Rodents Help Robotics Leap Forward

Rodents Help Robotics Leap Forward Rodents Help Robotics Leap Forward Rodents Help Robotics Leap ForwardThe rodent is usually considered one of the most disgusting animals to us humans. But to Ram Vasudevan, assistant professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Michigan, they are quite beautiful. Well, certain types of rodents are at least, such as the ones that have helped him advance the field of robotics.Learning of the work of a colleague who was focusing on the evolutionary side of hopping rodents led to a collaboration and quest that could go leaps and bounds toward moving robotics forward.Researchers have created a model to quantitatively measure the unpredictability of the movement pattern of the Jerboa. Image Michigan EngineeringDo the LocomotionIm interested in locomotion in animals, humans, and robots, Vasudevan said. Speaking of the Jerboa, the bipedal desert rodent on which he based his research, he said, This type of animal? Well, this one isnt like convent ional rodents at all. They have really long legs, kangaroo-like legs, that have morphologically independently evolved on multiple deserts throughout the world. The question is can we draw insights from this type of leg to build or control robotics.The legs, in fact, actually exceed the animals body length. According to Vasudevan, normally a rodent has haunches that are maybe a quarter or a fifth of its length, but these spring-like legs are on the order of two to three times their body length. As an aside, he says they also have a different demeanor from most rodents, and can be quite friendly, often willing to sit in your hand without biting.Vasudevan believes studying these rodents and their gait could help engineers create biomimetic robots to match specific environments such as desert planets or desert environments on Earth.Though the legs certainly provide entertainment with the air it allows the rodent to get, the scientific question his team faced was why would it be worthwhi le for rodents to even exist on two legs rather than four? Typically you take animals in these situations and put them on a treadmill and they take a voreingestellt motion, he says. So does a human. They start jogging or running, or a horse is galloping, and this is a function of the treadmills speed. If a fast speed rate is put in, you will be running, if slower then youre walking. But these bipedal rodents didnt do that. They would run or jump to move and they would move as randomly as possible.They also travel long distances to get food while their quadruped counterparts dont. What you binnensee is that randomized gaits are less susceptible to being attacked because they cant easily be predicted and the other animals and rodents were more susceptible, he says. My colleague Talia Moore noticed this in a desert environment and had questions on how to measure this. So we discussed data and why it was useful and how useful.The colleague collected some of the data by using a camera-ba sed system in the desert and moving towards the Jerboas to see their reaction in moving away.Entropy was also utilized, characterized as how much information a particular signal can contain, he says. It is in a sense, measuring how random a signal can be. The more random it is, the more information it can potentially connect. What we developed was a technique to characterize the entropy of the animals from the data we collected. We measured how random they were and compared it to their four-legged counterparts and measured their entropy as well.For Vasudevan, he believes this can lead to incredible advances in robotics. Unpredictability in robots can be a next step, he says. Can they get outside of patterns and are there advantages such as how it helps the life span of these creatures.Eric Butterman is an independent writer. For Further Discussion Unpredictability in robots can be a next step. Can they get outside of patterns and are there advantages such as how it helps the life sp an of these creatures.Prof. Ram Vasudevan, University of Michigan

What Your Personality Type Means for Your Career

What Your Personality Type Means for Your CareerWhat Your Personality Type Means for Your CareerQuick question When was the last time you took a personality test- and took the results seriously? Its easy to think that unterstellung tests are sort of like horoscopes in the back of magazines (really vague compliments that could fit into anyones life), but the results could actually make a huge difference in your career.Interested in seeing what the famed Myers-Briggs test says about you? Though the official test costs money, you can find similar free versions of it (like this one) online to see what your strengths in the office are and what you need to work on.Already know your Myers-Briggs personality type? Check out the infographic below for a rundown of your personality traits and how they translate in the office.Check Out 10 More Career-Related Personality TestsInfographic courtesy of Career Assessment Site.

