November 2009 - Posts

Climbing the Ladder
Sunday, November 01, 2009 11:04 AM

What questions should YOU ask during an interview? 

A job interview shouldn't be an examination of the applicant, it should be a conversation. Sure, the objective of an interview is to make a business to think that you'll be a perfect fit for their company—but are they a perfect fit for you?

 

Often it's encouraged, and sometimes expected, for the applicant to ask the interviewer questions. Having the right questions prepared will help you stand out from the other applicants. Be sure to think of at least three questions to ask the interviewer and bring a notepad so you can jot down questions you may have during the course of the interview.

 

Consider asking the following questions during your next interview:

 

How would you describe a typical work day?
Get an idea of your daily work requirements and what you can expect to do every day.

 

How would you describe an ideal employee?
This question will tell you their expectations and give you insight on how you should behave.

What is the culture of the company?
Is this company professional or casual? Is it a suit and tie kind of company or does everyone wear jeans?

 

What happened to the last person in this position?
Whether they quit, were fired, promoted or demoted, each answer could give you a clue about what to expect in the future.

 

What are your expectations for this position during the first year?
Get your goals up front so you can work towards them from the very first day.

 

May I call if I have any other questions?
Interviewing is stressful and you might remember things you wanted to ask once you're more relaxed. This question will also let them know that you're interested in the job.

 

Are there opportunities for further education or training?
Show them you're willing to grow and adapt as the business changes over time.

 

Where do you see this company in the next five years?
This type of question is often asked by the interviewer to the applicant and you should ask it, too. Knowing their plans for the future will help you decide if you and the company will still be compatible in five years. It also shows that you plan on long-term employment.

 

If all of your prepared questions are answered, go back and ask for more details on points that you are particularly interested in. Avoid obvious questions—ones that could easily be found on their Web site. Show that you're interested in how you and the company can grow and be successful together instead of how the company can benefit you.

 

Do you have any helpful questions to add?

by tinadh | with no comments
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Family Matters
Sunday, November 01, 2009 1:02 AM

How do you fit in family downtime? 

It’s easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of day-to-day activities. Getting ahead in your professional life and balancing your family’s schedules means that family downtime gets put to the side far too often. Here are a few ways that you can adjust your life and reconnect with your family for some much needed downtime.

 

Sometimes finding the time to get everyone together can be the most daunting task. Between soccer practice, school recitals, your job, and other obligations, it is difficult to sit and spend time with your family. Pick a date and stick to it. Whether it is later in the week or later in the month, the important thing is that you find a date where the whole family can come together. Don’t let last-minute plans creep in either. That means you may have to say “no” to friends and other family members or even to your children when they want to go to a last-minute birthday party. Make your family the top priority and show your family how important it is that you all spend time together.

 

Planning ahead is extremely important. Have a few options of what you want to do and let the family decide. Plan a picnic at the park, go to the zoo, or take the family to a ballgame. When the weather doesn’t cooperate, plan a board game night or watch a movie as a family and talk about your favorite parts when the film is over. The most important thing is to remember you’re trying to spend quality time with your family and it’s not necessarily what you are doing but the fact that you are all together.

 

If your weekends are already jam packed with events, turn dinnertime into the most important time of the day. Turn off the TV, turn off the phone and turn to each other for entertainment. Ask your children how their day was and let them talk. Listen to them and let every member at the table be involved. A strong, open relationship with your children means that they will be more comfortable coming to you when they are having problems at school, in their relationships, or with any other problems while growing up.

 

Family downtime can be accomplished if you put in a little effort. Bringing everyone together will help reestablish closeness within your family. By putting family first and doing a little bit of planning you can turn something that seems like a chore into a wonderful new family tradition.

 

How do you fit in family downtime?

by tinadh | 1 comment(s)
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An Excerpt from The Survival Guide for Working Moms (and Other Stressed-Out Adults)
Sunday, November 01, 2009 12:15 AM

  

Help for the Holidays
As if working moms aren’t busy enough

Holidays may be filled with glitter and joy, but the period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day can also be a very chaotic, stressful time. The following tips will help you navigate the holiday whirlwind and keep you off the "naughty" list.

