More Videos highly recommended

More Videos â€" highly recommended Well, they are highly recommended by me Actually, I recorded these last night after playing around with my audio for about 3 hours and then suddenly, and finally, it worked! So I recorded these as fast as I could before my audio crashed again ?? As usual, this is unplugged, unscripted, but helpful all the same! Expense Tracker (1 minute, 45 seconds) This is a cute premium feature that was requested by a small outplacement firm that I met about 6 months ago. It is a very simple way to track expenses and mileage, and you can categorize each expense as you wish. Everyone that is (or was) a premium user and adds data into this will get an e-mail at the end of every January with an itemized list that you can take to your accountant and perhaps get a write-off. I think that in various cases (job search, own your own business) the expense of JibberJobber is a tax write-off! How to Add a Job Feed (1 minute, 31 seconds) I admit that I dont like feeds but check out this short video to see how cool it is, and how to get value out of a job feed. Trust me, if you dont know what it means then you need to spend a couple of minutes watching this if you do know what feeds are then check it out anyway because this a very cool use of feeds (and fits perfectly into SimplyHired.coms feed model). Job Feeds Creating a New Job Record (1 minute, 37 seconds) Kind of Part II to the job feed video, which shows you how to quickly click on a job feed and add that as a job record. Very cool. Action Items Explained (2 minute, 33 seconds) Action Items are pretty simple but I figured this video would help solidify what they are, and how to get the best out of them. Tags Explained (1 minute, 22 seconds) You NEED TO use tags if you dont, then watch this quick video and see how easy it is to use them. It is super valuable. Tags to E-mails? (2 minute, 03 seconds) This is unbelievable, and Ive been wanting this for months! No matter who you are (active job seeker, small business owner, whatever) this makes JibberJobber worth it. Note that it is a part of the premium features, maybe this is the thing that makes it worth the upgrade! More Videos â€" highly recommended Well, they are highly recommended by me Actually, I recorded these last night after playing around with my audio for about 3 hours and then suddenly, and finally, it worked! So I recorded these as fast as I could before my audio crashed again ?? As usual, this is unplugged, unscripted, but helpful all the same! Expense Tracker (1 minute, 45 seconds) This is a cute premium feature that was requested by a small outplacement firm that I met about 6 months ago. It is a very simple way to track expenses and mileage, and you can categorize each expense as you wish. Everyone that is (or was) a premium user and adds data into this will get an e-mail at the end of every January with an itemized list that you can take to your accountant and perhaps get a write-off. I think that in various cases (job search, own your own business) the expense of JibberJobber is a tax write-off! How to Add a Job Feed (1 minute, 31 seconds) I admit that I dont like feeds but check out this short video to see how cool it is, and how to get value out of a job feed. Trust me, if you dont know what it means then you need to spend a couple of minutes watching this if you do know what feeds are then check it out anyway because this a very cool use of feeds (and fits perfectly into SimplyHired.coms feed model). Job Feeds Creating a New Job Record (1 minute, 37 seconds) Kind of Part II to the job feed video, which shows you how to quickly click on a job feed and add that as a job record. Very cool. Action Items Explained (2 minute, 33 seconds) Action Items are pretty simple but I figured this video would help solidify what they are, and how to get the best out of them. Tags Explained (1 minute, 22 seconds) You NEED TO use tags if you dont, then watch this quick video and see how easy it is to use them. It is super valuable. Tags to E-mails? (2 minute, 03 seconds) This is unbelievable, and Ive been wanting this for months! No matter who you are (active job seeker, small business owner, whatever) this makes JibberJobber worth it. Note that it is a part of the premium features, maybe this is the thing that makes it worth the upgrade!