Real Estate Agent Interview Questions and Tips

Real Estate Agent Interview Questions and TipsReal Estate Agent Interview Questions and TipsAs well as needing to have certain certifications, a successful real estate agent needs to have strong people and communication skills, as well as the ability to sell homes and sell an agencys services. During bewerbungsgesprchs, youll need to provide evidence that you have unterstellung abilities and will be a strong addition to the agency. What Employers Want to Know During an interview, employers will ask general interview questions to get a sense of your skills and experience. Interviewers will also ask specific questions about real estate. You may get situational questions, which focus on how youve handled a given situation in the past. Behavioral questionsare also common - these focus on how you would handle a future situation. As well, expect questions designed to find out what certifications and licenses you have. Finally, many questions may be geared toward understanding how you w ork in the real estate environment, which can be fast paced and competitive, and requires strong organizational and communication skills. In your responses, make an effort to highlight these skills (youll find a full list of common skills needed in the real estate industry at the end of this article). Potential employers are also interested in how you carry yourself. Presentation is key in this role - youll need to appear organized and professional in your appearance. Real Estate Agent Interview Questions Practice your response to these questions. In many cases, it can help if your response uses the STAR technique, which frames your answer in terms of situation, task, action, and result. On average, how many homes have you sold each year as a real estate agent?How do you utilize the Internet and social media to sell homes?How do you stay organized and ensure that you never miss an appointment or arrive at one late?Do you have experience using video and virtual tours to market yo ur home? Tips for responding Assuming you do have experience using video and virtual tours, an ideal response would provide an example of how youve used this technology to sell a home. What do you know about brokering sales and bestandgabe transactions across multiple property types?Tell me about a time when you struggled to build a relationship with an owner, investor, tenant, or broker. What would you have done differently? Tips for responding One strategy for responding to this kind of question is to show how this situation was a learning opportunity for you. Focus more on how youll handle the situation in the future than what went wrong. You want to avoid saying youve never struggled to build a relationship, since that can seem dishonest. What do you find most challenging when you accompany prospective clients on property tours? Why?Do you have any experience designing marketing materials?What, in your opinion, is one way to avoid showing the same customer multiple properties fo r months and months? Tips for answering In your answer, it can be helpful to discuss how you manage customer expectations, use information gained during your first showings to tailor the next rounds, or talk about the importance of the initial meeting with the customer. What qualities do you believe make an excellent real estate agent? Tips for answering Many of the essential skills and qualities for real estate agents are listed below. This is your opportunity to highlight the areas where youre strongest. For instance, you could say, I think communication skills are essential. For a real estate agent, its just as important to listen and understand what a client needs as it is to talk up a property. Tell me about a time that you made a mistake with a contract, lease, or another form of paperwork. What did you do, and what could you have done differently? Tips for answering Pick your mistake wisely If you once missed out on a million-dollar listing, nows not the time to mention it. I nstead, you could mention a near-miss or a relatively small error. Keep the focus of your response on how this would never reoccur. What real estate licenses do you have?Describe a time when you worked with a demanding owner or client looking to purchase a home. How did you handle the situation? What to Wear for a Real Estate Interview When preparing for an interview for a real estate position, deciding on appropriate attire is just as important as familiarizing yourself with the types of properties sold by the agency. What you look like is the first thing the interviewer sees, and in the competitive real estate industry, you need to project a competent, conservative, professional image. For your interview, that meansprofessional interview attire. Men will need to wear a well fitting suit in a conservative color, white, or pastel shirt, conservative tie, dark socks, and dress shoes. Women can choose between a pant or skirt suit, blouse (not low cut), hosiery, and closed toe pump s. Hair, make up, and purse (if carried) should be neat and conservative, jewelry minimal, earrings only in ears. Carry a briefcase or portfolio with your resume, a pad, and a working pen. Heres more on how to chooseinterview accessoriesthat will complement your interview attire. Real Estate Skills List Heres a list ofreal estateskills employers seek in the candidates they hire. Skills will vary based on the position for which youre applying, so also review our list ofskills listed by joband type of skill. Mention these skills during your interviews, and incorporate them into your resume and titelblatt letters. A G AnalyticalAppraisalsAssessmentsAsset ManagementAttention to DetailBuilding CodesCommercialCommunicationComputerCondominium RegulationsCo-opsCustomer RelationsContractsDetail OrientedEducating ClientsEmpathyEnvironmental KnowledgeFinanceFollowing UpForeclosures H M Home Owners AssociationsHonestyInitiativeInternal Rate of Return KnowledgeInterpersonalInvestmentsJudgme ntKnowledge of Income-Producing PropertyKnowledge of Purchase ProcessLead Follow UpLead GenerationLeasesLegalLicensesListeningMaking Personal ConnectionsMarket AnalysisMarketingMicrosoft OfficeMotivationMortgagesMunicipal Law Knowledge N - S NegotiationNetworkingOral CommunicationPersuasionProblem SolvingProcessingProperty KnowledgeProperty ManagementProperty TaxesReal Estate CodesReal Estate LawReal Estate MarketReal Estate TaxesReferralsRentalsRental PropertiesResearchResidentialResponsiveSalesSetting ExpectationsSchool District KnowledgeSchool TaxesSingle FamilySoftware T - Z Team BuildingTechnicalTelephoneTime ManagementTimingUnderwritingValuation

