How to Discuss Politics at Work Professionally - The Muse

How to Discuss Politics at Work Professionally - The MuseHow to Discuss Politics at Work Professionally Last nights election will likely be all anyones discussing at the office today. While theres nothing wrong with having conversations about non-work things while at work, these kinds of discussions can get pretty heated, pretty quickly.Well, what if we told you that weve got the perfect formula for approaching these politically-charged moments?Its actually a lot more obvious than you think According to a recent study in the Harvard Business Review, there are four things necessary for having a productive, persuasive, and friendly conversation about politics- a focus on learning from one another, an ask for permission to engage in a debate, a show of respect for the other rolles opinion, and a focus on sharing the same goals and purpose.Its how you tackle any professional debate, right? You put your emotions aside, you keep things polite, and you open your mind to the other side of th e argument.Whats fascinating about this study is this technique also applies when youre in support of your colleagues These same labels held true even when the observers had the same opinion as the actor. Thats right- even when you agree, how you share your view risks alienating friends and weakening relationships. Our findings suggest that whether you agree or disagree with another person matters much less than how you share your opinion.So, this discovery isnt just about political disputes, but all conversations. If were not open to even listening, or respectful in how we confront someone, we risk pushing people away from wanting to talk or listen. And no matter how passionate we are about something, its not worth losing the people we look up to or care about.Dont be afraid to challenge your co-workers, but before you jump head first into a heated argument, consider testing out this strategy first. After all, unless youre planning to quit the day after the election, youll be worki ng with these people for a long time.

Seismic Protection for Pressure Piping Systems

Seismic Protection for Pressure Piping Systems Seismic Protection for Pressure Piping Systems Seismic Protection for Pressure Piping SystemsWhen it comes to earthquake preparedness in an industrial production facility, the devil is in the details. Seismic experts say most of the damage from earthquakes today is caused not by crumbling walls or collapsing roofs but failures in the less visible, often overlooked, parts of a buildingespecially pressure piping. Nonstructural features like pressure piping systems and other MEP components are especially vulnerable to earthquake damage, says Jeff Soulages, senior structural engineer at Intel. If companies dont properly detail their piping systems, they risk potentially devastating financial effects from property loss or production shut-downs. Pressure piping systems carry a wide range of fluids and gases around buildings, generally at pressures greater than 15 psi. Systems are usually configured in some combination of horizontal and vertica l runs of pipe suspended overhead or mounted on (and penetrating through) walls, floors or roofs. Seismic Risks Flexible connections are often required at fixed equipment or where piping crosses an expansion joint or seismic separation. Virtually all of these traits come with their own seismic risks, Soulages says. Movement between points of attachment can occur during earthquakes.Improperly supported or unbraced piping can fall or sway into adjacent equipment or structures.Joints, connections to equipment, bends, and penetrations are often the source of breaks and leakage, damaging both the piping system and whatever else happens to be nearby. Another common cause of damage, especially in large industrial complexes, is differential movement between points of attachment, Soulages says. Often, pipelines will span two or mora connected buildings that may react differently in a quake. Seismic restraints at the interface of the two buildings should take into account the structural aspec ts of each building, he says. Longitudinal Bracing Proper seismic detailing for suspended pipes requires both transverse and longitudinal braces, installed at spacing intervals that depending primarily on the level of seismic activity at the building site, location within the building, pipe size and type, and the strength of the connections to the structure. Longitudinal pipe bracing requires the use of a pipe clamp, riser clamp, welded lug, or other hardware that positively attaches to the pipe to prevent slippage. Friction connections such as U-bolts are no-nos for longitudinal restraint because they are especially slip-prone. Spring-loaded hangers, couplers and fittings, pipe dampers, preassembled seismic bracing kits, load-rated hardware, and other specialized products to anchor or brace piping systems are available from a wide range of vendors. Many commercial suppliers also offer technical support, design, installation and inspection information, AutoCAD details, and calculati on packages. Other emerging computer-based solutions include Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) software and Building Information Models (BIMs). As these 3-D computer models catch on, it will be easier for a wider range of users to coordinate a buildings MEP components with the structural system and other nonstructural components. For engineering and architectural professionals, many standards exist for pressure piping systems and supports, including provisions of Process Piping (ASME B31.3). For the broader audience of managers and facilities professionals, however, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has recently updated its bible of nonstructural seismic damage Reducing the Risks of Nonstructural Earthquake Damagea Practical Guide. Also known as FEMA E-74 and available only online, this definitive resource helps meet the critical need to raise awareness of the risks, consequences, and preventive measures for pressure piping systems. Michael MacRae is an independent writer. Nonstructural features like pressure piping systems and other MEP components are especially vulnerable to earthquake damage.Jeff Soulages, Intel

