Persian Gulf Crisis :: essays research papers

Persian Gulf Crisis Persian Gulf Crisis, 1990-1991: How Saddam Hussein's Greed and Totalitarian Quest for Power Led to the Invasion of Kuwait, World Conflicts and the Degredation of Iraq Joseph Stalin. Fidel Castro. Adolf Hitler. Saddam Hussein. These names are all those of leaders who have used a totalitarian approach to leading a nation. Stalin and Hitler ruled in the early to mid-nineteen hundreds. Like Fidel Castro, Saddam Hussein is now. Saddam Hussein belongs to the Baath Party of Iraq. This party adopts many techniques similar to those used by Stalin and Hitler. Saddam Hussein conceived a plan to invade Kuwait. It was, perhaps, one of the worst mistakes he could have made for his own reputation and for his country. The invasion of Kuwait as well as the world's response to it, the environmental disaster it caused, and the degradation of Iraq were completely the fault one man and his government: Saddam Hussein and his Baath Government. One of Hussein's weaknesses is negotiating. Negotiating in his terms is to fight it out with as much carnage as possible until his side comes out "victoriously". Repeatedly, Saddam and his government break international convention laws. During his war fought with Iran, the Iraqi army used chemical weapons on the Iranian troops and even on their own Iraqi population. This was seemingly overlooked by the rest of the world because most nations didn't want to see the Ayatollah's Islamic revolution rise. Iraq often obtained foreign arms support from other nations because of this. It wasn't until the invasion of Kuwait that the rest of the world seemed to realize the danger that Iraq posed to its own people and to the Arab states surrounding it. Through poor planning, Saddam Hussein made three major mistakes that enabled an easy defeat of the Iraqis. The first mistake was that he captured all of Kuwait at the same time, instead of leaving it as a border dispute. This might have kept it from becoming an international affair. The second error was that Hussein positioned his troops too close to the Saudi Arabian border. Because of this, other nations feared that Saddam's aggression was endless. The third mistake was that Hussein miscalculated the world's response. He overestimated the Arab "brotherhood" and by doing so, didn't realize that the rest of the world would try to stop him. He also overestimated his own country's military power, and believed that he could annihilate military superpowers like the United States, Britain and France. Saddam Hussein's ultimate dream was to possess a nuclear bomb. Most of the world believed that Iraq didn't have the resources and materials to

Interview Skills

INTERVIEW SKILLS Interviewing: The job interview can be a pleasant and rewarding experience. It gives you and the employer a chance to discuss your qualifications and determine if a match can be made. Interviews vary in style length and can have a number of different interviewers depending upon the organization, so try to prepare for anything. Interview Styles: Directed This consists of a list of specific questions, which are in a certain order every time. Sometimes a checklist will be used to record your answers. Non-directedThis style consists of broad open-ended questions designed to get you to talk about yourself. It is more conversational in tone than the directed interview. Stress This is an interview designed to see how well you handle stress. Stress interviews are normally used in interviewing for top level positions. However, most interviews do not follow a specific style, but interviews may use their own combination of types instead. Regardless of the style or styles used, an interviewer is basically interested in two things: †¢ WHY ARE YOU INTERESTED IN THE COMPANY? WHAT CAN YOU OFFER THE COMPANY? Stages of the Interview An interview usually consists of four stages: BREAKING THE ICE This is to help both you and the interviewer â€Å"tune in† to the interview situation. It usually consists of small talk about the weather, your trip to the interview and so on. The content and the duration of this stage is controlled by the interviewer. SHARING OF GENERAL INFORMATION The interviewer will begin to tell you something about the company and the position that is open. You, in turn, can begin to tell the interviewer how your skills will relate to the position.You should be concise, using specific examples when ever possible. AMPLIFICATION AND SHARPENING OF FOCUS At this point in the interview, you will be offering a lot of information about yourself. You will be questioned about your work-related values, goals and aspirations. Your qualifications will be explored in detail. The interviewer will be trying to find a fit between you and the position. TRYING IT OGETHER This is the conclusion of the interview. You should clarify the information you have about the next contact. Find out if the interviewer will call you and how soon can be expected.If you are interested in the job, this is a good time to let the interviewer know. Planning for the Interview: SELF-ASSESSMENT Identify who you are, where you want to go, and how you plan to get there. Analyze your: †¢ Strengths †¢ Weaknesses †¢ Academic Performance †¢ Career Interests †¢ Personal Goals †¢ Work Experiences †¢ Special Skills Upon completion of this self-assessment you should be confident in your ability to ace the interview. RESEARCH YOUR PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYER Candidates who demonstrate knowledge of their organization and their community impress employers.You should acquire some knowledge concerning the size of the organization, criteria for evaluation of personnel, orientation and development programs, geographical location, and industrial and recreational profile of the community, and products produced. Research of this nature is easily accomplished through use of the Chamber of Commerce located in the geographical area of your choice and variety of other sources. Research often raises questions of importance that you can have answered at the interview. Remember, you are seeking a career, not just a job. THE INTERVIEW 1. Be punctual. Always allow ample time to get ready for your interview. The interview is on a schedule too and you may miss the opportunity you have anticipated for a long time). 2. Dress conservatively and professional. Men should wear a tie and suit. Women should apply cosmetics in keeping with good taste. Avoid â€Å"over doing it†. Careful grooming of hair, fingernails, shoes and clothes is very important of the both sexes. 