What To Know about Behavioural Interviews ! Ace that Job With These Simple Tips.

Behavioural Job Interviews
A behavioural interview is a job interview focused on discovering how an applicant acted in specific employment-related situations. Here's information on how to handle a behavioural interview, plus behavioural interview job interview questions and advice on how to answer them.

What to Know During Preparation for Behavioural Interviews.

When a company uses behavioural interviewing, candidates are asked about specific situations and how they handled them. Rather than simply being asked about their qualifications for the job.

What's the best way to prepare for a behavioural interview? How can you get ready to explain what you did and why you did it during a job interview, especially when you don't know exactly what questions you'll be asked.

How to Prepare for a Behavioural Interview

You're not going to know what type of interview questions you will be asked until you're in the interview room, so review both traditional interview questions and behavioural interview questions.
Think About How You'll Respond

While you're reviewing the questions, since you don't know exactly what questions you will be asked, consider some situations you have dealt with at work or projects you have worked on. You may be able to use them to help frame responses.

Prepare example that illustrate times when you have successfully solved problems or performed memorably. Also, prepare examples where you have dealt with difficult or challenging situations, because you will probably be asked about negative situations as well as positive ones.

The examples will be useful to help you respond meaningfully during a behavioural interview.

Review the Job Posting

If you have a job description for the position, review it. If not, review the job listing. You may be able to get an idea of behavioural characteristics the company is seeking from reading the job description and position requirements.
Review Company Specific Interview Questions

Glassdoor.com's Interview Questions and Reviews section has a goldmine of information for job seekers. You can find out what candidates for the positions you are interviewing for were asked and get advice on how tough the interview was.

If the company you're interviewing with is listed, take a look at the interview questions other applicants have been asked and frame responses, just in case you're asked the same questions.

 share more advices and tips in comment box below.

CV Writing Tips: How To Deal With Unemployment Gaps

Being unemployed is tough and accounting for those spells out of work is even tougher. Moreover, extended periods of unemployment make the situation even harder for one to land a new job.

As David Muriithi, HR Manager Transport and Lifting Limited points out, “Over six months of unaccounted for time in your CV is a matter of concern. It might not be a very big deal if it happens within a year but if that transcends to another year, it raises a lot of questions,” he says. Interestingly, his views happen to be a shared worldwide concern.

Last year in an attempt to get to the bottom of this phenomenon, Rand Ghayad, a PhD Economics student at the Northeastern University in the United States sent out 4,800 computer-generated CVs to random companies. They were all identical in terms of credentials and working experience—only that some had unemployment durations of more than six months while some had less.

Mr. Ghayad discovered that applications with more than six months out of unemployment were hardly contacted by employers. His conclusion: employers were basically screening out workers with long-term unemployment (www.randghayad.com).  This might not be the exact scenario here but it couldn’t be far-fetched either. The bottom line, it seems, the more you stay out of employment, the less likely you are to get another job no matter your working experience.

Sample IT CVWell, you have been out of work for a long time, how then do you beat this jinx? June Njoroge, career advisor with Corporate Staffing Services sheds light on how to seal these gaps. “One of the best reasons that can account for these gaps might be taking a course as a means of advancing your career. This will suggest that you are a serious person who was doing something to sharpen your skills,” she says.

“Another reason that people account for gaps in their CVs is taking a career break. The main point here is; there shouldn’t be any gaps in the resume at all. Other people prefer to state they were out running private businesses,” continues Ms Njoroge, “but the downside of this argument is that you may be viewed by the prospective employer that you are basically looking for capital to go back to your business.”  The best way to get over this if asked, she suggests, is to state you have delegated the running of your enterprises to other people. Here, in Ms Njoroge’s opinion, you will be avoiding being penalised for conflict of interest.

“You must strive to prove in your CV that you are never an idle person,” rejoins Mr. Muriithi. “Even if you weren’t engaged in big things like contracts when you were out of employment, you must have engaged in minor activities and opportunities that opened up your mind to greater ides—list them. You have to come out as someone who is good material. Being on maternity breaks or raising a family as an explanation might work for women as it is a norm but that is a fairly personal concern.”

Mr. Muriithi states that for most employers, stating you were in jail to account for gaps in your CV are a complete turn-off, except in the rarest of circumstances. “In a nutshell,” he says, “as one prepares a comprehensive CV, he should put himself in the shoes of the employer to get a better overview. If you insist on thinking as an employee regarding your CV then you will only be doing yourself an injustice, let another person help you go through the CV.”

The best way to plug the gaps in your CV, Mr. Muriithi says, is getting a mature person, possibly a businessman, to evaluate your CV and raise questions about it. “That way, he will be able to point out periods of time that need to be accounted for from the employer’s perspective and you will be able to come out with a stronger CV and a better overview of your employment record.”

‘Tell us about yourself’ The dos and don’ts

I remember we have tackled this question before but a good refresher is not a bad thing. Well, let us start with the obvious; the first question in an interview is of the utmost importance as it sets the initial impression. The impression you create at the beginning sets the mood for the rest of your interview. After a little pleasantries, this is definitely the next question in line.

