Find Out if You Are Taking Too Long to Hire

Find Out if You Are Taking Too Long to HireFind Out if You Are Taking Too Long to Hire*/Read the infographic text.Are you Taking Too Long to Hire?U.S. Workers Weigh in on Timing Issues During the Job SearchHiring is one of the fruchtwein important decisions any organization makes. But stretching out the process can cause good companies to lose out on the best candidates. Read on to find out the hidden costs of a long hiring process.In your opinion, how long is too long of a hiring process that is, the period of time from which you initially interview for a job to the day a job offer is extended?39% 7-14 days24% 15-21 days12% 1 month to 6 weeks10% 22-28 days10% 1 wk or less5% 6 weeks or moraWhat is the most frustrating situation in the job search?(Multiple responses allowed)57% Long wait after the interview to find out if I advanced to the next step/got the job47% The interview described a different role than what was advertised35% Multiple requests to return to the firm for more interviews/skills evaluations33% Scheduling delays setting up first interviewAfter an interview, how long are you willing to wait for an employer to inform you of your status before you lose interest in the role?46% 1-2 weeks23% Up to one week23% 2-4 weeks8% More than a monthWhen faced with a lengthy hiring process, which of the following describes your feelings?(Multiple responses allowed)39% I lose interest in the role and pursue other job openings33% It affects my self-esteem. I feel if they really wanted me, they would move quickly32% I question the companys ability to make other decisions if they cant seem to make a timely hiring decision23% I dont mind. Im willing to go through a long hiring process to work for a great organization21% I completely understand and respect their need to be thorough18% I lose interest in the role and decide to stay in my current jobSurvey of more than 1,000 U.S. adults currently employed in professional environments.Tips for speeding up the hiring processGather the stakeholdersBefore you post the job opening, set the timeline for the hiring process and get everyones commitment that hiring is the number one priority. Block calendars for interviews. Determine who has the final sign off.Tighten the interview scheduleConduct the screening interview via Skype or FaceTime. Consolidate all on-site, in-person interviews to one day if possible. Get feedback immediately from the candidate and hiring managers to determine interest levelsKeep communication lines openInform candidates when you expect to make a final decision. If there is a delay, call them with an updated timeline.Make the offerMake a verbal offer contingent on satisfactory reference and background checks. 2016 Robert Half International Inc. An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Disability/Veterans.

How to Be Genuinely Happy for Other People -The Muse

How to Be Genuinely Happy for Otherbei People -The MuseHow to Be Genuinely Happy for Other PeopleIm going to reveal an unflattering truth about myself in the hopes youve experienced the same thing and thus wont judge me. When people tell me their good news or great fortune, Im happy for them- on the surface. Internally, Im focused on what their good news means for me. When my friend scored an awesome summer position, I was annoyed because I still had no plans. When a co-worker received rave reviews from our boss, I was jealous and resentful, thinking I deserved just as much praise.Im not proud of this selfish side. And I suspect Im not the only one who has it (and wants to change it).Luckily for us, my friend Lindsey has mastered the art of being happy for other people, and she told me how she does it. Instead of thinking how someone elses success competes with hers, she focuses on how it is also hers. In other words, Lindsey takes that urge to make it all about her and makes it posi tive.For example, when I told her Id published an article in a prestigious magazine, she remembered all the times shed given me feedback on my work or helped me choose topics. She reflected on the days Id been stressed about hunting down sources and shed patiently listened to me. She even thought about the times she helped me pick out what to wear to interview people. I knew you couldnt have accomplished what you did without me, so I got to feel proud, too, she said. Not that she said any of this to me- she just gave me heartfelt congratulations- but by thinking about all this to herself, her excitement felt more genuine and she didnt have to deal with her jealous side.Lindseys strategy is especially helpful in the professional world where it can feel like your colleagues successes come at the expense of your own. Defeat this thinking by coming up with ways youve helped them, say, score that promotion or impress the higher-ups- did you give her feedback on a project? Help him placat e an angry client? Maybe you never help her professionally, but you frequently talk about her personal life while you eat lunch together, giving her a respite from working that re-energizes her when she gets back to her desks. Its impossible to find anyone whos entirely self-made- we all rely on and benefit from the presence of other people.Before Lindsey told me her trick, I was probably 75% happy for other people and 25% jealous. Secretly owning a little bit of their success, however, has made that ratio 95% and 5%. Its a win-win I dont feel schwimmbad for my pettiness, and the person whos told me his or her good news get a super enthusiastic, genuine reaction.

