most likely not attainable
. Instead, focus on career-advancement goals that are in line with the job for which you are interviewing. It's not a good idea to tell your potential new boss that you'll be going after his or her job, but it's okay to mention that you'd like to earn a senior or management position.

What Qualifies You For This Job?
Highlight your skills, experience
, education, and other qualifications, especially those that match the job description well. Avoid just repeating your resume.

Why Should We Hire You?
Point out your positive attributes
related to this job. Take this opportunity to reveal your organizational skills, positive attitude, and confidence – traits that make you an ideal candidate for the position. Restate some of the key aspects of the job and describe how your qualification and their requirements match.