How To Break Web Software - A look at security vulnerabilities in web software

Google TechTalks Mike Andrews Mike Andrews is a senior consultant who specializes in software security and leads the web application security assessments and Ultimate Web Hacking classes for Foundstone. ABSTRACT It all started out as a place to share physics documents, but has grown into potentially mankind's largest and most complex creation. The World Wide Web is a lot of things - a soapbox for everyone, a giant shopping mall, an application platform, and unfortunately a hacker's playground. As more applications get "web-ified" moving from the desktop or legacy systems onto the web, attackers follow the vulnerabilities. Without sophisticated tools or "1337 5x1llz", web applications are now the most attacked technology, with the majority of attacks categorized as "easily exploitable". So, before your application is placed out into one of the most hostile environments, how do you stop your software from being "0wn3d" by the 14 year old in their blacked-out bedroom, or being used by a Russian crime cartel? In this TechTalk, Mike Andrews will look at how web applications are attacked, walk through a testing framework for evaluating the security of an application and take some deep-dives into a few interesting and common vulnerabilities and how they can be exploited.

Orkutting song (titanic version)

Every time in my orkut
I see you. I scrap you.
That is how I know you go on.
Far across the Scrap Book
And testimonials between us
You have come to show yourself " single".
Near, far, wherever you are
I believe that the friends list does go on
Once more you logged on
And you're here in my scrap book
And my scrap book will go on and on
Testimonials can touch us one time
And last for sometime
And never let go till we're friends
Love was when I saw your friends list
One true time I hold to
In my life I'll surely view her/his profile
Near, far, wherever you are
I believe that the friends list does go on
Once more you logged on
And you're here in my scrap book
And my scrap book will go on and on
There is some amazing profile that will not
go away
You're here, there's so much to fear,
And I know that my friend will know I checked her/him out
We'll stay forever this way
You are safe in my friends list
And my friends list will go on

Holiday plan for 2007

Holidays................... Jolly Days.............................

 

Apply for Leave from 26-Dec-06 till 29-Dec-06 ( a total of : 4 days ) and you are going to get a total of 10 holidays.
Apply for Leave from 16-Jan-07 till 19-Jan-07 ( a total of : 4 days ) and you are going to get a total of 9 holidays.
Apply for Leave from 16-Jan-07 till 25-Jan-07 ( a total of : 8 days ) and you are going to get a total of 16 holidays.
Apply for Leave from 20-Mar-07 till 23-Mar-07 ( a total of : 4 days ) and you are going to get a total of 9 holidays.
Apply for Leave from 02-Apr-07 till 05-Apr-07 ( a total of : 4 days ) and you are going to get a total of 9 holidays.
Apply for Leave from 31-Apr-07 till 04-May-07 ( a total of : 4 days ) and you are going to get a total of 9 holidays.
Apply for Leave from 13-Aug-07 till 17-Aug-07 ( a total of : 4 days ) and you are going to get a total of 9 holidays.
Apply for Leave from 01-Oct-07 till 05-Oct-07 ( a total of : 4 days ) and you are going to get a total of 9 holidays.
Apply for Leave from 29-Oct-07 till 09-Nov-07 ( a total of : 4 days ) and you are going to get a total of 16 holidays.
Apply for Leave from 24-Dec-07 till 04-Jan-08 ( a total of : 8 days ) and you are going to get a total of 17 holidays.

 

And How is that….

 

Apply for Leave from	Apply for Leave till	Total leave days	You will get holidays	How is that possible ?
26-Dec-06	29-Dec-06	4	10	Dec 23 2006 is Saturday, Dec 24 2006 is Sunday Dec 25  2006 Monday  Christmas Dec 30 2006 is Saturday, Dec 31 2006 is Sunday Jan 1 2007 Monday New Year Day/ Bakrid
16-Jan-07	19-Jan-07	4	9	Jan 13 2007 is Saturday, Jan 14 2007 is Sunday Jan 15  2007 Monday Makara sankrathi Jan 20 2007 is Saturday, Jan 21 2007 is Sunday
16-Jan-07	25-Jan-07	8	16	Jan 13 2007 is Saturday, Jan 14 2007 is Sunday Jan 15  2007 Monday Makara sankrathi Jan 20 2007 is Saturday, Jan 21 2007 is Sunday Jan 26  2007 Friday  Republic Day Jan 27 2007 is Saturday, Jan 28 2007 is Sunday
20-Mar-07	23-Mar-07	4	9	Mar 17 2007 is Saturday, Mar 18 2007 is Sunday Mar 19  2007 Monday  Chandramana Ugathi Mar 24 2007 is Saturday, Mar 25 2007 is Sunday
2-Apr-07	5-Apr-07	4	9	Mar 31 2007 is Saturday, Apr 1 2007 is Sunday Apr 6  2007 Friday  Good Friday Apr 7 2007 is Saturday, Apr 8 2007 is Sunday
31 Apr 2007	4-May-07	4	9	Apr 29 2007 is Saturday, Apr 30 2007 is Sunday May 1  2007 Tuesday  May Day May 5 2007 is Saturday, May 6 2007 is Sunday
13-Aug-07	17-Aug-07	4	9	Aug 11 2007 is Saturday, Aug 12 2007 is Sunday Aug 15  2007 Wednesday  Independence Day Aug 18 2007 is Saturday, Aug 19 2007 is Sunday
1-Oct-07	5-Oct-07	4	9	Sep 30 2007 is Saturday, Oct 1 2007 is Sunday Oct 2  2007 Tuesday  Gandhi Jayanthi Oct 6 2007 is Saturday, Oct 7 2007 is Sunday
29-Oct-07	9-Nov-07	4	16	Oct 27 2007 is Saturday, Oct 28 2007 is Sunday Nov 1  2007 Thursday  Rajyotsava Day Nov 3 2007 is Saturday, Nov 4 2007 is Sunday Nov 8  2007 Thursday  Naraka Chaturdasi Nov 10 2007 is Saturday, Nov 11 2007 is Sunday
24-Dec-07	4-Jan-08	8	17	Dec 21  2007 Friday  Bakrid Dec 22 2007 is Saturday, Dec 23 2007 is Sunday Dec 25  2007 Tuesday  Christmas Dec 29 2007 is Saturday, Dec 30 2007 is Sunday Jan 1 2008 Tuesday New Year Day/ Bakrid Jan 5 2008  is Saturday, Jan 6 2008  is Sunday

