Choose Your References Wisely!

So, you need to submit employment references. A simple task, right? Sure, you could contact three of your closest friends and ask them to be your references. They may be able to testify to your character, but do they know how well you would perform on the job? Probably not. Let's explore the types of references you must seek, the number of people you should include, and to whom references should be submitted.

Whom To Select

When selecting references, it is always a good idea to find those people who know how well you work. Supervisors you reported to directly or co-workers are some of the best choices. However, some companies frown on supervisors from being a reference and, instead, require that they list the Human Resources department as the contact point. Legal issues play into that decision.

Co-workers can be a good choice, especially if they held a position of authority even if they weren't over you. The company's receptionist may know you best, but oftentimes it is the title [position] of the person that pulls the greater weight.

How Many References?

A minimum of three references should be garnered. Four or five if each one is solid. You need to inform the person you select that they are a reference in advance. Of course, that means you need to get their permission first. Do not put someone on the spot -- kindly ask if they would be a reference; if they decline don't take it personally. There could be any number of reasons why someone won't be your reference; speculating will only cause you to formulate a reason which could be entirely false.

Furnishing References

Never, ever list references on your résumé. Simply end your résumé with References furnished upon request. Prepare a separate sheet of paper and list the same contact information you have on the top of your résumé including your name, address, phone contacts and email address. After that, create a heading titled References and list each person's name and title, company, and phone number. Use an address if available and include an email address if available. You can double space it, number it, or use bullets. There is no "magic" to it, simply be as careful with your Reference page as you are with your résumé: check for typos, grammatical errors, etc.

Today, many contacts are done through other means [e.g., email], but most of the time companies will want to contact the reference for more information directly. Make sure that all your contact information is accurate.

One Final Point

Do not automatically send references unless they are requested. If a company only wants your résumé send only your résumé. Guard your references very closely and only give them out to those who request it.

Working From Home - Preparing For the Job Interview

We all go through the common nervousness associated with a job interview but an interview for a telecommuting job, holds to a higher plane and needs as much preparation it can afford. With that being said, you can't predict what questions the interviewer will ask, but you can be prepared. Here are a few tips:

Be ready.

This may seem standard; however, if it's important to make sure when the interviewer calls, you're prompt, and your background is quiet. Make sure that you don't speak too softly or too fast as the interviewer will probably be taking down notes. Also, be prepared to cover job descriptions from your resume and be sure to note how the experience relates to the position you are applying for.

Be confident in answering questions.

You'll be asked questions like "Why do you want to work from home?" "Why do you feel you are qualified for the position?" Examples of instances from past jobs relating to customer interactions and responses. For each of your answers, be professional. Do not mention the need for a job, wanting to work home to be closer to family, or anything that does not involve your position. You want the interviewer to control the call, while being completely focused on your skills. The attitude you want to convey throughout the call, is the fact that you can get the job done and do it better than anyone else. If that type of confidence is not heard within your voice, there's a chance you've let a great career slip through the cracks. Don't let this happen.

Make sure to ask the interviewer questions.

Having prior knowledge of the job and company is key to impressing the interviewer. Make them aware that you know your stuff and ask questions related to your position using your knowledge. For example, if you read in a press release that ABC Company just released their work home program in Jan of 08, you can use this information as a base to form your questions. Your question can go something like, "I was reading in a press release about the work home program implemented in Jan of 08. I'm curious to find out about the time frame for advancement while working from home." This lets the interviewer know that you understand the job, and the company; while hinting your interest staying within the company long-term.

It's perfectly normal to be nervous. But as long as you are qualified for the position and prepared to answer questions relating to your experience, you have nothing to worry about. The key to selling yourself is confidence, confidence and more confidence. So research, prepare your environment, and stay positive and you next call about the job will be the one stating that you're hired.

Five Tricks to Have a Fun Winter Camping Time

Camping during the summer season means relaxing under the warmth of the sun, enjoying the scent of summer air and getting pleasurable and refreshing dips in the lake. It's no wonder there a lot of people who prefer camping during this season.

However, those who couldn't wait for summer, those who are up for more adventure in the cold or those who just couldn't get enough of camping go to camping trips even during cold weather or the winter season. And although summer camping may seem the better choice for some people, it doesn't mean that camping in cold weather cannot be as enjoyable.

There are a few tricks that winter campers do to have the best camping time even in cold weather.

First off, you got to have the right camping gear suitable for winter camping. Equip yourself with the right kind of tent that will give you sufficient protection from the cold. Winter camping tents as well as four season tents are now available in camping gear stores. Also, bring a sleeping bag made of fabrics that are designed to provide you with enough insulation and heat. These are important because they will enable you to get a comfortable night's sleep that will revitalize you for the next day's camping activities.