3. Expect to be nervous at the outset. Nervousness is a natural f unction of your system, which helps you perform at your very best. The time to worry is when you do not become nervous. 4. Introduce yourself with a strong, confident handshake and look the interviewer directly in the eye.A strong first impression will set a positive tone for the interview. 5. Tune in with the interviewer and follow the pattern he or she sets. Be alert, maintain good posture, and relax as much as possible and listen. 6. Talk in a normal tone of voice and maintain frequent eye contact. 7. When responding to a question, pause and think about what you are about to say. Say something other than just â€Å"yes† or â€Å"no†. Intelligent, well thought-out answer put pluses beside your name. 8. Look for the sign of restlessness in the interviewer and for signs that he or she is about to terminate the interview. (Always leave termination up to the interviewer).When asked â€Å"Do you have any further questions? † respond as you needs demand. 9. Exit fro m the interview after expressing a sincere interest in the position. The employer will never know the extent of your interest unless you express it. If you want the job, ask for it. 10. Record results as you viewed them, both objectively and subjectively. Be certain that you know what the next step is – they will contact you, you must contact them, etc. FOLLOWING THE INTERVIEW Provide the credentials, references, or transcripts as requested by the interviewers as soon as possible. Follow-up with a short, typed letter of appreciation for the interview.This does not include the campaign unless you have been offered a position at this point. Now you need persistence in follow-up. Questions most often asked by the Interviewers: Study the following questions and be prepared to answer them in a positive and concise manner. This is not a comprehensive list, so be prepared for other questions too. 1. Why do you want to work here? 2. What kind of experience do you have for this job? 3 . What would you like to be doing five years from now? 4. What are your biggest accomplishments? 5. What is your greatest strength? What is your greatest personal asset?Your greatest weakness? 6. What interests you most about this job? 7. Why should I hire you? 8. Describe a difficult problem you’ve had deal with? 9. What would you references say? 10. What was the last book you read (or movie you saw)? 11. What salary do you expect? Answer: â€Å"Competitive† or â€Å"Appropriate to my experience and potential†) 12. How do you handle tension? 13. Describe a situation where your work or an idea was criticized. 14. Tell me about yourself. 15. What is the most difficult situation you have faced? 16. What have you done that shows initiative? 17. Do you prefer working with others or alone? 18.Explain your role as a group/team member? 19. What do you know about our company? 20. What are your future career plans? 21. What courses did you like best? Least? Why? 22. Why did you choose your particular field of work? 23. Have you held any leadership positions? 24. Have you plans for future education? 25. How do you think a friend or professor who knows you well would describe you? 26. Why do you want this job? 27. How has your college experience prepared you for your chosen career? The Importance of Asking Questions: Questioning the employer with logical, well thought-out questions tends to indicate a high degree of interest.Interest on your part tends to evoke interest from others. Questions also imply that you are sincere in the job hunting process and all employees’ desire sincerity. Conversely, questions, which are not logical, not well defined and /or asked just for the sake of asking leaves the recruiter with an impression of falseness. Therefore, prepare for the interview: read the organizational literature: talk to others who may be more aware of the particular organizational in which you are interested: and if need be prepare a list o f logical, well defined questions to ask the interviewer.Questions you may ask: (Questions are pertinent only if the answer helps you) 1. What might be typical first impression? 2. Why do you think this job might be the right spot for me? 3. How is your performance appraisal system structures and how often will I be evaluated? 4. Why did you join the company? How long have you been here? What is about the company that keeps you here? 5. To whom do I report? 6. What are realistic chances for growth in the job? 7. Please describe a typical day on-the-job? 8. Describe your deal candidate for this position? 9.What are the basic responsibilities of this position, and how much time will be spent on each? 10. With whom will I be working? 11. What are the major problems faced by this area of the company? 12. How much travel, and of what duration, is expected? 13. How much pressure might I encounter? 14. What style of management prevails in this area or in the company? 15. What’s the next step in the selection process? 16. Where is the organization going? 17. In the last five years, how many persons have held this position? 18. May I have the copy of the job description? (Ask for this when you set-up the interview).The questions you have just read are examples of questions to use in an interview. It will be to your advantage to develop questions of your own and to work them in your own style. KNOCKOUT FACTORS These are reasons why candidates receive rejection replies and are listed in order of frequency mention by recruiters. 1. Negative personality or poor impression: More specifically, lack of motivation, ambition, maturity, aggressiveness or enthusiasm. 2. Inability to communicate – Poor communication skills 3. Lack of competence – Inadequate preparation 4. Unidentified goals 5. Unrealistic expectation 6.Lack of interest in the type of work. 7. Unwillingness to travel or to relocate 8. Poor preparation for the interview 9. Lack of work experienc e 10. Bad references 11. Poor appearance WHY PEOPLE ARE HIRED: 1. Positive attitude 2. Good presentation of skills needed by employer for the position. 3. Professional in all contacts. 