Friday, November 29, 2019

Staying productive when you travel or are away from the office

Staying productive when you travel or are away from the officeStaying productive when you travel or are away from the officeEven after four nights in Tokyo, the jet lag still felt like a haze, clogging my thoughts. Or, perhaps, it could have been the copious amounts of ramen and saki I sampled throughout the dazzling, neon and foreign streets. Whatever the case, Japans capital city welches as wonderfully weird as a destination could get, but being equally mesmerized and exhausted didnt serve me well to hop on the right train to the airport to catch a flight to Kyoto.As my friends and I glanced around the eerily quiet metro cart, we instantly knew something welches awry no one had suitcases. There was no airplane symbol amongst the Japanese ones we couldnt read. With the help of incredibly fast high-speed Internet and Google translate, we realized we took the super-long local train instead of the express service, and there was a chance we might miss our flight.As digital nomads, we we re used to travel mishaps, so we did what we do best when put in a situation we had little control over pull out our laptops and get some work done. During that 1.5 hour ride, I managed to crank through my emails, write an article and make a to-do list for the next week. We somehow managed to make our scheduled departure time by sprinting to the gate, but once we boarded, I was at ease my work for the day was finished.The mentality toward traditional work and success is gradually shifting, and admittedly, its a mindset Ive had to teach myself, too. Though I worked in the 9-6 (or 7) office setting for a decade before venturing out as my own boss, now, I cant imagine returning to a cubicle with set hours again. The thing is, once you master a few strategies and develop your own definition of a routine, remote work feels much mora accessible.If youve always wanted to take your gig on the road or try your chops at the sole proprietor life, consider adopting these secrets for staying pro ductive, focused - and of course, adventurousFigure out your energy levelsFor the past month, Ive been resort hopping through various regions of Mexico, reviewing properties with two friends. Is it a pretty luxury, incredible experience? Absolutely. Is it difficult finding a common bedtime, working block and agreed-upon meal reservations? Also, absolutely. If you believe in chronotypes (I do), you might know if youre more of a wolf, a dolphin, a lion or a bear. The concept is everyone has various hours when they feel the most zoned-in on a task, with killer energy levels and free-flowing creativity. I tend to be a dolphin who struggles with sleep, but prefers an 8 a.m. wake-up routine. Im at my best between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., but my friends are different. One is a wolf and one is a lion, making our schedules all over the distributionspolitik. Whatever is your personal prime time, maximize it and do your best to prevent any distractions from your other pals in the chronotype animal kingdom.Use music to drown out the worldHeres the deal working with a coconut smoothie by your laptop, overlooking a pretty blue pool in Thailand is as wonderful as it sounds. But what you dont hear is the chatter and laughter of fellow location-dependent workers swirling around you. As someone who writes for a living, other peoples words can disrupt my process, making it difficult to return to a sentence if I lose my train of thought. When I first moved abroad and set up shop at workspaces around the globe, I quickly realized I needed to come up with a way to keep my attention centered. Its simple enough, but Bose noise-canceling headphones are an investment worth making. Sometimes when I have them on, I wont even notice if a pal is shouting my name from across a room, theyre so great at - as their name suggests - omitting audible disturbances. Depending on my mood, Ill either wear em without any music playing, or tune in to some of my favorite heads-down playlists on Spotify, i ncluding Deep Focus, Productive Morning and Lofi Hip Hop Beats. behauptung keep me on task and prevent me from typing out whatever I hear around me.Give yourself a day offAsk any traveler and checking off a country on your wanderlust travel means something different for everyone. While some say you have to spend a few days, others give a long layover the stamp of approval (literally). For me, I have to get a feel for the destination - which includes some sort of cultural immersion. Even though I took a day trip from Split, Croatia to Mostar, Bosnia, because I went on a guided tour, I felt connected to the history and the vibe of the region. Because I write many articles and manage a few content clients, its easy to work around the clock, no matter what time zone Im currently flirting with. But to keep myself fulfilled and focused, time off is essential to explore, clear my stress and better understand my current GPS location. Sometimes I take off a Friday, other times a Tuesday - it all depends on the assignments - but if I can help it, a four-day week keeps me structured and fruitful.ExerciseI havent been back stateside since July of 2017, and I wont return in a permanent way until November. Before I took that one-way flight though, I was an avid exerciser boxing, boot-camping and TRX-ing five days a week. Traveling makes staying physically fit difficult, especially with access to inexpensive, flavorful and dynamic dishes in every country. Even though I did gorge myself on empanadas in Buenos Aires, down plenty of beer in Prague and eat all of the ceviche I could find in Peru, Im my best self when Im active and healthy. Small adjustments are easier than big ones, especially if youre on the road for months at a time skipping bread or declining the third glass of wine. Waking up a bit early to get in a run, or making a gym out of a park when you dont have one. Though it wasnt as rigorous as my old life - any sort of movement helps motivate me and keep me on task.Take advantage of travel daysWhen youre commuting from one spot to another, there are plenty of ways to fill your time. You can scope out the airport lounge and enjoy the copious amounts of free booze. You can read. You can watch movies or talk with your travel buddy for the whole flight (bus, train or car ride). But when it comes to any sort of transportation between two places, I use the time wisely by working. Much like that infamous metro stint in Tokyo, when Im trapped in a place for an extended period of time, Im able to get through more projects than I would if I was stationary. Ive filed articles from every corner of the globe, wherever I could find WiFi, and whenever I had an hour to spare. Once you get into a habit of capitalizing on the uninterrupted space because a normal way to pass the time.Give yourself a break. Or lots of themIf I miss a deadline? Im the only one to blame. If an invoice is past-due and I havent followed up? Its on me. If I decide to skip out on a day of work because I had one-too-many pisco sours the evening before? That means Ill have to work a 14-hour day tomorrow. The difficulty for much of remote work is holding yourself accountable. Though its important to set boundaries for yourself, as well as working hours, when youre away from the office (and a boss), its also helpful to give yourself breaks. Whether its five minutes to send a message to a friend at home or scroll through Facebook, a breather can refresh your spirit. I often will change locations to switch up the scenery or go on a walk for a mid-afternoon coffee or juice to rediscover my groove. And if Im working into the night? Ill pause for dinner - but skip the wine.Make any place an office - and build habitsOver the past year, Ive become a master at creating a workspace anywhere. Right now, Im sitting from a deck in Mayakoba, Mexico, attempting to get a tan while writing. But Ive worked from cafes in Lisbon, from parks in CDMX, from couches in a hostel in Medellin - you name it. For me, being comfortable is important, and isnt always easy when Im constantly migrating. When I first arrive at a new place, I try my best to feel at home - whether thats putting on a sweatshirt, sitting cross-legged or drinking coffee out of a mug I travel with, all to build normalcy. Even if routine is a bit different these days, having habits keep me focused. My mornings always start with email, my afternoons are for writing, and my pre-bedtime routine is filtering through any urgent messages before bed. Its a lot like working in an office but ya know, not.