Second, don't forget to pack adequate and proper cold season clothing. Bring jackets, sweatshirts, hats, gloves, jogging pants and the works. Choose clothing that are made of thick and warm fabric because even though you have a winter tent and the right kind of sleeping bag, of course you have to get out of there at some point. And you don't want to freeze yourself in the cold.

Third, it would be nice to have hot drinks ready when you want to rid inner body chill. So this means you shouldn't forget to bring along a portable water heater. A portable water heater is also useful for heating up water for cooking meals and preparing soup. Hot meals are of course more than welcome in time of cold. Aside from that, with a portable water heater, you can have a warm bath which is also pleasant during cold weather.

Fourth, it's also smart to bring a reliable heater that will provide you with comfortable warmth. Coleman heaters such as the Coleman BlackCat(TM) Perfectemp(TM) Catalytic Heater which are specifically designed for indoor use or in enclosed areas such as your tent will surely make chilly nights much more relaxing and restful. Just be sure that you practice safety precautions in using any heater.

Fifth, if there's one thing that summer cannot offer is the opportunity for delightful and amusing winter games. Childhood has taught you that there are a lot of fun things you can do with snow. You can do some winter sports like snowboarding, skiing and the like given that you're in a camping park that offers such amenities. If not, you can build a snowman with the kids or have a snowball fight with your friends.

Whatever season it is, whether it's with the sun or in the snow, camping is always a great way to have a vacation. It brings you close to nature, enables you to spend some quality time with your loved ones and gives you the relaxation you need after working so hard.

Understand the Key Elements of Estate Planning

Many people think that estate planning begins and ends with the writing of a Will. And even then only about a third of all Americans have Wills in place. Drafting a Will is an important first step in estate planning, but the process involves much more, such as financial, tax, medical and business planning. With proper estate planning, you can determine how your assets will be handled before and after your death, who will make medical decisions for you and how minor children and other family members will be cared for. In addition to a Will, good estate planning involves doing some of all of the following things.

Consider a trust.

Placing your property in a living trust will help your family avoid probate, a sometimes long and costly court-supervised process for transferring assets to beneficiaries. The person who you have named as the successor trustee transfers ownership, allowing for a faster resolution and avoiding court fees.

Write a Living Will and name a Health Care Proxy.

Without a living will, your wishes as to what health care decisions are made should you be incapacitated may not be followed. You can avoid this by working with a lawyer to draft a strong healthcare proxy. A healthcare proxy designates who will be making decisions on your behalf when you are unable to make them for yourself.

Name Beneficiaries.

Any bank accounts or retirement plans you have should have beneficiaries named to them. Naming beneficiaries makes the account automatically payable on death to your beneficiary, again allowing your family to skip the probate process. In most states, you can also register your stocks, bonds, or brokerage accounts to transfer to your beneficiary.

Make a Durable Power of Attorney.

By naming an agent, or attorney-in-fact, you will ensure that someone you trust will handle your financial affairs should you become unable to do so. An attorney-in-fact can be named to serve for a specific amount of time or until the power is revoked. Remember, this arrangement is not set in stone. You have the power to revoke the authority of your agent at any time should circumstances change.

Protect your children and their property.

It is important that you name both guardians and successor guardians for your children. This way should something happen to one guardian there is a clear plan for establishing who will care for your children. Also, you should name an individual who will manage any money and property your minor children may inherit from you. This may be the same person as your guardian or someone else.

Make final arrangements.

Inform a trusted individual as to how you would like loved ones to be notified of your death and what your wishes are with regards to your funeral arrangements. Make sure that you have planned for the cost of these arrangements to avoid putting unnecessary stress on your family.

Make arrangements for your business.

Depending on your particular situation, you should either have a succession plan, buyout agreement or sales arrangement for any businesses you may own. This will ensure that your business and its assets are transferred or liquefied in a manner that follows your wishes.

Self Hypnosis-What Is It Really All About?

Sometimes it can seem like your mind is your own worst enemy. You can't seem to quit smoking, or perhaps you have other habits and patterns of thinking that cause more trouble than they are worth. Then again, maybe it is not your mind that is the problem, but life, throwing all sorts of apparently insurmountable problems your way. If you've ever wished there was a way to use your mind more effectively, and to get inside it and turn off those negative thoughts and behaviors, you'll be pleased to know that such a method exists. It is known as self hypnosis, and it allows you to use the power of your own mind to solve problems and make the changes that you have been wanting to make, both in yourself and your life.

Essentially, the process of self hypnosis involves putting yourself in a state of increased relaxation and suggestibility. During this time your unconscious is allowed to work directly on the problems you put before it. You will experience increased mental focus during this time, as your mind sets itself to work on whatever task you have given it. This is also an excellent time for self affirmation, telling your mind what you would like to be, or have, and allowing it to manufacture states of being or find ways to get what it is you are asking for.

