Dos and Donts for the Consulting Interview

Dos and Donts for the Consulting InterviewDos and Donts for the Consulting InterviewThe search for a job, whether youre coming out of college or a senior executive, is never easy. It is a venture into the unknown, and that can be scary and daunting. But fret not While a healthy respect for the interview process should always be maintained, there are some tips that can help make your day go much more smoothly.Make a solid introductionAs my parents always said on the first day of school, you only have one chance to make a first impression After a few years, my siblings and I often jokingly recited these pearls of wisdom before they had a chance to tell us. And its advice that will last a lifetime. The introduction is a major step in the interview process, and there will be a lot of them to make. While it may seem obvious, there are a few simple steps to ensure that you always make a good first impression.- The handshake didnt develop into an almost universal gesture due to its lack of importance. Be firm, make direct eye contact and keep a smile on your face. Make the interviewer know that you are here to perform right off the bat. If you are waiting in a room for the interviewer arrive, try to keep an eye out and make sure you are standing up right away nobody likes a seated handshake- Say your name clearly Interviewers may see 10-15 people each day during the height of the recruiting season. So, while you might be about to produce the best interview responses they have ever heard, it wont help if they dont remember your name.- Dress to impress, but please, keep it professional. Consider the setting where you are interviewing. While you might look absolutely stellar in your ball gown or your faux-snake-skin suit, perhaps its not the right time to break those styles out of your closet (there are plenty of social events down the road to win the best-dressed trophy). Appropriate garb leaves the interviewer distraction-free, with full attention on your responses to the questions at hand. Remember, its your responses that will make or break your interview.Know your storyNobody knows your life better than you do (OK, maybe your family has memories from when you were too young to remember), but if somebody asks you question about what defines you as a person?, will you have a well thought-out answer ready or will you flounder your way down memory lane? Common interview questions on your background are just that, common, so prepare for what they might be.Practice, practice, practiceThere is no better advice for case interview preparation than to practice general interview and case questions. When you think youve practiced enough, convince a friend or family member to help you practice again. One key to case interviews is to realize that they are all basically Mad Libs question where the interviewer asks candidates the same questions, and looks to you to fill in the blanks and stand out in your answers.Youll have a good chance to make a strong show ing in the case question if you have a process for dissecting the case question into logical parts, think through your response, and drive toward the best answer in a logical, step-wise fashion. It doesnt matter if youre estimating the market size of golf carts or nail clippers, practice is the key to successArrive armed with questionsThere is usually time at the end of the interview to ask questions. The best advice is to know your audience. If you have time for two questions, try to make one about the firm in general, and make one about the interviewers experiences. Doing homework in advance is always a smart move, and you can ask very targeted questions based on each interviewers background.Areas of cautionJust as there are two sides to every coin, the same is true for interview topics. There are certain subjects that you probably want to avoid when youre in a professional setting, especially when interviewing.- Social life What you do in a social setting should NEVER be discusse d (outside of volunteer work or related activities). And never ask about the interviewers personal life.- Sob stories While there may be many defining moments in your life, many interviewers may view this as a guilt trip.- Applications at other jobs Sometimes you may be asked where else are you interviewing? The best response is to keep things at a high level. Dont lie, but dont get into specific firms. Remember, the only place you want to work is L.E.K.- Compensation and benefits Focus on getting a job offer first. Without the offer, it doesnt really matter what the compensation is. And you will always find out upon receiving the offer.- Overselling Tread lightly on using past internships or jobs to describe your industry expertise. Especially for those interviewing for the Associate role, know your limitations. While you can bring some experience to the table, you will be amazed at how much you will learn within the first week on the job.Lets face it, job interviewing can be tough While it is never without some level of stress, keep in mind these simple tips to make the process go as smoothly as possible.Good luckby Will G., L.E.K. ConsultingFor more on the consulting lifeincluding interview tips and advice on life inside a leading firmcheck out L.E.K. Consultings blog The Advisor. A version of this post also appears there.

