Tuesday, 27 January 2015
Monday, 26 January 2015
What to Wear to An Interview?
| What to Wear to An Interview? |
Studies show that recruiters make up their minds in the first two seconds of the interview, so how you dress makes a big impression
Here are some interesting tips for you to dress well for an interview: All about shirts and trousers
The knotty bit about ties
A double-knot tie is the right size to wear. A larger tie knot can give you a more confident look while a symmetric one looks elegant. Choose a tie knot that fits the collar opening of the shirt. For example, a small tie knot like the four-in-hand suits shirts with a narrow collar opening, while a large tie knot like the Windsor suits shirts with a wide collar opening. As for the ideal length of your tie, the tip of the wider end should be at the same level as your belt. And be wise in deciding the color of the ties. Ties with dark colors are preferred. For example, dark blue and dark red; needless to say that it should be coordinated with your shirt. The pattern and colour should not distract the recruiter. So no large polka dots or bold, shiny patterns or pictures; it should look formal. Silk ties are a good choice.
Ladies, go for Indian wear
While salwar-suits do look elegant, managing the stole can be a task, unless it’s of a material that stays and you don’t have to keep adjusting it in its place. A kurti and salwar is, in fact, a better option. Since there’s no stole with it, with the right pattern and colour, it can look formal and business-like. But no heavy sequins or embroidery! Traditional nose pins are acceptable, provided they are small and pretty. Don’t wear any gawdy stuff. As for necklaces and earrings, small is beautiful and smart. Western outfit is a safe choice For most sectors western wear is the perfect choice. A formal shirt and trousers, and low-heeled pumps, preferably black, or any dark colour – no purple, please – would go well. And if your pumps are peep-toes then please pedicure your nails. If you want to paint them, only light colours. Depending on the position you have applied for and the industry. Sari is a good choice for tourism, hospitality and aviation sectors. A nicely pinned up cotton sari looks elegant when paired with a conservative cotton blouse (half sleeves, preferably). Belt, shoes, bags and the works Gentlemen, if you are wearing a black belt then match it with black shoes, a brown belt with brown shoes. Recruiting companies say it’s a good idea to match the shoes or the belts with the colour of the spectacles, handbags or briefcases. So keep that in mind, as well. We all know that shoes should be polished; black is a safe colour, and no pointed, long shoes. And ladies: no fancy heels, stilettos, and bright colours. Women could wear a medium width belt with formal trousers; it gives a neat look. Choose a plain black belt, and resist fancy buckles. Make-up could be kept to a minimum. Lipstick: light pink or brown. Both mat and gloss are fine but avoid glitter in lipstick. Hair-say Nothing looks neater than a short haircut in men. Gel your hair to avoid any stray hair sticking out, but do not overdo it or back comb your hair as it will send out a wrong message. Women could wear their hair in a bun, neatly held in pins or a plain black scrunchy. A high, top bun will look right for the aviation sector. If you wish to wear your hair open, then blow-dry and set it. When you comb or brush your hair, please brush the stray strands off your shirts or tops. In case there’s a dandruff problem, take care of it; white skin flakes on a dark suit is not a good idea. As for bulging pockets, body-piercing, tattoos, low-waist trousers and male jewellery common sense would say: avoid it, please. One gem stone ring is fine; too many might show you in a different light. And a last piece of advice: don’t drench yourself in cologne or deodorant; it can give your recruiter a headache the moment you enter. A gentle spray is enough. And just before you leave, have a last look in the mirror. You know you are looking great! |
Thursday, 22 January 2015
DO'S & DON'TS IN INTERVIEW
Interview DOs | |
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Dress appropriately for the industry; err on the side of being conservative to show you take the interview seriously. Your personal grooming and cleanliness should be impeccable.
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Know the exact time and location of your interview; know how long it takes to get there, park, find a rest room to freshen up, etc.
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Arrive early; 10 minutes prior to the interview start time [or earlier if the event or employer instructs you to do so].
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Treat other people you encounter with courtesy and respect. Their opinions of you might be solicited during hiring decisions.
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Offer a firm handshake, make eye contact, and have a friendly expression when you are greeted by your interviewer.
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Listen to be sure you understand your interviewer's name and the correct pronunciation.
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Even when your interviewer gives you a first and last name, address your interviewer by title (Ms., Mr., Dr.) and last name, until invited to do otherwise.
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Maintain good eye contact during the interview.
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Sit still in your seat; avoid fidgeting and slouching.
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Respond to questions and back up your statements about yourself with specific examples whenever possible.
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Ask for clarification if you don't understand a question.
