Everyday Interview Tips

After having the same conversation again and again with my couple of friends in the same week I decided to document and list things here in case if it help some one as well.

I am planning to list someof UK agencies I have come across in my last 10 years of UK experience from my MBA graduate role till now hope it will help you with your Job hunting and Career planning.

Everything start with a CV. The standard UK CV is two A4 pages long. In fact, it’s preferred by 91% of recruiters, according to a survey of 300 UK employers – many companies often reject CVs that are less than two pages because they simply don’t provide enough evidence about the applicant’s skills and qualifications. 

Resume Tips https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrXZBkYzuZo. 

• January/February: The Best Time to Apply for Jobs.
• March/April/May: Still a Good Time to Apply. 
• June/July/August and November/December: Not the Best Time to Apply. 
• September/October: Hiring Picks up Again.

Before going reading ahead with this post no matter what your occupation or level of experience is the process of applying for a job and getting a job pass through various stages. Keep the frustrations apart and keep trying for what you want until you get it.

1.        Self Awareness :-  Are you looking for a immediate change from your job ? Is your job getting redundant in coming months ? Speak with your manager. Am I have a financial backup if I loose my current job with normal notice period of 1 or 2 months? Which job location is best for you it long run ? When am I graduating? Why you need a new job (ask yourself,HR will ask the same too). Job hoppers is a big NO. It takes 6 months to train someone and if that new recruit is not intending to stay long it will be a waste of time for employer. 

2.        Understanding your value :- If you are with an employer for a long time 10+ years then your salary may be lower than current market. Salary may not be increasing with inflation or it can highly depend on business performance you are in. People get hired because they represent the best possible answer to an employers need. You need to think outside the box of current employer values and principles and SMART goals to achieve what you want.

3.        Target :- Figure out the type of company that generally need someone like you and consider and understand the kind of environment you will feel comfortable and productive in. Make a list of companies you like to apply for in the location you are looking for. Some employers do allow Friday as Work from home, and some allow complete home based jobs with occasional travel , and there is part time and job share opportunities as well. To learn about companies and benefits you can do a great deal of research on LinkedIn, company website, business case studies, customer portfolio, financial performance (I am sure nobody is looking for job in sinking ship).

4.        Branding yourself :-If you are a heavy social media user clean up yourself. Psychological it says a lot about you to rate you. For what ever role you seek you will likely face strong completion from many candidates with similar background as yours. In UK usually recruiters get 200 to 800 CV’s for a job ad in LinkedIn + recruitment portals. So focus on the qualities, experience and expertise that set you apart from the pack. Recruiters spend 2-3 min to skim your CV, so make sure to edit your CV based on job ad. Develop a consistent message and update your Linkedin Profile with all the skills you are having to get your dream job.

5.        Seek Opportunities:- 80% of new hires come from personal networking, so network with fellow college friends, look through company webpages job boards, LinkedIn Profiles and network anywhere, everywhere and all the time!. 

6.        Prepare yourself :- Nowadays you will be having 6-8 rounds of assessment starting  with telephone rounds , face to face interviews , assessment days etc. in 2-3 months time after applying for jobs. So keep a journal (I used Excel) to make a list of companies I applied for jobs and position and date , so that when a recruiter calls you out of blue you know the employer and position you applied. Don’t mistake statements like “you appear to have what we are looking for” as anything more than a general indication of interest. If it is a planned phone call get ready to ask recruiter questions to understand more of the role and team. Here is a list of 11 answers you should have ready before any job interview                                                                                           http://time.com/money/4226260/interview-questions-answers/   https://news.efinancialcareers.com/uk-en/213388/70-top-banking-interview-questions-and-how-to-answer-them   https://www.jobtestprep.co.uk/interview-manager

7.        Dealing with red flags: - Part of HR screening process is to take a look at anything that might be disqualifying a strong candidate. Recruiters look for 8-9 years of references from your previous employers. Employment Gaps, part time jobs too many or few career transitions may cause concern, so mentally prepare to explain to recruiter. Top 10 tricks used by recruitment agencies https://www.contractoruk.com/agencies/recruitment_agency_tricks.html