3 crucial skills for leading without authority

3 crucial skills for leading without authority3 crucial skills for leading without authorityWith flatter management structures, increased outsourcing, the move toward collaborative cultures, and the ongoing formation of cross-functional teams, the criterion for the job of leader is changing. More and mora people are assigned to leadership roles in which they have no positional authority.The goal of leadership without authority is to get others to willingly coopetarif and engage, rather than following directives because youre the boss.And, by the way, if you are the boss, the rules have changed for you too. As one Silicon Valley CEO told me Carol, there is absolutely nothing wrong with command and control leadership. Its simply irrelevant in the 21st century.In contrast to control-minded leaders of the past, todays most effective leaders are exercising a different kind of power. This new style of leadership is a blending of partieal and interpersonal skills that form the basis of a le aders ability to impact, influence, and inspire others. Here are three of those skills1. Empathetic listeningDevelopment Dimensions International has studied leadership for 46 years. In their latest research with over 15,000 leaders from more than 300 organizations across 20 industries in 18 countries, DDI looked at leaders conversational skills that had the highest impact on overall performance. At the very top of the list was empathy specifically, the ability to listen and respond empathetically.In his book, On Becoming a Person, psychologist Carl Rogers wrote, Real communication occurs when we listen with understanding to see the idea and attitude from the other persons point of view, to sense how it feels to them, to achieve their frame of reference in regard to the thing they are talking about.A further discovery in the DDI report was that only four out of ten leaders in their global study were proficient or strong in empathy. And the rate may be even lower in the newest gene ration of leaders. A study by the University of Michigan found that the empathy levels of college students have been declining over the past 30 years with an especially steep drop in the past ten years. As a leader, if you already rank high in empathy, you gain a genuine professional advantage. If not, empathetic listening is a skill worth developing.2. Warm body languageThere are two sets of body language cues that people look for in leaders. One set projects warmth and caring and the other signals power and status. Both are necessary for leaders today and both will be critical to the success of leaders in the future. But in your role as Chief Influencer, the warmer side of nonverbal communication (which has been undervalued and underutilized by leaders more concerned with projecting strength, status, and authority), becomes central to creating the most productive workforce relationships.The body language of inclusion and warmth includes positive eye contact, genuine smiles, and o pen postures in which legs are uncrossed, and arms are held away from your body, with palms exposed or resting comfortably on the desk or conference table.Mirroring is another nonverbal sign of warmth. You may not realize it, but when you are dealing with people you like or agree with, youll automatically begin to match their stance, arm positions and facial expressions. Its a way of signaling that you are connected and engaged.Facing people directly when theyre talking is also crucial. It shows that you are totally focused on them. Even rotating your shoulders a quarter turn away signals a lack of interest and makes the other person feel as if their opinions are being discounted. Of course, giving others your complete attention when they are speaking is one of the warmest, most inclusive signals you can send.3. Positive emotionsA business simulation experiment at Yale University gave two groups of people the assignment of deciding how much of a bonus to give each employee from a se t fund of money. Each person in the group was to get as large a bonus as possible for certain employees, while being fair to the entire employee population.In one group, the conflicting agendas led to stress and tension, while in the second group, everyone ended up feeling good about the result. The difference was in the plants actors who had been secretly assigned to each group. In the first group, the actor was negative and downbeat - and in the second, positive and upbeat. The emotional tone of the meetings followed the lead of each actor although none of the group members understood why his or her feelings had shifted.Positive and negative emotions are highly infectious, and instantaneously catching them is a universal human phenomenon. In a study at the University of Tubingen in Germany, people were shown photos of happy or sad faces on a computer then asked questions to gauge their emotional reactions. Subjects reported corresponding emotions to the photos even when the pi ctures lasted only fractions of a second.In business, however, the power of emotion is often discounted. We tend to believe that people think logically and act rationally. Steeped in this belief, leaders quantify everything they can in order to present information in ways that will help team members make objective decisions.But according to neurologist and author Antonio Damasio, the center of our conscious thought (the prefrontal cortex) is so tightly connected to the emotion-generating amygdala, that no one makes decisions based on pure logic. Damasios research makes it clear that logical reasoning is usually no more than a way to justify emotional choices.Think of it this way We are all part of an emotional chain-reaction effect. As a leader without authority, you can influence and inspire your team by understanding that emotions drive performance. Worry, stress, and fear decrease physical and mental energy and impair mental agility. Positive emotions optimism, enthusiasm, grati tude increase energy, learning and motivation.In reaction to changing realities, many business schools are revisiting their offerings to see if they still have relevance in the 21st century. Consider Harvard Business School, the blue-chip brand of all MBA programs, which used 2008 (its centennial year) to convene worldwide experts on business education and plot its directions for the next 100 years. The results Deans and recruiters said that MBAs, in general, needed better communication skills, increased self-awareness and an enhanced capacity for introspection and empathy.Sound familiar?Carol Kinsey Goman, Ph.D., is an international keynote speaker and leadership presence coach. Shes the author of The Silent Language of Leaders How Body Language Can Help or Hurt How You Lead and creator of LinkedInLearnings video series Body Language for Leaders. For more information, visithttps//CarolKinseyGoman.com.

