life]::[focus]::[pro

:: Job Interview Dress Code Tips

Andrew — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 19:01:14 +0000

The first thing employers will see when they meet you is how you’re dressed. So it’s important to make a good impression.

How to dress for your interview: Here, you’ll find general rules for both men and women when it comes to dressing for interviews.

SYMS dress to achieve: SYMS is dedicated to helping young professionals and recent college grads learn how to dress appropriately for business. Here, you’ll find complete guides to dressing for an interview.

Dress to impress: Geared toward women, this site uses photographs to show what you should and shouldn’t wear to an interview.

Dress appropriately for interviews: This article gives basic advice on dressing appropriately for your interview.

What to wear by industry: This site gives candidates suggestions of proper attire for women in five different fields.

Dress codes deciphered: If you’re not quite sure what business casual entails, you can use this guide from CNN to give you some insight.

:: Tag clouds for your To-Do lists

Andrew — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 19:05:14 +0000

Zirr.us is a very simple “to do” list for the rest of us. They incorporated a number of web 2.0 characteristics (it combines Ajax/DHTML), like tag your tasks. Zirrus gives users two “to do” lists to keep track which can be defined as “Braindump” or “Now” for more immediate “to do” items. Zirrus lets you view your items in both a list and cloud view, that allows items change their font size according to various priority levels.

Zirr.us provides a fresh approach to task management.

Its features are:

View and enter tasks quickly and easily, from anywhere.

Put everything on your mind in your Braindump list. Put near-term tasks in your Now list.

Set due dates and priorities. Categorize with tags.

Overdue tasks move automatically to your Now list.

Work with your tasks in an informative task cloud, color-coded by tag and sized by priority.

Sort alphabetically, by date, or by priority.

:: Create, Manage and Access Your Lists with Gubb

Andrew — Sun, 21 Oct 2007 20:13:51 +0000

Gubb allows you to create lists, what makes it different is its accessibility.

These are some of the ways how you can use its reach functionality:

Managing projects
Whether it’s business, a middle school bake sale, or a personal interest project, gubb makes it quick and easy to organize materials, tasks and due dates. Share your list with other people working on the project, and assign tasks and due dates.

Collecting thoughts
Ever feel like your head’s going to explode with all the things you have to remember? Let gubb keep track of them–no papers to lose!

Keeping shopping lists
Create and edit shopping lists on your computer, then have gubb text them to your phone. Portable and organized. If you forget to put the list on your phone before you leave the house, no problem–just text gubb and gubb will reply with your list.

Staying on top of your todos
Sort a list by separating the items you’ve already completed, stick a due date on an item, rank the items in order of importance, and even get the satisfaction of crossing things off of your list!

Planning an event
Weddings, birthdays, seasonal parties…let gubb keep track of all the lists that go into event planning. You can work together with others in “real time” by sharing gubb lists, assigning tasks, having gubb keep track of deadlines using due dates and more!

Staying in shape / organizing your exercise or diet plan
List your goals and check them off as you complete them, or use gubb as an exercise or meal idea keeper. Send your lists to your phone and take them with you to the gym or the grocery store.

Planning your next vacation
Keep track of places you want to go, airline reservations, logistics and more using gubb lists. Share your itinerary with your travel companions and archive lists after completing your trip to remember how you planned it.

Keeping track of books you want to read or movies you want to see
Let gubb take care of all the lists that used to get jotted down on receipts, napkins, and the backs of other documents.

Writing down and keeping track of your goals or New Year’s Resolutions

Each list has it’s own email address, you can post new entries to this list by email or SMS and even send any list to someone or yourself by email or SMS.

You can:

Create Lists

Add as many items as you want to your lists.

Drag & Drop Lists

Drag & Drop Items

Retrieve/Add By Text

View Lists In 1, 2, 3 or 4 Columns

Prioritize Items

Assign Due Dates To Items

Check Off Completed Items

Archive Completed Items

Change List Colors

Email Lists To Yourself

Email Lists To Other People

Text Message Lists To Yourself

Text Message Lists To Others

Retrieve/Add By Email

Maximize/Minimize Lists—”fold/unfold”

See Just One List At A Time (If You Choose)

Sort Lists (Priority, Date Due, Alphabetically, etc.)

:: 10 R’s Framework to Help You Succeed

Andrew — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 18:42:01 +0000

Dave Cheong created this framework that consists of R only.