The easy way to save money 6 powerful secrets from research

The easy way to save money 6 powerful secrets from researchThe easy way to save money 6 powerful secrets from researchWed all like to have mora money. (That stuff isreallyuseful, aint it?)Being worried about makin the bacon can end yur marriage, skyrocket your blood pressure, and even cause your brain to malfunction.FromDollars and Sense How We Misthink Money and How to Spend SmarterMoney is the top reason for divorce and the number one cause of stress in Americans. People are demonstrably worse at all kinds of dicke bretter bohren mssen solving when they have money problems on their mind.Thing is, weallmake dumb money mistakes, many of which were leid even aware of. And a lot of those are due to quirks of human psychology.Luckily,Dan Ariely, a professor of behavioral economics at Duke University, has a new book out that explains some of the problems were prone to when it comes to moolah and what we can do about them. The book isDollars and Sense How We Misthink Money and How to Spen d Smarter.Lets look at some of what Dan has to say and see how we can save some shekels1) On Sale signs are the devilMore generally, Dans advice is ignore relative comparisons. Focus on what the thing costs, notlage how big a discount youre getting.Saving 90% on a bus pass isnt a great deal if you never take the bus - but we make dumb purchases similar to that one all the time.FromDollars and Sense How We Misthink Money and How to Spend SmarterIt seems that discounts are a potion for stupidity. They simply dumb down our decision-making process. When an item is on sale, we act more quickly and with even less thought than if the product costs the same but is marked at a regular price.And were assaulted by these relative comparisons all the timeYoud never have paid a few hundred dollars for heated seats - but when youre shelling out tens of thousands of dollars for a car, that extra seemsrelativelycheap - and so you say, Ah, what the heck Sure. You should judge add-ons separately by their value, not by comparison.Similarly, paying percentages can be dangerous. Five percent might seem small but, again, that can be deceptive. Change the percentage into a dollar amount and objectively ask Am I comfortable paying this figure for this service?(To learn more about the science of a successful life, check out my bestselling bookhere.)So companies use tricky comparisons and we often fall for it. But what problems with money do we completely create on our own?2) Its not a bonus. Money is money.Your paycheck goes toward bills and serious stuff. But that unexpected check you received in the mail? That money you won at the casino? That gift card aunt Phyllis sent you? Well, its okay to spendthatmoney on frivolous goodies because thats different.No, its not. Money is money.FromDollars and Sense How We Misthink Money and How to Spend SmarterEvery dollar is the same. It doesnt matter where money comes from just because in our mind the money belongs to the bonuses or winnings account- we need to pause, think, and remind ourselves that its just money. Our money.Researchers refer to this as emotional accounting. Rationally, a dollar is a dollar. But as rationality-challenged humans, we feel the source of the money affects how we should use it. Bad idea.FromDollars and Sense How We Misthink Money and How to Spend SmarterPeople are likely to spend something like their salary on responsible things like paying bills, because it feels like serious money. On the other hand, money that feels fun- like $300 million in casino winnings- is likely to be spent on fun things, like more gambling.Studies show that when $200 is called a rebate were inclined to deposit it in the bank. But when that $200 is called a bonus were more likely to buy a treat.In fact, research shows people wouldpreferto receive money as a bonus versus additional salary for that very reason. It lets us feel like its okay to indulge instead of save.FromDollars and Sense How We Misthink Money and Ho w to Spend Smarterif we ask people how they would use a $12,000 lump sum versus an additional $1,000 a month, fruchtwein say they would spend the lump sum on something special to make themselves happier. Thats because a lump sum payment would not arrive along with the usual monthly ebbs and flows of income and expenses- putting it outside of our regular account system. If, on the other hand, the money is received monthly, it would be categorized as salary- and fruchtwein people would use it to pay normal expenses.Many people treat a tax refund as a bonus that they can have fun with. Again, thats tricky emotional accounting. You didntgeta bonus yougavethe government an interest-free loan and theyre returning the principal.How we get money often affects how we spend it. But it shouldnt. Money is money.(To learn the seven-step morning ritual that will make you happy all day, clickhere.)Okay, youre getting rid of your arbitrary categories. But how do we actually spend less without havin g to use any willpower? Thats easy. Make spending painful3) Use cash more oftenHanding someone cash hurts your brain. Seriously. Neuroscience research shows its indistinguishable from physical pain.FromDollars and Sense How We Misthink Money and How to Spend SmarterThe term the pain of paying was based on the feeling of displeasure and distress caused by spending, but more recently, studies using neuroimaging and MRIs have showed that paying indeed stimulates the same brain regions that are involved in processing physical pain.But we ever-resourceful humans have found a way (many ways, actually) to spend a lot and not feel that pain. The biggest culprit? Credit cards.FromDollars and Sense How We Misthink Money and How to Spend SmarterStudies have found not only that people are more willing to pay when they use credit cards, but also that they make larger purchases, leave larger tips, are more likely to underestimate or forget how much they spent, and make spending decisions more qui ckly.Ever find yourself treating foreign currency like its Monopoly money? Ever abuse that Amazon one-click button?Anything that makes transactions simpler and quicker or blurs the process of handing over greenbacks reduces the pain of paying - and makes you more likely to spend.Writing checks doesnt cause the same amount of ouch that forking over cash does, but its still pretty good because having to write out five thousand dollars will give you pause. But credit cards, gift cards, casino chips and nearly all online shopping is a financial opiate and dramatically reduces the pain that keeps your bank account flush.There is an exception worthy of mention here. The vast majority of the time, increasing the pain of paying is a great idea. But there are occasions where its worth it to be pain-free. You dont want to be saying owwwww repeatedly on your honeymoon or during other big milestones.You want to just enjoy the moment.So whip out the plastic and have fun. But make those occasion srare.