How to Stand Out from the Competition in a Job Interview

How to Stand Out from the Competition in a Job Interview How to Stand Out from the Competition in a Job Interview Unfortunately, the job market at the start of the new year is extremely competitive, andemployers are often overwhelmed with job applications. The whole process can take more than several months to complete, which means it might be a while before an vorstellungsgesprch is scheduled. During this suspenseful limbo period, brush up on how to rise above the competition in your interviews. Whether youve landed your dream interview or youre looking to prepare for it, here are some tips for setting yourself fremd and nailing interviews.Do Your ResearchIf you really want to stand out from the competition and make a lasting impression, then you must thoroughly research the company youre interviewing with beforehand. Find out as much as possible about the company. Read reviews and articles, learn about the companys employees and your interviewer(s), and know the companys history.Th is research will show the interviewer that you care about the company and the position. As you read up on the company and its people, start thinking about potential questions to ask at the interview. The research can help you ask better questions - not typical, yawn-inducing ones - and get you brownie points for obviously doing your homework. The time you invested in brushing up on the company will also be put to use in improving your responses and boosting your confidence. Youll be able to cite specific examples to illustrate your points and talk about what you found particularly interesting. All of these advantages will leave the interviewer with the impression that you took the interview seriously and you are interested in company improvements.Know the PositionTo get hired, youll have to know the job youve applied for inside and out. Review the job descriptions language and how the company talks about the position on its website. Be prepared to talk about how your resume comple ments the job description. If you need help with this, use Jobscan to help you identify the specific language of the position and how that language compares to whats on your resume. When the majority of large companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to search for qualified candidates using resume keywords, its important that your resume makes it through the ATS to a human being - one who can potentially contact you to schedule an interview.During the interview, ask about what your daily tasks might include and highlight what interests you about the position. Show the interviewer that you can confidently perform all of the job requirements by providing specific, measurable examples from previous work or volunteer experiences. These examples should prove your accomplishments through concrete numbers and percentages, such as the percentage of projects you completed within budget, or the percentage of increased web traffic attributable to you.During the InterviewTry to go to your zen place for the interview its important to stay calm. Be friendly with the interviewer but professional. A lot of people get nervous for interviews, and thats totally okay. Channel your inner insert your favorite actor here persona and just dont let it show. Obvious signs of nervousness, such as twitching, fiddling with items, excessive hand movements, and avoiding eye contact can make the interview awkward and uncomfortable for both parties, plus they can distract from your awesome responses. Listen to the interviewer, dont interrupt him or her, and take time to think of appropriate responses before speaking. Dont be too modest this is the time to really sell yourself. Confidence in your ability to perform the desired job duties well will make you a memorable job candidate. And always remember that the basics go a long way in making you shine not simply as a person, but also as a potential addition to the team a firm handshake (no wet spaghetti handshakes, please), genuine smile s, and eye contact. Follow Up After the InterviewBefore you leave, ask about what will happen next. There may be further interview requirements or post-interview assignments to complete. Be sure to thank the interviewer and say that youre looking forward to hearing from him or her. Follow up with a sincere thank you email at least two hours after leaving the interview. Show that you were awake during the interview by including in the email a comment about something you found to be interesting during the interview, or something surprising that you learned from the interviewer. The email could also mention things about the position and company that you are excited about. If you havent heard back from them within a week (unless specifically told otherwise), send a follow up email asking about post-interview steps or if you can provide them with any additional information. Dont become discouraged if you dont hear back immediately - the interview process can take months. Your follow up should strike the right balance show that youre very interested but dont over do it. Make sure that you dont come across as way too eager or desperate. Basically, thank the interviewer and follow up, but dont become a stalker. Thorough research about a job position and the company will increase your confidence and allow you to ace an interview. If you combine that with following up in an appropriate manner, youll show that youre willing to put in more effort than other candidates. Youll stand out from the competition as the very best candidate for the position.