What You Should Not Write in a Cover Letter

What You Should Not Write in a Cover LetterWhat You Should Not Write in a Cover LetterWhile the resume is a tried and true method for communicating important skills and experience to a prospective employer, a few short lines, dates and one line accolades can only go so far in flushing out your personality and qualifications. For this reason, many employers or job applications also ask for some form of a titel letter.From the traditional, three-paragraph formatted introductory missive to more detailed call and response narratives that answer an employers specific question, titelblatt letters provide a more the in-depth titelseite letter to help narrow down their list of candidates. A knack for successful communication is key in pretty much any position or field, making a cover letter a useful tool and mastering the species of crafting one essential to a candidates chances at scoring a position. Before you go running out to draft up a pages long narrative, however, there are a few thin gs you should know about cover letter creation. Read on for our handy list of what you should never write in your cover letter.Improper Spelling and GrammarWhether its on your resume proper or your cover letter, hiring managers have no bigger pet peeve than distracting errors in your job application. Spelling mistakes are easily caught and corrected with most modern word processing programs. Grammatical slips are often harder to catch but preventable with a good proofread.Having these types of obvious errors in your cover letter indicates that youre not big on attention to detail a pretty large turn off for most modern employers. Before submitting your cover letter, be sure to look the document over one or two more times. Having a trusted friend or professional colleague review with a fresh pair of eyes also isnt a bad idea since theyre likely to find any errors you may have missed on the first go round.An old-fashioned salutationWhile your grandmother, grade school teacher or that classic miss manners book may have instructed you in the art of old-school opening salutations, your modern and professional cover letter isnt the place to put these pieces of sage advice into action. Dear Sirs or To Whom it May Concern may tick off the politeness boxes, but the salutations wont score you many points towards getting your application a second look.Take some time to research for a recruiter or hiring managers individual name in order to provide a more personalized address. Job openings will often list a position title of the person youll be reporting to but may leave off contact details. A little thoughtful internet research will help avoid your cover letter coming off as old-fashioned and may even set you apart from the crowd by drawing attention to your resourcefulness and professionalism.Overused ClichesSure, you may be goal-oriented and professionally driven towards career success but when it comes to communicating vital information to a prospective employer, its often difficult to translate colloquialisms into relevant descriptions that help set you apart from other candidates. Being a team player is a great thing, but much more impactful would be discussing how youve successfully led multi-person teams to achieve company milestones or how you coordinated that large project last year that earned industry recognition. Remember that in your cover letter cliches are, well, cliche and can quickly become overused and help you blend in with the application crowd rather than make your candidacy stand out.As a closing note for cover letter dont guidance, remember that the document is geared towards being a descriptive snapshot of your candidacy. As such, your cover letter should get down to facts quickly and convey the important aspects of your skills, experience, and personality that may be difficult to explain in the more concise resume. Think of the cover letter as your professional pitch to a potential employer and youll be well on your way to seeing dividends in the way of a callback or job offer.

Customize this Outstanding Reservoir Engineer Resume Sample

Customize this Outstanding Reservoir Engineer Resume SampleCustomize this Outstanding Reservoir Engineer Resume SampleCreate Resume Bernadette Donovan100 Broadway LaneNew Parkland, CA, 91010Cell (555) 987-1234example-emailexample.comProfessional SummaryFlexible Reservoir Engineer skilled in all stages of gas and oil field development, production and evaluation. Knowledgeable in the latest computer simulation tools and resources for research. Can identify risks and forecasts on proper well placement, production levels and oil recovery tactics.Core Qualifications10+ years experienceReservoir fundamentalsOffshore gas and oil backgroundTechnical supportDrilling technologyUnder-balanced trioleDownhole applicationExperienceMarch 2007 to PresentAmble Oil Gas, Inc., New Cityland, CAReservoir EngineerDesign workover and drilling programs for the development of oil, water and gas wells.Review technical aspects of projects and make suggests based on technical experience and knowledge.Monitor drilling operations on a daily basis.Provide engineering and technical support to drilling operations.Assess new drilling equipment, practices and technology in search of improved drilling resources and reduced costs.Troubleshoot drilling issues throughout projects.March 2002 to February 2007Masterson Petroleum, New Cityland, CAReservoir Engineer Developed life cycle proposals of oil and gas fields with intent of optimizing company funds.Performed reservoir engineering studies to ascertain technical requirements 0f client projects.Reviewed and recommended improvements for well performance.Education2002 University of California, New Cityland, CAMasters of Science, Petroleum EngineeringCustomize Resume

