Ways-to-calm-interview-nerves

 

Here are seven ways you can calm your nerves as you get ready for your next big job interview.

Getting the pre-interview jitters is perfectly normal — however, it’s in your best interest to get your nerves under control so you can focus on making a good first impression.

Here are seven ways you can calm your nerves as you get ready for your next big job interview.

1. Do your homework and be prepared. There is no substitute for interview preparation. Research the company thoroughly so you are not caught off guard by basic questions. Conduct a mock interview. Prepare for such predictable questions such as, “Why do you want THIS job?” ahead of time so you have a more thoughtful, articulate response that you can summon at will. There will usually be one or more curveballs thrown your way — and those are nearly impossible to predict — but be prepared for as much as you can.

2. Decide what to wear ahead of time. Get your power suit or power skirt or power pants ready a day or two before the interview. Research or inquire about appropriate attire for the company you’re interviewing at, check the weather, decide what you’re going to wear and let it hang in your closet pristine until you’re ready to wear it. Knowing what you’re going to wear — and feeling not only comfortable, but also confident in it — will save you time and trouble on the big day.

3. Go over your checklist the night before. You’ve probably made a handy checklist of items to take or things to do prior to your interview. Don’t wait until the morning of your interview to run through the list and make sure you’ve got everything covered. If you need to print copies of your resume, cover letter and directions, do it the night before.

4. Do whatever relaxes you. Whether it’s meditating or doing yoga or running or taking a bubble bath or listening to soothing music, try to get rid of your pre-interview jitters by doing whatever helps you relax. Also, make sure to get a good night’s sleep so you don’t have to stifle a yawn while sitting across from your interviewer.

5. Practice your power poses. Amy Cuddy, an assistant professor at Harvard Business School, immortalized the notion of power poses in a viral TED Talk about body language. Power poses, Cuddy explains, can inspire a sense of confidence in an individual and potentially influence one’s chance at success in a meeting, interview, game, etc. Even though it may feel unnatural at first, take a few minutes to test out some power poses before you head out for your interview.

6. Arrive early. One of the few things you do have control over is showing up to the interview and checking in at least 10 minutes early. This will give your potential new employer the impression that you’re punctual and respectful of others’ time. To calm your nerves, give yourself plenty of time to get there — and even consider arriving an hour early and sitting at a coffee shop where you can take a few deep breaths before going in to interview.

7. Put things in perspective. You may be interviewing for a great job, but remember that it isn’t the only opening out there and this isn’t the only shot you’ll ever have. Being cognizant of that helps to put everything in perspective and will help reassure you that nothing that happens during the interview — however seemingly grave — is the end of the world.

10 jobs that pay $40,000

 Got a specific salary in mind? These 10 jobs will fit the $40,000 bill.

In a perfect world, we'd all earn more money than we'd know what to do with. But, in such tough economic times, we have to be realistic. The truth is, while earning an abundance of money would be ideal, those earning the average national income or even slightly above it should consider themselves lucky.

It's hard to feel lucky, however, when the national mean average salary is $42,504 per year, according to the National Compensation Survey. That might not seem like much, but these days, it's more than enough -- or at least it has to be.

That's why we've compiled a list of jobs that pay around the average, in the $40,000 range. If you can't find a job earning enough to keep you comfortable for the rest of your life, at least you might find something to keep you comfortable for the time being.

Here are 10 jobs in various trades that earn around or more than the national average, and the industries with the highest levels of employment for each profession -- aka, the places with the most jobs.*

1. Graphic designers design or create graphic layouts for books, magazines, newspapers, Web sites and other commercial or promotional needs.**
Qualifications: A bachelor's or an associate degree
Industries with most job openings: Specialized design services; newspaper, book, periodical and directory publishers; advertising.
Salary: $40,000/year*

2. Precision instrument and equipment repairers fix and maintain watches, cameras, musical instruments, medical equipment and other precision instruments.
Qualifications: A high school diploma; in some cases post-secondary education.
Industries with most job openings: Professional and commercial equipmentand supplies merchant wholesalers; electronic and precision equipment repair and maintenance; electronics and appliance stores.
Salary: $41,498/year

