Dubai Living and Investing in Dubai Real Estate

Over the past few years, Dubai has slowly become to be a very viable place for investing in real estate, especially for Muslims living abroad. Simply by looking at their high rise structures and skyscrapers and the very high boom of real estate that offers luxurious amenities, this is not very hard to believe. It is very common today to see unparalleled standards of living in Dubai that are hard to come by in other parts of the world.

Duabi, one of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates is talked about in many contexts. Some people look for jobs in Dubai, while others discuss attending business conferences in that bustling city. However, in the past couple of years, more people, especially from the Middle Eastern and Muslim backgrounds have discussed about that city in the context of buying real estate and moving to settle there.

Dubai is expanding at a very fast pace. Numerous high rises are scheduled to open doors to new tenants during the next 1-4 years. Considering the blueprints and pictures of the high rises and the expanding Dubai economy, thousands of families are investing in those apartments, with a vast majority of those families as Muslims and from the west.

When people think about buying real estate in a city, they consider many factors. Dubai has become a major attraction for a large number of people and for many reasons. A few facts about Dubai are as follows that may cause you to reconsider your options as well:

• Dubai has one of the fastest growing economies in the world.

• Although many think of Dubai thriving on oil money, as of 2005 numbers, 94% of Dubai’s GDP came from non-oil sources.

• Dubai is one of the largest gold trading hubs in the world.

• With various types of visa / immigration and other restrictions in various Middle Eastern Countries, Dubai through its open trading policies has become a de facto hub for doing business in the Gulf and the Middle East.

• Dubai’s population is set to rise from 1.5 million in 2006/2007 to 4 million in the next 5 – 7 years – mostly because of foreign influx. An estimated of 80% of people living in Dubai are expatriates.

• Dubai not only allows foreign investment but encourages it to the extent of allowing investors to apply for residency permits. This fact alone has driven numerous investors flocking to the region. Dubai living offers prospects property ownership and / or property leasing for 99 years. As a result of this, residents can apply for a residency permit that is renewable every three years.

• Considering that a lot of Muslims (even the ones settled in US and Europe) would like to be closer to their countries of origin as well as closer to the holy cities of Makkah and Mandinah, this has provided an excellent option for their long term settlement plans.

• Considering a small city, Dubai operates more than 150 TV channels. This fact alone helps portray the diversity of the region and the level of trade and business volume (considering that a lot of TV channels depend on advertisements as their source of revenue.)

Dubai Jobs:

Jobs in Dubai in particular are one of the eagerly sought-after jobs in the Middle East. Dubai jobs for example include numerous moneymaking opportunities. Such jobs are easy to find and easy to get. Jobs in sales and marketing, Banking, Hotels, IT, software, Oil & Gas industries etc. are available and have been in high demand for many years.

Dubai is a major economic hub of the Middle East. Dubai Media City for example is designed to boost media businesses and industry in the region. The leading global players include Associated Press, Bertelsmann, CNN, CNBC, International Advertising Association (IAA), McGraw-Hill Platts, Sony, and Reuters along with regionally reputed companies like Middle East Broadcasting Corporation (MBC), Saudi Research and Publishing (SRPC) and Taj TV. Besides, a large number of entrepreneurs are setting up advertising, printing and publishing industries in Dubai. All these global players are setting up their offices across Riyadh, Jeddah, Qatar, Bahrain, Muscat, Beirut Damascus, Cairo etc. Thus you can easily get advertising, marketing, and several other media jobs in Dubai.

Dubai Internet City offers great job opportunities in Software Development, Business Services, Web Based & e-Commerce, Consultancy, and Education & Training. Dubai Internet City (DIC) is an information technology park created by the Government of Dubai as a free economic zone where companies can operate without restrictions. Global giants like Microsoft, Oracle, HP, IBM, Compaq, Dell, Nokia, Siemens, Sun Microsystems, Canon, Logica, Sony Ericsson, Cisco, i-mate, e-dinar, Acette etc. are major players in this arena.

Highlights of Dubai Real Estate Development:

• Burj Dubai (under construction) will be the tallest structure in the world. At a height of more than 900 meters (approaching one kilometer), this tower is much taller than the Sears Tower (527 meters), Taipei tower (508 meter) and Malaysia’s Petronas towers (452 meters). The tower will offer 30,000 residences and will house the world’s largest shopping mall called the Dubai Mall. (The final height is still not confirmed). The tower is to have an estimated 216 floors.

• The tip of the Burj Dubai will be visible approximately 100 kilometers away on a clear day.

• Another tower called the Burj Al-Arab is the tallest hotel building in the world. See the picture on this page. The round circle on the top left is the tennis court. The building’s lightning scheme changes every 30 minutes. Burjdubai.com provides more facts and figures on this magnificent structure.

• The Palm Islands (consisting of The Palm Jumeirah and The Palm Jebel Ali) are the world's largest man-made collection of islands. People can own their own private islands that cost in the millions. (See picture on this page and next). Some media quarters have termed these as the eighth wonder of the world. These islands are made in the shape of a palm tree with hundreds of residences, hotels and resorts.

• Under construction is the Business Bay, which will be a collection of hundreds of high rise sky scrapers.

• A recent project will result in a complex called “Asia-Asia”, which will be the largest hotel in the world.

Source: http://www.hilalplaza.com/islamic-world-middle-east/dubai/dubai-real-estate.html

Pursuing Careers and Looking for Jobs in the Middle East

The birthplace of at least three world religions (Judaism, Christianity and Islam), Middle East has great influence in world polity as well as economy, and the region has been very popular destination for the travelers and temporary (expatriate) workers alike.