4. Good rapport with interviewer, including letter, phone call, and face to face contact 5. Past experience that supports qualifications for the opening 6. Provides knowledgeable questions and statements about company and job opening, thus providing commitment to research. . Professional appearance, including appropriate dress, neat and clean personal grooming, and friendly attitude. INFORMAL INTERVIEW: This type of interview is very helpful in exploring different careers and networking in your chosen field. It is an integral part of the job search process and all interview skills previously mentioned also apply to this type of interview. The biggest difference between information and job interviews is that in an information interview there is little or no pressure to obtain a job offer, so you can re lax, be yourself and gather as much information as possible.We strongly recommend that you conduct several information interviews, as you will learn more about the field, make valuable contacts, gain interview experience and possibly uncover unadvertised job openings. INFORMATION INTERVIEWS: 5 Steps to Set-Up 1. Identify the career fields, industries, and organizations that you want to investigate further. Try to target areas that seem to match up most closely with your skills, interests, values and personality style. 2. Ask people you know (relatives, acquaintances, friends, colleagues, past employers) if they can introduce you to someone who works there. 3.Use the Encyclopedia of Associations to identify professional groups in your target areas. If there is a local chapter, plan to attend one of it’s monthly meetings to make new contacts. Also, ask if there is a membership directorship. You can use this list to target people who are appropriate contacts for informational in terviews. 4. Once you have identified the people you want to meet, you can contact them by letter or telephone to schedule a convenient time to talk. During your initial contact, you must briefly tell them who you are, explain why you are contacting them, and ask for a short meeting.If they decline, ask if there is anyone else they can recommend that you call or write. If the answer is still â€Å"no†, ask if they have any other ideas about how you might go about meeting people in their field. 5. Before the interview, plan a trip to the library. Read trade journals, annual reports, and other printed materials to glean as much information as possible in advance. Then you will be able to present yourself as a knowledgeable interviewee. INFORMATION INTERVIEW QUESTIONS: Here are some sample questions to get you started. This list is not comprehensive, so please feel free to make up your own: 1.What is a typical day like? What do you actually do? What do you actually do? 2. What d o the really successful people do better than the others? 3. What are the opportunities for advancement within this field or company? 4. How did you get into this field? 5. What do you specially enjoy about your work? 6. What are the frustrations? 7. What degrees or training are necessary for this kind of work? 8. Are there professional trade journals I should read? Which ones? 9. Where, in your opinion, is the best place to look for a job in this field? 10. Is government funding any part of this field? 1. Is there a deficit personal in any part of this field? 12. What are the starting salaries at entry level in this field? 13. What professional organizations do you belong to? Should I join them now? 14. Are you doing what you thought you’d be going when you started? 15. What are some of the difficulties, problems areas, and snarls of this position? 16. How mobile and flexible can you are in this occupation? Location? Hours? 17. How secure is your job? Others in this field? 1 8. If you were starting out again, what would you differently? 19. What is the future potential for growth?What areas do you feel promise the most growth? 20. Do you think there is a need for the kind of services (or product) I can offer? 21. Is working for this organization, or one like it, a good way to get into the field? 22. Is there any personal advice you would give a person entering this field? 23. What are some of the most important factors that contributed to your success? 24. What skills are most important for your kind of work 25. Can you give me the names of other people who might provide mw with additional information? May I use your name? DRESSING FOR INTERVIEW SUCCESS:The instant we set eyes on someone, our minds make evaluations and adjustments at lightening speed. The same is true for potential employers who must assess us so. If you follow the adage â€Å" what you sees is what you get†, you need to look the part or don’t to look the part or donâ€⠄¢t expect an offer. To help you pull together your winning look, review the following guidelines: MEN Suit: Colors †¢ Navy thru Teal Blue †¢ Charcoal thru Light gray †¢ Brown †¢ Beige †¢ Solid colors and pinstripes are acceptable Note: The darker the suit the more authorities it carries. (Caution: never wear back unless applying for an undertaker’s job. Shirt: †¢ Always wear a long-sleeves shirt †¢ Always wear a white or pale blue shirt. Shirts with very thin red or blue pinstripe are acceptable, but not the best. A solid white shirt conveys honesty, intelligence and stability: this should be your 1st choice. †¢ Fabric: Cotton – looks better and absorbs perspiration better. †¢ Iron and starch your shirt. For the best look have it professionally pressed. Neckwear: †¢ Tie: should compliment your suit – not match it. †¢ Fabric: pure silk – makes most powerful impact best choice. Linen: too formal, wrink les too easily, can only be worn in warmer weather.Wool: casual in appearance and has knot problems. †¢ Size: General rule of thumb : the width of your tie should approximate the width of your lapels (anywhere form 2 ? † to 3 ? †). †¢ Length: tie should extend to your trouser belt. †¢ Styles: Best choices : solids, foulards, stripes and paisleys, do not wear: large polka dots, pictures of animals sporting symbols or manufacturers symbols, or a bow tie or matching tie and pocket square. Shoes: †¢ Colors: black or brown leather †¢ Style: lace-up wing tips, slip on (not boat shoes). Socks: †¢ Blue, black, gray or brown – should compliment your suit. Length: tall enough for you to cross your legs and not show skin. †¢ Make sure they don’t fall down and bunch up around your ankle (elastic reinforced over-the-calf socks are best). Accessories: †¢ The Guiding Principle: Do not wear anything that could be conceivably misconst rued or leave a bad impression. Never wear any religious or political insignia in the form of rings, ties or pins. †¢ Watch: simple and plain is your best bet. †¢ Briefcase: make strong professional statement/ leather – best – colors: brown or burgundy /design: plain lines – no decoration needed. Belt: should match or compliment your shoes / plain leather with a small buckle. †¢ Jewelry: wedding band if applicable – any thing more is dangerous. †¢ Overcoats: blue or beige is your best bets – avoid wearing one if you can, as it’s another thing to carry and lug around. Both: †¢ Keep hair neat and trim and in a conservative style. †¢ Do not wear after shave or perfume, you are interviewing for a job not a date. †¢ Clean your hands and nails. If polished, make sure there are no chips. †¢ Make sure you have fresh breath. WOMEN Suit: Colors: †¢ Charcoal †¢ Medium Gray †¢ Steel Gray †¢ Bla ck Navy Blue †¢ Solids, pinstripe and plaids are acceptable †¢ Fabric: 100% wool is your best choice. Linen is acceptable: however it wrinkles like crazy. †¢ Skirt Length: Don’t wear anything that soars to the upper thigh if you want to be taken seriously, as an applicant. Safe Bet-Skirt should fall just below the knee. Blouse: †¢ Wear long sleeves: they project the authoritative professional look you desire. †¢ Never wear a sleeveless blouse. †¢ Colors: solid colors are best white, gray, pink or pale blue. †¢ Fabrics: cotton or silk †¢ Style: front tie bow, asymmetrical and button down are all good.Scarves: †¢ They say something dramatic about you make sure it is positive. †¢ Fabric: pure silk is best as it offers a conservative look, a good finish and tie well. †¢ Colors/ Styles: solids, foulards, small polka dots, paisleys Shoes: †¢ Colors – brown, navy, red, black, or burgundy leather (stay away from faddi sh or multi-colors) †¢ Heel Height: flats to 1 ? heels are okay. Avoid â€Å"high† heels as you will look and feel wobbly. †¢ Styles: the classic pump, closed heel with a slightly open toe and sling black with closed toe are all acceptable. †¢ Stockings †¢ Color: neutral skin tones. Since they are prone to run at the worst possible moment, keep on extra pair in your purse or briefcase. Accessories: †¢ Briefcase: a symbol of authority – use one (but do not bring your purse too – too much o juggle) / brown, burgundy, blue or black leather. †¢ Belts – should match or compliment shoes. It is a functional item, if it is instantly noticeable it is wrong. Jewelry: †¢ Main premise: less is more. †¢ Restrict rings to wedding and engagement if applicable. †¢ Necklace and earrings are okay if subdued and professional looking. Make-up: †¢ Take care to never appear overly made-up. Natural is the key word. †¢ Eye m ake-up should be subtle so as not to overwhelm the rest of your face. †¢ Lipstick – apply sparingly and carefully. Use a subdued color. Body Language: Action speaks louder than words and this holds very true in an interview situation. The impression you make in the first few minutes of the interview will be the most lasting, so you need to be conscious of both your words and you body language. Here are few tips to help make sure you are sending the right signals. 1. The Handshake – should be professional and polite – a firm grip and warm smile. practice this if you need to). 2. Personal Zone – never encroach on another person’s space – maintain the 30-inch standard. 3. Seating – wait till the interviewer offers you a seat. Sit straight and lean forward a little shows interest. 4. Eyes – look at the interviews (don’t stare) it shows interest in the person and the position. M=Never look down. 5. Head – slow nod ding indicates interest and validation of interviewer’s comments. 6. Mouth – offer an unforced, confident smile as often as the circumstances allow. 7. Glasses – don’t wear sunglasses – gives impression of secretive, cold and devious. . Arms – do not fold or â€Å"protect† chest with hands, clipboard, etc. This sends negative messages (i. e: I’m nervous and closed for business). 9. Hands – watch out for fidgeting with themselves or other objects. 10. Legs – crossed legs send mixed signals – it is safer to keep your legs together with your feet on the floor. 11. Feet – beware of compulsive tapping and avoid dangling your shoe from your toes. 12. Walking – keep shoulder back, maintain an erect posture, smile and make eye contact when appropriate. Some last Reminders: Don’t forget to bring: Several copies of your resume †¢ Pad of paper †¢ Pen †¢ Reference list †¢ Letter of Recommendation †¢ Directions to interview and telephone number’s †¢ Your job-related questions to ask †¢ Any information on the company Faux Pas’: Things to be sure not to do during the interview: †¢ Use first name (unless asked) †¢ Smoke (even if invited) †¢ Sit down (until invited) †¢ Show anxiety and boredom †¢ Look at you watch †¢ Discuss equal rights, race, sex, national origin, religion or age †¢ Show samples of your work (unless requested) †¢ Ask about salary, benefits and vacation. Interview Skills INTERVIEW SKILLS Interviewing: The job interview can be a pleasant and rewarding experience. It gives you and the employer a chance to discuss your qualifications and determine if a match can be made. Interviews vary in style length and can have a number of different interviewers depending upon the organization, so try to prepare for anything. Interview Styles: Directed This consists of a list of specific questions, which are in a certain order every time. Sometimes a checklist will be used to record your answers. Non-directedThis style consists of broad open-ended questions designed to get you to talk about yourself. It is more conversational in tone than the directed interview. Stress This is an interview designed to see how well you handle stress. Stress interviews are normally used in interviewing for top level positions. However, most interviews do not follow a specific style, but interviews may use their own combination of types instead. Regardless of the style or styles used, an interviewer is basically interested in two things: †¢ WHY ARE YOU INTERESTED IN THE COMPANY? WHAT CAN YOU OFFER THE COMPANY? Stages of the Interview An interview usually consists of four stages: BREAKING THE ICE This is to help both you and the interviewer â€Å"tune in† to the interview situation. It usually consists of small talk about the weather, your trip to the interview and so on. The content and the duration of this stage is controlled by the interviewer. SHARING OF GENERAL INFORMATION The interviewer will begin to tell you something about the company and the position that is open. You, in turn, can begin to tell the interviewer how your skills will relate to the position.You should be concise, using specific examples when ever possible. AMPLIFICATION AND SHARPENING OF FOCUS At this point in the interview, you will be offering a lot of information about yourself. You will be questioned about your work-related