We will advise you to use the pleasantries very well because you do not want to tense when you are in an interview. Engage the interviewers and make sure you are at a common ground not in a case where they are throwing questions at you. Let an interview be a conversation and not an interrogation. If you let it turn to the latter, you will definitely tense and fail. The first contact is important for setting the atmosphere in the room and that is why today we want to handle this very obvious but important question.

When asked this question there are things you need to avoid. Just think about it, the ‘tell me about yourself’ question is quite vague and general and usually creates confusion or a dilemma for the interviewee. There are two very important things you need to know; first, prepare yourself to typical interview questions and avoid looking surprised and speechless. Second, try to avoid turning the interview into an informal and personal conversation. Do not appear to induce sympathetic feelings in the interviewer and turn the occasion into a warm and friendly one.

This attitude does not coincide with a professional manner. You must try to toe the line of remaining professional all the time. Do not tell interviewers how you have suffered in the past to draw sympathy or any other thing for example your family (how poor or troubled it is). When you are unconfident, hesitant or apprehensive you will have a harder time responding to such a question.

There are questions you need to refrain from asking when asked to respond to this question. Do not ask: What do you mean exactly?"  "Could you be more specific?"  "This is a question I often have difficulty in answering". This is very dangerous because it means you are trying to figure out the interviewer's intentions. Don't try and decipher the interviewer's agenda. Such responses present the interviewee in an insecure manner and may affect the development of the interview.

Avoid lengthy and cumbersome responses. Long answers are tiresome and may create a feeling that you are trying to control the progression of the interview. The interviewer has no interest in your personal experiences; they are interested in your abilities as a professional. Concentrate on your professional accomplishments and advantages and refrain from personal stories.

Please answer concisely, in a manner that exemplifies your capabilities which are relevant to the position interviewed for. The first question in an interview is an opportunity to make a concise and professional manner. It is vital that your response remains to the point and focused; 60 – 120 seconds that describe your professional experience in a nut shell. You came to an interview to succeed! If the interviewer provides you with an opportunity to present yourself seize the moment!

Keep focused, concise, don't hesitate and don't be concerned; open the interview with a sense of power and enthusiasm. Put emphasis on your professional skills; concentrate on the aspects that present your abilities and accomplishments at work.

Respond enthusiastically and cooperate with the interviewer. He / she is not your enemy; they are trying to figure out if you are a worthy candidate and you need to prove it to them. Cope with the situation and the question asked, do not indulge in self pity. 

The structure of the answer should be as follows:

1.   Begin with a description of your last position, the main responsibilities you had in 45 Seconds.

2.   Continue with the description of your position prior to that and so on with any other positions you had which are relevant to the position you are applying for. This should take you 30 Seconds.

3.   If your education is relevant, present it briefly; if it isn't, please leave it out. Take 30 Seconds in this.

4.   Conclude with a few words on the traits you have that are important for the position. Concentrate here for more than a minute.

We hope you find this helpful.

6 secrets to a successful job search.

I remember a few months ago getting an email from a student at one of our local universities asking what are the secrets of getting a job, any job. My response was that he should not only be looking for just any job but rather searching for a job that you have admired and are passionate about. If you remember an article we did about ‘the truth about the corporate world’ then you can appreciate that the job market is a big monster if you can avoid then you will be better off. If you get capital, please start a business you are passionate about. I am not advising you away from job hunting but sometimes even to get that capital you need to work.

Everyone looks forward to the day he will be independent but you must start somewhere and that is why today we want to share the secrets of a successful job search. If you already have a job it may be very hard for you to dedicate many hours to a job search but if you are not, then you have all the time for getting the right job. Whether you have a job or not then this advice is for you. Searching for a job is not easy in this economic climate and thus you need a very positive mindset. Ever heard the phrase that we are what we think?

Here are a few pointers to a successful job search:

1.   How you think is everything: Always be positive, think success not failure, and be aware of a negative environment. Think of a job search as the process of selling and marketing yourself as a product to the customer-employers. The best way to sell you is to have a passionate belief in the product, namely you, and then prepare, package and promote yourself based on that belief. A successful job search starts with mental preparation: focusing on a positive outcome, letting go of old workplace grievances and developing a mental and written check-list of your key accomplishments, talents and abilities. Nobody is perfect and we are often harder on ourselves than anyone else would be. Negative thoughts get in the way of positively packaging, promoting and marketing us. A job seeker who is prepared with positive, solid answers to questions about previous work experience, their qualifications, top of the list strengths and weaknesses makes the best impression.

2.   Decide upon your true dreams and goals: Write down specific goals and develop a plan to reach them. Going job hunting without an action plan and a clear set of goals is like running cross-country without a map, it can take a lot longer and you might not end up where you had originally intended. Initially, a good job search entails setting up a plan to reach the goal of a new job at a specific date. The next step is to develop a month by month, week by week schedule of things to do, and people to see. Researching and targeting 10-20 companies, developing a networking list of contacts requires a systematic, well-planned approach. Job search goals are realized when clearly identified and an action plan is developed to achieve them.