The economy of most of the Middle East countries is mainly based on oil, and due to rich oil reserves, some of the Middle Eastern countries are one of the most prosperous countries of the world. Despite their local challenges, the economy of most Middle Eastern countries continues to be very strong and therefore attracts a large workforce from around the world. Jobs in the Middle East therefore are one of the hotly pursued jobs in the world. Jobs in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and UAE are particularly in very high demand. This is one reason that millions of expatriate workers currently work in the Middle East. For example, according to many estimates about 50,000 US citizens and their families live and work in Saudi-Arabia. At least 3 times as many US citizens can be estimated to be working in other parts of the Middle East.

Considerations:

While benefits vary from country to country, general benefits may include the following –

• No taxes

• High salaries

• Fixed Paid Housing allowance (Some expatriate workers save money on housing as they manage to find inexpensive housing on their own)

• Some companies offer free housing instead of paying a housing allowance

• Low cost of living

• Proximity to the holy sites of Makkah and Madinah (Great benefit for Muslims)

• People manage to easily find their cultural communities. This includes Americans, Pakistanis, Indians, and others.

• Multiple year contracts – Most expatriates prefer a minimum of 2 year contract to ensure they get some benefit before temporarily relocating.

• Paid travel for all family members to their home country once a year.

Things that you should know if you are considering to work in the Middle East:

• Attaining citizenship of those countries is almost impossible.

• You should be aware of the religious customs in those countries. For example, some Islamic countries require that women cover themselves in the traditional garment of Hijab, Abaya and / or Jilbab when roaming outside.

• Before accepting a job in any of the Middle Eastern countries, you must inquire about your children’s education. Public education, for example is not an option for expatriate workers in all countries.

In the prosperous Middle East, you can find a myriad of job opportunities in various fields including Finance, Accounting, Audit, Strategy, Marketing, Sales, Operations, Procurement, Customer Service, etc. You can also find one of the highly lucrative jobs in the sectors such as banking, finance, accounting, insurance, legal, sales, marketing, IT, manufacturing, management consulting etc. The medical profession too attracts a very high percentage of physicians, surgeons, and nurses.

The past few years has seen a huge influx of foreign workers, especially those working in the area of Information Technology (IT).

Finding Jobs in the Middle East:

There are many channels that one can pursue to find jobs in the Middle East. You can either approach employers mentioned above directly or go through the recruitment agencies. Several job vacancies are advertised each week in appointment pages of leading newspapers.

Gulf News and Khaleej Times are the newspapers that daily publish the job vacancies and employment opportunities in the Middle East. The classifieds sections of these papers carry a good number of job opportunities.

There are also a number of recruitment agencies that can help you find jobs in the middle east/gulf. The leading recruitment agencies include Clarendon Parker, Mosaic, BAC-ME and SOS Recruitment.

As a precautionary measure, you should always do your due diligence when working with all recruiters (online or others) to ensure you don't get trapped in any Internet or other job scams.

Jobs can also be searched online. Most of the recruitment agencies operate through their web sites. Some online resources that you should consider and explore further include Bayt.com, NaukriGulf.com, Careermideast.com, DubaiDonkey.com, and Mycareer.com.

Islamic Venture Capital - Seeking Capital For Your Business, Writing Business Plans and More....

Despite the fact that there are literally millions of Muslim entrepreneurs in both developed and developing nations looking for investment capital for their new start-up ventures, the realm of the Islamic venture capitalist remains in an

evolutionary state. Nonetheless, the untapped potential for Islamic venture capital remains huge. Moreover, the Islamic world has more than its fair share of investors with high-end net worth looking to invest in potentially lucrative deals.

Thus, the convergence of both a ‘need’ and a ‘supply’ invariably lead to the creation of a new product, and this is equally so in the case of purely Islamic venture capital.

The core to any proposed Islamic financing transaction is that Shariah (Islamic law) prohibits interest-based lending. Moreover, Shariah further prohibits investments in certain activities which are seen as being in violation of Islam,

such as gambling.

However, in essence, the mechanisms of venture capital do not provide for interest-bearing lending. Rather, at the core of any venture capital funding is an agreement to share in the risks of the business venture in return for the profits

derived from such business venture.

As such, rather than being contrary to Islamic law, many scholars hold that venture capital funding complies with one of the cornerstone principles of Islam: it provides much needed investment to start-up companies in return for

potential rewards, while accepting the risks that may be involved in such a deal. This type of structure is the classic form of mudaraba financing used over many centuries in the Islamic world.

Structuring an Islamic venture capital deal

The most accurate translation of a mudaraba financing is a contract under which one person, the investor (known as the rabal-maal), brings financing and the other person, the entrepreneur (known as the mudarib), brings expertise and

effort. Collectively they share the proportionate profit as per their pre-arranged agreement.

Fundamental to the mudaraba financing structure, however, is the fact that the entrepreneur cannot be placed at risk of losing any monetary investment/value. If the business venture were to fail, then the maximum the entrepreneur could lose is the investment they make in the business enterprise themselves (i.e., their own money); plus any time and effort they put into the venture. The reason why this is the case is because under Islam, you cannot loose what you do not contribute.

In addition, under a mudaraba financing structure, strictly speaking, the investor is not allowed to partake in the management affairs of the business venture in which they have invested, they’re simply an investor – period. Day-to-day and overall management of the business must be left to the entrepreneur.

