Published on: 09 July 2018
Last Updated on: 13 September 2024
A majority of companies use traditional job interviews when hiring. This involves having the interviewee coming in and meeting the interviewers face-to-face. This method doesn’t work, according to Simply, author of “10 Interview Questions To Ask To Find Your Next Retail Super Employee.”
To begin with, most people actually lie during interviews. They do it because, given the kind of environment created by traditional interviews, candidates are willing to do anything to get through.
Take candidates during an interview for a position in your company, for example. You ask them if they have a certain skill that you probably deem important to the job they are interviewing for. The candidates obviously know that if they admit to not having that skill, they will not get the job. So, they will most likely skirt around the topic and give you the impression that they are more than qualified for the job. As an employer, many of your candidates are spoon-feeding you these dishonest answers and, if modern data is anything to go by, many employees are eating this misinformation up.
We Have Too Many Biases :
It’s not just about the lies that interviewees tell you during interviewers. It’s also about the inherent psychological biases you have that make you more likely to favor certain types of candidates over others.
For starters, we tend to evaluate attractive people more favorably than others. We see them as being more intelligent than their less attractive peers, more competent and more qualified. The truth, however, is that this isn’t objectively true.
We also evaluate taller people in a different way that we evaluate shorter ones. Height is associated with leadership skills, and so taller people are evaluated as having greater leadership skills. Just look at the presidents we’ve had for most of our history and a majority of the CEOs at large Fortune 500 companies. Taller people also seem to command higher salaries than their shorter counterparts.
We tend to think of people with lower-pitched voices as more trustworthy and consider them to have more integrity and fortitude.
None of the biases above are objectively true. Short people can be leaders just as great as tall people, unattractive people have often proven more intelligent and competent than their attractive counterparts and people with higher pitches can be just as trustworthy as those with lower pitches. It doesn’t help, however, because these biases are ingrained in most of us.
If you somehow arrive at the conclusion that a candidate is an introvert, you will automatically assume they are incapable of leading teams, even though that isn’t necessarily so. Our inherent assumptions affect how we even question candidates.
The Future of Job Interviews :
This is why the future will contain very few traditional interviews. Instead, we will do more job auditions, where the candidates will be required to perform tasks related to the jobs they are applying for, much like the auditions musicians attend.
You can get a sales representative to sell you a product or a software engineer to build you a simple product. These will prove much more effective going forward, especially for jobs where performance and hard skills matter the most.
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Recent years have witnessed the absolute rise in the insurance agent exam owing to the vast vacancies for a chain of specialization within the insurance companies. As per the growing number of insurance companies is concerned, the need for the required number of man force is equally important. The conduction of the exam is subject to the deployment of the desired amount of candidates to fill their job positions.
The intense competition arises the increase in the number of exam applicants. Still, the facts regarding the insurance agent exams undergo certain misconceptions owing to its unfamiliarity among the majority. The insurance agent exam is conducted by the insurance companies to fill their various positions of manpower in the diverse scale of operations. People who aspire to work with insurance companies, insurance agent exam, can be overwhelming to an extent where they feel that they don’t stand a chance.
General myths regarding insurance agent exam:
The myth factor arises due to several misconceptions regarding the idea of the concerned topic. Likewise is the case of an insurance agent exam where a major unfamiliarity still prevails. It is the direct outcome of the unglorified facts of the term insurance. As the popularity of insurance is relevant to the limited group of people opting for it. The untrue realities and ideas regarding the insurance agent exam refrain the people from choosing it.
Followings are the common myths about the insurance agent exam:
Need for high educational qualification:
One of the most common misconceptions affecting the existence of an insurance agent exam is the context of the eligibility criteria for appearing in the examination. It is misbelieved that one should possess knowledge in the respective subjects. But in reality, the minimum qualification to enter the exam is minimum graduation in any subject. You can even start your career as an insurance agent after merely completing secondary school. Thus creating ease to begin your career immediately at the early phase.
The requirement of a good command in English:
Although a good command in English is a must to qualify in several other examinations. An insurance agent exam is conducted to test your interpersonal skills and aptitude. Your command over English has nothing to do with qualifying for the insurance agent exam. Due to the fear of lack of unproficiency in the English language, many candidates step back from appearing in the exam and fail to execute their career plans.
It is better to belong from a commerce background:
It is wrong to conclude that only the commerce candidates have access to the insurance agent exam. There are plenty of candidates from different backgrounds, including science, engineering, and arts into this field. Every year, the insurance agent exam witnesses candidates of diverse careers appearing for the exam. Besides proper guidance and assistance in work are provided by the seniors who create an environment of growth through learning. Adequate training would be provided during the probation period until you become a successful insurance agent.
Cracking the exam depends upon luck:
The luck factor does not justify the clearance of your insurance agent exam. Getting through the insurance agent exam depends on the amount of your hard work and dedication. Thus it is wrong to state that one cannot succeed in the insurance agent exam despite his eligibility and good performance.