How to Write a Cover Letter For Resume Writing Job

How to Write a Cover Letter For Resume Writing JobIn order to be successful in your career, you must know how to write a cover letter for resume writing job. The letter is an important part of the resume; thus, it must be written according to the standards of the job that you are applying for.The next thing that you must do before hand-off your resume is to know what the employer is looking for. You need to know what kind of job you want to apply for. After knowing this, you will have a clearer idea about the kind of things that you should include in your cover letter. Thus, you will not only be able to write a more appropriate letter but also make sure that it will have a good effect on the employer.After getting an idea of what the job description is, you can now start writing your resume. In resume writing, it is very important to give your prospective employer something in which they can easily identify. At this point, you do not need to be particularly creative. However, you sho uld give them some information about yourself.Your first objective should be to state the reason why you would like to become the next employee of the company. It is up to you whether you use the words 'I would like to be employed by this company' or if you want to go with 'I am very excited about the job opportunity that I am looking forward to'. You should remember that in order to get the best results from your resume, you need to convey the information in a clear and unambiguous manner. This is the reason why you should also focus on your writing.The second part of your resume is the summary. This section is included in resumes of every job. However, the summary must be included in your resume at the bottom of the page. This will help the employer know what your entire resume is about.Another thing that you should do is to give them an overall impression of you. However, this impression must be positive because you do not want the employer to be wary of your personality. You sho uld say all the good things about yourself. You can do this by stating the reasons why you would like to work for this company and what would be your major weaknesses.Finally, your cover letter must contain your contact details. The employer will be able to get in touch with you and will be able to have a conversation with you. In your letter, you must include your e-mail address so that the employer can inform you of the job that you are applying for.These are some of the things that you should know about how to write a cover letter for resume writing job. It is indeed very important to be able to communicate your personality and needs to the employer.

Interview Tip Dont Give Answers, Tell Stories

Interview Tip Dont Give Answers, Tell Stories Before a big interview, most people will spend time to prepare answers for likely interview questions. This is useful and can get you prepared for the basics. The trouble is that the interviewer is not looking for answers that are already on your resume, they want to hear something that adds to it. You have to realize that a successful interview isn’t a cross examination, it’s a conversation. If you want to break out of the question/answer ping pong match, you should aim to sprinkle in some interesting information about yourself in the shape of stories. The case for telling stories If you have ever sat through a competency based interview, you know how important stories are to convey your message. I say that stories work really well in any interview (and any sales meeting) as they are memorable. Facts can easily be forgotten and mixed up but people tend to remember stories and who told them. The human brain is hard wired to remember stories, not just the words but the visuals that went through the listeners head as well. Marketers make very clever use of stories to sell products and services and so should you. If you think about it, your whole life you have been told stories in one form or another. Whether it was bed time stories or fairy tales adapted by Disney, whether it’s a French art house film or a detective novel â€" there is a story there that you still remember. By using stories you will appeal to the human mind, you will create a strong connection with the listener, you will demonstrate your communication skills and finally you will be remembered. How to tell stories A story needs to have a clear beginning, middle and end. The punch line will be your result. You don’t want your anecdotes to be too long, aim to be able to deliver the story within 60 seconds if required. There is no need to put more details in there, if it’s an interesting story you can be sure the interviewer will ask you about it and there is your chance to elaborate. In order to tell a really memorable story, you will have to make it original. People want to hear about your out-of-the-box way of doing things, your imaginative and clever methods to reach goals. The interviewer has heard a few stories in their day so make sure yours are special and they will go down a treat. Another really important aspect is to remember to listen carefully to the interviewers questions. Make sure you understand exactly what they are asking and what type of story that would apply. The kiss of death to your interview would be you going in all guns blazing, churning out story after story when all they asked was whether you wanted coffee or tea. Remember that an interview is very much a sales meeting, you are selling yourself and you have to put the focus on the employer and their needs as opposed to your ego. There are 7 stories you can start working on today, all tailored to the needs of the employer: 1. The story about yourself This is the obvious one and perhaps you will have this one prepared already. This should contain the basics as where you are from, where you went to school/university and your most recent positions. You should include where you are heading and most importantly what value you can add to your next employer. This is the one story that tends to get a bit long, as everyone loves to talk about themselves. 2. How you can make money or save money You will be hired for your ability to make or save money for the employer. Demonstrate how you did this in the past with an anecdote of how you became the top sales rep or how you found an ingenious way to slash the phone budget by a third. 3. Team player Being able to work in a team is essential in any company nowadays. Prepare a story for how you helped the team to achieve a great goal or how you organized a trip to Italy and increased the team spirit so that nobody has left that team since. 4. Hard working Every boss wants a hard worker on their team. Assuming this is you, prepare a story of how you went the extra mile for your company and/or client. This can be you working evening or weekends and really making a sacrifice for the good of the common goal. 5. In it for the long run With generation Y changing jobs like flipping tv channels, the employer will want to know that you intend to stay in this role for the foreseeable future. Tell a story of how others left your team but you made the decision to stick by your manager and see the project through, obviously ending with why now is the natural time for you to move on. 6. Your great challenge The time you faced an enormous challenge and it took you some time to get through the trials and tribulations. In the end your ingenuity helped you overcoming it and you are now stronger than ever, with new skills that nicely transfer to the job you happen to be interviewing for. 7. Dealing with conflict/setback/stress You will be asked about how you have resolved a conflict, how you dealt with a massive blow, how you coped under pressure. Prepare short stories around these topics which are all designed to demonstrate how you can deal with the negatives and turn them in to something positive. Final note In all of these stories, you want to throw in what actions you took, what skills you used and what results you achieved. Make sure these three elements are very clear so that the interviewer can take nice little notes on your prowess. Don’t wait until next time an interview comes up, start working away on your stories today. In order to put on a bard-like performance in your next job interview, you will have to practice your new skill at every given opportunity. I am convinced your anecdotes will come in handy in other everyday situations as well. Have you used stories in an interview and how did it go? Share your experiences in the comments. Related: Top 5 Most Commonly Misunderstood Interview Tips.