How to Make a Recruiter Fight for You

How to Make a Recruiter Fight for YouHow to Make a Recruiter Fight for YouCompanies review hundreds of resumes when they have a position open, but there is always that one perfect candidate that peaks a recruiters interest. There is a spark, positive energy, and he or she walks away feeling inspired. More importantly, he or she cant wait to tell their hiring manager about the person.Having someone on the inside who will fight for you sounds like a great position to be in, doesnt it?Dont get too far ahead of yourself by thinking this means a recruiter will take over your job search and do all your heavy lifting. Thats not the caseThis means the hiring process can be competitive, time-intensive and emotional, even for your recruiter. There are times when he or she might be working with 100 different candidates for various positions while simultaneously managing demanding bosses who want these jobs filled as fast as possible. So, when the recruiter meets an impressive job applicant who makes his or her job easier, he or she will go to bat for that person.Heres a few tips on how to build that relationship Be PreparedYou and the recruiter need to be on the same page in terms of your skills and past experiences (relevant and less relevant), any gaps in your employment history, and your short- and long-term career ambitions. The recruiter needs a clear picture of you as a candidate to refer you for the right role. Be HonestMisrepresenting yourself in any way is a big no-no. Honesty builds trust, whereas dishonesty- even exaggerating or just failing to mention something- can make your recruiter afraid to refer you.Just think how badly it will reflect on you (and the recruiter) if you hold something back or tell a white lie that eventually comes to light. And be under no illusion, these things always do. Be PassionateRecruiters are looking for qualified candidates who are serious about switching to the company they represent. If youre discussing an opportunity with a co mpany whose values align with your own, this is the time to highlight how much you care. Be GraciousIf you feel iffy about the position, dont be afraid to ask about other opportunities. The recruiter will respect you for being prepared to admit that youre not the best person for the job. If you can, recommend contacts of your own that might be better suited. Recruiters remember candidates who are helpful.Building a positive relationship with a recruiter is just like building any other relationship, personal or professional. As long as youre nice, honest and gracious, even if it doesnt work out, youll get what you put in back in spades

2016 Salary Trends in Finance

2016 Salary Trends in Finance2016 Salary Trends in Finance2016 Salary Trends in Finance ConlanHow are 2016 salary trends likely to impact jobs in the finance industry?Most employees in the financial sector will see a salary increase in 2016, with middle managers expected to experience the most significant bump in pay, experts say. Finance executives and lower-level workers in the financial industry are projected to see salary growth in the coming year as well, though at a slightly slower tarif.There are several economic factors that have been increasing demand for financial skills that could continue to drive salary growth in the industry through 2016.Improved Economy for Finance JobsAs with many industries, the stronger economy has helped the finance industry see some gains, says Mariam Lamech, manager of research at the Association For Financial Professionals. Salary and hiring freezes left over from the recession have been melting, and organizations have been making up for lost ti me with salary increases.In particular, this has meant good news for the middle management tier of finance employees, says Lamech, which according to AFP research saw an average salary increase of 4.6% in the past year, compared with 3.5% for executives and 3.4% for staff positions.The Irvine, California-based Economic Research Institute is projecting similar numbers, although it expects a slowing of salary increases for lower positions in finance (2.7% in 2016, down from 3% in 2015). It also projects growth for middle positions (3% in 2016, up from 2.6% in 2015) and executive salaries (3.5% in 2016, up from 3.1% in 2015.)The unemployment rate for positions such as accountants is about half of the national unemployment rate, so financial professionals are in high demand, says Dallas-based compensation consultant Dindy Robinson. Top performers in particular may see salary increases of up to 10%.Advanced Degrees Pushing Up SalariesLamech says employees advanced degrees are pushing up salaries as well. Those with MBAs and higher degrees are earning more than $9,000 more than those who just have bachelors degrees or high school educations, she says. Education is playing a big role.Professional certifications come into play as well on the treasurer/finance side as more people get their CPAs and CPCs. In the middle level and lower level, those who have certifications will benefit from a higher salary, Lamech says.The Growth of Specialty NichesLamech says compensation for finance positions varies considerably by industry, a trend that is expected to continue through next year. In the past three years, energy and utilities have commanded the highest average salaryand technology job salariescame in second.The average financial salary in the energy sector is $120,000 a year, Lamech says it was $116,000 in tech. Continued growth in ansicht industries could keep trends high.The push for a higher 2016 minimum wage isnt affecting financial salaries directly, says Jonas John son, senior researcher at ERI. However, a higher minimum wage does have an indirect effect on how all salaries are calculated, he says.If the lower end ratchets up, a lower level job might suddenly make more than the one above it, and so the salary increases up the scale, he says. People who set compensation need to keep an eye on so-called wage compression as a higher minimum wage pushes up from the bottom.A higher minimum wage would have the biggest effect on the lower two levels at an organization, he says. Once you get into higher levels, the effects fall off.