Sunday, November 24, 2019

How to Answer the Most Frequently Asked Interview Questions

How to Answer the Most Frequently Asked Interview QuestionsHow to Answer the Most Frequently Asked Interview QuestionsDo you have a job einstellungsgesprch coming up? Are you prepared? The best way to get ready for an bewerberinterview is to take the time to review the fruchtwein common interview questions you will fruchtwein likely be asked. Knowing what youre going to say, can eliminate a lot of interview stress. Prepare for the Interview You dont need to memorize an answer, but do take the time to consider how youll respond. The more you prepare, the more confident youll feel during a job interview.When youre not sure what to expect during an interview, also review this refresher onhow job interviews work, and tips on how to prepare to ace a job interview. Review examples of the best answers for the most frequently asked interview questions in several different categories, and advice on how to answer. Job Interview Questions and Best Answers These are the top ten most comm only asked interview questions, with examples of the best answers. Also, review job-specific interview questions for many different positions to get ideas for framing your own interview responses. About You Interviewers will ask questions about you to gain insight into your personality and to determine whether youre a fit for both the job and the company. These are open-ended questions which will give you the opportunity to show the employer that youre well-qualified for the position. Tell me about yourself.What is your greatest strength?What is your greatest weakness?Tell me about something thats not on your resume.How will your greatest strength help you perform?How do you handle failure?How do you handle success?Do you consider yourself successful? Why?How do you handle stress and pressure?How would you describe yourself?Describe a typical work week.Are you lucky?Are you nice?Are you willing to fail?Describe your work style.Do you work well with other people?Do you take work home with you? How are you different from the competition?How do you view yourself? Whom do you compare yourself to?How does this job fit in with your career aspirations? How many hours a week do you normally work?How would you adjust to working for a new company?How would you describe the pace at which you work? How would your co-workers describe your personality? Is there anything else we should know about you?What motivates you? Are you a self-motivator?What do you find are the most difficult decisions to make? What has been the greatest disappointment in your life?What are you passionate about?What are your hobbies?What are your pet peeves? What is your dream job?What will you miss most about your last job?What wont you miss about your last job? Would you rather be liked or respected?Why should I take a risk on you?If you could relive the last ten years of your life, what would you do differently? Leaving Your Job Employers almost always ask about why you left, or are leavin g, your job. Be prepared with an explanation for why youre moving on. Do make sure the reasons you give match what past employers will say about you if they are contacted for a reference. Why are you leaving your job?Why do you want to change jobs? Why were you fired?Why were you laid-off?Why did you quit your job?Why did you resign?What have you been doing since your last job?Why have you been out of work so long? Salary Some of the hardest questions to answer during a job interview are about compensation. Heres what you will be asked and examples of the best answers. Questions about salary can be tricky to answer, and, in some locations, employers arent allowed to ask about your salary history. What were your abfluging and final levels of compensation?What are your salary expectations?What are your salary requirements?Why would you take a job for less money? Qualifications The most important thing for interviewers to determine is whether youre qualified for the job. Heres what they will ask to find out. When responding, be specific. What applicable experience do you have?Are you overqualified for this job? How did you impact the bottom line?Interview questions about your abilities. Sell me this pen.Tell me about your educational background.What can you do better for us than the other candidates for the job?What part of the job will be the least challenging for you?Which parts of this job are the most challenging for you?What philosophy guides your work?What strength will help you the most to succeed?Why are you interested in taking a lower level job? Why are you interested in a non-management job? Job Performance How you performed in previous roles can indicate how you will perform in the job for which youre applying. Be prepared to answer questions about what you did well - and what you didnt. Be careful about how you to respond to negative questions. You canframe your responses in a positive manner, even when discussing a challenging situation. As with questions about qualifications, be sure to relate your wertzuwachs to the employers requirements. What do people most often criticize about you?What is the biggest criticism you received from your boss? What is the worst thing that you have ever gotten away with?What