Published on: 28 November 2017
Last Updated on: 10 September 2024
You probably do not need anyone to tell you how important sleep is. If you have ever been kept awake by a crying baby, night after night; or you have crammed for exams until the early hours, for days on end, you know about the effects lack of sleep can have. If you do not get enough good quality sleep, you can end up looking pale and wrinkled. You can also be irritable and lacking in patience.
Obviously, this is not an ideal situation to be in. But, it gets worse when you consider the detrimental effect that sleep deprivation can have on your performance in work.
The basic effects of being over tired
The basic effects of not sleeping as much as you should, or of having your sleep interrupted, are obvious. You lose the ability to focus properly and surroundings and events become fuzzy. You may fall asleep behind your desk or at a meeting. You are also more likely to struggle to concentrate, making mistakes more likely.
The link between memory and sleep
Although there is some dispute in the matter, many experts believe that your memory is set when you sleep. You learn information one day, it sets in your memory overnight, and you are able to recall it the following day. There is some evidence that if this process is interrupted by lack of sleep, your memory can be adversely affected. This is not something you want to happen if you are learning a new job, or you need to make an important speech at a business conference.
How to improve your sleep pattern
The good news is that there are ways in which you can start to increase the amount of good quality sleep that you get.
Do not work or watch TV in bed; stick to sleeping.
Make sure you sleep on the right mattress, such as a Lull mattress; read an in-depth review here.
Try to go to sleep, and wake-up, at the same time each day.
Switch off electrical devices when you are in bed so that you are not adversely affected by blue light.
Sleep in a room which is as dark as possible.
Relax for a couple of hours before you go to bed.
Adopting any, or all, of these ideas, can help you get the sleep you need in order to perform well at your job.
The benefits you get from sleeping well
We have shown you how to improve the quantity and quality of sleep. But, how does doing so help improve the way you perform at work? Here are some improvements which are likely to happen.
Full awareness and participation at meetings.
Less chance of errors occurring.
Improved productivity because you are able to concentrate.
Better working relationships as you are less likely to be irritable.
All of these improvements are likely to lead to an overall improvement in your job performance.
If you are continuously tired, you are not going to perform as well as you can, at work. This is why it’s so important to consider the tips we have given you, and make changes to your daily routine that enable you to get the right amount of good quality sleep each night.
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You’ve been asked to conduct a job interview for the first time—exciting, right? Worrying about how to conduct an interview?
Whether you’re a manager, HR professional, or part of a hiring committee, interviewing someone can feel a bit nerve-wracking if you’ve never done it before.
But guess what?
You don’t need to be an expert to do it well. With some preparation and the right approach, you can conduct a smooth, professional, and even enjoyable interview.
Let’s walk through how to make it a success from start to finish.
Step 1: Know What You Want
You can’t exactly hire the right person when you’re not sure who that is. Don’t be too vague or unclear about what you’re looking for. If your expectations for the employee are constantly changing, they will never have a fair chance of meeting those expectations.
So, when you begin interviewing with the right skills, you should know what skill you are looking for.
Most importantly, do not look for one candidate with all the skills. They will all have their strengths and weaknesses. It is you who must filter and understand what is needed with the role.
Here are some of the skills that you should investigate when preparing to conduct an interview.
Technical Skills: What knowledge or skills does the candidate need to perform the job? This might include things like a coding language, specific design experience, knowledge of certain software tools, etc.
Soft Skills: Are any exceptional communication, collaboration, or problem-solving abilities needed for this role? Consider the conceptual skills that will make someone stay and fit within your team and company culture.
Company Values: Every company has its own culture. Do you want someone who aligns with your organization’s values? This could be creativity, innovation, teamwork, adaptability.
By keeping these in mind, you can design questions around them during the interview.
Step 2: Create Your List of Interview Questions
Now that you know what you are looking for, it is time to develop a list of questions. You will want to ask questions that evaluate technical as well as soft skills.
Please don’t make one of these common interviewing mistakes by asking dull and generic questions – you’ll get equally dull and generic answers!
Plus, fail to make the most out of the interview, trying to understand your candidate’s potential.