values, goals and aspirations. Your qualifications will be explored in detail. The interviewer will be trying to find a fit between you and the position. TRYING IT OGETHER This is the conclusion of the interview. You should clarify the information you have about the next contact. Find out if the interviewer will call you and how soon can be expected.If you are interested in the job, this is a good time to let the interviewer know. Planning for the Interview: SELF-ASSESSMENT Identify who you are, where you want to go, and how you plan to get there. Analyze your: †¢ Strengths †¢ Weaknesses †¢ Academic Performance †¢ Career Interests †¢ Personal Goals †¢ Work Experiences †¢ Special Skills Upon completion of this self-assessment you should be confident in your ability to ace the interview. RESEARCH YOUR PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYER Candidates who demonstrate knowledge of their organization and their community impress employers.You should acquire some knowledge concerning the size of the organization, criteria for evaluation of personnel, orientation and development programs, geographical location, and industrial and recreational profile of the community, and products produced. Research of this nature is easily accomplished through use of the Chamber of Commerce located in the geographical area of your choice and variety of other sources. Research often raises questions of importance that you can have answered at the interview. Remember, you are seeking a career, not just a job. THE INTERVIEW 1. Be punctual. Always allow ample time to get ready for your interview. The interview is on a schedule too and you may miss the opportunity you have anticipated for a long time). 2. Dress conservatively and professional. Men should wear a tie and suit. Women should apply cosmetics in keeping with good taste. Avoid â€Å"over doing it†. Careful grooming of hair, fingernails, shoes and clothes is very important of the both sexes. 3. Expect to be nervous at the outset. Nervousness is a natural f unction of your system, which helps you perform at your very best. The time to worry is when you do not become nervous. 4. Introduce yourself with a strong, confident handshake and look the interviewer directly in the eye.A strong first impression will set a positive tone for the interview. 5. Tune in with the interviewer and follow the pattern he or she sets. Be alert, maintain good posture, and relax as much as possible and listen. 6. Talk in a normal tone of voice and maintain frequent eye contact. 7. When responding to a question, pause and think about what you are about to say. Say something other than just â€Å"yes† or â€Å"no†. Intelligent, well thought-out answer put pluses beside your name. 8. Look for the sign of restlessness in the interviewer and for signs that he or she is about to terminate the interview. (Always leave termination up to the interviewer).When asked â€Å"Do you have any further questions? † respond as you needs demand. 9. Exit fro m the interview after expressing a sincere interest in the position. The employer will never know the extent of your interest unless you express it. If you want the job, ask for it. 10. Record results as you viewed them, both objectively and subjectively. Be certain that you know what the next step is – they will contact you, you must contact them, etc. FOLLOWING THE INTERVIEW Provide the credentials, references, or transcripts as requested by the interviewers as soon as possible. Follow-up with a short, typed letter of appreciation for the interview.This does not include the campaign unless you have been offered a position at this point. Now you need persistence in follow-up. Questions most often asked by the Interviewers: Study the following questions and be prepared to answer them in a positive and concise manner. This is not a comprehensive list, so be prepared for other questions too. 1. Why do you want to work here? 2. What kind of experience do you have for this job? 3 . What would you like to be doing five years from now? 4. What are your biggest accomplishments? 5. What is your greatest strength? What is your greatest personal asset?Your greatest weakness? 6. What interests you most about this job? 7. Why should I hire you? 8. Describe a difficult problem you’ve had deal with? 9. What would you references say? 10. What was the last book you read (or movie you saw)? 11. What salary do you expect? Answer: â€Å"Competitive† or â€Å"Appropriate to my experience and potential†) 12. How do you handle tension? 13. Describe a situation where your work or an idea was criticized. 14. Tell me about yourself. 15. What is the most difficult situation you have faced? 16. What have you done that shows initiative? 17. Do you prefer working with others or alone? 18.Explain your role as a group/team member? 19. What do you know about our company? 20. What are your future career plans? 21. What courses did you like best? Least? Why? 22. Why did you choose your particular field of work? 23. Have you held any leadership positions? 24. Have you plans for future education? 25. How do you think a friend or professor who knows you well would describe you? 26. Why do you want this job? 27. How has your college experience prepared you for your chosen career? The Importance of Asking Questions: Questioning the employer with logical, well thought-out questions tends to indicate a high degree of interest.Interest on your part tends to evoke interest from others. Questions also imply that you are sincere in the job hunting process and all employees’ desire sincerity. Conversely, questions, which are not logical, not well defined and /or asked just for the sake of asking leaves the recruiter with an impression of falseness. Therefore, prepare for the interview: read the organizational literature: talk to others who may be more aware of the particular organizational in which you are interested: and if need be prepare a list o f logical, well defined questions to ask the interviewer.Questions you may ask: (Questions are pertinent only if the answer helps you) 1. What might be typical first impression? 2. Why do you think this job might be the right spot for me? 3. How is your performance appraisal system structures and how often will I be evaluated? 4. Why did you join the company? How long have you been here? What is about the company that keeps you here? 5. To whom do I report? 6. What are realistic chances for growth in the job? 7. Please describe a typical day on-the-job? 8. Describe your deal candidate for this position? 