Watch your spending
With all the emphasis on shopping for the holidays, it may be hard to stick to your budget or resist the shiny, new toys that come onto the market at this time. To guard yourself against excessive spending, remember that the spirit of giving has to do with showing people you care, not showering everyone with expensive gifts. First ask yourself, "What bills need to be paid?" and "How much can I afford to spend this year on gifts?"

Think before you shop
Don’t go into a store (or online) without knowing what you want to buy. Create a list of gift ideas and figure out exactly who you will buy gifts for and how much you can afford to spend on each gift. Keep the list in your wallet, stick with your plan, and stay within your budget for each gift.

To read more, get a FREE copy of our book, "The Survival Guide for Working Moms (and Other Stressed-Out Adults)," by Diana Zuckerman, Ph.D. and Brandel France de Bravo, M.P.H.  

* While quantities last. Premiums subject to availability. A substitution of equal or greater value may be made. 

About the authors
Diana Zuckerman, Ph.D. is the President of the National Research Center for Women & Families, a research and education charity that provides free health and safety information and works to improve policies and programs that improve the health of women, children and families. Brandel France de Bravo is the Director of Public Affairs and Communications at the National Research Center for Women & Families. For useful information about health issues that affect your family and for more information about the National Research Center for Women & Families, visit http://www.center4research.org/

by tinadh | with no comments
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Admin's Assistant
Sunday, November 01, 2009 12:08 AM

What gift should you give your boss this holiday season?  

The holidays are approaching. Do you buy your boss a gift? If so, what should you get? You have to avoid sending the wrong impression when giving gifts at work. You want it to be somewhat fun, but it must be tasteful. Think of the individual and what’s been offered in the past.

 

Do you really know a lot about your boss and their out-of-office interests? Do you know their hobbies? If they are avid golfers, consider a golf-related gift. Or maybe purchase a store gift card so they can choose their own gift! Just don’t overspend, so as not to look like you’re trying especially hard to impress.

 

They may be suitable for friends or family, but don’t be tempted by gag gifts—they are considered a workplace taboo. Check around your office and see if there are any policies in place about giving your boss a gift. Your Human Resource manual may have a policy that you’re unaware of. Many companies do not allow employer/employee gift exchanges.

 

Larger companies may frown on employee/employer gift exchanges because several employees report to the same boss. It may be totally acceptable at a small company and your boss may see it simply as an act of appreciation.

 

Whatever you decide to give your boss as a holiday gift, wrap it—you want your gift to be nicely presented. What you choose to give and how you present your gift can say a lot about you.

 

Appropriate gifts for your boss could include calendars, organizers, pen sets, food baskets, stationery, tea, coffee or even stress-reducing squeeze balls. Some other work-appropriate gift ideas to give your boss are:

  • Food trays for all employees to enjoy, even homemade
  • A donation made to a local charity in the name of all employees
  • Gift cards from coffee shops or book/music stores 

Will you be giving your boss a gift this holiday season?

by tinadh | with no comments
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Renew You!
Sunday, November 01, 2009 12:06 AM

 

Pilates – Fusing the Body and the Mind

 

Pilates is an exercise technique that uses aerobics and yoga postures to energize the entire body. Each exercise emphasizes focus on breathing, proper form and efficient movement patterns to help improve balance, increase coordination, decrease stress and strengthen muscles.

 

Joseph Pilates developed his method during the early 20th century in Germany. Joseph suffered from several medical conditions as a child, so he developed techniques to help his frail body grow stronger. During WWI, he started using his exercises to help rehabilitate veterans. Since treatment at this time usually only included surgery and morphine with bed rest, many veterans also developed muscular atrophy, loss of aerobic capacity and a weakened immune system. Using his technique—which emphasized control and form—he helped soldiers regain their strength by stretching, strengthening and stabilizing key muscles.

 

Joseph believed that the key to success was to engage the mind with your body to control your muscles. By focusing on the postural muscles, you keep the body balanced and support the spine while strengthening your torso muscles. The controlled movements tone and strengthen the body without adding muscle bulk. He used these six key principles:

 

Breathing – Fully inhaling and exhaling is the key element to Pilates exercises. Proper breathing will oxygenate the muscles and reduce muscle tension.