8.        Presenting yourself :- Of course it happens at face- face interview go prepared for what ever can be thrown at you. If your interview is scheduled through good agency or a good HR they will provide you the profile of mangers you may be meeting up. As always first impression matters, imagine yourself being hired in that company and be sincere and prepare yourself with lots of info about the company before going for interview. Make a chit sheet , Check Google news to understand company position in media and make a small list of questions to help you to understand the job and company better. Ask questions like why this position has been open now ? What you can expect in Career Growth in 3 years time etc. Check Glassdoor for existing employee reviews . Wiki Jobs is also a great resource. Amazon in my experience had provided me links to practise tests before actual times logical test for Programme Manager Role. Time accuracy and blending in with company profile and recruiter highly matters but don’t fake sincerity or misrepresent what you have done. Every job you have done made you who you are today and be proud of it. Customise the CV based on the industry and type of job you apply.

9.        Negotiate for yourself :- You will always be in a stronger position to negotiate when you reach final rounds of interview. Talk about the objective criteria rather than vague wants and give a solid justification for whatever request you make. Consider the benefits, travel expenses, visa caps for salary etc .   

10. Hey I am talking about your future Salary:- You may be earning £25,000 per year in your current job and take home after tax will be less than £20,000. Every day in your current job you are gaining experience and learning so your value is also increasing along with client experience, certifications etc. So don’t underestimate yourself when HR ask you below Question:  What do you earn now ?  Answer What I earn now doesn’t matter but I am looking for salary £40000+ in my next position, is employer ready to give that ? Next this is what happens, recruiter in most cases (HR) will tell the truth about what they are planning to offer and negotiate with you for £35000. If your profile is strong recruiter will also help you to get good salary because they are getting 3-5% of your annual salary from your new recruiter if you stay in job for 6 months (rules changes company to company ). Be prepared to give P60’s P45’s from existing employee and a good 2 references from current job to close the whole process with an offer letter after company internal screening procedure(2-3 weeks) through global databases to make sure you are the person what you state in CV and hiring you .Salary take home calculator  http://www.netsalarycalculator.co.uk/25000-after-tax/           3% PF, NI, Tax is a compulsory in UK now by legislation. 

11. The Sunday Times 100 Best Companies

12. Here is some of agencies I have liked and complete list below :-http://www.lse.ac.uk/intranet/CareersAndVacancies/careersService/CareerPlanningJobHunting/JobHunting/RecruitmentAgencies/ListOfAgencies.aspx

13. Develop your employability skills   https://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/interviews/ivquest.htm

14. Some Good Recruiters http://recruiterawards.co.uk/2017-shortlist/

All the best ….

Inbox me if you need help https://uk.linkedin.com/in/annmj17

Thanks

Ann

Dec 23^rd 2017

London.

Recycle your Christmas Tree

Christmas trees are reasonably fast growers when it comes to trees in general. It may, however,  surprise you to know how long it actually takes to grow a Christmas tree.

Firs generally take about 10 years to grow from seed to a size ready for cutting.

After planting, it will take these seed 3-4 years to reach a height of around 25cm.

Have you planted a Christmas tree 10 years ago to cut it today ???

Over the past decade National Trust staff and hundreds of volunteers have dug in over 15,000 recycled Christmas trees to create fences across the sand dunes. These fences have been placed in areas where the naturally occurring Marram Grass has been lost due to trampling. More info here 

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/formby/features/recycle-your-christmas-tree-at-formby


Register here for free tree collection after Christmas

 https://www.charityxmastreecollection.com/

Chemicals are licensed to use on your Veg and Fruits

When trying to keep the grocery bill down, organic produce can seem like an indulgence you just can’t afford.

It's true—in most cases, you pay more for fruits and vegetables raised with the extra care it takes to protect plants without chemicals. But what are you really bringing home with those savings?

Chemicals known or suspected of causing cancer, harming the brain, and interfering with growth and development—not to mention killing off bee colonies that pollinate the plants in the first place.