The Rules of Being Friends With Your Co-workers - The Muse

The Rules of Being Friends With Your Co-workers - The MuseThe Rules of Being Friends With Your Co-workers If youre lucky, you dont hate your co-workers. In fact, if youre really lucky, you probably like them a lot, and maybe you even want to turn the relationships into full-on friendships (ah, scandalous). After all, you see these people all day, every day, so it only makes sense you want to take it to the next level.Its normal to want friends at work- and its actually crucial to your career success. Because as I said, you spend most of your time on the job, so when you dont like the people you work with, it makes getting through the day a lot harder. When you enjoy each otzu sichs company, youre bound to have a lot more happy (and productive) days.But before you start making friendship bracelets, there are a few rules to getting buddy-buddy with your colleagues.1. Dont Push the Boss-Employee RelationshipGIF courtesy of GIPHYIm going to get real for a second No matter how much you an d your manager have in common, and how much fun you have together, he or she is still your boss. This doesnt mean you cant talk about non-work stuff or spend time together outside of the office- it just means you have to be a bit more cognizant of what you choose to discuss. The same goes for being friendly with your direct reports. Regardless of your company culture, you 100% need to remember that you want this person to respect you- and that a few, small choice comments can erode respect all too quickly.2. Do Be ConsiderateGIF courtesy of GIPHYYour work buddy may live in the same neighborhood as you, or they may live in a town youve never heard of. They may be married with kids, or they may cringe at the thought of a family.Friendship doesnt discriminate, but how you choose to hang out can. If, for example, your co-worker cant do happy hour with the rest of the gruppe because they have to pick up their children, be open to suggesting ideas that happen during the workday- say, subs tituting happy hour for lunch at your favorite restaurant. Or, if you know they dont drink, plan to grab coffee rather than drinks. Acknowledge the fact that while everyone may want to hang out, theyre all coming from different places, with different priorities and different backgrounds. So rather than writing people off because they dont want to do exactly what you want to do, be flexible. Youll make way more valuable connections that way.3. Dont Be Clique-yGIF courtesy of GIPHYHaving a group of friends in the workplace is great But you know whats not so great? Being the adult who started a middle school clique in a grown-up office. By only hanging out with a few people and not making the effort to get to know others, youre likely alienating your other colleagues- and honestly, probably making your job harder in the process. (Josies far less likely to do that favor for you if she discovers that you invited everyone but her to grab coffee.) So, every once in a while, break the routi ne of only hanging out with your favorites and get to know the rest of your team. 4. Do Be YourselfGIF courtesy of GIPHYYou may feel inclined to act a certain way in order to fit into the company culture and make friends. But real, honest friendships form when youre yourself, not pretending to be someone else (I know, am I a Hallmark card or what?). Plus, if you want to bring the relationship to a second location- a.k.a., leave the office- you dont want people to be confused by the way you act when youre not sitting at a desk. Finally, putting up a face is just plain exhausting- and on top of everything else you have to do, a waste of energy.As a result of being yourself, you may not click with everyone you work with, and thats OK. As long as you find yourself in the company of people who like you for you.5. Dont Rush ItGIF courtesy of GIPHYLike any friendship, the ones you make at work take time. You may be only a few months into your new role and wondering why you dont have a work wife yet. Or, you may be desperate to invite everyone you work with to your birthday party- before youve established your reputation as a hard worker first (what Im saying is that you want everyone to know that youre great at your job before you let them see you three beers deep). If youre feeling a little lonely, cut yourself some slack, give it time, and read this article on four ways to make friends. If youre more than a few months in and still struggling, you should ask yourself some questions, such as Are you attending optional social events? Have you asked anyone to grab coffee? Are you sitting at your desk all day with your headphones on? It could be that you work in an unfriendly office (and if so, Im sorry), or it could be that youre unintentionally sending the message that youre not there to make friends. As long as you follow these (highly recommended) guidelines, youre on the right track for forming meaningful connections with your colleagues- connections that wont just make even the worst job bearable, but your life outside work better, too.