Here’s how to word your questions
Leaning into the Role
Start with some icebreakers—easy open-ended questions like.
“What made you consider applying for this job?” or
“Tell me a little about yourself.”). This helps people get comfortable and sets the stage for them to tell their stories.
Behavioral Questions
A must in gauging soft skills.
“Can you describe a time when you worked under pressure?”
Or
“Tell me about a challenging project you managed and how you handled it” are great questions to see how candidates react in scenarios they’re likely to encounter.
Role-Specific Questions
When preparing to conduct an interview, always ask questions directly applicable to the job.
For example, if you’re hiring for a marketing position, ask something like, “What’s been your most successful campaign, and why?” Use this time to understand their practical knowledge.
Cultural Fit Questions
These are often overlooked but critical for long-term success. Especially if you plan to keep the candidate for a long-term job role.
You can ask,
“How do you like to collaborate with others?”
Or
“What kind of work environment helps you thrive?” You’re looking for answers that align with YOUR company’s culture!
Step 3: Create a Comfortable Environment
The interview is not only for you to assess the candidate, but also for the candidate to see if they would like to work with you.
It doesn’t matter how much you are offering as a CTC. If candidates sense a hostile environment, they might not be comfortable returning!
Feeling comfortable will help bring out their true self and you don't want to make someone uncomfortable, do you?
This is one of the reasons why we need to make some of the
Not too casual, just friendly – this will lead to much better conversations. After all, you wouldn’t want to lose a promising candidate because of a bad experience.
Start with small talk: A simple “How was your commute?” or “Have you ever been to this part of town before?” can help make things more casual from the get-go.
Explain the structure: Take a second to let candidates know what will happen. Are they expected to walk you through their resume? Will there be time for them to ask questions at the end? Giving them an idea of the agenda will help everyone feel more at ease.
Active listening: It’s important to show that you’re listening by nodding, smiling, and making eye contact. This will also help your candidate feel more at ease, and hopefully, they will give more honest and open answers.
Step 4: Listen and Observe
This one seems simple enough, but it’s big!
A lot of first-time interviewers get so caught up in what they’re going to ask next that they don’t really hear the candidate’s reply.
A successful interview is partly about asking the right questions and partly about hearing the answer (and non-answer) to the question you asked.
Here are a few additional tips on how to conduct an interview!
Take notes: Don’t be afraid to jot down key points as the candidate speaks. It helps you remember important details and can guide your follow-up questions.
Look for red flags: Pay attention to inconsistencies or vague responses. For example, if a candidate can’t provide clear examples of their experience, that could be a red flag.
Step 5: Allow time for questions
This is something that many interviewers (and especially first-time interviewers) tend to miss.
The kinds of questions that candidates come prepared with can tell you much about what’s on the forefront of their minds.
Especially where they’re at with their understanding of the role. Here are some of the unique interview questions that potential candidates might ask you.
Good signs: A candidate who asks thoughtful questions about things like company mission, team dynamics, or opportunities for personal growth is generally someone who is thinking long-term and has a genuine interest here.
Red flags: I would be cautious if a candidate starts off too much about perks, vacation and salary. Maybe their priorities are not on align with the role or company values.
Step 6: Wrap Up the Interview Positively
When the interview is almost over, you have a chance to give candidates any last-minute information that might be important to their decision-making process.
Plus, it’s just polite and keeps your employer's brand intact.
Explain the next steps: Let the candidate know what will happen next. Will they hear back in a week? Is there a second round of interviews? Giving them a timeline helps manage expectations.
Thank them: It’s always a good idea to thank the candidate for their time and interest in the position. A little courtesy goes a long way.
How to Talk About “Futureproofing” in Interviews
One thing hiring guides don’t usually teach you about is futureproofing!
In an age where entire industries are in flux, you need someone who can change along with it. Remember, you’re not hiring for the role today—you’re hiring for where your company will be a year from now. So, how do you know if someone has what it takes to grow and adapt?
Here are some future-proofing questions you can ask:
“How do you keep up with new trends and changes happening in your industry?”
"What about a time you needed to learn new skills or adapt to a big change at work? What steps did you take?"