(To learn the 3 secrets from neuroscience that will make you emotionally intelligent, clickhere.)So what one word pretty consistently results in dumb financial decisions?4) Fair is a four-letter wordIts pouring outside so youre going to get an Uber. But Uber is surge pricing.Thats unfair Forget it. Ill walk.Maybe Uber is taking advantage of you. Maybe theyre not. But the real question is would you pay the surge price to not arrive home soaking wet? Probably. So youre not punishing them. Youre punishing yourself.Fair is a four-letter word. Thats what my friend,Chris Voss, former lead international hostage negotiator for the FBI, likes to say.And Arielys research agrees.The concept of fair messes with our heads and causes us to reject deals that still offer plenty of value.FromDollars and Sense How We Misthink Money and How to Spend SmarterLets not get caught up in whether something is priced fairly instead, consider what its worth to us. We shouldnt pass up great value- access to our home, a salvaged computer, getting a ride in winter weather- just to punish the provider for what we think is unfairness.The concept of fairness runsverydeep in the human psyche. Nobody likes to feel exploited. And nobody wants to be known as someone who can be exploited.But most of the time it doesnt pay to get hung up on the concept of fair. Think about whether youre getting reasonable value for the money youre paying. Otherwise the person who gets punished will probably be you.(To learn an FBI hostage negotiators tips for how to lower your bills, clickhere.)So far weve avoided talking about the thing most lists of ways to save money talk about first self-control. How do we boost it? Okay, lets discuss epic poems and time travel5) Try a Ulysses contractIn Homers The Odyssey, Ulysses tied himself to the mast of his ship to resist the Sirens song. (I just use the block number feature on my iPhone, but whatever.)When youre thinking about the future youre pretty rational. But w hen youre in the moment, face it you can be an impulsive moron. So do somethingnowthat constrains your behaviorlater.Metaphorically, tie yourself to the mast of your ship witha Ulysses contract. (Or Odyssesus contract if you prefer the Greek. Hey, Im open-minded.)FromDollars and Sense How We Misthink Money and How to Spend SmarterA Ulysses contract is any arrangement by which we create barriers against future temptation. We give ourselves no choice we eliminate free will.You probably already use a financial Ulysses contract and dont even realize it - you call it a 401(k). You made the decisionin advanceto save for retirement and now your hands are tied.So go into your online banking account and set up a recurring automatic transfer for every time you get a paycheck. When your salary gets deposited, X amount is immediately shuttled into savings. Research shows this will help you save - a lot.FromDollars and Sense How We Misthink Money and How to Spend SmarterA study by Nava Ashraf, Dean Karlan, and Wesley Yin found that one group of participants who had their bank accounts restricted- that is, they chose to have money automatically deposited in a savings account- increased their savings by 81 percent within a year.And Ulysses contracts arent just good for finances they work for almost any future temptation. Hand your keys to a friend before you go drinking. Have a pal change your passwords on social media accounts when you absolutely need to focus.(To learn the six rituals from ancient wisdom that will make you happy, clickhere.)Whats another irrationality that screws up many financial decisions, from salary negotiation to buying socks?6) Drop anchorAnchoring is a potentially devastating cognitive bias where the first number mentioned in a given scenario unconsciously influences your future choices.Well-designed menus often have a very high-priced item at the top. It doesnt make you more likely to buy the filet mignon but itdoesinsidiously make everything els e look like a bargain.Few people pay the manufacturer suggested retail price for a car. But that number is always big and visible when you look at the specs. Whether you realize it or not, its affecting the offer you end up making.So how do you resist an anchor? By having adifferentanchor in advance. Do your research and know what most people end up paying for that car and the MSRP will have less influence.FromDollars and Sense How We Misthink Money and How to Spend SmarterThis finding- that anchoring has a weaker effect when we have some rough idea of value versus when we have no idea- is important to keep in mind. When we start with an established value and price range in our minds, its harder for outsiders to use anchors to influence our valuations.The most ironic version of anchoring is when we do it to ourselves - when your previous badeanstalt decisions influence your future choices.You have consistently overpaid for lattes and oil changes in the past so you mindlessly keep d oing it. Stupidity as default.Look at your regular purchases and ask if they really make sense and whether there are cheaper alternatives. Personally, I have not updated my phone plan in two decades and am still paying $9 a minute for calls.(To learn the 4 rituals from neuroscience that will make you happy, clickhere.)Okay, were no longer money morons. Lets round everything up and find out what happens when we all get richSum upHeres the easy way to save moneyOn Sale signs are the devilRelative comparisons mess with your head. Focus on the end price, not how good a deal it is.Its not a bonus. Money is moneyHow you got the cash should not affect how you spend it. Saying that bonus money doesnt count feels good but being broke feels very very bad.Use cash more oftenMake spending painful and youll spend less. (Using cash is simpler than having a friend punch you in the face whenever you whip out your credit card.)Fair is a four-letter wordFocus on value. The plight of moral justice in the economic universe can wait until after the electrician gets your lights back on.Try a Ulysses ContractSend me the deed to your house. If you dont have more money in your savings account two months from now, I keep the deed. See? Saving is easy.Drop AnchorThe only way to not be influenced by prices is to influence yourself ahead of time with other prices.Youre going to be rich one day, right? Ill roll with that. Youre a future zillionaire. Cool.So then you wont need to worryabout these silly psychology quirks that affect your spending, right?Wrong.FromDollars and Sense How We Misthink Money and How to Spend SmarterAbout 16 percent of NFL players file for bankruptcy within twelve years of retirement, despite average career earnings of about $3.2 million. Some studies say the number of NFL players under financial stress is much higher- as high as 78 percent- within a few years of retirement. Similarly, about 60 percent of NBA basketball players are in financial trouble within five years of leaving the game. There are similar stories about lottery winners losing it all. Despite their big paydays, about 70 percent of lottery winners go broke within three years.The more you earn, the bigger your mistakes will be. So review the common problems your grey matter has with money and learn to make smarter choices. This way you can keep your millions.Money isnt the most important thing in life. But when you dont have to worry about moolah, its far easier to focus on whatdoesmatter most.Join more than 320,000 readers.Get a free weekly update via emailhere.Related postsNew Neuroscience Reveals 4 Rituals That Will Make You HappyNew Harvard Research Reveals A Fun Way To Be More SuccessfulHow To Get People To Like You 7 Ways From An FBI Behavior ExpertThis article first appeared at Barking Up the Wrong Tree.