Customer Service Clerk Job Description Sample

Customer Service Clerk Job Description SampleCustomer Service Clerk Job Description SampleCustomer Service Clerk Job Description SampleThiscustomer service clerksample job description can assist in your creating a job application that will attract job candidates who are qualified for the job. Feel free to revise this job description to meet your specific job duties and job requirements.Customer Service Clerk Job ResponsibilitiesServes customers by providing information responding to requests resolving problems collecting revenue.Customer Service Clerk Job DutiesProvides information to customers by verifying understanding of request answering questions offering assistance.Initiates service by recording requests forwarding to dispatching.Collects revenue by receiving and recording payments.Resolves billing problems by identifying the problem explaining procedures forwarding required adjustments.Improves quality results by evaluating processes recommending changes.Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities.Accomplishes customer service and organization mission by completing related results as needed.Customer Service Clerk Skills and QualificationsInforming Others, Verbal Communication, Resolving Conflict, Listening, Multi-tasking, Customer Service, General Math Skills, Promoting Process Improvement, Problem Solving, Thoroughness, Quality FocusEmployers Post a job in minutes to reach candidates everywhere. Job Seekers Search Customer Service Clerk Jobs and apply on now. Learn more abouthow to hireHow to Interview to Uncover a Candidates Ethical StandardsVideo New Employee OrientationCreating and Posting a Job in Monster

How to Deal With an Unstable Company - The Muse

How to Deal With an Unstable Company - The MuseHow to Deal With an Unstable Company Maybe there have been a bunch of recent layoffs within your company. Perhaps departments keep getting restructured. Or, maybe your boss keeps not-so-subtly suggesting that you pick up a few skills that will make you more marketable.Whatever the specific situation is, your work environment seems incredibly unstable, and you feel like your entire career is up in the air. Anybody who has been in that situation before will tell you that its difficult to stay focused and productive when you think youre one small step away from unemployment. Yes, theres no doubt that coping in an unsteady atmosphere is a challenge. But, unfortunately, sometimes its necessary. So, here are a few tips for both surviving and thriving when things seem really shaky. 1. Dont Engage in GossipWere all human. So, its only natural that we want to talk about the things that are bothering us- and feeling like youre about to get the boo t is definitely one of those things.Needless to say, theres bound to be endless amounts of chatter about all of the changes your company is going through. However, its in your best interest to steer clear of all of the office gossip. In the end, it only broadcasts inaccurate information and breeds even more anxiety and uncertainty.Plus, staying away from all of those hushed whispers not only preserves your sanity, but it also helps you to stay focused on your work- which keeps your job that much further away from the chopping block. 2. Avoid ObsessingWe all know that overanalyzing is another totally normal tendency when youre feeling anxious about something. But, try your best to avoid churning over every small remark or interaction.I totally get it. All of those closed-door meetings and subtle hints from your superior are enough to have you worked into a tizzy. But, what does reading into every minute detail accomplish- other than tie your stomach into knots?Youre better off focusi ng on what you know now. Even if youre really out of the loop, at the very least you know that you totenstill have a job to do. So, assert control over the aspects of your position that are still within your grasp and channel your energy into doing your best work. Forget the rest for now. 3. Dont Be Afraid to Be DirectAn unstable work environment can definitely have you walking on eggshells. Youre likely hesitant to rock the boat and would rather just fly below the radar, get your work done, and stay out of the way. But, if your office atmosphere has become so shaky and uncertain that you cant even be productive, it might be time to have an honest conversation with your superior about the current happenings within your company.Be prepared that he or she might not have any information to share- your manager might be just as in the dark as you are. But, you can take at least a little bit of comfort in knowing that you showed some initiative and passion for the security of your positio n. If nothing else, your boss will know that you care enough about your job to seek out some answers. 4. Ask the Right QuestionsYes, theres a lot to be said for being direct with your supervisor. But, that doesnt mean you should storm into your boss office with a generic demand to know what exactly is going on.If you do decide to approach your manager, its important that you take the time beforehand to figure out exactly what youd like answers to. Jot down your biggest questions, such as Do I need to worry about the security of my job? As selfish as it sounds, focus on getting answers to what directly affects you. You dont need all of the nitty-gritty details and confidential facts about the companys objectives. Your main goal should be getting the information you need in order to figure out your next steps. 5. Form a Backup PlanUnfortunately, you dont have a crystal ball. So, even if youre able to have an honest conversation with your manager, neither one of you can predict exactly whats going to happen. Thats why its smart to be proactive and plan for the worst.Even if you arent quite ready to start sending out job applications, you should still ensure that you have your ducks in the row should anything disastrous happen with your current position. Knock the dust off your resume. Make sure that your references are in order. Take advantage of any networking opportunity that you can. Doing these things will only put you in a better position if and when you do need to look for a new job. If you think it would help you, you can even consider talking with a career coach about what youre currently going through. These experienced experts have helped plenty of people through your exact circumstances, so they can be a great resource in helping you figure out your next steps. Regardless of what exactly you decide to do, having a fallback plan will help to remove at least a little uncertainty from your current situation. Theres no denying that functioning in a shaky w ork environment can take a toll on you. After all, staying focused on your work when your entire professional world seems to be crumbling around you can feel downright impossible. Unfortunately, theres no magic wand to wash away all of your insecurity and anxiety. But, these tips are sure to help you cope with an unstable office- at least until you can get out. Photo of stressed woman courtesy of Shutterstock.