Aerospace Bets on Big Data

Aerospace Bets on Big Data Aerospace Bets on Big Data Big Data is getting bigger and so are its wide-ranging benefits. From IBMs Watson analyzing Big Data to help shoppers identify the trendiest holiday gifts to Boeing predicting part failures in airplanes.The aerospace industry is capitalizing on the enormous amount of data, transmitted via sensors embedded on airplanes, by using it to improve business processes. Sensors are generating so much data that airlines often face the challenge of interpreting it all.Big Data by itself doesnt produce any value, says Andrew S. Bicos, PhD, director, platform performance and systems engineering and chief engineer, aeromechanics at Boeing Research Technology, the Boeing Company. The value really comes from being able to look at the data through algorithms, machine learning, and data mining that help you pull out the information and then analyze the results and transform that data into right decisions, he adds.ASME.org spoke with Dr. Bicos at A SMEs Industry Advisory Board Fall 2015 meeting, where Board members discussed the wide-ranging impact and opportunities that the nexus of manufacturing, design, and Big Data presents to the field of engineering. His responses below highlight the impact of Big Data on the aerospace industry and how it will influence the future of flying.Dr. Andrew S. Bicos. Image BoeingQ. How is your gruppe using Big Data to improve the design, construction, and operation of an aircraft?Bicos Using the correct analytics can help us design mora efficient airplanes as well as to operate and maintain them more efficiently. For example, if you have a plane in flight, Big Data can allow you to fly it more efficiently by adjusting the fuel consumption rates for the particular flying conditions that its going through. You can also adjust the flight path to maximize efficiency as well as reduce turbulence. Typically there are thousands of flight parameters that are being recorded and transmitted during the f light. This data can be used to diagnose potential issues before they occur. If there are issues with any of the systems or structure, you can collate that data with flight operations and do prognostic/predictive analysis to take the appropriate action before it happens.Q. What data points are important for the aerospace industry?Bicos It really depends on the point of the lifecycle of the product and what data you are looking for. In production, the quality of the parts can be monitored Where the parts are in the supply chain, where they are in assembly line position, and whats the degree of completeness versus the planned one? These data points can help make decisions in the process of putting a product together. In flight, it could be things like the fuel consumption rate, stress levels, temperature, and power usage. By monitoring those things we can make koranvers everything is working as it should and if we detect any anomalous behavior, then we can use that to predict what mig ht happen. For example, if the part needs to be replaced when it lands, the system can send a message and we can have the part waiting and replaced, thereby minimizing the turnaround time. On our customer side, we can use Big Data to help them optimize maintenance programs, pilot and crew scheduling to improve their overall operational efficiency. This all ties back into design, as we can use the information of the existing fleet to help design the next generation of airplanes more efficiently and be more cost-effective as well.Boeings ecoDemonstrator 787 uses more than 140,000 data points to help make flying more efficient in real time. Image BoeingQ. What is one of the biggest challenges of Big Data?Bicos Its the sheer amount of data and how do you get information out of it in time to make meaningful decisions, so that we take the right actions. Whether in production systems or flights, majority of value comes from minority of data. As the size of the data increases exponentially, the amount of data thats not valuable also becomes significant. For example, 787s generate terabytes of date per trip, and thats a lot of data. There is also a challenge in handling sparse data because inferring the right decisions from regions of data that have few observations is an issue. Both extremes are challenging.Q. Does the aerospace industry have the right talent capable of interpreting the data to find meaningful business insights? How can engineering students prepare for data-related careers?Bicos We do have the right folks to move us in the right direction. We also need to rely on talent in the other industries and universities to keep us moving forward and accelerate us as the amount of data grows. As we go through applying these technologies across more and more production, operations, and maintenance systems, we do foresee a shortage of skilled data scientists. Some universities have started programs to tackle that. Whether they want to become design, manufacturing, or maintenance engineers, its important for all engineering students to really become comfortable with dealing with the sheer amounts of data and being able to understand patterns and trends of using the systems so that they can make better decisions.Q. How will Big Data drive the aerospace industry going forward?Bicos Big Data is going to help enable improvements across all stages of the product lifecycle, from very early conceptualization, to design, production, after-market hilfe as well as in-flight operations. As aerospace becomes more automated, we need to harness Big Data and do it more efficiently and more of it in real time. As our products and production systems become more complex, we need to become more efficient and cost-effective in dealing with all of this data. Future will be dominated with modeling and simulation and how we apply the sheer volumes of the real system data to validate the simulations will become important. What we would like to get to is to be able t o build a product inside the computer and validate it using Big Data before we build actual hardware. I think in short, Big Data is going to a better enabler to design of our products, more efficient manufacturing and operations, and better business decisions and internal operations. It will be about getting the right information to the right decision maker at the right time.Additive manufacturing is transforming every aspect of product development from product design and manufacturing to quality control. How can you prepare for this technology to impact your business? Learn more at ASMEs AM3D Conference Expo For Further Discussion Big Data is going to help enable improvements across all stages of the product lifecycle, from very early conceptualization, to design, production, after-market support as well as in-flight operations.Dr. Andrew S. Bicos, Boeing Research & Technology