Career Advice for Recent College Graduates Become an Explorer

Career Advice for Recent College Graduates Become an ExplorerCareer Advice for Recent College Graduates Become an ExplorerCongratulations graduates Now, its on to the next chapter of your lives. Its a time for new beginnings, mixed with feelings of excitement and anxiety. Some of you may have secured jobs already or are embarking on graduate studies. Others are still searching for the right opportunity. In either case, theres a lot of uncertainty that comes after graduation.I can guarantee that the moment after the diplomas are distributed and your family finishes snapping dozens of photos of you in your cap and gown, theyll start asking about your plans for the future. What will you do next? Where will you live? Have you found a job yet?As sure as I sit here writing this post, some of your relatives are already passive-aggressively or perhaps quite aggressively asking about your future plans. Its understandable. They want to make sure you have a plan, that youll eventually move ou t of your parents house and find financial independence. They want you to succeed.However, in all fairness, no one has everything figured out when they graduate (and frankly, if they think they do, chances are that theyre wrong). Its crazy to think that you should be expected to have your entire career mapped out when you graduate college.My advice is this Enter the workforce and become an explorer. This is the perfect time in your life to be open to new opportunities. If youre having trouble breaking into your desired industry, be willing to take on an administrative role (or even an unpaid internship) to get your foot in the door. Its much easier to identify and pursue other opportunities once youve gained relevant experience and begun to build a strong network of ties within your target industry.Leverage your early work experiences to help clarify your career goals, grow your network, and build your resume. Dont make a snap judgment about a potential career based on one entry-lev el experience. Remember, most entry-level jobs will require grunt work. If youre still on the fence about your career path, take a look at what the person two levels above you is doing for the organization. If his or her role appeals to you, then youre on the right track.Be a sponge in the workplace and ask a ton of questions. The more you can learn about your new company, industry, and your colleagues, the better.If youre still pondering your career direction, check out resources such as The Daily Muses Career Path Exploration section or Wet Feets Industry and Career overviews to learn more about different career paths. Find people in your network including fellow alums who work for an industry or company that interests you and invite them for a cup of coffee to plektrum their brains.Remember, this is not the time to have everything planned out. However, this is the time in your life to start fine-tuning your career path through experience. I wish each and every one of you succes s and workplace satisfaction.