 

 

 

 

KBC With Santa Singh

With Santa Singh

The Story So Far...

Santa Singh has answered 12 out of the 15 questions correct and has used all his lifelines except for "50-50" and "Phone a Friend". Santa Singh is playing the 13 ^th Question now which is for 25 Lacs. Let's see what happens next... J

Amitabh Bachchan: Apka 13^th question 25 lakh ke liye, yeh raha aapke saamne aapki Computer Screen par...

Santa Singh gets Tense...

Amitabh Bachchan: Who is the father of Abhishek Bachchan? Your options are...

Amitabh Bachchan: To Santa Singh Jee kya Jawaab hai aapka? [He's quite sure that Santa will opt for option A]

But Santa is surprisingly still confused...

Amitabh Bachchan: Aapke paas abhi bhi do life line baaki hai... 50-50 and phone a friend. Agar aap chahe to unhe use kar sakte hain. Wo aap hi ke liye banaayi gayee hai.
Santa Singh: I think it is A, but I'm not sure.
Amitabh Bachchan: Not sure, Hmmm... Aap kya karna chahenge?
Santa Singh: I would like to use 50-50...
Amitabh Bachchan: Ok Computer Jee, Kripya 2 galat javab mita deejiye...

Computer deletes two names, and leaves the following options:

Now Amitabh Bachchan gets confused and worriedly thinks if the Computer is actually right or has got some bug!. Santa Singh gets all the more Confused after the 50-50 Lifeline...

Santa Singh: I would like to use my last life line too - Phone A Friend...
Amitabh Bachchan: Aap kisse baat karna chahenge!?
Santa Singh: Main aapki Misej [Mrs.] Jaya Bachan Ji ko phone karna chahoonga...

Amitabh Bachchan Faints !!! But the Call gets connected to Jaya Bachchan [Thanks to AirTel J ]...

Santa Singh: "Jayaji, Who is the father of Abhishek Bachchan!?"
Jaya Bachchan: What are the options !?!?

Hearing this Santa Singh faints too...

kuch kar jayenge

Khoobiya itni toh nahi hum mein,
Ki kisi ke dil mein ghar kar jayenge,
Par bhulna bhi aasan na hoga,
Aisa zaroor kuch kar jayenge

Basics of Covering letters and Resume, And Interview tips

Mukesh Kumar Agarwal mukesh.nitb@gmail.com

The Lasting First Impressions

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Courtsy: http://www.careerenclave.com/



When we talk of all that is fair and unfair in life, first impressions actually stand for all that is unfair. Someone that appears to be a fit for the job is hired based on first impressions; provided the candidate possesses the requisite qualifications. Someone, who may be more deserving, is not chosen for exactly the same reasons. To get a thorough understanding of the process of impression formation, one needs to first of all know the factors that are involved in impression formation. The second step would be learning to use the very same systems to one's advantage through a process called impression management.

Covering letter: It is said that impression formation at work begins with the covering letter that one sends out to an organisation for a job. Technically speaking, a covering letter helps form a mental schema or cognitive framework based on which the interviewer assesses the candidate. This schema may be based on the interviewer's past experience in dealing with applications and meetings with candidates. It could mean that you are perceived as a person type.

A covering letter that is sloppy will lead to similar traits getting associated with your personality and you will find yourself on the defensive in the interview. After all, each one of us has some flaws but the trick lies in the first impression that focuses only on positive attributes.

Primacy effect: Each one of us has some flaw or the other but the first impression must be based on positive attributes that are unquestioned and which create the `primacy effect'. In a study done by psychologists, a series of traits - intelligent, industrious, impulsive, critical, stubborn and envious - were used to test two different sets of subjects.

For the second group of subjects, the presentation of traits was reversed. The subjects belonging to the first group got more favourable ratings. Even the traits of being critical and stubborn were tempered by the traits of intelligence and industriousness. In other words, positive first impressions provide the requisite cushioning for the other dimensions of your personality.


The first handshake, eye contact, surety in manner will matter the most the first time around. Similarly, references or word of mouth that is in your favour will be invaluable in this respect.

Other factors: Apart from the primacy effect, other factors that influence impression formation are - source of information, negative versus positive information and atypical behaviours. A credible source of information helps create a distinct impression.

Make sure that any information being conveyed by a credible person about you is positive.

Similarly, negative information is always given more weight than the positive information. So, refrain from highlighting or indulging in any quirky acts. And, finally, atypical behaviours like an unusual habit or trait stands out like a sore thumb.

Impression management: All the factors mentioned above can be translated into a list of dos and don'ts. Initiatives that are aimed purely at impression management are as important. These are the tactics that r?sum? managers, placement agencies or career guides use to increase your value as a candidate. In fact, there's more to it in terms of what you can add at a personal level in order to appear in the most favourable light to the target audience.

