Interviews provide a chance for you to shine. Often times the questions are repetitive and require little thought. There are times that questions will throw you off track. This is something that you should be prepared for. Some of the more challenging questions for me are:
What do you not do well?
What salary do you expect?
Why are you interested in our organization?
I would like to think that I do most things well and to admit that there are things in need of improvement may change the tone of the interview process. It is important not to beat yourself up during the interview.
When asked about salary, I prefer to ask what salary they are offering for the position. This may be safer than selling yourself short on wages that the employer was willing to pay.
If asked why I am interested in working for this organization I cringe. Often times I have applied to a company for a job and not because I had a particular interest in the company itself. Again this question must be answered carefully so as not to offend the interviewer or make yourself look ignorant.
Its normal to assume that throughout your career you will be faced with unexpected questions. What will make you shine is the professional and mature way that you respond to them.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Web 2.0 Final exam Paper
Technology has become one of those things in life that are necessary and unavoidable. Throughout the ages, advances and changes have come and gone. Some are met with acceptance and others with skepticism. The forms of technology that have appeared over the last few years are a force to be reckoned with. Web 2.0 applications are changing the world as we know it.
For young learners, learning is about more than a teacher standing in the front of a classroom speaking. According to Steve Maher in an interview given to Frontline Magazine titled Growing Up On Line, students need learning to be interactive. Students require hands on learning not just verbal information. (www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/kidsonline/interviews/maher) Maher cautions one to remember that children are exposed to vast amounts of technology at a very early age and in return need the same stimulation in their learning environment.
Humans have a much greater capacity for learning while young. Now that children are spending much of their childhood and adolescence mastering modern technology, it only seems natural that they will take the use of new technology into the workforce. While there are many benefits to this new world of technology, one must not overlook the downfalls. Any time that anything new is introduced into the daily routine of workers it will be met with some resistance. Often times it is simply fear of the unknown. Older less tech savvy employees need to be instructed on the benefits and proper usage of any form of technology that is being implemented. Careful implementation should eliminate problems down the line.
There are many web apps out there that will allow a business or individual the ease of combining multiple apps to one convenient location on a web app. This has become known as cloud computing. Although this sounds like a really good idea, there are several points to consider. If police wish to search your house or office including your computer’s hard drive, they need a search warrant. To view your web places they need only obtain a subpoena. Some web sites have very minimal security in place according to an article written by Gina Trapani on Lifehacker (www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/kidsonline/interviews/maher) Trapani also warns of issues with locked out servers and server downtimes.
It is no mystery that Web 2.0 apps can and will change the way that education, business and life will be conducted. The one true statement is that technology is something to embrace. With some careful thought and management of available applications, modern technology can be used to its fullest potential and for the benefit of all.
(www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/kidsonline/interviews/maher)
(www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/kidsonline/interviews/maher)
For young learners, learning is about more than a teacher standing in the front of a classroom speaking. According to Steve Maher in an interview given to Frontline Magazine titled Growing Up On Line, students need learning to be interactive. Students require hands on learning not just verbal information. (www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/kidsonline/interviews/maher) Maher cautions one to remember that children are exposed to vast amounts of technology at a very early age and in return need the same stimulation in their learning environment.
Humans have a much greater capacity for learning while young. Now that children are spending much of their childhood and adolescence mastering modern technology, it only seems natural that they will take the use of new technology into the workforce. While there are many benefits to this new world of technology, one must not overlook the downfalls. Any time that anything new is introduced into the daily routine of workers it will be met with some resistance. Often times it is simply fear of the unknown. Older less tech savvy employees need to be instructed on the benefits and proper usage of any form of technology that is being implemented. Careful implementation should eliminate problems down the line.
There are many web apps out there that will allow a business or individual the ease of combining multiple apps to one convenient location on a web app. This has become known as cloud computing. Although this sounds like a really good idea, there are several points to consider. If police wish to search your house or office including your computer’s hard drive, they need a search warrant. To view your web places they need only obtain a subpoena. Some web sites have very minimal security in place according to an article written by Gina Trapani on Lifehacker (www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/kidsonline/interviews/maher) Trapani also warns of issues with locked out servers and server downtimes.
It is no mystery that Web 2.0 apps can and will change the way that education, business and life will be conducted. The one true statement is that technology is something to embrace. With some careful thought and management of available applications, modern technology can be used to its fullest potential and for the benefit of all.
(www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/kidsonline/interviews/maher)
(www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/kidsonline/interviews/maher)
Generations in the Workforce
The dynamics of today's workforce is more complex than ever. For the first time, the current workforce is made up of three to four different generations. Because of this makeup, success at your job will not be obtained by being known as the sharpest dresser or the most outgoing.