Information Security Analyst Skills List and Examples

Information Security Analyst Skills List and ExamplesInformation Security Analyst Skills List and ExamplesAninformation security analystis responsible for protecting the computer network of an organization or government agency from cyber threats. He or she creates, maintains, and controls security measures to make sure computer networks are regulated and monitored. Information Security Analyst Job Requirements As security threats to businesses and government agencies increase, the information security analyst roleis becomingincreasingly important. Generally, this is not an entry-level position. A bachelors degree in computer science, programming,or engineering is a minimal requirement, while many companies require a mastersdegreeandmany yearsnetwork experience. Information security analysts work with various members of an organization and must be able to communicate security measures and threats topeople froma wide variety of technical and non-technical backgrounds. Below is a li st of information security analyst skills for resumes, cover letters, job applications, and interviews. Included is a detailed list of the five most important information security analyst skills, as well as a longer list of even more related skills. Job Outlook and Salary According to theBureau of Labor Statistics, 100,800 people were employed as information security analysts in 2016 their median annual wage in 2017 was $95,910. Career opportunities in this field are anticipated to growby28 percent by 2026-much faster thanin other fields. How to Use Skills Lists You can use these skills lists throughout your job search process. Firstly, you can use these skill words in your resume. In the description of your work history, you might want to use some of thesekeywords. Secondly, you can use theseskill wordsin yourcover letter. In the body of your letter, you can mention one or two of these skills, and give a specific example of a time when you demonstrated those skills at work. Finally, you can use these skill words in an interview. Make sure you have at least one example of a timewhenyou demonstrated each of the top five skills listed here. Of course, each job will require different skills and experiences, so make sure you read the job description carefully and focus on the skills listed by the employer. Also, review our other lists of skills listed by job andtype of skill. Top 5 Information Security Analyst Skills AnalyticalInformation security analysts must have strong analytical skills. They have to be able to study computer systems, assess any potential risks, and consider possible solutions. CommunicationInformation security analysts must educate users, explaining to them the importance of cybersecurity, and howthey shouldprotect their data. They have tocommunicatethis information in a clear and engaging way. Therefore, information security analysts need strong oral and written communication skills. CreativityCreativity is critical for informati on security analysts. They must be able to anticipate cyber attacks, always thinking one step ahead of a cyber threat. This kind of forward thinkingrequires a creative approach. Detail OrientedMany threats to cybersecurity are hard to detect. Information security analysts have to be focused on the details of a security system, noting any minor changes, and foreseeing any potential problems, however small. IT KnowledgeThreats to cybersecurity are always changing, as are solutions. Information security analysts have to continually update their knowledge of the latest data-protection news,cybersecuritylegislation, and practices and techniques. A good information security analyst seeks out this information and uses it to shape his or her problem-solving strategies. Information Secruity Analyst Skills List A - G Administers Information Security Software and ControlsAnalyticalAnalyze Security System Logs, Security Tools, and DataCommunicate Up, Down, and Across All Levels of the Organ izationCommunicationCreate, Modify, and Update Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS)Create, Modify, and Update Security Information Event Management (SIEM) ToolsCreativityDeep Understanding of Risk Management FrameworkDefine Process for Managing Network SecurityDetail OrientedDiscover Vulnerabilities in Information SystemsEvaluate and Deconstruct Malware Software Experience With Intrusion Prevention SystemsFamiliar with Security Regulations and Standards H - M Implement and Maintain Security Frameworks for Existing and New SystemsInformation Technology KnowledgeImprove Security EfficiencyInstall Firewall and Data Encryption ProgramsMaintain Security Records of Monitoring and Incident Response ActivitiesMonitor Compliance with Information Security Policies and Procedures N S Network and System Administration ExperienceRemediate Security IssuesRespond to Requests for Specialized Cyber Threat ReportsPerform Cyber and Technical Threat AnalysesPerform Security MonitoringPrevent geek Intrusi onProduce Situational and Incident-Related ReportsProblem-SolverProvide Host-Based ForensicsProvide Timely and Relevant Security ReportsRespond to Security EventsSelf-MotivatedStay One Step Ahead of Cyber AttacksStrong Technical Background in Data Loss PreventionSupport and Manage Security Services T - Z Team PlayerTrain Organization on Security MeasuresUp-To-Date on Relevant Technologies