9.What are the basic responsibilities of this position, and how much time will be spent on each? 10. With whom will I be working? 11. What are the major problems faced by this area of the company? 12. How much travel, and of what duration, is expected? 13. How much pressure might I encounter? 14. What style of management prevails in this area or in the company? 15. What’s the next step in the selection process? 16. Where is the organization going? 17. In the last five years, how many persons have held this position? 18. May I have the copy of the job description? (Ask for this when you set-up the interview).The questions you have just read are examples of questions to use in an interview. It will be to your advantage to develop questions of your own and to work them in your own style. KNOCKOUT FACTORS These are reasons why candidates receive rejection replies and are listed in order of frequency mention by recruiters. 1. Negative personality or poor impression: More specifically, lack of motivation, ambition, maturity, aggressiveness or enthusiasm. 2. Inability to communicate – Poor communication skills 3. Lack of competence – Inadequate preparation 4. Unidentified goals 5. Unrealistic expectation 6.Lack of interest in the type of work. 7. Unwillingness to travel or to relocate 8. Poor preparation for the interview 9. Lack of work experienc e 10. Bad references 11. Poor appearance WHY PEOPLE ARE HIRED: 1. Positive attitude 2. Good presentation of skills needed by employer for the position. 3. Professional in all contacts. 4. Good rapport with interviewer, including letter, phone call, and face to face contact 5. Past experience that supports qualifications for the opening 6. Provides knowledgeable questions and statements about company and job opening, thus providing commitment to research. . Professional appearance, including appropriate dress, neat and clean personal grooming, and friendly attitude. INFORMAL INTERVIEW: This type of interview is very helpful in exploring different careers and networking in your chosen field. It is an integral part of the job search process and all interview skills previously mentioned also apply to this type of interview. The biggest difference between information and job interviews is that in an information interview there is little or no pressure to obtain a job offer, so you can re lax, be yourself and gather as much information as possible.We strongly recommend that you conduct several information interviews, as you will learn more about the field, make valuable contacts, gain interview experience and possibly uncover unadvertised job openings. INFORMATION INTERVIEWS: 5 Steps to Set-Up 1. Identify the career fields, industries, and organizations that you want to investigate further. Try to target areas that seem to match up most closely with your skills, interests, values and personality style. 2. Ask people you know (relatives, acquaintances, friends, colleagues, past employers) if they can introduce you to someone who works there. 3.Use the Encyclopedia of Associations to identify professional groups in your target areas. If there is a local chapter, plan to attend one of it’s monthly meetings to make new contacts. Also, ask if there is a membership directorship. You can use this list to target people who are appropriate contacts for informational in terviews. 4. Once you have identified the people you want to meet, you can contact them by letter or telephone to schedule a convenient time to talk. During your initial contact, you must briefly tell them who you are, explain why you are contacting them, and ask for a short meeting.If they decline, ask if there is anyone else they can recommend that you call or write. If the answer is still â€Å"no†, ask if they have any other ideas about how you might go about meeting people in their field. 5. Before the interview, plan a trip to the library. Read trade journals, annual reports, and other printed materials to glean as much information as possible in advance. Then you will be able to present yourself as a knowledgeable interviewee. INFORMATION INTERVIEW QUESTIONS: Here are some sample questions to get you started. This list is not comprehensive, so please feel free to make up your own: 1.What is a typical day like? What do you actually do? What do you actually do? 2. What d o the really successful people do better than the others? 3. What are the opportunities for advancement within this field or company? 4. How did you get into this field? 5. What do you specially enjoy about your work? 6. What are the frustrations? 7. What degrees or training are necessary for this kind of work? 8. Are there professional trade journals I should read? Which ones? 9. Where, in your opinion, is the best place to look for a job in this field? 10. Is government funding any part of this field? 1. Is there a deficit personal in any part of this field? 12. What are the starting salaries at entry level in this field? 13. What professional organizations do you belong to? Should I join them now? 14. Are you doing what you thought you’d be going when you started? 15. What are some of the difficulties, problems areas, and snarls of this position? 16. How mobile and flexible can you are in this occupation? Location? Hours? 17. How secure is your job? Others in this field? 1 8. If you were starting out again, what would you differently? 19. What is the future potential for growth?What areas do you feel promise the most growth? 20. Do you think there is a need for the kind of services (or product) I can offer? 21. Is working for this organization, or one like it, a good way to get into the field? 22. Is there any personal advice you would give a person entering this field? 23. What are some of the most important factors that contributed to your success? 