• Appearance - Research has shown that it pays to take extra care of one's outer appearance. Tidiness and carefully chosen colours are but to be expected. Apart from that, based on your knowledge about the company and its working ambience, you must dress to project an image that makes your induction a fait accompli. Even on the job, your image will be affected by the way you dress everyday


• Other Enhancement - This is a tactic that many people use but few get away with. There is a grave danger of it sounding like sycophancy, which will lead to formation of a negative image. However, if your compliments are measured and based on facts, you might be able to crack the loop as a person who can appreciate good work. Asking for the other person's advice is also a way of getting the approval. Take care that you don't project yourself as a greenhorn


• Assertive language - It will help in the formation of a positive image more than the use of submissive language. Submissive language might project you as a pushover and thus incapable of taking own decisions


Impression management is aimed at making things easier for oneself at work in the long run. It also helps in setting standards for oneself and endeavouring to live up to them.

Naming ur covering letter and resume files

---

It is important that everyone should name their respective resume with their full name as;

e.g.,


and covering letter as;

or

and avoid using or naming

resume.doc OR
myresume.doc OR
my_resume.doc OR
latest_resume.doc OR
updated_copy_of_resume OR
updated2004Aug.doc OR
confidential_resume.doc OR
complete_resume.doc OR
and others.

As these conflict with thousand other resume and your resume will be in garbage/trash bin.

Please also avoid prefixing letter 'a' or 'A' with your name. It is a MYTH that resumes/CVs are sorted alphabetically.

While sending resume by mail, it should be noted that your covering letter is to be attached first then by resume if they are prepared seperately. It is a good practise to prepare seperate documents as the employeer sometimes do not spend their valuable time editing your resume!




Dear Sir,

Having seen vacancies advertised, I would like to apply for any positions available as I have finished my final year at the University of ***** and now seeking employment in the IT industry.

I would be grateful if you would consider my application.

Please find a copy of my CL & CV attached.

Yours sincerely

*********************************************************************

Dear Mr ****,

I would very much like to thank you for this opportunity, for an interview with *****. I would like to attend the interview session on Tuesday the nnth Month.

Thank you very much for your time.

Yours sincerely,

*********************************************************************

Dear ,

Thank you for your email.

Please find a copy of my resume attached.

Best Regards.

Sincerely Yours

*********************************************************************

Dear Sir,

Please find enclosed a covering letter and CV in the hope that I will be suitable to work in your organisation. I have attached these documents as Adobe PDF files to save space - if you would prefer me to resend these documents in another format (MS Word, PostScript, HTML, Plain Text etc.)

Please contact me as soon as possible.

Best regards,

*********************************************************************

Resume Writing Tips That Boost Your Interview Appointment Success

---

Before you write your resume in a word processor, print it, and hand out copies to prospective employers, you should consider formatting it for easy scanning and retrieval from a computer database.

As you can imagine, dozens, maybe hundreds of resumes bombard employers for a position they would like filled. To sift through each of these manually would probably be too time consuming even for the largest of organizations.

To make the search for ideal candidates more efficient, some employers scan and store resumes into a computer database. From there, employers can search the database to retrieve the name of individuals whose resumes contains the keywords or terms they are looking for in a candidate.

How to Get Employer's to Read Your Electronic Resume


The element of your resume that makes it easy to find in a computer database is the keywords written on it. The particular keywords that should be on your resume are the ones that your prospective employer will use to find you in their database.

A little research will help you determine the right keywords. Scan a few of your targeted job descriptions from online job sites. These online postings are loaded with the keywords that should be on your resume.

The hiring manager probably wrote those job descriptions and he will probably be the same person who searches his database of scanned resumes.

Some general examples of keywords most employers will search on are "education," "skill-set," "experience," "talents and abilities."

Successful Electronic Resumes Includes These Elements

Beyond the importance of having the "right" keywords on your resume, the other words on your resume are also important.

For instance, your resume should contain nouns. Your resume should have descriptive words like software programmer, project manager, or Acme Corporation.

Try not to use abbreviations of words if it is not common. For example, you could assume people know that BA spelled out means Bachelor of Arts.

When you write your resume, be sure it contains words most people will understand. In other words, write it using normal language.

Successful Electronic Resumes Follows These Formatting Guidelines

You understand what your prospective employer is looking for in a job candidate and you have loaded your resume with targeted keywords that should turn up on a search.

However, you still need to make sure your resume is easy to scan and OCR software can capture the data accurately. OCR or Optical Character Recognition software extracts the words off a scan of your resume. The computer database stores the scan results.

Here are some resume formatting tips for the best scans:

- Avoid using fancy style fonts that some OCR software may have trouble interpreting. In other words, stick with conventional fonts such as Times Roman.

- Resist the urge to emphasize words using underlines or italics. Those words may show up as gobbledygook.

- OCR software reads text and not graphics, so do not include anything too complicated like tables and leading dots.

- Use white space between sections of your resumes so the OCR software can determine the start and the end.

- Make sure you include a separate line that has your name first, then your contact information.

After you have incorporated the formatting suggestions listed above, print your resume with black ink on either white or beige colored paper for the best scan result possible.

Last Thoughts

You might be the most qualified candidate for a job opening, but if your resume does not meet the standards of an Electronic Resume, your prospective employer will never read it. Do your self and your prospective employer a favor by making your resume scanner friendly and he will discover that you are the perfect candidate for the job.

Tips for a Good Resume

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The employment market is changing all the time and so have resumes, evolving from a one-size-fits-all standard. Here are our tips to convert your resume into a catching one. Your resume is the first interface you have with your employer. Make the most of this opportunity.


Follow These Basic Standards....