A Guide to Successful Interviewing

A Guide to Successful InterviewingA Guide to Successful InterviewingSo, you have landed an vorstellungsgesprch for a seemingly wonderful job Now what? To lock in a job offer, youll need to impress your interviewers. Having the rightinterview skillswill help you get hired. Here are some tips and strategies for effective interviewing from preparation through delivery. Start by Studying the Company Gathering background information on a prospective employer is crucial to successfully preparing for an interview. Your first step is to review the employers website, especially the About Us section. Take a look at the companys social media presence, too. This will give you insight into how the company wants the public to perceive it. Research the companys history, its position in the market, and new developments, particularly recent or planned changes that could affect your role. Dont be afraid to request additional details about the position at hand, too. When you demonstrate your knowle dge about the organization during an interview, it shows genuine interest, which is what interviewers want to see. The insights discovered in your research can also help you calibrate your responses to questions. Envision Yourself in the Role If you believe your qualifications and the job requirements are the perfect match, dont be shy about envisioning yourself in that role. When asked, be prepared to comment on what you can accomplish in your first 60 or 90 days on the job however, dont come across as a know-it-all whose mission is all about change. Practice Makes Perfect Prepare answers to commonly askedinterview questions. Doing so will help you analyze your background and qualifications for the position. Plus, thinking through your responses will help you sound confident during the interview, and avoid rambling or incoherent responses. You should also be ready for behavioral interview questions, which many of todays recruiters have adopted as a preferred method of scree ning candidates. Learn how to prepare for this common interviewing approach by reviewingbehavioral based interviewing. Very commonly, interviewers will askif you have any questionsfor them so plan ahead, and havea list of questions ready to ask.Get even more tips to ace theinterview, so youre sure youve covered all the basics. How to Handle Questions About Salary Visit ourSalary Centerfor salary survey information in a broad array of fields. This data will provide you with the information you need to discuss salary offers. Youll also findtips for successful handlingthose salary negotiations. Consider questions about your salary requirements a good sign. Employers typically dont broach the subject unless theyre contemplating you coming aboard. On the other hand, premature questions about salary are sometimes used to weed out candidates. For example, if the job application instructions require you to include salary history and specific salary requirements, that can be a tactic to classify applicants as qualified with feasible salary requirements, and qualified with high salary demands. But if the interviewer wraps up your meeting with questions about your salary requirements, it could be a sign that your skills and qualifications are impressive enough to move you to the next stage in the selection process. Avoid Typical Interview Blunders Mistakes happen. Sometimes, a question will stump you. Or an unexpected situation will make you late. Many of the most common interview mistakes can be avoided with a bit of planning and some awareness of interviewer pet peeves. Take a look at the most common interview mistakes, along with tips for how to avoid making them. Hold a Dress Rehearsal Ask a close friend or mentor to conduct amock interviewwith you someone with insight about recruiting and hiring processes is ideal Record the mock interview and review it to see how well you answer questions. As well as paying attention to your responses during this prac tice run, take a look at your posture and eye contact. Your body language during an interview - from the initial handshake when youre greeted through your farewell at the end - can make a difference in how interviewers perceive you. Get Ready for the Day of the Interview in Advance Try on yourinterview attire- make sure it fits and that you feel comfortable. Dont wait until the last minute to get directions to the interview location and estimate your travel time. Give yourself enough time to arrive several minutes early so you have time to decompress and relax before your meeting. Before you go into the interview, make sure your phone is turned off or is on silent.The last thing you need is your phone going off in the middle of a job interview Taking the time to prepare will help you avoid job interview stress, and will set you up for interview success.