11 Work from Home Jobs You Can Do

11 Work from Home Jobs You Can Do Working from home has become a significant part of the 21st-century business world. Even though there are contradictory opinions about the efficiency of employees working remotely, freelance jobs are persistently on the rise. A broad variety of companies are turning to the TRaD (telecommuting, remote, and distributed) model of work, in industries like Computers and IT, healthcare, and finance. In some industries, remote jobs are more easily adaptable due to the different nature of work. However, thanks to the rapid development of technology, telecommuting jobs in education, sales, and customer service are also available. What are the Advantages of Working From Home? Studies have shown that letting employees work from home can also benefit the employers just as much. From increased productivity to money savings, in the long run, both business owners and managers and workers can take advantage of the work-from-home opportunity. Cost efficiency Taking into consideration the fact that employees won’t need to travel to work either by car or public transportation, it is clear that costs can be saved from commuting. Another cost-efficient factor is that no physical space is needed for an office many startups can benefit from hiring remote workers. Flexible working hours Every person is different some like mornings, others are night owls. This is why by giving employees the freedom to choose their working hours, companies are getting more work done. From an employee point of view, a flexible schedule lets them plan their days appropriately. It also allows them to adjust to their families schedules and improve their personal relationships. Comfort The comfort that working from home gives the employee cannot be replaced by any innovative and fashionable working space. Noisy co-workers are often an issue for people who easily get distracted. This is why the quiet home-based office space is a better option for many employees in order to unleash their full potential. Reduced stress levels The feeling of being at home is usually associated with deeper feelings of comfort and tranquillity. This is why when people work from home, they can have reduced stress levels which will contribute to their efficiency as well as their long-term physical and mental health. Less stress also comes from the fact that the boss is not constantly around and annoying colleagues can be avoided. Increased productivity Although some might argue that concentration at home is harder because of the many possible distractions, workplace-related stress turns out to be a bigger enemy of productivity. Increased productivity is, in fact, the potential result of all of the above-mentioned advantages. When employees feel comfortable with their working conditions and can feel in control of their schedules, they can finally focus on the real work. Where to Find a Work-at-home Job? There are a few ways to search for a work-at-home job. Some of them are: Type in a phrase that says “work from home”, “remote”, “telecommuting”, or similar in the search box of familiar job searching platforms. Look at freelance job opportunities in websites like upwork, freelancer, simply hired etc How to Avoid Scammers? Since the Internet is more or less a free space for everyone, the danger of scammers is high. In order for candidates to protect themselves from potential scammers, there are a few things they need to do before applying for a work-at-home job: Familiarize with the most common job scams Read the job offer thoroughly Read more about the company offering the job Don’t pay any fees to get a job Stay away from “quick money” ads. What are the best work-at-home jobs candidates can apply for? What is the average hourly rate for each of these jobs? What are their satisfaction ratings? Find out in the infographic below. About the author:  Andrei Kurtuy  is the co-founder of  Novoresume, an intuitive résumé builder which specializes in helping candidates create professional CV’s to help them find their dream job.