Don't overcrowd your resume; allow for plenty of white space.
Keep your resume to three pages max whenever possible.
Keep the number of fonts you use to a minimum -- two at the most.
Use a font that is easy to read. Times New Roman / Arial works well.
Do not justify the lines of type on your resume. Allow the right side of the page to "rag."
Do not overuse capitalization, italics, underlines, or other emphasizing features.
Make sure your name, address, and a phone number appear on your resume and all correspondence, preferably at the top of the page.
Print your resume on white or cream paper using a good-quality printer.
Second- and third-generation photocopies must be avoided
Print on one side of the paper only.
Avoid Mistakes,Spelling Mistakes.

To avoid spelling mistakes,

Don't use words with which you aren't familiar.
Use a dictionary as you write.
Perform a spell check on your finished resume.
Carefully read every word in your resume.
Have a friend or two proof read your resume for you.

Punctuation Mistakes:

Things to look for:

Periods at the end of all full sentences.
Be consistent in your use of punctuation.
Always put periods and commas within quotation marks.
Avoid using exclamation points.

Grammatical Mistakes:

Grammar hang-ups to watch for:
Do not switch tenses within your resume.
The duties you currently perform should be in present tense (i.e., write reports)
Duties you may have performed at past jobs should be in past tense (i.e., wrote reports).

Capitalize all proper nouns.

When expressing numbers, write out all numbers between one and nine (i.e., one, five, seven), but use numerals for all numbers 10 and above (i.e., 10, 25, 108).

If you begin a sentence with a numeral, spell out that numeral (e.g. Eleven service awards won while employed.). Make sure your date formats are consistent (i.e.11/22/01 or Nov. 22, 2001, or 11.22.01. Choose one and stick with it.).


Choose Your Words Carefully:

Phrase yourself well:

Be on the lookout for the following easily confused words:

accept (to receive), except (to exclude)
all right (correct), alright (this is not a word)
affect (to bring about change), effect (result)
personal (private), personnel (staff members)
role (a character assigned or a function), roll (to revolve).
Use action words (i.e., wrote reports, increased revenues, directed staff).

References:

In most instances it is not necessary to include names and address of references on the resume. If you include a reference, make it sure that the referenced person knows very well about you. It is also advisable to add the persons as references, whom the employer can contact easily. If possible add the phone number and e-mail ID of the reference. Never add a person as a reference, about whom you know nothing

STICK TO THE POINT

Employers have a busy schedule, so don't expect them to read through a long resume. Ideally, resumes should be of one page, or of two pages only if absolutely necessary, to describe relevant work experience.

WORDS COUNT

Use of language is extremely important; you need to sell yourself to an employer quickly and efficiently.

Address your potential employer's needs with a clearly written, compelling resume.

Avoid large paragraphs (five or six lines). If you provide small, digestible pieces of information, your resume will be read.


Use action verbs.

Verbs such as "developed", "managed", and "designed" emphasise your accomplishments. Don't use declarative sentences like "I developed the ..." or "I assisted in ...", leave out the "I". Avoid passive constructions, such as "was responsible for managing". Just say, "managed": that sounds stronger and more active.


MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR EXPERIENCE

Employers need to know what you have accomplished to have an idea of what you can do for them.
Don't be vague. Telling someone that you "improved the company's efficiency" doesn't say much. But if you say that you "cut overhead costs by 20 per cent and saved the company Rs 20 lakh during the last fiscal year", you are more specific.

HONESTY IS A GOOD POLICY

Employers will feel more comfortable hiring you if they can verify your accomplishments. There is a difference between making the most of your experience and exaggerating or falsifying it. A falsified resume can cost you the job later.


DOUBLE-CHECK FOR MISTAKES

Check your resume for correct grammar and spelling - evidence of good communication skills and attention to detail. Nothing can ruin your chances of getting a job faster than submitting a resume filled with preventable mistakes. Make your resume easy on the eye. Use normal margins (1" on the top and bottom, 1.25" on the sides) and don't cram your text on the page. Allow for some space between the different sections.

Avoid unusual or exotic fonts. Preferred fonts: Arial and Times Roman

Top 10 achievements to include on your resume-Check Out

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Top 10 achievements to include on your resume


Here are ten achievement topics employers like to see in an applicant. Each has an example of the achievement and you can use this as a guide to developing your own.

Saving money or reducing costs

Initiated and implemented the recycling of spare parts, resulting in a cost saving of Rs 20,000 per annum.

Taking on extra responsibility

Successfully undertook the additional duty of coordinating travel arrangements for the Managing Director during periods of annual leave.

Introducing a new system or process

Initiated, developed and administered an induction program to ensure new employees were familiar with the workplace.

Improving an existing system or process

Replaced the paper-based stationery ordering system with an emailed spreadsheet, which resulted in less order errors.

Exceeding targets or objectives

Exceeded the annual sales target by 10% in the first year and by 15% in the second year.

Exceeding customer expectations

Received three written commendations from customers for excellent customer service, friendliness and product knowledge.

Solving problems

Successfully recovered critical information from the network file-server after it had been infected with a virus.

Generating income

Designed and created promotional flyers with discount vouchers, resulting in 10% increase in sales during the month.

Improving employee moral

Suggested and organised a social committee to arrange after work social activities for all employees, allowing employees to get to know each other in a relaxed atmosphere.


Developing staff

Successfully managed a poor performing employee into a competent employee through counseling and the introduction of key performance indicators.

To add these into your resume, clearly describe what you did, what the result was and why it made things better. Use numbers, dollar figures and percentages as much as possible - they are easier to understand. And remember, what you did is not as important as the improvement you have made to your workplace.