Major players in the Islamic VC Market

Given that mudaraba has been a central element to Islamic financing for centuries, you may be mistaken in thinking that the Islamic venture capitalism is a fairly mature market with hundreds of institutional investors. The reality is

almost the opposite. Venture capitalism is still fairly embryonic in the world of Islamic financing and there are few Islamic institutional funds involved at this time.

Prior to 1995, the majority of Islamic venture capital financings were undertaken by what are known as “angels”. Angels are essentially high net worth individuals who agree to invest in a business venture under the terms of Islamic financing set out above. There were few, if any, established Islamic venture capital funds

at this time.

Post 1995 there was a boom in Islamic venture capital financing and today there are over a hundred funds lending in excess of a billion dollars to new start-ups. Following the development of Dubai as a major Islamic financing center, the Dubai International Finance Center (DIFC) was established and a number of leading Islamic venture capital funds are now regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA).

Among the founding members of Islamic financing venture capitalists is the Dubai-based Injazat Capital Limited, who are also founding members of the Gulf Venture Capital Association (GVCA), a leading light in the world of Islamic

venture capitalism. A newer entrant to the world of Islamic venture capitalism is the aptly named Venture Capital Bank BSC (c), which is rapidly becoming one of the larger Islamic venture capital funds in the Middle East.

Source: http://www.hilalplaza.com/Middle-East-Jobs/

How to Answer the Toughest Interview Questions

You know they're coming: Those seemingly unanswerable questions that pop up during job interviews.

You can't clam up. And you don't want to stutter and stammer. So what's a job seeker to do?

The 'Future' Question

Otherwise known as the "big picture" question, the future question goes something like this: "Where do you see yourself in five years?"

The best tactic: Talk about your values.


Don't get too detailed about your specific career plan. Instead, discuss things that are important to you professionally and how you plan to achieve them. If growth is a goal, mention that. You can also talk about challenge, another value that employers prize in their employees.

The 'Salary' Question

Most people will tell you that whoever answers this question first loses. But that's not necessarily true.

When an interviewer asks your salary requirement, try first to gently deflect the question by inquiring about the salary for the position.

If the interviewer presses you for a number, give a range. To decide on a range, think about the salary you want, your salary at your most recent position and the industry-standard salary for the job.

The bottom line: The salary question is one of the most important, so you should prepare for it in advance and plan what to say.

The 'Why' Question

There's a fine line between boastful and confident. And you need to learn it.

When an interviewer asks you why they should hire you, you're going to have speak confidently and honestly about your abilities. But you should avoid sounding overly boastful.

Aim for earnest and prepare by practicing. That's right: Stand in front of the mirror and acknowledge your abilities and accomplishments to your reflection. Tell yourself: I have a very strong work ethic. I have integrity. I have excellent industry contacts. I aggressively pursue my goals.

It's sometimes hard to praise yourself, but after a few sessions you'll sound sincere.

The Seemingly Silly Question

If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be? What if you were a car? Or an animal?

These type of questions can bring your interview to a screeching halt.

First, don't panic. Pause and take a deep breath. Then remind yourself that there's no "right" answer to these questions. The job isn't hinging on whether you choose to be a spruce versus an oak.

Interviewers usually ask these questions to see how you react under pressure and how well you handle the unexpected. It's not so important what type of tree (or car, or animal) you choose as that you explain your choice in a way that makes you look favorable.

So, be a spruce -- because you want to reach new heights in your career. Or be an oak -- because you plan to put down roots at the company. Either way, you'll get it right.


Mastering the Interview


The job interview is your proving ground, the place where you must demonstrate why you are the best person for the job. Making that powerful statement that you're the best of all the candidates requires the three Ps: Preparation, Presentation and Perception.

PREPARE PREPARE PREPARE

When you walk into an interview, the more prepared you are, the better the chances are that you'll succeed. Memorize everything you put on your resume and cover letter and be prepared to explain each item. But you should also be ready to talk about more than just yourself. Get to know your future employer.

Warren Davis, the Director of Recruiting and Employment for RadioShack, emphasizes this point. "Your resume and application are fair game. Candidates should study themselves and the company with whom they're interviewing."

Read industry trade magazines, visit the company web site, and do a company search on Yahoo! Finance to find current news about your prospective employer. Be prepared to demonstrate what you know about the company and the industry.


Michele Stagg, the Director of Human Resources at Banana Republic, says she is consistently impressed when candidates work their skills into the context of company news. "The more an informed candidate can tie past experience to the requirements of the job they are interviewing for, particularly in terms of what the company is doing, the better."

Another important part of preparation is making sure you look the part. Choosing what you wear is so important that it deserves its own article - Interview in Style.

PRESENTATION IS PARAMOUNT

Keep in mind that you are marketing yourself to everyone you meet. The more people you leave with a good impression, the better your chances are of being remembered. Project yourself as someone who is thoughtful, helpful, and prepared.

Effective presentation includes being in the right place, at the right time. If you're late for the interview, you could inadvertently tell your interviewer that you're not right for the job.

With 35 years of experience in HR, Peter Ackerson, Specialist Leader at Deloitte Consulting, has been directly involved in hiring hundreds of candidates. When it comes to job interviews, he's seen it all. "There's nothing worse than getting a call from someone who is hung up in traffic or went to the wrong office," he explains.

Once you arrive, introduce yourself to the receptionist and turn off that cell phone. "Having a phone go off during an interview is a real turn off," says Ackerson.