24. What skills are most important for your kind of work 25. Can you give me the names of other people who might provide mw with additional information? May I use your name? DRESSING FOR INTERVIEW SUCCESS:The instant we set eyes on someone, our minds make evaluations and adjustments at lightening speed. The same is true for potential employers who must assess us so. If you follow the adage â€Å" what you sees is what you get†, you need to look the part or don’t to look the part or donâ€⠄¢t expect an offer. To help you pull together your winning look, review the following guidelines: MEN Suit: Colors †¢ Navy thru Teal Blue †¢ Charcoal thru Light gray †¢ Brown †¢ Beige †¢ Solid colors and pinstripes are acceptable Note: The darker the suit the more authorities it carries. (Caution: never wear back unless applying for an undertaker’s job. Shirt: †¢ Always wear a long-sleeves shirt †¢ Always wear a white or pale blue shirt. Shirts with very thin red or blue pinstripe are acceptable, but not the best. A solid white shirt conveys honesty, intelligence and stability: this should be your 1st choice. †¢ Fabric: Cotton – looks better and absorbs perspiration better. †¢ Iron and starch your shirt. For the best look have it professionally pressed. Neckwear: †¢ Tie: should compliment your suit – not match it. †¢ Fabric: pure silk – makes most powerful impact best choice. Linen: too formal, wrink les too easily, can only be worn in warmer weather.Wool: casual in appearance and has knot problems. †¢ Size: General rule of thumb : the width of your tie should approximate the width of your lapels (anywhere form 2 ? † to 3 ? †). †¢ Length: tie should extend to your trouser belt. †¢ Styles: Best choices : solids, foulards, stripes and paisleys, do not wear: large polka dots, pictures of animals sporting symbols or manufacturers symbols, or a bow tie or matching tie and pocket square. Shoes: †¢ Colors: black or brown leather †¢ Style: lace-up wing tips, slip on (not boat shoes). Socks: †¢ Blue, black, gray or brown – should compliment your suit. Length: tall enough for you to cross your legs and not show skin. †¢ Make sure they don’t fall down and bunch up around your ankle (elastic reinforced over-the-calf socks are best). Accessories: †¢ The Guiding Principle: Do not wear anything that could be conceivably misconst rued or leave a bad impression. Never wear any religious or political insignia in the form of rings, ties or pins. †¢ Watch: simple and plain is your best bet. †¢ Briefcase: make strong professional statement/ leather – best – colors: brown or burgundy /design: plain lines – no decoration needed. Belt: should match or compliment your shoes / plain leather with a small buckle. †¢ Jewelry: wedding band if applicable – any thing more is dangerous. †¢ Overcoats: blue or beige is your best bets – avoid wearing one if you can, as it’s another thing to carry and lug around. Both: †¢ Keep hair neat and trim and in a conservative style. †¢ Do not wear after shave or perfume, you are interviewing for a job not a date. †¢ Clean your hands and nails. If polished, make sure there are no chips. †¢ Make sure you have fresh breath. WOMEN Suit: Colors: †¢ Charcoal †¢ Medium Gray †¢ Steel Gray †¢ Bla ck Navy Blue †¢ Solids, pinstripe and plaids are acceptable †¢ Fabric: 100% wool is your best choice. Linen is acceptable: however it wrinkles like crazy. †¢ Skirt Length: Don’t wear anything that soars to the upper thigh if you want to be taken seriously, as an applicant. Safe Bet-Skirt should fall just below the knee. Blouse: †¢ Wear long sleeves: they project the authoritative professional look you desire. †¢ Never wear a sleeveless blouse. †¢ Colors: solid colors are best white, gray, pink or pale blue. †¢ Fabrics: cotton or silk †¢ Style: front tie bow, asymmetrical and button down are all good.Scarves: †¢ They say something dramatic about you make sure it is positive. †¢ Fabric: pure silk is best as it offers a conservative look, a good finish and tie well. †¢ Colors/ Styles: solids, foulards, small polka dots, paisleys Shoes: †¢ Colors – brown, navy, red, black, or burgundy leather (stay away from faddi sh or multi-colors) †¢ Heel Height: flats to 1 ? heels are okay. Avoid â€Å"high† heels as you will look and feel wobbly. †¢ Styles: the classic pump, closed heel with a slightly open toe and sling black with closed toe are all acceptable. †¢ Stockings †¢ Color: neutral skin tones. Since they are prone to run at the worst possible moment, keep on extra pair in your purse or briefcase. Accessories: †¢ Briefcase: a symbol of authority – use one (but do not bring your purse too – too much o juggle) / brown, burgundy, blue or black leather. †¢ Belts – should match or compliment shoes. It is a functional item, if it is instantly noticeable it is wrong. Jewelry: †¢ Main premise: less is more. †¢ Restrict rings to wedding and engagement if applicable. †¢ Necklace and earrings are okay if subdued and professional looking. Make-up: †¢ Take care to never appear overly made-up. Natural is the key word. †¢ Eye m ake-up should be subtle so as not to overwhelm the rest of your face. †¢ Lipstick – apply sparingly and carefully. Use a subdued color. Body Language: Action speaks louder than words and this holds very true in an interview situation. The impression you make in the first few minutes of the interview will be the most lasting, so you need to be conscious of both your words and you body language. Here are few tips to help make sure you are sending the right signals. 1. The Handshake – should be professional and polite – a firm grip and warm smile. practice this if you need to). 2. Personal Zone – never encroach on another person’s space – maintain the 30-inch standard. 3. Seating – wait till the interviewer offers you a seat. Sit straight and lean forward a little shows interest. 4. Eyes – look at the interviews (don’t stare) it shows interest in the person and the position. M=Never look down. 5. Head – slow nod ding indicates interest and validation of interviewer’s comments. 6. Mouth – offer an unforced, confident smile as often as the circumstances allow. 7. Glasses – don’t wear sunglasses – gives impression of secretive, cold and devious. . Arms – do not fold or â€Å"protect† chest with hands, clipboard, etc. This sends negative messages (i. e: I’m nervous and closed for business). 9. Hands – watch out for fidgeting with themselves or other objects. 10. Legs – crossed legs send mixed signals – it is safer to keep your legs together with your feet on the floor. 11. Feet – beware of compulsive tapping and avoid dangling your shoe from your toes. 12. Walking – keep shoulder back, maintain an erect posture, smile and make eye contact when appropriate. Some last Reminders: Don’t forget to bring: Several copies of your resume †¢ Pad of paper †¢ Pen †¢ Reference list †¢ Letter of Recommendation †¢ Directions to interview and telephone number’s †¢ Your job-related questions to ask †¢ Any information on the company Faux Pas’: Things to be sure not to do during the interview: †¢ Use first name (unless asked) †¢ Smoke (even if invited) †¢ Sit down (until invited) †¢ Show anxiety and boredom †¢ Look at you watch †¢ Discuss equal rights, race, sex, national origin, religion or age †¢ Show samples of your work (unless requested) †¢ Ask about salary, benefits and vacation.