The Hidden Treasure of Narrative Resume

The Hidden Treasure of Narrative Resume You know the job isnt as easy as other people could think. Bear in mind, the resume is a great approach to demonstrate the employer or recruiter how hard youre prepared to do the job. Healthcare employers would like to know what you could do for them. Employers and recruiters are extremely busy people and expect to read a specific amount of content based on the sort of job they are hiring for. At times, it can be difficult to know the difference between two similar papers. A lot of people overstate or understate their achievements or struggle to discover the perfect words. Theres no need to supply references as a piece of your resume. If you believe that this sort of sheet of information concerning the medical assistant resume examples ought to be shard then be our guest and share it on various social networking channels. Ideas, Formulas and Shortcuts for Narrative Resume Narrative essays are categorized under nonfiction and is fou nded on experience. Memoirs are like narrative essays. Resume stories dont need to be long. Short stories do not demand a thesis statement. What You Should Do About Narrative Resume Beginning in the Next 10 Minutes Employers are always watching for candidates with effective communication abilities. Resumes ought never to be written in third individual. It isnt hard to read, and theyre able to get the key terms and qualifications EASILY when theyre reading hundreds of applications. 1 page is usually sufficient, though, a particularly capable and knowledgeable candidate might need two pages. Nontraditional resumes are perfect for men and women in creative fields, who would like to demonstrate their capacity to create visually engaging designs or to make web pages. The 30-Second Trick for Narrative Resume If you presently work in the identical industry and are just changing companies, you probably know, as you work in a similar environment each day. Possessing some industr y connections will enable you to get that very first job youve been dreaming of. The job, the market, and the institution proved not the perfect fit for me. You will learn whats important to industry insiders. Before you commence writing anything, think of the general message you are attempting to convey. Thus, when deciding which kind of resume to use, you must think about your present conditions. Some folks are likely to be more comfortable writing their resumes in first individual, and I believe thats fine. To stand a great prospect of being shortlisted by means of a recruiter you will need to speak their language and present a contemporary up-to-date resume written in a style they are utilised to. Its vital that you tailor both documents to the job accessible. As soon as its very probable that you fully grasp the fundamental duties of a restaurant server, you might not know exactly how much work and skill enters the job. There are lots of basic kinds of resumes you ma y use to submit an application for job openings. See below for exactly what things to include. First of all, its crucial to demonstrate your efforts will assist the organization streamline processes and cut back on costs. Now you have the info you will need for your summary, its time to begin your draft. References are usually requested at a subsequent stage in the selection practice. The procedure for building your resume and applying online might take several hours. What You Dont Know About Narrative Resume Yes, there is actually a rule for the style to compose your resume. Which format you select will depend, in part, on the sort of work youve performed and whether you will continue in the exact field. As students, you might find yourself needing to compose a couple essays for your course requirements. Whatever its that youre writing, the format about how to write it are just the exact same. Things You Wont Like About Narrative Resume and Things You Will You have to adhere to the rule that every obstacle the major character faces should have its own paragraph. Your introductory lines have to be eye-catching. Utilize your background to assist you compose a narrative. Because of this, its essential to understand and practice the expert narrative. Dont believe that this essay should reflect an entire and polished individual. You may discover that youre ill-equipped to produce a very good narrative essay however, you should not worry Narrative essays barely involve any resources, which means you should make certain you decide on a topic you know or you believe youre able to easily write. A personal narrative essay is just one of the greatest tools to stop social issues which are often disregarded. You might also have a look at essay samples in word. Thus, do not be concerned if its taking you long to produce your essay. If youre writing an essay, you would like to make sure you go at your own pace in finding the draft, revising, and proo freading. Dont forget that writing an excellent essay will always take time.