Up in Arms About Person Skills for Resume?

Up in Arms About Person Skills for Resume? What You Should Do About Person Skills for Resume Beginning in the Next Five Minutes Featuring only the experience and techniques that mirror the job needs of the position youre seeking can continue to keep the length in order. Staying in a poor relationship, doing a job which goes against your values, or keeping the position quo just as its comfortable are not options for you. The solution, usually, is to try to emphasize the outcome and deliverables your soft skills produced. Review their About Us page and see whether your soft abilities or attributes are aligned with the providers core values. The New Fuss About Person Skills for Resume If you are working to break in, pick the skills which you know you have and go with that. In most instances, your soft skills can boost your hard skills. If you wish to showcase your organization skills, acquiring a tightly structured resume certainly helps. Try to remember, the majority of the s pecial skills that you set on your resume ought to be job-related skills taken from the work description and your best transferable skills. A willingness to learn is likewise an indication which you know the value of adapting to new scenarios. When many employers scrutinize your resume to rate your competence in performing work, many are also hoping to ascertain your overall qualities as somebody. The skills section of your resume shows employers youve got the abilities needed to be successful in the function. There are skills required for jobs that are not just desirable by employers but necessary as a way to grow in your role or work nicely with other individuals. Perhaps there are those that are born with the capability to sell. Regardless of what your age, the ideal approach to advertise yourself is to showcase your finest attributes and accomplishmentsespecially the ones which align with the job that youre vying for. There are various kinds of skills which can help you suc ceed at all facets of your life whether its school, work, or maybe a sport or hobby. Bear in mind you can have developed some or all the crucial skills through previous life experiences, so make sure to do a thorough self-analysis ahead of creating your sales resume. Although critical thinking is part of analytical abilities, they have their differences. When you think of excellent communication with friends and family members, you might imagine long talks full of laughter long into the evening. Bear in mind that critical thinking a part of good analytical skills. The very best approach would be to learn the essence of the job. Most Noticeable Person Skills for Resume For bringing about solutions its mandatory to collect information about the problem. If youre interested in submitting an application for a particular job, review the post carefully and pay attention to the list of skill requirements. When the list is used up, then comes the job of making them elaborate. You m ay find below a list of the greatest skills you may put on your resume based on the kind of job that you are applying for. Besides being attentive to the requirements of consumers, being a great listener will help you be more mindful of the requirements of your fellow employees. Read through it a couple of occasions and youll probably spot three or four vital skills mentioned repeatedly throughout the document. If you indicate that youre a people person on your job program, youre more inclined to be selected for an interview. Alternatively, a functional resume places the work that most qualifies you for a specific job at the peak of your resume. So at the right time of recruiting they also check if youre goal oriented. As soon as you determine the skills you need to concentrate on, do some research and see whether they line up with job requirements listed for the positions youre seeking. Luckily, you can acquire cash handling skills in many different positions. Job Specific S kills There are lots of skills which are job dependent. Theres no certification for work in sales. State why you wish to work as a Salesperson for the organization. Show the employer you have the skills the business requirements. Professional Resume is extremely crucial for each job seekers. To learn more on what it requires to be a Counter Person, have a look at our complete Counter Person Job Description. Verbal communication is communication thats spoken. Written Communication Writing well is a big part of your professional presentation.