Frederick Douglass and Olaudah Equiano - 2598 Words

Mahatma Gandhi once said, The moment the slave resolves that he will no longer be a slave, his fetters fall...freedom and slavery are mental states. This simple quote symbolizes the lives of Frederick Douglass and Olaudah Equiano. Both of which were slaves who tried to free themselves. Both Douglass and Equiano have wrote a narrative about their lives, however, each one is different in its own unique way. From the bonds of slavery on a plantation to the call of freedom from the north, his life was filled with hopes of improvement for both himself as well as his fellow slaves. Frederick Douglass was an unusual character. Even in the bonds of slavery, he didnt consider himself to be owned by anyone else. His mind and soul were his own†¦show more content†¦Mr. Auld told his wife that teaching a slave to read would make him discontented and unhappy. This statement only further whetted Fredricks ambition to learn to read and write. His plan to get the local children to teach him was quite ingenious. Fredrick was also very dedicated to learning to write. The fact that he would practice with his young masters schoolbooks was very risky and daring. If he had been found out, he would have been severely punished for the crime of learning. Mr. Auld was right; Fredrick did become discontented and dreamed of a way to improve his standing in life. Fredrick also didnt keep his dream to himself. He taught other slaves how to read and even tried to form an escape party with his fellow slaves. Being able to read clearly changed Fredrick Douglass life and gave him the courage to escape his bonds of slavery. Fredrick was also lucky in the fact that he was able to work in the city most of his time as a slave. Fredrick once compared a city slave to a freeman. City slaves almost always had enough to eat and looked respectable at all times because their masters wouldnt want to lose face in their society. The work also wasnt as hard for a city slave as a slave out on the plantations. The city slaves werent worked from sun-up to sunset and were given decent quarters to sleep in. Some of the city slaves even developed a trade. Fredrick learned to work in shipyards as aShow MoreRelatedThe Life Of Frederick Douglass And Olaudah Equiano1398 Words   |  6 Pagespeople a way to see life through their eyes. Frederick Douglass and Olaudah Equiano were two slaves during those times that were forced into the world of slavery. Frederick Douglass’s â€Å"Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass An American Slave† and Olaudah Equiano’s â€Å"The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano† are literary pieces that talk about their views, experiences, and ideas in relation to slavery. The narratives of Douglass and Equiano offer true records of life as a slave. InRead MoreOlaudah Equiano, Frederick Douglass And Harriet Jacobs Essay1622 Words   |  7 Pageswritten by Olaudah Equiano, Frederick Douglass and Harriet Jacobs. Although Olaudah Equiano was not directly involved in American slavery, several aspects of The Life of Olaudah Equiano can be used to understand why the institution lasted so long. A major part of the novel was dedicated to counter one of the major propagating ideas of slavery: the widespread myth that Africans were either not fully human or were of a less developed branch of humanity so enslaving them was moral. Equiano spends theRead MoreSlaves Narratives: Frederick Douglass, Olaudah Equiano Essay1477 Words   |  6 PagesSojourner Truth, Frederick Douglass, and Olaudah Equiano all have extremely interesting slave narratives. During their lives, they faced plenty of racist discrimination and troubling moments. They were all forced into slavery at an awfully young age and they all had to fight for their freedom. In 1797, Truth was born into slavery in New York with the name of Isabella Van Wagener. She was a slave for most of her life and eventually got emancipated. Truth was an i mmense women’s suffrage activist. SheRead MoreFrederick Douglass Vs. Olaudah Equiano Slave Narratives Essay2001 Words   |  9 PagesFrederick Douglass vs. Olaudah Equiano Slave Narratives   Ã‚  Ã‚   According to Abraham Lincoln, â€Å"Slavery is founded on the selfishness of man’s nature; opposition to it on his love of justice†. Frederick Douglass published a book on his life that he wrote in 1845, titled â€Å"Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass†. It has been said that he followed in the footsteps of Olaudah Equiano who also written an autobiography known as â€Å"Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano in 1789. In the book the â€Å"NarrativeRead MoreThe Classic Slave Narratives: Harriet Jacobs, Frederick Douglass and Olaudah Equiano1985 Words   |  8 PagesThe book The Classic Slave Narratives is a collection of narratives that includes the historical enslavement experiences in the lives of the former slaves Harriet Jacobs, Frederick Douglass, and Olaudah Equiano. They all find ways to advocate for themselves to protect them from some of the horrors of slavery, such as sexual abuse, verbal abuse, imprisonment, beatings, torturi ng, killings and the nonexistence of civil rights as Americans or rights as human beings. Also, their keen wit and intelligenceRead MoreOlaudah Equiano, A British Slave, And Frederick Douglass And Harriet Jacobs, American Slaves Essay1737 Words   |  7 PagesThe autobiographies of Olaudah Equiano, a British slave, and Frederick Douglass and Harriet Jacobs, American slaves, highlight the transition from the institution of British slavery pre-American Revolution to the 18th and 19th century American plantation slavery. The explicit differences between the two systems suggest unique factors that either promoted or hindered each institution. In Britain, slavery was generally driven by economic factors that relied on trained labor. Growth and expansion ofRead MoreAdvocates for the Abolition of Slavery: Olaudah Equiano vs. Fredirck Douglass902 Words   |  4 Pagesslaves Frederick Douglass and Olaudah Equiano documented their horrifying experiences and published accounts of them. The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass and The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano highlight the cruelty towards slaves during the era of realism. Although these autobiographies contain many similarities in the manner of their composure, including abolitionist motives and a focus on the separation of families, the dissimilar lives of Equiano and Douglass exposeRead MoreOlaudah Equiano s The Slave Of The European Essay1711 Words   |  7 Pageseating. This indeed was often the case with myself † Teasley 4 (quizlet.com). Olaudah-Equiano’s previous master treated him with respect and really took care of him, however once he was a slave of the European’s he and all of the other slaves were treated inhumanely. Once Equiano enters this environment, he was immediately terrified because he was not use to the form of treatment he was receiving. In addition, Equiano thought of jumping off the ship, but the slaveholders watched him and others tooRead MoreThe Great Challenge For Marginalized Writers Essay1681 Words   |  7 Pagesaudience towards their viewpoint without appearing too critical of the dominant culture. Additionally, minorities faced another challenge because they had to prove their credibility for writing their stories in the first place. Frederick Douglass, Harriet Jacobs, and Olaudah Equiano relied on prefaces, appeals for morality, and Christianity to establish a connection with their audience. All three writers used ethos, logos, and pathos to persuade the audie nce towards their perspective. Once they had createdRead More Interpretations of Slavery Essay3734 Words   |  15 Pageswell as the authors personal experiences and tragedies. Three very influential slave narratives were written by Gustavas Vassa, Frederick Douglass and Harriet Jacobs. Vassa wrote in an earlier period so his writing was not openly hostile toward slavery. Instead, he carefully called for an end to slavery by comparing African slavery to Western slavery. Frederick Douglass wrote his narrative in 1845 and attempted to make clear that the slavery issue was a test of American Democracy. He wanted people