3.   Take action: Goals are nothing without an action. Don’t be afraid to get started, just do it. Dreams stay unrealized because fear and worry about what could happen keeps many people from moving on from unsatisfying positions and unfulfilling situations. Career and job search plans have to be acted on to succeed. The fear of the unknown and the ambiguity of the job search process cannot deter us from getting started. When we move on our plans and just do it, the discovery of our own inner courage is the bonus.

4.   Never stop learning: Go back to school or read books, get training, acquire skills. Staying ahead of new methodologies and technologies with life-long learning/ training and new skill acquisition is now a career survival skill. Demonstrating this to prospective employers in your resume and during an interview gains you credibility as well.

5.   Be persistent and work hard: Success is a marathon not a sprint, never give up. If we all found the perfect job, applied for it and were hired the first time out the gate, wouldn’t life be grand? HR executives generalize that a typical job search runs an average of 3-6 months, nationally, depending on position level and demand for the skill-set. The typical job seeker will mail out countless resumes, get phone screens, 1^st and 2^ndround interviews in multitude, many rejections and even several offers before landing the right position. It is most usually a marathon and only a sprint when you luck out. Perseverance, persistence and determination are essential attributes to job search success.

6.   Learn to analyze details: Get all the facts, all the input, learn from your mistakes. A typical interview question is “Why would you like to work for us?” and companies listen carefully for the answer. They are looking for a well thought out reply that shows a real interest in who they are and a demonstrated desire to work for them. Only significant research on the company and fact-finding on its corporate culture will help avoid many wrong job choices and career mistakes. There is nothing worse than not having all the details, facts and information about a potential employer at the top of mind when having an employment conversation.

If you are a careful follower of Us then by now you know that the more you sound credible, knowledgeable during interviews, the more desirable candidate you become. You have to be sharp and if you are not then appear to be. Imagine yourself as an HR guy interviewing! What will you want to hear from your interviewee?  Then tell your interviewer that. It is important to have knowledge about not only your employer but the industry that he operates in. This calls for extensive research around this area.

In the above pointers we also failed to mention that you should never give up. Basically this was a motivational article and if you give it a straight thought, live it and behave it, you will be lucky. Stay positive and always have positive thoughts.

If you can’t get a job, then………………

There is very little in life more discouraging than spending thousands and thousands of shillings (even if it’s your parents’) on an education only to find no one willing to give you a job and a chance. At a time in your life when the bills start pouring in, your home is in limbo, your relationships and friendships are askew, and your excitement to get your life “started” is at its peak, there really is nothing more crushing. It takes patience, faith, and hard work to press on, maintain your confidence, and relax.

To have to accept an unrelated job where you are not treated well and you not so schooled co-workers are paid the same as you. Or to work in an environment where everyone is miserable and work sucks out your will to go on.

Whatever situation you find yourself in, the important thing is to be willing and able to step back and take a good look at the big picture. Remembering what you’ve accomplished thus far, reminding yourself of how young you are, and realizing that nothing is permanent – “this too shall pass” – is essential for keeping a positive, focused, and balanced outlook. Not to mention dealing with stress and anxiety.

Besides maintaining a healthy mental perspective, keep searching! No matter how aggravating it can be to submit cover letter after cover letter, only to receive zero response, do not stop looking for and applying to new jobs! Make job hunting part of your daily routine. Looking for a job can be a difficult, time-consuming process that provides little feedback or motivation that you’re on the right path. So try everything… check your regular job websites and keep looking for more.

Talk to people, network, don’t burn any bridges, and whatever you do, don’t give up. Keep your eyes and your mind open and the right opportunity will find you eventually. It may be the ultimate test of patience waiting until that fine day, but the strength of self you will gain in the process will be worth it.

Be open to new challenges. So what if you have a degree in Anthropology. If a job comes along, completely unrelated, but sounds like it could put you on an interesting path – go for it! Avoid deciding that something is not worth applying for if it’s not EXACTLY what you want in a job. And on the other side of the coin, don’t apply to relevant jobs if they don’t excite you.

Why waste your time just because they’re in your field? Follow your instinct… if you read a job posting and your gut reaction is interest… then apply! An unrelated job that lights a fire under you is never a bad choice, especially at this point in your life. Don’t limit yourself. Don’t worry about what choice you will make if you get two job offers.

Don’t stress yourself out about what you will do if you land your dream job three weeks after you accept a pay-the-bills job. Make the decisions as they present themselves; don’t waste your time worrying about things that haven’t happened yet, and most importantly, don’t limit yourself because you’re afraid of situations that might happen…chances are, they won’t.

Know when it’s time to make a change. Be aware of your progress, your finances, and your overall situation. Understand what your last-resort options are, and know when to take them. If you’ve been searching for a career for 8 months to no avail and are growing deeper and deeper behind on your bills, then it might be time to give it up and look for any job.

At a certain point, any job is better than none. Remember, it’s only temporary. Chances are, with a college degree, you really can get a general job if you want one, say a sales marketing job. It may not be paying much. 

But it’s a job, for now. And your job search shouldn't stop here. Keep job hunting while working and something eventually will change. If you are working a pay-the-bills job but are still struggling, falling behind, and unable to land what you consider the “right job” – then it’s also important to know when it’s time to move on.