Life is a continuous process of discovery and learning. We only stop doing either of these when we die. At this very moment, you are discovering new things, experiencing interesting events, learning and growing constantly. For any given problem, challenge or goal, pause for a moment and identify which step you’re at. The great thing is you don’t have to start at the beginning of the flow. Just start applying the 10 R’s to Success based on where you’re at right now, irrespective of the problem.

1. Realistic

2. Realise

3. Recognise

4. Reframe

5. Respond

6. Review

7. Repeat

8. Reflect

9. Reward

10. Renew

More detailed information on each point is here

:: 42 Best Online Tools for Job Hunters (except freelancers)

Andrew — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 17:02:56 +0000

Amiko - Online resume generator.

Careerbuilder.com - General job search site.

Climber.com - Fill out a survey about yourself and get matched to a job by your interests.

CompanyMeetCreative.com - Part time, freelance, and contract job offerings for creative types.

CoolWorks.com - Job listings for summer and seasonal jobs at national parks and resorts.

Coroflot.com - Allows for creatives to publish an online portfolio and search for jobs.

Craigslist.com - The famous Craigslist. Select your city and search for jobs in your area.

Cvwarehouse.com - Lets you search for jobs in a confidential manner.

Daylo.com - Post yourself, list any specialized skills you could bring to a job.

Eluta.com - Job searches focusing on Canada.

Emurse.com - Helps you convert your resume in to the hResume format for online use.

GiggedUp.com - Post video resumes of yourself for prospective employers to search.

Glendor.com - Currently only covers San Francisco, shows jobs by markers on a Google map. Plans to expand to other cities later.

iHipo.com - International jobs and internships.

Indeed - Searches several job sites, newspapers, associations and company career pages.

Isabont.com - Helps you manage your job search by letting you organize yourself.

Job-a-matic.com - Post job listings, and even add a job board to your existing site

Jobazaar.com - Focuses on small jobs, all the way down to needing someone to mow the yard.

Jobburner.com - Focusing on technical jobs, post your resume and search for jobs.

JobBoardReviews.com - Reviews job boards and helps you pick the right one for you.

JobDig.com - Dedicated to the Midwest, focuses on employment, training and opportunities.

Jobfox.com - Fill out your profile, view your job matches, and let people hunt for you.

Jobneters.com - Jobs from multiple countries, earn rewards for referring others.

Jobpile - Aggregates from numerous jobs boards to let you search them all at once.

Jobsearcheasy.com - Browse and search for jobs and earn prizes while you do it.

Jobster.com - Post your resume, get advice, join networks.

Layoffspace.com - A site for the unemployed to gather, network and help each other find work.

LinkUp.com - Job aggregator that monitors thousands of employers websites.

Mapdango.com - View classified job listing on a Google map, seeing what is in your area.

Monster.com - One of the best known job search engines.

PageBites.com - Works for both employers and job seekers, searchable by jobs and regions.

Peekface.com - Read reviews of employers written by people with experience in the same company.

Probook.com - Professional networking site for Canada.

Recruit.net - Millions of jobs from all around the world. Search by keywords and location.

Resolio.com - Create a professional looking resume and publish it online.

SalaryScout.com - Ever wondered if you were getting a fair salary offer? Use this site to compare it to what others report.

Sidejobtrack.com - Job tracking, invoicing, reporting & project management for the

part-time independent contractor.

SimplyHired.com - Millions of jobs harvested from numerous sources.

Whototalkto.com - Give people leads in to your former job, while getting tips on the one you want to get.

WorkTree.com - Job search engine with browsable categories including government jobs and Fortune 1000 companies.

Yahoo HotJobs - Jobs board owned by one of the largest web companies.

YorZ.com - Search for jobs or network with people inside your industry.

:: Test Your Level of GettingThingsDone

Andrew — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 12:44:11 +0000

The Basics Level

2. I have a calendar which is always on hand.
5. I have an email program, set up the way I want it.
7. I always have a way to capture ideas and get them out of my head, in all contexts (notepad, laptop, voice recorder, etc.).
8. I have a place or places to keep Next Actions lists, accessible in the right context.
11. I have a list for tracking “Waiting For” items.
13. I have a folder marked “inbox” on my computer for downloaded files.
14. I have a tickler file or reminder system in place which is fun and fast to use.
16. I only have physical actions on my Next Actions lists–no multi-step projects.
19. I have dedicated physical office space set up.
22. My computer files are set up for maximum productivity.
23. I attend a weekly productivity group centered around the GTD methods.