(RESUME) Hot Tips on Resume Writing by: Yana Parker

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(RESUME) Hot Tips on Resume Writing by: Yana Parker




1. What is a resume anyway?

Remember: a Resume is a self-promotional document that presents you in the best possible light, for the purpose of getting invited to a job interview.It's not an official personnel document. It's not a job application. It's not a "career obituary"! And it's not a confessional.

2. What should the resume content be about?

It's not just about past jobs! It's about YOU, and how you performed and what you accomplished in those past jobs--especially those accomplishments that are most relevant to the work you want to do next. A good resume predicts how you might perform in that desired future job.



3. What's the fastest way to improve a resume?

Remove everything that starts with "responsibilities included" and replace it with on-the-job accomplishments. (See Tip 11 for one way to write them.)

4. What is the most common resume mistake made by job hunters?
Leaving out their Job Objective! If you don't show a sense of direction, employers won't be interested. Having a clearly stated goal doesn't have to confine you if it's stated well.

5. What's the first step in writing a resume?

Decide on a job target (or "job objective") that can be stated in about 5 or 6 words. Anything beyond that is probably "fluff" and indicates a lack of clarity and direction.

6. How do you decide whether to use a Chronological resume or a Functional one?


The Chronological format is widely preferred by employers, and works well if you're staying in the same field (especially if you've been upwardly-mobile). Only use a Functional format if you're changing fields, and you're sure a skills-oriented format would show off your transferable skills to better advantage; and be sure to include a clear chronological work history!


7. What if you don't have any experience in the kind of work you want to do?


Get some! Find a place that will let you do some volunteer work right away. You only need a brief, concentrated period of volunteer training (for example, 1 day a week for a month) to have at least SOME experience to put on your resume.Also, look at some of the volunteer work you've done in the past and see if any of that helps document some skills you'll need for your new job.

8. What do you do if you have gaps in your work experience?


You could start by looking at it differently.General Rule: Tell what you WERE doing, as gracefully as possible--rather than leave a gap. If you were doing anything valuable (even if unpaid) during those so-called "gaps" you could just insert that into the work-history section of your resume to fill the hole. Here are some examples:Travel and study -- or Full-time student

9. What if you have several different job objectives you're working on at the same time? Or you haven't narrowed it down yet to just one job target?


Then write a different resume for each different job target. A targeted resume is MUCH, much stronger than a generic resume.

10. What if you have a fragmented, scrambled-up work history, with lots of short-term jobs?

To minimize the job-hopper image, combine several similar jobs into one "chunk," for example:1993-1995 Secretary/Receptionist; Jones Bakery, Micro Corp., Carter Jewelers -- or 1993-95 Waiter/Busboy; McDougal's Restaurant, Burger King, Traders Coffee Shop. Also you can just drop some of the less important, briefest jobs. But don't drop a job, even when it lasted a short time, if that was where you acquired important skills or experience.

11. What's the best way to impress an employer?


Fill your resume with "PAR" statements. PAR stands for Problem-Action-Results; in other words, first you state the problem that existed in your workplace, then you describe what you did about it, and finally you point out the beneficial results.Here's an example: "Transformed a disorganized, inefficient warehouse into a smooth-running operation by totally redesigning the layout; this saved the company thousands of dollars in recovered stock."Another example: "Improved an engineering company's obsolete filing system by developing a simple but sophisticated functional-coding system. This saved time and money by recovering valuable, previously lost, project records."

12. What if your job title doesn't reflect your actual level of responsibility?


When you list it on the resume, either replace it with a more appropriate job title (say "Office Manager" instead of "Administrative Assistant" if that's more realistic) OR use their job title AND your fairer one together, i.e. "Administrative Assistant (Office Manager)"

13. How can you avoid age discrimination?
If you're over 40 or 50 or 60, remember that you don't have to present your entire work history! You can simply label THAT part of your resume "Recent Work History" or "Relevant Work History" and then describe only the last 10 or 15 years of your experience. Below your 10-15 year work history, you could add a paragraph headed "Prior relevant experience" and simply refer to any additional important (but ancient) jobs without mentioning dates.

14. What if you never had any "real" paid jobs -- just self - employment or odd jobs?
Give yourself credit, and create an accurate, fair job-title for yourself. For example:A&S Hauling & Cleaning (Self-employed) -- or Household Repairman, Self-employed -- or Child-Care, Self-employed, Be sure to add "Customer references available on request" and then be prepared to provide some very good references of people you worked for.

15. How far back should you go in your Work History?
Far enough; and not too far! About 10 or 15 years is usually enough - unless your "juiciest" work experience is from farther back.

16. How can a student list summer jobs?
Students can make their resume look neater by listing seasonal jobs very simply, such as 6/96 to 9/96.



17. What if you don't quite have your degree or credentials yet?
You can say something like:Eligible for credentials -- or Graduate studies in Instructional Design, in progress -- or Master's Degree anticipated December 1997

18. What if you worked for only one employer for 20 or 30 years?
Then list separately each different position you held there, so your job progression within the company is more obvious.

19. What about listing hobbies and interests?
Don't include hobbies on a resume unless the activity is somehow relevant to your job objective, or clearly reveals a characteristic that supports your job objective. For example, a hobby of Sky Diving (adventure, courage) might seem relevant to some job objectives (Security Guard?) but not to others.

20. What about revealing race or religion?
Don't include ethnic or religious affiliations (inviting pre-interview discrimination) UNLESS you can see that including them will support your job objective. Get an opinion from a respected friend or colleague about when to reveal, and when to conceal, your affiliations.

21. What if you got your degree from a different country?
You can say "Degree equivalent to U.S. Bachelor's Degree in Economics-Teheran, Iran."