Lastly, enjoy this insecure, adrift, wandering phase of your life. Because with all certainty, it won’t last. Someday you will have a job, you will be settled, and you will absolutely reminisce about the days when all you had to do was wake up and explore the possibilities of where your life will go.

Looking for a job, though challenging and daunting, is the equivalent of standing at a cross-roads and choosing which way to go.

Entertain your craziest ambitions and remember that the choices you make now will affect the rest of your life. And if nothing else, enjoy the fact that you can spend the day wallowing in your life and the direction you want to take it.

Why first impressions matter on your Job search / Interview.

I think I’m a pretty sensitive guy. But if you showed up to a first ever business meeting in a T-shirt and shorts, would my feelings be hurt? Would I feel that you were not respecting me or my position? Absolutely not — not even if it were a job interview. But then, I’m not the kind of guy who sits around thinking, “I wonder if the person I’m about to meet has figured out how he (or she) is going to impress me!”

Ironically, if you are trying to make a good first impression on me, letting me get the idea that you are actively trying to impress me is almost the worst thing you could do (well, short of being genuinely 
disrespectful or abusive, anyway!). Because then I become suspicious.

Why am I telling you this? Am I saying that first impressions don’t matter? Absolutely not — I’m explaining why they DO matter, even to someone like me. Maybe especially to someone like me.

So how can you pass that test? As a consultant, I have to pass that test all the time. Here are the tips and strategies that I’ve gathered over the years:

At the risk of sounding trite, always be yourself — even if you are not a people person. If you are an introvert trying to act like an extrovert to make a good impression, all that will happen is that you’ll set off your new acquaintance’s internal lie detector — and everyone has one. People will wonder what else you are lying about. If you’re shy, a better strategy is to come right out and admit it. If you do, people will tend to fall over themselves trying to make you comfortable.

Likewise, wear what makes YOU feel the most comfortable. Obviously, don’t show up for a job interview in pajamas — or, in most cases, even in the T-shirt and shorts I mentioned in my example. But within the bounds of what is appropriate for the setting, wear something that you feel like yourself in. If you have to wear a suit and you hate suits, find some small way to modify what you’re wearing to make it more you. Otherwise you won’t feel free to be yourself — and again, you’ll set off those internal lie detectors.

Prepare for meetings in advance so you can focus. I don’t mean prepare by making sure that you know your facts — I am assuming you already do that. What I mean is, take time to center yourself before meeting someone. Take a few deep breaths. If possible, meditate. Do whatever you need to do ahead of time to get yourself into the best mindset for your meeting. Find a way to bring yourself into the present moment so that you can truly pay attention to the person you are about to meet. For the duration of the meeting, be present in the meeting, not thinking about the million other things on your to do list.

Point out your own flaws — don’t try to hide them. If you have obstacles to overcome, if you face your own unique set of challenges in a work environment, point them out. Explain what you’re up against and what your strategies are for overcoming these challenges. This way you’ve set the stage for honest communication, you’ve showed that you are being truthful and authentic, and you’ve let the person you are meeting know that you’re human — just as he or she is. That makes for a powerful connection. You don’t really want the people you meet to think that you are flawless and superhuman — no one can really connect with that, because none of us meet that standard.

Be aware that you get more than one chance to make a first impression. The fact is that while you may make a good impression on someone you meet in a social situation (which is essentially what a job interview is, for example), that’s a very different matter from having your work make a good impression. The first work that you do on a new job will make its own first impression. Your place of business makes its own first impression on everyone who walks through the door. Your business card makes a small first impression on everyone into whose hands it falls. Your web site makes a first impression. You get the idea. Make the most of each chance you get to make a new first impression.

Contrary to popular opinion, you CAN reverse a bad first impression. See point 5, above. Consider when your next opportunity to make a better impression will arise — and make the most of it. My experience tells me that if you give people a chance to reevaluate you, they will. Likewise, if you make a good first impression and later screw up, the good first impression may soften the impact, but it won’t delete it. Keep trying to make a good impression in all your interactions. Each of us is transformed by our continuing life experiences — again, not to sound trite, but you are a new person every day, and so are the people you meet and those you already know. Keep making new first impressions on the people around you — make your continuing impressions good ones.

For the past one week, there have been rumours on Facebook and Twitter that Tusker Project Fame judges Ian Mbugua and Juliana Kanyomozi were are engaged and are actually planning to wed soon. 
It's still not clear who started came up with the claims, but Judge Ian has chosen to ignore them.

Juliana has however responded and this was her statement on Facebook yesterday.

Hey friends, I've seen some disturbing rumours on Facebook and would like to categorically say, I'm NOT planning any wedding with judge Ian. I've also never had any romantic relationship with him and have no intentions to do so. Ian is someone I've worked with on TPF and that's it. I have a lot of respect for him as a person, fellow judge and family man. These rumours are misrepresenting and unfair.

- See more at: http://www.nairobiwire.com/2013/05/tpfs-juliana-denies-having-romantic.html#sthash.R9kXiueX.dpuf

8 Common Email Job Applications Blunders That Derail Your Job Search

A common complaint that I receive from job seekers is that they don't get responses to their e-mail employment applications. There are two aspects to this concern: not sure that the e-mail application was delivered or can't understand why they didn't get to the next step of the recruitment process.