A Guide to Sample Resume for College Student

A Guide to Sample Resume for College Student Future employers will be considering progressive experience. If youre applying to a position in another nation, learn what the resume expectations are for that nation. Resume guidelines might vary from industry to industry, therefore its wise to get familiar with specific industry examples. As stated previously will have to choose skills that have some relevance to the job that youre applying for. Who Else Wants to Learn About Sample Resume for College Student? Lets look at a mixture of free Google Docs and Microsoft Word templates. Perhaps while looking for examples you noticed poor samples all around the internet. Google includes lots of completely free templates as a piece of Docs. Resumes do not need to be boring. They do not have to take so much of yur time but totenstill should not be neglected. They are generally categorized by the manner in which the information is presented. Basic resumes typically have an extremely classic and classic tone. Sample Resume for College Student for Dummies Whichever service you decide on, I cant overstate the worth of working with an expert job resume template. The moment you are in possession of a new experience, add it. Listing your skills is a way to rapidly communicate your capacity to be successful in the position. Everyone has desirable abilities and experiences to provide employers including you What Is So Fascinating About Sample Resume for College Student? Have a look at our samples to get a better idea about what makes a good customer service resume and discover out what it requires to land your dream job. Saying great customer service isnt enough. Wish you get a superior offer. If you maintain your resume updated, are always going to have it ready to go as soon as an opportunity presents itself. Using Sample Resume for College Student As a consequence, theres virtually a spot for each and every junior golfer who would like to play golf. A good option for high school resumes. You are able to also list summer jobs. If you worked during the summertime, remember to have that too. Where to Find Sample Resume for College Student Have a look at our information technology resume samples for some tips about how to present yourself as the ideal candidate. Your contact information should always go on top of your resume, so that employers can readily find it. Luckily, you can receive a selection of examples of resume in the website. There are variety of examples and distinct forms of Free Resume Templates which can be found which could be downloaded free. Medical schools would like to know that youre a good student in addition to being passionate and enthusiastic about your healthcare career. Education is crucial, but with the gain of college graduates each calendar year, you are in need of a way to set yourself apart. A College Student resume should showcase superior multitasking abilities and the ability to stay orga nized and on-task through the day. Employers wish to know just what you did or learned so they know what you need to offer as an employee. Contact Information The very first section of your resume should incorporate information on the way in which the employer can contact you. Students must adhere to some formats for their resume based on the universities theyre applying to. Sample Resume for College Student and Sample Resume for College Student - The Perfect Combination In addition, there might be a selection of structures of resume. Nonetheless, it doesnt always mean resume is not difficult to produce. Your resume will be broken into sections. Next, you are going to learn how to earn a college resume prepared for the big leagues