3. Medical and public-health social workers offer patients and families psychosocial support to help cope with chronic, acute or terminal illnesses. They can also suggest caregivers, and counsel and educate the patient on his or her illness.
Qualifications: A bachelor's degree, sometimes an advanced degree; state license.
Industries with most job openings: General medical and surgical hospitals, individual and family services, home health-care services.
Salary: $43,056/year

4. Kindergarten teachers (except special education) teach young children basic science, music, art and literature, and encourage physical, mental and social development.
Qualifications: A bachelor's degree from a teacher education program and a state teaching license.
Industries with most job openings: Elementary and secondary schools; child day-care services; individual and family services.
Salary: $43,394/year

5. Plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters put together, install and fix pipelines or pipe systems that carry water, steam, air and other liquids or gases.
Qualifications: Training in career and technical schools and community colleges, apprenticeships and on-the-job training.
Industries with most job openings: Building equipment contractors; nonresidential building construction; utility system construction.
Salary: $44,866/year

6. Dietitians and nutritionists plan diet requirements and determine nutritional needs for clients; manage meal programs and oversee meal preparation.
Qualifications: A bachelor's degree and state license, certification or registration.
Industries with most job openings: General medical and surgical hospitals; nursing-care facilities; outpatient care centers.
Salary: $45,001/year

7. Reporters and correspondents report and convey facts about newsworthy events to an audience via newspaper, magazine, radio, television or Internet.
Qualifications: A bachelor's degree in journalism or mass communications is preferred, but some other majors are OK; internships are preferred.
Industries with most job openings: Newspaper, periodical, book and directory publishers; radio and television broadcasting; other information services.
Salary: $45,115/year

8. Bailiffs maintain the order and security in a courtroom and escort jury members outside the courtroom to prohibit interaction with the public.
Qualifications: They vary by employer, but most require a high school diploma or equivalent, and some also require some college education or full-time work experience.
Industries with most job openings: Local government.
Salary: $47,502/year

9. Respiratory therapists administer respiratory care and life support to patients with breathing problems and other cardiopulmonary disorders, under the supervision of a physician.
Qualifications: An associate degree is the minimum educational requirement, but a bachelor's or master's degree may be important for advancement; state license.
Industries with most job openings: General medical and surgical hospitals; specialty hospitals (except mental or substance abuse); nursing-care facilities.
Salary: $48,033/year

10. Architectural and civil drafters prepare detailed drawings of architectural and structural features of buildings used in civil engineering projects like highways, bridges and public works.
Qualifications: Employers prefer applicants who have completed post-secondary school training in drafting, which is offered by technical institutes, community colleges and some four-year colleges and universities.
Industries with most job openings: Architectural, engineering and related services; residential building construction; nonresidential building construction.
Salary: $49,429/year

The best questions to ask in an interview

 

Discover which questions are best to ask in an interview to help you decide if the job is right for you.

The best questions to ask in an interview

We’ve all been there — sitting in an interview for a new job when the dreaded question comes up: Have you got anything you’d like to ask us? At that moment your brain forgets every question it’s ever asked, leaving you stumbling for a few seconds, getting sweaty, and ultimately settling for a panicked, “Um, no, I don’t think so.”

We think answering interview questions is enough pressure without having to think of any of your own, so we’ve done the hard work for you.

Here’s our essential list of the best questions to ask during an interview.

1. Why are you hiring for this position?

This key question is so often overlooked. You need to understand the reason for the job being available. Did someone get promoted or did someone leave? And if the role has been open for a while, why? Perhaps someone turned it down or the expectations are unrealistic.
 
Find out all you can about the reason for the job existing before you accept it. You could save yourself a real headache later.

2. What does success look like for this job?

This question shows the interviewer that you’re already thinking about your performance before the job has even begun. It also makes it clear what the expectations are, giving you an insight into how you can achieve them or, even better, go above and beyond.

3. What is your management style?

If your interview is with your potential new manager, it’s important to understand how you’ll work together. A good manager could help your career thrive, while a bad one could put you off the job altogether. Get to know how they deal with people. If they’re hands-on and you prefer space, you might not be the perfect fit.