The first point is more of a logistics issue. I used to think that it was unimportant for employers to have automatic responses to e-mail job applications acknowledging receipt. Now though, after getting this question so often from job seekers, I wish that all companies would implement some form
of automatic receipt of the application, to give peace of mind to candidates (and those that work at Internet job sites).

The more interesting question is what becomes of your e-mail job application once it arrives. The motivation of the second question above is: I feel that I am perfect for the job as described - why am I not getting invited for an interview? This is one of the most critical yet difficult pieces of information to ascertain.

1. Lack of a subject or a meaningful Subject Line- Ensure that your subject line is informative and pertinent by including the title(or Job code) of the position you are applying for. I have lost count of the amount of applications that I have received with no indication of which job is being applied for. Employers/placement companies have many job openings at the same time, and if it is not immediately evident which job you are suited for, then usually I will lose interest and move on to the next application. For example, “Jane Nungari Application for Product Manager.

2. Lack of a cover Letter- If there is no cover letter, or it doesn't do a good job of introducing your CV, and since there are plenty of other candidates, then there is a good chance that a hiring manger will invest time in reading someone else's resume. Use your cover letter to convince the employer that it is worth their while to read your CV. The cover letter should not be a repeat of your CV; instead it should answer the question “why should I hire you?” Remember your objective is to get someone to read your CV; the goal of the CV is to get called for an interview.

3. Lack of explaining why you are a good candidate - In the email, don't just say I am applying to position X and attached is my resume. Summarize why they should care and get a jump on looking at your attached resume. It's a like a shorten version of a cover letter.  The best way is to use bullets as people can read it faster and keep it short (1-2 sentences each) describing why you think you are a great fit for this job. Look at the job description and use their terminology or synonyms to cover all the areas where you have experience.

4. Warm Referral - The best opening line in an email would be "persona X recommended that I contact you regarding this position." This mean the receiver knows person X and that person is implicitly endorsing you for this position. So before you send in a job application email; see if you can find a warm connection to that company or hiring manager. A warm introduction is still the best way to apply to a job

5. Call to follow up- email is not always reliable. You could end up in the spam folder or overlooked just because the receiver is swamped. If you don't hear anything in a week, call to follow up to see the status of your job application.

6. Lack of following instructions- Show that you have read their instructions carefully by following them. For example, if they ask you not to phone, or do follow up emails then do not do so.  If you are asked to quote the salary, please quote a range or an exact figure or if you are asked not to attaché your personal credentials do not attach them. Also, if you are asked to give your age, just state it.

7. Grammatical errors in your email. Proof your email and attached CV extremely carefully. Employers or Human Resource personnel will react negatively to grammatical and spelling errors. Do not rely on software spell checking only. Use at least one other careful reader to proof read your writing.

8. Lack of a professional email Address? Choose an email address that reflects your name instead of something which might make you look ridiculous in a business setting. It is a good idea to set up a special account for your job hunting emails. What seemed like a funny and cool email address while you were in college, or just sharing emails with friends, may not be a great address to create a professional image with an employer. E. g machoman@abc.com, may not portray a serious professional focused on their career

Today some employers ask you to email them. Since most of us use email in a rather casual fashion it is useful to take your time and write carefully. Do not sacrifice quality because of the ease of using email. Remember that applying for a job is a serious matter and business etiquette is important.

Sexy Bedroom Ideas

Looking for the best sexy bedroom ideas for your master bedroom? Find the best romantic bedroom ideas to create a master bedroom getaway!
Trying to find some sexy bedroom ideas to make your master bedroom a place of fun and relaxation? If you are a parent, you know nothing is better than having someplace where you can retreat once the children have gone to sleep. As you look around your bedroom, however, you can’t help but wonder if you are truly retreating when you see your boring master bedroom filled with toys and clutter. How can you possibly turn your bedroom into a romantic bedroom for two? With the right ideas, you can create the bedroom of both of your dreams!

Best Sexy Bedroom Ideas & Themes

Nothing is more romantic than coming home to a relaxing bedroom that not only inspires, but leaves both of you looking forward to bedtime. There are thousands of ideas that couples can incorporate into the bedroom to create the perfect master bedroom. Before looking for sexy bedroom ideas, it is important that both of you determine your needs for the room. An ideal bedroom should be used for relaxation and sleeping, meaning no televisions or clutter that could distract you from its main purpose. Once a room is clean and clutter free, you are well on your way to creating the ideal sexy bedroom.
When you start looking for romantic bedroom ideas, realize that there are hundreds of different themes available that can create the perfect bedroom.  Some of the most common themes used for creating sexy bedrooms include:

• French Boudoir
• Rustic
• Asian
• Victorian

Romantic Bedroom for Two: Bedroom Colors

One of the hardest things when it comes to creating a sexy bedroom is finding the right colors. Everyone has their own idea of what colors look perfect for a romantic bedroom. While red is a popular color, remember that it does psychological make people feel more aggressive and active. This could prevent sleep on some days. Some of the best color combinations include rich and dramatic colors. If you go with a red, try a deep reddish brown. This will leave you with a color that goes with just about anything if you decide to change your bedroom colors later.