"What do you think is an area you will need to develop professionally in over the next few years?"
Are you happy with your evaluation processes and tools in place that can evaluate a candidate’s psychological inclination to engage in learning activities?
If not, please adopt aptitude testing as a form of your interview.
Step 7: Evaluating and Comparing Candidates
After the interview, assess candidates while everything is still clear.
Skills and experience: How well-matched were their skills and experience with your must-haves and nice-to-haves? Were there any areas in which they surpassed your expectations?
Personality and culture fit: This is perhaps the most critical factor. Ask yourself if you think they would be a good fit for your team. Did they have values like those of you or your company when it came to work?
Scoring system: I’ve heard of some interviewers who use a 1–5 scale (rating candidates on experience, skill set, communication and others in their interviews. Plus, this helps them make an objective decision, especially if you conduct multiple interviews.
Take a Deep Breathe!
Conducting a job interview for the first time doesn’t need to be nerve-wracking. Preparation, active listening, and creating a comfortable environment are the keys to success.
Remember, an interview is a two-way street: you’re assessing the candidate, but they’re also evaluating whether they want to work with you.
Don’t forget the growing importance of future-proofing. Asking questions that talk about the candidate’s adaptability and desire to grow can help ensure you’re hiring someone who’s ready not just for today’s challenges, but for tomorrow’s as well.
You’ve got this! Follow these steps of how to conduct an interview, stay calm, and trust the process. Your first interview will be a success.
Read Also:
The Art of Answering Hard Interview Questions
Top Interview Skills You Need to Ace The Job Interview
In a world where most of us complain about having 9-to-5 jobs, there are times when we forget how difficult life can be for others who probably have some of the most dangerous jobs in the world.
Last week, I went to a cafe with my friends, and all we were doing was complaining about our jobs, the minimal money, the fright of getting laid off, and the exhaustion. However, that is when Samantha said something like, “But we are privileged. At least we do not have to work as hard as a farmer under the sun!”
And she is right! We are fortunate.
That is when I started thinking about the people with the most dangerous jobs in the world. I started searching for the riskiest jobs and how people dealt with them.
Want to know about them? I have you covered! So, keep on reading till the end to learn more…
Most Dangerous Jobs in the World in 2024!
Miners, underwater welders, oilfield workers, police officers, commercial fishermen— the list can go on when we start talking about the most dangerous jobs in the world. Technically speaking, if I actually sit down and list all of them, the list will be endless.
That is the reason why I have listed the twelve most dangerous jobs. So, without further ado, let us get started with this list:
1. Commercial Fishermen
Commercial fishing is like a high-stakes poker game with Mother Nature. These brave souls battle wild waves, slippery decks, and unpredictable weather. Imagine doing a tango with a storm—it's no picnic.
Think massive nets, winches, and sharp hooks. Commercial fishermen wrangle these tools while dancing on a moving boat. One wrong move, and it's trouble.
Ever heard of bycatch? It's when unintended creatures (like dolphins or turtles) get caught in the nets. Despite efforts to reduce it, bycatch remains a serious issue.
When it comes to commercial fishing, you can easily forget 9-to-5. These fishermen work grueling shifts, often in the dead of night. Sleep-deprived and battling fatigue, they're like nocturnal warriors.
Out at sea, these fishermen are on their own. Help isn't a phone call away. It's just them, the boat, and the vast ocean.
2. Logging Workers
Logging is like a wild adventure in the forest but with serious risks. These workers deal with heavy machinery. Loggers handle chainsaws and logging machines, dealing with massive weights and unstoppable tree momentum.
They work on uneven, rough ground and treacherous terrain, where a wrong step can lead to disaster.
That is not all! Rain, snow, lightning, and extreme cold— nature throws curveballs at them as they have to work in literally all weather conditions.
And guess what, there are times when these workers have to stay away from home for extended periods of time, working in remote locations. Sometimes they're far from help, making emergencies scarier.
3. Aircraft Pilots and Flight Engineers
Aircraft pilots and flight engineers are challenging and risky professions. While passengers enjoy safe air travel, these professionals face unique hazards.