Resume Size Exposed

Resume Size Exposed New Ideas Into Resume Size Never Before Revealed Featuring only the experience and abilities that mirror the job demands of the position youre seeking can continue to keep the length in check. Picking the right resume to use whenever applying for a job guarantees that you receive the position. Together with mentioning the work type, if youll give a small description of your work in the cv then itll be best too. If work experience isnt your key highlight or whether youve got an inconsistent work history, its best advisable to start your resume with your qualifications. Resume Size - Dead or Alive? Now that you know the differences between the 3 major resume formats lets look at some real-world examples to determine how they look. To assist you choose whats appropriate for you, lets look at the advantages and disadvantages of each resume format. Its high-quality PSD file is totally customizable. As previously mentioned, you need to decide on a resume format thats suited to your personal profile. Its vital to use the right resume format to receive effects. Its also advisable to take care when creating a PDF format resume. With a tiny bit of preparation, you can select the right resume format for your requirements. Well, the very first step is to begin with a format for a resume 2019. parte of creating an effective resume is selecting the most appropriate format to inform your private story. If youre applying to a position in another nation, learn what the resume expectations are for that nation. Distinct resumes are used based on the work position that youre applying for. For some jobs, youre want to highlight certain abilities, while for others, you are going to want to demonstrate related experience. The extra skills can be in agreement with the job or completely different. LinkedIn plays a critical part in Job hiring procedure and frequently the job seekers will appreciate if its provided. Dont forget that recruiters mig ht require that you send something besides a PDF, and the exact same goes for most ATS, which prefer plain text. Career experts advise that you customize your resume for each job, especially at the start of your resume. Your resume, after all, isnt an autobiography, but instead a summary of your previous experience and qualifications. Resumes may be used for a number of reasons, but most often theyre utilised to secure new employment. They may be organized in different ways. They tend to be very important, and essential, when an applicant appears for a job interview, or applies for a particular post. Structure Of the Combination Resume You are going to want to look at combination resume format examples to acquire a feel the way you can structure your own. Formatting your resume is a significant step in making a professional, readable resume. fruchtwein resume templates may be used to apply for many kinds of jobs. Employing a resume template has turned into an acceptable and smart practice for quite a few explanations. The Honest to Goodness Truth on Resume Size Resume guidelines can change from industry to industry, therefore its advisable to get familiar with specific industry examples. The work description might also earn a difference. Below, you will discover a list of resume examples that could assist you with your work search. Everything in your resume ought to be simple to read and simple to comprehend. The Simple resume formats can be employed by anyone who wants to put in an application for a job. However much or what type of work experience youve got, theres a resume format that is likely to make your qualifications shine. Regardless of what resume format you are using from the three we will be talking about, never forget that youre an item that may address an issue. The format also doesnt provide space to spell out how you acquired relevant skills since it doesnt link them to your experience. Things You Wont Like About Resume Size an d Things You Will Employers have only a brief time to check through your resume, which means that your formatting decisions should make information clear and simple to find. If you wish to use your previous resume, it is necessary to edit and add new details like the skills which you have learned or responsibilities taken. Your resume needs to be filled with all the data that you want to convey about yourself to advertise yourself. The format provides a timeline view of the whole work related history, including the accomplishments and duties.