According to psychologist Albert Mehrabian, more than half of our communication is nonverbal or body language. Stagg agrees. "Body language is exceptionally important. Positive, upright and open body language shows self confidence and interest." During introductions give a firm handshake and then take a seat facing the interviewer.
When you go over your resume focus on your accomplishments instead of reiterating job descriptions. Presenting yourself as an active problem solver will show an employer that you can contribute and succeed in the role. Stagg agrees that this technique can make a fantastic impact. "Give very specific examples of your qualifications. If you have qualifications in financial analysis, give examples of projects you worked on where your analysis was necessary. Describe your experiences that tie in to your skills or qualifications. Even better, tell me how those will help you meet the requirements of the role you might fill in our company."

PERCEPTION IS KEY

The best way to know if your interviewer is getting what he needs is to ask questions. Susan Vobejda, the VP of Marketing at HotJobs elaborates, "When your interviewer asks you a complicated question, don't launch into your answer straightaway. Make certain you understand what is being asked." A clarifying question, or restating the question in your own words saves you from wasting your interviewer's time, and demonstrates that your are a careful listener. Asking the right questions can also demonstrate your ability to think strategically, and help you decide if the position is right for you. To that end, Stagg suggests ending the interview with this question: "What are you looking for in a candidate to fill this role?" If the answer turns out to be something that doesn't match your expectations, then you need to speak up.
Many candidates are so intimidated by the interview, they forget that the interviewer has a stake in seeing the candidate succeed. Peter Ackerson describes his attitude going into an interview as one of "hopeful skepticism." They don't want you to fail; they want you to show them why you will succeed with their company. The sooner they hire you, the sooner the search can end.


Source: http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/interview/How_To_Answer_The_Toughest_Interview_Questions___2003915-1702.html?subtopic=Interview+Preparation

Five High-Paying Careers in Two Years or Less

Feel like the absence of a bachelor's degree on your resume is forcing you to settle for a second-rate job? With today's myriad opportunities to earn certificates and associate degrees, you can change your career, your salary, and your life in just a short amount of time.

Check out these five high-paying careers -- no bachelor's degree required!

1. Dental Hygienist

Employment of dental hygienists is projected to grow much faster than average for all occupations through 2014, ranking among the Bureau of Labor Statistics' list of fastest-growing occupations.

To practice in a dental office, hygienists must earn an associate degree or certificate from a school accredited by the American Dental Association Commission of Dental Accreditation. A base of biology, chemistry, and math courses are advised, and program coursework will include clinical, laboratory, and classroom instruction.

Median annual earnings: $58,350.

2. Fashion Designer

In this creative field, an inherent artistic ability and eye for detail, color, balance, and proportion are necessary. Ingenuity is key, as are sewing, pattern-making, and sketching abilities.

Designers usually hold at least a two-year associate degree in fashion design or fine arts. They must be knowledgeable about textiles, ornamentation, fabrics, and fashion trends, and exhibit communication and presentation skills, problem-solving abilities, and the willingness to work occasional long hours and travel to trade and fashion shows.

Median annual earnings: $55,840.

3. Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

Also known as ultrasonographers, diagnostic medical sonographers can specialize in obstetrics and gynecology, abdominal or breast sonography, or neurosonography.

A strong background in math and science is recommended, as associate degree coursework will include anatomy, physics, and physiology. A good bedside manner enables the sonographer to explain complex procedures to patients and reassure those who fear the health matters the testing may reveal.

Median annual earnings: $52,490.

4. Forensic Science Technician

You've seen the TV shows -- these professionals collect and analyze physical evidence and document laboratory methods and findings. Computer skills and attention to detail are crucial as collection and processing of materials must be spot-on to safeguard evidence.

Forensic science technicians should develop a strong base in math and science as preparation for their associate degree, typically earned in applied science or science-related technology. Coursework will include laboratory work and hands-on learning. Once in the field, technicians can choose to specialize in a certain type of analysis or examination.

Median annual earnings: $44,010.

5. Paralegal

Lawyers assume ultimate responsibility for legal work, but they often delegate tasks to paralegals, also called legal assistants. Paralegals help prepare for trials, hearings, and meetings; investigate facts; identify appropriate laws and decisions; and, after analyzing and organizing information, prepare and present reports of their findings.

Most paralegals have an associate degree in paralegal studies, however, intensive certification programs are also available and can often be completed in just a few months.

Median annual earnings: $39,130.

All salaries listed are median annual earnings based on 2004 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).


The Right Words: How to Ask for More Money:

Whether you're asking a potential employer for more money or your current boss for a raise, talking about money is awkward, especially when you are searching for the best way to phrase your request.

"Money is very tightly tied to our self-esteem," says Meryl Runion, author of "PowerPhrases." Asking for more money means saying you think you're worth more -- and risking hearing that someone else disagrees. "If somebody tells you, 'No, I don't think you are worth that much,' it's almost like saying you're not that valuable as a person."

A little practice can help you find the right words to make these requests -- and respond to the answer you get. Runion and other experts offer the following tips for two common scenarios.

Scenario 1: Getting a Raise

* Asking your current boss for a raise: The key is to ask in a way that shows you've done your research. Try saying, "I've been evaluating my own performance and what you've told me about my performance, and I would like to talk with you about increasing my salary," suggests Marcia Stein, a human resources consultant who recently published a book about recruiting.