Self-study is not sufficient:
Yet another myth persists over the factor concerning the mode of study. According to this myth, one shall opt for regular coaching classes to pass the insurance agent exam and for which self-studies would be considered weak. Contrary to the misbelief, one can easily pass the exam by conducting a proper time on self-study. There is no need for long-duration coaching classes that consumes the maximum amount of your time.
People with higher IQs can get through the exam:
Well, this information is untrue to the best of the knowledge. IQ is never a factor concerning the insurance agent exam. To be brief with the context, the insurance agent exam is all about sharpening your skills related to the relevant topic of insurance. It has nothing to do with a whole lot of external knowledge, unlike the case of civil examinations.
These myths harm the preparation of the aspirants, thus offering a chance to back out from the chosen career field. The irrelevant knowledge and false assumptions often mislead the candidates over selecting their desired career path.
This article is specially designed to drive out the present myths in the minds of the candidates who want to fulfill their career in this field. So go ahead, breaking the boundaries of the fear arisen by the myths and give a kick to your career as an insurance agent and to know more about the insurance agent exam click here.
We wish you all the best!
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In our society, it can often feel like the only choices are working yourself to the bone, or death. In some cases, that may even be true – with all the inequalities people face in the workplace, it is hard not to find yourself in a position where you go to work, come home, sleep, then wake up and repeat. You have no time for anything else. Your constant exhaustion is not a figment of your imagination – you are being overworked.
In times like this, you might feel powerless. You need money to live comfortably, and you can only make money when you work. You do not want to lose your job and be faced with the daunting task of trying to find a new work in this economy. However, you do not have to take it lying down. There are things you can do to combat overworking in the workplace.
1. Job Search
If you truly feel you are being worked to the bone and do not see a light at the end of the tunnel, the first step is to consider searching for a job while you are still employed with your current job. If you find something suited to your skillset that sounds more flexible, then apply there so that you will not need to worry about not having work at any point. Find a field that works with your knowledge, but tends to have a high satisfaction level.
For instance, home health agencies overworking their employees is a common occurrence. If you have any medical skills and wish to stay in that field, consider looking elsewhere. There is a dire need for medical services – you may be able to find something that works better for you.
2. Speak to Your Manager/Supervisor
Often, you might feel like just a number to your employee. The sad truth is that that is how it is at some companies. However, before taking drastic measures, talking to your supervisor may be the first step to lessening your workload and getting yourself a chance to breathe.
All managers are different, but if you speak with a superior about feeling exhausted or overwhelmed, they may be able to re-designate workloads so you can take a breath without sacrificing your job.
3. Make Lists
Prioritize your work. This is another “first step” after you have realized how much your work is affecting you. If you can list everything you need to do in order of importance, you will have the makings of a plan on how to accomplish your goals in a timely manner that is not overwhelming.
If you have multiple projects due all at once, that is a sure sign to speak to your supervisor – you should not have endless piles of work on your shoulders simply because you are good at your job.
4. Learn to Say No
You need to know your limits. Even if you feel like just a number, you have to know when you are near your breaking point.
Sometimes, setting boundaries and protecting yourself means that you just have to say “no” when you are asked to take on more than is reasonable. If you have multiple supervisors, talk to the one(s) you are most comfortable with, or the ones that seem to have the best reputation. Tell them about how you are feeling, and if new projects fall on your lap that feels out of your control, talk to them before you even start. It will give them a chance to reassign if they can, and it will give you one less thing to focus on.
5. Consider Legal Action
If you feel like you are being worked beyond what you're agreed upon duties are, or you are constantly forced to work overtime without compensation, you may have grounds for legal action. This is, of course, the last case scenario, as it will cost money and damage to the reputation of the workplace. However, if you truly feel it is warranted, it is an option to consider.
Overall, there are a few things you can do when you feel you are being overworked. Start small, like prioritizing and talking to managers, and if no change occurs, then it may be time for more.
Remember: you are more than a number, you are a human being who deserves respect and a safe work environment.
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Things Every Employee Ought To Know About Medical And Family Leaves
Many employees feel guilty when they want to take a leave (even when sick). This happens more often for work-from-home employees.
Generally, there can be certain reasons to call out of work. Once you take time off respectfully, it will be good for your physical and mental health and the organization.
In this article, you will learn about legitimate reasons to call out of work. Also, this article will give you tips that you can call out of work. Hence, to learn more, read on to the end of the article.
Are You Looking For Reasons To Call Out Of Work?
There are many reasons why you can call out of work. However, these are not “bulletproof excuses to get out of work.” Understand that these are genuine reasons and not excuses. Your employer will understand and approve your request once you have a genuine reason to call out of work.
For instance, employers accept medical conditions, emergencies, and personal matters as valid reasons for such cases. However, you must be aware of your employer’s off-time policies.
As long as you are not misusing company policies to your advantage, you can reframe calling out of work as a form of self-care.
When you are calling out, use the method that your employer prefers. Also, keep your reason brief. Additionally, you can also suggest solutions for missing work.
Meanwhile, you must prepare for a return to work soon. This way, you can minimize work disruption. Moreover, try to show commitment to catch up to your projects.