How to ask for a pay rise

How to ask for a pay rise How to ask for a pay risePosted October 13, 2011, by Elizabeth Fenech Asking for a pay rise is one of the mora delicate conversations youll ever have with your boss. But before you storm into the managers office waving your latest bank statement, there are a few things you should do to prepare. Do your research Build up some knowledge about the average wage and conditions of your industry, and establish how well you are paid in relation to market norms. You should do this at home, not on company time. Youre trying to prove to your employer that youre a valuable employee, not one who cant be trusted with a corner office and an www connection. Keep in mind that your boss probably isnt going to be thrilled to be honouring your requests for mora money if youre already tipping the top of the salary scale. If you think you have a case, its important to have a reasonable figure that you would like to earn in mind. Get your facts straight Understand the process your company has in place for granting pay rises and make sure you go through the official channels. Your request is more likely to be heard if you ask the right person at the right time. If reaching KPIs (key performance indicators) is a must, then asking for a rise when you are not performing to the required level is a waste of time. Better to work on and improve your results first. Make an impression Have you gone the extra mile for your company or do you sneak in extra-long lunch breaks? Keep in mind that you dont necessarily deserve more money for doing your job well thats what youre being paid to do. Impressive things to list could be extra hours youve worked voluntarily, revenue youve raised, initiative youve shown or customer satisfaction youve achieved. Be professional Make an appointment to see your manager at a time that is suitable for him or her. In the meeting, thank your manager for taking the time to see you, then get straight to the point. Set out your position by list ing the achievements on your list logically and succinctly. A good strategy might be to ask for more work and responsibility and link this to a pay rise, rather than simply asking for more money to do the same job. Leave your inner drama queen at home For you, an extra hundred dollars a week might be an emotional plight, but for the company you work for, your salary is purely a business decision. Think like a business strategist to decide on the best, most effective points to make. Dont threaten to leave or leak company secrets to the local paper. If you get the thumbs down Increasing your salary might seem simple to you, but getting it can be dependent on much more than just your performance. Companies must take into account factors like industry growth and the state of the economy. If your request for more money is declined, ask politely for an explanation. Be prepared to negotiate what you might not get in cash you may be able to get in a company car or extra holidays. Take cour age To use an oldie, but a goodie, youll never never know if you never never go If you honestly believe you have a reasonable basis on which to negotiate your salary, give it a go. Companies value good employees and good managers recognise the benefits of keeping good staff and treating them fairly. ResourcesMy first resumeCover letter for my first jobCareer Insider StoriesShelley Lask - Body Positive Health & FitnessInterested in becoming a?Human Resources OfficerGeneral ManagerBusiness ManagerAccountantOffice AdministratorPopular Career Searcheshighest paying jobs in australia without a degreelist of high paying careershigh paying jobs in demand for the futurenew york cover letterhow to ask for a pay rise CoursesBachelor of Social WorkEnquire erreichbar Enquire OnlineCertificate III in Health AdministrationEnquire Online Enquire OnlineBachelor of Criminal JusticeEnquire Online Enquire OnlineCertificate III in Allied Health AssistanceEnquire Online Enquire OnlineElizabeth FenechRel ated ArticlesBrowse moreCAREER ADVICEJOB HUNTINGJob Hoppers Stick It Out Without Standing StillThe days of holding out for a gold watch are long behind us, but is all this job-hopping actually getting us anywhere? Before you jump ship, hear the case for sticking it out.Career progressionCoworkersHow To Ask Someone To Be Your Mentor An Email TemplateAsking someone to be your mentor is serious stuff but that doesnt mean you should shy away from it. Heres how to ask someone to be your mentor - and how to convince them that its worth their while.EMPLOYER RESOURCESCapability Statement What is it & How to Write One?It can be difficult to understand all of the formal documents you need to get by in business. One of the big ones, especially if youre looking to do some governmental work, is the capability statement. Learn what it is and how you can best write one.

Aspiring Pilots and the Aviation Medical Exam

Aspiring Pilots and the Aviation Medical ExamAspiring Pilots and the Aviation Medical ExamAviation medical certificates are a requirement for most pilots. Some pilots, such as sports pilots and balloon pilots, arent required to obtain an aviation medical certificate. The rest of us, however, need to reisepass an aviation medical exam to legally utilize the privileges of our pilot certificates. Aviation medical exams can be a source of anxiety for many. Will you pass? What exactly is the examiner looking for? Is my eyesight good enough? Should I disclose certain health dicke bretter bohren mssens on the forms? What happens if I dont pass? There are a lot of questions surrounding the aviation medical exam. Even the healthiest of people get nervous before an exam. After all, a lot is at stake. The good news is that most applicants pass the exam- sometimes it just takes a while. Do Your Research If youre perfectly fit and healthy, you have nothing to worry about. Most of us have some minor health glitches, though. Knowing which health problems will disqualify you or which will require a special issuance medical certificate will not only help calm your fears but will provide you with valuable information for your doctor. Youll want to show up prepared, so if youre concerned about a certain medical condition, research it before your appointment. Check out the FAA medical exam guide online to find out about specific health problems. Also, there are a lot of other online resources available for free that can guide you in the right direction. You might, for instance, determine that youll need a special issuance medical, which requires extra documentation. You can start gathering those documents ahead of time so that youre prepared to send them to the FAA once your examiner completes your exam. Or you might find that your condition is a non-issue after all. For example, mild depression that is stable or completely resolved isnt an issue. Major depression treated with medication will require a review by the FAA and a special issuance. What the Examiner Will Do Before you even show up, the examiner will have you register for an account with the FAAs MedXPress system, which is an electronic form that will be reviewed by your medical examiner and submitted to the FAA upon completion of your exam. When youre registered and have completed the appropriate forms, your examiner will verify your identity with two forms of identification and initiate the exam. Youll go over any health history that you included on your paperwork, and the examiner will point out any issues that might delay the processing of your medical certificate. The specific font of aviation medical certification youre applying for will determine the intensity of the exam. Third-class medical exams are least intrusive. First class medical exams require a more in-depth exam. For the most basic third-class medical exam for an applicant under the age of 40, the examiner will check your eyesight, including peripheral vision, nearsightedness, farsightedness, and color vision. A hearing test might be done, which will ensure you can at a minimum, hear at a conversational level. The examiner will discuss any specific health issues and medications with you, review previous surgeries and doctor visits and complete a general physical exam. A urinalysis is done to check for blood or protein in the urine or other blatant signs of disease. Your blood pressure will be checked, and youll likely field some questions about your mental health. Some of the medical requirements (for example, vision and hearing standards) are different for first and second class medical certificates, but overall the exam for each class is pretty similar. First class medical exams must be done more frequently and require the applicant to have an electrocardiogram (ECG) done annually if over age 40. At the end of the exam, the medical examiner has three choices He or she can approve the application, deny it or defer it to the FAA for further processing. What Happens If Youve Been Denied Or Deferred Dont panic. Just because your medical certificate application was denied or deferred to the FAA for further review does not mean that youll be grounded forever. First, know that aviation medical examiners (AMEs) rarely deny a certificate outright. Most of the time, they are encouraged and required to push it on to the FAA for review. But even if it is denied (if theres no question that you clearly do not meet the requirements), you can appeal the decision with the FAA. A history of extreme substance abuse coupled with multiple arrests, for example, might require a denial on behalf of the examiner and/or FAA. But if you can prove that youve been to rehab and have been sober for at least 24 months, you may have a chance at an appeal. Most of the time, people with a health problem can successfully obtain a special issuance medical certificate after completing the deferment process w ith the FAA. Sometimes, youll need to switch medications to one thats acceptable for flight. Sometimes youll need to wait until youre symptom-free for a certain period of time. And many times, the FAA will approve your medical application with barely a question. For instance, people with hypothyroidism should have no problem flying, and usually, have their applications approved even though theyll likely have to be deferred first. For most people, the aviation medical exam will be a piece of cake. For others, it can be frustrating to wait for the waiver process to be completed. But most of the time, the FAA will let you keep flying in the end.