Luke Mangan - Chef and Restauranteur

Luke mn - Chef and Restauranteur Luke Mangan Chef and RestaurateurPosted November 22, 2017, by Jenny Sakr Luke Mangan is one of Australias leading chefs and restaurateurs, highly regarded internationally as a shining example of contemporary culinary culture. Lukes Australian and international establishments range from fine dining to mora casual fare and are renowned for his unexpected creations, hes also written five best-selling cookbooks and an autobiography The Making of a Chef. Luke has his own range of gourmet products and makes regular TV appearances, both in Australia and internationally.Hes been invited to cook for former U.S. President Bill Clinton, Sir Richard Branson, actor Tom Cruise and the Danish Crown Prince Frederik and Princess Marys wedding.What did you study and what are the steps you took to be where you are today?I left school at 15 and started my chef apprenticeship. From there, I worked two weeks for free at Michel Rouxs Waterside Inn in London just so he wo uld take me on I ended up working there for a few years. WhenI moved back to Australia, I opened my first restaurant in 1999 Salt, in Sydneys Darlinghurst. I did a string of jobs to save enough money to open with my business partner, including selling sausages at the markets.How long have you been in hospitality?I started at the age of 15, so its been over 30 years (wow Im really showing my age here)What inspired your career as a chef?I was terrible at school I knew I had to get out of there as soon as I could. I really didnt know what I wanted to do but I knew I really liked cooking. Mum was the king of the kitchen in a house of seven boys she cooked everything from scratch and I loved helping her. I think my love of cooking came from seeing people enjoy the food I had made for them it was quite a satisfying thing.What did you want to be when you were younger?A pilot I always had a fascination with flying.Explain a typical day in Lukes world...There is very rarely a typical day in this job. But if I am in Sydney, Ill start the day with a swim in the ocean more often than not Ive got some sort of jet lag so it helps start the day. Then I will have breakfast and a strong coffee and arrive at the head office for morning meetings and a catch up with the staff. I will then head to Glass Brasserie for lunch service and the afternoon will involve a tasting of some sort either for one of the restaurants or a new menu roll out for our Virgin Australia business class menu, followed by a few more afternoon meetings and skype chats with our staff in Asia.What was your first job and what do you think it taught you?My first real job was working in a kitchen at the age of 15, straight after I left school. At school, I use to groe nachfrage amuck so it definitely gave me the discipline I needed In the early days I quickly realised that being a being a chef involves long hours, hard work in a hot and not always glamorous environment with many hours spent away from fami ly and friends.Whats the most interesting thing thats happened to you in your career?Theres been so many But cooking for Richard Branson on his Necker Island was definitely one of those never forget experiences It was me and a couple of my chefs at the time, Richard had invited us to cook for him on his private island - at first I thought it was a joke. We flew first class to Necker and were taken to the Island by private speedboat it was like something out of a James Bond film. It was an amazing experience and one I dont think I will ever forget. What happens on the island, stays on the islandName the best and worst parts of your jobThe best part is being able to travel the world as part of your job. Being a chef can give you the chance to work in some of the best kitchens and we Ive been able to cater for so many amazing events, cook for celebrities, political figures and even royalty The worst part would have to be the hours in the kitchen, especially in the early days when yo ure doing doubles Its not great on your social life.Whats the most important career tip someone has given you?Great things dont come from comfort zones.Why did you want to move from chef to restaurateur?A