Hence, read the next section to learn how to call out of work for personal reasons and emergencies.
Here Are 9 Major Reasons To Call Out Of Work
You can offer plenty of reasons if you want to miss work or stay at home. However, you must make sure that you are not taking the wrong advantage of your employer’s policies. Thereby, you can reframe your staying out of work as a form of self-care.
Basically, when you take enough time to rest and recover your energy, you will feel more productive and focused. Also, you will be able to use your conceptual skills better. This will be beneficial for both you and your employer. Moreover, calling out of work makes more sense if you are sick.
When you are not fully fit, despite doing the work, you are not fully present. This will impact on your productivity and efficiency. Hence, it is a better step to call out of work.
The following are the top reasons to call out of work:
1. Loss Of Someone Close
When a family member, relative, or someone close passes away, you must call out of work. Apart from processing your grief, you must also deal with financial and logistical arrangements for the funeral.
In fact, some employers even offer a bereavement leave policy if you have a death in the family. Hence, consider checking your employee handbook or the HR portal to see how to apply for bereavement leave.
Also, you can consult with the HR department or your manager directly about the situation and what next steps you must take.
Everyone relates to a personal loss, and your manager must understand that you need time to recover and make a comeback.
2. Sickness And Medical Problems
You might suffer from a seasonal allergy, common cold, minor headache, etc. Although you might still be able to work partly, it is essential to call out of work.
This is because your illness is keeping you from efficiency and high productivity. Also, if you over-stress yourself, you might get sicker and must be called out of work for more days.
Moreover, if you must go to the office in person, contagious diseases like coughing and cold can be one of the reasons for calling out of work. However, in such cases, your employer might ask you to show a doctor’s note if you inform them that you are seriously ill.
3. Sickness Of A Dependent Or Someone Close
Although you are not sick, a family member might be ill at home. Here, if you are the only person to take care of them, you have a good reason to call them out of work. In this case, you might also need to take them to a doctor’s clinic, give them medication, or pick up a prescription.
When there is a family need, there is no way you can stall it for work responsibilities. Hence, you must take a step to take a leave. For instance, you can use your sick time or leave to ensure your family’s well-being.
4. Family Emergency
Family comes first, and you must prioritize your family over your job. Hence, when you face a family emergency, you have strong reasons to call out of work. In such cases, your employer will understand, and this is a good reason to look after your family,
Generally, during family emergencies, the stakes are high. Your family needs you in such situations, and your boss will understand that. For example, if someone needs urgent surgery, or if someone is injured, or someone has seriously fallen ill, you must call out of work.
5. Doctor’s Appointment
If you need to make a medical appointment, you can notify your employer in advance. In such situations, taking a day off is most suitable. However, in rare cases, you might need to call out or take a sick day off.
For example, if you are waiting to meet a busy doctor with limited access, you might need to take the day off. In such cases, if you do not take the chance, you might have to wait months to see your doctor. In these situations, it is reasonable for you to miss work for the appointment. However, make sure to communicate properly with your manager.
6. Childcare
As a parent, you cannot afford to take a chance on your child’s health. In such cases, you need ultimate workplace flexibility. This is because you need time to raise children in addition to contributing to your job.
Moreover, even if you work from home, it does not mean you can care for your child. In fact, if you work from home, you cannot take care of your child properly, nor can you work with good productivity.
It is okay if you need some time to work on childcare arrangements. If you talk and explain the situation to your employer, they will understand and grant you leave.
7. Pet Care
Your pet is also a part of your home and your extended family. If your pet is in an emergency situation, you have a good reason to call out of work.
For example, if your dog/cat gets into the trash and eats something poisonous, it is important to take your dog to a vet. In other cases, your pet might be sick. Sometimes, you must take your pet to a vet appointment.
Basically, when there is a pet at your home, taking care of the animal is your responsibility. Hence, when you are about to call out of work, notify the reasons for your leave.
8. Illness Due To Food Poisoning
You might feel sick due to food poisoning. This is a problem that wrecks your body and compels you to stay up all night. It happens after you eat something bad, and it causes sickness in your body.
In such a case, you might need extra sleep or time to recover from your sickness. Moreover, if the problem is bigger, you might even need medications. Hence, there are enough reasons to call out of work.
In these situations, you can inform your manager of your sickness. They will surely understand your problem and allow you to take leave.
9. Personal Day
Mental health is something that many people neglect. Sometimes, you must take a break when you have too much. On the other hand, you might be facing physical strain. In such situations, taking a day off is good for your health. In fact, you will feel much better the next day.
However, you must not use your day to search for another job. This is straight-out dishonest, and you will put your coworkers in a difficult position. For instance, your coworkers must deal with extra work if you leave at the last minute without a good reason.
To attend interviews, you can use your traditional paid time off. Moreover, you must plan in such situations.
Call Out Of Work Now
The above reasons for calling out of work are good enough to maintain a good image in your organization and get your time off simultaneously. Also, you must inform your manager when you are calling out of work.
Do you have more suggestions or reasons to offer on how to call out of work? Please share your ideas and opinions in the comments section below.
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