Hiring Professionals You Need To Avoid These Job Interview Mistakes

Hiring Professionals You Need To Avoid These Job Interview MistakesYou take a look at your notes from the job interviews you conducted today. The first candidate couldnt maintain good eye contact. The second one was overly fidgety. The third tended to ramble, and the fourth seemed uninformed about the company. In fact, you saw almost every basic job interview mistake.As an HR professional, its your job to notice those fonts of behaviors. It helps you assess which candidate will be the best fit for the position. But there is a type of mistake you are likely missing during a job interview the one you make.Maybe you come off as cold or ask the wrong questions. Not being aware of your errors can affect talents impression of the company. It influences both their responses and ultimate decision to work for you. In fact, a 2016 CareerArc study found that 60 percent of job seekers have had a poor experience when applying for a job. Candidate experience has a major impact on your brand and co mpany growth.Dont miss out on great employees because of a silly job interview mistake. Here are three experts opinions on behaviors to avoid1. Stop trying to fool candidatesEvery position has its bad side. Theres no point in trying to hide that from job candidates. Theyll either sense youre hiding something or figure it out soon after taking the job. Yet many HR professionals are worried being honest will scare people off, so they downplay certain negative aspects of the job.Dont gloss things over, said Suzanne Lucas, the HR expert behind the blog Evil HR Lady. Just talk about the job and the candidates experience.What to do instead Be upfront and honest. Lucas likes to tell candidates the three worst parts of the position and ask how they feel about those conditions. Getting the right person on mainboard means hiring the person who is okay with the worst parts of the job, she pointed out. Be totally honest. Is it a micro-managing VP? Are there clients who dont understand the meani ng of the word weekend? Is the pay low and hours long? Lay it all out and then ask for their feedback.If nothing you say is a deal-breaker for the candidate, you can be confident of their interest in the job and your organization.Always be upfront and honest with candidates during the jobinterview. RealEvilHRLadyClick To Tweet2. Listen moreDuring a job interview, its important for you to not dominate the conversation. Yes, you need to answer the candidates questions and explain the details of the job, but not at the expense of getting to know the candidate.Interviewers should spend much more time listening than they spend talking, said Sue Meisinger, SPHR, JD. Too often an interviewer will get so absorbed in describing the company and the job that they leave too little time for listening to and learning about the candidate.What to do instead Make sure your interview questions are open-ended and provide candidates with a option to expand. If youre only asking yes or no questions, you ll receive very little insight about who they are. For Meisinger, she likes her questions to be thought-provoking.I liked to ask candidates to share with me a time in their career when they were the focus of some controversy, she said. What was the issue and how did they handle it? I ask the question because no job is without controversy and stress, and I like to get a sense of how people approach those situations.Dont spend the entire jobinterview talking. Listen as well. HRpro suemeisinger.Click To Tweet3. Dont let hiring bias influence youHiring bias is real. While it isnt always overtly about race, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation, people tend to favor hiring candidates who are similar to them. This leads to you overlooking great talent unless you consciously try to keep biases in check.If the candidate and the hiring manager have the same alma mater or are from the same town, theres an instant connection between them, said Heather Huhman, founder and president of Come R ecommended. Seeing similarities in candidates can be dangerous if those traits arent pertinent to the position. You could end up hiring someone who isnt the best option.What to do insteadGet second opinions on your top candidate choices. If you use pre-recorded one-way video interviews, share the videos with another kollektiv member, then ask them for input.Whenever Im hiring, I have a trusted person I turn to, said Huhman. If her perceptions of the candidates align with mine, I know theres less of a chance that my own biases are influencing my decisions.It also helps if you have a clear, objective criteria to evaluate candidates. That can keep you and other hiring team members focused when assessing job seekers during an interview. Nobodys perfect. But as an HR professional, you need to be aware of common mistakes you might make during a job interview. Knowing how you could be negatively impacting your talent choices will help you hire the best of the best.Want more tips on improvi ng your job interview process? Download our eBook