Eating up to 800g fruit and vegetables a day – or 10 portions – was associated with:

·         a 24 per cent reduced risk of heart disease

·         a 33 per cent reduced risk of stroke

·         a 28 per cent reduced risk of cardiovascular disease

·         a 13 per cent reduced risk of total cancer

·         a 31 per cent reduction in dying prematurely

This risk was calculated in comparison to not eating any fruit and vegetables. The current UK guidelines are to eat at least five portions or 400g per day. However fewer than one in three UK adults are thought to meet this target.

13 things to know about Organic Food 

https://www.rd.com/health/healthy-eating/13-things-you-didnt-know-about-organic-food/

What happen if You Eat 2 Eggs a Day

1. Slowing Down of the Aging Process

One study which was conducted by Dutch scientists claimed that 87% of women from 35 to 40 years old consumed eggs and they managed to get rid of their age spots. What is more, their skin was lifted as well. Also, the wrinkles around the eyes that appeared in men smoothed as well.

2. Useful When Planning Children

The B vitamins are a part of the formation of the sex hormones. for instance, B9 vitamin, or folic acid, can help the red blood cells and the neural tube of the fetus to for. Also, it will reduce the risk of mental retardation in children. Thus, vitamin B9 is clearly very necessary for women when pregnant. 1 chicken egg contains 7.0 mcg of this vitamin.

3. Decreases the Risk of Cancer

Choline, which is needed for the brain, is also one of those ingredients that reduces the risk of cancer. One study, which explored the daily diet of women in adolescence that included eggs, claimed that the risk of breast cancer decreased by 18%.

4. Start Losing Weight

Some American scientists concluded that if you combine a low-calorie diet and chicken eggs consumption for breakfast, you will lose the weight faster. This type of a breakfast will keep you satiated longer, thus, allowing you to decrease the amount of food you usually eat daily.

5. Reduced Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases

Some new research has shown that the cholesterol from the eggs is actually balanced with phosphatides, thus, it does not harm our health. Moreover, it inhibits the body’s own cholesterol production. Plus, the eggs contain omega-3 acids which will reduce the triglyceride levels, thus, in that way reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

6. Vitamin B Complex Protects the Skin, Hair and Liver

The biotin, vitamin B12 and other digestible nourishing proteins contribute to the strengthening of the hair and skin. Also, there are phospholipids in the chicken eggs which will help with the elimination of toxins from the liver.

7. Vitamin D Helps Absorb Calcium

If you present a choice to a person of drinking a spoonful of fish oil or just eating a boiled egg, most of them will prefer the egg. The content of vitamin D is the same in both cases actually. Also, scientists have found a way to increase the amount of vitamin D content in the eggs by feeding chickens special supplements. Vitamin D will in turn help the calcium to be absorbed and it will strengthen the bones and teeth as well.

8. Lutein Preserves the Sight

Some new research has shown that chicken eggs are also enriched in lutein. This in turn is responsible for clear and sharp eyesight. If you are deficient of it, your eyes will start to deteriorate and some destructive changes in the eye tissue will accumulate.

9. The Brain is Under Choline’s Protection

Phospholipids, which help with the communication of the brain cells, are consisted of choline. It was actually clinically proven that this vitamin is the best when it comes to the building of the brain’s material. If you consume 2 eggs a day, the body will have enough of this nutrient. However, if you are deficient of it, it might lead to memory loss.

These are the 9 reasons you have to consume eggs more, as if we needed more. Get to eating some eggs and enjoy the benefits they offer. You are welcome!

Uses of Okra / Vendaka

Okra, also known as “lady’s finger”, is a perennial flowering plant belonging to the Malvaceae (mallows) family and named scientifically as Abelmoschus esculentus. One of most nutritious vegetables around Okra is cultivated throughout the tropical and warm temperate regions around the world for its fibrous fruits or “pods”. The pods are handpicked while just short of reaching maturity and eaten as a vegetable. 

Why you should include Okra in your diet? 