Pilots navigate the skies, dealing with equipment failures, unpredictable weather, and potential mid-air collisions.
Flight engineers manage aircraft systems during flight. Long hours and irregular schedules can lead to fatigue and impaired judgment.
Their fatality rate is approximately 58.4 deaths per 100,000 workers. Soaring through the clouds isn't always smooth sailing!
4. Roofers
The job of a roofer is to install asphalt, shingles, metal, or several other materials required to ensure that the roof of a house is waterproof. However, this is a low stress job for which you do not need a degree.
Roofers spend their days perched high above the ground. One wrong step can lead to a dangerous fall.
They handle substances like tar and chemicals, which can harm health. Roofers work with flames and hot asphalt, risking burns and accidents.
Carrying heavy materials like shingles and tools is part of the job, and it strains their bodies. Moreover, they work with saws, nail guns, and other tools that are essential but also pose risks. Additionally, roofers brave rain, wind, and extreme heat. Imagine working on a slippery roof during a storm!
5. Refuse and Recyclable Material Collector
Talk about unsung heroes, and these people will be the first in line. Being a Refuse and Recyclable Material Collector might not seem hazardous at first glance, but it's actually quite risky, with their fatality rate as high as 44.3 deaths per 100,000 workers.
These workers handle hefty garbage bins and recyclables daily. Lifting and tossing these loads can strain muscles and cause injuries.
The refuse truck itself is a major hazard. Workers jump on and off it, and accidents involving the truck are common. Imagine getting hit by your own workplace!
Refuse collectors are at risk of being struck by passing vehicles. When they stand on the truck or work near traffic, accidents can happen.
Additionally, garbage contains sharp objects, broken glass, and even toxic chemicals. Exposure to these materials poses health risks.
Employers should use safer equipment, like automated side loader trucks, and ensure trucks have alarms. Workers must stay alert and wear high-visibility vests near roads.
6. Structural Iron and Steel Workers
If you have something to thank the structural iron and steelworkers for, you must do it for the cities they built for us. They place and join the steel girders and other essential pieces to make the structural framework of any/all building.
Now, you might be wondering why I am saying that their job is dangerous. Apart from the fact that their fatality rate is about 37.0 deaths per 100,000 workers, let me tell you what makes their jobs risky.
These workers install and connect steel beams for buildings and bridges. Imagine working at dizzying heights, where falls are a constant threat.
Carrying hefty steel components is part of the job. The strain on muscles and joints can lead to injuries. These workers brave rain, wind, and extreme temperatures. Harsh weather conditions increase the danger.
Ironworkers use welding equipment overhead. Burns and eye injuries are real risks. Additionally, safety gear is crucial. Helmets, harnesses, and caution are their lifelines.
7. Delivery and Truck Drivers
A blue-collar job for both women and men, delivery and truck drivers' jobs are considered among the most dangerous because they spend a lot of time on the road, which increases their risk of being in an accident.
They often drive in unfamiliar areas, adding to this risk. Additionally, they face threats from criminals who may attack them, steal their cargo, or even their vehicles.
The rise in crimes targeting delivery drivers has made this job increasingly perilous. They also risk injury from other hazards like tripping while delivering packages or being attacked by animals.
8. Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers
Next on the list of the most dangerous jobs in the world is that of the farmers and agricultural workers. And you might be thinking, “Why so?” Let me tell you why!
You see, Farm life isn't all sunsets and hayrides. You might not know this, but the fatality rate of people working in agriculture is somewhere around 24.7 deaths per 100,000 workers.
They work with heavy machinery like tractors, which can cause serious injuries. They also deal with unpredictable animals and harsh weather, which can be risky.
Plus, they use harmful chemicals like pesticides and fertilizers. The injury rate for these workers is much higher than the average for all jobs, making it one of the riskiest professions.
9. First-line Supervisors of Construction Trades
First-line supervisors of construction trades have a dangerous job because they work on construction sites, which are places with many risks.
Falling debris, electrical mishaps, and heavy equipment— these are some of the things that they have to work with!
They oversee the work and ensure everyone's safety, but accidents can happen. Workers might fall from high places, be hit by falling objects, or be injured by machines.