few things really, a mix of ego at the time was certainly a factor, I guess at 29 I was ready for the next challenge in my career and I wanted to be my own boss and run a restaurant of my own even though that came with a lot of blood, sweat and tears I dont regret a thing.What advice would you give to someone wanting to work as a chef?That this is definitely not your average 9-5 job You need to be prepared for that from the get-go. But at the same time, this industry can be so rewarding Ive been able to work in kitchens all over the world and being a chef has sent me to some truly amazing places.What advice would you give to someone wanting to start their own restaurant?That owning your own restaurant is more than just the food served within it. The food is only going to get you so far its about the whole package the service, the lighting, the music and having a great team behind you. You need to be smart about it from a business side of things be aware of the costs of running a business in the early days I didnt focus enough on the business side and thats what almost sent me brokeName a career highlightThats hard to choose just one, but I think it would be opening my first restaurant, Salt in 1999. At the time Sydney was at its peak just before the Olympics so it was a great time to open a restaurant.Tell us about what projects youre involved inOn top of running and operating Glass Brasserie and a host of international restaurants and bars, theres MOJO bar and restaurant, Chicken Confidential (recently opened organic chicken burger store in the CBD and Sydneys International Airport). Im also the geschftliches miteinander Class consulting chef for Virgin Australia and just launched anew casual eatery concept Lukes, onboard POs newest ship, Pacific Explo rer so this us kept us very busy.Whats next for you?Expanding our casual dining concept, offering diners a more informal dining experience. This will hopefully roll out further on land and at a sea over the next 12 months, including a new Lukes Kitchen to open in the new year at our Waterloo Sydney headquarters so watch this spaceCheck out more on Lukes projects and connect with the team that helps make it all happen Web https//www.lukemangan.com/ Facebookhttps//www.facebook.com/LukeWMangan Instagramhttps//www.instagram.com/lukewmangan/Start on your very own road to success with a course in Hospitality, Business or Entrepreneurship Bachelor of Business in pension ManagementStudy modeOn CampusPayment optionsFEE-HELPUpfront paymentCourse guide+ FREE eBrochureEnquire Online Enquire OnlineHospitality ResourcesWait staff sample resumeWait staff sample cover letterInterested in becoming a?Marketing OfficerProject ManagerEvent CoordinatorSmall Business ManagerDepartment ManagerPopular Ca reer Searcheshow to become a cooking teacher in australiastudy entrepreneurship onlinediploma of business career pathgovernment funded hospitality courses brisbanecareer opportunities for master of commerceHospitality CoursesDiploma of Hospitality ManagementEnquire Online Enquire OnlineGraduate Certificate in International Tourism and Hotel Mana...Enquire Online Enquire OnlineMaster of International Tourism and Hotel ManagementEnquire Online Enquire OnlineDiploma of Hotel ManagementEnquire Online Enquire Online Jenny SakrJenny found her way with words while interning during uni, since, shes produced articles on it all from hair and beauty to homewares, travel, career advice and study tips. On a weekend youre most likely to find her lining up for a table at the latest cafe or restaurant.Related ArticlesBrowse moreStimulate your career juices at the Good Food & Wine ShowIf you are fascinated by all things gastronomic, then you cant miss this weekends Good Food & Wine Show at Sydneys Convention & Exhibition Centre.HospitalityGlossary For A ChefIf you want to become a chef, one of the first things you will have to decide is what type of chef you want to be and what you want to call your specialty.HospitalityWORKFORCE TRENDSHospitality industry needs qualified professionalsAustralias tourism and hospitality industry may see a boost in the wake of Oprahs visit Down Under, but it cant afford to rest on its laurels.