Writing a Great Resume

Writing a Great ResumeWriting a great resume is critical if you want to land a great job. It takes time and research to create a strong resume that will help you stand out from the crowd of applicants. That being said, it is important to remember that once you have created your resume, it has to stand up to scrutiny and a quick scan should reveal any mistakes.The first thing you need to consider when creating a great resume is the age group of the applicant. If you are younger than the average age of your field, you may have some trouble landing the job because younger applicants can easily be overlooked by employers. For this reason, it is always a good idea to avoid generalizing an applicant's age, especially if the information is outdated.Another point of importance when creating a great resume is to avoid stereotyping. We all tend to think of certain careers as being 'theirs' when in fact there are many different kinds of careers and many different jobs available in your field. T rying to fit your resume into one box will be unprofessional and unhelpful to the interviewer.Always keep in mind that creating a great resume means having a well-written essay that details your achievements. You do not want to simply have a list of job titles and dates. Instead, focus on giving some examples of how you got to where you are now. You should also be able to provide examples of your skills and work ethics.By no means should you be too vague when talking about your job title. You should be able to tell the reader what you do and why you are the best candidate for the job. Make sure you also include your employer's contact information and a clear explanation of why you are the best choice for the job.Always remember that you should not oversell yourself when interviewing for a job. Avoid making promises that you cannot fulfill, even if they are important to you. This will come across as pushy, which will only create problems for you. When trying to get a job, you should not try to convince your employer that you are the best choice, but be able to convince them that you are the best person for the job.Be sure that you avoid including irrelevant details when it comes to writing a great resume. Even if you have worked in other fields before, it is wise to list your professional experience in your resume. The employer will want to know about your past experiences in other professions as well, so you may want to include these in the form of numbers, percentages, or two-digit figures.Finally, when writing a great resume don't forget to be brief. Having too much information can make the hiring process more difficult for you. Focus on what you have done and your experiences to date, but avoid posting too much information.