There are two main types of approach that you can take to self hypnosis. The first way is very controlled and mechanical. You enter the hypnotic state, and then make suggestions to yourself in the form of words or mental pictures.

The second approach, and the more favored one for reasons that will be made clear, is to set the goal of the session before you enter the hypnotic state. Let your subconscious know what it is you would like it to work on. This is known as prehypnotic suggestion. Then you can simply relax during the hypnosis itself and let your unconscious work its own way around the problem.

The second approach is favored as it more fully allows you to unlock the power of your unconscious mind. Simply giving it the problem and letting it go to work on it is a holistic approach that minimizes the filters of your conscious.

The iMethod is a technique you can follow if you want to take a more structured approach to self hypnosis. It is essentially a set of exercises performed consciously, such as repeating affirmations, imagining various things, in an effort to reach the unconscious via the conscious.

The Betty Erikson technique is a technique that utilizes the power of your unconscious directly, and is an established method of self hypnosis which you might find useful in your own practice. The steps are detailed below if you wish to try this technique for yourself.

First get comfortable. Try to slow your breathing and relax your body. This is not a stressful exercise, nor one you should be in a state of excitement for.

State your goal before you begin. Tell yourself "I am going into a trance in order to ..." This is where you state what you would like to achieve with the trance. Then say "During this session, my unconscious mind may make adjustments so that...." Once again, you state your objective, reaffirming it in your mind, and giving your unconscious permission to have free rein to work on the problem you have posed it.

Then state "In __ minutes , I am going to feel....", and tell yourself how you want to feel after the trance is complete, and how long you want the session to last.

You then begin the induction phase. Take notice of three things that you see, one at a time. These should be three objects in your environment. Then take note of three things that you hear, it could be the clock ticking, or the wind rustling outside. Nextly, become aware of three sensations your body feels, the feel of your clothing, a slight heat, whatever cues your environment is providing. Continue this process, now going to two things that you see, hear and feel.

Once you have completed this process, close your eyes. It's now time to imagine an object, "see" it in your mind's eye. Then imagine a sound, followed by a feeling. Once you have completed this cycle, repeat with two images, two sounds, etc, up until you have reached three of each again.

You may find that you loose track during this process, which is okay, as it tells you you have reached a point that the trance has been effective. You can stop this at any time that feels good to you to stop. Interestingly, this is very often close to the time you suggested initially!

Practicing this technique frequently will allow you to become a more effective self hypnotist, and see more of the results you are looking for. Remember that this is the unconscious mind you are dealing with, so even though you may not see directly relevant results immediately, it does not mean that your mind have not found a solution and is working on it for you. You may suddenly find that you have what you wanted when you least expect it. The most important thing you need to do to make your self hypnosis sessions as effective and enjoyable as possible is simply to relax and put your trust in the power of your mind. You can do it.

How to Choose a Guest House in India

India is a land of diversities. It has a nice blend of the old and the new. And the same holds true for accommodations as well. There are luxury accommodations as well as budget accommodations to choose from here. The budget accommodations in India include the guesthouses, the B&Bs, the home stays etc.

If you are traveling on a budget and looking to book a guesthouse in India, there are a few things you should keep in mind before making a booking:

1. Location- Always take note of the location of a guesthouse in India. There are guesthouses here which are located in shady places which must be avoided at all costs. While booking a guest-house, it is always better to book one in a residential area or one near the market place, as it gives easy accessibility to the transport of the city.

2. Type of accommodation- This is another factor to be taken into account before finalizing a best guesthouse in India. There are hotels in the country which just offer an air conditioned accommodation, while others offer an air conditioned accommodation along with breakfast. There are still others which offer a fully furnished serviced apartment to stay in. The one you settle on depends on your requirements and your personal choice. For example- if you planning to stay long in the city, it is always advisable to go for a guest house in India which offers serviced apartments as they offer the comfort of a home.

3. Amenities- This factor should also be taken into account while choosing a guest house in India. The various amenities present in the guest house can be seen on its website, if it has a website, or it could be seen on various travel portals which have the description of various guest -houses in the country. The more amenities the guesthouse has, the better it is.

4. Cost- This is the most crucial factor to be taken into account while deciding a guesthouse in India. The value for money proposition should be taken into account while booking an accommodation. It is not necessary that the cheapest deal is the best deal or the most expensive guesthouse is always the best one. The amenities, the location and the facilities available at the guesthouse should be taken into account along with the cost of the accommodation per night and then weighed with other options to see which guesthouse is offering the best deal.

The above guide should be kept in mind while deciding a guesthouse in India. It can help you shortlist and make an informed choice.