[Infographic] How to Make an Interview Work for You

Infographic How to Make an Interview Work for YouInfographic How to Make an Interview Work for YouInfographic How to Make an Interview Work for YouWhether its your first or your hundredth, job interviews are and will still be nerve-wracking. Perhaps its because youre put into the spotlight or because you know something big is at stake. Or both. But its unavoidable. Think of interviews as the getting to know you part of a relationship. The first few dates. Employers wouldnt want to hire someone who they thought would be a great addition to their company, only to find out they made a mistake and wasted time and resources on someone they shouldnt have. Theyre mindful like that.Just attending your interview can be a show of commitment, but itll take mora than that to land the job. Its difficult to find a job you really like or are passionate about, much more get one. Owe that to the fact that youre not the only one with the right skillset for the post. With intense competition, the whole endeavor becomes a game of top-of-mind awareness, albeit on a small level. How do you do that? Check out this infographic from SlideGenius for some answers.Dont be flustered when you see all the to-do lists and must-haves before, during, and after an interview. There are already too many things to keep in mind about your demeanor and general look, how much more if you include all your research about the company?Too much clutter? Relax. Take a breath. Unblock your mind. Preparation is key to success. If you wing your interview, itll show. Take your time to prepare. Youll definitely need all you can get, especially if you want that job. Show that want and that passion. But take care not to make yourself look desperate. As with everything, there is a balance. Strike it.Its up to you whether you nail that job interview. Dont just do your best. Do it like its your last. Rick EnricoIm the CEO and Founder of SlideGenius, Inc.He regularly publishes expert presentation tips on the SlideGeni us blog.

Employee Benefits and Payroll Tax Administration Resources

Employee Benefits and Payroll Tax Administration ResourcesEmployee Benefits and Payroll Tax Administration ResourcesBenefits administrators are often tasked with calculating payroll taxes for employees. This means having access to the most up-to-date payroll tax information, payroll tax calculators, and other resources that can help you better manage employee benefits administration and payroll at your organization. These resources can help. U.S. Payroll Tax Guidelines The starting point for many employee benefit and payroll administrators is the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website, which provides all the information, forms, calendars, and tools youll need to correctly calculate income taxes for employees. Theres a special section for self-employed individuals, too. Learn about the different types of taxes a business needs to process, how to make deposits, and how to report federal income tax, Medicare taxes, Social Security taxes, and Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA). Benefit administrators can also visit the Healthcare.gov website for important information relating to health care neuordnung and ACA requirements for affected businesses. State Payroll Tax Information Resources Several major payroll companies have taken the time to create directories that support the administration of state payroll taxes. One of our favorites is Automatic Data Processing (ADP), which gives payroll administrators a searchable listing of all the state payroll tax percentages and deadlines for the current and previous year. Intuits QuickBooks Payroll website also offers a list of links to all states for the most up-to-date state tax laws, as well as other resources such as federal and Social Security information, forms, and support for small businesses. Employer Payroll Tax Calculators Many payroll software products contain built-in payroll calculators for employers, but there are times when a benefits and payroll administrator will need to calculate a single employee s deductions. This can happen during an audit or when an error has been found. Some of the best payroll tax calculators available online include SurePayroll, which offers several free calculators. All-In-One Software About those payroll software products- many of them dont stop at payroll. Let a program do the hard work for you. Paylocitys unified platform also handles benefits and workforce management, and its been helping administrators since 1997. Workday Human Capital Management is another single-system option that gets it all done. Its cloud-based and integrates other Workplace products to deal with everything from recruiting to human resource management, as well as benefits administration and compensation management. Payroll Tax Glossaries Understanding the definitions and meanings behind the most often-used phrases in the employee benefits and payroll tax accounting market is critical. Its good to have quick access to the leading payroll tax glossaries online. The Int ernal Revenue Service provides a free and comprehensive payroll tax glossary and information on all the tax forms you could ever need. Payroll Taxes by Symmetry Software is a master library of common and advanced payroll tax terms. It explains many complex ideas in an easy-to-search format. It also has a nice library of articles pertaining to tax topics and links to state and government forms. Salary Survey Data Staying abreast of current salary ranges, merit matrixes, and compensation news is part of the responsibility of every comp manager. Having access to real-time salary survey data is vital to this effort. PayScale.com offers free salary surveys and wage data gathered from thousands of employers and directly from salaries shared by employees. Free reports and white papers also help payroll managers stay current on whats trending in the market. Payroll Tax Classes and Certification Being a well-trained compensation administrator requires ongoing learning as tax laws cha nge. From compensation webinars and seminars to actual online and in-person payroll tax classes, tax pros can remain educated in a variety of ways. Some payroll tax classes also offer certification and continuing education credits. The American Payroll Association maintains a listing of courses and conferences for payroll and tax professionals.