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Be thorough in your responses, while being concise in your wording.
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Be honest and be yourself — your best professional self. Dishonesty gets discovered and is grounds for withdrawing job offers and for firing. You want a good match between yourself and your employer. If you get hired by acting like someone other than yourself, you and your employer will both be unhappy.
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Treat the interview seriously and as though you are truly interested in the employer and the opportunity presented.
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Exhibit a positive attitude. The interviewer is evaluating you as a potential co-worker. Behave like someone you would want to work with.
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Have intelligent questions prepared to ask the interviewer. Having done your research about the employer in advance, ask questions which you did not find answered in your research.
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Evaluate the interviewer and the organization s/he represents. An interview is a two-way street. Conduct yourself cordially and respectfully, while thinking critically about the way you are treated and the values and priorities of the organization.
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Do expect to be treated appropriately. If you believe you were treated inappropriately or asked questions that were inappropriate or made you uncomfortable, discuss this with a Career Services advisor or the director.
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Make sure you understand the employer's next step in the hiring process; know when and from whom you should expect to hear next. Know what action you are expected to take next, if any.
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When the interviewer concludes the interview, offer a firm handshake and make eye contact. Depart gracefully.
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After the interview, make notes right away so you don't forget critical details.
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Write a thank-you letter to your interviewer promptly.
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Interview DON'Ts | |
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Don't make excuses. Take responsibility for your decisions and your actions.
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Don't make negative comments about previous employers or professors (or others).
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Don't falsify application materials or answers to interview questions.
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Don't treat the interview casually, as if you are just shopping around or doing the interview for practice. This is an insult to the interviewer and to the organization.
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Don't give the impression that you are only interested in an organization because of its geographic location.
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Don't give the impression you are only interested in salary; don't ask about salary and benefits issues until the subject is brought up by your interviewer.
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Don't act as though you would take any job or are desperate for employment.
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Don't make the interviewer guess what type of work you are interested in; it is not the interviewer's job to act as a career advisor to you.
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Don't be unprepared for typical interview questions. You may not be asked all of them in every interview, but being unprepared will not help you.
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A job search can be hard work and involve frustrations; don't exhibit frustrations or a negative attitude in an interview.
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Don't go to extremes with your posture; don't slouch, and don't sit rigidly on the edge of your chair.
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Don't assume that a female interviewer is "Mrs." or "Miss." Address her as "Ms." unless told otherwise. (If she has a Ph.D. or other doctoral degree or medical degree, use "Dr. [lastname]" just as you would with a male interviewer. Marital status of anyone, male or female, is irrelevant to the purpose of the interview.
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Don't chew gum or smell like smoke.
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Don't allow your cell phone to sound during the interview. (If it does, apologize quickly and ignore it.) Don't take a cell phone call. Don't look at a text message.
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Don't take your parents, your pet (an assistance animal is not a pet in this circumstance), spouse, fiance, friends or enemies to an interview. If you are not grown up and independent enough to attend an interview alone, you're insufficiently grown up and independent for a job. (They can certainly visit your new city, at their own expense, but cannot attend your interview.)
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22 world famous buildings to inspire you
22 world famous buildings to inspire you
01. One World Trade Center, New York
The latest addition to New York's skyline, the One World Trade Center, is the tallest skyscraper in the Western Hemisphere. Construction began in April 2006 and the final component of the building's spire installed five years later in 2013, making it the fourth tallest skyscraper in the world.
The One World Trade Center's design is no coincidence, standing at a symbolic height of 1,776 feet (541m) in a direct nod to the year of the US Declaration of Independence.
Designed by David M Childs of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the 104-story glass tower raises from a cube base before transforming from the 20th floor into eight sleek isoceles triangles. Stood adjacent to the city's beautiful 9/11 memorial, the One World Trade Center is a shining beacon for the city.
02. St Paul's Cathedral, London
London's most iconic building St Paul's Cathedral was designed by English architect Sir Christopher Wren. Sitting at the top of Ludgate Hill, the highest point in the City of London, its famous dome is one of the world's largest, measuring nearly 112 metres high.
The original church on the site was founded in the year 604AD. Work on the present English Baroque church began in the 17th Century by Christopher Wren as part of a major rebuilding program after the Great Fire of London.
Wren started working on St Paul's in 1668, his designs for the cathedral taking a decade to complete and the actual construction taking a further 40 years. St Paul's has played an integral part of London life ever since - as a domineering element in the city's skyline, as a centre for tourism and religious worship, and most recently as a focal point for anticapitalist protests.
Also see our designer's guide to London!