Intermediate Level

26. I have been using the GTD system consistently for 3-6 months.
30. I consistently follow up on “loaned out stuff” and “stuff I’m borrowing.”
36. I always do my weekly review, scheduled for the same time weekly.
37. I have no unsorted papers anywhere besides my physical inbox, project files, and reference files.
38. I have a file cleanout day scheduled in my tickler file or calendar for once or twice a year.
40. I reconnect with my higher altitudes at least weekly, usually daily in the morning to keep me inspired.
41. My Master Projects List is regularly updated at least weekly.
45. When clearing my inboxes, I start at the top and take each item one at a time until it is processed (instead of skipping around to what’s easiest).
49. I know the Four-Criteria Model for Choosing Actions in the Moment by heart (p. 192), and actually work that way, or I have found something that works even better.
50. I have experimented with GTDGmail or some other productivity enhancing email software, and found what works best for me.

Advanced Level

51. I have been using the GTD system for 6 months or more, every day.
54. I have coached 3 people in successfully implementing GTD into their lives.
57. I don’t ever carry anything in my head that could be put into my system, and many times during the day I download ideas, next actions, and projects to my lists.
59. I always return phone calls within 24 hours, usually within 2-12 hours, with none lost or forgotten.
62. When I commit to doing something for someone, I completely trust that I will do it…or I’ll let them know ahead of time why I can’t complete it.
63. That low-level anxiety I used to feel around my “stuff” and my work is completely gone.
65. My paper filing system is completely up-to-date, always.
68. I can’t remember the last time something “fell through the cracks” in my system.
70. I get regular coaching from someone with at least 4 years experience with GTD.
71. I am familiar with the strengths and weaknesses of the GTD system because I’ve read and studied other productivity systems.
75. I can always say no with integrity, because I always know what’s on my plate and what’s important.

Mastery Level

76. I have been using the GTD system for 12 months or more, very consistently.
77. My system has been squeaky clean for over 6 months.
79. I have coached over 10 people in successfully implementing GTD into their lives, who have sustained their systems for over 6 months.
80. I easily arrive at all appointments 10 minutes early, well-prepared, with a calm and peaceful mind.
85. I exercise regularly according to an intelligent plan that is best for my body and is leading towards ever-improving health, strength, aerobic capacity, flexibility, and overall fitness.
88. I have a list of books for personal/spiritual/career development which I consistently burn through, perhaps by scheduling reading time at regular times of the day or week.
91. Project planning and mind mapping are as easy and automatic as breathing to me.
93. I’m surrounded by people who are as productive as me.
94. I have several mentors who are orders of magnitude more productive than me, whom I meet with regularly.
95. My living space is like a zen temple–everything accounted for, everything purposefully and consciously attended to.
97. I could, if I chose to, make a comfortable living teaching personal productivity–I have people asking me about it constantly, without me saying anything first.
98. I could write my own book on productivity…or maybe I already have.
99. I tend to reach my goals earlier and with greater ease than expected.

Test your own GTD Mastery level here

:: How to Scan Text Without a Scanner

Andrew — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 18:38:56 +0000

This method requires either a cell phone with camera or a normal digital camera. Photograph the document, email the image to qipit website for cleaning and then extract the text from this cleaned image using SimpleOCR, a free word-recognition software.

Here’s the complete instruction:

1. Place the book / newspaper / magazine page on a flat surface and photograph it. Keep a steady hand and make sure Flash is turned off else the final image may appear to be washed out.

2. Now upload that photograph to qipit.com via web or email. Qipit, a free service, will straighten the image and create a much cleaner and readable document from that picture.

Open the MyDocuments folder in Qipit.com and download that converted file as JPG by clicking the document preview icon.

3. To extract text from this JPG file, we will use a free software called SimpleOCR. The OCR software will recognize the words in the JPG image and generates a text file.

:: 10 Things to Know About Achieving Financial Goals

Andrew — Sun, 14 Oct 2007 10:06:41 +0000

What are your top three financial objectives?

Narrow your objectives.

Focus first on the goals that matter.

Be prepared for conflicts.

Put time on your side.

Choose carefully.
In drawing up your list of goals, you should look for things that will help you feel financially secure, happy or fulfilled. Some of the items that wind up on such lists include building an emergency fund, getting out of debt, and paying kids’ tuitions. Once you have your list together, you need to rank the items in order of importance (if you have trouble doing so, use the CNNMoney.com Prioritizer for help).

Include family members.

Start now.