Modern Bedroom Ideas: Sexy & Functional

Nothing is more fun than going through modern bedroom ideas, especially when it comes to mixing and matching them with your own sexy style.  When looking at sexy bedroom ideas, however, always remember that your room is suppose to make you both feel relaxed and confident.  Here are some fun tips to help add that finishing touch to your room.

• Don’t buy cheap linens. As a rule of thumb, try finding bedding that is at least a 500 thread count. This will leave you with soft sheets that you will love to cuddle in every night. Also, try going with bamboo or all cotton sheets.
• Have soft carpets in your room.
• Put a canopy over your bed. Sheer curtains over your bed will give an elegant and classy look to your bedroom
• Use thick drapes to block light on your windows.
• Use soft lights in your bedroom with a dimmer. It is more flattering than overhead lights, and even candlelight!

Head of Corporate and Institutional Sales Job in Kenya

Head of Corporate and Institutional Sales 

(Insurance / Finance / Management) - Kenya

Recruiter: CA Global Headhunters (Pty) Ltd.    
Contract : Permanent   
Location: Kenya    

Available: Asap
Category: Earthmoving / Forklift / Crane    
Offer: Neg

Overview:

CA Global: 

Insurance has a leading client who is looking to appoint a Head of Corporate and Institutional Sales. 

The individual will report to the Managing Director. The position is to be based in Kenya.

Minimum Requirements

• A Master's Degree in a business related field from a recognized University
• Insurance Industry professional qualification: ACII or FLMI
• A strong qualification in Sales & Marketing: CIM
• Fifteen (15) years' work experience in a busy and relevant environment, eight (8) of which should be in a senior management position in an insurance/financial services industry.
• Excellent relationship management
• Experience in business development and marketing of group insurance products
• A strong knowledge of insurance and financial services regulatory compliance requirements
• In depth understanding and delivery within a relevant operating environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Job Specification

Head of Corporate and Institutional Sales (Insurance / Finance / Management) - Kenya

Overview:

CA Global: Insurance has a leading client who is looking to appoint a Head of Corporate and Institutional Sales. 

The individual will report to the Managing Director. The position is to be based in Kenya.

Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Management of renewals/business retention to achieve business targets
• New Business Acquisition as per business set targets
• Formulation and Implementation of the Marketing Strategy
• Identification of New Business opportunities
• Conduct Market Research and Intelligence
• Customer service and Complaints handling
• Preparation of annual premium budget and setting up strategies to achieve the same
• Managing Credit control
• Advising the Managing Director on issues pertaining to the business
• Appointment of New Business sources including brokers and agents
• Establish and maintain a good relationship with the brokers, agents and clients. Likewise maintain close liaison with other departments in the organisation.
• Contribute as a member of the management team to the development of operational policies for the achievement of the corporate plans as stipulated in the Company's Business Strategy
• The fostering and maintenance of good corporate image through liaison with all competitors, intermediaries and the general public
• Attend all scheduled meetings to facilitate smooth operational procedures
• Ensure all statutory and regulatory requirements are met in a timely manner
• Develop and train new staff members in the department
• Ensure that Performance Management process is embraced and continuously being carried out within the departments for effective and efficient service to our customers with a view to achieve overall company business goals in line with the Company's Business Plan
• Ensure that all staff in the department adhere to the set Company work ethics and discipline for efficient workflow and profitability
• Meeting business profits and growth targets for Broker, Affinity, Bancassurance & and direct Corporate sales
• Meeting business retention targets
• Meeting conversion, cross selling and up selling targets
• Quick, effective and accurate response to clients queries
• Ability to identify and manage financial risks
• Continuous review of products to meet changing market needs
• Preparation and presentation of suitable business budgets
• Preparation and presentation of management reports on business growth, trends and volumes
• Building of strong relationships with clients and provide an effective query resolution and support to them.

Requirements:

• A Master's Degree in a business related field from a recognized University
• Insurance Industry professional qualification: ACII or FLMI
• A strong qualification in Sales & Marketing: CIM
• Fifteen (15) years' work experience in a busy and relevant environment, eight (8) of which should be in a senior management position in an insurance/financial services industry.
• Excellent relationship management
• Experience in business development and marketing of group insurance products
• A strong knowledge of insurance and financial services regulatory compliance requirements
• In depth understanding and delivery within a relevant operating environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office

To apply, please send your CV to thania@caglobalint.com

Applying for a job you are not qualified for: The Secret.

Most job seekers make many mistakes but the most common one is overlooking a job simply because you miss out on a few qualifying factors. Work experience and prior job performance are key areas employers look at in evaluating the potential fit of job candidates. The reason for this is clear: the past is the best predictor of the future. In other words, what you have done in the past provides the best indication of what you can do in the future.

What if you apply and are called for an interview. The secrets are there and I will be sharing them today. To the job applicant, being short on experience is a major hurdle to overcome. There are ways, however, to turn this potential problem into a big benefit! It simply takes embracing and communicating a broader perspective of your total package of life experiences. Keep in mind, what is important to any employer is the relevance of your work, and how your work will deliver tangible benefits to the organization and help it achieve its goals.