Do you love your job enough to do it for free This man does.

Do you love your job enough to do it for free This man does.Do you love your job enough to do it for free This man does.One man will stop at nothing to get other peoples tax returns done- even though hes not getting paid to do them.At 82 years old, full-time volunteer Andrew Benjamin has done50,000 tax returnsover the last 35 years, asestimated bythe nonprofit he works for, and reported byKARE 11 in Minnesota.Retired now, he used to work in the finance industry. He often works twice a day, and isreportedly one of 500 volunteer tax preparers at nonprofit Prepare + Prosper in St. Paul.Apparently, not even sickness could hold Benjamin back. Hereportedly had lung cancer two years ago, but only stopped doing tax returns when he was hospitalized for for 19 days.Right during the middle of tax season, I was really madI kept thinking about all the people I was not able to help with their taxes, Benjamin told KARE 11.The holiday season also doesnt seem to give him reason to slow down, and he works on his time away from Prepare + Prosper.After every Christmas, tax returns he prepares for no cost at a community center on his free day pile up on his dining room table at home. His wifereportedlylets him keep them there. Some people also leavetheir taxreturns at Benjamins home.The popularity of volunteer workMany older Americans How does Benjamins time spent working for free stack up?About 62.6 million people volunteered through or for an organization at least once between September 2014 and September 2015, according to a 2015 Economic News Release by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.Working people also took the time to volunteer.Among the employed, 27.2 percent volunteered during the year ending in September 2015. By comparison, 23.3 percent of unemployed persons and 21.4 percent of those not in the labor force volunteered, the organization reported in the same news release.But how convenient would it be to have someone like Benjamin around during tax season?