4 HR Hiring Lessons from the Olympic Security Mismanagement

4 HR Hiring Lessons from the Olympic Security MismanagementThe torch has been lit, the games have begun, andOlympic medal records have already been broken. The London 2012 Summer Olympic Games are progressing along, but this doesnt mean anyone has forgotten the security mismanagement which started the competition on an incompetent note. When it comes to hiring the best and brightest for your company, whether weeding through resumes or conducting avideo interview, theOlympics security mismanagementis a cautionary tale.Just what went wrong? Shortly before Paul McCarthy and a40-foot Lord Voldemortopened up the Olympic Games, London discovered the games would be a bit light on security. It turns out G4S, the company in charge of providing security to the competition, was woefully understaffed.Thesecurity company recently apologizedfor not being able to hire and train enough candidates in time for the games. Now, drafted militarytroops make up a whopping 50 percentof the security personne l stationed at the Olympic Park.This embarrassing blunder on the worldwide stage can, however, teach us some important hiring lessons. Here are a fewYour Superstar Candidate Is Not Always the Best CandidateSometimes the flashiest candidate isnt always the one with the most substance. London learned this the hard way when they hiredone of the largest security firms in the world, only to learn G4S had dropped the ball. Whether looking at a resume or interviewing a candidate, listen closely to what they say and whether they can back up their accomplishments. A candidate might sound impressive on paper, on video or in person, but make sure this impression is based on truth and not just hot air.Find Faster Ways to Fill Necessary PositionsWhen hiring for important, essential positions speed can often be the name of the game. Your company doesnt need to be theUsain Boltof hiring, but important positions might need to be filled faster thanthe average 45 days. This means employers should loo k into ways to cut down the hiring process, whether this means using video interviews for faster scheduling or relying on employee referrals. If G4S had hired faster and mora effectively, they could have avoided the security shortfall.Get Concrete and SpecificIn interviews, sometimes its not enough to gauge confidence and organizational fit. Sometimes you need to know just what a candidate can do and what value they will be bringing to the organization. In this case, you should develop concrete questions to ask directly in the interview process. Ask candidates about former projects theyve worked on or how they would solve a specific issue. This will help you better judge if the candidate will be able to hit the ground running when they start at your company or if they will need substantial training.Always VerifyIts important to always verify your candidates. If there had been a bit more verification on G4S, officials might have noticed that this debacleisnt the first time the compan y has been in hot water. Its just as important you always check references on all candidates, even the ones who seem the most impressive. You might think you dont have time to check out a candidates references, whether because of your packed schedule or whether youre afraid a competing company will scoop up your top talent. But can you really afford the embarrassment of hiring a candidate who fibbed on their resume or exaggerated their qualifications?The shadow of this security mismanagement is a blemish on an otherwise inspirational sporting event. To avoid a similar hiring embarrassment for your company, take the lessons from this blunder to improve your organizations hiring efforts. Take a page out of the Olympic handbook and dont settle when hiring go for the goldWhat are some lessons we can learn from the Olympic security mismanagement? Share in the commentsIMAGE Courtesy ofFlickr by Pitchside Photo.

Best Financial Career Options for Law Degree Holders

Best Financial Career Options for Law Degree HoldersBest Financial Career Options for Law Degree HoldersThe financial services industry is highly regulated, and lawyers have credentials that are greatly in demand. Combine these two factors and financial services begins to look like a promising second career for a lawyer or others in the legal field who want a change of focus or direction. Producer Careers for Law Degree Holders Both financial advisors and financial planners pursue careers in which law is a constant factor. Taxation and the laws governing trusts and estates are central issues in managing both personal and small business finances. Lawyers can offer invaluable knowledge in these sectors. fruchtwein major financial services firms typically will not authorize lawyers to offer anything even remotely resembling legal advice, however, so this is one drawback - youre not utilizing all your training, education and knowledge. You must be at least somewhat circumspect in us ing your legal expertise. Major firms generally make disclaimers that they do not give tax or legal advice to limit their exposure to lawsuits from unhappy clients. On the other hand, certain boutique financial services providers - especially those catering to wealthy individuals - actually do offer tax preparation, tax advice and trust formation among their services. Included among these providers are some trust companies and specialized small financial services firms commonly called family offices. Depending on the laws in your state, it might be possible to offer a financial planning practice in conjunction with a law firm. If so, you could be a lawyer who decides to get certified as a financial planneror who decides to hire one or more into your firm. You might be a financial planner who decides to add a law degree to your resume, or you might want to hire one or more lawyers to expand your firms capabilities. Support Careers for Law Degree Holders The most obvious area wi th a need for legal expertise on the stab und sttze side of financial services is the one generally categorized as compliance, legal and tax. Not surprisingly, numerous jobs in this area require either a licensed practicing attorney, the holder of a law degree or a trained and certified paralegal. Additionally, many departments in financial services firms must clear their work with either internal or external legal counsel. For example, the text of all communications directed at clients or to the general public, such as marketing brochures and advertisements, must typically pass a legal review. Having someone on staff with legal expertise can be valuable, helping the department to anticipate what counsel will require and thereby avoiding wasted effort. Finally, a background in law can improve your future prospects for promotion to senior management. Specialize in Financial Fields With a Law Degree Of course, an obvious course would simply be to practice in a finance-related area of law. Youve gotten your law degree, youve passed the bar, so hang out your shingle with the intention of practicing in an area that covers all your interests. Theres no rule that says you have to be a general practitioner. You can focus on estate law, bankruptcy law, small business law or consumer law. The possibilities are endless.