makes you angry?What problems have you encountered at work?What strategies would you use to motivate your team?What would you be looking for in an applicant?When was the last time you were angry? What happened?Why werent you promoted at your last job?Tell me about something you would have done differently at work.If the people who know you were asked why you should be hired, what would they say? What type of work environment do you prefer?How do you evaluate success?Describe a difficult work situation orproject and how you overcame it.Describe a time when your workload was heavy and how you handled it. Work History Is your work history stable, has it prepared you for the job youre interviewing for, and do you have any gaps in your employment history that the company should be concerned about? If not, prepare to answer questions about what you were doing when you werent in the workforce. Questions about your work history.Questions about your resume. What were your expectations for the job and to what extent were they met?What were your responsibilities?What major challenges and problems did you face? How did you handle them?What have you learned from your mistakes? What did you like or dislike about your previous job?Which was most / least rewarding? What was the biggest accomplishment/failure in this position? Questions about job demotions.How have you impacted worker safety?Describe the gap in your employment history. Management and Teamwork Are you a team player? Do you work well with others? Do you prefer to work in a solitary environment or as part of a team? Your work style, and how you get along with others, including co-workers, managers, and customers or clients is impo rtant to all employers. Here are some of the questions employers ask about getting along at work. Who was your best boss and who was the worst?Describe your ideal boss.If you know your boss is 100% wrong about something how would you handle it?What do you expect from a teamberater?Have you ever had difficulty working with a manager?How did you fit in with the company culture?Describe how you managed a problem employee. Do you prefer to work independently or on a team?Give some examples of teamwork.More teamwork interview questions. Why You Should Be Hired Why should you be hired over the other applicants? What makes you the best candidate for the job? Heres when youll have the opportunity to make a case for getting a job offer, and the chance to sell yourself to the interviewer. Why should we hire you? Why shouldnt we hire you?What can you contribute to this company? The New Job and the Company What do you know about the company, why do you want the job, and what would you d o if you were to be hired, are just some of the questions youll be asked about the position and employer. Take the time to research the employer prior to the interview, so that you can ask informed questions about the job and company. How is our company better than your current employer?What interests you about this job?What do you know about this company?Why do you want this job?Why do you want to work here?What challenges are you looking for in a position?What do you see yourself doing within the first 30 days on the job?What can we expect from you in the first 60 days on the job?Are you willing to travel?What is good customer service? What would be your ideal company culture? When could you start work? Is there anything I havent told you about the job or company that you would like to know? The Future Are you going to stick around if youre hired is something most employers want to know. All these questions will gauge your interest in making a commitment. Tell me about the tr ends in your profession and industry.What are you looking for in your next job? What is important to you?What is your professional development plan?Where do you see yourself five years from now?How do you plan to achieve your goals?What will you do if you dont get this position?Where else are you interviewing? The Final Question The last question youll most likely be asked is whether you have any questions. Heres how to respond. Do you have any questions for me?

Thursday, November 21, 2019

What Are the Differences Between Attending a Regional Law Sc

What Are the Differences Between Attending a Regional Law ScWhat Are the Differences Between Attending a Regional Law ScThe biggest influencing factors when students consider attending law school are the institutions prestige and its location, according to a Vault law school survey. The fact that these two factors weigh so significantly into an applicants decision-making process shows just how difficult it can be when weighing the different and very personal pros and cons of going to a regional law school against those of attending a national law school. What are the benefits, challenges of each? The myths? How does the current legal market affect your decision?Listen up as Vaults Brian Dalton, and four law school deans, explain in this podcast the basics of what you need to know about the differences between regional and national law schools. Even if your question is, Whats a regional and national law school? This is just a three-minute preview. To hear the rest go here.Law School P odcasterRelated Top 5 Law Schools by Employment The Best Program for Where You Live