Okra has a long list of health benefits:

1. Rich Fiber Source: Okra’s rich fiber content helps in better digestion, and regularization of bowels. The soluble fiber, Pectin, swells up in the intestine and helps in easier elimination of the wastes from the intestine.
2. For Diabetes: It has insulin-like properties that help to reduce blood sugar levels. Eugenol, a type of fiber found in Okra, helps to stabilize blood sugar by curbing the rate at which sugar is absorbed from the intestinal tract.
3. For Pregnancy and Fetal development: Abundant Folates in Okra, not only help in conceiving but also in fetus’ brain development, prevention of miscarriages, formation of the fetal neural tube, and preventing any defects in the tube.
4. For Strong Bones: Vitamin K is a co-factor in the vital blood-clotting process and along with Folates, restores bone density, strengthens bones and prevents osteoporosis.
5. For Asthma: The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Okra, and rich vitamin C content, curtail the development of asthma symptoms and prevent fatal attacks.
6. Respiratory soother: A decoction of leaves and flowers of Okra are used in treating bronchitis and pneumonia. Its mucilaginous (slimy, gluey) quality makes it an excellent home remedy for treatment of common cold and flu.
7. Relieves Constipation: The rich fiber and mucilaginous content in Okra pods help increase stool bulk, facilitate proper absorption of water, bind to toxins, lubricate the large intestines, and ensure easy bowel movements, with its natural laxative properties.
8. Treats Sun strokes: Those suffering from summer heat and sun strokes should include Okra in their diet. Relieves from weakness, exhaustion, and overall depression.
9. Lowers Colon cancer risk: The insoluble fiber found in Okra cleans out the intestinal tract, decreasing the risk of colon-rectal cancer. The high antioxidants in Okra helps protect the immune system against harmful free radicals and prevent mutation of cells.
10. Prevents Obesity: Okra provides minimum calories, the fiber helps in keeping you full for longer, and the abundant nutrients nourish you.
11. Lowers Cholesterol: Okra contains soluble fiber pectin, which helps in lowering the serum (bad) cholesterol and prevents atherosclerosis. It does it by altering the production of bile in the intestines and aiding in elimination of deposited cholesterol and clots.
12. Skin Detoxifier:  Fiber aidstoxic waste cleansing and Vitamin C aids in repairing body tissues, preventing skin pigmentation, reducing acne, psoriasis and other skin conditions.
13. Lively Hair: The transparent mucilage imparts life and bounce to unruly, curly and lifeless hair. It acts as a great hair conditioner, scalp moisturizer for dry and itchy scalp, fights dandruff and lice, and adds a youthful sheen to your hair.
14. Detoxification: Okra’s fiber not only aids the stool function but the mucilage binds cholesterol and bile acid, ejecting toxins, dumped into it by the filtering liver.
15. Immunity Booster: The high antioxidants and vitamin C content make Okra a good immune booster food. Other essential minerals like magnesium, manganese, calcium and iron fight against harmful free radicals and promote healthy immune system.
16. Clear Vision: Okra contains beta-carotenes (precursor of vitamin A), xanthin and lutein, all antioxidant properties, preventing eye problems like cataract and glaucoma.
17. Prevents Anemia: Iron, Folate, and Vitamin K aid in hemoglobin formation, blood coagulation, and red blood cells production, providing a supreme defense against anemia.
18. Cures Ulcers: The alkaline mucilaginous content helps neutralize acids and provides a temporary protective coating for the digestive tract speeding up the healing of peptic ulcers.
19. Treats Genital Disorders: Okra increases sexual potency and is beneficial in treating genital disorders like syphilis, gonorrhoea, leucorrhoea, dysuria and excessive menstrual bleeding.
20. Rich Protein Source: The seeds of Okra are an excellent source of first-rate vegetable protein and oils, enriched with amino acids like tryptophan, cystine and other sulfur amino acids.
21. Feeds Blood Network: Studies show that eating plenty of flavonoid and vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables, such as Okra helps to support the structure of blood capillaries.
22. Probiotics Feed: Good bacteria (probiotics), in intestines, thrive on Okra, contributing greatly to the health of the intestinal tract. It helps biosynthesis of Vitamin B complex, similar to how yoghurt serves the small intestine.