03. Petronas Towers, Kuala Lumpur
Standing at 170 metres above ground, the Petronas Towers are twin skyscrapers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The buildings, which held the titled of tallest in the world between 1998-2004, are an iconic landmark of the capital city.
The distinctive postmodern style was created by architects Cesar Pelli and Achmad Murdijat, engineer Deejay Cerico and designer Dominic Saibo under the consultancy of JC Guinto.
04. The White House, Washington
Irish architect James Hoban was the man behind the design of the White House. In 1792 Hoban submitted a plan for the presidential mansion and subsequently got the commission to build the White House. Constructed began in 1793 through to completion in 1801. The mansion, which has been home to every US leader since the country's second president John Adams, is made from white-painted Aquia sandstone.
05. Leaning Tower of Pisa
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of the most remarkable architectural structures in Europe. Most famous for its tilt, the tower began to lean during construction after soft ground on one side was unable to properly support the structure's weight.
Building work on the tower began in 1173 and went on for over a whopping 300 years. There has been much controversy surrounding the true identity of the architect behind the tower – the design originally attributed to artist Bonnano Pisano but studies have also implicated architect Diotisalvi.
06. The Shard, London
Also referred to as the shard of glass, The Shard is an 87-storey skyscraper, which sits in the heart of London. Construction began in 2009 and was completed three years later in 2012, making it Western Europe's tallest building.
Designed by architect Renzo Piano, The Shard is the second tallest free standing structure in the UK. It's exterior boasts 11,000 glass panels – that's equivalent in area to eight football pitches or two-and-a-half Trafalgar Squares.
The building was developed to have multiple uses, described on the website as a 'vertical city where people can live, work and relax'. This motto was clearly taken on board by a fox, nicknamed Romeo, that was found on the 72nd floor towards the end of construction.
07. St Basil's Cathedral, Moscow
No, we haven't included a piece of Disneyland architecture on our list, although you'd be forgiven for thinking so. This garish, candy coloured cathedral is in fact Moscow's most visited tourist attraction. The famous landmark, shaped to resemble the flame of a bonfire rising into the sky, is located just outside the Kremlin gates and marks the geometric centre of the city.
Built between 1554 and 1560, the cathedral was erected during the reign of Ivan IV (Ivan the Terrible). Little is known about the building's architect Postnik Yakovlev, but he was clearly a fan of onion domes, sharp spikes and polygonal towers.
08. Empire State Building, NYC
We couldn't put together a list of world-famous buildings without including this grand Art Deco skyscraper. Once the tallest building in the world, construction began on the Empire State building on St Patrick's Day 1930 and was completed just 410 days later.
The building was designed by William F Lamb of architectural firm Shreve, Lamb and Harmon. It was declared by the American Society of Civil Engineers to be one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World and is known around the world as an icon of New York City.
09. Lloyds Building, London
This futuristic building looks like it belongs in a sci-fi movie rather than Lime Street in London. The award-winning Lloyds building (also known as the Inside-Out building) is an iconic architectural landmark and one of the most recognisable constructions on the London skyline.
Architect Richard Rogers was the brains behind the innovative design, which has its services – including water pipes and staircases – on the outside. Built between 1978 and 1986, the building also features 12 exterior lifts, which were the first of their kind in the UK.
10. Colosseum, Rome
This elliptical amphitheatre in the centre of Rome is considered as one of the greatest architectural feats achieved by the Ancient Romans. The stadium was capable of seating 50,000 spectators and used mainly for gladiatorial games.
Built from concrete and stone, construction began on the Colosseum began around 72AD and finished in 80AD. The design and shape of the Colosseum has been the inspiration for many modern day stadiums. Today it is one of Rome's most popular tourist attractions, attracting thousands of visitors each year.
11. Taj Mahal, India
Recognised as 'the jewel of Muslim art in India', the Taj Mahal was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Often mistaken as a palace, this famous landmark was actually built as a tomb for the Emperor's wife after she died giving birth to their 14th child.
The Taj Mahal is regarded as one of the finest examples ofMughal architecture – an amalgamation of Persian, Turkish and Indian styles. Construction on the mausoleum began in 1632 and was completed in 1648. The surrounding buildings and gardens took a further five years to finish.
12. Chrysler Building, NYC
In the early part of the 20th Century, people everywhere were in a race to build the tallest building. At the time, this gorgeous Art Deco skyscraper was almost outdone by the Bank of Manhattan but its spire (which was constructed in secret) enabled it to take the title of 'tallest building in the world' in 1930.