22. What about fancy - schmancy paper?
Employers tell me they HATE parchment paper and pretentious brochure-folded resume "presentations." They think they're phony, and toss them right out. Use plain white or ivory, in a quality appropriate for your job objective. Never use colored paper unless there's a very good reason for it (like, you're an artist) because if it gets photo-copied the results will be murky.

23. Should you fold your resume?
Don't fold a laser-printed resume right along a line of text. The "ink" could flake off along the fold.

interview tips

---

1. Be on time!
Practise getting to the venue to see how long it will take. Public transport may be useless, the traffic may have been heavy, but however reasonable it won't affect the fact that your chances are reduced if you are late. Always remember - You never get a second chance to make a first impression.

Aim to be early - you can always find a nearby cafe/shop/pub to wait in. And if worst comes to worst and you are going to be late, then definitely ring in and let them know.

2. Be Prepared!
Look at the employers' website and learn something about the company before you attend your interview. Feed them the opportunity to talk proudly about something positive you have found.
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Working in Ski Resorts
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3. Write down and practice possible questions!
Writing them down and practicing them with someone will make it easier to remember when you get to the interview. Use the third person when talking about the job. Avoid sounding as though you assume the job is yours.

It is fine to ask about the package on offer and accommodation - living in and living out are particularly relevant. Don't forget to find out if the company will guarantee a resort or chalet - many will only allocate you a country. You could also try a fewer more testing questions such as how they differentiate themselves from their competitors or what they think the toughest/hardest part of the job is.

4. What are your weaknesses?
Don't be Spud from Trainspotting! 'None…ah well, ah'm a bit of a perfectionist actually!' Try to find an area of your experience/skill that is currently lacking. An interviewer will appreciate your candour - as long as whatever you disclose can be easily remedied.

5. You never get a second chance to make a first impression!
SMILE! Dress professionally in simple business attire. Just because you are going to be working in a ski resort does not mean you should wear Oakleys and a fleece to your interview. And don't forget that firm handshake and to maintain eye contact - without glaring!
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6. Be honest!
There really is no point lying about your background and/or skills. If you get caught, or even manage to get out to resort and then get found out, you can be sure you won't be around for long! Job interviews are about matching needs - if there isn't a good match, then chances are that the job won't work out.

7. Check your CV for possible gaps!
Make sure you know how you are going to explain time gaps on your CV.

8. Talk about specific achievements!
Interviewers like to know how you felt about about a particular success. Some will ask for specific examples of things you've done that you're particularly proud of; how you solved problems; how you learned - and improved - from difficult situations.

9. Don't talk too much!
Spud again - Communication is a two-way thing so give them a chance

10. Prepare a sample menu plan!
If you are applying for a catering job then take along a sample menu plan. By this we mean a starter/main/dessert combination over six days, ideally with a vegetarian option. Think about teh balance of nutrients and how the colours will look on the plate. Our recipe section has a number of favourites.

11. Take a spare photo & CV with you!
Your interviewer won't be expecting it so you will impress them. It also helps them remember you after the interview.

12. Be enthusiastic and positive!
Don't criticize previous employers, particularly within the industry. Focus on positive achievements and views.

12. Be on time!

And finally, Don't give up!
The fact is that you will not be offered every job however perfect you think you may be for it. Usually it's because the interviewer was completely blind to the talent that stood before them. However, just on the off chance that it was not, feedback from interviews where you have been turned down can be invaluable for improving future results. Ask politely if they can give you any feedback for the future - there's a job out there for you somewhere.

Best of luck!!!

COMMON Interview Questions

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:: COMMON Interview Questions ::

1. Tell me about yourself.

Keep your answer short and focused on your professional life. This is not the time to bring up relationships, childhood experiences, family etc. A brief history of education, career and special interests is what is called for here. End it with why you are interested in this particular job.

2. Why are you applying for this particular job?

Show interest and demonstrate that you have researched the job and know what you are getting into. Bring up evidence from past work/ studies that supports your interest in this role and any skills you have acquired in preparation for the role. You can say something like 'I would like to work for a leader in innovative network and telecommunications solutions and my college degree in computational mathematics has given me a solid background for this role. Mention the value-added you can bring to the job.

3. What do you know about our company?

Indicate what you have learnt from your research activities - from their annual reports,

newspapers, word of mouth, other employees etc. Use this to flatter them and show that you have done your homework.

4. What makes you qualified for this particular job?

Again, explain that you are very interested in the job and demonstrate what it is about your past experiences, education and qualifications that makes you ideal for the job. Show enthusiasm and support your answers with evidence wherever you can (e.g. my summer internship at Citibank gave me broad exposure to the area of equity analysis and I think I can apply many of the tools I learnt there in this job). Elaborate on all the past experiences and skill sets that make you suitable for the job. In cases where your past experience is not directly relevant, you can still find elements of it that can be useful. Play up team skills, computer skills, leadership roles, specific courses and independent research activities that can be useful to the job at hand to show your initiative even where you don't have directly relevant job experience.

5. What can you do for us that someone else can't?

Demonstrate key strengths, skills and personal characteristics.

6. Why should we hire you?

See 3. Because you have all the experience/ traits/ credentials demonstrated in 3 and in addition to being qualified, you are enthusiastic, intelligent, hardworking, flexible and willing to learn. Also mention any key relationships you may have that may assist you in the job.



7. What do you look for in a job?

Be honest. Also mention keywords such as challenging, steep learning curve, good work culture, demanding, rewarding, opportunities for advancement and growth, team environment, opportunity to build and maintain client relationships etc.

8. Why are you looking to make a career change?

Mention your interests and make sure you bring up all skills/ experience however insignificant that can support your move in this new direction. It is quite common in this day and age to make a career switch. You need however to show that you have very carefully thought about the change, have a strong interest in the new career and can use some of your previous skills/ education/ relationships to make that move.