Successfully Complete Government Job Applications

Successfully Complete Government Job ApplicationsSuccessfully Complete Government Job ApplicationsThe application process for a government job is full of pitfalls. Follow these tips to help your application get from the big stack of all applicants to the little stack of applicants who will get an interview. Be Thorough Government job application forms tend to be very long. Government organizations often try to pare down their application forms. They are usually unsuccessful. In countless iterations of trying to reduce the information applicants must provide, human resources departments run into situations where hiring managers say they need this piece of information or that one. The result is little change on the application form. You never know which minute piece of information is going to be important to the person hiring you. Be thorough. Fill out every single leer on the application. Explain Time Anomalies If you have a gap in employment or were at a job for only a few mo nths, you need to explain these situations on your application. Employment gaps and short stints are red flags to employers. If they are left unexplained, the hiring manager will assume the worst. Do leid lie about time gaps. If you were fired, explain why, what you learned from it, and why it wont happen again. You may have limited space on the application form to explain, so at a minimum cover why you were fired. If the gap is due to something awful, it is better the employer finds out from you than in a phone call to your former manager. Short stints are usually easy to explain. Perhaps the job was not what you thought it would be. Maybe you were reorganized into a position you did not want. As long as you are up-front, a short employment period should not hurt you. Just dont string them together. Include All Required Attachments Depending on the position, government employers may ask for a resume, cover letter, college transcripts, letters of reference, writing samples, and work product portfolios. If the job posting asks for one or more of these items, you must include them. Neglecting to do so will likely earn your application a spot in the trash can. If you want to include a resume and cover letter with your application when they are not required, it wont hurt to do so. Whether those items will be considered or even read will vary from manager to manager. Some online job portals do not allow attachments. After all, the application is the organizations way of getting you to tell them what they want to know. Most attachments allow you to tell the organization what you want them to know. Cover the KSAs The knowledge, skills, and abilities - commonly referred to as KSAs - for a job are the requirements a candidate must meet in reservierung to be successful at the job. A candidate does not always have to meet all the KSAs, but a candidate who does is more likely to get an interview than one who does not. A common mistake applicants make is not fittin g their experience to the KSAs. They either do not tailor their application to the job at all, or they write in such a way that a hiring manager cannot quickly determine how the candidate lines up with the KSAs. Imagine you are a hiring manager with 100 applications to look through. Are you going to spend time trying to decode one application when you have 99 others to process? Make it easy on the hiring manager. Use the wording from the job posting to show that you meet each KSA. Will this showcase your writing skills? No. Will it give you a better shot at landing an interview? Absolutely. Meet the Application Deadline You must meet the application deadline. Missing the deadline gives the hiring manager a perfectly valid reason to dismiss your application. Again, imagine you are a hiring manager with 100 applications to process. If 10 come in after the deadline, you are perfectly justified in reducing your workload to 90 applications.