The major players in the workforce are Baby Boomers, Generation X, and Generation Y. Each of these segments has very different values and expectations. This is where the conflict begins. Boomers were led to believe that if you were honest and hard working your future with a company would be certain. Generation X witnessed their Boomer parents being forced out of jobs due to foreign competition and lack of loyalty to Boomer employees. Finally, Generation Y entered the scene. Generation Y seems totally alien to all except for Generation Y.
Generation Y proudly displays their body art and piercings. This group seems very self absorbed in their electronic devices and styles. Y'ers grew up with all of the latest technology and are quick to use it to its fullest potential. This can be a point of contention with X'ers and Boomers. Conflict is quick to ensue. A skilled manager must be quick to resolve these issues. Y'ers love to be appreciated and recognized publicly. A manager can stroke the egos of the Y'ers by allowing them to train the Boomers and X'ers in the use of modern technology.
All of this must be handled in a delicate manner as not to offend any segment of the workforce. Little will be accomplished if any group is alienated or made to feel less useful. The skills and abilities of all groups must be recognized and shared with the whole.
The major players in the workforce are Baby Boomers, Generation X, and Generation Y. Each of these segments has very different values and expectations. This is where the conflict begins. Boomers were led to believe that if you were honest and hard working your future with a company would be certain. Generation X witnessed their Boomer parents being forced out of jobs due to foreign competition and lack of loyalty to Boomer employees. Finally, Generation Y entered the scene. Generation Y seems totally alien to all except for Generation Y.
Generation Y proudly displays their body art and piercings. This group seems very self absorbed in their electronic devices and styles. Y'ers grew up with all of the latest technology and are quick to use it to its fullest potential. This can be a point of contention with X'ers and Boomers. Conflict is quick to ensue. A skilled manager must be quick to resolve these issues. Y'ers love to be appreciated and recognized publicly. A manager can stroke the egos of the Y'ers by allowing them to train the Boomers and X'ers in the use of modern technology.
All of this must be handled in a delicate manner as not to offend any segment of the workforce. Little will be accomplished if any group is alienated or made to feel less useful. The skills and abilities of all groups must be recognized and shared with the whole.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Records Management
What is the importance to an administrative professional of managing the flow of records throughout the company? What effect have HIPPA rules had on records management?
A company needs to employ an administrative professional to manage the record system employed within the company. Inefficient management of the records costs the company in many ways with loss of time, money and image. HIPPA rules have forced companies who deal with medical records to completely change their records management policies. HIPPA rules have changed the ways in which medical records are stored and distributed.
Explain what it means to have a systematic approach to records management.
A company needs to employ a systematic approach to their records management. This can be one system or a combination of several management systems. What ever the method used, it must be employed throughout the company for effective record maintenance.
Compare the capacities of the different electronic external storage media and discuss their advantages and disadvantages.
Floppy disks contain 1.44 MB of storage space. These are the smallest storage space of external media and require a system for labels and storage.
Zip disks contain 750 MB of storage space. These are small in size but require the use of a zip drive.
Jaz disks and jump drives are small and transportable with storage space up to 5 GB. Because of their small size they are easily misplaced and forgotten.
Compact disc and DVD's are another form of storage. Again, these will require a system for storage and retreival.
What is the future of paper records and what impact, if any, will this have on the responsibilities of an administrative professional?
It was thought by many that offices would all be paperless in the very near future, however this is not the case. Although many offices have records on electronic media, there are many within the organization that want hard copies of the records. This is causing an almost double duty for the employee who manages the records.
List and explain the steps for effective decision making as it applies to the records management function.
In addressing this issue, you must ask yourself several questions before choosing a path to take.
The records management professional should address these issues:
How will the document be asked for again?
How often will it be required?
What will be the time frame for accessing it from the files?
Depending on the answers to these questions, a decision can be made on the proper storage and retrieval method as it applies to the company and their needs. It is not set in stone which method is best. Each situation is different and no two needs are the same. It is up to the records management professional to find the best fit for their organization.
A company needs to employ an administrative professional to manage the record system employed within the company. Inefficient management of the records costs the company in many ways with loss of time, money and image. HIPPA rules have forced companies who deal with medical records to completely change their records management policies. HIPPA rules have changed the ways in which medical records are stored and distributed.
Explain what it means to have a systematic approach to records management.
A company needs to employ a systematic approach to their records management. This can be one system or a combination of several management systems. What ever the method used, it must be employed throughout the company for effective record maintenance.
Compare the capacities of the different electronic external storage media and discuss their advantages and disadvantages.