The Leaked Secrets to Accomplishments for Resume Uncovered

The Leaked Secrets to Accomplishments for Resume Uncovered Thus, say youve created 20 client reports every month on your list. Generally speaking, you would like to provide the maximum quantity of detail in the minimum sum of space. Infographic resumes seem nice, but you also have to be concerned about applicant tracking system program. Though there are lots of different facets in job applications, a good resume is definitely one of the most crucial factor towards obtaining an interview. Definitions of Accomplishments for Resume As soon as it is essential for the employer to comprehend the range of your responsibilities, its also essential that you include specific representative accomplishments to indicate the caliber of your contributions in that job. Youve got to mention your work objective. Valuable skills and duties performed that are related to the position from experience in healthcare are crucial aspects which should be included in a house health aide resume. Its al right to include resume accomplishments from different elements of your life that are related to the job that you are applying for. It is very important to point out that team-support achievement has to be accompanied by that individuals capacity to attain different sale and customer-service goals consistently. The customer-satisfaction achievement shows youre ready to meet customer wants and retain his attention past the transaction. Effectively communicating achievements will raise your credibility for a teacher. What to Expect From Accomplishments for Resume? What you ought to do is to show employers the reason that you are a great match for the job position youre applying. Read the work description to recognize key abilities and experiences the employer wants. Read through each job description and think about what he or she is looking for. Employers arent seeking a man or woman who can just do the job. Many job seekers make the error of listing job duties and obligations over achievements. 80% of resumes become rejected within the initial 11 seconds. Its possible to create your resume to effectively satisfy their requirements and get you interviews. Consider the things youve listed in regard to the achievements that would showcase them. An accomplishment section is a significant add-on to your resume. In addition, its extremely important to bring an accomplishment section in your resume so as to make it stand out. So, make certain you dont just look over your achievement section in isolation from the remainder of the resume. Be sure that you include resume achievements that you can quantify in some manner. Simply speaking, a resume-worthy achievement is one which can be quantified. The term accomplishments may be more inclusive than you might imagine. Your main accomplishment ought to be in the very first bullet point that you write. A Secret Weapon for Accomplishments for Resume Just let your mind flow and appear back to the situations youve achieved before. Defining achievements can be challenging because in most customer-service positions youre successfully performing one kind of transaction during the day, every single day, and arent able to recognize the skill sets used. The perfect way to figure out which accomplishments and qualities companies value is extremely simple. Everybody can use a number of the next examples of accomplishments. Companies and organizations are continuously on the lookout for methods to conserve time and do things better. Be certain youve tailored your work experience section so as to fit the job which youre applying for. Under the job section, you truly feel free to list jobs, volunteer work and others. Ready examples of your work will be able to help you close the offer. In 5 minutes, you will discover how to compose an equally superior artist resume yourself. Curating your accomplishments isnt just about selecting the best ones, its about selecting the best ones for the j ob that you wish to have. It is possible to find a lot of hints and concrete examples to help you produce a winning resume. The chronological resume is probably the most often employed. If youre uncertain how to begin listing achievements for a resume, do just a little brainstorming. Your resume accomplishments let you describe your finest wins so employers wish to have a chance on you. Resumes want to include things like a list of quantitative achievements to acquire benefits. The advice and examples above ought to help you come up with some resume achievements. When youve updated your resume, you must make sure that youre adequately highlighting your strengths. The absolute most important way is to list every one of your accomplishments and achievements quantitatively. If a number of the critical accomplishments listed here were done with the assistance of a team, dont hesitate to include it.

Why You Should Consider a Business-Community Partnership - Spark Hire

Why You Should Consider a Business-Community Partnership - Spark HireGetting your business involved in the community is a great way to increase employee morale, encourage work-life balance in your company culture, and generate buzz about your company. Community involvement can mean supporting individual involvement in charity events, like sponsoring employees in Relay for Life. Getting involved as a company in piece-meal activities, like hosting a blood drive, is also a great way to go. However, Business-Community partnerships take community involvement to the next level. By forming a partnership with charitable organizations in your community, your company can provide support on an ongoing basis. This consistency provides more fun and reliable service for both employees and the communities they serve.What is a Business-Community Partnership? Simply put, it is an ongoing relationship between a business and a community organization. The business provides some kind of supportmoney, goo ds, or manpowerto the organization. The benefits to the business include better employee morale, a positive brand for the company culture, and the opportunity to network with a variety of potential customers and future employees. Business-education partnerships are a common type of business-community partnerships. In this case, employees might mentor students, volunteer to chaperone school events, or donate supplies to schools.In terms of absatzwirtschaft benefits for your business, business-education partnerships are a great way to go. Reaching out to public schools means reaching out to parents and families as well. However, other types of organizations need assistance and can create buzz. Consider disease-fighting organizations, community health organizations, sustainability groups, animal welfare groups, community food banks, homeless shelters, and even arts/performance organizations. Religious organizations would also be fine to partner with, but it would be a good idea to comp liment this affiliation with a secular partnership. No one should feel left out of community involvementA strong Business-Community partnership begins by gathering a group of people at your company who feel passionate about volunteering and company culture. This group should decide what the company is willing to offer a potential partner. Can you offer funding, goods, or services? Volunteer hours are a great inexpensive way to start a partnership, as is offering expertise on a given subject. If you are a tax firm, perhaps you can provide free tax preparation to your partnering organization as part of your community involvementAfter deciding what goods can be offered, select a community organization that best suits your company culture. Look for a partner that employees will be excited aboutand dont be afraid to consider which groups will yield the best networking results. You should be getting some good publicity out of this partnershipIs community involvement a part of your company culture? Tell us your successes and challenges belowIMAGE Courtesy of Flickr byzappowbang