4. Who are your main competitors?

Understanding the company’s competitors is key for any employee, and if you get to grips with them at the interview stage you’ll start the job ready to make a difference. If you spot a weakness in the business strategy, you can suggest a solution. If you see something a competitor is doing that your company is not, ask why. Not only does this make you look like an invested candidate, but it also helps you decide if you and the company are moving in the same direction.

5. What challenges is the company currently facing?

It’s good to know how your potential company is performing, both personnel-wise and in a financial sense. You don’t want to join a business that’s on the way down. If the company has had to let people go, you need to know why to make sure you’ll get job security.

6. How would you describe the company culture?

You might be right for the job, but is the job right for you? Asking about the company culture will let you know what you’re getting yourself into, and also shows the hiring manager that you care about more than just the salary.

7. What’s the best thing about working here?

If the person hiring you can’t answer this question, that should raise a few red flags. You want to be sure that you’re joining a company that values its people and rewards them fairly, and the answer to this question should tell you all you need to know. 
If they say, “We work hard but we play hard too,” be sure to ask about the specifics.

8. Do you have any reasons not to hire me?

This question might feel a bit blunt, but it could give you the chance to correct any misconceptions and put the hiring manager’s mind at ease. If you don’t ask you’ll never know, and the first time you get wind of any problems could be via a rejection email.

9. How do you retain your top talent?

The best companies give their best people reason to stay. This can involve regular salary reviews, bonuses and opportunities to progress. Asking this question shows that you see yourself as either being or becoming part of that top tier, and tells you whether or not this can be a long-term relationship.

10. How do I compare to your ideal candidate?

Every hiring manager has a type of person in mind when they post an ad for a job. It’s good for you to know how you match up to that, so if there are any gaps, you can provide the answers that fill them. It will also show you if the role is right and realistic for you.

11. How will this role make a difference to the business?

You want to know you’ll be making your mark. Not only will this make your job more satisfying, but it will also look better on your resume in the future.

12. What would my typical day look like?

If certain responsibilities are important to you, make sure this job includes them. This question can also help you understand if the role will make you uncomfortable or expect anything of you that you can’t achieve.

13. What are the company benefits?

And no, we don’t mean a pool table or Friday socials. They’re not real benefits. Ask about health insurance and dental care, and make sure the company rewards its people fairly for their work.

14. What are the next steps in the hiring process?

Never leave an interview without knowing what to expect next. Ask how and when you should expect an answer. This shows you’re eager to get started, and also lets you decide whether it’s worth looking for other roles in the meantime.

Why asking questions in an interview can help get you hired

Asking interview questions is just as important as answering them. It shows that you’ve done your research, that you understand how the company works, and that you really care about landing the position.

Hiring managers want to know you care about the job, not just the pay. Having the right questions lined up can show them you’re interested and keen to learn more, and can be the difference between you and someone else getting the job.

Think of the job interview as a first date. If you did all the talking and the person opposite you didn’t ask any questions, you’d probably assume they were bored of you. You might not call them back.

When should you ask questions in an interview?

In most interviews, you’ll be given the chance you ask questions at the end, after the hiring manager has finished quizzing you. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t ask questions any other time. While you don’t want to sound like you're interrogating the interview panel, asking questions of your own can show you’re curious and interested in what they’re talking about.

You’re not just there to answer their questions — you’re there to start a conversation about the role and understand both what you can bring to it, and what it can bring to you.

Some questions are great for your first interview, while others should be saved for the second round. For example, if your first interview is just with the HR manager, they might not know the intricacies of how the business performs. Instead, you should ask them about workplace culture and values, as they’ll be able to give you a good idea of the day-to-day experience.

At your second interview you’re more likely to meet a department head or senior manager. They’ll be able to answer more business-related questions and help you understand where the company is headed.

Earn extra money from home the easy way with our top 21 tips, from selling on eBay through to getting paid to watch TV.

We’d all like to earn a little extra money, and if you can earn that extra money from home it’s even better. With the rise of sites like Fiverr, eBay and Etsy, turning your downtime into dollars has never been easier.