Floppy disks contain 1.44 MB of storage space. These are the smallest storage space of external media and require a system for labels and storage.
Zip disks contain 750 MB of storage space. These are small in size but require the use of a zip drive.
Jaz disks and jump drives are small and transportable with storage space up to 5 GB. Because of their small size they are easily misplaced and forgotten.
Compact disc and DVD's are another form of storage. Again, these will require a system for storage and retreival.
What is the future of paper records and what impact, if any, will this have on the responsibilities of an administrative professional?
It was thought by many that offices would all be paperless in the very near future, however this is not the case. Although many offices have records on electronic media, there are many within the organization that want hard copies of the records. This is causing an almost double duty for the employee who manages the records.
List and explain the steps for effective decision making as it applies to the records management function.
In addressing this issue, you must ask yourself several questions before choosing a path to take.
The records management professional should address these issues:
How will the document be asked for again?
How often will it be required?
What will be the time frame for accessing it from the files?
Depending on the answers to these questions, a decision can be made on the proper storage and retrieval method as it applies to the company and their needs. It is not set in stone which method is best. Each situation is different and no two needs are the same. It is up to the records management professional to find the best fit for their organization.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
How We Collaborate in the Workplace
Collaboration in the workplace is a must in the modern workplace. Several innovations have made this much easier than ever before. Telephones, computers, fax machines, and Internet have made the workplace a much friendlier place.
With all of this new technology in place, a common link was still needed to unify the workplace. Over the last twenty years the computer software business has grown to levels never before dreamed of. Software on the main frame computer can allow access to the same information by all users.
Individual companies need only determine what features they require from a software package. The possibilities are endless. Prices for prepackaged features range from minimal to exorbitant. Realizing that one size does not fit all, software companies are allowing users to customize the features requested to fit their individual needs. Software designers are cashing in on these Office Productivity Products.
With all of this new technology in place, a common link was still needed to unify the workplace. Over the last twenty years the computer software business has grown to levels never before dreamed of. Software on the main frame computer can allow access to the same information by all users.
Individual companies need only determine what features they require from a software package. The possibilities are endless. Prices for prepackaged features range from minimal to exorbitant. Realizing that one size does not fit all, software companies are allowing users to customize the features requested to fit their individual needs. Software designers are cashing in on these Office Productivity Products.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Behaviors to Improve Your Workplace Reputation
In today's workplace, you must always be aware of the image you are presenting. It is always favorable to carry a good reputation throughout your career.
Some behaviors that will enhance your reputation would be:
Honesty
Dependability
High Ethics and Standards
Responsibility
Loyalty
Enhancement of Skills
Behaviors that will tarnish your reputation would be:
Dishonesty
Unwillingness to be a Team Player
Unwillingness to Stay Abreast of New Technology
Lack of Loyalty
Poor People Skills
Many of these same issues can affect your reputation in the world of social networking. Social networking sites have many different ideas about what is acceptable and appropriate to their specific sites. It is very important to research each individual site to determine what is perceived as appropriate.
Some behaviors that will enhance your reputation would be:
Honesty
Dependability
High Ethics and Standards
Responsibility
Loyalty
Enhancement of Skills
Behaviors that will tarnish your reputation would be:
Dishonesty
Unwillingness to be a Team Player
Unwillingness to Stay Abreast of New Technology
Lack of Loyalty
Poor People Skills
Many of these same issues can affect your reputation in the world of social networking. Social networking sites have many different ideas about what is acceptable and appropriate to their specific sites. It is very important to research each individual site to determine what is perceived as appropriate.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Changes in the Workplace
The workplace of today is an ever changing environment. These changes are being driven by many different forces. The main driving force of change is the economy. Large companies which once seemed invincible are now being shaken to their core. The bottom line for employees is how to accomplish more with less resources. This has changed the requirements of the typical employee from someone who is a high school graduate with the ability to learn from hands on training to a college graduate who stands out from the multitude of job seekers. Once the college graduate has obtained the job they must be certain to continue to further their education to stay on top of the ever changing technology.
Governmental rules and policy changes are also forcing employees to stay sharp and non complacent. The implementation of HIPPA regulations changed the way the health care world shared patient information. Failure to follow correct HIPPA regulations can result in very large fines and imprisonment for both the employee and the employer. As technology changes, many other industries will also face giant changes that will not wait for the employee to catch-up.
Governmental rules and policy changes are also forcing employees to stay sharp and non complacent. The implementation of HIPPA regulations changed the way the health care world shared patient information. Failure to follow correct HIPPA regulations can result in very large fines and imprisonment for both the employee and the employer. As technology changes, many other industries will also face giant changes that will not wait for the employee to catch-up.
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