How to Dress for a Formal or Casual Interview

How to Dress for a Formal or Casual InterviewHow to Dress for a Formal or Casual InterviewThe first impression you make on a potential employer is incredibly important. When you meet a potential employer for the first time, they immediately form an opinion of you based on what youre wearing and how you carry yourself. Regardless of the work environment, its important to dress professionally for a job interview because how you dress can either make or break the job interview. In general, the candidate dressed in a suit and tie, or dress and heels, will make a much better impression than the candidate dressed in jeans and sneakers. Different industries have different expectations of how candidates and employees should dress. The appropriate dress code can vary greatly depending on the company, industry,and location. For example, a tech start-up in Silicon Valley might frown on someone who dresses too formally, while a Fortune 50 company on Madison Avenue might frown on someone who dres ses too casually. Heres a breakdown of what to wear for a corporate position and what to wear for a mora laid-back casual position. In both cases, being well-groomed with clean, untattered clothes is always required. How to Dress for a Corporate Interview Mens Interview Attire Here are examples ofinterview outfits for men. Men should always default to wearing a suit. All clothes should fit well and be free of stains Suit in a solid color such as navy, black, or dark greyLong sleeved shirt that is white or color coordinated with the suitLeather beltTieDark socks and conservative leather shoesLittle or no jewelryNeat, professional hairstyleLimited amount of aftershaveNeatly trimmed nailsPortfolio or briefcase Womens Interview Attire In general, fashion for women is more complicated and varied than it is for men who have fewer options. It makes assembling an interview outfit a bit more challenging for women than for men. For instance, if youre wearing a dress or skirt, you need to decide if youshould wear pantyhose or if bare legs are acceptable. Women also need to considerinterview accessoriesand choose an appropriate purse. Thebest interview bagsare ones that are professional and large enough to fit a resume but arent flashy. Here are the fundamental building blocks of what women should wear to a professional interview Suit in navy, black, or dark greySuit skirt just below or above the kneeCoordinated blouseConservative shoesLimited jewelryNo dangling earrings or arms full of braceletsNo jewelry is better than cheap jewelryProfessional hairstyleNeutral colored pantyhoseLight make-up and limited amount of perfumeClean, neatly manicured nailsPortfolio or briefcase What Not to Bring to the Interview GumCoffee or sodaIf you have lots of piercings, leave some of your rings at home (earrings only is a good rule)If possible, cover tattoos You can bring your smartphone but make sure its on mute or vibrateduring your interview. It avoids the risk of getting a di stracting loud text alert or phone call mid-interview. How to Dress for a More Casual Interview When the workplace or the job is less formal, the dress code may be less formal as well. If youre elend sure what to wear, its fine to check with the person scheduling the interview. However, its still important not to dress slovenly. Here are some casual options Business CasualStartup CasualWhat to Wear When Theres No Dress Code Tips Well in advance of your interview, make sure you have appropriate interview attire, and everything fits correctly.Get your clothes ready the night before, so you dont have to spend time getting them ready the day of the interview.If your clothes are dry clean only, take them to the cleaners right after an interview, so youre prepared for the next interview.Be sure to polish your shoes the night before.Bring breath mints with you to use before entering the building.