They also have to make quick decisions, which can be stressful and lead to mistakes if they are not careful.
Plus, they work outdoors, so bad weather can make the job even more risky. All these factors make their job one of the most dangerous.
10. Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers
This is not supposed to be a surprise, right? We all know how dangerous the work of people working in this field can be. However, just knowing how to be an electrician does not mean that you will be able to do this job.
They work with high-voltage electricity and often at great heights. If they touch the wrong wire or if a tool slips, they could get a severe electric shock or fall.
That is not all! Apart from the technical dangers of the work, they also do physically tough work, which can lead to injuries.
Plus, they have to be outside in all kinds of weather, which can make their job even harder and more risky. One wrong move, and they can literally be dead.
11. Miner
Last but not least, the job of a miner is definitely going to be on this list. Just imagine the site: dark tunnels and headlamps. This is what the office of a miner looks like.
And considering the fact that their fatality rate is nearly 35 deaths per 100,000 workers, it is only natural that a lot of people think twice about people actually becoming one!
They work deep underground where cave-ins can happen. They face toxic air, extreme temperatures, and the risk of explosions.
Miners use heavy machinery in tight spaces, which is risky. The earth can be unpredictable, with sudden tremors causing landslides.
Despite safety improvements, mining still has a high rate of fatal accidents. It's a tough job with many hazards that can cause both immediate harm and long-term health problems.
Wrapping It Up!
Apart from these, there are several jobs that are among the most dangerous ones in the world. And yes, for most of the people who are actually working in these sectors, it is time that we salute them for their hard work.
However, there is one thing that you must keep in mind. While it is true that these jobs are dangerous, they offer a lot of security. This means even if something unfortunate happens to you, be rest assured that the family will be taken care of.
In case you were searching for the most dangerous jobs in the world, I hope that this blog has been helpful to you.
If you have any other queries related to this, please feel free to let me know. All that you need to do is scroll down until you reach the bottom of the page.
Then, leave your comments and suggestions in the box below. And I will be there to answer them all for you!
Learn More Also:
Best Blue Collar Jobs For Women In 2024!
Is Medical Specialities A Good Career Path? – 12 Best Jobs
51 Blue Collar Jobs/Career Options To Pursue If You Get Laid Off From Big Tech In 2024
Is property-casualty insurers a good career path?
Our world is changing so quickly that the insurance industry is just growing and looking for new methods to shield people from any type of harm. Property-casualty insurance actually can be a wonderful career choice for you if you love working with customers and assisting others.
Therefore, if you want to pursue a career as Property-Casualty Insurer, then read this guide till the end. Here, I have explained why this career choice is a good one, along with what the highest-paying jobs are.
Why Is Property-Casualty Insurers A Good Career Path?
Why is property casualty insurers is a good career path because:
1. Highly Flexible Job
You will have a lot of freedom to choose the kind of work you do when you work in this industry. Property-casualty insurance provides a wide range of different options, from underwriting through sales.
2. A Sense Of Entrepreneurship
Image Source
It's usual for agents to leave their employer after gaining credibility to either being their very own venture of a modest firm as a division of a bigger insurance company or in order to become an independent insurance.
3. Negligible Entry Barriers
The barriers to entry are pretty less compared to other industries. This is because you only need to pass a licensing exam, and that's it. As soon as you pass the exam, you can full-fledged become a Property-casualty Insurer.
Best Jobs In Property-Casualty Insurance
Property-Casualty insurance providers must adapt to changes, which is why there is significant demand and high compensation for these positions. To understand why is property-casualty insurers a good career path, it’s because you can earn lots of money by becoming:
1. Landlord Insurance Agent
Agents for landlord insurance assist owners of rental properties. This particular type of insurance mostly covers both property and liability, protecting the landlord from different types of monetary damages. This can vary from the actual home to additional buildings or personal items required to maintain the rental.
Agents may earn more money by working in prosperous locations. Additionally, you should be driven to follow up with clients and possess excellent people skills. For individuals who are new to the industry, this might be a wonderful chance as the majority of landlords want to preserve their assets and interests.