This approach alerts your boss that you have analyzed your contributions and are not simply asking for a raise because you want more money. And by asking for a time to talk, rather than simply stating the raise you want, you give your boss time to prepare.

* If the boss says no: Despite your preparation, it may turn out that your boss isn't able or willing to pay you more. Try to find out the reason -- is there a companywide freeze on raises, or does your boss not agree that you deserve more? Stein suggests showing your interest in improving your performance by saying, "What would you recommend that I do so I can be one of the top performers on your team?"

Scenario 2: Negotiating a Higher Salary

* Negotiating a higher salary with a new employer: If you're offered a job but were hoping for more money, the key is to make the request in a positive way, says Lori Itani, an independent staffing consultant who focuses on high-tech companies and hears candidates' responses to offers. "If they're telling me that they really like the company, they really like the position, the manager and the team, and they'd really like to have this work, that's a good thing to say."

Itani suggests a way to phrase the request: "I'd really like to come on board, but I need some more help with relocation." If your goal is a higher starting salary, finish the sentence with, "but I need a little more in salary to justify the move from my current company to yours."

* If the employer says no: Even when you ask politely, it may turn out that the employer isn't willing to increase the offer. In that case, assuming you still want the job, your goal is to find out the possibilities for future raises -- while emphasizing that you intend to work hard. Runion suggests saying, "If I can prove my value, what are the possibilities for future raises?"


Source: http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/career-articles-five_high_paying_careers_in_two_years_or_less-261

Six Common Job-Interview Questions

One of the easiest ways to build confidence before a job interview is to prepare answers to questions you might be asked. Whether you're applying for a position as a web programmer, accountant, or legal secretary, interviewers often use some general questions to assess candidates, so you'll increase your chances for success if you prepare for them in advance.

Six common questions are listed below, along with insights from several recruitment professionals about how to answer. As part of your interview preparation, take the time to formulate answers to each question, focusing on specific tasks and accomplishments.

"What are your strengths and weaknesses?"

This is one of the most well-known interview questions, and interviewers often ask it indirectly, as in, "What did your most recent boss suggest as areas for improvement in your last performance review?"

Lindsay Olson, founder of Paradigm Staffing Solutions, a firm specializing in hiring public relations professionals, suggests tailoring your "strengths" answer to skills that will benefit the prospective employer. Though you may have a knack for building gingerbread houses, it might be of little value for the job at hand.


When it comes to weaknesses, or areas of growth, Olson recommends building on your answer to include "how you have improved, and specifics on what you have done to improve yourself in those areas."

"Why did you leave your last position?"

"Interviewers will always want to know your reasoning behind leaving a company ? particularly short stints," says Olson. "Be prepared to tell the truth, without speaking negatively about past employment."

"Can you describe a previous work situation in which you ... ?"

This question comes in many forms, but what the interviewer is looking for is your behavior on the job. Your answer could focus on resolving a crisis, overcoming a negotiation deadlock, handling a problem coworker, or juggling multiple tasks on a project.

The theory behind this type of question is that past behavior is the best predictor of future behavior, according to Yves Lermusi, CEO of Checkster, a company that offers career and talent checkup tools. "The key to responding well is preparing real job examples, describing your behavior in specific situations that demonstrate important skills that the job requires."

"What is your ideal work environment?"

This question is not about whether you prefer a cubicle or an office, so think broadly to include ideas about supervision, management styles, and your workday routine.

Bob Hancock, senior recruiter for video game publisher Electronic Arts, says that he uses this question with candidates because it can give "a sense of their work habits, how flexible they are with their schedules, and how creative they are."

"How do you handle mistakes?"

The best strategy for this general question is to focus on one or two specific examples in the past and, if possible, highlight resolutions or actions that might have relevance to the job you're interviewing for.

"Employers want to know they're hiring someone with the maturity to accept responsibility and the wherewithal to remedy their own mistakes," says Debra Davenport, a master professional mentor and columnist for the Business Journal in Phoenix.

"What is your most notable accomplishment?"

Paradigm Staffing's Olson suggests that candidates think of three or four accomplishments and quantify what their actions meant in terms of increasing revenues, saving resources, or improving resources.
"Being able to quantify your achievements in your career will launch you ahead of the rest," she says, "and demonstrate your ability to do the same as a future employee."


The Second Interview

Congratulations! You wowed your prospective employers on your first interview and have been called back for an encore. So, how will the second interview be different from the first?

This time around, expect to spend more time at the company, talk to more people, individually and collectively, and have your skills and personality scrutinized more closely.

The Employer's Point of View

From an employer's perspective, the second interview is a chance to closely evaluate a candidate's abilities and interpersonal skills. Your prospective employer wants to see that you can do the job and work well with colleagues.

Be aware that many employers bring in several candidates on the same day to streamline the second interview process. Your challenge is to distinguish yourself from the other candidates.


To show you're a good fit with the company, focus on explaining how your abilities and experiences would enable you to do the job. Be specific. Offer concrete examples that highlight your competence and compatibility.

Who You'll Meet

On your first interview, you probably met with one or two people. This time, be prepared to meet several more over the course of the day, including potential managers, coworkers and other staff members.

You may meet individually with several people, who will most likely ask you similar questions. Keep your answers consistent but mix up your delivery so that your answers don't sound stale or staged. If possible, before the interview acquire a list of the people you'll be meeting with and do a little research on each one. Then ask questions that show your knowledge of each person.

If you meet with a panel or group, be sure to make eye contact with both the individual asking the question and the group as a whole.