Hoping to Walk This Way

Hoping to Walk This Way Hoping to Walk This Way Hoping to Walk This WayAs the school year begins, students may be considering all the challenges that come along with it. Who will be in my class this year? Can I keep up with the homework? Will I like my teacher? What a student probably doesnt have to think about is whether theyll have to endure an invasive surgery and if theyll have the ability to walk from classroom to classroom. For a child with cerebral palsy, this can be their primary concern.You see a lot of variability among individuals trying to figure out the best treatment for them, which is usually different types of surgeries, says Kat Steele, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Washington. But ansicht surgeries can have a difficult and long recovery. It could be lengthening muscles, working with bones, and more.Clinicians have believed that triebwerk control matters in terms of a surgerys success, according to Steele, and that those who ha ve a higher level of control at the outset tend to do better after surgeries, while those with a lower level of control tend to have less success. But they have often decided who has good motor control by observation, she says. Only some who have these surgeries do well, so by being able to more accurately figure out who has good motor control, people can have this information for deciding if they think a surgery is worth it.Enter Walk-DMC, a new motor assessment tool.Walk-DMC relies on electromyography data, which uses electrodes to monitor muscle activity. Image Gillette Childrens Specialty HealthCareUsing electromyography, the thought was to come up with a single score to help tell whether a patient is more or less likely to benefit from surgery. It involved an algorithm called a matrix factorization to help create the score, she explains. Another important strategy of Walk-DMC is that it takes into account muscle synergies instead of just the movement of individual muscles.The t eam found by studying hundreds of children that those with higher Walk-DMC scores did, in fact, have better outcomes from surgery. They also saw that you could have a similar Gait Deviation Index and yet your Walk-DMC could be very different.But while that may possibly help those with high scores, there is more to look at. Questions to ponder, Steele says, revolve around if there are rehabilitation possibilities or other strategies that can change motor control for those with cerebral palsy, or are those synergies actually fixed.Its very invasive what these children go through, it can take more than a year of rehabilitation and its not easy to ask them to endure these things, she says. The goal isnt just to deliver assessment to those who are considering surgery but to look at how many possible solutions there are for all. All the children deserve a chance at improvement and were committed to looking at cerebral palsy from different angles.Steele says they are now testing prospectiv ely to see if Walk-DMC can help and are also now working with a few hospitals to see if they get similar results. This should give us even a better sense of the clinical utility and it will be interesting to see what the data is.Eric Butterman is an independent writer.All the children deserve a chance at improvement and were committed to looking at cerebral palsy from different angles.Prof. Kat Steele, University of Washington