When you are at the interview room portray the fact that it’s not just what you have done or can do that is so important; it’s the benefits you offer, and results you can deliver. Think of the various professional and social activities you have been involved in. Think about the many ways you have demonstrated particular skills. Think of the results you have achieved in these settings. Relate to those skills identical to the ones required for the job at hand and are easily transferable to the job.

There are a few ways you can approach these kinds of opportunities:

1.   Prepare for the interview. Being prepared is more important than job knowledge, skills and experience. Please refer to our earlier article on interview preparation.

2.   Tailor your resume. Make your CV and application letter acceptable and in tandem to the job requirements. Look at what the job requires and relate it to your past experiences.

3.   Get an interview. This may be a very hard part but if you try it out it may work. Try applying and then calling in to ask for an informational interview. Refer to our article on what is an informational article.

4.   Conduct yourself professionally. This is a very important aspect because it determines whether you are fit in the role you are applying for. Carry yourself as if you are already in the office.

5.   Be confident. Focus on why you honestly believe you would be good at this particular job. Make a list of reasons beforehand. If you have confidence in yourself, you are more likely to convince the employer of your ability.

6.   Be up-beat. A positive attitude will show the interviewer you are a ‘can-do’ person. You need to read our motivational articles to tell you how to maintain good attitude during interviews.

7.   Be likable. We all want to hire and work with people we like. Behave friendly and intelligent. Try diverting out of the topic for ice breakers and engage the HR guys in a conversation other than the interview. Be careful not to overindulge because you may get out of hand.

8.   Be informed. Know about the company and the business before you go to the interview. Know what they expect you to do for the company.

9.   Ask intelligent questions. There is always more to the job than what can be said in an advert. As you find out more about the job, you may discover job functions for which you are more qualified and you can direct your focus on them.

10.                Be open to training. If the employer is willing to train you for the job, demonstrate enthusiasm about learning new things and a willingness to put extra time and effort into training. If you are a quick study, now is the time to mention it.

11.                Make the interview a starting point. If the job is not something you are qualified to do, ask to leave your resume with the company or ask if there are similar opportunities at a lower level. If you appear enthusiastic, intelligent and committed, your interviewer(s) is more likely to offer suggestions to help you break into the field.

12.                Smile. When there are two or more candidates competing for the same position, more often than not the hiring will be based on chemistry and less on experience. Ensure that you smile often throughout the interview and laugh where ever appropriate. A positive attitude demonstrated with smiles goes a long way to sending the signal that you have what it takes to become a team player.

If you see a job in our site that you are enthusiastic with and feel that you are not qualified, just apply because it does not cost your blood to just try. What if you are given an opportunity of an interview? Then you have a chance to demonstrate the above points. This may be a good learning point because you do not expect to be stuck at the point in which you are. You need to look at the requirements of this job so that t is easy to know where you are headed and which qualifications you need to acquire in future in order to move up the corporate ladder.

Otherwise we wish you all the best.

How to write a perfect job application letter

Confused on how to write a cover letter? We have a solution for you. These tips will help you write cover letters that will get you noticed and hopefully get an interview invitation.

BEFORE YOU WRITE

Each cover letter takes preparation. Here we’ve outlined some things to keep in mind when preparing to write your cover letter:

•    Think about yourself and your experiences. Then think about how you would like to relate your experience to the organization you’re writing to. Which of your talents, skills, personality traits and accomplishments should this particular organization know about? Brainstorm a list for yourself.

How did you hear about this opportunity? If it was through a personal contact, write down the name. If through an advertisement, write down where and when you saw it, and list the specific points the ad wants you to include.

•    What do you know about the organization you’re writing to? What attracted you to it in the first place? Maybe it’s personal (a friend worked there), or maybe you are impressed with what the organization does or admire their unique work philosophy. Do some research about the company online or through trade magazines, etc.

•    Whom are you writing to? It’s always best to write to a real, live person (with a title) if you can, so if you’re not responding to an ad that includes a specific contact, try to look up the name of someone in particular to write to. Be sure to spell both name and title perfectly. If you cannot find a specific person to write to, try “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear Human Resources.” Avoid gender-specific salutations such as “Sir” and “Ma’am.”

THE RIGHT FORMAT

Busy people don’t want to read long letters from people they don’t know. The cover letter should be one page long, and in standard business letter format. This means that you may indent your paragraphs or not – but not indenting gives a bit more room. Leave wide margins (minimum 1 inch) and use a clean, simple font like Arial or Times New Roman. Don’t be tempted to use a tiny font just to fit everything on one page; 10- or 12-point type is best. Write clearly and avoid hyphenated words at the end of a line.

COMPOSE THE LETTER

•    Paragraph One: The first paragraph is the most important. Because it will be the first thing your potential employer reads, it has to make a great impression. Start out by telling how you heard about the job – friend, employee, newsletter, advertisement, etc. This is especially important if you’ve been referred by a mutual acquaintance. For example, if a friend recommended that you write someone he knows at a company, don’t start with “My friend, John Kamau, told me you have a job opening so I thought I would write.” That will not “wow” anyone. Instead, try something like “I was thrilled when my friend, John Kamau, told me there was an opening for an assistant photographer at your company.” Show a little excitement and passion for the potential employment; then follow this with a few key strengths you have that are pertinent to the position you’re looking to obtain.

