Discussion 8 original question If you worked for the career center on campus, what advice would you give to individuals signing up for job interviews based on the information gained in Chapter 7? What advice would you give to organizations interviewing candidates from the online campus? How could the interview process be improved so it would be more productive—and less stressful—for all involved? The first thing I would tell the individuals who are signing up for interviews is that things aren’t the way they used to be. Before, you would see an ad for a job opening, submit a resume and managers would go through them and grant interviews to the ones they thought would be fitting. Now, either the job listing is online, or people just post their resumes on sites that the companies visit to search for their own applicants. Not only does this create a much larger group of applicants for each opening, but organizations use technology to sort through all of those resumes. Since you are losing that personal screening process, it’s important to use formatting as well as key words and phrases that will appeal to those programs (Miller 125). I would also advise them to clean up their social media accounts of anything that might be considered inappropriate for your boss to see. Many managers are checking social media now to get an idea of the personality of the applicant (Miller 125). The next set of advice I would give to individuals is about the interview itself. I would remind them that the organization has already viewed their resume and determined that they most likely have the skills necessary to complete the job. What they are doing with the interview is determining their level of motivation as well as their communication skills and personality to see if they would be a good fit (Miller 126). I would also advise them to ask questions during the interview. While it’s best to refine their questions to job-related issues, it’s important to ask some questions to show interest as well as to learn more about the organization so you can determine if they are a good fit for you (Miller 127). Besides the individual applying for the job, I would also have some advice for the organizations interviewing applicants on how they can make the applicant feel comfortable. One very effective way to do so is with humor. Applicants are already nervous about saying the right things and acting the right way during the interview. If the interviewer can slip in a little humor, it allows the applicant to relax a little bit by showing that they are approachable or that the interview is going well (Miller 123). I would also advise the organizations to try and focus on openended questions. These types of questions allow the applicant to express themselves and when they are followed up by more probing questions, it helps the managers to come off as empathetic (Miller 127). The last piece of advice I would have for them is to give the applicant a realistic picture of the job. Letting the interviewee know upfront that there are aspects that might not be very appealing such as monotony or rude customers, helps to reduce the risk of turnover due to them being surprised after hire (Miller 127). When it comes to the interview process as a whole, I think it’s important for the interviewers to make the applicants feel comfortable. Start by telling about themselves or asking some personal questions about the interviewee to help them get settled in a little before beginning with the job-related questions. Doing so would relieve a lot of the stress on the applicant which would in turn make the interview more productive by helping their real personality to show through. Applicants should also be sure to arrive a few minutes early in case the interviewers are ready early and have copies of your resume for each of them. There are several pieces of advice that I would offer someone who is preparing for an interview. 1. It is important to research and know about the company that you are going to be interviewing with. If they have a motto or key word that they live by, it would benefit to study and be prepared to talk about it in the interview if they ask a question about it. If the company values integrity, they may have an interview question about what integrity means to you. 2. Practice interview questions before the interview. One helpful tip that I would always do before an interview would be to write a list of well known interview questions and then record my answers. After I did this, I would replay my answers so that I could critique my answers to help prepare me to answer them during the interview. 3. In this day in age, most people are known to post about their personal lives on social media. If there are any “questionable moments” on your social media, ensure that your account is private or delete the posts all together. Put yourself in the shoes of an interviewer and go through your social media with that mindset. If I were to give advice to a company about how they interview their applicants, I would tell them the following: 1. When asking interview questions, make sure that they are related to the business and not pointless. “‘How many golf balls can you fit into an airplane? How many gas stations in Manhattan? A complete waste of time. They don’t predict anything. They serve primarily to make the interviewer feel smart” (Miller 126.) 2. Prepare in advance the questions that you are going to ask the interviewee. If you are interviewing multiple people, ask them all the same questions so that is will be more fair and easier to compare the applicants. 3. Do your research on the applicant before the interview. Study their resume and social media sites before you meet them in case you have any questions. It is important that the interviewer know about the applicants job history and any college diplomas that they may have instead of bringing it up unnecessarily in the interview. In order for an interview to go smooth for everyone involved, everyone must remain organized. The interviewer is responsible for beginning on time, making sure that it flows well and helping the applicant feel comfortable. Offer them some water and help them get familiar with the facility out of kindness. The applicant should get to the interview at least ten minutes early and become prepared with extra resumes for any interviewer who would like to look over the resume.

Mastering the Art of Online Learning: Your Guide to Acing Online Courses

Introduction

In recent years, the popularity of online courses has skyrocketed, offering learners the flexibility to acquire new skills and knowledge from the comfort of their homes. However, succeeding in online courses requires a different approach compared to traditional classroom settings. To help you make the most of your online learning experience, this article presents essential strategies and tips to ace your online courses.

1. Set Clear Goals and Plan Ahead

Before embarking on an online course, establish clear goals and objectives. Determine what you hope to achieve by the end of the course and break down your goals into manageable milestones. Create a study schedule that aligns with your other commitments, ensuring you allocate dedicated time for coursework, assignments, and revision.

2. Create a Productive Study Environment

Establishing a conducive study environment is crucial for online learning success. Find a quiet, well-lit space where you can concentrate without distractions. Remove any potential interruptions, such as notifications from social media or email. Organize your study materials and have a reliable internet connection to ensure seamless access to course materials.

3. Actively Engage in the Course

Active participation is key to mastering online courses. Engage with course materials, including videos, readings, and interactive components. Take comprehensive notes, highlighting key concepts and ideas. Participate in discussion boards, forums, and virtual meetings to interact with instructors and peers, fostering a sense of community and enhancing your understanding of the subject matter.

4. Manage Your Time Effectively

Online courses offer flexibility, but it’s essential to manage your time wisely to avoid falling behind. Create a detailed schedule, allocating specific time slots for coursework, assignments, and studying. Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable segments to prevent procrastination. Prioritize tasks based on deadlines and dedicate focused time to each one, ensuring consistent progress throughout the course.

5. Develop Effective Communication Skills

Online courses often rely on written communication, making it crucial to hone your skills in this area. Be concise and clear in your written responses, paying attention to grammar and spelling. Actively participate in discussions, asking thoughtful questions and providing constructive feedback to your peers. Regularly check your course emails and notifications, ensuring you stay updated with any important announcements or changes.

6. Utilize Available Resources

Take full advantage of the resources provided by your online course platform and instructors. Familiarize yourself with the learning management system (LMS) and explore its features. Access supplementary materials, such as textbooks, lecture slides, and external resources recommended by instructors. Utilize online libraries, research databases, and tutorial services to deepen your understanding of the subject matter.

7. Stay Motivated and Engaged

Maintaining motivation throughout an online course can be challenging, particularly when faced with competing priorities or a lack of face-to-face interaction. Set short-term goals and reward yourself upon their completion. Connect with fellow learners through virtual study groups or online forums to foster a sense of camaraderie. Regularly remind yourself of the benefits and personal growth associated with completing the course successfully.

8. Seek Support and Clarification

Don’t hesitate to seek support or clarification when needed. Reach out to your instructors for guidance or clarification on course material. Utilize online discussion forums to ask questions or engage in collaborative problem-solving. Leverage the support services provided by your course platform or institution, such as technical support or academic advising.

Conclusion

Online courses present unique opportunities for self-paced learning and personal growth. By setting clear goals, creating a productive study environment, actively engaging with course materials, and managing your time effectively, you can maximize your chances of acing online courses. Remember to stay motivated, seek support when needed, and make the most of the available resources. Embrace the flexibility and adaptability of online learning to achieve your educational goals.