 

Centering – Exercises focus on the center core of the body, and the energy produced will radiate to the extremities.

 

Concentration – Each movement requires intense focus, forcing you to eliminate distractions and fully relax.

 

Control – Movements are all structured and don’t allow for any uncontrolled movements.

 

Precision - Each exercise has a purpose, and by following each exercise carefully, you will be able to gain the full mental and physical advantages.

 

Flow – Smooth, graceful and continuous movements build strength.

 

If you’re looking for a way to de-stress, tone your body, and improve balance and coordination, give Pilates a try. These exercises can easily be done at home on a mat or using specially designed equipment. Also, check out gyms in your area for class opportunities.

 

Have you tried Pilates? Has it helped you?

by tinadh | with no comments
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News You Can Use
Sunday, November 01, 2009 12:04 AM

 

What are superfoods and why should you eat them?


Superfoods are a group of natural (unprocessed), ultra-nutritious foods that provide many essential health benefits. They’re powerful enough to help lower your cholesterol, reduce your risk of heart disease and cancer, and may even put you in a better mood. Do they sound too good to be true? Nope. Superfoods are readily available at your local grocer.

 

Dietary experts have flagged the following foods as being superfoods: berries, citrus, cruciferous vegetables, eggs, green foods, green leafy vegetables, legumes, nuts, oats, olives and olive oil, fish rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, orange vegetables, sea vegetables, seeds, soy, tea, tomatoes, turkey, whole grains, yogurt and kefir.

 

The language of superfoods can also be confusing, because many of the terms for nutrients overlap. Here is a basic glossary:

 

Antioxidants are an umbrella term for many substances that retard the body's normal process of oxidation: a reaction to oxygen that releases "free radicals" that damage cells and break the body down. Free radicals are released from food through digestion. Antioxidants help prevent this and are thought to destroy free radicals and slow oxidation, reducing heart disease, cancer, aging effects and allergies.

 

Flavonoids are the best-known antioxidants (tea and dark chocolate, for example) among a group called polyphenols.

 

Carotenoids are pigments that protect dark green, yellow, orange and red fruits, and vegetables from sun damage. They also function as antioxidants in humans—beta-carotene (or vitamin A) being the best known. Other famous carotenoids are lycopene and lutein.

 

Vitamins are nutrients considered essential to health; a shortage of vitamins can create health problems.

 

Phytonutrients are plant-derived compounds believed to improve your health, but are not essential to it. This includes many antioxidants.

 

So, how does this all translate? You should definitely eat the following every day: at least one or two cups of blueberries, half cup each of broccoli and pumpkin, five to seven servings of oats, one of tomatoes, one orange, at least half an ounce of soy, one cup of steamed spinach or two cups of raw, one cup of tea and two cups of yogurt. Every week you should also have four servings of beans, two to four of wild salmon, three or four of turkey and five ounces of walnuts. Do this and you are sure to be getting your fair share of essential superfoods.

 

Have you incorporated superfoods into your diet? Do you notice a difference in your well-being?

by tinadh | 1 comment(s)
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Editor's Note
Sunday, November 01, 2009 12:00 AM

 

This month we are excited to introduce a new section of the Pen Pal! Our new section, called Family Matters, will focus on family and home life articles. Keep your eyes peeled for future articles on how to save money on groceries, eco-friendly home improvements, tips for vacationing with children, and how to finally get that cluttered garage organized. This section will be replacing our “Ask the Expert” section.

 

While work life is important to all of us, there is often a balance between work life and home life that needs to be achieved. I think a lot of us struggle with this. At Pen Pal, we hope that we can provide a little direction, quick tips, and useful information that can help you create this balance within your life.

 

So, a new section means new articles! And we’re looking for ideas! If you have any article suggestions you’d like to see covered here, please send me a note with your suggestions. This newsletter is all about you and we want to make sure we’re covering the topics you want to know about!

 

Be sure to check out our debut article in the Family Matters section this month, “How do you fit in family downtime?” Since we are always on the go, go, go these days, it can be hard to find the time to squeeze in family downtime. We show you how! Happy reading!

 

Christy Wolf

Editor

by tinadh | with no comments
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