Calcium Supplement from food

Health plan for long hair

A common question about eating a diet for healthy hair and scalps is whether or not the average person can get all of their nutrients from just food alone. 

When it comes to healthy eating it can be very challenging to get the nutrients needed for healthy hair just from an average nutritional program.

Although vitamins designed to promote healthy hair are very effective, they are most effective when combined with a healthy hair diet.

It can be particularly challenging to get all the healthy hair nutrients you need from food alone if youre dieting or if you avoid all animal or dairy products.

Super Foods For Your Hair Diet

Consider adding the following super foods to your diet to benefit your hair and your scalp.

Almonds – Loaded with vitamins and nutrients, almonds are one of the hair friendliest of nuts. Almonds provide nearly 25 percent of the recommended daily allowance of magnesium which is an essential mineral for growing strong healthy strands. Studies have shown that magnesium deficiencies can trigger hair loss.

Eggs

A 1/4-cup serving of dry roasted almonds (preferably unsalted) provides approximately 45 percent of your daily recommended allowance of manganese and vitamin E. As a bonus almonds also include zinc, Omega-3 and selenium.

Spinach – Loaded with Vitamin A, C and E, spinach is a great food for hair and the scalp. It’s rich in iron and manganese which are key for healthy hair growth and maintenance.

Although iron helps minimize or prevent hair loss it’s always best to get it from minerals rather than from vitamins. Green and leafy vegetables as well as broccoli and brussel sprouts are also power foods for hair.

Carrots – Carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A which is critical for keeping the hair and scalp healthy. Root vegetables like ginger and onions are also excellent sources of vitamins and minerals.

Beans – Black beans have the highest level of antioxidant levels which provide many benefits to the scalp and hair. While other beans such as brown and white beans can be beneficial, black beans are considered the very best.

Red & Green Apples

Eggs – Eggs are foods which are rich in iron which are key for healthy hair growth and maintenance. Iron helps with hair loss. Eggs are also rich in hair healthy biotin and vitamin B-12. Other foods in the same category are iron rich eggs are beetroots, dates and raisins.

Coconut – Adding coconut foods or related products such as coconut oil, chutney and milk is very useful in encouraging healthy hair and scalps as well as preventing hair loss.

Pomegranates – Chock full of Polyphenols, isoflavones and ellagic acids. Also rich in antioxidants which are important for healthy hair. For the best results eat the fruit as well as the seeds. Chew the seeds completely to get the most benefits.

Pomegranates are also high in Omega fatty acids which help the immune system as well as contribute to healthy scalp and strands. Raspberries and pterostibene rich blueberries are also great for hair along with some dried fruits and especially cherry juice (sugar free).

Coconut

Oatmeal – A diet rich in silica, iron and calcium is very helpful for healthy hair and scalp. It’s also thought to minimize or prevent hair loss.

Raw oats are rich in silica, iron and calcium. Eat whole oats rather than instant oats to achieve maximum hair and scalp benefits. Brown rice and whole grains are also extremely beneficial.

Turkey – Hair experts disagree about the best meat choices for healthy hair. Some experts recommend red meats but others suggested that poultry such as turkey and chicken are actually better.

Both turkey and chicken are easily digested and absorbed into the body. Both meats are both rich in protein and iron.

Protein is important when it comes to healthy hair. A long term lack of proper dietary protein can cause hair to become dry, damaged and brittle. In some cases lack of proper protein can cause hair color loss. Of course fish is always an excellent source of protein and Omega-3 oils.

Vegetarians may wish to get their protein from special protein powders or bars.

Seaweed – Whether eaten crumbled into salads are wrapped around California roles seaweed is very rich in polyphenols and is excellent for long term hair health.

Olive Oils

Nuts – Brazil nuts contain a very high source of selenium which is essential for maintaining healthy hair. Other nuts like walnuts are rich inOmega-3 alpha-linolenic acids which help maintain healthy tresses. Nuts are always rich in zinc which are also important for hair health.