One in three Americans earn money on the side

Side hustles are big business in the US. Around 34% of Americans are already earning extra money from home, and that number is only expected to rise. According to research, a further 61.1 million workers plan to start a side hustle by the end of the year, and there’s nothing stopping you from being one of them.

Reasons for having a side job:

• 46% need to earn more money
• 38% say they do it mainly for enjoyment
• 16% are testing out a new business idea.

It goes to show that making money at home doesn’t have to be hard work; it can also be fun work, imaginative work, and work that sets you up for a future of business success.

Take a look at our 21 top tips to earn money from home. These aren’t get-rich-quick schemes, and we can’t guarantee you’ll make millions. But they could help you top up your wages and maybe, one day, help turn your side hustle into a full-time business.

The best ways to make money from home

Making extra money from home can be as easy as clearing out your loft, or as fulfilling as setting up your own side business. We look at the different ways that have been proven to work, and offer our tips on how you can make the most of them.

Earn extra money by clearing out your home

1. eBay
eBay is a great site for turning your trash into someone else’s treasure. Whether that’s something small like old clothes or clutter, or something potentially lucrative like a piece of furniture or some collectibles, eBay could quickly help you make money out of things that you no longer need.

2. Facebook Marketplace
If you want to sell things locally, Facebook Marketplace is the option for you. There are no fees for selling here, so you get to keep all of the profit you make.

3. Trade-in sites
There are lots of product-specific sites where you can earn money by trading in your old items. Things like CDs, old phones, old clothes and even old books have a market value online. Just do a search to find the best fit for you.

4. Cash in on accessories
Things like old iPhones, cables, remote controls and power packs can all be worth money to the right person. If they’re in good condition and in full working order, someone will want them. Sites like Gumtree are a good place to start.

5. Turn a profit
If you’ve got an eye for a bargain, there are plenty to be found at yard sales. It’s always worth checking the market value on sites like eBay before you buy; if you’re savvy, you could turn that bargain into big bucks.

6. Give old clothes a new home
Don’t wear it anymore? Someone else might. Register on sites like Vinted or Depop and list your old clothes. So long as they’re not damaged, they could be looking great on someone else in no time.

Earn money by renting out your space

7. Airbnb
If you’ve got a spare room, it could be an easy way to make money from home. It’s simple to list a space on Airbnb, and so long as you keep it tidy, safe, and don’t mind having a lodger around occasionally, you could soon start to see cash come in.

8. Offer storage
Sites like Storenextdoor let you list storage space for people to use. An empty garage, free loft or unoccupied shed could be a quick way to help you make money and help someone else clear out their clutter.

9. Rent out parking
Parking can be a nightmare, but it can also be a dream way to earn some extra cash. Rent out your extra parking space and make money while making someone’s life easier.

10. Rent out your home as a film set
Hollywood, baby! Film producers need places to film, and your home could be one of them. List it on a site like Lavish Locations and you could earn thousands of dollars a day. Don’t expect instant returns though; there are more properties available than films.

11. Share your ride
Not only is carpooling a great way to cut down on your carbon footprint, it can also be a quick way to earn extra cash. Register your car on a ride-sharing site and earn while you’re on the road.

Earn money for your opinion

12. Paid surveys
Businesses will pay you to say what you think of them. Your opinion could help make their website better, their product more usable, or even their customer service friendlier.

13. Watch TV
OK, we know this one sounds too good to be true. But trust us, some companies will pay you to watch TV shows and share your views on them. Get the popcorn ready.

14. Go shopping
Mystery shopping is a multi-billion dollar industry, so get yourself a slice of that pie. Companies will pay you to browse the aisles and engage with the staff. Just don’t spend all your earnings while you’re there.

15. Play games
Games developers need to know if their games are any good; get paid for testing them.

Earn money by being creative

16. Sell T-shirts
Teespring is a site that lets you put your own designs on T-shirts, mugs, hats and all kinds of other things. You create the design and set the price: they do all the legwork, you reap the rewards.