Tips for Becoming a Hollywood Screenwriter

Tips for Becoming a Hollywood ScreenwriterTips for Becoming a Hollywood ScreenwriterBecoming a big shot, Hollywood screenwriter is a dream for many people, but most never take the necessary steps to become successful because they dont see the profession as a craft. They see it as a way to get rich. Granted, there are many screenwriters who have made millions of dollars over the courses of their careers. There are even a few overnight successes (if you dont include the months or even years of toiling over their scripts before they became an overnight success). But for the most part, becoming a successful screenwriter is just like anything else of value- the result of hard work. So, where does one start? Weve outlined below some very basic steps to follow. Keep in mind that this is one possible path of many. The truth is, there is no one right or wrong way when seeking out a Hollywood writing career. Some things work for some people, but notlage for others. Some of it is luck, some of it is talent, and some of it is just never giving up. But if youre looking for information on how to get started, the following steps should help provide a bit more direction. Educate Yourself Screenwriting isnt just something to jump into. There are those exceptionally few writers who seem to understand the rhythm of a movie script and have an innate gift of dialogue from the start. But for the most part, new writers need to have a basic understanding of what it is theyre trying to write, and that means research. One place to start is with some books on the topic. behauptung will help provide anunderstanding of the basic structure of a movie script as well as how to go about writing its various elements- from creating interesting characters and plot to the development of engaging dialogue and proper story structure. These three books are a good start Story Structureby Robert McKee is the bible of story structure and the basics of the principles of screenwriting. A must read.Scr eenplayby Syd Field is another must read by the one author that most Hollywood writers would agree is the master of the screenplay.Screenwriters Problem Solver, also by Syd Field, is a follow-up to Screenplay, and Field takes readers through common problems many screenwriters confront and exercises to help fix them. There are hundreds of books touting their screenwriting method as the best method. The fact is that once you know the basics of how to write a screenplay, you then need to practice doing so. Avoid books that claim to show you how to write a screenplay in 10days or 20 days, or whatever. You need to learn about the mechanics of writing a script before worrying about how long it takes you to write one. Read Successful Screenplays Perhaps the most useful reference materials you can find are going to be sample scripts, especially those that are in the same genre you intend to write. For example, if youre planning on writing a romantic comedy, get your hands on as many rom antic comedy scripts as you can find. You will see that by having these scripts at the ready, youll soon begin to see how a film translates from a writers head into the finished product of a film. Scripts can be purchased from places likeSamuel French Bookstore, but you also might have luck with something as simple asGoogle.Search the title of just about any movie you can think of with the yep screenplay, and you more than likely will find dozens of sites that will have exactly what youre looking for. If buying a script, be sure you get a full feature movie script rather than a transcript. A transcript is just a transcript of the dialogue of the film and wont help you. You need a full feature script that you can refer to that shows dialogue, descriptions, and all action. Start Writing Depending on where you live, there might be a number ofwriting classes you can choose from, many of which specialize in screenwriting, but the most important step is to start writing. Too many peop le get caught up in the mechanics of screenwriting. They spend months, if not years, in classes and reading books on how to write a screenplay, but they never actually write anything. So, after you get the basics down, start writing. Dont overthink the process. Sit down at your computer, start typing the words, and print your screenplay. Its what every screenwriter eventually does whether theyre a novice or a skilled professional. Keep Writing It is where many people get hung up. Once they start writing, they get deckenfries ata certain point and stop trying. Some excuses might include a hiccup in the storyline, dialogue that isnt working, or characters arent likable. All of these are valid issues, but none of them mean you should ever stop the writing process. As a screenwriter, you quickly will find that rewriting is about 80 percentof the job, if not more. The trick here is to avoid rewriting the same scene over and over without ever moving toward completion. Too many writers fall into the trap of thinking that every page of the first draft must be perfect, but take comfort in this First drafts of most screenplays usually are awful. The good news is that through your rewrites, they get much, much better. Forge ahead no matter how hard it is or how long it takes. A good practice is to set page goals. For example, vow to finish at least five pages every day no matter what when working on a first draft. It can help you to finish the script without caring about the initial quality. After all, its sometimes easier to rewrite an existing script than to stare at a leer page. Get Notes Getting notes on a script refers to getting a little constructive criticism. Once youve finished with an acceptable draft of the screenplay, give it to three or four people whose opinions you trust. Remember that what youre looking for here is constructive criticism, not someone who tells you they liked or disliked your script. Usually, another writer will be the most useful for this process. Listen to the notes you get so that you can properly address them. Network Networkingis still one of the most important skills a screenwriter can have. After all, this is more than likely how youre going to get your script to an agent, producer, or studio executive. InLos Angeles, there are numerous entertainment-relatednetworking events. Its crucial that as a screenwriter you attend as many of these as you can soyou can meet like-minded individuals. Keep in mind that your script will not sell itself by sitting on a shelf in your apartment. You have to let people know you are a screenwriter and that you have a product to sell. Through diligent networking, you mayeventually come across someone who will get your screenplay into the right hands. Dont be shy here. Be confident in your material and your abilities and be proud to label yourself as a screenwriter. Screenwriting can be a fun, rewarding, and extremely lucrative career. But its a craft that must be learn ed and practiced before it ever can be mastered.