Common Terms in the Music Business

Common Terms in the Music BusinessCommon Terms in the Music BusinessIf youre trying to get started in the music business, it can sound like everyone is speaking a different language, with buzz terms and music-specific lingo. This guide can help you understand the industry. Common Jargon 360 deals An increasingly common major label deal structure in which the label not only earns income from the sale of recorded music of their artists but also gets a cut of other artist income, including money generated by touring and merchandise sales.Agent Someone who liaises with promoters and venues to book gigs for bands.Big Three record labels Major record labels.Demo A sample recording of a bands music. Often rough recordings or early versions of songs in progress.Digital distribution Distribution of music online, i.e., downloads. Digipack A type of CD case that looks like a book instead of a plastic case. The outside is made of paper and the CD sits in a tray inside that is attached to the paper.Door split A type of payment deal for a live performance, in which the band and promoter agree to split the proceeds of the showafter the promoter has recouped their costs.Gatefold sleeve Vinyl doppelalbum sleeve that folds out either opens like a book or fold out in three sections. Usually used for double LPs or special artwork. Sometimes the gatefold format is used in asmaller format for digipack CD cases. Indie labels Self-funded labels not tied to any major label/Big Four label.Jewel case Traditional plastic CD case, also sometimes called a jewel box.Longbox The cardboard boxes that manufacturers and distributors use to send out CDs there are 25 in each longbox.Manager Essentially the business manager of a band. Duties vary wildly depending on the level of the band, but generally, managers try to seek out new opportunities for the band while being the contact person for all other people dealing with the band. Mechanical royalties Royalties paid to the songwriter per album pressed. Also sometimes called mechanicals.One sheet The info sheet for a release this can contain info about the band, the recording or anything else significant about the release. One sheets are used by labels and distributors to sell a new release. They get their name from the fact that they are (or at least they should be) one page long.P.D.s Also PDs. Short for per diems, which means per days. It refers to the stipend paid daily to band members and crew on a tour for their personal expenses, such as food and drinks. PR Technically means press relations but is also used in a slang way to refer to a person who works in press relations. PR is also known as publicity. PR companies/PR people are usually hired to work on a campaign basis to promote a new album, single or tour. Some PR people only promote to print media, some only to websites, some only to TV and some to a combination of mediums. Some PR people also work in radio plugging, but often radio is treated as a separate ent ity.Performing rights royalties Royalties paid to a songwriter when a song they have written is performed. Playlist The list of songs played by a radio station. For some radio stations, the playlist is up to the DJ. Other radio stations have platzdeckchen playlists of songs that have to be played. Often these radio stations have tiered playlists, such as A list, B list and so on, that dictate how many times a day a song has to be played.Promo A promotional copy of a recording, different from a demo in that it is usually a finished version of the recording. Promos can be complete copies of an album complete with artwork, or they can be CDs in cardboard or plastic sleeves. Promo package A package used to promote music, including a promo CD and any appropriate press releases, one-sheets, photos, and other information. Also known as a press kit or press pack.Promoter Someone who promotes live performances for bands.Publishing Essentially another level of copyright control for songs, pub lishing deals simply put a person in charge of making koranvers the appropriate amount of royalties are collected for a song, in exchange for a portion of those royalties and some rights to the song. Most publishers go further than that and actively try to place songs in revenue-generating positions, like advertisements or with other artists for acover version, etc. Radio plugger Also sometimes simply known as a plugger, radio pluggers promote releases to radio. Pluggers usually work with specific singles and go around to radio station playlist meetings, playing the singles they are representing and trying to get them placed on a playlist. In some cases, pluggers may work with full albums, letting the stations themselves decide what the single is.Session musician A musician who contributes to a recording or a live performance but is not actually a full-time member of the band. Sound engineer Generally, the person in charge of making the sound for a show work. There can be many diffe rent specific roles for a sound engineer.Tech spec Short for technical specifications. A venue or promoter usually asks for a tech spec so they can set up the stage properly for a band and ensure all of the bands technical needs can be met.Tour manager Tour managers take charge of the details of a tour. They travel with the band and do all of the jobs like checking into hotels, liaising with promoters and generally trying to make things go as smoothly as possible. Also sometimes called a road manager. Tour support Money paid out to cover the costs of a tour, usually by a record label.Tray The plastic part of a jewel case or digipack that the CD sits in - the part with the teeth.Tray card The part of the album artwork that sits behind the tray and is seen when you look at the back of the CD case.