Steps for Follow Up

It's rare to receive an offer on the spot, but it does happen occasionally. If the feedback is consistently positive over the course of the day, you may get a job offer at the end of the interview. If that happens, don't make a hasty decision. Ask for time to think about it.

If you don't get an offer, be sure to immediately send a brief thank you note to every person you spoke with. Some companies make hiring decisions in a matter of days, but many can take weeks to make their final choice.

Be patient, be flexible and be ready for an offer or an invitation for yet another interview.


Source: http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/interview/Six_common_job-interview_questions__20061109-090925.html?subtopic=Interview+Preparation

How to Handle Illegal Interview Questions

Interviews are already stressful enough. Between promoting your skills, showing enthusiasm and laughing at the interviewer's bad jokes, you have plenty to concentrate on.

But when you suspect you've been asked an illegal interview question, stress levels can shoot even higher.

Fortunately, if you know in advance what kind of illegal questions are most apt to sneak into an interview, you can diffuse the situation immediately and move on to more important tasks -- like landing that job.

Three Ways to Answer Illegal Interview Questions

Most interviewers are not out to discriminate against job applicants. Many of the illegal questions that interviewers ask are unintentional -- in fact, if you tactfully point out the question is illegal, the interviewer will likely realize his or her gaffe and immediately retract the question.


The challenge for you is to figure out what to say while you're sitting in that chair, faced with an illegal question. You have three basic options:

* Just answer the question. If you don't mind providing the information and you don't want to make waves, you can respond to the question and move on to the next one. Keep in mind, however, that you should only answer the question if you truly are comfortable providing the information -- it could come back to haunt you.


* Refuse to answer the question. Inform the interviewer that the question doesn't seem to be legal or relevant to the specific requirements of the job. Be forewarned, though, that such a direct response should really be saved for questions that are offensive or deeply troubling.


* Don't answer the question, but answer the intent behind the question. This is usually the best option, since it allows you to provide a tactful answer without sacrificing your rights. To answer the intent behind the question, try to figure out what the interviewer REALLY wants to know. For example, if the interviewer asks if you are a U.S. citizen (which is an illegal question), a smart answer would be, "If you mean to ask if I am legally authorized to work for you, the answer is yes." In cases like these, it's best to rephrase the question into a legal one and then answer it. This displays flexibility and composure -- strong job skills.

An Age-Old Question

Recent reports say that workers are planning to hold jobs well into their senior years. Many even plan to hold off retirement until their 70s or 80s in order to continue bringing in paychecks.

Unfortunately, this has resulted in an increase in complaints from older workers of age discrimination in the workplace, according to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

The good news is that interviewers are not allowed to ask you your age during an interview. With some rare exceptions, the only age- related question they can ask is if you're over the age of 18.

One thing to keep in mind: The EEOC's Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 only protects workers who are 40 years old and older from age discrimination and in workplaces with 20 or more employees. However, some local governments have laws that also enforce age discrimination rules for younger applicants and smaller workplaces.

Married ... With Children?

Women make up nearly half of the U.S. workforce, according to the Department of Labor. And as their numbers grow, so do the potential pitfalls they may face during an interview, especially when asked about marriage, children and pregnancy.

While illegal interview questions surrounding relationships, marriage and children are generally more problematic for female job candidates, protection from discrimination applies equally to male candidates.

Basically, you should be suspicious if you are asked any questions about your marital status, your family status, your future plans for children or your child care accommodations.

So what can employers ask? Questions that deal directly with the job requirements (e.g., "Are you willing to relocate?").

Yes, many proud parents enjoy telling stories about their children, and there may be a temptation to trade toddler stories with a friendly interviewer who has a family picture on his or her desk. But to avoid potential problems, err on the side of silence.

A Race for a Job

A recruiter friend of mine told me a story of how she accidentally asked someone an illegal interview question.

"Oh, you have such an interesting name! What does it mean?" she asked a candidate with a beautiful name that was obviously of non-English origin.

Fortunately, my colleague caught herself and told the candidate that she didn't have to answer the question. But it does show how subtly the issues of race, ethnicity and religion might sneak into an interview.

For instance, according to Nolo.com, interviewers are not allowed to ask if you are a U.S. citizen or ask where you were born. However, they can ask if you are legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

So if you are asked about your race, color, religion or national origin, be aware -- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits employers from making employment decisions based on such factors.

Somebody Call the EEOC!

Discrimination is an ugly word, but you can't deny that it does occasionally happen. If you are certain that an interviewer asked you an illegal interview question with the intent of using your answer as a basis for a hiring decision, it's time to talk to the pros.

The EEOC is the government agency in charge of handling complaints of workplace discrimination.

While laws can vary from state to state, the EEOC recommends that you file a charge of discrimination if you feel you have been discriminated against on the basis of any of the categories below:

* Race
* Color
* Sex
* Religion
* National origin
* Age
* Disability

To file a charge, contact your local EEOC office. To find your local branch, go to the EEOC "Filing a Charge" Web page here:

http://www.eeoc.gov/facts/howtofil.html

Keep in mind that there are time limits by which you must file a complaint. For more information on these limits, contact your local EEOC branch.

Alternatively, find a lawyer and have them help you with your complaints.

While illegal questions do add an extra level of stress to an interview, remember that as long as you are aware of what's fair game and what isn't, you'll be one step ahead.

Laid Off? So What?

Layoffs may now be routine in corporate America, but if you're unlucky enough to be left holding a pink slip, you probably have lots of worries. Among them: How will I explain this during future job hunts?