Companies With Incredible Employee Perks

Companies With Incredible Employee PerksCompanies With Incredible Employee PerksStandard benefits, like 401k matching funds and medical and dental insurance, are important benefits that many job candidates look for in a benefits package. Companies With GreatEmployee Perks A number of companies go above and beyond these standard benefits, providing innovative new perks to keep employees happy and productive. Here is a list of fifteen companies (in alphabetical order) that have developed unique benefits for their employees. 3M HeadquartersSt. Paul, Minnesota What they do 3M Company produces a variety of products ranging from adhesives to electronics to medical products. The company includes brands such as Post-it, Scotch, and Ace. Employee Perks 3M offers a variety of perks to keep employees mentally and physically healthy. They offer smoking cessation, weight management, and stress management programs. The office also contains an on-site pharmacy, medical clinic, and a fitness center. Employees can also take advantage of the companys child and elder care consulting services. AOL Headquarters New York, New York What they do AOL is a mass media corporation that develops brands and websites. AOL brands include MapQuest and Moviefone. Employee Perks AOL offers great perks for new parents. The companys WellBaby program provides a number of family benefits to employees, including prenatal instruction and a lactation program. The office includes an on-site care facility for new parents as well. Yahoo HeadquartersSunnyvale, California What they doYahoo is a multinational world wide web corporation known for various applications such as the Yahoo search engine and Yahoo mail. Employee PerksYahoo employees work hard, but they play hard too. Staff can burn off steam in the on-site gym with joga, cardio-kickboxing, and Pilates classes, or relax with regularly scheduled events like concerts and barbecues. To have fun outside the office, Yahoo workers also get discounts at ski resorts and amusement parks. Yahoo employees can also attend the companys Influential Speaker Series, where celebrities and like Tom Cruise and Tom Brokaw come to speak to the company. Boston Consulting Group Headquarters Boston, Massachusetts What they do The Boston Consulting Group is a global management consulting company. Employee Perks Executives at the Boston Consulting Company strive to instill a work-life balance in their employees to combat the high intensity of consulting. The firm issues a Red Zone Report to management when an employee is working too many hours. The firm also allows flexible scheduling, which is ideal for working parents. BCG offers generous leave new moms can extend their unpaid leave up to one year (this includes adoptive mothers as well). Campbell Soup Headquarters Camden, New Jersey What they do Campbell produces canned soups and other related products, which are sold internationally. Employee Perks For employees with young c hildren, Campbell Soup has an on-site kindergarten and after-school programs. The office also has a lactation room for mothers. Other benefits help to keep employees healthy the company offers healthy cooking lessons, subsidized costs on healthy meal options in the cafeteria, and an on-site fitness center. Deloitte Headquarters New York, New York What they do Deloitte is a professional services firm that provides clients with a variety of financial services, including tax, audit, and financial advice. Employee Perks Deloitte offers employees unique sabbatical programs. Employees can take up to four unpaid weeks off for any reason. Workers can also choose to take 3 - 6 months off, partially paid, to pursue a career-enhancing opportunity. Ernst Young Headquarters London, United Kingdom What they do EY is an international professional services firm, providing audit, tax, consulting, and advisory services to companies. Employee Perks EY provides a variety of benefits for workin g parents. The company provides low-cost backup childcare and a parents network that includes seminars and forums (such as a forum for parents of children with special needs). EY was also one of the first big accounting firms to reimburse LGBT employees for the additional federal and state taxes incurred for their same-sex domestic partners medical benefits. Google Headquarters Mountain View, California What they do Best known for their search engine, Google provides a variety of tools and products, including Chrome and Gmail. Employee Perks Google has long been known as a company with a wide variety of perks to keep employees happy and motivated. Google makes it almost unnecessary for workers to leave the office there are free meals, on-site doctors and medical services, yoga classes, massages, and backup childcare. Google even provides employees with a free concierge service to handle errands, such as picking up dry cleaning or taking a car for an oil change. Google also offe rs longer maternity and paternity leave than the average American company dads get six weeks paid leave, and moms can take up to 18 weeks leave. J.M. Smucker Company Headquarters Orrville, Ohio What they do The J.M. Smucker Company produces food products within a wide family of brands, including Smuckers, Jif, and Folgers. Employee Perks J.M. Smucker offers its employees a number of health-related benefits, including on-site wellness opportunities (such as health screenings and education programs) and a financial incentive for employees enrolled in the companys healthy lifestyle program. However, perhaps the most unique perk is that the company reimburses employees for tuition costs up to 100%, with no cap. Medallia Headquarters Palo Alto, California What they do Medallia enables companies to capture and understand customer feedback through a variety of cloud-based services. Employee Perks Medallia offers employees a unique perk a budget for overcoming fears. Employees are g iven money to help them overcome a particular fear, whether personal or professional. People have used this money for everything from stand-up comedy classes (to overcome a fear of public speaking) to singing lessons. SC Johnson Son HeadquartersRacine, Wisconsin What they do SC Johnson Son is an international manufacturer of household products. The company produces brands like Windex, Pledge, Glad, and Ziploc. Employee Perks Being a family company, SC Johnson not surprisingly provides a number of family benefits, including generous maternity and paternity leave and family volunteer events. Employees can also take advantage of the companys concierge service for a variety of chores, including delivering groceries, getting an oil change, and mailing packages. Employees can continue to enjoy some of these perks after retirement. Upon retirement, former employees get a lifetime membership to the company fitness center, which boasts softball fields, volleyball courts, a swimming poo l, and driving range. Scottrade Headquarters St. Louis, Missouri What they do Scottrade is an online investing firm. Employee Perks Do you like your job but wish you could relocate? In an extremely unique perk, Scottrade will consider opening a new branch in an area to which an employee is moving. Scottrade has opened at least 20 offices for employees that have moved. SeatGeek Headquarters New York, New York What they do SeatGeek is a flugschein search engine. It aggregates ticket sellers (StubHub, TicketsNow) to get you the best deal. Employee Perks SeatGeek employs a social planner to arrange bonding activities like ping-pong tournaments and bowling events. Happy hours, catered lunches, and a constant supply of beer and espresso are other ways the company keeps employees happy at the office. SeatGeek also encourages healthy, green employees, offering a free Citi Bike annual membership. Starbucks Headquarters Seattle, Washington What they do Starbucks is a global coffee company and coffeehouse chain. Employee Perks Starbucks is known for offering good perks, particularly to part-time workers. All employees working at least 20 hours a week get benefits. The company also encourages camaraderie through a variety of local community service projects throughout the year. Corporate employees enjoy a number of other perks, including a gym subsidy, a job-sharing program, and on-site childcare. Timberland Headquarters Stratham, New Hampshire What they do Timberland designs, makes and markets a variety of clothing, footwear, and outdoor gear. Employee Perks Timberland employees get even more than just a significant discount on all Timberland gear. Employees have great time-off benefits their Path of Service program gives employees 40 hours of paid time off per year to perform volunteer work in their communities. Some employees are even granted Service Sabbaticals, in which they can provide service for an extended period of time.