Dairy Products – Not everyone can handle diary products due to lactose intolerance. For those who can handle dairy, skim milk and sugar free yogurts are wonderful sources of calcium and essential minerals for healthy hair.

Other Hair Healthy Foods

Other foods which should be included in your diet for healthy hair and scalp are Winter squash, pumpkins, black pepper and a variety of seeds such as sunflower seeds and flax seeds which are chock full of extra omega-3 and zinc.

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is always a great healthy hair building oil.

Summary

Before embarking on any type of new dietary program for your hair, scalp or for other beauty concerns, always do your research and when in doubt always contact your primary care physician /GP for guidance.

Stepping out of comfort zone

One of the absolute best strategies to step outside your comfort zone is to embrace discomfort.

Josh Waitzkin is a multi-time national chess champion who transitioned into becoming a world champion martial artist. To put it simply, this guy know what is takes to perform under serious pressure at the absolute highest levels. He wrote an amazing book about his journey and what it takes to be a top performer called The Art of Learning. You can also get a great summary of some of the key ideas from The Art of Learning in this incredible interview Josh did with Tim Ferriss a few years ago.

My favorite quote from The Art of Learning perfectly answers your question:

"My whole life I have worked on this issue. Mental resilience is arguably the most critical trait of a world-class performer, and it should be nurtured continuously.Left to my own devices, I am always looking for ways to become more and more psychologically impregnable. When uncomfortable, my instinct is not to avoid the discomfort but to become at peace with it. When injured, which happens frequently in the life of a martial artist, I try to avoid painkillers and to change the sensation of pain into a feeling that is not necessarily negative. My instinct is always to seek out challenges as opposed to avoiding them. This type of internal work can take place in the little moments of our lives. I mentioned how my style over the board was to create chessic mayhem and then to sort my way through the chaos more effectively than my opponents. This was a muscle I built up by training myself to be at peace with the unclear and tumultuous— and most of the training was in everyday life.” - Josh Waitzkin, The Art of Learning

Josh provides some incredible wisdom in that quote. Embracing discomfort and becoming at peace with it is the best way to cultivate mental toughness and resilience - and this is KEY - that work takes place in your EVERY DAY LIFE. The little moments where you can push yourself beyond your comfort zone and get uncomfortable build tolerance and slowly expand your ability to get tougher and tougher.

The Sphere of Discomfort

I call this the “sphere of discomfort” and it reminds me of a quote by George Addair “Everything You’ve Ever Wanted Is On The Other Side Of Fear.”

When you do something for the first time it’s scary. When you do it for the 10th time, you’re staring to get the hang of it. When you do it for the 1000th time, you’re practically getting bored.

When you play on the edges of your comfort zone, those edges slowly expand, and expand, and expand - and you start to be able to do more things, to push more boundaries, to achieve goals you never thought possible.

The strength and courage to break out of your comfort zone happens, as Josh said, in those little moments of your life. Take the opportunity to make yourself uncomfortable. Take a cold shower. Talk to a stranger. Ask the coffee shop for a free cup of coffee, just because. That’s how you start to get more and more comfortable with discomfort. Rejection therapy is another great tool to start really getting out of your comfort zone.

Get Uncomfortable

For a few resources on how to go deeper on this I would recommend checking out the following:

1. In this Google Talk - Josh Waitzkin himself explains many of his ideas and concepts around performance.
2. In this podcast episode I break down a number of strategies for embracing discomfort in your daily life (and go deeper on Josh’s story).
3. In this Ted Talk Jia Jiang discusses “rejection therapy” which can be a great way to familiarize yourself with discomfort (especially if you struggle with social situations).
4. In this interview Dr. Andy Molinsky, a professor of psychology, explains the fears trapping you in your comfort zone, and a number of strategies for getting outside your comfort zone.

All of those resources, would be a great starting point toward getting out of your comfort zone.

Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Rober Cialdini 2014

Audio book here https://youtu.be/Je1_zZKJVY0
PDF here http://elibrary.bsu.az/books_400/N_232.pdf

It may hurt but it works

If you were physically active continue your activity in moderation.  Do what's most comfortable for you.