Sweat the big stuff.

Don’t sweat the small stuff.

Be prepared for change.
More to read here

:: Sample Job Interview Questions

Andrew — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 17:49:17 +0000

Not sure what you’ll be asked when applying for a job? Unsure of what to ask potential employees? These are a few examples of common interview questions that cover a wide variety of professions and may be of use in your future interviews.

Types of questions: This article from the University of Manitoba lays out some of the basic types of questions asked at interviews including direct, indirect, hypothetical and behavioral questions.

Fifty standard interview questions: CollegeGrad.com lays out some of the most commonly used interview questions.

Illegal interview questions: Not everything is fair game to ask at an interview. Make sure you know what’s allowed.

Questions for academic positions: This guide can help you know what to kind of questions to expect when applying for an academic position, as well as some pointers on how to answer.

Sample interview questions for engineers: Engineers looking for work can expect to hear these kinds of questions at an interview.

Interview questions for tech companies: This article provides sample interview questions for numerous types of high-tech programming jobs. Questions pertain to Perl, shell scripting, MySQL and more.

Sample interview questions for teachers: Virginia Polytechnic Institute provides a list of commonly asked questions for teaching candidates.

Interview questions for lab positions: Here you’ll find a list of questions you might be asked when applying for lab work.

Interview questions for health-care positions: Nurses and other health-care professionals will find this a useful resource when preparing for an interview.

Sample interview questions for management: If you’re applying or interviewing for management and supervisory positions, these questions can be a valuable resource.

Seven interviewer questions for first-timers: If you’re new to interviewing candidates, this article’s seven important questions can help you get started.

Questions to ask your interviewer: When you interview for a job, you’re not the only one who should be interviewed; you should ask questions of your interviewer as well. Here are some important questions to ask before you accept a new job.

:: 23 Tips to Make Your Photos Better

Andrew — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 09:23:20 +0000

Take photos before and after people are ready. It is when people let their gaurd down. You might tick them off a little bit but it is better than having a fake, posed snapshots.

The majority of photos with the subject smack-bang in the centre of the picture can be dull and boring. The rule of thirds involves dividing your viewfinder into an imaginary tic-tac-toe square. The trick is place the main subject in one of the four intersecting points.

Just about any solid structure (walls, mounds, tables) can be used as improvised tripods to support the camera and avoid the dreaded camera shake.

Panning or moving your camera at the same speed as your subject is a great way to shoot action and at the same time eliminate any distractions.

Experiment with different film speeds. Changing ISO changes the contrast, grain and the minimum shutter speed of your shot.

Get closer. There is a temptation to include everything in your photos but don’t be afraid to cut out some details. Try focusing more on the details rather than the whole. If it’s a choice between moving closer or using digital zoom, move closer.

The most important part of any portrait is the subject’s eyes. By positioning catchlights (reflections of light) in your model’s eyes it can improve your shot tenfold.

Know where the sun is relative to your subject. If you shoot into the sun your subject will likely be in shadow; shoot with the sun facing your subject and you will having them squinting back at you. Look for a place with less harsh lighting or use fill flash.

Always hold the camera with both hands. It helps to steady the camera.

For spur of the moment photos shoot first, then adjust your settings for the second shot. Too many great shots have been lost because the photographer spent too long finding the perfect settings.

If it’s bright over-expose; if it’s dark under-expose.

Take photographs of the same thing at intervals to gauge your progress.

Keep you horizons horizontal or else it will give the impression that everything is falling off the print.

Shoot from down on the ground and from up on a height. A fresh perspective can bring life into your pictures.

Learn to bounce the flash for more natural looking indoor shots. This works wonderful for me.

Use a short depth of field to eliminate distracting backgrounds. This can be achieved by using a telephoto lens, using a wide aperature or getting as close as possible to your subject.

Keep a log of information such as shutter speed, f-stop, weather, etc. It can be useful when you are trying to figure out what you did right and wrong in your photos.

Don’t shoot portraits from down below. It will make the chin and nose more prominent.

When it comes to composition simplicity is the key.

Use multiple pre-flashes to eliminate red eye, although it ruins the spontaneity.

Experiment with your camera’s manual mode while shooting landscapes or still life as this gives you plenty of time to get to know your camera.

Make sure that your fingers and camera strap aren’t obstructing the view finder.

Break the rules. Photography rules are better viewed as guidelines. While the rule of thirds holds true in many situations, you will undoubtedly come across a situation that calls for you to centre you subject.