It's true that your layoff and the gap on your resume will probably come up, not just during the initial job search right after the layoff, but also during future job hunts. But it doesn't have to derail your search. The key, experts say, is to be honest about the layoff but to focus your communication with potential employers on what you can do for their company, rather than on your past. And when the layoff comes up, make sure you talk about what you accomplished during your time off.

Here's how to achieve these goals at all stages of the job hunt, in writing and in person:

# Resumes and Cover Letters. Most career experts say you shouldn't mention a layoff at all in a cover letter.

"A cover letter is strictly to market yourself," says Marianne Adoradio, a career counselor in Silicon Valley. "'Here's what you're looking for, here's what I bring.'"


On a resume, you shouldn't say you were laid off, but you should try to account for any substantial amount of time you were out of work. Never try to bridge the gap between two jobs by using the wrong beginning or ending dates. Instead, focus on what you accomplished while you were out of work. Did you take a class? Do consulting work? Work as a volunteer?

On the whole, the less said in writing about a layoff, the better.

"Paper is two-dimensional," says John Haag, a career counselor at the University of Denver Career Center. "Face to face is a whole lot better."

# Networking and Interviews. Face-to-face communication is critical, both in informal conversations with people while networking and in formal job interviews. This is where questions about your layoff will likely come up, and you need to be prepared with two answers: one about why you left your job, and one about what you did during the time you were unemployed.

"If it's the first time it happened to you, it's going to feel awful," says Libby Pannwitt, a career counselor and principal of Work Life Design Group in San Carlos, California. "You need to get over it and find the right words to talk about it wherein there were no bad guys."

The best strategy, Pannwitt says, is to craft a very short, matter-of-fact phrase: "I left in the layoff of 2002," for example.

In an informal networking conversation, discuss the layoff only if asked. Haag says the conversation will get off to a bad start if you open with, "I'm looking for work, I've been laid off." Instead, begin by asking intelligent questions and making a good impression on the other person.

"When it does come time for the person to ask you some questions, be forthright," Haag says. And don't use a "half-apologetic tone," he says. By that time you will have impressed your listeners with your interest in their work, and they won't care whether you were laid off.
Finally, be certain you're answering the right question. For example, Pannwitt says, if an interviewer asks "Why do you want to work here," your answer should be about how much you like the company and the job, not that you need work because you were laid off. "That isn't going to make the employer feel very good."

Source: http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/interview/How_to_Handle_Illegal_Interview_Questions__20021118-1632.html?subtopic=Interview+Preparation

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How to Get a Job Fast

In today's unpredictable economy, the idea of job security with any company would seem to be a thing of the past. Large company layoffs, golden handshakes, mergers, leveraged buyouts, company acquisitions and similar business moves have left people of all ages out of a job they need to live.

While there may be some compensation upon being let go from the firm you work for, this money won't last forever. Or, if eligible for unemployment benefits, this also has a finite period of time attached to the check. Sooner or later, job hunting will be necessary.

But it's not only individuals who have been turned out of jobs that this booklet can help. How happy are you in the business you're in? Do you long to do something else with your career? If so, you're not alone. You have plenty of company in wanting to change one's goals and focus in life. Perhaps you've just turned 40 and realize that you're into the second half of a working career you've never really liked. Studies have shown that working in a job because you have to, not because you like it, can have some effect on an individual's life span. Why take years off your life when you don't have to?

The problem for most people in these situations is that they're not sure where to start. They've either been tossed into this situation unexpectedly and are trying to make decisions on the run or they know that they at least have a paycheck, so they postpone thinking about trying to focus in on a job hunt for something they truly like to do. Well, cheer up! This booklet will help you re-focus, identify the skills you have, narrow down the type of work you like to do and give you a number of outlets to gather information from in prospects of landing that job that will take you through contentedly into your retirement years. The best news is that this doesn't have to be a long, drawn out process. You can label your transferable skills and acquire helpful data within a few days! It's not a year or two effort we're talking about.

The secret is knowing where to look, what to ask and how to narrow down the type of job you'd not only enjoy, but be pretty good at, too! So much of this is understanding what makes you tick! Who better to identify this than you?

How to Find a Job?
My friend has been trying to find a job for weeks. His money in the bank is fast running out, credit card bills are mounting and even his car payments are two months overdue. Desperate to find a job, he’d scanned all known job postings in the internet and the local paper and asked for help from friends. He sends out his resume in a veritable mailing-list that would shame the mailing catalog of some newsletters. But he still can’t find a job.

When I met my friend a couple of weeks back, I asked him how he is faring in his job search. He said he’s doing fine but his down-trodden look gave more than he’s willing to admit. Since we’ve worked together before, I know that my friend is qualified and he has good work ethics as well. But I also know that my friend has difficulties putting his thoughts into written words. Eager to help him find a job, I asked for his resume, purportedly to give someone I know who is hiring. He anxiously gave me one, knowing that I’m up to something.

When I reached the office, I took time off to read his resume and cover letter. While I found these are not badly written as I first thought, I sensed something familiar with the documents. I immediately browsed some internet sites which offer resume and cover letter formats and guides and to my utter disbelief, both documents were directly lifted from one of the sites. The cover letter, specifically, was lifted word-for-word from one published in the internet.