5 Essential Steps to Get Ahead

5 Essential Steps to Get Ahead 5 Essential Steps to Get Ahead During my 50-year global career, I saw engineers with the broadest range of talents get promoted faster and move farther in their organizations. With each promotion, a young engineer would have fewer engineering responsibilities and more management tasks, requiring people skills for which most engineers have little training.Id like to suggest five essential steps for getting ahead as an engineer.1) IntegrityMy father lost his job in the middle of the Depression because he would not help steal oil from the owner of the pumping station where he worked. Pumps were taking suction out of the same tank that oil was flowing into. After he alerted the owner, my father was fired for being honest.Warren Buffett looks for three things in hiring people The first is personal integrity. The second is intelligence. The third is high energy level. But if you dont have the first, the other two will kill you. Integrity is an inside job the intersection of what we think (beliefs and values), do, and say to others. Its built over time, one step at a time. Integrity matters because its necessary for trust, the crucial factor in personal and professional relationships. The more trustworthy we become, the more trustworthiness we inspire in others.2) ReputationA reputation grows steadily, day by day, year by year, over a lifetime. But in merely a moment, it can be severely damaged, by inappropriate behavior. Your reputation will always follow you.Our industry is small stimmt gets around. Everything you say and do, both inside and outside your organization, creates your image. To many people, someones word transcends anything put in writing. Have a good reputationand keep it.3) PassionToday, work defines us. When we meet someone, we usually ask, what do you do? even before, where are you from?People accomplish more when they love their work. Have you ever seen an athlete win when no one had given her a chance? That motivati on and peak performance is fueled by love of the sport. Focus on the most stimulating parts of your job. Seek responsibilities that highlight them.4) People SkillsA senior executive from a major oil company told me that engineers not selected for promotion there were technically very competent. But they didnt communicate effectively, manage people comfortably, or get along well with colleagues and co-workers.Ive observed that people with only technical skills reach a plateau in their careers, and stay there, unless they also have people skills. You can hone yours through classes, webinars, or popular books about these abilities.5) ListeningI once asked a Spanish oil executive about a plaque on his desk. He said it epitomized his life history, and translated it Everything has been said, but since no one listened, I must start over again.Technical people cant afford to be poor listeners. How we do our jobs and get along with others is greatly influenced by how well we listen. Thats be cause a speakers words unconsciously reflect innerhalb feelings, idiosyncrasies, preconceptions, assumptions, background, and prejudices.Yes, listening requires effort. To be a better listenerPay attention. Put the speakers needs first.Be empathetic and responsive.Look at the speaker.Listen for ideas, but dont judge.Ask clarifying or follow-up questions, which also shows that youre listening.In 1968, I worked on a large project in the Soviet Union. Presidents of other involved firms led the discussions. On my flight back to London (where I lived), one of those company presidents was seated next to me. I asked a question about his career, then asked where he grew up. For the next 3.5 hours, I made occasional comments, but mostly posed questions, listening intently to his replies. At lunch a week later, his London manager told me that his president said I was the best conversationalist hed ever metAs you consider whether you can apply these suggestions, please remember The road to suc cess is always under construction.Adapted from Enhancing Your Engineering Career, by James R. Hutton, ASME Member, for Mechanical Engineering, February 2009.