It didn't last long though. Just a year later the Empire State Building was erected. Designed by architect William Van Alen, the skyscraper was commissioned by car manufacturer Walter P Chrysler, hence its name.
13. Sydney Opera House
Sydney Opera House is widely regarded as one of the greatest architectural works of the 20th century. The innovative design came from architect Jørn Utzon, who was relatively unknown until January 29, 1957 when his entry to the 'International competition for a national opera house at Bennelong Point, Sydney' was announced the winner.
The beautiful building comprises of three groups of interlocking shells, which roof two main performance halls and a restaurant. A masterpiece of modern architecture, the opera house has become an iconic symbol of both Sydney and the Australian nation.
14. Space Needle, Seattle
The futuristic Space Needle in Seattle, Washington was built for the 1962 World's fair. The famous landmark stands at 184m high and 42m wide at its widest point.
The design was a collaborative effort between architects Edward E Carlson and John Graham. Not only is the architecture a marvel to look at but the building's impressive design can survive wind velocities of 200mph and can escape serious structural damage during earthquakes of up to 9.1 magnitudes.
15. Hagia Sophia, Istanbul
Once a church, later a mosque, and now a museum, Hagia Sophia is a architectural masterpiece. A perfect example of Byzantine architecture, Hagia Sophia is located in Instanbul, Turkey.
The building was built for the first time by the emperor Constantine the Great (306-337). However, due to many factors, including being burned down in riots and earthquakes, the ancient cathedral has been rebuilt many times since. Despite this, Hagia Sophia is widely recognised as one of the great buildings of the world. And if that wasn't cool enough, the building also features in the opening scenes of the Bond film, Skyfall.
16. Buckingham Palace, London
Originally known as Buckingham House, George III bought the property in 1735 when the mansion was little more than a red brick house. Since then, various architects have worked on the building to make it what it is today, including John Nash, Edmund Blore and Sir Aston Webb.
The palace also had to undergo extensive work after being bombed no less than nine times during World War II. However, still very much in operation, it's one of the few working royal palaces remaining in the world today.
17. Fallingwater
Designed by famous American architect Frank Lloyd Wright in 1934, Fallingwater is quite possibly the most famous private residence in the world. But why? Well, the unique design makes it look like the house stretches out over a 30ft waterfall, with no solid ground beneath it.
This isn't the case, obviously, but the innovative design captured everyone's attention when it was finalised in 1939. It became famous instantly and is now a natural historic landmark. It's so cool you can even get a Lego version of the architectural masterpiece!
18. Pantheon, Rome
Rome is home to many amazing buildings, and the Pantheon is no exception. And, like the city itself, it was not built in a day. Destroyed twice and rebuilt each time, the building started as a rectangular structure, which, over time, evolved into the gorgeous dome building seen today.
An inspiration to architects all over the world over the last 2,000 years, the Pantheon roof remains the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome. There is much debate between historians over which emperor and architects were responsible for the Pantheon's design although it is known that this 'Temple of the Gods' was built around 126AD.
19. Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao
The Guggenheim museum Bilbao is one of the most admired works of contemporary architecture. California-based Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry created the unique concept after winning an architectural competition to design the building.
Since the museum doors opened in 1997, it has been hailed one of the most important buildings of the 20th century. Now with over a decade of success, the museum has homed over a hundred exhibitions and has welcomed more than 10 million visitors.
20. Flatiron building, New York
The eye-catching Flatiron building in Manhattan was designed by Chicago architect Daniel Burnham and built in 1902. The distinctive triangular shape allowed the building to fill the space located at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Broadway.
Another of New York's skyscrapers, it was never the tallest but remains one of the most memorable and has been a source of inspiration for artists and architects for over a century now.
21. Villa Savoye, France
Designed by Swiss architects Le Corbusier and his cousin, Pierre Jeanneret, Villa Savoye is an early and classic example of theInternational style – a major architectural style that emerged in the 1920s and '30s.
The property was built in 1928 and, after surviving several demolition plans, was designated as an official French historical monument in 1965.
22. Burj Khalifa, Dubai
Last on our list – but by no means the least – is the world's tallest building Burj Khalifa. The mammoth skyscraper and magnificent centerpiece of Downtown Dubai stands at a whopping 828.9 metres high.
Construction began on the 160-floor building in 2004 with its doors opening six years later in 2010. The task of creating the world's tallest manmade structure was awarded to the Chicago office of American architectural and engineering firm Skidmore, Owings and Merril LLP.
Which of these architectural designs inspires you the most? Have we missed any famous buildings off the list? Tell us in the comments box below...
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