7 Jobs at the Golf Course That You Should Find Interesting CareerMetis.com

7 Jobs at the Golf Course That You Should Find Interesting The golfing industry remains active in the face of economic downturns and privatization. According to the National Golf Foundation, there are over 38,000 courses in the world, with a large majority of those courses available to the general public.In fact, golf today is bigger than it’s ever been. Suzy Whaley, the President of the PGA, had this to say when speaking to Forbes about the economic impact of the game, “I am excited about the future of the golf industry! Golf is an $84 billion economic engine that drives nearly 2 million jobs and contributes more to charity than any other major sports industry.”evalDo you want an opportunity to escape the mundane nature of a 9 to 5 office job?Are you looking for a place to work in a serene environment with no distractions?Whether you’re searching for a steady career or just a side gig to make some extra cash, the golf course has plenty of jobs that fit the bill. Let’s take a look at some of the exciting jobs that a golf course can offer you.1) Golf ProfessionalIf you’ve played professionally in the past, then this is the obvious option. Share your skills with golfers looking to learn the game, or fine-tune an experienced player’s game. According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a golf pro is $41,443. Not a bad chunk of change to do something you love every day.Golf pros often multi-task. Besides teaching clinics, they may schedule course maintenance, handle accounting duties, take count of inventory, and much more.One of the perks of being a golf pro is the ability to schedule and plan events for charity. Charitable contributions are a huge part of the business aspect of the game. Bring your friends or local community together to raise money for a good cause, all while getting out and enjoying a round of 9 or 18.Where there’s a golf course, there’s a golf professional need to maintain the course, when considering the 38,000-course number we mentioned earlier, this need represents a significant de mand for the role.2) CaddieevalCaddie jobs come with a wide variety of options. The primary responsibility of a caddie is to aid the game of the player they are assigned to by the caddie supervisor. A caddie at a public course is most likely just there to carry a player’s bags from hole to hole. In these cases, it’s a good job for younger adults looking to get into the golf business or teens looking to earn some extra money during the summer.Speaking of money, golf is an expensive game that certainly is tailored to the affluent and those in society with the most disposable income. This detail works in the caddie’s favor as all golfers are expected to tip at the end of around, and if you do a good job, that tip will likely be more than what you would get working as a waiter/waitress at a chain restaurant.Now, if you’re truly serious about being a professional caddie, there is some serious dough to be made. According to The New York Times, “In a typical PGA Tour arrangement, a caddie receives a flat rate of $1,500 for a tournament, which helps cover expenses, and a bonus worth 10 percent of the golfer’s winnings.”In last week’s Shriner’s Hospital for Children Open, a lower-ranked tournament, the winner took home a purse of $1.26 million, which translates to a $126,000 payday for his caddie. This salary, of course, comes with more responsibility, such as recommending what club your golfer should use, tracking distance from the hole, and helping your pro plan their next shot.3) Refreshment Cart AttendantevalThis job is another valuable side hustle you can find on a golf course. You are mostly one of the leading customer service operators of the golf industry. The primary duty of the beverage cart attendant is to deliver food and drinks to players in the middle of their outing. With an outdoor activity like golf, players need to remain hydrated, especially in the summer months.Primary responsibilities would be cash handling, keeping refreshments f resh, and managing time efficiently. Due to the nature of the position, you will need to be at least 18 years old to serve alcohol. It’s also vital to have a good sense of the game. For example, you can’t drive up to someone in the middle of their backswing unless you enjoy being scolded.So, if you like the idea of spending your day outdoors zooming around in a golf cart, this position may be a good fit for you.4) Golf Course ArchitectFor those with a passion for architecture and design, then the role of the Landscape