17. Freelance
If you’ve got a skill that people need, you don’t have to limit it to 9-5. Many companies will allow you to freelance on the side (so long as you don’t work for rival firms) and you could earn hundreds of dollars a day on top of your monthly wages.

18. Solve global issues
Sounds like a big challenge, doesn’t it? But it could pay out big rewards. Sites like InnoCentive offer cash rewards for innovative solutions to world issues, meaning you could make good money while making a huge difference.

19. Etsy
Etsy is a creative marketplace, offering a great way to earn money from home by selling crafts, art, fashion, jewelry and more.

20. Fiverr
If you’ve got a creative skill, Fiverr is full of people looking to pay you for it. Just sign up and fill in your details, and you’ll soon be set to start earning.

21. Gig jobs
If you’re handy with a tool, or generally just good at helping out, there's a gig job waiting for you. You could be putting up some shelves one day, and helping someone move the next. Whatever you’re good at, you could get paid for it.

15 HIGHEST PAYING ENTRY LEVE JOBS

 

Discover the 15 best paying jobs to kickstart your career, and follow our top tips on how to get your foot in the door.

The 15 highest paying entry-level jobs

The career ladder doesn’t always have to start on the bottom step. With some entry-level jobs, the pay is good enough to leapfrog you ahead of the competition, and could see you earning what it takes other workers years to bring in.

We look at 15 of the best paying entry-level jobs and show you how to get them. Put a trampoline next to that career ladder and bounce right to the top.

1. Social Media Manager

Annual salary: $77,500

Social media is changing the way brands speak to their customers. Where once you had to pay thousands to get a TV spot, now you can Tweet, ’gram and TikTok to the masses for a fraction of the price, bringing in huge audiences and big profits. As a Social Media Manager, you’d be in charge of all of that, managing multiple accounts to get the brand’s message across to its audience.

How to get the job: You’ll need to be creative, and some firms will like you to have a degree in marketing or PR. Be imaginative with your application — a resume is great, but a personalized TikTok application could really help you stand out.



Apply for Social Media Manager jobs

2. Software Developer

Annual salary: $107,500

Software Developers bring websites and apps to life. Pretty much everything you see online has been made by a Software Developer (shout out to Dave in our IT team), from online shops to social media sites, games and highly secure banking platforms. It’s a niche skill, so if you have it you can expect to be paid well for it.

How to get the job: You’ll need a good understanding of coding and various software platforms. Evidence of sites you’ve worked on in the past will also help you in your application.

Apply for Software Developer jobs

3. Human Resource Associate 


Annual salary: $73,500

Working in HR means looking after everything from people’s paychecks to office disputes and sick leave. You’ll handle all company policies, onboarding, terminations, promotions and more. Basically, you’ll be a big name on campus, and play a crucial role in keeping the business running.

How to get the job: Hiring managers will look for good organizational skills and good interpersonal abilities. A career in customer service can lead nicely to an HR role.

Apply for Human Resource Associate jobs

4. Executive Assistant

Annual salary: $70,000

As the right hand of the CEO, an Executive Assistant makes sure meetings happen on time, emails are answered, phone calls are returned and important work gets done in a smooth, organized manner.

How to get the job: You’ll need to be a good people-person with a silver tongue on the phone and excellent time management skills.

Apply for Executive Assistant jobs

5. Marketing Associate


Annual salary: $76,500

A Marketing Associate job will see you running big campaigns for a range of clients. You might need to get hands on, liaising with creative teams and account managers to get projects completed. You’ll almost certainly end up drinking a lot of coffee.

How to get the job: Project management skills are a big bonus here. If you can make things happen, show it, and if you’ve delivered projects in the past be sure to shout loud and proud about them. Some firms will want to see a degree, but others will be happy to take on promising talent.

Apply for Marketing Associate jobs

6. Sales Representative

Annual salary: $67,000

This job does exactly as the name suggests. You’ll be selling a range of products, either in person or over the phone, and could even end up performing product demonstrations at various events. You won’t be expected to sell ice to polar bears, but if you can it’ll be a bonus.

How to get the job: You’ll need to have a good way with words. Customer service skills will help here, as you’ll have to deal with a lot of different people — not all of whom will be pleased to hear from you.