2. Homeowners Insurance Agent
In the event that something threatens the customers' safety, homeowner's insurance helps safeguard their houses and any assets. Theft and fire may be examples of this. Agents that deal with home insurance, always are knowledgeable about liability insurance and can best safeguard their customers.
Homeowners Insurance Agents will earn more money if they work in a prosperous city like New York, California, San Francisco, or Norwalk. In this sort of employment, it is indeed critical to be affable and have strong salesmanship as you will be working with clients the majority of the time.
3. Property And Casualty Insurance Agent
An individual who provides insurance for houses, personal belongings, cars, and commercial assets against legal judgement or physical harm is known as a property casualty agent. In an usual customer-facing position, you would speak with potential customers to learn about their insurance requirements.
You must posses strong customer service and sales abilities, as well as excellent organization and attention to detail in case you wish to become successful as a Property Casualty agent. This work includes a hefty amount of information pieces gathering and determining fair prices. This implies that you'll spend most of your time working from your home desktop.
4. Insurance Entrepreneur
Becoming an insurance entrepreneur is a terrific option for starting a small business. These people run a firm that is often affiliated with a bigger organization and offer insurance to their neighborhood by forming alliances with nearby businesses.
Making a living off of your own business is a lot of work, so be sure you're up for the challenge. These might range from employee training to sales, budgeting, and customer service. You must either look after all these duties all by yourself or you can appoint somebody who can.
5. Condo Insurance Agent
Selling and promoting insurance products and services to clients is the main duty of condo insurers. Condo insurance specialists are knowledgeable about the industry and can provide clients with the practical advice and direction they need to select the best coverage.
It's critical to comprehend all the alternatives you may provide your consumers and to clearly communicate them if you want to be successful in the condo insurance industry. Here, sales abilities are crucial. There are several choices for condo insurance agents, depending on where you reside. This employment is frequently in great demand if you work in a city.
How To Start Your Career In Property-Casualty Insurance?
To become a property-casualty insurer, you must:
1. First, Pass The State's License Test
In order to sell insurance, you must be licensed in the state where you want to work. As with the minimum passing score and the overall pass rate, the licensing procedure differs by state.
2. Passing The Property And Casualty
This test can be attempted with 35–40 hours of preparation. Instead of cramming everything into one week, it is advised to study over a few weeks.
3. Use Practice Tests
There are many Property and Casualty practice tests accessible. These might assist you in determining how effectively you are learning the material you are studying.
4. Take A Test Preparation Course
To earn the Property and Casualty license, it is advised to attend an insurance certification course, even though not all jurisdictions mandate it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
The answers to some questions regarding why is property-casualty insurers a good career path are:
Q1. What Are The Biggest Risks Facing Property Casualty Insurers? Ans: The biggest risks that a property-casualty insurer faces are:➊ Increasing competition in this profession.➋ Technological advancements lead to the constant change in the field.➌ Operational costs are increasing every day.➍ The technology used and its infrastructure are outdated to current insurers.➎ Engagements with customers are becoming more complex. Q2. What Is The Largest Property And Casualty Insurance Company In The US? Ans: In the USA, the biggest Property-Casualty Insurance company is State Farm. Financial reports in 2021 indicated that this firm has $71 billion in bonds, along with a 9% market share. Q3. How Property And Casualty Insurers Make Money? Ans: They have the option of making money via investments, underwriting, or both. If you have a closer look at an insurer's assets, the majority of them are financial holdings. They are usually in the form of listed shares, corporate bonds, government bonds, and commercial real estate.
So Do You Want To Pursue A Career In Property-Casualty Insurance?
Is Property-Casualty Insurers a good career path?
Yes.
Indeed!
A career in property-casualty insurance is a smart choice.
The market for property and casualty insurance is expanding. In this vast industry, there are many employment positions that call for a range of skills and abilities. Many people find that working in this setting is the ideal career because it can be both satisfying and lucrative for employees.
Read Also:
How to Start Your Career as a Financial Advisor?
Are Commercial Banks A Good Career Path In 2022?
The Top 3 Reasons That You MUST Get Equipment Insurance Before Starting Your Job