5 Apps That Will Get You Through the Hectic Workday

5 Apps That Will Get You Through the Hectic Workday5 Apps That Will Get You Through the Hectic WorkdayMeditation and, more broadly, mindfulness have of late been linked to everything from increased creativity to stress reduction. But who has time to pause and assume lotus position amid back-to-back conference calls and an overstuffed inbox?You may not realize it, but the smartphone that youre currently using to flip through emails could be the ticket to workday zen. Each of these five mobile apps, either free or cheap, guide you in channeling some inner peace (even if its in only five-minute snatches between a mainboard meeting and coffee date). 1. HeadspaceWhat it Does Tap into this app to learn how to meditate in just 10 minutes a day. It will guide you via podcast through modern meditations on how to get to sleep quickly and easily, how to make your daily crazed commute stress-free, how to take the time to really appreciate your food, and more. Why I Love It Headspace makes it eas y to set reminders to keep yourself on track and even offers a dashboard to evaluate your progredienz. Plus, the guided meditation tracks are voiced by Headspace founder and former Buddhist monk Andy Puddicombe, whose British lilt is the perfect antidote to a hectic workday. 2. BuddhifyWhat it Does Buddhify provides guided meditation tracks for 14 different activities, from eating and traveling to walking in the city and even working online. Like a gym membership for your brain, Buddhify is specifically designed for busy people who still want to prioritize the health of their minds.Why I Love It Designed by a data artist, Buddhify is one of the most beautiful (and easy to use) mindfulness apps on the market. I also like the apps solo mode, which lets you take 10 timed guidance-free minutes to yourself to clear your brain and reset.3. GPS for the SoulWhat it Does This app, presented by Huffington Post, bLife, and HeartMath, uses your phones camera lens to measure your stress levels, then invites you to course-correct through music, poetry, breathing exercises, pictures of your loved ones, and more. Why I Love It Anything with Arianna Huffingtons stamp of approval gets my buy-in. In addition, the apps breathing pacer helps regulate your breathing during each meditation, and each guides beautiful, relaxing visuals are a nice companion to the written content- especially for visual thinkers like me. Because its a Huffington Post-sponsored app, GPS for the Soul also includes access to interesting articles on topics like indecision, embracing quiet, remaining in the present, and more.4. HappierWhat it Does More of a social gratitude journal than a pocket yogi, Happier helps you cultivate those little nuggets throughout your day that make you smile and share them with the wider community to spread the love. You can freely share any happy moment and add it to a collection, whether its getting stuff done, being outside, learning new things, meeting awesome people, or an y category you create. Why I Love It Within Happiers social network, you can smile at peoples happy moments in your feed, reshare them to your followers, and glean inspiration from users across the globe. My New Years resolution a few years ago was to write down one thing I was grateful for every day from January 1-December 31, and while I made it through the journey, I would have loved to use an app like Happier to record and share my thoughts. Being held somewhat accountable by the built-in app community might encourage you to keep recognition of happy moments front-of-mind.5. Stop, Breathe ThinkWhat it Does Created by Tools For Peace, a Pasadena-based organization focused on cultivating compassion and kindness primarily in students, this app prompts you to check in with how youre feeling- mentally, physically, and emotionally- then dishes up recommended meditations geared toward your current mindset. Why I Love It You can track your progress through virtual stickers and learn ab out how meditation works and why its good for you. Plus, the meditation topics to choose from are wide-ranging being present, gratitude, dealing with change, kindness, equanimity, compassion, and more. Positive thinking and an earnest approach to managing modern stress can seriously do wonders for your workday productivity and flow. Give it a go