Apply for Sales Representative jobs

7. Database Analyst


Annual salary: $86,500

You’ll be working a lot with computers, analyzing data to help companies make big decisions. You might spend a lot of time inputting figures or building programs that allow data to be managed more easily.

How to get the job: Math knowledge will be key, as well as the ability to understand various bits of software. People from coding backgrounds can often make the switch to a Data Analyst career.

Apply for Database Analyst jobs

8. Paralegal


Annual salary: $62,500

A Paralegal is often the first step of a legal career, and will see you managing paperwork, case files and notes for a team of lawyers. You might be working in the legal department of a big company, or in the courts helping the defence of prosecution teams do their thing.

A cool briefcase isn’t guaranteed, but you could afford one with your first paycheck.

How to get the job: You’ll need a BA degree with one year of law experience, or a paralegal certification from an American Bar Association (ABA) program to be a Paralegal.

Apply for Paralegal jobs

9. Environmental Engineer


Annual salary: $95,000

Environmental Engineers work on behalf of government agencies to carry out tasks relating to the environment. These could include recycling, waste management, pollution or animal control. You’ll get to spend a lot of time enjoying the great outdoors, and it’ll be your job to ensure it stays great for generations to come.

How to get the job: Many jobs in this field will require a degree. An understanding of science and geography definitely help you out.

Apply for Environmental Engineer jobs

10. User Experience Designer 


Annual salary: $102,500

A User Experience Designer, or UX Designer if you’re in the biz, is someone who helps make websites and apps work properly. They’ll be responsible for putting buttons in the right place, ensuring colors don’t glare, making text readable and making sure every part of a site is accessible for every reader. 
It’s a growing industry, and one that could pay big bucks if you get ahead of the game.

How to get the job: A design degree is a good start, and an understanding of web accessibility will really stand out on your resume.

Apply for User Experience Designer jobs

11. Web Developer


Annual salary: $106,000

This job will see you designing and building websites. Unlike a Software Developer, you’ll often be working on the front-end of sites — the bits people can see. You’ll make things match brand guidelines, animate on touch, open on click and work in a way that engages customers.

How to get the job: You’ll need to understand coding and have a keen eye for design. A relevant degree will also come in handy.

Apply for Web Developer jobs

12. Accountant

Annual salary: $71,500

You’ll be the money person, making you everyone’s favorite in the office. You’ll handle invoices, salaries, bonuses and expenses, making sure all the math adds up and that all the books are in order. 
You’ll probably have to file tax returns too, but unlike everyone else you’ll actually enjoy it.

How to get the job: Math will have been your favorite subject in school, and most firms will expect to see a relevant degree.

Apply for Accountant jobs

13. Content Strategist


Annual salary: $88,000

Content Strategists are responsible for understanding how a brand’s content is working — and how to make it work harder. You’ll work with a lot of words, analyzing their performance and coming up with ideas to keep brands thriving.

How to get the job: A degree in advertising won’t do you any harm, but a portfolio of good ideas is what brands really want to see. Show them you can think outside the box.

Apply for Content Strategist jobs

14. Copywriter

Annual salary: $78,500

Copywriters spend their days writing. Their words can appear on TV ads, posters, emails, birthday cards, websites and, well, anywhere. Chances are every piece of marketing you’ve ever seen has been written by a copywriter, and they're employed across the country in private firms, marketing agencies and huge corporations.

How to get the job: You’ll need to show you’ve got a way with words. A portfolio of copy-led ideas and a cover letter without any typos is a good place to start.

Apply for Copywriter jobs

15. Mortgage Assistant

Annual salary: $60,000

Home is where the heart is. Or for you, home is where the bonuses are. As a Mortgage Assistant, you’ll help people finance their new homes and get them the best deal on their property. You won’t get to enjoy the same smell of freshly baked bread as an Estate Agent, but you will get the sweet taste of satisfaction when you’ve put another family in their dream home.

How to get the job: Good customer service is essential, as are strong organizational skills and a decent background in math.

Apply for Mortgage Assistant jobs