It dawned on me what my friend’s problem was. Recruiters and HR personnel are adept in scanning from a mile away resumes and application letters that are not originally written by applicants. They are familiar with the guides available in the web and they would know if one is lifted fully or even partially from those guides. Thus, when some HR people got hold of my friend’s cover letter and resume, these are at once filed away and forgotten, or worse, thrown directly to the trash bin. The reason therefore why my friend can’t find a job is not because he’s not qualified but because recruiters don’t like the documents he sent them.

I thus got on my computer and re-wrote his resume and application letter, supplying some of the necessary information from memory. I reorganized his resume to highlight his work experiences, skills in computers and his education. I made references to these important job-hunting factors in his cover letter. I even removed an entire paragraph which I found irrelevant in his quest to find a job. I emailed the re-written documents, with a nice message of encouragement. But I didn’t tell him what I found out about his resume.

He called me a few days back to tell me that when he started sending out the new resume and cover letter, he made some real headway. He started getting some positive responses. In fact, he told me that he’s scheduled to be interviewed that day in one of his better prospects. I wished him good luck and I told him I never doubted that in time and given the right tools, he would find a job that he deserves.

Discovering Jobs:
Many people do not have good job hunting skills. They are not experts at locating job openings for which they may be qualified. Here are some ideas to help you uncover those jobs.

NEWSPAPER ADS -- usually draw the greatest number of applicants, so you'll end up with a lot of competition. If you have no geographic restrictions, you may want to check out of state newspapers.

Find a way to make your resume stand out so that it isn't lost among the many applicants. Here are a couple of ideas:
(1) Send a customized cover letter with your resume.
(2) Call before you send the resume in. If possible, talk to the person who will be doing the interview or who you'll be working for. If this isn't possible, talk to the personnel director about the job and let them know that your resume is coming. This will help them to remember your name and may help you get through the resume screening process.

PRIVATE EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES -- these are agencies that try to match employees and employers. These agencies vary in the way they work. Some can be very helpful. Others are somewhat unscrupulous.

Your best chance is to go with an agency that specializes in your field. Beware of agencies that continually run the same ad because, often, they are just trying to build a list of candidates. I recommend that you only use agencies that don't require you to pay a fee.

TRADE JOURNALS AND PERIODICALS -- Are often the best places to look. This is one of the primary means of job advertisement for some types of professions. Example: The magazine Environmental Science continually carries ads for environmental professionals.

Other good places to look include: trade shows and professional conventions, personnel offices, college placement offices, friends you have who are in the same profession as you. Another method is to simply go through the yellow pages and look for companies which may need a person with your skills. Then contact these companies by phone and follow-up by sending in your resume.

Job seeking is a skill that requires persistence. You must not become discouraged. Keep making plenty of contacts. Sooner or later, you'll find the job that's right for you.

Canadian Immigration Guide

Once you have contacted an Immigration Representative and verified its membership with the CSIC, I recommend proceeding as follows:

I. Arrange an interview with the Representative. It can be a personal or telephone interview. I recommend arranging a personal interview (face to face) so that you can meet your Representative and analyze his work environment. You should explain him or her about your situation, and your immigration objectives. He will most likely ask you several questions related to your work experience, education, age, etc. in order to evaluate your status and to know if you will meet the pass mark. You should ask your Representative his working method and timeline.

II. Fees You should clarify with your Representative (from day one) everything related to the fees. Normally, you have to pay legal fees (for their consulting service) and also government fees (for the Canadian government). You should ask your agent for a convenient payment plan, which would be paying only a percentage of the legal fees when you start the process and the remaining amount once your visa is approved. I also recommend asking your Representative for a 100% money back guarantee, which would mean that in case your visa is not approved they should give you a full refund of the legal fees.

III. Supporting Documents Your Representative should give you a checklist of all the supporting documents that you should gather in order to submit the application. Once you receive the checklist, you should be in constant communication with your representative to clarify any questions that you may have related to the documents. Since you will have to send the documents to your representative by mail or courier, you should confirm with him/her that the documents are correct before sending them.

IV. Communication I recommend always communicating in writing with your Representative (email), so that you can keep a record and evidence of your messages. By doing this, you will be able to proof everything that your Representative told you, in case you have to claim your money back if your visa is denied and you have a Money Back guarantee. b) Applying by yourself You can also apply by yourself.

The advantage is that you save the legal fees of the Representative, which sometimes can be 2 to 3 times the government fees. If you decide to apply by yourself, you only have to pay the government fees, which will be explained in the following sections. If you decide to apply by yourself, the following sections will be very useful, since I will provide a detailed explanation of the supporting documents that you need to gather in order to submit your application. Gathering the supporting documentation can sometimes is the most difficult part of the process.

The most important question is: Why Canada? Are you looking for a better quality of life? Are you interested in better education for you and your family members? Are you looking for a better work environment? Are you interested in beautiful landscapes and peaceful surroundings? Well, in my opinion you have made an excellent decision when you though about Canada as an option to immigrate. We will walk together in one direction and with one goal in mind: starting your new life in this beautiful country. We will walk together, because we have one thing in common: we both know that there are more options for living our life than the life that was assigned to us since the moment we were born.

We were born surrounded by several circumstances, such as our country of residence. If we live our life unconsciously, without evaluating and analyzing the direction of our steps, we will most likely live, grow and die in the same country doing the same things. However, if we decide to live consciously, we will realize that we can create and imagine different ways to live our only life. I am certain that you have already made a pause in the journey of your life and evaluated the direction of your steps. You are using this guide for a reason, and most likely this reason is that you are convinced that you can design a better life. You are willing to take risks and you are ready to start walking in a new direction.