9. Why did you leave your last job?

Do NOT use this as an opportunity to badmouth past employers or peers or talk about a failure of any sort. Any of these answers are acceptable: you were looking for a new challenge, your learning curve had flattened out in the previous job and you were looking for a new learning opportunity, the company or department were restructuring, you were ready to start something new after achieving your career goals at the previous company etc.

10. Why do you want to work for us (as opposed to the competitor companies)?

Demonstrate that you know something about the company, that you believe they are leaders/ innovators in what they do, or you think their work culture is exactly what you are looking for, or you like their product(s) or you have friends who work there and have always been attracted to the company etc. Flatter the company and show you know something about it.

11. How long will it take you to start making a meaningful contribution?

Show that you are enthusiastic and willing to learn and will put in all the hours and effort necessary to learn the ropes and start making an immediate contribution. Indicate that your past experiences/ skills/ credentials will enable you to make an immediate contribution at some level while you quickly learn all new aspects of the job. An Interviewer wants someone who is willing and able to learn and will make a return on his investment sooner rather than later.

12. What are your strengths?

See 14 below. In addition, keywords such as good teamplayer, work very well under pressure, very creative, very strong quantitative or computer skills, and very strong client relationship skills may be appropriate depending on your chosen field.

13. What are your weaknesses?

Do NOT mention key weaknesses here. This is not the place to say you are bad at meeting deadlines or you never mastered highschool mathematics etc. Turn this question around to your benefit. For example, you are 'overambitious' or 'extremely attentive to detail' or 'like to take on too many projects'. Make it sound positive.

14. What are your career goals?

Show you have thought forward and are committed to your career.

15. How would you describe yourself?

Any of these are good examples of attributes employers are looking for: intelligent, hardworking, quick to learn, enthusiastic, honest, efficient, productive, ambitious, successful, compassionate (in the medical fields).

16. How would your colleagues describe you?

Do not bring up anything negative here.

17. How would your boss describe you?

They will check references anyways so bring up the most positive attribute you can think of about yourself e.g. hardworking, honest etc. and leave it to your Boss to say anything to the contrary.

18. What did you most like/ dislike about your past job?

Do not use this to badmouth past jobs/ employers. Keep it light and in your favour eg I outgrew the job, there wasn't a clear career progression, I wasn't learning anything new etc. Ideally, you will have loved your last job and would like to achieve the same kind of success and job satisfaction in a more challenging area as you have now 'outgrown' that job and are ready for 'new challenges'.

19. Describe a situation in your past where you showed initiative?

You could describe any new methods you came up with to do your job or to save money for the company or to turn around a bad situation. It can be something as simple as changing a filing system, or establishing a relationship with a vendor that saved your department a lot of money. If you are in sales, you may want to talk about how you brought in that big account. Creatives may talk about how they came up with that cutthroat image or design that brought in the business.

20. What were your main responsibilities in your last job?

Have these ready and list them all. Dwell on the ones that are most relevant to the new job. This answer should be smooth and practiced.

21. What do you consider your greatest accomplishments?

Many of us have one or two milestones in our career that we are very proud of e.g. that early promotion, that 'huge' deal we brought in, the design we came up with, the costs we saved, the revenues we increased, the people we trained, a new invention or process we came up with etc.

Examples of accomplishments may be: 'Reduced costs by X%; or renamed and repositioned a product at the end of its lifecycle, or organized and led a team to do do XYZ, or achieved sales increase of

X% etc. If you are a fresh college graduate, talk about extracurricular activities, leadership roles and grades.

22. Describe your management style (if relevant)

No answer

23. Do you work better in teams or independently?

Show that you are a proactive team player and like to bounce ideas off others and get input; however you are very capable of working independently (give examples).

24. How do you work under pressure?

Well. Give evidence.

25. What other jobs have you applied for?

Don't mention jobs in different career directions (e.g. advertising and investment banking). Do however bring up any other offers or Interviews from competing firms.

26. How did you do in college?

Keep it positive. It's okay to say you were very busy making the most of college and were very involved in sports, activities, social life etc. Employers want human beings not robots. Mention the areas you did very well in even if it was just one or two courses you excelled in. They will check for themselves.

27. What kind of hours would you like to work?

Employers want to see flexibility. Indicate you are willing to put in whatever hours are necessary to finish the job. Do however mention any constraints you have e.g. you would like to be home to pick your kids up from school at 3:30. Most employers are willing to work around your constraints if you show flexibility on your side as well.

28. Do you have any questions for me?

YES you do. Questions engage the Interviewer and show your interest. Ask questions that show you know something about the company or the job, that you are planning ahead, that you are anxious and willing to learn the ropes and that you are committed to the position.

(Interview) 101 Popular Interview Questions

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(Interview) 101 Popular Interview Questions



What do you know about our company?

Who are our competitors? What are our products? Who are our customers?

Why have you applied for this particular position?

How did you learn of the vacancy?

What are your salary/wage expectations?

Tell me about the issues in the general press that relate to the industry/vocation for which you are applying.

Tell me about yourself.


What is your attitude towards unions in a workplace?

What is your current salary or remuneration package?

Why do/did you want to leave your current/last job?

What do you think determines a person's progress within a company?

Why should we hire you?

Have you ever made a mistake at work?

What irritates you the most in the workplace/with colleagues?

Have you ever been dismissed/ or disciplined? Why?

Why do you think you might like to work for our company?

Are you looking for a permanent or temporary position with the company?

How many days leave/sickness have you had in the last year? Why?

Do you prefer any particular geographic location? Why? Are you prepared to re-locate?