Architect may pique your interest. Course Architects design and renovate golf courses with input from the course owner. Many factors come into play when designing a course, such as what kind of land the course lays on, the geological configuration, and environmental concerns. Therefore, nearly all landscape architects have a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Check your state’s requirements for licensing as it varies state to state.It is also essential to have a fundamental understanding of budgeting a construction project so that you do not spend more money than has been allotted, especially when considering the amount of time and resources needed to fulfill a project of this size.Now more than ever, environmental preservation is at the forefront of any golf owner’s mind, so architects with a sensibility for sustainability are in high demand.5) Golf Course ManagerAs you can assume from the job title, Golf Course Managers manage the day-to-day operations of a golf course. The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America demands that a manager “have a bachelor’s degree in Golf Course Management, Business Management, or a related field.”The manager must stay on top of their course’s needs and employ workers to any department that needs help. Other managerial duties include setting budgets, providing excellent customer service, the use of effective marketing techniques, and much more.They also need a thorough understanding of e very department under the golf course umbrella, because they will oversee training for new hires. And in private clubs, they carry a lot more responsibility since they set the membership fees, which are the lifeline of any country club.6) GreenskeeperevalNo sport commands a more high-quality surface than golf. When you think of a golf course, what is the image you have in your head? Smooth greens, sandy bunkers, and manicured fringes and fairways. None of that would be possible without the work of a Greenskeeper or Maintenance Worker.If you’re looking to take your landscaping skills to the next level, taking care of a course is as high as it gets. It is crucial to be on top of everything daily. Nobody wants to play a course that has divots on the fairway from weeks ago or try to chip a ball on a fringe that more resembles weeds. Course maintenance is arguably the most critical factor in attracting customers and keeping a golf course in business.Greenskeepers manage the greens, whi ch entails maintaining a smooth playing surface, not interfering with the curves of the green, and cutting cups. Maintenance workers are in charge of mowing fairways, managing the irrigation system, raking bunkers, fixing golf cart malfunctions, and much more related to the overall well being of the physical course.7) Events CoordinatorIf you’re an avid golf fan but are looking to flex your sales muscles, then look no further than a career as an Events Coordinator. Along with the course manager, this is the position that requires the most business savvy.Event coordinators focus on selling events and sponsorships. The goal is to build up a clientele of companies willing to hold their corporate events at your golf course. Also, the events coordinator oversees the planning and execution of said events, ensuring the client has everything they need for the occasion.evalTo become an Events Coordinator/Manager, it’s highly recommended that you obtain a bachelor’s degree in Event Mana gement or Hospitality from an accredited four-year university. Since this is a sales position, that means it comes with a commission (typically in the 15-20 percent range, according to EventPlanning.com). So, the more accounts you obtain, the more money you make.ConclusionWhen job hunting, young professionals often overlook the setting of a position. Instead, they focus on the pay, the company, and the hours. However, in many instances, when they start this new chapter, they realize they dislike their office setting. There are few more beautiful and peaceful places to work than a golf course.There are millions of people who work their whole life to be able to retire and spend more time on the golf course. So why not start early and spend every week there while you’re in your best years?Whether you’re in high school trying to gain your first work experience or a dedicated professional trying to find a steady career for yourself, being employed at a golf course is a step in the ri ght direction.As the legendary golf coach Harvey Penick once said, “Your next shot is a new experience. It might be the best shot you ever hit in your life.”