•    Paragraph Two: Here you should describe your qualifications for the job – skills, talents, accomplishments and personality traits. But don’t go overboard. Only pick the top three talents or characteristics that would make you stand out as a candidate. Your résumé is there to fill in the details. When writing this, think about how you can contribute to this company and why your specific skills, talents and accomplishments would be best for the company.

•    Paragraph Three: Describe why you think you’d fit into the company – why it would be a good match. Maybe you like their fast growth, know people who already work there or you’ve always used their products. Companies feel good if the candidate feels some connection to them and has a good understanding of how the company works, even before he or she is hired.

•    Paragraph Four: Mention the enclosed résumé, give them a reason to read it in-depth (e.g., For my complete employment history and applicable computer skills, please see the included résumé) and ask for an interview. Suggest a time and a way for you to follow up. Make sure you give the reader ways to easily contact you.

MAKE YOUR COVER LETTER STAND OUT

•    Be yourself. A “formula” approach is fine, but each letter should reflect your personality and your enthusiasm. Let it shine through. Take pride in who you are and what you’ve done. The reader is looking for a human being, a person who knows what he or she can offer and can express it well.

•    Clearer expression. Most people come close to expressing what they really want to say but usually miss the target. Take the time to craft your words and sentences to mean exactly what you intend and you’ll be in great shape. Ask others to review your letter/résumé to ensure that you’re communicating what you want to say.

•    Write in the active tense. Active verbs are the key when writing cover letters and résumés. Instead of saying, “...my best attributes include team play and motivating people,” say “I’m a dedicated team player who can motivate people…” The latter promises a go-getter employee – someone who can take action instead of waiting to be led by the hand.

COMMON MISTAKES

•    Writing to a department or title. It’s always best to write to a real person with a real title. The exception to this is when you’re answering an ad and specific contact information is not provided.

•    Using “Dear Sir.” Many cover letter readers are women. If you cannot get the name and title of someone to write to, it’s safer to use either a job title or generic title like “Dear Human Resources Manager,” or “Dear Sir/Ma’am.”

•    Overusing “I.” It’s okay to refer to yourself, but not in every sentence. Remember to use “you” even more. Show the “you” to whom you are writing that you’re more concerned with meeting his or her needs than meeting your own.

•    Exaggerating your experience. Don’t “stretch” anything you say. Be completely truthful while still presenting yourself in the best possible light.

•    Forgetting to give the employer a way to contact you. Never forget to include your phone number or email address or both. How will the employer let you know about your upcoming interview if he or she can’t call and tell you about it?

•    Forgetting to attach your résumé.

All the best

5 good questions to ask during an interview

As your personal interview progresses, the interviewer usually gives you a chance to ask him any questions that you may want to. This is not only one of the golden opportunities for you to demonstrate your interest in the company and the job but also a chance to address any concerns the interviewer might have about your candidature. If you simply sit like a dumb and say “No, I don’t think I have anything.” Or “You have already answered all my questions”, believe me you will dig your own grave.

By doing this you not only lose an opportunity to prove your suitability but also make the recruiters think twice before hiring you. Interviewers do expect some intelligent question from the candidates and when they get a dumb sounding reply at the end of an interview which they thought to be successful, their heart sinks. The recruiters also need people to fill up the vacancies and keep the work moving. They are continuously on a look out for good candidates.

If towards the end of the interview they get a feeling that the candidate is probably not interested or not suitable enough to carry out the work properly, they also feel bad, as they again have to go through the whole process of finding another candidate. So, prepare yourself well in advance to ensure that you are ready to ask some intelligent questions during the interview.

Here are some questions which you can ask the recruiter and the advantage they can fetch you.

1. Now as we have discussed my candidature in detail, do you have any concerns about me being able to meet the responsibilities of this role?

Advantage: If the recruiter has any concerns about you being not able to meet the responsibilities of the role, this question would provoke him to put it into words. It will give you a chance to address his concerns and convince him that you are a good candidate for the position under discussion.

2. What are the opportunities for me to grow in this role and with the company?

Advantage: This question gives you a chance to analyze the growth prospects for you with the company. At the same time, it gives the recruiter an impression that if you are an ambitious candidate but if you get proper growth opportunities, you will stick to the company.

3. Is this a new position or has fallen vacant by the separation of the last employee?

Advantage: This question would help you in understanding if the position is available because of the expansion or due to the separation of the last employee. If it is vacant after the separation of the last employee, it would be good for you to know the reason. This would also give the recruiter an impression that you are careful in selecting the job.

4. What are the major goals that would need to be accomplished in this role?

Advantage: This question would help you understand the role better and give the recruiter a confidence that the candidate is interested in taking up this job.

5. How many members would be there in my team? What will be my position amongst them?

Advantage: This question would help you in understanding the break up of the team and your position.

If the company has been in news during the last days and if you have any queries related to it, it is a good time to ask them.