Would you be prepared to travel nationally/abroad? Are you prepared to go where the company sends you?

Are you married? If so, does your partner work? Do you have children? Do you have a mortgage?

If cr�che facilities were available would you want to apply to use them?

What are your strengths and weaknesses?

What would you like to be doing and earning in 5 years time?

What are your most redeeming qualities?

Our company and staff like working to systems. Training our staff to become experts in these systems has been one of the reasons for our success. We don't leave anything to chance and we even have a system for answering the phone that we will teach you. How do you feel about this?

What are your hobbies or interests?

What did you like/dislike about your previous employer?

What did you like/dislike about your previous manager?

If we phoned your previous employer/manager, what would they tell us about you?
If you were given a task to do but didn't how to go about it, what would you do?

If you lack experience, what do you have to offer?

How would manage poor performance?

What do you understand about a disciplinary procedure? How is it generally applied?

What characteristics do you think an employer looks for in an employee?

For what sort of a company would you like to work?

How many jobs have you applied for in the last three months? How many interviews have your attended? For what types of positions have you applied? Why?

What kind of work interests you?

Which five words most describe you?

What sort of things frustrated you in your last job?

Do you work best on your own or in a team?

Can you get recommendations from previous employers? Can we see them?

Which jobs have you enjoyed the most /least? Why?

What personal characteristics are necessary for success in your chosen field?
What is 15*15?

In your opinion, what are the most important factors in running a business?

What types of people seem to rub you the wrong way?

What types of books do you read?

Does your spouse work?

Tell me about your home life?

Do you drive? If so, what type of car and what colour?

Which companies have you worked for in the past. How did you get the positions?

Tell me about your IT skills?

What are your best friends� occupations?

To what extent do you drink alcohol? Smoke?

Have you ever had any serious illness or injury? How many days absence have you had in the last year?

Which of your parents had the most profound influence on you? Why?

Explain your choice of subjects at school/college/university.

Do you have any major financial debts?

Your CV indicates that you did poorly in your exams (degree, college exams, and secondary school exams). Why?

Can you tell me about your biggest failures and how you dealt with them?

Are you prepared to work: at weekends or on statutory holidays? Or rotating shift patterns including nights? Give me examples of when you have had to do this.

What is the most significant impact you've made at your organisation in the last year?

How do you feel about working overtime?

Do you prefer regular hours?

What motivates you?

Describe self-improvements you�d like to make in the workplace.

Aren't you a bit old (or over-qualified) for this position?

How have you improved yourself in the last year?

Can you tell me about a time when you did work and tasks above and beyond the call of duty?

Do you often suggest improvements to your supervisor/manager? Give me some examples.

How do you cope with your ideas not being implemented, especially when you know they would be worthwhile?

Give me some examples demonstrating you can work under pressure.
What projects and activities have you or your team undertaken and seen through that were your idea?

Which was your most challenging project? What difficulties did you meet? How did you overcome them?

How do you take criticism?

What supervisory or leadership roles have you held?

Have you any unspent convictions?

You have 2 minutes. Think of as many uses for a paper clip as you can in that time.

What is the 5th letter of the alphabet? How many ping-pong balls fit into a Volkswagen?
If you had to choose an actor (or actress) which would you be and why?

You have five minutes to tell me why you should have the job.

Why were you out of work for so long?

Why have you changed jobs so many times in the past?

Why are you interested in a position with our company?

What steps have you taken to be more successful in your career?

Tell me about a time you became angry at work.

Where/how do you vent your frustrations at work?

Tell me about a poor performing team that you were a member off.
What would you do if a member of a group you were a part of wasn't pulling their weight?

Give examples of charity work you have done.

What degree of autonomy would you like in the job?

Give examples of when you had to work as part of a team. Why is teamwork important?
Tell me about unpopular decisions you have made in the past.

How can you contribute to the success of this company?
Give examples of when you had to work with a multi-cultural team.

What were your duties in your last employment?


Give me some KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) and trends you would expect to see within a successful business. Name some characteristics of a good business.
If you were running this or another business, what changes would you make? Why?
If you had to dismiss 30 people, how would you decide whom to let go?
How do you feel about working for a line manager who is much younger than you?
Which position in our company do you aspire to?
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The Balance Sheet Decision Technique

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There is an easy way to determine whether an offer is acceptable. The method was originated by one of the wisest men in the history of our country--Ben Franklin. The name of the technique? The Balance Sheet Decision Technique. He probably never called it that, but good old Ben used it just the same. In weighing a difficult decision, he would take a sheet of paper and draw a line down the middle. Then he would put the heading "Reasons For" on the left side and "Reasons Against" on the right side. He would proceed to list the positive aspects of the decision on the left and the negative aspects of the decision on the right. Once everything was down on paper, the answer usually became obvious to him. Use the Balance Sheet Decision Technique in evaluating the initial offer. Important: do not evaluate the position against what you want. Instead, evaluate it against the next best alternative. For some, that may be your present job. For others, it may be another job offer. And for others, it may be unemployment and continuing the job search.

Whatever you do, don't get caught in the "hope trap"--comparing your offer against what you hope another company will offer. Until you have it in writing, you are comparing against vapor. Make sure all of your negotiations are on firm, solid foundations. Otherwise, you may find it all slipping out from under you. Objective #1 is to get the job offer. Then, and only then, can you begin to negotiate that job offer.

If the job offer is still truly "unacceptable" per the Balance Sheet Decision Technique, continue with the Unacceptable Offer Negotiation section. Otherwise, what you really have is an acceptable job offer that you were hoping would be better. Read the Acceptable Offer Negotiation section for advice on how to potentially improve this type of offer.