5 Career Opportunities You Can Train for in Less than a Year

5 Career Opportunities You Can Train for in Less than a Year Thanks to Audrey Jenkins for her guest blog. A brief bio is below. â€" Amy Despite what you may have heard from high school guidance counselors, a 4-year university isn’t the only path to a fulfilling career. With a price tag ranging from $18,943 to $43,419 per year, attending a university cannot only prove prohibitively expensive but also a substantial time commitment â€" especially if your job prospects will be poor after graduation. Fortunately, you have other options. Following are five in-demand occupations you can train for at a vocational school in less than a year. Welder Welders work for a variety of industries, including energy, manufacturing and construction. Robotic welding is becoming particularly popular, which means that companies will likely need welders who can supervise, fix and maintain robotic welding equipment. Underwater welding can be extremely profitable, as salaries for those who work in this field can reach up to $300,000 a year. Annual pay varies depending on training, experience and which industry a welder works in; however, it is worth noting that many welding jobs either cannot be outsourced or have been brought back from other countries in recent years. What is more, there is set to be a shortage of these professionals in the near future as many older welders are expected to retire faster than new ones are trained to take their places. Electrician Electrical work is yet another job that cannot be outsourced in most instances. Electricians work for construction companies, amusement and recreation companies, manufacturers and in other fields. Alternatively, they may be self-employed or have their own companies to provide service to residential and commercial entities. Job growth in this field is set at 14% up to the year 2024, and electricians on average make $51,110 a year. Elevator Installer Elevator installers earn an average income of $73,560 a year. Demand in this field is set to increase by 2020, leading to numerous career opportunities for those who are interested in this line of work. To enter this field, one will need to not only take formal training courses but also work as an apprentice for five years. However, apprentices are usually compensated for the work they do, allowing them to support themselves while learning the trade. Chemical Plant and System Operator Chemical plant and system operators usually only need a high school diploma and some vocational or job-related training to enter the field. These professionals monitor and control chemical processes and machine systems. There are also a variety of specializations and job titles in this field, including denitrator, power operator, process technician and pressure controller. Chemical plant and system operators earn an average yearly income of close to $62,000 and work in manufacturing plants, scientific development services, and a host of other industries. Nursing Assistant Nursing assistants are in demand now and should be for the foreseeable future, as a growing percentage of the U.S. population is aging. These professional caregivers work under the supervision of registered nurses; however, unlike registered nurses, they can learn the trade in as little as four weeks. Hospitals, clinics, doctors’ offices, and homes for the elderly typically employ nursing assistants. The median annual income was slightly over $25,000 in 2014; however, it is possible to earn more depending on geographical location, employer and level of experience. Additionally, many people who start out in this field further their training over time and enter specialized, more profitable professions. Explore Your Career Options While many occupations require that you have a university degree, several in-demand careers can be yours after just weeks or months of training. Whether you just graduated from high school or are planning a career change, these five jobs prove that you have plenty of options for your first â€" or next â€" career. Career success does not have to take years to achieve. Author Bio: Audrey Jenkins is a skilled freelance blogger covering a range of topics from careers to travel and leisure, along with everything in-between.

How to prepare for the most challenging interviews -

How to prepare for the most challenging interviews - Just when you thought youve heard it all when it comes to interviews, you need to start preparing for another type of evaluation. Challenge-based interviews are a trend among human resources professionals, according to Elli Sharef, co-founder of HireArt, a jobs marketplace that uses online challenge-based interviews to vet applicants. Whats a challenge-based interview? Typically, this refers to an interview where the employer requests the candidate to do a task similar to what they would need to do in their job. The goal is to see the candidate in action. For example, Sharef explains, If a business is hiring an engineer, they may present a coding challenge to candidates, if theyre hiring a social media manager, they may ask candidates to create compelling tweets. If its an admin position, they may ask candidates to create a flight schedule and hunt down the best fares. She notes that employers using HireArt.com use video or text-based responses to evaluate candidates abilities. How prevalent are these types of interviews? HireArt has worked with about 100 companies, including Cisco and Airbnb. Candidates in a variety of fields should not be surprised to be asked to demonstrate their skills via a specific task. So how should candidates prepare for this type of interview? 1. Do your research. An important practice for anyone preparing to interview, research can be especially important to perform well in a challenge-based interview. 2. Focus on the output. During a challenge-based interview, employers will evaluate the professional deliverables you create. Sharef advises, If the output of the challenge is a PowerPoint page, make sure its formatted correctly. If youre asked to draft an email, use the correct protocols in the subject line and signature. Always watch your typos as they can easily make you seem sloppy. 3. Show that you care. Challenges are a way for an employer to determine if youre truly passionate about the companys mission, Sharef notes. She explains that one challenge asked candidates to role-play as if they were pitching a company to an investor. 4. Dont waste everyones time. Only do challenge-based interviews for companies you really care about. Use tools such as Glassdoor.com and LinkedIn to research organizations before you apply for the job to decide if the company would be a good fit for you. 5. Go the extra mile. Challenge-based interviews offer you a way to significantly distinguish yourself from other candidates. Companies who agree to this type of process offer candidates an opportunity to take that chance and run with it. As with all interviews, the more you know about the organization and the connections between what you offer and what they want, the more likely you are to perform well and win the job. Read the whole post on my U.S. News World Report column. photo by  MPBecker